The Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival, on hiatus since 2019 due to COVID safety concerns, returns to Asheville. Plus, author’s memoir explores WNC ‘ghost lights,’ Asheville Music School holds a fundraiser and First Presbyterian Church Asheville presents a one-woman show about the life of medieval mystic Julian of Norwich.
“We all know burlesque is sexy, but for me, having a joyful pairing of sexy with comedy and other skills is really important,” Madam Onca says.
Proceeds from the ABSFest Speakeasy Allstars’ in-show raffle on Aug. 19 at The Orange Peel benefit the ACLU.
This year, more than 35 performers will take the stage, and workshops are geared toward newcomers and old hats alike. (Aerial art with Sadie Hawkins and beginner ukulele with Mab, Just Mab are just two of the options for those looking to take a class.)
Local bands open and close each segment of this body-inspired entertainment extravaganza, which will be hosted at the Orange Peel on Sunday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m.
For years, the standard burlesque picture has been a fully clothed man in a suit surrounded by women who are nearly nude. But as the industry evolves and new voices take charge, that image is now in flux.
Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise startup capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. This week: self-reliance through chickens, new adventures at Firestorm Books and a re-published Tarot classic.
The group behind Teatro del Gusto calls the cabaret circus a “feast for the senses.” The new series, which premiered at The Orange Peel on July 13, included vaudeville, burlesque, and classic circus entertainment. Local rockers Red Honey opened the show with a set of half a dozen tunes — some original and some covers. […]
