#violette underground

When: Sat, Feb 13 Where: CKUA building downtown (9804 Jasper Ave NW) Doors at: 8pm (shows happening every 20-30 minutes from 9pm until midnight) Tickets at: http://www.violettecoquette.com/violette-underground-tickets/feb13

The Violette Underground is a unique cross between a secret speakeasy club and a philosophical salon. Expect artisan cocktails, spoken word, fortune telling, dancing, philosophical conversations and (of course) burlesque! This is a mix of party and show without the separation of stage - all the acts are integrated throughout the room: any seat can be a front-row seat!

No two Violette Undergrounds are alike. Each one is uniquely curated, created and located. This one? Think dark valentines (but in a funny way) and how delightful it could be to pretend to be someone you're not for a night... we encourage guests to arrive at the party (or create through the night, we're not fussy) as a made-up character, a persona with an outlandish costume and/or back story ("My name is Evansphere Codswallop and I am consort to the Queen!") — or come as yourself and leave everyone guessing ("No, no, my name is actually Don Iveson and I'm the mayor of Edmonton. Really!!"). If you're single, feel free to pretend you're taken; if you've come with your romantic mate, both of you can pretend that you've come separately and meet for the first time. The point is to not take life too seriously for a night and let yourself play.

The very first Violette Underground will be happening Wednesday evening, Dec 16 at Woodwork. The event will be a unique mix of speakeasy and salon: attendees will be able to roll from philosophical conversation to craft cocktails while enjoying various live performances including spoken word, jazz and burlesque.

"My goal is to create a unique kind of experience that I don't currently see being offered in Edmonton's scene. I would define it as a cross between a secret speakeasy club and a philosophical salon, with a focus on unique, live entertainment. I want attendees to put their phones away and go back in time - to really enjoy and drink in that tangible, tactile experience of physically being present in a space. Every person in the room contributes to the pleasure and amusement of the night, but there will also be a smattering of organized entertainment - spoken word poetry, live jazz – and, of course, burlesque. My goal is to delight and surprise, and offer a variety of experiences and activities, for a variety of palettes", says Violette Coquette regarding her inspiration to start the Violette Underground.

Tickets must be purchased in advance! $60 includes a cocktail punch and charcuterie snacks.

Buy your ticket at violettecoquette.com/violette-underground