Curtis Eller

Curtis Eller, back over from the USA to wreak havoc on the venues of our nation.

Specializing in 'banjo music for funerals, gospel tunes for atheists and novelty dance fads for amputees', Eller's bizarre, dreamlike vision of American history sees all points in time collapsed into one, with a ghastly parade of historical luminaries, from Abraham Lincoln and Buster Keaton to Amelia Earhart and Joe Louis, sharing the spotlight with a host of Civil War generals and corrupt 19th century politicians.

'How to Make It in Hollywood', is a compact collection of glittery show tunes, sentimental tear-jerkers and rock & roll rave-ups whose lyrics are populated with two-bit prize fighters, Hollywood has-beens, lapsed gospel singers and forgotten pop stars.

A Detroit native, the chap started out as a child juggler and acrobat, rose to obscurity as 'New York's angriest yodeling banjo player' and decamped to N Carolina where he created his American Circus.

If that doesn't whet your appetite, just brace yourself for his onstage (on-bar and any and every space available, judging by past gigs at The Greys) animated performance.