The Happiest Medium » Victoria Privates

Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One

Karen Tortora-Lee — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:38:08 +0000

Temperatures were rising last night at the first evening of the two part celebration for Doc Wasabassco’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza. The blazing hot belles were ravishing, revealing and resplendant as they strutted, sauntered and slowly stripped their way across the stage of The Bell House last night.

But that was only part of it.

As promised the place was crammed with every type of seductive, suggestive, steamy, spicy, slinky thing you could imagine. Lady Scoutington warmed up the crowd on the main stage with some get up and go-go dancing while out in front Peekaboo Pointe was Pole Dancing and doing things I’d only heard of whispered about in certain circles. She was mesmerizing to say the least.

Side tables were selling wares that would make any fan of burlesque giddy with excitement – gorgeous stockings from PEEK were avaliable as well as pasties handmade by Nasty Canasta herself!! Undoubtedly I had to get myself a pair – for research purposes of course! In homage to Ms. Canasta I got a pair of Vegas inspired pasties replete with poker chips, cards and sparkly stones. I can’t wait to … ahem … I mean … wow. Those sure will look nice on my … display shelf.

Speaking of pasties once the main show got started there was no shortage of them. After a wonderful welcome from the man of the hour himself, Doc Wasabassco, and a full-on intro by Bastard Keith (who warmed up the crowd with amusing tales and a soulful rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness” that was absolutely awe-inspiring) things got right down to business.

Hazel Honeysuckle started off the festivities with a fantastic number that featured a gorgeous blue ensemble that came off slowly to a lounge version (which was almost unrecognaizalbe until the chorus) of Ice, Ice Baby.

Following her was Magdelena Fox who didn’t disappoint as she disrobed her exotic feathered costume and shook fans that flew through the air and appeared to set her ablaze, so quickly did the red and yellow material stream and blur.

Bird of Paradise used elaborate props to re-create a Flashdance flashback, starting off dressed as mechanic and ending up as a dripping wet 80s dancer. What a feeling!

Precious Little proved she had a Precious Lot … bedecked in white feathered finery, she unbuckled her corset and spun a hoop of white plumes around to roars of approval.

Medianoche then came out and did her typical mezmerizing, teasing absolutely alluring dance complete with huge red fans and twinkling eyes. She had the audience spellbound.

Then it was time for the PEEK stocking fashion show featuring Hazel Honeysuckle, Bettina May, Tansy, Nasty Canasta and Medianoche before the crowd took a break.

At this point, knowing I was going back again tonight, I decided to call it an evening so that I would be ready to greet the new wave of Burlesque that I knew would knock my socks off again. (But just my socks, kiddies).

Tickets are still available for what I KNOW will be another amazing night, and there’s plenty of room in The Bell House to enjoy the show. So come down early, watch the lovely ladies, buy some items, and enjoy some of the best entertainment Burlesque has to offer as you help the Wasabassco group celebrate seven terrific and successful years!

~~~

Wasabassco Burlesque’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza will be hosted by Doc Wasabassco, Bastard Keith, GiGi La Femme, Nasty Canasta, Sapphire Jones, and Stormy Leather.

Doors will open at 9pm

With performances by: Albert Cadabra, Amanda Whip, Amber Ray, Bastard Keith, Bettina May, Bird of Paradise, BooBess, Broadway Brassy, Bryan Barletta, Emmy Dubois, Evelyn Vinyl, Gal Friday, GiGi La Femme, Go-Go Harder, Grace Gotham, Hard Corey, Harvest Moon, Hazel Honeysuckle, Jenny C’Est Quoi, Kita St. Cyr, Kobayashi Maru, Lady Scoutington, Lauren Liberman, Madame Rosebud, Magdalena Fox, Mala Morrigan, Marlo Marquise, Medianoche, Hula Hoop Harl*t Melissa-Anne, Michelle L’amour, Ms Tickle, Nasty Canasta, Nelson Lugo, Nikki Le Villain, Peekaboo Pointe, Pixie Love, Precious Little, Sapphire Jones, Stormy Leather, Tansy, The Outer Borough Brass Band, Victoria Privates, and Vikki Likkerish.

Tickets $25 are available by clicking SATURDAY

or by calling TicketWeb at 1-866-777-8932

The Bell House

149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong

Karen Tortora-Lee — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:51:16 +0000

If you’re any kind of regular reader of THM then you know that around here we sure love Burlesque. Lucky us! Living in New York City as we do, there is no shortage of fantastic Burlesque performers who constantly and consistently have us hooting and hollering and calling out for more.

Doc Wasabassco by Leland Bobbe

If you, too, are a lover of Burlesque then the name Doc Wasabassco is not new to you. You’ve no doubt seen the Wasabassco name plastered across any number of posters, or perhaps have seen the man himself as he introduces one of his amazing shows.

This weekend marks the Seventh Anniversary of Wasabassco Burlesque. To celebrate, Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th Brooklyn-based Wasabassco Burlesque will present over 40 of Wasabassco’s favorite performers, with over six hours of risqué entertainment guaranteed to blow the roof off The Bell House in Brooklyn.

Among other things there will be a stocking fashion show, a pole dance show-within-a-show, performances by the Outer Borough Brass Band along with striptease, hula hooping, fire eating and more.

Doc Wasabassco took some time to answer a few of my questions before I head out to the big event which begins tomorrow.

You’re living every man’s dream, surrounded by beautiful women who are masters at charming, beguiling and seducing. What part of your job is actually just like any other and what part of your job defies expectations?

Doc Wasabassco: Haha, Well the part that ends up being just like any other is probably the office logistics. For every two hour show there are days of answering emails, dealing with paperwork, filling out spreadsheets, having meetings, making phone calls, all of the dull monotonous stuff involved in any job, but it all does pale in comparison with the stuff that defies expectations. My favorite moment is when the first number of any given show starts: when the lights go up, the music starts, the house is packed and there are suddenly smiles on the faces of the crowd, everything lights up and everyone shares in the knowledge that something amazing and sexy and fun is about to happen.

You advertise as “sexy, couple-friendly burlesque shows full of risqué fun, spicy shenanigans, and plenty of saucy striptease”. I have been to a few of your shows with my husband and I do agree … it’s great for couples. What ingredients go into making a show that appeals to everyone as opposed to one that’s just for the guys?

DW: The art behind Wasabassco is created by each performer, and most of those performers are women; female performers using their sexuality in whatever way they choose to entertain, to tease or inspire but always to tell some kind of story. Male and female audience members respond to that before anything else and then the sexuality is presented from a place of respect. There’s so much more to a burlesque number than just showing tits and ass (though there’s plenty of that too).

You’re about to celebrate your seventh year of Wasabassco Burlesque with a huge Extravaganza. As a showman producer of Burlesque and Nightlife Events, what’s at the heart of a terrific night of burlesque?

DW: Variety. I don’t even mean variety acts like magic and sword swallowing though that’s always a welcome addition as well. I mean variety in types of performers and style. A good burlesque show has classic numbers as well as modern ones. Sensual numbers, comedic numbers, performers with different backgrounds, body types, different talents and character. There are so many amazing talented people in burlesque, if you put the right ones in the right combination you get that terrific night.

What are some things about the business that have gotten easier since you’ve started … and what’s remains the biggest challenge?

DW: Putting together a great show has gotten easier. After 7 years we know what works and what doesn’t, what audiences will like and what they won’t, and we know how to spot something new and exciting so that we keep growing and never stagnate. The biggest challenge remains working on other people’s turf. We have fantastic relationships with some of the best venues around, but it’s always a challenge to work in someone else’s space. The goal is eventually for Wasabassco to have it’s own Burlesque House.

The women (and men!) you work with come from a variety of backgrounds, they all have different performance styles and on-stage personalities. But there must be a common quality that makes you say to yourself ”That’s the type of performer I want to be part of the Wasabassco family”. Can you put that quality into words?

DW: They need to be amazing. It’s that simple. One performer can be dark and mysterious and another light and fanciful. So long as they’re both great at what they do I want them in my show. I never want to limit Wasabassco to one style or type, but I don’t have any room for mediocrity.

The Wasabassco Hellfire Club is billed as “The Dirty and Dark Side of Wasabassco”. There are Keys to get in that cost 40 dollars. It all seems a little “Eyes Wide Shut” … but much better of course. What makes Hellfire Club different than the other shows?

DW: Ha Ha, yes, much better than “Eyes Wide Shut”. Less boring for one thing, and fewer Scientologists. As we’ve discussed, Wasabassco is always couple friendly, it’s just that some couples enjoy being a little freakier than others. That’s who the Wasabasco Hellfire Club is for. My co-producers for Hellfire Club are Stormy Leather and Nasty Canasta. Stormy’s the dirtiest girl I know and Nasty’s incredibly sexy and brilliant. We get to cross a line with this show that we wouldn’t usually with other Wasabassco shows because Stormy and Nasty are leading the way, and I trust them implicitly. The Wasbassco show is designed to turn you on, brain first.

You’ve had seven great years, with more ahead. What’s the most innovative thing you can imagine doing in Burlesque over the next few years?

DW: Opening our own club, a dedicated venue with a beautiful stage, plenty of seating, and the ability to host all kinds of performance, from aerial artists to fire performers, with plenty of ample storage for giant props and elaborate numbers.

Doc, I can’t wait to see it! I know if it has your name on it then it will be something special.

_______________

But in the meantime, I’m going to be at The Bell House to help the Wasabassco gang celebrate their wonderful success – seven years of being the hottest, best Burlesque Show On Earth! See you there!!

~~~

Wasabassco Burlesque’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza will be hosted by Doc Wasabassco, Bastard Keith, GiGi La Femme, Nasty Canasta, Sapphire Jones, and Stormy Leather.

Doors will open at 9pm

Tickets ($25each night/ $40 for both nights) are available by clicking FRIDAY or SATURDAY

or by calling TicketWeb at 1-866-777-8932

The Bell House

149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On GiGi La Femme

Karen Tortora-Lee — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:17:03 +0000

These women of the arts hail from different disciplines, but they all have an indomitable spirit and a luminescent spark that makes them amazing human beings who are out there every day, doing amazing work.

Today we continue our series with GiGi La Femme. The first time I saw Ms. La Femme it was December during the Burlesque Blitz and she was completely naked. I then watched, mesmerized, as she did the most seductive reverse strip tease I’d ever seen in my life. After Blitzing my way through the Burlesque offerings I though I understood what it meant to sit and watch a gal take her clothes off. Some do it with charm. Some do it with flair. Some do it with lights. Some do it with humor. Some do it with a touch of rage. Some do it better than others. Some do it better than most.

But Gigi? She does it with a breathtaking, hypnotic vamp that’s covered in a type of voodoo that has been living in the veins of women like her since the dawn of time. Women with names like Delilah, Jezebel, Aphrodite, and Cleopatra.She is a temptress whose power reaches like a vapor right out to each member of the audience and tickles them under the chin before, winking, it slinks back around her where it lives.

However behind all this glitter, glamour, sequins and feathers beats the heart of a businesswoman who has been able to take her show and transform it into a very successful monthly feature called Revealed Burlesque which runs at UNDER St. Marks.

I’ve been wanting to interview her for months, and this series gives me the perfect opportunity to celebrate a woman who is beautiful, smart, powerful, dynamic and amazing. Ladies and gentlemen – I give you – Gigi La Femme.

GiGi La Femme by Luke Ratray

You produce a monthly burlesque show – tell us a little bit about it.

The show I produce is called Revealed, held the third Wednesday of the month at Under St. Marks Theatre. What really sets this show apart is the full nudity aspect which isn’t common for most burlesque shows where the dancers are usually scantily clad in g-strings and pasties. Performing in Revealed pushes acts to the limits: sure, you can be dance while being naked but having a reason to get to do so is the appealing part.

The show is hosted by the critically acclaimed Bastard Keith along with his stage kitten sidekick, Victoria Privates. Every month boasts a buffet of performances from the best in burlesque in addition to featuring a debut from a lady or gent who has yet to show their pinks, as it were.

Revealed is very special to me because it’s intimate, thought provoking and classic entertainment at its best.

Why do yo think Burlesque is seeing such a resurgence lately?

I feel lucky enough to be from (and live in) a city that has embraced the burlesque revival since the early 1990s. From drag shows to girlie shows, burlesque was resurfacing in many different forms and NYC wasn’t the only city that latched on to the phenomenon: shows and troupes were also forming in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, Nashville and New Orleans to name a few. To be in a burlesque show is exciting in itself and that feeling translates to its audience. Comedy, accessible sexuality and glamour provides for an entertaining escape. That’s the bottom line and it’s what people want.

GiGi for Staples Street Project (Photo by Chris Zedano)

I came to your show and loved it. It’s a lot more acceptable for a woman these days to participate in the appreciation of a show like Revealed Burlesque. What do you attribute that to?

Thank you! I think people appreciate the lengths these performers are taking in regards to their acts whether it comes to concepts, costumes and thensome. I also make a concerted effort to include different kinds of numbers: classic, humorous, edgy, you name it. There’s room for it all when curated properly. Secondly, I think people just enjoy performing in their birthday suits! It may seem obvious, but it’s quite liberating when you can perform in the buff in a safe and comfortable environment, not to mention saving a little cash on pastie tape :)

You are very strong and empowering on stage. I think the strip tease these days has a lot more to do with female empowerment than exploitation of any kind – especially the way it’s being done. However, what would you say to your detractors?

Again, thank you so much. I believe first and foremost that, as a performer, you have the liberty to create anything you want when you take the stage. It’s a blank canvas and you make all the choices from the costume, to the music, to the choreography and to the concept. The choices are solely up to the performer. That being said, exploitation, for me, doesn’t even enter into the equation.

Are there barriers you fought against in the past?

There were and are plenty of barriers: personal and business related, but you’re going to come across speed bumps no matter what field you’re in. I would ultimately say that the good outweighs the bad, but I won’t lie: there have been hard times. Regardless, at the end of the day, you just have to deal with the problems and come to your own solutions. When push comes to shove, you have to do what you best, maintain a positive attitude and keep looking forward.

The men that you work with – how do they treat you?

Majority of the time, I meet many men and women who are just lovely, respectful and appreciative towards burlesque as an art form. It’s really quite wonderful. Though, there are always bad seeds out there and you just have to take each situation with a grain of salt. Because performers are *so* accessible, it leads people (not just men) to believe that they can be your best friend and be privy to your entire life story especially since many of us have an online presence. Have I had to “talk to” people or block folks from online social networking sites for being inappropriate? Sure. It’s going to happen. The important thing is to remember to stand up for yourself and not take anyone’s crap because they feel entitled to do so. At the same time, I’ve made so many wonderful friends and connections over the past six years because of burlesque and am very grateful for that.

Are there some resources you’d like to share that you find particularly helpful as a woman?

To be honest, the best resources I have are my friends and my family. When I need advice or need a laugh, I know exactly who I can go to.

What’s up next for you, Gigi?

In a few days, I’ll be going on a month long tour with Dangerous Curves Ahead, a troupe I am a part of with Anita Cookie, Clams Casino, Darlinda Just Darlinda and Minnie Tonka. I am so excited! It’s our third trip and we’ll be hitting the west coast from San Diego to British Columbia. Aside from that, I hope to be traveling more and also bringing Revealed with me! Stay tuned to www.revealedburlesque.com for more info in the coming months.

~~~

More about Gigi La Femme

Since 2005, GiGi La Femme has been named one of New York City’s sultriest striptease stars and is the producer of the monthly show Revealed Burlesque at the Under St. Mark’s Theater.

Awards include: Golden Pastie Award winner for Best Booty Shaker 2009, Perfect Posterior 2011 and Miss Coney Island 2010.

The multi-talented bump ‘n’ grinder, go-go girl, chanteuse and pin-up model has traveled the nation with the ladies of Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go performing her super hot signature acts in addition to teaming up with her favorite songstress and Bosom Buddy: Anita Cookie!

Check GiGi out online at:

www.gigilafemme.com
www.twitter.com/gigilafemme
www.revealedburlesque.com
www.burlesqueonthegogo.com

Catch her if you can ♥

Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down

Karen Tortora-Lee — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:16:27 +0000

Wondering what to do with the last week of the year? Maybe 2010 hasn’t been steamy enough for you and you need a little more sexiness before counting down to 2011? If that sounds like your kinda heat – especially in this snowy weather, then get yourself to the 2010 BURLESQUE BLITZ! For Four Nights Only (December 27th through the 30th) at the Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) you can catch the hottest Burlesque in New York City.

I’ll be getting my fill of all things glamorous, glittery and gorgeous while being seduced by sweet sirens, beautiful boys and delicious drag queens. Come to some or come to all – but don’t miss what promises to be the hottest week of December!

The 2010 Burlesque Blitz will run December 27-30 at 10:30pm in The Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery). Tickets to all shows ($15) may be purchased online at or by calling 212-868-4444.

Monday, December 27 @ 10:30pm: Bastard Keith presents A Tale of Two Bastards: A Jewlesque Fable

” A Tale of Two Bastards is a holiday treat from the mind of MC, bon vivant and man of action, Bastard Keith. An homage to his favorite classic musicals, this tale of crime, mistaken identity and old-time burley gathers the talents of Darlinda Just Darlinda, Minnie Tonka, Madame Rosebud, Gal Friday, ace magician Matthew Holtzclaw, and Keith himself.”

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Tuesday, December 28 @ 10:30pm: Misty Meaner, Stormy Leather & Go-Go Harder present Meaner Harder Leather… Burlesque With A Twist

“In the spring of 2010, Misty Meaner and Stormy Leather’s love affair gave birth to a beautiful, baby-butt smooth boy, Go-Go Harder. Since then, this trio of sexual ambiguity has literally been taking NYC by the family jewels. Uniting Drag, Burlesque and Boylesque, MEANER HARDER LEATHER brings you one of the most exciting shows in Manhattan! With your GLAMMY NOMINATED hosts, a variety of classic and scandalous performances, and a roster of talented guest stars, it’s sure to leave your seat wet and your heart curious… Hosted by Misty Meaner, Go-Go Harder & Stormy Leather. Guest starring The Bendable Christopher Bousquet; The Shimmering Chanteuse of Burlesque, Melody Sweets; The Chocolate Queen With a Touch of Cream, Mocha Lite; The Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold, Richert Rocket, with Lacey Knickers as your stage kitten.”

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Wednesday, December 29 @ 10:30pm: The Sweet & Nasty Burlesque Mystery Hour presents The Case of “The Fallen Starlet”

“On Wednesday night, tune your radio dial to the Sweet and Nasty Burlesque Mystery Hour for heart-pounding suspense and jaw-dropping burlesque, presented live onstage. This month The Naked Detective Nasty Canasta and her helpful housegirl Sapphire Jones solve the case of “The Falling Starlet,” with the vocal and visual talents of Gal Friday, Tigger!, Victoria Privates, Miss Ruby Valentine and the sound-effects wizardry of Michael Johnson.”

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Thursday, December 30: GiGi La Femme & Doc Wasabassco present Revealed Burlesque’s Holiday Bonus

“REVEALED is a burlesque show unlike any other. It’s a seduction, a tease, an epiphany, a dare, a conspiracy of pleasure. Hosted by devilishly charming master of ceremonies Bastard Keith, each show stars pin-up queen GiGi La Femme and a rotating ensemble of the most beloved burlesque performers in New York. Fresh editions of Revealed feature new performer debuts, surprise guests from around the world and innovative performances representing the state of the art in risqué entertainment. Come out and experience an evening of salacious striptease and skin, where the climax of each number leaves everything…Revealed. This special edition showcase will feature delectable performances by: The Girl Dreams Are Made Of GiGi La Femme; The Seductive Siren, Harvest Moon; The Borg Queen of Burlesque Kobayashi Maru; The Shining Jewel Of Burlesque, Sapphire Jones; and in her Revealed debut, Cheekie Lane! Hosted by the charming and inebriated Bastard Keith and his Sensational Stage Kitten Sidekick, The Girl Who Fell To Earth, Madame Rosebud!

The Happiest Medium » Victoria Privates

Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One

Related Posts:

Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong

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Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On GiGi La Femme

Related Posts:

Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down

Monday, December 27 @ 10:30pm: Bastard Keith presents A Tale of Two Bastards: A Jewlesque Fable

Tuesday, December 28 @ 10:30pm: Misty Meaner, Stormy Leather & Go-Go Harder present Meaner Harder Leather… Burlesque With A Twist

Wednesday, December 29 @ 10:30pm: The Sweet & Nasty Burlesque Mystery Hour presents The Case of “The Fallen Starlet”

Thursday, December 30: GiGi La Femme & Doc Wasabassco present Revealed Burlesque’s Holiday Bonus

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