Montreal monthly supper club ”Funk-à-Folies” kicks off its 2025 run at Rebel Brasserie Urbaine (1470 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2H8), next February 15th, at 7pm. Formula is simple: funk music spun by DJ Ben Radcliffe, great animation, games, live singing, altogether fabulousness by Van Hechter, comfort food (such as burgers and- yes- Quebec’s infamous poutine) and guest stars of all sorts… For the year’s ”premiere”, Van has 2 artists to showcase: underground cutting singer-songwriter Lemaycontent and Manuel Skye who needs no presentation (if you don’t know the name just google him)…
I interviewed both Van and Manuel simultaneously, to find out what they were cooking up together…
How did you two meet?
Van: At the gym! We are old school gay: we go to the gym all the time, eat lean and plan to have 22-year-old boyfriends who will WANT to be with us because we’re still hot at 70! Then in our spare time we create beauty. I know, I know, this is a very passé version of the gay man… (chuckles) Anyway I saw Manuel doing handstands and various acrobatics: I liked him. He was different. I am always interested in humans who stand out.
Manuel: I was in my usual bubble at the gym indeed, trying to be as low key as one can get while doing splits/handstands and weight training supersets. Van would express how much he appreciates this art form and yes, even at 85 you’ll see us rocking the same gym routine. This was a goal I set myself way before we met, coz no one dictates what we can or cannot do.
Did you know about each other before that initial encounter and obvious connection?
Van: Oh lord I had no clue I was talking to a star! You see, I had stopped watching his specific form of filmography for a good number of years at that point. I didn’t know how big he was (pun intended or non-intended I don’t know- the sentence just came out that way hahaha). As I said, I wanted to know the person. Over time, we realized we could really laugh together, which is always precious. All my friendships and loves are based on laughter: humor is one of the highest forms of intelligence, I always say.
Manuel: I had seen Van Perform once on a big stage indeed, and was always intrigued and curious about him, for he seemed to have also created his own universe. I did not expect to see him at the gym one day, and the bond was instant, since our minds work in very similar ways. It was refreshing that he had not seen the extent of my work, we then connected in a truthful way, rather than through a pre-established perception.
What will your numbers be like on February 15th?
Manuel: My inspiration for acrobatics consists mostly of folk music from all around the world. I’ll start with my balance act on cubes fused of cheerful Turkish Funk music. This is where Van’s Universe meets mine. He also challenged me to present my brand new sword balance act. And yes, an actual sword, no pun intended for once haha. Plus we have a very special collab and a touching moment with my very own poetry.
Van: Because it’s a Valentine special, I am singing some of my love-themed songs. And of course, one duet with Manuel! Plus, as usual, I’ll invent games and do silly things with the crowd.
You’re doing a duet together?
Manuel: Yes!!! I loved the song right away, for the humor, the messages and the poetry of it. Plus I definitely embody all of the lyrics and attitude, it’s almost too real haha. So I am very happy to be the guest singer on this awesome track.
Van: Originally, I wrote & recorded it with my disco brother DJ Chauncey Dandridge but he’s in NYC and so, on this special occasion Manuel is my counterpart. Lots of fun rehearsing this! Every performer has a different energy. Initially the song was about a certain gay cliché: that guy who still wears skinny jeans with bling T-Shirts (yes, I’m a snob hahaha), who only hangs out with other gays that look like him, who takes 1000000 selfies of his relationship declaring, time after time, that he’s found true love only to declare a few weeks later that he’s now with someone new… But it’s also up to interpretation and Manuel’s delivery of ”Love 2 Love 2 Love” casts a different color. I love that!
What does one feel at a show like Funk-à-Folies?
Manuel: It’s in the name, we invite you to jump in the crazy fun funk bubble in which we live in. It’s a high vibe, joyful & meaningful. Hopefully, you can spread some of that joy all around after.
Van: The world is going through a very disturbed time right now. People are stressed, worried, sad. My events are created to uplift and warm hearts. I want the guests to feel like they are at a huge family party where, for a few hours, no troubles matter. That’s my goal.
What’s the biggest misconception the general public has about Manuel Skye?
Van: That he’s not truly on earth with the intent of bringing joy to others! I know the guy’s soul: I’ve seen it. EVERYTHING he does: from movies, to sexy content, to writing, to gymnastics is about making people aware of their own light.
And about Van?
Manuel: That he is playing a character. (Even him sometimes likes to say that it’s a character, but it really is a genuine side of is personality). What you see onstage is the authentic friend that I got to know more & more; very animated, always a touch of humor & cheerful, with great values a big big heart.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/funk-a-folies-edition-st-valentin-tickets-1208834820489
