Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt

February brings us a very special Fan of the Month who has been on the Red scene for many years (apparently since childhood because she still looks so young!). I’m pleased and proud to have made the acquaintance of this fine lady…. About four years ago she and I used to get the dancing started at Rusty’s, on nights when other audience members seemed a little shy. Nowadays she works the door there and I wedge myself into the crowd that forms on the dance floor even before the guys take the stage. It's even more special that Yolanda is February’s Fan of the Month because her birthday just happens to be February 10th!

For the record, what is your name?

Yolanda Che McClamb

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Wiesbaden, Germany. I was a military brat so I was raised all over. I've lived mainly in Austin, Texas and Philadelphia PA. I have lived in LA now longer than anywhere else.

What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you don’t mind people knowing about?

Let's see, interests, hmm, I loved books, writing and music. I still do. I'm also an avid people watcher. You can watch some interesting individuals in this city. As far as obsessions go, chocolate, ice cream, cute ears on even cuter guys and ;)... [KO: We’ll leave the rest of that to your imaginations!]

Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play.

I pretend to play the keyboards, harmonica and autoharp (you know that thing they showed you in the 4th grade). I can kinda play the recorder. I play a mean rainstick, but I really can sing up a storm.

What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?

I am living my life the way I want and not the way others expect me to live.

What are your favorite movies?

In my video collection you will find Labyrinth (starring David Bowie), Princess Bride, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the Star Wars trilogy, the Indiana Jones trilogy, Singing in the Rain, Hans Christian Anderson and several movies starring Will Smith, Sandra Bullock and the comedic god, Robin Williams.

Do you have any favorite books?

Early Stephen King, Shel Silverstein’s "Where the Sidewalk Ends," "The Lord of the Rings," Dr. Seuss, Maya Angelou’s "Phenomenal Women."

What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?

Well, besides the boys in red I love techno, dance, house, industrial, latin, jazz, rock, etc.

When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?

Before they were the Kings of Siberian Surf Rock, I met Igor and Oleg when they were members of another band called Limpopo. They came up to Loyola Marymount while I was in school there and performed unannounced. They were the best entertainment to ever hit the campus. It made me, a poor college student, part with $10 for the tape. When Igor and Oleg formed a new band I had to follow those charismatic characters. I’ve been following them since 1992.

About how many times have you seen them?

Wow, now that involves math and I HATE math. I've known the guys for over ten years now. I am known about town as "Red Elvis Girl" because of the numerous times they pulled me out of a crowd to dance with them on the Promenade. I must have seen them more than a little but less than way too much. (which isn't even possible).

What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?

They make me happy.

What’s the furthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have good story around that?

Due to financial restraints I am not able to trek across the countryside to follow them but I’ve seen them from Pasadena to Laguna.

Any other standout, all time great memories of shows you’ve seen so far?

One of my many favorite shows was celebrating my birthday at the show. My all time favorite would have to be when The Red Elvises and Brother performed at the annual Twilight Dance program on the [Santa Monica] Pier. Igor did a striptease and climbed the scaffolding. Needless to say, "the crowd went WILD!!!"

What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?

I'm an old school girl I love “Tango,” “Sad Cowboy Song,” “My Darling Lorraine,” “Rocketman” and of course “I Wanna See You Belly Dance.”

What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you'd like to say to the band?

To quote Spock, "Live Long and Prosper!"

Okay, last question…Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?

True fans PAY the cover charge and don't argue with the person at the door about the list. (I've worked the door so i know of where I speak). Stay loyal. Have fun so we can always Boogie on the Beach.