Win tickets to the Bytowne Burlesque Revue!

Photo courtesy of Justinvl on flickr

Post by Lauryn Kronick

One can’t help but notice that Ottawa has been getting slightly more sexy and risqué over the past few months. Much of this is thanks to the pleasing, teasing ensemble of Rockalily Burlesque.

On Saturday, September 4, the Bronson Centre (211 Bronson Ave) will be transformed into the largest sultry, deliciously raunchy cabaret venue that Ottawa has seen. Rockalily is bringing us the Bytowne Burlesque Revue, which will feature more than six burlesque troupes and dancers to get us all hot and bothered.

Along with other local favourites, the Sexual Overtones (including the Puff Sisters and Muffin Tops), and welcoming out-of-town beauties Boudoir Rouge from Hamilton, Toronto’s Starlight Burlesque and Fiona Flauntit and the divine Miss Sarah Diva from Halifax, this is by far Ottawa’s biggest burlesque extravaganza to date, Rockalily’s Miss Helvetica Bold says.

“This is going to be huge – nothing like this has ever been done in Ottawa before. It’s a collaborative brainchild that will hopefully be more attractive to the mainstream audience,” she adds.
Mysterion the Mindreader will be your host for the evening. For all of you exhibitionists who want the world to know your deepest, most inner thoughts, Mysterion will be doing audience mind-readings between performances so get your bravery cap on.

Voyeurs are not only treated to the spectacle in the main theater – a cabaret-style lounge in Mac Hall awaits those who crave a more intimate feeling with sensual jazz music playing, delicious munchies from the Green Door and sugary sweets from Monster Appetite. The lovely folks at Royale Boutique will be snapping your lovely selves at their makeshift photobooth, so make sure you are dressed accordingly. The two finalists from Burlesque Idol, Lana Lovecakes and Miss Rhapsody Blue will be there to distract you from conversation on the lounge stage. And what could be better than bar profits going to support the Carleton Coalition for Sexual Assault Support Line?

This is a big step for Rockalily’s performance cred – Miss Helvetica Bold says the troupe has been envisioning this for awhile. “Burlesque is popular in underground (culture), specifically in downtown Ottawa,” she explains. “This is why the show has a more ‘classic’ style of performance – to move away from the underground and bring it to the mainstream.” This is also a good time to catch Rockalily’s performance before they take a much-deserved break until next year.

The fun doesn’t end at 11 p.m. – revelers are invited to party with their favourite burlesque performers at the ARC; the Hotel in the Lounge (140 Slater Street) where DJ Lowpass will get your bodies bumping and grinding and once again, fabulous raffle prizes will get you wanting to win and once again, bar proceeds benefit the Coalition.

The Bytowne Burlesque Revue takes place this Saturday, September 4th from 7:30 to 11:00pm at the Bronson Centre (211 Bronson Ave.). Tickets are available for $20 in advance at Compact Music in the Glebe (785 1/2 Bank) or for $25 at the door. Rockalily doesn’t want to leave you stranded – one lucky voyeur and a plus one will get to attend for free simply by sending us your burlesque name by commenting below. The winner will be contacted by email, so be sure to include it!

UPDATE: We have a winner! Rockalily’s Miss Helvetica Bold has declared Rasta Larouge as the winner of the contest. Thanks to all who participated.