The divine, hypnotic venue of Rock Island’s Skylark (4401 7th Ave.) will host the second-annual “So This Is Love” from Mary Quite Contrary House of Burlesque, on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.

The seductive Valentine’s-themed show will feature nine dancers and a sultry singer (Elizabeth P), performing to recorded tracks, Mary Quite Contrary owner Mary Francis said Thursday.

Mary Francis performing at the February 2023 Valentine’s show at Skylark.

The Skylark is the only show they use live music – last February’s “So This Is Love” had a jazz trio and singer, and one poet.

“Instead of a band, we have a lounge singer doing a Billie Holiday vibe, is what we’re going for,” Francis said. “This one’s a lot slower and more romantic. It will be jazzy and post-modern jukebox vibe.”

Burlesque dancers at last February’s Skylark show.

There will be nine dancers, including herself, and two poets this year – Sophia Best and Sarah Elgatian.

“We like the intimacy of it,” Francis said of Skylark. “It is so stunning – I love the intimacy of it, the stained glass, the lighting. They can get really deep and moody and romantic.”

It’s a 72-person capacity, and the show will have tables situated in a circular format, with dancers up close to the patrons.

Nova Foxglove performs at the 2023 Skylark show.

Each ticket ($30 per person) comes with a glass of Champagne and a chocolate dessert (vegan dessert options and sparkling cider options available).

The burlesque troupe has performed many times at the Spotlight Theatre (1800 7th Ave., Moline), and their last show was this past November. They will not be back there until next September and November. MQCHOB will perform a new British high tea show April 27 at the University Club in downtown Moline.

Wicked Jezebel performs at “So This Is Love” in 2023.

MQCHOB member Sassy LaShay went to Scotland a few months ago and did high tea there, Francis said. “When she came back, she said we have to do a high tea show,” she said. “We’re like, sure, we love that.”

“We’re really excited to be at The University Club – we might be the first burlesque there,” Francis said. “We’re excited. We love these interactive shows.”

She runs a burlesque school in downtown Rock Island with 10 to 15 students.

A few performers from the now-disbanded Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque troupe have contacted Francis about joining hers.

Medicinal Funbags (left) at the February 2023 show at Skylark.

“We’d love to work and collaborate with them,” she said. “We’re all about supporting the community, so if they want to perform, we want to get more people in the community performing.”

She expects a couple former Bottoms Up members to dance in the high tea show.

Tickets for “So This Is Love” are available HERE.