Burlesque the Vote: Because Nekkid is Non-Partisan

What could be better than a presidential debate watch party? How about a presidential debate watch party with burlesque as the big cherry on top.

Yes, after doing your patriotic duty and watching the debate at the ND, there will be voter registration booths - and a lot of pasties. Producer/performer Coco Lectric said, "It's going to be a hell of a show, and it's a way to get people a little more involved and a little less apathetic."

Back in 2008, longtime friend to the burlesque community Audrey Maker put on the first Burlesque the Vote event. This year, it was up to queen of the scene and Jigglewatts co-founder Lectric to put a little sass into presidential politics. She said, "I got a little bit uppity this year about voters' rights." It's a simple equation for her. She said, "We still have folks fighting in foreign countries, and we have all these young folks and hipsters, and we've been handed over these privileges and rights, and we should at least vote."

So what better way to get people out than promise them a little bump-and-grind after the candidate back-and-forth? She reached out to Maker and offered to produce tonight's show, while Maker has been assisting with the talent wrangling and organization. Performers include Lectric's own Jigglewatts, Black Widow Burlesque, the Bat City Bombshells, the aerialists of Sky Candy, the neo-burlesque of Roxie Moxie and Sassie Delure, plus just about every other shimmier and shaker you can pick an ostrich feather off. Lectric said, "We've got a couple of representatives from every burlesque group in town, and those that aren't performing will be there supporting it."

The debate kicks off at 8pm, with the show at 9.30pm. Admission is $10, with a portion of all funds raised going to voting and civil rights group The Advancement Project. However, the evening is also a fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank, which is more invaluable than ever in these tough times. Lectric has special gifts for anyone that brings a food contribution, but she really hopes that people take away the more important message that they need to get eduacted, get active, and get involved. She said, "We have a forum, so we may as well use it."

The Austin Burlesque Alliance presents Burlesque the Vote, Wednesday Oct, 3, ND @ 501 Studios, 501 N. I-35. Doors 7pm, debate 8pm, show 9.30pm. $10, but bring canned or preserved foods for the Capital Area Food Bank. Advance tickets available now.