{"id":231249,"date":"2026-04-02T03:39:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T03:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/231249\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:39:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T03:39:10","slug":"austin-artists-tell-stories-about-pizza-in-variety-hour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/231249\/","title":{"rendered":"Austin artists tell stories about pizza in variety hour"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of Austin’s sexiest, sequin-iest, and most subversive events is back, and this year it’s bringing a serious lineup. The Texas Burlesque Festival<\/a> slinks through Austin from Thursday through Saturday, May 14-16.<\/p>\n

The fest kicks off with a mixer and performance by acclaimed dancer Eros Sea<\/a> at Elysium Night Club on May 14. Then the events move to the Rollins Theatre at The Long Center on May 15 and 16.<\/p>\n

Headlining Friday is Jessebelle Thunder<\/a>, the reigning Queen of the Tease per the Burlesque Hall of Fame and, according to the event page, the top-ranked 20th century burlesque performer in the world. San Francisco-based legend Madame E<\/a> takes the stage Saturday, bringing with her a traditional cabaret style and emphasis on body positivity. <\/p>\n

Hosting duties are equally well-cast among three Austinites: Gemmi Galactic<\/a> hosts Thursday at Elysium, activist and performer Nikki DaVaughn<\/a> takes Friday, and the World Famous *BOB*<\/a> holds court Saturday. Joining them is local award-winning burlesque troupe The Bat City Bombshells<\/a>, plus more than 50 performers from across Texas, the United States, and the world.<\/p>\n

The programming spans the full range of what contemporary burlesque has become: classic glove-and-garter striptease, comedic pop culture send-ups, drag, spoken word, and experimental work that resists easy categorization. Veteran performers who helped shape the modern burlesque revival (like Madame E) share the bill with a younger generation of performers (like Houston-based performer Khaos<\/a>), offering something for everyone.<\/p>\n

“Burlesque has quietly re-emerged as a space where performers explore identity, body autonomy, humor, and political commentary often in ways traditional theater does not,” says a press release. In the same way ta Esther’s Follies provides political commentary mixed with comedy, so does burlesque \u2014 just with fewer clothes. In fact, the Long Center’s event listing<\/a> includes a disclaimer about views expressed, so audiences can likely expect timely political critiques.<\/p>\n

The event will include a full bar, on-site vendors, and a photo booth. Attendees must be 18 or older. <\/p>\n

Some tickets<\/a> for the opening party at Elysium ($12-$81) are still available, and seats for Friday and Saturday night’s shows ($46-$75) are available at TheLongCenter.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n