Leslie Hall- Internet sensation - Diva with a Gem Sweater

A couple of years ago I saw a video online, it was the most creative, off the wall thing, that I think I've ever seen anyone do. The woman's name is Leslie Hall. She can dance, she can sing, and she has a bizarre fetish for gold spandex pants and Gem Sweaters. She is incredibly talented. Some people maybe not feel that this is an art form, some may feel it looks like an acid trip with no return, but let me tell you what you can respect about her. She has formed three bands with all the same people, meaning, when she goes on tour she dominates. She is running the show, she is the show. Genius.

Ramona- In Leslie's band 

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert and it was fantastic. She was just as interesting and talented as she is in any of her YouTube videos. Her band consisted of 3 other women, a man playing drums, wearing a onesie, and an iPad. The women in her band were amazing. I'm not sure how a person can keep a straight face while wearing a tiger head and playing a bass while someone sings an ode to Gold spandex pants. The entire concert was kid friendly and it was good fun. At the end she allows her fans to get their pictures taken with her while she smiles brightly.

Me and Leslie Hall

One of the greatest things about the concert was Leslie's crowd interaction. She always takes a couple people from the crowd, people with Gem Sweaters on, and has a "Gem Sweater Naming ceremony". She basically puts her hands on the person, like they do in Pentecostal Churches, speaks some gibberish (she calls it this) and names the sweater.  It's exactly like a religious ceremony, it's amazing how she ties these parts of culture together.

Gem Sweater naming 

She has mastered a look by branding herself in her glasses, gem sweaters, and gold spandex. She takes things that are familiar everyday in Iowa and blends them in with other brands of American culture, like rap, R&B, pop music. I think it's interesting what a pivotal role YouTube has played in the development of culture.  I am excited to see her come back to Grand Rapids anytime.