Dave Allikas, a comedic singer-songwriter, will perform on March 12 and April 23 at the Clarksburg Inn, Stagecoach Road, Millstone Township. MILLSTONE — Dave Allikas started writing funny songs because he realized that they occupy a special place in many people’s lives.
The best comedic singer-songwriters have known no boundaries of age, race, era, musical style or musical skill. Those who grew up in the 1960s likely remember listening to Allan Sherman’s “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” with their parents, or to Tom Lehrer’s “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” with their college friends. The previous generation also went bananas for Noel Coward’s witty ditties.
“Hearing a song you like for the first time is a crystal moment that stands apart from the usual verbiage that bombards your brain, and which your grateful brain preserves and replays for you through the years,” Allikas, of Cranbury, said.
Allikas decided to create an album of funny songs that his family and others could enjoy together.
“I want others to have the experience I had as a kid listening to Allan Sherman that you just can’t have anywhere else today,” Allikas said.
Although there are no comedic singer/songwriters in the limelight today, Allikas said hundreds of people across the country make up goofy songs and post them on the Internet. He said he is trying a craftsman approach to making such entertainment mainstream again.
“Ninety percent of the songs on the Internet are about relationships, sex or show business,” he said. “I don’t care about that. I’m not about being vulgar to get a reaction or to shock. The difference between me and everyone else is that I’m trying to emulate [Stephen] Sondheim. I don’t know how close I get, but at least I’m trying.”
In his songs, Allikas pontificates on subjects such as God, the human gene pool and Marxism.
“These songs are not just goofy, but related to the lives we live,” Allikas said. “That’s what people find most appealing.”
He creates lyrics from news stories, family situations and church experiences, among other inspirations.
“They say never discuss religion or politics. I do both,” Allikas said.
Allikas performs his original comedy songs at venues around central New Jersey. His album tour has included stops at coffee houses in East Windsor, Plainsboro, Bordentown, Bridgeton and Pitman, as well as at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick.
He will appear at the Clarksburg Inn, Stagecoach Road, Millstone Township, at 8:30 p.m. March 12 and April 23.
“If you are in the mood for an evening of fantastic singing and virtuoso guitar playing, go anywhere but here,” Allikas said. “But if you want to laugh to the funniest songs since the days of Allan Sherman and Tom Lehrer, don’t miss this event.”
Allikas will play guitar and sing dozens of his songs and parodies, many of which have been heard on “The Greaseman” and other radio shows.
Allikas’ performance is also interspersed with audience interaction, his own brand of “intelligent standup comedy,” and yearbook photos of girls he liked in high school. And because only those 18 and up will be admitted to the shows at the Clarksburg Inn, Allikas said he is going to let it all hang out (well, not literally).
The event is free.
For more information about Dave Allikas and for song samples, visit the Internet website at www.daveallikas.com.