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In the last decade, burlesque has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, proving to be a style of entertainment that is flourishing and here to stay. From Gypsy's resurrection on Broadway to burlesque scenes on the hit television show Gossip Girl, the bump n' grind has shimmied its way back into popular culture!
Helping to lead this colorful charge is The Annual New York Burlesque Festival, now teasing its way into its 7th year. It is the largest burlesque event in the world, and has attracted sold-out crowds since its beginning in 2002. Festival producers, Thirsty Girl Pontani Sisters Productions deliver four nights of glitter and glamour in Gotham, with over 50 eye-popping performances from the world's leading burlesque and variety entertainers at four of NYC's hottest nightclubs. In addition to tassels and tail feathers, this year's festival offers live music, international DJ's, variety and circus performers.
ON Thursday, October 1st, 2009, wet your whistle for pleasure at the Teaser Party with Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School and us. Dr. Sketchy’s will host a burlesque tableau vivant, where you can try your hand at drawing one their stunning burlesque models, or just watch artists create. Then, delight in an evening hosted by The World Famous *BOB*, and sprinkled with performances by Tatah Dujour (Key West, FL), Trixie Little, (Baltimore), Lola Van Dyke (Sweden), Jonny Porkpie (NYC), and many more! Also, live music by The Two Man Gentleman Band (NYC), and DJ Mikey Palms. Then rub elbows with the stars of the show, exclusive members of the media and sponsors of the event at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Friday, October 2nd the games begin with the Premiere Party at Brooklyn's Indie hot spot, The Bell House. The notorious and scandalous party, hosted by Scotty the Blue Bunny, features over 20 burlesque beauties from the weekend's cavalcade of stars. Highlight performances includes:
Miss Delirium Tremens (NYC), Broadway Brassy (NYC), Tonicat La Miez (Germany), The Amazing Knicker Kittens (Sweden), Brown Girls Burlesque (NYC), Iva Handful (Seattle), Little Brooklyn (NYC), Harvest Moon (NYC), Gigi La Femme (NYC), and DJ Momotaro (NYC).
ON Saturday, October 3rd rev your engines for arousal at the Saturday Spectacular where la crème de la crème of the most eclectic burlesque performers are showcased. Staged at BB Kings on 42nd Street, where the king of comedy Murray Hill hosts over 30 international burlesque bombshells who promise to deliver for a night of top-notched performances.
This star-studded line up includes Angie Pontani (NYC), The Glamazons (NYC), Lux La Croix (LA), Tigger! (NYC), Dirty Martini (NYC), Gravity Plays Favorites (St. Louis), Hot Toddy (Chicago), Jo Boobs (NYC), Anna Fur Laxis (UK), Violet Eva (Japan), Renea’ La Roux (Georgia) and The World Famous Pontani Sisters (NYC), DJ Hitman Hearn (London) and live music by Fisherman Xylophonic Orchestra and Brian Newman, among others.
On Sunday, October 4th the festival goes out with one last tassel twirl at Manhattan's Le Poisson Rouge Nightclub for The Golden Pastie Awards and Burlesque Early Bird Dinner. Join the performers at this Oscar styled celebration, full of hi-jinx provided by hostess Miss Astrid, “the true Weimer fraulein”, and offers live performances and an awards ceremony honoring the world’s finest burlesque performers with a double D sized Golden Pastie. Stellar performances by Darlinda Just Darlinda (NYC), Pinchbottom Burlesque (NYC), Miss Orchid Mei (Denver), Daiquiri Dusk (Scotland), Helen Pontani (NYC), and Dulce De Leche.
The 7th Annual New York Burlesque Festival
October 1st-4th, 2009
various locations