Eva LaDare : Fire-Twirling, Stilt-Walking Burlesque Beauty

Eva LaDare is one of the featured dancers who perform with Bongo Fury, Tuesday nights at Harvelle's. Among some of the best, sexiest, hottest international roster Walter Davis employs, Eva LaDare (literally) stands above them all. 

Stilt-dancing with her incredible curves above and beyond an average man's eyeline, Eva brings a vibe (and a derriére) like no other "gentlemen's club" has been privileged to host.

She is an amazing performer, and worth stopping by to see. (check out the videos below)

Hilary VanLier : Bewitching Chanteuse

I must admit, I've become bewitched by Hilary VanLier (above with Ryan Cross, top, and Chelsea Nichole).

Her movie star looks and So-Cal style make her the uniqu-est of musical creatures... the born-again lounge singer. Aligning herself with Ryan Cross, Gene Coye and Brandon Coleman - some of the most innovative players around - has been a smart choice for Ms. VanLier who knows "it ain't what you do - it's the way that you do it" and she knows how to do it - showcase her voice, that is.

Somewhere between Steely Dan's jazzy playfulness and Jill Scott's rock-solid soul, she takes an ernest "Carlyle Hotel"-approach, and then performs it with the straight-forwardness of Debbie Harry. 

She's a chanteuse. 

How many of them do YOU know?

Miss Willie Brown : Which One's Willie?

Remeniscent of Pink Floyd t-shirts in the 1970s that read "Which one's Pink?", a "Which One's Willie?" campaign might be something that the Southern women might wanna consider. The answer is that Amanda (the one who plays guitar) and Kasey (the one who doesn't) are collectively and officially Miss Willie Brown; 2 Venice locals who wait tables at one of the city's best Bar-B-Que joints, but with their sweet harmonies and their kick ass approach, the day job looks dangerously close to being not needed. They have what it takes. 

Completely engaging the crowd, even jumping onto the dance floor for a brief twirl with some enthusiastic fans, their songs are about freedom, relationships and .... 

bad relationships!

The intense 4 piece band pushed it to the max, dynamically backing the women. No small task, considering Kasey and Amanda's bookended high energy dose. Given genrous solos throughout the night the guitar/bass/drums/keyboards 4 piece opened the second set with some authentic Memphis-style r& b instrumentals.

(pix courtesy my camera phone)

Real Estate : The House Of Vibe

Economy got ya down? 

Is your home worth almost nothing?

Take a break from the reality and get some realty:

A sawbuck is all you need to get into a house.

The House of Vibe, that is.

The funkiest crew in L.A., the H.O.V. Allstars featuring Anthony Brewster (pictured)

Toledo : the show, the whole show and nothing but the show

It's all about the show. 

The Toledo Show. 

What is it? 

An indescribable musical experience mixing the drama of cabaret with the funk of Sly and the Family Stone. Maestro Toledo's incredible vocal style is commanding and nicotine coated. 

Surrounding him is a a team of burlesque dancers. These women - The Dames - will take your breath away as they gyrate and become slaves to the rhythm of the hottest band in town!

Spend some time with Toledo and company, and you'll be addicted to the show - every Sunday night at Harvelle's.

Ryan Cross' Saturday Night Jazz

Ryan Cross returns to Harvelle's tonight following his stellar performance last month. His incredible trio which features Mr. Cross on bass, Brandon Coleman on keys, and Gene Coye on drums is sophisticated and funky.

While these players are serious and seriously talented, the trio is augmented with vocalists and other players. You never know who might be on stage singing and swinging as the showcase rolls into the Santa Monica night.

Scheduled to be onstage tonight, beautiful jazz singer Hilary VanLier, (above w/ Ryan) who coated the room in absolute sweetness last month, will return along with Chelsea Nichole, a brilliant singer whose neo-soul meditations are sure to have the place bopping and digging the deep grooves.

Funky Friday! : House Of Vibe All Stars!

It's gonna be a funky friday, as House Of Vibe All Stars return to Harvelle's! It's a birthday bash for Deploi from the Westside Tribe (aka Joey), and Lady J. (aka Jamie). 

Celebrating in their own funk-torious style, H.O.V. always deliver their incredible mix of soul drenched jazz, rap, rock and reggae. Channeling Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin and Herbie Hancock while mixing it up with their own style, the players always deliver. 

Watch out for the horn section. 

These mighty warriors of the brass will blow down the doors, as Brew and the crew bum rush in time to funk things up! Always a good time! 

See you there!