The history of music, photography and even the movie musical genre are full of examples of posers who look the part but, upon dropping the needle on the record (or not auto-tuned mic) reveal their real talent is truly skin deep. Pia Zadora, anyone?
However, on Sunday night - and on the outskirts of the westside’s Other Wealthy District - sits the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, who will welcome to their intimate venue the singer Candye Kane.
While the name might sound familiar, it could because in the ‘80s Kane was more known for the occasional film that often earned her an X rating. This former pin-up poster girl in her current role is really a bit more comfortable with her new skin as a singer. And she has good reason to be.
Backed by her traveling band Swingin' Armadillos, Kane’s act is a solid throwback show to those days of Bessie Smith, when innuendo ruled the clubs.
Her music harkens back to a “we-don’t-have-a-label-for-that-behavior” age, when musicians long before Bowie, Johansen, and Jagger all tripped the lines of what a gender can or cannot do or say on stage. She will have you melting in her hands once you hear those crystal clear, downright sexy vocals.
Kane’s blues-inspired performance style is a reminder of that time in American music when a burlesque-like playfulness onstage from a songstress would freely intersect with the audience members. For it to work, it is clear that each entity needs the other to create this wholly unique live music experience.
The same will be true for those who show up to be part of Kane’s one-night-only show in a tiny venue that might scare off some once they arrive under the cover of night, but did win the 2011 Neighborhood Business Association award for Best Interior Renovation.
If your thing is the kind of American Roots music Kane will present on Sunday, then you must head west to the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.
Admission: $10
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