Dita Von Teese is scheduled to play four Halloween-time burlesque shows at NYC's Gramercy Theater on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...

Latest Strip Strip Hooray NYC update: if you have tickets for the Oct 30th show, that may be moved to Thursday, November 1st to a late night 2nd show. More updates coming, but this looks like our best solution due to the storm and transportation issues for ticket holders. I will confirm this sometime tomorrow.
xx

UPDATE: Tuesday's show is cancelled, and a 2nd show on Thursday has been added. Dita says:

Like other NYC shows, tomorrow's StripStripHooray! show is cancelled. Tix will be refunded & we are adding a 2nd show on Thursday night, so I will be posting that link soon. Unfortunately, you must buy new tickets for that show. More info to come, stay tuned & stay safe! VIP Meet & Greet ticketholders will be contacted individually by phone.

Http://Teese.us/4x to buy tickets for Thursday's makeup show.
I know that many of you will find reasons to be angry about the cancellation, but all the shows are closing, plus we have no choice because there is no power and no transportation for people trying to make it to the shows. (Not to mention no tech rehearsals!) The good news is that right now, you can get good tickets for the Tuesday show if you act fast...plus it's our last show, so it will be the wildest one! We promise!
Thank you for understanding.
Meanwhile, I am here playing UNO by candlelight at my hotel with friends.
Looking forward to basking in the pink spotlight!
Xx

Continue reading "Dita Von Teese may do some rescheduling (UPDATE: one show cancelled, one show addeded) "

Most people get dressed up for Halloween but burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese will be taking it off for a three night stand at Gramercy Theatre on Oct. 30 - Nov. 1. The show, titled "Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray" is being MC'd by Murray Hill and also features Dirty Martini, Catherine D'Lish, Selene Luna, Perle Noire and Monsieur Romeo. Tickets are on sale now.

If you're a Top Chef fan, you may have seen Dita (who turns 40 on Friday [9/28]) recently on Top Chef Masters where she turned host Curtis Stone into a giggling schoolboy and displayed serious food knowledge as well. You can watch that clip below.

Meanwhile, for all your burlesque needs, head to the Bell House for the 10th Annual New York Burlesque Festival starting tonight (9/27).

Continue reading "Dita Von Teese's "Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray" coming to NYC during Halloween; Burlesque Fest @ Bell House meanwhile starts tonight"

Mermaid Parade 2010 (more by Chris La Putt)

No need to wait for Sunday's Gay Pride Parade to experience colorfully and barely dressed people marching down a NYC street in front of thousands of spectators. Saturday (6/23) is the annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. The parade starts at 2 PM on West 22nd St. between Surf Ave. and the Boardwalk, but get there earlier for a good spot (and don't forget to leave time for the long subway ride).

This year's king and queen are comedian Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling (Howard Stern Show) and actress Annabella Sciorra (Jungle Fever, True Love).

As always, the parade will be followed by the Mermaid Ball, which starts at 7 PM at the New York Aquarium. This year's ball features a Moby DJ set and live sets by The A Bones, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 and The Moto-Wrays, in addition to this year's king Jackie Martling performing in the Aquatheater, burlesque dancers, go go dancers, "real live mermaids," a laser light show tent and more. Tickets for the ball are available.

Meanwhile, Friday Night Fireworks on Coney Island have begun and will continue every Friday (including tonight) through August 31. "For the best seating, locate yourself on the boardwalk or beach between West 10th Street and West 15th Street." The flier for this is below.

More Mermaid Parade details below...

Continue reading "Mermaid Parade and afterparty in Coney Island this Saturday, fireworks on the boardalk every Friday"

For those not afraid of the possibility of being immortalized on film enjoying a striptease...

"Want to be an EXTRA? A taped performance for the documentary Big City Grind: The NYC Burlesque. Featuring performances by World Famous *Bob*, Tigger, Creamee Stevens, Bunny Luv, Nasty Canasta, Peekaboo Pointe, Legs Malone, Stormy Leather, Melody Sweets and Bambi The Mermaid. Show starts at 8pm. This performance is free but please rsvp for tickets at bigcityrsvp@gmail.com "

And over at Superfine,

"THE UNTITLED BOBBY BARE JR. DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS COLLABORATE WITH SUPERFINE TO PRESENT: AN EVENING SHOWCASING INDEPENDENT MUSIC & INDEPENDENT FILM.

NASHVILLE ROCKER BOBBY BARE JR. MAKES HIS DUMBO DEBUT AND WILL BE JOINED BY SPECIAL GUESTS CAREY KOTSIONIS & BONNIE WHITMORE! ENJOY FREE TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA & PBR AS THEY TAKE OVER THE STAGE AT SUPERFINE BAR & RESTAURANT!"

Festival of Strikes: A Benefit for JDub is taking place at Brooklyn Bowl on November 30th (Haukkah eve) featuring JDub artists The Sway Machinery, DeLeon, and other special guests to be added. Eugene Mirman will host. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon.

Highline Ballroom is hosting the 4th Annual Menorah Horah on December 4th. The burlesque-filled lineup for the night includes The Schlep Sisters, Minnie Tonka, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jonny Porkpie, Sapphire Jones, Dottie Lux, Angelique A'lamode, Etta-May Freeway, Lady Rizo, DJ Mikey Palms and host Seth Herzog

And speaking of Hanukkah (December 1-9, 2010), much like Yo La Tengo, Matisyahu is returning to New York City with Hanukah shows this year, but in a slightly less ambitious way . He'll be here for the two nights preceding Hanukkah and only stay for three actual Hanukah dates (instead of playing all 8 nights in NYC like he did in the past). This time he'll finish up his own "Festival of Light" in other east coast states. Tickets are on sale now for 11/29 at Brooklyn Bowl, 11/30 at Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Tally Hall, 12/4 at Music Hall of Williamsburg with DJ Rekha, and 12/5 at Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Moon Taxi. Other dates include 12/1 at Northern Lights - Clifton Park, NY, 12/6 at Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA, 12/7 at Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD, 12/8 at Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA, and 12/9 at State Theatre - Portland, ME.

Speaking of artists linked to the jam band scene playing multiple nights in NYC with various openers, The Disco Biscuits are playing three nights at Terminal 5, and they definitely win in the opener department. Raekwon is opening up the 12/27 show. DFA artist Holy Ghost! is opening on 12/28 and Crystal Method is 12/29. Tickets are on sale now.

And while we're on the subject, Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra, is playing The Wellmont Theatre on December 28. Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets are also still on sale for Passion Pit's New Years shows on December 30 and December 31 at The Wellmont Theatre.

The Roots are playing 3 sets on New Years Eve at Brooklyn Bowl.

Guided By Voices, Sharon Jones, Patti Smith, Phish, and Drive-By Truckers, and Gov't Mule are all also playing New Years Eve shows in NYC.

But sorry for getting ahead of myself, you probably still don't even know what you're doing on Halloween.

Finally the Ol' Yule Log has something to get hot about: Imagine your 48 inch flat screen filled with the Yule Log's flickering flames and thirteen beautiful women dancing burlesque to twelve newly recorded Go-Go-tastic versions of your favorite holiday classics: It's the instant holiday party maker. Yule A Go-Go is, without a doubt, an original holiday release. The two disc set: DVD and music only CD are packaged in a double embossed designer box featuring red, silver and green foil - it's a holiday gift, wrapped to go. It's the perfect stocking stuffer! Yule A Go-Go is a classy, tasteful production from start to finish. It is classic burlesque: As we like to say "PG-13 for Pasties and G-strings and 13 hot ladies" appropriate for any adult party. All our beautifully costumed dancers are professional burlesque dancers with many of them being multiple award winners. Our original music arrangements are by Brian "The Fisherman" Lease; a staple in the Burlesque / Lounge and Tiki worlds. Like a well-seasoned Maple, Yule A Go-Go will supply the heat for any holiday party. With a mix of the classic Yule log, classic burlesque and classic holiday songs, Yule A Go Go is destined to become a holiday classic. Includes: -Continuous party loop! -Fireplace only option (for when the parents swing by) -Special Effects! -Behind the Scenes! -Performer photos & bios -13 saucy ladies -12 song cd -collectors box

Continue reading "the yule log + burlesque = Yule a Go Go (get it on DVD) "

DOWNLOAD: Macaroons - Hurry Up And Light The Candle (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Phofo - Light That Menorah (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: DJ BC vs. Adam Sandler - Chaukah Song (Goy Mix) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Doc Mo Shé - Hanukkah Homeboy (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Chutzpah - Chanukkah's Da Bomb (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Smooth-E - Hanukkah Hey Ya! (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Woody Guthrie - Hanukkah Dance [Alternate Take] (1:24)
DOWNLOAD: Songs in the key of Hanukkah - Dreidel (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: DJ BALAGAN - "Chalutzei Ketzev" (Israeli 70s Beat Mix) (MP3)

Hanukkah started Friday night, but due to the sabbath, Matisyahu (and his non-Jewish openers) kicked off his annual eight-night run on Thursday night (12/10). He continues tonight (12/12):

12/10 @ Webster Hall (w/ Glitch Mob)
12/12 @ Webster Hall (w/ John Brown's Body)
12/13 @ Webster Hall (w/ Cage)
12/14 @ Webster Hall (w/ Brothers Past)
12/16 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (w/ Rana)
12/17 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (w/ Kid Koala)
12/19 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (w/ Travis McCoy)
12/20 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (w/ Kevin Divine)

Yo La Tengo often plays eight Hanukkah shows too, but unfortunately not this year. Grab a shirt from their 2008 shows HERE.

City Winery is celbrating "Hanukkah Three Ways" with three separate shows in a row on Sunday (12/13).

12/13 {12pm} $5/$10/$25 GA
The Macaroons
Special family show

12/13 {3:30pm} $20 - GA
Yehonatan Geffen
The writer/lyricist/playwright performs his works

12/13 {9pm} $15 GA
Keren Ann
Join the chanteuse for a rare New York show.

Union Hall hosts some holiday-themed burlesque on Thursday, December 17th ("Hanukkah Hotness, Solstice Sexiness, Xmas Exploits, Yuletide Yumminess, and New Year Nudity, courtesy of your host GiGi La Femme with Anita Cookie, Jonny Porkpie, Nasty Canasta, Sizzle Dizzle, and Doc Wasabassco!"). Flyer below.

Speaking of Hanukkah Hotness, "Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad" is running at the Bleecker Street Theatre.

-"Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad" is a night of comedy, music and burlesque, told by the gals who learned to smoke at Hebrew School, got drunk at their Bat-Mitzvahs and would rather have more schtuppa than the chupah. These badass chosen chicks boldly dare to deconstruct years of tradition, expectations and guilt in a fast-paced vaudeville extravaganza.

Also tonight/Saturday (12/12), but at the new Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, it's the Major League Dreidel 2009 Tournament. Gods of Fire will be performing songs from their new album, Hanukkah Gone Metal.

Also at Southpaw, but not until Christmas Eve (12/24), BrooklynVegan is proud to be a sponsor of Jewltide 7, brought to you by JDub and Jewcy with "Boogaloo, Funk, Soul, Menorah Lighting, Soul Clap, Brooklyn Rhythms, Donuts". Dan Saks (aka DeLeon) will be performing with a DJ set by Jonathan Toubin. Tickets are on sale. Heebonism goes down the same night at Fontana's.

And as previously noted, you can also catch DeLeon Wednesday night (12/16) at Knitting Factory. Pharaoh's Daughter is also on the bill, and it's part of the The 5th Annual Sephardic Music Festival which runs from December 12th through the 19th with events at 92YTribeca, Union Hall, Joe's Pub and other places. Full schedule below...

What else?

Continue reading "your guide to Hanukkah events in NYC (2009 shows include Sephardic Music Fest, DeLeon, Jewltide, burlesque & more) "

photos by Tim Griffin

Between matches we were treated to a bit of burlesque, all of it wonderful, but I am proud to say that at the end of the day the girls from New York outshone their Los Angeles counterparts with audacity and grit.

During the intermission, L.A.-based Lux LaCroix--who had earlier in the evening made her star turn doing a reversedrag striptease as a Purple Rain-era Prince -- told me, "New York burlesque is more performance art, L.A. is more rockabilly."

This made little sense coming from a girl sporting a Zorro moustache. Fortunately, in this case, the "performance art" was local gogo heroes the Wau Wau Sisters, whose trapeze act set to a Guns 'N Roses song featured not only death-defying stunts but also a giant baggie filled with drugs. Never let it be said that I am not an appreciator of fine art.

By the end of the night there had been enough high-flying grappling, giant Day-Glo insects, booby-shaking and gender-bending to satisfy even purists like myself, and certainly the curiosity seekers had something to text each other about on their way back to the L train. [NY Press]

Continue reading "Lucha VaVOOM (wrestling, comedy & burlesque) came to Webster Hall in NYC - pics (NSFW)"

Mexican Masked Wrestling + Burlesque + Comedy

Lucha VaVOOM is a non-stop, action-packed scream-a-thon, where Mexican Masked wrestlers flip and fly, performing breathtaking acrobatic feats. It's good vs. evil played out in a one fall, Lucha Libre exhibition-style match for maximum enjoyment.

In between matches, the finest, handpicked burlesque acts from around the world astound us; at Lucha VaVOOM, we like a little sexo with our violencia. Raucous aerial acts, Pogo-stick peelers, hula-hoop hotties; we've got it all.

But wait there's more! Our color commentary is handled by comedians Tom Kenny, Dana Gould and Blaine Capatch. Other guest commentators include Fred Armisen, Brian Poussein, Patton Oswalt, Jeffrey Ross, Chris Hardwick and Bobcat Goldthwait. Even Jack Black sat in, proclaiming "Lucha VaVOOM is the sh*t!

Continue reading "Lucha VaVOOM is Mexican Masked Wrestling + Burlesque + Comedy. Sunday night it's @ Webster Hall (win tix) "

Deer Tick @ Prospect Park in August (more by Chris La Putt)

tonight in NYC
* Skeletons Big Band @ Roulette
* Rockabilly Fest @ Coney Island
* Reverend Vince Anderson @ Union Pool
* My Teenage Stride, Boy Genius @ The Cameo
* Deer Tick, Jonny Corndawg @ Rocks Off Concert Cruises
* Precious Metal w/ Orphan, Dark Castle, The Body, Malkuth @ Lit Lounge
* Small Beast w/ Norden Bombsight, Crash & Burn, Dania Reid, Paul Wallfisch @ The Delancy

Paul Wallfisch curates and performs at Small Beast at The Delancy with Norden Bombsight, Crash & Burn and Dania Reid.

Deer Tick play a boat (Rocks Off Concert Cruises) with Jonny Corndawg. Video of Deer Tick performing Friday the 13th with Liz Isenberg in the offices of Rolling Stone, below...

Precious Metal has a Labor Day lineup of Orphan, Dark Castle, The Body and Malkuth at Lit Lounge.

Skeletons Big Band debuts tonight at Roulette. The group is there for two more nights, then plays DBA's The Maze.

Coney Island Rockabilly Fest is in its final day. Earlier this long weekend, the fest featured someone swinging bowling balls by their ears. That and more videos below....

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday? (Labor Day)"

The 7th Annual New York Burlesque Festival will be taking place Thursday, October 1st to Sunday October 4th. Festival venues include the Bell House, BB King's and Le Poisson Rouge.

The fest is being organized by NYC burlesque aces the Pontani Sisters (who performed June 25th at Santos) and Thirsty Girl Productions' Jen Gapay. Applications are currently being accepted for performers.

Three day VIP passes are on sale now. More info, with a video trailer of the 2008 fest, below...

Continue reading "NY Burlesque Festival (Oct 1-4, 2009)"

The annual Coney Island Rockabilly Festival is taking place this year from September 4th to September 7th (Labor Day weekend). The four-night fest, put on by Cockabilly Records, will feature "over 100 psychobilly, burlesque and sideshow acts from all around the world."

The fest's lineup, with its outdoor day-stage schedule, is posted below (with a poster)...

Continue reading "Coney Island Rockabilly Festival - 2009 dates & lineup "

photos by Barry Yanowitz

"The tradition of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade began in 1983, when the first event of this kind was conceptualized and organized by Dick Zigun, who is sometimes dubbed the "Mayor of Coney Island", and who was the founder of the non-profit arts group Coney Island USA.

The parade pays homage to the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of the early 20th century. During this era, Coney Island was the primary amusement park destination for those in the New York area. Like the much larger annual Village Halloween Parade, the mermaid parade embodies the spirit and artistry of Mardi Gras." [Wiki]

Continue reading "pictures from the 2009 Mermaid Parade in Coney Island"

Coney Island Mermaid Parade- June 20, 2009, 2PM (cellphone pic by Shawn Lynch)

The 2009 Coney Island Mermaid Parade is going on as planned as we speak... in the rain. If you're there or plan on hurrying up and getting there, check out details of the (indoor) (roller rink) afterparty, below...

Continue reading "Mermaid Parade is happening in the rain ++ afterparty details"

Legendary pinup queen Bettie Page died of pneumonia at the age of 85 in a Los Angeles, California, hospital Thursday, a week after suffering a heart attack, according to her agent.

"She captured the imagination of a generation of men and women with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality," said agent Mark Roesler in a written statement. "She is the embodiment of beauty."

Page, said to be one of the most photographed people of the past century, became a recluse in recent decades. Yet, her images continued to be used around the world to market Bettie Page action figures, clothing lines and other merchandise. [CNN]

Continue reading "Bettie Page, RIP "

As previously reported, Boss Hog are back in action and have shows scheduled in the UK, @ Maxwell's and at Bowery Ballroom in December...

Explaining their eight-year hiatus, Cristina says, "It's been two torturous terms of Republican disease and culture death. Now that we're free, it's the perfect time for us to bring back our own brand of sick in celebration."

Adds her live-in guitarist, Jon Spencer, "This whole 'change' thing isn't new... Boss Hog represented change with every album we made!"

Joining Boss Hog at the Bowery Ballroom is a full compliment of rhythm and grind, featuring the country punk moxie of Tennessee's Those Darlins, the titillating parade of burlesque goddesses Harvest Moon and Dirty Martini, and special guest DJ Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Sponsered by the fabulous BUST magazine

this weekend in Coney Island...

Continue reading "2008 Coney Island Rockabilly (and Burlesque) Festival"

photos by Eric M Townsend

Eric stopped by the ball after the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island on Saturday (June 21, 2008). More pictures below....

Continue reading "photos from the 2008 Mermaid Parade Ball in Coney Island"

Mr. Brownstone, Patti Smith, Les Savy Fav, The Virgins, Earl Greyhound, The Dresden Dolls, Dean & Britta, and a few others were all part of my first big 'New Years Eve in NYC' rundown this year. Then came news about Gogol Bordello, Dirty Projectors and Nellie McKay. We even heard about Velvet Revolver (which has since been reduced in price) and Chris Rock (which since had Jill Scott added to the bill). Here are some more NYC choices:

• Studio B New Year's Eve Celebration featuring Slick Rick the Ruler, Moby, Frankie Bones , Kudu, Holy Ghost!, Jacques Renault, The Bangers, Eamon Harkin - only $20.
• "What happens when you cross NYC's top burlesque night with a monster New Years Eve dance party? Burlesque + Discoteque = BURLESQUE - O - TEQUE!" @ Galapagos - tickets are on sale.
• "NYE Official Radiohead Album Release Party with Young Love, 33HZ and VHS or Beta Deejays" - tickets are very expensive and so are drinks @ Hiro Ballroom.
• DJ XXXchange from Spank Rock is playing at the Annex
• The Y2k8 Dance Party @ Silent Barn is all ages and will have free Sparks and is only $5.00 to get in - 6 live acts and/or DJs, presented by Famous Friends & Big Stereo.
• A Place To Bury Strangers is playing the RATED-X & TRASH! New Years Eve Extravaganza at Don Hill's (sort of this year's Motherf*cker party since there isn't Motherf*cker anymore)

WIN STUFF: I have one pair of tickets to give away to Mr. Brownstone, and another pair for Nellie McKay, and I still never gave away that pair to the Dirty Projectors, AND I have two DVD copies of The Ten to send out as well. The Ten is related to The State. More details on all of this below.....

Continue reading "New Years Eve in NYC, win tix & The Ten on DVD"

DOWNLOAD: Metronome - Hanukkah Girl (MP3) (more)
DOWNLOAD: Phofo - Light That Menorah (MP3) (more)

Lighting the Menorah (CRED)

* Happy Hanukkah!
* Hip Hop @ Pianos
* a free El-P show at Studio B
* White Williams is playing Other Music
* The dB's open for Yo La Tengo @ Maxwell's
* Teenage Prayers Christmas spectacular @ Southpaw
* SUSU, Muggabears & friends @ Glasslands Gallery
* The Sword, Valient Thorr, & Black Cobra are playing Bowery

What else?

This past Sunday (June 17, 2007) was Todd P's Springtime Unamplified Acoustic BBQ on Roosevelt Island in NYC. Sandwich! was there and took pics - like this one of Aa...

Aa is playing again this weekend at The 2007 Mermaid Parade Ball which is the official after-party of the 25th annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NYC, USA. Also playing the ball: Jill Cunniff of Luscious Jackson, The Shapes, Mighty Fine, The Atomic Grind Show, DJ Jess, DJ Xerox and a whole bunch of burlesque dancers. It's at the Childs Building (June 23).

Speaking of Luscious Jackson, Gabby Glasser is also pursuing her solo career. She has a new album ('Gimmes Splash') out next week, and is playing Union Hall in Brooklyn on June 28th. She's also offering the chance to hang out with her if that's your thing.

More Jill Cunniff tour dates & mermaid stuff below...

Continue reading "the Mermaid Parade, Luscious Jackson, Aa, Roosevelt Island"

Rififi is known for hosting last night's party,....

Mach '07 Trash (CRED)

burlesque,...

Miss Firecracker and Mister Reusch (CRED)

and comedy....

David Cross & Patton Oswalt - March 2006 (CRED)

And now it can all be yours....from Craiglist via the Apiary:

This East Village bar is just two avenues from the NYU Dorms in the heart of the East Village is a fully equpped/turn-key operation with Full Liquor Licene. I am exclusively representing the owner of this bar as a real estate professional in Manhattan. This bar is a money maker. The owner has other business that he is involved with and would like to get out of this situation. The place gets packed, and has a history in the area that goes back to the 90's. If you ever wanted a bar, or currently operate bars this is a perfect opportunity to continue your success or start now.

FIXTURE FEE is $300K A price that is negociable! Rent is $15K Per Month