It wasn't just the T&A that piqued my curiosity about Frank De Blase's "Peel & Squeal Appeal" lecture last night at the Dryden Theatre. I had spent many an hour in the Williams Research Center while in New Orleans, rolling through microfiche looking at the old Blue Book bordello menus. I've often had the feeling that, in a past life, I was once a madam managing such an establishment in New Orleans. And, although a burlesque story doesn't have the same ending as one set in a bordello, they both begin with a tease.

I was also excited about hearing De Blase speak, something I do everyday (he works across from me as City's music editor) -- but not with an audience, and him at the podium. Add to that the subject matter, and the knowledge that both his mother and his in-laws would be in attendance, and I knew this would be, as Ed Sullivan used to put it, a "really good shew."

A good turnout of Rochester's lowlifes -- a.k.a. our friends -- filled the seats to hear a subject new to the big house. I don't think anyone turned in their graves, but I'm pretty sure I heard a few oohs and ahhs as De Blase feasted our eyes and ears on not only a general history of burlesque, but his history of infatuation with it. Slide after slide of beauties -- some voluptuous and some cheesy -- slid from the projector as we traveled through torrid times. But, once all clothes are off, all holes bared, there's nothing left to show. Hence, the death of true tease.

De Blase is a fountain of knowledge about any subject he enjoys, and he shares his background with pulsing passion and theatrics. It's a joy to observe. With that in mind, I can only imagine how exciting it would have been to hear his discourses on each photo. Perhaps another lecture?

Next up: Lincoln Flag Exhibit & Civil War Artifacts