(HUDSON, N.Y.) – Hudson’s own Bindlestiff Family Cirkus continues its wintertime tradition of hosting a monthly cabaret, featuring a variety of circus, theater, comedy and musical entertainers, at Club Helsinki Hudson on Saturday, February 20, at 9pm.
Each month this winter, Bindlestiff Cirkus will bring a new lineup, with acts including trapeze, contortion, acrobatic balance, sword swallowing, juggling, physical comedy, and oddball novelty turns. The Bindlestiff stage is one of the few arenas in the world where attendees may see internationally renowned street performers, featured acts from Cirque du Soleil and Ringling Brothers, and artists from “America’s Got Talent” next to local legends, live, on stage, and in the same show.
The February show features Peter Bufano, musical maestro for the evening, who has composed and performed for Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus, Circus Smirkus, as well as his own project, Cirkestra; the Ivory Fox — Pinup of the Pole, doing acrobatic twists and turns on the stationary pole; Cowboy AJ Silver with trick roping, bullwhip artistry and physical comedy; Carla Rhodes, the world’s foremost (and only) rock ‘n’ roll ventriloquist, who has been throwing her voice since age 9; and Trixie Little, the Burlesque Hall of Fame’s reigning Queen of Burlesque; as well as Bindlestiff cofounders Keith Nelson and Stephanie Monseu
Live music is a defining feature of Bindlestiff’s cabaret shows, with witty, original tunes by a variety of NYC’s best composers and accompanists. Bindlestiff’s unique style reflects deep roots in NYC’s underground club scene, nods to political street theater, and a steady respect for the traditions of American popular entertainment and illegitimate theater.
Bindlestiff Family co-founders Stephanie Monseu and Keith Nelson live in Hudson. Over the last decade, they have hosted a variety of outrageous talent under the Bindlestiff banner. Their personal dedication to the variety arts, circus, vaudeville, sideshow, and burlesque has made the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus famous both among audiences and within the variety performance community.
Unlike Bindlestiff’s family fare at local venues like Bard’s Summerscape Spiegeltent, Bindlestiff’s Winter Cabaret is for grown-ups only. (A family-oriented matinee will be offered on March 20.)
In keeping with Bindlestiff’s clubby NYC roots, the audience is encouraged to dress for festival and be part of the show. Those in costume or circusy makeup can ask for a discounted ticket at the door.
For reservations in The Restaurant or in the club call 518.828.4800.