When I think of burlesque, there are so many images that come to mind, including the sultry moves and custom costumes of Dita Von Teese; the vocal prowess and award-worthy choreography from Christina Aguilera and Cher from the movie Burlesque; and of course, Houston’s own “Queen of Burlesque” and international superstar, KiKi Maroon, who keeps me on edge and always ready for more.

On April 22, The 3^rd Annual Bayou City Burlesque and Circus Arts festival will take over The Ballroom at Warehouse Live, with Maroon at the helm steering an over-the-top event with sexy clowns, high flying acrobats and a crowd in full jaw-dropping amazement.

The BCBC festival is known for its tantalizing appeal complete with vaudeville entertainers, contortionists and death-defying stunts. In addition to Maroon performing in the show, the festival will feature top-notch talent including: July St. Juniper, Fanny Galore, Frankie Fictitious, Honey Moonpie, Juliette Electrique, Layla La’Moon, Lola La’Strange, Matt Finish, Persephone Illyri, Raisin Wood, Reverend Tommy Gunn, Shazza Dazzla, Smolder’n’ Scull and Miss Malicious, Sugar Vixen, Vivacious Miss Audacious, Y.E. Torres, Ariel Helvetica, Benjamin Kirsch, Chola Magnolia, DON’T BLINK BURLESQUE, Emily Cage and Ickymuffin.

The doors for the BCBC festival open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at kikimaroon.com. General admission tickets start at $20 with a VIP seated package for $75. For more on the festival, visit bcbcfestival.com.