The area of New Orleans known as Storyville was 12 blocks of legalized prostitution from the late 1800’s through the early 1920’s. This area is known as the birthplace of JAZZ. Some of the notable figures of Storyville you may have heard of others are New Orleans own personal dirty little secrets. Those that you may have heard of are Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, and Pops Foster. There are rumors that Louis Armstrong first performed in the infamous brothels of Storyville.

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The owners of the brothels, saloons, and cribs would hire musicians to entertain the clients. These audiences tended to not be very critical, giving performers the freedom to experiment with their musical styles. Many different forms and genres of music arose from this experimentation, combining different influences such as African, French, and contemporary. With the closing of Storyville in 1917, the New Orleans musicians who had relied on the district for employment moved elsewhere. Many of these musicians moved to the next major urban center of jazz, Chicago. Musicians, such as Louis Armstrong, flourished here.

 

 

Hosted by Saffire T. Stone 2 time Best Drag Performer – Austin Chronicle Reader Poll

Saffire T. Stone is a Community Activist, Entertainer, Celebrity Impersonator, Drag Diva, Friend to Many Enemy to Few. She has performed all over the state of Texas before retiring from the limelight to pursue a career in the Director’s Chair. This is the first time she has come out since her retirement and will only be performing for this one night only special. This is a night not to be missed with Humor, Musical Performances, Surprises and the classic Saffire. The evening will feature performances by actors and actresses from across the Central Texas Area as well as top notch burlesque performers from some of the best in the business. If you love a bawdy good time, with a little bit naughty humor then this is the event for you! Following the show will be a rousing party to ring in the new year with specialty cocktails, silent auction, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight!

Directed by Olin Meadows.