Charles Cleaver

CARNIVAL OF LIGHT! @sledgemahal @stuartmclamb @howell_steve @snurkin @thecleav @pocket_seeds_ @siblaster @kingsraleigh #thegreatcoverup #thegreatcoverup2026 #thebeatles

This past Saturday, @thecleav , @howell_steve , @sledgemahal , @snurkin , and I performed a Sgt. Pepper’s–era (give or take) Beatles set for one of my favorite Raleigh traditions — The Great Cover Up at @kingsraleigh . It truly couldn’t have gone better. It was an absolute blast bringing these “studio-only” songs to life on stage. Arguably putting in more hours than even the band and me, I want to thank my wife @pocket_seeds_ , who meticulously transformed our “budget” Sgt. Pepper suits. She combed over reference photos from the era and added the right patches, military badges, extra frills, and even hand-painted George Harrison’s little “psychedelic box.” The details were incredible. During the behind-the-scenes mayhem that is always a (welcomed) part of The Cover Up, we forgot to take a group photo — but here’s the best of what I’ve got from the night. 🙌 Cast:
John — Stuart McLamb 
Paul — Robert Sledge
George — Steve Howell
Ringo — Scott Nurkin
George Martin — Charles Cleaver
Eggman — Kate Thompson @pocket_seeds_ 
Walrus — Paul Siler @siblaster Setlist:
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
With a Little Help From My Friends
I Am the Walrus
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Paperback Writer
A Day in the Life Hope we get to do this again down the long and winding road. 🌸🔌

Master of disguise, since 1991 (approx.) Happy Halloween 🎃

Ready for the show. 📷 by @lrodrigu75

Three years of being married to my perfect soulmate! And a special shoutout to my parents (pictured) who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in a few weeks.

What an amazing night. Playing bluesy 80s piano solos (like The Doors but more goth) in front of a sold out crowd will never get old! Thanks everyone involved who made it happen, especially @beloudsophie , @catscradlenc , and everyone who rocked out with us in the audience. Your presence was heard, seen and felt!

In my little universe. 📷 @robdrum 🎨 @thefacesblur

Celebrating two years today with my beautiful wife, my best friend, my soulmate, my companion and partner in all things on this Earth, @anneclairevoice . Isn’t she wonderful? 😍 Swipe for obligatory ring and fancy dessert pics.

Blue skies in Glendale, notwithstanding the dirty hotel window in the second pic. Also, it’s somehow colder here than in NC, but you’ll never hear me say a bad word about sweater weather. Swipe for a picture from a few years back of Jody looking his usual rock star self, while I lurk in the shadows like some sort of piano goblin.

TFW you’re playing your first gig at @thestationcarrboro in 2 years because of a global pandemic

10-year accordion challenge (May 2012 in London, UK, Dec. 2021 in Carrboro, USA). 🪗

Live look from the North Pole (Santa's Workshop, elf break room.) OK, it's actually from last year (the long hair gives it away), but go with me here. I know we're all disappointed by another season of isolation and fear of going outside, but one unintended consequence is that my original Christmas song, which is about isolation and the fear of going outside, is relevant for another year (may it be the last). It would bring me a great deal of holiday joy if a few of you found the time today or tomorrow to listen to this song, which you can find at charlescleaver.bandcamp.com (link in bio!). It is my gift to you, in that it is free to listen to, but you can also download it for $1 or more if you feel like contributing to this elf's side hustle (Santa's workshop still doesn't pay a living wage).