Do you like to give or receive?
Is it better to be the giver or the receiver? This seems to be the sexy little question looming in the air this week in Seattle. Luckily you can indulge in a bit of both with several noteworthy events and stimulating news items this weekend. Go ahead- be bad. Be good. Be a glutton for punishment. Or just be anonymous.
Allow me to explain:
If you’re feeling a little voyeuristic, SEAF (Seattle Erotic Arts Festival) takes place this weekend and features an array of the very best in erotic visual arts, live performance, literary arts, and installations. The Festival (now in its ninth year) attracts thousands of visitors annually and continues to grow, most recently under the masterful hand of Festival Director Clayton Hibbert. This year SEAF transforms Fremont Studios into the Red Light District, a new performance space specifically arranged to showcase multiple art forms as well as the Erotic Short Film Exhibition. SEAF’s main stage shows (directed by David Crellin, aka Armitage Shanks) will feature performers such as Evilyn Sin Claire, The Luminous Pariah, Ben DelaCreme, Paris Original, Lou Henry Hoover, Trojan Original, and post-modern aerial circus and dance company ticktock. Workshops will also be given by Miss Indigo Blue and Jesse Belle-Jones. Eva Luna and Twisted Monk (among others) provide ambient performances- something tells me that there will be rope. SEAF takes place May 20-22; check out their beautiful website HERE.
SEAF 2009 patrons
A performance from SEAF 2010
The incredible Waxie Moon, SEAF 2010
Perhaps you want to do a little more than just watch? If so, you may have noticed that this week’s issue of The Stranger calls for HUMP! 7 submissions. The self-proclaimed (and pretty much indisputable) biggest and best amateur-and-locally-produced porn festival of the Pacific Northwest is accepting short film submissions HERE. The screenings take place in November in Seattle and Portland, and if you’ve never attended I can assure you that it is equal parts dirty, funny, sexy, and fun as all hell. As if that weren’t exciting enough…the poster children for this year’s HUMP! ads feature Coco Capone of burlesque-dance troupe Heavenly Spies and Faggedy Randy of Can Can Castaways. Such eye candy, and these are just the teasers.
Read about last year’s HUMP! on Burlesque Seattle Press by clicking HERE.
Coco & Randy for HUMP! on this week's Stranger cover (photo Jake Clifford, styling Kelly O, hair by William Scott Blair for VAIN)
So much for the receiving. Maybe you’ve been a fan/fiend for the erotic and burlesque arts all year long and then some. Now it’s time to give in return. When it comes to the arts, it’s of utmost importance to put your money where your mouth is from time to time and give a little back to the artists that you love. It’s what keeps them on stage and constantly creating, as it should be. We live in a city rich with talent. Giving something back is the sexiest possible way to show your appreciation. For starters, Lily Verlaine’s Kickstarter campaign for The Stargazer Gown- which will be worn to compete for the Reigning Queen of Burlesque title- is in full swing and time is running out. You can be a patron of Lily’s for as little as $5 (with some titillating benefits) over HERE. After the countless stellar shows this woman has provided to burlesque fans, how can anyone in good conscience not pitch in? Lily is a beautiful cause.
Become a patron RIGHT THIS SECOND!
Also this Friday, those in the giving mood can take in a show for a cause: Get Them to Las Vegas! A Fundraiser for the Burlesque Hall of Fame takes place at West Hall.
Here’s the skinny:
On Friday May 20th, local Burlesque Legends Eartha Quake and Velvet Ice take the stage along with a bevy of local performers who are competing, performing, or have previously competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend! Don’t miss this chance to cheer on the amazing collection of talent who will be representing the Northwest in Las Vegas, June 2nd-5th!
Miss Indigo Blue & Lily Verlaine (up for Reigning Queen of Burlesque ’11), Randi Rascal & Iva Handfull (up for Best Debut ’11), Waxie Moon (Opening Night Showcase), The Heavenly Spies (Best Duet ’07) Inga Ingenue (Miss Exotic World Competitor ’08 AND Reigning Miss Viva Las Vegas 2011!), and hosted by Syndi Deveraux (Best Debut Competitor ’10)!
All proceeds go to the Burlesque Hall of Fame and the travel expenses for legends Eartha Quake and Velvet Ice to make it to Las Vegas.
One Show Only!
Friday, May 20th, 8pm
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
$25 VIP Table Seating (up to 4 to a table)
Get tickets HEREAbout the Burlesque Hall of Fame:
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to inspire, educate and entertain the public, fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the unique history and heritage of vintage American Burlesque including but not limited to the art, artifacts and personal histories of the art’s biggest names and brightest stars. In 2006, the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, Nevada in hopes of establishing a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for our one-of-a-kind collection.
Get Them To Las Vegas!
Burlesque Seattle Press 