Who’s in the ‘Hood?

By Ed Bedard

Who is Veronica Klaus?

Long-time residents of Hayes Valley might remember me singing a set at the very first Hayes Valley Block Party many years ago at a store called Modernology. I’m a singer/actress/Scrabble enthusiast/crossword junkie.

How long have you been in Hayes Valley & what brought you here?

I’ve lived in the Valley for about 17 years, since 1988. I moved in when Hayes Street was first beginning to be redeveloped and found a good deal on a studio apartment. I won’t tell you how much I pay in rent! I had moved to San Francisco after college with my first boyfriend. Soon after relocating, we broke up and I discovered the joys of single life in the wicked city. But you can’t be young and naïve for too long.

Where do you keep all those awards you’ve won, in such a small apartment?

Well luckily I haven’t won the Triple Crown or the Stanley Cup, ’cause I would have to give up my rent control to house them, but I have won a few small accolades over the years. Just last winter I was named “Best Chanteuse” by the SF Guardian, and though I’ve got an old Cable Car “Best Entertainer” plaque and a SF Weekly Whammy award for “Best Blues/R&B” hanging around somewhere, I was only nominated for a ny glama “Female Artist of the Year” award. Didn’t get that one.

You’ve developed a glamorous persona. Do you have any comments on glamour you’d like to share?

Joseph Campbell says that the word glamour comes from the magic used to make a stump appear to be a pot of gold. Glamour is an illusion. But then, what isn’t? What’s the truth – very few people roll out of bed looking fantastic, but not everyone knows how to pull it together and shine either. I clean up good, but must confess that I am often seen around the neighborhood in sweats attempting to be stylishly incognito behind dark glasses.

What projects do you have coming up that you’d like people to know about?

Well, I just released a new CD called Veronica Klaus - Live at the Lodge, which I’m very proud of. It’s a great collection of jazz, blues and cabaret tunes that were recorded at a benefit for the Rainbow World Fund and care’s Haitian Relief Campaign. The recording features a 10-piece band and Tammy L. Hall on piano. You can buy it in select stores and online at www.veronicaklaus.com. I’m also performing every Saturday night at Michael’s Octavia Lounge, which is right in the neighborhood also at 1772 Market & Octavia. I’ll be doing a casual late-night show with my trio starting at 10:30 and playing till 1am – perfect for after dinner or the theater! I’m also excited about booking some out of town engagements for “Family Jewels – The Making of Veronica Klaus” a one-woman theatrical show with songs and stories about my life-so far. It was co-written and directed by Jeffrey Hartgraves, another face familiar to Hayes Valley residents. In fact, it was conceived at my favorite neighborhood café, Momi Toby’s, over too much coffee and a worn out deluxe edition Scrabble board! Having free time to play a languorous round over a cup of Toby’s famous house blend is glamorous too, and I’m always up for a game; you never know what might come out of it!

Correction: In the last issue of The Voice, photo credit was improperly assigned. The photo of Greg Henson & Jeff Brooks should have been credited to Crucita Polizzi.

Photo: Kent Taylor