xox, Ms. Bea Haven: 4/16/10

Issue 4, Volume 7
April 16, 2010

Dearest Kats and Kittens,

THANK YOU to everyone who made it out to Mary’s Attic for The Freak Museum. What a show! It was so successful that we’re going to definitely remount it sometime this summer. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, there are a PILE of shows you can see as well as some BRAND NEW CLASSES coming at you from Girlie-Q this spring/summer. And holy crap-oly! We just revamped our Girlie-Q website and it shore is purdy…We are slowly adding bios and photos for our brand new ensemble members.

What’s an ensemble member, you ask? Glad you did! Those are the regular guys and gals you can expect to see in Girlie-Q shows. They are an amazing and talented group of folks, a selection of the best performers that Chicago has to offer, really…All right, now, on with the shows!

SHOWS

Friday & Saturday, April 16 – 17 @ Midnight
In The Dark: Ghouls & Dolls
Two Enchanted Evenings of Gothic & Erotic Performance & Dance Theatre
1901 Gallery, 1901 W. Belmont Ave. (entrance on Wolcott), Chicago
Chicago’s most artistic burlesque & performance art show. This month starring Girlie-Q ensemble members Ammunition, Zoe Brooklynne, Candyland, Titty Perkins and Ms. Bea Haven. $15, BYOB.

Sunday, April 24 @ 8:00 & 9:30
Salon DeVine @ Joie De Vine
1744 W. Balmoral
$5 suggested donation
Join us for the next installment of bartop, aisle, and environmental burlesque, performance art, and vaudeville variety at Chicago’s most intimate and classy wine bar. Starring Ammunition, Bambi Rein, Candyland, Cruel Valentine, Laila Lee, Miss Millie Mae, Shajara and Hosted by yours truly, Ms. Bea Haven!

Saturday, May 1
The Girlie-Q Variety Hour Sixth Anniversary Show
Morseland, 1218 W. Morse
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
The newly re-formed Girlie-Q ensemble wants you to come out to the sixth annual anniversary show of the Girlie-Q Variety Hour, the show that begat them ALL. Vaudeville variety, classic burlesque, and live jazz are featured in this new monthly
run of our signature show. Hosted by Ms. Bea Haven, the Great Chicago Fire.

Starring Girlie-Q Ensemble Members:
Candyland
Laila the Bellydancer
Scarlett DeVille
Shajara
Titty Perkins
Tricky Ol’ Puss
Bambi Rein
Mena La Vey
Chairman Wao

Live Jazz & Blues by Maestra Bellalue & Her Girlie-Q Orquestra

With Special Guests:
Brad French, That Juggling Guy
Plucky Rosenthal

CLASSES
Girlie-Q is thrilled to announce a new series of classes taught by the best burlesque and cabaret performers in Chicago. You won’t find classes like these anywhere else. We’ve got hip hop classes with ensemble member Cruel Valentine, Bel Canto (translates to “beautiful voice” in Eye-Talian. Cult-cha, people) with Girlie-Q favorite Kyle Greer, and fan dancing with ensemble member Scarlett DeVille.

Wednesdays
Beginning Burlesque taught by Cruel Valentine
$15/class or $100 for an eight-week session
Wednesdays at 7:00 to 8:00 pm beginning April 21
Belle Plaine Studio, 2014 W. Belle Plaine (between Damen & Lincoln, on the pedway across from CVS)

Interested in burlesque, but you’re not quite ready to jump off into the deep end into public performance? Then try this basic how-to class that combines a great workout with mini-routines aimed at having fun, finding your “sexy place”, and getting in shape. Each two to three week period, we will work the removal of one item of clothing (gloves, bras, boy shorts, dresses) or play with a prop (canes, small fans, chairs). There is no nudity in this class.

Hip Hop Burlesque Fusion with Cruel Valentine
$15/class or $100 for an eight-week session
Wednesdays at 7:00 to 8:00 pm beginning April 21
Belle Plaine Studio, 2014 W. Belle Plaine (between Damen & Lincoln, on the pedway across from CVS)

In this class, students will learn how to incorporate elements of hip-hop dance within the context of the sensual allure of the striptease. The class will participate in a warm-up exercise focused on basic jazz and hip-hop technique and then learn short combinations to popular hip-hop and hip-hop influenced songs. No nudity is required for this class.

Saturdays Beginning May 1
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Beginning May 1
Fan Dancing with Scarlett DeVille
$30/class or $100 for the four week series
$300 includes fan making workshop & supplies for single-layer fans
This four week intensive class covers burlesque fan dancing, starting with basic posturing and handling of fans and ending with more advanced moves. By the end of the class, students can expect to have a fundamental knowledge of fan dancing and are encouraged to work on their own individual routines as the class progresses.

Students may purchase their own pre-made fans at one of multiple sources Scarlett will share; may have one of a kind custom fans constructed by Scarlett at a reasonable price; or participate in an intensive 3 hour fan-making workshop prior to the class term where students will learn to construct fans in 2 different styles with limitless options for personalization and self expression! (Email for fan purchase options & workshop rates.)

Saturdays beginning May 8
Noon to 2:00pm
Bel Canto Burlesque & Drag (Singing For Burlesque & Other Performance) with Kyle Greer
$30/class or $100 for the whole series
Incorporate singing and theatrics into your burlesque without killing your chords! For all you guys and gals who blend burlesque with chanteuse stylings (or have always wanted to), come and learn ways to make sure you have solid vocals whilst still delivering a fantastic routine!

We’ll end the series of workshops with discussion and exploration in a masterclass-style session where you will show off your new found skills for each other. Make sure and bring your horned hat and heels!

No Saturday Beginning or Advanced Burlesque classes May 8 – June 5. Next session starts June 12.

Upcoming Dates
Saturday, April 24: Private Party
Thursday, April 29: Ms. Bea Hosts the Festival of Flesh at Lucky Number Grill!
Friday, April 30: Ms. Bea and Candyland in Ties N’ Tassels @ Joie De Vine
Saturday, May 1: the return of The Girlie-Q Variety Hour, our classic burlesque and vaudeville show, at Morseland
Sunday, May 2: Salon DeVine @ Joie de Vine (SPECIAL FUNDRAISER FOR MONDO HOMO in ATL!)
Sunday, May 9: Ms. Bea Haven’s School for WayWard Girls Burlesque Recital
Friday & Saturday, May 14 & 15: In the Dark @ 1901 Gallery
Sunday, May 16: I Want Candy! at Mary’s Attic
Sunday, May 23: Salon DeVine @ Joie de Vine
Thursday, May 27: Ms. Bea Haven hosts the Festival of Flesh @ Lucky Number Grill!
Friday – Monday, May 28 – 31: Girlie-Q at Mondo Homo in Atlanta, GA
June 4, 5 & 6: Girlie-Q Ensemble members star in Hot N’ Heavy’s Tribute to This is Spinal Tap!
Saturday, June 5: Girlie-Q at Cake Chicago
Sunday, June 13: Girlie-Q at the Milwaukee Pride Festival

The Freak Museum: This Sunday!

xox, Ms. Bea Haven Newsletter: 2/23/10

Issue 4, Volume 4
February 23, 2010

Dearest Kats and Kittens,

In honor of Girlie-Q blogger boypal, Darlin’ O’Doyle, I have decided to not bury the lead today…So, without further ado, our big announcement:  Girlie-Q will be featured at this June’s Milwaukee Pride Festival!  On Sunday, June 13, you can see our Biggest, Gayest Show Ever!! onstage at the largest queer arts festival in the country.  Sweet.  Get a hold of your friends in Wisconsin, pack your cheese hats and join us!

Locally, we have more shows than you can shake a stick at (and we know how you all love to shake your sticks, dollies), so please read on and JOIN US at one of these fine upcoming events.  (Just added: A completely FREE Oscar Night Extravaganza at Joie De Vine.  Skip to the end if you wanna read about that first.)

SHOWS
Friday, March 5, 9:30 pm
The Flesh Hungry Dog Show
Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark Street
$10, 21 and up
Join irrepressible host Gary Airedale, DJ Sky, and bands 8 Inch Betsy and The Athens Boys Choir for an evening of rock n’ performance.  Girlie-Q provides the intermission entertainments post-Bag-of-Fun!

Sunday, March 7, 7:00 pm
Girlie-Q’s Ginormous Oscar Party Deluxe! or “Let’s Go to the Movies!”
Joie de Vine
1744 W. Balmoral
Dress to impress (red-carpet-worthy)
Completely, Absolutely Free

Starring yours truly and a star-studded cast of Girlie-Q favorites, Girlie-Q will deconstruct the silver screen for your enjoyment.  Bartop, aisle and small stage strip-teasers, performance art and variety entertainments will be unveiled for your viewing pleasures during commercials and the boring parts of everyone’s favorite Hollywood awards show.  (Scientific and Technical Awards, anyone?)

We will give away fabulous prizes for the best dressed and offer a special “what was she thinking?!” award for the most confusing outfit.  Drink specials will include $8 “Ms.-Bea-Sized” (large, pretties, LARGE) martinis.

This is gonna be the best (and definitely free-est) Oscar party in town!  Join us!

RECITAL
Sunday, March 14
7pm Doors, 7:30pm Show
Ms. Bea Haven’s School For Wayward Girls
Graduation Show
$5 suggestion donation

Come and see the inaugural performances of the latest crop of students in Ms. Bea’s advanced burlesque class.  Introducing, for the first time on any Chicago burlesque stage:
Jiggles O’Lafferty, Mena La Vey, Titty Perkins, and Millie May!

AUDITIONS
Saturday, February 27, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Saturday, March 7, 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Join the revitalized Girlie-Q Ensemble and get the chance to perform regularly with one of Chicago’s oldest, most prestigious burlesque & variety companies.  We are expanding our focus from a strictly queer ensemble to include any performer who is interested in camp, comedy, political & high quality performance art of all kinds.

These auditions welcome any type of act.  We are not just looking for burlesque artists this time around, but any expression of performance in any genre.  Just make sure your act is high-quality, tight, and well-rehearsed.  Come and show us what you can do.

These are not open auditions, you must have a time slot to attend.  Sign up here

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Beginning Burlesque with Ms. Bea Haven
12:00 – 1:00 pm (NEW TIME!)
New series starts March 13
Rast Ballet, 1803 W. Byron, Suite 201
$15/Class

This week’s songs:  Runaround Sue (Shimmy Dance with cardigans, pencil skirts & belts)

Last week!  Then we’re taking a one week break and starting right up again.

Interested in burlesque, but you’re not quite ready to jump off into the deep end into public performance? Then try this basic how-to class that combines a great workout with mini-routines aimed at having fun, finding your “sexy place”, and getting in shape. Each two to three week period, we will work the removal of one item of clothing (gloves, bras, boy shorts, dresses) or play with a prop (canes, small fans, chairs). There is no nudity in this class.   Hope to see you soon!

xox,
Ms. Bea Haven
Public Femme-nist #1

Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, March 24:  The Breast Show Ever! @ Mary’s Attic (a benefit for LCCP and Bright Pink)
Friday, April 2: Flesh Hungry Dog Show’s 5th Anniversary Party @ Jackhammer
Sunday, April 11:  The Freak Museum @ Mary’s Attic
Saturday, May 1:  the return of The Girlie-Q Variety Hour, our classic burlesque and vaudeville show
Sunday, June 13: Girlie-Q at the Milwaukee Pride Festival

February Shows!

Issue 4, Volume 2
February 3, 2010

Dearest Sweethearts,

Just writing to let you know that Girlie-Q is back from break and we have a whole sackful of valentines for you this year!  Read on…

SHOWS
Friday, February 5, 9:00 pm
Flesh Hungry Dog Show
Jackhammer
6406 N. Clark Street
$10, 21 and up

Join me and Scarlett DeVille as the halftime entertainment at this showcase of queer singer-songwriters.  Hosted by the irrepressible Gary Airedale and with music by hot, hot DJ Sky, this month’s installment features Katie Todd, Dylan Rice and Jen Porter.

Thursday, February 11, 7:00 pm
For the Love of Guilty Pleasures
Mary’s Attic
5400 N. Clark Street
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
21 and up

Secret code for my loyal fans! If you buy in advance and enter this code into Brown Paper tickets, you can get $3 off admission!  Secret code: xox, Ms. Bea Haven

Join me and Mr. Dago T as we host a cast of characters in a tribute to love songs you love to hate.  Featuring sexy strip-tease performances by: Candyland, Cruel Valentine, Ms. Ellie Noise, Honey La Fleur, Sultry Susan, Trixie Sparx, Justin Syder, Scarlett D’Evil, and more! 

Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20
Midnight
Live! Rude! Girls! (In the Dark Performance Series)
1901 Gallery
1901 W. Belmont (Entrance on Wolcott)
$15 donation, BYOB

Come to the 1901 Gallery for their monthly gothic dance and performance art series featuring Chicago’s most sultry and edgy burlesque performers, performance artists, and dancers.  This month’s show features performers such as Ms. Vine, Dollface, Ellie Noise, Ammunition, and Girlie-Q regular Honey La Fleur.

I will be unveiling a brand new piece that you will have to see to believe.  Sexy, heartbreaking, incredibly visual, and steeped in performance art aesthetics (with sculptural set pieces), it will be a sight to behold.  Don’t miss it!

Also, keep your eyes peeled on your in-box for some amazing upcoming shows and events…We’ve got some exciting things in the works, including an advanced student recital, a collaboration with some very exciting and talented performance artists, our regular show at Joie de Vine (February 28) and a benefit event for LCCP and Bright Pink!

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Beginning Burlesque with Ms. Bea Haven
12:00 – 1:00 pm (NEW TIME!)
Till February 27
New series starts March 13
Rast Ballet, 1803 W. Byron, Suite 201
$15/Class

Yes, we’re still going…And it’s never too late to jump in!

Interested in burlesque, but you’re not quite ready to jump off into the deep end into public performance? Then try this basic how-to class that combines a great workout with mini-routines aimed at having fun, finding your “sexy place”, and getting in shape. Each two to three week period, we will work the removal of one item of clothing (gloves, bras, boy shorts, dresses) or play with a prop (canes, small fans, chairs). There is no nudity in this class.   Hope to see you soon!

xox,
Ms. Bea Haven
The Great Chicago Fire

xox, Ms. Bea Haven newsletter

Delight Before Christmas

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:30 pm

November 27 – December 19

Theatre Building Chicago

1225 W. Belmont

$15 – $20

Tickets available on Ticketmaster

This is an original production that includes the most exciting performers from the queer burlesque, variety performance and performance art scenes both locally & nationally.  Read on…

Watch Our Trailer!

Delight Before Christmas incorporates a stunning variety of classic burlesque, modern dance, variety acts, and performance art to tell the story of a hopeless Fox-y News intern who posts a sad message on Craigslist and then is led on a sexy, magical quest by the Fairy Craigster to find the true meaning of the season. Along the way, they encounter a gender-bending gang of burlesque and variety performers who each express the meaning of the season in unique and titillating ways.

One part Baz Luhrmann and one part Dickens, with a dash of 1940’s & 1970’s holiday claymation and a heaping tablespoon of Bing Crosby & Howard Hawkes, combined in a cocktail shaker with several shots naked ladies, boylesque dancers, jugglers, drag and butoh performers, and all the ingredients for a flaming rum punch, Delight Before Christmas goes behind the glittery holiday facade, exploring the agony and ecstasy of the season, with an ending wrapped in a sparkling bow.

Sunday, November 29

Shows at 8 and 9:30
Girlie-Q Presents: Salon deVine
Joie de Vine, 1744 W. Balmoral @ Ravenswood
No Cover

Presenting Chicago’s finest burlesque and variety performance in a revue in one of Chicago’s most intimate spaces. Come and sample fine wines and handcrafted cocktails, enjoy glamorous queer burlesque performance, and revel in the beauty of one of Andersonville’s hidden gems.

No cover, ample wine list, free parking, located three blocks west of Clark Street on Balmoral.  This week features Bizarre Sally, Kitty Victorian, Holly Peno (all the way from MIAMI, people!), and yours truly.  Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, always free.

* * *

The Holy Trinity: Fans, Gloves and Panel Skirts with the Lady Miss Vagina Jenkins, Atlanta’s “Best Burlesque Dancer”