(Vancouver’s Fighting Chance Productions premieres the new musical Facing East about a Mormon couple meeting their dead gay son’s boyfriend, on Saturday, April 23, 2016./Allyson Fournier photo)
Thursday, April 21
The Search For Vancouver’s Next Vocal Superstar
Just when you thought you were done with RuPaul’s drag empire, along comes another Vancouver Next Top something, but this one looks like fun. No bitchy, backstabbing drag queen contestants like on TV, but people who can actually sing and entertain. Come early to pick out your favourite to support throughout the competition. Cruisey T, Celebrities and Numbers are all involved, so there is plenty to support. Auditions will be held at Numbers, tonight and next Thursday, April 28, and the judges will decide who carries on to the main stage of Celebrities for the weekly challenges on Thursdays May 5, 12 and 19. One contestant will rise to collect the $1,000 prize and be Vancouver’s Next Vocal Superstar.
7pm all nights. Auditions at Numbers, 1042 Davie St. Main stage performance challenges at Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. facebook.com/events/197757850574844/
WESA Jersey and Meet & Greet
Whether you follow ball, play ball or just like to watch, tonight is your chance to meet all the new WESA talent as they pick up their jerseys and have a meet and greet night. Teams will be showing off their new colours and, with a bit of luck, the change room will be the centre of the bar. We athletic supporters have to stick together! There is always plenty for everyone.
7–9pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. facebook.com/events/223896547974521/
Friday, April 22
The Male Gaze: Public Opening
I know all of us guys think we have the male gaze down to a fine gay art form. That special look we have that says “pin me down and mount me now” — when in actuality it really looks like you’re trying to supress gas. Tonight, organizers invite you to “come celebrate the allure, diversity and distinctive features of the male and identifying male subject” and maybe learn a thing or two about yourself. This combined local and international group exhibition, curated by Chase Porter, promises to be interesting and eye opening. Show runs until Sunday, May 22.
7:30pm. Vancouver Art and Leisure, 1965 Main St. Free entrance. facebook.com/events/197281387315186/
Honey Soundsystem
Matt Troy is still going strong, bringing you the best entertainment in a space built for partying and snuggling. Tonight Backdoor and VAL bring you Honey Soundsystem, along with Bottom Forty, Sweat Factory and an art installation, all in one open and free space. Your senses will overload. Leave your labels at the door and just enjoy the experience.
9pm. Vancouver Art and Leisure, 1965 Main St, backdoor entrance. Tickets $20 at Stratosphere Hair, 1259 Granville St, JD’s Barbershop, 235 Abbott St or facebook.com/events/1013868788652295/
PCAN Naked Leather Party
Finally a place where I won’t be overdressed wearing my leather cock ring. Tonight is all about accessorizing. I mean, what else can you do at a leather naked night? The good bits have to be hanging out, so the leather bits are there to accentuate your form. No matter where you decide to tuck your accessories, you’re in for a fun night. Leather, skin, sweat, men of all ages, body types and nationalities, what more could you ask for? I’m going to be like a kid in a candy store, trying to get a lick of everything.
8pm–2am. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. $10 members, $15 guests. 8×6.ca
Saturday, April 23
From Up River And For One Night Only
Yes, I am capable of reading a book without pictures. It just takes me longer and I can usually manage to stay dressed, which is considered preferable for a book launch. Tonight, author and Daily Xtra contributor Brett Josef Grubisic launches his latest novel, this one about teens longing for stardom. Read our story here, then go meet the author, socialize, kibitz and have a few refreshments.
7pm. Mole Hill Co-op, The Community Room, 1151 Comox St. More info here: blogs.ubc.ca/brettjgrubisic/2016/03/11/ready-set-go-launching-from-up-river-and-for-one-night-only/
Facing East
Based on a play by Carol Lynn Pearson, this has everything to pull at the heartstrings and probably ruffle a few feathers at the same time: Mormons, gays, lovers, suicide and religious beliefs. A Mormon couple is faced with the suicide of their gay son and must reconcile feelings when they meet the son’s partner. Fighting Chance Productions brings you another likely hit. Runs until Saturday, May 14.
Wednesday to Saturday, 8pm. Matinees on Saturday May 7 and 14 at 3pm. Jericho Arts Centre, 1675 Discovery St. Tickets $15–22 at ticketstonight.ca. Info at fightingchanceproductions.ca
Strut Launch 2016
Let’s all throw on some stilettos and learn to strut (although I’m pretty sure stilettos will push me over the 7-feet-tall mark. Tonight marks the launch of an important fundraising event to support LGBT refugees. It’s all about diversity, community, entertainment and shoes, lots of shoes. There will even be a shoe-focused runway fashion show, along with House of La Douche, singer Ria Jade, LUX Dance Company, Molly Wilson and more.
6–9pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. This is a free event. facebook.com/events/452697541605994/
Hershe Bar
Whenever I see a Hershe Bar listing, I get excited that a long weekend is approaching. But not this time. The women know spring is in the air and they’re getting frisky, so damn the long weekend, they’re ready to party now! I hear they wore out the old dance floor so a new state-of-the-art dance floor will be ready for breaking in.
10pm–3am. The Red Room Ultra Bar, 398 Richards St. Tickets $17 at eventbrite.ca. Info at facebook.com/events/1549010982066059/
Spring Fling Disco Play Party
Most of you were lucky enough to be born after the age of disco. I was in the thick of it. Pictures still surface of me during that time, wearing bell bottom jeans, sparkly shirts, hair that flipped everywhere and, of course, the hot pants (short shorts) that we all wore to the beach that left very little to the imagination (but provided easy access to a prostate exam for anyone that wanted to give one). Relive those days tonight at Plur Productions’ play party. Find your most groovy ’70s outfit, tease your hair, throw on your roller skates and get down to disco. DJ Taffi Louis provides the inspiration.
9pm–3am. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $20 and info at plurproductions.ca. More info at 8×6.ca.
Bears Night Out
When I was little, long ago, I remember my favourite bedtime storybook was called Bears in the Night, where bears snuck out of bed to go on adventures. Tonight is kind of like that, except these bears are bigger, hairier and definitely a lot hornier. DJ Del Stamp provides the tunes to get the crowd, and the go-go bears moving, and usually has the first dick out. One of the best nights around for fun, so grab a bear and find a corner. There may even be room in the shower, if you can get Del out.
9pm–late. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. $5 cover. pumpjackpub.com
Sunday, April 24
New Fashion Festival Closing Party
I am definitely not a fashionista; most of the labels in my drawers are Jockey, Adidas and Nasty Pig. So imagine my surprise to find out there’s a fashion event in Vancouver this weekend. New Fashion Festival showcases and fosters emerging fashion brands and young creative minds by merging workshops, contests, presentations and fashion shows. This is the official closing party of the festival.
11pm–2am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $10 before midnight, $15 after. facebook.com/events/1014216368655359/
Monday, April 25
Naked Yoga
I have to admit that after a few sessions of yoga I can pick up a quarter with my butt cheeks. Not sure if that is great muscle control or just too much sweat. Either way, there’s nothing as freeing as a yoga session in the nude. It brings you awareness of your entire body. Everyone is nervous the first couple of times and trust me you won’t be the only one popping a boner, but it will feel like high school all over again. You just won’t have the books to hide it. Bring water, yoga mat and a towel.
7–8:30pm. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Classes are $15 each or eight classes for $100. 8×6.ca
Wednesday, April 27
The Key West Cocktail Classic
If this group is looking for an extra judge to help taste the cocktails, I’m more than willing to help out! So far, the judges are Vincent Elliott Quennville, Brian Webb and Ryan Steele. I know I can take Ryan Steele. This is billed as the world’s largest and third annual LGBT bartending competition, so come see Vancouver’s best shake it up for a chance to win an all-expense trip to Key West and $10,000 for charity, plus another trip to Spain for Stoli’s Ibiza Bartender Weekend.
7–10pm. Numbers Cabaret, 1042 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/217937431918718/
(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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