• Courtesy of Missy Lisa Winston

Daylight savings is upon us and there's a noticeable nip in the air. Fortunately, you can brrr less by warming up with burlesque when the Humboldt Burlesque Expo shimmies and shakes the Sapphire Palace from Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8 at Blue Lake Casino.

Now in its third year, the burgeoning event brings the best in exotic and erotic dancers to Humboldt with a competition, showcase and classes for aspiring dancers. The expo's Kitty Cox says, "It is exciting to see it grow a bit more each time." Indeed.

Friday night things get twirling with the Miss Humboldt Burlesque Competition at 8 p.m. ($15), where local performers are judged on choreography, costuming, stage presence, hair and make-up. On Saturday night, the Burlesque Showcase at 8 p.m. ($30, VIP $120) features acts from across the country, including married duo Kitten N' Lou of Seattle, Missy Lisa and Ginger Lee Valentine from the Ruby Revue in Texas, and Kitty Kin-Evil, who keeps 'em warm all the way up in Ontario. "We are very excited for our headliners this year," says Cox. "We have living legend Shannon Doah who has been performing burlesque since the '60s." If your tastes run a little beefier, there's a bit o' boylesque this year, too. Special guest performer Tre' Da Marc muscles his way to the stage Saturday night. [And for more beefcake, check out the Mr. Humboldt Pageant — that's right — at the Arcata Theatre Lounge, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. ($25 advance).]

Some big names are also offering classes on Saturday and Sunday, including the art of seduction, drag makeup, flexibility, twerking and more (classes run $20 per student). See Humboldt Burlesque Expo's official page on Facebook for more details. If the week's been a hassle, take in a little tassel.