How a typical evening of vaudeville was structured, according the the site goodmagic.com. There is a lot more about the history of vaudeville at the link below, and a great glossary of lingo from the day - definitely worth the read:

A typical vaudeville program may have been "variety entertainment," but it was never a hodgepodge. There were generally nine acts in all. Each performer appeared only once in each show, and acts usually ran seven to 12 minutes, almost never over 20 minutes. 

This format forced each performer to hone his act to its most entertaining form. Fred Astaire was heard to give this advice: "Get it 'till it's perfect, then cut two minutes."

The show usually opened with a "dumb act," one that was exciting but did not depend on words, since the audience was still noisily entering. A typical dumb act might be a juggler or a magician with a silent routine set to music.

The second spot would be performed in front of the curtain (while the stage was reset for the next big act), perhaps a comedian or a song-and-dance act. "Top billing" was generally the third position on the program, where the top-billed "star" of the show would perform for 30 to 45 minutes. A few more acts rounded out the first half.

After intermission, the second half would open with a snappy, lively act to settle the returning audience down. Then there would be a large production, perhaps a famous actor doing a scene from of a play. Eighth, next to last, came the other big star of the show — a real headliner, whatever his or her specialty.

Then the show closed as performers tried to hold audience interest (and their own dignity) in a spot that was not exactly their favorite to play, as many in the audience stood up and left.

The program was arranged, after hard-won experience, to keep the audience's attention, to make the most of the expensive star performers, and to make the audience feel abundantly entertained.

Anthony C. Hayes just posted a great article about the ukulele and this weekend's Charm City Ukulele Festival in the Baltimore Post-Examiner today - and it features quotes from yours trulies, Stan and Ollie!

If you want to know what we think about playing the ukulele, as well as hear from some people who actually know what they are talking about, you should definitely check the article out.

You can find it right here.

Hey everyone - guess what! We have an awesome show coming up. This time, where hitting the road and heading to Philadelphia! We'll be rolling in cheese steaks and brotherly love.  

Two Person Circus
Friday, October 14 at 10 PM - 12 AM
CSz Philadelphia

Welcome one and all as comedy duo Bully! kicks off the first edition of Two Person Circus!  Two Person Circus is a comedy variety show that features duos and duets of a variety of different comic styles and talents!  This month's talented two-somes include:  Improv by Understudy! (Shannon Devido & Ralph Andracchio) Musical Guest all the way from Baltimore Hot and Bothered! And introducing a special burlesque performance by  Margot Starlux & Büm Büm Kapau!  Tickets: $10 at the door (Cash only) BYOB  Hosted by the absolutely stunning Natalie Birdweather & the devilishly handsome James Duckworth!

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1082444201871564/

We are so excited to be performing for ABSfest this year!  It's our first time attending, and we are super honored to have been chosed to perform as part of the Saturday Specitacul at The Orange Peel!

"What is ABSFest? The Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival is now in our TENTH year of celebrating the Vaudeville Revival here in Asheville. Three thousand people have reveled in the company of our satin and sparkle, our unicorn-feathered starlets and our fish-eyed zombie boys.  

Nominated for Best Show in the Mountain Xpress Readers Choice Awards, ABSFest has attracted renowned circus and burlesque artists from across the USA, as well as Scotland, Germany, and Japan. We offer fashion, contortion, trapeze, and tease!  

In a world now brimming with Burlesque Festivals, from Vegas to Amsterdam, ABSFest is known for embodying the true spirit of Vaudeville and nurturing creativity and empowerment.  

The festival is one of several annual productions of Future of Tradition, a seminal force in the underground Asheville arts community since 1999. ABSFest has spawned a sister event, the Virginia Burlesque & Sideshow Festival in Richmond, VA, now in its third year, and festival Producer Lauren ‘Madame Onça’ O’Leary travels internationally teaching and performing bellydance, music and stagecraft" ~absfest.com

Saturday Spectacular at The Orange Peel

Hosted by New Orleans’ preacher of perversion, Ben Wisdom, and starring Karolina Lux of Portland, OR and Swami YoMahmi of DC, among many more! This is the show to never, EVER miss in Asheville, and VIP are always assured a chair near the action. $25 General Admission or $45 VIP. Buy Tickets Here!