Edwardian Ball 2012: "The Iron Tonic" this weekend

It's the week of the Edwardian Ball in San Francisco, which means that there will be lots of costumed people surrounding this Edward Gorey-inspired, can't miss event.

The Edwardian Ball itself takes place this Friday and Saturday, January 20 and 21, at the Regency Center in San Francisco, which is located at 1300 Van Ness Avenue at Sutter (map). It's once again presented by Paradox Media and Vau de Vire. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the stores listed at edwardianball.com/tickets, and they may be purchased online at Ticketfly.com. Tickets may also be purchased (if available) at the door for a few dollars more. Please note that the Los Angeles date for the Edwardian Ball has been postponed. The new date (probably in March) will be announced soon.



On Friday, it's The Edwardian World's Faire, which is a night of music, theatrics, circus, fashion, gaming, and Edwardian-tinged rock n’ roll. It's touch less formal than Saturday's Ball, with steam-powered sculptures, displays, rides, and games that are one-night-only. Kingfish of the Hubba Hubba Revue will be host, and there will be the debut of the "Museum of Wonders." Performers will include Edwardian disc jockey Delachaux, Sour Mash Hug Band, Flynn Creek Circus, Vau de Vire Society, DJ Fact.50, and our now-famous Vendor Bazaar & Piano Saloon featuring the John Brothers Piano Company! Tickets for the World's Faire range from $29.00 for general admission to $75.00 for VIP Balcony, and may be purchased online at Ticketfly.com. The Faire starts at 8:00 p.m., and is scheduled to last until 2:00 a.m.

Saturday's Edwardian Ball will be preceded in the afternoon by the free Vendor Bazaar daytime shopping, and an afternoon tea from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with "chap hop" artist from the United Kingdom, Professor Elemental. Tickets for the afternoon tea are $30.00, and available online at Ticketfly.com. Performers during the Ball are scheduled to include "Belle of the Ball" Jill Tracy, The Fossettes, Jef Valentine, DJs Miz Margo and Delachaux, and more. Plus, Ball founders Rosin Coven and Vau de Vire Society will bring Gorey's "The Iron Tonic" to life with original music, choreography, narration, and circus acts. Tickets for the Edwardian Ball range from $39.00 for general admission to $85.00 for VIP Balcony, and may be purchased online at Ticketfly.com. The Ball opens at 8:00 p.m., and is scheduled to end at 2 a.m.

Although it's called the Edwardian Ball, and there are opportunities to dance, there's enough going on that even if you don't dance, there's always something to do. Whether it's shopping in the Vendor Bazaar, looking at the various displays that are set up around the Regency Center, watching and listening to the performances, chatting with the person wearing the fishbowl with live goldfish, or gazing in wonder at the costumes of your fellow attendees, it's an event that is sure to thrill.

What to wear? Although it is called the Edwardian Ball, your choices are not necessarily limited to the Edwardian Era. After all, it's inspired by Edward Gorey, so you can dress up as a Gorey character. Or you can sport the safari look like Professor Elemental. Dressing like a character in a Sherlock Holmes story is another idea. The event is a mashup of various influences, including goth, steampunk, and others, so it's hard to go wrong. It's probably best not to attend in a t-shirt and jeans, although a few people do. If you're really concerned, you can scan through the picture galleries at edwardianball.com/galleries. Something nice and formal for a night out on the town would work, too. Last year's 7x7 Magazine had an article with a good suggestion for women.

Also, see last year's "Newbie Guide" for more about attending the Edwardian Ball. Lastly, it's usually a good idea to get there at or before 8:00 for the Faire and Ball to beat the crowds getting in. And if you're hungry, there are restaurants and other establishments around the Regency Center.

The Edwardian Ball 2011: January 21 and 22 at the Regency Center in San Francisco

Every year for the past ten years, the Edwardian Ball has happened in San Francisco to the delight of those who love burlesque, cabaret, the arts, costumes, and alternate, participatory events.

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

The Edwardian World's Faire 2011 will be on on Friday, January 21 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets range from $28.00 general admission floor to $75.00 VIP reserved balcony. These tickets are available online at edwardianfaire2011.eventbrite.com. The Eleventh Annual Edwardian Ball will be on Saturday, January 22 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets are $38.00 general admission floor (other levels sold out). Tickets for this night may be purchased in advance online at edwardianball2011.eventbrite.com. Tickets may be also picked up without service fee at Dark Garden, 321 Linden Street in SF (map), and at Distractions, 1552 Haight Street in SF (map). All events will be at the Regency Center in San Francisco, 1300 Van Ness at Sutter (map).

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

What is the Edwardian Ball? Firstly, Edward Gorey was a writer and artist, and it is his life and works that are celebrated at this event. That's where the "Edwardian" comes from. What is it all about? Here is how the official Edwardian Ball website (edwardianball.com) describes the event:

THE EDWARDIAN BALL is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, music, theatre, fashion, technology, circus, and the beloved creations of the late, great author Edward Gorey. Set in “Edwardian” times, this multi-media festival has grown over the past decade from a small underground club night into an internationally recognized event, even earning the blessing of The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.

But I suppose that really doesn't describe the entirety of the event. Being that the event engages so many of the other senses, it must be experienced rather than just read about.

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

On Friday, the Weekend kicks off with the Edwardian World's Faire. There will be displays of steam machinery by Kinetic Steam Works, music from the Eric McFadden Trio and Shovelman, an Edwardian Midway, a fashion show by Dark Garden Corsetry, circus acts from City Circus and Flynn Creek Circus, performances by Vima Vice Squad, Wiggy Darlington and F'Risque, ballroom dancing, and more!

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

There will also be an Edwardian Vendor Bazaar happening both days of the event. Vendors will include Topsy Turvy Design, Dismal Things, Hey Sailor! Hats, Toadstool Farm, and many more which you can see at the Ball's website. It's truly an amazing assortment of vendors. And during the day on Saturday from noon until 6:00 p.m., it's free admission to the public!

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

On Saturday, it's the 11th Annual Edwardian Ball itself. The co-hosts for the Ball will be Rosin Coven and the Vau de Vire Society. They will present Edward Gorey's "The Eleventh Episode" with original music, dancing, and circus antics. There will also be performances by "Belle of the Ball" Jill Tracy, Fou Fou HA!, DJ’s Miz Margo & Delachaux, The Gomorran Social Aid & Pleasure Club and Le Can Can Bijou. Plus see Kinetic Steam Works, the portrait studio, the gaming parlour, Hall of Fine Arts, and the Cabinets of Curiosity & Natural Wonders.

Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

As you can see, there's quite a few acts that will be performing at the Edwardian Ball that have made appearances at burlesque shows around the Bay Area. It's an event where people who like to make and wear their own costumes, participate in their entertainments, celebrate bygone eras, and who like to mix and experiment with different styles like to go to see and be seen, marvel at the expressed creativity, and dance the night away!

And for those of you in Los Angeles, the Edwardian Ball will take place at The Music Box in Hollywood on March 5. See edwardianball.com for details.

(Edited January 10 & 11, 2011: Added Ball advertising image, edited introductory paragraphs.)

Hot Pink Feathers, Edwardian Ball and World's Faire 2010 this weekend

Those Samba Showgirls, the Hot Pink Feathers, will be performing at the top of the Voices of Latin Rock Autism Benefit show this Friday evening, January 22, at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. Also performing will be Richard Bean and Sapo, Michael Shrieve's Spellbinder, the Latin Jazz Revue, and the Latin Rock Experience. The show is at 7:30, and tickets run from $75 to $100. For more information and tickets, please visit www.voicesoflatinrock.com.

Also this weekend is the Edwardian Ball and World's Faire on Friday and Saturday evenings at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. Always a hit with the burlesque crowd, the World's Faire on Friday night will feature Fou Fou HA!, Dark Garden Corsetry, and emcee Kingfish of the Hubba Hubba Revue, and others amidst four exhibition halls including the Hall of Fine Arts, Wonders of the Natural World, Exposition of Technology, and new this year, The Edwardian Bazaar & Croquet Gardens. The Ball on Saturday will feature Edward Gorey tales brought to life on stage by co-hosts and creators Rosin Coven and Vau de Vire Society, plus “Belle of the Ball” Jill Tracy, Miz Margo, Vima Vice Squad, Fou Fou HA!, Delachaux, Kitten On The Keys, ballroom dancing, Edwardian portrait studio and surprise guests. It's a time to dress up in your favorite Edwardian era clothes, and to shop, spectate, and dance the night away! The events both night are from 8pm to 2am, and tickets run from $26 to $36. For more information and tickets, please visit www.edwardianball.com.

Burlesque and related shows in San Francisco this weekend

Of course, there will be a Red Hots Burlesque show on Friday, August 28 at 7:30pm at El Rio in the Mission. Entry is only between $5 and $10. You don't want to forget that show, even if you went to the Feed fundraiser on Thursday night!

But there will also be a free all-ages stage show in Oakland on Saturday being produced by Amelia Mae Paradise and Diamond Daggers (http://www.diamonddaggers.com/). It will be part of Sistahs Steppin' in Pride 2009 (http://www.sistahssteppin.org/), and will take place between 1pm and 6pm on the Festival Main Stage in Snow Park between 19th and Harrison Streets in Downtown Oakland. Here is the line-up for the stage show:

Sistahs Steppiní in Pride August 29, 2009
Festival Main Stage

IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Stage to run from 1 pm - 6 pm

SET 1
DJ Ryan: http://www.myspace.com/ladydanaryan
Dancing with the Queers with Zoe Balfour & Citabria Phillips: http://www.dancingwiththequeers.com/
CABARET/DRAG/*BURLESQUE with Emcee Simone de la Getto: http://www.myspace.com/simonedelagetto
Delicio Del Toro: http://www.myspace.com/mrdeltoro
Chica Boom: http://lachicaboom.com/
Alotta Boutte: http://www.myspace.com/alotta
Mommaís Boyz
*burlesque will be "family friendly" for the diverse age-range of the audience!

SET 2
DJ Luna: http://www.myspace.com/sfdjchic
Hand2Hand: http://www.handtohandkajukenbo.com/
Fisrt Congregational Church Choir
Roke Noirís Bollywood Dance: http://www.rokenoirproductions.com/

SET 3
DJ Divinity: http://www.myspace.com/djdivinity23
King Tuff níStuff: http://www.kingtuffnstuff.com/
Jill Parkerís Foxglove Sweethearts: http://www.myspace.com/foxglovesweethearts
Sistas in the Pit: http://www.sistasinthepit.com/

SET 4
DJ Black: http://www.myspace.com/clubsweet

This yearís SSIP stage is brought to you by Amelia Mae Paradise & Diamond Daggers Productions
http://www.diamonddaggers.com/

And if any of you are going to the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/) in Golden Gate Park this weekend, be sure to stop by and see Kitten on the Keys (www.kittymusic.com) at the Vau de Vire Society tent called BARBARY! She'll be MCing and performing all three days. Rosin Coven, the Yard Dogs Road Show, and Fou Fou Ha! among others will also be featured. Tickets are pricey, running between $89.50 and one-day ticket and $595.00 for a VIP three-day Festival ticket, but if you're going anyway, be sure to drop by the tent.

I think that's about it. If you know of any other events, please let everyone know by leaving a comment below. Have a great weekend, burlesque fans! :-)

Red Hots Burlesque and Hot Pink Feathers concert appearance for Friday, July 10, 2009

This Friday night, catch Red Hots Burlesque and the Hot Pink Feathers in action!

Red Hots Burlesque happens every Friday starting at 7:30pm at El Rio, 3158 Mission St., San Francisco. I don't have the line-up yet, but it's sure to be a fun time. $5-10, sliding scale. Be sure to check out the BBQ! And please be 21 or older, otherwise you'll be looking in from outside. And don't forget that RHB will be in Alameda tonight (see previous post) and represented at Spookshow A-Go-Go on Sunday! Please see the calendar for details.

The Hot Pink Feathers will be appearing with Eggplant Casino on both a Gypsy and Bossa Nova tune Friday night at Cafe du Nord, 2174 Market Street, San Francisco. Rosin Coven headlines. Doors open at 8pm, and the show is at 9. It's a 21 and older event. Tickets are $14 if you buy them in advance (www.cafedunord.com), and are $16 at the door.

And that's the way burlesque is for Friday, July 10, 2009. Everybody have fun, good luck, and courage... ;-)

San Francisco area burlesque for the week of July 6, 2009

Wowzas! I thought that there might be a slow week after the big Fourth of July weekend, but burlesque doesn't rest! There's a lot of unique stuff happening this week. Barbary Coast Burlesque has its one year anniversary show. Red Hots Burlesque will be at a tiki bar in Alameda. Dr. Sketchy's founder Molly Crabapple will be signing copies of her new graphic novel in Berkeley (and will be a special guest at Dr. Sketchy's SF on Monday, July 13!). There are some free events, too. Always good during recessionary times!

• Monday, July 6, 2009: Uptown Hubba Hubba at the Uptown in Oakland, 1928 Telegraph Avenue. And the fireworks continue indoors with fiery-hot burlesque at the Uptown. See Monifa, The Twilight Vixen Revue, Francine Dead, Miss Balla Fire, The Cheesepuffs, Lana Gottalotta (debut!), and Lilly Soleil! Doors at 9pm, show at 10:15ish. $5, 21+ w/ID.


• Wednesday, July 8: Barbary Coast Burlesque at Annie's Social Club in San Francisco, 917 Folsom Street. Celebrate the one year anniversary of Barbary Coast Burlesque with Bunny Pistol, Virginia Slim, Balla Fire, Sid Scenic, Juicy D. Light, Mynx D' Meanor, Ruby White, Lady Satan, and sASSy Hotbuns, along with host Roger Oddcock. Show at 8pm. $5, 21+ w/ID.
  


• Thursday, July 9: Red Hots Burlesque: Special East Bay Show! at Forbidden Island in Alameda, 1304 Lincoln Avenue. Red Hots land on the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge for its monthly burlesque night. With Ruby White, Lady Satan, Dottie Lux, and DJ Val Killmore. 8pm to 10pm. No cover, 21+ w/ID.


• Also Thursday: Little Minsky's at Club Deluxe in SF, 1511 Haight Street. Little Minsky's is brought to you by Douglas Good (of Cabaret Verdalet), The Flying Fox (burlesque glamour girl). Doors at 9pm, show at 10. $5, 21+ w/ID.
  


• Friday, July 10: Red Hots Burlesque at El Rio in San Francisco, 3158 Mission Street. Dottie Lux brings you a different show every single week! Each event promises the seductive and spicy, absurd and amusing all from local and visiting talent. Show at 7:30pm. $5-10 sliding scale, 21+ w/ID.


• Also Friday: Rosin Coven and Eggplant Casino (w/Hot Pink Feathers) at Cafe du Nord in SF, 2174 Market Street. The Hot Pink Feathers joins Eggplant Casino on both a Gypsy and a Bossa Nova tune! Doors 8:00, show at 9:00. $14 in advance (at www.cafedunord.com), $16 at the door, 21+ w/ID.


• Sunday, July 12: Burlesque book signing with Molly Crabapple at Comic Relief in Berkeley, 2026 Shattuck Avenue. Join Dr. Sketchy's founder Molly Crabapple for a reading, projections, and signing of her first graphic novel, Scarlett Takes Manhattan. Stay for a Vaudeville-themed mini Dr. Sketchy's with burlesque queen Sparkly Devil! Free cupcakes for all! 6:30-7:30pm. Free.
  


• Also Sunday: Spookshow A-Go-Go: A Space ODDessy! at The Stud in SF, 399 9th Street. Lux-Killmore Entertainment presents an out of this world film, drag, burlesque and sideshow event, A Space ODDessy!, an evening of chicks, dicks and flicks. Live burlesque performances by Ruby White, Dottie Lux, Kentucky Fried Woman, Balla Fire and Miss Honey Penny as well as Flow Wand Performance by Aileen Deirdre Lawlor and more including Sideshow Oddity "The Atomic Missing Link?" Hosted by Landa Lakes and with DJ Alex Cox. Film will be "Plan 9 From Outer Space" colorized by Legend Films, because it's Val Killmore's birthday! Show starts at 7pm. $7, 21+ w/ID.
  
  

As always, for more information, please check the calendar above. Also, you may want to check back during the week to see if there are and late additions to this schedule. And if you have a burlesque show or information about a show you would like to add to the calendar, please email me at sfbr AT gmx DOT com.