Demento’s devotees
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Songwriter Veronique Chevalier strolled into the Orange County Marketplace Sunday with one goal: to meet famed spoof radio jockey Dr. Demento and get a copy of her newest single “Vampire Surprise” in his hands, and hopefully on the air.
That morning Chevalier made the 46-mile trek from her home in the hills of Hollywood to Costa Mesa where Dr. Demento, whose real name is Barret Eugene Hansen, acted as grand marshal of the 10th Annual Trick or Treat Festival on the Orange County Fairgrounds.
For the usual entrance fee of $2, guests perused the grounds, checking out 24 antique and classic hearses, grabbing candy from booths spread around the grounds, watch a giant pumpkin carving in the works, and shop, all in the same location.
“Who knew that a bunch of hearses could be so much fun,” Chevalier said.
This was the second time Chevalier, who goes by the stage name “Weird Val,” had the opportunity to meet the doctor in person. The first was in Alta Dena four years ago at a “meet-and-greet,” where aspiring satire song writers brought their recordings for approval from the master of spoof music on the radio.
“I was so happy to meet him,” Chevalier said, who came to the event as a vampire with a major death wish, clad in red and black striped leggings, and a garlic necklace strung around her neck. “He’s kind of a quiet unassuming chap.”
“He’s my childhood hero.”
Hansen was equally ecstatic to get face time with his fans. On the air as Dr. Demento since 1970, Hansen has answered all kinds of questions, but never seems to get bored or agitated with the fanfare.
“It gives me a chance to see who my listeners are,” Hansen said.
Clad in his usual attire of a black tuxedo, top hat and shiny red bow tie, Hansen signed photographs of him leading the hearse procession from last year’s gig.
“They give me something different to ride in ever year,” Hansen said.
As Hansen fielded the numerous inquiries into long lost singles from the 1950s and why his show moved from radio to the Internet, the line to meet him continually filled. The sight proved quite a testament to Hansen’s mark on those listening over the airwaves as mothers brought their young children up to the disk jockey who was no stranger in their knowledge of pop culture.
So many parents told Hansen how they had grown up listening to him as a child and how their own offspring do as well.
“The question most people ask me is ‘Why aren’t you still on the air?’” Hansen said. “The answer to that is as complicated as why is there no football team in Southern California.
“Now everyone wants to take their picture with me.”
Demento did not take to Chevalier’s work at their first meeting, but the Hollywood resident remained hopeful Sunday. Immersed in her element amid the ominous atmosphere of coffin-filled hearses, plus the scurrying ghouls, goblins and other costumed trouble makers, gave Chevalier a renewed sense of hope, she said.
“I know he’s got a major backlog of things to listen to, but it’s unlike any song out there,” Chevalier said, adding that Demento’s show was the perfect venue for her style of song. “He did Weird Al, now it’s time for Weird Val.”
KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].
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