These burlesque-inspired dancers, called “dames” in the show, hang from iron rods installed near the ceiling at Harvelle’s during a song -- much to the elation of those (especially the men) in the audience below. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
“Dames” (burlesque dancers) work the crowd at Harvelle’s during a routine. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
In front of the small stage at Harvelle’s, dancers perform for the audience while the band plays behind them. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Toledo sings one of his original songs at Harvelle’s. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Bijou Phillips sings a song from the movie “Dark Steets” with the Toldeo Show band at Harvelle’s. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Actress Bijou Phillips joined the band for two songs during the Dec. 7 Toldeo Show performance in Santa Monica. Phillips appears with Toledo in the forthcoming indie film “Dark Streets,” tipped as a soul-infused blues version of “Moulin Rouge.” (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
The line between performers and the crowd blurs during the Toledo Show’s weekly performances. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
The Toldeo Show draws a crowd late at night in Santa Monica. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Toledo sings as one of the dancers hits the stage. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Toledo describes the show’s music, which touches on several genres including jazz and funk, as a “soul cabaret.” (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
The band doesn’t have much room to stretch out at the tiny venue, which sometimes prompts Toledo to take a wireless mic into the crowd during the show. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Dancers mingle with the crowd during a few numbers, fanning out all the way to the back of the bar. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Toldeo and his dancers jump to the bar’s floor directly below the stage during an upbeat number. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Bringing the funk at Harvelle’s. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Toledo Show (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
Things get hectic mid-set, but the Toledo Show’s back-up singers don’t seem to mind. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)
