Thursday, September 29, 2011

Nirvana Live at the Paramount

Last Friday night I headed to The Orpheum to watch Nirvana's "Live at The Paramount" show from 1991. This was the only known Nirvana gig that was shot on 16mm film stock.


What a beautifully nostalgic evening. Wish I could have actually seen them live.
Click here for one of my favourites...

~ Clare x

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Interview: Onur Karaozbek ~ Gallery Burlesque


As I wrap up my series on Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival, I wanted to share one last interview with you. Meet the one, the only, Onur Karaozbek, also affectionately known by the Gallery Burlesque family as Papa GB. Without Onur, there would be no Gallery Burlesque, no magical nights of music, art, poetry & Burlesque rolled into one for Sydneysiders to enjoy...

~


When & how did GB come together (begin its journey)?
I never called myself an artist but family and friends have been kind enough to label me one… So as an individual in the arts field, like many others, I have felt the need for more avenues to create and show all forms of art… Being in the performance and burlesque area was a bonus I guess when I started doing my Art Gallery nights. I started the nights over 2 years ago but it came to a solid form as Gallery Burlesque late December 2009.


How do you find/scout your performers or do they tend to find you?
We are a small community in Sydney… and with ties to the other burlesque communities around Australia. Gallery Burlesque is not just a regular burlesque event; but a family of creators, artists, dancers and performers and knowing this I try to learn more about every performer that is around and try to see if any of them have similar values of Gallery Burlesque in core and creation. In result we get together to entertain and share experiences. In saying that I am always open for people to contact me too…


How would you describe the show you're putting on for The Sydney Fringe? Is there a theme running through the show?
Well for the fringe; art and burlesque share a kiss and invite music over for a ménage à trois, the biggest line up of burlesque in the fringe festival with art and music. A true gathering of fringe artists creating a fringe show!


One thing is that our regular GB events never have a theme; it’s an art show from the art works on the walls to the burlesque on stage and the music on decks… Unique, different and varied for all kinds of tastes… Our special GB events that we do once every few months do work on a theme such as our new show “Secret Identity” which is a cosplay / super hero burlesque event.


What do you think the general public, who may not have seen burlesque before, believe burlesque to be about? Is this what GB has to offer or far from it?!!
This is a question asked over and over again and I have tried not to answer as it creates a massive debate… but all I can say is our grandparents knew about it and enjoyed it long before us. Anticipate nothing, expect everything we have a lot on offer…

What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audience will get out of the GB show?
Head spins, heart palpitations, mind melts, eye pops, joy, entertainment and a unique experience… as well as a few gifts and free drinks for the lucky ones all night long!

~

A huge thank you to Onur and the gorgeous Gallery Burlesque performers who shared a little of their selves with us here; Memphis Mae, Cherry Lush, Evie Va Voom, Frankie Faux & Betty Grumble.

If you live in Sydney, you won't want to miss their final Sydney Fringe show on Wednesday 28th September at Civic Underground.
More details here.

~ Clare x

Photo courtesy of Gallery Burlesque

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Gallery Burlesque ~ Where art & burlesque share a kiss & invite music over for a ménage à trois


Shimmying & shaking, twirling & whirling, bumpin' & grindin', cavorting & cajoling, struttin' & stripteasing... just a tiny morsel of what I was immersed in when I caught the latest Gallery Burlesque show for The Sydney Fringe Festival at Tone last Wednesday evening.


Considering the crowd at Tone that night, I was lucky enough to sneak in & quickly grab a table right up the front. With a cheeky drink in hand, I was ready for all the action. Soaking in the atmosphere before the mischief began, I understood exactly why Onur Karaozbek (the Papa of Gallery Burlesque) had told me to expect a night where "art & burlesque share a kiss & invite music over for a ménage à trois." The walls were donned in art & photography from local artists for all to peruse, the bar tenders were busy creating concoctions for the trendy burlesque-anticipators, and I knew to expect performances from not just burlesque beauties but also musicians, magicians and a little poetry too.


As Papa GB took to the microphone to introduce the show, I was struck by just how rare and wonderful nights like these are in Sydney now. Being a performer myself, married to a musician, we were just so moved by the amount of people that were there to support local art in all its various forms. I was so moved by Onur's passion as he spoke of how this particluar show would be their last at Tone as the venue had been sold to make way for whatever else may bring in more revenue but never fear, they had thankfully secured a new venue for the next show, Civic Underground.


I had been forewarned that the Gallery Burlesque show would be more neo than classic burlesque and to "anticipate nothing, expect everything." Well let me just say, I almost fell off my chair! This show was an artist's absolute delight. The night opened with a band who played a few covers to set the mood before launching into their own soulful yet grungy originals, then it was onto the burlesque.....


I saw everything from the sexy Sheena Miss Demeanour stripping en pointe, the naughty Fairytale Princess Poetess, Ember Flame, that storytellers left out, the vivacious Evie Va Voom teasing us with her strategically placed grape vines, Herbie Strangelove the "boylesque"performer (yes, that's right, not just women perform burlesque!) who was forced to strip for money after being left downtrodden & penniless on the streets, to U.S. child beauty pageant, Betty Grumble, whose onstage antics would make your hair curl! You have to see her to believe her! I also managed to get felt up by Kelly Ann Doll, who seemed to love audience participation.


Gallery Burlesque was a complete riot. I had such a fun night and will no longer be a stranger to their shows. Who knows...? Maybe one day I'll even give burlesque a try myself... Hey, it runs in my family after all, with my second cousin being a Moulin Rouge dancer...


Check out the Gallery Burlesque video from Ninemsn featuring Sheena Miss Demeanour & Kelly Ann Doll.

For details on their upcoming show on Wed 28th September at Civic Underground check here.

Tomorrow I'll bring you my interview with Papa GB, Onur Karaozbek.

~ Clare x

Credits:
All photos courtesy of Gallery Burlesque
Evie Va Voom
Sheena Miss Demeanour
Betty Grumble
Sheena Miss Demeanour
Emma Maye
Cherry Lush
Kelly Ann Doll

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Interview: Betty Grumble ~ Gallery Burlesque


Meet Betty Grumble, “a former child pageant star, beauty queen, and burlesque heroine. Brain child (and alter-ego) of Sydney-based queer performance artist Emma Maye Gibson.” This bodacious burlesque babe, taking the Sydney burlesque scene by storm, is forever in character as a child beauty Queen, bringing us a knock-out show that combines comedy and horror with glitter and excess. She will be performing as part of The Sydney Fringe Festival for Gallery Burlesque.
Without further ado, I bring you 5 minutes with none other than Betty Grumble herself…

~

What’s your act in GB for The Sydney Fringe all about?
I, Betty Grumble, strives to reveal the innards of the most beautiful of objects, herself. This Gallery Burlesque Grumble will dazzle audiences with a flurry of glitz, glam and some classic sleaze/teaze.

How and when did you come into the Gallery Burlesque family?
I discovered GB early 2011 and have been enjoying it’s stage as performer and punter. I’m very beautiful.

How long have you been interested in Burlesque and when/where did you begin?
I was born burlesque, being the first flirty foetus to gyrate at Mummy’s gynaecologist. I have appeared in most burlesque nights in Sydney and Melbourne, everywhere that adores sassy hot bods with sequins and excess. Yeahhhhhh…

If you have a stage name, where/how did you come up with it?

I am Betty Grumble. Betty is derived from the latin ‘Betaieum’ meaning Ultimate Grand. Grumble comes from the French ‘Gruembelle’ or ‘She who is Supreme Slave’.

Which burlesque performers do you most admire & why?
When I look in the mirror, I know who is perfect. If I had to name a few inspirations Glitta Militia are a pack of babes, Aaron Manhattan, Bonzo and Germaine Greer can really work a crowd.

Have you ever had any mishaps or interesting out-of-the-ordinary things happen during one of your performances?
Never. Ultimate Grand Supreme.
What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audiences get out of your act in Gallery Burlesque?
A laugh and a funny feeling in their guts.

Check out Betty Grumble’s blog here.
For more on the Gallery Burlesque show, see my previous post here.

If you missed the interviews with the other four GB performers click here, here, here, & here.

I'll be heading to their first show for The Sydney Fringe Festival tonight & cannot wait to fill you all in on the gritty details!!

~ Clare x


Show Dates & Details:
September 14th & 28th, 2011
TONE,16 Wentworth Ave,Surry Hills, NSW
7.30 pm
Tickets $22.00
Supported by Sailor Jerry & Sydney Posters
Gallery Burlesque Info on The Sydney Fringe Website

GB Teaser Video

Photo courtesy of Onur Karaozbek, Gallery Burlesque

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Interview: Frankie Faux ~ Gallery Burlesque


Meet Frankie Faux. She's fierce, fiery, and a little bit ferocious. Not only a burlesque performer with Gallery Burlesque, but also a model, and a designer, creating models for theatre sets and costumes, and she's only 18. I'm wondering, is there anything this girl can't do?

With The Gallery Burlesque show about to open this week for The Sydney Fringe Festival, I thought I would share an interview with Frankie Faux so you could get to know her a little better. If you missed the first 3 interviews with Memphis Mae, Cherry Lush, & Evie Va Voom, you can read them herehere & here.

~

What's your act in Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival all about?
The act I am going to perform at GB for The Sydney Fringe is inspired by my journey through my teenage life. From being a self-conscious teen with big dreams to the pelvis thrusting, velcro seam ripping, burlesque baby I am today.

How and when did you come into the Gallery Burlesque family?
A month or so after my first performance, I went to GB to be a part of the audience and had a chat to a few friendly people. Later that week I got asked to be a part of the GB family with warm welcoming arms.

How long have you been interested in Burlesque and when/where did you begin?
All throughout high school I always had dreams to be on stage. When I discovered burlesque at around 16, I fell in love and thought it was a great outlet for an aspiring performance artist and was eager to explore its boundaries. I just hoped that by the time I was 18 years old I could find the balls to get up on stage. When my 18th birthday rolled around this year in May, a friend told me about a Burlesque Competition. I definitely didn’t think I had what it takes yet to get up and strip on stage but I applied, hoping to God they wouldn’t accept me. But they did and I pushed myself up on stage, thinking “Go hard or go home”. From that moment I knew burlesque was something I had to pursue.

Where/how did you come up with your stage name, Frankie Faux?
‘Frankie’ comes from my long time obsession with Frankenstein. ‘Faux’ means false. So I made ‘Frankie Faux’ my stage name as it's a false identity that I use to project different characters.

Which Burlesque performers do you most admire & why?
The most influential performers to me are the traditional 1940's American burlesque queens like Noel Toy, Gypsy Rose Lee, Lili St. Cyr. I’m very inspired by artists like Betty Grumble, Lillian Star etc who push boundaries and set the standard for burlesque.

Have you ever had any mishaps or interesting out-of-the-ordinary things happen during one of your performances?
My friend offered to help me out and do the lighting for one of my shows, which required her to sit just off the stage to my left. Unfortunately for her, I have a habit of throwing all my clothes to the left and she was right in the firing line for all my props. She didn’t mind the shirts and pants, but when I accidentally pegged metal suspenders at her head, she wasn’t exactly impressed.

What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audiences get out of your act in GB?
A crotch full of glitter, a face full of confetti, and a good time.

~

Check out Frankie's website here.

For Sydney Fringe Festival details for Gallery Burlesque click here.

Tomorrow I'll be introducing you to the last of the Gallery Burlesque performers, Betty Grumble. She is currently taking the Sydney burlesque scene by storm, so be sure to stop by & meet her!

~ Clare x

Image courtesy of Model Mayhem

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Interview: Evie Va Voom~ Gallery Burlesque



Evie Va Voom is my next very vivacious Gallery Burlesque star to share with you all. Wanna know a little more about Evie's Burlesque style? She says "With a perfect mixture of pout and tounge in cheek grit she has a variety of performances to make you chuckle and blush!"

With The Sydney Fringe Festival already upon us, I thought I would share with you a little Q & A with a few of the Gallery Burlesque performers over the next few days. I was lucky enough to interview some of these amazing gals, taking the Sydney Burlesque scene by storm, & just knew you'd all be intrigued about what goes on behind the scenes at a Burlesque show. If you missed the first 2 interviews with Memphis Mae & Cherry Lush, you can read them here & here.

~

What's your act in Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival all about?
'Heard it Through the Grapevine', using the classic song I will be taking my anger out on past loves by popping them off my grapevine in a balloonafied metaphor...

How and when did you come into the Gallery Burlesque family?
August last year just before the event came into the size it is now residing at Tone.

How long have you been interested in Burlesque and when/where did you begin?
I've been interested since my teens but due to unenlightened past boyfriends only rediscovered my urge 2 years ago and began classes with Danica Lee at Blush Dance School which lead to my debut performance at Velvet Garden in March 2010.

Where/how did you come up with your stage name, Evie Va Voom?
Evie Va Voom was created when I was sitting in my hairdresser's salon before my first performance reading about an anonymous street artist down in Melbourne that went by the name of Evie. No one knew the identity of the artist but they were creating large scale art spectacles that were even stopping busy streets in the middle of the city. Va Voom reminded me of the way Jessica Rabbit would be described by other characters in the Roger Rabbit cartoon and I wanted to try to embody a bit of that.

Which Burlesque performers do you most admire & why?
Internationally Anna Fur Laxis blows my mind. Her Betty Page tribute show in particular is a highlight for me, I think she is most definitely looking at becoming Miss Exotic World very soon. Locally, Lillian Starr is one of Australia's pro's; all her acts are magically executed, clever, funny, sexy, show-stopping and inspiring. Would love to get to her calibre of performance level.

Have you ever had any mishaps or interesting out-of-the-ordinary things happen during one of your performances?
Taking a minute of a 3 minute performance to do up a bikini top, needless to say some much needed costume reconfiguring was done for the next shows!

What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audiences get out of your act in GB?
A little bit of cheek, and a little more classic than they are used to from me.. needless to say, there will still be some awesome GB neo goodness!
~
For Sydney Fringe Festival details for Gallery Burlesque click here.

Tomorrow I'll be introducing you to the firey Frankie Faux. You most definitely will not want to miss her!

~ Clare x

Image courtesy of Gallery Burlesque

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Interview: Cherry Lush ~ Gallery Burlesque

Introducing Cherry Lush, our next Gallery Burlesque star. According to this luscious gal's website "just one taste of her blood red fruit will have you begging for more. Beware: she will entice you with her ripely fem­in­ine form, yet leave you forever want­ing just one more bite…"

As I mentioned in yesterday's post: in the lead up to The Sydney Fringe Festival, I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the Gallery Burlesque perfomers. You can read my article here. However, I felt that one little article wasn't enough and have decided to share with you a little Q & A with each performer over the next few days.
~

What's your act in Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival all about?
My act is about my transformation from Public Servant to Burlesque Performer! You all know that Public Servants in Hard hats and Reflective Vests don’t really like to work much…

How and when did you come into the Gallery Burlesque family?
I did some Burlesque Classes with Sheena Miss Demeanour, and went along to a show. At the end I told dearest Onur (The Papa of GB) that I simply MUST be in the next show! ;)

How long have you been interested in Burlesque and when/where did you begin?
I only found out about Burlesque a couple of years ago, but from that first moment I was hooked! I took classes simply to have fun and gain confidence but as time went on my desire to perform grew. I have been performing for about 18 months now and am a relative newcomer but it is firmly part of my life now. Where I began is a bit of a long story I have written about more on my blog: http://cherrylush.com.au/

Where/how did you come up with your stage name, Cherry Lush?
The name Cherry Lush is descriptive of who I am as a performer and what I look like. Cherries are round and red and delicious and my figure is as luscious as they come! I spent a lot of time coming up with my name but I honestly can’t remember where the inspiration first came from. It is really important when you are coming up with a name to find something fairly unique and that you research, google and search high and low to ensure your name is not similar to others. Your name is your brand and it should always be uniquely you.

Which Burlesque performers do you most admire & why?
Of the local performers- most of whom are part of the GB Family- well they are too numerous to name here. Internationally I adore Dirty Martini, as she is glamorous, sexy, funny and gets up and shakes and shimmies all she has got!

Have you ever had any mishaps or interesting out-of-the-ordinary things happen during one of your performances?
During my first performance in Sydney I “popped a pastie” (the decorated coverings over my nipples fell off) right in front of my parents! My mother was heard to exclaim “Your father’s going to have a heart attack!.” He was fine and actually laughed about it. It certainly was a crash course in learning to deal with wardrobe malfunctions, a burlesque workplace hazard, of which I have had many!

What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audiences get out of your act in GB?
Well most of all I hope they are ridiculously entertained! I hope that their panties get wet… because they have wet themselves laughing!
I hope they are inspired to go home and do whatever it is that they love to do.

~

For Sydney Fringe Festival details for Gallery Burlesque click here.

Check back tomorrow when I introduce you to none other than the vivacious Evie Va Voom.

~ Clare x

Image courtesy of Gallery Burlesque

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Interview: Memphis Mae ~ Gallery Burlesque


Meet Memphis Mae, one of the stars of Gallery Burlesque. Not only a Burlesque performer but also a gorgeous pin-up model. According to Dr Sketchy's Anti Art School: "Think retro rock goddess meets 1950’s Stepford wife and you’ll only just begin to scrape the surface of what Memphis Mae has to offer. Inspired by all things glamour Memphis’s performances are anything but traditional."

In the lead up to the Sydney Fringe Festival, I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the Gallery Burlesque perfomers. You can read my article here. However, I felt that one little article wasn't enough and have decided to share with you a little Q & A with each performer over the next few days.

~

What's your act in Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival all about?
A prim and proper equestrian rider who takes pride in her conservative look, but when she accidentally whips herself with her riding crop it opens a door that reveals her secret fetish.

How and when did you come into the Gallery Burlesque family?
I was lucky enough to have been introduced to Onur Ka through an acquaintance one night whilst at Gallery Burlesque. My first performance at GB was in March 2011 and I wouldn’t give it up for anything, aww ain’t that sweet!

How long have you been interested in Burlesque and when/where did you begin?
I have been interested in Burlesque for a couple of years now after going to countless great shows at the Vanguard and around Sydney. In March 2011, Starting off like many others at a wonderful night hosted by Lauren LaRouge and Holly Ja’doll. I was eventually known as the messy one due to my routines including, juicy fruit, milk and ridiculous amounts of glitter!

Where / how did you come up with your stage name, Memphis Mae?
My stage name Memphis Mae was born while sitting on the top of a mountain in the far West Indies amongst a small tribe of reindeer eating children.. no in actual fact my middle name is Mae and I knew I wanted to keep a part of my real name and Memphis Mae just rolls off the tongue.

Which Burlesque performers do you most admire & why?
I should say, Dita Von Teese or Gypsy Rose but the Sydney burlesque scene is so amazing that there is no need to look much further. Lillian Starr is one dancer who I most admire; creative, unique and so fucking hot! I couldn’t really go past this question without mentioning Georgia Ruby who is so outrageous and hilarious, what isn’t to admire about her!?

Have you ever had any mishaps or interesting out-of-the-ordinary things happen during one of your performances?
There is always going to be wardrobe malfunctions whether they are an item coming off too soon and sequins getting caught on your fishnets or glitter in every orifice. I still have a lot of time for possible mishaps and bizarre stage incidents to occur but my most standout mishap has to be when I was being the stage bitch for Gallery Burlesque's Doppelganger Dames night and just before Imogen Kelly came on to headline the night I smashed a glass all over the stage and delayed the night while the wonderful Onur Ka cleared, swept and mopped the stage. If you ever want to never be asked to be stage bitch again I have found the answer!

What do you hope The Sydney Fringe audiences get out of your act in GB?
Entertainment and a refund if they don’t like it!

~
For Sydney Fringe Festival details for Gallery Burlesque click here.

Check back shortly as I'll be introducing you to the oh-so-delightful Cherry Lush.

~ Clare x

Image courtesy of Gallery Burlesque

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Gallery Burlesque for The Sydney Fringe Festival


Recently I had the honour of interviewing some of the Gallery Burlesque performers for The Sydney Fringe Festival. Let me tell you, these gals are a whole lotta fun! Check out my write-up on them here.

Check back soon as I'll be posting the full interviews with 5 of the Burlesque Stars here over the next few days. I'm also heading to their show on the 14th of September and cannot wait! I'll be writing a review for you guys too.

~ Clare x

Thursday, September 1, 2011

In the Glad Springtime


In the glad springtime when leaves were green,
O merrily the throstle sings!
I sought, amid the tangled sheen,
Love whom mine eyes had never seen,
O the glad dove has golden wings!
~ Oscar Wilde

Oh how I love Spring!

~ Clare x

Credits: