Dita Von Teese’s Valentine’s Day Burlesque Show

Vamp Jenn at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles
Vamp Jenn at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles

It’s been more than two years since the last time I’ve seen Dita Von Teese perform. After her 2019 New Year’s Eve show that ushered the crowd into 2020, she and her crew had to cancel all upcoming performances due to Covid. I’m ecstatic to share that she’s back in action, and her recent Valentine’s Day event marked her return to the stage!

Now, this revue was slated to happen this past December 31st, but the date was pushed back due to world circumstances. I must say, however, I feel February 14th was the perfect occasion for a burlesque extravaganza. Dita was accompanied by her Vontourage, as well as a slew of gifted performers who showcased new and exhilarating acts. Here’s my recap of the soiree.

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The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils

Aerial performance by Candace Small, aka Coco Noir (Photo credit: @omgsogood)

“Someone has to entertain them.”

The Black Veils

This is the maxim professed by The Black Veils, and the cabaret troupe definitely practices what they preach. The group recently put on their first performance in more than a year at Harvelle’s in Long Beach, California. I had the opportunity to see them live for a night of enticing revelry!

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Spotlight On BARA HARI: The Artistic Creation of Sam Franco

Photo credit: Sam Franco

One can’t help but pick up on the enigmatic energy that pulsates from the creative works of Sam Franco who’s also known professionally as BARA HARI, her music persona. The artist crafts dark pop sounds tinged with ethereal vibes fit to dance to in the goth clubs. The songstress writes and produces her music, plus heads the creation of the accompanying videos—and that’s not all.

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The Burlesque Series: Introducing Jessabelle Thunder

Photo credit: Jason Kamimura

She won the title of Princess of Burlesque in the 2018 Miss Exotic World Competition and has been in the top 10 of the 21st Century Burlesque Most Influential Figures of the World. Meet Jessabelle Thunder, a performer and pin-up model who’s been unleashing a powerful storm on stages across the globe for more than a decade.

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The Burlesque Series: Introducing Miso Pretty

Photo credit: Beth Cocuzzi

She’s well-versed in revving up an audience, teasing onlookers with seductive moves and strutting her long legs across the stage. Jennifer Tseng Werber, known as Miso Pretty in the burlesque world, got her start in the industry more than 20 years ago. The entertainer has also worked her talent behind the scenes producing her own Asian burlesque variety revue in 2019 called The Jade Follies, which was met with much success.

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The Burlesque Series: Introducing Ruby Champagne

Photo credit: Girlie Show Photography

She’s lauded as “The Mexican Spitfire of Burlesque” and it’s a title aptly deserved when you witness the fiery spectacle Ruby Champagne delivers! The performer has been dazzling audiences worldwide for several years, hitting stages in London, Paris, Toronto, Los Angeles and many others. If you’re not familiar with this entertainer, it’s time you two get acquainted.

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“Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience

Promotional art for Stranger Things, Season Three (© Netflix)

This past 2020 Halloween season was quite different, to say the least. Many haunts throughout Southern California were cancelled due to COVID restrictions and I know I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be walking through haunted mazes with monsters hiding in every corner waiting to jump out at me. But there was an alternate type of haunt that would arise due to the circumstances and these were drive-thru attractions.  

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11 Dark Podcasts To Listen To Now

Photo by Cottonbro

It’s only been over the past year that I’ve started listening to podcasts. The onslaught of the pandemic is partly how I got into exploring the shows and episodes that are out on various platforms. And, of course, because my tastes are on the uncanny side, the ones I’ve gravitated towards deliver engaging, macabre content. So, I decided to share my finds with you in case you’re looking for other ways to consume entertainment. Here’s a list I’ve curated of 11 dark podcasts to listen to now!

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7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Wondering how you can celebrate Goth Day on May 22nd? Set the mood with a list of binge-worthy, macabre films. Following are a few of my favorite flicks that either feature goth characters or exude a dark vibe. By no means an exhaustive compilation, this should at least give you a good start. So, drape yourself in black, dim the lights and enjoy the feature presentation. Continue reading “7 Films to Watch on Goth Day”

Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books

book-light

With the current Coronavirus pandemic, life seems to have become its own horror story. A novel illness is running rampant across the globe, streets have become eerily quiet, citizens have been ordered to self-isolate and panic has turned as contagious as COVID-19. But not all is as dire as it seems.

Since we’ve suddenly had to adjust to a new way of existing, I think everyone needs a break from reality and nothing provides that more readily than a good book! I’ve created a list of Top 10 Dark Reads with varying levels of darkness. Some embody gallows humor, while others are just plain morbid. They are presented in no particular order, but I do believe I saved the most sinister for last. Continue reading “Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books”