BARLESQUE 9:
gods and goddesses
KICKOFF PARTY:
Wed., Oct. 26, 6-9 pm
Charlie's,
3726 N. Broadway
This November, contestants representing more than a dozen local businesses will bare all to empower and benefit those living with and vulnerable for HIV/AIDS in Chicago. Barlesque, the annual strip-a-thon fundraiser produced by TPAN ( Test Positive Aware Network ) returns this fall with its sexy competition to find "Chicago's Sexiest" bartender or performer.
Running from October 26 through December 3, Barlesque 9: Gods & Goddesses offers donors a unique treat for their generosity. Boudoir-style photos of contestants are available online at Barlesque.org . As donations are raised online and at in-person events, contestants' photos advance from fully dressed to "nature's best."
Barlesque culminates at midnight on December 3, when the participant who has raised the most money is crowned "Chicago's Sexiest."
This year's Barlesque, TPAN's ninth, celebrates the sexual power of mythological deitiesa pantheon of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian figures await donors. Photographer KJ Heath has returned to shoot this year's contestants.
This year's Barlesque includes a number of new partnerships. Chicago performer and personality, host of QUEEN! at Smart Bar Sundays, Lucy Stoole is Barlesque's official host. Contestants will be paired with custom jockstraps from Chicago's own Crochet Empire, as well as Timoteo underwear. Chicagoans will also see a couple new contestant faces from the Chicago Burlesque community. This year's competition features support from 17 bars and participants from 13 bars and venues: Big Chicks; Boy Toy Pocket Cabaret; Charlie's Chicago; Elixir Andersonville; High Hat; Jackhammer; Kit Kat Lounge; Naughty Little Cabaret; Shaker's on Clark; Sofo Tap; Touché; Uptown Underground; and Vaudzilla.
The kickoff party takes place Wednesday, October 26 at Charlie's. Hostess Lucy Stoole will get the gods' and goddesses' fundraising started that night, leading Chicago into a fun Halloween weekend. Shortly afterwards, on November 1, Barlesque 9 will team up with Organized Grime for Tatt Tuesday Barlesque 9 Edition.
Follow the competition and your favorite contestant all the way to the closing party, Saturday, December 3. For more info on Barlesque 9 events and to see the sexy shots of the contestants, go to barlesque.org .
From press release
Pictured: Alexander, representing Charlie's in Barlesque 9.
Photo by KJ Heath