Bushwick Burlesque – Bizarre and wildly entertaining

The first time I went to a Bushwick Burlesque show was about a year ago. It was cold, freezing cold outside. Scary Ben was shouting “Burlesque show, ladies and gentleman, come on in” or something like that in front of a event space off the Morgan L Stop. Entering I was introduced to the fascinating world of Bushwick Burlesque. The performances were funny, sexy and entertaining. There was a raffle in which I didn’t won a dildo. I went on stage to dance for some contest and my bra mysteriously opened.

Scary Ben & Darlinda Just Darlinda. Photo:Facebook /all other photos by me/

Last month my friends Stella and Paul invited me to check a show again. “Sure, why not!”. This time it was even closer to where I live. Right off the Myrtle-Broadway J train stop at the “Bizarre” bar. I ended up on the 2nd year anniversary of Bushwick Burlesque. Right after I entered, on the first performance Darlinda Just Darlinda used a dildo on herself. The crowd was larger and there were tons of guest performers – from the West coast, from Italy, from UK… Next burlesque performer was wearing a costume made by blonde wigs, saying that she recently started doing stand-up comedies. There were couple really bizarre male performers including a masochistic guy whose performances I really dig (see him in the video at the end of the article). Plus a jazz singer singing Billie Holiday’s favorite song a-capella, amazing. Couldn’t ask for more except… may be an interview.

What inspired you to start Bushwick Burlesque?

Scary Ben: An opportunity came up in a new space on my street, and the owner was talking to myself and our original co-producer, individually. Once we figured out he was pitting us against each other, we teamed up. Darlinda and I had been seeing each other for a bit around then, and she had been complaining about not wanting to treck into Manhattan for all her gigs. So, we all teamed up to create a neighborhood show.

Darlinda Just Darlinda: Scary Ben and Heather Loop (our former co-producer) reached out to me and I thought what a great idea that would be that I wouldn’t have to schlep all my gear to Manhattan.

You have really interesting performers, how do you find them?

SB: it’s a mixture of friends of Darlinda Just Darlinda from her long career, opening eyes to the new and weird, and performers coming to us with solid professional recommendations by other performer friends. We’ve carved out a bit of a nitch for over the top and have a reputation as a weirdo welcome space.

DJD: I’ve known many of them for years, but I also met some of them on my international travels or they are new performers that have been my students at The New York School of Burlesque.

With what do you think Burlesque show excels a Strip club performance (if you think it does)?

SB: I think they are two different things. One isn’t better than the other, just different experiences. The major difference, I’ve learned, is the expectations of the audience. Strip clubs audiences want flesh, burlesque audiences want theater.

DJD: I don’t think any Burlesque excels a strip club, I think they are both great in their own right!

Favorite burlesque dancer of all times?

SB: Of the legends: Camille 2000 is one bad ass bitch, as is Shannon Doah, and for pure glam and elegance, Jean Idelle.

Of the revival set: Julie Atlas Muz, Perle Noire, Tigger!, the Stage Door Johnnies.

DJD: Julie Atlas Muz, I am deeply inspired by her work!

Julie Atlas Muz photo:Flickr

What’s the music on your mp3 players right now?

SB: I don’t have an mp3 player. But I’ve been listening to Tom Waits and The Tiger Lillies lately.

DJD: Mainly the music I use for my acts, Tina Turner, The Barry Sisters, Die Antwoord, Danny Gatton, Sonny Lester and his Orchestra, Blood Sweat and Tears, David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Duke Ellington.

Craziest thing that even happened on your show?

SB: Probably either the cops showing up at the end of a show to raid the space we were in. Or, same show; a “crazy person interruption” prank we played on the audience. Maybe it was during a Booty Bounce Comp when 2 straight guys got hyper competitive and had a ” helicopter battle” with their cocks, but eventually called it a draw and made out as a good will gesture to each other.

DJD: Yeah, Scary Ben said it above! But our shows are always Crazy Fun!!

Reveal something about your next performance?

SB: it’s gonna be bigger than ever with some of the biggest men in the business. November will include downtown legend Penny Arcade and Headmistress Jo Boobs presenting her NY Burlsque Fest act she wasn’t able to present there.

DJD: Ben is refering to our November show, but October has International Performance Artist Lazlo Perlman, Tigger!, and a new perfomer named FACE!

Get ready for bizarre fun next Tuesday! photo:Facebook

Next show is on October 15th, again at Bizarre – 12 Jefferson Street, Bk, NY 11206. Entrance is free with suggested donation. Be there! Until then… here is a video from the last performance featuring Darlinda Just Darlinda as she being referring to her “physically ill because the Republicans feel they can make choices about what I do with my vagina.” xD

buswhickburlesque from martkawaii on Vimeo.

Buswhick Burlesque are also on Twitter @BushwickBurlyQ and www.bushwickburlesque.com .


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