On 26th March 2010 the “flamboyant”, “fantastical” & “unfathomable” Irrepressibles are set to release their stunning debut album ‘MIRROR MIRROR’ on Major Record Label through V2 /Cooperative Music. Led by composer and artist Jamie McDermott, The Irrepressibles are a 10-piece ‘performance orchestra’ that, through the power of their instruments, can transport and transfix, break moulds and collide worlds. Fusing European orchestration with pop melodies and soaring cathartic vocals, ‘Mirror Mirror’ is a theatrical, playful, and emotionally passionate album. From the dramatic opener ‘My Friend Jo’ to the galloping rhythms of ‘Anvil’; from the yearning echoes of ‘Forget The Past’ through to the intensely intimate ‘In This Shirt’, ‘Mirror Mirror’ is a beautifully constructed sonic exploration depicting Jamie McDermott’s confessional stories of love, anger, lust and loss with a journey through The Irrepressibles’ mystical and theatrical world.

Whilst The Irrepressibles’ sound has been compared to early David Bowie, Kate Bush, Anthony & The Johnsons and even Bonzo Dog Do Dah Band, ‘Mirror Mirror’ is quite unlike anything heard before. McDermott’s androgynous vocal range soars above intricate polyphonic arrangements, accompanying the glamour of a sonic world of Exotica-meets-Baroque-meets-Scott Walker-style orchestral pop arrangements. As the album unfolds there is so much to discover, enchanting musical offerings that hold surprises at every turn. ‘Mirror Mirror’ follows the release of a seven track CD/DVD package ‘From the Circus to the Sea’ released in January 2009 to critical acclaim. Providing the score to the film ‘The Forgotten Circus’, ‘From the Circus to the Sea’ was produced in collaboration with ‘backwards motion’ filmmaker and winner of the IMZ best choreography on screen award, Shelly Love. In the last seven years, The Irrepressibles have fundamentally carved a new frontier in pop performance. Using conceptual sets, and teams of artists in film, dance, avant-garde costume and make-up, the collective bring these songs to life through create extraordinary live spectacles. They have created their inimitable displays all over Europe, from the Hackney Empire and the Roundhouse in London, to a Roman ampitheatre in Barcelona, a 17th Century villa in Sicily and infamous La Cigale in Paris. Recently they presented one of their most iconic spectacles The Human Music Box, performing within the confines of a rotating opened box. Premiered at the V&A as part of the Baroque Baroque exhibition in the Raphael Cartoon Gallery, they then transferred the show to Latitude Festival in July for three breath-taking sets performed floating on the festival’s lake to thousands of spectators, and are set to tour the show through 2010/2011.

With further incredible shows to be announced for later in the year, The Irrepressibles may be one of Britain’s best-kept secrets, but they won’t be for long! “The ‘Mirror Mirror’ Spectacle” at Huxleys Berlin, Date: 10.05.2010, Venue: Huxleys Neue Welt, Berlin, Doors: 19:00, Start: 20:00

See more pix at www.queerlesque.de

When Sandy Beach (obstetrician of the Teaserettes) asked me to be part of the 3^rd Rock’n’Roll  Burlesque Freak Show I knew in advance that it would be something great … a meeting of wonderful artists, acrobats, musicians, burlesque dancers, clowns, magicians and cows … Hum … well … I actually didn’t expect cows, neither backstage nor on stage. However, there were cows … with udders and instruments around their bodies … a complete orchestra of cows! Furthermore, there was 3sat and a lot of people were standing around backstage of the Roadrunner’s. Let me say it this way, it was absolutely cosy … no wonder regarding the large number of actors. In advance I was informed of lots of performances and I was totally flashed …

The whole show was divided into two blocks and as my performance should take place in the second one, I had enough time to mingle discreetly with the audience *lol* … I was wearing a red inconspicuous dress … more or less a camouflage look … and I was able to eavesdrop on a small group which I was worried about at the beginning. The first three acts didn’t really inflame them … even worse … they grew angry about the performances. However, it didn’t take long when they realized that there was a very special kind of entertainment on stage. All acts were very creative or written by the unique Sandy Beach … partly improvised partly eternally practised … or being an essential part of the artist’s repertoire. At the end of the first block the group dived into the world of the Teaserettes and was with them. Look, once again some sheep taken back to the flock … *lol*

more videos at www.queerlesque-tv.de

The probably best Rock’n’Roll Burlesque Freak Show ever should take place this evening and people were arriving in swarms. They were queuing and throwing tins around Hero Vodka to make it more pleasant for themselves while the artists became nervous. You can’t imagine how much energy is arising when an auditorium like Roadrunner’s is getting full … wonderful! It really smelt of adrenalin, the only stuff! I became nervous, too … The reason was more likely Daniel (Crimson Carnival), whose face was a little twisted with pain while he was dilating his two holes *grin* This I formulated deliberately for those waking up on Monday morning with dirty thoughts and not knowing where to put them .*lol* … Ok … no, of course I meant his ears, massive rings, measuring 50 mm in diameter … which merely deserves an applause.

Some time just before the end of the first block the remaining travesty tourists arrived and I was happy that I had already been there … *grin* … What did my grandma say? The early bird catches the worm … hum … silly saying, particularly since I don’t like worms! It was quite conspicuous that Siren still looked as if a lawn-mower had driven through his hairstyle owing to the usual lack of time. It was time to go backstage again to get out the fellow in me … a mixture of Elvis and Lee Hazelwood *lol* … and to perform again my “Summer wine” . I got ready quickly, but I missed the first acts of the second part. This is one of the disadvantages you have while jumping on stage.

When finally my show was announced, it was running itself. If you have conquered stage, you don’t think any more … you just do it … That’s really cool! You are tickled … again and again. I think I will offer some more stage stories, because I love being backstage and I love the applause, even though I always forget to enjoy it. But hey … there are recordings and the next day the applause conjures up a happy grin into my face …

The Secret Seduction Society proudly presents…  Berlin’s most deadly Burlesque & Cabaret party! The decadent & devious, La Fête Fatale… Where Beauty Meets Bizarre. Where the Glamourous serenades the Grotesque. Hosted by the gorgeous Armitage Shanks.. i love that choice!! See him at a very personal interview:

The Secret Seduction Society is… Four talented woman (Marz Star, Lady Lou, Else Edelstahl, & Miss Julietta La Doll) who together invented and produce Berlin’s first regular burlesque event – La Fête Fatale. Here you will experience BURLESQUE, cabaret/variety shows, live bands, audience interaction, DJs, dancing, drinking, and always many bizarre surprises thrown in. The first 4 shows have been smash hits, keep getting better, and sell out every time, so get your presale tickets NOW! tickets@lafetefatale.de, TICKETS also available at the door.

HOOCHIE : \ˈhü-chē\ ~ noun
A female who dresses scantily, sexually, or in a revealing fashion;

COOCH : \küt-ch\ ~ noun
slang for vagina; see also koochie, gates of heaven, jaws of hell, princess, beaver, muff, poon, love box, pussy, kitten, yoni, muschi, cooter, cunny, snatch & honey pot.

HOOCHIE COOCH : \′hüt-ch′ē\ – \küt-ch\ ~ noun
a kind of erotic, often exotic, performance somewhat like the belly dance, as performed at carnivals, usually (but not always!) by women, etc.

CULT : \ˈkəlt\ ~ noun
great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work; usually small group of people characterized by such devotion. …or in Our case…

THE SECRET SEDUCTION SOCIETY!

That is correct! Haven’t you always wondered what our “Secret” is? Come join the celebration of the 1st Birthday & find out the truth of what really do behind the proverbial, & literal, red curtain on 12. May 2010 at Bassy Club, Schönhauser Allee 176a, 10119 Berlin. Right before you can enjoy the cuisine of TAURO Restaurant

Before writing about that unbelievable evening last Saturday with maybe the best Rock’n’Roll Freak Circus, I’d like to talk about a real première. It took me four long years until my “hobby” brought me on stage of the “Irrenhouse” … Another song by the unbelievable Nancy Sinatra made it possible for me this time to stand in front of the camera and not behind. This alone was not very exciting, but the fact that it was the “Irrenhouse”, the place where the whole trip started,  this made me a little sentimental. I was asked at least eight times if I was nervous … hum … to be honest, and it shouldn’t sound well-worn … no, I was very pleased, because firstly I saved the long way to the entrance as I was allowed to use the parking lot of the birthday club … and secondly I had the pleasure to watch all the chicks in the backstage area. I say it this way … it really crackled! And that wasn’t the glass on the floor.

© and more photos at lautundspitz.de

While SuperZandy was learning the lyrics to manage his live performance without getting stuck, Stella was drivelling about trash travesty … and Nina was enjoying the numerous queens in the “Irrenhouse”. But honestly! Had there arrived a full bus? From Transsilvania or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? *lol* There were so many men dressed-up in the “Irrenhouse” … from rather terrible to really great. Those present should judge. Back to stage. While Nina was fixing the order and offering me a happy medium, I was asking myself if they had also stolen a truckload of Dutch cheese and old tulips from the last “Green Week”.*lol* … Men, there was lying something … and just this evening the Number One on the backstage was missing… No wonder that it wasn’t tidied up there.*lol* No, the substitute was attentive, too!!

Then the show started. And for the first time after 23 years I wasn’t standing in front of the stage to press my cam into the performer’s faces. This time I was offered a radio play. That was something … however, with a drop of bitterness, but I had my student trainee Janka Kroft fighting at the front and raising her arms, of course at the risk of her life. Because in the first row you have a better view, but there are rough customs. Nina hasn’t still complied with my wish for a press lounge … *grin* It doesn’t matter. So I was listening carefully standing behind the door when suddenly it was opened abruptly. I broke my elbow which had to be put in a splint … fire service, ambulance, the CID – the whole programme. Finish.

*lol* … No,  of course not. A showgirl doesn’t know any pain. So I hurried to the stage and … hm … in contrast to the roadrunners two hours ago, there was the crowd which didn’t really want to move out of the way. Super! I was listening to the presentation and was waiting for my name and … nothing. Surprise guest. That’s my name from now on. Simply surprise guest. Hey,  if that’s not an individual travesty name! That goes always and everywhere. It doesn’t matter whether  I’m shouting the national anthem in front of 100,000 people in the football stadium or whether I’m stretching out on Stefan Raab’s guest sofa … I can always be presented as a surprise guest. That’s great, isn’t it? I’m even thinking about reserving the domain *lol* …

More Videos on www.queerlesque-tv.de

Nevertheless, years ago I wrote that names don’t mean anything … so, maybe next time. Besides, the “Irrenhouse” does have a problem with glass … I don’t know whether the party of tourists threw away their empty glasses deliberately due to their neighbourhood with the Eastern bloc, but the floor was covered completely with broken pieces. I already know what to do for the next “Irrenhouse”: a Bollywood stage dancer … dancing on broken pieces. *lol*

For ages I have been enjoying Japanese cooking … sometimes I cook myself … I’ve already celebrated menus of 10 courses for really good friends and I served them in a genuine Tatami-room. In Berlin there has been up to now only one constant institution for genuine Japanese cuisine. Not only genuine but also constantly of high quality and unbelievably much variety: the UGADAWA, Feuerbachstr., is a family restaurant in Berlin with extraordinary good Japanese cuisine. Today this institution has been beaten for the first time. And if I say ‘beaten’, I mean it this way… DOS PALILLOS in the Casa Camper Hotel, Weinmeisterstr., Berlin-Mitte, served something I have never eaten before.

The concept of DOS PALILLOS is a mixture of Spanish tapas culture with Asian Japanese cuisine. Every single dish was celebrated and served with short anecdotes as well as artistically composed in front of me. The restaurant has got four tables which shouldn’t be the guest’s destination. The place to be is the bar where the tapas are served in a very pleasant way. Let’s talk about the food itself. You can choose between two menus. Nothing more. And that’s all right this way. You get a menu of 12 or 16 courses which are served in small morsels one after the other. The session of taste explosions was opened by caramel walnuts, which had been rolled in seven different Chinese spices … a promising start!

The following verged on a phenomenal caress of all senses of taste that I ‘ve cultivated with loving care all over the years …from Japanese sea-devil liver, which had been deliciously steamed and marinaded in Sake, to Sunomono,  a Japanese salad with pickled sardines, up to a Japanese mini-burger, which exceeds of course everything being offered by worldwide fast food companies.

All this and much more was convincing me that way that I choose DOS PALILLOS the most exciting Japanese cuisine of Berlin. If anybody can object to my choice I ask you to do so here and now. The restaurant in the Casa Camper Hotel is distinguished by the concept of DOS PALILLOS as well as its skilfulness of creating meals by using the best ingredients. Of course you have to pay the price for this high-quality cooking, but everyone taking care at least of  a little inside beauty, knows that it is useful to invest there *lol* … as beauty always comes from the inside.

And whoever thinks that I push my favourite Japanese restaurant into second place in passing is mistaken there! Because ruling a big nation is like cooking small fish … *lol* … The whole restaurant is acting according to the wise saying of the Chinese philosopher Laotse …

Every year there are some events you absolutely have to visit. Not for nothing do we move within the queer community and we should keep an eye on queer movies. In the case of the Teddy Gala 2010 this means to think about weeks before what would be appropriate to be shown on the red carpet of the gala. Everything revolves around the robes, but finally you have to feel comfortable and who wants to feel disguised *lol*…?

A suitable dress made by America’s Pin-up tailor’s shop Stop Stearing was found in the wonderful Suicide Glam Shop. But the evening demands complements: suitable footwear, accessories, hairstyle and much more had to be found. As always the internet was violated and books were pored over to complete the look. Finally this is how it works: look for, combine and shine again as a well-made unique patchwork. Of course you need as well a red carpet hairstyle. There is no doubt that one of the leading minds at Udo Walz will do. If  you watch Janka forming every single strand, you can say that there’s somebody enjoying her trade.

However, the accessories also have to be found somewhere. As it is always somehow laborious to check worldwide ebays – the mere waiting at the customs is getting on my nerves – I engaged once again a Berlin artist who knows how to use needle and thread. No matter what forage caps, corset applications or whole costumes – my lily star always finds a wonderful stylish solution for the perfect appearance. So she did this time…

As usual  our expedition to the red carpet started much too late, but as you say, the late guests are the best … well, unfortunately we weren’t… Once again we missed all guys from the press and we were granted a seat in the last ranks, i.e. somewhere between Hella von Sinnen and Klaus Wowereit *lol*. However, there wasn’t a word of truth in it, because in this case the last shouldn’t be the first, but in fact the last! It was lucky that there were huge screens giving you at least the impression to be there… We hardly recognized the presenter’s hairstyle and I felt like a spectator at Robbie Williams in the Olympic Stadium, where a very tiny bloke was singing into the microphone, and we only had the impression of being in a concert, because there were 80,000 other people around us! Well, the Teddy Gala has got a very high standing and a lot of the invited guests do need this highly official part. But folks, if I hadn’t had this gigantic bun at the back of my head, I would have fallen backwards during those boring speeches and I would have started to snore. No, you can do it but you needn’t. Actually the only reason for my visit of this Teddy Award was JOEY ARIAS.

And to keep to the words of our Lord Mayor, who by the way made a passionate speech, it is good like this, that there was at least a single superstar. And in my opinion the wonderful Joey is one… That has been too slimy?… No, it’s ok. But apart from that the expenditure was out of all proportion to the result and the fun of that evening. Janka nearly broke her legs, the drinks really were too expensive (obviously not for everybody – some people rather were out of their senses *lol*) … and it didn’t get going. Next year I will think twice whether it is worth it except I make a film which takes part in the competition or which happens to get the joker of the audience so that I have to say on stage: I’m grateful to my mum for the genes of my legs …*lol* … and my dad for …

Burlesque shows by THE TEASERETTES, THE TEASERS (male burlesque and crispy backs), HONEY LULU (London), MISS MARGOT (equilibristic tassle swinging), VIKTORIA LAPIDUS (hips u will never forget), The Crimson Carnival (bloody hell), Sheila Wolf (queerlesque), LOLA PROMILLA (highlyprozentig) and surprise guests…

Music by DJ L’Animal

Let the freaks out……We tease to please …The Teaserettes
Women, freaks and sensations…. at Roadrunners Paradise,
Saturday 20. March 2010 at 21 h
Saarbrücker Str. 24, Berlin, Germany

“On February 19, 2010 it will again be time: Under the programme of the 60th Berlin International Film Festival, which runs from the 11th till the 21st of February 2010, the world’s most important Queer Film Award will be presented in the scope of an “A” film festival (Berlin International Film Festival | Berli- nale) in a Gala Event followed by an After Party. The German-French TV channel, Arte will present the Europe-wide broadcast of the 24th TEDDY AWARD Gala, for the fifth year in a row, on February 20, 2010. The RBB (Berlin-Brandenburg Broadcasting) will repeat the broadcast on February 21, 2010.

For the first time, the Gala and After Party will be a stone’s throw away from Potsdamer Platz in the STATION BERLIN — the former Package-Post Train Station at Berlin Gleisdreieck. The TEDDY AWARD is presented in following categories: Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short film, as well as the Special Teddy for artistic life’s work given to an outstanding personality. In the list of former award winners extents from international directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Gus Van Sant and Derek Jarman, to international screen stars like Helmut Berger, Joe Dallesandro, John Hurt and Oscar winner Tilda Swinton.” © Teddy Award

I think three wonderful movies are important to see:

BEAUTIFUL DARLING The Life And Times Of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol Superstar : A Documentary about the most iridescent figures of New York’s subculture
ARIAS WITH A TWIST : Joe Arias meets Basil Twist.. a gorgeous Duo
JOLLY FELLOWS : Russias first DragQueen Movie – i love the show

If you look at Melli Magic, you might think she has ignored the signs of the time, because she still looks brilliant in the spotlight even with 15 years of travesty. We all have to fight these signs – every travesty granny is aware of this. Of course there is an enormous number of offsprings who are waiting in the wings to catch up. But what am I talking about? My “career” is rather young, too. Nevertheless I say a little cheeky that meanwhile I am at eye-level in one or another category … And then there are once again moments when Melli Magic shows, “ladies, there goes one better.”  This moment expected me on Friday at 8.30 p.m., when Melli announced a little shy on stage that for the first time she would sing live today, inspired by her colleague and primary rocks of  travesty Bang Bang la Dash.

My first reaction was … hum … ok …what? … No … more astonishment why she had to put such a pressure on herself. The fact that a colleague generally performs live shouldn’t be the reason for you to sit in the same boat and start rowing with your hands whereas the other one is gliding elegantly on the water with a gigantic paddle. It is always said that you should concentrate on your strength, but folks … to be honest … to hell with it! Melli Magic showed me that this is exactly what goes to make a great artist. Move on. Always move on, never stop and wait, and never concentrate on anything, but always work on something new. Melli was standing there on the stage and started singing – live, in colour and really good. Dieter Bohlen would have handed out the recall paper immediately after the first notes and he would have confirmed talent … and I do it as well …

Her voice was harmonious and full, although weakened. The notes were right, what would be totally impossible for me. Now I have reached my limits which I’ve just wanted to cross splendidly. In this respect I withdraw my last sentence … who knows what time will tell? But one thing is certain … on this little, but very nice stage in the Axel Hotel Melli Magic managed to fill me once again with enthusiasm. And I hope that the following pieces, wherever they may be, will finish with a live-performance, because a live-song is a class of its own, although a good lipsynch is real art. And live-singing completes a talent that has been developed for 15 years. Of course the gentle reader is asking himself now, how is she doing this? She must have started at the age of 10 … and that’s the way it is!

Therefore I recommend to everybody to visit the Berlin Axel Hotel and its little, but very nice travesty show with Melli Magic and varying guests every Friday at 8.15 p.m. I would have been fond of talking about the dishes, but unfortunately the conversations prevented me from eating … ok … the next time!

The theme of La Fête Fatale no.5 is The House of Haunted Hollywood ~ An ode to the Stars of the past that died tragically and often before their time was up. We will celebrate and invoke their spirits in a resurrection party of the starlets and harlots of the golden era. The highest honor for these ghosts of Hollywood is for you to enter our mansion & give up your life for one night & dance like there is no tomorrow… because to them, there isn’t.

As with every Fête Fatale you will be led by our talented conférencier to marvel at our gorgeous Burlesque Bombshells, (Empress Stah (London), Lalla Morte (Paris), Lady Ane Angel (London), Tara la Luna (Berlin), & Coco Clownesse (Berlin)) laugh at our bizarre characters like Major Obnoxious the loud-mouth pig man and Mitzy Metzger the bloody psycho maid, take part in our quirky comedy game-show with prizes, and win extra special prizes for the best dressed! Especially those that dress like our current theme…. You create our spectacularly beautiful & bizarre atmosphere of organized chaos. (But really, anything goes.) So get creative!

WHEN: Samstag/Saturday, 20. Februar ‘10, 21 Uhr
WHERE: Heimathafen Neukölln, / Karl-Marx-Straße 141, 12043 Berlin
TICKETS: Presale: 15,-€ – tickets@lafetefatale.de / At The Door: 17,-€