Thurs. Jan. 25

Burlesque is the new black. At least here in Boston, there are plenty of guys and (more than a few gals) who enjoy the art of the erotic tease, up close and personal ... a distant relation to the graphic and impersonal portrayal of sexuality you'll find all over the web and the newstands. It's a little tongue-in-cheek, a little throwback, and a lot of fun if done right. There are several troupes operating around town, and we've been alerted to yet another: Babes in Boinkland and if that "boink" word sounds dirtily familiar it may because the Boston University student-published skin mag, "Boink," has gotten a lot of ink - and it is on the racy side, to be sure. Howard Stearn raves about its realism - real girls not porn models! So what will Boink editor/director Vanessa White and her "Boink Does Burlesque" show be like at the Middle East Downstairs Thursday Jan. 25? Nothing's certain in life but previous M.E. burlesque shows have been sexy but required panties and nipple coverage. MC Mizery and DJ Rodney provide the tunes, for Pixy Dust, Sugar Dish, Machete, Bella, Abby Normal (probably not their real names.) Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door. Club opens at 8, show at 10. Dirty dance contest open to the ladies in the crowd with the winner taking home $125.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.com