tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14639511451360475152024-03-05T17:55:15.775-08:00The Original DETROIT FOLLIES!Detroit's One Of A Kind Olde-Timey Vaudevillian Variety Show!
No two shows are are ever the same,
because Variety Is The Spice Of Life!
We need no particular reason to have a real good time.
Each show custom tailored & produced to suit the occasion!GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-30300569412043950882021-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:002021-01-14T06:51:54.513-08:00VENMO @GraceDetroitGRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-41034164535585204132018-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:002018-03-14T12:50:07.806-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /><a href="https://soundcloud.com/grace-detroit" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hear Us Here!</i></b></span></a><br />
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GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-60723062649955538732016-12-21T14:33:00.001-08:002016-12-21T14:35:03.800-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-21377475878660696452015-03-07T14:01:00.003-08:002015-03-07T14:01:32.461-08:00<a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitGrace" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @DetroitGrace</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-76117833117351516412014-04-22T09:01:00.000-07:002014-04-22T09:01:09.928-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AHgV2aSRC6FZZRGeNzm0DofN3hyZ9J66lloowPgvIOi9zWLdEiVBMGcl8NjZPwH64YIOSzz3faAXXBPpLxRz24zcqeL-Cv9xdnxX0ICxjcDVjyiuWTLjrpoKOl5W7FuFMNJceVHTa8w/s1600/may17side1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AHgV2aSRC6FZZRGeNzm0DofN3hyZ9J66lloowPgvIOi9zWLdEiVBMGcl8NjZPwH64YIOSzz3faAXXBPpLxRz24zcqeL-Cv9xdnxX0ICxjcDVjyiuWTLjrpoKOl5W7FuFMNJceVHTa8w/s320/may17side1web.jpg" /></a>
GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-8447305751351909812013-12-13T13:48:00.001-08:002013-12-13T13:48:01.443-08:00<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23torchwithatwist&src=hash">#torchwithatwist</a> <a href="http://t.co/Nsov4kd22m">pic.twitter.com/Nsov4kd22m</a></p>— Grace Detroit (@DetroitGrace) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitGrace/statuses/410263868653322240">December 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
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GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-49681302310715843442013-11-29T14:16:00.001-08:002013-11-29T14:16:59.616-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3lt1uJmHAo1WU-enqfeiITQzpXNXWvIfmyvgoQHeGsRX4d_Fe4C3PejY4YyXJ1aYVqOwS-yipXmrl6jlGzzQKuEK12ZxtHBbvG8Dy3iz3wW18zf7xU5N9Wposd1mZrQ4mPWHo-k-m5g/s320/web.jpg" width="240" /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/TORCH-WITH-A-TWIST/96674887080?sk=photos_albums" target="_blank">G.O.D. T.W.A.T. </a></div>
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GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-2860671591658934892012-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:002013-05-02T12:57:57.456-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="photo_inner_details">
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Torch with a Twist at the Jazz Cafe </div>
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Subject:<span style="font-weight: normal;">
<a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/music/jazz/jazz-cafe-at-music-downtown-detroit/334282/content">Jazz Cafe at Music Hall</a><span class="taken"> November 10, 2012</span>
<span class="divider">|</span>
<span class="credit">Credit: John Froelich/Special to Metro M</span></span>
</div>
The Jazz Cafe, located in Detroit's historic Music Hall, was the
spot for raucous entertainment when the Detroit-based revue show Torch
with a Twist took the stage. Torch with a Twist is a multi-act stage
show that harkens back to the vaudeville era. It features a live band
playing classic jazz standards accompanying a variety of circus sideshow
and burlesque acts. Hostess Grace Detroit welcomed some of Detroit's
favorite underground performers including burlesque artists Polly
Glamorous and Lushes LaMoan, performance artist Satori Circus, magician
Joshua Wilde and belly dancer/ fire performer Leilani.</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmTFhBioMOHQKnmV4thnmWX505zpLVAKe9otVpHn5dZi8Bfg6hdDDxad0Os_Zmh2Hc5hSDWRauEmKh9OQH9HCjB4DaxXnLOtyb1tr4Jet80DEfvwitfPcjj81867RF4wkKOgXqjNwCxk/s320/389519_10151168607332900_654911849_n.jpg" title="with Ms. LUSHES LAMOAN!" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><b>JAZZ CAFE </b></a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://detroit.metromix.com/events/standard_photo_gallery/party-pics-torch-with/3289693/content" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-53815140498821161322012-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:002012-10-06T12:46:51.882-07:00Good Olde-Timey Family-Friendly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Arts, Beats & Eats<br />
SAT. SEPT. 1st, 2012<br />
2-3pm<br />
<a href="http://www.artsbeatseats.com/">http://www.artsbeatseats.com/</a><br />
<br />
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GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-47766815644591320062012-06-14T13:13:00.002-07:002012-10-06T12:00:02.374-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">See our </span></b></i></span><br />
<a href="http://gracedetroit.wix.com/torchwithatwist" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">MEMORY BOOK<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></i></span></span></b></i></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></i></span></span></b></i></span></span></b></i></span></div>
GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-50404122967080838922012-04-05T11:23:00.001-07:002012-04-05T11:23:29.715-07:00Theatre Bizarre 2011<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902298674/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="Theatre Bizaree 2011 "The Initiation"" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/6902298674_31b58579c3_s.jpg" alt="Theatre Bizaree 2011 "The Initiation"" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390209/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="The Liar's Lounge" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7048390209_cf90217499_s.jpg" alt="The Liar's Lounge" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902299088/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/6902299088_0c705b33b0_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902299208/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/6902299208_84c778bd07_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390439/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/7048390439_cb48c07165_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390513/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="Flying Spaghetti Monster" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7048390513_f5f2119601_s.jpg" alt="Flying Spaghetti Monster" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390545/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="Grace Detroit" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/7048390545_24c7478f56_s.jpg" alt="Grace Detroit" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902299356/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/6902299356_9cd637e7ea_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390727/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="Hello Glitter Kitty Viking Hoarde" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/7048390727_c0e0a1c437_s.jpg" alt="Hello Glitter Kitty Viking Hoarde" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902299528/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="Coffin Shop Quartet" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/6902299528_5d0a97a694_s.jpg" alt="Coffin Shop Quartet" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/6902299570/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/6902299570_9d9e6d8f6b_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/7048390787/in/set-72157629382982346/" title="" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/7048390787_9416fd255a_s.jpg" alt="" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracedetroit/sets/72157629382982346/">Theatre Bizarre 2011</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-84965717521610030082012-01-20T20:27:00.000-08:002012-01-20T20:27:26.955-08:00http://americancensorship.org/<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://americancensorship.org/" style="background-color: black; background-image: url(http://americancensorship.org/images/stop-censorship-small.png); background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; height: 100px; left: 50px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 50px; vertical-align: middle; width: 400px; z-index: 5555;"></a></div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-16641970433290918612011-08-02T11:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:00:19.319-07:00with Ms. Polly Glamorus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVlIF2Hy8nQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-4839954947842598972011-08-02T10:59:00.000-07:002011-08-02T10:59:03.245-07:00with Ms. Jessica Rabbit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/odACgSAvs1Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>market</div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-26651640221460229602011-08-01T09:57:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:58:40.990-07:00Lost Horizon Night Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YRngtYvybUc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-17918446877718139272011-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:002011-07-07T10:25:23.343-07:00CAMP T.W.A.T. - LoF 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7C1YkirKQ0A/ThXrkjay5LI/AAAAAAAAAFA/FDm2GhBZDis/s1600/265016_1987115995908_1183548868_31899856_5199402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7C1YkirKQ0A/ThXrkjay5LI/AAAAAAAAAFA/FDm2GhBZDis/s320/265016_1987115995908_1183548868_31899856_5199402_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakesoffire">Live from Lucky Lake!</a>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-47140027271207789092011-07-07T10:12:00.000-07:002011-07-07T10:12:34.306-07:00T.W.A.T. "IN A BOX" - Night Market Detroit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.bugdreams.com/archives/night-market/">Read more...</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gQsDTKhQSZo3AcX7gbE8DmiEdkZ43XBAthWB55tP9Uyn_XQ9uksiXE4znRmIypqpG8SCMd3uSAgEyNPEcEdE6-4MTe2L1ebTfbDGQJapPfv6edeE7z4AhGPRAlq6iLSN3U7Oi945e9c/s320/NightMarket_11Jun11_4.jpg" width="206" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRduvLtRcBr6A4gqwVg5pxSd-EjylWwWNFkBJ6mFE1HqaS9VEnVakA5QrLy-rCEAL9gcYqbSRJ82ir1wZLwIM9dFil1A8ooxYRzyoMuD7ANczn-ce3Kc2IPV_MShQHoiP2XystKRbDqk/s1600/NightMarket_11Jun11_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRduvLtRcBr6A4gqwVg5pxSd-EjylWwWNFkBJ6mFE1HqaS9VEnVakA5QrLy-rCEAL9gcYqbSRJ82ir1wZLwIM9dFil1A8ooxYRzyoMuD7ANczn-ce3Kc2IPV_MShQHoiP2XystKRbDqk/s320/NightMarket_11Jun11_8.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLEUQ9LDE3zzoW4ckUSPwK4cKDDFvzFm6dQhvZoUr8EYASwWOjbdd712IL-ZwP1tBXMmkGsGnphfPMeIFW3ePdqO2hkHIdLzdX3S4DPGQ0hlO_rZK3sXu0BDwTcKnnL6lQUShzdeqXA/s1600/NightMarket_11Jun11_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLEUQ9LDE3zzoW4ckUSPwK4cKDDFvzFm6dQhvZoUr8EYASwWOjbdd712IL-ZwP1tBXMmkGsGnphfPMeIFW3ePdqO2hkHIdLzdX3S4DPGQ0hlO_rZK3sXu0BDwTcKnnL6lQUShzdeqXA/s320/NightMarket_11Jun11_11.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXzArNVVGvTodSdJp6ge8jJUgVw5fEayfyOYgVfO0n2ARvoRErQYf8Xh6ErlSw-Rh1ah9UrRWnEPHtmjf_pH_Xh8ipQ4Xe_lELfCMRg1J1qCR23jutVTzn9DwUcQjP48NByFD-Zzg0RU/s1600/NightMarket_11Jun11_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXzArNVVGvTodSdJp6ge8jJUgVw5fEayfyOYgVfO0n2ARvoRErQYf8Xh6ErlSw-Rh1ah9UrRWnEPHtmjf_pH_Xh8ipQ4Xe_lELfCMRg1J1qCR23jutVTzn9DwUcQjP48NByFD-Zzg0RU/s320/NightMarket_11Jun11_14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-85265005828785802452011-06-01T19:29:00.000-07:002011-06-01T19:29:51.655-07:00See our SONICBIDS EPK!<br />
<a href="http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=298778">http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=298778</a>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1463951145136047515.post-66904616573626193752011-06-01T18:55:00.000-07:002011-06-01T19:11:16.383-07:00<ul class="moduleList groupList"><li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-542298418"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/542298418" rel="bookmark" title="Read CYNICAL EARNINGS">CYNICAL EARNINGS</a></h4><article class="post-body"> Torch Song ... sung with Grace <br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJlYWxkZXRyb2l0d2Vla2x5LmNvbS9DeW5pY2FsRWFybmluZ3MvYXJjaGl2ZXMvMjAxMC8wNi8wMS90b3JjaC1zb25nLXN1bmctd2l0aC1ncmFjZQ==" target="_blank">Posted by Robert del Valle on Tue, Jun 1, 2010 at 3:09 PM </a><br />
<br />
Theirs to Hold High: Torch gives a welcome "twist" to the City Theatre To paraphrase what was once said about war, the first casualty of change is (frequently) elegance. Happily, though, no one told Torch With a Twist. For more than several years now, this ensemble of strolling entertainers has committed itself to reviving, resurrecting, resuscitating, and resuming a style of theatrical entertainment (several styles, in fact) that gradually vanished from these parts between VJ-Day and the post-transistor zeitgeist of this morning. We are talking about (in no particular order): cabaret, vaudeville, burlesque, stage magic, pyro-juggling (we coined that one), and haunting "torch songs" performed by a chanteuse bathed in the soft glow of a spotlight. Now add a firm commitment to making the "atmosphere" of a venue just as real and as authentic as their performances - that is the Torch technique in full. On June 5, the troupe will present The Grace Menagerie at the City Theatre. And happily enough, Grace Detroit herself is permitting us a closer look at the company and a preliminary glimpse of the show. 1) We love the title Grace Menagerie (which is a nice twist in its own right) and would love to know why it was chosen. Precisely! And that's how I explained it to the cast...BECAUSE it's a "twist". Menagerie can be defined as " a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition, 2: a varied mixture" & figuratively speaking...that's us! 2) If Torch With a Twist had a mission statement (and it wouldn't surprise us if it did), how would that mission be described? My only "mission" is to make the world shout, "YAY!" 3) The recent death of Lena Horne prompted a number of commentators to lament the absence of genuine personality (and class) from the world of pop music. Do you agree? And was Ms. Horne a model for the type of entertainment that you and your performers strive for? Of course, I do agree that there is an absence of genuine personality & class in the world of pop music & definitely enjoyed Lena Horne...but I'm really more concerned with whimsy I think we're more along the lines of the Muppet Show...or like in The Little Rascals or a Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland film, when someone said, "hey, gang...let's make some costumes & put on a show!"...we're really just doing what comes naturally! 4) What prompted the creation of this repertory effort (right term?) and how long has it been in operation? "Repertory effort"! I wish we were that organized! Honestly, I just got bored presenting the same old lounge-act...you know, girl with jazz combo...it's been done & done & done again. So I literally got together a group of friends & friends of friends, who happened to have mad-unusual skills & using my own love of the old-timey, campy, over-the-top theatrical productions - like the Ziegfeld Follies & anything starring Rita Hayworth or Jane Russell!! I outlined & organized (as much as is possible with an ever-evolving "troupe" of 20+ individuals) what I called "Torch With A Twist". We ran on a monthly basis at Cliff Bell's - where I first put the whole thing in motion - over 3 years ago. 5) The forthcoming show will be in the City Theatre (one of our favorites), but Torch is strongly identified with Cliff Bell's. That, we presume, was not due solely to chance ... Cliff Bell's was looking for something new & unprecedented to present on Sunday nights in order to build up business - which was almost non-existent on Sundays before we started doing Torch. I had been performing there on a somewhat regular basis with my standard jazz combo & after pitching my show idea to the former manager, Andrew Gyorke we ended up with a hit. We were the first group to perform there that was NOT "just" a band. It became a regularly monthly event & usually filled the house one Sunday a month. But that's not the only place we ever did the show; we also performed Torch With A Twist at Theatre Bizarre, Dally In The Alley, The Wyandotte Art Fair & The Detroit City Music Hall's Fringe Festival. Cliff Bell's was a great back-drop for our old-timey style of performance due in large to it's authentic restoration-but it also posed many challenges & barriers to our performance, such as the structural pillars that block the view of the stage from so many places in the room, as well as the smallness of the actual stage & it's close proximity to the ceiling, made some acts impossible & others simply got lost since only the folks down-front could actually tell what we were doing up there. The choice to move-on to other venues came along with the decision to only perform the show quarterly, as opposed to monthly. It's just very time consuming to produce & unfortunately, a girl's gotta pay the bills with a "regular" job! 6) The degree of verisimilitude that you and the company achieve with your productions is remarkable. A vulgar question: Does that entail a great deal of cost? Verisimilitude - the semblance of reality. Well, I guess, for most of us, this IS our reality; even off stage, I do often spontaneously burst into song & I really am a bit of a flake...I make a habit of spinning & dancing & I find a little bit of humor in almost everything. Most of us have honed our individual skills over many years, especially the band...they are all well trained & well-versed, & some are full-time musicians...while some of other performers are brand-new to the stage & just decided to free the fire-inside & become a part of our little side-show-lifestyle...& truthfully, most of us are really gypsys at heart. As far as expense goes...the answer is yes!...glitter & feathers do not come cheap. 7) When did you first become fascinated with this vanished or semi-vanished world? And ... should we ever find ourselves in need of "encyclopedic familiarity" with it, could we turn to you? As a child I spent a lot of late night hours in the company of my grandmother - she was an insomniac too - watching old classics & musicals...without really consciously meaning to, I memorized the words to most popular standards; it's just sort of second-nature. I don't always know the name of the composer, but if it (a song) was in an old MGM musical production I probably know it. I have always been fascinated by elaborate costumes & productions, but conversely, by the simplicity & innocence of the characters portrayed by those films. I love show-girls, as well as the girl-next door. I just seemed to soak-up the "old-timey". I have been joking called an etymologist before-because I have a kind of a pre-occupation with definitions & I love reference books...but as far as the era we try to represent, it really is primarily due to those late night movies! 8) We have been to a number of performances and we note that Torch has practically a "stock company" of regulars. Who has been with you the longest and if an individual wanted to audition how would they go about it? The cast & the band have always varied & been subject to change - however, Flec (Contact Juggler/Fire Performer) & Chantal (Belly Dancer/Snake Charmer) & Tigerlilly (Cardgirl) have probably been with me the longest & (speaking of Twists!) for this next show - on Saturday June 5th - I have arranged to bring home two of our original cast members who started with me in our first year & who have both moved out of state & have not performed with Torch at all this past year - Tovio (Juggler/Musician) is the quintessential "Vaudevillian" who has literally traveled the world busking & there's Lady Mischief who is about as bawdy as a good burlesque dancer can be! As far as adding new acts & performers, I am always interested in seeing what someone has to offer but do prefer to keep it varietal & olde-timey....nothing contemporary, especially the musical accompaniments which the band & I prefer to perform live. </article> <div class="footer"><br />
</div></li>
<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-530209878"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/530209878" rel="bookmark" title="Read Real Best Of Detroit 2010">Real Best Of Detroit 2010</a></h4><article class="post-body"> ..<span class="article_text"><span class="general_text"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Best Theatrical Ensemble: Torch With A Twist (March 2010)</b><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><br />
At some point in history, between the “goat song” of ancient tragedy and NASCAR bread and circuses, there was a mode of entertainment in this country so utterly perfect that (naturally) it couldn’t last. It went by a number of names — cabaret, vaudeville, burlesque, review — and it gave us names that are found or remembered today only on wikipedia. At least in Detroit we have Torch With a Twist, an ongoing and reverential homage to these shadows of yesterday. Performing chiefly at Cliff Bell’s and other venues, the troupe is a collective time machine without noisy whirring or electrical overloads. Just the grace of romantic melodies, the splendid shimmying of superb bodies and the wry humor of an optimistic spirit.<br />
<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/adored.gif" /><br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJlYWxkZXRyb2l0d2Vla2x5LmNvbS9jb250ZW50L2FydGljbGVfNjE5OC5zaHRtbA==" target="_blank">http://www.realdetroitweekly.com/content/article_6198.shtml</a><br />
</span></span><br />
</article> <div class="footer"><br />
</div></time> </li>
<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-469800015"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/469800015" rel="bookmark" title="Read MODEL D!">MODEL D!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <br />
<div class="headerImage"><br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="Template1__ctl0_HeaderImageImage1" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Home%20Page%20-%20Banners/Issue%20178/GraceDetroit-Mast.jpg" /></div><br />
<div class="headerImageTitle">Torch singer, Grace Detroit at Cliff Bell's | Marvin Shaouni </div><br />
</div><h1>Feel the Burn: Detroit's Torch With a Twist Turns Two</h1><br />
<div class="author">By: Walter Wasacz</div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="Template1__ctl0_Main_Main_PhotoImage1" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-lead-480.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div class="published"><br />
<span id="Template1__ctl0_Main_Main_Publishedattribute1_LabelPublishedAttribute">February 10, 2009</span></div><br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-performers-350.jpg" style="height: 227px; width: 339px;" />It's still early, just past noon on a frigid February day, but it will soon begin to heat up in a Grace Detroit minute.<br />
<br />
<br />
Equal parts sultry chanteuse, bawdy vaudevillian and goddess of the<br />
sun, Grace is trembling slightly in a downtown doorway waiting for the<br />
man behind the door. Once inside, she and members of her artist<br />
collective, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist" target="_blank">Torch With a Twist</a>, will slither into tight costumes for a<br />
photo shoot and casual conversation about her business. As in glittery,<br />
fiery, funny, sexy, borderline fetish show business, like no business<br />
we know.<img align="right" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-twins-240.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
It's easy to talk to Grace Detroit, which has been her preferred stage<br />
moniker since the mid-1990s. Even when the temperature is in single<br />
digits and bitter winds careen down Park Avenue's urban canyon,<br />
pinching and pounding us as we huddle in the circular foyer at the<br />
entrance to Cliff Bell's.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I can't believe I'm here this early not dressed up and without any<br />
makeup," Grace says. "I really need to put on some glitter." Now she's<br />
on the phone with Jeremy Summerlin, who works at the club and also does<br />
graphic art for the torch troupe. "Oh, good," she says, "he's on his<br />
way down." Other group members are also here: stage manager and fire<br />
breather Jeff Kramar; and the cute-as-two-buttons Welsh twins, Lauren<br />
and Rachel, who can be told apart by the color of their clothing. "Just<br />
remember 'red for Rachel,' " one of the sisters says later. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Flame on, St. Valentine</span><br />
<br />
<br />
We're meeting here for a good reason: Torch with a Twist and <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1vZGVsZG1lZGlhLmNvbS9kZXZlbG9wbWVudG5ld3MvY2xpZmZiZWxsczE3NjA5LmFzcHg=" target="_blank">Cliff Bell's</a> have become inextricable, one associated with the other, since<br />
early 2007. That's when Grace's girls and boys took on a Sunday night<br />
residency at the gorgeously reconditioned Art Deco space that made an<br />
initial splash during the Super Bowl in the winter of 2006 and has been<br />
cruising at high altitude ever since.<img align="left" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-swordlady-240.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
On Feb. 15, Torch with a Twist will celebrate two years at the club.<br />
The Valentine's spectacle is called Stupid Cupid. Special guests<br />
include performers Chantal Dixon, Lady Mischief, Jessica Rabbit, Herb<br />
the Troll, Flec, Lady Borgia (from San Diego), Russell Taylor of<br />
Detroit's <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9N0I1NWg5T1BPNk0=" target="_blank">Satori Circus</a> and others. Add a jazz band with <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9RUJTQ21jU1JBQmcmZmVhdHVyZT1yZWxhdGVk" target="_blank">torch tunes</a> by Grace Detroit, and you have enough laughs and tears for a month full of Sundays. <br />
<br />
<br />
But why Sundays, if we can be so bold to ask? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"We wanted it more than any other day," Grace says. “Everybody wants to<br />
do something on Saturday night, but we wanted to build something new<br />
and different … and it just took off.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Has it ever. Ignition on. All systems go. Blast off. That's more like it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The performances are packed. People literally come in shifts to catch<br />
any or all of the three-hour, three-act show each month. The lineup<br />
changes all the time, keeping the experience fresh for fanatic<br />
followers of the "Twist." The night could include snake charmers, jugglers, belly and burlesque<br />
dancers, clowns, knife throwers, contortionists, tumblers and<br />
unclassifiable performance artists -- all romping across the stage to<br />
the plucky rhythms of a live lounge jazz band.<img align="right" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-fireguy-240.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 191px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
And during the two intermissions, it just doesn't stop. Oh, no. "We<br />
have fire performers outside, in front of the club," Grace says. "We're<br />
all <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmJ1cm5pbmdtYW4uY29tLw==" target="_blank">Burning Man</a> people" – as in people who trek to the annual Nevada<br />
desert gathering. "A lot of us met there or through the Theater Bizarre<br />
in Detroit. Fire is power. We like to have the heat on all the time."<br />
Oh, yes.<br />
<br />
<br />
During the photo shoot, Grace Detroit wraps her silky hands around a<br />
vintage–looking microphone stand, tilting it back and forth as she<br />
poses in front of the carpeted staircase to the right of the stage. Her<br />
eyes look up and see something fluttering in the ambient red light<br />
above. The scene suggests a velvety David Lynchian dreamscape joined to<br />
funky Motown gritty reality. A cool-weird marriage made in heaven,<br />
where everything is fine, indeed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire, walk with me</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Over on the other side of the stage, dancers Lauren and Rachel Welsh<br />
pucker and coo for the camera, answering a few questions in between<br />
shots. We learn they went to Berkley High, graduated in 2003 and have<br />
been with Torch with a Twist since last March. Lauren (or is it<br />
Rachel?) says she used to work at Cliff Bell's and was drawn to join<br />
the group by seeing them perform. Rachel (or is it Lauren?) talks about<br />
the hot Romanian guys who work next door at the Park Bar's <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1vZGVsZG1lZGlhLmNvbS9pbnRoZW5ld3MvYnVjaGFyZXN0ODIuYXNweA==" target="_blank">Bucharest Grill</a> and wonders if the cutest one is just a bit too old for her.<br />
Another dancer, Chantal Dixon, joins the group and talks about her<br />
dream of opening her own studio one day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%20178/TWST-grace-240.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /><br />
Meanwhile, Grace Detroit takes a rest from all this preparation by<br />
leaning back against the baby grand piano at the back of the stage.<br />
She's joined by Kramar ("he does everything for us … he eats fire and<br />
he's my boyfriend."). She's been building her career for 15<br />
years, playing coffeehouses, martini bars, jazz lounges, hotel<br />
ballrooms, Hamtramck's Planet Ant Theatre, and bigger events like the<br />
Fringe Festival at the Music Hall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Living life in the rock 'em sock 'em razzle dazzle fire lane seems to<br />
agree with Grace Detroit, who wears her surname like a badge of honor for the city of her birth. She lives here still, spreading<br />
molten D-love with fiery talent wherever she goes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"We want to build our own scene with variety and fun," she says,<br />
lighting a cigarette and taking a slow drag. "And we believe in always<br />
bringing out the power and the heat at every show." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We believe, Grace Detroit, yes, ma'am, we do believe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr /><br style="font-style: italic;" /><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Torch with a Twist's 2-year<br />
anniversary party, Stupid Cupid, is this Sunday, Feb. 15, at Cliff<br />
Bell's, 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit. Doors 8 p.m. $10. This show is for<br />
adults 21 and over. </span> <br />
<br />
<hr />Walter Wasacz is editor of <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1ldHJvbW9kZW1lZGlhLmNvbS9maWx0ZXJkL0RlZmF1bHQuYXNweA==">FilterD</a>, your hot guide to weekly cultural cool. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">All photos taken at Cliff Bell's</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
All photographs by Detroit Photographer </span><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWFydmluc2hhb3VuaXBob3RvZ3JhcGh5LmNvbS8=">Marvin Shaouni</a></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Marvin Shaouni is the Managing Photographer for <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWV0cm9tb2RlbWVkaWEuY29tLw==">Metromode </a>& <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1vZGVsZG1lZGlhLmNvbS8=">Model D</a>.</i></span></i><br />
<br />
</article> <div class="footer"><br />
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</ul><aside class="user"> <div class="notification"><a class="msProfileLink miniProfile" data-miniprofile="{"friendId":354009314,"title":"Torch With a Twist","onlineStatus":"\u003cspan class=\"MSIcon IMOfflineIcon\"\u003eOffline\u003c/span\u003e","addFriendButton":true,"gender":"Female","age":"Age: 107","notBand":false,"friendLite":true}" href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist"><img alt="Torch With a Twist" class="profileimage photo loadingPic profilePicLoaded base64" data-friendid="354009314" data-lastmod="634419230980000000" data-src="http://a2.l3-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/7/420d26927d099ed51406f3b952a9d0b0/s.jpg" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></a> </div></aside><div class="userComment"><div class="comment"><a class="msProfileTextLink" href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist" title="Torch With a Twist">Torch With a Twist</a> Sorry gang....over-all, it's a very nice write-up but...they did get a few of the facts a little wrong & omit a few - which I did bring to their attention....Hope no one's feathers get ruffled! XO-GD</div></div></li>
</ul></div></li>
</ul></div></time> </li>
<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-466952538"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/466952538" rel="bookmark" title="Read 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!">2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> So don't be a Stupid Cupid*!<br />
... bring your valentine to the most amazing show on earth !<br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdmlld21vcmVwaWNzLm15c3BhY2UuY29tL2luZGV4LmNmbT9mdXNlYWN0aW9uPXZpZXdJbWFnZSZmcmllbmRJRD0zNTQwMDkzMTQmYWxidW1JRD0xMjU4MSZpbWFnZUlEPTExOTc4NDcz"><img alt="2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TORCH! - poster by Jeremy Summerlin" src="http://hotlink.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/6dc7b764560c4220a431e7670cb834ab/m.jpg" /></a><br />
This show will sell out so don't waste any time!<br />
Get your tickets in advance @ CLIFF BELLs (staring Tuesday February 3rd)<br />
Or you can purchase them on-line by visiting our MySpace: http://www. myspace. com/torchwithatwist<br />
& clickin' the PayPal button<br />
<br />
BE A PART OF THE SHOW!<br />
*RED AND PINK ATTIRE IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED<br />
<br />
"Detroit's one-of-a-kind circus sideshow vaudeville burlesque variety revue" (MetroTimes)<br />
<br />
YAY! It's our 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY<br />
Sunday February 15th, 2009<br />
@ (where else) CLIFF BELLs<br />
2030 Park Ave. Detroit<br />
Doors @ 8pm<br />
Show Starts @ 9pm<br />
(21 and over only please)<br />
Tickets just $10! WOW!<br />
***********************************<br />
<br />
NEW PERFORMERS!<br />
NEW ACTS!<br />
PLUS MORE of our good Olde-Timey Vaudellian-Style Variety! </article></time><time class="post-date"><ul class="moduleList groupList"><li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-456031720"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/456031720" rel="bookmark" title="Read TURKEY!">TURKEY!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> "Before you spend Thanksgiving weekend going crazy with your family, stop into Cliff's and go crazy with your favorite family of gypsies. Detroit's own vaudeville variety show is back in full effect, and they'll be laying down a night that you won't forget! Part old timey jazz show, part burlesque & all riot. This is the night your friends and neighbors have been raving about... so don't miss out, and scoot your can-can in here. The show begins promptly at 9pm & cover is a mere Ten Bones." -Cliff Bells<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vY2xpZmZiZWxscy5jb20vY2FsL2V2ZW50X3ZpZXcucGhwP2VpZD0xNzMmaW5zdGFuY2U9MjAwOC0xMS0yMw==">http://cliffbells.com/cal/event_view.php?eid=173&instance=2008-11-23</a> </article> <div class="footer"><br />
</div></li>
<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-443005372"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/443005372" rel="bookmark" title="Read WE’RE ">WE’RE "THE BEST OF DETROIT"!!!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> Spend the Night - Staff Picks <br />
From upscale cocktails to rawk 'n' roll, our fave nocturnal haunts<br />
BY METRO TIMES STAFF<br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZsaWNrci5jb20vcGhvdG9zL2dyYWNlZGV0cm9pdC8yOTgyMjA4OTc2Lw==" title="2021359007_bf559752ab by gracedetroit, on Flickr"><img alt="2021359007_bf559752ab" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2982208976_df55fa25c8.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
BEST CIRCUS SIDESHOW VAUDEVILLE BURLESQUE VARIETY REVUE<br />
TORCH WITH A TWIST!<br />
<br />
In fall of 2006, Cliff Bell's general manager Andrew Gyorke was looking for something different to bring people in on Sunday nights. Chanteuse Grace Detroit, whose jazz combo Grace and the Guys had played a few gigs at the plush haunt, sold Gyorke on trying a burlesque- vaudeville-circus-sideshow she called Torch with a Twist. The one-of-a-kind event took off, with its combination of jugglers, vaudeville comedy, jazz and R&B numbers, a fullfigured belly dancer who walks on broken glass, a sinuous dancer whose routines include live snakes — and that's not to mention the talented troupe of gorgeous burlesque dancers doing fan dances, balloon striptease and risqué shadowplay. "Torch Night" snowballed into a smash hit that packs the mid-sized club once a month, except when they take the show to other venues, such as the creepy carnival midway of Theatre Bizarre, where the show includes fire-dancers amid an atmosphere of outdoor revelry. </article> </time></li>
<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-414287411"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/414287411" rel="bookmark" title="Read WE’RE ON THE RADIO - AGAIN!!!">WE’RE ON THE RADIO - AGAIN!!!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Jazz Cafe Discovery Serie</span>s WVMV 98.7 FM. Radio Program <span style="font-weight: bold;">Highlights:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, July 20, 11pm: Grace and the Guys</span> <br />
<br />
</article> </time></li>
<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-404816841"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/404816841" rel="bookmark" title="Read BETWEEN THE LINES!">BETWEEN THE LINES!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/anxious.gif" />jubilant</div><h2>Vaudeville - with a 21st-century twist</h2><div><b><i> By Donald V. Calamia </i></b></div><div class="subpageimage"><img src="http://www.encoremichigan.com/articleimages/EM_1624_Torch.jpg" /> <br />
<h2>REVIEW: <i>Torch with a Twist</i></h2><h3>at Cliff Bell's</h3></div><div>Hidden away on a non-descript block near Detroit's Fox Theatre sits one of Detroit's premier jazz clubs. But one Sunday each month an "old-timey" vaudeville show takes over the art deco splendor of Cliff Bell's, and as creator and emcee Grace Detroit said at the beginning of the May performance, "It's a raucous show!" </div><div>That's an understatement. In actuality, <i>Torch with a Twist</i> is one heck of a fun time... </div><div>Immediately upon entering the dimly lit club, guests are transported back to an earlier era where they mingle with sexy women in tight, slinky dresses and long white gloves. Handsome and dapper young men in fitted suits and hats stand at the bar and flirt with a cigarette girl as she passes by. </div><div>A more innocent time it is not, however. This 21st century club is filled with women sporting colorful body art, lesbians dancing cheek-to-cheek and wildly costumed partiers of all ages and backgrounds. Their early 20th century counterparts would be stunned silent. </div><div>But when Grace hits the stage in the first of many gorgeous gowns, the club settles down. And after some good natured banter, the three-hour night of burlesque opens with the chanteuse and her extraordinary five-piece band enthralling the crowd with popular standards. (A fan of love songs, a recent song list included the Ella Fitzgerald classic <i>�Don�t Get Around Much Any More,� �Is You Is or Is You Ain�t Baby</i> and <i>Someone to Watch Over Me</i>.) </div><div>The many acts � just like the musical numbers � change nightly. (�It�s whoever shows up,� explained Lindsay Townes, the busy-as-heck, but totally-in-control stage manager who, with clipboard in hand, was herding the young, exotic performers toward the sign-up sheet prior to the May show.) </div><div>�Things will get kind of weird,� Grace laughed after introducing May�s first act, Lady Mischief. And it did, as a sensuous and frilly Dorothy Gale stripped and twirled her tassels with gusto to the tune of <i>Over the Rainbow</i>. (The Cowardly Lion would have blushed, for sure!) </div><div>In fact, the ancient art of strip tease was well represented throughout the night. The lovely and vivacious Lily Larue performed a fan dance, while Jessica Rabbit helped an obviously happy audience member celebrate his birthday with a balloon dance � one popping balloon after another. </div><div>One of the most popular Torch performers is The Amazing Fleck, a seemingly shy but sweet juggler who wowed the crowd with his amazing routines. And Shoebomb whipped up some excitement with Nick the Lionhearted (wearing only a Speedo, Grace said, �for the ladies�). </div><div>Other attention-grabbing acts included guest Satori Circus who embraced his feminine side; snake dancer Ms. Chantal; Warrior Girl and the very bendable Liberty (who arrived scrunched inside a suitcase); and the scimitar-wielding Lovely Lex. And the audience winced when full-figured Shetan Noir belly danced barefoot on broken glass. </div><div>The only thing missing to make the May performance a true vaudeville show was a Borscht Belt comic. </div><div>Even the two intermissions are entertaining. Simply walk outside and enjoy the traffic-stopping fire eaters and flaming baton twirlers. (But don�t forget to duck if one comes flying your way!) </div><div></div><h3>SHOW DETAILS:</h3><div><i>Monthly at Cliff Bell�s, 2030 Park Ave., Detroit. Next show: 9 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Tickets: $10. For information: <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3RvcmNod2l0aGF0d2lzdA==" target="_new">www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist</a></i></div></article> <div class="footer"><br />
</div></time></li>
<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-403100958"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/403100958" rel="bookmark" title="Read MAD HATTER DAY!">MAD HATTER DAY!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/artistic.gif" />aroused</div>"..We know you love <span style="font-weight: bold;">TORCH WITH A TWIST</span> <br />
and we always hear requests for more frequent shows. <br />
We also know you love beer, and what's better than a Michigan Beer? <br />
We've teamed up with The New Holland Brewing Company <br />
to bring you some of their newest beers alongside <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">some of the city's most alluring temptresses </span><br />
for The New Holland Brewing Company's 'MAD HATTER DAY'..."<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, June 10th 9:30-12:30 *NO COVER!<br />
featuring<span style="font-style: italic;">: "just a lil' taste of </span>the TORCH!"</span><h2>Mad Hatter Day + "A Taste Of Torch With A Twist" </h2><hr />"Celebrate Mad Hatter Day and take yourself to a time and world where what is, isn't. Brewery personell will be in the house with special New Holland brews, including Poet Black Velvets and sneak peek releases like Golden Cap Saison and 2008's Black Tulip Trippel. The great beer gets even better as house favorite "Torch With A Twist" makes a special pared-down appearance for "A Taste Of Torch With A Twist", bringing a Vaudevillian/Burlesque twist to the night. There is NO COVER for this event, seating is limited, DO NOT MISS OUT!" -Cliff Bell's<br />
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"...each Sunday Cliff Bell's mixes things up a bit by offering<br />
Sunday Socials, featuring anything from folk and bluegrass to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
the mesmerizing whirlwind</span></span><br style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">that is</span> TORCH WITH A TWIST.</span> <br />
While we primarily focus on traditional jazz throughout the week <br />
we're proud to support the diversity of the community that is Detroit<br />
by bringing you something special with Sunday Socials..."<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
*Next full-cast TORCH WITH A TWIST - Sun. June 22, 9p $10 Cover<br />
<br />
-</span><span style="font-style: italic;">Find out more on on </span>www.cliffbells.com </article><article class="post-body"> </article></time></li>
<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-399908232"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/399908232" rel="bookmark" title="Read ENCORE!!">ENCORE!!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/anxious.gif" />jubilant</div><div class="blogSubject">WVMV 98.7FM <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jazz Cafe Discovery Series with Host, Judy Adams -ENCORE PERFORMANCE!</span> </div><div class="blogContent">GRACE & THE GUYS will perform at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit City Music Hall's Jazz Cafe Wednesday June 11th, 2008 from 7-9p</span></div><div class="blogContent"><span style="font-weight: bold;">No Cover. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></b> </article> </li>
<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-394740029"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/394740029" rel="bookmark" title="Read 98.7FM - SUN. 5/18/08 - 11p!">98.7FM - SUN. 5/18/08 - 11p!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> GRACE & THE GUYS will be featured t<span style="font-weight: bold;">his Sunday night at 11pm</span> on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jazz Cafe Discovery Series</span> radio program. We will be the first set with four songs. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Also, we have been asked to come back for an ENCORE performance - Date TBA - ASAP!!</span><br />
<div> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">--<br />
Judy Adams Music <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WVMV 98.7FM </span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sundays 11pm</span></span></span></b></div></article> <div class="footer"><br />
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<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-375760990"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/375760990" rel="bookmark" title="Read DETROIT FRINGE FESTIVAL">DETROIT FRINGE FESTIVAL</a></h4><article class="post-body"> "Torch With A Twist is a smart and sassy cabaret right out of the 30’s. Sultry songstress Grace and her ever-evolving troupe of nearly 20 singers, musicians,dancers, jugglers and bullwhip experts, will infuse their whole show with a 21st Century erotic vibe, all the while retaining the eclectic nature of variety shows from a bygone era. A full jazz ensemble creates the mood as you slipforward-into the past, and experience entertainment the way it used to be. Their once-monthly performace at art-deco speakeasy, Cliff Bell’s, is one of Detroit’s hottest tickets."<br />
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- 2008 DETROIT FRINGE FESTIVAL <br />
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<li class="post blogEntry even " id="post-375750151"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/375750151" rel="bookmark" title="Read Observer & Eccentric - FILTER Magazine">Observer & Eccentric - FILTER Magazine</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <b><span class="headline">Torch with a twist brings Vaudeville, </span>hoops and sword dancers to Fringe</b><br />
<span class="byline">By Lana Mini O&E STAFF WRITER </span><br />
<span class="byline">April 3, 2008 Hometown Life FILTER Magazine </span><br />
<span class="bodytext"> Torch with a Twist is a newer entertainment group in metro-Detroit with a very old theme: <br />
Think Vaudevillian variety-style shows and jazz musician circus performers.<br />
Nope, this isn’t the 1930s. <br />
Torch with a Twist has been performing at Cliff Bell’s jazz club and other local venues, and will take to the stage at the Music Hall’s Fringe Festival this weekend. <br />
Founded by producer and vocalist Grace Detroit, a native Detroiter, the goal of the group is to bring Rita Hayworth-style glamour, Billie Holiday-style strength and "freak-show" circus theatrics to audiences who are tired of the status quo. <br />
"Torch with a Twist began as an experiment," Detroit said. "All of the original cast are actual friends (of the Nevada-based Burning Man arts event) who happen to be amazing, freak-show, circus fire performers in their own right." <br />
The jazz singer said unlike other common performance troupes which focus on burlesque, this concept is based upon the Vaudevillian variety-style shows of old. <br />
"All of our dancers perform their acts accompanied by the six-piece Jazz band Gracy the Guys. Our musical selections represent the 1930s, 40s, early 50s - and many of the performers create their own costumes." <br />
The current lineup is traditionally: Dixon, an electronic violinist from Lansing; and from Detroit - Ryan Gates, a percussionist; trombonist Luke Schram; upright bass player Al Fields; and pianist Taylor Holland who has a family-history in Vaudeville. <br />
There are also knife and sword jugglers, tap dancers, burlesque dancers and glass-walkers. <br />
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<li class="post blogEntry odd " id="post-366407955"><time class="post-date"><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/366407955" rel="bookmark" title="Read Metro Times COVER STORY!">Metro Times COVER STORY!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <h1 style="text-align: left;">Torch Song</h1><h2 style="text-align: left;">Detroit’s one-of-a-kind circus sideshow vaudeville burlesque variety revue</h2><div class="redline" style="text-align: left;">.. --> -->--> -->(see the pics too: <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1ldHJvdGltZXMuY29tL2VkaXRvcmlhbC9zdG9yeS5hc3A/aWQ9MTIwMTc=" target="_self">http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=12017</a>)</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">by <a href="mailto:letters@metrotimes.com"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Michael Jackman</span></a><br />
11/14/2007</h3>Grace Detroit sashays onto the stage at Cliff Bell’s wearing a flowing green number that sports wings and antennae. The bug-woman costume isn’t her usual wardrobe as hostess and emcee of Torch with a Twist, the cabaret event that takes over the downtown bar once a month. "Torch night" has become a masquerade ball. In fact, when she makes her entrance, a hooting audience, mostly in costume, greets her. She gets right down to business, inviting one of the show’s sexy girls out to parade before the crowd with a card announcing the first act.<br />
Grace leans into the old-time radio mic and cautions with a laugh, "Don’t be surprised if something goes wrong. You know, if somebody loses their underwear or something. And if somebody loses a pasty, please, be nice and give it back."<br />
The five-piece band behind her strikes up "The Girl from Ipanema" and Grace sings along while burlesque dancer Lady Mischief enters stage right, dolled up in white, with stockings and ruffles, twirling a white parasol over her head coyly. As she teases her long gloves off, all eyes are upon her. Spellbound, it’s easy to forget the singer is dressed as a bug, the trombonist is wearing a demon mask, and that you’re sitting next to a banana.<br />
The dancer points to her ear to encourage the slack-jawed audience to make some noise, and they roar with approval. Soon she slinks among them, tendering her clothes to guests, bending over limberly to flirt with and tease whole tables, exposing her ruffled rump to those turning to watch the fun. It’s the sort of thing you’d feel greasy cheering on alone, but it works in a large group. When she’s down to her pasties and struts backstage, Grace closes the performance with deadpan cheer: "In case you haven’t noticed, this show’s mostly about girls. We have so many more girls in this show."<br />
But that’s not all. Before the night is over, the scores of people who’ve jammed the tables and stacked the bar two deep in the midsized club will have seen jugglers, enjoyed a vaudeville comedy act, and heard numerous jazz and R&B numbers performed by a live band, all amid an audience of masked and costumed revelers, including the staff. Torch with a Twist has shades of P.T. Barnum too, with Shetan Noir, a full-figured belly dancer who walks on broken glass, and Chantal, a sinuous dancer whose routines include live snakes. And, yes, there are the girls, including burlesque dancers Lily LaRue, Jessica Rabbit and Lady Mischief doing fan dances, balloon striptease and even some risqué shadowplay.<br />
<br />
<b>’I HAVE THIS CRAZY IDEA’</b><br />
Grace comes to lunch at Cass Avenue eatery Twingo’s dressed in a flowing floor-length black outfit. It only adds to the mystery that the organizer behind Torch with a Twist refuses to give her real name, choosing to call herself simply "Grace Detroit." She’s a native Detroiter — she says her mother went into labor with her on the Boblo boat — though she grew up outstate and came back at 20.<br />
But her life hasn’t been all glitter and glory. She had her first child at 17, and by her late 20s was a divorced single mom raising her children in Ferndale, working every job from coat-check girl to bartender. At 43, her polyethnic (half Mexican, a quarter Cherokee, a quarter Irish) good looks make her seem much younger than the mother of several grown children. Her warm, empathetic personality suggests a person who’s faced some hardships, not unique to single parents. But where many mothers of grown children would be ground down by the experience, Grace’s outgoing nature and desire to perform has demanded an audience.<br />
Grace fondly quotes her burlesque friend Lady Mischief, by way of explanation, saying, "There’s a hole in my heart that only applause can fill."<br />
Her first tentative gigs were far from the over-the-top oddity of Torch with a Twist. She started playing with friends, doing folk and country songs in coffeehouses. Her fondness for American popular standards only hit pay dirt in 1998, when, while working at Nami Sushi Bar, she met a member of Tuxedo Junction, a Detroit-area swing orchestra. After a falling-out with the bandleader, Grace began playing out with a few of the Tuxedo boys, creating the act she now gives them at Torch night, "Grace and the Guys."<br />
"I took a couple guys for a combo," she says, adding knowingly, "and jazz people know each other."<br />
But she found limits to what a straight standards band can do: corporate functions, country club events, weddings, or occasional gigs at Lily’s Seafood or the bar at the Townsend Hotel.<br />
But as her children matured, Grace branched out of her Ferndale roost, finally moving into the city completely about two-and-a-half years ago.<br />
She also began expanding her artistic horizons, joining a show at Hamtramck’s Planet Ant Theatre in 2005, working with Mikey Brown and Nate DuFort on a sketch-comedy variety show, <i>The Bannisters’ Wholesome Family Fun Hour</i>, a send-up of a washed-up <i>Partridge Family</i>-type band from the 1970s. At Planet Ant, Grace was not only performing, but recording, working with video production, using comic relief and developing characters.<br />
Of the experience, Brown agrees, "I think we definitely pushed her in terms of acting. ... And she was a trouper."<br />
But things really took a turn to the fringe when Grace got a job at Amsterdam Espresso, the independent coffeehouse in the Forest Arms apartment building hard by Wayne State University. She became friends with the owners, perennial visitors to Burning Man, an imaginative six-day artificial community in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. They introduced Grace to their friends, and spirited her off to her first "burn." The lifestyle of openness in that community left deep impressions on her, a temporary city where circus folk and fringe performers created an enclosed "gift economy."<br />
"Burning Man is different for everybody, but there, in the desert for six days, you see how very little you need. You can appreciate what you have so much more."<br />
But the burn forged some connections, as well. There she met both David "Dixon" Hammond, Torch’s classically trained violinist, and Douglas "Fleck" Schell, the mysteriously calm master of feats of balance with tasseled sticks and translucent orbs. At a post-Burning Man party, she reconnected with some and met others in the Detroit Burning Man family, which the singer says is especially tight.<br />
Last year, the chanteuse already had her combo playing a few gigs in the plush, period haunt Cliff Bell’s after selling general manager Andrew Gyorke on the idea. But, working and living amid Detroit’s active performance community, and inspired by the people she knew through Burning Man, she got an idea.<br />
"This past fall, Andrew said he wanted something different to bring people in on Sunday nights."<br />
Grace grows excited telling how she sold Gyorke on trying a burlesque-vaudeville-circus-sideshow, saying, "I have this crazy <i>idea</i>. You need something <i>unusual</i>. I know these people who can <i>pull it off</i>!"<br />
<br />
<b>CLIFF BELL’S: CABARET CENTRAL</b><br />
If there is one character in the Torch cast that’s not a living breathing person, it’s the gloriously art deco splendor of Cliff Bell’s. The deep reds and bright golds, the mixture of blond and dark wood, the candlelit tables sitting below vaulted ceilings endowed with rich wood tones all smack of a more sensuous era, when patrons haunted such smoky little cabarets with relish. Even the pendulous, breast-shaped lamps with nipple-shaped finials titillate. The joint is a joyful anachronism, having enjoyed its early heyday back when you could get a grilled prime steer porterhouse for $6.<br />
It’s not hard to get lost in the illusion of being in the raw, bustling spirit of 1940s Detroit, when the Arsenal of Democracy was a crowded factory town churning out armaments. Back then, reformers clucked about Detroit as a city of clip joints, dance halls and cheap cabaret entertainment. Seeing that sort of gritty history capitalized on downtown is an exciting rarity.<br />
Though manager and gadabout Cliff Bell will have been dead for 30 years next month, the spot is enjoying a new lease on life thanks to manager Gyorke, 26, and his spirited staff. How spirited? When the bartender’s pal shows up, she cries with a squeal, "Are you ready to lace me up in my corset?" before realizing she hasn’t even punched in.<br />
The band warms up, before the show, the drummer tapping out rim shots in front of the stage’s signature sunburst pattern, the upright bassist and trombonist joining in for some razamatazz, while the bar fills with the sounds of ice being poured out and dozens of ashtrays being stacked on the bar. It recalls speakeasy days watching the performers trickle in, knocking on the locked doors, gaining entry from a flapper-attired staffer and strolling back to the cabaret’s stock room in back with rows of blue lockers. When an office-style phone rings, it’s a jarring disconnect. Then, the drummer breaks out a didgeridoo and the jazz combo takes a decidedly modern turn as well. But the bassist stays with him, building a sound that’s hypnotic, sensuous and silky.<br />
Soon, the jazz feeling is giving way, as the drummer breaks out a set of Indian tabla drums and begins powdering the skins. And it’s getting weirder: Bar manager Eric Welsh, dressed as a werewolf, is discussing how many packs of cigarettes have gone missing since the night before. Techie Richie Wohlfeil is fixing gels in the club’s old-looking lights, only a dozen of which seem to work, taking a moment to chat. But he does it in character. Tonight, he’s come as Frank from <i>Blue Velvet</i>. It’s a matter of time before he roars, "Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!" The staff is clearly in on the fun.<br />
Grace arrives a bit late, dressed in her typical head-to-toe black outfit, pulling a rolling suitcase full of glittery gear. She tells how she fell down her apartment stairs, aggravating a sciatica flare-up, and jammed up her arm breaking her fall. She smiles through the discomfort, saying, "The show must go on."<br />
She works with the four-piece, running through her repertoire for the sound check. The group’s violinist, Dixon, is fighting feedback from his wireless violin while the sound man adjusts for the imposing new speakers mounted above the stage. Lily LaRue walks out before the empty house to rehearse her dance, doing a fan dance to "Fever," with its dramatic pauses and rim shots. She drops her bra, fluttering her fans over her tasseled pasties.<br />
Grace thinks it’s a little fast. She asks the band to slow it down, and her words drip with sensuality.<br />
"I don’t want to rush you. This is sexy. And I’d like to keep it up as long as possible."<br />
<b><br />
BUILDING A FIRE</b><br />
Though Grace had proposed a vaudeville-meets-Burning Man show, she still had to rely on friends — and friends of friends — to make it happen. Her DIY connections paid off, big-time. The dancers make all make their own costumes, the comedians come up with their own material, the circus performers develop their own looks and tricks. Grace only tries to preserve the show’s period feel.<br />
Probably the only things you won’t see at their events at Cliff Bell’s are high-tech displays, fire acts (due to city regulations) and noir fetish dancers, as Grace tries to keep the show’s burlesque component soft and sexy, leaving more to the imagination with innocence and innuendo.<br />
"Everyone comes with their own skills. I just direct the show. There are no rehearsals. It just works."<br />
The event has come a long way since its first show on Feb. 11. Then, the performers sometimes resorted to canned music and technology too modern for a period show. But they always packed them in, and the event snowballed.<br />
The first five shows were organized by "e-mail, MySpace and word of mouth." Even today, there are no fliers, and perhaps only a dozen posters put up in the area each month. And yet the show consistently packs the house at Cliff Bell’s once a month. In fact, when Torch with a Twist did a special show at Detroit’s Theatre Bizarre, the spectacle attracted a mob of partygoers willing to brave a light rain to watch the juggling, stripteases and music on the unique venue’s gaudy midway stage. At their July show at Cliff Bell’s, it was standing room only with a line outside waiting to get in.<br />
Many of the early spectators have been friends and fellow travelers, but the group is attracting new faces among the 120 to 200 guests at each event.<br />
One of the main drivers of that word of mouth has been Northville resident Jeff Kramer, 32. Kramer has been bartending at downtown Detroit’s Small Plates for five years, and he’s one of the show’s biggest fans.<br />
"It was just dumb luck. I happened to walk in one Sunday night, even though Eric the bartender had told me about it before, saying, ’You’ve got to check this out.’ I only went in for one beer, but I fell in love with the show and wound up closing the bar. Back at my bar, I started telling everybody about it. And that show packs the house every single time. It’s probably the best thing they’ve got going over there, in my opinion."<br />
<b><br />
PACKING THE HOUSE</b><br />
The band is still running a final sound check as the door opens. Only a half dozen people are here. Among them is Daniel Huizar, 25, who is dressed in a full banana suit, which he says he’s had for years. He works downtown, and it’s his first time to Torch night, but he’s excited to see the show.<br />
Other first-timers include Kim Harris, owner of Why Not Costumes, a Wyandotte costume shop, and Nick Finazzo. It’s their first "torch." She came after selling Cliff Bell’s bartender Monica Gyorke (general manager Andrew’s sister) a mask for the masquerade event. The 25-year-old Wayne State student from Ecorse insisted Harris attend. Clearly pleased as the evening’s momentum builds, Harris says, "We’ve never been to a little place like this in Detroit."<br />
A "leather daddy" identified only as Tammy is hanging out with more seasoned Torch nighters Stacey Mejia, 38, and husband Carlos Mejia of Redford. The couple arrived in costume, Stacey as a flapper and Carlos as a "lounge lizard," sporting a stylish blazer and a dinosaur head. (When asked his age, he kids, "Sixty-five million!") Stacey even took Monday off work to enjoy the outing. What keeps them coming to this remote nook on the west side of Foxtown on Sunday nights? After coming due to a recommendation from Kramer, natch, they fell for the music and ambience. Also among the Small Plates contingent is mad scientist Mike Valvona of Orchard Lake Township, whose girlfriend works there.<br />
In a suit capped with a fedora, standup performer Jen House drops by in drag. Her pencil-moustached lips curl into a smile. She’s already in character as some guy named Carlyle J. Carlyle C. Wentworthy. In a nasal sneer like Steve Buscemi, she chats about the off-the-cuff nature of the show.<br />
"Grace gave me a week’s notice. She said: ’Do that guy that you do. You know, Hal King,’" House says. "He’s like a Tom Jones or Neil Diamond type entertainer, but this character I’m going to do tonight is more old-time, like Henny Youngman or the Marx Brothers."<br />
In addition to her perennial one-woman shows, House has performed with the Hell’s Belles burlesque troupe before, but she’s "kinda nervous" about doing jokes rooted in period history, and not being able to joke about contemporary topics. But she loves the show. She’s seen it twice, first popping in this summer on her bicycle after seeing Joan Jett at Riverfest. She seems ready to work the crowd.<br />
The one-of-a-kind show, in fact, has already begun. One performer, identified only as "Shoebomb," begins slowly and hypnotically swinging balls on strings. They glow, faintly at first, strobing a bit as they cycle through the spectrum. The accompaniment, violin and dijeridoo, is exotic for an old-time revue, but convincingly foreign. The intensity picks up, and the man uses the balls to spin out discs of purple and green light.<br />
Soon snake dancer Chantal is pulling serpents out of a vase and dancing gracefully as she holds out the slithering reptiles. And, all the while, local artist and cigarette girl Gwen Joy adds to the oddness, dropping by to sell smokes, candy and her deranged stuffed animals. It feels as though 10 minutes have gone by and the bar is absolutely packed with flappers, fruits, bikers and bombshells.<br />
<b><br />
TORCHING THE JOINT</b><br />
Grace, now changed into a dazzling, glittering red gown, is torching it up onstage. She’s understated. During instrumental bridges, she turns her back to the audience and affects a simple soft-shoe, turning around at last with a hip sashay for the vocals. Rather than hitting it all perfectly, she sings with heart and slows it down, giving the evening a pleasantly boozy feel.<br />
Her song choices are tantalizing, popular standards that are familiar in recent contexts, though their history sometimes stretches back to the jazz age and beyond. When Grace coos, "I Want to be Loved by You," the references cascade back to Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, Helen Kane and the roaring ’20s. "At Last" calls to mind Etta James’ 1961 recording, though swing fans may recall the 1941 Glenn Miller hit. The blues repertoire is similarly storied, with twelve-bar "Why Don’t You Do Right?" (penned in 1936, popularized in 1942) and "Ain’t Misbehavin’" (written in 1929, reprised in 1943 and resurrected for the 1978 musical).<br />
Perhaps there’s no song in her repertoire with a richer pedigree than "Just a Gigolo." YouTube viewers can chuckle over the hilarious, over-the-top 1985 video from "Diamond" David Lee Roth. Older listeners may recall Louis Prima’s 1956 recording. Fans of motion-picture culture may be more likely to think of Marlene Dietrich or Betty Boop. And only the most pedantic fans of the cabaret will recognize the Weimar-spirited anthem adapted from Austria by Tin Pan Alley’s Irving Caesar in 1929. These songs truly run generations deep.<br />
Rangier choices draw on Broadway (Gus Kahn’s "Makin’ Whoopee!"), R&B (Little Willie John’s "Fever") and country (1957’s "Walkin’ after Midnight"). The songs scarcely scrape the 1960s, going long to Brazil for Antonio Carlos Jobim’s "The Girl from Ipanema," and cadging off Broadway for "Big Spender" from <i>Sweet Charity</i>. Why does it stop there? Grace says, "I sing songs mostly from between the ’30s and the ’50s." She adds, indicating her floor-length attire with a laugh, "I stop singing songs based on length of the dresses they wore."<br />
<b><br />
A FAMILY AFFAIR</b><br />
Grace Detroit has come a long way from singing folk songs in coffeehouses. But she says she only surrounds herself with people she trusts and is surprised at how smart they are. What makes the show work are the talented performers who work with the city’s various fringe entertainment groups. You may not be able to see too many first-run movies in the city proper, but choices abound when it comes to live performance, ranging from theater and improv comedy to raunchier burlesque and fire shows, or freak enthusiasms like Theatre Bizarre, the Dirty Show, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art Club or the Zombie Dance Party.<br />
Torch night’s changing roster of performers features people who have developed their talents with these sorts of Detroit groups. In addition to Jen House’s work with Hell’s Belles, sometime "torcher" Christopher Ledbetter heads up his own dance company, Causing a Scene Productions, Lady Mischief and Dixon team up for a fire act called Strings of Fire, and Jessica Rabbit works with the flamers of Fire Fabulon.<br />
And for those who’ve joined the show from other, more competitive groups, they say it’s different from anything they’ve done.<br />
"They’re often surprised that we’re not competitive backstage. That we’re hugging, kissing and helping each other out."<br />
<i>Torch with a Twist returns to Cliff Bell’s (2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543) for a "Blue Christmas" on Dec. 23; $10; doors 8 p.m.</i><br />
<div class="redline">.. --> -->--> --> -->HORIZ LINE --></div><div class="tagtext">Michael Jackman is a writer and copy editor for <i>Metro Times</i>. Send comments to <a href="mailto:mjackman@metrotimes.com">mjackman@metrotimes.com</a>.</div><div class="tagtext"></div><div class="tagtext"></div><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/366407448" rel="bookmark" title="Read WDET LIVE!">WDET LIVE!</a></h4><article class="post-body"> <div class="blogContent">WDET’s Detroit Today program 11:30am performance/interview with The Torch Twister’s Band, GRACE & THE GUYS!<br />
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LndkZXRmbS5vcmcvZGV0cm9pdHRvZGF5L2VudHJ5LnBocD9lbnRyeT0yNjM=" target="_self">DETROIT TODAY -LIVE!</a></div></article> <div class="footer"><br />
</div><h4 class="post-title"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist/blog/366406671" rel="bookmark" title="Read Detroit Free Press!">Detroit Free Press!</a></h4><div style="font-weight: bold;">FREE PRESS! </div><div style="font-weight: bold;">'Torch with a Twist' pays tribute to vaudeville</div><div>BY JOHN MONAGHAN • FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER • 2/21/2008</div><div>As Hollywood pats itself on the back during the Oscars on Sunday night, a group of local performers will be enjoying a celebration of a different sort.</div><div>"Torch with a Twist," described by organizers as an "old-timey vaudeville-style variety show," will celebrate its first anniversary at Cliff Bell's, a downtown Detroit jazz club. Judging from the capacity crowds that have shown up for the group's regular slot on the last Sunday of each month, this "Torch" won't be extinguished anytime soon.</div><div>Those who attend the anniversary party are promised an amped-up version of an already outrageous show, which on any given Sunday might include jugglers, comedians, fan dancers and knife throwers, all backed by a versatile troupe of musicians.</div><div>Grace Detroit (she and other performers in the show prefer to heighten their mystique by not using their real names) got the idea for "Torch with a Twist" more than a decade ago while she was singing with area bands. It wasn't until the reopening of Cliff Bell's, an art deco-fabulous Motor City time capsule behind the Fox Theatre, that she thought the concept had legs.</div><div>Detroit, 43, quickly assembled performers she knew from Detroit's Theatre Bizarre performance space and the Burning Man arts festival in Nevada. Though many performers were part of the local leather and fetish party scene, their goal for this show was to create something less risqué and more innocent.</div><div>"I had them watch the Turner Classic Movies channel, especially if they needed to get a sense of what vaudeville was," Detroit says.</div><div>The first night was packed with performers' families and friends, and recent shows have been at or near capacity, with about 200 people in the audience. The crowd is usually packed with young and middle-age hipsters as well as some old-timers who recall seeing these kinds of acts half a century ago at countless Detroit nightspots.</div><div>Currently, there are 18 regular performers in "Torch with a Twist." Detroit serves as host and leads her band – pianist Mark LoDuca, violinist David (Dixon) Hammond, drummer Ryan Gates and bassist Al Fields – through standards like "Girl from Ipanema" and "I've Got You Under My Skin." Sexy and silly in front of a vintage broadcast microphone, Detroit channels "Gilda"-era Rita Hayworth in a rhinestone dress and long white kid gloves.</div><div>Acts get introduced with title cards trotted across the stage by a scantily clad helper. On the current bill is tuxedo-clad Tovio, who juggles vegetables and plays the xylophone, often at the same time. Comic Jen House sports a pencil-thin mustache and a fondness for Groucho Marx one-liners. Exotic dancer Jessica Rabbit performs a balloon dance for one lucky birthday boy in the crowd.</div><div>Performers make do with makeshift dressing rooms in a corridor behind the stage. Hair and makeup are typically done in the women's rest room upstairs because it's the only place with a full vanity mirror.</div><div>When they aren't preparing for their next entrance (most have multiple jobs), performers usually watch encouragingly from the side of the stage. "There is no backstabbing, no one-upsmanship," says Detroit. "It is a very unusual, completely creative artistic community."</div><div>Aside from a wardrobe malfunction last year involving Lady Mischief – "Only the front tables saw anything," Detroit says – the show usually runs smoothly. She thinks it has improved with the hiring of stage manager Lindsay Townsler and the decision to have band members back up all of the acts instead of using recorded music.</div><div>The amateurish nature of some of the acts? That's part of the charm.</div><div>"We don't need anyone to tell us whether we're good or not," says Audra Kubat, a dancer and ukulele player who has been with the show since last fall. "You see us up there and know that we may be trying something new, and we're giving it our all."</div><div><br />
MADALYN RUGGIERO/Special to the Free Press</div>_________________________________________________________<br />
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<div><b style="font-weight: bold;"> Wednesday, August 15, 2007</b> </div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="blog"><tbody>
<tr><td width="30"><img border="0" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/spacer.gif" width="30" /></td> <td><h1 align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From bizarre to burlesque</span></h1><h1 align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Michael Jackman</span></h1><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"></div>"...If your interests run more toward live entertainment, then you'll want to visit Theatre Bizarre on Saturday, Aug. 18, when Torch with a Twist takes the stage. The monthly event celebrating old-time vaudeville, schmaltzy torch songs and over-the-top burlesque has graced downtown Detroit's Cliff Bell's since earlier this year. Expect performances from Lady Mischief, Jessica Rabbitt, DJ Evol and more. But, this rare outing to the mutated midway will be a special "Leo Birthday Bizarre." That means that, in addition to all your favorite jugglers, torch singers and fire performers, the party also celebrates those born July 23-Aug. 22. And you'll get $2 off admission if you come in Leo-themed costume — dressed as a feline or sun goddess...."<br />
<div><i>Leo Birthday Bizarre on Saturday, Aug. 18; $12; doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. At 967 W. State Fair, Detroit.</i></div><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWV0cm90aW1lcy5jb20vZWRpdG9yaWFsL3N0b3J5LmFzcD9pZD0xMTM4NA==" target="_self">http://metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=11384</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
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</ul>GRACE DETROIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150296688835712995noreply@blogger.com0