Blowing Off Streampunk

Susan Froyd December 16, 2010 4:00AM

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The members of the saucy, all-female acoustic trio Gristle Gals usually refer to their music — a blending of gypsy jazz, Americana and rock — as “gypsy grass.” But soon you can change that to “steamphunk,” which describes music that’s modern and edgy, but with an old-timey feel. That’s because tonight at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, the Gals will premiere The Con — A Steamphunk Reverie, a theatrical collaboration with Ascential Dance that blends music from their album On the Lam with characterizations, choreography and costumery. The Con is a love story with wings, about a fellow who can’t decide whether to give his love to a con artist or a spinster. And, really, it’s not that big a departure: “The Gristle Gals try to be as theatrical as we can, even when it’s just us on stage,” explains Mandi Malone, the group’s fiddler and accordionist. Expect the costumes — more than seventy of them, worn during a 75-minute span and all designed and hand-sewn by Jen Archer of Ascential — to be just as theatrical. “They’re very elaborate, and all based on steampunk fashion,” Malone says.

The Gristle Gals plan to restage The Con this March at both the Wild Wild West Steampunk Festival and Convention in Tucson and at Denver’s own inaugural Anomaly Con; see it first tonight and next Sunday at 8 p.m. at Lannie’s, 1601 Arapahoe Street, downstairs in the D&F Tower. Tickets are $25 to $30; for reservations, visit http:www.lannies.com or call 303-293-0075.
Sun., Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 26, 8 p.m., 2010

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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