Harvelle's: walter davis

Showing posts with label walter davis. Show all posts

Monday, February 20, 2012

The Pitter-Patter of Bump 'N' Grind :
Bongo Fury Returns To Harvelle's (Long Beach)

Dateline : February 17 2012. Long Beach, CA

The return of Bongo Fury - Walter Davis' afro-cuban-latin-jazz-burlesque night - a huge draw in Santa Monica a couple of years ago now back into production at the Harvelle's in Long Beach. It's been well documented in this blog that BF is responsible for the very inception of my relationship with Harvelle's, Walter and Carolina; the reason I perform poetry is due in part to the encouragement of Walter.

Carolina Cerisola (right->) has inspired many photos, a poem or two, and her spirit and life outlook have kept me lifted. She is very wise, a true internationalist and someone whose moves I follow (figuratively and literally). With her business partner Sascha Escandon, they have created The Floor, and this Friday (Feb 24) they kick-off Friday Kind Of Love - at Harvelle's Long Beach; an exciting new night where the groove is set to sweet sweet soul.

Although her heart and home is Buenos Aires, Argentina, Carolina is a fixture in Hollywood, she's a heroine to some and inspires others she doesn't even know. When people speak of her without her present it is always with reverie and joy. I see the look on people's faces when she dances; they smile. They forget everything else. They're mesmerized and elated by her every movement. She makes people happy by dancing.

It was great to see Bongo Fury again. Walter's group - which reunites drummer Asa and percussionist Timbali also features Shadarius Shields on bass - laid down the tribal wickedness, and brought out the afro/latin/cuban vibe without kitsch. Dancer Zepha (<-left) took to the new room like a fish to water - if a fish had hips - and worked the room like she'd been there a million times before. This simple combo of cool jazzy live music with ridiculously talented dancers is a winner every time! (The show also features DJ Paper spinning club hits, hip-hop, oldies, soul and eclectica.)

There are lots of burlesque shows in town.

There are a couple of great ones - shows I try to never miss, but Bongo Fury has a special place in my heart and no matter where or when it happens, I'm there!

Thanks - the BF crew (Walter, Asa, Tim, Shadarius, Carolina & Zepha), DJ Paper, Ryan, Doug, Dana and David. Happy Birthday Cevin!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Return Of BONGO FURY

I haven't written the words "bongo", "fury" or "zepha" in quite sometime, but all that ends right now!

Walter Davis has re-booted Bongo Fury, his afro-cuban jazz and burlesque show, that was a huge draw when it played every Tuesday nights in Santa Monica. It is what inspired my initial relationship with Harvelle's (and this blog), as well as with Walter and dancer Carolina Cerisola. Bongo Fury used to feature some of the sexiest dancers around, among them, the aforementioned Carolina, Dakota, Annika, Jillian, Molly, Lisa, Hannah and of course Zepha!

Tonight in Long Beach, Harvelle's presents Bongo Fury.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Toledo Show : Fuck You For Fucking Me...

...For Fucking Myself!!
-The battle cry of Toledo Show frontman Toledo Diamond.

The Toledo Show 2/12/12 Santa Monica, CA -
Another night of sweaty jazz funk and delicious dames bumpin' and grindin' went down last night at Harvelle's. The Toledo Show band is Asa Watkins (drums), Walter Davis (sax), Spoonie (bass/vocals), Sebastian Leger (keys/trumpet) and Shamari Harbin (vocals). The Dames are Erin, Evalee, Mindy, Molly & Nykky. Special guest on vocals - Ultralove.

The Toledo Show play at Harvelle's in Santa Monica every Sunday night, and at the new Harvelle's in Long Beach every Thursday.

It's a dirty job but someone's got to do it!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Toledo Show : The Dames!

I almost think that if you're not cool enough to have shown up to see The Toledo Show, you're not worthy of seeing The Dames. You're lucky. I'm giving you a sneak peek, not just because "sex sells", but perhaps if you don't know, you'll come check it out.

Still pictures - even HD video - doesn't do The Toledo Show justice. It's an experience of light and sound and funk and a virtual walk down the back alleys of Toledo Diamond's cerebral private universe. Is it fiction? Or are these true tales from Toledo's adventures? One never knows, do one? So here for your pleasure, a small gallery from a recent Sunday Toledo Show.

DJ Mic on the mic keeps the club hits bangin' all night long!!

Dame Leah is sho nuff sittin' on a goldmine!

Tonight, along with Sebastian Leger (keys, trumpet, vocals), Seth Murphy (d) and Mike Gunn (b)were The Toledo Show back line. Bringing it deep and low, loud and fresh, uncomplicated and true, they handled their debut with The Toledo Show with fire and much aplomb!! Check them out as the drum and bass of Ultralove; they play at Harvelle's every Monday.

And by the way...

you're still not worthy.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Toledo 500 : 10 Years Of The Show

The Toledo Show is a dirty burlesque film noir experience that can only be understood by being present. For 10 years The Toledo Show has taken over Sunday nights at Harvelle's in Santa Monica pushing boundaries and converting the uninitiated into staying out late on Sunday nights.

Unlike any other show, The Toledo Show is wholly original, funky as hell and leaves you exhausted and satisfied.

Happy Anniversary Toledo and company!

Walter is incomparable

Toledo's 10 year Anniversary

Dame Erin

Rachel Lynn, Toledo, Dame Mindy

Dame Nykky returns triumphant.

Dame Erin's dance of love

Toledo diggin' on Dame Molly's thighs

Jonathan Heuer plays guitar

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

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.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Toledo Show : Mad, Bad
And 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

Sunday, September 5, 2010

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

Monday, August 9, 2010

The Toledo Show : This IS Santa Monica, Bitch

Sunday night.... The Toledo Show...

You know where you are, you're gonna dance and drink and hang out and it's the funky erotic cabaret madness full of burlesque dancing, heavy bass lines and over-the-top horns.