Category Archive for Nightcrawling
CAN CAN SEATTLE: ABSINTHE BAR & BURLESQUE CABARET. BEST ALTERNATIVE GAY LGBT NIGHTLIFE, MODERN DANCE DRAG.
The Can Can kicks butt. Although we didn’t have the best experience with Seattle Goth clubs, Rose and I found a welcoming home on Saturday night — bursting with absinthe, burlesque, and a friendly LGBT/alternative crowd. Can Can Cabaret, we rate you a 10 out of 10!
Everyone who reads this blog knows I’m sort of obsessed with absinthe. (Type in “absinthe” in the search box on the right sidebar, and you’ll see.) We went to The Can Can two nights in a row to taste local varieties of the green fairy. Pacifique (made in Washington State) is creamy delicious, as was the last remaining bottle of Marteau (a superb label from Oregon). The bartender, Zach, impressed us with his class and skill.
The red walls and gold frames suited us very well.
We couldn’t stop smiling and cheering when The Castaways took over the stage. Their flirty, fun act defies categorization: there’s burlesque, circus acrobatics, humor, modern dance. For one song, choreographer Rainbow Fletcher stripped and bounced on this giant rocket. We loved the Siegfried and Roy parody, where a harmonic dance ends in a white tiger mauling.
The Castaways held my attention the entire time. Each act was creatively executed, with fierce costumes and a kicking soundtrack that included 1980s, electro, Dresden Dolls and Rasputina.
The Can Can Castaways bring in a breath of fresh air to stale burlesque. Watch out for this act.
Owner Chris Snell is a hyper, pink-wigged mastermind: aka the perfect host. The Can Can is truly a gem, from the open and friendly atmosphere to the absinthe and performances. We can’t wait to return!
Are you fond of burlesque? What are some of your favorite cabarets, troupes and performers?
PS: My Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow was nominated for the 2010 meowing championship! Please VOTE for him — we must prevail! (All it takes is leaving a comment on this site; you can connect via Facebook.)
Japanese Word of the Day: Kosaji = Teaspoon
Song of the Day: Erasure – Always (The soundtrack to the Siegfried and Roy white tiger act.)
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GOTH CLUBS IN TOKYO, JAPAN: GOTHIC BAR HEAVEN, DJ CHIHIRO, TETRA & D'S VALENTINE. STRANGE NEW JAPANESE FETISH.
Ah, DJ Tetra. Nobody can do the “Death Note L” pose and emo hair like you can. Add a Swedish Barbie and incompetent minions into the mix, and it’s just another night at Tokyo’s darkest dance party, Gothic Bar Heaven.
Kanae looks like death (and that’s a compliment!). The ball gag choker is brilliant. Do you remember her falling over laughing and swabbing the lipstick from my teeth in this makeup video?
As Evil Queens, we treat our minions terribly. Naomi is not allowed to eat anything except stale Hello Kitty apple cakes from the convenience store. These “apples” are dyed bright red and green, and (surprise, surprise) taste like cardboard. Poor thing.
Yukiro dressed like a Swedish plastic Barbie doll for an ultra-Goth party. He ended up being the scariest person there.
Let me tell you about the latest and strangest Japaense fetish: strawberry fish. The poster of the couple embracing, while stroking a strawberry and slimy fish… DJ Tetra and his “sister” stared at the poster for about 20 minutes, trying to figure it out! Inside Club Crawl, hanging from the ceiling, was a fish fused with a strawberry. What’s going on here?
The Goth outfits that night were particularly frightening. I’m afraid of clowns, and Basil Farrow is terrified of belly dancers… and both were in attendance.
The fashion at Gothic Bar Heaven is grittier and less Lolita-elegant. Lots of spikes, torn up tops and fishnets.
The DJs played “Goth rave” music that I loved to bits. (I’ll post a video from the dance floor later). DJ Chihiro performed as well, and his undead singing is better than ever.
D’s Valentine (on the right) puts on some of the best Gothic parties in Tokyo, especially if you’re a fan of classic dark / cyber dance tracks. The events tend to be small, but the crowd is very much into the music. For directions, addresses and previous reports, please check out my Tokyo Goth club guide.
PS: I have several very fun TV/video projects in the works… might be doing a lot of travelling soon! Will keep you posted. Don’t be surprised to see me in your neighborhood.
PPS: I’ve been Tweeting news and articles about X Japan, Deluhi and your other favorite Visual Kei / J-rock bands. You can add me on Twitter to keep up with the latest.
Japanese Word of the Day: Tenno = Heavenly sovereign
Song of the Day: Diva Destruction – Electric Air (If you like Aural Vampire, you may dig this.)
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