Scene spotlight: Take Back the ’80s Burlesque

A cavalcade of burlesque and variety acts perform at R Bar's Sharkbite Sideshow. Take a peek at these scene's from the April 12 edition of R Bar's Sharkbite Sideshow, featuring the onstage charms of Izebel Vivant, Lil Bunz, Peril S. Curves, Little Motown, Aurora Natrix, Bunny Buxom, Kayce Gogo, Princss Sunshine and Maia Moon—then check out the next show in person on Friday, April 26. Note: The show's producer, Joe the Shark, is active is shark conservation; attendees with shark tattoos or certified scuba divers always get into the biweekly bash for half price. The next Sharkbite Sideshow is at R Bar Friday, April 26. Follow Bruce Tantum on Twitter: @BruceTantum You might also like Photos: Coney Island USA's Spring Gala 2013 Coney Island USA's annual fund-raiser paid tribute to Gotham's vibrant burlesque and sideshow universe. On Saturday, March 9, Webster Hall hosted the annual Coney Island USA Spring Gala, and as you might expect from Gotham’s sideshow and burlesque headquarters, eyes were popped and minds were blown. The night harkened back to The Burlesque Manifesto, the 30-year-old tract penned by CIUSA mastermind Dick Zigun that heralded the start of the current burlesque renaissance; with the likes of Adam the First Real Man, Jo “Boobs” Weldon, the Schlep Sisters, Gal Friday, Insectavora, Ray Valenz and Zigun himself taking the stage, tribute was paid in high style. RECOMMENDED: Coney Island guide Follow Bruce Tantum on Twitter: @BruceTantum You might also like Photos:

Shelly Watson, the artist otherwise known as the Singing Siren, hosts Gotham Burlesque. The vivacious vocalist, comedian and burlesque-scene stalwart Shelly “The Singing Siren” Watson is one busy woman. Among many other activities, there’s her nationally syndicated radio segment, the long-running Hip Hopera; there’s her job as conductor of the New York City Burlesque Choir; and there’s her role as one of the burly-Q world’s busiest (and funniest) MCs. On Saturday, April 6, the talented Watson—a graduate of Juilliard’s Master of Music program—hosts Gotham Burlesque at Stage 72.Time Out New York: I knew you grew up in California and Nevada, but I just heard that part of your youth was spent on a reservation. True?Shelly Watson: Yeah, I lived for a few years on an Indian reservation in Carson City, Nevada. Even though my dad had jet-black hair and really dark skin, I was this towhead blond kid, so I would get beat up for not being Indian. And I was the only kid on the reservation who was bused into school elsewhere, and I was also getting beat up for…not being on the short bus but being on the Indian bus. Time Out New York: Sometimes growing up as an outsider forces people to develop a comedic personality, in order to keep from getting hassled so much.Shelly Watson: That’s exactly what happened. At that time, I was supposed to be wearing glasses, but my parents didn’t get them for me. The very first fight I got into was because these girls thought I was giving them dirty looks—b

Susanne Bartsch's latest soiree, Catwalk, brings out the fabulous and the freakish. Since the ’80s days of Savage, Bentley’s and the Copa, Susanne Bartsch has had a knack for attracting the most fabulously freak-out following that Gotham has to offer—and her latest soiree, the weekly Catwalk, does nothing to alter that fact. Witness these shots from the Thursday, April 4 edition of the shindig, then head over to Marquee to catch the next installment of her  “art-house nightlife experience” in person. You might also like Interview: Shelly Watson Shelly Watson, the artist otherwise known as the Singing Siren, hosts Gotham Burlesque. The vivacious vocalist, comedian and burlesque-scene stalwart Shelly “The Singing Siren” Watson is one busy woman. Among many other activities, there’s her nationally syndicated radio segment, the long-running Hip Hopera; there’s her job as conductor of the New York City Burlesque Choir; and there’s her role as one of the burly-Q world’s busiest (and funniest) MCs. On Saturday, April 6, the talented Watson—a graduate of Juilliard’s Master of Music program—hosts Gotham Burlesque at Stage 72.Time Out New York: I knew you grew up in California and Nevada, but I just heard that part of your youth was spent on a reservation. True?Shelly Watson: Yeah, I lived for a few years on an Indian reservation in Carson City, Nevada. Even though my dad had jet-black hair and really dark skin, I was this towhead blond kid, so I would get beat up for not being Indian

Glitter Gutter This evening of old-school downtown entertainment (burlesque, comedy, sideshow performances and more) is fast and loose–and sometimes messy. Each week brings a unique show. Go to slipperroom.com for more info. Les Fleurs de Shanghai The romance and decadence of old Shanghai (or, as it was sometimes called, "the Whore of Asia") come to life at eatery-lounge Duane Park. Calamity Chang, along with guest performers Gal Friday and Jo "Boobs" Weldon, provide the burlesque; live music from the ’20s through the ’50s, featuring Shien Lee on vocals serves as the soundtrack. Sad to say, after a year's run, Les Fleurs is leaving its Duane Park port; stay tuned for more news. R.S.V.P. at 212-732-5555. Nuit Blanche: Springtime in Paris Dances of Vice brings a glamorous collection of glittering showgirls and exotic performers to the Meatpacking District for this burlesque affair, which features three sets in an all-new production each week. Tonight's show, celebrating the now fully bloomed season, boasts the tantalizing talents of Madame Rosebud, Hazel Honeysuckle, Tansy Tandora, Bastard Keith and Medianoche. A dance party with DJ Eve Salvail follows the performance, keeping the action coming till 2am. Call 212-675-2400 for dinner reservations (or just imbibe a cocktail or three). Nurse Bettie Burlesque Shelly "The Singing Siren" Watson hosts this night of burly-Q action at the intimate Nurse Bettie, which features both nightlife newbies and stars of the Gotham scene. Shaken