Thursday, Feb 9
Girl Positive
It seems like a long weekend is a good time for new releases. Tonight,Tatiana Fraser and Caia Hagel lead a panel discussion with Women in the Arts at the launch of their new book, Girl Positive, which uncovers the innovative ways in which women artists are disrupting and innovating culture and is sure to inspire you. Part of Femme February at the Cultch, a month-long series of events which highlight the strength and power of the female voice and experience.
7–9pm. Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St. Free event but please RSVP at tickets.thecultch.com. More info at facebook.com/TheCultch?fref=ts
Matthew Presidente
Probably not the best time to have “president” as your last name no matter where you live these days. Still, Vancouver-based Matthew Presidente is one of — if not — the best singer/songwriters our LGBT scene has. Tonight, check out the release show for his new album, Every Single Sin. Not only will he be there in person, but he is doing a full-band performance complete with a special appearance by Samantha Mack.
8pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets are $10 advance at eventbrite.ca or $12 at door. facebook.com/events/335917123459793/
Friday, Feb 10
Roses Are Red: Boners Are Hard
These words bring back memories of childhood chants in the school yard: “Roses are red, boners are hard, if you can’t find the lube, dip in some lard.” I always wondered if that’s where the term “lard-ass” came from. Vancouver artist Nikki Peck presents a cast of her characters and scenes that illustrate her interest in contemporary society. Themes include coming of age, teenage hood, the female body and the male gaze, feminism and sex-positive issues. Her approach is at once playful and meticulous and will make for an interesting exhibition. Books and prints of Nikki’s work will be available for purchase.
7–11pm. Sweet Pup Studios, 79 E Pender St. No admission fee. facebook.com/events/149589975545688/
Wet & Wild
I always look forward to an extended weekend as the American boys always come up to play, but since we seem to be the only ones having a holiday weekend I may have to find other things to play with. The perfect place to get into trouble — the good kind — is a place where beefy, muscular, hung men always seem to be either dancing on a box or soaping up their exquisite genitals in the shower. If I get lucky with one of them, I’ll know everything is squeaky clean and ready for anything. DJ Del Stamp spins till the early hours.
9pm–3am. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Cover $5 after 9 pm. pumpjackpub.com
Function Friday
Although the poster featured women only, I thought I’d stop by and see how the last event was going. I couldn’t have been more wrong. A bar full of sexy, hot men and they were all dancing to DJ Drew’s music. Then I caught sight of the go-go boys and thought I’d died and gone to heaven. See you there.
9:30pm–3am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. junctionpub.com
Saturday, Feb 11
Pump
Some words that seem to be normal to straights just conjure fantasies in the minds of gay men as soon as you hear them: hump, dump, cum, hard and — of course — pump. If you have a good event name, the guys just flock to it. This is one of those events. Muscle, bear, leather fetish or kink. All seem to make an appearance, making it a man-meat buffet. And daddy is hungry. DJ Del Stamp is your musical spinmeister once again, so you know there’s going to be action going on in the booth and out.
9pm–3am. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. $5 cover after 9pm. pumpjackpub.com
Fraser Valley Heroes Gala
Join the Fraser Valley Youth Society at their Valentine’s Hearts and Heroes Gala where they will honour the 2017 FVYS Hero with delicious food, great company and talented entertainment. All event proceeds will go to fund the organization’s programs and initiatives. The buffet dinner, door prizes, and dancing with Total Rewind are all included in the ticket price.
5:30pm–12am. The Stage in Mission, 32998 1st Ave, Mission, tickets $60 at thestageinmission.ca.
facebook.com/events/215019498936384/
Duelling DJs Valentine’s Dance
This sounds like an evening where party people do battle with record player arms or flick 45s at each other. Now who’s old enough to remember that? Get your groove on with a mix of top 40 tunes plus some tracks that take you back to rock n’ roll, swing and disco times. Tonight’s a dinner-and-dance combo for that special Valentine in your life.
6pm doors, 7pm dinner followed by dancing until midnight. The Sands Hotel, 1755 Davie St. Tickets $55, which also covers dinner, are available on dueling-djs.com/events.html
The Tea With Tati Tour
Tommy D is on the road with Drag Race alumna Tatianna for the Tea with Tati tour brought to you by TFD and OUTtvGO. As they make their way across Canada, I’ve noticed a few FB video posts in which I don’t think it was tea Tommy D was drinking — which means the show is a success. This weekend, you have two chances to join in. Tonight and Sunday, Feb 12, you can take in an unbelievable show and check out a meet-and-greet beforehand. Tonight DJ Nick Bertossi spins and Dom Top takes over Sunday. The question for me is, do we get to meet and greet Nick Bertossi as well? If so, get your tickets fast because I may buy the lot.
9pm–3am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $25-$35 at eventbrite.ca. More info at facebook.com/events/1723267277986630/
Lucky FuKR: Jock & Harness Party
I’d go to this event based on the name and the poster alone. This is their first time here and it looks like they’re pulling out the big guns to break their Vancouver cherry. International DJ Bret Law spins as hot men — hopefully in just harnesses — grind away on stage, on the dance floor, and probably in the hidden dark “meat-and-greet” room. Throw on your sexiest jock and harness, toss yourself into the middle of it all and just enjoy yourself. What’re a few gropes among friends?
9pm–3am. The Hindenburg, 23 W Cordova St. Tickets $7 and info at eventbrite.com.
Sunday, Feb 12
VAL x VHS Valentine’s Market
Valentine’s doesn’t have to be all love and roses; it can be all about shopping and getting lots of items just for you. It is the perfect day to use the “I had no date, no cards or gifts so I just got depressed and shopped my heart out” excuse. Vancouver Art and Leisure teams up with the Vintage Handmade Society to host a market for everyone. A wide range of vendors will be on hand showing off skincare products, art, jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, blankets, vinyl, tarot booth, chocolate, live painting and more for you to peruse. Look for me; I’ll be the one with the loaded, guilt-free shopping cart.
12–7pm. Gallery 1965, 1965 Main St. Admission $2. facebook.com/events/659785060867079/
Inner Beauty Pageant
Now this is a competition I could be part of. I’m just full of inner beauty and know there’s an inner diva waiting to burst out. What better person to host than the inner beauty queen herself, Conni Smudge? Just try to get the big-ass crown off her head — if you win. Open to all body types, genders, personalities (split or otherwise) for a chance to celebrate the inner diva in all of us. This is a fundraiser for the upcoming musical, Robin Hood, Prince of Tease from Too Fly Productions.
7–11pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Tickets are $8 plus donation if you wish. To enter the competition please contact tooflytheatre@gmail.com. More info at facebook.com/events/1807426706144815/
Babes On Babes
Three rooms, eight DJs and a stated mission to create a fun, inclusive, safer party vibe that showcases amazing local and international queer talent. Tonight, Baltimore’s TT the Artist spins in the main room.
9pm–2am. The Fortune Sound Club, 147 E Pender St. Cover $15 at door. More info at facebook.com/events/1174072579374402/
Hershe Bar
The local liquor store is out of tequila and vodka, so that can only mean one thing: Hershe Bar is on. Tonight is the lesbian party to end all lesbian parties, the Dinah Shore. Some of you may have to Google her as she wasn’t just a golfer. An appearance by gender bending supermodel Erika Linder and the official crew and cast of Below Her Mouth will make this one hell of a party.
10pm–2am. Bar None, 1222 Hamilton St. Tickets $15 online or at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St. flygirlproductions.com/event/clubskirts-dinah-hershe/
Tuesday, Feb 14
DTES Women’s Memorial March
There’re lots of events celebrating Valentine’s Day, but take some time to learn about a march that’s been happening for 27 years. The first was held in 1991 in response to the murder of a Coast Salish woman on Powell Street in Vancouver. This event is held to express compassion, community solidarity, and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Support, attend and show that all of us care.
12–3pm. Carnegie Community Centre, 401 Main St. womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/
Magic Mic Open Mic
For those of us still waiting for that special someone to show up, a flower delivery or a candy gram, it is the 12th hour and Valentines is almost over. Get off your money-maker and make your way to the village for a fun-filled, open-mic night when pros, amateurs, and first timers all get a crack at entertaining you.
7pm–11pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. No cover. Sign up for your five minutes of fame at 7pm, if you so desire. facebook.com/events/870712673068681/
Heritage Grill Valentine’s Date
Not looking good for a Valentine’s date, or already called everyone in your little black book and still nothing. Make a trip out to the ’burbs where cowboys know how to ride. Everyone looks like fresh meat if you go a minimum of 25 miles from home. Diva Sarah Kennedy and her pianist perform just for you. Come early, grab a great seat, order dinner, and sit back and enjoy.
8pm–12am. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St, New Westminster. Reservations at 604-759-0819. theheritagegrill.com
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.
Editor’s note, Feb 9, 2017: The condom-packing party was deleted because of the stat day on Feb 13. HIM will resume its weekly packing sessions on Monday, Feb 20 until the end of March.
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