A Liberal Dose of Satire for Die-Hard Leftists

For voters unhappy with the results of the November elections, the Foremen present an entertaining way to mourn --a satirical funeral.

Presiding over a “Funeral for the American Liberal,” the Los Angeles-based folk quartet plans to grieve the “death” of liberalism. Special guests Paul Krassner, Rick Overton and John Ross will be on hand to deliver eulogies on Saturday evening.

“We are acknowledging ourselves as lefties and the depths (to) which we have sunk,” said Roy Zimmerman, the group’s leader and founder. “We’re in the grieving process now.”

The Foremen use the folk sound of the early ‘60s-- a twangy banjo and guitar --combined with four-part harmonies as a vehicle for ‘90s-style satire. In addition to Zimmerman, group members are tenor Kenny Rhodes, bassist Andy Corwin and guitarist Doug Whitney.

Zimmerman said the November election results spawned a wealth of new material that is both unusual and thought-provoking.

“I’ve got loose-leaf notebooks full of stuff,” said Zimmerman, a Pacific Palisades resident who composes most of the group’s material. “The (election) results took me by surprise, and it got me thinking about what kind of world we are living in.”

Writing songs based on local and national issues, Zimmerman has composed such tunes as “There Ain’t No Left Out,” “What Is a Man? (Newt Gingrich, That’s What)” and a campaign song for Gov. Pete Wilson, “We’re Re-Pete-ing Ourselves.” These and many other political topics will be addressed during the performance.

“We’ve come a long way from the New Deal to the Raw Deal,” Zimmerman said. “I think we’ve come too far, frankly, when you can watch the National Liberal Bashing semifinals on ESPN.”

So although it may be the end of an era, it’s just the beginning of a run of six shows by the Foremen. Performances begin Saturday and continue weekly through Feb. 11 at Luna Park.

The Foremen present “Funeral for the American Liberal” at Luna Park, 655 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. Performed at 8 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets $15 , $12 each for a group of six or more. Reservations required. Information: (310) 652-0611.