If you combine the cheeky spectacle of a burlesque show with the seedy underground vibe of a 1930's speak-easy, you'd have Vaud and the Villains. Their origins seem to be unknown to all those who wander through their website and Facebook pages, but their individual commitment to their characters is so real, it doesn't matter. Featuring singers, musicians of the Americana and Jazz variety, and cabaret dancers, (a whopping nineteen members in total!) Vaud and the Villains craft the illusion of a Prohibition-era orchestra and burlesque variety show. However, don't think they keep their repertoire grounded in Vaudeville; along with soulful jazz numbers like “Eyes on the Prize” and “St. James Infirmary,” they do stray to the later 20th century with a cover of Jackson 5's “I Want You Back.” All in the name of good fun, and you couldn't have more fun when you come to Harvelle's Long Beach to enjoy the wild revival of the jazz age with these sinners.
Sat., Feb. 23, 9 p.m.; Sat., March 30, 9 p.m., 2013
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.