Thursday, July 2
Jordan Cooper
I sometimes get a craving for art that is new to me, especially if there’s an open bar. This one won’t have an open bar but it will have Juice Truck lemonade cocktails, so close enough. Jordan Cooper is a local self-taught illustrator doing his first solo show. Working mainly with graphite on whatever paper he seems to be fond of at the time may sound quirky but his work is truly amazing and serene. Check out his work at cooptheartist.wordpress.com. 7-10pm. Studio 126, 126 East Pender St. Free event but RSVP at eventbrite.ca.
Friday, July 3
Ruff Pride Victoria Edition
If you’re like me, sometimes you just need to get away to a place where all the men don’t know you — kind of a reboot for your pickup moves. Ruff is offering you the perfect excuse to get away and party your ass off at the same time. Ruff is in Victoria to kick off the Pride weekend there in style with the Men of Ruff, six of the hottest men around, including Mr Ruff 2015 Colin. DJs Sollors and Ronny B round out the night. 9pm–2am. Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St, Victoria. Tickets $20 at Lyle’s Place, 770 Yates St, Victoria and at RUFFparty.com.
Tucked and Plucked
It may sound like a Conni Smudge bikini wax gone terribly wrong (just try to forget that image now!) but this is a talk-show-style performance of the “herstory” of drag. Hosts Peach Cobblah and Isolde N Barron invite drag queens to tell their stories in a funny, upbeat and strangely thought-provoking evening. 8pm. Centre Stage, Surrey City Hall, 13450-104th Ave, Surrey. Tickets $28 at surrey.ca or 604-501-5566. zeezeetheatre.ca
Poundcake – XY Friday
Even at this age I still have the humour level of a 12-year-old (or maybe age has just affected my mind) but just seeing the word pound makes me giggle like a schoolgirl. Add in DJ Mumbles, Gingerbear Todd and Go-Go Daddy Sylvain and pound definitely becomes a verb about what I’d like to do to all three. Join them all at the newly opened XYYVR and get blown away by the new space and the return of one of the hottest events in town. 9pm–2am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $5 cover after 10pm. More info on their Facebook page.
Saturday, July 4
Fuck Art
I have a friend Art who, at least around the Village, is a local legend. So naturally when this listing flashed on my screen I thought, “OMG! Art is doing drag porn!” But once again I was mistaken. This is an art show where the theme is porn. It’s also a porn show where the theme is art. Featuring prints, performances, magazines, paintings, videos, virtual reality, sculptures, free lube and at last count 27 artists, there should be something for every persuasion. “Please be aware that there will be sex/acts at this show so please be conscientious and respectful of people’s space. Get as comfortable, naked and sexual as you like,” organizers note. 7pm-3am. 303 Columbia, 303 Columbia St. Cover by donation. More info on their Facebook page.
Sunday, July 5
Sanctuary
I have dropped to my knees many a Sunday and sometimes my prayers have been answered, and sometimes they have come up a little short, so to speak. But hope springs eternal that when you drop and pray you’ll lift your eyes and find the studly Mr Cox standing before you. (But with my luck he’ll be asking, “Single or double Vodka?”) Sinners can recover, repent, rejoice and dance those sins away every Sunday when DJ Sollors plays at this sunset dance party to exorcise your demons. Doors 6pm, Drag 10pm, Dance 9pm-3am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. More info on 1181’s Facebook page.
Monday, July 6
Condom Packing
We can all use a good condom packing night — I know I can. Pride is coming and the Health Initiative for Men (HIM) needs help packing up all the supplies that our horny Vancouver men and tourists will need for the celebrations. Help cram, stuff and pack condoms and lube into tight little packages. I know you can. For helping out you get to meet some great new guys, and maybe one of them will even test a condom or two with you later. Plus you get a delicious meal from one of the great restaurants in the Davie Village. 6–9pm. HIM Office, 1033 Davie St. checkhimout.ca
Tuesday, July 7
Free Summer Cinema Series: Pitch Perfect
Finally a reason to get out of the bushes in Stanley Park! This series of Tuesday-night movies will run until August 25 for up to 8,000 people per screening. With those odds even if the movie is bad you have a chance of going back into the bushes, and not alone! Tonight is the sing-along version of Pitch Perfect, where I am sure every drag queen in town will be performing in the audience. No reservations required. Just bring your friends, your picnic blanket or lawn chair, some snacks and enjoy this summer tradition. No blanket? Still hungry? No problem! The Fresh Air Cinema Snack Bar will be stocked with goodies and brand new lawn blankets for sale. This year’s Summer Cinema Series will support the Vancouver Firefighters’ Charitable Society. Dusk. Ceperley Meadow, Second Beach, Stanley Park. Info, schedule and map at summercinema.ca
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