Toni Elling

Miss Toni Elling has passed. May she rest in peace. May 13, 1929 - April 2, 2023

April 2014, Texas Burlesque Festival in Austin, featuring the burlesque legend, Toni Elling. 

Toni approached the stage, bowed to our applause and thanking us said, “You are all my angels.”

The night before, on Friday, she performed her signature burlesque routine to “Satin Doll”, a Duke Ellington classic composition, wearing her original costuming.

The brunch audience was asked to present questions.

The following are some actual quotes, paraphrases and incomplete quotes. I apologize to those that are not credited with their questions. I hope this provides a picture of what she gave to us during the brunch.

I asked, “Let’s start at the beginning. How did you become a burlesque performer?”

Toni:

A friend in Detroit, Rita Revere became a stripper. She tried to get me to become one too. I was appalled with the idea. I worked at the telephone company, was there for years, but never promoted because of color.

A woman producer trained dancers, took me under her wing. She asked me what I knew about performing burlesque. I said, ‘The name of the game is Strip Tease and that explains it, says it all. What else is there to know?’

I started at the best club in town. I could have started at a real dive, but thought, ‘if I’m going to do this, I’m not going to go where I’d be ashamed to even walk in the door.’ So, I went to the best club in town. That night, Jackie Wilson was the headliner. He broke me in, watched me perform, was right down in front, then waited for me backstage. He hugged me and I told him he better hold on tight ‘cause I might just fall down. I mean, this was Jackie Wilson!

My first job was in the small town of Lima, Ohio and I shared a dressing room with a singer, Vanilla.

Dulche de Leche asked, “”When you had a creative energy lull, what made you persevere?”

Toni:

“It was my job. Rita, in talking to me, would encourage me, showing me paystubs. I saw what kind of money she was making and that’s why I got into the business. I wanted to make more money, but Rita, she passed as whiter, as Spanish and made more money. I could have tried to pass as Spanish instead, but I insisted that they buy my talent, not my color. My daddy’s black and I will not be otherwise. I didn’t work much in Detroit, I worked where I could. But, it was my job and I performed my shows whether I wanted to or not, no matter how hard or easy the job was.

“A typical audience, who did you perform for, was it mostly men? Or were there a lot of women like in today’s audiences?”

Toni:

“The audiences were mostly men. Women came in with their husbands. When women liked the show, it felt special. People would bring their children to see me perform. It was a tribute to me, because my act was clean, it was a compliment. I was respectable to my audience. I never flirted with a man that had a woman with him. Don’t fool with another woman’s man.”

“How did you meet Duke Ellington and begin to work with him?”

Toni:

Duke Ellington and I were the best of friends. We met during a World War II broadcast from a theater, for the troops. We didn’t see one another again for years. It was at the Gotham Motel. It was an all black motel, used by a lot of traveling entertainers. He was in town to play the Paradise. I was going into the drug store in the lobby of the hotel and while I was coming out, he saw me and approached me and said, “Who’s little girl are you?” I was taken back and said, “I don’t know, my mother’s and father’s, I guess.” I made him laugh and he asked for my phone number. He called me that night, late, like around 3 or 4 in the morning. It woke me up! I answered it and asked, “Who is this?” He says, “It’s your Uncle Edward.”

I responded, “I have no Uncle Edward. If you don’t tell me who this is, I’m going to hang up.” He laughs, tells me it’s him, and I about died of embarrassment. I told Duke Ellington I was going to hang up on him. Then he says, “I just called you to say, ‘Good Morning’, and are you going to pick me up and take me to my job?” I didn’t have a car, but I knew of one I could borrow. So, I went that night in this car and picked up Duke Ellington and I took him to work. Over the years, I developed a close friendship with his son, Mercer too. Mercer was a trumpeter.

Duke was my favorite person. When I told him about my name choice, he was so proud. He loved that I was using his name. I was a singer when I took the name, but I didn’t use the name for years after I stopped being a stripper.

I took a job in Japan. It was for 10 weeks, but I ended up staying for six months. Three clubs wanted me to be a singer. I sang during my acts. I started in burlesque to get to know the clubs, the circuit, make some money, get the costumes – all to be a singer.

“Tell us about the arc of your career.”

Toni:

1960 was my first performance, and my last was in 1974. I lost my brother in 1969, and my dad in 1970. I was working in Portland, Oregon and moved back home. I felt like the business was becoming too tawdry.

Sparkly Devil (aka Sarah Klein) wrote an article about black strippers for the Metro Times. She wanted to interview two people. She got connected to me and Lottie The Body. Sparkly told me she was a stripper, had been to Exotic World. Sparkly told me about Dixie Evans. In 2006 Lottie and I attended Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas together with Sparkly. Lottie was a judge and I strutted on stage for legends’ night. I never knew that I strutted. I saw a video during the weekend of me when I was on stage, and I strutted. It made me cry, made me proud. I had never seen what I looked like on stage before. I didn’t know I looked like that. People had told me for years that I strutted, but didn’t realize what they were talking about.

“With newer shows and Neo-Burlesque, what do you think of our version of burlesque?”

Toni:

You don’t want to know.

Dixie (Evans) asked me to return the next year to perform. She said, “You have a year to prepare.” I replied, “I will do it for you.” Now, it’s my 9th year returning. Dixie would say, “The duty of a legend is to be a mentor. Only you legends know that and can do that.”

I don’t believe screwing a pole is necessary, it’s not entertainment. Vulgarity is not necessary. It takes time to tease. Shows now are more like revues, not burlesque, not entertainment. Vulgarity is what I can’t stand. Don’t put your clothes on the floor. That is your living. Don’t throw that on the floor. That dress has come a long way with me. I can’t defile it. Take care of your tools – your shoes, undies – they are your tools of the trade. I lost a gig once because I wouldn’t toss my costume pieces to the audience. They called me a Diva. I didn’t know what a diva was.

“Do you have choreography?”

Toni:

Choreography is phony. Listen to the music. It tells you how to move. I do whatever the music dictates at the moment. First, I walk, I get a feel for the audience, the mood. I do what comes to me at the time. Every time I perform, it is different. I don’t rehearse, never did. I do what you (the audience) tell me to do.

Dainty Dandridge asked, “What is it like dancing all these years as a God-fearing woman?”

Toni:

I am a Baptist. The preacher came to my house one time. I was doing a saloon number. The preacher, he gave me his spats to wear. He wore spats all the time, and he gave me his for my routine, to use as a pattern on my costuming. I went to my brother, who is four years younger, talked to him about my career and my faith. He said, “Be yourself. Do whatever you want. Don’t let anything hold you back.” You can’t please everyone, nor should you try. You have to be happy.

Toni Elling

2014 Texas Burlesque Festival
Featuring the burlesque legend, Toni Elling.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Happy Birthday Toni! 

April 2014, Texas Burlesque Festival, Austin, Texas. 
Toni approached the stage, bowed to our applause and thanking us said, “You are all my angels.”
The night before, on Friday, she performed her signature burlesque routine to “Satin Doll”, a DukeEllington classic composition, wearing her original costuming.

The brunch audience was asked to present questions.

The following are some actual quotes, paraphrases and incomplete quotes. I apologize to those that are not credited with their questions. I hope this provides a picture of what she gave to us during the brunch.

I asked, “Let’s start at the beginning. How did you become a burlesque performer?”

Toni:
A friend in Detroit, Rita Revere became a stripper. She tried to get me to become one too. I was appalled with the idea. I worked at the telephone company, was there for years, but never promoted because of color.
A woman producer trained dancers, took me under her wing. She asked me what I knew about performing burlesque. I said, ‘The name of the game is Strip Tease and that explains it, says it all. What else is there to know?’
I started at the best club in town. I could have started at a real dive, but thought, ‘if I’m going to do this, I’m not going to go where I’d be ashamed to even walk in the door.’ So, I went to the best club in town. That night, Jackie Wilson was the headliner. He broke me in, watched me perform, was right down in front, then waited for me backstage. He hugged me and I told him he better hold on tight ‘cause I might just fall down. I mean, this was Jackie Wilson!
My first job was in the small town of Lima, Ohio and I shared a dressing room with a singer, Vanilla.

Dulche de Leche asked, “”When you had a creative energy lull, what made you persevere?”

Toni:
“It was my job. Rita, in talking to me, would encourage me, showing me paystubs. I saw what kind of money she was making and that’s why I got into the business. I wanted to make more money, but Rita, she passed as whiter, as Spanish and made more money. I could have tried to pass as Spanish instead, but I insisted that they buy my talent, not my color. My daddy’s black and I will not be otherwise. I didn’t work much in Detroit, I worked where I could. But, it was my job and I performed my shows whether I wanted to or not, no matter how hard or easy the job was.

“A typical audience, who did you perform for, was it mostly men? Or were there a lot of women like in today’s audiences?”

Toni:

“The audiences were mostly men. Women came in with their husbands. When women liked the show, it felt special. People would bring their children to see me perform. It was a tribute to me, because my act was clean, it was a compliment. I was respectable to my audience. I never flirted with a man that had a woman with him. Don’t fool with another woman’s man.”

“How did you meet Duke Ellington and begin to work with him?”

Toni:
Duke Ellington and I were the best of friends. We met during a World War II broadcast from a theater, for the troops. We didn’t see one another again for years. It was at the Gotham Motel. It was an all black motel, used by a lot of traveling entertainers. He was in town to play the Paradise. I was going into the drug store in the lobby of the hotel and while I was coming out, he saw me and approached me and said, “Who’s little girl are you?” I was taken back and said, “I don’t know, my mother’s and father’s, I guess.” I made him laugh and he asked for my phone number. He called me that night, late, like around 3 or 4 in the morning. It woke me up! I answered it and asked, “Who is this?” He says, “It’s your Uncle Edward.”
I responded, “I have no Uncle Edward. If you don’t tell me who this is, I’m going to hang up.” He laughs, tells me it’s him, and I about died of embarrassment. I told Duke Ellington I was going to hang up on him. Then he says, “I just called you to say, ‘Good Morning’, and are you going to pick me up and take me to my job?” I didn’t have a car, but I knew of one I could borrow. So, I went that night in this car and picked up Duke Ellington and I took him to work. Over the years, I developed a close friendship with his son, Mercer too. Mercer was a trumpeter.
Duke was my favorite person. When I told him about my name choice, he was so proud. He loved that I was using his name. I was a singer when I took the name, but I didn’t use the name for years after I stopped being a stripper.
I took a job in Japan. It was for 10 weeks, but I ended up staying for six months. Three clubs wanted me to be a singer. I sang during my acts. I started in burlesque to get to know the clubs, the circuit, make some money, get the costumes – all to be a singer.

“Tell us about the arc of your career.”

Toni:
1960 was my first performance, and my last was in 1974. I lost my brother in 1969, and my dad in 1970. I was working in Portland, Oregon and moved back home. I felt like the business was becoming too tawdry.
Sparkly Devil (aka Sarah Klein) wrote an article about black strippers for the Metro Times. She wanted to interview two people. She got connected to me and Lottie The Body. Sparkly told me she was a stripper, had been to Exotic World. Sparkly told me about Dixie Evans. In 2006 Lottie and I attended Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas together with Sparkly. Lottie was a judge and I strutted on stage for legends’ night. I never knew that I strutted. I saw a video during the weekend of me when I was on stage, and I strutted. It made me cry, made me proud. I had never seen what I looked like on stage before. I didn’t know I looked like that. People had told me for years that I strutted, but didn’t realize what they were talking about.

“With newer shows and Neo-Burlesque, what do you think of our version of burlesque?”

Toni:
You don’t want to know.

Dixie (Evans) asked me to return the next year to perform. She said, “You have a year to prepare.” I replied, “I will do it for you.” Now, it’s my 9^th year returning. Dixie would say, “The duty of a legend is to be a mentor. Only you legends know that and can do that.”
I don’t believe screwing a pole is necessary, it’s not entertainment. Vulgarity is not necessary. It takes time to tease. Shows now are more like revues, not burlesque, not entertainment. Vulgarity is what I can’t stand. Don’t put your clothes on the floor. That is your living. Don’t throw that on the floor. That dress has come a long way with me. I can’t defile it. Take care of your tools – your shoes, undies – they are your tools of the trade. I lost a gig once because I wouldn’t toss my costume pieces to the audience. They called me a Diva. I didn’t know what a diva was.

“Do you have choreography?”

Toni:
Choreography is phony. Listen to the music. It tells you how to move. I do whatever the music dictates at the moment. First, I walk, I get a feel for the audience, the mood. I do what comes to me at the time. Every time I perform, it is different. I don’t rehearse, never did. I do what you (the audience) tell me to do.

Dainty Dandridge asked, “What is it like dancing all these years as a God-fearing woman?”

Toni:
I am a Baptist. The preacher came to my house one time. I was doing a saloon number. The preacher, he gave me his spats to wear. He wore spats all the time, and he gave me his for my routine, to use as a pattern on my costuming. I went to my brother, who is four years younger, talked to him about my career and my faith. He said, “Be yourself. Do whatever you want. Don’t let anything hold you back.” You can’t please everyone, nor should you try. You have to be happy.

Classes

I teach a variety of workshops - open to all genders, ages, and regardless if you are a performer.

Welcomed across North America - these workshops have been taught throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Vancouver, Toronto, Columbus (OH), Chicago, Baltimore and in Austin (TX) at Coco Lectric's Academy of Burlesque and in Portland, Oregon. 


Positively Lovely
A workshop about loving our bodies, releasing judgments and falling in love with every inch of you.

Presenting: YOU!
Open to anyone that wants to build their confidence in front of others. Also teaches stage presence and audience contact. Please wear comfortable clothing. We will be moving around.

The Science of Spinning
Teaching Satans Angel's method of pastie and tassel making - and the physics involved in tassel twirling.

Strip For Your Lover
Perfect for a new bride! This class is an introduction to striptease to perform for a partner. Very basic elements, moves, costuming.

RevaLucian Memorial

For Heather, February 13, 2014.
Love, Lady Monster
February 25, 1968 - February 13, 2007 (aged 38)

(Heather MacAllister by Leonard Nimoy)

In September 2005, while touring Southern California and Arizona with Candye Kane, the Fat-Bottom Revue stopped in Los Angeles for a second photo shoot with Leonard Nimoy.

Heather was invited by Leonard, to be photographed for his project Maximum Beauty in late 2004. The troupe had just lost dancer Sunny Perkins (Mia Amore) from a tragic car accident. The troupe was unsure of whether to continue without her. They voted, and decided to push on, holding auditions and doing the photoshoot. He began showing the images in NYC, including having them shown on a TV broadcast by the Style Network in 2005, using the title Maximum Beauty (see below for the link).

He first contacted Heather after Zoe Wiseman saw Leonard at his exhibit for The Shekina Project (an earlier book of photographs). She asked him why he only used thin models, and would he be interested in photographing women with larger bodies. He said, “Yes”. Zoe introduced him to Fat-Bottom Revue.

Heather kept the name of the photographer a secret from the models for the first shoot. It wasn't until they arrived at the gallery that the models realized they were getting naked for Spock! For the second shoot, Heather once again hand-picked who she wanted in the photographs and told us all to keep it very hush-hush. We were also to not ask him for autographs or to bother him about his role as “Spock”.

When we arrived at the Hammer Gallery in Los Angeles, we realized this large, modern art museum was closed to the public for us. We had the entire space to ourselves. We spent a few minutes in the bathroom, finishing up hair and make-up, then undressing. Leonard and his wife Susan and two photography assistants were there. At the photo shoot the models included:
Heather
Jukie Sunshine
Ginger Virago
Lady Monster
Sita
Anita Martini (Roni Gallimore)

Our first pose was Nude Descending A Staircase, modeled after Marcel Duchamp's cubist painting.

Music was turned on, we began to dance and we were photographed.

It warmed us up, and got us feeling comfortable with what he was going after.

He took some of the models (Jukie, Ginger and Sita) aside to create The Three Graces image by Raphael.

We were photographed upstairs for the second pose in front of the large mirrored sculpture by Patty Chang, titled Shangri La. He wanted us to be primitive, as if we were seeing ourselves for the first time, circling the mirrored mountain. This was more serious, not a lot of laughing or giggling.


When Leonard was finished getting his shots in this setting, he said, “Alright ladies, let's all go downstairs for one more pose”. I forget who it was that began the song, but the moment will always stay with me. Six naked fat women prancing around the staircase, cascading down, singing at the top of our lungs, “Whatever Leonard wants, Leonard gets!”. He definitely enjoyed hearing that and was laughing.

We stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for Leonard and his assistants to finish upstairs and get set up downstairs again. The sun was starting to set and the marble floors of the courtyard were getting cold. Heather was not able to keep her body temperature up and she asked us to huddle around her. We were rubbing Heather with our hands to warm her up. Then, Leonard saw this gathering as a new shot. He practically sprinted up a large ladder to peer down on us, using available light. As he wrapped his arms around the ladder and peered through his camera, he shouted, “Yes Ladies! Rub! Rub Rub!”.

Hearing his iconic voice, with carnality and humor, the tenderness of our helping Heather suddenly burst into bawdy laughter. Ginger began to vigorously rub Heather with her booty. I turned around to shimmy against her too. We were all just dying laughing while he took a series of photos. It made him blush.

Then he asked us to begin to dance in a circle, holding hands, to fulfill his last pose, reinterpreting Matisse' Dance I. The joy and affection from the previous pose spilled into our dance, and Leonard chose this pose to use on t-shirts. These t-shirts were sold in galleries, prior to the book being available.
Before we met with him, he sent Heather an email with some ideas of poses. She forwarded to us the DeChamps, Matisse and Rafael so we were familiar with the images when we posed.


At last, Leonard felt he had his photos and Heather spoke up and wanted us to do a kickline. Heather LOVED a good kickline, especially with her troupes. Group numbers often incorporated it for a big show. Here she is counting it out and providing direction. I was scolded for bringing my leg up too high, and not in line with the other dancers.

When this shot was captured, Heather said that Leonard should join us for a final photo. Then Ginger spoke up and said, “Only if you're naked though” and someone began to chant, “Strip!”.
His wife, assistants – all of us began to chant, “Strip! Strip! Strip!”. Leonard turned three shades of red, waving his hands back and forth, saying, “no, no”, “no no”, laughing. We relented and let him join us.
I wish I had that photograph, the image of Leonard with his arms around us, his legs flying high in the air. I like to say, “I had my naked body pressed up to Leonard and our legs were flying up into the air.” He stood right between myself and Jukie.

Heather did not tell Leonard about her cancer until I produced the event, BENEFAT on January 14, 2006 to raise money for Heather, and to raise her spirits when she had a serious infection. (Flyer by Pam Doré, aka Mr. Pam)






When Heather passed, the others from the photoshoot voted for me to take Heather's place as a spokesperson for the book. This resulted in me being featured in a very cheesy segment on EXTRA TV with Leonard. The footage was taken at his home in Beverly Hills, July 2008.

Here is the EXTRA TV segment:


Here is the Style Network segment:

This footage includes a small clip of Fat-Bottom Revue performing at The Dark Room in San Francisco.


Here is a telephone interview I conducted with Leonard for a radio program I hosted about The Full Body Project. I was a speaker at the Full Body Symposium at the R. Michelson Gallery in Northampton, Massachusetts in November 2007.

https://vimeo.com/120852359


"Any time there is a fat person onstage as anything besides the butt of a joke, it's political. Add physical movement, then dance, then sexuality and you have a revolutionary act." - Heather MacAllister, aka Reva Lucian

Sex Advice Columns

The Columbus Free Press has a list of my recent columns published in their weekly paper at the following link:
http://columbusfreepress.com/profile/lady-monster




If you have a question or a topic you would like to have covered in this column, please go to: http://ladymonstersex.info and click on the link for the Google form.
Or, call (614) 636-0936 and leave a message in my Google Voice Mail Box.
Both options are 100% anonymous. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * *

Here is a listing with a brief description for all that have been published this year:

December 19, 2013
Losing My Erection
Erections vary, they are not a constant. They are affected by emotion, visual and mental stimulation. If an uncomfortable emotion, thought or image comes into the picture while erect, you're going to have a variation – no matter your age or record of virility.

December 12, 2013
December 17th is a Red Umbrella Day
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from cities around the world to come together and organize against discrimination and remember victims of violence. During the week of December 17th, sex worker rights organizations will be staging actions and vigils to raise awareness about violence that is commonly committed against sex workers. The assault, battery, rape and murder of sex workers must end.

December 5, 2013
Genital Piercings
Genital piercings are a very personal choice. Ultimately, the choice to receive them is for extra sensitivity and pleasurable sensations during sexual activity.

November 27, 2013
Interview with Fonda Lingue
In honor of last week's Trans Day of Rememberance and Trans Awareness Week, I asked International Dancer and Burlesque Performer, Fonda Lingue some questions.

November 20, 2013
How Can I Ask My Wife For Sex?
All of these questions and many more that I haven't come up with could provide insight to her discomfort, mistrust, and fears for not wanting to share her most intimate gift with you.
The length of your marriage shows you are committed. It’s important, though, to not take each other for granted.

November 13, 2013
Memorial for Carlos Batts
On Tuesday, October 22nd, the sex-positive community lost a fearless leader, Carlos Batts. This beloved artist passed away at the age of 40. His work and spirit touched many of us, leaving us stunned and saddened by his sudden departure.

November 6, 2013
Public Displays of Sex and Sexuality
During the Halloween season, there is a lot of flesh being exposed...Let’s think about some things that may have come up, for the next time you choose to be sexy in public.

October 31, 2013
HEAD: Let's Get Down
An Intimate Experience
Giving head is so pleasureful and intense. There are few things that can compare with the intimacy of this sexual act. Placing your mouth into the heart of sensitivity and sexuality to cause arousal, manipulating the movements of your tongue, lips, face, hands all at once, concentrating so many nimble movements - solely to give your partner pleasure. Think of all the variations of sensations that can be applied. It is a personal decision and a beautiful expression of intimacy.

October 24, 2013
ORGASMS
Depending on how you choose to define orgasm or “good sex” - the possibilities of sexual pleasure are limitless. It is how each of us limits ourselves, and where we choose to go.

For more insight and inspiration for your orgasms, and the various types of orgasm that can be achieved, I recommend reading this brand new anthology of erotic short stories, The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories by prolific erotica writer/editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. Each story is about achieving orgasm. Short, hot and steamy revelations. An excellent bedside companion for yourself or story time with a partner. You can find this book through Cleis Press.

October 10, 2013
National Kink Month
How does one define “kinky?”
Is it merely anything besides “vanilla?”
Who says what is vanilla and what is kinky?
How is the boundary established and how does one cross that imaginary line into the Land O'Kink?

October 3, 2013
Anal Sex
Thanks so much for posing a wonderfully intimate question.
You are being cautious and smart, asking the best way to make anal sex pleasurable.
In the words of Nina Hartley, “You must earn butt, you cannot be given butt.” You obviously feel your husband has earned butt. This should be a great moment. Let me provide some tips.

September 27, 2013
Female Ejaculation
Every woman has very different experiences with her urethral sponge. Some women do not ejaculate. Those who do, vary a lot. For some it's like a squirt gun, creating a sexual fountain effect. Some women gush like a flooded river, soaking through a thin mattress. Some create a “wet spot” with a few drops of fluid. Some have found penetration is the key, others have the experience exclusively from clitoral stimulation. It happens to some before orgasm, and others afterward. Some find stimulating this area very irritating or even painful because of its sensitive nature.

September 20, 2013
What Is Ecosexuality?
Reader Question: What is Ecosexuality?

Thank you reader for your question. I would like to introduce you to my friends, Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle, the founders of the Ecosexual movement.
“We're changing the metaphor from 'Earth as Mother' to 'Earth as Lover'”, Elizabeth Stephens, Artist, Ecosexual, Professor.
“We aim to make the environmental movement more sexy, fun and diverse.”, Annie Sprinkle, PhD, Artist, Ecosexual, Sexologist.

September 13, 2013
Hello, I'm Lady Monster
Regardless of the questions I receive in this column, I will respond with positive, non-judgmental information. My goal is to provide educational, progressive and provocative insight to one's most primal of urges, and shine a light into our bedrooms to bring us all closer together.

SEX

I write a weekly sex advice column for the free weekly, Columbus Free Press.

My weekly column appears at the URL: http://columbusfreepress.com/article/lair-lady-monster-0


If you have a question or a topic you would like to have covered in my weekly Sex Advice column, please fill out this anonymous form linked below, or call (614) 636-0936 and leave a message in my Google Voice Mail Box.

Both options are 100% anonymous.

Click on this link to fill out the online form with your question:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16dpVBuoaJQ4PZAc3DbGPW4FKwJ17u2WOEn_gfl4agV0/viewform

It shows up in my Google Drive, without knowing who sent it.

I promise to provide non-judgmental, sex-positive and informative answers.

Thank you.

Doo Dah

This has been a summer of feeling accomplished and getting shit done. I'm still out of work, but personal triumphs are coming in on a regular basis. This month I'm having a lot of fun doing some special events. Kind of like a summer break, but I'm certainly not idle.
I'll be adding more to this blog later, but I wanted to get it down where you can find me out and about.


Thursday, July 4th
30th Annual Doo Dah Parade
Parade begins at 1pm in the Short North
*I will be marching with Miss Theresa for the Columbus Burlesque Collective contingent.*


Saturday, July 6th
Stars & Strips
Short North Stage
1187 North High Street, Columbus
Box office: 8pm
Show: 9pm
Tickets: $10
*Annual USO benefit produced by Mon Cherie Entertainment*


Friday, July 19th
Fetish Foreplay Friday
The Princeton Club
425 South Princeton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Doors: 7:30pm. Class: 8pm.
Entry fee of $15.00 includes the class and playing at Princeton all night. BYOB and condoms.
*I will be co-teaching a class on burlesque with Venom Vamp.*


Thursday, July 25th
33 1/3 --- 45 --- 78
Ace of Cups
2619 North High Street @ Duncan, Columbus, Ohio 43202
$5.00

Featuring: The Dirty Biscuits, Fort Shame, Fes and the Black Panthers
DJs Shirley Tobias & Andrew Patton
Special birthday treat presented by Lady Monster


Friday, July 26th
Viking Fest
The Shrunken Head
Doors: 8PM
Music: 9PM
Age: 18+
Cover: $5
*Miss Theresa and I will be appearing together.*

Community

I love finding community - people of a like cause and purpose, creating bonds and filling a space in our environment with love and goodwill. Without community in burlesque, there is just ego, a lack of creativity and purpose. Coming to Columbus, I have had to search out my burlesque community, and I have found a core of extremely supportive and loving people.

Antoinette Seducteur, Kitty Mystique, Miss Theresa, Krista Kitty and myself are the founding members of the Columbus Burlesque Collective. I designed and created a logo, then we created the Guidelines together. On May 31st, we launched the website and made the announcement, asking others to join us, with love.





I want to thank the Texas Burlesque Festival (Coco Lectric, Imogen Kelly, Dirty Martini and Lynn Raridon), Rena LaMarr and Tiger Roxx for their inspiration, assistance and support in creating the Columbus Burlesque Collective.


Please join me on the following dates, to feel the love of burlesque, performance and community. Especially at Community Festival. Since 1972, this festival has been run by volunteers and maintained by vendor and beer/wine booths, only. Everyone donates their time and performances, filling 6 stages from Noon to 10pm Friday through Sunday in Goodale Park, near Downtown and the Short North. Take a moment to check out how much there is to offer, the variety of community and the abundance of love available.


Saturday, June 8th
Babylon Rising
French Lick, IN
Camping Fee: $15.00
8:00PM
*I will be performing fire tassels with a live band, Mayan Ruins*


Friday, June 14th
Creme de la Femme
Circus
Columbus, OH
Doors: 9:30pm. Show: 10:00pm
Cost: $6.00
*I will be twirling fire tassels*


Saturday, June 15th
Prohibition
Hal & Al's
1297 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH
9:00PM
FREE SHOW!!


Saturday, June 22nd
A Night of Burlesque, featuring trivia and amateur tassel twirling
The Shrunken Head, 251 West 5th Avenue @Neil, Columbus
Doors: 8pm
18+
Cover: $7
*I will be twirling fire tassels*


Friday, June 28th
Columbus Burlesque Collective
Community Festival, Live Arts stage, Goodale Park, Columbus, OH
7:45 - 8:05pm
FREE!!
QUICK SET!! DON'T MISS A MINUTE!!!
*I will be twirling water tassels*


Saturday, June 29th
Circus of Cool
Community Festival, I Wish You Jazz stage, Goodale Park, Columbus, OH
4:00 - 5:00pm
FREE!!
*I will be reading my own poetry with live jazz music*

Anniversary

May always marks my performance anniversaries.

Lady Monster was born in May 1992, in the basement of the Acme Art Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
It was a performance art free-for-all - mash-ups, comedy, poetry, dance - whatever we could do under bare bulbs hanging from the rafters and a dirty cement floor. Holding paper bags with king cans of Budweiser, embraced with the smoke of 50 people smoking at once in a small space. We called it Cafe Ashtray. Every month I would venture to this space, becoming more bold each time. Finally in February of 1993, I started my own poetry event, Lady Monster Day. I continue to write and read my poetry aloud. Next up is Community Festival, the last weekend of June, in Columbus, Ohio at Circus of Cool on the I Wish You Jazz stage.
I may not always have burlesque in my life, but I will always have writing.

It also marks my burlesque anniversary.
I auditioned to be part of Heather MacAllister's Fat-Bottom Revue in January, 2005. I was accepted into the troupe in February. I had my first rehearsal in March, and premiered my first number (as a solo artist) in May. In September we toured the West Coast opening for blues singer, Candye Kane, were photographed by Leonard Nimoy for The Full Body Project book and I performed in Tease-O-Rama. One helluva way to be thrust into this new role as a burlesque performer.
At the Sex Worker Film & Arts Festival, I made my debut. I've performed mostly as a solo performer since then. When Heather was about to pass from ovarian cancer, she dissolved the troupe.
I've threatened to quit a few times, but after 8 years, I see no reason to stop performing burlesque now.

Please help me celebrate at two shows this month that are sure to be humdingers.


FIERCE! - The First International Queer Burlesque Festival
Thursday, May 2nd
Bossy Girl's Pin-Up Joint
2598 N. High St, Columbus
Doors: 8pm
Show: 9pm
I GO ON FIRST! DO NOT BE LATE!
Tickets are available here, and at the door.


Creme de la Femme
Friday, May 10th
Circus
1227 North High Street @Fifth Avenue, Columbus
Doors: 9:00pm
Show: 10:00pm
2 bands, 2 sets of burlesque. Stay for the whole show.
*I will be twirling fire*


Photograph by Leonard Nimoy, taken at the Hammer Gallery in LA. In order: Sita, Me, Roni, Heather, Ginger, Jukie

FaceBook

Facebook stated on 04/03/13 that I was using my regular profile as a business page and forced me to convert it to a page.

However, most of 1000+ photos were NOT transferred to this page.
NONE my events, messages, groups, likes, timeline, notes, etc. were transferred either.
I am being forced to start over from nearly scratch.

I checked Facebook on my phone during my lunch break at work and all was fine. I came home and it was gone. No warning, nothing.

I am appalled with their inability to properly socially interact with their customer base, and be so rude and socially crippling.

Hopefully someone at Facebook will pull their head out of their ass and restore my profile.

In the meantime, please "like" this new fan page: http://www.facebook.com/ladymonster and/or add me as a friend to my new profile page: http://www.facebook.com/firetassels

If we have communicated with either messages, via a group or event invites, please re-send everything to either profile, or just communicate via my email address: stephanie @LadyMonster .com .

Having a fan page does not allow me to see a "timeline" of what others are posting. Because of this fiasco, I will be using Twitter more often now and have synced my Facebook fan page and my Twitter feed to be the same. Please feel free to follow me there: http://www.twitter.com/lady_monster .

Thank you.

Refresh

refresh  [ri-fresh]
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make like new; give new life

Main Entry: comfort
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make to feel better

Main Entry: embolden
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: encourage

I received a gift by going up to Detroit for the benefit for Lushes LaMoan on March 23rd. I was surrounded by so much love. It affected me directly and healed up a troublesome situation. I want to thank Lushes, Anna Sassin and Sweet LillyBee for the invitation and making me a part of this event.

This season of spring, rebirth, and regeneration is showing itself in a variety of ways to me. I am feeling the growth of the changes I've gone through the past year and a half. Also, I'm able to apply to burlesque festivals again and have a glimmer of hope of getting out and about with my art.

I hope that I am able to see my friends and fans at some of these events, and to make new friends.

April Performances
Prom-O-Rama
Saturday, April 6th
The Shrunken Head. 251 West 5th Avenue, Columbus.
9:00pm
$5.00


Texas Burlesque Festival
April 11-13th
Saturday Night Competition
Click here for Tickets
*I will be twirling fire*


Creme de la Femme
Friday, April 26th
Circus. At the northwest corner of N. High Street and Fifth Avenue, Columbus.
10:00pm
$6.00
*I will be twirling fire*



Fabulously Fluid
Saturday, April 27th
Wall Street Night Club. 144 N. Wall Street, Columbus
8:00pm
$5.00
*I will be performing twice - the number I performed at the Texas Burlesque Festival (sans fire) and a drag king number.*
Fabulously Fluid! is a benefit for the TransOhio Transgender and Ally Symposium, which will be taking place April 26th-28th, 2013. https://www.facebook.com/events/161319854001738/?fref=ts

LION

March is roaring in like a lion for me, especially with this morning's news.

I just learned that I have been accepted to be re-admitted to the Ohio State University for Fall Semester! I'm enrolling in their Fresh Start program and going back for my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sexuality Studies.

I would like to thank Annie Sprinkle for writing me a Letter of Recommendation, Nicole Henares for inspiring me to go back and to my parents for their loving support when I went back to receive my Associate of Arts degree Fall Semester 2012.

Last night, I received word that I will be published in the Writing Ourselves Whole chapbook, Fierce Hunger. The book will become available on March 2nd at their book release event at The Center for Sex and Culture in San Francisco. Please attend, help out an extraordinary group that works to heal survivors through writing. The chapbook is from those that have attended their workshops and have written about sex, violence, trauma and love.


I have several performances coming up, including going to Detroit and posing in the nude. I hope you can make it to one of the shows, or participate online in the benefit. I AM TWIRLING FIRE TASSELS AT FOUR SHOWS THIS MONTH!




Saturday, March 2nd
Shim Sham Shimmy Review
The Shrunken Head. 251 West Fifth Avenue @ Neil. Columbus.
$5.00 / 9:00PM
Featuring: Bellydance, Burlesque and the band, Besius.
*Twirling Fire*


Friday, March 8th
Creme de la Femme
Circus. 1227 North High Street @ Fifth. Columbus.
$6.00 / 10:00PM
Featuring: Bands, Burlesque and Comedy
*Twirling Fire*


Saturday, March 9th
Erotic & Roll
Victory's. 543 S. High Street @Hoster. Columbus
$5.00 / 9:00PM
Featuring: The Electro Cult Circus, Burlesque, Bands and Comedy
*Twirling Fire*


Wednesday, March 20th
Wild Goose Figure Drawing
Wild Goose Creative. 2491 Summit Street @Hudson. Columbus
7:00 - 9:00PM - ARRIVE PROMPTLY
$7.00. Tables, chairs and model provided. Please bring your own art supplies.
*I will be posing in the nude.*


Saturday, March 23rd
A Luscious Evening: A Benefit for Luscious LaMoan
Lushes LaMoan severely injured her foot and is still going through surgeries. Since she is not working, her medical bills are piling up. Which is why we’ve decided to host A Luscious Evening: The Benefit for Lushes LaMoan. Join us for a night of burlesque, varietease, and live music. We’ll also have a Fine Art Raffle, Rummage sale, Silent Art Auction, and a Spanking Booth.
So come dance, drink, bid, and get spanked!
Tangent Gallery / Hastings Street Ballroom. 715 East Milwaukee St, Detroit
*Twirling Fire*


If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to send in a monetary donation, please go to:
http://www.gofundme.com/22jmjw


As always, I'm available for private one-on-one or group lessons in burlesque. I come to your home and can stay 1-3 hours, depending on how intensive you want the lesson. We can cover a variety of themes: Confidence, Body Image, History, Technique and my specialty: Tassel Twirling. stephanie@ladymonster.com

Purrrlesque!

Building, making, repairing, planning, creating, traveling - lots of stuff happening in my down time right now.

Looking forward to getting out and about in the coming months, showing off a new act, selling tasseled pasties, hitting the road, teaching workshops, and more.

I even built a pair of shelves for my record albums. I found one board in the eaves of my apartment (I have four large eaves that act as walk in closets), then bought more lumbar, cut it to size, stained it, drilled in some brackets and VOILA! No more Peaches wood crates and easier accessibility to my albums. It is near identical to the shelves I bought from Craigslist and had in San Francisco (then gave away). So happy with them!

If you want to catch me performing live, please come to one (or more) of these events.

Friday, January 11th
Creme de la Femme
Circus. 1227 North High Street @5th Avenue, Columbus
Doors: 9:30pm
$6.00
Bands, Burlesque, Comedy and so much fun.
I will be performing two routines (no fire).


Sunday, January 13th
Aspen Escape's Cirque du Gay
2210 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus (@Maple Canyon Rd)
8:00pm
$5.00
*I will be performing a fire tassel routine.*
Aspens 2nd Cirque Du Gay.. A 3 ring Contest for Drag Queens, Drag Kings and Burlesque Performers!!.. Alexis Stevens will be our Fabulous host and there will be $100 cash given to the winner in each category!!.. It's chosen by audience applause so tell everyone you know!!.. Circus attire encouraged! Aspen Reign Will also be in attendance!


Friday, January 18
The 2nd Annual Purrrlesque Follies Charity Burlesque Fest
The Triad Stage. 232 South Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina
Weekend Pass: $120 (does not include private class instruction)
Monies raised go to Girls Rock NC!
The festival lasts from Thursday to Sunday. I will be performing Friday night in the main showcase.
Headliners include Peek-A-Boo Pointe and Nasty Canasta!

For advance ticket purchase for the show only, please use these links:
Friday Night Show
Saturday Night Show


Saturday, January 19
Presenting: YOU!
The Triad Stage. 232 South Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina
Dressing Room.
11:30am
Cost: $20.00
To purchase advance tickets to the workshop, please click here.
*I will be teaching my workshop, Presenting: YOU! as part of the Purrrlesque Follies Charity Burlesque Fest. This class teaches confidence, presence and engaging attention in public speaking, performances and every day situations. Please wear comfortable clothing. We will be up and moving during the class.


Thursday, January 24
Cabin Fever - A Skitzo Show
KOBO Live. 2590 North High Street @Hudson, Columbus
Doors: 9:00pm
Cost: $5.00
ECC Presents.. our monthly burlesque, comedy music show..all these numbers are summer themed so we can get out of the winter blahs!
*I came up with an opening number routine to be performed with Krista Kitty and The Skitzo Show. Don't be late!
*I will also be performing my water tassel routine*


And, keep your calendars open for:
February 1-3
Sexapalooza - Columbus

Graduation

I have temporarily dropped out of the corporate world and gone back to school. With only 7 semester hours needed, I attended Columbus State Community College to achieve my Associate's Degree. Fifteen years have passed since I last attended any kind of college. I didn't attend right after high school. I worked full-time. I would attend a class here and there, but nothing regular and no declared major.

On Friday, December 14th, I'll receive my Diploma for the Associate of Arts!
Soon, I'll be on my way to Ohio State University, to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Sexuality Studies. It's my goal to be finishing my Master's when I turn 50.

Please wish me luck as I continue with this time of transition, to keep on track and not look back.

In the meantime, here is my schedule of performances to date for December. It appears that Circus is the magic word for this month.

Remember, I am available for hire for private parties - Birthday, Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas, New Years, etc. I twirl fire tassels and light up marshmallows or candles for your entertainment.
Here I am on November 23rd at Circus, celebrating my birthday. Lots of room for improv with the birthday guest of honor in this routine!



Friday, December 14th:
After receiving my degree, I'll be celebrating on stage at
Creme de la Femme
Circus!
1227 N. High St. @ Fifth, Columbus
Burlesque, Bands and Comedy. This show happens on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month with your host Mike Folker.
Doors: 9:30pm. Admission: $6.00
*I will be twirling fire.


Friday, December 20th:
Celebrate the End of the World with Electro Cult Circus!
KOBO Live
2590 North High Street, Columbus
Count down to the END with special guests Ooh la la's, Sex Kittens, Kinky Kitty, Lady Monster, Dolls Of Evolved, bellydancing by Janaan Al Jahanni, Leyla Billman, magic and comedy by Erik Tait, more comedy shenanigans from The Skitzo Show - over 16 performers!
Doors: 9:00pm. Admission: $5.00


Saturday, December 28th:
Circus of Cool
Krista Kitty's annual birthday/Holiday Bash
Dick's Den
2417 N. High Street @Blake, Columbus
I was Don Pavelcik's "Partner-In-Crime" with Circus of Cool beginning in 1995 and then ran it for him when he became ill. In 1999 when Don passed away, I turned the reins for the show to Krista. She has continued to bring this show to Columbus and Community Festival. Please join us in celebrating a fantastic woman and performer with live jazz, poetry and burlesque - all to the Beat.
Doors: 9:30pm. Admission: $4.00
*I will be twirling fire.

Birthday!

I'll be 44 on the 24th, and still twirling my tassels.
In fact, I'll be lighting them on fire after the clock strikes Midnight on the 23rd (actual birth time 3:21am, after a half-hour of labor, that's 30 Minutes, folks).

Help me celebrate my Birthday Month in the following ways:

This just happened, but it's another reason to celebrate -
Barack Obama is once again The President of the United States!
Remembering watching mine and Sadie Lune's 60-second "I Want You" performance pieces at the SF MoMA on November 4, 2008, Election Night. I wore a blue sequin gown. After the performances, some friends and I went to watch the returns at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts across the street. The line to get inside went around the block, so we decided instead to head toward the Castro. Jumping on an F streetcar, we made our way up Market Street. Then the announcement came, Barack Obama was elected President! People stopped what they were doing to run into the streets. Stopped their cars, buses, everything. The F car was forced to stop too. The streets filled up. We got almost to Church Street and went towards a bar. People started coming down the street with pots and wooden spoons, banging them together, shouting and cheering. This was happening all over town, all over America. I am really happy that he has been re-elected. I am more liberal than some of his policies, but he's a better choice than the scary Romney/Ryan ticket.


From September 18 to October 12th, I organized a fundraiser on Indiegogo with Satan's Angel for Big Fannie Annie . This successful campaign brought in over $11,000 for her upcoming surgery and saved her life.
Near the end of that campaign, I began putting together a benefit, so people could congregate in person, to donate to the cause.
There is over $2,500 worth in raffle prizes and silent auction items available at this benefit, not to mention the venue donating the space and their staff. The performers are also all donating their time, travel costs and energy.
I am excited for my first production upon my return to Columbus.
Please join me for a Big Bawdy Good Time! 100% of the proceeds benefit Big Fannie Annie.

THANKS SO MUCH TO SARAH THOMPSON of The Other Paper for interviewing Big Fannie Annie, Satan's Angel and myself for this article, promoting the benefit.


Once again, I get to perform burlesque with a live band, Change It Up Charlie! If you missed this performance last month, please come to check it out. Or, if you enjoyed yourself, please come again. This is usually a rare occurrence, but I'm so happy to do it again, and so soon!

I realize that my birthday falls at an awkward time. It always falls either on or near Thanksgiving. Most people travel out of town to be with family, or are busy preparing their own festivities. The following performances can provide an opportunity for you to celebrate my birthday with me, if you are unable to make it to the party on the 23rd at Circus.


Here's a list of my performances in November:

Friday, November 9th
BIG BAWDY BENEFIT
The Shrunken Head, 251 West Fifth Avenue @ Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:00pm
Cost: $5.00
21+ only
Kaiser Colonic as the MC
Burlesque, Magic, Singing and Lots of Comedy - all with a Blue light!


Friday, November 16th
BURLESQUE WITH A LIVE BAND!
Change It Up Charlie
Bethel Road Pub, 1375 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH
Doors: 9:00pm
Cost: $3.00
21+ only


Friday, November 23rd
Creme de la Femme
Circus, 1227 North High Street @Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:00pm
Cost: $6.00
21+ only
Burlesque, Bands, Comedy - always a great time! Come help me blow out my candles!


Saturday, November 24th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY MONSTER!
Hopefully I will be staying somewhere out of town.
This is also the day of the OSU-Michigan game and it's at home. I would prefer not to be at home. Let me know if I can come stay with you!

HALLOWEEN!

I love Halloween! The veil is thin, the dead are knocking on our doors, tricking or treating, having a good time. The best thing to do, is dress like them, blend in, to be sure everyone has fun!

I'm posting a song a day from October 2 to November 2 of some of my favorite holiday songs on Facebook and Twitter.

Last year, I created my Burn The S'more burlesque routine for the holiday. This year, I created my Baphomet routine. I am proud to get to perform these routines at the big show in town, TRAUMA at The Bluestone. Be prepared to be scared and Shout At The Devil! So much fun.

On a more serious note, I was asked by burlesque legend Satan's Angel to run a fundraising campaign for burlesque and comedy legend, Big Fannie Annie. I set up an page on Indiegogo, hoping to raise $10,000 for the down payment on her surgery. After being known around the world all of her life as "The World's Largest Show Girl", she is being told that gastric bypass surgery is her only choice. This controversial surgery needs to be done to lower her need for insulin, and to help her organs function properly again. The money we are raising is only a down payment on the surgery and doesn't go towards aftercare and other medical costs. She is currently bedridden, without health insurance and isn't old enough for medicare. Please donate what you can, leave a comment of love and goodwill or just share the link. She needs our help, otherwise she will die, needlessly. Big Fannie Annie paved the way for many a plus-sized performer, showing the world that fat people are funny AND sexy.

I have a lot of different shows I'm performing at this month. I hope you can join me, and more to be announced, so please keep checking in to this page to see what else pops up! Thanks so much for your love and support.


Friday, October 12th
Creme de la Femme
Circus, 1227 N High St @ 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Performing burlesque to a LIVE band, Change It Up Charlie
Doors: 9:30pm
Cost: $6.00


Sunday, October 14th
The Miss Burlesque World Pageant 2012
Aspen's Escape Club, 2210 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Doors: 7:00pm (for the pageant, see the schedule for events happening all day)
Cost: tba


Friday, October 19-21st
IDKE (International Drag King Contest Extravaganza) Conference XIV
Cleveland Agora, 5000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
All Events Package: $40
I will be teaching my workshop, Positively Lovely at this important conference. Date and Time to be announced.


Thursday and Friday, October 25 & 26th
TRAUMA
The Bluestone, 583 East Broad Street (btw Washington & Rt 71), Columbus, OH 43215


I am available on Saturday, October 27th through to November 1st. I would love to receive more Halloween gigs. I have offers to attend parties in Athens, Louisville and beyond, but would LOVE to make people happy (and a little scared) with my burlesque routines, lighting my tassels on fire. xo

Revenge

I was recently asked to write a poem about Revenge. However, it's no longer a word in my vocabulary. I don't subscribe to vengeance. I would rather put love into the world and let what comes to me, fuel me. Making an exercise of anger, judgment, rage is empty and negative. Sure, we all have our momentary fantasies or times of venting, but I don't waste any time or emotion actually plotting, let alone enacting revenge. If someone wishes me ill or speaks ill of me, I send love back to them. I seek out community, not competition. I work together with others, not against them.
"I forgive you. I am sorry. I love you. I thank you." is the Hoʻoponopono prayer of forgiveness and reconciliation. It changes the energy around someone or a situation, repeating it each time they come to mind. For those that are unable to perpetuate an atmosphere of love, I say this prayer, and hold out my hand. There is another way.


Revenge is not in my heart
I move on, move forward, with the truth
I leave behind your dark cloud
The soot of burned bridges blinds you
Surrounded in anger, jealousy and fear
Fueling you like gasoline
Veiling what can be
Walking away
Feeling the heat of the fire behind me
It doesn't touch me
You are the only one getting burned
I wish you peace, love and that you find happiness
Pleasure me with your pulse in my hands
Holding it, leaving vengeance behind



September Performances and Appearances

Saturday September 1st
Viking Metal Fest
The Shrunken Head, 251 West Fifth Avenue @ Neil Ave, Columbus
- Thanks so much to The Shrunken Head, Miss Theresa, Winterhymn, The Conquering and Kingsblood for a great show and super fun time!


Tuesday September 4th
Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine
The Shrunken Head, 251 West Fifth Avenue @ Neil Ave, Columbus
Doors: 8:30pm
$7.00
18+
- Very happy to be able to help bring Jello into Columbus for this very special show.


Friday September 14th
Creme de la Femme
Circus, 1227 North High St, Columbus
Doors: 9:30pm
$6.00
Burlesque, Bands and Comedy presented by Platinum Mike Folker


Sunday September 16th
Blowfly
Double Happiness, 482 South Front St, Columbus
Go-Go Dancing with Miss Theresa and Krista Kitty for the Original Dirty Rapper! I've had the pleasure of opening for Blowfly and dancing for him before. Looking forward to reconnecting with him! Thanks to Paul Bearer of Rasputin Productions and BlowFly for the invitation and opportunity!


Thursday, September 27th
Cherie Blondell presents The ROCK Show
The Garage, 147 Vine Street, Columbus
Burlesque with The Ooh La Las featuring the music of Motley Crue and Guns-N-Roses.
- I will be debuting my Baphomet routine

School

I am going back to school. I have a few classes to take in order to get my Bachelor's degree, so I'm just gonna do it.

In addition to learning, I am teaching. My string of workshops has begun at The Center For Wholeness in Clintonville. Every Saturday from 2:00 - 3:00pm. I love this little yoga studio and the ladies that run it.

And, of course, there's no shortage of shows happening either.
Please come out and support the arts! I am getting to work with some really good people - and throughout 3 states! I'll be in Baltimore (a first for me) for the Femme Conference and in Louisville, Kentucky!

There's always room for more too! Please contact me to perform or teach in your town.


August performances and classes

Friday, August 10th:
Creme de la Femme
Circus. 1227 North High Street @5th Avenue. Columbus, OH 43201
Doors: 9:30pm
Cost: $5.00


Saturday, August 11th:
Lessons With Lady Monster
Presenting: YOU!
A workshop for confidence building, stage presence, and engaging attention.
2:00 - 3:00pm
Center for Wholeness. 3408 Indianola Avenue (@Oakland Park). Columbus, OH 43202
$15.00
Advance ticket sales: http://ladymonster.eventbrite.com


Saturday, August 18th
FEMME CONFERENCE
10:30am: Workshop: Positively Lovely at Inn At Colonade
7:00pm: Burlesque Performance at FemmeWERQ
Ottobar. 2549 North Howard Street Baltimore, MD 21218
Doors: 7pm. Show: 8pm SHARP
Cost: Free for Femme Conference Registrants, $15 otherwise.


Saturday, August 25th
Lessons With Lady Monster
Advance Crafting Techniques, taught with Miss Theresa
A workshop to demonstrate how to work with beads, sequins, rhinestones, fringe, elastic, leather and more. No craft making will take place. This is a skillshare.
2:00 - 3:00pm
Center for Wholeness. 3408 Indianola Avenue (@Oakland Park). Columbus, OH 43202
$15.00
Advance ticket sales: http://ladymonster.eventbrite.com


Sunday, August 26th
We Three Fire Queens
Myself, Sweet LillyBee (Minneapolis) and HOT DAMN are the three fire queens, performing together for the first time, all performing our unique fire burlesque acts.
Mag's Bar. 1398 S 2nd St. Louisville, KY 40208
Doors: 9:00pm
Cost: $5.00