Steve Allen Theater, at the Center For Inquiry West (Los Angeles, CA)
Come down for an amazing night of obscure, naughty and lovely tunes from the 1910s, 1920s and the 1930s. Janet and her band members, The Parlor Boys will treat you to spirited and inspired renditions of Tin Pan Alley, early hot jazz, vaudeville, Yiddish novelty numbers, ragtime and other lovable, rare and rustic tunes.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
Things always "start looking up" when a Janet Klein show is approaching... what a treasure!
The music was great. Cartoons and short movies were shownbefore Janet Klein came on. The cartoons were not as good as the short movies. Overall great time!
My favorite entertainment experience in L.A. I go every month.
This is a "don't miss" event. We'll be going back at full price every first Thursday from now on. What a treat!
Always a delightful show that leaves me wanting more! Janet is a treasure and her Parlor Boys some of the most talented musicians around.
If you want to rediscover what made the Jazz Age such magic, here is the place to begin. Janet Klein and her parlor boys is a real treat for anyone who loves great American music--see her this December 7th, you won't be disappointed. Hopefully, this marvelous band will spark a resurgence in wit, arrangement, melody, and musicality in popular music. Janet, you've captured our hearts, and now we have to follow you around LA smiling, tapping our toes, and staying out past bedtime.
Janet Klein and Her Parlour Boys bring music from a bygone era and make it accessable to modern audiences. Not only is it a wonderful way to experience some of our musical heritage, but the show is energetic and lively.
If you don't care for superior musicianship or music of the 20's and 30's then maybe this isn't for you...but if you're interested in seeing and hearing some very talented performers play what they are passionate about, you should DEFINITELY catch this show!
The Sweet Hollywaiians are ALWAYS a must-see, and Janet and her boys (especially Corey Gemme) were wonderful...
Dandy and delightful.
What can I say except "Ain't She Sweet?" (Hey, that might make a good song title!)
Vintage movie shorts + Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys performing live. 8 pm show. Come down for an amazing night of obscure, naughty and lovely tunes from the 1910s, 1920s and the 1930s. Janet and her band members, The Parlor Boys will treat you to spirited and inspired renditions of Tin Pan Alley, early hot jazz, vaudeville, Yiddish novelty numbers, ragtime and other lovable, rare and rustic tunes.
Janet Klein is the ukelele chanteuse extraordinaire who, backed up by her wonderful band, performs obscure, naughty, and lovely music from the turn of the century through the 1930s. Wonderful in concert; I can’t stop smiling when she’s performing. She also has great CDs. Here’s her unique website, which contains nifty photos, bios, her performing schedule, and other cool stuff:
http://www.janetklein.com/web/main.htm
What can compare with a night of the dimpled darling of depression era ditties?
There was a certain timelessness to it that was cute, but that was only cool for a about 4 songs, then I really had to move on to something more my [younger] speed. Kind of felt like I was watching a show at a retirement home.
Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys do a beautiful job at entertaining people with songs from the 1920s, and earlier, that are rarely heard today. Jerry Beck and his carefully selected early animation set the fun tone of the evening with approximately 3 silent and sound cartoons before the performance.
All in All, Janet Klein and her exceptionally talented musicians are definitely a treasure, and worth seeing!
Heavy rain, freeway flooding and accidents... but nearly a full house for the February 2009 show.
Actually it's "Parlor" not "Parlour" even though one of them is British... Ian Whitcomb, seen here.
Image from November show... an especially enjoyable one.
Photo of Janet with Parlor Boys and guests, The Sweet Hollywaiians
Did I enjoy Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys? Woo-hoo-hoo, did I!
If her shows were any more fun, it would be illegal!
Betty Boop in concert. You will fall in love!
Janet is an incomparable cutie trilling Tin Pan Alley tunes backed up by as hot a combo as you’ll ever find
A perfect cutie!
Hubba Hubba
As "amateurish" as I have ever seen. Don't mean to be cruel, but that show was a big "rip-off", and I use the word "show" advisedly. It was embarassing!
Well, it's somewhat of a niche event. The music was great, excellent musicians. I hadn't anticipated a 1/2 hour of film clips before the show. There were some technical difficulties, and the show seemed somewhat disorganized - lots of pointless chatting between numbers while they figured out what to play next. Maybe it was supposed to be part of the schtick but it didn't come off as charming to me, only as scatterbrained. Show ran over by an hour due to the chatter and some technical difficulties with the screening of the film clips, which normally wouldn't be such a big deal, but I did have to work the next morning and had a long drive home afterwards.
The band was incredible, and I would definitely go to see them again at another venue (I believe they play under the name The Hollywood Hot Tones or Hot Jazz Club, I didn't catch it during the show). However, I really found the personality of the vocalist, Janet Klein, grating. She was trying to be cutesy, which doesn't appeal to me. Her voice was not up to the quality of her backing band. Also, the venue was very uncomfortable; they oversold, so some people had to stand or sit on the floor during the performance, and the actual chairs were not very comfortable. I would prefer not to return to the Steve Allen in the future.
What a sleeper this show is, especially to those unacquainted with Janet Klein. Don't miss it.
My friend loved the show. I, unfortunately, was taken ill and left before Janet Klein came on. I ended up in the hospital, which was a total disappointment for me, since I bought the tickets some time ago and was so looking forward to seeing Janet. I will say this: My friend felt as I did that the screening of vintage cartoons before Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys even take the stage makes for a very long evening. The musical part of the program didn't start until almost 9 p.m. We really feel that Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys are what we came to see and they should be the program for the evening. Vintage cartoons are fine but not on the same night. I felt the same way last time I went to the Steve Allen Theatre. The cartoons are loud and very bright and harshly lit and gave me a headache, not to mention that some have very racist overtones. I realize that they are historic and that one must put them in that perspective, but I am not doing film research, I am coming to be entertained by the wonderful Janet. Feel free to pass that info on to her.
I totally enjoyed Janet Klein. I could have done without the cartoons.
same songs, less enthusiasm, much less cohesiveness, missing two of the better musicians, overcroweded, standing room only; after two years of attendance, I'll probably take a break.
She needed to add more Mae West attitude to make it naughty. The acts prior were outstanding.
Everything was GRReat!! The sing-a-long cartoon at the front portion of the show was the highlight!! Janet makes you grin from ear to ear the WHOLE Show... The Parlor Boys are a fantastic compliment for Ms. Klein! You should attend this "unique" experience!!
The entertainment was quite good, though we expected more varied acts, like some slapstick or magic. The vintage movies were a treat. The obscure Vaudeville songs fun. Klein could use a wise-cracking tap-dancing male companion to bounce off of, to counteract some of the Betty Boop sweetness. More audacious sassiness would have been fun; it was a little too clean. We came with school children, so especially did not care for the inordinately long, boring 50 minute intermission between movies and music, used to shamelessly plug the new CD and vintage-style polaroid pix one could buy (despite the free corndogs and hot pretzels, which were a nice Coney Island touch). Glad we went, but once is enough.
I had never heard of her before, but Janet Klein is fantastic. She's quirky and fun and the songs & band are great. Definitely recommended!
Janet Klein and the other musicians make for a very happy evening
Janet Klein is a consumate performer. She surrounds herself with excellent musicians and takes you on a trip back in time to the 1920's. She is so spot on with her voice, costumes, dancing, arrangements it's actually an educational experience. A joy to watch!
Janet is a unique talent, and the musicians who surround her are amazing. She's no copycat 30's singer, she brings her own individual interpretation to some fabulous rare material. I want to attend every month, thanks to the Steve Allen Theatre, I can! And thanks to Goldstar I can afford to!
What a charming singer and a talented group of musicians. We were lucky enough to witness an equally extraordinary group from Japan that Janet and company met on tour there called "The Sweet Hollywaiians" who were just utterly fantastic. My friend and I had a blast.
I had a great evening! The energy was really fun. I came home and rushed to the computer to buy tickets for next month, but they're already gone!
Just a fun evening
This was an amazing show. The spunky, off-beat Janet Klein and those wonderful musicans who accompany her are not to be missed. You will not stop smiling. What a treasure and what a joy that they're keeping these old tunes so alive. This is a must see!
We had so much fun! We'll go again this summer!
Janet Klein & the Parlour Boys are an absolute treasure to see and hear!
I found the program delightful. The performers are all great entertainers and very professional. It is a treat to see a show with great seats and performers who are enjoying themselves. Parking good...
I always love the Janet Kline show and try to attend monthly. But, I must say, Last night's PROformance was indeed the best I've seen. Totally enjoyable. Thank You Ms Kline !
Wonderful evening. Janet and her boys know how to brighten up a room!
Overall. the show was very entertaining. The short movies were a bit scratchy, but the real show was with Janet and her amazing band. What talented musicians! They played familiar and unfamiliar tunes. It was a real joy to hear and see this musical performance. Free parking, too!!
Janet Klein is adorable, her Parlour Boys are fun and accomplished musicians, and an evening in their company is a guaranteed good time!
I enjoyed Janet Klein very much, but Jerry's movies were a flop - totally uncessary and I couclodn't wait for them to end.
Janet was ebullient and that made me smile throughout the whole performance. The Parlor Boys are unbelieveably talented. What fun! Liked the film shorts, but blurry and after a while, was hard on the eyes.
As usual Janet was just wonderful. Naughty but nice and so much fun. The silent old films are a treat to watch and remember "The Good Old Days".
4th. time to see Janet and we took friends who insisted that we take them again when we return....and that we will do.
This was a fun evening and I'd suggest it to anyone even the slightest bit interested in early 20th Century music. Janet was a hoot to watch; she really gets into her performance and exudes sheer joy in her presentation. The musicians are all top notch, and their playful banter in-between the tunes was fun to listen to as well.
Great band, and delightful star 'Janet Klein'. Also liked the pre-show old movies. Excellent bargain!
I was grinning ear to ear through the entire evening! If you have a low tolerance for music and film from the 1930s and before, this performance is not going to change your mind. However, those who enjoy such a flashback are in for a treat.
A fantastic evening of nostalgia, talented musicians and Janet Klein was like a touch of springtime of days gone by. A must see. Thank you
Sonia F.
It's really fun!
The first part consists of early 1930's musical shorts such as William King and his band and cartoons such as Betty Boop.
The second part is Betty and the boys. They are the answer and personify and they are fully related to what we have in the first part.
They are very, very good musicians. Janet keeps it all together with her 30s mannerisms and sometimes Betty Boop style voice.
The show has been conracted for every first Thursday of the month for this their 5th year.
This show is real good entertainment! Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys capture the spirit of days gone by and present the essence of art that is always beautiful!
Great performance and wonderful music!
We will come again with our friends.
Ruthie and Jerry
First impression was that there was a very diverse crowd attending and that this was the 5th year that they performed at this venue.
There was a wonderful oldtime film short and then Janet Klein, et.al. took stage...CUTE as could be, homesy, entertaining. We enjoyed it very much.
What a great little theatre. We truly enjoyed the show. The film shorts were a nice bonus. Janet and her Parlour Boys were wonderful and very talented. We would go again!
Always a very entertaining and lively show.
I first saw Janet perform about 4 years ago at a nightclub in downtown L.A. and loved her act immediately and have been bringing new people since then. Not only is she a great performer but her backup band is fabulous too! I keep telling her she should be on t.v.! I have 3 out of 5 of her cd's too! She's a rare jewel of a performer. Get dressed up in a 20s outfit and have fun at her show.
very professional, such talent!
what a charming, cheerful and quirky performance.
Once again, the show was great. Janet and her 'boys" are wonderful entertainers and the whole evening is so much fun.
So enjoyable, unique and eccentric ! Especially delightful if you have a love of this period...Archival movie shorts were a hoot. And then we were transported back in time to songs and orchestrations of the 1920's-30's. Excellent musicianship. The guest band--The Merry Hollywaiians, from Japan--was fan--^*#%!--tastic.
A fun, old-timey show. Janet and her band were very good (as usual) and the old movies were fun too. I recommend it!
Janet and her mad band of merry men were wonderful!
Janet is just adorable and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her "Palour Boys" are all very talented in their own right. Lots of Fun!!
What a fabulous evening - I felt I was transported back into that period. The musicians were spectacular and Janet has a lovely voice and is so full of energy you'll be smiling for days! I loved the film clips beforehand which totally set the scene but I'd have liked more info and history about each song, as I knew nothing about the period (except a familiarity with "Happy Feet"!) Bravo to all - I'll be back!
Fun evening - you will feel better after the show.
Delightful! Janet Klein's talent and stage presence is a joy to see and hear!
How can you not enjoy a night of Janet and her friends entertaining? Plus my girlfriends, the Dixie Daiseys performed!!! Fun and entertainment all around
Just really good fun. Janet Kline is darling and perky with the terrific Parlor Boys. Highly recommend
From the short films to the great music..
An evening of smiles and whole-heartedly recommended!
Janet is lovely and her Parlour boys are incredibly talented ..
A night of vintage wonderful-ness!
I didn't know what to expect, but based on other Goldstar feedback -- plus a "best bet" from the LA Times -- I went, and I absolutely loved it. The classic cartoons, the old showtunes, plus the occasional banter and antics of the band, made for a terrific evening.
My only suggestion is to decorate the stage, or maybe just get a fancy curtain. In 1910, nobody would have played in front of a plain black curtain. :-)
Very entertaining. Janet Klein has a fantastic voice. A thoroughly delightful experience.
DIFFERENT-BUT VERY ENJOYABLE. VERY TALENTED BAND AND JANET IS A VERY TALENTED PERFORMER.
I love Janet and her Boys--they put on a great show. I'm not sure about the length of pre-Janet cartoons though . . . I might show up late next time.
My first Janel Klein event. I've become an instant groupie!
I think I'm in love.
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL !
fantastic!
I think Janet Klein is the most talented singer I've been in a long time -- she should have been born in the 1920s -- she's a natural, her dress, personality, choice of songs -- she's fabulous. And her band -- the best in the business. Each one of them is a special talent and performers in their own right. I keep telling her she should be on television. I've recommended her show to all my friends and they now are all fans of hers.
I appreciate what Goldstar does and say keep up the good work. You make theatre affordable and in this day and age it is appreciated, especially to us seniors. Thank you. I keep recommending you to new people all the time.
I'm a solid Janet Klein fan -- in my opinion she's a first class performer, is truly totaly entertainment, along with her fabulous musicians who individually and collectively are standouts. I'm surprised she hasn't been on t.v. yet but eventually I know she will get there. I've taken 1/2 of my friends to see her and they loved her too, and have yet to take the other half -- what's the hurry.
She is so very sweet and acknowledges requests. Last night she sang one of my favorites that she sings as well as a good friend's request also. What a gal!
I very much appreciate Goldstar Events getting us people like Janet at affordable prices -- I am a retired person but not dead yet!!! Thanks for your interest.
You may send Janet Klein a copy of my comments as well.
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Janet Klein and the Steve Allen Theater. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Janet Klein probably should have been born at the beginning of the 20th century, when the "obscure, naughty and lovely" songs she sings were popular. It's the era to which she feels most drawn, and whose spirit and style she so successfully recreates with her music.
The L.A.-based singer records and performs a vast repertoire of long-forgotten material-- songs from the 1910's, 20's and '30's that few people even know exist. "People think of music from the 20's as corny, but it's not... Alot of it is really full of life and bawdy and shockingly "cool", says Klein.
Most of Klein's material derives from obscure 78 rpm recordings and sheet music she and her bandmates collect. Some of the songs are from vaudeville acts that just happened to get recorded on film. Much of it is incredibly rare.
Klein's music goes beyond entertainment--it's also a history lesson, a means of keeping old music alive for a new audience, which encompasses everyone from goth girls and rock fans to people who grew up with the music.
Janet Klein has released five CDs on her own Coeur De Jeanette label.
Called by the LA Weekly " A Betty Boop for the fin-de-siecle" Janet Klein with her band the Parlor Boys perform forgotten gems and naughty ditties from the 1910's, 20s and 30s with panache, style and wit. Nominated for a 1998 Music Award by the Los Angeles New Times, which calls Klein "Sweet and sexy like a classic showgirl...evoking the vamps of the silent era", Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys have been performing about town to great appreciation and soldout houses.
Steve Allen Theater, at the Center For Inquiry West
on November 24th
on November 23rd and 1 more date
on December 6th
on November 21, 27th, and 7 more dates
on November 21, 28th, and 2 more dates
on December 20th
