Dust & Corruption Calendar for January 2013

It's a new year and all that. The first few days of the New Year were a tiny bit rough, as I'd spent the Eve at the Red Palace's farewell gala. Let's just say that there were a few tears shed. And then a few days ago I got hammered by some sort of virus or perhaps a bad sinus infection; I've been slouching around, blowing my nose and coughing, popping meds to cope with the pain from my throat and ears. If this keeps up much longer I'm calling the doc; these things often resolve themselves but the pain is keeping me from sleeping.

So I've dragged myself from my bed of pain to share some stuff that may be of interest...

Every month, Brooklyn's Observatory Room has an impressive array of lectures and workshops; check out their schedule here.

1/11 - The Gaslight Gala. A celebration of Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday, with drinks, buffet, skits, raffle, and an auction. 6:30 to 11:00. Tix are $78; info here. The Manhattan Club, 201 W 52nd St, New York, NY.

1/18 - Swami YoMahmi Presents: The Doctor Who Burlesque Adventure! It may sound weird, but the last Who-oriented burly-q show was a sellout, capacity crowd, so this is a must-have ticket. Two shows, 9:00 and 11:30; tix are $10 advance, $12 at the door, if any. The Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC.

1/19 - Tilted Torch: Vaudeball. Vaudevill's inaugural ball! Celebrate the second inauguration with sideshow and burlesque, with one of the East Coast's most dazzling troupes. 8:00, tix $15 advance (available here), $20 at the door. 9th & Beats,  1219 9th St NW, Washington, DC.

1/19 - Ladies Night: An All Boylesque Revue! From Richmond's own burly-q troupe Those Freaking Weirdos comes an all-male cast of bumpers & grinders, with Dante the Inferno, Brian Boylesquo, Johnny Ram, Buster Britches, Chris Chaos, Jebediah Stone, and Paco Fish. 9:00, tix $12 advance, available here. Richmond Center Stage, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA.

1/19 - The 204th Poe Birthday Bash! I'm very, very likely to miss this, so anyone in the area who's going should get in touch and take some pictures at least. Meet author Kelly Creagh before the show, then watch Poe Masquers perform "The Masque of the Red Death." Then actor Tony Tsendeas takes the stage for his "Poe Show." The traditional toast, and a screening of the pilot of the upcoming TV series The Following, which has Poe elements.7:00, tix $25 in advance, $35 at the door, available here. Westminster Hall, 510 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD.

1/25 - New York Variety All-Stars. Sideshow and zaniness from NYC-based artistes Adam RealMan, Cardone, and Kryssy Kocktail. 9:00; tix are $10 advance, $12 at the door. The Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC.

1/25 - Calendar Girls Burlesque. Lot of my friends here, including MC Hot Todd Lincoln, and performers Tapitha Kix, Mourna Handful, Cherie Sweetbottom, Beaujolais Nouveau, Petra Precocious, Kiki Allure, Ruby Rockafella, Cherie Nuit, and Maki Rolle, in a laugh- and bump-filled tribute to the holidays. 8:00; tix are $10. The Yellow Sign Theater, 1726 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD.

As always, let me know if YOU know of anything that would be interesting. I'm always up for new events.

Dust & Corruption Calendar for September 2012

Well, September is finally here, although in DC right now it's still horrendously dank and humid. Summer's still getting in a few licks on us yet. Thank you, global warming.

But here's some stuff going on that should be fun....

9/6 - Rev. Valentine's Attack of the Tit-Tease! Burlesque and comedy with Rev. Valentine, Capt. Chesty, Bianca Dupree, and Swami Yomahmi. Doors 8:30, showtime 9:00, tix $10. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC.

9/6 - The Love Show: Mon Petit Chou. Dance, magic, and song, combining Weimar Berlin, gay Paris, the West End and Broadway, featuring guest host Nelson Lugo (on whom I have a mild crush, but oh well). Doors 9:30, show at 10, tix $5. Hotel Chantelle, 92 Ludlow St, New York, NY.

9/6 - "Ecstatic Raptures and Immaculate Corpses: Visions of Death Made Beautiful in Italy." Opening reception for a new exhibition. 6-8pm, free. 11 Mare St, London, E8 4RP. The exhibition itself is in London's Last Tuesday Society

9/7 - The Burlesque and Side Show Show. Pretty much what it says, hosted by my pal Hot Todd Lincoln. Two shows, doors at 8 and 10:30, tix $10. The Red Palace, Washington DC.

9/7 - First Friday Burlesque. The first of what should be a regular monthly program, and featuring my pals GiGi Holliday and Ruby Rockafella. Showtimes 6 and 8. Dreamland, 845 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD.

9/9 - Takoma Park Folk Festival. OK, not exactly in the D&C mood, but I always go, and this is likely to be my last year as a regular attendee. Lots of fun music, crafters, dance, and fair food that you'll enjoy but regret later. I'll bid a wistful goodbye; by this time next year I should be settled in Baltimore. But the fun's at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd, Takoma Park, MD. 10:30 to 6:30, and totally free. Check out their website for info on who's playing.

9/11 - Perverse Relics: A Grand Tour of Europe's Historical Underbelly. Illustrated lecture with author Tony Perrottet, describing his exploration of Europe's ribald history and sites unknown to modern travelers. 7:30, tix $10. Advance tix from Atlas Obscura highly recommended. The Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY.

9/12 - DC Variety present Open Mic! An evening of variety performances, including possibly myself making a debut as a singer. Yes, you read that right. I may be massacring some classic jazz tunes, so come and watch if you enjoy a debacle. Doors 8:30, show 9, tix $8. The Red Palace, Washington DC.

9/14 - Valentine Candy Presents: Boobs in Space! Burlesque and comedy from my dear friends Rev. Valentine and Candy Del Rio. Doors 9:30, show at 10, tix $10 adv/$12 at the door. Red Palace, Washington, DC.

9/16 - Viva! & Sticky Buns Burlesque. My pals at Sticky Buns are joined by Brooklyn-based blues trio Viva! for an evening of music, burlesque, and comedy. Doors 8, show 9, tix $10. The Metro Gallery, 1700 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD.

9/19 - Karnevil. The Karnevil troupe arrives in DC for circus, magic, sideshow, and heaven knows what else. Doors 9, show 9:30, tix $10 adv/$12 at the door. Red Palace, Washington, DC.

9/28 - The Powerful Corpse: English Executions During the 18th and 19th Centuries. Illustrated lecture with Dr. Sarah Tarlow, Prof. of Historical Archaeology at the University of Leicester. Explores the mystique of the executed criminal in England's past, ranging from healing miracles to magic to anatomists to gruesome display. 7:30, tix $12, advance tix from Atlas Obscura highly recommended. The Observatory, Brooklyn, NY.

9/30 - Tilted Torch: Modern Elegance! DC's best and most sophisticated variety show (and seriously, one of the most creative) unveils their latest project, with dance, music, burlesque, and comedy. Doors at 8, show at 9, tix $10. Bossa Bistro and Lounge, 2463 18th St NW, Washington, DC.

9/30 - Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden. Illustrated lecture by author Brook Wilensky-Lanford, looking at those who quested in vain for the legendary Garden even after Biblical literalism began to wane, even into the 21st century. 7:30, tix $12, advance tix from Atlas Obscura highly recommended. The Observatory, Brooklyn, NY. (One of these days I'll really make it up there for one of those...that place just sounds so damn interesting and right up my alley. Too bad my job isn't moving to Brooklyn instead of Baltimore...)

Dust & Corruption Calendar for August 2012

OK, I'm a little late, but you were warned. August is here, with the blazing heat being tempered somewhat by earlier sunsets and longer nights. Those of us in school are staring down the barrel of classes, while working stiffs like me are slaving away, snatching glances at the outside when we can. But here's some fun things to keep you busy if you're not afraid of leaving your air-conditioned home....

8/8 - Summer Lovin. DC's Twisted Knickers troupe gives a summertime show with their usual flair. Featuring Beaujolais Nouveau, Tapitha Kix, Petra Precocious, and Milan sensation Miss Satine, and hosted by my dear friend Hot Todd Lincoln. Doors 8:30pm, $10. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC.

8/9 - Pinchbottom Pretencion! The Pinchbottom Burlesque crew perform at Coney Island, with Angie Pontani, Trixie Little & the Evil Hate Monkey, Jo Boobs, Dirty Martini, Johnny Porkpie, Tigger, and others. 9:00pm, Tix $12 and available here. 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY.

8/10 - Surrealesque: An Erotic Cabaret Odyssey. Two-city tour, tonight hitting Baltimore's Ottobar. Baltimore's own Gilded Lily troupe is joined by Deanna Danger and singer Sabrina Chap. Doors 8pm, $15. The Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD.

8/10 - Grab My Junk! Johnny Porkpie's burlesque game show comes to DC. Doors 8pm and 10pm, $10. The Red Palace, Washington, DC.

8/11 - Surrealesque: An Erotic Cabaret Odyssey. Tonight in Pittsburgh's The Rex. Doors at 8pm, $15. The Rex, 1602 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA.

8/11 - Peek-A-Boo Revue! Philadelphia's own award-winning burlesque troupe performs with Austin's own Coco Lectric. 9pm, ticket cost unknown. The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA.

8/11 - The SweetBread Jim's "Potluck" Spectacular! (Please don't bring food.) Free food, wine, and beer, live music by Star FK Radium and SweetBread Jim's, and burlesque, comedy, sideshow, and magic. 7pm, tix currently $25 (available here). St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC.

8/12 - And the Word Was: TEASE. Interesting-sounding combination of burlesque, spoken word performances, and burlesque done to spoken word. With Gabriela Maze, Cwen L'Queer, Patsi Cake, Femme 6, and Baltimore spoken word star Petula Caesar. Doors 8pm, $10. Crazy Russian, 8209 Pulaski Hwy, Rt 40 E, Baltimore, MD.

8/15 - DCVariety Open Mic Night! Expect an assortment of performance oddities, hosted by my pal Mab Just Mab. Doors 8:30pm, $8. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC.

8/16 - Strip Club Time Machine by Sticky Buns Burlesque. My pals at Sticky Buns present their latest scripted, structured burlesque show (a rarity!). With Sticky Buns regulars Paco Fish, Marla Meringue, Shortstaxx, Nicolette LeFaye, and Sunny Sighed, being joined by Knoxville's own Salome Cabaret! 9pm, $15 advance, $20 at the door. The Ottobar, Baltimore.

8/17 - Bury-Q at the Venue: One Year Anniversary Show. A sampling of Virginia talent, hosted by my long-distance friend Ellie Quinn. 9pm, $15, reservations essential. The Venue on 35th, 631 35th St, Norfolk, VA.

8/17 - Taxidermy, Longing, and Beastly Allure. Illustrated lecture and book signing by Rachel Poliquin, author of The Breathless Zoo and Ravishing Beasts, on the history and fascination of taxidermy.8pm, $5. The Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY.

8/18 - Strip Club Time Machine! Sticky Buns and Salome Cabaret reprise their show in DC. 9:30pm, $10 advance, $15 at the door. The Red Palace, Washington, DC.

8/18 - The Fall of the American Movie Palace. Illustrated lecture by photographer Matt Lambros, on the decline of lavish American movie theaters. 7:30pm, $10, advance tix available here. The Observatory, Brooklyn, NY.

8/22 - Monster Movie Double Feature! Not actually movies, but burlesque and (I think) magic with a classic monster-movie theme. With Black Tassel Boo-lesque's Mourna Handful and Eyrie Twilight, and also with Starlet Scarlet, Sally the Cinch, and Buster Britches. 8:30pm, $10. The Red Palace, Washington DC. This sounds like a must, folks.

8/23 - Unhappy Hour - Hop-Frog! Check out a new exhibit based on the Poe story, along with live music, a dramatic reading, free munchies and a cash bar. 6pm to 9pm, free but donations of $5 encouraged. The Poe Museum, 1914-16 E Main St, Richmond, VA.

8/30 - Martian Space Oddities. Illustrated lecture by author Andrew Kessler about the exploration of Mars, robotics, and places on our own Earth that mimic the Martian surface. 7:30pm, $12, advance tix available here. The Observatory, Brooklyn, NY.

8/31 - My birthday. I'll be 47. OLD.

...wow, that's actually a lot. Hope anyone in these cities is reading and can give a report....

Dust & Corruption Calendar for July 2012

It's been a brutal month so far; if it hasn't been thunderstorms and power outages, it's been the record heat here in DC. I figure I better get SOMETHING out before there's another outage. Yeah, it's been that bad.

7/11 - Moonshine Cabaret, with comedy, music, sideshow and burlesque. Hosted by Richmond's own Mark Slomski and featuring my pal Rev. Valentine. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington DC. Doors 8:30, $10.

7/12-29 - Capital Fringe Festival, DC's annual celebration of performing arts, with tons of plays, dances, and whatnot. I'll probably be doing my usual running around catching as much as I can, as this is likely to be my last festival as an area resident. Schedules and ticket info here.

7/12 - Hot Todd Lincoln's Sizzling Summertime Show. Burlesque and comedy, hosted by my pal Hot Todd Lincoln. Red Palace, 8:30, $10.

7/13 - "Anatomical Venuses, the Slashed Beauty, and Fetuses Dancing a Jig." An illustrated lecture by Joanna Ebenstein, featuring her own research into medical collections and museums. The Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY. 8:00, $10.

7/13 - Pasties of Perversion: A Burlesque Tribute to John Waters. Baltimore's Pope of Trash is honored with a crew including Nasty Canasta, Go-Go Harder, Kay Sera, Rev. Valentine, Maria Bella, Gigi Holliday, and Lauren Marleaux, hosted by Natasha Carrington. The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD. 9:00, $15.

7/14 - French Festival. Featuring 18th-century dance, and lessons in courtly manners, along with baroque music, pantomime, art & craft demonstrations, and talks on French art. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave, Washington, DC. 10-5, tickets available here. 

7/14 - Diabolical Delights. Sideshow, burlesque, and magic, hosted by sexy magician Albert Cadabra and featuring Angie Pontani, Dangrrr Doll, and Joel Jeske. Red Palace, 9:00, $12 advance, $15 at the door.

7/18 - 18th Century Taverns and Ales. Sample ales based on 18th century recipes, and listen to a discussion of tavern life of the era. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC. 6-8, tickets available here. 

7/19 to 8/31 - "Bone," a collection of art reflecting bones and skeletons, on display at the Florence Nightingale Museum,  2 Lambeth Palace Rd, London, UK.

7/20 - Bosley's Burlesque Cabaret! Burlesque & fun with Gigi Holliday, Cherokee Rose, Roma Mafia, and Sophia Sunday. The Strand Theater, 1823 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD. 9:00, $10.

7/26 - Staxx Burly-Q Review Presents It's Only Burlesque But I Love It! DC's own burlesque artists Shortstaxx hosts her own presentation saluting the Rolling Stones. Red Palace, 8:30, $10.

7/27 - Lost Waterfronts of New York. Illustrated lecture with photographer and filmmaker Nathan Kensinger showing photos that document the changing landscape of New York's riverside landscape. The Observatory, 7:00, $12; advance tickets recommended and available here.

7/28 - The Tilted Torch presents: Play Date! This evening of burlesque and light-based dance performances will also be a fundraiser for Figment, a DC community arts festival in September. Red Palace, 8:30, $10 advance, $12 at the door.

7/29 - The Rhinestone Follies. This New York-based troupe promises an opulent 50's style burlesque review. I've never seen them before, so this should be fun. Red Palace, 8:30, $10 advance, $12 at the door.

OK, I think I've got enough up, and it's thundering again. Best get this up before my power goes out.

Dust & Corruption Calendar for June 2012

It's June, summer is off and running, and the livin' is anything but easy because we're grown up now and don't have months off to cavort in the sunlight. But there's always a few things to attract our attention...

6/1 to 6/23 - Artomatic! The DC area's signature arts event, with loads of visual and performance pieces available. Go on multiple days, you'll need a few to take it all in. Pay close attention to the 11th floor, were several of my friends have installations. 1851 S Bell St, Crystal City, VA. Check the Artomatic website for hours and schedules of performances.

6/7 - Hot Todd Lincoln's Burly-Q Barbecue. Burlesque & comedy, hosted by my pal Hot Todd Lincoln. Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Doors 8:30, showtime 9:00, $10.

6/14 - A Midsummer Night's Enchantment. A grown-up evening at DC's Tudor Place; stroll the gardens, peruse vintage illustration art from old fairy-tale books, and nosh on snacks and cocktails. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC. 6:00 to 8:00; free to Tudor Place members, $15 to the general public. 

6/20 - The Evil League of Ecdysiasts Presents: Whedonism! A Tribute to Joss Whedon. Burlesque and comedy tribute to writer/director Joss Whedon. Red Palace. Doors 8:30, showtime 9:00, $10.

Alas, not a whole heck of a lot happening this month, but I'm sure you can find something to fill in the time, can't you?

Dust & Corruption Calendar for April 2012

It's April, the azaleas and other flowers are starting to bloom (early), pollen is everywhere. My sympathies to those suffering through allergy season.

But April brings its own delights...here's a few...

4/7 - Epic Win Burlesque! Nerdy burlesque, magic, and comedy, hosted by vaudevillian Nelson Lugo (who I find rather dishy). Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Shows at 8 and 10:30, tix $10 in advance, $12 day of show.

4/8 - Easter, for those who celebrate.

4/12 - "Anthropodermic Bibliopegy:  Books Bound in Human Skin and the Stories Behind Them" Lecture by book collector, bookbinder, and publisher Daniel K. Smith. The Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY. 8:00, $8.

4/12 - Deanna Danger's Boom Boom Basics Burlesque Studio Student Showcase Showcase. Virginia's premiere school of burlesque presents its first show at the Red Palace. Doors at 8:30, tickets $10.

4/12 - Countdown to Yuri's Night! Night of visual and performing arts, honoring man's conquest of space. Burlesque, bands, art, dancing, drinks, and a moon bounce. Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA. Go here for more info and tickets.

4/13-22 - Congress of Curious Peoples, a series of lectures and performances, based on a broadly-defined concept of curiosity. Full schedule and tickets available here. All events at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Ave, NY, NY.

4/18 - DC Variety Open Mic. Burlesque, comedy, and sideshow stunts, hosted by Mab Just Mab and Swami Yomahmi. Red Palace, doors 8:30, tickets $8.

4/21 - Valentine Candy Burlesque Presents Something Fishy. Burlesque and comedy, hosted by my pals Rev. Valentine and Candy del Rio, with special guest Corn Mo. Red Palace, shows 8:30 and 10:30, tickets $10.

4/22 - Hot Todd Lincoln's 40th Birthday-a-Palooza-thon. My good pal Todd's celebrating a landmark birthday. (I'm not exaggerating, he's one of my besties, and gave me confidence by giving me friendship and support when I was coming out of a dark place.) Burlesque and comedy and good times; I'm guaranteed to be there. Red Palace, 8:00, $10.

4/22 - Tilted Torch: Modern Elegance. Light-based burlesque, dance, and comedy, in Tilted Torch's signature style. Bossa Bistro & Lounge, 2463 18th St NW, Washington, DC. 8pm, tickets $10. 

4/25 - I have my first colonoscopy. (Anyone free to give me a lift?)

4/26 - "The Science of Death: What Lies Within Mutter and Beneath Laurel Hill" Lecture and tour of Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery, sponsored by the Mutter Museum and part of the Philadelphia Science Festival. Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 6:30, tix $20, advance tickets required (go here to get them).

4/27 - Swami Yohmahmi Presents: Dr. Who Burlesque! Really, imagine it. Just wait for the Tardis jokes. Featuring Rev. Valentine, Candy del Rio, and Eerie Twilight. Red Palace, shows at 8:30 and 10:30, tix $10 advance, $12 door.

4/27 - Tilted Torch: But Wait! There's More! More of TT's signature style of burlesque, dance, and music, in a new venue. Opera House Live, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV.  Doors at 7:30, $15.

4/28 - Mad about Mod! Burlesque tribute to midcentury fabulousness, featuring Baltimore's Gilded Lily troupe with guests including Rev. Valentine and Candy del Rio. The Windup Space, 12 West North Ave, Baltimore, MD. 8:00, $15.

4/28 - Obscura Day, an international celebration of unusual places. The main website has general information and a listing of events all over the place. I'm thinking of getting a team together for the Art of Darkness Scavenger Hunt at the National Gallery.

4/29 - "The Pathological Sublime and the Anatomical Unconscious," illustrated lecture on bizarre anatomy and those fascinated with it. Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia St, NY, NY. 6:00, $10 (includes drink).

If you know of anything I left out, leave a comment. If you go to anything and want to tell us about it, drop me a line...

Dust & Corruption Calendar for March 2012

I'm late with this. I've had a rough week at work; major deadline on Wednesday, and then two days of aftermath. Plus I had a nasty upset stomach that had me worrying I'd picked up a bug of some sort, but it seems it was just a passing bit of indigestion.

March is upon us; spring is around the corner. This is that time of year when the days get warmer, the nights are still chilly, and you see some early flowers blooming as you walk by bundled up in a coat and warm scarf. The ground is muddy and cold, no matter how warm the air gets. It will be freezing cold on Monday and 70 by Friday.

So it's Sunday here at the lair, I've got a pot of soup simmering for lunches during the week, and I'm finally ready to get started on stuff for March...

All month - Orchid Month at Hillwood Estate. Tours offered of the orchid greenhouse, and orchid-themed events through the month. And let's face it, orchids are creepy. Huysmans wrote about how evil and depraved they are. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC.

All month and to July 8 - "Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection" Collection of memento mori exhibited at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL. Free.

3/3 - "The Pop-Up Museum of the Gowanus Canal." Curated by the Hollow Earth Society and Radio Transmission Ark. A playful re-contextualization of the museum exhibit. Thru April 22, at The Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY.

3/7 - Win a Date with Hot Todd Lincoln! Burlesque and comedy with my pal Todd and his gals. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington DC. $10, doors at 8:30.

3/8 - Hellblinki plays the Red Palace! I adore them, and they're sinister and bizarre enough for any D&C fan. With This Way to the Egress. The Red Palace, $12, 8:00.

3/9 - Luster and Lust! Burlesque and comedy at the Red Palace. 2 shows, 8:30 and 10:30, $12.

3/14 - Gigi Holliday's Ladies Night Out! Spring Has Sprung! Burlesque and comedy, hosted by one of the up and coming stars of the local burlesque scene (and another one of my good friends). The Red Palace, $10, 8:30.

3/15 - "An Adaptation of Julius Caesar", the latest bit of fun from DC's Molotov Theatre Group. At The Shop at Fort Fringe, 607 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC. Runs till 4/7. Purchase tickets here.

3/16 - "Occult Bloodlines: Sex with Fairies, the Celtic Faith, and the Nephilim." The title says it all. An illustrated lecture with Maja D'Aoust. The Observatory, 8pm. $8.

3/17 - St. Patrick's Day. I usually don't go out then; it's freakin' Amateur Night with dumb folks drinking green beer. I'm usually in watch Darby O'Gill and the Little People, one of the few Disney movies I can stand. (Others are The Moon-Spinners and The Sword and the Rose, since you asked.)

3/21 - "Bye Bye Luna." Baltimore's Gilded Lily burlesque troupe bids farewell to member Little Luna, who is moving to New Orleans. The Windup Space, 12 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD. $15, 8:30.

3/23 - "An Evening with Bill Plympton." OK, it's a personal thing, but I love Plympton's work. It's technically part of the 2012 Environmental Film Festival. AFI Silver, 8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD. 

3/23 - "Selling the Dead: Anatomy as Business in the Dutch Golden Age." Damn, I wish I lived in New York, all the stuff at The Observatory sounds so cool. An illustrated lecture by Daniel Margocsy of Hunter College. The Observatory, 8pm. $5.

3/24 - The Reason Rally. I'm going to be busy all day with this one; even managed to nab a ticket to "Mythbusters Live" at the Warner that night.

Dust & Corruption Calendar for February 2012

February is a cruel month. It's simultaneously short and long, with dreadful weather. As a children's book I once read said, "You keep waiting for the warm days to come, and when they finally come, you wonder why you waited." (Or something like that.) And it has Valentine's Day, my least favorite holiday. (Yes, I'm single again this year, but even when I'm seeing someone I hate V-day.)

So let's find some other things to do...

2/3 - Bigger Than Life: The Films of Nicholas Ray. Retrospective of the maverick director's work, including noted films noir as KNOCK ON ANY DOOR, IN A LONELY PLACE, PARTY GIRL, ON DANGEROUS GROUND....and more mainstream films like JOHNNY GUITAR, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, and KING OF KINGS. Check the website for full schedule. AFI Silver Theater, 8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD.

2/4 - Tilted Torch: Sweet Things: Burlesque, variety, music and comedy, in one fun evening. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Doors 9:00, showtime at 10:00. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

2/9 - DCVariety Open Mic: My pals Mab Just Mab and Swami Yomahmi host an open-mic variety night at the Red Palace. 9:00.

2/9 - Corruption at Tammany Hall! My friend Albert Cadabra helps kick off a weekly night burlesque and variety. Tammany Hall, 152 Orchard St, New York, NY. 9:00, $10 admission.

2/10-12 - Winter Festival of Wonders, celebrating Baltimore's Station North Arts District. Lots going on over the three-day festival, all centered at Area 405, 405 E Oliver St, Baltimore, MD.

2/11 - Tassels & Champagne! My pals at the Gilded Lily troupe put on a Valentine's show, hosted by the dishy Mark Slomski. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD. I can't go, but if you want to, get tickets in advance!

2/11 - JUST IMAGINE, the early sci-fi/comedy film that's rarely seen. AFI Silver Theater, 2:45.

2/14 - Valentine's Day. If you think I should like this day, then ask me out and make it worth my while.

2/14 - Tainted Love! A break from the miseries of Valentine's Day, with my friends Trixie Little & the Evil Hate Monkey. (Really, I'm not blowing smoke when I refer to all these people as my friends...they ARE my friends. I know a lot of interesting people, some of whom are shockingly respectable.) The Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD.

2/18 - Love-a-Go-Go! Burlesque & fun with Runaround Sue and Sugar Shack Burlesque, with the cutie Chris Chaos. The Red Palace. 9:00, $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

2/18 - Comic Strip! Comedy and burlesque, uniting two troupes, Twisted Knickers and Black Tassel Boolesque. State Theater, 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA. Doors at 10, $12.

2/18 - Third Annual Fund-Raiser Party. Art, science, and the occult meet and mingle at the Observatory, 543 Union St, Brooklyn, NY. 8pm, $20.

2/19 - TRANSATLANIC TUNNEL, a seldom-seen early sci-fi film. AFI Silver Theater, 4:00.

2/20 - THINGS TO COME, the early sci-fi classic. AFI Silver Theater, 4:00.

2/20 - President's Day. I'm off that day; who's up for fun?

2/21 - Mardi Gras! Carnivale!

2/24 - METROPOLIS! The restored, complete-as-possible print, with live music from the Alloy Orchestra. AFI Silver Theater, 7:30pm.

2/24-3/4 - "Die Fledermaus," Johann Strauss' operetta, from the Victorian Lyric Opera Company.  I plan on hitting that at some point; I need some operetta. At the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater, 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD. $20.

2/24-3/4 - "From Shuffle to Show Boat," the latest outing from the IN Series. Cabaret salute to early 20th century Broadway, with songs from early black musicals and classic operettas. (A double-dose of operetta!) The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. See the site for showtimes and tickets.

2/25 - THE BLACK PIRATE. The 1926 classic, with Douglas Fairbanks swashing his buckle, and live music from the Alloy Orchestra. AFI Silver Theater, 2:30.

2/26 - PARASITES: A USER'S GUIDE, screening of an experimental documentary, with Q&A with the director. The Observatory, 6:00, $10.

As always, if any readers know of anything, send me a message or leave a comment and I'll be happy to publicize it.

Dust & Corruption Calendar: January 2012

Well, it's been a mild season so far, but hope spring eternal. At my parents' place over Christmas break, we reflected that it was more like March than December...until we drove up to the mountains to visit the Flight 93 Memorial and nearly froze. That was a loud-and-clear reminder that it was winter.

Now that the dust is settling from all the holiday season bustle, here's some new things to grab your attention...

1/4 - Gigi Holliday's Ladies' Night Out Presents: Ladies Night IN Pajama Party! Burlesque show hosted by my pal Gigi, and including some other pals like Cherrie Sweetbottom and Hot Todd Lincoln. Showtime is 8:30pm. Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC.

1/5-7 - Molotov Productions takes their acclaimed play "Fat Men in Skirts" to New York! Three nights only, at the Under St. Mark's Theater, 94 St. Marks Place, New York, NY. Showtime at 8:00 every night. Tickets available here.

1/6 - Gilded Lily Presents: Anything Goes! Burlesque show from Baltimore's Gilded Lily troupe. Showtime is 10pm, at the Red Palace.

1/6 - Witch's Brew: screening of new horror comedy at the Creative Alliance's Patterson Theater, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD. Doors at 7:30, tix $10, $5 for members. 

1/7 - Elvis' Birthday Fight Club. Comedy and burlesque, a new yearly tradition. Two shows at the Warehouse Theater (1021 7th St NW, Washington, DC), at 8 and 11. On the following Saturday (the 14th), there'll be one more show at the Patterson Theater (3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD). Tickets for DC shows here, tickets for Baltimore show here.

1/7 - Balti Mare, a wonderful gypsy/Balkan band, performs at the Patterson Theater in Baltimore. Showtime 8pm, tix $12, $7 for members.

1/7-22 - "Barber and Barberillo", a double feature of one-act operas produced by my friends at the IN Series. Samuel Barber's American one-act opera "A Hand of Bridge" is paired with the Spanish zarzuela "El Barberillo." At the Source Theater, 1835 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets available here.

1/9 - "Vanitas Drawing" Class taught by Lado Pochkhua, and using a real human skeleton. I'm not sure about the exact location but it's definitely in Brooklyn. More information here. (And you all know I approve of drawing classes!)

1/19 - Edgar Allan Poe's Birthday. Alas, at last report the big birthday celebrations have been discontinued due to funding cuts, but you can still make time to honor Edgar's birthday by reading some of his work or watching one of the adaptations with Vincent Price.

1/27 - Flying Dog Brewery Presents "Where the Wildeman Are" with Sticky Buns Burlesque. Beer and burlesque as Flying Dog unveils their new brew and my pals at Sticky Buns do their thing. At the Patterson Theater in Baltimore. Showtime 8pm, tix $20, $15 (includes 2 drinks).

1/29 - "French Cancan", Jean Renoir's film chronicling the Moulin Rouge cabaret will be show at the National Gallery of Art, East Building, 4th & Constitutions Aves, Washington DC. Showtime is 5:00.

As always, if you know of anything, please feel free to let me know and I'll be happy to add it.

Dust & Corruption Calendar: December 2011

December is busy for all of us, I think, but here's a few things if you need to slip away from the family...

12/2-11 – Arlen Blues & Berlin Ballads, a musical cabaret from my pals at the IN Series. At theAtlas Performing Arts Center.

12/7 – Capitol Tassels & Tease Winter Wonderland Show.The Red Palace, 9:00pm.

12/8 – 3^rd Annual Great Turducken Feast, featuring Montreal’s Blood Ballet Cabaret on their first US tour. The RedPalace, 8:30pm.

12/10-11 – Russian Winter Festival, Hillwood Estate. 10-7 on Saturday, 1-5 on Sunday.

12/10 – Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go, featuring Anita Cookie, Clams Casino, Gigi LaFemme, Minnie Tonka, and Darlinda Just Darlinda. The Red Palace, 9pm and 11pm.

12/10 – Grand Guignol Spectacular, featuring performances, film, toy theater, song, dance, and more, with a DJ’ed after party. The ConeyIsland Museum, 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY. 8:00.

12/11 – D20 Burlesque, nerdy group on their first East Coast tour. The Red Palace, 8:30pm.

12/15 – Pretty Things Peep Show. The Red Palace, 9:00pm.

12/16 – The New York Grind Show, Birthday Baby Edition, featuring Amber Ray, Clams Casino, Anita Cookie, and Legs Malone. The RedPalace, 9 & 11.

12/16 – Sticky Buns Burlesque, featuring the Sticky Buns troupe with special guests Spencer Horsman and Miss Joule. Illusions, 1025-27 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 8:30pm.

12/17-18 – 2^nd Annual Morbid Anatomy Holiday Fair, at The Observatory.

12/21 – The winter solstice. Also my parents' anniversary.

12/24 – Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast, free screening at the National Gallery of Art. 4:00

12/25 – Christmas. Survive! Enjoy it if you can, take a nap, don't eat too much, maybe make time for a movie or just to sit quietly and read.

12/30 – Accidental Circus Holiday ExtravaganzApocalypse. With Paolo Garbanzo, Mab Just Mab, the Mezmer Society, Sidetracked, and Darbuka Dave, with more to come.  Gallery 5, 200 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA. 8:00pm.

12/31 – Two free French fantasy films at the NationalGallery: Jean Cocteau’s 1950 Orphee at 2:00, and Jacques Demy’s 1970 Donkey Skin at 4:00.

12/31 – Ball Drop Burlesque & Variety Blowout Bash. New Year’s Eve party at the Red Palace. With Dr. Lucky, Lil’ Steph, Miss Joule, Paco Fish & Marla Meringue, Mab Just Mab, DJ Momotaro, and hosted by Scotty the Blue Bunny. Shows at 9, 10, and 11; advance tickets (highly recommended) are $30.

Something Else for the Calendar

This totally slipped my mind, and I'd originally meant to include it, so here goes...

10/28-11/13 - "The 2nd Annual, All-New, Cabaret Macabre," by Happenstance Theater. I saw "Cabaret Macabre" last year and had a blast, and I've come to love this quirky group for their cabaretesque performance pieces. This is definitely worth checking out. Round House Theatre Silver Spring, 8641 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD. (Right next to the AFI Silver Theater, part of the same building but a different entrance.) Check their website for showtimes.

Dust & Corruption Calendar: September 2011

OK, I've thought about doing this for a while, and I'm finally doing it, scouring the listings of everything I know and putting down stuff that would be of interest to my readers, if I have any. If anyone has something they want to push, drop me a line. This is DC-centric, of course, but I found some stuff out from the great wide world. Naturally, I won't be making everything, but you might be able to spot me here and there.

9/7: Shaken & Stirred Burlesque, with Gigi La Femme. The Delancey, 168 Delancey St, New York, NY. Performances at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30.

9/8: Conjuring & Circus: Books, Prints, Posters & Apparatus Auction. Bloomsbury Auctions, 24 Maddox St, Mayfair, London, UK. More information here.

9/9: Sticky Buns Burlesque presents: An Evening of Variety, with Mab Just Mab and magician Spencer Horsman. At Illusions, 1025 S. Charles St, Baltimore, MD. Showtime 9:00, $15

9/10: Plant sale, if you're into that sort of stuff. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Ave, Wheaton, MD. 10am to 3pm. Plus Brookside is a great place to walk around.

9/10: Washington Sinfonietta presents a Mozart program. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Cir NW, Washington, DC. Concert starts at 7:00, tickets $20. 

9/10: Nerd Nite DC: Dinosaurs, Comics, and Viruses. An evening of learned presentations with musical interludes. DC9, 1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC. Showtime at 6:30, tickets $10.

9/10-11: Small Press Expo, "The Premiere Event for Graphic Novels, the Comic Arts, and Cartooning." (Not exactly my thing, but I know we have some comics fans out there....) Bethesda North Marriott, 5701 Marinelli Rd, Bethesda, MD. One-day ticket $10, two-day ticket $15. More information here.

9/11: Takoma Park Folk Festival, with a wide variety of music, crafts, and food. (I almost always go.) Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd, Takoma Park, MD. 10:30am to 6:30pm, free.

9/14: Capital Tassels & Tease: Back To School Edition, a monthly showcase of emerging burlesque & variety talent. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Doors at 8:30, tickets $10.

9/16: DCVariety Social Aide Society Benefit, an auction & fundraiser for variety performers without health insurance. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Showtime 9:30, tickets $15.

9/17: Gay Day at Hillwood Estate, in which the museum honors its partnership with the GLBT community. Family Garden Party from 10:00 to noon, afternoon festivities from noon to 6:00. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC; tickets $15.

9/18: 27th Annual Kalorama House & Embassy Tour, a chance to peek inside a number of historic homes & embassies in DC's Kalorama neighborhood. Noon to 4:00; tickets $40, available from the Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St NW, Washington, DC.

9/19 DC Science Cafe: "Life as We Don't Know It", a talk on the search for extraterrestrial life. Busboys & Poets, 5th & K Sts NW, Washington, DC. Showtime 6:30, admission free.

9/22: Through the Weeping Glass, a new film by the Quay Brothers, receives its Philadelphia premiere at the Mutter Museum, 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA; more details here. Other showings in New York at the MoMA on 9/24, and in Los Angeles at the Cary Grant Theater on 9/27.

9/24: Museum Day, in which participating museums nationwide offer free admission. Locate museums near you at Museum Day.

9/24: The Tilted Torch presents Kaleidescope Kabaret, an evening of light-based performances, burlesque, and music. The Red Palace, 1212 H St NE, Washington, DC. Doors at 9:00, showtime at 10, tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

9/24-25: Dahlia Show & Sale. (Hey, I like them, they're pretty.) Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Ave, Wheaton, MD.  Saturday 2:00 to 5:00; Sunday 9:00 to 3:00, sale of cut blossoms at that time.

All month: "The Gothic Spirit of John Taylor Arms," exhibition of prints, drawings, and copperplate, closing 11/27. National Gallery of Art, 401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC. Free.

All month. "Tea." Exhibition of tea utensils from Asia, at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW, Washington, DC. (Near the Smithsonian Castle.) Free.

Got something coming in October? Let me know!