The New Orleans Burlesque Festival kicks off Thursday, September 13 with seductive performances and live jazz. Entertainment will range from classy to risqué, comic to musical. The event has been established as one of the top burlesque events in the world, debuting anticipated acts like last year’s Bad Girls of Burlesque.

"Bad Girl of Burlesque," Vancouver, Canada's Lydia DeCarllo will perform at 11 p.m. Sept. 14 at House of Blues.

Rick Delaup founded the fest in 2009 after being involved in the burlesque scene for more than 15 years. He’s acclaimed for producing authentic 1950s-style revues, like Bustout Burlesque, which premiered in 2005 and still occurs monthly at House of Blues.

Anticipated acts for this weekend’s festival, running September 13-15, include those by Kitten de Ville (AutoFocus, Burlesque Assassins), Perle Noire (Queen of Burlesque 2009, Dita Von Teese’s Strip, Strip, Hooray tour), Kitten on the Keys and Stephanie Blake (The Mambo Kings, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off). In addition to male burlesque acts, international talent includes Imogen Kelly (this year’s “Miss Exotic World”), Banbury Cross and Lydia DeCarllo.

To celebrate burlesque’s enduring local influence, legends from the Golden Age of Burlesque on Bourbon Street will make appearances and sign autographs, with a possible performance in the mix. Some include Rita Alexander the Champagne Girl, Wild Cherry and Bambi Jones.

To cap the event, eight of the top classic striptease dancers will compete for the title “Queen of Burlesque” in a performance accompanied by a live jazz band.

Click here for more information and to purchase individual tickets.