This vintage-style poster is a fantastic piece of burlesque memorabilia, capturing the spirit and glamour of a live showcase. Its distressed look, bold pin-up art, and classic typography instantly transport you to a golden age of entertainment, even though the event itself is from the modern revival of burlesque.
Based on the information on the poster and a quick check of historical records, we can confidently date this event to Friday, February 20, 2009.
🔎 The Detective Work: How We Dated the Event
The poster provides three key pieces of information:
Event: "3rd Annual Southwest Burlesque Showcase"
Date: "One Night Only! February 20, 8PM"
Venue: "The Historic Kimo Theatre" (in Albuquerque, New Mexico)
By searching for a "Southwest Burlesque Showcase" at the "Kimo Theatre" on a "February 20th," historical records confirm an event with these exact details took place on Friday, February 20, 2009. The fact that it was the "3rd Annual" lines up perfectly with a documented history of the event.
Fascinating Facts About the Showcase and the Poster
Here are a few interesting details about the event and the context of the poster itself:
The Headliners of the Revival: The featured performers listed—like Kitty Irreverent (NM), September Smith (NM), Savannah Bloom (NM), Scarlet Letter (CA), Sultana Salome (NM), and Scarlet Grace (NM)—are names from the contemporary burlesque scene, confirming the event as part of the worldwide burlesque revival that gained traction in the early 2000s.
A Regional Hub: The poster shows the event drew performers and troupes from across the Southwest—New Mexico (NM), California (CA), Arizona (AZ), and Texas (TX)—underscoring the Albuquerque Kimo Theatre as a significant regional hub for the art form.
The Venue is a Star: The Historic Kimo Theatre itself is a piece of New Mexico history, built in 1927 in the unique Pueblo Deco architectural style, blending Art Deco design with traditional Pueblo Native American motifs. The theatre is famously rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, Bobby Darnall, who was killed in a 1951 explosion. Performers often leave offerings (like doughnuts!) backstage to appease his spirit.
The Masters of Ceremonies: The hosts, Devin D. & Dr. Shocker, are integral to the burlesque and variety show circuit, playing a crucial role in maintaining energy, humour, and flow throughout a large showcase.
A Nods to History: The presence of the "Burlesque Hall of Fame" logo suggests a relationship or promotion with the national organization dedicated to preserving the history of burlesque. The phrase on the poster's banner, "Burlesque as it Was," is also the name of one of the participating troupes—Colorado's Burlesque as it Was—a clever play on words that highlights their commitment to the classic art form.
Affordable Entertainment: The $15 advance ticket price (plus fees) reflects the accessibility of the burlesque revival shows, which often serve as a fun, affordable night out for audiences.
This poster isn't just an advertisement; it's a vibrant snapshot of the flourishing neo-burlesque movement in the American Southwest in the late 2000s!
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The copyright of the poster remains the property of the relevant owner.
