YNOT – Yes, it’s true, even Burlesque is bigger in Texas. As the resurgence of “Burly-Q” thrusts itself more into the mainstream and national spotlight, the Texas Burlesque Fest offers a uniquely Austin-tatious event for the bump and grind enthusiast. The experience will include a mind boggling array of talented Burlesque Beauties, Cabaret Queens and New Vaudevillians from Texas and across the USA and Canada, taking place at Austin’s newest up-and-coming performance venue, The Independant. The Lone Star state will be well represented with performers from Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and of course Austin. As a testament to the festivals growing popularity, Texas Burlesque Festival will also feature entertainers from Canada, Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis, Las Vegas, San Francisco, L.A., Minneapolis, Washington State, and more.

“To better accommodate the growing list of applicants, we have extended to 3 nights,” states fest director and co-producer Lynn Raridon. “We have added Thursday Night as our Nouveau Nuit and are looking to feature new performers and troupes wanting to break into the national scene and/or provide a venue for seasoned performers to debut new routines.”

“To add to the evening’s excitement, our featured performer will be Pyra Sutra,” continues Raridon. “And Kudos to our Tech Director and Co Producer Jim ‘Roz’ Rosnak, for playing the impresario and hooking us up with an amazing array of talent for this years fest, the likes of which our area has never seen.”

The Friday night show will feature some of Burley Q’s most legendary performers such as Satan’s Angel (the original fire tassel twirler), Dusty Summers (Mistress of Magic) and Miss Nude USA 1975, Tiffany Carter. Plus showcases by Miss Indigo Blue (winner Miss Exotic World), Torchy Taboo and Vivienne VaVoom. Thursday and Friday night’s performers will be competing for the Audience Choice Award.

Saturday night’s grand finale will feature Canadian sensation Roxi D’Lite in a dazzling aerial hoop number along with a stellar line up of the nations best competing in 5 award categories with the Friday night “Legends,” and other local celebrities serving as the esteemed panel of judges.

Keeping it all running smoothly as Master of Ceremonies for Friday and Saturday will be the inimitable Jim Rose of the Jim Rose Circus and Sideshow, who will be giving colorful commentary and introductions while adding his own unique kink and quirk with a performance each evening too.

Adding an extra bit of excitement to the event will be the presence of a film crew catching all the action and drama for an upcoming documentary about the burlesque revival and burgeoning scene all across the country.

This years theme is “Cowgirls! Cowgirls! Cowgirls!” and to encourage folks to get into the mood, the Independant will be offering $2 off Tequila Shots with Lone Star Tall Boy Chasers to anyone in western attire.

Doors 7:30, show 8:30 every night of the fest. Tickets: $15 general admission, $25 VIP seating @ www.frontgatetickets.com.