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I have been using the name Lady Monster for performance, publication and production purposes since 1992. Born in the basement of an art gallery, and blossomed to a burlesque star and actress of the silver screen I show no signs of stopping. For more information about the road I've traveled from one end to the next, please keep reading. Thanks!
I started reading my writings in 1992. I just wrote a new poem and overheard someone saying they were organizing a poetry reading. I asked if I could read and was obliged. This became a regular event called Cafe Ashtray in the basement of the Acme Art Gallery Co-Op, and I became a regular fixture. The person organizing this event, Arturo Deleon and I became great friends. Later that year he came up with the name Lady Monster.
After Arturo decided to spend more time with his band, Martyr Colony, I began my own reading events. Calling it Lady Monster Day, it took place on the 15th of every month at the now legendary punk rock pizza joint, Freakin' Pizza (Columbus, Ohio). This event continued for nearly a year (1993). A variety of readers would perform. The Evolution Control Committee (www.evolution-control.com) usually performed the music set between the readers.
After this project I spent my time performing readings at various functions and as an in-between entertainment for musical acts, including: The New BombTurks (www.newbombturks.com), Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments, Gaunt, Scrawl, V3 and Pat Dull (of Break-Up Records and Pat Dull and the Media Whores).
In 1995 I met Don "The Pope of Northwood" Pavelcik (RIP 1999). Don was a poet and purveyor of the Columbus jazz scene and helped the careers of many performers by networking them with performers in other cities and genres. He brought us together with his concept: a rebirth of Beat.
We had a variety of musicians - some worked as musicians for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, music teachers at the local arts high school and Ohio State University. They were musicians that had performed with world renowned and honored acts. Some were students or original Beats performing in the Columbus scene. There was also a group of formally trained circus performers and graduates of the OSU College of Dance. Poetry was read to the Beat, all improvised music according to the reader's wishes and rhythms. This was also done for the dancers and other performers.
I read my poetry with this group from the beginning. When Don passed from cancer, then I took over the scheduling, publicity and ringleader for Circus of Cool. I passed the torch of the Circus of Cool to another reader and pupil of The Pope, Krista Williams. She continues to carry on his tradition. I have also read at Community Festival (www.comfest.com) and was the MC at the Live Arts Stage.
In July of 1999 I was given a certificate for my training as a Sex Specialist with the Columbus, Ohio Sexline Information. It was modeled after San Francisco Sex Information (www.sfsi.org). I spent over thirty hours training. I volunteered for nearly two years, working on the hotline, with outreach, publicity, and as a writer and committee member for Throwing Heat, their newsletter.
I wrote for MK Ultra Magazine from 1999-2002 as The Sexorcist. I researched and wrote How To's and Advice on such topics as BDSM and Oral Sex. I also published interviews of the Post Porn Modernist- Annie Sprinkle, John Doe (of X and the John Doe Thing), Nina Hartley (of the Adam & Eve How To videos and numerous other adult films) and a story about joining the Green Party that features comments from many influential party members, including Jello Biafra.
In August 2001 I moved to San Francisco from Columbus, Ohio. In May 2002 I was received 60 hours of training from the San Francisco Sexline Information (www.sfsi.org), a non-profit organization. I performed outreach and wrote for their newsletter. They continue to provide free, anonymous, non-judgmental information about sex and sexuality.
Upon moving to San Francisco I began working as Personal/Research Assistant to Jello Biafra. I did a great deal of research for his last three spoken word albums. During this time I also appeared as a background vocalist for his two albums with The Melvins.
In 2005 I auditioned and was accepted to perform as a burlesque dancer for Big Burlesque/Fat-Bottom Revue. Heather MacAllister (RIP 2007) was the director. When she passed, the troupe dissolved (her wishes) and I am one of the only troupe members to continue with burlesque.
Since becoming a burlesque dancer I have enjoyed a lot of personal artistic success. The burlesque community is far reaching and very supportive. It brought me into the world of film and I hope to continue finding new and more complex roles in the future.
My outlook as an artist broadens as I continue to follow my heart for each new endeavor.
Thank you to all who have provided your support and love.
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