A Chat with David Liebe Hart Before His Visit to Detroit

Photo Credit: Jessic Pohl

Fans of Tim & Eric Awesome Show need no introduction to the man pictured above. They already know all about the charismatic, hilarious, and odd man that is David Liebe Hart. David gained popularity for his songs and puppets that were featured on Adult Swim's Tim & Eric Awesome Show. He was a regular on the show, along with other favorites like James Quall, Richard Dunn, Pierre, Uncle Muscles (Weird Al), and even Dr. Steve Brule (a.k.a. John C. Reilly). His songs are often bizarre, and his puppets are nothing short of amazing. If you're not familiar, check out one of our favorite song's that David performed on Tim & Eric.

David Liebe Hart has a new album out now that he created with composer Jonah “Th’ Mole” Mociun. The album is called Space Ranger and is described as avant garde/electronic pop. You can give it a listen here. Then, you can head to PJ's Lager House this Friday night to see David perform these songs and more live on stage! This is his first time performing in Detroit, so you definitely do not want to miss it! We had a chance to chat with David before Friday's show. See what he had to say, then read ahead to find out how you can pick up tickets to the show.

Photo Credit: Chad Cooper

HID- How did you start working with puppets?

David - "I started working with puppets when I went to a TV show, Garfield Goose, back in the early 50's. Then I started working with puppets when Jim Henson and Burr Tillstrom taught the bible stories with Kukla, Fran & Ollie. And Jim Henson taught with Kermit The Frog and the dog."

HID - Who are some of your biggest influences?
David - "Doris Day, Barry White, The Beatles, Jackie Gleason. I liked Red Skelton and I liked Jim Morrison. The Spinners and The Stylistics."

HID - What was it like working on Tim & Eric Awesome Show? How did you get involved with that show?
David - "Ben Berman, the casting director, called me to come in for a cold reading for the show. And there were like three other Black guys being interviewed. And they had me write a song about an alien puppet. And they liked my act better than the other two Blacks that interviewed for the show. And the first show I did was Salame, and I became a hit ever since. Working on the show was fun. Comedy, enthusiasm, creativity. A lot of good energy, a lot of good talent. Great creativity like I have creating songs and music with Jonah."

HID - Tell us about your new album! We know you worked with Jonah “Th’ Mole” Mociun. Did you guys write the songs together? Where did you record the album?
David - "I recorded the album with Jonah's equipment at his home up in the Nevada [City] mountains. We co-wrote a lot of songs together on the album Space Ranger and Go Into The Light and Astronaut. And then I wrote songs before I knew him and he added different melodies to them."

HID - What can fans expect at Friday's show?
David - "Comedy, fun, puppets, creativity, enthusiasm. A lot of fun, a lot of joy, a lot of happiness, a lot of good music. And a puppet show."

Tickets to see David Liebe Hart and his puppets live on stage are only $10 in advance or $12 the day of the show. You can purchase your tickets online here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the show by sending your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #salame in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner the morning of the show and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

David will be joined by Chip The Black Boy, Whatever Your Heart Desires and Detroit's own Paco Higdon Band and The Imaginatron. Doors are set to open at 8 p.m. and performers will hit the stage at 9. All ages are welcome for this one. For more info, click here.

~C