Enh! I thought that your description was both inviting and unique and sounded damn fun in the pull out guide. As someone who has been involved in both 'burlesque' (in that I've been paid a flat fee to perform in elaborate costumes and to verrry slowly take off my clothes in mixed company?) and (non-queer because I have boobies and typically men were watching?) 'stripping', I don't think much of hazy attempts to separate and redefine. Sassy's is a damn good venue, locally-produced, handmade tassels a wonderful product -- why can't all of these aspects of titillating performance art (as defined by Oregon Supreme Court) just get along? Of course I'm also on my third cup of coffee and haven't formed one cogent spoken sentence at work yet so far, so maybe my comments are easily discountable.

Okay, now that the coffee has kicked in -- It's the program for the GUIDE TO PRIDE WEEK! Shouldn't the copy reflect things that are of interest to people who identify as queer -- therefore, taking back the phrase 'stripping' as being perceived as dominantly the province of the male gaze and making it fun for girls who like girls and boys who like boys, etc?

Probably it should, Michelle. You're right.

MATT, WHY ARE MY POSTS DISAPPEARING!!!??? I THOUGHT WM. SAID THE ONLY BLOGTOWN RULE WAS NO SOCKPUPPETRY??? WHY ARE YOU BEING LIKE NAZI GERMANYS???????!!!!!!

Because when you post the same exact annoying comment over and over, that's what's known as "spamming." Play nice, please.

I thought Burlesque just meant fat stripping?

WM., WHY WOULD YOU DELETE HIS COMMENTS WHEN HIS CAPITALIZATIONS, REPETITIVENESS AND EXCESS PUNCTUATION CLEARLY SHOWED THAT HE REALLY WANTS HIS COMMENT TO BE HEARD???????????!!! YOU ARE LIKE SEVERAL NAZI GERMANYS!!!!!!

Please, James, I think that is a bit unfair. To any reasonable person, my use of the phrase "NAZI GERMANYS" implied two or maybe three NAZI GERMANYS. To accuse me of likening Matt to several NAZI GERMANYS is really just setting up a straw-man. We're all adults with the capacity to engage in rational discussion, yes? I really expected better of you...

I'm sorry, but I hate the whole burlesque thing. Most burlesque performers are just plain horrible and dare I say, unattractive. I've been dragged to too many burlesque performances, or rather too many burlesque performances have been added to a perfectly good music bill and I've only seen maybe 3 or 4 acts that were actually well done. I guess I'll end this by saying that I'd much rather see a queer stripper than a "burlesque performer."

man this is making me hot and YES, ceiling cat needs to get off too. He just likes to be teased a little.

First-this was no pubilcity stunt. I don't need to get publicity in such an immature way (Matt-addressing your post). I am a pretty good networker and can obtain any publicity needed in civil, kind, RESPECTFUL, ways. Second-if there was a knowledge of burlesque AT ALL, it would be know that burlesque DOES NOT always consist of the removal of clothing. Again educate yourself and you will know this. Third-My irritation comes from the fact that, here it is , a man, who is my complete opposite, is attempting to describe me and my art. When I was never talked to and interviewed. If you want to see QUEER STRIPPING, go to any number of strip clubs in town. Nothing against stripping-many, many of my friends are dancers and many of them are not queer. However, when you attempt to take ME and what I do and turn it into something it is not, that is where I see the plain ignorance. And might I add that the statement of publicity at your expense is quite funny. Because who's the one who took a readers concern and offense and turned it into a blog so you may receive more readers??? My request was for you to call me, not to turn this into some sick and twisted childish petty game so you and your paper may sell more issues. Also-My phone call message typed up, however my email was not. Why is that? Maybe because my VM was more angry and my email was the real me and actually educating and factual and more adult like. Maybe because that's how you want to get more readers...is to take the bad out of things and delete the good? Either way, I'm a grown woman who has the ability to handle situations with grace, maturity, style, and knowledge. I expect the same from you and would appreciate a phone call to handle this matter in a professional way. You have my number. XOXOXXX

I, personally, took the description of Sahara Dunes in the Pride pullout as offensive when I first read it, especially in comparison to the descriptions of the other performers.
Not only because, I have seen Sahara perform and am quite familiar with the Burlesque re-revival that is occurring, but, also, because of the grand generalizations taken.
Regardless of what little information one has on any performer in the Portland area, everyone here is pretty approachable, and a greater interest in what is being published should be taken. Unless, of course, the end result as it has occurred here, is the main aim - to irk the nerves of people that are actively working towards something that they believe in.
So, what's the moral of the story; let's try not to generalize, out, or discriminate against whatever anyone decides to call themselves.

I have to say, I went to the Egyptian Club last night for the show by Rose City Sirens. AND THEY ARE MORE QUEER STRIPPER THEN SAHARA DUNES---BY FAR!!! You, sir, are clearly ignorant to any art form that involves women and the possible chance of clothing being removed. I'm not that educated on burlesque, but I can tell talent when it exists. Sahara has more talent and style and class and sincerity then any burlesque performer I have seen in Portland. I am bias, because I have been following her career from day one and have seen how she has evolved. Learn your art!!!

I have to say, I went to the Egyptian Club last night for the show by Rose City Sirens. AND THEY ARE MORE QUEER STRIPPER THEN SAHARA DUNES---BY FAR!!! You, sir, are clearly ignorant to any art form that involves women and the possible chance of clothing being removed. I'm not that educated on burlesque, but I can tell talent when it exists. Sahara has more talent and style and class and sincerity then any burlesque performer I have seen in Portland. I am bias, because I have been following her career from day one and have seen how she has evolved. Learn your art!!!

I have to say, I went to the Egyptian Club last night for the show by Rose City Sirens. AND THEY ARE MORE QUEER STRIPPER THEN SAHARA DUNES---BY FAR!!! You, sir, are clearly ignorant to any art form that involves women and the possible chance of clothing being removed. I'm not that educated on burlesque, but I can tell talent when it exists. Sahara has more talent and style and class and sincerity then any burlesque performer I have seen in Portland. I am bias, because I have been following her career from day one and have seen how she has evolved. Learn your art!!!