Last Night: Bohemian Carnival at DNA Lounge
(Click the image for a full Carnival slideshow.)
Last Night: Bohemian Carnival
DNA Lounge - 357 11th St.)
May 30, 2008
Review and Photos by Edward Paik
A man in a thong. A clown with an electric guitar. Absinthe at the liquor bar. It may all seem like the perfect place for an acid trip, even a child’s nightmare.
But Friday night, Michael Gaines’ utopian vision came into fruition at the DNA Lounge, a “Bohemian Carnival” of trapeze artists, burlesque, cabaret, contortionists, a band of clowns and undressed participants offering an orgy of a circus.
“It’s more of a variety show,” said Keno Mapp, a collaborator and artist at the monthly event. Random acts that comprise a circus from performers known and found by Gaines.
“He’s the brains,” said Mapp.
Barely a year old, the Carnival was a family reunion of sorts last night -- at least for performers who hadn’t shared the stage for the event in almost four months due to the “Super Bowl,” a musical event that included Gaines.
Reunited, consistent performers including cabaret and burlesque numbers by the Fou Fou Ha! celebrated on stage in their color-coordinated corsets and wigs. Bodies of contortionists and trapeze artists seduced the audience into silence with real talent that lay beneath the clown faces and strange outfits. The brilliance of the show came from the diversity of the stunts, which ranged from the gun show parody of the Cowboy Girls to traditional acrobatic fare -- acts that were reinventive yet true to their circus roots.
When we think of clown music, annoying dyslexic carnival tunes often come to mind. Fortunately, the clown members of the Extra Action Marching Band were easy on the years. Starting their set from within the crowd, the band drew the act to a close with upbeat tempos. Amidst the stench of sweat, the Marching Band provided a climax to the sexualized twisted version of a circus that turned spectators into a part of the act.
“It was a blast,” said first time Carnival-goer Ananda Cracy.
Critic’s Notebook
Personal Bias: This reporter does not like clowns.
Random Detail: The Bohemian Carnival celebrated the birthday of its creator, Michael Gaines, who was “gifted” with an opportunity to crowd surf from the stage to the Absinthe bar and back.
By the way: The Carnival will take a month off and return July 21 at the DNA Lounge.
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Think that was HOT just wait, for the best is yet to come:)
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