Eye candy.

•02/17/2012 • Leave a Comment

Sadly, today was the final day to catch the titillating documentary about legendary Parisian cabaret club Le Crazy Horse at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown in Queen Anne. (Yes, that Crazy Horse, where Dita Von Teese has been an honorary featured performer; some of her numbers there were released in conjunction with the club HERE).

If like me, you missed the documentary Crazy Horse in its whirlwind week in Seattle because you were preoccupied with gladiators and Madonna tickets, you can amuse yourself (in French!) with the trailer below. Horse tails clock in at 20 seconds, and the incredibly monotone/adorably French showgirls begin inexplicably singing in a recording studio at about 1:08. It’s a very amusing two minutes well worth your time:

In more regional but also vaguely French news, POC Photo has just posted some pix of The Atomic Bombshells in J’Adore! A Burlesque Valentine over HERE. Here’s a little sampler from the set:

Ruby Mimosa, The Island Flower (POC)

Kitten LaRue, Lou Henry Hoover, and Inga Ingenue...chained together (POC)

Ben DeLaCreme in "Sugartown" (POC)

Kitten's nod to Evangeline the Oyster Girl (POC)

Honey D.Luxe's ever-expanding heart dress (POC)

The magnifcent Lily Verlaine (POC)

75 other photos from J’Adore! can be seen HERE.

Posted in Written by Jessica
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J’ADORE! A Burlesque Valentine honors love at the Triple Door.

•02/10/2012 • Leave a Comment

– Written by Jessica Price (this article also appears in this week’s edition of Seattle Gay News,  2/10/12)

Love is on everyone’s mind this month, perhaps with a little added meaning now that marriage equality is becoming a reality In Washington.  Kitten LaRue, producer and performer in local burlesque super-troupe the Atomic Bombshells, couldn’t be more pleased that the timing of annual Valentine’s show J’Adore!  coincides with such a historic change, especially  considering that roughly half of the cast are members of the LGBT community.   This year’s production feels like a Valentine toast to good things to come.

The Atomic Bombshells have been embraced by a wide-ranging audience for years now, and Kitten credits Seattle’s cerebral audiences and her family of dapper hosts, drag kings, drag queens, and glamour girls for presenting gender performance in such a way that definitions are incidental.   “Most of our shows are very heavily themed, with a specific through-line, but I wanted J’Adore to be our rotating variety show…a bombastic, over the top glittery spectacle would be the theme,” she says. “It’s more of a grab bag of different guests.”

Stylistically the performances range from tap and jazz dance to burlesque and drag (Ben DeLaCreme’s maniacal take on “Sugartown” is an annual highlight), and the through-line, aside from the many forms of love, is a certain brand of campy humor that the Atomic Bombshells come by naturally.   Having been raised in Louisiana on a steady diet of dance, MGM musicals, and classic burlesque, when Kitten moved to Seattle and created The Atomic Bombshells, a little glamour mixed with screwball humor fit the bill.  Meanwhile, Kitten found herself working at a Belltown bar with local heroine Dina Martina.  Both Dina and The Bombshells were scouted by the same producer, looking for acts to book for the summer in Provincetown.   In later seasons, the Bombshells shared a roster with such influential drag artists as Varla Jean Merman. “Provincetown definitely influenced the progression of the Atomic Bombshells,” she says.  “It’s like bootcamp for performers. People like Margaret Cho are out there barking, hustling their shows every day.”

Kitten is coy with specifics this year, preferring to keep audiences on their toes.   She will divulge that Inga Ingénue and Ben DeLaCreme will introduce acts new to J’Adore, and Cherdonna (of The Cherdonna & Lou Show) will perform a solo dance number.  Ruby Mimosa debuts a new signature costume made by the fantastical J.Von Stratton Designs.  As for Honey D.Luxe’s unforgettable heart contraption- “Well, she decided it just wasn’t big enough…” Kitten laughs.  “It’s pretty amazing.”

J’ADORE! A Burlesque Valentine

February 11- February 13 @ The Triple Door

Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 day of show

Special Industry Night rate for Monday, February 13th: $18adv/$20dos

www.tripledoor.net or 206-838-4333

Posted in Written by Jessica
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What’s F*cked Up?

•02/07/2012 • Leave a Comment

It's time for round three.

– by Madeline Rider (Contributing Writer, Seattle)

Unfortunately, I have not yet had the privilege of attending the previous incarnations of Heidi Von Haught and Randi Rascal’s infamous production That’s Fucked Up. Lucky for me, the third installment of the notoriously deviant variety show runs this Friday through Sunday at ReBar, “the only venue unscrupulous enough to host such an orgy of grotesquerie!” As fellow Burlesque Press Seattle cohort and editor Jessica Price notes in her previous posts on the TFU legacy (see here, here, and here), the producers have chosen to evolve their strategy regarding act submission and curation. As opposed to handpicking previously known and seen acts, this time around we saw Facebook posts requesting a two part audition including both a written submission and a physical conceptualization of the final piece. In a community where “change” and “evolution” of the art form seems to be on the tips of everyone’s tongues, this open-minded approach to the curation process is indicative of not only the boundary pushing promised within the show itself, but of revolution in Seattle burlesque production.

When I sat down with Heidi and Randi, as well as TFU performer Wiggy Stardust, in August of last year to talk with the trio about reProduction: A Burlesque Benefit for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, I was given a clear look into the personal motivations behind the politically-charged producers. Each individual’s experience contributed to the commentary made within their pieces. Often silly and occasionally dark, as producers and performers Heidi and Randi take the little nagging voices inside of them- the same ones we are probably all familiar with- that recognize the urgent need for change, and materialize them into a splendid display of hilariously uncomfortable yet none-the-less palatable critical thinking and performance. While all this serious commentary is happening, they still manage to bring a certain levity that rounds out an immensely entertaining show.

With what seems like impeccable timing, this Friday’s opening of That’s Fucked Up 3– a show whose producers claim “discomfort leads to growth”- comes on the tail-end of a shocking post on Seattle’s own Sydni Deveraux’s Q&A column Stripper Talk on her blog Living in a Glitter Wonderland. After fielding a rather ignorant (and insulting) question quite tactfully, Ms. Deveraux’s comment thread exploded with conversation and discussion regarding political correctness, cultural boundaries, and addressing intentionality and motivation behind politically charged satire within burlesque and performance art. A purposefully controversial show such as TFU3 serves as a vehicle for a similar conversation and as I have much faith in the brains of producers Heidi Von Haught and Randi Rascal, as well as the performers listed on their bill, I look forward to my first experience with what’s fucked up.

At 7:00pm on February 10, 11, and 12th at ReBar, That’s Fucked Up 3 is hosted by Armitage Shanks and features Waxie Moon, Sabrina Chap, The Luminous Pariah, Jackie Hell, Tata Hari, Oakland’s Juciy D. Light, Wiggy Stardust, Flirty Sanchez, Paris and Trojan Orignal, Bella Bijoux and Jenny Penny. Tickets are 21+, available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222279. ReBar is located at 1114 Howell Street, Seattle WA 98102.

Read more from Sydni Deveraux’s Living in a Glitter Wonderland at http://thegoldenglamazon.wordpress.com/.

Posted in Written by Madeline
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Stripped Screw’s New York surprise…

•02/01/2012 • Leave a Comment

Never let it be said that Stripped Screw is inflexible.   In their brazen history (so far) are roughly half a dozen lineup changes, scads of intriguing themes (What to Wear to the Apocalypse, anyone?), a helping of atypical narratives mixed with multiple road shows, guests, venues, and side projects… and a few hefty surprises.  But we’ll get to that in a moment.

What’s most important is that in that Stripped Screw circa 2012 has some might lofty aspirations, and they’re edging a little outside their own safety net with every show.  In other words, under the sharp eye of Violet Tendencies and her well-chosen company, Stripped Screw (and Violet’s own Valkyrie Productions) is making impressive strides forward in the densely populated burlesque city of Seattle.

Stripped Screw’s successful Disney After Dark show (which toured regionally in Portland and Olympia) returns for three nights March 8-10.  The shows will take place at the beautiful Columbia City Theater, which was built in 1917 and is the oldest vaudeville theater in the state of Washington.  The cast includes all of Stripped Screw Burlesque: Violet Tendencies, Stella D’Letto, Kylie Koyote, Kutie La Bootie…plus auxiliary Screw Roxie Moxie, returning from Texas especially for Disney After Dark.  Other guests include Prince(ss) Longfellow, Paris Original, Trojan Original, Bella Bijoux, Iva Handfull and Tin Pan Sally.

As for that big announcement… in addition to featuring Baby Le’Strange from Rose City Shimmy (Portland) and Evilyn Sin Claire of Sinner Saint, Stripped Screw has confirmed a big, beautiful star will guest in Disney After Dark:  the one and only Tigger, all the way from New York City.

Tigger started stripteasing in 1992 and was one of the first performers in New York’s burlesque revival.   There weren’t many men performing under the banner of “burlesque” at that time;  years later Tigger met up with other pioneering male performers like San Francisco’s Roky Roulette and Baltimore’s Evil Hate Monkey.  Over the years, Tigger became an accidental mentor and teacher to a new generation of burlesque and boylesquers.   He is a cherished performer in the world of modern burlesque.

As for how Stripped Screw got Tigger’s attention for Disney After Dark, the ladies had this to say:

“We were watching a recording of our Olympia show from last September… our Technical Director,  Selby Von Selby, said  ‘ Wouldn’t it be cool to have Tigger join the cast? How often do you think Tigger gets to be Tigger?!’  We all gasped with delight and laughed- of course it would be amazing, but really, Tigger?  Come here to do D.A.D. with us? Our lovely Princess scolded us saying it doesn’t hurt to ask… so we asked!  After sharing our story line, photos and video- Tigger was IN!”

Tigger at Coney Island (Photo by Laure Leber)

 

Disney After Dark: March 8, 9 & 10 at Columbia City Theater, Shows at 9 pm

Tickets on sale now at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/221638

Posted in Written by Jessica
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Seattle Erotic Art Festival celebrates ten years- a call for Art.

•01/29/2012 • Leave a Comment

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival has been gaining momentum for the last ten years, with every year encouraging greater freedom of expression and encompassing ever-widening genres of erotic-based art and performance.  The Festival has always been a supporter of the burlesque community and its many performers, photographers, and advocates.  Last year’s Red Light District themed highlights included a wealth of visual art, as well as a live action Lusty Lady replication and a seamless performance directed by David Crellin (aka Armitage Shanks) combining aerial, modern dance, pole-dancing, and burlesque/boylesque.

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival isn’t only about stimulating your eyes.  The Festival is the flagship program of the nonprofit Foundation for Sex Positive Culture, which works constantly, selflessly- and when it comes to the arts, glamorously- to advance sex positive growth and tolerance.   The Foundation’s  mission statement says it best:

“We believe that the appropriate uses of sex extend beyond reproduction.  They include creating personal pleasure, bonding interpersonal relationships, promoting spiritual growth, and enhancing emotional and physical health.  In a sex positive world, everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue a fulfilling and empowering sex life”.

The 2012 Seattle Erotic Art Festival takes place June 16-24, marking the tenth anniversary of the Festival.   Organizers are anticipating this will be the largest presentation yet.   A call for art submissions has just been released:

10th Anniversary Seattle Erotic Art Festival CALL FOR ART: Seeking Visual Art, Short Film, Performance Art, Installations, and more

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival is accepting art submissions February 1 through March 10, 2012 for the tenth anniversary Festival, to be held June 16-24, 2012 at Fremont Studios. Selected art will be featured throughout the two-weekend event to thousands of patrons.

“This will be the Festival’s biggest and best year yet,” says Festival Director Clayton Hibbert. “We anticipate growing to over 10,000 attendees, and are thrilled that our first weekend is part of the Fremont Fair, June 16 and 17, which attracts over 100,000 people to the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity for artists to show their work to thousands of excited new patrons.”

Fremont Studios is well-equipped to professionally showcase all art forms. It features ample space for an extensive visual art gallery and large Festival Store, a modern, 50-seat movie theater for an Erotic Short Film Exhibition, a built-in stage for performances, and more.

The art submission deadline is Saturday, March 10 at 11pm PST. All artists 18 and older, from anywhere in the world, are encouraged to submit art now at SeattleErotic.org.

Call for Visual Art: On average the Festival sells more than 25% of exhibition art, has low submission fees, and competitive commission rates. Artists may submit up to five works of erotic art of any medium. Sculptors, multimedia artists and painters are particularly encouraged to apply. The 2012 jury consists of Dan Savage, author, media pundit, sex advice columnist of “Savage Love,” and co-founder of the nationally recognized It Gets Better Project; Daniel McGlothlen, erotic art collector, bondage photographer, performance artist, and previous Festival artist; Ellen Forney, celebrated cartoonist and frequent Festival artist; Jim Duvall, award-winning photographer and founder of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival; Mistress Matisse, columnist, sexuality activist, and previously accepted Festival artist. An additional juror is in the process of being confirmed.

Call for Short Film/Video: For the second year, short film will be a main attraction at the Festival, presented at Fremont Studios in a modern 50-seat movie theater. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit up to three works, each up to 30 minutes in length. The Erotic Short Film Exhibition is curated by Three Dollar Bill Cinema (producer of The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and The Seattle Transgender Film Festival). The jury will consist of a Three Dollar Bill Cinema review panel and the Seattle Erotic Art Festival Director.

Call for Installation Art: Installation art is extremely popular at the Festival, and artists enjoy significant notoriety as a result of media and audience reviews. For the third year, the Festival is continuing to offer its grant for interactive visual artists. Selected artists will be granted up to $750 to create works of art that feature a participatory element and encourage the audience to become part of the art. Artists may submit up to three installation proposals. Installations are selected by a Festival Curatorial Team.

Call for Literary Art: This is the fourth year of the Literary Art Exhibition, featuring work by poets, playwrights and authors from across the nation and world. Selected works are exhibited through live readings and collected in a professionally printed anthology. Artists may submit up to five pieces. The Literary Art Exhibition is curated by a team of literary experts.

Call for Store Art: The popular Festival Store is a museum-quality shop that features thousands of works of erotica selected to meet every budget and taste. The Store includes prints, small works, jewelry, cards, books, DVDs, collectibles, and more. Pieces are selected by the Retail Director.

Call for Performance Art: The Festival showcases a main stage production as well as ambient performances throughout the space. Performers are encouraged to submit an application to create an original piece or adapt an existing piece of work, based on an aspect of the erotic. Performances are selected by the internationally-acclaimed performer, writer and director David Crellin (aka Armitage Shanks). There is no submission fee to submit a performance application.

Call for DJ Proposals: The Festival books DJs for daytime and evening hours. During the day, music is selected to compliment art gallery viewing; at night the Festival becomes a seductive dance party. DJs are selected by the Music Director. There is no submission fee to submit a proposal.

Additional Details: Artists may apply to as many Calls for Art as they wish, though each Call for Art has distinct requirements and may have submission fees. Early-bird (discounted) submission fees apply until Wednesday, February 15, 11pm PST. All artists outside of North America apply for free. All artists and models depicted must be age 18 or older.

For additional information about any of the Calls for Art, please visit SeattleErotic.org or email info@SeattleErotic.org.

Posted in Written by Jessica
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