Dust & Corruption Calendar for January 2014!

January is being extremely cold here in the states; reportedly a historic cold wave is coming over the next few days. So if you can get out and enjoy yourself safely, do so, but feel free to stay home, keep warm, and curl up on the couch with a good book or movie.

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.

1/6 - Epiphany. Wait for some gifts from La Befana.

1/10 - DC When It Sizzles. Wait Until Dark Burlesque presents a scintillating evening of bumps and grinds, with Anna Steasya, Indiana's Jewels, Ellie Quinn, Gigi Mar Vista, and Luscious Curves, hosted by my pal Hot Todd Lincoln. The Bier Baron, 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC. Doors 7:30, show at 9:00. Tix $15 at the door, $12 in advance.

1/10 - Brews & Burlesque. Richmond's own Those Freaking Weirdos presents their monthly evening of burlesque, featuring newcoming Mina Corbeau. Strangeways Brewing, 2277 Dabney Rd, Richmond, VA. Show at 9:00; tix $10 at the door, $8 in advance.

1/11 - Great Bad Films! Twisted Knickers Burlesque presents a salute to classic and not-so-classic films, with Tapitha Kix, Cherie Nuit, Kiki Allure, Cherie Sweetbottom, Ruby Spruce, Valeria Voxx, and introducing Shy Violet, and hosted by the ever-present Hot Todd Lincoln. (That bastard is everywhere. And I say that out of love.) The Yellow Sign Theater, 1726 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD. Doors 8pm, show at 9pm. Tix $12 at the door, $10 in advance.

1/11 - Limelight Cabaret. Baltimore's own Gilded Lily Burlesque troupe travels to Northern Virginia for this show, starring Maria Bella, Tyler Fyre, Nona Narcisse, Gigi Holliday, Reverend Valentine, Candy del Rio, and Lauren Marleaux. The State Theater, 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA. Doors 8pm, showtime 9pm. Tix $20 at the door, $17 in advance.

1/17 - 1907 Vaudeville: The Finest Variety Show! DC's Palace Productions presents an array of talent, with Shortstaxx, Lady Rockwell, Chris Scarborough, Hula Pixy, and hosted by Corn Mo. The Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Two shows: 8:45 and 11:00. Tix $15 at the door, $12 in advance.

1/17 - The Skullduggery and Strange Show! Shocked and Amazed, the journal of sideshow arts, presents an evening of sideshow adventure, with Albert Cadabra, Donny Vomit, Kyle Petersen, and Marlo Marquise. The Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. Showtime 9pm. Tix $18 at the door, $15 in advance.

1/17 - Sleepover at the Mutter! Yes, a chance to spend the night in one of America's most notorious museums, the Mutter Museum of Medical Curiosities. With a movie, pizza, a seance, a flashlight tour, a campfire and ghost stories (weather permitting), and breakfast in the morning. Sounds like a freaking blast! The Mutter Museum, 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA. Tix $200.

1/18 - Edgar Allan Poe Birthday Bash. Twelve hours of performances, talks, and signings, with a midnight toast. Poe House and Museum, 1914-16 E Main St, Richmond, VA. Noon to midnight, and no ticket price listed, so I guess it's free, but check up on it yourself.

1/19 - Animal Kingdom Burlesque. Those Freaking Weirdos again, in their latest production, with Cherie Sweetbottom, Dante the Inferno, Lily Liqueur, Melody Magpie, Moxie Labouche, Scarlet Starlet, and Vixen Vigor. Richmond CenterStage, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA. 8pm. Tix $12 advance.

1/20 - Martin Luther King Day. Observe as you see fit.

1/24 - Pasties and Popcorn! My friends at Tilted Torch present the latest show, a mixture of short films, burlesque, and sideshow acts. With Miss Joule, Shortstaxx, Abby, Mab Just Mab, and Reverend Valentine, and a full film program. U.S. Navy Memorial, Burke Theater, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC. Tix $20 in advance.

1/25 - Basics of Burlesque. My lovely friends at Gilded Lily Burlesque present a workshop on how to start off as a burlesque dancer, explaining many of the ground-level concepts and skills. The Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD. 1:30 to 4:30pm. Tix $60 members, $65 public.

1/25 The Weirdo Show! They now do a regular gig every fourth Saturday, and this time the Weirdos have the Schadenfreude Circus, Kay Sera, and Baska D'Joy. The Bier Baron, Washington, DC. Doors 8:30, showtime 10pm. Tix $15 in advance.