A strong melody and interesting lyrics about God propelled the song “Counting Blue Cars” by the band Dishwalla into a radio hit back in the ‘90s. It’s largely the reason why JR Richards, the acknowledged main composer of the song and lead vocals behind the now-classic alternative rock piece, is still a relevant figure in the live gig scene even if he has long been a solo act.
People who are familiar with that hit are simply expected to watch the former frontman of Dishwalla perform in anticipation of him delivering it live through his distinctive, emotive voice, regardless of the arrangement. I, for one, liked his piano-powered ballad version, as it further showcases its appeal as a moving track asking some existential questions and begging to “tell me all your thoughts on God.”
Having been a youth in the 90s heavily exposed to the heyday of the alternative rock scene, the mere mention of his name and the band where he came from made this upcoming fashion show where he is scheduled to perform something worth going to.
Richards will be performing at a fashion concert and banquet for a cause on May 10 in Long Beach, California. The event is called Reverie, which is being presented as “a theatrical fashion experience.” He is featured alongside another frontman from a band who made it, but one who is Filipino-born—Marc Tupas of Shamrock.
The event organizer is one called Crayon Productions, which describes itself as one “fueled by vibrant, innovative minds who can sketch new possibilities.” I got to speak with one of them, Richelle Domingo, who said that Reverie is a “completely different mix of entertainment and fashion,” with diverse models unified by a carefully envisioned creative touch.
A deeper look into what this production house intends to contribute to the showbiz scene is its serious effort to blend fashion, music, art, and cinema by way of empowering Fil-Am and local U.S. talents.
Crayon Productions is collaborating with Chapters by MAYAD USA in presenting Reverie, set at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, which is located at 855 Elm Avenue in Long Beach. Fashion designers Carl Andrada and DJohn Clement are featured, as performers Ardyanna Ducusin, Kodi Lacebal, and Michael Keith will take the stage for their display of vocal prowess and delightful stage presence.
The fashion show starts at 6:00 p.m., with the after-party at 8:00 serving as the cue for Richards and Tupas to grab the mic and the spotlight.
Proceeds of the show will go to Don Bosco’s Boys’ Home Philippines.
“Counting Blue Cars,” which Richards noted he wrote “rather quickly,” was said to have been inspired by his chat with a 10-year-old neighbor. Its massive success made it the most-played song on radio for two years in the U.S., as certified by awards it received from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). The track, released as a single in February 1996, appeared on Dishwalla’s debut album Pet Your Friends.
Partly because no other single from Dishwalla came close to the success of “Counting Blue Cars,” the band was labeled a one-hit wonder, which to me qualifies them as underrated. I thought their song “Somewhere in the Middle,” which Richards said is “a reflection on the push and pull of relationships,” deserved the same recognition accorded to one that irked religious zealots who reacted to the untraditional depiction of God’s gender. Richards recalled receiving death threats because of it.
There’s the line in “Counting Blue Cars” that goes “ask her why we’re who we are.” Richards apparently knows why he does what he does, having released multiple solo albums and co-created the 20k Watts project, which is an eco-alliance eyeing to bring sustainable clean energy to communities. He was eventually awarded by the City of Los Angeles for enhancing the lives of those in extreme poverty in El Salvador.
The ex-Dishwalla lead singer is counting his blessings.