By Karen Zraick
When Tiffany Randol first moved to New York City, she expected it to be like the movies. The big city brought to her mind visions of urban bacchanalia – places like Studio 54, parties that evoked a sense of glitzy lawlessness. She thought she’d be right at home. She is, after all, the outlandish front-woman for glam-punk band Valeze. But what the fiery redhead found was a rock scene full of shoe-gazer bands and crowds that didn’t seem to put “party” and “band” together very well. So she decided to take matters into her own hands. We’re talkin’ balls to the wall: sword-swallowers, stilt-walkers, go-go dancers, and free Supersoaker vodka shots all night. “Circus In Outer-Space” is gearing up for takeoff on February 4 at Williamsburg’s Galapagos Art Space. The popular bar will be transformed into a scene from the 1968 sci-fi cult classic flick “Barbarella,” which starred Jane Fonda as the sexpot Queen of the Galaxy who battled Dr. Durand-Durand to save the universe while having her skimpy superhero outfits ripped off her body at every turn. Party-goers are encouraged to (un)dress the part. Coney Island freak show mainstay, the amazing blazing Tyler Fyre, will emcee the mayhem and wow the crowd with daredevil feats. Catch a live performance from Boston’s electro-rock act Lovewhip at 8:30 p.m. Led by another Gwen Stefani-esque diva, Erin Harpe, they’ll thrash out tracks from their newest album, Virtual Booty Machine. The Switch takes the stage an hour later with their signature blend of poppy electronica, followed by rockers JonnyLives! at 11 p.m. DJ DRD will spin new wave/punk/dance faves in the mothership, while DJs Haberdasher, EricEQ and Kitty hold down the cockpit. If there’s not enough eye candy on the dance floor, check out the visuals from local artists Joshua Gabriel and Amanda Demanda. B’burg’s own Valeze is set to bring their raw energy to the crowd around 1 a.m. They count Blondie, The Clash and the Sex Pistols among their influences. Their debut EP is due out this spring, along with a video for their cover of the Stooges tune “Search and Destroy.” Randol warns fans that the pretentious or prejudiced need not apply. Freaks and geeks, fans of drag acts, variety shows, and anything unique, sexy and wild, on the other hand, are welcome with open arms (and maybe legs). The party organizers eschew posturing: when you walk in the door, you’re just like everyone else, whether you’re dressed for Wall Street or Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. “We like our audience to come looking for fun and to bring the fun,” Randol said. Circus parties have been kicking off around the city a few times a year since 2003. The last one, held at Don Hill’s, attracted over 500 people. The Galapagos event is the circus party’s first inter-galactic voyage into Brooklyn. The cover for “Circus In Outer Space” is $10, $7 with costume. Doors open at 8 p.m., with $5 beer and shot specials until 10 p.m. Galapagos is located at 70 North Sixth Street between Wythe and Kent avenues. For more information visit www.circustheparty.com.
