CLEARWATER, Fla.—The Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI) Contest is returning for its fourth straight year, as the dates and venues for the 2017 showgirl competition have been announced.
For the second straight year, Platinum 84 in Denver will host the EDI West, June 22-24, while the new Pony Club (formerly Rick’s Cabaret) in Indianapolis and its owner, Jerry Westlund, will play host to an EDI for the first time with the EDI East, April 6-8.
“We are excited to partner with venues and club owners who are enthusiastic about live feature entertainment, and we can’t wait to bring the industry’s top showgirls to the Pony Club and Platinum 84 next year,” said Dave Manack, founder of the EDI Contest and ED Publications’ Associate Publisher.
ED Publications also produces the Annual Gentlemen’s Club EXPO, which celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2017.
“We are also very proud of the growth of the EDI contests, and we can’t wait to see what amazing shows these first-class feature entertainers will bring to this year’s events!” Manack added.
In 2016, Platinum 84 in Denver and its staff—including owner Scott Richter and GMs Dave Peacock and Hank Boling—proved to be an ideal host club for the contest, and there was no hesitation to bring the EDI West back to the Rockies.
“After having such a great experience with all the competitors and EDI staff last year, we were honored to be allowed to host the competition a second straight year,” said Platinum 84’s Richter. "Platinum 84 is elated to be hosting this mega-event for the second year in a row. It's a tremendous showcase for the best new and established talent in the industry, and we look forward to partnering with ED Publications to make this EDI West the biggest and most successful yet.”
Though it’s the first time one of his clubs is hosting an EDI contest, Pony Club/Fantasy Showclubs chain owner Jerry Westlund is no stranger to feature entertainment. Westlund has a longstanding reputation as a champion of booking “showgirl” features. In fact, Westlund was the first club owner to appear on the cover of the ED Club Bulletin (the bimonthly business magazine produced by ED Publications since 1996), and in that photo he made it a point to surround himself with several feature entertainers. Westlund’s new Pony Club (formerly Rick’s Cabaret) in Indianapolis plays host to the EDI East April 6-8.
“The future of our business is going to be about putting the ‘show’ back into show business,” Westlund said. “There is nothing in our industry that compares with the prestige and the recognition of the EDI contests, and with the level of professionalism shown by its producers. This is going to be a very special event for our club, for our customers and for the entertainers. I’ve always loved attending the big feature contests in years past, and now I’ll be hosting the industry's biggest showgirl dance competition at my new Pony Club. Get ready to have a great time!”
The EDI contests showcase entertainers in three divisions competing on three straight nights: Newcomers (entertainers with two years or less of “feature” experience) compete on Thursday; Showgirls (established feature entertainers) compete on Friday; and Champions compete on Saturday. The Champion Division is open only to those features who have either competed in or won the EDI Champion Division, those who won the Showgirl Division, or those who are recent ED’s Overall Entertainer of the Year Award nominees or winners. Cash prizes are awarded in each division, as well as main titles and mini titles (including sashes and trophies). Final determination of division placement is subject to the decision of the EDI contest producers.
Entertainers interested in being considered for invitation to either EDI East or West should contact Manack at [email protected] or ED’s PR Manager Kristofer Kay at [email protected]. For more information, visit theEDIs.com.
