November 13, 2004
Nasty
Yesterday I finished a job. So I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate.
First I stopped by C's abode to wish her a good weekend away in D.C. and to take the cutest picture in the world. Then I went to hang with JVG and Xina to drink beer and drool over their HUGE new flatscreen TV.
As we sat and talked politics, JVG's wife, Xina, was painting her face. With wide strokes of blue eye shadow and ruddy, blooming lips, she was transforming into her vixen alter ego:
Nasty Canasta, the burlesque superstar that all the boys (and some girls) in the yard go ga-ga go-go for.
Nasty performs nearly every weekend at Galapagos from after midnight 'til around 3:00am. She is not simply a bar dancer, wagging body parts in front of inebriated men. She is not just a stripper, trying to make good tips. She takes taking her clothes off very seriously.
Her use of music, costumes, props, and body parts creates sensational three-minute acts that tell a story, prove a point, and still manage to titillate. Her geek act (think wonder woman, Buffy, The A-team and pasties) is a must-see for any self-respecting geek out there.
So I usually sit at the bar with JVG and talk between acts. I also watch the crowd and make sure that nobody starts any grabbing. Not that I could do much but get the bouncer.
One of my favorite things is going backstage and hanging out as Nasty gets ready for her next act. I have always loved backstage spaces/dressing rooms/green rooms. You can just feel the lingering resonance of the countless performers who have prepped by the lit mirrors.
Last night was as good as any other. Plus there was Steve "the Whistler" Herbst, who amazed and perplexed many of us with his rendition of Gershwin's Rhapsody and Blue. Truly a unique and rather useless talent, that delighted me to no end. God, I am glad vaudeville is back. Just wish C had been with us.
More photos after the jump. Some may be NSFW.
Steve "The Whistler" Herbst