Jumbo’s Clown Room, a well-known bikini bar in East Hollywood, is gaining recognition not only as a vibrant nightlife venue but also as a burgeoning literary hub, with many of its dancers emerging as accomplished writers and artists.
Historically linked to prominent figures like poet Charles Bukowski and filmmaker David Lynch—who reportedly wrote parts of “Blue Velvet” at the club—Jumbo’s has long been a magnet for creatives. Yet, while the dancers have traditionally been viewed as muses or subjects, many are now actively shaping the bar’s evolving literary identity by telling their own stories through various artistic mediums.
Cecilia Fairchild, a longtime dancer, playwright, poet, and memoirist, exemplifies this shift. Her recent memoir, “The Poison + the Spit,” delves into her personal experiences with love and dance in a narrative style described as whimsical and deeply emotional. Fairchild also curates a monthly literary salon and recently premiered her play “Fool in the Pool” at a local theater. For her, the connection between dancing and writing is rooted in vulnerability and intimate human connection, both demanding an exposure of self to others.
Similarly, Danielle Henderson, who writes science fiction under the pen name D.M. Faulk, is working on a dystopian novel titled “Meridian.” The book draws inspiration from discussions among dancers at Jumbo’s following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, exploring themes of surveillance and control over pregnant women. Henderson credits the camaraderie and candid conversations within Jumbo’s dressing room for sparking her creative process.
The club has also become a favored spot for local authors and literary events. Author Allie Rowbottom, known for her novel “Lovers XXX,” recalls the bar as a place where performance art and literature intersect, describing it as a venue that embraces the tension between sex and art. Writer Aiden Arata’s 2025 essay collection “You Have a New Memory” features a vivid portrayal of a night at Jumbo’s, emphasizing the blend of glamour and longing that characterizes the club.
Claudia Musikul, a dancer and screenwriter, advocates for greater recognition of dancers as storytellers in their own right. She develops screenplays focusing on the realities of sex work, seeking authentic representation often overlooked in mainstream media. Musikul points to Paul Verhoeven’s “Showgirls” as an influential film that resonates with her experiences.
Poet Caroline Blaike draws on her observations as a dancer to inform her writing, composing poems that explore themes of love, queerness, and desire. Her work reflects a blend of personal insight and outward observation, a skill honed through years of performing and watching patrons at Jumbo’s.
Beyond the performers, the club’s staff also contribute to its creative atmosphere. Security guard Stephen Laughton balances his role at Jumbo’s with a career as an award-winning playwright and associate artistic director of the Echo Theater. His recent work, staged uniquely in a planetarium, explores complex themes such as mental health and astrophysics, and he notes that Jumbo’s often serves as fertile ground for artistic inspiration.
The emerging literary scene at Jumbo’s underscores a broader conversation about who has the authority to narrate experiences related to sex work. As the dancers gain prominence as writers and artists, they are redefining the club’s cultural legacy while fostering a supportive community that nurtures creativity across disciplines. According to Blaike, the club’s appeal lies in its ability to attract confident, inventive women who not only perform but also uplift each other’s artistic endeavors, making Jumbo’s a distinctive fixture in Los Angeles’s cultural landscape.