Thursday, Nov 3
Bratpack: The Recruit
I went to Bratpack once not knowing what I would see. I knew there were drag queens so I expected same old, same old, but couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s a fun-filled night where it felt like I was at the funniest comedy show ever. Shanda Leer is amazing. Bratpack is looking for a new recruit to join the ranks and tonight starts the month-long journey. There are 10 queens vying for the coveted spot. Come cheer on and pick your favourite. Winner will receive a permanent slot in Bratpack along with $500. Plus, there’s DJ Nick Bertossi spinning and the lucky winner may get a chance to spin on him — you never know. Steamworks and The Junction sponsor.
6pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5 at door. facebook.com/events/545369568998499/
Friday, Nov 4
Spa Night
I love spa time. I can picture it now — music, low lights, warm, everyone in towels, sling in the corner, tub of lube on the nightstand, Del at the desk. Wait — that’s not spa night, that’s bear night at Steamworks! This version of spa night is about a shy Korean-American man named David who is torn between traditional family values and his awakening sexuality in Los Angeles. When David takes a job at a Korean spa, he discovers an underground world of gay hookups — go figure. What will David decide to do? The answer may surprise you.
Show times: Tonight, 8:15pm; Saturday, 4:30pm and 8:15pm; Sunday and Monday, 6:30pm. Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St. Tickets $11. More info at thecinematheque.ca
It’s Just Drag: Audition Night
One of the drag queens I know never got her big break in the business, so Selma Bush, here is your chance. In January, TFD and Live Nation Canada are joining forces to present the biggest drag show in western Canada, with more than 30 slots available for performers to show off their talents. Tonight is audition night, so get your best number ready and perform your heart out — or sashay away.
8-10pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Donations at door for the DMS charities. Email tommy@TFDpresents.com to your name to the list or get more information. facebook.com/TFDpresents/
Full-Length Feature Fridays
When I first heard the term VJ, I honestly thought it was a new code for vagina — until I heard that the VJ at Odyssey was talented. My curiosity kicked in as I recalled a high school memory of a local legend, Mitzie, who used to shoot ping pong balls out to the crowd at the local bar. More recently, I found out that DJ Gingerbear is also a VJ, combining ass-bumping remixes synched beat by beat and lyric by lyric as you navigate the dance floor. Throw in a drag queen or two and you’re in for a religious experience.
9pm-3am. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. Cover $5 or free with taxi receipt of that night.
facebook.com/events/394663847590965/
Hustla: Hovember
I say this with the utmost respect: if you are going to have Peach Cobblah host a monthly event, Hovember is a perfect name. Hip hop and R&B will be on tap all night, ensuring a dance floor packed with the queerest people in town. Anita D and the Snap Boys perform, along with DJs Jef Leppard and Rose. If you are looking for a good old-fashioned, sweaty, unpretentious, fun-as-hell night out, you’re in the right place.
10:30pm-2am. The Cobalt, 917 Main St Cover $9 until 11:30pm, more after. facebook.com/events/1202021309836550/
Saturday, Nov 5
VRM Rain Gear
My first thought was that this was going to be a fundraising kind of event selling rain gear — oh, the naiveté. I have a feeling this type of rain comes straight from the tap but only for the yellow hanky crowd, if you get my drift. Come check out the men in latex and rubber so tight, you’ll know their religion. Who wants to take the leap with me and watch?
2-5pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. vanrubbermen.com
Vicky Vox
I must admit I have a secret passion for Vicky Vox, and not because that’s probably how I’d look as a drag queen. It’s because she is one-third of a group called DWV that did my favorite holiday tune, “That Christmas Song.” And yes, Vicky actually sings when she performs “Chow Down at Chick-fil-A.” Tonight she performs alongside Shanda Leer. Skits, a couple of monologues and more are on the menu — an awesome way to close out the first year of Studio
8-11pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $10 at eventbrite.ca
More info at facebook.com/TFDpresents/
Stand Up-Stand Out
This is a new weekly, open-mic, comedy night in the heart of the village. Headliner Fatima Dhowre is a stand-up comedian, OUTtv talk show host, and performer on The Lady Show. Comics Marlene Swidzinski, Cali Haan and Nikki Sirett are also in the featured lineup. For your five minutes of fame, sign up from 8:30pm.
8:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Entrance is $7 or by donation, but free for performers. $1 per ticket goes to an LGBT charity. whatsonqueerbc.com/event/
Testosterone Gear
Testosterone — every man wants more. Just hear the word, and you know there are going to be huge, built, handsome muscle men with lots of sweat-glistening chests on the dance floor. Testosterone Gear from Montreal is having their first event in Vancouver and they are bringing DJ Ron Hamelin to spin. Don’t miss a hot night of hot men in gear, dancing, sweating and letting loose, hopefully dressed in as little as possible. Strict dress code: leather, rubber, jockstrap, uniform, military, singlet, underwear or sport gear.
9pm-3am. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. Tickets $15 at Little Sisters, 1238 Davie St or eventbrite.ca . $20 at door. facebook.com/events/1660097007636288/
Sunday, Nov 6
Kegger
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in wet Vancouver than to be surrounded by hot — mostly shirtless — bartenders you want to throw over the bar like a buffet, and a DJ who’s lucky he’s locked in a booth. “I went to Sunday at PJ’s and didn’t get laid,” said no one ever. DJ Nick Bertossi is on the clock from 5–9pm.
1pm-late. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. pumpjackpub.com
Sanctuary
I never know what to expect when Alma B Itches shows up. That queen changes hair colour more often than Conni Smudge changes her panties. Alma is flawless but I have seen her coif in every shade of the rainbow flag — and now there’s a big, teal ponytail coming out the top of her head. Tonight Alma shares the stage with Cleopatra Compton who is, “drunk in love, but she ain’t sorry.” DJ Riley Cox offers his form of Communion for you after the show — a dance party to exorcise your demons.
9pm-12am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1630712920571560/
Monday, Nov 7
Condom Packers Needed
Sorry to get you excited but there are no porno auditions here. Instead you’re needed to pack condoms and lube into small travel packs that HIM gives out around the city. Christmas is coming and I know a few cheap friends who give these out in their stockings — you know who you are and you should be helping. Meet great guys and chat the night away as you pack away. For your efforts, partake in a meal from one of the village’s awesome restaurants. See you there.
6-9pm. HIM Office, 1033 Davie St. checkhimout.ca/
Tuesday, Nov 8
Shame Spiral
You thought you were safe — we all thought we were — but the Peach is back, fresh from her excursion away and onto the stage tonight with Dust Cwaine and Amy Dauer. Things to expect: screaming, snake tattoos, mom jams, hung men and a few more things I can’t mention.
9pm, if you want a good seat. Show at 10pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/pages/1181-Davie-St/136906606476584
Wednesday, Nov 9
Gay Men’s Health Summit
This year’s summit theme is Resist Stigma, a two-day exploration of how to re-examine stigma, push back, build resilience and develop supportive social environments. Ed Lee, Ron Dutton, Darren Ho, Dr Lisa McDaid and Dr John Pachankis are keynote speakers. Summit runs until Thursday, Nov 10.
8am-7pm both days. Simon Fraser University, Vancouver campus, 515 West Hastings St. Tickets $40-$150, which includes lunch. See the webpage to register and for information regarding prices for low-income people, students and people from non-profits. hcbrc.net/summit
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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