The Burlesque POP-OUT show

In conjunction with the illustrious spectacle of glitzy, glam at the beloved Land of Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker, we're pleased to showcase the visual wittiness of Kelly Portfolio Illustrations in the Musicquarium for the month of December. To celebrate, join us for The Burlesque POP-OUT show opening on First Thursday, December 6th, at 8pm in the Musicquarium. 

We chatted with Kelly Brownlee, creator of Kelly Portfolio Illustrations, to see what inspires some of Seattle's most playful burlesque illustrations. 

The Triple Door: What part of the burlesque culture inspires your designs?

Kelly Brownlee: Visually, of course, I am drawn to the amazing costumes and vibrancy these women and men bring to the stage. They put an incredible amount of thought and energy into creating a wonderful show. But to me, it's also about identifying with the performers and what they create on stage. A few years ago I saw The Shanghai Pearl perform. I had never seen burlesque before. I remember feeling, for the first time, that I could relate as a woman, as an artist, to burlesque. There was beauty, strength and humor that was front and center in these acts. These performers exuded confidence and grace, being immersed in everything womanhood can represent. Loving your body. I became an instant fan of burlesque and boylesque. There's a playfulness and power in burlesque that inspires me. And who doesn't love copious amounts of sparkle?

TD: Describe Seattle's Burlesque scene in 3 words:

KB: Sparkle, beauty, humor

TD: Describe your work in 3 words:

KB: sexy, candy, wit

TD: What are some of your other artistic outlets?

KB: Collecting vintage dresses and antique furniture. I also got into playing the banjo last year and fell head over heels in love with the instrument. Cooking, making delicious pastries with my daughter. Making greeting cards and jewelry from my illustrations. 

TD: Being a music venue, this questions must be asked: Do you listen to music while you create? If so, who?

KB: Always. It depends on what I'm creating. If I am creating something with a vintage feeling. I listen to Julie London, Anita Goodman, Marilyn Monroe and old swing jazz. If I am in a time crunch and I need to work fast, I listen to 80's metal or The Pogues. I also really enjoy the banjo music. No one can be sad while playing or listening to the banjo, in my opinion. My musical tastes are all over the place and I don't rule anything out, but in general, I love to match my music to whatever I am creating. 

TD: If you could have a drink with any visual artist, living or dead, who would it be?

KB: Maurice Sendak- hands down

TD: What would you ask him?

KB: What he likes to eat for breakfast. And what inspired him daily. Artists have an ability to channel inspiration from somewhere and I am always fascinated by where people draw their inspiration from.

TD: What is your favorite historical artistic movement?

KB: I love pop art. I would have loved to have lived in NYC in the 80's. I'm also a fan of the Rococo, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism movements for the decadence and color palate. 

TD: What is your favorite color?

KB: Red. I love it so much I wear the same red lipstick and nail polish daily.

RSVP for The Burlesque POP-OUT show on Facebook here>> 

a little holiday cheer...

A lil' Q&A ~ The Shook Twins

Identical twins, Katelyn and Laurie Shook, add an endearing quirkiness to the old-timeliness of folk music- a true reflection of blending generations- with each song they play as The Shook Twins. Joined by Kyle Volkman, to form the core trio, The Shook Twins have musically pranced their way all over the Pacific Northwest. We chatted with Katelyn and Laurie Shook to see what goes on behind this gem of a harmonizing geminate production.  

The Triple Door: What was the first album you ever purchased? Do yo still have it?
Katelyn Shook: Most likely it was New Kids on the Block! They were our first concert as well, when we were 6. I don't have their album (or tape) anymore.. sadly.
Laurie Shook: Maybe the Free Willy soundtrack. I remember listening to that a lot!

TD: What's your music guilty pleasure?
K: I'd have to say the same here, New Kids on the Block for nostalgia mostly. Also, some Tiffiny and Janet Jackson, for sure.
L: New Kids on the Block

TD: Name the number 1 song listed on you iTunes' "25 Most Played" playlist?
K: Skinny Love by Bon Iver, but I don't know how accurate that is!
L: All is Full of Love by Bjork

TD: What was the first song you ever sang?
K: Couldn't tell you the first song I EVER sang, but the first documented song is probably us singing Sinead O'Conner's version of Nothing Compares to You on camera in the backyard when we were 6. First song I ever played, on the guitar, was Waiting on an Angel by Ben Harper.
L: When we were tiny girls, we used to sing a song we made up every time we drove to our Grandma's house. These were the lyrics: " we're on our way to Grandma's house, it's not too buzz, it's not too buzz" still don't know what that means!!

TD: If you could play with any musician, living or dead, who would it be?
K: Ani Difranco
L: Ani Difranco or Andrew Bird

TD: What was the best concert you ever attended?
K: The Flaming Lips
L: Bjork

TD: Describe you sound in three words:
K: quirky ambient folk
L: quirky loopy folk

TD: What's your most embarrassing on stage experience?
K: Don't really have one...
L: One time Kyle dropped his upright bass on me after trying to spin it and missing the catch!! but that was just more hilarious than embarrassing!

TD: What inspires you to play music?
K: Everything, but mostly because it's a unique opportunity to make others happy.
L: Because it feels right, and it makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something I was meant to do.

TD: What hidden talents do you have?
K: I can purr
L: Purring like a cat

TD: Who is your musician crush?
K: Andrew Bird and Feist
L: Elephant Revival



See The Shook Twins with Dan Rodriguez from Elephant Revival live on November 8 at 8:00 pm on The Triple Door Mainstage. Purchase tickets here>>