Music and comedy are a natural match. So, apparently, are burlesque and comedy, as evidenced by lots of recent (and upcoming) Chicago shows that feature both. New City recently spoke to Chicago's Michelle L'Amour, who recently made a notable but perhaps underappreciated appearance on America's Got Talent, in which she teased judge David Hasselhoff by dancing with KITT (voiced, in this case, by Adam Witt of Schadenfreude). Pop singer Brandy, it turns out, didn't really "get it." But no matter.

L'Amour teaches others the time-honored tradition of the striptease (which is not, as she is careful to point out, the same as stripping), and some of her more accomplished students perform as Star and Garter Burlesque. Starting Thursday, August 31, under the auspices of L'Amour and fiance Frankie Vivid's company, Lavender Cabaret, Star and Garter will be performing a weekly showcase at Lincoln Avenue's Fizz Bar and Grill, where some of Chicago's favorite stand-up comedians will also show their stuff.