Andy Wallman and Biff Blumfumgagnge of the eclectic Madison band the Gomers held a slightly awkward cyber press conference on Friday afternoon to announce the Slappy Hour Variety Special, a live-music event slated to be held at the Frequency nightclub twice a month.
In addition to film presentations, "bizarre sights and sounds" and guest artists, the show will feature various Gomers-related projects, including Prog, Reptile Palace Orchestra and Cement Pond.
The first Slappy Hour Variety Special is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 and will have music by guest musicians Sean Michael Dargan and Jonathan Zarov, along with the Gomers. Also planned: Screenings of the work of silent film star Harold Lloyd. The Dec. 26 Variety Special's guest is the local rock act Lorenzo's Music.
Joined on the telephone by Frequency owner Darwin Sampson and members of Madison's entertainment press corps, Wallman and Blumfumgagnge gave a brief web presentation about the history of the act and then announced the event.
As inventive with their publicity as with their music, the Gomers teased reporters, used funny voices and made irreverent remarks about Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz during the brief conference call. The effect was unnerving.