Velvet Hammer is not alone in its mission, either, sharing artistic energy with NYC’s VaVa Voom Room and the Memphis Confidential group from Tennessee. Both groups, Carr says were spawned from the Velvet Hammer collective and always make an effort to perform with their California sisters.

With the southern California arts scene driven by novelty and trend, is Velvet Hammer in danger of being just a momentary enthusiasm for post-modern swing kids and beatniks? Carr emphatically says no. Their audiences continue to grow, as does their appreciation of the art.

“I don’t dig trends as a rule for obvious reasons,” she explains. “I think our show is appealing to anyone who wants to have a good time. We stake our reputation on it.
We have gotten a lot of fan response from guys and gals alike. No one has gone stalker. I think they know better. We’re a pretty tough bunch of broads.”

Carr says she takes great pride in knowing that the Velvet Hammer refines itself with each show. What essentially began as a dare five years ago has blossomed into a full spectacular. Temptation does indicate a desire to take the Velvet Hammer on the road, but that isn’t a priority for Carr.

“I would love to travel with the show,” Carr says. “But I’m just taking it as it comes. The enjoyment is in the camaraderie, creating the costumes, brainstorming ideas and challenging ourselves to top the last show.”

Each edition of the Velvet Hammer takes about four months to conceive, rehearse and perform. All for what results in maybe two to three minutes per act. “That’s love,” Carr smiles. It is also affection for a chance to express themselves. It is far from a history lesson, a revival or even performance art. Perhaps it is all combined. But within its shimmering facade lies the unique ability to make a defining statement about gender and culture.
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