A couple of weeks ago, my friend Karl Mohr, who often plays under the moniker Dead Red Velvet, invited me to play virtual host for his online concert. Shortly afterwards, he decided to invite me to join him in his basement studio — from where he was broadcasting — for his number, Can Your Remains be Buried with Mine? I was only too happy to take part.
That afternoon, something happened, leaving Karl without his half-hour opening act, so he invited me to take over that slot. Again, I was only too happy to oblige.
I even quickly learned Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Getting Back Together, and yes, it’s becoming part of my regular repertoire.
With my opening act done, I put down the accordion in a nearby chair, ready for the moment I’d be called to join Karl, sat back and took in the show.
Resplendent in dinner jacket, dark shirt, scarf and horned cowl, Karl played and sang his gothic-cabaret songs with his piano, with the very helpful and able backup of Ian Revell, also a co-alumnus of Crazy Go Nuts University, performing on guitar.
Since this was an audio and video broadcast, Karl also recruited some visual backup. Handling still images was Darren Hyde, who did interpretative painting along to the music.
He made some gorgeous pieces, including one that incorporated a good number of Karl’s lyrics.
Handling the broadcast camera and sound, as well as the motion picture projections was Steven Cerritos. Those are his films that you see projected on the performers and the screen behind them.
And finally, Louise Bak provided her sultry voice and poetic style as the event’s MC.
We even had a little audience of friends! It made for a cozy studio, but it was great having them there.
I managed to capture some well-timed photos of the performance, including the one above with “Mr. Stabby”. (And yes, Karl switched hats mid-gig.)
Here’s Karl sending some greetings to the audience and introducing Darren.
Another well-timed photo, this time with “Mr. Smiley” in the background.
The performance lasted a little over an hour, and Karl invited me to join in for more than just Can Your Remains be Buried with Mine?
Another well-timed photo.
It was great performing with Karl; I hadn’t done it in years! He liked what I did for the opening act, so I’ve been booked for his next internet performance, which he plans on making a regularly-occurring event. Watch this space for more announcements!