Viva

Burlesque Brings Back Sex to the Stage
By Ken Lombardi
They call it Neo-Burlesque...

Not for the tame at heart, these provocative performers know how to captivate their viewers. On any given night, a member of the audience should not be surprised to see visuals which would make the likes of Howard Stern blush. In fact, attending such shows serves as an example of where an open mind is definitely a requisite.

Once a popular, and highly provocative, pasttime during the early and middle part of the 20th century in the United States, a new generation has now reinvigorated this growing revival movement.

With a strong and devoted base in New York City, various acts promise to deliver mesmerizing, and tantalizing, performances which local audiences are sure not to forget anytime soon.

Some may call it weird, others will say it's just down right perverted. But, that has not halted an ardent cult following from emerging. Locals and tourists alike frequently throng to these venues, many of which are located in Manhattan's Lower East Side. With growing popularity, these artists are sure to stay in business. Musician and entertainer Viva DeConcini, often referred to simply as Viva, certainly thinks so.

"There's this idea of burlesque which is ... something's going to happen. It might be sexy and you might see something you wouldn't ordinarily see," Viva said in a recent interview for CBSNews.com.

A stand-out in the music scene as a result of her legendary rock guitar performances, Viva regularly hosts burlesque acts in New York, where she serves as an MC of sorts for the weird and the wild.

"I think it's fun to be sexy ... I think Rock and Roll should be sexy," she said.

Viva, who is getting ready to release her second album, "Rock and Roll Lover," now hopes that the neo-burlesque trend will reach even further outlets.

"It's fun to work with these burlesque performers, they do the make-up and they do the glam. They present this other-wordly element too..people seem to like it. It seems to be pretty popular."

The artist also points out that these types of variety acts in deed serve as a legitimate art form. These performers are not just style, as substance still remains vital. Shock value aside, many of these performers are accomplished jazz and rock musicians, acrobats, comics, dancers, and noted singers. The spirit of Vaudeville still thrives here.

Now, with gaining momentum, only time will tell if the mainstream culture will accept such...unique talents. But one thing is for certain, these are definitely shows where you would want to leave the kids at home.

Hear more of Viva's music when her new album, "Rock and Roll Lover" is released on July 13th.

Find out more about burlesque acts and Viva's music at myspace.com/vivadeconcini and www.electricviva.com
Copyright 2010 CBS. All rights reserved. - CBS News

of New York's unsung female rockers, Viva DeConcini, is finally being noticed. A musical love child of Joan Jett and Little Richard, she's looking to bring the piss and vinegar of youth to the stage. With the release of her new album, Rock & Roll Lover, DeConcini is set on showing all the haters that rockers do it better. Catch her at Cake Shop on July 21st at 8 pm. - The Aquarian

"Psychedelic Rock Sorceress" - The Deli

When I spoke to Viva DeConcini, she was still recovering from staying up until 5 a.m. shooting the music video for the title track off her recent album, Rock and Roll Lover.

“In a few minutes, I’ll have my coffee, and then I’ll be a real person,” says DeConcini. “My mom calls that first hit ‘the magic moment.’ The only things I’m addicted to are coffee and music.”

This Friday, DeConcini will perform in her new show, Downtown Cabaret, at Joe’s Pub. The show is part of the Slipper Room in Exile series: A sort of traveling circus of acts at venues around the city, coordinated by Slipper Room Founder and Artistic Director James Habacker, as his own performance space continues to undergo dramatic renovations.

DeConcini will collaborate with theater artist Taylor Mac, performing a mix of original compositions and cover songs, with a six-piece band featuring a horn section arranged by Peter Apfelbaum. The evening will include musical performances by Lady Rizo, and burlesque numbers from World Famous *BOB* and Darlinda Just Darlinda. Habacker will MC the evening.

“I really miss the Slipper Room,” says DeConcini, “But I’m happy to play at both places. Joe’s Pub doesn’t have a curtain, so we do more with lighting, which can be pretty dramatic and exciting. Slipper Room has kind of a wild party vibe, but the people there really love the music. You never know who’s going to stop by at Joe’s Pub. Still, they’re both great venues and both have backstage areas, which is really the main thing if you’re doing any sort of theatrical production, because you don’t see the burlesque performer before they go onstage. It’s a total surprise when they come out.”

As part of the Exile series, DeConcini has also performed in less conventional venues. “We did a couple of these boat cruises on the Queen of Hearts. When I first walked on the boat, I was terrified, but you get used to it. You know what? You just don’t wear high heels. That’s what you do. When you get off, after you’ve done it, you feel like you can do anything. You feel like you have magic powers.”

DeConcini describes the production as “a little bit of an anything-goes.” With such a variety of performers, there will be a little something for everyone. “Which is why I call it a cabaret,” she says, “My mom had the record when I was a kid, you know, ‘If you’re feeling down, come to the cabaret.’ There’ll be something to laugh, something to make you cry, you’ll feel better, you’ll forget your troubles, and on the way out you’ll feel light and free!” - NY Press

NYC's landmark speakeasy The Slipper Room is currently closed down for some summer renovations. So, instead of roaming the streets in their tassels and fish-nets, the resident burlesque and cabaret performers have decided to head a bit further uptown to Joe's Pub and establish "The Slipper Room In Exile" series. The revue is lead by guitarist Viva DeConcini and her six-piece band. Viva's Downtown Cabaret (or "Rock & Roll Burlesque") features a populist blend of satire, performance art, and classic striptease all performed to Viva's rhythm heavy rock originals, interspersed with covers of classic rock tunes. James Habacker plays the role of MC, and each act
features numbers by Lady Rizo, World Famous "Bob," Taylor Mac, and Darlinda Just Darlinda.

On the whole, Viva and her band carry the show with their fabulous horn section and some guitar shredding. They are the glue that keeps the revue together, accompanying the performers and keeping the crowd up between sets. Viva's energy is contagious, and her band of young musicians work very well together.

The burlesque and cabaret performers each bring a different element to the revue. Darlinda Just Darlinda delivers the mandatory burlesque nudity, complete with tassel twirling. Lady Rizo brings in the laughs with her witty banter and popular music covers (Gaga's ‘Poker Face" set to an upbeat polka is a major audience pleaser.) Taylor Mac makes out with half the men in the audience delivering on our need for some outrageous behavior.

James Habacker struggles a bit with his MC role, flicking his hand nervously as he delivers stiff shtick to a tough audience. At certain points it is difficult to interpret if he is telling a joke or just
sharing information; however, a few well-timed quips do deliver some much needed laughter and applause.

While the show itself is an overall enjoyable experience, it is evident that the series would feel more natural if performed at The Slipper Room. Right from the start Viva tells the audience that the
show has been cleaned up for its move uptown, and there is no denying that this scrubbing process has eliminated most of the dirty fun. Ultimately the problem is that there is no such thing as PG 13 burlesque, and if there is then it shouldn't be called burlesque at all. And while, yes, there is some nudity, it is not free from the looming shadow of a "keep it clean" warning. The performers often find themselves apologizing for slipped up swear words, much like counselors having a conversation with some underage campers.

If you are on the hunt for some dirty fun, you may want to wait for the re-opening of The Slipper Room, where these performers can flex their muscles without a short leash. But if you are the sort who is interested in just a bit of an edge with less of the flesh and wildness, then this series would be ideal for some sassy entertainment alongside a few cocktails.

- Broadway World

(CBS) They call it Neo-Burlesque...

Not for the tame at heart, these provocative performers know how to captivate their viewers. On any given night, a member of the audience should not be surprised to see visuals which would make the likes of Howard Stern blush. In fact, attending such shows serves as an example of where an open mind is definitely a requisite.

Once a popular, and highly provocative, pasttime during the early and middle part of the 20th century in the United States, a new generation has now reinvigorated this growing revival movement.

With a strong and devoted base in New York City, various acts promise to deliver mesmerizing, and tantalizing, performances which local audiences are sure not to forget anytime soon.

Some may call it weird, others will say it's just down right perverted. But, that has not halted an ardent cult following from emerging. Locals and tourists alike frequently throng to these venues, many of which are located in Manhattan's Lower East Side. With growing popularity, these artists are sure to stay in business. Musician and entertainer Viva DeConcini, often referred to simply as Viva, certainly thinks so.

"There's this idea of burlesque which is ... something's going to happen. It might be sexy and you might see something you wouldn't ordinarily see," Viva said in a recent interview for CBSNews.com.

A stand-out in the music scene as a result of her legendary rock guitar performances, Viva regularly hosts burlesque acts in New York, where she serves as an MC of sorts for the weird and the wild.

"I think it's fun to be sexy ... I think Rock and Roll should be sexy," she said.

Viva, who is getting ready to release her second album, "Rock and Roll Lover," now hopes that the neo-burlesque trend will reach even further outlets.

"It's fun to work with these burlesque performers, they do the make-up and they do the glam. They present this other-wordly element too..people seem to like it. It seems to be pretty popular."

The artist also points out that these types of variety acts in deed serve as a legitimate art form. These performers are not just style, as substance still remains vital. Shock value aside, many of these performers are accomplished jazz and rock musicians, acrobats, comics, dancers, and noted singers. The spirit of Vaudeville still thrives here.

Now, with gaining momentum, only time will tell if the mainstream culture will accept such...unique talents. But one thing is for certain, these are definitely shows where you would want to leave the kids at home.

Hear more of Viva's music when her new album, "Rock and Roll Lover" is released on July 13th.

Find out more about burlesque acts and Viva's music at myspace.com/vivadeconcini and www.electricviva.com - CBS News

To download and read complete article, please visit www.electricviva.com - Guitar Player Magazine

One day Viva will crossover to a wider audience and we won’t be surprised at all.

-Scott Bernstein, Glide Magazine, Relix Magazine - Glide Magazine/Relix Magazine

"Rock guitar...with pinpoint timing” - The New York Times - Jon Pareles

Guitarist Viva Deconcini gives Trey Anastasio a run for his money”
- Dennis Cook, Jambase.com - Jambase.com

“For me the love song “Maria Teresa” (Composed by Viva DeConcini) was the highlight” - Philip Songa, allaboutjazz.com - Philip Songa, allaboutjazz.com

“Viva Deconcini, the group's guitarist, really gets her Carlos on and the results would make Santana proud." - Brad Faberman, JamBands.com - Brad Faberman, JamBands.com

"The standout amongst the crew was Viva DeConcini, who occasionally swapped percussive duties for ukulele and guitar, leading the group in a standing ovation encore rendition of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song" - Eric Hill, Exclaim.com - Exclaim.com