It’s great to see the burlesque revival spread out of the major urban centers and into the heartland of America. While I was perusing burlesque events happening this week, my eye was caught by Lafayette, Indiana’s Minsky Kinks. They claim to be Lafayette’s “first burlesque troupe” and have a great event coming up this Saturday at Merou Grotto featuring themed burlesque routines from Mercy Merlot, Kitty Von Klawson, Holly Hock, Viola Michele and more. The evening will also feature a pin up contest, a mini car show and live honky-tonk and rockabilly from Hank Haggard & the TX 3!

Not only will this show feature great music and burlesque routines ranging from vintage bump and grind to modern dance, there will also be a pin-up contest. Potential models will be called to the stage and judged by a panel of judges and the audience, who are encouraged to participate by hootin’ and hollerin’ for their favorite model. Judges will rate contestants by industry standard pin-up model guidelines and audience responses. First place winners will receive a full photo shoot and a chance to appear in their own magazine spread as a real-life pin-up! If you’re in the Lafayette area and think you got what it takes, you can find the full contest rules here.

While the Kinks may be new to the scene they’re already proving to be savvy producers with incredible branding and poster art, great themes for their shows and a decidedly sassy vintage flair. Not only that, they’re doing at least one show a month for the next three months with the next one, Le Festival de Lumières happening on Friday, July 27. These gals don’t look like they’re going anywhere any time soon and that’s good news for Lafayette burlesque fans.

They’re also looking for performers, so if you’ve ever dreamed of life as a burlesque diva and you live in the Lafayette area, this could be your chance. You can contact the Kinks here.

Lafayette, you’re a lucky town! Go out and support this troupe and keep the burlesque flame burning bright in the Midwest. You can pick up tickets for Saturday’s show at Merou Grotto right over here.