 On Wednesday April 9th, 2025 at Music City in San Francisco we present a show that, on the occasion of his 97th birthday, celebrates piano playing satirist Tom Lehrer — a man whose songs combine the subtlety of a sledgehammer with the charm of a tax audit. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Lehrer’s oeuvre (and for those who wish they could forget), expect a smorgasbord of sardonic wit, sharp political commentary, and tunes that manage to be both clever and completely inappropriate. From the raucously irreverent (“The Masochism Tango”) to the merely lacking in propriety (“Poisoning Pigeons in the Park”), Lehrer has a song for every occasion — none of which you’ll likely want to play at your next family gathering. This showcase event is sure to be the perfect introduction to a man who managed to make humor out of topics like nuclear war, sadomasochism, and, of course, mathematics. The show will capture the essence of Lehrer’s uniquely casual performances, often done for friends in intimate settings, where spontaneous musical outbursts (usually prompted by extreme boredom) were considered a form of social survival. If you’re expecting a well-rehearsed, polished performance, you’ve come to the wrong place. This tribute, with contributions from various Bay Area luminaries, much like Lehrer’s own approach to live performance, will include moments of awkward pauses, questionable lyrics, and the occasional flubbed note — just to keep things authentic. It’s a chance to experience the genius of a man who made fun of just about everything, including his own place in the world of music, and somehow made it all sound so much better than it had any right to. So sit back, relax, and prepare for an evening of laughter — and mild discomfort. The proceedings are curated and hosted by E.G. Phillips (known as the front man for the fake ensemble Ducks With Pants), who like the man to whom the event is dedicated, has attempted to prolong adolescence beyond all previous limits. The full roster of players is listed below. Kitten on the Keys Kitten on the Keys (@kittenonthekeys) is the stage name of of Suzanne Ramsey, a Bay Area native who's toured extensively though the US and Europe. Her songbook is deep and wide. Pianist, accordionist & singer, Suzanne plays a hodgepodge of styles and eras. Kitschy Cabaret originals, bawdy blues, unexpected covers, and forgotten gems of yesteryear. You can find her playing around the city at Madrone Art Bar, the Rite Spot Cafe or the Royal Cuckoo Market. Paul Griffiths Englishman Paul Griffiths has been described as “Elvis Costello meets the barber of Seville.” He’s a gem of a writer at the center of the Bernal Heights music scene, the nexus of which is Charlie's Cafe. The song from his repertoire that sticks out most in my memory is about “A Headless Body in a Topless Bar” so he seemed to be a perfect fit for this year’s ensemble honoring Tom Lehrer. wrob Know for titles such as “Armadillo on my Pillow”, “Plastic Jesus,” “Take Off Your Pants”, “My Butt Dialed You, Not Me”, and of course “Make America Gay Again” ukulele comedy blues songwriter wrob (the w, unlike the performer, is silent) has written 400 songs, and plays acoustic, electric, banjolele, plus death metal kazoo. Maurice Tani Maurice Tani (@tani.maurice) is a San Francisco born and based singer-songslinger, known for his wry/rye-to-romantic writing, agile guitar style and expressive singing. With his band, Maurice Tani & 77 El Deora has been the source of untold, but exquisite suffering on the west coast Americana scene for over twenty years. Maurice has a regular feature on @acousticguitarmag where goes over "campfire" arrangements of popular songs — his most recent being a version of "Singing in the Rain." T-Fab Tinelphaba or Persephone Von AHEM (you’ll have to ask them) are the stage names (depending on who’s asking) of Tifab (they/them). They are a multi-disciplinary performer, singer, voice teacher, composer, twitch streamer, and occasional dancer, that pretends to be a nerd and geek sometimes. Their affinity for travel has found them both on and off stage and screen, and on both sides of the US and internationally. Tifab can be seen frequently at events and venues throughout the Bay Area and Southern California, and they are very proud to bring more POC representation in the performance and music community. They are VERY thrilled to be performing in this phest with all these fantastic performers, and they hope to one day be as amusing as the incomparable honoree. Xifer Fortier Xifer Fortier (AKA XFR 4TA) is a songwriter, singer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His debut solo album, Funny You Should Ask, was released in 2019, and included the single, 2020 Vision - an optimistic song of hope for the year 2020 that was heralded by one critic as, “.. spectacularly missing the mark, but .. whatever .. great song ..” The collection features contributions from Camper Van Beethoven’s Jonathan Segel, Seal Party’s Chris McGrew & Kevin Seal, and improvisational high priest, Ralph Carney. Upcoming releases include a turn as lead vocalist on a tribute LP to the late Nash the Slash with guitar phenom, Nolan Cook. Xifer lives more or less happily in Oakland, California with his life partner, Laela, and their dog, Bacon. He’s a remarkably strong swimmer for someone with his lifestyle. Kevin Seal Kevin Seal writes, sings, and plays black & white keys for the band Seal Party (sealparty.com) — plus he makes honking saxophone toots in other projects. He is also the organist for the San Jose Sharks as well as a session musician and arranger. Kevin believes in a 13-month calendar and eats bell peppers like apples. Victoria Dagger Victoria Dagger @idontgiveafemme (any/all pronouns) is a queer chicanx and a long-time haunter of green rooms. She looks forward to making her on stage debut at LehrerPhest in tribute to the demented tunes on which she was raised. You may also know her as the fashion designer and “coresetrix” behind the eclectic, feminine daywear line @popantique. EnSeanTe Sean Owens (they/them) is a playwright and performer, working in the Bay Area and beyond for 36 years. In addition to sketch comedy, they have written musicals, solo shows, radio dramas, ghost stories, and audio essays — on top of that they have a lucrative side hustle in writing multimedia tours for art museums! Brendan Getzell Man for all seasons, Brendan Getzell (@brendangetzell) is the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist who is the host the Hotel Utah Saloon open mic, the musical director for Kat Robichaud's Misfit Cabaret, a member of multiple Bowie tribute bands... and so, so many other projects. Luna Nightshade LLC NADIA T MEYERS is the sole proprietor of LUNA NIGHTSHADE, LLC, in Oakland, CA. Going by the stage name, LUNA NIGHTSHADE, LUNA's primary focus is on her gift of song writing and song arrangements, often showcasing this through (but not limited to) live singing and comedic performances.
All jokes, creations, renditions, lyrics & melodies, writing, and performances by NADIA T MEYERS, also known as the artist LUNA NIGHTSHADE of LUNA NIGHTSHADE, LLC, are protected by the AMERICAN MUSIC FAIRNESS ACT. Copying for the use of duplication / impersonation / mimicking / Doppelganger in digital or live form is strictly prohibited. You may reach her at [email protected] End of Bio.
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