On Thursday, November 10, 2011 STAGE FOUR SIDESHOW presents “Cancer Sucks” Cancer Benefit at The Comedy Spot in Arlington, VA. Proceeds from the vaudeville variety show will benefit 911 for HNC, a DC metro area fund for head and neck cancer support. Tickets are $15 GA advance, $18 GA door and $25 VIP advance (Includes reserved seating, swag bag and one complimentary beverage)

In February 2011, 39-year old Matthew Hilburn was diagnosed with throat cancer. Grateful to have friends and family eager to support him throughout, Matthew also has met fellow patients not so fortunate. Like many throat cancer patients, Matthew underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation resulting in a long recovery and traumatic scarring.

In honor of Matthew’s upcoming 40th birthday, friends in the performance and fine arts communities have come together to form STAGE FOUR SIDESHOW. The group’s event will benefit 911 for HNC and help those with greater need receive the same support Matthew had to help him through.

Head and neck cancers account for three to five percent of all cancers, more prevalent in men over 50 years. While commonly associated with alcohol and tobacco use these are not exclusively the causes. Head and neck cancer patients often have complicated side effects due to treatment areas being focused on the head and neck which impacts breathing, eating and talking.

STAGE FOUR SIDESHOW, comprised exclusively of Matthew’s friends, include DC sideshow, burlesque and performance art luminaries. The event will showcase a series of medically-themed acts in honor of Matthew’s birthday and wishes to answer the ultimate question, ‘Dude, how’d you get that scar?’.

MC’d by Kittie Glitter (Elvis Birthday Fight Club, Countdown to Yuri’s Night) with DJ sets by P-Vo (Hometown Sounds, Countdown to Yuri’s Night) the show will feature performances by Miss Joule (Tilted Torch, Master of Hoops 20XX), L’il Dutch (Dutch Oven Burlesque, Capital Tassels & Tease), Lucrezia Blozia (Eva Brontosaurus), Short Staxx (Tilted Torch, Sticky Buns Burlesque), Swami Yomahmi (Cheeky Monkey Sideshow), Liz Demery (Comedy Sprtz and Shakespeare Scum), Austin Bragg (The Big Honkin’ Production Company) and Lauren Marleaux (Gilded Lily Burlesque). Pictures and full bios available upon request.

STAGE FOUR SIDESHOW will present “The C Word” Cancer Benefit on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at The Comedy Spot in Ballston Commons Shopping Center in Arlington, VA. For more information visit www.comedyindc.com Tickets can be purchased in advance and at door ($15 advance/$25 VIP/$18 door). More information about 911 for HNC can be found at www.headandneckcancer911.org.