Building Back Burlesque: Jessabelle Thunder Talks New Title & Town Hall
Plus, Yungblud, TromaWood, Slasher World, DVF and more
(Photo by Jenna Kraczek)
If there’s one thing I heard over and over again from performers, promoters and venue owners this past Summer, it was the lament that Angelenos don’t leave their homes the way they used to. Throwing events is harder than ever, even in a sunny and social city like L.A.
After COVID, numbers improved, but the damage was done and with higher prices on everything, entertainers and event creators now have to think outside of the box when it comes to getting bodies in seats, on dance floors and atop bar stools.
Read my piece about Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse for LA Times — which comes out in the newspaper’s print edition this Sunday— as just one example.
🧨 Hold Onto Your Red Solo Cups. This Funhouse-Style Bar is Recharging Downtown Nightlife
Uncle Ollie’s is also one of the few venues right now that regularly showcases burlesque — courtesy of Vanessa Burgundy’s “That Time of the Month” — but so many of the spectacles that used to go down every night are gone, including the witchy eve where I used to deejay at El Cid in Silver Lake called “Belle Book & Candle,” as well as “Tease if You Please” and Miss Tosh’s “Kiss Kiss Cabaret,” to name just a couple. Even Lucha Va Voom (which split into two promotions, one of which had its final show at the soon-to-close Mayan Theatre last week) is up in the air at this point.
Thunder’s Wonder
After Jessabelle Thunder won the title of Miss Exotic World 2025 (aka “Queen of Burlesque” within the community) in August, she decided to use her platform to help elevate the art form so that fans don’t forget about everything it stands for: empowerment, female camaraderie, glitz, glamour, body positivity and joy. Most importantly, she wants to unify the scene to help keep it alive.
Watch my wonderful chat with this gorgeous L.A. native about the “town hall” event she just held, her dancing journey, diversity in the scene (particularly when it comes to Black performers and audiences) and a lot more.
Catch Jessabelle this Friday night (8/29) with The Dollface Dames at Sofitel Los Angeles and with Sulty Sweet Burlesque at The Kookaburra Lounge at Ovation Hollywood shopping mall. She’ll also be at Barkley next Saturday and at Exotikon next Sunday.
Follow Ms. Thunder on Instagram for updates on everything or click promos below.
Read more of my writing about burlesque here:
💃🏽 Burlesque story and package: Boldly Bodacious (print PDF)
💃🏽 Pioneers And Pasties: A Brief History Of Neo-Burlesque In L.A.
💃🏽 The Soulful Sex Appeal Of Jessabelle Thunder And Brown Sugar Burlesque
Yung at Heart
Last Friday night I had the pleasure of hanging out with my old friend Pauley Perrette, best known for her beloved role as Abby Sciuto on the TV show NCIS, though my favorite thing she ever did was this (for obvious reasons):
Anyway, I was P’s plus one for YungBlud’s tour kick-off show at the Palladium and I just want to say, I’m so grateful I got to go! I think it may end up being one of those shows where everyone there will be able to say they were, ya know? The UK singer has been getting hyped via PR pitches in my inbox for years but I mistakenly lumped him in with emo crooners of yore.
I think my opinion of him changed when he sang this stunning version of “Life on Mars” for the streamed “Bowie Celebration” back in 2021:
The entirety of this concert was so incredible, so if you missed it or just want to watch it again, check this out (while it’s still up):
Yungblud is emotive on stage, but not in a whiny way. His vocals shine, but it’s his ebullient presence that pops, even in a huge packed room like the Palladium— usually not my favorite venue to see concerts. Somehow, this kid comes off gracious, giving and gritty all at the same time. His songs dip into multiple genres — rock, pop, even a li’l hip-hop — and his charisma seals the deal.
Rock may not be popular on the pop charts these days, but he’s giving me hope that it might be again one day. He’s the whole package as they say, and if it took an Ozzy cover for most to notice, winning over the metal community is actually a pretty cool notch on his studded belt. Check out my video capture of his “Changes” performance at the show:
What’s Going On - August 29- 31
This weekend is your last chance to see the inspiring Diane von Furstenberg exhibit at the Skirball Center so if you love fashion, especially 70s-era looks, do not miss it! I had the honor to chatting with the legendary designer when the show opened and I will never forget it.
💃🏽 Unwrapped: Diane von Furstenberg Reflects on Her Influence as Skirball Exhibit Opens
🧨 Tromawood at Brain Dead Studios
Troma film screenings, Q&As and a book signing with Lloyd Kaufman are just a few of the freaky festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of B-movie company best known for cult classic, The Toxic Avenger— which just got a reboot release with some big names as stars. Trailer below.
Kiko Bailey, who brought the super-cool exhibit known as Slashback Video to Burbank, has a new venture on Melrose that promises to be a bloody good time. There aren’t a lot of details out there yet about the new immersive horror experience, but this Saturday 8/30, all will be revealed. The opening bash will have DJ Ann Eliza, open bar, the Frankenstand vegan hot dogs, plus the return of her much lauded installation.
