Local band Fevers are performing at the fourth-annual Zombie Strippers event on Halloween.
Ottawa dance and comedy troupe Rockalily Burlesque are bringing local band Fevers out to the fourth-annual Zombie Strippers event in its continuing attempts to spotlight local artists.
The Zombie Strippers event mixes absurd comedy with sexuality and horror in a celebration of the Halloween spirit. While it was originally meant to be a one-off party celebrating cheesy horror, it has since become one of Rockalily Burlesque’s biggest annual shows, according to performer Rhapsody Blue.
“I really like it because it gives performers the opportunity to do something unusual. You tend to see a little gorier, edgier act, things that are a little campy, a little scary,” says Blue.
It’s also a chance to bring local artists into the spotlight. This year’s event features local comedy acts in addition to Fevers.
“We try to make a point of featuring local acts at our biggest shows,” says Blue. “There’s a lot of talent in Ottawa that people aren’t being exposed to simply because they’re not in the right circle.”
This mentality led fellow performer Sahara Starr to get in touch with Fevers, who play a unique brand of music that frontman Colin MacDougall describes as “electro-indie.” Their music features dance-inspired drumbeats behind synthesizer riffs and the smooth voices of MacDougal and lead singer Sarah Bradley.
Guitarist Martin Charbonneau says that this is the first time the band has ever played anything like this, and they’re hoping to take advantage of the occasion.
This is the latest in a string of shows around Centretown that Fevers have been a part of in the last few months. As part of the band’s debut album launch party at the end of August, they played a rooftop show at 704 Somerset, near lead singer Colin MacDougall’s house. They have also had an opportunity to play Ottawa’s Bluesfest two years in a row.
“This year was really just soaking up everything. Playing a set, being able to enjoy the fact that we’re playing on a big stage with amazing sound and lots of people. It was amazing.”
Blue says that the troupe is always looking to provide opportunities to draw new fans to local bands.