Striptease Superstars!
We’ll be seeing you soon…
That’s right darlings, we’re planning a show! Everyone knows that November 1st is the true beginning of the Holiday Season, let’s not deny it. Well, we can’t wait for present time so we’re putting together a little show for Boxing Day featuring a lineup of Pandora superstars. Guess where – at Guilt & Co! I heard that Stripper Jesus might be there, so don’t miss it (cause we know you miss us). We’ll be announcing the full lineup later on, so make sure to check back here.
In the Meantime
You can catch the members of Pandora around Vancouver, Western Canada, and even in the U.S. of A!
Just returned from her tour of Europe, Ariel Helvetica is not slowing down any time soon! She’ll be heading down to Seattle this week to teach at Burlycon, a burlesque education convention. You can also catch her at Silk Tease in Seattle this Wednesday and at The Orchid Club at the Fox Cabaret November 24!
Ruthe Ordare just made her NSFW: Hip Hop Meets Striptease debut as a sexy sock monkey! Something only she is capable of. Ruthe has also recently stepped up as Associate Producer of The Orchid Club and will also be performing in this month’s edition. Producer pants look good on this one!
Nicky Ninedoors also slayed at NSFW this weekend. You want more of her stripper magic? She’ll be bringing her act around B.C. and Alberta so keep an eye on her Facebook page to see when she’ll be in your town!
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Summer Dreams
The last time we were all together on stage was way back in June – woah! Even though the Winter Solstice is approaching, we can still fantasize about the Summer Equinox, no? Thanks to these pictures from fubarfoto, WE SURE CAN!
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- Ginger Avenue joins the sunrise.
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- Brother Keys!
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- Ruthe Ordare soars.
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- Miss Fitt at the river.
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- Ava Lure’s farewell to Spring.
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- Peakaboo Freakin’ Pointe!
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- Dominic on sax!
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- Miss Kiss and Nicky Ninedoors rock it!
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- Hello there, Ariel Helvetica.
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- Ava and August’s duality.
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- The one and only Lola Frost, our FemmeC for the evening.
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- Miss Kiss is way cooler than Lestat.
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- August Wiled brings the feels.
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- Peekaboo Pointe stunns.
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- Awoooo! Howl at the moon.
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- Hey, Liam!
Stepping Out
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths Present: “Awakenings” featuring Black Dog String Quartet and Peekaboo Pointe
On the cusp of spring and summer, celebrate the many facets of femininity as they emerge into the beckoning day and smoulder through the intoxicating evening. Fierce and beautiful burlesque unfolds to the lush interpretations of a 10 piece orchestra playing classical, jazz, and modern day music. Our first independent, full-length production, “Awakenings” is a coming of age for the group and we’d love for you to celebrate with us at the Rio Theatre this Saturday, June 20! Tickets are available here and at the theatre with doors opening at 8PM.
On stage:
Ruthe Ordare
Ariel Helvetica
Miss Kiss
August Wiled
Nicky Ninedoors
Ava Lure
Voracious V
Miss Fitt
Carole Brunette
Ginger Avenue
and
PEEKABOO POINTE (NYC)
FemmeC for the evening:
LOLA FROST
Music from:
THE LOCKSMITHS
With special guests:
BLACK DOG STRING QUARTET
We’re so excited about the amazing artists we’re collaborating with for this production. Want to learn a little more about them? Read on!
Lola Frost
Guiding you through the evening will be Vancouver burlesque luminary, Lola Frost. As Vancouver’s Rock’N’Roll Flapper, Lola Frost is best known for combining her anachronistic styles of vintage and modern – a true 1920’s starlet with a kiss of Ramones grit. Her pieces are a sensorial experience to behold; an elegant blend of dance, theatre, and fervent striptease.
Performer, teacher and mentor, Lola is co-director of the Vancouver Burlesque Centre and integral member of Sweet Soul Burlesque. She has been internationally recognized at Tease-o-Ramma and the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, where she was awarded “Sexy, Sultry, Sizzlin’ Striptease” (2009) and “Most Dazzling Dancer” (2013). She has, with great honor, competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in the categories of Best Debut (2010), Best Duo (2012 & 2013), Best Troupe (2010), and in 2013 won 2nd runner up in the category of reigning Queen of Burlesque – Miss Exotic World.
A published and noted writer she has been featured on the 21st Century Burlesque Magazine site and in the Berlesker: Handcrafted Literary Journal along with keeping her own blog with a steadily growing following.
Black Dog String Quartet
Black Dog String Quartet will be joining The Locksmiths to create a 10 piece orchestra and a truly unique sound. Formed in 2007, the Black Dog String Quartet is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest young musicians. The group has appeared on the recordings of artists such as 54-40, Marianas Trench, Bleeding Through, and many others. Individual members have performed live on stage with some of the world’s top acts, including Kanye West, Sting, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Video Games Live.
The quartet’s excellent playing and reputation have landed them in studios with producers like Warne Livesey (Midnight Oil, The Matthew Good Band), Dave Genn (54-40, Hedley), and Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad). Recent performance highlights include appearances with Tambura Rasa, Vancouver Peace Choir, and Karen Flamenco Dance Company.They’ve been a featured ensemble at the Sonic Boom Festival of New Music and at Classical Revolution Vancouver, and all four members play regularly with multiple regional symphony orchestras.
Their solid classical background, high skill level, and collective open-mindedness set the Black Dog String Quartet apart as one of Vancouver’s most unique and versatile ensembles.
Peekaboo Pointe
All the way from New York City, Peekaboo Pointe will be headlining this Saturday’s production! Peekaboo Pointe, known as the “Fastest Tassel-Twirler from East to West,” has graced the stage of nearly every burlesque show in New York City, and continues on her mission of “Seducing the World, one stage at a time.”
Peekaboo started out as a classically trained modern dancer studying under Bill T. Jones, Mark Morris Dance Group, and a host of other notable choreographers. With an early background in ballet and tap, she eventually ventured off on a rare and unusual tour of Cuba studying Afro-Cuban Dance with the group Cutumba. Since then, Peekaboo has applied her extensive knowledge of dance to the nightlife of New York City and turned it into striptease gold. She embodies classic burlesque glamour, but can’t resist throwing a little seductive shock into each of her performances. As if that’s not enough, Peekaboo’s talented tassels spin not only on stage but also on a higher level. Adoring audiences are left breathless as she performs her rare and impressive shows of skill on the pole!
Peekaboo and her twirling tassels have wowed crowds all over the world! Most recently touring with the highly acclaimed show “Cabaret New Burlesque” for 2 tours all over France. She has performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, headlined the Austrailian Burlesque Festival 2012 and another coast-coast tour of Australia with the Burlesque Ball 2010. She was a featured performer at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the award winning show “Vive La Cabaret”. She did a 6 week tour of the UK and Ireland and Sweden. She performed in Venice Italy for MTV, and almost every city in Spain with Los Straightjackets and the Pontani Sisters. Not to mention a US tour headlining the Dos Equis Midnight Revue, and several US tours with Burlesque-a-Pades. She has even made it all the way to Russia to perform! When at home in NYC she was a cast member of the long running shows “This is Burlesque” (2007-2009) and “Guilty Pleasures” (2006-2007) and has performed at over 100 different venues in New York City including Duane Park, Slipper Room, Highline Ballroom, and The Box, just to name a few.
The excitement is growing, make sure you don’t miss out! Let us know you’ll be catching the show by clicking “attending” on Facebook. See us step out on our own this Saturday!
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Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
“Awakenings” was last seen in 2014 at the VIBF. With added material, a larger cast, and our wonderful guests, the upcoming production of the show displays the overall progression of the piece. In May of this year, we debuted another production, “Visions of Lore” at the 10th annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Reimaging myths and legends, we brought our brand of dark magic to the stage. Take a look at these amazing photos by Fubarfoto, Cameron Brown, and WeDo Photo!
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- Carole Brunette guides Pandora through visions of lore.
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- Aura: The Divine Personification of the Breeze
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- August Wiled
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- The Moth: Flying Towards a Flame
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- Ava Lure
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- Narcissus: In Love with a Reflection
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- Ariel Helvetica
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- Ginger Avenue assists with setup.
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- Varcolac: Devour the Moon
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- Voracious V
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- Sirens: The Song of Total Knowledge
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- Sirens
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- Our butts!
As Told In Myth and Legend
Introducing…
Visions of Lore – VIBF 2015
That’s right people! Get yourselves ready for our next big production! Visions of Lore will debut at this year’s Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Comprised of entirely new material, Visions of Lore explores interpretation of myth and legend from a female perspective. Join us on this quest for power, knowledge, beauty, and danger on May 2nd at the Vogue Theatre.
Now, we don’t want to give it all away but we do want to share some inspiration with you! Dive into our hearts and minds to discover the beings that will be gracing the stage.
Pandora
Thought of as the first woman to be created by the gods, Pandora received many gifts of knowledge from the divine world. Her curiosity led to the releasing of all things terrible on earth when she opened that fateful box.
Aura
Known as “the divine personification of the breeze,” the Aurae command both light and blustering winds. Stunning to behold, the Aurae disappear and reappear while gliding through the air.
Moth
Represented by Eunomia, the goddess of law and order and Itzpapalotl, the skeletal warrior goddess with flint-tipped claws, the moth is forever in conflict with itself. Can she resist the flame, or will she take on its destructive power?
Curious for more? Next week we’ll be sharing three more mythical beings with you!
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March at the Fox Cabaret
Wait a sec, it’s just been pictures of not us this entire blog post! Let’s get re-acquainted, shall we? Thank you, David Tresham for these sassy photos of our March show at the Fox Cabaret.
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- The brass section!
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- Ruthe Ordare kicks it off with some classic sizzle.
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- Ava Lure, as seen from behind.
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- Nicky Ninedoors flies away with our hearts.
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- Ariel Helvetica; Black Magic Woman!
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- Host Miss Kiss couldn’t handle the hotness and needed some help from Voracious V.
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- Twirly Nicky!
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- Boom! Bam! Ruthe Ordare.
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- Ava got a bit snacky.
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- All done!
Springing Forward
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at the Fox Cabaret
Yes, yes, y’all the whole gang is back together and ready to put on a show! We’re returning to the Fox stage with our signature brand of scintillation: a revue of slick performances, unique style, and amazing music. We can’t wait to see aaallll the friends, old and new, so make sure to get your tickets!
On stage this Friday, March 13 you will see:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
AVA LURE
ARIEL HELVETICA
&
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors are at 7:30 with general admission tickets at $15 and VIP tickets at $35. See you there, lovelies!
–
What’s Up, Pandora?
Even though we haven’t performed together for the general public since December doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy! Let’s catch up, why don’t we?
We had the opportunity to perform in smaller groups at some of Vancouver’s most lavish parties this winter. Both Gastown Gazette and Prohibition at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia celebrated new beginnings and we were there to entertain their crowds!
Nicky Ninedoors, August Wiled, and Ariel Helvetica at the Gastown Gazette launch party.
August Wiled goofing around at the Prohibition opening party.
Ariel Helvetica has been quite the globetrotting showgirl this winter. She’s high-kicked some major butt at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase in New Mexico and Atame in Montreal last month. Coming up, she’ll be heading down to Portland for Rue Royale Burlesque.
Ariel Helvetica backstage with Paco FIsh at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase.
February was full of action! Voracious V and Nicky Ninedoors both brought down the house in Burlesque Duos on February 14.
Ava Lure has been busy behind the scenes, co-producing Skin Game at The Emerald and working on the 10th Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. And guess what? She’s just been accepted to compete on the Saturday night of the Texas Burlesque Festival in Austin!
Ava performing the number she will do at the TXBF at last year’s VIBF.
And all together, we will be debuting a brand new production, Visions of Lore, at the upcoming VIBF! Voracious V, Ruthe Ordare, Miss Fitt, Ariel Helvetica, and Ava Lure are also performing solos in the showcase sets. Here’s to another festival season!
The finale of last year’s VIBF production, Awakenings.
With a winter like that, no wonder we’re bouncing into spring. Here we go!
New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Vancouver
We rang in the new year at one of the city’s most glamorous venues, the historic Hotel Vancouver! David Tresham caught the magic in his camera, relive it here:
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- The antique beauty of Hotel Vancouver.
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- Balloon Girl August Wiled warms up the crowd.
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- Locksmith Liam.
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- Check out that microphone!
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- Bam! It’s Ruthe Ordare.
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- Oh hai there.
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- Swoosh!
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- Super seductress Nicky Ninedoors.
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- Ariel Helvetica hits the stage…
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- …and flies away with a million new crushes!
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- Special guest Mr. Diva.
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- Very bend, such flex.
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- Snail Lady.
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- Slow ridin’ with Voracious V.
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- Who could it be?
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- #coolbutts
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- Group finale!
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- Happy 2015, everyone!
Dashing Through The NO
Season’s Greetings!
In the spirit of the grumpiest of kitties, we’ve welcomed December with a mix of sassy cynicism and child-like anticipation. Want to know what we’re wishing for this holiday season? Take a peek into our most ridiculous wants and whims.
Ariel Helvetica
This long-legged lady wants to be whisked away to Europe to wait out the winter. Bye bye muggle job!
Nicky Ninedoors
Nicky would like to lounge around in a pearl-filled bathtub, please. Oh, and to be dressed in the finest lingerie for the remainder of the season.
Ava Lure
Also wishing to get away, Ava will take one ticket to Japan, please, and a front row seat at the Murasaki Babydoll show!
Miss Kiss
Miss Kiss would like to trade in her bat wings for… DRAGON wings- and then fly to either Disneyland or Disneyworld.
Think you can handle our showgirl wish lists? Good -we’ll be patiently awaiting your gifts this year!
–
Fox Cabaret Launch Party
Last month we took our new home, the Fox Cabaret, by storm. With beautiful new digs, and even a signature cocktail, we celebrated change and new beginnings! Check out these beautiful photos from David Tresham.
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- Sax!
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- Nicky opens the night with a sexy serenade.
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- Laura June takes flight.
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- Shake it, Amber!
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- Fabulousness.
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- Some sass from Voracious V.
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- Carole and her beautiful boa.
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- It’s getting hot in here…
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- Smoky sensuality.
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- Bam! Space rays!
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- Thank You!
In-story photos from Ninedoors Photography, lindsaysdiet.com, and Jess Desaulniers-Lea.
Fall Fox Fun!
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at the FOX CABARET
After the whirlwind that was Halloween at the Hotel Vancouver, we’re happy to rest in our new home, the Fox Cabaret. That’s right folks, our monthly show is back with a vengeance and ready to take on Mount Pleasant! Join us November 14th for performances by a wide range of Pandora superstars- from founding members to our newest acquisitions. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from some of the cutest bartenders in town!
Witness on stage:
VORACIOUS V
NICKY NINEDOORS
LAURA JUNE
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AMBER ROSE
Our fantastic host:
MISS KISS
And live music by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
For all the details you’ll ever need, keep an eye on the Facebook event page. We can’t wait to see all your lovely faces again!
–
Checking In!
It’s been a busy fall for the ladies of Pandora, and that’s not about to stop. So what do we have coming up this fall? Carole Brunette is happy to be new faculty at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre. She’ll be substitute teaching in the next little while and also coming up with her very own class! At The Rio, Voracious V will be featured in Burlesque Long Form November 22nd and Ariel Helvetica will be pirouetting across the stage in Nightmare Before The Nutcracker December 5th and 12th. Miss Fitt will be travelling North America, embracing the calm and the crazy with stops in Saskatchewan and Las Vegas. Skin Game at The Emerald, Ava Lure’s new co-production with Vanity Feral, will be back November 26. The stage-free evening of burlesque and card games features Ruthe Ordare as a guest this month to boot! So many opportunities to catch these ladies in action!
Photographie
Oh yes, we have more photos from the 4th anniversary show for you! Prepare for the return of our monthly celebration of titillation by feasting your eyes on these lovely images from Reckless Photography.
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- Balloon POP!
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- Fancy cozy guests.
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- Every lady needs a signature sun hat.
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- Amber Rose!
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- Piano keys.
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- Mistress Miss Kiss.
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- Ava’s art deco inspiration.
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- Check out Ruthe Ordare hosting!
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- Oh hey, Ariel’s bum!
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- Yay! Miss Fitt celebrates.
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- Regal Ruthe.
Ladies in Red
Coming Up Next…
Halloween at The Hotel Vancouver
We’re thrilled to be working with Arrival Agency on one of their infamous Halloween Extravaganzas! This one-night spectacular fits mainstays of Vancouver’s entertainment scene into compartments of costume party coolness. To give you a taste, in one room you’ll witness comedians from The Sunday Service performing a seance of the hotel’s ghost, The Lady In Red. In another, Ice Cream Social will be spinning ’50s and ’60s vinyl – top entertainment and party times wait at every twist and turn! Find the full lineup here. In the grand ballroom, Pandora & The Locksmiths will take the stage to present a three-set show for the centuries – Time Machine themed! We’ll be visiting Old Hollywood, the Swingin’ ’60s, and diving deep into the dark machine itself.
This show will feature performances by:
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
Live music by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
With special guests:
TRAVIS BERNHARDT
The Man of Mystery returns to confound and delight you with dark illusions! In 2008, Travis became a full time professional magician, fulfilling his master plans—retroactively decided upon—of never becoming qualified for anything else. Lately his award winning one man shows have played to sold out houses at theatre festivals across Canada, and you can also find him performing at private engagements, at street festivals around the world, and keeping the tiny, sputtering vaudeville flame alive at cabaret and variety shows around Vancouver. We’re so happy to be sharing the stage with Travis once again!
AND
THE HOT PANTS
The Hot Pants are Vancouver’s retro dance group specializing in 1960’s Go-Go, grooviness and far out vintage tunes. Their shows feature authentic 60’s style dance moves, mind-blowing hula hoop artists, amazing vintage vinyl tracks, authentic mod style make-up and hair, and lots of fringe and vinyl Go-Go boots! They’ll be dancing up a storm in our Swingin’ ’60s set!
Before the show, we will be playing the balloon game of course! Each pop of the balloon yields an amazing prize from one of our SPONSORS:
Lace Embrace
Scout Boutique
East Vanity Parlour
Honey Gifts
Biercraft
Chop Shop
Vancouver Burlesque Centre
Ninedoors Photography
GothFox Design
Dirt Simple Soap
Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour
Belle of the Brawl Nails
We’re pleased to announce that this event is SOLD OUT but there may be opportunities to snap up tickets here and there. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for your chance!
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Four-Year Anniversary
Last month we celebrated four years as a collective and said goodbye to Guilt & Co. Even though transitions can be sad, the evening was vibrating with positivity and excitement. Here are some photos from Reckless Photography from the night!
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- Voracious V is a popular balloon girl!
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- The Locksmiths
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- I’ll have a boa with that.
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- Wiggle and roll with Amber.
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- Miss Kiss, queen of the night.
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- Ava Lure tributes Metropolis.
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- Welcome, Ariel Helvetica!
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- A couple of silly teddy bears!
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- Oh yea, August Wiled also plays the flute!
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- Joyous Miss Fitt.
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- Hello, Carole!
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- The soaring talent of Ruthe Ordare
Resplendent Remembrances
Four Years of Pandora & The Locksmiths Memories!
It’s amazing to think that it’s been four whole years since the inception of Pandora & The Locksmiths! Over that time, members of the group have graced countless stages in Vancouver, represented at international festivals, welcomed esteemed guests, and grown hugely as artists. Our expanding group is undoubtedly a family of creators who support and challenge each other on a daily basis. To gear up for our anniversary show at guilt&co on September 9 we pooled our collective minds to come up with the top few memories from the past four years. Here we go!
The Infamous Rabbit Costume
So this has become a bit of a right of passage for newer members of Pandora & The Locksmiths: “YOU, NEWBIE, GET IN THE BUNNY SUIT!” As part of the finale of Miss Fitt’s Aquarius number, both Ava Lure and August Wiled have donned the white mask and danced around blindly to the sounds of The Fifth Dimension. Big ups to Voracious V for getting in the puppy suit twice.
Ninedoors Photo Police
“You know there are no photos allowed at our shows, right? You there, with your phone out- there are no photos. Oh and you, official photographer? You can sit down. You’re blocking the glamour. Get it? Good. Love you!”
The Proposal
Remember that time Alison proposed to Soo on stage!? We do! This is one of the MOST treasured moments as voted by the members of Pandora & The Locksmiths. A bunch of hopeless romantics, I tell ya!
August at Guilt&Co
Earlier this month, we welcomed Voodoo Pixie and Arnt Arntzen to the guilt&co stage! August’s heat was no match for these performers- their dazzling ways sent chills through the audience. Check out these lovely photos from Bob Ayers!
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- Ava Lure is a sneaky balloon girl!
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- August Wiled and the Peel.
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- Miss Fitt’s Shibari styles.
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- Specia Guest Voodoo Pixie.
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- “I’m from space!”
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- A patented Ava stare-down.
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- Blue Voodoo.
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- Nicky Ninedoors sings a tune.
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- Goodbye bra strap!
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- Yay! Such fun!
I’ll be on the beach…
Coming up next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt&Co with Voodoo Pixie and Arnt Arntzen
We’re back at guilt&co for our final show of the summer! Shake the sand out of your hair and roll on down to Gastown for a sizzling night of scintillating burlesque entertainment on August 12.
This month’s show features special guests VOODOO PIXIE and ARNT ARNTZEN. As a member of the Cabaret du Passe collective, and co-producer of the annual AbraCadaver Cabaret, Voodoo will be bringing her signature blend of ethereal mischief to the stage. She will be accompanied by Vancouver’s Tin Pan Troubadour, Arnt Arntzen, armed with his trusty banjo.
This show will also feature burlesque by:
MISS FITT
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
Vocals by:
NICKY NINEDOORS
Musical magic by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
All hosted by:
MAMA KAY
Doors at 8PM, show at 9PM with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds go directly to the performers.
Mid-Summer Check-in
Here in Vancouver, summer is in full swing and the members of Pandora & The Locksmiths are living it up! Not only is our monthly show at guilt&co is running like clockwork, we’re making fun secret plans for the year to come. Outside of collective activities, our members are stoking that creative fire in a variety of ways. Festival maven, Ruthe Ordare will be hitting the stage at the inaugural Oregon Burlesque Festival this weekend. After winning “Best Solo” in Texas, we know Miss Ordare is going to kick some serious butt in Portland. Miss Kiss will be appearing in the Pride Burlesque Revue at the Lux Lounge on July 31, followed by an all-out burlesquified musical performance in Concrete Vertigo’s Vixens In Wonderland next month. Continuing the theatrical trend, Ava Lure is busy writing and directing her very first play! Seaside Stories of Terrible Things will be running in this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival. Miss Fitt and Liam MacDonald will be adding a little middle eastern flare to their summer. Both will be performing in Nuba’s Bedouin Cabaret on August 7th. Everyone else? Meet them at the beach!
July
Our July show was a hot one! We were very pleased to have special guest Raven Virginia come all the way from Calgary. We tried to kidnap her and make her stay on the West Coast, but the best we could do was capture her in photos. Thank you David Tresham for documenting the evening!
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- Miss Kiss kicks things off with the balloon game!
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- The Locksmiths set the musical tone.
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- Such prizes. So win.
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- Ava Lure stretches out in the sun.
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- August Wiled in repose.
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- Ruthe Ordare owns YOU!
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- Special Guest Raven Virginia!
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- Oh hai, shoes…
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- Yay! Ruthe!
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- Ava noms on her glove, rawrr!
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- August Wiled is all gams.
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- Our host, Mama Kay!
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- Raven Virginia wows the crowd.
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- Ta da!
Night Heat
Coming up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt&Co with RAVEN VIRGINIA
Coming all the way from Calgary, Alberta, this month’s special guest is none other than RAVEN VIRGINIA. Raven is a member of the Garter Girls and has graced stages across North America, including the Burlesque Hall of Fame and our very own Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Join us in sizzling Gastown on July 8th for a show that shouldn’t be missed!
The ladies of Pandora will be serving you two numbers each this evening.
On stage you will see:
RUTHE ORDARE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
With vocals from our stage mistress:
MISS KISS
Our fabulous host:
MAMA KAY
And live music in an array of styles from:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors are at 8:00pm with the show starting at 9:00pm. Suggested $10 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the artists.
Bring your hand fans and wear something flowy- this is sure to be a hot one!
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June at Guilt&Co
Our June show kicked off the summer in style! Relive the glamour with sultry photos from Bob Ayers.
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- Starting things off, balloon girl Voracious v!
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- Just loungin’ with Ruthe Ordare.
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- Delilah Dare show us some fusion bellydance!
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- Gorgeous Carole Brunette.
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- Miss Fitt is trippin’ out.
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- Veil fans and the band!
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- Precision.
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- Carole’s chair dance.
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- A graceful Miss Fitt.
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- Ruthe says, “ta da!”
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- Curtain call, everyone!
Springtime Shimmer
Coming Up Next…
PANDORA & THE LOCKSMITHS at GUILT&CO
Join us at our home base, guilt&co, in Gastown on Tuesday, June 10 for our monthly live music burlesque extravaganza! Let us know you’re coming by checking out the Facebook event here. Get shimmying and shaking on a hot spring evening with performances by:
RUTHE ORDARE
MISS FITT
DELILAH DARE
CAROLE BRUNETTE
with stage mistress
NICKY NINEDOORS
musical accompaniment by
THE LOCKSMITHS
and hostess for the evening
MAMA KAY
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. Suggested donation of $10 with all proceeds going to the artists.
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Collective Structure
You may or may not know this, but Pandora & The Locksmiths operates as an artist collective rather than a company or troupe. What this means is that there is no assigned “leader” and all jobs -from social media, to band leading, to writing this here blog- are delegated among members. We cast performance spots based on availability and rotate sweeping duties. Sometimes we have one member lead a group number if it is a theme they are particularly passionate about, but most of the time we create as a team. It may take a lot longer, but we all feel strongly about creating with equality among artists. Miss Fitt and Nicky Ninedoors echo the sentiments of the group with their thoughts on our collective structure:
Miss Fitt
The most interesting part for me is how we seem to grow so much as individual performers through our work together. I get inspired all the time by my team. Performing along side such diverse and talented people helps me to become a stronger performer. I get ideas, I see what is exciting and effective for others and I bring my own unique talents and ideas to the table as well. I feel we each contribute to setting the bar higher for ourselves and support each other with our goals and ideas. We all benefit from each others success and grow stronger as a group as a result.
Nicky Ninedoors
What I found incredibly powerful about the process of Awakenings, was that it put us all in a really intense state of vulnerability. We had to be completely open with our feelings, consider the validity of the feelings of others, while working together towards a common goal. I feel that common goal was realized in the creation of “Hunter”, which closed the show. Performing as part of that act was powerful for me because it was created by eight people who were willing to listen to each other, who practiced saying “Yes” to each others ideas, while being humble and gracious when ideas didn’t work or needed revisiting.
It was a really hard process, but as a group we have been evolving for a while, recognizing the talents of each individual within the group, and striving to move away from the idea that any one individual is solely in charge. Each member of the collective is incredibly valuable, and it’s empowering to be surrounded by women who respect, admire, and encourage each other through the challenges they face.
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Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend
Photo by Alex Laurente
A huge “BREAK A LEG” to all the hugely talented women jetting off to Las Vegas to compete in the Tournament of Tease! The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender is a huge four-day fundraiser for the one and only Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum. Team Vancouver will be lighting up multiple categories this year. For Queen of Burlesque we have April O’Peel, Melody Mangler, Burgundy Brixx, and Lola Frost, for best group we have a duo by Lola Frost & Rita Star, and up for Best Debut, our very own VORACIOUS V! Kick some butt down there, Nebula Nipples!
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Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
It was such an honour to grace the Vogue stage with “Awakenings,” a huge collaboration between our collective, Four on The Floor String Quartet, and K-Tel. Want to know what the VIBF is like first-hand? Check out Ava Lure’s Festival Diary in Pin Curl Magazine! Enjoy these amazing photos of our VIBF production from Fubarfoto and Reckless Photography.
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- Early morning.
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- Sunrise.
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- Keys!
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- Bird of paradise, Ruthe Ordare.
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- Singing!
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- Miss Fitt, at the side of the river.
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- Sax, trumpet, trombone!
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- Angel of death, Miss Kiss.
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- Bass!
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- Two-sided symmetry, Ava Lure & August Wiled.
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- Four on The Floor Sting Quartet!
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- Wolf pack on the hunt.
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- Howling at the moon.
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- Thank you!
Come on Home, Girl!
Coming Up Next…
Voyages and Adventures
AND
Awakenings
with Pandora & The Locksmiths
Awakenings is a dream and nightmare-themed extravaganza that will feature a rotating cast of Pandora striptease artists and vocalists.
Join us at Vancouver FanClub on Granville Street for an evening of glitz and glamour! Opening March 7, the premier evening will also include a photo exhibition from Ninedoors Photography. Awakenings will run every Friday of the month of March.
Ready to escape the snow and rain? Voyages and Adventures with Pandora & The Locksmiths will create the feel of a far-off vacation! Head down to guilt&co on Tuesday, March 11 to heat things up.
Featuring:
VORACIOUS V
DELILAH DARE
BURGUNDY BRIXX
AVA LURE
Hosted by:
THE PURRFESSOR
With stage mistresses:
MISS FITT
AUGUST WILED
And song stylings of:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors at 7
Show at 9
*Suggested donation of $10 at the door, all going towards the performers*
Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul was a shimmy-shaking, sing-your-heart-out celebration of RAD. Special surprise guest Jo Weldon rocked the house with an impromptu bump and grind, tassel/assel-twirling lesson. The audience was thrilled! Take a break from your day and get lost in these gorgeous images from Reckless Photography.
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- Carole brunette is…
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- FOXY!
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- Ruthe Ordare gets that stocking on
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- Burgundy Brixx floats into your dreams.
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- Miss Fitt frolics in the garden.
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- Stage Mistress Ava has it handled.
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- Somebody to love? Ruthe Ordare!
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- Nicky Ninedoors sings her heart.
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- A little trace…
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- Miss Fitt can fly!
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- Burgundy as Lucretia McEvil.
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- Curtain call. Thanks Jo!
Daydreams and Night-terrors
Step Into Our Dream World
Announcement time! You may have guessed at this but now it’s time to spill the beans. Every Friday for the month of March, Pandora & The Locksmiths will be presenting a collection of favourite pieces at Fanclub in downtown Vancouver. “Awakenings” will pull the audience through the light and dark of the dream state. Each act will bring onlookers into the performer’s dream world, be it a glittery pajama party, a space adventure, or a visit from the angel of death. More information on tickets and showtimes will be available on our Facebook page very soon.
Until you can join us at Fanclub, why not lean a little more about our real-life dreams? The ladies of Pandora have very active imaginations! Nicky Ninedoors often dreams of the deep blue ocean and the terrifying notion of perishing in a killer whale attack. In the future, she hopes to travel to majestic Iceland (probably to meet Bjork). Miss Kiss dreams of becoming Alice Cooper one day, if she doesn’t lend her voice to a Disney princess character first! Ava Lure has a recurring dream: doomsday prepping! If she survives the apocalypse, Ava hopes to share billing with Violet Eva one day (because that would mean she also gets to go to Japan). August Wiled also dreams of underwater menace; her home being swallowed whole by the whale from Pinocchio. What’s with these whales??
Do you like that gorgeous photo of Miss Fitt? The opening night of “Awakenings” will be coupled with an exhibition of selected photos from Ninedoors Photography. Make sure to mark down March 7th in your calendar, you won’t want to miss this glamorous event! Until then, check out Ninedoors Photography on Tumblr.
Heart & Soul
Are you ready for Heart & Soul with Pandora & The Locksmiths? I bet you want to know who our super sexy guest host is… well, we’re going to keep you guessing! That’s going to be shared on our Facebook event page so make sure to check in. See you on the evening of the 11th at guilt&co, show at 9:00pm!
Everything Old Is New Again
Until you can see us in person, pour over more photos from last month’s show by Bob Ayers.
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- Nicky opens the show with a song.
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- Ava Lure.
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- Piano keys.
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- August Wiled.
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- The brass section.
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- Ruthe Ordare.
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- Miss Kiss.
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- Did I not say brass section?
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- Nicky Ninedoors.
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- Drums.
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- Ruthe Ordare.
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- Ava Lure & August Wiled.
Welcome to 2014
Coming up next – Everything Old Is New Again with Pandora & The Locksmiths
Celebrate a new year with timeless style at guilt&co on January 14th.
Doors at 7pm, show at 9pm, with a suggested admission donation of $10.
This month we welcome the 2012 King of Boylesque, RUSSELL BRUNER!
With many tricks stored in his vintage hatbox (and elsewhere), he charms and beguiles audiences of women and men alike with his classic blend of comedy and tease.
This month’s show will also feature scintillating burlesque from:
MISS KISS
RUTHE ORDARE
AVA LURE
AUGUST WILED
and
NICKY NINEDOORS
With stage management by VORACIOUS V
Timeless tunes from THE LOCKSMITHS
And hosted by the glamorous MAMA KAY
New Year’s Resolutions
What are you excited about in 2014? The ladies of Pandora & The Locksmiths have some resolutions to share. Let your new leaf start here! Miss Fitt and Miss Kiss have both resolved to get musical. They have planned to learn harmonica and accordion, respectively. Miss Kiss has also re-committed to fleshing out her dark side. This year she hopes to finally find a human blood donor… you know, for special cocktails. Nicky Ninedoors has also ventured out into the realm of the supernatural, namely controlling the weather. In 2014, she has vowed to make it rain! Miss Fitt and Ava Lure have both made the decision to focus on their movement, both fluid and refined, with bellydance classes from Luciterra. Ava has also resolved to make more time for reading! Actual, paper, screen-less books. The most inspiring resolution of all may come from Carole Brunette, who has decided to give less of a f**k!
Winter Magic
Winter Magic rang in the holidays with glamorous burlesque and expert slight of hand from special guest, Travis Bernhardt. Revisit the magic with photos from Robin Toma.
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- Welcome to guilt&co!
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- Travis is so magical.
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- Burgundy Brixx as a Christmas tree.
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- Carole Brunette’s amazing custom costume.
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- Ava Lure glances your way.
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- Glitter bath!
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- YOU!
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- Peel Burgundy a grape!
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- “Here comes Suzy Snowflake.”
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- Voracious V, queen of tea.
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- Dunk that tea bag!
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Get Acquainted with The Locksmiths!
For over three years, the burlesque artists of Pandora & The Locksmiths have drawn in crowds with their ornate costumes, flowing choreography, siren song, and undeniable stage presence but what has set this collective apart from the very start is the five-piece band that pulls every show together. The Locksmiths have featured talented guests but the mainstay musicians have seen the group through a great deal of artistic growth. Three band members, Alison Gorman, John Bews, and Sean Bayntun have shared a little bit about their history and why they enjoy playing music for burlesque.
Let’s get to know them better, shall we?
Alison Gorman – Trumpet
Alison plays with a number of Vancouver bands, including The Sweetpea Swing Band, The Salteens, and Pendomoja, as well as her own group, Queer As Funk. She feels so lucky to be in the Pandora and the Locksmiths’ family, and especially loves having the best seat in the house at every show! Guess what? You can celebrate New Year’s Eve with Alison and the whole Queer As Funk gang at the Capri Hall in Mount Pleasant!
John Bews – Bass
John loves working with the group. The opportunity to put on a different show each month with a troupe of dynamic performers is something he’s very grateful for. The dancers bring him so much joy through their diverse music selections, the creative arc of their routines, and with the energy they bring to rehearsals and to the stage. Sometimes the variety of music the band is given to recreate can be quite challenging, but thankfully Sean is a musical wizard and regularly saves John’s chart-making from being too simple or just blank. The other band members do all sorts of great things and all he has to do is play bass and enjoy. Lucky him!
Sean Bayntun – Keys
Sean studied and played classical piano from the age of 3 until he completed his Masters in Piano Performance. Along the way, he realized there were so many different musical genres and he wanted to play them all! Sean currently plays keyboards and synth in Facts and Synthcake, and plays keys and acts as Musical Director for theatre productions. He grew up playing for Nicky’s voice competitions and recitals, and about 4 years ago she and John asked if he was interested in playing in a jazz band for burlesque performers. Obviously he said yes! Jazz was something Sean hadn’t really explored yet and plus, who wouldn’t want to help provide the musical sass for amazing performers? With Pandora & The Locksmiths he works with dancers to help emphasize movements, transcribes 30 or so pages of music each month to turn new songs into arrangements the band can play, and plays with incredible jazz musicians where everyone listens and responds to each other. All in all, Sean just loves playing music, and playing music in collaborative settings is pretty much the best thing.
Hear them LIVE on the second Tuesday of every month at guilt&co!
Thank you Clint Trahan for the gorgeous photos!
Vancouver International Burlesque Festival 2014 Applications are Open!
Apply to hit the Vogue stage in May and check out the VIBF website for all the exciting new information!
The gears are turning in the heads of our members as we plan this year’s production submission. Unlike anything offered from Pandora at the VIBF before, we will examine the transformative nature of both classic and modern music, themes, and imagery. Godspeed our online application form!
Hmm… classic and modern. Classic? and modern? Kind of like pairing Debussy with Bjork… right?
We’ll just leave that there.
Seasonal Sensations
Only days away from Nouveau Paris, are you excited?
We sure are!
Late November will be host to a number of other extra special events that feature some of our members… Curious?
Burlesque Bazaar
On November 24th you can look forward to the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival Association’s first event of the year, it’s the Burlesque Bazaar! This event is the brainchild of Mama Kay, and is sure to delight! Titivate so you can titillate with goodies from over 10 amazing vendors. Did you know that four of our members are on the first all-female board of directors for the VIBF? Burgundy Brixx reigns as President, Nicky Ninedoors act as Vice President, and Mama Kay and Ava Lure sit as Members-at-Large. Busy busy!
Burlesque Long Form
Powerhouse producer April O’Peel is back with this year’s edition of Burlesque Long Form. This innovative show challenges Vancouver’s top burlesque artists to create and perform an extended piece. This year, the lineup will feature our very own Voracious V and Burgundy Brixx! Make sure to get tickets in advance here as they are sure to go fast!
PinCurl Magazine
Burgundy Brixx will be featured in the upcoming “Best Of” edition of PinCurl Magazine! PinCurl is one of the burlesque community’s most trusted magazines and this year’s December issue will proudly include an interview and photo spread of Ms. Brixx in all her winter-time glory. Southern P&L fans, take note- Burgundy will be performing in Viva Dallas Burlesque for the issue launch on December 6th, and also in Corpus Christi for the After Dark Revue, December 7th.
Lots of amazing information in there, maybe we don’t need eye candy this time…
SO KIDDING.
Cameron Brown captured some of our ladies’ best assets last month at Sugar & Spice, take a peek!
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- Lydia DeCarllo’s beautiful arch.
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- August Wiled takes it off slowly.
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- Voracious V revealing her dark side.
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- Nicky Ninedoors’ legendary behind
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- Miss Kiss claims another victim.
Nouveau Paris, Vieille Charm
Coming up next- Nouveau Paris with Pandora and The Locksmiths!
New Paris oozes with old-fashioned charm November 12th at guilt&co.
Doors at 7pm, show at 9pm, with a suggested admission donation of $10.
With French-inspired performances by:
NICKY NINEDOORS
RUTHE ORDARE
BURGUNDY BRIXX
AVA LURE
Sweet songs and Stage Management by AUGUST WILED
Bringing the Parisian sound, our 5 piece band THE LOCKSMITHS!
And hosted by MAMA KAY
Edmonton Burlesque Festival
Recently, five of our members traveled to Alberta for the Inaugural Edmonton Burlesque Festival Burgundy Brixx, The Purrfessor, Voracious V, Ruthe Ordare, and Ava Lure all graced the stage of the Pawnshop along with other burlesque artists from across the United States and Canada. It was an amazing experience that left all participants looking forward to next year’s festival! See fabulous photos by Drew May Photography!
Sugar and Spice
Autumn is now in full-swing! Leaves are turning red and falling to the ground, a layer of mist is slowly descending from the mountains. In the city, men and women start searching for more comfortable things. Feel silk and fur slide across your skin and taste that sugar and spice once again with photos from our last show by Cameron Brown.
Enjoy!
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- Welcome to guilt&co!
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- Guest Stage Manager, Spooksy DeLune
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- August Wiled
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- Nicky Ninedoors and some black coffee.
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- Ruthe Ordare
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- Muah!
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- I spy some sweet candy!
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- Om nom.
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- Voracious V
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- Dancing with scissors.
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- Miss Kiss’ siren song.
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- Blood bath.
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- Special guest, Lydia DeCarllo
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- Upside-down twirl!
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- Happy Birthday, Voracious V!
Late Night (trick or) Treat…
Because I couldn’t reaaaally post this one to facebook.
And also because Spooksy Delune is our guest balloon popper and stage manager for our next monthly show on October 8th at Guilt & Co!
Click here for more details…
xo
Nicky
Photo by John Bews and myself
You look chilly, darling!
We know you’ve missed us..
We’ve been oh so busy spreading sparkly bits throughout the city! We’ll get to that soon, but we know why you’re really here. The temperatures have dropped and Fall is upon us, but remember, not too long ago, when the air was warm, skin was exposed, and the evenings were long? In August we took our audience on a wild ride to Funkytown, and we’ve got the photos to prove it.
We were lucky to have Fubarfoto at the show, so hold onto your bell-bottoms and allow us to heat you back up a bit!
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- Pop!
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- Sometimes, even the Purrrfessor is a tease
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- She’s ready to get it on
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- Lacing up
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- Lucky Lipstick!
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- Come on home, girl
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- Pure magic
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- Smooth moves
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- Welcome to Brixx house
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- Funky
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- Foxy lady
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- Spin!
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- She’s going to grab that money no matter what
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- For your love
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- Oops, did she drop something?
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- No peeking yet
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- Drive a young man insane
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- She’s on fire!
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- Sweet, sweet harmony
The Heat of the Night
Summer is here! And it’s glorious! We’ll be celebrating by disrobing… tell all your friends 😉
As warm breezes sweep through the city,
And the sweltering sun starts to set,
We’d like to invite you to join us inside,
Where we’ll tease ’til you work up a sweat.
Pandora and The Locksmiths are happy to present you with with a sizzling show that’s sure to raise your temperature!
Featuring:
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AVA LURE
AUGUST WILED
MISS KISS
VORACIOUS V
We are also incredibly pleased to have the stunningly sultry NICKY NINEDOORS singing steamy tunes, and keeping our ladies in line.
Not only will we satisfy your eyes, but you’re ears will be delighted with smoking hot music by the fabulous five piece jazz band THE LOCKSMITHS! If you thought it couldn’t possibly get better, the always scorching MAMA KAY will guide you through the evening and keep the mercury rising.
The show starts with the band at 9pm while Nicky NineDoors gets all her prize filled balloons popped; a rare treat indeed! We highly recommend arriving early so you may enjoy the amazing cocktails and tapas at Guilt & Co.
Admission is a suggested $10 donation*
*Here at the Risque Cabaret, all donations go directly to funding the performers you see on the stage! Thank you so much for your continued support in making Tuesday night the hottest night in town!
Whew! That show is sure to be a hot one. Don’t worry, Guilt & Co has air conditioning, so all that heat is going to be strictly internal, and our fault. Oopsies.
Before we get to some jaw dropping photos, we have a couple other things we would love to promote, because they are awesome.
Avenue Q!
Go see the incredible hit production that is getting rave reviews across the city! It’s innapropriate, it’s definitely not PC, and it’s fabulous! We were going to link to all the reviews to prove how awesome it is, but there are SO many. We’re not just saying that. Google is your friend. Avenue Q was over 80% sold out of the ENTIRE RUN until August 3rd, and then they extended it until August 17th due to demand. It’s amazing. It’s totally side splitting. Do yourself a favour and go.
Also, our own Brother Keys aka Sean Bayntun is the music director! And Mr Ninedoors is playing bass in the band with Sean!
Find out more and get tickets here!
and…
The Burlesque Assassins!
Reasons why we love this film:
1) “Rather than a film about burlesque, it is a burlesque film”- This is Cabaret
The BA features hugely inspirational performers such as Roxi D’Lite as the leading lady, plus our good friend Amber Ray as one of the dancers in the club! (There are so many inspiring performers in this film it’s kinda hard to list them all.) It’s a salacious romp of espionage in the land of absurdity. Love. which leads us to our next reason we love it…
2) Hello, cult hit!!
3) It’s Canadian made!
4) And bonus, they launched the film in Vancouver because they love Vancouver. Awesome. Nice work, guys!
If you’d like to buy this movie or rent it, please click here! They are doing an affiliate program with lots of burlesque community members, so a portion of the sales go back to to the community! We think that’s super awesome.
Know what else is awesome? If they do well selling this film, they plan to make another movie!! AWESOME!
Follow this link! Watch the preview! Purchase the movie! Support the little guys- they do big things!
Okay. Now that you’re done with our opinions, you may have some eye candy. Please enjoy a single serving of each of our performers featured in our upcoming show at Guilt & Co!
xo
Hello, gorgeous!
up next….
The joyfully brazen, delightfully lavish expression of sensuality. The whetting of curiosity, the glimmer of hope, and the arousal of desire, wrapped up in a package of indulgent extravagance.
Pandora and The Locksmiths are an extravagant collective of professional musicians and multi-disciplined burlesque artists, known for their prowess in weaving smokin’ live music and scintillating strip-tease into a sonically and visually lush spectacle. With a wink and a smile, they invite their audiences on a compelling journey into both the past and future of the burlesque art form.
On Friday, June 7th, these talented cats and kittens bring their saucy touch to the stage of Vancouver Fanclub for three sets of entertainment.
Featuring the talents of:
Burgundy Brixx!
August Wiled!
Ruthe Ordare!
Voracious V!
Nicky Ninedoors!
All set to the gorgeous tones of the FIVE PIECE BAND, The Locksmiths.
Doors: 7:30pm
Music begins at 8 pm, and the burlesque artists join in the saucy spectacle at 9 pm. Admission $15
ADVANCE TICKETS HERE!
Join us for a glamorous evening of unforgettable live entertainment!
and…..
Pandora and The Locksmiths are proud to present a collection of delectably sweet and devious acts to titillate every palette. This is one treat that even your dentist will approve!
Featuring:
BURGUNDY BRIXX!
RUTHE ORDARE!
AUGUST WILED!
plus two duets from
NICKY NINEDOORS and VORACIOUS V!
All to that smokin 5 piece jazz band, THE LOCKSMITHS!
And hosted by the the rip roaring vocal talents of
DOUG THOMS!
And our professional showgirl herder and sensational singer,
MISS KISS!
The show starts at 9 pm with the band while Miss Kiss gets all her prize filled balloons popped! We highly recommend arriving early so you may enjoy the amazing cocktails and tapas at Guilt & Co.
Admission is a suggested $10 donation*
Join us for an evening of deliciously glamorous entertainment!
*Here at the Risque Cabaret, all donations go directly to funding the performers you see on the stage! Thank you so much for your continued support in making Tuesday night the hottest night in town!
Well, that’s exciting! Our first ever show at FanClub! Wheee!! We do hope to see you there, it’s a BEAUTIFUL space with amazing sight lines and lights and sound, and we’re very thrilled to be performing on Granville Street again. Any time we can insert the burlesque counter culture into the pop culture is a good time by us! 😀
Speaking of which, some of our group members just got back from the Burlesque Hall of Fame! Brother Keys and I (Nicky) performed in the Movers, Shakers, and Innovators Showcase, Ruthe Ordare (with one of our fav performers Villainy Loveless) competed for Best Duo during the Tournament of Tease- and got a FULL standing ovation and brought many, many people to tears. And Burgundy Brixx was as dazzling as the sun in the Queen of Burlesque Category during the Tournament of Tease!
Special mention to Sweet Soul Burlesque led by sass queen Crystal Precious who also performed in the Movers, Shakers, and Innovators Showcase, as well as Lola Frost and Melody Mangler who seduced us in the Best Duo category, and Lola Frost in the Queen of Burlesque category winning 2nd Runner Up! Congratulations, girl! She was FIERCE!
We did NOT envy the decision making process the judges had to go through. Every single performer that was up on that stage was deserving of a prize. Quite literally the best of the best were showcased. I gave so many yelling, screaming, standing ovations I actually gave myself a headache. And I wasn’t the only one in that position! Damn! Amaaaazing.
So, on the tail end of the glittery performance wonder of BHoF, we come back super thrilled and inspired to up our game. We always want to up our game, but now it’s ON! We can’t wait to take this inspiration and the creativity that we’ve been offered, digest and absorb it, and put our all into our next creations! So, we really hope to see you at our next shows. We’re feeling fierce! *** Now for the eye candy…. 🙂
Here are a few photos that Jess Desaulniers-Lea took at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival! Check out the festival’s FB page and Tumblr account for more! Enjoy!
In Like a (purrrring) Lioness
Next Up with Pandora and The Locksmiths:
Get Away With Us! March 12th at Guilt & Co
Electroswing: Retrospective on March 22nd at The Rickshaw
sister events
Kitty Nights at The Biltmore produced by Burgundy Brixx: every sunday!
The Hot Pants at Guilt & Co produced by Miss Fitt: Tues, March 5th
Paris a Minuit at The Rio, produced by Miss Fitt: Fri, March 29th
And check out every Tuesday at Guilt & Co for fabulous cabaret themed productions, featuring incredibly talented performers whom we love and work with as much as we can!
***
Well! now that we’ve scheduled your life for you… let’s get onto business!
As you can see, we’ve got some really amazing events coming up. Our next show at Guilt features a special guest who both plays an instrument and is an excellent burlesque dancer- Miss Via Rose! I’m personally excited to see her dance whenever I get the opportunity, but I’m also extra excited because she and I are creating our first duet together! Featuring the bassoon, my voice, some classic strip-tease, and gorgeous custom costumes by my sister in law, Jessica Bayntun.
We’re also very excited for our first ElectroSwing event as a whole group! The WHOLE SHEBANG! Wow!
And as you can see, Miss Fitt has been gettin busy! What? She’s a hard worker! She’s got her Hot Pants show on March 5th (I’ll be swinging hoops) as well as Paris a Minuit on the 29th. You should look at that lineup. Kinda insane!
And now, what you came for…
Last month we had the wonderful Jess Desaulniers-Lea be our sponsor photographer. While we love our men behind the camera, there’s a special sort of vibe when you know that it’s a woman who’s waiting for your sultriest moment to be captured at the flick of her finger…. shall we take a look at what she got?
Enjoy!
Get Yer Mischief!
Hitting the stage at 9 pm on February 12th at Guilt & Co…
Femme & Fatale featuring The Lady Josephine!
See you there!
***
It’s been a bit of a whirlwind! Winter is a really busy season for burlesque, what with religious holidays and all, and on top of it I just got back from performing in the 1st Annual Minneapolis Burlesque Festival with Sean! WHEEEE! We performed “Nude” in their beautiful Ritz Theatre (Ummm… Vancouver? You need a theatre like that) and just came back so overwhelmingly inspired. It was our first out of town festival, and getting to meet so many international talent machines was just incredible. I could gush for days.
Dirty.
Sandwiching the MBF, getting applications in for both the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Vegas, doing photo shoots and video shoots, plus now buckling down and creating the first duet between Burgundy Brixx and myself (excited!) for April O’Peel’s Burlesque Duos on Valentine’s at The Rio (Miss Fitt is also in that show!)…. it’s a little busy. I’m also going to be fan dancing in my good friend Mackenzie Gray’s Crazy 8’s film “Under The Bridge of Fear”, and I’m really excited about that. Burgundy Brixx is a part of that, too, plus many people connected to our glorious burlesque community here in Vancouver.
Did I mention that it’s also my birthday coming up? Yeah, let’s talk more about MEMEME! It’s my birthday on Sunday, Feb 17th, and I’ll be celebrating in the way that pleases me most- by shaking my stuff for tips at Kitty Nights! I’m one of those people who haaaaates to plan a party and would rather be working than plan a party… by dancing at Kitty Nights, I get to do both! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate, to be honest, than sweating all over a wad of caaaaashhh. Right? I’m going to be wearing Pants. Yes, you heard me. PANTS. And you can bet they will be your FAVOURITE PANTS EVER. They’re the only pair of pants that I actually own and wear. So clearly they are magical.
Enough of this yapping. You came here for photos.
This week we’re featuring Lotus Eater Films, who came out to our show in January.
Enjoy!
xox
Nicky Ninedoors
Look At This!
Are you ready for some heart stopping femininity?
Femme and Fatale with Pandora and The Locksmiths, featuring special guest Lady Josephine!
Feb 12th, Guilt & Co at 1 Alexander Street in Gastown. Doors 7 pm, Show 9 pm.
Suggested donation $10, which directly funds all the heartbreaking cats and kittens you see on stage!
At our upcoming monthly show (monthly show #29! Holy crap!) we are presenting a saucy mix of femininity. We have gloriously soft and gorgeous contrasted with fiercely film noir, as well as deliciously complex combinations of those ideas. Much like a fine bottle of scotch. Okay, okay. Wine for all your wine ladies (and gents). I’ll keep the scotch to myself, thanks. Okay, fine, I’ll share it with Jody.
I could tell you all the reasons why you should come see the show, or you could just come, because you know why already. I wrote a testimonial on how awesome our show is, but frankly my craft desk is a mess and I can’t find it. Oh well.
Ramble ramble ramble…. heeeey, how about some pictures?
This blog entry, we’re featuring the work of Voodoo Bill (swoon). We were lucky to have two photographers at our Dream a Little Dream show (with Amber Ray!) in January, so next blog entry, you get an entirely different flavour! We’ve got your bases covered, Vancouver.
Alright, it’s time to indulge. (favourite word ever. I should just start saying “It’s Nicky O’Clock”!)
Enjoy!
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- A Praying Man
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- Bubbly queen
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- Singing your heart out
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- The Blues
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- Film Noir
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- She’s Come To Destroy You
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- And You Don’t Really Mind…
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- Soul Man
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- Classical
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- Man Eater
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- Beautiful Amber Ray
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- Glowing with love
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- Showgirl Sprites
Pandora and The Locksmiths 