Thursday, Jan 26
Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience
To mark Canada’s 150th anniversary, Cree visual artist Kent Monkman tells the story of Canada while in the guise of his drag alter-ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. Monkman’s first major solo-exhibition at this location includes paintings, drawings, sculptural works and historical artifacts. The story goes back well before confederation and includes a humorous and searing critique of Canada’s colonial past and present.
Opening reception 6:30–8:30pm; Exhibit runs until Saturday, March 4. Art Museum at the University of Toronto, 15 King’s College Cir. artmuseum.utoronto.ca
The Stars Reach Out to PWA
In honour of Chris Edwards, who was known for his charity work, a slew of local queens — Amanda Roberts, Sofonda Cox, Bunny Leblanc, Devine Darlin, Jada Hudson, Michelle DuBarry, Donnarama, Jade Elektra, Teran Blake and Sylvia — perform a heel, wig and lash-bestrewn concert for a good cause. All proceeds from the event will go to the People With AIDS Foundation.
9pm. Blyss, 504 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, Jan 27
Hutch and Friends Comedy
Comedian Paul Hutcheson hosts a stand-up comedy show which, if the event billing’s imagery and name are any indication, is probably cowboy-themed. Hutcheson, a veteran of many Pride comedy shows at Buddies in Bad Times, is joined by Chantel Marostica, Nile Seguin, Hoodo Hersi and Stephen Sharpe for an evening of giggles, laughs, chuckles and whatever word describes how cowboys laugh (guffaws?).
8pm. The Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. thesteadycafe.com
Kings and Classics
Here’s a rare chance for new drag kings to get their start. The inaugural edition of Spencer Munny and Pretty Riikkii’s new recurring event includes performances from both new and seasoned kings, and a special musical number by Ivory. The performance segment of the night is followed by mingling and dancing to the music of DJ Johnny B Goode. To perform at future events, contact prettymunnyproductions@gmail.com.
10:30pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
The Original Fly Nightclub’s 18th Anniversary
It’s a night of old school gay clubbing in honour of Fly’s 18th anniversary. Appropriately, the legendary DJ Barry Harris (the singer, songwriter DJ and remixer who gave us such hits as the best-known dance remix of Whitney Houston’s “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay”) supplies a soundtrack of Fly classics from 1999 to 2014 for you to dance your highlights off to. DJs Mark Falco and Shawn Riker are also spinning.
10:30pm–4am. Fly 2.0, 6 Gloucester St. flyyyz.com
Saturday, Jan 28
Toastr: Mostly ’80s
Finally, an excuse to wear a velour leotard or a jeans that for some reason have stirrups (or whatever people wore in the 1980s). This dance party for queer women is all about music from the decade that gave us Gremlins and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. DJs Sticky Cuts and Dawn Big Canoe spin old school stuff, sprinkled with some new stuff. It’ll be an evening of classic house, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae and more.
9:30pm–2am. WAYLA Bar, 996 Queen St E. facebook.com/toastrto
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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