Tag Archives: Illinois

NATIONAL TREASURE: Bazuka Joe

Red Hots Burlesque’s National Treasure: Bazuka Joe

Our favorite part of Mondays is chatting with our National Treasures, and we’re always swept away by the retro charm of this guy.

BAZUKA JOE
ILLINOIS

This week we’re putting the burly back in burlyq with the man who calls himself the “Asian Invasion” of burlesque: Bazuka Joe from Chicago, Illinois is the Johnny-next-door of the award-winning Stagedoor Johnnies. He wins over the hearts of Midwest moms quicker than he can raise his eyebrow. ” I think it’s because I pick material that’s JUST wholesome enough to appeal to the more conservative crowd and newbies… sort of a ‘boy-next-door’ vibe,” Bazuka tells Red Hots Burlesque. But as boyish and innocent as he may appear, Bazuka’s all about changing up what’s expected of him. “…Expectations for guys as performers are very different than girls. Usually, when a guy gets up to perform the audience thinks that’s it’s going to be a spoof or for comedy novelty,” says Bazuka, a trained contemporary dancer and theater actor. “I try to challenge that by legitimately being skilled, sexy, and as clever as possible. Also, having grown up Mormon, I’m constantly trying to prove that I’m not some little goody-two-shoes! (I also prove that in other ways that I can’t mention here…)”

WHAT TO SEE IN ILLINOIS: “Oh, man! There are SO many! Well, for the touristy stuff, you have to go to the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock Tower at least once. It’s by far the most amazing view of Chicago and the lake. Kuma’s Corner for burgers and if you’re a veg-head with a little extra cash the Green Zebra is ridiculous!”