Local all-star ensemble Baby Bushka was founded as an eight woman band featuring Dani Bell (sans the Tarantist), Shelbi Bennett (the Midnight Pine), Natasha Kozaily (Gunakadeit), Nina Deering (Orchid Mantis), Batya MacAdam-Somer (Crooked), Leah Bowden (Tiger Milk Imports), Lexi Pulido, and Nancy Ross.
YouTube clips show a well-choreographed, imaginatively costumed group of obvious fans, staging an act that – while nowhere near as elaborate and epic as a Bush concert – manages to rise above the high school musical “Hey kids, let’s put on a show” limitations presented by both budget and venue size, and instead unfolds like a genuine stage production of well-seasoned performers.
Their first Kate Bush Dance party was at the Casbah in December 2017. They subsequently crowdfunded a two week tour through the U.K. and Ireland.
Nina Deering, who also played with Orchid Mantis and Humankind, passed away in June 2020. New members in 2021 included Marie Haddad and Heather Nation, while the following year saw Melanie Medina added to the ranks. The band embarked on a 2022 tour of the UK and Ireland running May 17 through June 5.