One of the world’s most esteemed events of its kind, the Toronto Burlesque Festival is pleased to announce the line-up for its 9th annual festival taking place July 28 – 31. Combining inventive striptease with variety acts, the 9th annual Toronto Burlesque Festival will be an unprecedented experience of splendor, innovation, seduction and five-alarm allure.

Thursday, July 28th – Nickel Brook Brewery presents: Welcome to the Neighbourhood

Revival Bar (783 College St)

8pm to 10pm

 

Toronto Burlesque Festival is thrilled to present a sizzling night of classic-style striptease and song. Featuring the glitterati of local and international burlesque superstars and hosted by the big city kitty herself, Laura Desiree (Toronto), this opening night bash is not to be missed. Starring headliners Dirty Martini (NYC), Ray Gunn (Chicago), feature performer Knox Harter (Toronto), internationally acclaimed aerialists Leo & Teo (NYC) and many more.

Friday, July 29th – Mixed Nuts

Virgin Mobile MOD Club (722 College St)

9:30pm to 11:30pm

 

An innovative night of “alterna-tease,” this new show will have audiences roaring in laughter and revelling in the creativity of world class performers. Unique, edgy and experimental, Mixed Nuts stars: headliner Jett Adore of The Stage Door Johnnies (Chicago); feature performers Regina Dentata (Toronto);  and Rubyyy Jones (UK).

Saturday, July 30th – The Glam-A-Ganza

Virgin Mobile MOD Club

7pm to 9pm

 

Saturday evening starts with a diamond dreamscape of decadence featuring headliners Medianoche (NYC) and Bazuka Joe & Ray Gunn of The Stage Door Johnnies (Chicago). Also starring Obskyura (Toronto), Jacqueline Hyde (Seattle), Sassy von Stradler (Minneapolis), Coco Framboise (Toronto) and so many more!

 

Saturday, July 30th – Stars of the Screen

Virgin Mobile MOD Club

 

10:30pm to 12:30am

 

Don’t miss Toronto Burlesque Festival’s brand new Saturday late night star-studded spectacular! A showcase of the newest trend in burlesque – pop-culture themed performances featuring iconic stars of film and television. Featuring headliners Dirty Martini (NYC), Jett Adore (Chicago). This show is bursting at the seams with features by Sudbury Burlesque, Dr. Orifice, Zilly Lilly, Charlie Quinn and many more.

Sunday, July 31st – Rebel Yell

Revival Bar

9pm to 11pm

 

This rock and roll shakedown is the last hurrah of the festival. The full tilt, farewell evening will have audiences on their feet, loudly cheering on the leading edge of neo-burlesque. Witness the future of burlesque with host, Sassy Ray and starring headliners Medianoche (NYC) and Bazuka Joe (Chicago), feature performers Dahlia Fatale (Chicago), Rubyyy Jones (UK), Pastel Supernova (Toronto), Tanya Cheex (Toronto) and more!

The Toronto Burlesque Festival also hosts a full schedule of day time workshops for all levels at “Burlesque University,” for guests who want to try their hand at the art of the tease and also for performers to enhance their art, grow and be inspired.
For 2016, the Toronto Burlesque Festival is thrilled to welcome a new sponsor, Nickel Brook Brewery. Passionate, dedicated to quality and refreshingly local, they are a perfect partner for the festival. Also new and notable, 2016 marks first year the festival has welcomed more male headlining performers than female, with Chicago’s The Stage Door Johnnies (Jett Adore, Ray Gunn and Bazuka Joe) joining audience favourites from New York City, Dirty Martini and Medianoche. All headlining acts have regularly co-starred in Dita Von Teese’s touring show, Strip Strip Hooray and have garnered many international awards including the prestigious Miss Exotic World title, New Orleans Queen of Burlesque title, the Crystal Corset award, Artist of the Year, and 1st Runner-up, King of Burlesque, Best Group, Best Duo and Most Innovative – all from the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
Alongside international headliners, the Toronto Burlesque Festival continues to showcase the finest local performers who, year after year, raise the bar with their talent and professionalism. The festival is pleased to welcome over 60 performers from all over Canada, the USA and Europe.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca