Moisture Festival

Moisture Festival - Reid Belstock Consummate Variete' Performer Confirmed For Festival's Open Week

2012-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Reid Belstock began juggling at the age of 15, as a way of overcoming gross and fine motor skill impairment. Following high school, Reid went off to study with Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College, where he learned the fine art of Slapstick and Physical Comedy. From that time, Reid has performed across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, China and Japan . He has performed in almost every venue that exists, from Theaters, Theme Parks, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Colleges, Conventions, Street Performing Festivals, Comedy Clubs, and Hotel Review Shows and Seattle's Moisture Festival where his performance and MC skills have delighted our audiences. It's great to have him back at Moisture Festival 2012!

March 15 @ 7:30pm
March 16 @ 10:30pm
March 17 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm
March 18 @3:00pm
March 18 @7:30pm

Tickets

Moisture Festival - KamiKaze FireFlies Will Bring WOW Factor To Festival's Opening Weekend

2012-03-04T11:55:00.003-08:00

Sexy meets circus! Bludgeoning audiences with wit, crushing them with whimsey, and tearing them a new laugh hole ... It's the Kamikaze Fireflies! Rob Williams is a Moisture Festival favorite. He joined us as a solo act and blew everyone away by making hilarious entertainment while making a baloney sandwich ... with his feet. Then he put together his former legendary vaudeville team from Texas and wowed everyone with the Flaming Idiots. Now he's teaming up with the delightful and frightening Casey Martin, sometimes billed as Super Spacey Casey. But in this case we'll know them as Kamikaze FireFlies, "bringing peace to the world at an affordable price".

Rob Williams and Casey Martin Are The KamiKazi FireFlies

Hale's Palladium

March 15 @ 7:30pm

March 16 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm
March 17 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm
March 18 @ 7:30pm

Tickets

Moisture Festival 2012 Preview - Duo de Luna - Aerial Perfection

2012-03-03T11:37:00.001-08:00

Duo de Luna When the two ladies of this stunning and sexy new duo met, it was trapeze love at first sight. Together, Cameron and Marina as Duo de Luna, relay through their movements the complexities of any relationship; the light and the dark, and in particular, the challenges of being in love with your art.

Circus is a hard task-mistress, she will bruise you and break you in a second. And yet, if you put in the work, if Circus blesses you...well, that's just the start of the story. As Duo de Luna, Marina and Cameron began performing together in June of 2011. In August they performed in San Francisco at Teatro ZinZanni's "Cabaret Lunatique." In December they traveled to Europe to perform in Cascade's "Equi-Libre" in Utrecht, Netherlands, then rang in the New Year performing at Supperclub Amsterdam. Regulars at Supperclub SF and with TrapezeWorld production company, Duo de Luna consistently thrills their audience.

Venue: Broadway Performance Hall

March 23 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm (Burlesque)

March 24 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm (Burlesque)

March 25 @ 3:00pm (Family Friendly Variete')

Tickets

Moisture Festival Audiences Love Comedian Amy G Headlining Festival's Opening Week Of Variete' Shows

2012-03-02T08:19:00.007-08:00

Moisture Festival audience favorite Amy Gordon is a revolutionary comedienne. She returns to this year's festival to the delight of many who have not stopped talking or laughing about her hilarious previous festival performances. We are absolutely thrilled to have her back for 2012.

The granddaughter of The Little Giant, a vaudevillian acrobat/ukulele playing song and dance man of little renown but vast appeal, she took to the stage at an early age as The Tall Midget. This 'comic powerhouse' (The Australian) performs physical, musical, stand-up and improvisational comedy. Inspired by and reminiscent of Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Liza Minelli, Julie Andrews and the Muppet Show; she is very much one of a kind.

Her Credits include Broadway's New Victory, Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Center, Adelaide International Festival, Festival International de Teatro de Bogota, Montreal's Just For Laughs, Dance Theatre Workshop, Symphony Space, GOP Variete, Quatch Comedy Club (Berlin), Palazzo Amsterdam, RTL's World of Comedy and Britain's Rude Tube.

She's been seen around the world with the Olivier Awarded circus cabaret, La Soirée (aka La Clique- Absinthe – but by any name, voted Best Entertainment 2009); including long runs on London's West End, The Sydney Festival, and in Paris' iconic music hall, Bobino.

She lives in Brooklyn, ostensibly, but calls anyplace home that comes with keys and a bicycle.

March 15 @ 7:30pm, March 16 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm
March 17 @ 7:30pm, 10:30pm, March 18 @ 7:30pm

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Moisture Festival Week One Will Offer Magical Line-Up Of Comedy And Variete' Performers - Opening Night Gala - Special Benefit - Laughter And Thrills

2012-03-01T09:52:00.004-08:00

The Moisture Festival talent bookers have worked hard over the Summer, Fall and Winter to make week one of the 2012 Moisture Festival a fantastic experience for our fans. They've booked some of the finest comedy and variete' talents available anywhere. The internationally renowned performers who will populate the stage at Hale's Palladium during our opening week, commencing with our Open Night Gala on Thursday March 15th, will leave you laughing and amazed. Here's a list of week one's lineup:

Alfredo Fettuccine, Amy G, Bill Robison, Bobs, Charlie Brown, Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra, gOdFReY DaNieLs, Kamikaze Fireflies, Reid Belstock, Ron W. Bailey, Simon Neale,Tanya Brno, Terry Crane, Circus Syzygy, Gazzo, Super8s, Shanks, Stevie Coyle, Janet McAlpin & Lynelle Sjoberg, Leapin’ Louie Lichtenstein, Marco Polo, Dr. Calamari & Acrophelia, Ezra Weill & Una Bennett, Uncle Bonsai, Jessie Sawyers, Rachel Strickland, Christian Swenson, Master Payne, and Ropeworks by René

The opening week also includes a special benefit for Clowns Without Borders at the 3pm Matinee Performance (great for adults and kids) on March 17th, with the proceeds from the show going to support this unique organization's mission. We also invite you to consider our late night 10:30pm shows on Friday and Saturday nights, they offer a special flavor of mature free wheeling late night entertainment. Each Moisture Festival Show is different from the next, which means you can go every night and you'll still be seeing something you haven't seen before.

Every year we hear the same refrain from our fans about how they missed out on seeing critically acclaimed Moisture Festival Shows they wanted to attend because they didn't buy their tickets before it was too late, and when they finally acted they found the shows they wanted to attend were already sold out. We urge festival fans to get their tickets early to avoid this inevitable ticket crunch.

*Show lineups are subject to change

Moisture Festival Opening Night Gala - March 15th Hales Palladium - You're Invited To The Party

2012-02-29T13:40:00.001-08:00

This special opening night show and party will kick off the 2012 festival in grand style. The show also includes entry to the exclusive after show festivities where you can mingle with performers, producers, local dignitaries, and patrons of the arts. We also promise a few delightful surprises for those attending the party. Get your tickets early to this Moisture Festival lovers exclusive show and event.

The Opening Night Gala show's artists include: Alfredo Fettuccine, Amy G, Bill Robison,Bobs, Charlie Brown, Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra, gOdFReY DaNieLs, Kamikaze Fireflies, Reid Belstock, Ron W. Bailey, Simon Neale,Tanya Brno, Terry Crane The MC: Ron W. Bailey and Simon Neale - Show Band: Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra

Moisture Festival Giant Seattle Weekly Center Spread Preview

2012-02-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

click on image to enlarge

This magnificent center spread will hit the streets of our fine city in the Seattle Weekly on Leap Wednesday February 29th. Here your exclusive early preview.

Design by Ron W Bailey.

Moisture Festival First Run Official 2012 Festival Poster

2012-02-26T12:44:00.003-08:00

Here's The Official First Run 2012 Moisture Festival Poster Designed By Ron W Bailey. It Features Burlesque Phenomenon Inga Ingenue, Canadian Comedic Sensation Al Simmons and Seattle's Own Aerial Wonder Women Aviatiix, right to left Esther Edelman, Carri Andersen, Cathy Sutherland, and Martha Enson.

Moisture Festival Comedy Variete' Burlesque 2012 - Tickets

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Moisture Festival Special Benefit Shows 2012 - Fremont Arts Council March 21st Hales Palladium

2012-02-22T18:40:00.002-08:00

Moisture Festival Fremont Arts Council Special Benefit Show

March 21st 7:30pm Hales Palladium

The Moisture Festival likes to do what we can to support the local arts community and a big part of that as far as we are concerned is supporting the Fremont Arts Council. Heaven knows they have gone out of their way to support the Moisture Festival year after year now. We'd like to give something back. Who doesn't love the annual Solstice Parade and all the other fine work this organization does? Nothing is more Fremont and nothing reflects the creative spirit of our Seattle neighborhoods than organizations like the Fremont Arts Council. Show your support for the FAC by getting your tickets early for this benefit show!

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Purple Mark @ Solstice Parade 2008

The Fremont Arts Council believes art helps build stronger communities and creates a sense of place. Fremont is a state of mind not a zip code. The FAC produces the Fremont Solstice Parade, cares for the Fremont Troll and helps make other magic happen that otherwise would leave Fremont a less colorful place. You may have seen or participated in some of the celebration art events the FAC produces: The Fremont Summer Solstice Parade and Pageant, Luminata Lantern Walk, Trolloween, the Feast of the Winter Solstice, and the May Day Gathering. Maybe you’ve seen their home base and community workshop, The Powerhouse on Fremont Ave North.

Solstice Pageant at Gasworks Park

Or you may have visited (or even decorated!) some of Fremont’s famous public artworks, without knowing how they got there. The Fremont Troll, theWaiting for the Interurban statues, Space in Fremont and the B.F. Day Tile Mural are all Fremont Arts Council projects that have become Seattle landmarks.

Moisture Festival Special Benefit Shows 2012 - Clowns Without Borders March 17th Matinee At Hales Palladium

2012-02-22T17:43:00.002-08:00

The Moisture Festival is honored to host the Clowns Without Borders Benefit March 17th 3pm at Hales Palladium Matinee Performance. CLOWNS WITHOUT BORDERS offers laughter to relieve the suffering of all persons, especially children, who live in areas of crisis including refugee camps, conflict zones and territories in situations of emergency. They bring levity, contemporary clown/circus oriented performances and workshops into communities so that they can celebrate together and forget for a moment the tensions that darken their daily lives. Moisture Festival salutes CWB for their dedication and the great work they do. Get your tickets today for this special benefit performance and you will be showing your support for this outstanding organization.

Moisture Festival SIFF Announce Collaboration For 2012 Festival

2012-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

'The Sound of Silents with a Side of Schtick'

April 5th, 7:30pm
SIFF Cinema at the Uptown
Running time: 120 Minutes

Presented by Moisture Festival in collaboration with SIFF, the Seattle Composers Alliance, and the Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble.

Tickets: $15 | 12 SIFF Members
SIFF passes and vouchers are not valid for this special presentation.
There will be a 20 minute intermission.

Travel back to a bygone era when cinema and vaudeville shared the bill for a brief moment in history at this one-night-only event that will be bursting at the seams with entertainment! SIFF has joined forces with three fantastic partners to present a unique evening combining classic silent cinema, live music and unconventional vaudeville performance.

For your viewing pleasure, revel in an exceptional collection of early cinema––shorts ranging from 1907-1934 that include the first film of Orson Welles, an abstract masterpiece, Pathé Brothers masterworks and one of the first films ever shown in the U.S. Each film is accompanied by a newly written original score by members of the Seattle Composers Alliance and the Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble and performed live by our chamber orchestra!

In between films, Moisture Festival transports us even further into this singular era of entertainment history with a carefully curated and curious collection of vaudeville acts, all presented by our Master of Ceremonies, the inimitable Kevin Joyce.

Ladies, dust off those flapper dresses! Both men and women are encouraged to dress for this occasion in your finest early 20th century attire.

Expect the unexpected!

Films and composers:

The Hearts of Age, 1934, director Orson Welles, composer Michael Owcharuk

Symphonie Diagonale, 1924, director Viking Eggeling, composer Catherine Grealish

Policeman's Little Run, 1907, director Ferdinand Zecca, composer Eric Nielsen

The Golden Beetle, 1907, director Segundo de Chomón, composer Beth Fleenor

The Great Train Robbery, 1903, director Edwin S. Porter, composer Nate Omdal

Voyage dans la Lune, 1902, director Georges Méliès, composer Jeff Tolbert

Performers:

Magician, Jay Alexander: Great Grandson of a legendary vaudeville performer, Jay has performed at high profile parties for celebrities like, Robin Williams, The Rolling Stones, Francis Ford Coppolla, Bono, John Cleese and many, many more.

Physical comedian, Bill Robison: His performances are a synthesis of outlandish comedy, an elastic face, a penchant for the absurd and a reckless sense of abandon.

Rarely seen on the stage in the 21st century, Alfredo Fettuccine will charm you with his irrational exuberance and astound you with his impossible repertoire of magic.

Going Once Going Twice - Moisture Festival Fabulous Fling WasTotally Fabulous!

2012-02-12T12:14:00.000-08:00


Fabulous Fling Cupids

All you need is love of the Moisture Festival. What a great time was had by all at the Moisture Festival Fabulous Fling held Friday February10th at Hales Palladium. This fund raiser, dance, party and auction hybrid was a huge success. We'd like to thank all those who attended. Many amazing auction items found there way into the hands of our generous patrons and party goers.

We'd also like to thank our Master Of Ceremonies and head Auctioneer Kevin Joyce who is the best auction event MC in the Northwest by far. Also our entertainers, the Canote Brothers, Fuchsia FoXXX, Sari Breznau as Pinky d’Ambrosi , aerialist extraordinary Carri Andersen and The Washington State Fairies singing duo.

Then of course we have the generous individuals and businesses that made the auction literally happen through their generous donations of auction items. Thanks everyone for your generosity and for making the auction a fabulous fling!

ACT Theatre

Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club

Henry Art Gallery

Bellefleur

Center for Wooden Boats

Choice Organic Teas

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

Dusty Strings

Early Music Guild & Seattle Baroque Orchestra

Portland Baroque Orchestra

Mr. Tim Furst

Hale's Brewery

Noelle Hunt Bennett

13 Jillian's

John Bennett Properties

KEXP 90.3FM

Macrina Bakery

Metropolis

Milliner Avery Milieu

Museum of Flight

Museum of Glass

Royal BC Museum

Northwest Folklife

On the Boards

Mr. Ken Peters

Pike Brewing Company

Redhook Ale Brewery, Inc.

Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door Inc.

SANCA

Scarecrow Video,

Seattle International Film Festival

Wing It Productions

Seattle Architecture Foundation

Seattle Chamber Music Society

Seattle Children's Theatre

Seattle Repertory Theatre

Seattle Theatre Group

La Figa Catering and Tiberio Simone

Hunt Club Sorrento Hotel

Victrola Coffee Roasters

Village Theatre

Miss Jennifer Wensrich

Wing It Productions

One Reel

Teatro ZinZanni

Seattle International Film Festival

Banya 5 Spa

The Ruins

Mr. Rick Shanit

Mr. Randy Minkler

Utilikilts

Tom Bennett Catering

What A Fantastic Moisture Festival Volunteer Meet-Up

2012-02-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to over 100 'circus tramps' who answered our volunteer call and came to Hale's Palladium on February 1st for our 2012 festival volunteer meet-up. Festival staff greeted many familiar faces back and also welcomed many new faces. If you'd like to become a Moisture Festival volunteer it really is never too late. You can check out our website's volunteer page or send an email to the festival volunteer coordinator at volunteers@moisturefestival.org indicating you'd love to get involved.

Moisture Festival Fabulous Fling - Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing

2012-01-25T15:54:00.000-08:00

Your love for the world's largest comedy/varieté festival is the target of Cupid's arrow at the Moisture Festival's Fabulous Fling Valentine's Dance and Fundraising Auction! The inimitable Kevin Joyce will be the evening's Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer for our distinctive auction, featuring unique treasures and unforgettable experiences. You could also end up the proud owner of collectable festival memorabilia from our nearly decade-long history. The Fabulous Fling will feature aerial artistry, varietè performance, advice for the lovelorn, The Valentine's Varieté Waltz, swing dancing and the return of the Romance Square Dance. Open your heart to the pure joy of spending to support the Moisture Festival. Let's do it. Let's fall in love. Hales Palladium Friday February 10th, 2012 Ticket information
This show's artists include: Canote Brothers, Fuchsia FoXXX, and MC Kevin Joyce

Volunteer Call & Meeting

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

The time has come for another exciting, fun-filled festival! Join us for our annual volunteer call and meeting to get information about getting involved with the 2012 Moisture Festival.

When: Wednesday February 1st, 7pm
Where: Hale's Palladium in Fremont. Go to the back side of Hale's Brewery at 4301 Leary Way NW. Look for the big Moisture Festival sign.

Our amazing volunteers make it possible to present this unique festival. Last year we filled over 1000 shifts with over 200 volunteers and we're ready to do it all over again. Join the party and help create the largest vaudeville, comedy, variete, burlesque showcase of it's kind.

At this meeting we'll be talking about the many ways you can get involved with the festival from building and set up of the festival, to working at the shows, to donating housing for performers and more.

You'll have an opportunity to meet the festival organizers, and learn more about the volunteer teams and what kinds of volunteer positions will be available. After the meeting, mingle with new and old volunteers and enjoy drinks and pizza.

If you have never volunteered for the festival before we highly encourage you to come to this meeting. Likewise, if you are interested in some of the teams you haven't participated in before, this is a chance to talk to the team coordinators and learn more.

If you cannot attend the meeting, fear not! We would still love to have you aboard during festival time. Sign up on the festival's Shiftboard to receive a recap of the meeting and to be included in future emails and shift scheduling.

We look forward to sharing with you the latest Moisture Festival developments. It's going to be an exciting year! For more information email volunteers@moisturefestival.org.

Run away with the circus! We have a lot of fun together creating this festival, can't wait to see you there!

Volunteer Party Closing Night

2012 Moisture Festival At A Glance

2012-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Grab this handy graphic showing Moisture Festival's complete 2012 schedule.

click on image to enlarge

Fantastico! Moisture Festival Fabulous Fling Will Offer Some Rad Auction Items

2012-01-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Here are just some of the items, packages and exciting experiences that individuals and businesses have already donated to this one-of-a-kind auction in support of the

Moisture Festival - Get Your Tickets Now

Banya 5: Five passes to Banya 5 urban spa. Pamper yourself five times or invite four friends and make it a spa day with these five individual General Admission Guest Passes. Each card includes the use of the jetted hot tub, salt/tepid pool, cold plunge, Turkish steam room, Russian-style sauna, warm and cold drench showers, and Tea Lounge.

Center for Wooden Boats: Annual Household Membership (covers all individuals residing at one address) and two hours of free rowing in one of CWB's historic wood rowboats.

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley: Admission and dinner entrees for four people at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley - voted the number one Jazz Club in Western Washington!

The Flying Karamazov Brothers: A Flying Karamazov Brothers memorabilia pack: four vintage tour posters autographed by one of the brothers, two t-shirts, two buttons, a keychain and an exclusive video scrapbook.

Hale's Brewery: You and your friends and family (up to 20 people) will tour the inside of Hale's Brewery for a "behind the scenes" look at this singular craft brewery, before sitting down to taste and talk beer in Hale's Pub. Then, all of you will have three hours to go wherever you want in Hale's own double-decker bus!

Lindsay Nall (Moisture Festival Individual Supporter): A day or evening/sunset cruise on Puget Sound aboard the 'Wind Rider', a Cal 34 sailboat, with Skipper Lindsay Nall. Pick-up/Return at Shilshole Marina, up to six people (more is ok, but getting crowded).

One Reel: Two three-day Gold Passes to Bumbershoot 2012: Seattle's Music and Arts Festival. Includes: admission for all festival days; admission to the exclusive and air-conditioned hospitality lounge (with light refreshments); a limited-edition Bumbershoot 2012 poster; six beverage coupons redeemable in any Bumbershoot beer garden; and special VIP entry/reserved seating at the Bumbershoot Mainstage.

Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door, Inc.: An autographed copy of Rick Steves' Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler, Rick Steves' All 90 shows DVD Anthology, Rick Steves' Tour catalog, Rick Steves' Smithsonian Magazine.

SANCA: Love is in the air! Take someone special on a truly unforgettable date at the School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts--SANCA School of Flight. Under the expert guidance of our highly trained staff, you and your guest will soar to new heights on the Flying Trapeze!

Seattle International Film Festival: Certificate redeemable for twenty admissions to SIFF Cinema at the Uptown box office for SIFF Avenue at the Uptown and SIFF Film Center Screenings.

Seattle Theatre Group: A certificate for two VIP Club Seats to C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, Saturday March 10, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre. You'll have fabulous, front-row balcony seating and access to the Paramount Club VIP Lounge, with personal bartenders, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, private restrooms, and coat check.

The Shady Lady: A Two-person skippered afternoon or evening cruise aboard the 'Shady Lady', a 21-foot fiberglass sailboat, on Lake Union bounded by Fremont bridge and U-bridge, with Skipper Jennifer Wensrich.

Rick Shanti (Moisture Festival Individual Supporter): 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon - A Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Table Wine from Washington, USA - contains 3% Merlot. The principal component comes from the Champoux Vineyard (in which the winery is a partner) with contributions from the Klipsun and Taptiel Vineyards, outstanding in their own right. It, too, was aged for 22 month.s in 100% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it has a splendid perfume of violets, wood 'smoke, truffle, Asian spices, black cherry, and black currant preserves. Opulent and mouth-coating, the layers of complex flavors nearly hide enough tannin to support 8-10 years of additional cellaring. The oak, tannin, and acidity are beautifully integrated and the lengthy finish lasts for well over a minute.

Teatro ZinZanni: A certificate redeemable for two admissions to Teatro Zinzanni for any Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday performance. Includes the critically acclaimed 3 1/2 hour performance and a five-course gourmet meal.

Do you have an item, service or experience you think would be a good fit for our auction? Contact Auction Coordinator Jeremy Johnsen at jeremy@moisturefestival.org and let us know what you can give to keep great comedy/variete alive in Seattle.

New Zealand's World Famous Rubberband Boy On Schedule For 2012 Moisture Festival

2012-01-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Horay is recognized as a performer who is at the top of his craft as a world-renowned varietè performer. Simply put he is an international star in his own right. His act demonstrates an exception degree of originality and his extraordinary creativity." Shelly Switzer - Artistic Producer Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

After successfully navigating the twists and turns of the US Customs and Immigration Service's "extraordinary ability" performer work visa application process The Moisture Festival is proud to announce New Zealand's very own Shay Horay, "The World Famous Rubberband Boy" will be coming to entertain you during the 2012 Moisture festival.

Rubberband Boy’s special ability for facial contortion and pogo stick straight jacket escapology have been viewed in 20 countries including the World Buskers Festival (NZ), Glastonbury Festival (UK) Street Performers World Championships in Ireland and New Zealand representative at "The World Gurning Championships" Japan. The holder of The Guinness World Record for Rubberbands on his face. Rubberband Boy is so funny he should have been twins! A master of comedy, acrobatics and an act of escapology unparalleled worldwide.

The Rubberband Boy, Man or Monster? You decide!

New Shiftboard System Makes Volunteering For Moisture Festival Easy Streamlined And Fun

2011-12-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

The Moisture Festival is delighted to announce that it will be using a new system for organizing, scheduling and assigning volunteers. A daunting task when you consider that Moisture Festival normally schedules over 1000 shifts for its volunteers during the festival's run. The system known as shiftboard is now operational. If you are or wish to become a Moisture Festival volunteer you should sign-up here, register and start to set up your profile page then look around and get a feel for the system. One of the great features of the system is it is available 24/7. So volunteers can schedule themselves to available shifts anytime it's convenient for them to do so and directly from any computer.

The wonderful people who created the shiftboard software system have been kind enough to donate the use of the system to the Moisture Festival this year. The Moisture Festival system has been set up through the hard work and leadership of volunteer guru Monica Hinckley, who also coordinates volunteers for One Reel and The Seattle International Film Festival. Hinckley also says that shiftboard has made a huge difference compared to what the volunteer coordinator’s job has traditionally been. “Typically, managers had to ask the volunteer coordinator to schedule shifts for them,” she explained, “but now we have team managers on our shiftboard site, each of whom can schedule and communicate directly with their volunteers any time of day.”

Shiftboard integrates volunteer group communication, availability, web-based recruiting, and reporting. The online system works using designated teams of volunteers. Once a volunteer is registered with the Moisture Festival online shiftboard system they can use it to schedule their availability for a team posted on the shiftboard calendar. The available shifts are posted to calendar by the volunteer coordinator, team leaders and staff and can be updated in real time. Registered shiftboard festival volunteers then can join teams and confirm shifts they want to work that have been created by volunteer coordinators, team leaders and staff. The system is also an important tool for shiftboard based email and message communication between volunteers, coordinators and team leaders.

Volunteers Are Needed For Our New Year's Eve Party

The Moisture Festival is current looking for volunteers for teams to work our annual New Year's Eve Party and Fund-raiser. So if you're interested in volunteering please sign in and/or register on Moisture Festival's shiftboard, and go to the calendar to see what shifts are available. If you don't see any shifts on the calendar for December 31st it's because you have not signed up for one of teams needed that day. If you want to join one of the NYE teams you can sent a message request to be included on the teams needed by clicking on find more/add teams above the calendar.

There are a number of "teams" that will be employed during by the Moisture Festival, they include Box Office, Door Babe/Dude, Drivers, Food Babe/Dude, Office, Security, and Theater Builders and other teams we've created to fit our volunteer job needs. A particular team's shift schedule can be seen on an the volunteer's online "shiftboard calendar".
If you have a questions about using shiftboard or volunteering for the Moisture Festival you can also contact us by email at volunteers@moisturefestival.org.

Thank you Moisture Festival volunteers!

News From Moisture Festival - NYE Extravaganza - Festival Ticket Discounts - And Much More

2011-12-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

There are still tickets available! But tickets will go fast as this one-of-a-kind celebration, featuring the talents of aerialists, acrobats, clowns, musicians and a James Beard award-winning chef, draws near.

Buy your tickets now to guarantee that you'll ring in the New Year with all the wild and wonderful artistry of the Moisture Festival! Proceeds will go to help make the 9th year of the Moisture Festival one that Seattle will never forget. Don't miss this fantastic night of fun - savoring the good times we shared in 2011 and embracing the excitement of a new year ahead.

This jam-packed event will feature:

Vic & Nick Trio (featuring two members of Grammy-nominated a capella group The Bobs)
Aerial artistry of Quynbi
Bold And Daring Aerial Sisters Society (B.A.D.A.S.S.) presents "Glamarazzi" (featuring Cathy Sutherland and Carri Anderson of Aviatrix)
Puppeteer Clay Martin
Acrobats Dr. Calamari & Acrophelia
The Circus Tramps (featuring Randy Minkler, Ron W. Bailey, Al Kaatz, Hugh Sutton, Frank Johnson and Matt Williams) playing Rock Rhythm & Blues
Simon Neale and Maque Da Vis from The Fremont Players
Hors d'oeuvres by James Beard award-winning Chef Tiberio Simone, who will be selling and signing his new book La Figa: Visions of Food and Form
Godfrey Daniels and his many Red Balloons
Champagne Toast as the clock strikes 2012

Moisture Festival New Year's Eve Extravaganza in Hale's Palladium

December 31, 2011

Hale's Palladium - Fremont

4301 Leary Way Northwest, Seattle, WA

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., festivities begin at 8:00 p.m.

Cash Bar (Beer, Wine and Champagne)

All Ages

$60 for adults

$40 for kids under 12

Purchase tickets through Brown Paper Tickets at:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/212868

Or call 1-800-838-3006

2012 Moisture Festival tickets are on sale NOW and make great holiday gifts!

Share all the fun, wonder and amazement of the Moisture Festival with friends and family this holiday season.

See our calendar of events for dates and showtimes.

PURCHASE TICKETS

www.brownpapertickets.com

1-800-838-3006

BUY EARLY AND SAVE! Get a 10% discount on tickets to opening week of the Moisture Festival at Hale's Palladium (March 15 - 18), if you purchase on or before February 15. This does not include the matinee benefit for Clowns Without Borders, March 17.

Yo-Yos, Bubbles, and Fireflies!

2011-12-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Concocting another fun and magical combination, Moisture Festival welcomes these new and returning artists to the 2012 line up:

The Yo Yo People hold a Guinness World Record, the 2008 Yo-Yo World Champion title, and that's just the beginning of this high energy duos worldwide fame. Performing in over 20 countries, John and Rebecca have made an entire show out of yo-yos. Yo-yos attached to bouncy balls, yo-yos with 10-foot strings, and multiple yo-yos looping while hula hooping and unicycling are just some of their finely tuned feats. Seen on the Late Show with David Letterman, at Walt Disney World, and on Discovery Channel and PBS, this will be their first visit to the Moisture Festival.

Festival favorite Tom Noddy returns this year with his unique brand of Bubble Magic. Tom has done something unique in show business ... he created a new kind of act. Manipulating the simple soap bubble into fantastic creations, Tom has initiated a series of "Bubble Festivals" at science centers across America and now in several European cities (he says that he knows a good bit about the physics of soap films but admits and he's funnier than he is smart). Tom Noddy's Bubble Magic is, of course, a hit with kids but when presented to adult audiences ... well, this is what the New York Times said recently: “The Bubble Guy, Tom Noddy, made his jaded adult audience literally gasp with beautiful constructions made entirely of soap bubbles."

Kamikaze Fireflies pairs Rob Williams (remember the baloney sandwich? yes,the footy one!) with with the delightful and frightening Casey Martin, sometimes billed as Super Spacey Casey. Together they promise to "bludgeon audiences with wit, crush them with whimsey, and tear them a new laugh hole". We can't wait to see what kinds of craziness they have in store for Moisture Festival 2012.

Tickets for all Moisture Festival 2012 events including including our New Year's Eve and Valentine's fundraiser parties are now on sale at Brown Paper Tickets.

New at 2012 Moisture Festival: David Deeble, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Dana Smith

2011-11-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Each year Moisture Festival invites artists new to the festival to join us to play. The 2012 festival welcomes into our crazy circus tent:

David Deeble's Unnatural Act is a whirlwind display of exotic skills with laugh-out-loud commentary. Dave kicks coins into his eye socket, extinguishes flaming marshmallows with his mouth and - as if that weren't enough - accompanies it all with hilarious asides: "All that talent and I'm also a notary." Best known for his grocery-sack juggling routine on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", his other t.v. appearances include "America's Got Talent!" and "Last Comic Standing". He also appears regularly at The Comedy & Magic Club and emcees the Palace showroom at The Magic Castle in Hollywood. Dave's engaging style, audience-savvy and intelligent humor spread grease-fire laughter at world-class venues around the world. We can't wait to add Dave's razor-sharp wit and contagious goofiness to Moisture Festival 2012.

Since 1995 the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has traveled the world, bringing its unique hybrid of Vaudeville, Circus, Wild West Shows, Burlesque, and Sideshow to theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals. Co-founders Stephanie Monseu and Keith Nelson's personal dedication to the variety arts, circus, vaudeville, sideshow, and burlesque have made the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus famous both among audiences and within the variety performance community. This spring they stop in at Seattle's own Moisture Festival bringing thier own bit of one of the last true touring vaudeville shows in America. Their shows combine traditional circus high wire aerialists, clowns, and juggling with sideshow denizens like swords swallowers, and burlesque dancers. With these basic ingredients, The Bindlestiffs cook up an alchemical brew that promises to enthrall audiences.

Dana Smith has been entertaining the world since 1974 when he landed his first big chance and hit the road with the Royal Lichtenstein Quarter Ring Sidewalk Circus. After a year as a sidekick on that show he decided to trade his second banana status for a real shot at what he describes as the small time. After presenting thousands of urban street shows across all parts of North America he has earned a reputation as one of the most polished performers of this style. His show is a mix of circus arts stunts and interactive audience participation routines all inventively presented by this veteran showman. We are excited to welcome him to the festival!

We have many more new artists to introduce and a host of returning favorites to make 2012 an amazing Moisture Festival year, so stay tuned. We hope to see you there!

Critically Acclaimed Tiberio Simone Of La Figa Catering To Provide Moisture Festival New Year's Eve Party Cuisine

2011-11-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Moisture Festival is honored to announce that La Figa Catering will be providing our New Year's Eve Party's Cuisine.

Tiberio Simone, Owner and chef of La Figa Catering, grew up cooking by the side of his mother and grandmother in Southern Italy. The memory of these wonderful times, the aroma of the divine food and the noises of sizzling oil and pots and pans has stayed with him into his current career as caterer. Many of his specialties are rooted in the cooking of his region and of his two towns, Neviano and Seattle. Simone has been widely recognized for his unique talent of mixing food with eroticism, best illustrated in his critically acclaimed cook book La Figa - Visions of Food and Form.

Tiberio's food is simple and delicious and colorful, using the best food: fresh local produce, organic ingredients and imported food, all available here in the great Northwest. He is a former Pastry Chef of the Four Season Olympic Hotel in Seattle, and is a James Beard Award winner and award winner of Washington NARAL's Chocolate for Choice. He also donates his time and food to support local community fund-raisers like the Moisture Festival. La Figa Catering provides not just meals, but fabulous events. They believe that good energy and delicious food can contribute to creating a memorable evening.

December 31st - 8:00pm

Hale's Palladium

4301 Leary Way NW

Seattle WA

Admission: $60 Adult / $40 Youth (12 and under)

A Unique New Year's Eve Experience - The 2012 The Moisture Festival's New Year's Eve Party And Fund Raiser

2011-11-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

All of the proceeds for this 3rd annual fund-raising event go towards the upcoming festival. The evening begins at 8pm with music by swing trio Vic & Nic (including two members of The Bobs). We are securing varietè acts and a live dance band to launch us into 2012. There will be beautiful and always spectacular aerial by Quynbi. We will wave goodbye to 2011, treasure the memories and then champagne will be provided for a midnight toast and additional acts are being added as we write.

As the count down begins the one and only Godfrey Daniels will throw close to 2,012 big red balloons at 12 o’clock! Joining the party this year will be Chef Tiberio Simone who will create magnificent finger foods for your delight all night. Adults $60, $40 Kids under 12 (do remember this is a significant fund-raising event for the 2012 festival so help us spread the word! We hope to sell out the evening). Prize for the best party hat created from coffee filters. Free party favors provided by Mr. Fine Favors. There will be only 200 tickets available - be sure to act fast.

December 31st - 8:00pm

Hale's Palladium

4301 Leary Way NW (in back behind the brewery)

Seattle WA

Admission: $60 Adult / $40 Youth (12 and under)

Looking For A Unique Holiday Gift Idea? - Moisture Festival 2012 Tickets on Sale Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

Get ready for Moisture Festival 2012!

Comedy/Varietè/Burlesque
March 15 - April 8

You asked and we listened!

2012 festival tickets went on sale

Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011

Tickets to the Moisture Festival can make great

holiday gifts for people of all ages!

Visit brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006

for all shows and events.

Hale's Palladium - March 15 - April 8

Georgetown Ballroom - March 30 - April 1

Broadway Performance Hall - March 23 - April 1

Moisture Festival's Libertease Burlesque (18+)

and varietè (all ages) come to this Capitol Hill

venue for the first time!

More yucks! Less bucks!

Buy Early And Save!

Get a 10% discount on tickets to opening week of the Moisture Festival at Hale's Palladium (March 15 - 18), if you purchase on or before February 15. This does not include the matinée benefit for Clowns Without Borders, March 17.

And that's not all!

Tickets will also be on sale for two fun-filled

community fund-raising events at Hale's Palladium:

Moisture Festival's New Year's Eve Party

A jam-packed celebration, featuring aerial, varietè, music

for dancing, Chef Tiberio Simone's New Year's Delights

and Godfrey Daniels' Big Red Balloons

when the clock strikes 2012!

Only 200 tickets available!

$60 adults - $40 kids 12 and under

Moisture Festival Fabulous Fling

Valentine's Fundraising Dance and Auction

Featuring aerial, varietè, Romance Square Dance

and Chef Tiberio Simone's Food for Love

Friday, Feb. 10, from 7:30 p.m. till your heart gives out!

Only 200 tickets available. All ages.

Adults $40 (approx. $10 tax-deductible).

Kids 12 and under $10.

Visit brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006

for all shows and events.

New Development Coordinator and Grant Writer Joins Moisture Festival Team

2011-11-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Johnsen has joined the Moisture Festival staff in the capacity of Development Coordinator and Grant Writer.

Johnsen’s career has focused on fostering edification through the arts, mastering the management of a non-profit organization and cultivating a versatile skill-set. Through his work as the Executive Director of the Seattle Baroque Orchestra (SBO), he gained intimate knowledge of local and national grantors and government agencies dealing with arts and non-profit businesses. Johnsen also learned to adapt an organization to a down economy through austerity measures which cut costs without compromising quality, the identification and acquisition of new grants, the solicitation of business sponsorships, the formation of mutually beneficial partnerships with other non-profits, effective donor appeal campaigns, compelling marketing campaigns and the successful planning and execution of fundraising events.

Before and concurrent with his work with SBO, Johnsen was curating fine-art exhibits for Viveza Art Experience – monthly in their Belltown gallery and annually at the not-so-aptly-named Art Basel Miami.

Break a leg Jeremy!

Moisture Festival Comes to Capitol Hill!

2011-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Capitol Hill! Ready or not here we come.

Moisture Festival finally makes it to Broadway! Yes it’s true. Our 2012 festival will make itself comfy in the fabulous Broadway Performance Hall for two electrifying and thrill packed weekends of burlesque and varietè shows. We couldn’t be more excited about expanding our festival into such a vibrant and energetic neighborhood.

We will be serving up eight performances of our signature Libertease Burlesque shows on March 23, 24, 30, 31 at 7:30pm and 10:30pm on each of those nights.

We will also offer two opportunities to bring the whole family and experience the whacky merriment that comprises our varietè performances on two Sundays, March 25 and April 1, at 3:00pm.

Please join us as we initiate Capitol Hill into our growing Moisture Festival family. Stay tuned for more details.

-Rhonda Sable
Director of Smooth Operations

Tickets for all Moisture Festival events including Libertease on Capitol Hill will go on sale on November 24th via Brown Paper Tickets.

'Look Out Behind You!' - Seattle's New Holiday Tradition British Panto Returns To Hales Palladium With Peter Pan

2011-11-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

The panto has become a Northwest holiday tradition and something that both adults and kids love. British Panto by definition is: "theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas".

The Panto is brought to you by the Fremont Players and the Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra. The family friendly rip-roaringly fun performance of Peter Pan opens December 10h and 11th and continues December 17,18 at Hales Palladium. There are also 2 weekends of performances in January on the 7th and 8th and 14th and 15th. Get your tickets early.

Want 2012 Festival Tickets?

2011-11-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

By popular demand Moisture Festival tickets will be available early this year! Stay tuned in the next few weeks as we ramp up to begin offering tickets for ALL our shows on November 24th. Yes, after consuming all that turkey, tofurkey, turducken, or whatever your pleasure, log onto Brown Paper Tickets and get first dibs on all 2012 Moisture Festival tickets.

Photo: Danny O'Brien
This includes our regular season running March 15th through April 8th of awe inspring and laugh inducing comedy/variete shows as well as two weekends of our tantalizing and seductive burlesque shows. While we won't have the performer's schedules posted until closer to the festival, you know if you have attended before that each show is a unique showcase of talent you can't find anywhere else.

In addition, Moisture Festival will present two special event fundraisers prior the the festival. Join us New Year's Eve to ring in 2012 with friends, Moisture family, and an extravaganza of vaudevillian proportions! Return in February for a intimate evening soiree and auction to celebrate Valentine's day and kick off the final countdown to the festival.

Stay tuned for all the details on these two special events. You won't want to miss these unique evenings!

So go out, crunch some fall leaves, and next time you open that umbrella remember that Moisture is back!

Hot Tip from Moisture Festival’s Director of Smooth Operations

2011-10-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

In addition to being Moisture Festival’s Director of Smooth Operations I also spend a few months each year as The Seattle International Film Festival’s (SIFF) Guest Relations Manager. As many of you know, SIFF is quite an awesome festival. During SIFF this past spring I saw a film that is about to open here in Seattle, on November 4 at the Varsity Theatre. Being Elmo is an extraordinary film about a very remarkable man and I really think our Moisture Festival Fans will love it so I’m passing along the tip. The film is a documentary about Kevin Clash, who has been the Muppeteer behind Elmo (Yes, Elmo who lives on Sesame Street) for over 30 years. His story is heartwarming, funny and inspiring with lots of great behind the scenes moments into Jim Henson’s one-of-a-kind world. As one review said “ A touching and beautiful story that proves that good things do happen to good people”. Well it really touched me and below is the photo to prove it! (Yes. Elmo and his sidekick, Kevin, actually attended the SIFF screening.) Go see this film. You’ll leave with that Moisture Festival grin spread wide across your face! Check out this link to find out more http://beingelmo.com

- Rhonda

Moisture Festival Aerial Stars Duo Rose Trapeze Win Critics Choice Award And Acclaim In Italy

2011-10-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

"It was a fantastic experience participating in the 13th international Circus Festival Circo Latina this October. We greatly enjoyed our time in Latina and are honored to receive the Ciritics Choice Award and the Kobzov Circus Special Prize."

Duo Rose have delighted Moisture Festival audiences the last several years and we are working to confirm their participation in the 2012 festival. Stay tuned.

Ninja Dudes! NANDA in Seattle

2011-10-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

NANDA wants to extend an invitation to all Moisture Festival Friends, Family & Fans for Two for One Tickets to this Friday & Sunday Night Show at Broadway Performance Hall - 8pm. I saw the show last Friday night and was blown away. I think you'll feel the same way and I know they want everyone in the community to see what they have accomplished - combined with great lights and sound... so please take advantage of this two for one offer. You'll be glad you did and you will see some favorite routines and lots of new material that will give you a good deep laugh.
-Ron Bailey

PLUS your friends of the Moisture Festival will be bartending at the shows all weekend long! (and next weekend too). Stop by and say hi! We'll be serving frosty pints of Hale's best as well as wine and non alcoholic beverages as well. Hope to see you there!

Here's how to get your Two For One tickets:
1. Go to www.thejacketshow.com
2. Click "BUY TICKETS"
3. Choose October 14th or 16th
4. Use the promo code "ninjadude"

The Jacket from Nanda on Vimeo.

Moisture Festival Performer Michael Carbonaro Appears On Tonight Show

2011-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival performer Michael Carbonaro, who thrilled audiences with his unique "shaving cream man" routine at the 2011 festival, appeared on the tonight show with Jay Leno last night. This time Michael uses a candid camera and his magic skills to have some fun with unsuspecting convenience stores customers in a bit called Magic Clerk. The bit begins at 12 minutes on the video right after Jay's monologue.

Moisture Festival's Bubble Master Tom Noddy Will Appear On BBC2 Science Program The Code

2011-07-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Tom was a guest on the new BBC2 television program The Code showing some bubbles and talking about some of the mathematical principles at work. The show airs on August 3.

The Code is a three-part TV series about maths in the natural world, presented by Marcus du Sautoy. Why do bees make hexagonal honeycomb? Where’s the best place to stand to get on a train first? How can dozens of wrong answers make a correct one? Join Marcus on an exciting journey to discover how maths shapes the world around us

Moisture Festival Burlesque Star Miss Indigo Blue Named Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011 At 54th Annual Reunion In Las Vegas

2011-06-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Well of course she is... and it serves as evidence that the Moisture Festival is privileged to features some of the most talented comedy variete' and burlesque performers in the world. Moisture Festival artists certainly don't perform for the money we pay. Their goal is to promote and build comedy variete' and burlesque performance as the genuine art form that it is in our local community and internationally.

The annual reunion in Las Vegas is one of the most prodigious gatherings of burlesque performers and supporters on earth. Miss Indigo Blue has been a star of the Moisture Festival forever it seems, and we are thrill that she is continuing to receive the recognition she deserves from the international burlesque community of performers and fans of the genre. Lily Verlaine "the living breathing work of art" and Moisture Festival star was named second runner up...

Miss Indigo Blue Reigning Queen Of Burlesque 2011

via: burlesque seattle press

Moisture Festival Performer Frank Olivier Stars On America's Got Talent Season Premier

2011-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival Fans know Frank Olivier well based on his many years as a regular performer in our annual festival. Now Frank is one of the stars of the 2011 season of America's Got Talent on NBC. The celebrity panel deemed Frank's act a winner and he will continue in the competition when it moves on to Las Vegas. Here is a short clip of Frank's winning performance where Howie Mandel reluctantly volunteers as his assistant while Frank juggles torches astride the high unicycle.

Tom Noddy's Birthday Celebration 2011

2011-05-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

It's a old tradition in vaudeville to be pied in the face on your birthday.

It's Been A Magical Moisture Festival 2011

2011-04-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Crowds were dazzled by acts from around the world. 1000 shifts were filled by spirited volunteers. Bananas, pancakes, and children were juggled. A patron exited the show to give birth. Seriously.

55 shows, 4 weeks, 5 venues and now here we are at Closing Night. Thanks to our amazing team of volunteers our marvelous sponsors, our supporters and our fans.
Your incredible!

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Christopher Phi

2011-04-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Born in and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Christopher Phi began theater and gymnastics at the age of 10. He competed in power tumbling throughout high school, twice becoming national champion. Attending Notre Dame de Namur University on a musical theater scholarship, Christopher performed in various musicals and plays as well as trained vigorously in different circus disciplines and dance. Christopher moved to Las Vegas in April of 2005 when he was hired for Franco Dragone’s “Le Reve”, a show at the Wynn Resort in which he performed as a handbalancer, contortionist, aerialist, and dancer for over 5 years. He has been contracted by “Cirque du Soleil” and has frequently appeared on television, most recently the Latin Grammy’s 2009 and a Brandon Flowers music video. Recently returned to the bay area, Christopher enjoys teaching pilates, performing in various corporate events and shows, studying languages, and spending time with his family and friends.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Aerialist Helena Reynolds

2011-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

From our performer lounge interview series at Hales Brew Pub.

A contemporary dancer aerialist and fitness teacher, Helena Reynolds graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA. She performs in the air sometimes with a partner and even with a group (Aloft, a noted Chicago performance collective). Helena is now concentrating on silks, trapeze, and lyra. Moisture Festival is happy to welcome her for the first time this year. Note: Helena performs on Vashon Island Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 3pm and 7:30pm at the Open Space for Arts and Community

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Karen Quest Cowgirl Rope Tricks & Hilby The Skinny German Juggle Boy

2011-04-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

From our performer lounge series of interviews at Hale Brew Pub.

As a boy growing up in Berlin, young Hilby exhibited no particular talents other than making funny faces at strangers and, as Hilby himself describes it, "breezing rhythmically." When people began to call him a grown-up he packed up his old kit bag, gave his mom a big kiss on the cheek, and set out on a journey that was to lead him all over the world. Hilby traveled across the European continent to Asia. One of the talents he learned along the way was juggling and from that day forward his social life took a distinct downward turn as countless weeks went by during which he wouldn't listen to anybody but his own inner voice saying, "Come on Hilby, you can do it!" Hilby perfected his art on the road--from his first performance on the famous Islamabad Friday Market to Lhasa, Tibet, from Calcutta to Bangkok,

Born in St. Louis, Missouri Karen Quest was raised in Studio City, California, it surprises no one more than herself that after the 13-year college plan, odd jobs too numerous to mention and a foray into circus life, Karen has been blazing a trail with her one-woman Vaudeville-style comedy Western act, "Cowgirl Tricks". Karen trained at the Dell' Arte School of Physical Theater, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College and The San Francisco School of Circus Arts, where she is also an instructor.

Moisture Festival Performer Frank Olivier Juggles 1.8 Million Volts Of Stunguns While Riding High Unicycle In Seattle Times Video

2011-04-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Frank Olivier can be seen at the Moisture Festival on Vashon Island this Saturday in shows at 3pm and 7:30pm. Frank developed his unique offbeat brand of humor in San Francisco's comedy clubs. He was soon sharing the bill with Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and others. New York producers spotted his talents, and quickly signed him. He performed his act for the next three years in the Broadway hit show 'Sugar Babies'. Olivier has a growing number of television appearances including The Tonight Show, Comic Strip Live, and shows for PBS, HBO, BBC, Disney and more. He also headlines Las Vegas, comedy and theater festivals, and performs countless corporate shows.

Moisture Festival Performer Wang Hong Featured in Seattle Times Video

2011-04-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

The amazing Chinese antipodis (foot balancer) Wang Hong can be seen this weekend at the Moisture Festival Shows on Vashon Island at the Open Space for Arts and Community. Tickets are available on line or at the box office one hour before the show. Wang Hong’s name translates into English as “rainbow” and the spectrum of talents that she employs in her performance are as beautiful and delicate as that ephemeral play of light. She was raised in the cold, far northeast province of Jain on China’s border with the Soviet Union. At 10 years of age she started training as a gymnast but began her performance career as a dancer. She worked in North America with the famed Tandy Beal Dance Theater company and the New Pickle Circus under Tandy's direction and with the Cirque du Soleil.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Avner The Eccentric

2011-04-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Avner Eisenberg was one a handful of 1970s street performers who took their acts into theaters and, along with the Flying Karamazov Brothers and others, gave birth to the New Vaudeville movement. Even in those early days, this Georgia-born clown was recognized by other performers as wise beyond his years. He helped them to consider what it was they were doing onstage and how they went about doing it. After obtaining a BA degree in theater at the University of Washington in 1971 he took further training with Jacques Lecoq in Paris and then with Carlo Mazzone Clementi in California. Avner acknowledges a debt to these two masters who helped to give him direction: “Lecoq, taught me everything I know and Carlo taught me the rest” and he repaid that debt by doing the same for many of us for many years. Along with top theater credits (his one-man show was a hit of the 1984-85 Broadway season and was followed by rave reviews as he toured America and European theaters), the big screen (he co-starred with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny Divito in the film Jewel of the Nile) and small screen (many TV shows worldwide) Avner was recently inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame. You can see Avner at Hales Palladium on April 7th, 8th and 10th and on Vashon Island at the Open Space for Arts and Community April 9th

Moisture Festival Producer Interview: Festival Founder Ron W. Bailey

2011-04-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

There are many people whose hard work and creativity makes the Moisture Festival happen but there is one without whom it wouldn't have been an option. Ron W. Bailey is an entertainer, band leader, singer, songwriter, and a Maker. He makes things happen. His visit to one of Berlin's two Comedy/Varietè festivals in the 1990s inspired the Moisture Festival's creation and unique contribution to Seattle's musical and theatrical landscape.

Seattle Channel Profiles Artist Bill Robison

2011-04-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Seattle's own Nancy Guppy gets up close and personal with physical comedian Bill Robison on ArtZone with Nancy Guppy. Catch Bill's last show at this year's Moisture Festival on April 8th at Open Space on Vashon Island.

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

Moisture Festival Billboards Or Are They Virtual Public Works Of Art You Decide

2011-04-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's a bird it's a plane, it's a 50 foot tall Indigo Blue and Frank Olivier. See Frank Olivier at the Vashon Open April 8th and 9th. Thank you ClearChannel and Duo Rose, Indigo Blue and Frank Olivier for being so photogenic and Ron W. Bailey design.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: The Porcelain Promenade

2011-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

A nouveau burlesque act based in Seattle an created by and featuring Evilyn Sin Claire and Belle Cozette. The soothing sounds of a waltz begin to delight the ear. Lights raise softly and two elegant women in shimmering dressing gowns glide onto the stage. But what is it they are dancing with? Why, it's glittering, rhinestoned thrones they waltz with. Or is it? As the lights come full on, and the fine ladies spin and twirl towards the audience, we see the truth...their dancing partners are bejeweled commodes.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: The Fantastic Cabaret Superstar Vocalist Lady Rizo

2011-04-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Though it is rumored that she is the product of a night of unrestrained indulgence between Peggy Lee, Mel Brooks, Nina Simone, Dean Martin and Janis Joplin the truth is Lady Rizo was raised by theatrical gypsies with the highest show business ethics. When she almost looked of age she rebelled against the unscrubbed rustic life and set out for a world of metropolitan sophisticates. The 'Cabaret Superstar' (New York Magazine) exploded on to the New York stage with a powerful voice and stage charisma that has made audiences take note. The chantuese and commedienne revives the cabaret genre by creating vintage arrangements of pop songs of 80s, 90s and today. Lady Rizo (nee Amelia Zirin-Brown) co-created the cult caburlesque spectacular Lady Rizo and the Assettes in 2005. In January 2010 she won her first Grammy on a duet with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Moisture Festival Audience Reviews: Georgetown Shows Rock

2011-04-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival Audience Reviews: Heavy On the Like Button

2011-04-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

An audience member at Georgetown show last night. Okay they think we're swell, and we have the best audience in Seattle.Go wild why don't you!

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Juggler Extraordinaire Luke Wilson

2011-04-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Luke Wilson shows that it is possible to redefine juggling without sacrificing technique.Whether manipulating 1 club or 5, using hands, feet or face; his juggling is laid-back yet dynamic, understated but surprising. The musicality of his juggling is underscored by a virtuous piano soundtrack: starting radically modern and ending on a classical high note. In his performance the music is an equal partner to the performer.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Two Members Of the Splinter Dance Group

2011-04-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Splinter Dance Company's mission is to extend thought-provoking dance performances to a broad range of audiences; making dance accessible to the public using site-specific work as well as maintaining artistically current theatrical works for paying audiences. Our work is technical, diverse, and interactive. As dancers and human beings, we aim to splinter the perception of everyday life and provide the viewer with dance that questions the scope of each human's experiences.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: German Comedy Variete' Legend Hacki GInda

2011-04-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hacki was living in West Berlin on the day that the Berlin Wall came down. He went, that day, into the East looking for a place to open a Varieté theater. Working with partners he created there what many performers agree was the heartbeat of the revival of this form of entertainment. His inventions, innovations and insanity helped to attract a younger audience to witness these ancient arts. As the genius clown at the center of the scene he elevated laughter to its proper place in the scheme of things. We are so proud to have him return to the festival that he helped inspire and then helped us to build.

Moisture Festival Photographers Take Fabulous Photos

2011-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

2011 Moisture Festival Photographers John Cornicello, Michelle Bates, and Mark Gardiner talk about their experiences covering the festival.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey

2011-04-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Baltimore's Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey are an award-winning, acrobatic burlesque superduo who have been making fun sexy and sexy fun since 2002. Described as "smart, funny and dumb in all the best ways", this talented twosome has flipped-n-stripped on "The Gong Show with Dave Attel," have opened for John Waters, are the winners of the 2006 Exotic World Best Burlesque Duo trophy and are regular late night fixtures in New York City, Baltimore and beyond.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Bill Robison

2011-04-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Bill Robison's performances are a synthesis of outlandish comedy, an elastic face, a penchant for the absurd and a reckless sense of abandon. He has been touring internationally as a solo artist and with the highly acclaimed comedy duo "The Shneedles" with their show "Luggage" They have also performed in numerous comedy festivals and German Variety theaters. Bill has toured extensively as a solo act to fairs and festivals across the US and Canada for over 20 years, where he has been the warm-up act for over 150 concerts including Bill Cosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and many, many more.

Moisture Festival Families Love Our Family Friendly Shows

2011-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Family Friendly Mositure Festival shows take place at Hales this weekend Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm and 3pm Matinées on both days. ACT Theatre's Grand Variete'show on Sunday is totally Family friendly with a 3pm Matinée and 7:30pm evening show. So grab the kids and some popcorn and join the laugh riot.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Stefan Haves Comedy Variete Host Performer And Impresario

2011-04-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Stefan Haves directed the world-renowned dinner/circus Teatro Zinzanni and is Cirque Du Soleil’s North American "Clown Scout," responsible for casting clowns, conducting workshops, and assistant directing the 2007 touring show in the areas of acting and clowns. He was also creative consultant for the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit "Fool Moon" starring the “Clown Prince” Bill Irwin and David Shiner, long a featured performer with Cirque Du Soleil. Haves’ education includes Dell'Arte’ School of Mime and Comedy and the “school of hard knocks” as a juggler and street clown in Paris.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Rod Ferrone Magnificent Hoofer

2011-04-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

Rod Ferrone has received critical acclaim worldwide for his unique blend of tap dance, comedy, song and hat tricks. He was 1/2 of the critically acclaimed tap/comedy duo Hot Foot. His company Feet 2 the Beat has also received high praise from audiences and critics alike. He was featured in several groundbreaking tap shows including “Urban Tap” (Broadway), “Cool Heat Urban Beat” (world tour), and “Camut Band” (Europe). He is a veteran of the Reel to Real series at Lincoln Center, having performed in tributes to Jimmy Durante, James Cagney, Donald O’Connor and Ray Bolger.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Johnny Fox

2011-04-01T01:42:00.000-07:00

Johnny Fox is a legendary character among street performers, circus folk and the like. He's a New York City illusionist, lecturer, story teller and a famed sword swallower. Many of this generation of street performers learned their chops watching this remarkable man turn passers by into an audience and then hold them. We're honored to have Johnny Fox attend Seattle's Moisture Festival.

More Moisture Festival Fan Reviews

2011-04-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Duo Rose Aerial

2011-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

"The first American circus artists to perform in Havana, Cuba since 1959" The passionate, romantic trapeze performance of Duo Rose combines unique dynamic elements with aerial contortion. The seamless flow of highly technical skills and intense passion overwhelms the audience and never fails to elicit a powerful emotional response. A complex routine of balance, strength, discipline and grace, they bring a particular elegance to their presentation of the human body in all its beauty and in all that it can do. Samuel and Sylvia have worked together for three years to combine their backgrounds in aerial arts, gymnastics, and contortion to create this dynamic aerial adagio act.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: The Shanghai Pearl

2011-03-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Shanghai Pearl is The Tantalizing Temptress from Taipei and Princess of Pulchritude! She infuses traditional bump and grind with her signature Shanghai sweetness. Her range is broad; spanning the burlesque gamut from tantalizing tongue in cheek tease to irreverent vaudevillian vignettes. Always entertaining and full of sizzling striptease, her moxie and bravado is not to be missed! Catch her on a stage near you and allow her to Shanghai your heart!

Seattle Times Photographer Erika Schultz Behind The Scenes

2011-03-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

Seattle Times Photographer Erika Schultz visited us at Hale's Palladium on Sunday to capture some of the behind the scenes magic of the festival. Check out her beautiful photos here or click on the photo below.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Dr. Calamari & Acrophelia

2011-03-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

The good but creepy doctor and his cool-skinned lover are remarkably nimble for those who teeter on the brink of life and death. Dr.Loligo Calamari and Acrophelia (A.K.A Jason Williams and Evelyn Bittner),.members of Circus Contraption, project a surrealist dream as they perform effortless and stylish acrobalancing and macabre dance movement.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Caela Bailey Lead Singer Of Caela & The Dangerous Flares

2011-03-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

Caela Bailey’s sultry lead vocals with Katy Webber, Cathy Sutherland and Mari Finch’s smooth and seductive backup vocals are fire roasted. They’re coming back to the Moisture and they’ll make you want to move, feel something, and express yourself.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: LoLo Flamingo

2011-03-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

Lo-Lo Flamingo's passion has led her to explore new skills, such as unicycle, fire dancing and cowgirl rope tricks. And her love for the stage has reached an all-time high with the addition of burlesque dancing to the mix.

Moisture Festival Behind The Scenes Interviews

2011-03-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

First Year Moisture Festival Volunteers Having Fun

2011-03-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival Fan Interviews: Raves For Lily Verlaine's Champagne Bath

2011-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Housing The Performers Moisture Festival Housing Coordinators Match Performers With Local Hosts

2011-03-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

By Susan Miller
Moisture Festival Housing coordinator
Ah, The Moisture Festival! It gives welcome distraction in the last gray days of late winter, & passes the time nicely until Folklife in May. Now here’s something interesting: Moisture Fest is run almost entirely by volunteers. Did you know that? When you come to the show, you can see the people taking tickets, doing the lights & stage work, but there is a not-so-small army of highly motivated people who remain unseen. From food prep to airport rides, The Moisture Festival would fail utterly if not for a network of eager & obsessive people who are happy to be paid in satisfaction. We look about as organized as ants on tangled jungle vines, yet we function with the crack efficiency one might expect if one were to cross the detail-oriented nerdiness of the high school chess club, with the uber-efficient gossip network of the girls’ cheerleading squad. Somehow it all comes together. Somehow.

One flavor of invisible volunteer is the performer host. And these are the folks with whom I work. This is the fifth year my husband & I have been arranging performer housing. This year we have about 70 performers coming to town, & we find housing for about half that. The rest stay with friends or relatives. Most of the performers fly in, so they don’t have cars. This makes rooms near the main venue of Hale’s very coveted. Even more rare are mother-in-law apartments, which I save for performers who simply need more privacy for their off-stage moments. Housing is a tricky thing. Over the years we’ve come to know many of the hosts, & also many of the performers. We put a lot of thought into finding the right match, & many returning performers stay with their hosts of previous years.

Do you want to help? You can! We always need more hosts. We could still use a host or two for this year, and we would love to have you on the list for next year. Hosting is easy, & an excellent way to provide a truly vital service to the Fest. Finding a good bed, a place to rest one’s mind & body from the rigors of the road, having a secure & peaceful retreat, is hugely important to the quality of the performers’ visits here, & to the quality of their work.

What is it like to host? It’s pretty darned easy. We discuss your space & schedule with you, & on the arranged day, your guest arrives. You will need to give them a key or in some method of entry; the shows end very late & they’ll need a way to get in. And that it all. Some hosts invite guests to dinner, as they tend to be highly interesting folk, full of stories. But all we ask is a comfortable room & a welcoming attitude. If you want to host or know more about hosting, email us at housing@moisturefestival.org. Thanks so much – Susan & Rodman Miller

Moisture Festival Fan Interviews: Jasper McCann

2011-03-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Seattle raconteur Jasper McCann talks about Saturday night's Libertease Burlesque show at ACT Theatre.

Vashon Island Are You Ready For Moisture Festival April 8th and 9th At Open Space?

2011-03-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Tickets will be available at the door but you can buy your tickets on line right now: NANDA, Famous Frank Olivier, Kevin Joyce, the legendary Avner the Eccentric, from China Wang Hong, form Germany Hacki Ginda, Elixabeth Rose Aerial and much much more.....

Moisture Festival Show Fan Reactions: We Love You Too

2011-03-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Miss Cherries Jubilee gets the fans reaction after the show...

Moisture Festival Show Fan Reactions: Thank You All!

2011-03-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Miss Cherries Jubilee interviews Moisture Festival attendees for their reactions after seeing the show.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Henrik Bothe Neon Man

2011-03-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Glow with the flow.... of Henrik Bothe and Neon Man...

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Master Payne

2011-03-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

A master, indeed! Master Payne is a noted Northwest performer who has traveled the world assuming and shedding a series of engaging characters in an unending effort to give a unique and humorous twist to the ancient art of conjuring.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: The Fascinating Aislinn

2011-03-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Aislinn Mulligan began with competitive artistic gymnastics at age 4 and then after competing internationally she turned her focus to dance and theatre training, competing as a finalist at the National Dance Competition at Sadler's Well in London before moving to Chicago to earn a degree in theatre from Northwestern University and to participate in a Professional Acting Residency with the world renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Aislinn resume also includes notable stints with the (Moscow State Circus) and Elsie & Serenity Smith (Cirque Du Soleil). The Moisture Festival is thrilled that she is a part of this year's festival.

Moisture Festival Merchandise Online Store Free Shipping This Weekend Only

2011-03-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Be sure to order $30 or more through Sunday and use code: 2DAYFREE when you visit the Moisture Festival on-line store.

Cap Sleeve available too!

Moisture Festival lettering design

The new top hat design?

This Weekend at Moisture's Libertease Burlesque

2011-03-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Do we have a hot weekend lines up for you? You bet! Check out these tantalizing and talented artists of the tease who will grace the stage at ACT - A Contemporary Theatre this weekend for Moisture Festival's Libertease Burlesque.

This year we present to you "burlesque from all angles" in the beautiful Allen Theatre which is "in the round". Performing this Friday and Saturday: Aviatrix, Aviatrix Ground Crew, Blanche DeBris, Daredevil Chicken Club, Ernie Von Smaltz, Inga Ingénue, Iva Handfull, Kevin Kent, Lily Verlaine, Lo-Lo Flamingo, Luminous Pariah, Madame X , Nich Galzin, Ron W. Bailey, Rose Nisker, Zebra Kings

Get advance tickets HERE.

Visit our web page for the full festival schedule include even more burlesque next weekend! The festival runs through April 10th in five venues. Please see our website for more information on this year's festival.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Magical "Mystical" Michael

2011-03-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Magical Mystical Michael’s illusive and elusive logic still has some of his closest friends scratching their heads and laughing. Michael next performances are scheduled for March 25 @ 7:30pm, March 26 @ 3:00pm and 10:30pm and March 27th at 7:30pm all at Hale's Palladium.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Jan Damm Knows About Economics

2011-03-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jan Damm grew up in central Maine and began performing at age twelve, juggling at children’s parties and events. He studied clowning with Maine residents (and Moisture Festival semi-regulars) Avner the Eccentric and Julie Goell. After earning an economics degree from Bard College in New York and further training as a street performer, Jan made his way to the San Francisco Bay Area where he studied circus and performed with local companies for three years. Jan currently resides in Montreal and most recently performed in Italy with Cirque Mechanic's Birdhouse Factory.

Moisture Festival Volunteer Luke Makes It Happen

2011-03-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Go Luke!

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: The Bellini Twins and Go With the Glow Neon Man

2011-03-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Their mother was a trapeze artist in The Bohemian National Circus. She was, as they say, a real swinger. The Bellini twins are from the same mother but have different fathers. They also double as Neon Man.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Musical Comic Eric Schwartz

2011-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Once again our pugnacious reporter Cherries Jubilee can be found interviewing one of our fascinating performer. This time it's Eric Schwartz musical comedian extraordinaire about how he came to be involved in Moisture Festival 2011 and what he been working on lately. You can see Eric's act at Hale's Palladium March 26th at 7:30pm or 10:30pm or March 27th at 7:30 at ACT A Contemporary Theatre.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Michael Trautman "The Eighth Best Clown In The World"

2011-03-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival Performer Michael Trautman "the eight best clown in the world" grants a rare interview with our reporter Cherries Jubilee. Catch Michael's act March 26th at 3pm and 7:30pm at Hale's Palladium or March 27th at ACT Theatre Grand Variete' show at 3pm and 7:30pm.

Moisture Festival Performer Interviews: Knight of The Green Cloth Doctor Lafitte

2011-03-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival performer Dr. Lafitte "Knight of the Green Cloth and liar theft and cheat" grants a interview with our reporter Cherries Jubilee while attending last night's Festival Lounge at Hale's Brew Pub. Catch the good Doctor's act tonight at 7:30pm or on April 6th at Hale's Palladium. I can't wait for the "physiological nudity" part of the act.

Moisture Festival Audiences Say Wow!

2011-03-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

It really never is a surprise when we ask audience members to talk about the Moisture Festival. They rave about it. Moisture social media reporter Cherries Jubilee visited the first of our Festival Lounge Wednesday's at Hale's Brew Pub after last night's show and gathered this reaction from audience member Brie. The festival lounge happens again on March 30th and April 6th. All are welcome to come and rub elbows with performers and fans.

Moisture Festival Show Stoppers

2011-03-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Some great John Cornicello photos from the first week of Moisture Festival!

Aviatrix

Rob Torres

Shersten Finley

Hacki Ginda

Festival Burlesque Opens Friday at ACT

2011-03-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tickets are selling fast for our fabulous Libertease Burlesque shows at ACT - A Comtemporary Theatre. This year we present to you "burlesque from all angles" in the beautiful Allen Theatre which is "in the round". Burlesque in the round! Think about it! These shows will include Moisture Festival favorites along side performers new to the Moisture Festival. Be ready to have your fancy tickled by an array of sumptuous women... and men. For one night only on March 25, Kevin Kent, of Teatro Zinzanni fame, will co-host both shows that night with our very own Madame X. And you definitely don't want to miss the high flying girls of Aviatrix (March 25, April 1 & 2) - four lovely ladies high atop a triple trapeze. These shows are bursting with glitter and glamour and we know you'll want to be right there in the center of it all.

These shows sell out so purchase your tickets now through ACT.

Key Volunteers Are What Make The Moisture Festival So Darn Successful

2011-03-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Moisture Festival has so many wonderful and talented volunteers. It's a shame we can't show you all of them in this post. Short of that, here are a few of the great people who are behind the scenes doing the work that makes the Moisture Festival a success.

Christina Bruce is our artist's liaison maven. Christina monitors performer contracts and venue check-in among many other related duties. She is also in charge of festival laminates that help us keep the backstage secure and staff clearly identified. She's also an excellent person when it comes to modeling one of this year's new Moisture Festival tank top tee designs. Whoo-hoo!

A Moisture Festival travels on it's stomach and so it's a good thing that Jen Brownlie heads up the Moisture Festival Food Babes. That means that Jen is in charge of feeding and coordinating the food for our performers and staff and serving them their daily meal. Dinner for ninety is just another day at the office for Jen during the festival. She is in charge of our many lovely food babes and dudes who serve food and maintain the Green Room snacks for performers. Jenn also organizes the menus for our opening night Gala and for other festival celebrations.

The lovely Robin Worley is Moisture Festival's Madame Merch and is directly responsible in that capacity for handling the festival's entire merchandise operation. Robin is an original charter volunteer who been supporting Moisture Festival since the very begining. Her dedication to the job and expertise have helped turn merchandise into a growing revenue stream for the Festival. Robin would be overjoyed if you stopped by the merchandise booth at one of the venues and spent a minute checking out all the groovy items we have for sale. Especially the large variety of new tee shirts and tank top designs we created for the 201l season.

Semi-Unauthorized Pixs Of Moisture Festival Late Night Hale's Palladium Show Friday

2011-03-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Spies


My Favorite Beefcake


Poppy Daze

Scott Nery

Magical Mystical Michael

Backstage

This Weekend at Moisture

2011-03-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

We have a fantastic weekend lined up at the Festival with seven shows over the next three days at Hale's Palladium.

Artists this weekend include: Caela & The Dangerous Flares, Carla Ulbrich, Checkerboard Guy, gOdFReY DaNieLs, Kerri Kresinski, Kevin Joyce, Magical Mystical Michael, Rob Torres, Scot Nery, Shersten Finley, Armitage Shanks, Heavenly Spies, Matt Gordon, Poppy Daze, SANCA Staff & Students, Hacki Ginda, Miles and Karina, Mud Bay Jugglers, Baby Gramps, Simon Neale, New Old Time Chautauqua Performer s, Christian Swenson, Joey Pipia, Ron W. Bailey, Shannon Gray, Tanya Burka, Tune Stranglers, Sprinsock and the SANCApators, Super8s, and Zebra Kings.

Check out the schedule to see more details on this weekend and the rest of the Festival. We highly recommend getting your tickets in advance as shows do tend to sell out . See you there!

Festival Opens with Laughter, Fun, and Tasty Treats

2011-03-18T15:59:00.001-07:00

Moisture Festival opened last night at Hales Palladium to a packed house. Thanks so much to everyone who came to cheer on a new season! We had such a fantastic time and can't wait to do it all over again tonight.

After the show ticket holders joined folks from the Festival for an opening night party. We'd especially like to thank our meal sponsors once again for nibbles. If you missed the party you missed some good times and great food!

Hales Brewery provided chicken skewers and stuffed mushrooms, which disappeared immediately. St Clouds in Madrona sent over a delicious potato squash casserole. Cafe Paloma in Pioneer Square provided the popular meatballs. Miyabi Sushi in Southcenter gave the party two wonderful sushi platters. Dykes with Knives Catering made salmon mousse cucumber bites and fruit skewers. Pop Chips donated snack bags and Mad Housewife provided the red wine. BIG THANKS to all our party provision providers!

Thank you again to everyone who came out for opening night and stuck around for the party. The Eight Annual Moisture Festival is off to fabulous start, and we hope to see you at more shows!

Moisture Festival Board Member and Producer Tim Furst Featured in Stanford University Alum Magazine Story

2011-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

“Peals of laughter, collective groans (at bad puns) and the requisite oohs and aahs (for the big hairy tricks) fill the room. And observing from the sidelines is Timothy Daniel Furst, a bemused middle-aged gentleman with droopy gray whiskers and a dark beret. His quiet demeanor belies the fact that he's spent most of his life cultivating the creative mayhem and derring-do that are much in evidence at the Moisture Festival of Comedy/Varietè.” Stanford Magazine March/April 2011.

The impresario with the acrobalancing team of Jason Williams and Evelyn Bittner, the clown/mime persona known as Godfrey Daniels and tap dancer Rhonda Sable. Photo: Hayley Young

Of course we all know Tim Furst is a really remarkable person, so it figures that he is also a class of 73 Stanford University graduate. Tim was and is one of the moving forces behind the creation and success of the Moisture Festival. He was there in the beginning and he’s still here now. He still performs, but mostly he can be found working diligently behind the scenes in the front office handling the festival’s finances, booking our performers, directing the technical crew, running the light booth and doing whatever is necessary to make the Moisture Festival happen.

I don’t know about you but when I think of Stanford University grads I’m not usually thinking comedy varietè performers, or vaudeville show impresarios. Tim’s life has been dedicated to performing and involvement in the promotion of the resurgence of the genre of vaudeville. Tim also spent a large portion of his life as one of the original Flying Karamazov Brothers. Stanford Magazine covers Tim’s unique life journey in a story that’s in the current issue of Stanford Magazine.

Looking For a Specific Perfomer?

2011-03-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Moisture show finder Tip of the Day: We often get questions about which shows a particular performer will be in. We know everyone has their favorites so we have tried to make it a little easier this year to find that one performer you just can't miss.

We have a new calendar page on our website that lists all our shows, but many people don't realize that you can sort it to list just the shows you are looking for.

At the top of each month are two ways you can sort the page to only list the shows you are interested in seeing. You can select any listed performer and the calendar will only list the shows they are in. You can also filter shows by Event Type if for example you only want to view the Burlesque shows.

Also, you can always look up your favorite performer's bio to see a list of shows they are appearing in. This year we have 100+ performers traveling from all over the world, so just a reminder that our line-ups are always subject to last minute change.

We hope this makes choosing which of the 55 shows of the festival you want to attend just a little easier. Don't forget that the festival begins Thursday night and we always recommend advance tickets. See you soon!

ASL Interpreted Shows

2011-03-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our friends at TADA (Theaters, Allies, and Deaf Audiences) Moisture Festival will present three ASL interpreted shows this year:

Friday, March 18th at 10:30 pm Late Night Variete at Hale's Palladium

Thursday, March 24th at 7:30pm Variete at Hale's Palladium

and Friday, March 25th at 10:30pm Burlesque at ACT - A Contemporary Theatre

Tickets for the shows at Hale's Palladium can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. The Late Night Variete show is 21+ only please. When you arrive at the Palladium for the show please let the Box Office know you will be sitting in the ASL section and a host will show you to your seats.

ASL section tickets for the Burlesque show at ACT can be purchased through the on site ACT Box Office (closed Mondays) in person or by phone only at 206-292-7676. The ACT Box Office is located at 700 Union St in downtown Seattle. Burlesque shows are 18+ only please. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as these shows tend to sell out.

Moisture Festival Billboard Causes Massive Traffic Jam - Probably

2011-03-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hey commuters we know it hard to keep your eyes on the road when your see great roadside attractions. You better buckle up though because here comes the world's largest comedy variete'and burlesque festival, and it will take you for a wild 55 show joy ride. Get some tickets now for the eight annual Moisture Festival. Opens March 17th and runs through April 10th.

Super Groovy Trade-able Moisture Festival Promo Cards Flood City Hangouts

2011-03-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

We love our Moisture Festival design department. Below are the super groovy festival promo cards your sure to be seeing around town at your favorite hangouts shortly. The postcards size instant collector's items give you a glimpse of some of the performers coming to this year's festival, You may even overhear someone saying, "I'd like to trade you a Frank Olivier for your Aviatrix". On the back of each card you'll find the festival schedule. Pick a card up next time your out and then bring it home and stick it up on the fridge as a reminder to buy those tickets before there all gone.