I read that Brown Girl's Burlesque, a troupe that performs a monthly revue --- Compost Bin --- often performs at Joe's Pub, near the Astor Street Station.
Then I read a quote by Chicava HoneyChild: “The work of brASS (brownRadicalASS Burlesque) empowers me because I’m a trans person of color… I had thought that I would have to be an old, white, straight man to be considered an artist. Because brASS shows are curated by women of color you'll see lots more kinds of bodies, genders and abilities than you would see anywhere else.”
Then I read this: Burlesque was brought to the United States in the 19th century, and was transformed following the Civil War when entertainment began to be seen as a lucrative business. Styles of performance like burlesque, vaudeville, (which includes varied theatrical acts) and minstrel shows (designed to mock people of African descent using comedy, dance and music) became popular. Actors began to find work.
And finally, this: performer/entrepeneur Chicava HoneyChild holds degrees in Fashion Design from Parsons and Fashion Marketing from Hampton University. She blends burlesque history, burlesque performance, dance and costume design into every brASS show.
That’s a baited hook worth biting, so I've been figuring ways of tracking their slightly spontaneous schedule to let you know how to find their unique shows.
Start here, then follow their links: Becoming Betty Page, was at the Coney Island USA Shooting Gallery / Arts Annex, home of The Mermaid Parade, the world's largest Art Parade.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
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This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
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The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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