Burlesque at Sexapolooza!

"Burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which itself derives from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery" - Wikipedia

On Saturday Feburary 25, I had the pleasure to attend my first ever Sexapolooza in Toronto with the very talented Erotic author Savannah Chase.  At first I didn't know what to expect and though I put on a good front, I was terrified going in.  Admission to the show is reasonable at 15 dollars if you buy them in advance online and twenty dollars if you buy them at the door.



Though the show includes a little of everything, from the history of porn, to body painting, toy sales and a dungeon, a life-size cut out of a vagina that mostly men thought would be funny to stick their heads in and have their friends take their pictures amongst tons of wares being sold, the one thing I focused on was Burlesque.  As I walked around, we crashed into the table being womaned by Li'l Relly.  She was very friendly and adorable sitting there all by her lonesome. I got to talking with her and looking through everything they were selling.  Everything was lovely and very affordable. Though she doesn't have a website as yet, you can find her by clicking on her name to send her an email.  Or you can get her on Myspace.



Li'l Relly at her table



Later on, Savannah and I along with our guests, took a front row seat to wash Li'l Relly and others do their things on the main stage. We couldn't help but marvel about the new found popularity the art form garnered after the movie BURLESQUE starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.

Before the performance started, I was a bit worried of what would happen. I was a tad nervous about nudity but there is nothing to worry about. Though clothing is shed, nothing offensive is seen. I've always thought, Burlesque is the art of being sexy and comfortable with your own body without being overtly risque.  So don't worry, nothing to be nerous about.

"I love the way it includes women with all body shapes," Savannah Chase marvelled.

This was brilliant on the part of the ladies from Starlight Burlesque.   Not only are they talented in what they do, they have amazing voices as well. One of the songs used in their performance was performed by one of the dancers from the troupe. 



Li'l Relly in Action

 Burlesque added a bit of class to Sexapolooza that I welcomed. Should by high school drama teacher ever read this, she would not be shocked. I took a keen interested in the art form during that section of my grade 11 acting class. I was always amazed at the art of being sexy without being overtly slutty. 

Should you wish to contact the Starlight Burlesque Troupe, please search for Starlight Burlesque Toronto on Facebook. To contact Li'l Relly, the links above or search through my links to the side. 

WORLD MUSIC: Tanya Stephens



Tanya Stephens

 Born vivienne Tanya Stephens in Kingston Jamaica, we know her better as Tanya Stephens. She grew up in St. Anns and St. Mary. Though she was well knowned on the island of Jamaica with hits like These Streets, she acheived international recognition with her slow song It is a Pity.  With her debut album Big Tings a Gwan she was a hit amongst Jamaican dancehall goers and enjoyed great success. Her release Rebelution was overly successful! The ablum sold out in Jamaica and many think it is due to her tribute to Rosa Parks--her song Rosa.

In 1998 she was called one of Jamaica's Top female artists by the Washington Post and after her first album, she developed as an artist speaking out against such things as homophobia. She was called "intuitive and "intelligent" by scientist Clinton Hutton for speaking out on such relevant topics.

Reggae Superstar Faces Life in Prison

Coming off his recent Grammy win (grammy 2011), Mark Anthony Myrie otherwise known as Buju Banton, Jamaican reggae superstar is facing drug possession charges after his most recent arrest in Florida. According to the DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration, the charge is  "conspiracy of possessing five kilograms (of) cocaine with intention to distribute."

This is not Buju Banton's first run in with the law. He is known for promoting gay-bashing, and rabbid anti-gay lyrics.  In 2009 he was accused and arrested for forcefully entering a home and attacking its occupants after accusing them of being involved in gay relationships.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance fought against his nomination for Pasta Got Soul citing that the lyrics promotes anti-gay sentiments and actions against them. Buju's recent arrest will come as welcomed news to many GLBTTQ organizations but as depressing news to Banton fans.