The Toledo Show : Dame Molly D'Amour

Dame Molly has been a dancer with The Toledo Show for several years. One of the darkest and sultriest of the dames, Molly is a goth princess, tattooed with blood red lips. She has been touring with the impossibly successful Lady Gaga as well, dancing her way around the world in a high profile tour.

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly

It's J.T. Ross' Birthday on Friday!!Come Celebrate!!

Labor Day Weekend at Harvelle's

Weekend At Harvelle's : Plan Accordingly

Hot August Nights : Weekend At Harvelle's

The Toledo Show : The Return Of Brian AllenPlus Dessy DiLauro brings it!!

The Toledo Show is a never ending burlesque journey through grimey back alleys filled with unknown vices, sweaty women, tons of cigar smoke and all that stuff that seems cool until you're neck deep in it, and then it's just a daily reminder of how low down and filthy life can be.

But lucky for us, every Sunday we get to celebrate this life source and dance and party and dance some more while Toledo preaches the funk. We watch as Toledo's "Dames" dance with wild abandon - swinging from the ceiling, dancing on the bar (above), bumpin' and grindin' through the crowd and across the dance floor just for your extreme voyeuristic pleasure.

Bringing a short glimpse of what this coming Thursday will bring, hep-hop fro-hawked diva Dessy DiLauro (pictured above with partner Ric'key Pageot far right on the keys) kicked off the second set of the night with a look at her new video ("Why You Raggin'?"), which will debut proper Thursday, July 14, right here at Harvelle's. Dessy and Ric'key did a couple of their new songs, which revved the crowd up for what turned into a spectacularly raging set by The Toledo Show. While they are always "on point", The Toledo Show was extra electric tonight, perhaps spurned on by the return of fistful-of-dynamite bassist Brian Allen (pictured below - with saxophonist Walter Davis).

The Toledo Show happens every Sunday night at Harvelle's.

The Toledo Show : Sunday Night Fever

Does anyone not know about The Toledo Show? The Westside's livest experience must be seen to be understood. Some of the funkiest cats in L.A. are in The Toledo Show. Toledo, Spoonie, Brew, Shamari, Asa, Sebastian, the new guitar player, Malik and Walter are at the top of their game. The Dames - Erin, Mindy, Leah and Molly seem to have raised the stakes in the burlesque dance department. With burlesque shows playing everywhere in some sort of revival, this is the real deal.  

I Got The Munchies For Your Ultralove

Ultralove is the man.

His Monday nights at Harvelle's are becoming the party place to be. Ultralove celebrates the beginning of each new work week by giving back to the community with his righteous grooves and ridiculously talented band. Every week they seem to play harder and engage the crowd more and more.

Doug Showalter on dynamite guitar, plays with flash and verve, not to mention his re-interpretation of funk as it fits the unique Ultralove model.

Jon Piazza (aka Jon Swift) sat in on keys - on loan from Wednesday's mid-week massive House Of Vibe All Stars - and threw down in a way he doesn't generally - that is showcasing his considerable keyboard chops!! 

Bassist Mike Gunn is having so much fun on stage it's truly joyful to watch (and hear) him dominate his 5-stringed beauty. The contrast in personalities with the lead singer creates a sort of dynamic duo; a Richards/Jagger or Page/Plant kinda vibe.

This week, singers Love Logiq and Soul Star were absent, so the sound was much more focused on the band's playing which is skin-tight and pocket deep due in large part to accomplished drummer Seth Murphy. He keeps the rhythm going - his hits per pound pack a wallop. I'm sure he's practicing in-between Mondays cuz he's making the songs "groove"-ier and with more rhythmic depth every time I see 'em.

Special guests like Toledo (of the Toledo Show) and the very rock-star haired rapper Joe Con understand the appeal of Ultralove's vibe and shared the stage adding flava, to make it that much better!

The Toledo Show : If you don't know...

Now you know!!

The Toledo Show is a wild burlesque fantasy ride from a not-so-distant galaxy!! The sexy dancers bump 'n' grind while Toledo sings soliloquies from his soul, painting pictures of gritty nights and sleazy women, while the band plays heavy duty funk-jazz with a definite edge. This long-running extravaganza is exclusively at Harvelle's every Sunday night.

The Toledo Show : Shamari's Having A Par-tay!!

The annual birthday celebration of Shamari of The Toledo Show took place this past Sunday. The revved up atmosphere was like an Xmas explosion. Tinsel and presents everywhere! There was rumors of Shamari descending from the ceiling - which were exaggerations - although she did have at least 3 clothing changes through out the night. Happy Birthday Shamari! Enjoy your next trip around the sun!

Shamari - seen here beaming in the rapture of a Spoonie bass solo.

The night was all about Shamari and her prescence ...errr presents.

That's Mindy. One of The Toledo Show Dames.

Shamari raises the roof!

Walter Davis on the saxophone.

Walter Davis is incomparable. That has been proven by Toledo Diamond. This post about The Toledo Show features no photos or mentions of Toledo himself. That doesn't seem right. It's The TOLEDO Show. He's Toledo. My apologies to Toledo.

Harvelle's Weekend : Dennis Jones + Jimmy Z +The Toledo Show

Friday:

Dennis Jones Band

Dennis packs 'em in so get there early and be ready to dance.

Guitar master-blaster D.J. leads his rockin' trio (Michael Turner on drums and Sam Correa on bass) through some of the funkiest blues around.

Saturday:

Jimmy Z and the Z Tribe

The world famous Z-Tribe featuring triple threat sax/harmonica/singer Jimmy Z. Music and dancing for those ready to have great time.

Sunday:

The Toledo Show

It's a dark erotic burlesque cabaret. What does that mean? Toledo and his backing band paint musical pictures filled with grit and romance. The Dames are his impossibly sexy troupe of dancers that thrill the crowd.

JT Ross says:

"Harvelle's is the OLDEST live music venue on the West side and is among the most intimate of clubs one will find in Los Angeles. It's dark & sexy and the perfect room for dressing up, sipping your favorite top shelf cocktail and dancing the night away. So bring your friends, husbands, wifes, lovers, neighbors and anyone who simply wants to have an incredible time."

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly

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Friday:

JT Ross The Harmonica Boss:

This show will feature the amazing talent of guitar wizard Henry Carvajal and Jerry Angel on the drums. Benjamin Bateman Band opens the night.

Saturday:

The Delgado Brothers!

Latin tinged blues and r&b! Always a good time and a great night to let loose and dance. Get on the floor! You'll be glad you did!

Sunday:

It's a funky burlesque cabaret and the master of ceremonies - Toledo Diamond - is one of the most charismatic figures in L.A.'s underground.The Toledo Show has been turning people on for nearly a decade.

JT Ross says:

"Harvelle's is the OLDEST live music venue on the west side and is among the most intimate of clubs one will find in Los Angeles. It's dark & sexy and the perfect room for dressing up, sipping your favorite top shelf cocktail and dancing the night away. So bring your friends, husbands, wifes, lovers, neighbors and anyone who simply wants to have an incredible time."

Haunted Harvelle's PresentsThe Toledo Show's Halloween!(Adieu Ashley!!)

October 31, 2010 :

Harvelle's historic Halloween haunt hovers on the hysterical, as handsome heros and hi-heeled heroines - hotter than hell - hold horizontally and whore their hollow halls, high as heaven.

OH! and it was Dame Ashley's last dance. The Texas beauty is returning to her roots. I wish her the best! She will be missed.

aerialist Leigh Acosta high above it all

Specialist of thanks to the whole Toledo Show posse : The Dames - Erin, Mindy and Ashley• the band - Walter Davis (sax) Asa Watkins (drums) Anthony Brewster (keys) Brian Allen (bass) Alyson Montez (violin) Sebastian Legar (trumpet/keys) & DJ Vicious Lee (turntables)• the vocals - Shamari & Malik• and the man himself Mr Toledo Diamond.

All the love to David and Cevin & the Harvelle's staff - John, Mika, Candise, Guy, Ne$to, Stan, Joseph, Emily, Samantha, Sheena, & Melinda.

A groovy kind of love to Leigh, Jackie & Brian, Miss Heather and Miss Nikky.

Toledo Show : Final Shot

Toledo Show : Mad, BadAnd Dangerous To Know

It's a Sunday night at Harvelle's and that means only one thing!

The awesomely delicious burlesque funk performers collectively known as the Toledo Show are taking over!! From 9:30 til close, The Toledo Show have been bringing their patented blend of bump 'n' grind funk with the gritty storytelling of front man/lead singer Toledo Diamond.

Allison (violin) and Sebastian (trumpet)

Toledo Diamond is a legend.

He is easily the hardest working man in show business. He is definitely one of the most entertaining. And you know what? I think I'm underselling it here.

Brian Allen (bass)

Brew (keys)

Toledo is mesmerizing.

Sober as a statue, his only vice being his steady stream of Erik™ cigars, he ringmasters one of the funkiest musical experiences I've ever been privy to witness. Tight as a snare drum, this group, which ranges in numbers from 4 - 15 (+) features singers, horn players, rappers, keyboardists, one of the greatest bass players ever(!) - basically, everything you would need if you were going into funky battle.

Shamari (vocals)

This has been going on for the better part of a decade at Harvelle's, and the rabid fans and Toledo Show every-week regulars are almost as much a part of the show as what's going on onstage. Especially for the un-indoctrinated, there's a bit of a cultural learning curve; The Toledo Show's funk exists at almost lethal levels and seems at it's best, when mixed with much sweat from dancing and perhaps a cocktail (or two)* from Mika or John behind the bar.

Women have been known to swoon at Toledo's aura, and men have become instantly smitten by the waaaay too-sexy dancing girls known as The Dames (not pictured here).

Walter Davis (saxophone)

Besides the music though, witnessing the clothes, the sound, the lights, the dancing girls, the aerialists, the Toledo fans, the sexy women in the front, the cats, the dames; the whole dirty deal.... will leave you glad you decided to step out on a Sunday night.

It's a scene man.

You gotta check it out!

(There's CDs for sale behind the bar if you want a souvenir)

*never drink and drive!!

Big Blog shout-outs to Mr. Toledo Diamond, Brian Allen, Walter Davis, Leigh (aerialist) and

The Dames : Erin, Mindy, Ashley, Leah & Molly.

Happy belated birthday to Jackie O'Neill!

Special thanks always to David and Cevin and the

Harvelle's Sunday cast & crew - John, Mika, Melinda, Emily, Stan & Ernesto.

Howdy to Kasey, Amanda and Baby Blues Bar-B-Q

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly!

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Friday:

Club favorite Dennis Jones brings his rockin' trio for an end-of-the-week, blow-off-some-steam-and-dance party - heavy on blues favorites and some of D.J.'s crazy-cool originals.

Saturday:

Nick Moss and The Flip Tops bring the best in Chicago guitar blues to the stage of Harvelle's for the first time. A Saturday night you won't soon forget.

Sunday:

It's a funky burlesque cabaret and the master of ceremonies - Toledo Diamond - is one of the most charismatic figures in L.A.'s underground. The Toledo Show has been turning people on for nearly a decade.

Harvelle's — located in the heart of Santa Monica's historic downtown — provides music, full bar, ample dance floor... everything you need for an unforgettable night. The best of blues, jazz, soul, latin and burlesque since 1931.

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly!

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Friday:

The best of rock combined with deeep soulful vocals x 2!!!

Vintage Trouble celebrate the release of their new CD!

Opener Johnny Stachela with Jessie Payo on vocals bring the fire.

Get there early! This is gonna be a great evening of music!!

Saturday:

Jimmy Z is an amazing sax and harmonica player.

Jimmy Z & the Z-Tribe are Harvelle's favorites and they throw down some of the best blues around. Come and let down your hair!!

Sunday:

It's dark. It's erotic. It's funky. It's a burlesque cabaret and it's indescribable in words. That is The Toledo Show. If you ain't never been, what are you waiting for?

Harvelle's is your one stop shop for an evening out. Located in the heart of Santa Monica's award-winning downtown, Harvelle's provides music, full bar, ample dance floor, smooth dudes, kool cats, nice chicks, bitchy dames... everything you need for an unforgettable night. If you've been, you know.

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly!

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Thursday:

Kirk Fletcher : New-jack blues guitarist (formerly of The Fabulous Thunderbirds).Backing Kirk is Luke Miller/keys, Calvin Turner/bass, Lemar Carter/drums, and Kris Bradley on vocals.

Friday:

Club favorites The Boneshakers bring their super bad grooves featuring the vocals of Mr Sweet Pea Atkinson (Lyle Lovett, Was (Not Was)).

Saturday:

Prepare to dance and let loose, as Arthur Adams brings down the house with his home brew; combining legendary vocals and electric blues soulfulness.

Sunday:

Experience the dark erotic funky burlesque cabaret that is The Toledo Show.

Harvelle's is your one stop shop for an evening out. Located in the heart of Santa Monica's utopian downtown, Harvelle's provides the music, the cocktails, the cats, the dames and the whole dirty deal. If you've been, you know. If you have yet to, check it out; inside it's dark with red booths and a black and white checkerboard dance floor. It's always a great time and I'm usually hangin' out somewhere in the house.

See you there.

Toledo Show : T Plays It Cool

Labor Day weekend. If you ain't already here... This is THE place to be RIGHT NOW!! But there's a line down the block.


Dames, funk, heroes, villains - the whole damn thing.
(below - Toledo: gettin down zebra style!!)

(below - Walter Davis: blowing the battle cry of The Toledo Show. His mighty saxophone has been heard from the Eastside to the Westside. )


Tomorrow : Labor Day proper. Come out and meet UltraLove. The singer's beginning his Monday night residency, come by, and get down wit yer badself
CORRECTION : Tomorrow is Venice rockstar Stevie Starlight! UltraLove will be here next Monday.

Big ups to David, Cevin, Alex, John, Jackie, Mika, Candise, Melinda, Ray, Stan, Nesto, young Chelsea and the Westside Tribe!! Where's Emily?

Thanks for making it interesting : Mindy, Erin, Ashley, Shamari and lil' Cassandra!! Where's Heather?

This entry posted live from Harvelle's using BlogPress & the iPhone Hipstamatic photo app

Location:4th St,Santa Monica,United States