Freaks, luchadores and lusty ladies

MONDO LUCHA! — the sensational, bawdy wrestling spectacular we’ve all come to know and love, returns to Milwaukee this evening for another fantastic show at Turner Hall Ballroom (which also happens to be the only Milwaukee stop this year). A collection of Lucha Libre wrestlers, national touring burlesque acts, carnival-esque performers and musical guests, the Mondo Lucha extravaganza has entertained and captivated Milwaukee since its inception 2008.

Joining the show this time around is Pezzettino, the city’s favorite accordion-playing chanteuse, who returns to Milwaukee to celebrate the release of her new album Lub Dub. The album is collaboration with LMNtlyst, also a Milwaukee musician, who brings an urban personality to the Pezzetino’s sweet indie pop.

The duo makes for a unique partnership, and their uncommon tunes can only add to the uncommon spectacle that is Mondo Lucha.

Executive producer and founding partner Andy Gorzalski says Pezzettino’s performance and album release at the show is highly anticipated by her large fan base in Milwaukee, adding a distinctive element to the event he and founding partner Jay Gilkay try to make bigger every year.

“It’s like making a movie sequel,” says Gorzalski. “We want each time we perform here in our home town to be bigger and crazier than the time before. We want to keep setting the bar higher and higher.”

The homegrown high-flying variety show has been so successful that Gilkay and Gorzalski have even branched out to nearby cities, including Chicago and Indianapolis. Even so, Gorzalski says the group is glad to be back in their home base.

“While we’re here we try to make it like a Milwaukee Superbowl, with local talents and local sponsors. We’re especially glad to be back at Turner Hall, where the audience just goes berserk,” he says.

In addition to the album release show, this raucous edition features va-va-voom performances by Lola Van Ella, Vee Valentine, Bella Sue Deviante and acrobatic erotica from Gravity Plays Favorites; macho antics from wrestlers Arik Cannon, Zero Gravity, Lince Dorado and El Chivas Blanco, plus live music from surf rockers The Suspiros.

Wanna get in on the action? Check out  TCD’s  “Are you Mondo?” photobooth at tonight’s show! Show us your Mondo by choosing a wrestling name, donning a mysterious Lucha mask or giving us your best wrestler face, and watch for chances to pose with a Luchador wrestler. Check back on TCD this Tuesday for a full photo gallery of all the wacked-out fun. We’ll see you there.

Mondo Lucha! takes place on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Turner Hall Ballroom, located at 1032 N. 4th St. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $18.00, with an 18+ age restriction; no one under 18 will be allowed in the building. There will be an after party immediately after the show at Buckhead Saloon on 1044 Old World Third St., one block east of Turner Hall.