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

If the above video doesn't work, use this direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GXj3nb3ydE&fmt=22

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Calling Accordionists- Veronique's 'Squeeze Moi' Tour!

Greetings mon cher Accordionistas!

I have a new project up my bony, pasty-white arm...It's tentatively entitled "Veronique's 'Squeeze Me' Tour.

Therein I shall collaborate with one local accordionist from an array of cities to create new material with each....

The dealio: Your music, my lyrics on any subject mutually acceptable. Yield: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes worth. We perform it when I am in your neck-of-the woods, most logical would be to incorporate it into one of your shows, and have me be guest artist.

I then drift along to my next stop, do the same concept with the next guy or girl, etc. Eventually the BEST of each of my duets with each different accordionist from each locale would be placed on a compilation album.

My first official victim, er, collaborator on this project is Seth Bedford of Huxley Vertical, in NYC, and I will be his guest the 8th of May @ The Triad, a tiny treasure of a boite Off-Broadway.

So things are off to an auspicious start with VSMT. Have you any interest to do this thing with moi? Can be rehearsed via mp3 exchange and phone.

I could pay a bit of a commission to facilitate your process, since I know bills don't tend to pay themselves. Don't have a huge chest, er, budget, but we would each retain 50/50 copyright, so you could shop the material around however you wish, just like I did with my collaborators on PHU.

And I would do the same with the compilation eventually, so this would GO somewhere. Not just a little cutesy hobby project, but seriously professional (fun) stuff.

What say you, if you are not too swamped?

:-)

Please say OUI! Whee! So WE can get started soon!

I have had interest also from Mark Growden in SF and Rowan Lipkovitz in Vancouver, as well as Edrie Edrie in Boston. I'm thinking of doing a West Coast leg and an East Coast leg. Why then it'd be a two-legged tour.
Ha!

Not opposed to going to the Midwest whilst I'm at it, just haven't heard any interest from that sector yet...

Merci beaucoup for your kind consideration.
Please contact me as soon as possible so that the games may begin!

~V~
Veronique Chevalier
Lyricist, Chanteuse, & Spookstress


(Beret & fake cigarette optional)
     








 

Hello Dear 'Fiends' & Fans!

I am excited to report that Polka Haunt Us 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!

.

If you live in SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA or a surrounding area, come out MONDAY OCTOBER 20th!!!!

Hey Everyone!

Vyxsin and Kynt will be our Special Guests!!

Here are the details below:

---Monday October 20th - Doors open at 8pm

---"POLKA HAUNT US" CD Release Party

---Hosted & MC'd by Veronique Chevalier - executive producer of Polka Haunt Us

---Performances by: Brooke Trout & the Anchor Men, the Rhythm Coffin, the Reverend and the Doctor, and Tracy Dean & Jesus + the legendary Count Smokula!!! ---- special appearance by Kynt and Vyxsin

---Venue: Club Good Hurt, 12249 Venice Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90066

---Admission is $10 & includes a FREE copy of the Polka Haunt Us CD for the first 100 PAID guests

---Ages 21+ only

***This is a night of MUSIC, COMEDY, BURLESQUE, and FUN!!!!

***We are expecting a GREAT turn-out for this show so be sure to get there EARLY!

"Polka Haunt Us" is comedic, cabaret-style GOTH POLKA CD!

If you live in Santa Monica, CA or a surrounding area, please come out and play! If you are able to attend, please REPLY to this blog so we can hopefully meet at the event!

:::See you there:::

Kynt and Vyxsin

(Reposted from Kynt's blog)

Polka Haunt Us CD Cover - Layout by Sammy Boy Designs

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.

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

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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

http://www.smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=7072

Veronique Chevalier



Liz Ohanesian, Mirror Contributing Writer

As the official story goes, Veronique Chevalier is a French woman of aristocratic breeding whose career in ballet was cut short thanks to the errant firing of a cowboy's pistol. Awaking from her unconscious state without the knowledge of her etoile past and her mother tongue, Mademoiselle Chevalier took to performing cabaret songs in French-accented English.

In truth, Chevalier, the daughter of a French mother and U.S. military father, was born in France and raised across the world. While moving through a string of 13 different schools, she learned that the best way to make friends when you're constantly the new kid is to be the funny kid.

"I was always the class clown," she admits. "That's kind of building to what I've been doing all along."

What Chevalier does is perform a mix of parodies, cover tunes, and original songs with a healthy dose of physical comedy. Try to imagine Madeline Kahn playing Edith Piaf and you might get the idea.

Chevalier's career as a cabaret artist began when a foot injury effectively ended her study of ballet. Initially, she performed in plain English, but a gig at the Church of Scientology's Winter Wonderland event five years ago, her first engagement after moving to Los Angeles, changed that.

"It was 38 degrees out," she recalls. "Nobody was coming to hear me sing and the soundman kept messing up my tracks and it was kind of like a train wreck…I saw how absurd it was, so I just started singing in a French accent out of left field. I thought, why not? It was kind of fun and it felt good."

One week later, Chevalier played her first paid gig as her Gallic counterpart and the crowd took to her. Since then, the Chanel-loving and escargot-loathing stage persona has successfully infiltrated the underground. From 2005 through 2006 Chevalier hosted the popular Red Velvet Vaudeville Variety Show, which featured performances from an assortment of colorful artists.

Her Cabaret4Choice compilation CDs have been championed by cutting-edge music outlets like Internet station killradio.org. And "Vampire Surprise," a tune about Dracula-warding garlic recipes, became a hit of 2007's Halloween season.

"I jokingly call myself a closet goth," says Chevalier, who received the gong of disapproval on the NBC program America's Got Talent (she surmises that she would have been "bummed" if she hadn't been gonged off the show). "I do have this spooky element to myself, but I don't take it seriously, so I throw my comedy in with it."

Chevalier recently finished recording a full-length album, but a release date is currently unconfirmed. In the meantime, she will continue charming audiences with purrs of "cherie" and cries of "mon dieu."

"There's something so exotic about being French," Chevalier muses. "If you've got it, flaunt it."

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