I could be mistaken but I'm pretty sure this was the first time Southpaw played host to a burlesque. It turns out, the venue is pretty good for it. The sound system is reasonably reliable (there was a hiccup during one of Anita Cookie's routines but I suspect that had more to do with the source of the track) and certainly up to the task since Southpaw normally plays host to music acts like Neko Case, Mad Villain, etc. The stage has enough loft to be seen well in the rear of the club and apparently has enough width to accomadate a lot of motion.

The event itself was headlined by The World Famous Pontani Sisters who never fail to entertain and delight. And even though I had seen them on occassions before they still had enough in their back of tricks for three routines that were new to me. The showcapping "tough italian chicks" bit was worth the price of admission alone.

As I mentioned previously this was my first time seeing Peekaboo Pointe perform. I've come across her name many times as I was familiarizing myself with the NYC burlesque scene and my curiosity was definitely piqued. She was every bit as talented and alluring as I had hoped. Her "fifties housewife" act wowed the audience.

The other acts were every bit as evocative and erotic. Twirla was amazing and agile as always (and who knew she was born and bred in Kentucky?). Afua Richardson has an awe-inspriing set of pipes -- why this woman doesn't have her own recording career is beyond me. Anita Cookie was hands-down the most humorous act of the evening. Her tequilla tinged Betty Boop was hilarious and she and emcee Scott Rayow had several great moments of interplay. The sultry Scarlet Sinclair appeared in three performances in the second half all of which were *classic* burlesque through and through. This vivacious vixen is definitely someone you want to keep your eyes peeled for at future events.

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