You put together comedians, contortionists, dancers and an enthusiastic emcee with a fantastic jacket and what do you have? Fringe: Sacramento’s new, wildly entertaining variety show held the first Friday of each month at The Assembly.
The brainchild of Jay Siren, founder of the Sac burlesque group Sizzling Sirens, the monthly vaudeville show features entertainers from the comedy and circus worlds. Launched in September, each month showcases the best in burlesque, sideshow, and comedy entertainment from Sacramento and the Bay Area.
As Jay puts it: “Fringe aims to share and celebrate the comedy and variety elements of this genre of entertainment opening the audiences’ minds … and leaving them laughing and wanting more from our stand-up personalities.”
She reached out to Sacramento comedian Keith Lowell Jensen to book comedians for each show. Lowell-Jensen performed a hilarious set that featured family and life by the railroad, joined by fellow comedians Caitlin Gill and Ivan Hernandez, who also kept the audience laughing.
The co-organizers have worked together previously – with Lowell-Jensen performing comedy for the Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience, also held at the Assembly each month.
“Jay noticed that Sacramento didn’t have a show featuring sideshow performers, so, it’s a case of three great tastes that … would go greatly together,” Lowell-Jensen said.
They reached out to Kingfish, who Jay describes as “notorious emcee” from San Francisco’s world-famous Hubba Hubba Revue hosting each month’s show. His over-the-top energy, whimsical jackets and talent for shaming a shy audience draws out equal energy from the crowd.
“We’re more than just jackets here at Fringe,” he promises. And Fringe delivers.
Other San Francisco-based talent included Sylphie Currin and Raphaele Daubois, as well as Genie and Audrey’s Dream Show, a whimsical duo who wowed the crowd in September with juggling, acrobatics, and songs on crystal glasses.
Each month features some different acts, so no two shows are ever the same. Check out Fringe the first Friday of each month at Assembly, with doors opening at 8:30 and the show from 9:30 to 11pm. Cost is $15 general admission, with cabaret seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information at found on Facebook.
