My role has changed a fair bit from where I started. In the beginning I was more of a roadie who helped out my old roomate’s troop, the Jewel Box. From there I worked the door for Daisy DeVille for a couple of years before she asked me to host my first show in 2011 and it has been off to the races from there. I see myself as burlesque’s biggest cheerleader and I typically do that through hosting and producing shows that highlight the amazing performers in the community.

I would say probably a small church in Salmo, BC during the Queen City Burlesque Expo. We moved the altar and pulpit out of the way to make space for all the performances and the crowd sat in the pews. It was quite the experience, and I am sure that it was the first time that performers in pasties, thongs, 6 inch pleasers with horns or high heeled hoofs pranced across that “stage”.

For me, I love seeing other performers and producers gassing up their friends and other performers in the community. This can be through going out to each other’s shows when you can and cheering everyone on or simply amplifying others on social media. It is still amazing how after all this time, so many people still have no idea there is burlesque and drag in this city and province. If someone is out at your show and enjoys themselves, tell them about some of the other amazing shows going on that they should check out. That support and kindness is a circle that comes back around too.

I would say seeing conflict in the community is challenging but more specifically I would say the most challenging time for me was the events leading up to the dissolution of the Calgary International Burlesque Festival. We are all human beings with human emotions and sometimes that means we all have differences in opinions and respond to things differently than others would or how others would want you to. Regardless of what happened, there were a lot of raw emotions, and I think the community needed a bit a break to be able to rebuild. What was helpful for me was being a part of the community working groups that were held afterwards to listen to the community members about their thoughts and feelings on how to move forward. There was a lot of consultation and discussions with the entire community and while it took some time, I believe that addressing the issues was important and helpful for the community. Being part of the Calgary performance community is constantly about learn

Absolutely. It happens a lot to be honest. Between work, performing and attending shows, burnout is real. I find the best way that works for me is to unplug. I can be a bit of a homebody and sometimes I just need to be a hobbit in a dark quiet place and relax to recharge my batteries. A little bit of time away can be helpful to focus on you and your well being before you reengage with everything.

Over the years I have changed my stage name a couple of times. While I was involved in the community for a number of years before I met my partner, she actually had her stage name before I did as I was not on stage. When she chose her name Kara Ka-Pow!, I wanted to have something along those lines as a fellow nerd. I felt that Boom went well with Ka-Pow! so that was where I started. The very first time I did a show, I tried out “Big Bada Boom” but that only lasted the one show. From there I drew further inspiration from comics and while Kara was based on two people (Starbuck and Supergirl), I always had a fascination with Superman growing up so I did a bit of a spin on his name. Instead of Kal El, I went with Dev El and added Boom to it. I used that name for a number of years but most people found it too confusing and kept introducing me as the Devil Boom so I felt that one last change was in order. About 8 years ago now, I adopted the name that I currently have “Baron

I think it would be really cool to learn how to sing but I was not born with a musical gene in my body and no matter how many COVID shots I get, it is still not changing my DNA enough to give me that superpower. 😊

My mantra has developed into my catch phrase and it is what really defines how I want to move through this glitterverse of life. I try to focus on being “the biggest cheerleader in burlesque”. As a host, producer or audience member, I try to be that in everything I do. I want my energy and excitement to show the audience that it is ok to have a good time and enjoy themselves. The more fun that the audience has, the more fun the performers have as well and all of that makes for a stellar show for everyone! I am inspired by other hosts and love watching them work their magic on stage. From Karla Marx, Bitch Sassidy, LeTabby Lexington, Delta Daggers, Foxy Tann, Tito Bonito, Besty Bottom Dollar, Belle Jumelle, to Samson Night. While their styles are all different, they have the ability to guide the audience on a magical journey and leave them feeling energized and excited for what is to come!

For those that are starting out, the best thing I could offer is to put yourself out there. Go to as many shows and meet as many people as you can. A big part of the community is networking and letting people know who you are. Take classes, start an IG performer profile, send a message to local producers letting them know what you are into and that you are interested in helping out with one of their shows. I got my start being a roadie and working the doors at shows and that is how I met so many amazing people and built those relationships. Also there are so many dance schools and classes in town from swing, jazz, hip hop, salsa, etc and all these skills are relevant to burlesque and drag that could give you that added flavour to your performances. My advice would be the same for established performers as well. Reach out to other producers and let them know that you would love to help or even be a part of one of their upcoming shows. There may not always be space for the nex