Song Spotlight: Ricky Berger's My Insides (a night at The Fable)

It was Ryan Pollie showcase night at The Fable. A very unique set was performed by Ricky Berger. As the set progressed, some in the bar started to edge closer to the stage area (I would exactly call it a stage stage) with a look of fascination. How could they not find the set fascinating. She started off the set playing the flute. Then it was on to the guitar. The keyboard was next - she played the keyboards with such classical skill that she later got a call out by the final performer of the night. What other instrument could she possible use during the performance? She added a xylophone for a song. She performed the final song of the night, "I Want a Cowboy," with a guitar capo. During the song, she shifted the capo down a notch. After she accomplished this task flawlessly, the crowd erupted with cheers. 

Ricky Berger at The Fable

Her vocals were operatic. On occasion she would whistle. I swear she was able to project those whistles so that it sounded like someone in the audience was whistling instead of her. Now maybe people were indeed whistling along with her. At one point, she mentioned that everyone was "such a great audience." Someone whistled back. "Yes, please whistle for yourself." The person didn't whistle as well as Berger; however, so it was likely just her whistles alone that carried her tunes.    

She has a very similar sound to her fellow Los Angeles DIYer Allegra Ondine (if you feel like it, you can read my recent article about her here). 

Ricky Berger at The Fable

What did I notice: She had a half gallon milk next to her -- and she did take it with her when she shifted from the guitar to her keyboard. For the first part of her set, I figured it was going to be used as a prop in one of her songs, but she did in fact drink it. It is possible that in all my years of catching live music that this was the first time I saw someone drinking milk on stage. 

What did I notice 2: She was chewing some gum prior to her set. She decided to stick it on her keyboard. 

I love to do some Internet snooping on artists I write about (especially those I'm coming across for the first time -- such as with Berger). I found this SacTV article that mentioned that she has recorded music with Adrian Bourgeois. Would you know it, I listed him as one of my favorite new artists that I came across in 2025. 

Ricky Berger at The Fable

I'll go with "My Insides" as the song spotlight. "I love all the flowers. I feel like I'm at the right place. It makes sense to me." She was motioning at the beginning to all the faux flower hanging from the ceiling beams. A song about unrequited love that highlights her vocal range and operatic leanings.   

They're in love.
And I'm in Hell.

Partial Setlist: Lonely, My Insides, So Good So Fun, The Man of My Dreams, Novocaine, I Want a Cowboy.   

I could not find the song on any streaming service, but the below is a video taken at The Hotel Cafe.