Thursday night I walked into the doors of Bordello Bar and entered a world far beyond my own.  I could not fight back the “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” vibe as I stepped to the bar to order a vodka soda.  Soon enough, I was greeted by many friendly people wearing wigs, a man walked by on stilts in a glittery costume-his radiant smile accented in face paint, and a DJ started playing jams like: “Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy and I feel like lovin’ you.”

“A bundle of happy, fabulous, magical, wonderful, sparkly people” was how host Jean Natalia labeled the crowd at last night’s Wig Out. Created in 2005 by Jean and inspired by a group of her performance artist friends, Wig Out is a monthly performance art wig cabaret home to the Bordello Bar in downtown Los Angeles.  Each month boasts a different theme, Thursday night it was: ‘Get Your Sci Fi On!’ Past themes have ranged from: ‘Get Your Evel Knieval On!’ to ‘Get Your Bubblegum On!’

The evening entertainment kicked off with a performance by Orange County based electro/pop/punk band: Romak and the Space Pirates, whose dark and energetic tunes conquered any resistance to dance by those in the audience.  The band poked fun at the state of the CD industry by offering wearable USB flash bracelets containing their album for sale after the show.  Free downloads of the disc, in exchange for fan reviews, are available here.

Afterwards, the cabaret took the stage featuring individual artist such as Penny Starr Jr. and Krys Fox.  The costumes were fabulous, the talent was unique, and everyone performed from the heart.  Wig Out definitely fosters an environment of freedom of expression – anything and everything goes.  I found myself applauding some of the strangest performance art that I have seen and each performer got better and better.  The creativity in the room was indescribable and flawlessly complimented the colorful ambience of the Bordello.

Where else in Los Angeles can you escape from the smog and the stuffy, overpriced clubs for an evening of costumes, wigs, dancing, and cabaret?  The next event takes place in June and the theme is: ‘Get Your Nerd On!’  Cover is $8 at the door with a wig and $10 without.  Grab a wig, unleash what lies dormant within your soul, and head out for a night on the town.  At the very least, go for the people watching.  You will be floored by the unique, expressive, environment that Wig Out fosters.

Words by Nicole Pajer, photos by Fever Dragon

For additional information on the event, please visit: www.Jeanspinosa.com/wigout or www.myspace.com/wigoutgetyourwigon.