Veronique's Verbiage

Can Can Presents: The First Annual Seattle Cabaret Festival

The First Annual Seattle Cabaret Festival, which at the kicks off on November 6th, with honored UK Dark Cabaret icons, The Tiger Lillies at the Moore.

The Festival then picks up again on November 11th - 15th and features numerous other acclaimed cabaret, drag and physical performance artists and ensembles over the course of its five-day run. Participating venues include The Moore Theatre, ACT Theatre, The Triple Door, The Can Can and Pensione Nichols.

Appearances by:

* Agness Twin * AKAK * An Magi Tarot of the Pomegranate * Armitage Shanks * Arnaldo * Baby Gramps * The Bad Things * The Castaways * Christy Kane * Circus Contraption Band * Crystal Fosnaugh * Danbert Nobacon * Dame Darcy * Darek Mazzone * Diva Le Deviant * DJ Global Ruckus * Dr. Calamari and Acrophelia * Emerald City Soul Club * Funi Daniels * God's Favorite Beefcake * Gypsy Sound System * The Heavenly Spies * Huxley Vertical * I (heart) Shiva * Iva Handfull * Jennybird * jONNI R Synic * Javier Ortega * Lonesome Shack * Luna Nocturna * Maureen O'Donnell * Michele Frances * Miss Oblivious * Miss Mamie Lavona * Orkestar Zirkonium * The Peculiar Pretzelmen * Queen Shmooquan * Robert Rial's Bakelite 78 * Ronald McFondle * Scarlet Foundry * Scarlet Room * Shmootzie the Clod * Seth Bedford * Spirit Board (Gargoyles) * Stella Rose * The Tiger Lillies * Throbosho * Toybox Trio * Vagabond Opera * Veronique Chevalier * Victor Janusz * Vinsantos * Waxie Moon * Zoe Boekbinder

Official Website for dates, times, venues and ticket information: http://cabaretfestival.com



* What: Poe's Peculiar Parlour
* Dates: Wed., Nov. 11th - Sun., Nov. 15th
* Start time: 7pm
* Location- Pensione Nichols
* Street- 1923 First Avenue
* City/Town- Seattle, WA 98101
* Phone: 206.441.7125
* Event Type: all ages, public entertainment, film, literature, music
* Website(s)- http://www.pensionenichols.com & http://www.thecancan.com/cabaretfestival/


Festival within the Festival:

Join Seattle Art Maven Miss Oblivious who has curated a Series of Fortunate Events at the elegant & cozy landmark Pensione Nichols Bed & Breakfast for five consecutive evenings, each commencing with Tarot and tea- followed by film, literature and live musical performances! Victorian Parlour style... dress-up recommended but not necessary.

Programmes are as follows:

* Wednesday Nov 11th - Hosted by Miss Oblivious

- Huxley Verical Kabarett Nouveau (NYC)
- Schmootzi The Clod (music + murder ballads)
- Plus short films by Miss Oblivious

* Thursday Nov 12th - Hosted by Miss Oblivious

- Veronique Chevalier (Paris + LA) & Seth Bedford (NYC)
- Agness Twin (LA + SF)
- Jonni R Synic
- Short animated film of Huxley Verical Kabarett Nouveau
- Meet the visual artists with work on display in The Parlour:
Sara Devout,AKAK,Javier Ortega,Crystal Fosnaugh

* Friday Nov 13th - Armitage Shanks hosts Kurt Weill Night

- Doppleganger
- Stella Rose Saint Clair (Helen Kanesque)
- Book reading and films by Christy Kane (New Orleans)

* Saturday Nov 14th - Hosted by: Diva Le Deviant

- 7 pm Palm Readings by Dame Darcy
- Vinsantos (SF)
- Dame Darcy Films & Book Signing
- Funi Book reading
- Short film by Miss Oblivious

* Sunday Nov 15th - Hosted by Miss Oblivious

- Lonesome Shack (Seattle)
- Death BY Doll (LA + NY)
- Maureen O'Donnell (Author of "Scar Flowers")
- Short surprise film screenings

Just Added: Veronique Chevalier & Seth Bedford will also be performing at The Can Can on Sunday, November 15th, as part of the concluding festivities of the Cabaret Festival!



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Huzzah! My 'fiend' and fellow Mad Music Maker has a Birfday coming up on the August 30th.

http://archiver-tim.livejournal.com/

So in your honor, here is a video of the world premiere of my original, adult-themed song entitle "Natal Date". Many Happy returns Tim!

THE VAMPIRE CONVENTION!
Friday, August 21, 2009 09:46 AM
by Pat Jankiewicz Fearful Features/Fangoria Magazine

Hey, if plumbers and dentists can have conventions, why not vampires?



On Sunday, Augist 16th, Hollywood appeared to be invaded by the combined residents of Sunnydale, Santa Cruz and 'Salem's Lot, as bloodsuckers gathered at the Music Box Theater for the first ever Vampire Convention and came back that night for Vampirella's Ball.

It was an appropriate date, as it marked the 53rd anniversary of the death of Dracula himself, Bela Lugosi--the inspiration for Bauhaus' biggest hit. Because of the Hollywood setting, attendees could literally walk down the Boulevard and pay respect at Bela Lugosi's star (Many did.).

There was a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Vampirella, as well as round-table discussions on 'Vampires And Sexuality', and 'Why we love vampires.'

Well-dressed theatergoers on intermission from the "Legally Blonde" at The Pantages Theater did double takes as hordes of fanged, pale Goths slouched silently past them, craving sustenance at the closest things they could find to Merlotte's on Hollywood Boulevard: Subway and Tommy Burger!



Hip Vampire Queen Leah Cevoli (www.leahcevoli.com) served as MC, with the accordion touting Count Smokula. "I adore vampires," said the fun actress, who was a self-described "whore on DEADWOOD". Her impressive voice can be heard frequently on ROBOT CHICKEN.



"I have to love vampires," Cevoli admitted. "My neighbor is Steve Niles (Comic book creator of 30 DAYS OF NIGHT). Every time I see Steve, I immediately remind him how perfect I would be as a vampire in 30 DAYS OF NIGHT 2!"

A couple selling black horror movie tee-shirts passed out flyers with the declaration "STOP HORROR REMAKES! (All of them)" "We are very serious about this--it's already too late to stop the new HALLOWEEN II," the man grimly cautioned.

Frequent BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER/ANGEL vampire and demon Camden Toy (www.camdentoy.com) wandered through, meeting and greeting. "Thank God we're having one of these--it's great to see a resurgence in vampires. They're interesting characters," Toy mused.



Convention guests included author David Skal, performers Amanda Weier(ALIEN ABDUCTION, SCARE TACTICS), Cristofer Sanders, filmmaker Don Glut, Del Howison of Dark Delicacies and a surprise appearance by lithe, masked actress Rena Riffel (renariffel.com). "I play a vampire hunter in my film TRASHARELLA, so I had to come down and show my support," Riffel said.



"Everybody enjoys vampires. I love their Gothic style and how the act of biting you looks as pleasurable as a foot massage," added Riffel, before she was swarmed by SHOWGIRLS fans.



Link to original article on Fangoria Magazine Website:
http://www.fangoria.com/features/21-fearful-features/3653-the-vampire-convention-.html

* Time: September 18, 2009 from 7pm to 11pm
* Location: Queen Bee's (formerly the 8teen Center)
* Street: 3925 Ohio Street
* City/Town: San Diego, CA 92104
* Website: http://chrononautclub.com
* Event Type: all ages, public entertainment & music
* Organized By: Professor J. S. Greyshade



Ladies, Gentlemen, Harlots, and Scoundrels,

The Machina Fatalis Steampunk Social Club presents an evening’s entertainment unlike any the fair city of San Diego has seen. Chrononaut: a night for temporal adventurers of all ages.

Your host, Prof. J. S. Greyshade, selects sounds from eclectic destinations throughout the space-time continuum such as steampunk, alternative folk, gypsy punk, dark cabaret, gothic, middle eastern, circus punk, and extremely mutated hip-hop.

There shall also be visions of monochromatic beauty from the amazing cinematagraph and a variety of special guests and entertainments.

Steampunk, neo-Victorian, dark cabaret and anachronistic dress is most warmly welcomed.

Friday, September 18th, 2double-ought9:

* Veronique Chevalier & Seth Bedford
* Eli August

Doors open at 7:00. Club closes at 11:00

(one block east of 30th Street and 1/2 block north of University Avenue)

Excitement is afoot. I will keep vous posted about updates pertaining to my appearance at The First Annual Seattle Steam Con, Oct. 23- 25, where I have the honor to perform with Seth Bedford @ Mr. Bodewell's Cabaret.

http://Steam-Con.com

Chrononaughts, aviators, tinkerers, scientists and steampunk enthusiasts! You are invited to a wondrous event. A weekend of science, fantasy, romance and adventure of the future past. Tea, robots and cabaret await you. The honour of your presence is requested at this humble steamposium.

The organizers are working hard on creating a steampunk symposium of the highest caliber in the resplendent Pacific Northwest October 23-25 2009 at the Seattle Airport Marriott.

Author Guest of Honor: Tim Powers
Artist Guest of Honor: Paul Guinan
Musical Guests of Honor: Abney Park

So, to what can you look forward?
• A Vendor’s Bazaar packed with exotic wares
• An Art Exhibition
• The Perpetual Teatime and Hospitality suite
• The Magic Lantern Theater
• Talks and discussions on all matters steampunk
• Gun modification demonstrations
• Lessons in etiquette
• Steam technology exhibitions
• Games and diversions of a role playing nature
• Cabaret acts presented by the esteemed Mr. Bodewell
• And much more to be announced…

Including several limited capacity events such as High Tea with a Fashion Show, and a special concert!

More details as things are finalized!

http://Steam-Con.com

Hear the fascinating and intricate back story about Veronique's Polka Haunt Us: A Spook-tacular Compilation, which was an Official Entry on the 51st Annual Grammy Ballot, and unlike any other collaborative recording you've experienced!

Join Host & DJ Dave Strauss and co-host Brooke Trout as they delve into the depths of the inner workings of Veronique's psyche, on this episode of Flat Cat Radio LIVE!

Here's the link to the show:

http://www.flatcatrecords.net/podcasts/Veronique_Chevalier.mp3

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

xox,

~V~



Tags:
Alex Meixner, Mike Surratt, Kerry Christensen, Lili Haydn, Jann Castor, Marion Ramsey, Goh Kurosawa, Elisabeth Ekornes, Kai Kurosawa, Gee Rabe, Vinny Golia, Veronique Chevalier, Mica Bando, Gary Shapiro, Kirk Brundage, Jon Asbath, Brian Netzley

"Acts of Surprising Philanthropy" Dept.;

As hoisted from the blog of my deary dearest [info]velocityboy:

The first six people to respond to this post will get something made by me. It will be about or tailored to those six who respond first.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. (Although let me know if you have any allergies)
- What I create will be just for you.
- It'll be done this year.
- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a mix tape. It may be a short work of fiction, or a poem. I may draw or paint something. I might bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you have to put this in your journal as well, if you expect me to do something for you!

I am so deeply touched by this image especially.

http://natalieshau.carbonmade.com


"Released Time" by Natalie Shau

Dearest Darkling 'Fiends' & Loved Ones,

Merci beaucoup/FANG you for making 2008 such a wonderful year for moi and being so receptive towards my 'Sonic Frankenstein', Polka Haunt Us: A Spook-tacular Compilation.

I feel that we are well on our way to becoming a perennial favorite for The Season of The Witch, and beyond. For me, spookiness is not a seasonal thing, however, and since the word "Halloween" is not once mentioned on any of the tracks, please feel free to indulge in listening to PHU any time of year.

And speaking of indulgences, I just had to share one of my favorites with you. And please consider this my gift to you. It's info about my very favorite Internet radio station- ever!

RadioDeliro.net- It is the brainchild & labor of love (commercial free!) of smart-chip innovator, Roland Moreno, and the play list consists of his personal music collection, which is not easily describable in ten words or less, but suffice it to say, it is an extensive play list that rarely repeats anything very often. He has a full time programmer named Sylvain Robert, who is also a professional horn player.

Between these two men, there is such a vast array of fantastic offerings that I know I won't be able to do it justice with my paltry list, that follows. Suffice it to say that you must hear it to believe it.

Just a few examples of artists I've heard at one time or another:

Hank Williams, The Andrews Sisters, Julia Lee, Rose Murphy, Fred Astaire, The Beatles, Billie Holliday, Bob Bozman, Django Rhinehardt, John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis, Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier (yeah!), Tommy Dorsey, Cheryl Crow, Eric Clapton, Dinah Washington, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Prima & Keelie Smith, Rosemary Clooney, Julie London, many other wonderful French, British, American and other artists, etc, etc, etc.

And musical styles:

Country, both American & French (Oui! country musique is most popular in France!), Baroque, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Rockabilly, Big Band, Swing, Acapella, Folk, Cabaret, Lounge, Brazilian, Boogie Woogie, Reggae, R&B, Arabic, Rap, Polka (yay!), Fusion, African, Gospel, Barber Shop, etc, etc, etc.

Again, all I can say is tune in yourself and give it a spin. And tell 'em Veronique sent you!

Viva l'RadioDeliro.net! And enjoy your 2009!

Today is the anniversary of the Natal Day of eternal screen icon Marlene Dietrich. She was a bright star in the entertainment firmament, and one of my dearest inspirations.

I shall never forget the delicious, yet naive frisson I experienced when gazing upon her timeless, and gender-bending image from the film "Morroco". Depicted was this enchanting and yet obviously very female creature, sporting a sensuously pluming cigarette with such insouciance, and most delicious of all, with her legs crossed in the most decadently unladylike manner.

I might have been only a kid at that moment (I think I was like 11), but I knew instinctively that whatever it was that she was doing, I wanted to do the same...

Of course there will never be another Dietrich, but her trailblazing ways will be with us always...

Marlene, Dear Goddess, if you still have awareness of we mere mortals down here on Earth, I hoist a slipperful of champagne in your honor!



RIP Marlene Dietrich, Siren of Cinema
Born: December 27 1901 & Died: May 6 1992


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My Xmess gift to myself was to spend the entire day at the cinema. My Inner Child attended a matinée of "The Tale of Despereaux", which was highly entertaining- a sort of cross between "Ratatouille" and "Shrek".

But the piece d'resistance of the outing was "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". It was nothing short of breathtaking, and there is literally something for everyone.

Romance, ballet and consummate costuming and makeup for us women and our gay guy 'girlfriends'; hard-drinking, bordello scenes, adventures at sea, & war heroics for the manly man; a trip down memory lane for the oldsters, and a time capsule for the younger set. There were even family values and morality lessons that are sure to appeal to the more straight-laced among us, and tattoos (albeit, not very well-executed ones) were on prominent display for the edification of you edgier sorts out there.

It's a paean to New Orleans, with stops in Gdansk, Paris, Manhattan, and The English Channel. The acting is perfection, every last actor played his or her character with winning authenticity. The direction, narrative, plot line, set design, lighting and aforementioned costuming and makeup, spot on!

So, even though it's on the long side, you won't even notice. At least I didn't and I still retain my antsy ADHD ways this far into adulthood, but this film had me fully engaged from stem to stern. No one walked out early, and when it was over there was actually applause and no one stampeded to leave the theatre.

It is truly a classic-to-be. I can't recommend it enough, so run, don't walk. (But don't drink a lot of liquids).

No ifs, ands or buttons, this movie is GREAT!!!!

Well, Boils & Ghouls, I just stumbled upon this little photographic gem, and thought it would be good for a guffaw. The moi you see was just a wee tot of five at the time of this underwhelming Kodak moment. Notice how my spindly little fingers, poised to morph into claws, are attempting to repel the perverted pseudo-elf's covert advances, just as my saucer-like eyes dialate in abject fear, and my lower lip curls to its lowest position before issuing forth with a pathetic gutteral yowl.

That year, my parents figured out how to keep my Xmess demands to a minimum, for I was apparently so grateful to escape this encounter with my life that I completely forgot to want anything...And the image also proves that I am really undead, for the sign above Santa's shoulder attests to the fact that the year was 1500. I've aged well, don't you think?

;-)

Hello Dear 'Fiends' & Fans!

I am excited to report that my project, Polka Haunt Us: A Spook-tacular Compilation is featured in the current issue (No. 84) of Rue Morgue Magazine:
http://www.rue-morgue.com/magazine.php

In the AUDIO DROME section:

Spotlight - Veronique Chevalier's Polka Haunt Us.
Plus! Reviews of The Fly Opera, Death Race OST, Midnight Meat Train OST, The Dead Next Door OST, Invaders from Mars OST, and new records from Amanda Palmer, The Voodoo Organist, Mondo A Go-Go, White Chapel and Anima.

OMG! We are featured in the same issue containing a review of Amanda Palmer's new solo record!!!!

Woohoo! Life is Good!

.

Dear Fellow Members of NARAS


I hope this finds you well and happily contemplating your Grammy ballot. Please don't mind us as we jump in the fray.


We are pleased to be running on "The Polka Platform", and invite you to enjoy all tracks on iLike here:

http://ilike.com/artist/Veronique+Chevalier


If you like what you hear, please find us on your ballot here:

Field 17, Polka Category 76, Entry #020.


Thanks and Happy Haunting to you all!

^ CLICK HERE ^

Please join us on
rOctober 20th @ Club Good Hurt
for THE Official Polka Haunt Us Release Party!
Special Guests - Gothic Fashion Plates, Kynt & Vyxsin!

Greetings Dearest Darklings!

It is with great joy that I announce the arrival of the CD
incarnation of "Polka Haunt Us - A Spook-tacular
Compilation" just in time for the Halloween season.

Guest artists and creative contributors may include some familiar names to
some folks here:

* 2007 Grammy nominee, composer and accordionist- Alex Meixner
* State of Maryland Governor's Citation winner, composer- Mike Surratt
* Master Yodeler, Disney Character Vocalist- Kerry Christensen
* Accordion Federation of North America Award winner- Gigi Rabe

And there are also numerous, equally accomplished artists in their own
right, who are making a foray into the realm of polka for the first
time. These include:

* Vocalist/Actress- Marion Ramsey (AKA Sgt. Laverne Hooks "Police
Academy" films)
* The "Jimmy Hendrix of the Violin"- Lili Haydn
* ARIA (Australian Grammy) nominee; producer; Polish-born classical
guitarist- Jann Castor

And more!

About the recording:

"Polka Haunt Us - A Spook-tacular Compilation" is based on authentic
folk tales from around the world, lyrics written by Yours Truly. 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.
We've attempted to show Polka's storytelling power and give that tired
old Monster Mash a run for its money.

This family-"fiend"-ly concept album immerses the listener in a
haunted laboratory of sorts, to experience the other-worldly birth of
a Sonic Franken(beer)Stein. It's a rollicking good spook out that
evokes the spirit of Halloween any time of year.

Listen to sound files and purchase CD here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/veroniquechevalier

Below is a track list.

01 The Beer Hall In Hell (Alpine Austria) (3:26)
02 Ghost Train (Canada) (4:42)
03 Castle Leap (Celtic Ireland) (3:37)
04 After Wife (Argentina) (4:13)
05 Bubbe's Dybbuk Polka (Eastern European Jewish) (3:30)
06 White Witch Of Jamaica (Caribbean) (4:05)
07 Devil's Guitar (US) (5:47)
08 Fisher Bird Girl (Norway) (6:17)
09 Blank Face Goblins (Japan) (3:49)
10 Strange Faces In The Floor (Spain) (3:32)
11 Kalkajaka Polka (Aboriginal Australia) (3:40)
12 Full Moon Face Off (Gypsy) (3:31)
13 Polka Haunt Us (Eerie Soundscape) (2:29)
14 Vampire Surprise (Transylvania) (Bonus Track) (4:04)

Full lyrics (and artists on each song) here:
http://PolkaHaunt.Us/Pages/Lyrics.html

Enjoy & Happy Haunting!

Veronique Chevalier
Lyricist & Executive Producer,
Polka Haunt Us - A Spook-tacular Compilation
http://PolkaHaunt.Us

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; Japanese guitar virtuoso Goh Kurosawa and accordionist/composer Mike Surratt.

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

CONTACT:
PHU Publicity

Bil Brown, Publicist
bil.brown@gmail.com

(502) 821-3215

----------------END-------------

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!

Click Here To View Event

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

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 Jann Castor, doing turns as the voice of the Undertaker and 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 also 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!

Stay tuned for updates...