Clubbin’

Bearcode

Spring is here; groggy bears are emerging from their dens, shaking off the dust and musty remnants of a long winter’s sleep and promptly falling onto the nearest boy. Don’t you want to be trapped beneath that mound of fur? This party for burly guys and their admirers includes music by DJ Peter Muciy.

Friday, May 1, 10pm. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. facebook.com/bearcodenight

Disco Disco: Just a Taste

Pride is so very far away, but folks can have a taste of Disco Disco — the outdoor party that takes place during Pride in Barbara Hall Park next to the 519 Church Street Community Centre — now, albeit indoors. DJs Diego Armand, Kris Steeves and (Daily Xtra’s arts editor) Phil V spin and Allysin Chaynes performs.

Friday, May 1, 10pm. The 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church St.

Film

Inside Out 25th Anniversary Launch Party

In 1991, Inside Out was a tiny affair; a small community of people promoting film created by and about LGBT people. Now, 25 years later, the complete schedule for the 2015 Toronto Inside Out LGBT Film Festival will be revealed in lush surroundings, amid a performance by The B-Girlz and music by DJs Craig Dominic, Sammy Royal and Regina the Gentlelady.

Thursday, April 30, 7:30pm. St James Cathedral Centre, 65 Church St. insideout.ca

Homicidal dining

Cruising for Murder: Murder Mystery Party

Mandy Goodhandy wants to kill people. With laughter! Dining and death enthusiasts board a cruise ship — or, rather, cruise ship-themed restaurant — for a four-course dinner in the Captain’s Lounge, and entertainment by standup comedians, singers, burlesque performers and, of course, a murderer. Attendees must purchase tickets in advance.

Thursday, April 30, 6pm. 120 Diner, 120 Church St. 120diner.com

Indecorous decor

The Baddest Bitches of the Beaver Portrait Series

When Vesuvius erupted, the citizens of Pompeii were buried, their ash-encased bodies becoming a grim attraction for generations of tourists. Now, The Beaver immortalizes some memorable drag queens — Igby Lizzard, Judy Virago, Jenna Syde, Nancy Bocock and Allysin Chaynes — with a portrait series by Sophie Williams. The unveiling includes performances by the honoured queens.

Monday, May 4, 10pm. The Beaver, 1192 Queen St W. beavertoronto.ca

Music

CD Release Concert for New York Stories

Long walks in Central Park, looking out over twinkling lights from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, scouting out the shows on Broadway — jazz singer-songwriter Micah Barnes’s latest album, New York Stories, brings to mind so many of NYC’s sights and experiences. For the launch concert, Barnes is joined by special guest Jackie Richardson.

Sunday, May 3, 7:30pm. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St W. micahbarnes.com

For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events

*Top image photo by Juan Palacio
Horse image by Etienne DiCaire
Baddest Bitches of the Beaver image by Sophie Williams

(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly spelled Igby Lizzard’s name as Igby Izzard.)