SAN FRANCISCO—The Center for Sex & Culture in San Francisco has teamed with burlesque historian and “Quadra-Flame Twirl-inator” performer Lady Monster for the new monthly film and performance series The Cans.
Scheduled for every last Thursday of the month, the inaugural event is set for 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the CSC, 1349 Mission St. (between 9th and 10th streets), San Francisco. The event will be a benefit for burlesque legend Ellion Ness and will feature the Bay Area premiere of burlesque documentary The League of Exotique Dancers by Rama Rau, 3D short Take Off (1972) by Gunvor Nelson, and must-not-miss performances and stories by burlesque legends Ellion Ness, Isis Starr, Holiday O'Hara and Viva La Fever.
“With a blast of brassy jazz and a spin through the glitz of modern Las Vegas, League of Exotique Dancers sets the stage for a provocative and eye-opening ‘backstage tour’ of the Golden Age of Burlesque through the colorful lives of unforgettable women who made it glitter,” reads a description of the documentary film that covers vintage burlesque and its performers, then and now. The accompanying 3D short Take Off (1972) by Gunvor Nelson features guest star Ellion Ness.
“CSC is so honored to work with Lady Monster, whose caring for the stars that made burlesque such a singular art form is unparalleled. Hearing from Golden Age legends Ellion Ness, Isis Starr, Holiday O'Hara and Viva La Fever is a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes, hearing little-known stories of a world that has been part of San Francisco for many, many decades,” said Center for Sex & Culture Executive Director Carol Queen, PhD.
Raffle prizes include tickets to local burlesque events, photographs, a rare coffee table burlesque book, personal jewelry from burlesque legends, pasties, a massage and more.
Advance tickets are just $10 and are available at EventBrite. Tickets will be available at the door as space allows for $12.
Future events in The Cans series will feature other rare films and performances and reminiscences from the stars of yesteryear and the Nouvelle Burlesque scene of today.
Each month The Cans will feature burlesque, films and panels. An opportunity to learn more about the art form of burlesque, honor the history, see acts from around the globe, and how enriched the scene is beyond the Bay Area.
The event is wheelchair accessible, and there are volunteer positions available.
For future updates and more information, visit BurlesqueFilmFest.com or follow on Facebook or Twitter @thecanssf on Twitter.
