Gatsby’s Guilty Pleasure at Sid Gold’s

Swanky lighting and a mini grand piano set the mood for the captivating vocals and performances featured in Seek’s “Gatsby’s Guilty Pleasure” show on Wednesday, August 2. Taking place at Sid Gold’s Request Room, a piano bar in Chelsea, the event featured two talented jazz vocalists and a sultry burlesque dancer, who gave a perfect demonstration for those wondering exactly what is a burlesque show.

An audience of around 50 guests enjoyed the intimate performances and flowing drinks. Jen (@_jenksings) took the stage first, joined by Mia (@mia.gorcz) on the piano. The theme of Jen’s set was female strength – each song was meant to exemplify the complexity of womanhood and female empowerment. Jen commanded attention on the stage, embodying new characters in each song.

“I’m trying to incorporate more dance movements into singing and getting into the character to be a better performer,” she said. She added that she loves exploring new genres, like jazz and musical theater, and was excited to perform some of these new styles at this event.

“Performing for a live audience is such a rush, being able to share my passion for singing with them,” Jen said. With her dynamic performance across the audience seating, she definitely left an impact on the crowd.

Sassie LeFay (@sassielefay), a private burlesque dancer who collaborated with Seek for this public event, started her set with a seductive peek from behind the curtains of the stage. She then emerged on the stage in her dazzling black outfit, complete with feathers and a fake cigarette as props. She got up close and personal with the audience, taking off her self-designed outfit piece by piece, as she slunk around the venue. Her dance moves, which matched perfectly with the sultry music, riled up the crowd.

“At the heart of what I do, I take my clothes off in a glamorous way,” she said. “I live for the audience's responses and reactions. I love entertaining people.”

Sassie said she tries to incorporate humor into her acts, and she indeed got the audience laughing throughout her set as she waved her gloves in a few targeted spectators’ faces.

Last on the lineup, but certainly not least was Jimmy Kraft (@jimmykraftmusic), a vocalist, pianist, and saxophonist. He situated himself on the piano in front of the stage, where his charming voice rang out throughout the venue. He performed a versatile set of jazz songs, skillfully changing the mood of the room and adding his own improvisation.

Between each song (and in the middle of some songs), Jimmy bantered with the audience, singing out personal commentary and quips, which had the audience chuckling all night long.

“I love being able to engage an audience during the music, like making a decision to change a lyric and hone in on one person or casting a feeling onto the whole crowd with the use of performance techniques and humor,” he said.

He ended his set with his own original song (look out for his record of original music coming out this year!) before Jen and Sassie came out for their encore performance, where the audience got free refills of champagne poured personally by Sassie.

This event was part of Seek’s Showcase Series, which is dedicated to giving local performers a stage to share their art. Jimmy said he values the community of artists and art appreciators that these events create.

“During these community-oriented events, I get to meet musicians and connect with them, and then see them on the train a month later,” he said.

Sassie also added that the relationship she built with Seek has been indispensable.

“It’s actually been such a gift because I really value how they seek to uplift local performers and allow them to be curators at the end, so it helps us promote our own events and what’s going on in the city,” she said.

Next time you find yourself wondering, “What are the best burlesque shows near me?” or “Where can I find amazing jazz artists?” head over to Seek and check out our exclusive events!

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