12:12 AM - First Official Polka Haunt Us Press Release
Polka Haunt Us CD Cover - Layout by Sammy Boy Designs
Got(h) Polka? Weird Val releases darkly delightful compilation in time for Halloween.
(Los Angeles, CA - Monday August 25, 2008) - Veronique Chevalier, the quirky, aristocratic French-American cabaret artist who won The Mad Music Archive's 2007 "Best New Halloween Song", is at it again this season with a full length album featuring a long-overlooked niche - Gothic Polka!
Polka Haunt Us is meant as a foray into the untried history of its namesake. Every day is Halloween to Chevalier, putting a darkly amusing, supernatural twist on the traditionally happy music of Oktoberfest. Chevalier's own 2007 "Vampire Surprise" is the bonus track on the album, which is compounded by a myriad of respected artists singing this traditional Central European faire.
Polka Haunt Us is based on authentic folk tales from around the world, lyrics written by Chevalier. Less a novelty project and more an experiment in ethnomusicology, the album is reminiscent of Harry Smith's Folkways recordings for the Smithsonian Trust, or the compilation "Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers" with a Nick Cave "Murder Ballads" twist. Chevalier's new tracks show Polka's storytelling power and give Halloween's tired Monster Mash a run for its money.
Chevalier brings together artists such as: Japanese virtuoso of the Warr guitar, Kai Kurosawa, who is also a member of the Goth-Industrial ensemble Collide; 2007 Grammy nominee, composer and accordionist Alex Meixner; ARIA (Australian Grammy) nominee, Jann Castor; Comedy Central's Gary Shapiro; Disney vocalist Kerry Christensen.
Other notable performers include: Woodwind expert & Cal Arts Professor Vinny Golia; Afro-Brazilian percussionist, guest artist for Grammy-winners Olodum- Kirk Brundage; Peter Bing Drejer Sundt Award of Norway winner, soprano- Elisabeth Ekornes; the "Jimmy Hendrix of the Violin"- Lili Haydn; Accordion virtuoso Gee Rabe, and more, who help give new breath to this popular Central European dance music.
Polka, a traditional Bohemian dance music that is still played on the streets and in the pubs of Prague and other European cities, and often during the month of October in North America, has a history of being appropriated by popular composers. The tradition includes Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple well-known Polkas were written by Czech national anthem composer Bedřich Smetana, and Czech artist Jaromír Vejvoda was the author of "Škoda lásky" ("Roll Out the Barrel").
In the US, Polka has been turned into mainstream faire by artists such as "Weird Al" Yankovic, and "Alternative Polka" and "Punk/Ska Polka" has surfaced in addition to the Mexican variety "Conjunto-style" and the Mid-western US "Oompah" music which is well known during fall festivals across the states. With the release of Polka Haunt Us, Chevalier revamps the tradition and adds a pleasingly morbid touch, just in time for Halloween!
Polka Haunt Us is a compilation recording, containing 13 NEW spooky songs, each based upon famous ghost legends from different regions around the world. Tracks include:
After Wife Polka Tango (Argentina), based on a the historical fact that Eva Peron's Corpse was preserved and put on public display by her widower, dictator Juan Peron.
Ghost Train (Canada), based on a Canadian train legend about the Alberta Line that is faithfully recounted in this song.
The Beer Hall In Hell (Alpine), a morality tale, for in the end, it is readily apparent that the free beer in Hell is overpriced.
Blank Face Goblin (Japanese), based on the Japanese legendary Blank Face Goblins (Nopperabo) who trick unwary passersby who are foolish enough to go out alone at night.
Bubbe's Dybbuk Polka (Eastern European Jewish), Dybbuks are mischeivous spirits in Jewish lore, that are used as an explanation of bad or odd human behavior.
Castle Leap (Irish Celtic), about Ireland's most haunted castle, sung by Marion Ramsey a.k.a. Sgt Laverne Hooks of the Police Academy films.
Devil's Guitar (US), Based on an American folktale about the preternatural powers of the guitar belonging to a deceased old black Mississippi bluesman (a.k.a. "The Haunted Guitar").
Strange Faces In The Floor (Spain), Based on Spain's most haunted house in Belmez. This song combines waltz with Flamenco guitar and palmas.
The Fisher Bird Girl (Norway), This waltz is based on a traditional Norwegian folktale of a strange girl who seems to change into a Fisher Bird (cormorant).
Full Moon Face Off, based on werewolf lore and composed by Grammy Award nominee, Alex Meixner.
White Witch Of Jamaica Polka Reggae (Jamaica), about Annie Palmer, a white woman familiar with the Dark Arts, whose idea of fun was seducing, and then killing her slave boys after she's had her fun with them.
Closing with Chevalier's popular Vampire Surprise (Transylvania), turning the tables on those pesky bloodsuckers!
Polka Haunt Us producer/writer Veronique Chevalier is known as The "Weird Val" of Cabaret, for her hilarious parodies and side-splitting covers. (Imagine if Jim Morrison and Elvira had a twisted, Edith Piaf-like love child). She is the recipient of The Unanimous Choice Award for Best Independent Cabaret Artist by the Los Angeles Music Awards for her benefit recording Cabaret4Choice.
Deemed "too extreme for Simon" she was gonged off the first season of America's Got Talent, after only 20 seconds, proving that her gifts are wasted on the masses. Why Spooky Polka? What better vehicle for a MADemoiselle of mixed heritage, (Polish/French/Lithuanian), who grew up attending 13 different schools, whilst traversing the globe?
WEBSITE http://www.WeirdVal.com
MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/veronique http://www.myspace.com/polkahauntus (listen to music sample tracks)
PHOTOS
Veronique Chevalier as "Hell-ga The Devil's Beer Maid" Photo by Justice Howard http://WeirdVal.com/PR/BeerMaidinHell-final.jpg
Veronique Chevalier on Couch Photo by Justice Howard http://WeirdVal.com/PR/VeroBeerMaidCouch.jpg
Polka Haunt Us Album Cover Designed by Sammy Boy Designs http://WeirdVal.com/PR/PHUcdcover.jpg
Polka Haunt Us Logo Designed by Veronique Chevalier http://WeirdVal.com/PR/PHUCoatOfArmsFull.jpg
Veronique Chevalier at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Photo by Charley Gallay http://WeirdVal.com/PR/VeroHollywoodForever.jpg
Veronique Chevalier The Undead Photo by Justice Howard (lo-res) http://WeirdVal.com/PR/VeroJusticeDark72.jpg
Veronique Chevalier Red Velvet Curtains Photo by Justice Howard http://WeirdVal.com/PR/VeroRedVelvetNOcrosses.jpg
8:54 PM - Veronique’s Slice O’ Red Velvet- Tuesday, August 12th, Echo Curio
Hosted By: Veronique Chevalier When: Tuesday Aug 12, 2008 at 8:30 PM Where: The Echo Curio 1519 Sunset Blvd Echo Park, California|5 90026 United States Description: Veronique Chevalier's Infamous Vaudeville Variety Show Returns for One Night ONLY!
Back for one night only- Veronique's Infamous Vaudeville Variety Show! Veronique's Slice of Red Velvet returns for one night only at the Echo Curio, a lovely community-oriented performance and art space.
+ Paul Zollo - Soothing Troubadour for Troubled Times
+ Zachary Strange - Master Magician of the Macabre
+ Gothic Cholo - Mythological Maestro of Spoken Word
+ April Hava Shenkman - Post Moderne Performance Artiste
+ Amy Amnesia - Sideshow Shenanigans from a Deranged Demoiselle
+ Veronique Chevalier - Chanteuse Comedian and MC for the evening
2:33 AM - Veronique To Perform @ First Annual Los Angeles Accordion Festival, May 30-June 1
Veronique Chevalier is pleased to announce that she has been invited to perform at The First Annual Los Angeles Accordion Festival, which kicks off on Friday, May 30th through Sunday, June 1st, 2008. (This occasion will also serve as the Official Prequel To The Eventual World Premiere of some of the tracks from the Polka Haunt Us recording.)
The Festival will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagle's Hall, Aerie 2188, 1596 Yosemite Drive in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. Zip Code is 90041.
Tickets are $10 at the door or you can purchase a three day pass for $25 at http://www.myspace.com/294131488 or by calling 323-246-8998.
BBQ dinners will be available for $8.75. There will be a no-host bar featuring cocktails, beer and wine. Street parking near Eagle Rock High School and Metro Bus Line 181 are conveniently located near the venue.
The three day festival will feature 15 accordion players and their bands showcasing accordion music with diverse styles such as Cajun, Irish, Rockabilly, Tex-Mex, Zydeco, Alternative and Experimental.
On Saturday, May 31, an Accordion Workshop will be held for those interested in learning more about the accordion. Otono Lujan of Conjunto Los Pochos and accordion instructor at the Eagle Rock Music Studio will conduct the workshop demonstrating the Three Button Row Accordion that is used in traditional Cajun, Tex-Mex and Zydeco music. Cost is $10 per person. Reserve your place by calling 323-246-8998 or by visiting http://www.myspace.com/294131488.
Saturday, May 31 6:00 pm Veronique Chevalier 7:00 pm Sam Mellon & the Skylarks 8:00 pm Jessica Fichot 9:00 pm Conjunto Los Pochos 10:00 pm Phil Parlapiano
Sunday, June 1 4:00 pm Mrs. Hobbs 5:00 pm Mrs. Brown's Lovely Daughter 6:00 pm La Santa Cecilia 7:00 pm Doug Legacy & the Zydeco Party Band 8:00 pm Ollin
For more information about this event, please call 323-246-8998 or you may also contact event organizers Pat & Robert Talamantez at losangelesaccordionfestival@yahoo.com.
2:04 PM - NEW! Polka Haunt Us Recording Progess Report No. 1
Category: Music
Polka Haunt Us Progress Report No. 1, March 2008
Greetings Dear Fiends and Fans!
Well, we are happy to report to you that we are now in full-on production mode. We will be laying down our inaugural track, "The White Witch Of Jamaica" on Tuesday, March 11th, at Addison Sound (The Official Recording Studio of Polka Haunt Us), with owner/engineer Robert Tepper.
It is an original ditty, lyrics by Veronique Chevalier & music by "Gee" Rabe, based on a legend about the infamous 18th Century serial murderess Annie Palmer, and is one of the most well-known horror tales from that fair Caribbean nation.
Our rendition marries Polka with Reggae, and showcases Gee's unparalleled accordion playing, as well as her kickass steel pan prowess. Rounding out this particular session will be Kirk Brundage- drums & percussion, Brian Netzley- bass, and Mateo Denali, doing a turn as the voice of the Devil himself..
Noted engineer Joe Chiccarelli (AKA THE "Joe" of Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage"), has agreed to do our mixing, and Jann Castor will be our mastering engineer.
We will post the finished sound file of "White Witch" as soon as possible for your listening pleasure! Currently in various stages of completion, are compositions based on Japanese, Norwegian, Gypsy, Mexican, Brazilian, Argentinian, familiar Urban Legends, and All American Trailer Trash ghost stories, so that gives us nine of the lucky 13 songs that will be included on this compilation, to be released in plenty of time for Halloween this year.
If you have any favorite ghost or spooky stories from a region not listed above, that you'd like to see included, feel free to let us know. If we like it, we'll do it!
As the official story goes, Veronique Chevalier is a French woman of aristocratic breeding whose career in ballet was cut short thanks to the errant firing of a cowboy's pistol. Awaking from her unconscious state without the knowledge of her etoile past and her mother tongue, Mademoiselle Chevalier took to performing cabaret songs in French-accented English.
In truth, Chevalier, the daughter of a French mother and U.S. military father, was born in France and raised across the world. While moving through a string of 13 different schools, she learned that the best way to make friends when you're constantly the new kid is to be the funny kid.
"I was always the class clown," she admits. "That's kind of building to what I've been doing all along."
What Chevalier does is perform a mix of parodies, cover tunes, and original songs with a healthy dose of physical comedy. Try to imagine Madeline Kahn playing Edith Piaf and you might get the idea.
Chevalier's career as a cabaret artist began when a foot injury effectively ended her study of ballet. Initially, she performed in plain English, but a gig at the Church of Scientology's Winter Wonderland event five years ago, her first engagement after moving to Los Angeles, changed that.
"It was 38 degrees out," she recalls. "Nobody was coming to hear me sing and the soundman kept messing up my tracks and it was kind of like a train wreck…I saw how absurd it was, so I just started singing in a French accent out of left field. I thought, why not? It was kind of fun and it felt good."
One week later, Chevalier played her first paid gig as her Gallic counterpart and the crowd took to her. Since then, the Chanel-loving and escargot-loathing stage persona has successfully infiltrated the underground. From 2005 through 2006 Chevalier hosted the popular Red Velvet Vaudeville Variety Show, which featured performances from an assortment of colorful artists.
Her Cabaret4Choice compilation CDs have been championed by cutting-edge music outlets like Internet station killradio.org. And "Vampire Surprise," a tune about Dracula-warding garlic recipes, became a hit of 2007's Halloween season.
"I jokingly call myself a closet goth," says Chevalier, who received the gong of disapproval on the NBC program America's Got Talent (she surmises that she would have been "bummed" if she hadn't been gonged off the show). "I do have this spooky element to myself, but I don't take it seriously, so I throw my comedy in with it."
Chevalier recently finished recording a full-length album, but a release date is currently unconfirmed. In the meantime, she will continue charming audiences with purrs of "cherie" and cries of "mon dieu."
"There's something so exotic about being French," Chevalier muses. "If you've got it, flaunt it."
2:16 AM - Newest: Vampire Surprise Number 22 Top Most Requested Demented Song of 2007!
Thank you to all who voted for and requested Vamp Surp @ The Mad Music Archive. My song got more requests than Weird Al's song!!! I am so happy and grateful for your support!
I take this as a sign that I am destined to keep creating demented music along this, ahem, vein.
;-)
Here is a link to the Top 25 Countdown Podcast @ TMMA (cut & paste): http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/playlist.aspx?Show=MMDT20_07-51
Description: Exhilarating new Hanukkah filk tale about matzo balls, a little boy, his Bubbe (Granny), and her special Kitty, Hannah Cat (Hanukkat).
WARNING: Not suitable for small children. I am serious- please listen to this away from tiny ears. Trust me, it's spooky!
Veronique Chevalier: Voice of Child, & Hannah Cat Billy Baker: Keyboards, Producer, Engineer, FX, Voice of Bubbe
Bubbe's Hannah Cat (Hanukkat) Music & Lyrics by Veronique Chevalier
Child sings: Bubbe's angel she can't fly Her looks would not win any prize Her favorite kids are me, myself and I She's Bubbe's Hannah Cat
Child sings: If you got a pet you're lucky coz A fuzzy-wuzz with tiny paws Beats any gift from the in-laws Like Bubbe's Hannah Cat (Tiny "meow" sound)
Chorus- Child sings: This is my favorite time of year To be with friends and family With yamikas and lots of cheer And Hannah Cat the cute kitty (purrrrrrrrrrrr)
Child sings: It's kinda tough on old Bubbe Cooking for our family I hate her matzo balls, you see So I sneak 'em to Hannah Cat (louder "meow" sounds)
Chorus- Child sings carelessly: La la la la la la la la La la la la la something Something la la whateveah So have a Happy Hanaukah
Child sings nicely again: Animal angels have flippers or fins And they love you through thick and thin Some grow horns and hairless skin?
Child whimpers: B-bubbe What's happening to Hannah Cat? (CACKLE CACKLE) And B-b-b-b-ubbe What's happening to you????
Bubbe: That's BEEZLE-Bubbe to you, little brat! Don't you think I noticed You haven't been eating My matzo balls? I'll teach you! Ungrateful schwein kind! Hannah Cat- ATTACK!
(A melee ensues)
Child's singsong: La la la la la la la La la la la la la la, etc.
5:17 AM - Past News: I really Won the Mad Music Archive Halloween Song Contest!!!
Current mood: ecstatic
Wow! I am so in shock. I actually came in at the 11th hour and took first place in the Mad Music Archive Halloween Song Contest! OMG! Deepest thanks for every one who voted for Vampire Surprise!
2:55 PM - Past News: Vampire Surprise Coverage in LA Daily News Music!
Boo-jour my dear Fiends!
Wishing you all a Boo-tiful day. May all your fondest nightmares come true...As for moi, I am very happy and pleasantly surprised that the editor of the LA Daily News Music blog found enough merit in Vampire Surprise to give me a bit of ink... Merci boo-coup everyone for all your support!
11:38 PM - Past News- Parade of Hearses, Dr. Demento & MOI, in Costa Mesa!
Dr. Demento will be celebrating Halloween live and in person at the Orange County Marketplace, on the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA, on Sunday, October 29, at the 10th Annual Trick or Treat Festival and Hearse Show. He'll be spinning the all-time favorite Halloween hits live on stage at 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
For you early risers, He'll also be the Grand Marshal of the Parade of Hearses, a wide array of which will be winding on a three mile route through the streets of Costa Mesa starting, and ending at the fairgrounds, commencing at 10 AM.
After the parade returns to the fairgrounds, you will find me hanging out in proximity of the Good Doctor, handing out the last of the FREE promo copies of Vampire Surprise with those special hand-decorated covers that I did myself. I'll even autograph yours for you, if you say the secret password: Garlic! (Or even if you don't.)
* Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 * When: Sunday, October 28th, between 10 am and 4 pm * Why: For a Spook-tacular good time!
See you on Sunday. I'll be there from 11:30 am, until I've handed out all copies of the Vampire Surprise CD's, so get one while you can!
9:32 PM - Past News: Promo CD’s @ Meltdown Comics Hollywood
Oui! It is true- Visit Meltdown Comics & Collectibles, 7522 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood for a FREE copy of my new single Vampire Surprise, each encased in a uniquely decorated sleeve, hand-made by MOI!
Act Now- Limited Editon- because when they're gone, they're gone!
Be sure to tell them that Veronique sent you! (The TOYSKILL Art Exhibition is up till the end of October, and be sure check out all the other great merch they carry- get a jump on your Xmess shopping now!)
2:12 PM - Past News: Vampire Surprise named "Sepiachord Song of the Day"! A Two-fer!
Greetings once again, my Esteemed Friends!
I am beside myself with pleasant shock to report that, (exactly one month after being honored with "Contraceptive March"), on October 11th, my creation, "Vampire Surprise" was bestowed with the honor of being the Sepiachord Song Of The Day!!! (Be still my beating heart...)
For those of you who missed it last month, here is an explanation:
"Sepiachord is the "genre that doesn't exist".----- It is to music what "steampunk" is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future. A cubist aural experience.---- As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is the made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits.---- Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music as: Sinister Circus- Cabaret Macabre- Chamber Pop- Organic Goth- Celtic/Gypsy Punk- Mutant American- Ghost Town Country----- It is the music our grandparents or great-grandparents would have listened to, if they were as off-set as we are."
I encourage you, once again, to visit their blog directly and show them some love:
5:48 PM - Here at last- My new Spooky Polka: Vampire Surprise!
Current mood: savage
Category: Music
Here at last -Vampire Surprise Halloween Special - Only 90 cents!
See my blog below for full Vampire Surprise lyrics & more!
Yay! Happy Hauntings Everyone- you now the ability to listen to, purchase, and download my first spooky single, Vampire Surprise, as a little appetizer for next year's Polka Haunt Us compilation recording.
Here's the scoop:
Song Title: Vampire Surprise
Written by: Lyrics- Veronique Chevalier, Music & Production- Jann Castor
About Jann: He's is an accomplished composer, sound engineer & sound effects specialist, and film editor, who was nominated for an ARIA Award (the Australian equivilent of the Grammy's) for the soundtrack of the film "Red Express." In Poland, he was the founder, of the band Res Publica, (which was later renamed Republika, and under Grzegorz Ciechowski went on to much acclaim in that country).
After Jann's successes in Poland and Australia, he was admitted into the US as "alien of extraordinary ability." Since completing his collaboration with Veronique, he is working on orchestrations of chorale music with the legendary Jon Anderson, of the mega-band Yes. Find out more about him here: Composing.com.
About Veronique: Known as The "Weird Val" of Cabaret, for her hilarious parodies and side-splitting covers. (Imagine if Jim Morrison and Elvira had a love child with a French accent). Deemed "too extreme for Simon" she was gonged off the first season of "America's Got Talent", after only 20 seconds, which only proves her gifts are wasted on the masses. She is the recipient of The Unanimous Choice Award for Best Indie Cabaret Artist by the Los Angeles Music Awards. WeirdVal.com.
After completing the launch of the single version of "Vampire Surprise", she will be releasing a new, full-length recording, "Veronique's Red Velvet LIVE!" which features 14 tracks, including (a, you guessed it- live version of) "Vampire Surprise", as well as a "secret" bonus track. (BTW, the cover image of Veronique in the striped gloves was shot by renowned erotic photographer Justice Howard.)
Back Story: A post that Veronique placed on Craigslist for musical collaborators, brought her and Jann together, initially. Despite the fact that they were born of different parents, on different dates and in different countries, (she in France, and he in Poland), they have discovered that they are long, lost twins (siblings of spirit, in any case).
Shared Likes: Frank Zappa (aka as the God of Music! ;-) Twisted humor, ala Mel Brooks, David Zuker (Naked Gun movies, Airplane, etc.) Esoteric conversation Garlic!
Parting thoughts: Vampire Surprise is not your grandpappy's polka. Although it is sung to accordion accompaniment, it's actually a new genre we call "berzerka" (as in "berzerk mazurka"). As the song progresses it becomes more and more dischordant, and ends in a bit of twisted spoken word. (This is the 21st Century after all. Time to modernize!)
For your reading pleasure, or if you wish to sing and speak along, here are the lyrics:
VERSE: Back in the Old Country Where I learned to cook Recipes they taught me Didn't come from any book Dishes so tasty Ranged from "A" to "Z" but The greatest ingredient Started with a "G" ---- CHORUS: Garlic with a G Fried or fricasseed Keep it next to me Potent Potpourri Seasoning and spice With a taste so nice Has healthy bite–BUT…..! The greatest thing of all IS….! That it extends your life! ----- VERSE: Cooking one moonlit night I heard a creepy creepy sound Tried to find a wooden stake But aT-bone was all I found Didn't have a silver bullet 'Cause I don't pack a gun Had to grab some garlic So I'd live to see the sun ---- CHORUS: Garlic with a G Fried or fricasseed Keep it next to me Potent Potpourri Seasoning and spice With a taste so nice Has healthy bite–BUT…..! The greatest thing of all IS….! That it extends your life! ----- BRIDGE: Let the werewolves howl and bay But if you display a garlic lei You will make it through the night Give Nosferatu a fright ---- INTERLUDE: La la……etc ---- VERSE: Love to try new recipes And serve them to my guests They like my dinner parties for They know my food's the best Doesn't take much money To make all this stuff But the roast tastes funny cause Vampire meat is tough ---- CHORUS: Garlic with a G Fried or fricasseed Keep it next to me Potent Potpourri Seasoning and spice With a taste so nice Has healthy bite–BUT…..! The greatest thing of all IS….! That it extends your life! ----- OUTRO: You can keep your fancy flavors I found the one for me Yes, the garlic is our savior And Dracula is history ---- INTERLUDE: La la……etc ---- SPOKEN: Hey Count, have you a cold or are you just "coffin"? Which gang are you in- Bloods or Crypts? Ha Ha! Who's your orthodontist? Jack the Ripper? Hey, Drac, at a séance, do you go into a Trance-sylvania? Fang you for the memories, Old Toothy! That's Garlic with a "G"! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!
11:10 PM - Veronique’s Contraceptive March Polka named Sepiachord Song of the Day!
Greetings to you all, my Esteemed Friends!
I am pleased and honored to report that my polka song "Contraceptive March" was bestowed with the honor of being the Sepiachord Song Of The Day for September 12th, 2007.
Here is an explanation:
"Sepiachord is the "genre that doesn't exist".----- It is to music what "steampunk" is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future. A cubist aural experience.---- As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is the made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits.---- Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music as: Sinister Circus- Cabaret Macabre- Chamber Pop- Organic Goth- Celtic/Gypsy Punk- Mutant American- Ghost Town Country----- It is the music our grandparents or great-grandparents would have listened to, if they were as off-set as we are."
I encourage you to visit their blog directly and show them some love:
11:51 PM - Sept. 27th - Fire Dancers Just Added to the Show!
Current mood: accomplished
She's back! Veronique Chevalier is bringing a micro-cosmic version of her critically-acclaimed "Red Velvet Vaudeville Variety Show" (whew- that's a mouthful!).
She's been called the "Weird Val" of Cabaret, for her hilarious parodies and side-splitting covers. (Imagine if Jim Morrison and Elvira had a love child with a French accent). Deemed "too extreme for Simon" she was gonged off the first season of "America's Got Talent", after only 20 seconds, which only proves her gifts are wasted on the masses. She's premiering her first spooky polka, to pave the way for next year's "Polka Haunt Us" project.
Special guests for the night include prolific spoken word artist Rachel Kann. Backstage Magazine says Rachel "has a knack for punching lines into our guts as our pierced narrator of sorts... she's like a one-woman Greek chorus." The LA Times calls her "Exceptional!"
http://MySpace.com/rachelkann
Also on the bill is macabre magician Zachary Strange. He is also Associate Medium performing the Houdini seance at the Magic Castle. He, draws influences from the spook show, the sideshow, and old horror movies.
http://MySpace.com/ZacharyStrange
Special Added Performers: Sirena Serpentina, Fire Dance Troupe. A tribal circle of sister goddesses, rooted in ancient rhythms of the earth, weaving light and wisdom.
http://MySpace.com/SirenaSerpentina
The fifth performer of the evening is a special mystery guest. Suffice it to say that you if don't show, you won't know what you're missing, and you'll only kick yourself later.
Read Raves about Veronique's Red Velvet Vaudeville Variety Show in LA Times Online: http://www.calendarlive.com/stage/298044,0,5989699,reviews.event?page=1
jedi
ecstatic
savage
accomplished
