She needs no introduction. Still, being chosen as Best Jazz/Blues Band or Performer two of the past three years by City Paper readers is a boost for Phat Man Dee. “In my current side project, Social Justice Disco … with Liz Berlin, it’s kind of hard to compete with the phrase ‘triple-platinum award-winning artist’ that goes after her name,” Man Dee says. “So, having the Best of Pittsburgh [title] has allowed me to not look like ‘Liz’s friend, employee, and former video intern.’”
A first-time finalist in 2010, Man Dee says she “had gotten very fond of cheering ‘I’m No. 2’ or ‘I’m No. 3.’ She was happy to “be included.” Then came 2016, a year Pittsburghers paraded with the Stanley Cup and finally crowned Man Dee. “I called my husband [Tommy Amoeba] and fake cried: ‘I hope you will still love me, because I’m not No. 2 or No. 3 … I’m No. 1!’” she says. “A great chortle was had by all.”
