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Summer Adventure In Historic Tower District

7/28/2014

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All Aboard! 

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We've got a Steam Train to Catch! 
with The Gaslamp Society 

I'm sure you're just dying to know...

Who or What is The Gaslamp Society?
A collective bulletin board centered around the burgeoning Steampunk/Gaslight Goth/Neo-Victorian scene in Fresno, CA. Post events, activities, and links of interest!

Our Mission
Providing a central place for Steampunk/Gaslight Goth/Neo-Victorian individuals and organizations to announce and find local events and ideas of interest. The Gaslamp Society is a loose coordination of interested parties to further the Steampunk genre in the Central California area. All are welcome, from ages 8 to 88 and beyond, so long as we all mind our manners and behave in the most gentlemanly and ladylike fashion. Discussion is encouraged and ideas are ALWAYS welcomed.

Let's Party Like It's 1899-3099! 
Come one, come all... Costumers, Cos-players, History Buffs, Dramatic Individuals, Vaudeville Players, Airship Crew, Steamworks Engineers, Mad Scientists, Daring Adventurers, Suffragettes, Frontier Showgirls, Clockwork Cowboys, Gentlemen About Town, Plucky Ladies of Good Family ... Oh, you get the idea... Join us. Post and discuss all things related to local 19th & early 20th century history, items of nostalgic interest, ALL things steampunkery regardless of era, curious finds, favorite related pages, etc... 

Connect. Meet. Share events. Enjoy the community.
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Moonlight Melodrama Steam Train Ride 3

The esteemed board and co-organizing members of The Gaslamp Society pride themselves on finding the most interesting, historical, educational and above all fun adventures to engage in with family, friends and travelers from near and far and this summer is booked solid with endless adventures for you my costume loving, pomp and circumstance engaging party goer. The first event that we have planned for this wonderful summer season is the third Moonlight Melodrama Steam Train Ride! From 3 course BBQ feast including vegan and gluten free options upon special request with reservation, to the melodrama under the moonlight brought to you in part by Golden Chain Theater and a luxurious and historical steam train ride through some of Yosemite's most beautiful forest covered mountains a midst tawdry and bawdy Steampunk enthusiasts? What's Not enticing about this wonderful event?! For those celebrating birthdays or special occasions, you're in for a treat, Diana the wonderful staff member and reservation assistant is more than glad to help you arrange for transporting special birthday cakes, cupcakes, or pastries for group festivities just be sure to mention it when you book your tickets on the steam train. 

August 10th 6:00pm 
Reservations & Tickets must be purchased in advance
 please remember to say that you're with The Gaslamp Society. 
$55.00 Adult Ticket
$27.50 Children 3-12
There is NO Group Rate for Melodrama Event Nights
Special Note: It get's chilly even in August on the return ride up back to the station from the Melodrama
Bring: Warm Clothes & Bug Repellent!

Special Diet Information
Vegan & Gluten Free Guests:

Request Diana and inform her that you're with 
The Gaslamp Society and desire one or both options below.

Vegan: 
Upon booking your reservation request the vegan veggie burger option, unfortunately dessert is off the menu however they did say bringing cake or cupcakes for birthdays is fine so I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem for dessert alternatives

Gluten Free: 
Diana requests vinegar sensitivities information for gluten free guests, if you require this she's available for Q&A Wed-Sat, she did say however that the beans for BBQ would be prepared separately and differently to cater to gluten free living and had a few alternatives she can give you as soon as she knows what your particular sensitivities are, just inform her about your special dietary needs and they'll do all the rest to ensure your meal is exactly what you desire.

To make your very own reservation please contact
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad at 559-683-7273

We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Gaslamp Society at Ani-Jam 2014! 

We're Back!
Ani-Jam is the central valley's largest Anime Convention. From meeting our group and learning more about our recent and very distant time travels through the world and cosmos, to joining in on the fun at workshop repair stations and gun modding stations, to panels with our esteemed members informing those newbies in cosplay and Steampunkery to find easy and affordable options for Steampunk on a Budget we're bound to have fun from 1899 to 3041 and beyond! Did I mention that there's a giant steam powered giraffe making it's second debut this year?! For more information visit the link above and also visit, follow and add their page on facebook for more Ani-Jam event details and surprises! 

August 16th-17th 12pm 
Fresno Convention Center 
More Information Available as Event Date Approaches 

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The Gaslamp Society Presents:
The Third Annual Victorian Cemetery Picnic

The Gaslamp Society is somberly overjoyed to announce that our Third Annual Victorian Cemetery Picnic is right around the corner towards the end of our Summer Season of Events. For more about last years wonderful festivities visit The 2nd Annual Victorian Cemetery Picnic Article. From last year's Whovian Time Traveling Party Crashers, to the endless flow of delicious and decadent treats, sweets, savories and liquors galore, we definitely threw quite the party for all the sleeping spirits in that usually quite silent cemetery. 

The 3rd Annual Victorian Cemetery Picnic
Tea & Spirits with The Spirits! 
Sunday September 29th, 2013
12:30pm
Day Of Contact Number: 559.307.7872 
The Gaslamp Society Ambassador 
Michael Chase-Tipton Butler from Chase Flowers Tower District
Mountain View Cemetery 
1411 W Belmont Ave. 
Fresno Ca 93728
Absinthe Welcome!


Formal Invitation:
We'll be setting up the 10x20 burgundy canopy with carpets & pillows again. If you'd like a chair to sit on, please feel free to bring your own. We will be providing hot water and a selection of teas and perhaps a few beverages of a more stimulating variety. Please bring your own tea cup and/or champagne glass along with a finger food to share. We look forward to spending a relaxing afternoon among our dearly departed.

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History of Victorian Cemetery Picnics

The Rural Cemetery Movement and the Victorian Years (1820-1910)

Romanticism of burial customs spilled into the graveyards as laws were passed in the late 1700s to maintain their upkeep.  Further changes in gravestones happened again in the latter part of the 1700s when cherubs were replaced with willow and urns.  This more radical change in gravestone motifs signaled the end of Puritan orthodox beliefs and the rise of “intellectual” religions such as Methodism and Unitarianism.  Inscriptions changed as well, as “Here lies…” was replaced with “In memory of…” or “Sacred to the memory of…” and gravestones became less markers and more memorials.

There were changes in the stone shape too, as industrial tools made especially for stone cutting replaced hand-crafting by carvers.  The Federal period came about from the move to simple designs, mostly because industrialization replaced hand-carved stones.  This is shown in gravestone shapes changing from arched tops to squared shouldered.  By the 1820s, the change in gravestone motifs was completely over to memorialization and America entered its Federal and then Victorian phases.

All the change eventually led to the rural cemetery movement of 1800s.  There were social reasons for changes in burial customs in the nineteenth century.  Up until the early 1800s, New England graveyards were places to avoid.  The Puritan symbols left behind in the old burial grounds were deemed too morbid for the new, enlightened attitudes about death.  Also, due to rapidly increasing population, there were issues with continued outbreaks of infectious diseases in cities because of poor public sanitation.  Old graveyards became so crowded that they became a serious health hazard, with graves stacked on top of each other, or emptied and reused for newer burials.  Officials voiced concerned because many graveyards were located within city limits, and they were worried about the spread of disease from the poorly kept burial sites.  Another reason for distress was a resistance by churches to burying those who were never church members.  It did not matter to authorities who attended church or not, their bodies had to be buried somewhere!  For these reasons, authorities, governments and churches had to change their rules for burials.

The 1830s saw the rise of the landscaped cemeteries located outside of urban areas.  This was known as the rural cemetery movement of which coincided with the popularity of Romanticized horticulture based on English landscape design, which presented an idealized view of nature.  These new parks usually included rolling lawns, a water source such as a lake or pond, groves of trees, and recreations of picturesque architecture.  All of it designed to recreate a peaceful, pastoral scene of beauty.

Rural cemeteries (also known as park or garden cemeteries) were purposely landscaped like a park for use by the general public as a place for light outdoor recreation.  Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA, opened in 1831, was the first rural cemetery and helped ushered in a kind of “Victorian era” in American cemetery art and architecture.  Before the development of parks, the public was encouraged to visit and enjoy nature, art, and contemplation, and use the cemetery for outings such as picnics, carriage rides, or an afternoon stroll.  Besides being the final resting place for many citizens, these cemeteries acted as a showcase for memorial artwork and architecture, as well as serving as a natural wildlife sanctuary and arboretum.

As the country went into its “Victorian age” with rural cemeteries, designs became more elaborate and intricate, especially with the trend for Gothic Revival style, thanks to either machinery or artists.  Famous artists such as Daniel Chester French designed funeral statuary with a purposeful eye toward “Art.”   Barre, VT became a hotbed of funerary-based artistic activity thanks to the local granite quarries and an influx of Italian sculptors.

However, changing attitudes once again denoted changing styles in cemeteries.  As the Victorian mind-set gave way to increasingly impersonal industrialization and the onslaught of World War I, elaborate cemeteries were seen as distasteful.  Anything that glorified or romanticized death was looked upon with disdain.  Many people regarded the mismatched collections of individual headstones, slabs and decaying fences in rural cemeteries to be aesthetically unattractive.  The populace no longer wished to face death and decay, and instead wanted it out of their lives as long as possible.
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Summer & Fall Gaslamp Society Events 
Coming Soon!
 
The Gaslamp Societies Quarterly Gathering ~ September 17th 
ZappCon ~ October 
Hanford Faire ~ October 
Kearney Faire ~ November

We Sincerely Look Forward to Our Travels Together. 
~The Gaslamp Society


A Dance in The Manner of English Regency 

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Presented by P.E.R.C Fresno 

As we travel through time I'm sure you're begging to know 

Who or What is Period Entertainments & Recreational Costuming?
Period Entertainments and Recreational Costuming in Fresno
http://percfresno.com/

The Period Entertainments and Recreational Costuming of Fresno is an informal group for people interested in recreational costuming and period-themed events in a wide range of historical or thematic styles. Our objective is to spread the word about events for people to attend who enjoy aspects of period culture and costumery. 

In the past we have produced such Fresno-area events as a Regency Era Walking Party, a Jane Austen themed dance, and an an Any-Era formal tea party. We also actively attend and promote other events such as local costumed dances and costumed events in Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

As an informal organization, there isn't a set schedule, but if someone is interested in helming a thematic party or event, we're here to help facilitate. 

Mrs. Parks Regency Rout 

A dance in the manner of the English Regency. We had so much fun with Mrs. Parks and her Regency Rout last year, we’re doing it again!
Refined entertainments for both men and women such as Jane Austen might have enjoyed. Costumes from the era of Jane Austen’s life (1775-1817) strongly encouraged. (Modern formalwear acceptable).
English Country Dances taught and called by Evo Bluestein. Card table available and light refreshments served.

Saturday, August 2nd, 2014.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Dancing from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.


College Community Congregational Church- Hayden Fellowship Hall
5550 N. Fresno Street between Barstow and Bullard. Fresno, California.


Ticket Price: $10 Per Person
Purchase vouchers in advance and you’ll receive your own commemorative dance card. All attendees entered for door prizes. Tickets go on sale June 16th. Scholarship Vouchers available.

Information on Mrs. Parks' Rout, what to wear, how to dance, and what to expect all available at http://percfresno.wordpress.com/ or stay tuned here on PERC Fresno Facebook. 
For further information please call 559-901-1022 or email the hostess, Brooke Aiello Parks, at brookelynne2@yahoo.com

visit the event page today to find Advanced Ticket Purchase Information, Gentlemen's & Ladies Attire for The Evening, Dance Lessons and So much more! 

The elegant ladies and gentlemen of P.E.R.C Fresno are eagerly awaiting your formal arrival


Burlesque! In Fresno?! 

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Yes! With Valley Burlesque Society!

I was absolutely thrilled after years of bitching during my teenage years as to how and when I'd finally be able to pursue such a sensual and female empowerment based dream, but the time has come my darlings, Bella BloodLust will debut this Fall for a special Halloween Treat with The Valley Burlesque Society Fresno! The incredible multifaceted menagerie of beauties with talent galore welcomes YOU, yes you, to throw caution to the wind, to let go of all inhibitions and to learn the oldest art in the world, the ultimate in sensual power and prowess, the decadent skills and thrills of seduction, tease and denial, the art of Burlesque! As a woman that grew up adoring Dita Von Teese the Burlesque Revival Goddess I ached at the thought of never being able to shimmy, sing and torment the crowds until they were forced to jump to their feet in standing ovation, because when my pipes blow and my hips start shaking, no man, woman or demi-god on earth will be able to take their eyes of of moi! *wink* I was so bothered by the fact that only big cities offered such moulin rouge inspired fun, for fortunately the lovely ladies of VBS decided it was time to change the scenery of Fresno by adding more sparkle, glitz and glamour to this dark urban cityscape. 

More About VBS
bur·lesque
Pronunciation:
..(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk..
Function: noun Etymology:
from French – burlesque, adjective, comic, droll; from Italian – burlesco; from Spanish – burla, joke
Date: 1667

  • 1 : a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation
  • 2 : mockery usually by caricature
  • 3 : theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts

The Valley Burlesque Society was founded in June of 2008 by Amanda Allure and Joie de Vivre. These two adventurous ladies wanted to bring the fun and excitement of burlesque and variety to their home town, rather than have to drive for hours to see anything like it.
In that spirit, the VBS was formed to foster an environment where variety and Vaudeville style entertainment was not just welcomed, but was the main bill of fare.
To date, Valley Burlesque Society productions have been host to a lovely array of striptease acts, ranging from silly and clever, to sublime, as well as acts that dazzle the audience with magic, juggling, music, comedy, fire-eating and more.
Shows are planned approximately every three months, and there is always room for something new, or something different.
The VBS is meant to be a collective of artists and performers coming together to put on a great show in a cooperative setting.

Variety acts can consist of (but aren’t limited to):

  • Musicians (unusual instruments or small ensembles are a plus)
  • Dancers (from ballroom to flamenco, bellydance to ballet, traditional dances of all kind are great)
  • Jugglers
  • Fire spinners (for outdoor shows, unless you have glowy toys!)
  • Acrobats (depending on space available)
  • Contortionists
  • Magicians
  • Sideshow freaks (sticking pins through your skin? glass eater? whaddaya got?)
  • The list goes on… Do you do something interesting? Do you know someone who does?
If you are a variety performer who understands the true meaning of burlesque – good clean fun with a spicy or unexpected twist, humor with an edge, beauty and artistic freedom – contact the VBS at VBSFresno@comcast.net. There’s a stage for you!

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Classes Begin August 25th! 

Burlesque in Fresno!

An 8 week series, 90 minutes each Monday, teaching the basics of burlesque striptease performance including tips on costuming, hair, makeup, stage presence, presentation, and a group choreography to be performed at an upcoming VBS show! $125 in advance for the full 8 weeks, or $30 per class to drop in.

Join us every Monday for 8 weeks, beginning August 30th, from 6:30pm – 8pm 
at Fresno Soap Co. 1470 N. Van Ness Ave. Fresno Ca 93728
Special Notice: 2nd Class is Coming October 22nd 4 days after Opening Night for Class #1!

Learn to strut and peel in a fun, supportive environment. Burlesque is for everyone, ages 18 to 80. No dance experience is necessary. You can learn to be saucy, sassy, and sexy on the stage or in your boudoir.

We’ll show you how to make your own burlesque costume. An additional lab fee of $25 covers the cost of materials. This includes a black feather boa, black satin gloves, and a black base for creating your own shimmy belt. (These are offered at no mark up.)

There will be special class lectures on how to look the part for your stage performance including a tutorial on makeup, and a brief overview of hair and wigs!

Enjoy in-class demonstration performances from local burlesque starlets and former graduates!

Learn a choreography that includes removal of gloves, boa, and belt, with techniques on how to do it effortlessly and entertainingly, then perform with the class at the Valley Burlesque Society presentation of Wicked Burlesque: B-Movie Burlesque on October 23, 2010. (Performance is not required for participation in class.)

Email VBSFresno@comcast.net for more information, or pre-register using the link provided.
To Pre-Register & Pay for Classes 
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The Rubenesque Revolution is Burlesque! 

To those eager to know why I'm so thrilled to be a part of this beautiful movement besides the gorgeous costumes and scantily clad ladies, it's filled with empowering, body positive surroundings from the women who participate from size 0-30, to those gorgeous ladies of all ages 18-99! There's no limits except your own, your inhibitions are left at the door and once those lights hit center stage you've transformed into a true show stopping, curve shaking Rubenesque Revolution Goddess! There's no need for acceptance, you're already making men and women's mouths water, no need to worry about fitting into the western worlds views of body standards, this classic art form is where all the most sophisticated gentlemen wandered off too in the night with cigars and brandy to enjoy the lush, curvaceous, confident and plump show. *wink* To inspire women everywhere and to also embrace and adore the curves that I, my Demi-God or those hungry devotees are craving, I gladly adorn the stage with every inch of my luscious self and hope to inspire every goddess to realize just how incredibly gorgeous they truly are! 
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The Velvet Curtain Rises on October 18th! 

For those of you excited to participate in the next class this August, and for those ready for the stage and limelight the students debut their learned lessons, tricks and treats for VBS' Annual Halloween Show at Frank's Place! As a die-hard performer and one aching to debut my prepared material for the stage, I invite you to come out and see one and all of the gorgeous beauties of the new and classic cast of Valley Burlesque Society Fresno. Bella BloodLust has a special surprise  but you'll have to wait until after October to catch my show, I'm on the wait list for the Tower District Classes. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you there front row and center, the velvet curtain parts and the show is about to begin, hold onto your seats ladies and gents, this is going to be a curvy ride! *wink* 

Carpe Diem! Life is much too short not to thoroughly enjoy it! Have a wonderful Summer & Fall! See you for The Adventures.

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