Vancouver International Burlesque Festival Gets Spicy and Sweet for 2017!

The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival (VIBF) returns this year with a lineup that is sure to tantalize and thrill. For the 12th year in a row, the VIBF will welcome world-class burlesque performers to its stage and is proud to announce headliners Poison Ivory and Bazuka Joe.

The VIBF believes that uniqueness is a strength and being different is an excellent thing. The festival stage will be a reflection of the world in which we wish to live; a world that celebrates women; that celebrates artists and creativity - and recognizes their importance and value to society. A world that celebrates bodies of all colours, sizes, shapes, ages, backgrounds, and orientations; that believes in the higher ideals of inclusivity. The VIBF invites audiences to be part of creating this world at the Vancouver Playhouse on March 31 and April 1.

Part goddess, part femme fatale, part hedonist - and recently crowned Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World 2016 at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, Poison Ivory is a New York based performer making huge strides on the international burlesque scene. Her many titles include Miss Starlet Burlesque at the 2013 Hollywood Burlesque Festival, the Crystal Corset Award at the 2014 Pennsylvania Burlesque Festival, and Most Classic at the 2015 International Burly Picks Finals. With a background in theatre and dance, Poison Ivory combines her thoughtful musicality with sultry and sensual movements that always leave her audience wanting more. She is brown sugar and spice; she is a deadly device - She is Poison Ivory.

Bazuka Joe is the "Asian Invasion" of burlesque...and if you like his crouching tiger, just wait until you see his hidden dragon! Bazuka has headlined both as a soloist and with Chicago based troupe the Stage Door Johnnies throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Trained in contemporary dance, theater, and vault staff, he creates nostalgic, witty, and lively acts that are immediately accessible to every audience. With a retro-masculine, 'boy--next-door' persona, Bazuka takes everyday fantasy and childhood memories as inspiration for his repertoire.

The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is Canada's most prestigious and longest running burlesque festival. Vancouver has honoured this colourful history by becoming an incubator of cabaret talent and innovation. Founded in 2006, the festival aims to showcase this talent and expose the wonderful people of Vancouver to the intricate art of burlesque. Over the last 11 years this project has grown into a world-class cabaret experience. Each year they produce 2 gala events showcasing many of the world's most sought after burlesque performers alongside International Legends from the Golden Age of Burlesque and the best of Vancouver's Glitteratti.

The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival at the Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1) Map: https://goo.gl/jjV1LT| March 31 & April 1, 2017 - 8pm. March 31: The International Cabaret. April 1: Vancouver Uncovered.

Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/1546797 More: www.vibf.ca