It was date night last night, which was fortunate, because we saw a really cool show at The Kessler. For those of you “not in the know”, the Kessler is located in Oak Cliff. Once renowned for crime (and punishment), North Oak Cliff has swung the pendulum. Isn’t it always where the rent is cheap that the artists flock? It’s kind of got a bohemian vibe going on. There are still douche-y spots, but overall it all ends up balancing out with all the typical cheap-rent auto-repair joints, fruterias, and hair salons. Overall I give the Kessler a huge thumbs up – it’s a vintage theater with great views from all angles in the house. The bar is well run and the food is great. Anyway, enough about my Yelp review of the venue.
Since I’m kind of burned out on Burlesque shows, it was really nice to see a well run sideshow element. Honestly, I’ve never seen sword swallowing in person nor human blockhead stuff, but it all meshed really well. The MC Donny Vomit was great, and the dancers Little Miss Firefly, Go-Go Amy and Heather Holliday all put on a great show. Would totally suggest that you go see them if they pass through your town.
One of my favorite parts of the show was the musical opener Eddy Price. I totally did not expect this guy rockin’ out.
As I mentioned, there is a douche element to North Oak Cliff and for the life of me I cannot figure out why the crowd at the Kessler (specifically for this show) was unlike ANY of the crowds that ever go to the regular burlesque shows around town. I did see one of the Lollie Bombs there, but in terms of local support, I don’t think there was much.
It DID sell out all the seating and I had to buy SRO since we’re last minute planners, so it’s great that fiscally it was good for the Peepshow to make its way here.
So, back to the crowd. This guy Eddy was rockin’. I mean ROCKIN’. ‘Verb was cranked, he’s wailin, the drums are thumpin and he’s killing it. Seriously, he was great. The entire crowd was….motionless. They’re all just sitting there. I’m not sure if they just didn’t know how to respond…… or what. I was head bobbin’ and my mouth is all sore from wolf whistling all night long, but he was seriously in need of some positive feedback. In fact, I don’t feel like the Peepshow really got the props from the crowd that it deserved – especially for the quality of the show.
Great show, good times.