What would motivate a successful physician to pursue a lifelong dream to sing Broadway tunes? What possible connection could there be between her work in a maximum-security prison and her passion for R&B and jazz music? The answers are the inspiration to follow the heart and to live a full and unlimited life.
Dr. Candace Bellamy ’91 of Austin, Texas, is more than on overachiever, more than a dedicated doctor, more than a passionate musician, more than a dedicated alumna to her Alma Mater – she is just, well, more.
Bellamy, who recently appeared in a national Nike commercial called “Livestrong,” featuring cyclist Lance Armstrong, fills her days and nights with all the things she loves most about life. A contract physician who works with military installations and a men’s prison among other venues and a dedicated actress/musician, Bellamy moves seamlessly from one role to another.
“I love what I’m doing and when you love it, you’re able to do so many different things,” she said. She also believes the variety has kept her from “burning out” in any of the areas she loves and toils for in her everyday life.
Bellamy’s life has taken numerous fascinating turns. Already established in her successful career as a contract physician, she first pursued singing as a hobby. After taking voice lessons, she auditioned for the chorus in a community theatre production of “Hello, Dolly!” That small role led to bigger parts in other shows and then the creation of a local rock-and-blues band.
Having discovered her passion, she moved to Austin, the live-music capital of the world. As her newfound second career continued to mount, she found herself sharing the stage with Broadway actors and then performing in her own musical showcase at the Waldorf in New York City.
Currently, in addition to playing in a Pink Floyd tribute band, Bellamy is touring as her schedule allows in her own one-woman show called “Follow the Red Lips.” In “Follow the Red Lips,” Bellamy shares her journey through “stories and songs that will lift you up, leaving you with a smile on your face and joy in your heart.”
She debuted her one-woman autobiographical show at a benefit show for Theatre Bristol in October 2008. In January 2009 she performed two musical showcases in New York City to nearly full houses. The show is comprised of three sets of music featuring R&B, jazz and Broadway show tunes.
According to Bellamy, throughout the show, she weaves stories of her life as a physician and musician that will “inspire audiences to lead full and passionate lives, even if it means stepping outside of their comfort zones.”