Only the deaths of Andy Kaufman and Frank Zappa proved for certain that neither was the true identity of whimsical vaudevillian performer Leon Redbone, who remains shrouded in mystery to this day. With his trademark Panama hat, black sunglasses and unmistakably warm, raspy baritone—at one point he was the voice of Budweiser—Redbone holds a unique place in the annals of pop culture as an enigmatic revivalist of early-20th century jazz and blues. (Think a cross between Jelly Roll Morton and Spuds McKenzie.) Perhaps best known for his many late ’70s appearances on SNL, singing the theme to TV’s Mr. Belvedere or his duet with Zooey Deschanel in 2003’s Elf, Redbone has, for three decades, been the preeminent force in old-timey novelty crooning—albeit unopposed. But don’t let that fool you. When it comes to serious chops as guitarist and whistler, Redbone is no joke. For those of you who want to forget the troubles of these dire times and take in some sublime Dixieland and refined ragtime, Redbone is there for you—and with a sense of humor to boot.
Thu., May 28, 8 p.m., 2009
Thu., May 28, 8 p.m., 2009
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