Mysterious Puppeteer Captivates L.A. Crowds

Jeffrey's Human Persona has remained anonymous for 25 years while staging monthly musical puppet shows on a Koreatown street corner

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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For nearly 25 years, an anonymous artist known as Jeffrey's Human Persona has been staging guerrilla-style musical puppet shows titled 'almighty Opp' on a street corner in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Despite missing only three shows in the first 19 years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him online in 2020 and a family tragedy kept him away for a few more years. But in December 2025, he returned to the corner, drawing a crowd of several hundred devoted fans. In February 2026, he held his first ticketed event called 'Secret Somewhere Services' at a private residence, where Willie Nelson's son Micah performed as the opening act.

Why it matters

Jeffrey's anonymous performances have built a dedicated following over the decades, highlighting the power of grassroots, community-driven art to captivate audiences. His refusal to compromise his creative vision and his devotion to his monthly 'services' despite personal sacrifices demonstrate the passion that can drive an artist to create something truly unique.

The details

Jeffrey's 'almighty Opp' shows feature a variety of custom-made puppets that are far from the friendly characters of children's television. The ringleader wears a sinister costume, and other puppets include a clownish snowman-like creature, a tall spindly clown, and a disheveled baby doll. The music, played by Jeffrey behind the curtain, features his wavering vocals singing about subjects, ideas, and feelings that have occupied his mind. A common refrain is 'It's OK to not be OK,' which the audience sings along to.

  • Jeffrey missed only three shows in the first 19 years of his 'almighty Opp' performances.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic forced Jeffrey to move his shows online in 2020.
  • Jeffrey returned to the street corner for the first live show since the pandemic in December 2025.
  • Jeffrey held his first ticketed 'Secret Somewhere Services' event in February 2026.

The players

Jeffrey's Human Persona

The anonymous artist who has been staging the 'almighty Opp' musical puppet shows on a Koreatown street corner in Los Angeles for nearly 25 years.

Shambles

Jeffrey's wife, who operates the puppets from behind the curtain during the shows.

Crumbo

Jeffrey and Shambles' 5-year-old daughter, who is worn in a sling by Shambles during the shows.

DingDing and Cylo

Two assistants who can be seen behind the black curtain during the shows, with their faces hidden in knitted clown masks or shielded by makeup.

Micah Nelson

Willie Nelson's youngest son, who performed as the opening act for Jeffrey's 'Secret Somewhere Services' event.

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What they’re saying

“Even though I'm performing, I don't really consider myself a performer. I'm an obsessive maker. The audience is just coming along for the ride for me — life's ride — of how I'm feeling at that time. It's kind of like a Catholic Church service, where the sermon changes, but the structure of it remains the same.”

— Jeffrey's Human Persona

“If you just show up for a paycheck, what are you really doing? I'd rather be a flop and believe in it.”

— Jeffrey's Human Persona

“It's all about honesty, and the people who understand it and keep coming, they know that it's something absolutely real.”

— Jeffrey's Human Persona

What’s next

The 'Secret Somewhere Services' events will continue once a month or every two months, with guests able to check Instagram for information on how to score a coveted ticket. Jeffrey is also making larger, 7-foot-tall puppets for these ticketed performances and experimenting with the format of the events.

The takeaway

Jeffrey's anonymous 'almighty Opp' performances have built a devoted following over the decades, demonstrating the power of grassroots, community-driven art to captivate audiences. His refusal to compromise his creative vision and his unwavering dedication to his monthly 'services' despite personal sacrifices exemplify the passion that can drive an artist to create something truly unique and impactful.