The Velvet Hammer was the brainchild of Michelle Carr and was created while she was still running the legendary Jabberjaw club way back in the 90s. As the LA club underground musical tide was slowly turning away from grimy altrock and truly ugly sounding AND looking riot grrrrlll to a more fun and way better dressed garage and surf scene, Michelle revived the concept of Burlesque as seen through the eyes of a bunch of crazy punkrockers. It was a no-holes barred amalgamation of old-style burlesque dancing, comedy, skits, magic and acrobatics in a completely unabashed and politically incorrect stew which included girls and guys of all shapes, sizes and sexual orientation. The shows were both amazing and hysterical. (Anyone remember the very first shows at this restaurant/bar across the street from The Dresden Room? Michelle had given us space to sell Dionysus stuff in the back!) By the time Michelle left the States for Berlin and ended the Velvet Hammer, there was a decade long history, a very impressive list of cast and crew, and a lot of truly amazing photographs. While in Berlin, Michelle landed a book deal to publish a mostly visual history of the Velvet Hammer. I had the pleasure of being the Velvet Hammer DJ for the last year of their performances which were held monthly at The El Rey and was in touch with Michelle and a few of the old crew. Upon Michelle's arrival back in the states I suggested a book signing and photo exhibition at ground zero for LA's alternative art, culture and lifestyle, La Luz de Jesus Gallery / Soap Plant / Wacko and it made a lot of sense; Michelle and many other Velvet Hammer alumni were at one time or another employed by Billy Shire and his truly legendary empire. La Luz de Jesus has had a direct impact on each and every one of us in many different ways.

We could not have imagined a better turnout. The store, main gallery (which still had on it's walls the very excellent Marco Almera, Bryan Cunningham and Kryss Sapp show) and back gallery which gave home to three walls worth of Visual Velvet Hammer History, were entirely packed for three hours straight.

Have a look at the night's festivities!!

And, by the way, the book is beautiful! Pick one up if you have the chance. It's simply called "The Velvet Hammer Burlseque" by Michelle Carr.

Velvet Hammer founder - Michelle Carr!

Dainty Delilah Fruitbat

Michelle Carr and Barbara Duffy aka Bibi Poubelle

The Millionare and Barbara Duffy aka Bibi Poubelle

Vanessa Moselle and unnamed person.

Vera Duffy aka Fifi Poubelle

Vera Duffy aka Fifi Poubelle and former Velvet Hammer DJ, current La Luz publicist, yours truly!
With LA Punkrock legend, Hellin Killer

Billy Shire and our favorite art teacher Cheralynn Johnston

Kelly Hardy aka Jewel of Denial

Marie Astrid Gonzalez, Kelly Hardy aka Jewel of
Denial, Nick Ut

Selene Luna aka Bobby Pinz

Hope Urban aka Scarlet Fever

A very crowded La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Me again, with Kastle of Cool Girls.com

Vivian Mr. Uncertain and Selene Luna

Marissa Gomez aka Tipsy Toodles and Van Arno

Mr. Uncertain

Kari French aka Calotta Bleu and Husband Mickey

A crowded photo gallery

Jessica Daniels aka Fifi Le Bum and boyfriend

Maria Basaldu aka Senorita Bunnypants and daughter Olive


Melissa Duke aka Bubbles LaRue

 

Michelle Ora


Augusta

Ron Lynch

Corset maker Sue Nice and husband Ted

Jillian Lauren aka Sparkle Diamond

Fan Art Perez

The names have slipped right by us!

Andrea

Marc Graville and Annie Sperling

Craig Anton

A fan in her Lous Vuitton hat!

Craig Aton, Slim Evans, Marc Graville

Three walls of fantastic Velvet Hammer photographs!







The show remains up at La Luz through March 3. Go see it!