Tag: Performing Arts

entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

Dita Von Teese’s Valentine’s Day Burlesque Show

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on 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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entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

The House of Red Velvet Returns With “A New Baptism”

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on The House of Red Velvet Returns With “A New Baptism”
The House of Red Velvet at Pico Union Project (Photo credit: Meredith M. Carlson)
Pico Union Project stage (Photo credit: Meredith M. Carlson)

It’s been nearly two years since The House of Red Velvet last opened its doors to patrons, and it returned for one night only with the debut of “A New Baptism.” The latest incarnation of the show invited guests to witness a string of performances tied together by forbidden, ethereal forces that culminated in an entrancing ceremony. When I exited the building, I was absolutely struck by the visceral energy that had been generated that evening.

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entertainment, Performing Arts

Spotlight On Samantha Parks: The Artist Behind Bullsdaughter

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight On Samantha Parks: The Artist Behind Bullsdaughter
Samantha Parks, aka Nebula Noir of The Black Veils
Samantha Parks, aka Nebula Noir of The Black Veils

The performing arts is built into the DNA of Samantha Parks who at the age of two started dance, a time when most toddlers are still learning to walk. As she grew, so did her artistic pursuits, eventually branching out into singing and yoga. After several years maturing as an artist and creator, her vision has culminated into the creative brand Bullsdaughter—a name inspired by her late father Jamell “Bull” Parks and her own life journey.     

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife, Performing Arts

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

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on 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!

Continue reading “The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils” →
entertainment, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Jessabelle Thunder

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on 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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entertainment, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Miso Pretty

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on 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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entertainment, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Ruby Champagne

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on 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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music, Performing Arts

Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies

Photo credit: Midnight Syndicate
Photo credit: Midnight Syndicate

Midnight Syndicate has been haunting the Gothic music landscape for more than 20 years. Members Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka specialize in creating macabre melodies and their collection of work has become the ultimate Halloween soundtrack. With the fall season approaching, I thought it’d be fitting to present a look inside the machinations of the duo, along with a special interview. Continue reading “Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies” →

Events, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra” →

Events, Nightlife, Performing Arts

Surrender Yourself to The House of Red Velvet

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Surrender Yourself to The House of Red Velvet

Photo by Matt Odom
Photo by Matt Odom

Leave your inhibitions at the door when you walk into The House of Red Velvet. Taking place inside the Red Room of Bar Lubitsch, a Russian-inspired lounge in West Hollywood, California, the show transports the audience to a realm where limitations are non-existent, and boundaries are pushed. Here, you will experience dream-like fantasies and even forbidden pleasures.
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