Tonight @vanburlyfest 8th annual Vancouver Burlesque Festival - VIBF@RioTheatre
Vancouver’s 8th Annual VIBF festival has attracted worldclass burlesque artists and Vancouver is delighted to host headliners Catherine D’Lish, Russel Bruner and Foxy Tann, with legends of burlesque, Shannon Doah and Judith Stein. This weekend Vancouver’s theatre row will come alive with pin up girls, live bands and adoring fans.
Vancouver’s 8th annual VIBF starts tonight! Thursday May 2, 2013 at the Rio Theatre, production night. Doors at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m. The Rio Theatre is located at 1660 E Broadway Vancouver, BC
Production night – The Wet Spots, (Cass King and John Woods) Internationally acclaimed cabaret duo, will host the VIBF’s production night this year, at the Rio Theatre. Expect a lot of dirty talk and camp sex songs to warm the mood.
The Rio Theatre is proud to host three productions this year which include – Rock and Roll Burlesque: Motown, produced by Blue Morris with curator/choreographer Ruthe Ordare. Ruthe will also perform in the second production of Gypsy Rose Lee at Minsky’s Burlesque by Burgundy Brixx. The evening will conclude with the burlesque troupe VanDolls, performing Paint and Pasties an artistic production number.
Rock and Roll Burlesque: Motown.Will feature LIVE music with Vancouver guitarist and elected VIBFA president, Blue Morris. Rock and Roll burlesque shows can be attended monthly at the Electric Owl.
Vancity Buzz sits down to talk with Blue Morris at the peak of VIBF’s busiest week of the year. Catching him between meetings, guitar lessons and evening events, this is one Vancouverite that does not miss a beat.
What is new and exciting about VIBF this year?
“We are honoured to have Catherine D’Lish join VIBF this year, someone of her caliber performing at the VIBF is a huge deal, we are so happy she is performing!”
How long have you been involved with the burlesque community?
“It must be seven years now; back then no one was doing live music with burlesque and that is really part of the roots of burlesque – live music! It is great that more shows have live music included and it is developing more each year.”
Are there any misconceptions about burlesque?
“It is not just a movie Cher was in…” he said with a chuckle, “it is so much more!”
What is next for burlesque in Vancouver?
“We haven’t even scratched the surface in Vancouver yet. We have up to three burlesque shows a week in Vancouver and many talented artists and musicians. We need more venues that have live music functionality, people that can produce the shows and have the right equipment.”
The night’s second production, “Gypsy Rose Lee at Minsky’s Burlesque,” featuring Burgundy Brixx – renowned international performer and creator of Kitty Nights Burlesque.
Burgundy, who choreographed Gypsy Rose Lee at Minsky’s Burlesque, specifically for this production night, collaborates with Pandora and the Locksmiths (a collective burlesque group) as the cast of the show. Cast includes Burgundy Brixx and the Purrfessor (Nicky Ninedoors, August Wiled, Ava Lure, Miss Fitt, Ruthe Ordare, and Voracious V as the Minsky Rosebuds.)
Vancity Buzz chats with the delightful Burgundy Brixx about burlesque and the 8th annual VIBF.
We have heard that you are a master of costumes, can you tell us about some of your favourite costumes?
“I use principals of magic when I’m creating a new costume, and whether they be simple like my constantly transforming “Brixx House” costume or more elaborate like the boa that turns into a robe at the end of my “POW” number. It’s really important to me to infuse my burlesque with both artful striptease and innovative magical elements. My new SUN number has several magical elements, and so far it’s my favorite piece to perform. That’s what I’ll be presenting this Saturday at the Vogue Theatre and next month in the Queen of Burlesque competition, at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.”
You are a mentor for performer August Wiled, who will be performing for VIBF for the first time, what advice can you give her from all your experience?
“Never apologize for your art.”
Did you have a mentor when you started burlesque?
“I was extremely fortunate to find the world of burlesque through Jo “Boobs” Weldon, who literally wrote the book on burlesque: “The Burlesque Handbook” (Harper-Collins). I took her “New York School of Burlesque” classes in 2006, and was instantly hooked. Jo offered advice, help in bookings and gave me my first opportunity to perform at New York’s famous Slipper Room, among other things, and has always been there for me when I have a business or ethical question about burlesque. I’m grateful to call her a true friend, and thankful that she’s in my life.”
Cast Photographs
Minsky’s Rosebuds (below)
The evenings last production by the dazzling ladies of VanDolls – who will perform “Paint and Pasties” a transformational experience – taking famous works of art and recreating them for the world of burlesque.
The VanDolls troupe – (Rufflesilkskin,What’s Her Name, Scarlet Delirium, Sweet Sashay , Bunny Mewguns, Malvina MasVino, Sherry Hymen Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, Veronica Vex, Mr. Beefy, Ruby Rapture, plus Lace Cadet & Bruce Wang – as stage kittens and Tyler Nicol – as host)
Vancity Buzz caught up with VanDolls performer Rufflesilkskin to chat VIBF.
How did VanDolls find one another ?