Burlesque Seattle Press

~ Written and Photographed by Paul O’Connell (POC Photo)

The most amazing MC for TXBF, Cora Vette-Denver, CO

Legend Ms. Toni Elling

Current BHOF King of Burlesque: Ray Gunn-Chicago, IL

Once again, for the fourth year in a row, I attended the annual Texas Burlesque Festival. By now there is no doubt that I have a deep love for TXBF and for the city of Austin. I was able to perform on the first night as Man Johnson in what I call the “Zipper Act”, and I of course took photos the other nights. Produced by Terri Raridon and Coco Lectric (the fantastic performer and co-founder of the Austin-based Jigglewatts Burlesque troupe), TXBF is now in its seventh year. It certainly was another successful festival – particularly with headlining star power like Perle Noire, The Stage Door Johnnies, special guest and Legend Toni Elling, plus three nights of exhilarating, sexy, funny, and provocative performances.

TXBF hands out awards in the form of lovely ‘Barbie dolls’ designed by Black Mariah for winners on competition night; here’s a list of who took one home this year:

Best Costume: Blaze-Dallas, TX

Best Use of Prop/Novelty: Black Orchid-San Antonio, TX

Most Original: Paco Fish-Parts Unknown

Best Ensemble: Tifa Tittlywinks & Emma D’Lemma-Houston, TX

Best Tease Factor: Franki Markstone-St. Petersburg, FL

Best Solo: Ruthe Ordare-Vancouver, B.C.

Best Costume: Blaze-Dallas, TX

Best use of prop: Black Orchid-San Antonio, TX

Most Original: Paco Fish

Best Ensemble: Tifa Tittlywinks & Emma D’Lemma-Houston, TX

Best Tease: Franki Markstone-St. Petersburg, FL

Best Solo-Ruthe Ordare-Vancouver, B.C.

I plan on trying to get to as many festivals as possible in the next year (and will of course share photos and results along the way), especially since there are many new festivals popping up in addition to the more established ones across North America. The Lone Star State itself currently boasts four burlesque festivals and counting, including the San Antonio Burlesque Festival happening in August. SABF will be headlined by Michelle L’Amour, Waxie Moon and Legend Shannon Doah. (Submissions for that festival are open till May 10 click HERE for information).

Perle Noire-NYC, NY

Jett Adore-Chicago, IL

Coco Lectric-Austin, TX

Stage Door Johnnies-Chicago, IL

Chola Magnolia-Austin, TX

Jasper St. James-San Antonio, TX

Lowbrow Lullabies-Dallas,TX

Ruby Champagne-Los Angeles, CA

Divertida Devotchka-Dallas, TX

Bethany Summersizzle-Austin, TX

Jet Noir-Oakland,CA

Ruby Lamb-Austin, TX

Harlet Davidson-Austin, TX

Ginger Snaps-Austin, TX

Queertini Time-Austin, TX

Lady Jae-Houston, TX

Roxie Moxie-Austin, TX

Sherry Bomb-Austin, TX

Fat Bottom Cabaret-Austin, TX

Gaige-San Antonio, TX

Goldie Candela-Austin, TX

Caramel Knowledge-Los Angeles, CA

Big Al Dente & Kinsey Scale-Kansas City, KS

Di’ Lovely-San Diego, CA

Eva Mae Garnet-San Diego, CA

Honey Cocoa Bordeaux-Denton, TX

Nina La Voix-Brooklyn, NY

Best Ensemble: Tifa Tittlywinks & Emma D’Lemma Throwin’ it Down

The Jigglewatts-Austin, TX

Producers Coco Lectric & Terri Raridon thanking the crowd

~ by angrytruffle on 04/21/2014.

Posted in Written by Paul O'Connell
Tags: Texas Burlesque Festival