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After years of bringing saucy poetry and art to the New York underground, The Poetry Brothel has sprouted a new branch right here in Los Angeles, under the guiding hand of miss M. Saturday saw *The Best Little Whorehouse in Los Angeles*, the *Brothel*’s second LA night  in effect, with special appearances by Julia Voth and Clint Catalyst, music by Daniel Ribiat, as well as the art of Josh Burian-Mohr, Miss Withers, **and yours truly on display. Other performing poets included Laurel Ann Bogen, Tad Piecka, Jacqueline Lincoln (Simone A’ Clef), Beanie Manifesto, Richard McDowell, Jean Marie Spicuzza, La Fille, Tiger Moon, Peggy Dobreer, and Morrison Keddie, with burlesque by Red Snapper, Olivia Bellafontaine and Dolly Danger.

The Foundation Room made a cozy backdrop to a colorful crowd in search of entertainment and refuge amidst the frayed, tourist-friendly Sunset Strip glitz. A climb up a steep staircase to a dim corridor sets the tone for a visit to this gorgeous bohemian hideaway on the top floor of the House of Blues. With a South Asian vibe throughout, the space is covered floor to ceiling with woven fabrics, statues, and intricate carved wood panels – a perfect location for a *Brothel*. Alcohol enthusiasts beware: 1. the drinks ain’t cheap 2. the red-lit “prayer” rooms and curtained corridors are mightyeasy to get lost in after your third one. So I’m told.

And there was more than decor for the eyes to feast on. *The Best Little Whorehouse in Los Angeles* brought out some* *very interesting fashion interpretations of this theme. Boots, corsets, feathers and bloomers flashed among the standard enfant de la nuit lace and black everything. I represented with an corsety ensemble of my own, but didn’t get a chance to document it. One of my favorite outfits, however, was the balloon dress of buxom beauty Dolly Danger, whose act sent several of them up to the ceiling as she shed layers and shook her stuff. The stunning Olivia Bellafontaineand Red Snapper also showed off their moves to the enthusiastic yowling of onlookers. As for the poetry, well, that’s all matter of personal preference so I’m not going to try to be a critic. Don’t take my word for it and check out this unique and thoroughly entertaining event for yourself! Join the Poetry Brothel Facebook
page to keep up with all the sordid details.

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb

 

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