Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails – Boston

The LUPEC BOSTON “USO SHOW” is shaping up to be so much more than just a cocktail party! Here’s a preview of what to expect for entertainment, all for the low, low price of $35 in advance/$45 at the door. Click here to buy your tickets now thru 6 p.m. tonight [service charges will apply]:

Guests who arrive on the early side will receive a complimentary swing dance lesson taught by a team of experienced swing dancers. Instructors Kellian Adams, Brian Pletcher, Cara Ball and Vichu Tanta-Nanta can be found tearing up a dance floor near you at least a few nights a week. They are affiliated with Boston Swing Central, a not-for-profit that puts on a dance every Friday night in Central Square, Cambridge, which is just one of many opportunities to swing dance in the Boston area. Didn’t know that you could swing dance around here? Opportunities abound! Dip a toe in at the LUPEC BOSTON “USO SHOW”, then visit www.havetodance.com for a full calendar of dances and lessons in the area.

Emcees Cathleen Carr and Daiva Deupree of Two Girls for Five Bucks, a critically acclaimed and widely celebrated New York based two-woman sketch comedy burlesque, will take the stage next. The duo has been featured at comedy festivals across the country, including the LA Comedy Fest and SketchFest NYC, and have performed their anti-chick flick brand of humor at the Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles, Upright Citizens Brigade NYC, and Ars Nova Theater in New York. Carr and Deupree, with their provocative on-stage chemistry, are adept at portraying devastatingly comical ladies frantically trying to make their way through the world. Much like the ladies of LUPEC Boston.

Thru the Keyhole Burlesque will take the stage next and turn up the heat with their steamy act. Boston’s Sweethearts, Thru the Keyhole Burlesque is a refreshingly playful troupe that bumps grinds with their tongues planted firmly in cheek! From Maine to Connecticut, these broads keep New England entertained with saucy costumes, imaginative props, obscure musical selections and a kicky chorus line. In addition to a busy performance schedule, Thru the Keyhole also teaches classes, go-go dances, models, produces events & does private parties. Check them out on myspace.

Between live acts, legendary Boston DJ and cocktail historian Brother Cleve will spin more ’40s-era swing, so you can put your Lindy Hop lessons to good use. We couldn’t call it a proper cocktail event without Cleve.

After a little more dancing, Carr and Deupree will take the stage once again to introduce Boston-based actor, improviser and stand-up comedian, Harry Gordon doing his Bob Hope routine. Gordon has been performing on the main stages of Improv Asylum, ImprovBoston, and the Cantab Lounge since 1999. Thanks for the memories, Bob…er, Harry!

The Thru the Keyhole girls will perform another round of their sultry burlesque, before we segue into the moment you’ve all been waiting for — the prize raffle! The list of potential prizes is amazing, so come with deep pockets.

And throughout the evening, The Boston Derby Dames will skate around with samples of fine Taza chocolates for your enjoyment. The Boston Derby Dames is Boston’s first and only all-female, DIY, skater-owned and -operated flat track roller derby league. See how they roll at the LUPEC BOSTON “USO SHOW”.

Ticket price is $35 in advance/ $45 at the door including cocktail party fare and four drink tickets, with additional beverages available for purchase. They’re going fast, so buy yours today at any of the following locations:

• Toro, 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA
• Tremont 647, 647 Tremont St. Boston, MA
• Grand, 374 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA
• Online at grandthestore.com thru 6 p.m. tonight [service charges will apply]