For three years Cobra Kai Entertainment has produced burlesque shows in downtown Alton, Illinois venues. However, the popular performances have come to an abrupt end due to the objections of city Mayor Tom Hoechst.
Hoechst declared the acts to be in violation of the city's anti-nudity ordinances after receiving a complaint. He admitted he had never seen the show, and would not attend even if it were still being presented.
Cobra Kai partner Missy Wuellner denied that there was prohibited nudity in the “Tassels and Tunes” show at Big Muddy Pub. In response to the Mayor's declaration, Wuellner stated that city ordinances had been researched, and no violations had taken place.
Ryan Long, another partner in Cobra Kai, said in his emailed statement to the Mayor that there have never been any other complaints related to the show. He, Wuellner and third partner Cassidy Thomas have requested a meeting with Hoechst to review their acts and make needed adjustments.
The mayor’s office became involved after an unknown person allegedly recorded a performance and posted the video on YouTube. The Mayor was then alerted about the video and the group’s Facebook page by the video’s maker.
Another popular downtown attraction is a drag queen show. Hoechst says there have been no complaints lodged about that show, but there have been other problems in the downtown area. Wuellner denied that the public drinking and fighting in the area was caused by her company’s patrons.
Both Cobra Kai’s partners and Big Muddy owner Chris Keidel expect a substantial loss of income due to the closing of the show. The live music portion of the show will continue on May 12 as scheduled.
Fans of “Tassels and Tunes” have started a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tasselsandtunes to voice their support.
