Staff Report

If you’ve ever seen “Vanilla Pop,” the 80’s lounge duo who have been entertaining New Mexicans for the past 10 years, then you probably know “Al Dente,” the sarcastic, sequin laden front man of the duo.

What you probably don’t know is that for the past year, the crooner has been developing a one-man solo performance called “The Alan Allen Show.”

Following in the footsteps of renowned musical comedians Alan Sherman and Tom Lehrer, with a hefty dose of the contemporary Tim Minchin thrown in as well, “The Alan Allen Show” is a blend of socio-political commentary and musical comedy, and promises to be something new and fresh in the New Mexico entertainment scene.

But be warned, “The Alan Allen Show” is definitely not for the humorously squeamish. Those familiar with Dente’s sardonic needling and occasionally self-deprecating interludes during Vanilla Pop shows, will feel right at home as he sings and rants about offbeat subjects usually reserved for late night talk shows.

The songs mostly draw from the musical styles of the 20s and 30s. Jazzy progressions, ragtime and bossa novas lend a recognizable sound to the tunes while maintaining originality and a current feel.

“The Alan Allen Show” will have two performances. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 1 in Santa Fe at The Palace Restaurant and Saloon. The show will go to a monthly schedule thereafter. Tickets are $10 and limited to 80 seats.

Advance tickets for “The Alan Allen Show” show can be purchased online at http://thealanallenshow.com or by calling The Palace at (505) 428-0690

Table reservations are recommended for parties of four or more who purchase tickets.