It’s been a decade since Lauren “Madame Onça” O’Leary, of Future of Tradition Productions, launched the first Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival (ABSFest). Each year, she curates a cast of talent from near and far. “Burlesque has the power to challenge and improve the world, promoting honest conversation and sexual equality in an otherwise confused culture that commodifies women and stigmatizes breastfeeding,” says Onça. “Our societal values around sexuality, gender and social justice need to evolve quickly, especially in North Carolina.”
This year’s neo-Vaudeville festival features performances, workshops, and a special birthday celebration, May 27–29 at various locations in Asheville. More than 35 presenting artists will travel to Western North Carolina from other states and from countries around the world including Japan, Scotland, and Australia. In addition to burlesque, performers will also perform aerials, stage magic, sideshow acts, juggling, music, and more.
On Friday and Saturday, you’ll have two opportunities to witness the wonder of headliner Karolina Lux, a bellydancer, cirque performer, chanteuse, and trumpeter hailing from Portland, Oregon. Karolina says, “I don’t innovate for the purpose of ‘trying to shock people.’ I do it from love of the female form, for support of the female struggle, for the joy and bizarre wildness of vaudeville, for the love of movement and expression. This, I assume, is why I do not get as much negative response in a sometimes controversial area. My work is a risqué gift from the heart, not—at this time—a political argument.” Karolina will take the stage at Friday’s Speakeasy Saloon at Grey Eagle Music Hall beginning at 8 p.m. This event features music by The Resonant Rogues, a local favorite. Vaudeville entertainer Carmel Clavin will emcee this event. Tickets are $15 general admission or $25 VIP.
Also at the Grey Eagle Friday night at 10:30 p.m. is an improv show called “Last Pasties Standing: Welcome to the Glitterdome,” led by aerial artist Sadie Hawkins and featuring performers from ABSFest. Tickets are $15. This year, there will also be a birthday celebration for the festival. Buy admission to both Friday shows and save.
Karolina stars in the Saturday Spectacular Show at 7 p.m. at The Orange Peel Saturday evening. This event is hosted by the Preacher of Perversion, Ben Wisdom. There will be many performers, including Swami YoMahmi, of Washington, DC. Tickets are $25 general admission and $45 VIP.
On Sunday at noon, a burlesque brunch at the Grey Eagle concludes the festival. Jazz cabaret vocalist Phat Man Dee, of Pittsburgh, will host. Tickets are $12.
The ABSFest Seminary offers workshops on Saturday at the French Broad Co-op Movement & Learning Center, 90 Biltmore Avenue, and at the Orange Peel. Taught by Karolina Lux and other performers, topics range from tease and trapeze to tips for networking.
Tickets are available in advance at absfest.com. Sellouts are expected, so advance purchase is recommended. The Grey Eagle is located at 185 Clingman Avenue in Asheville’s River Arts District. The Orange Peel is located at 101 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville.
