(The parties are getting into full swing this week at Whistler as the 2016 Pride and Ski Festival heats up, featuring the pool party on Jan 28, WhiteOut on Jan 29, and culminating in the annual Snowball on Saturday, Jan 30, 2016./gaywhistler.com)
Thursday, Jan 28
Splash
A pool party in Whistler? Now those are brave guys who don’t have a care about shrinkage! And of course who’s the DJ? If there’s any mention of being wet it must be Del Stamp — showers, pools, urinals, the man does them all. Part of the annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, this pool party is generally the place to see the man meat, dancing around the pool, in the hot tub, in the showers, in the steam room, as far as the eye can see. Bring your own towel, and the skimpiest suit you can get away with, and enjoy. Note this party is not part of the Whistler Pride Pass. 10pm until late. Meadow Park Sports Centre, 8625 Highway 99, 3 km north of Whistler Village. Tickets $50 at gaywhistler.wantickets.com. More info on Facebook.
Songs Of Resilience
I was all set for a rant as I thought this was Songs of Resistance, which only proves my mind is quicker than my eye. The Queer Songbook Orchestra is an 11-piece chamber pop orchestra and this is their West Coast debut, first in New West tonight and then at the PuSh Festival on Friday, Jan 29. Read our story here. 8pm at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster. Tickets $34 at ticketsnw.ca. Friday night show information at pushfestival.ca/shows/festival-2016/songs-of-resilience/
Friday, Jan 29
Stand For LGBT Russia
I don’t usually get involved in a lot of political debates, mostly because I can get a little outspoken and opinionated (and convinced I’m right). But let’s kick some Russian ass. It is time to get involved and take a stand against the oppressive legislation and environment against our community in Russia. We won’t stand for it here, so why turn a blind eye to it there? Make it known we will no longer be passive and complacent. Be there and stand in solidarity. 2pm. The Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation in Vancouver, 1012 – 409 Granville St. More info on Facebook.
WhiteOut
One of the most popular parties of Whistler Pride, not because it sounds like a cocaine buffet but because two of the hottest, sexiest DJs of Vancouver are teaming up to get you as sweaty as possible and out of those bulky clothes. Easy to see why: one of them drops trou every chance he gets while working (DJ Mr Cox) and the other, DJ Karsten Sollors, will be glad to show his tan lines from his recent trip to Maui where he got engaged (Congratulations from Daily Xtra!). 9pm–2am. Garfinkel’s, 4308 Main St, Whistler. More info on Facebook.
Purrlesque
Don’t forget the women of Whistler Pride! Burlesque artist April O’Peel and DJ Foxy Moron will keep the bunnies bouncing all night long. 10pm. The Cabn, Aava Hotel, 4005 Whistler Way, Whistler. Tickets $20 at gaywhistler.wantickets.com. gaywhistler.com
Furrocious
I get goosebumps thinking about this party — or maybe it’s just the Cialis/Levitra combo kicking in. I’m preloading for Whistler, after all. A military ball in the heart of the snow brought to you by Scruff. Get out your favourite gear, whether it’s army, police, leather or sports. Just be prepared to lose a piece or two along the way if you’re anything like me. A party to get deep and dirty — and you’ll be out of town so who will know how dirty you can get? DJ Phil B is used to driving San Francisco men wild with his dark and dangerous ways. 10pm. Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler. Tickets $50 at gaywhistler.wantickets.com. gaywhistler.com/event/furrocious/
Saturday, Jan 30
Lesbian Speed Dating
Fourteen days to go before Valentine’s Day and Lez Hookup wants to give you the chance to find that special someone. Besides, the ones that just want to party all the time are still in Whistler; the ones here at home are the keepers. 5:30–8:30pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $26 includes appetizers and all fees but advance registration is required at lezhookup.com.
Snow Belles
A private women-only event to warm you up with DJ KitKat before the closing party at Whistler Pride. Last chance to find that special tourist, grab a bottle of champagne, find a secluded hot tub and set off some fireworks if you get my drift, pardon the snow pun. 8pm–12am. The Cabn, Aava Hotel, 4005 Whistler Way, Whistler. Tickets $20 at gaywhistler.wantickets.com. Info on Facebook.
Playboy
What’s the best side effect of Whistler Pride? Getting to see awesome talent at home in Vancouver without getting bounced around the bar or being told to slouch because you can’t see over me. Kudos to the DJs and queens that stay behind to entertain us in town. Tonight TFD, Jane Smoker and DJ Domtop bring you a monthly gay hip-hop, R&B and rap night like no other in town. Tonight features guest playmate Teayana. 9pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $5 before 10:30pm. More info on their Facebook page.
Rubber Ball
You may think that the world revolves around Whistler this weekend, but there are a few parties still brave enough to carry on for us poor people left behind. Sin City is always a hit for the rubber enthusiast in each of us. Latex is mandatory for this event: at least one piece of clothing must be latex. Me, I’m just wearing a condom and that’s it — if it falls off I’ll have a few spares in my butt cheeks, don’t scrape your tongue. Organizers say GLBTQ people, straight people, couples, cross-dressers, hard-core and newbies are all welcome but check out their Facebook page for strict dress code and guidelines for tonight. 9pm–3am. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $20 at ticketzone.com.
Snowball
I learned what a Snowball is one drunken night at pre-renovation Pumpjack, where the lighting was so bad you could get thrown over a table and pounded and nobody could see (not saying that’s a bad thing!). If you don’t know what my variety of Snowball is PM me and we will talk. This, however, is Whistler Pride’s closing event and if you can still stand or even walk properly it’s your last chance for romance. They are pulling out all the stops for this one: International hitmaker Yinon Yahel, DJ Bret Law, plus a live performance by the mind boggling FLAVA will give you ample stories for the water cooler crowd at work. 10pm–4am. Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler. Tickets $85 at gaywhistler.wantickets.com. Info on Facebook.
Sunday, Jan 31
Sunday Service
The skis are put away, unused again, the E is wearing off, the hangover is subsiding, there’s a stack of phone numbers on the dresser, now it is time to repent for everything you did in the past week. The cure is to fall to your knees and worship as much dick as you can. DJ Zarfan will be there, spinning beats worthy of your worship. Nothing beats a good Sunday Service as the one Steamworks provides, and there won’t be a sermon in sight. 4–8pm. Steamworks Baths, 123 W Pender St. $12 lockers. steamworksbaths.com
Tuesday, Feb 2
Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing
A night for all those trashy books in the bargain bins to become the hit of the party. Hosted by Sara Byone with funny people like LeeAnn Keple and Jacob Samuel reading from terrible books. 8–10:30pm. Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main St. Cover $10 at door. More info on Facebook.
Wednesday, Feb 3
Barron Gurl
Another show crosses town to satisfy those too set in their ways, like me, to leave the Village. Every Wednesday you get the chance to see hosts Isolde N Barron and perpetually cartwheeling Carlotta Gurl try to out sass each other. I swear one night that Gurl is going to forget to tuck and somebody is going to get smacked in the face. 10:30pm. The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St. $5 cover. More info on Facebook.
(Think there’s an upcoming event I should attend? Click here to list your event on dailyxtra.com or send me a note at oitc.vancouver@dailyxtra.com.)
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