We had the good fortune of connecting with Melinda Cary and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was introduced to The Poetry Brothel when I was living in New York. I was a new mother at the time and unsure how to proceed as an artist. I had mountains of poetry that I had not done much with. Becoming a “poetry whore” was an amazing marriage of my love for immersive character creation and writing. The events I participated in were very inspiring- decadent, timeless, intimate, and so provocative!
When I moved back home to Denver, I always had it in the back of my mind that we needed to create a brothel here. I had gone back and forth with Stephanie Berger, the owner and founder of both The Poetry Brothel and The Poetry Society of New York, and we both hoped to get it going.
But, I was co-directing an immersive ritual theater company called Shamanic Dolls, and flying out to Los Angeles to perform with yet another immersive theater company. I was doing a lot! So it all was put on the back burner.
After the pandemic, those other avenues had shifted, so FINALLY, the perfect window opened! Synchronicity aligned as the Chicago brothel is co-launching this season also, headed up by Candace Walsh. New York, Los Angeles, Boston, London and Denver Brothels all have unique, one-of-kind events going on this season.
Joining this incredible international community of theatrical and literary artists is such a thrill. I have always been a collector of talented friends! The line up we have for our October 13th Denver event is so stellar! I cannot wait to bring all of these gorgeous beauties together in one magical immersive experience!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up in Denver. I grew up dancing at Miller Dance, then attended Eaglecrest High School with the dream team theater staff – Jerry VanderDoes, Jennifer Condrey, Keri Ross and Jan Justice. It was conservatory level training tucked away in public school. Many of my classmates have gone on to big creative careers. I got my degree in Musical Theater from UNC Greeley.
I realized fairly early that I really preferred original work- writing, creating, building from the imagination, rather than just doing the audition circuit. I guess at my core I really am a writer.
I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything. Live music, EDM recording and creating abstract club shows, festival productions, playwriting, directing (both the work of other playwrights as well as my own), vaudeville acts galore, immersive art installations, ritual theater and workshops, and even straight theater. I’ve been very lucky to work with some of Denver’s finest directors over the years.
What I love most is the collaborative process, seeing the inner workings of unique talents, minds and spirits as they splash against each other.
The Poetry Brothel excited me because it is so community driven. The art creates itself. No two events will ever be alike. The exploration is endless! The frame can change, the material can change, but the format just works.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On Sunday, October 13th, 2024, The Poetry Brothel Denver is thrilled to welcome you to our inaugural launch of the newest branch of internationally devoured literary cabaret, The Poetry Brothel. Step into our opulent parlor and be spirited by our gorgeous cast of characters – singers, storytellers, tarot readers, burlesque dancers, and of course, Poetry Whores – each with their own whimsical story to re-wild you. Indulge in a private, one-on-one experience with one of our gold star local poets, here to indulge you with the intimacies of the tongue; that’s right… poetry!
Join our ladies and gents of the evening as they escort you though the newest jewel in RiNo Arts District, immersive art and dance lounge- Mockingbird. By the same artistic minds that brought you Beacon, Mockingbird’s decadent artist curated decor and intimate VIP boudoirs will whet your craving for connection.
The Brothel doors open at 7:00pm where you can mingle with our Dashing Doves.
The show runs from 8pm-11pm where I, Madam Cybele CaryMel, will provide a roulette cast of poets who offer private poetry readings in secret, sequestered, well adorned chambers. You may avail yourself of your choice of poet for tokens at any time during the event.
Don’t forget to don your silver slippers! Costumes and/or Victorian wear are encouraged (but not required). The event is 21+.
Our incredible cast of poets includes Aurora Poet Laureate Ahja Fox, Stina French, MirIam Chernilla, Matthew Duffy, Calvin Shaw, and Kali Love. We have a poet coming in from the Los Angeles Brothel- Pastiche Queen. Maria Flegas will be providing oracle readings- do not miss this!
I am also so excited about our special performers! Bringing some tasty down home tunes all night is DJ Myrridion. Arguably one of Denver’s best treasures- The Stella Luna bringing us delightful burlesque. We have a very special treat with Soprano Lacey Eberl premiering her new work!
In honor of our Gold Rush theme and to celebrate our Colorado Brothel History, our MC for the evening is storyteller and historian Madame Dubois!
So excited to have them all!
Hope you will come, experience this beautiful new venue, and come find me, Madame Cybele CaryMel (Melinda Cary) at the Brothel!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so divinely blessed to have a family who supports and encourages my creative shenanigans! My 13 year old kiddo is a wildly creative soul in his own right, and his patience over the years with me dragging them along to festivals, shows and rehearsals has made us even closer.
So thankful for my folks Bruce and Nancy Henson as well who make it possible for me to travel and devote time to being an artist. I’ve worked as a realtor in my parents brokerage, Heather Gardens Brokers for the past ten years. It has been a huge blessing to our family. They, along with my co-parent Andy Smart, have made it possible to find that elusive work/life balance. I am such a family person.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetrybrotheldenver?igsh=MTJoaTVudXZzbnZsMQ==
Image Credits
Photos by Brenna Berry