Wilmington locals know. Raleigh fans do too. The Triangle is getting familiar. So maybe you should be in the know.
Her name is Bibis Ellison.
When asked where she’s from, get ready for a list. Charlotte, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Chapel Hill is how she will respond. She taught school for a while, but it wasn’t until one night singing karaoke in Wilmington, did she realize the power she possessed.
Taking to the stage each Tuesday night at The Whiskey in downtown Wilmington, Bibis took to the stage, usually in a cute skirt or skinny jeans, and a beautiful grey or black flowing top and simple earrings. Always appearing bashful and shy, she graciously thanked everyone for coming to see her, and then stood at attention behind the microphone stand, placing one hand atop the mic and the other mid way down, holding the chord in her fingers. And then, you realized why you came.
From her mouth, which loves birthday cake (not just cake, BIRTHDAY cake), she effortless coats the air with a sound unheard by most ears. The sultry tones, the raspy words, the amazing long notes, and the song selection fill the room, your ears, every nook and space with a goosebump inducing warmth. Ranging from Etta James, to Lady Gaga, the “Bibis twist” on the songs you know will leave you aching for more. I stand by this, and always joke, but if Bibis turns up missing one day, the first place you should check is Beyonce’s house- because Bibis can sing Beyonce better than Beyonce. (My personal favorite: “If I Were a Boy”, followed closely by anything by Adele.)
You may see her and when sizing her up, not believe the grandness of her voice, but trust me, something big comes from this small package.
Recently while in Wilmington, Bibis and I got together for a fun afternoon of laughs and sweating (it was so hot!) and played with this idea of big and small. Pairing “small” pants and skirts with “large” tops and dresses.
Bibis will continue to work on her music pursuing her own writing channelling more upbeat and bluesy sounds, and hopes to find a place in the music industry someday. And befriend a fox.
Find her on October 13th at the Pink Ribbon Festival in Wrightsville Beach, NC and later in the year, early December, back at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC.
Enjoy!
XOXO,
Me.
Styling by Michael Ussery
Photography by Michael Scott Marlowe of Marlowe Images
Love those outfits & the ‘small__BIG’ idea.
it’s a really easy way to get into this “oversized” craze. and trust me, the style for the fall is HUGE, OVERSIZED sweaters, ponchos, t-shirts, etc! so balance them with tight leggings or jeans.
Love all the outfits! Great post
Thank you! A lot of our Wildfox, and Wildfox’s new fall and winter is very oversized, and perfect when paired with something more sleek. My favorite is the dress- it’s super long and sheer, and I LOVE THE GRAPHIC! Jess, what’s your biggest prediction for fall/winter trends?