TUSK: One of my favorite places to go for a night out is Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, especially on the nights you host the burlesque show. Tell us about yourself and your show.
I am from the Basque region of Europe; I am a Basquard. I traveled here to produce a knock-out show featuring performers from all over the world. Burlesque is the main feature each night (old fashioned teasers, no pole dancers), but there are all kinds of comedy mixed in. We have these amazingly sensual dances that never get dirty, and never get threatening, because it is all tongue-and-cheek, good old-fashioned fun, and I break the ice with my stories and puppets and silly songs. Some nights you see jugglers, some nights a magician, but never the same line up twice. You know, this show is a perfect date night. And Bachelorette parties, no kidding you, they come down a lot.
TUSK: What is the best part of hosting a burlesque show?
What’s the best part of being on a stage, delivering my own material, in between acts where gorgeous ladies slowly tease their vintage costumes off? Hmm… I can’t think of one thing.
TUSK: What is your favorite thing about living in Denver?
The nice thing about living in Denver is that you know you’re not living in Greeley. But seriously, I do very much enjoy the weather, the mountains so close, and a very lively nightlife if you know where to look.
TUSK: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
They think I am wearing a fake mustache. But I am not. I am wearing eye-liner on my upper lip.
TUSK: Do you have any favorite restaurants or places you frequent in Denver?
You are most likely to spot me at Steuben’s for their food, or Cheeky Monkey for their Belgian beers. Belgian peoples may be fat, but they make good beers.
TUSK: Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?
If you have ever watched Lannie Garrett (headliner at the Clocktower) you will know that you are watching a truly gifted entertainer. She writes her own shows, produces and directs them, and then blows audiences away, week after week. This I find inspiring; makes me want to keep getting better.
TUSK: Is there anything that people often assume about you that is not true?
I think peoples might believe me to be loud, joke telling, bravado ALL the time, not just during the show. This is not true. Sometimes I am quiet. Like when I’m asleep, say, or in prison.
TUSK: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Don’t eat half-price sushi in Wyoming”
TUSK: Favorite late night treat?
Oooo, it’s the worst. There can be nothing worse than the one thing I sometimes go eat at 2am on my way home. Chicken Fried Steak with gravy, at any all-night diner. Fatty McFatterson.
TUSK: How can TUSK readers find out more about you?
I am on facebook and myspace, but to find out much more, you just come hang out with me at a show. You’ll hear more stories than you can schick a stake at. T
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
www.lannies.com
