What to watch
Charisma Mod
For a nerdy, queer-inclusive, funny escape into fantasy, watch the latest episode of Canadian comedy livestream Charisma Mod, available now online. The biweekly virtual series is an inclusive and LGBTQ2S+-driven experience in which the audience can watch performers play through the classic fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Created by Alice Rose and written and hosted by Stella Kulagowski, the characters for the latest series are created and voiced by Toronto comedians Tamara Shevon, Al Val, and Brendan D’Souza. With surprise guests and brain-teasing puzzles, the livestream is brimming with magical storytelling. Charisma Mod is produced by Comic Sans Productions, which bills itself as Canada’s first live comedy production company to represent exclusively queer and marginalized performers.
The latest episode of Charisma Mod is available to watch now. New episodes are released biweekly on Mondays at 7 p.m. EST and are available to watch on the show’s website, YouTube and on Twitch.
What to read
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
American author Malinda Lo, known for her acclaimed 2009 novel Ash, is releasing her latest novel, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, on Jan. 19. The book follows a Chinese-American girl named Lily living in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1950s during the time of the Red Scare. With the fear of deportation looming over many Chinese Americans, the government starts to investigate Lily’s immigrant father and his suspected ties to the Communist Party. Amid the scrutiny, Lily begins to fall for Kath, one of her female classmates, and finds comfort in their connection. The pair start meeting at a local lesbian bar, the Telegraph Club, where they learn to be free and embrace their love in times of darkness.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo will be available for purchase on Amazon in the U.S. and Canada on Jan. 19.
What to listen to
“Escrow” by Rocco DeFinis
American singer and dancer Rocco DeFinis is releasing his latest single, “Escrow,” on Jan. 15. The song touches on themes of materialism and addiction while blending genres like R&B, pop, rock and dance. The inspiration for the versatile artist’s new single came from seeing someone in their life become overtaken with materialism, leaving them spiritually and emotionally depleted.
“Escrow” by Rocco DeFinis will be available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music on Jan. 15.
What to look at
Dragapalooza
A live musical concert film and variety show, Dragapalooza will be streaming on mySongbird starting Jan. 16. The concert includes live performances from Rupaul’s Drag Race alumnae Courtney Act, Derrick Barry, Trixie Mattel, Coco Montrese, Sharon Needles and Rhea Litre. The queens will be accompanied by a live band led by Grammy-nominated producer Chris Cox.
The one-night virtual concert will be streaming exclusively on mySongbird starting Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. EST. Tickets are available here.
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