KERI KELSEY

Sun., Dec. 21, Doors open at 6 p.m.  Show begins at 8 p.m.  KERI KELSEY.  The irrepressible, irreplaceable, implacable, fearless, gorgeous, perfect host of the Tuesday night Gardenia Open Mikes closes out December with her own show.  She comes from a background that includes a degree in Theater Arts, but in addition to roles in regional musical theater, her life experience includes having run away with The Big Apple Circus (and its man on the flying trapeze) to assume roles as clown, popcorn seller, juggler’s assistant, and Ring Mistress.  She has worked as a radio news reporter, hostess for QVC, literary agent, signer for the deaf, teacher of the art of cabaret performance—and she has swung 35 feet in the air from a float in the Rose Bowl Parade!  With inspiration from Julie Wilson, Nancy Wilson, and Ann Hampton Calloway, she has performed in New York at Tavern On the Green and Danny’s Skylight Lounge, in San Francisco at The Plush Room, and of course many times in Los Angeles at The Gardenia.

This show, “MishMosh and Memories,” provides an eclectic mix of music and amusing stories about some of the crazy and fun things that have happened at Open Mike over the years.  She is supported by a magnificent band comprised of Andy Langham on piano, Lyman Madeiros on bass, Dori Amarilio on guitar, and Steve Hass on drums.  Special guest singers round out the night.