Fall Flirtations
Coming Up Next…
That’s right! We’re back at Guilt & Co NEXT TUESDAY, September 27th!
We’re returning to the venue that started it all, that sexy basement bar in Gastown, Guilt & Co! Join us for the launch of our new monthly production, jam packed with live music, burlesque, and scintillating fun. On stage you’ll see:
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
ARIEL HELVETICA
MISS SYDNEY CLAIRE
and
THE LOCKSMITHS
hosted by
AVA LURE
Doors at 8, Show at 9
Two extra sets of big vocal tunes with the band to follow!
$15 advance/$20 at the door subject to availability. You can purchase tickets in advance here.
So grab a drink, order that cheese plate (you know you want it), sit back, and enjoy the show!!
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Here are some photos of this month’s cast, on and off the Guilt & Co stage. See you next week.
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- Ruthe Ordare Off Stage
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- Ruthe On Stage!
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- Miss Sydney Claire Off Stage
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- Miss Sydney Claire On Stage! Ok, this isn’t the Guilt & Co stage, but that’s because it’s her very first show with us there as a vocalist!
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- Miss Fitt Off Stage
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- Miss Fitt On Stage!
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- Nicky Ninedoors Off Stage
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- Nicky On Stage!
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- Carole Brunette Off Stage
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- Carole On Stage!
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- Ariel Helvetica Off Stage
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- Ariel On Stage!
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- Ava Lure Off Stage
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- Ava On Stage!
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- The Locksmiths On Stage!
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!
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!
The Heart Of Glamour
Alas, the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival has come to a sweet and glittery end for this year, and all the hard work of the board, performers, and volunteers has been celebrated appropriately (wink…ahem). For those of you who attended, we thank you and hope that you had the most wonderful time! For those of you who did not, we offer our sympathies; not only did you miss out on three incredible nights of burlesque entertainment and artistry, but our members were spreading the sass full force over those stages every night, and we have allllllll the photos to prove it. Hint: don’t go too far, there’s plenty to come, and you won’t want to miss it. I assure you!
Tomorrow, May 14th at Guilt and Co: Classic Tease
We’re not ready to get off our cloud of sparkles and feathers just yet though (or ever), so tomorrow, we’d like to take you on a journey to the heart of glamour. We’re celebrating the art of burlesque with an evening of tantalizing glitz, smooth moves, and good old bump and grind. Not only do we have Nicky Ninedoors, Burgundy Brixx, Voracious V, Carole Brunette, and August Wiled on the lineup to titillate your senses, but we are featuring the fabulous Lady Josephine! If you think it couldn’t possibly get better than that, you’re wrong; the statuesque Ava Lure will be stage managing, and the witty bombshell Mama Kay will host you through the dream.
Doors at 7pm, show at 9pm, suggested donation is $10. A cast of 13 for only $10?! Don’t let this one get away from you.
Oh yes, we know why you’re here, we didn’t forget, so here is a collection of gorgeous photos from our last show at Guilt and Co! Fringe was flying, tassels were twirling, and the incredibly talented Cameron Brown was there to capture it. While you’re at it, you should definitely check out his blog too! He may have some incredible shots from the festival on there.. 😉
Enjoy!!
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- Good morning
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- A lesson on getting dressed
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- Smooth
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- Ready for work
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- It’s always the glasses
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- Hold onto your socks
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- Slowly
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- Like magic
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- Come closer
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- Nope, not yet
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- When seeing double is a good thing…
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- Singing so smoothly
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- … a very good thing
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- In the groove
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- Yes, that’s a leopard jumpsuit
When the trumpet hits High C…!
as part of
The 8th Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
As part of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, Kitty Nights West and Pandora & The Locksmiths have teamed up under the masterful producing of Burgundy Brixx to bring you on a racy romp through the golden age of burlesque! Featuring Burgundy Brixx as Gypsy Rose Lee, plus August Wiled, Ava Lure, Miss Fitt, Nicky Ninedoors, Ruthe Ordare, and Voracious V as the Minsky Rosebuds!
Thursday May 2nd
The Rio Theatre – Broadway @ Commercial Drive
Show at 9:20pm*
Tickets are $35 – one ticket price gains you admission to ALL THREE different productions taking place on Thursday May 2nd: GYPSY ROSE LEE AT MINSKY’S BURLESQUE, MOTOWN BURLESQUE, and PAINT AND PASTIES!
Feel free to come early and stay late!
OR save money by purchasing a weekend ticket bundle.
Tix available at Northern Tickets:
http://tinyurl.com/cbnh484
In honour of the fast approaching burlesque festivities, please enjoy some of the photos that were taken during the festival last year!
xox
She’s As Modest As Can Be….
up next…
We are very excited about the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival! The board has been hard at work all year, but things are getting pretty intense now! Intense in the good kinda way, you know? Like when you feel you’re getting kinda werked and are like yeaaaaah… harder.
Anyhoo! The festival runs from May 2nd to May 4th, plus there is a wicked after party on the 5th at The Cellar. For reals, I’m going to be laughing my ass off all night. Or swooning 😉 -You should come too!
after the festival…
Tuesday May 14th at Guilt & Co
This coming month we are featuring the spectacular Lady Josephine! Burgundy Brixx, August Wiled, Nicky Ninedoors, Voracious V, and Carole Brunette round out the line up (uhhyeah they do), Ava Lure is our leggy stage manager for the evening and the night is hosted by the bombshell Mama Kay! Of course you’ll be treated to the musical stylings of The Locksmiths all night, so don’t miss out!
Doors 7 pm, show 9 pm, suggested donation is $10. Pretty good for a 13 person cast, right?
So mark it in your calendars, cuz sh*ts about to get real sparkly.
***
Now, where were we? Oh yes, dessert. Who says dessert can’t be good for you?
Please indulge in the photos that were taken by the talented Cameron Brown at our most recent show at Guilt. Isn’t his website just full of gorgeous, gorgeous photos? And his blog is pretty nifty, too! I get the feeling that you’ll be seeing lots more photos of his in the near future… 🙂
Enjoy!
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- Welcome to the show!
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- The traditional way we start the show- with prizes, balloons, and nudity, of course!
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- Check out that rear end suspension.
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- Let’s go!
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- Oh hi, Officer!
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- She’ll get your green
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- Hairography
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- She’s a blondshell
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- First she giveth…
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- Oh!
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- Ah!
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- Yay!
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- Oo!
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- The Fox
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- She’s bringing sexy back
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- Carole Brunette is this adorable pretty much all the time
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- Spin!
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- DING!
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- DINGDINGDING!
This Here Blog
up next…
60s Groove!
Tuesday April 9th, Show starts at 9 pm, Guilt & Co at 1 Alexander Street in Gastown. Suggested donation $10. Our regular monthly show! It’s a super fun night with cocktails and gorgeous food, a great atmosphere, and every month we prepare a different style of show for you!
We’ve been successfully running since September 2010, and since then there has been quite an evolution in our cast. Pandora has literally doubled in size, becoming what Ruthe Ordare refers to as an army of talent. We’ve all been really happy with how the show runs and the format we’ve come up with.
That being said…
Another evolution is approaching in the future. We have big plans. I’ve been plotting and budgeting and dreaming and scheming, and it’s going to happen. February 14th, 2014… Yep. Mark that in your calendar. You will want to be there.
In the meantime, if you have a friend who hasn’t been to our monthly show and isn’t terribly concerned because the monthly keeps happening… they should come out sometime. Sooner rather than later. Because evolution is inevitable, and change is good. And we want our audience to see our creative process when it comes to our productions. We don’t want you to miss out on how we’re getting where we’re going. We want you to continue to be a part of our history!
Speaking of history, fast approaching is the
8th Annual Vancouver International Burlesque Fest!
Burgundy Brixx has put together a really great production that we’re a part of on the Thursday night, and our members are all over the showcases on Friday and Saturday! It’s pretty sweet. I highly recommend getting a weekend pass. Highly recommend!
and now… for set 2 of photos from our most recent show at Guilt!
Photography by Rene Blais. Colour edits by myself. I was feeling experimental this morning.
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
Sugarplums and Showgirlbums
Happy Monday!
On December 11th we hope to see you at Guilt & Co for
Winter Magic! featuring the incredible Travis Bernhardt!
Last year we featured Travis in our show to rave reviews. He’s always such a treat to watch, let alone work with. We just couldn’t resist his charms. Har har! But seriously…. ladies in our audience…. we know you come to watch fierce women and be entertained and titillated and inspired… but this month you’ve got some eye and brain candy represented by this man. Who in the heck gets to be tall-dark-and-handsome-and-smart-and-f*cking-magical? Travis Bernhardt. That’s who. So, you’re welcome 😉
We’re also welcoming back to the stage one of our rare treat ladies- a founding member of P&L, Carole Brunette! Joining her are the likes of Burgundy Brixx, Miss Fitt, and myself. The long and leggy Ava Lure is our stage manager this month, and Mama Kay our MC. Doors 7 pm, show 9 pm. Suggested donation $10- which goes directly to paying the cast of 12 people on stage!
A big snuggly thank you to all who came to Cafe de Paris at Guilt & Co last month- wow was that place ever packed! It’s usually pretty cozy before, but on top of our regular crowd, there were faces we’d never seen before in the audience, and l’amour was in the air! Pretty sure the incredible Amber Ray and Lady Josephine had something to do that that, don’t you think? We were so thrilled to get to work with them- international guests are a little hard to come by in Vancouver, so we absolutely jumped at the chance to collaborate. Did they ever exceed every expectation, and you know we have high expectations! Speaking of expectations, we apologize for starting the show later than usual, we had some unexpected sound setup issues that pushed us a little late. We’ll be on time next time, promise!
Just a friendly reminder that we don’t allow any form of videotaping or photography during our show, unless you’re a designated photographer (if you’re a professional photographer and are interested in shooting, please contact us at livejazzburlesque@gmail.com)- this includes cameras as well as iPhones and all those fancy little devices. We know it’s oh-so-tempting to try to snag a picture of that amaaazing moment that is playing out on stage, but then you have to take your eyes away from the stage and look through a screen. And that is not nearly as awesome as absorbing and indulging in the performance real time. And that is what we live for- indulging you in real time, completely live. We spend so much time in front of computer screens for work and un fun purposes, it really tickles us to be able to connect with our audiences one hundred percent! Furthermore… if you are caught breaking the rules (naughty!) then you’ll have to deal with me. And I’m a very nice person, but my will is even firmer than my backside. I realize that’s hard to believe, but just ask around.
On the bright side! This little issue inspired something that I think is VERY cool. We’re going to have a polaroid camera (can those things be called retro yet? Or are they just outdated? whatevs) so that you can purchase autographed photos of you and your friends with our performers and musicians! I love sassy keepsakes. I was inspired by the gorgeous Voodoo Pixie at our wedding reception- she snapped a picture of John and I and it’s just so charming. What’s more, is it was signed by a number of the guests at our party. I love it so much, and after watching so many people struggle to get pictures with their camera phones (It’s out of focus! That one didn’t take! I blinked! Why is my camera frozen!) I thought it would be so nice if people could just sit back, relax, and have their photo taken and have a little autographed treasure handed to them to take home right away.
Wow, I’ve talked for two paragraphs about photos. They say a good act runs with three’s… so, here you go.
A photo blog! Featuring the stunning artistry of Voodoo Bill!
Just what you’re been waiting for! Unless you were clever and skipped over my blathering. In which case, good on you. You made it through 723 words.
Ta-da!
Let’s Get Cozy
This morning there was a soft but present coolness in the air, and it’s as if suddenly it became Fall.
Sweet.
Now, I love summer. Absolutely adore it. I really do enjoy wearing next to nothing. But…. I can’t wear my totally cozy wool sweater in the summer. And my furs are definitely on holiday from June-August. And let’s face it- who the heck gets real close and cozy in the midnight hour for any length of time when it’s stifling hot and you don’t have air conditioning? Fall is a beautiful thing, my friends. Fall is the time to get cozy. It’s the time to snuggle up with good food, good drinks, and good people.
It’s time to
Fall in love again!
featuring special guest Via Rose, our long and leggy lady August Wiled, the firey innovation of Burgundy Brixx, the delectable charm of Voracious V, and yours truly, hosted by The Purrrfessor, all to glorious accompaniment by The Locksmiths!
Now, that show is just a little over a week away, and if you’re absolutely dying for a Tuesday to just come up and pounce on you, you should check out The Hot Pants at Guilt and Co tomorrow night. Seriously one of the most entertaining things you’ll ever see. A whole choreographed troupe of retro babes dancing to 1960s vinyl, produced by Vancouver’s resident go-go queen, Miss Fitt! Ohhhh yeah. It’s a seriously slick production, and I don’t throw that word around for fun!
Alright, onto the beautiful photos taken by Cameron Brown at our most recent show!
Enjoy!
Beautiful, Beautiful Autumn
Why hello!
This entry will be short and oh so sweet. My apartment is having its windows powerwashed, and I’m not allowed to have any open windows at all…. did I mention that my apartment is south facing? I rarely wear clothes in here as it is, but no open windows?! So I’m here to deliver you the saucey evidence of our Anniversary show on September 11th at Guilt, while simultaneously enticing you to
Fall In Love Again!
Our next show on October 9th at Guilt & Co is shaping up to be a real cozy affair!
Not only do we have the usual instigators Burgundy Brixx, Voracious V, and yours truly, but we also have the hottest new burlesque sensation in Vancouver, August Wiled!
But wait, there’s more!
We have a special guest with us this month that we’ve been trying to coordinate with since we began two years ago: the stunning
Via Rose!
photo credit to Chris Mitchell
This gorgeously auburn performer is not only a wonderful burlesque artist, but she also plays the bassoon and the contrabassoon, often with the VSO. She’s just dripping with class and it’s a joy that our schedules have finally coordinated!
See you at our next show!
Now, for the eye candy…
I have a bit of a confession to make. Our lighting wasn’t exactly excellent for photo purposes last time and so this photo blog will be smaller. It just goes to show you that if you really want to be a part of our shows and experience the full meal deal of singers, dancers, burlesque, and live music… you gotta be there 😉
I love how I manage to turn the issue of me not double checking the lighting into a “you need to come to our shows”. Ha!
Photos are by our resident live photo sponsor, Cameron Brown
Enjoy!
Stolen by a Kiss
With Summer Groove just around the corner, we felt it was time to introduce you to another new member of our collective…
Miss Kiss!
But before we get to her interview (and gallery! Shazam!) let me tell you a little bit about our upcoming show. We have a craaaazy lineup in store for you, and this show is all about the groove. Burgundy Brixx and I will be performing, as per usual, and Miss Fitt will be lending her sweet voice for the show, but in addition to that we have fierce burlesque vocalist Miss Kiss, and Vancouver’s high energy sweet-heart from Sweet Soul Burlesque and the Vancouver Burlesque Centre, Cherry On Top! We’ve never performed with her before and we’ve been dying to for a long time! And with Cherry in the mix, you know there will be lots of booty groovin music abounding. Have I mentioned how hard we work our musicians? One month it’s all 1940s and classic jazz, the next month we make them do funk and soul. And they switch gears like nobodies business. NBD.
Alright. Let’s get to know Miss Kiss. And let me give you a disclaimer- this little kissing bandit is much more likely to throw you down and kiss you than wait for a knight in shining armour to come deliver one. She’s fierce. Read about her. The lady is gettin naked for you, so get to know her!
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What is your performance and training background?
After being out of school for a year, my Mom said I better get doing something, so I thought, okay, I like to sing and express myself and dress up in costumes – how bout musical theatre? So I auditioned for the Capilano Musical Threatre Diploma Program. So that is three years of training which includes, but was not limited to: singing, acting, jazz, tap, ballet, film, music theory, and a lot of masterclasses! This does not mean I am a pro at all these things, but I have lots to draw on for performances should I need them! I learned that you can really disguise how terrible you are at tap if you learn to smile…ha! I was the rocker girl dressing up as Alice Cooper for first year ice breakers and not having a clue who Sondheim was. I quickly learned though! I have performed with many local theatre companies since graduating, including Gateway Threatre, Theatre Under the Stars and the Arts Club Theatre.
I also started getting into Marilyn Monroe around Grade 9. My dad bought me a Monroe lunchbox as a gift for good grades and I started watching her films and wearing red lipstick everyday – with my doc martins and bondage pants. So I have always had this mix of rock n’ roll and glamour. I also found out I make a terrible blonde and could not be Monroe.
Enter Bettie Page and the burlesque world. “Oh my gawd! So amazing! Where can I find this world?!” I asked myself as a little girl from Surrey. Well thank goodness for The Purrrfessor!!! We were in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” with TUTS in 2008 and he told me about Kitty Nights, that I should come out, and maybe Go-Go sometime. Thank you Jesus! Ha! Here are all these amazing women who come in all shapes, sizes and colours just kicking ass on stage being sexy and fun and strong! Love love love at first sight! So needless to say, I did Go-Go, and went on to start doing my own numbers. Burgundy Brixx really showed me how it is done and has always been someone who inspires me as a performer, teacher and friend.
So more on the “why burlesque”: it is a medium where I feel I get to truly express myself and my vision how I choose. It gives me a chance to be my own character instead of one already created in a script. It also has helped me be more comfortable with myself. Miss Kiss does not have body issues or insecurities – she just wants to have a good time and entertain!
***
We’re really stoked to work with Miss Kiss. She has a massive voice, as you may have seen during our “Night Owl Revue” production for the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, or in Blue Morris’ Beatles Burlesque. With the amount of skill she has, it’s no wonder we’re all trying to get a piece!
Enjoy the photos!
A Scorchingly Scandalous Night
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Heat Wave production at Guilt & Co! It was a delightful evening. And many thanks to all those who made that show happen.
Our next show is August 14th, and we’ll be featuring special guests Cherry On Top and Miss Kiss! Save the date! It’s going to be a very groovy show.
Alright, onto the saucey photo blog! Here are some photos to tide you over until our next blog entry. We’re been collaborating with Cameron Brown lately and we’re pretty much just thrilled about it. You know all those photos he’s done. They’re the ones you keep clicking on and looking at. Yes… I see your every move when you’re on here… (On a related note, who keeps searching for nude photos of a certain non burlesque dancer we know? You search for that a lot! I recommend going to Wreck Beach instead. More effective.)
Anyhoo. Onto the awesome Act I photos of Ruthe Ordare, Villainy Loveless, and yours truly…
enjoy!
We shall never be Ruth-less again!
Tomorrow evening at Guilt & Co we’re turning up the heat even more and bringing you a full fledged…
Heat Wave!
In the past couple of weeks you’ve been getting to know our newest collective members. So far you’ve read interviews with Ava Lure and August Wiled. Today, we bring you the divine bombshell
Ruthe Ordare!
Read all about her below!
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What is your performance and training background?
Most of my performance and training background has been in dance, I began jazz and ballet when I was 10 and began studying it seriously when I was around 15. I was very focused and determined in my ballet training, and I was lucky to have a very talented teacher who helped me reach the Royal Academy of Dance’s grade 8 in ballet after only four years. I also competed in local dance competitions in Ontario.
In my late teens, I started teaching dance at my studio and choreographed competitive routines, performance company pieces and studio recital numbers. I also owned and operated my own summer dance camp before I moved west to Vancouver.
While I was attending university, I choreographed five musicals. It was a huge learning experience since my choreography now had to factor in singing as well as performers who had little to no training. But it was also some of the most fun I had at university!
Some of my biggest performances have included dancing for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards for CBC in 2002 and in the Opening Ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Currently I am taking classes at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre and you can occasionally find me substituting when Burgundy Brixx or Lola Frost are away!
How and when and why did you get into burlesque?
I began looking into burlesque a few years ago but didn’t have the opportunity to pursue it until 2010. In my final year of university I had a class with another local performer Evelyn Ivory, and we somehow started chatting about musicals and dance when burlesque came up. She referred me to Burgundy Brixx’s School of Tease classes and the rest is history! I began taking lessons with Burgundy in November 2010 and made my debut in January 2011 as one of her Minsky Follies girls at Kitty Nights.
From so many places, I’m constantly inspired by other performers who are trying new things and expanding the genre. I find ideas from movies, books, and primarily music. The dancer in me hears a piece of music and decides “I need to dance to this”. From there I’ll spend time listening to it and the ideas for costumes and movement develop in my head. Any big plans or productions you’re a part of in the future you’re excited about?
Well, first of all I’m very excited to become an official member with Pandora & The Locksmiths, I’ve had the pleasure of stage kittening with them for almost a year now and it’s an honour to be asked to join the ranks with performers whom I highly respect. Outside of Pandora, I’m looking forward to staging our Burlesque “beauty pageant” Ta-tas and Tiaras with April O’Peel and Madame Mae I on July 13th at the Rio Theatre. I’m also taking on my first attempt at producing this fall with Blue Morris Productions!
***
Is that not an impressive resume or what?
We’re thrilled to have her perform with us for the first time tomorrow alongside Burgundy Brixx, Nicky Ninedoors, August Wiled, and special guest Villainy Loveless. You’ll enjoy the vocal talents of Miss Fitt and Doug Thoms (our fabulous host this month) as well as, you guessed it, the musical stylings of the five piece sensation, The Locksmiths! And don’t forget about the balloon popping fun with Ava Lure!
Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 9 pm.
Suggested donation $10.
It fills up fast. Get there early and get yourself a cool drink, cuz it’s going to be a real scorcher!
A Cactus, Ruby Slippers, and a Muff
How’s that for a title? It’s all true, I swear it.
But first things first, our next show at Guilt on July 10th:
Heat Wave!
In this show we’re featuring one of our favourite ladies to work with, Villainy Loveless, the “Marilyn Monroe of East Van”, a member of The Starlet Harlots, and sister to the fierce Lola Frost. She’s got talent, style, and attitude, and we like it.
We’re also presenting two of our newest members- Ruthe Ordare and August Wiled!
I’m going to do a whole entry on the newest contributors to our collective as soon as I get my paws on some photos they would like for me to promote them with. Hint hint. 😉
You’ll also see acts from Burgundy Brixx and myself, our stage will be vixen-ed by Ava Lure, and the night will be hosted by Doug Thoms. Oh yeah, and that five piece band we just can’t seem to get rid of, The Locksmiths, will be providing the live bump to our grind…
Down to the itty bitties…
This is going to be part one of the photos taken by Cameron Brown at our recent show on June 12th. Because we’re tease artists and you don’t get it all at once. You’re going to have to work for it. You’re going to at least have to pretend you just read something before clicking on the nudie photos. And we’ll all just pretend I don’t see exactly what you’re searching when you’re sent to our blog. AHEM. Cuz we don’t judge here!
Epic
So, see you at Guilt & Co on Tuesday the 8th (tomorrow!) for our monthly show, right? Doors 7 pm, show 9 pm!
This past weekend with the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival has truly been out of this world. The performances were incredible, the attendance was fantastic, and the festival is just getting bigger and better every year. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!
Now for the eye candy… but first, a little note about it! The photo is by Cameron Brown Photography– he took all the amazing shots we posted about a couple days ago.
I feel very blessed to have this woman in my life. Having Burgundy Brixx‘s expertise, creativity, and professionalism to look up to has really inspired a “the sky is the limit” belief system in me, and I am forever grateful. Her guidance for the festival since she moved here from New York four years ago is evident in its evolution as one of “the” entertainment events of the year to be at. The combination of talents across our community- diverse, inspiring, multifaceted performers and producers and enthusiasts- have made the festival what it is, and continue to make the festival what it’s becoming. Glory!
Burgundy Brixx at The Vogue Theatre
Pandora and The Locksmiths 