10/20/2013
WOW! The morning after, A small group of us defied all odds and made the 2013 America Pinup Burlesque Fest a amazing event. We learned not to ever again turn our passion over to a promoter. 4 different promoters made us big promises and and at the end of the day it was just me and a small group I was lucky enough to get with a week left. Our three main venues all changed hands in the last month and a half. I was told to cancel but I believe that character and friends are built when when you fix things and not give up. We all came together from contestants, Tequilas staff and even the customers to make it a great day.
First less than two weeks ago The new owner of Tequilas, Jason and his amazing manager Lisa stepped up and Allowed us to use their great venue for our show. The food and the service was Awesome. Many thanks owed to them.
One week ago after giving up on promoter promises I put out a call for Volunteers Amelia Knapp, Ingrid and Jeff Glover, Mimi, Terry Abbot and his wife answered the call. They were all amazing behind the scenes.
Soft spoken Amelia Knapp convinced me to trust her with running and organizing the entertainment.
What a job.
Amelia! Awesome job running Talent and Mcing She is priceless! She said Papa I will bail you out but we start next week on next years.
Ingrid! WOW all the behind the scenes stuff with the help of Mimi, Jeff and Terry. They had my back and were awesome.
John Miller! What can I say? late the night before I found I had no sound systems or DJ. Message on FB from John! Papa call me. He did a amazing job! What would I have done? He gave me two sound systems and himself for the day! So many thanks.
Judges! Don Smith, Mimi, Tony, and John Miller. Hardest job of all. I could never do it.
Thanks to Shannon Adams and Skip owner of Blue Devil Tattoo and two other shops in Ybor for stepping up!On the Tattoo part.
Thanks to Bettie Page for $600 in Gift Certificates, Body art 20/20 for a $300 gift Cert and Ybor 1701 Studios.
Thanks so much to the 8 amazing MISS PINUP AMERICA Contestants. Every one a winner and all would have been amazing to represent PUA. No divas but 8 awesome loving ladies Supporting each other.
All the Burlesque Performers were amazing, We had to change scheduling around and they all worked with us and put on a amazing show. The Pleasure Pixels won our hearts for the 2nd straight year.
Very special thanks to Contessa and Luna Love of LeTeaze Burlesque Troupe
Thanks to whoever I forgot! always someone.
Thanks for helping to save this one. We will be planning many more at Tequilas, The Bad Monkey, Gaspars Grotto ect. We Hope to go back to basics and the Cuban Club for all future American Pinup Burlesque Fest.
Big lesson learned! Never turn over a event to one who who does not share the burning passion for Pin Up/Burlesque that we have.
