Dust & Corruption Calendar for May 2013

May is a month of immense promise and huge frustration. It's the unofficial start of the summer holiday season, and you can't help but feel restless and yearning for some adventure. At the same time, you'll still have to deal with uneven weather, with blistering hot days one week and bone-freezing cold the next. And you still have school, and work. One thing I detest about Responsible Adulthood is no longer having three months off in summer.

As always, the Observatory in Brooklyn, NY, has a schedule of fascinating talks and workshops.

And Atlas Obscura always lists interesting things in different cities.

Saturdays: Speakeasy Saturdays continue at The Big Hunt; shows start at 9:00, and every Saturday is something different.

5/9 - Swami YoMahmi Presents: Star Trek vs. Star Wars! Burlesque, comedy, and sideshow, and should be a lot of fun. The Bier Baron, 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC. Doors 8pm, showtime 9pm; tix $10 at the door.

5/10 - Monster Movie Double Feature: Return of the Creepshow. Horror-themed burlesque and fun, hosted by Buster Britches, that devilish doyenne of the dark. Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St, Richmond, VA. Door 8pm, showtime 9pm. Tix $10 advance, $15 at the door; buy 'em here.

 5/10 - Tilted Torch: Celebritease. My pals at Tilted Torch pull off a fundraiser for the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend Legends Challenge, with an array of talent from DC, Richmond, and Baltimore. At the Bier Baron again. Doors 7:30, showtime 9:00. Tix $10 advance, $12 at the door.

5/11 - KNOCKOUTS! The VA vs. DC Tassel Tussle! Richmond's best square off against DC's finest. Who is the best? Hosted by Dev L. Ish and my pal Hot Todd Lincoln, and starring Cherokee Rose, Mourna Handful, The Red Huntress, Crickett, Deanna Danger, Moxie LaBouche, Melody Magpie, and The Muse. (I have to say, Melody Magpie cracks me up.) The Bier Baron, doors 7:00, showtime 9:00; tix $10 advance and $12 at the door.

5/17 - Burlesque Luau and Tropical Shindig! Valentine Candy Burlesque presents a tropical-themed show, with Reverend Valentine, Candy del Rio, Velvet Kensington, Kinikia LK, and hosted by Kittie Glitter. Chief Ike's Mambo Room, 1725 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC. Doors 8:30, showtime 9:00; tix $10.

5/18 - 2013 Gaithersburg Book Festival. I've been attending this every year, and always have a good time. Readings, authors, signings...it's a book-fiend's paradise. My pal Garrett Peck will be giving a talk. 10am to 6pm, on the grounds of the Gaithersburg City Hall, Gaithersburg, MD. Admission free.

5/27 - Memorial Day in the U.S. Enjoy a picnic or something.

As always, if you know of something, let me know. Go out there and have fun!