(Vancouver’s Empress XLIV Babette Co-Taylor, crowned in 2015, will step down at this year’s annual Coronation ball on Saturday, March 26, 2016, where Vancouver’s next Empress will be crowned./Victor Bearpark photo)
Thursday, March 17
Getting Lucky
With all the Guinness and Irish whiskey flowing tonight, I’m sure I won’t be the only one seeing naked leprechauns running around the Village and mistaking them all for Gingerbear Todd. Looking for a fun place to celebrate with other gay and bi guys outside of a crowded bar? Or maybe you’re looking for a social place to chill before heading out on the town to search for the perfect piece of ginger? Mpowerment has you covered. This is an all-ages party with drinks for the ones old enough. All guys who like guys (and their friends) are invited to attend.
6:30pm. Mpowerment Headquarters, 568 Seymour St. Free admission. facebook.com/events/1554743328150671
Cabaret
How many of us have danced around, belting out tunes into a hairbrush, thinking we’re Sally Bowles but really looking like Joel Grey in bad face paint? Running tonight until Saturday, March 26, the Capilano University theatre department brings you a revamped version of the Broadway classic, with a particularly raunchy Kit Kat Club.
8pm. Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. Tickets $10–22 at capilanou.ca/blueshorefinancialcentre/15-Cabaret/
Friday, March 18
Your Sketch Is Showing
You too could be the next Ryan Steele or Amy Goodmurphy. No, I don’t mean a bartender or a fox; I mean you could learn to be the next great comedy team. Amy Lucille and Jamie Mcniven Smith host the third Friday of the month, showcasing existing sketches and improvising new ones based on audience suggestions. Watch and learn, and kick off your Friday night right at this queer-friendly event (that’s friendly to allies too).
8–10pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1150276391707515/
Ru’s Queens Do The O
Vancouver seems to be a mecca for drag queens — not just our local stars, but so many of RuPaul’s queens visit that I now expect to see the skinny bitch herself sashay away down Davie Street. Tonight Morgan McMichaels, Delta Work, Mayhem Miller and Jessica Wild come to town to do three numbers each, no doubt with numerous outfit changes to dazzle the audience.
Doors 8pm. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. Tickets tiers 1–3 start at $25, table service $1000, at ticketzone.com. Info at facebook.com/events/489158071272622/
CumUnion
Here’s a party I can sink my teeth into, metaphorically speaking of course. Whether you are a nervous nelly or a seasoned pro, there’s always a place for you to have fun. I guarantee after an hour at this party all nerves will disappear (along with your gag reflex). There are private rooms, glory holes, a slurp ramp, a bondage chair, a fuck bench, a multi-man whirlpool, showers, a steam room and, of course for the extra hungry man, the six-sided gloryhole booth. Or if you are feeling shy, just hang out in the gym.
10pm–4am. Steamworks Baths, 123 West Pender St. Entry rates start at $16. Free gift to first 25 guests. cumunion.com
Wet & Wild
I never get tired of beef in the showers, it’s one of my addictions. This weekly night gets bigger every time, much like the genitalia in the shower shows — these men are not shy. DJs Del Stamp and Nick Bertossi, along with guests, keep the dancefloor packed and the men sweaty all night long. Keep your eyes open and you may see more dick in the DJ booth than there is on stage. Beefy strippers, go-go men, Steamworks giveaways and sexy, stripped-down staff. What more can you ask for?
10pm–3am. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Cover $5. pumpjackpub.com
Saturday, March 19
Voting For Empress
Here is my public service announcement for this year. Get out and vote for your next Empress 45 of Vancouver. This is an exhausting and usually thankless position that does an amazing amount of charity and fundraising work in the city for a huge number of organizations. Spend the five minutes it takes to vote and show your support.
3–11pm. Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St. mothercourt.ca
Stories: Safe ’n Sound Squamish
I thought the West End was a bit quiet lately and now I know why: Conni Smudge has been preparing for her keynote speech at this second annual conference in Squamish. The goal is to connect LGBT individuals and allies with each other and with much needed resources. With the Smudge in control, fun will definitely be in the works.
12:30–6pm. Eagle Eye Theatre, Howe Sound Secondary School, 38430 Buckley Ave, Squamish. Suggested donation at door $10. facebook.com/events/1245653375452082/
One Mo’ Time
I got married recently and I loved it. I wasn’t stressed at all! Of course, it helped that it took place in Gibraltar, Spain, and that my partner’s family did all the work, bless them to bits. Who doesn’t love a good wedding (and the possibility of hooking up with a total stranger who goes alone and craves some contact)? Here’s your chance, and you don’t even have to bring a wedding present. Young Idea brings you a mock wedding of a total stranger — it could be man-man, woman-woman, man-woman — followed by a Motown-themed reception.
7pm. Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton St. Tickets $10 at onemotime.bpt.me includes a glass of bubbly, a drink and food. facebook.com/events/202418760113876/
Score 17
I honestly live for this party. I don’t get on ice skates because if I did my ass would be as bruised as Del Stamp’s on prom night. But I love this party because Cutting Edge Hockey players have the best asses in town and they’ll be on display behind the bar in jock-strap heaven. Hopefully DJ Mumbles will get into the spirit and spin in a jockstrap as well. Skating is included in your ticket. Ice times at 9, 10 and 11pm. When you’re not on the ice, have drinks, dance your heart out, and try not to drool all over the bar, that’s my job.
8:45pm. West End Community Centre skating rink, 870 Denman St. Tickets $20 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, Topdrawers, 809 Davie St or thecuttingedges.com.
Lick Club: Queer Fam Jam
For a city that people label as no fun, you all sure seem to get a lot of your events to me, and I thank you, it shows you’re reading the listings. Soon it will have to be the top 25 events of the week the way you’re going, good on you. Tonight this legendary night is back in full effect with DJs T, Ethan, She and Skylar Love spinning a mix of house, hip hop, old school, dancehall and mashups.
10pm. The Hindenburg, 23 West Cordova St. Cover $10. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds, please send an email to iamskylarlove@gmail.com to inquire.
Sunday, March 20
Caliente Nights: Selena Forever
I’m not really up on the singing idols of the past, but after learning a bit about Selena Quintanilla’s tragic story (assassinated by the president of her own fan club), I am interested to see a tribute put on by a bevy of Vancouver drag queens. Join Stephanie Blaze, Brooke Davis, Babette Co-Taylor and others as they channel Selena’s spirit and music at this tribute to her life.
10pm–3am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/1003036113069112/
Sweet & Sticky Anniversary
Kitsilano’s only drag show is a year old and still going strong! Come out and see what you’ve been missing, as Katy Hairy, Virginia Wright, Alma Bitches, Dynasty, Richie Rentcheck and more celebrate this milestone. It’s a short drive over the bridge, guys, you can do it.
8pm–12:30am. Displace Hashery, 3293 West 4th Ave. Tickets $7.50 online at eventbrite.ca, $10 at door. facebook.com/events/574058086090909/
Tuesday, March 22
Electro Play
Out of all the nights in this series, this is the one for me. After last week’s Bondage and Rope session, I can’t wait to tie someone up and go to town on them with every piece of electro play equipment there is. I see a Violet Wand in my future, so watch yourself. Tonight slave f and slave s present a workshop on electro play techniques, and answer all your “shocking” questions.
7–9pm. Club 8×6, 1175 Haro St. Free event but to register please phone 604-488-1001 or email register@checkhimout.ca. Info at checkhimout.ca
Wednesday, March 23
Vancouver Coronation 45
Can’t believe a year has passed and it’s time for another coronation? The pomp, the pageantry, the gowns, the endless introductions and speeches . . . but there is a light at the end of this tunnel: there is a bar. Seriously though, the DMS does incredible charity work throughout the year for a lot of groups and helps a great number of people, so please show your support.
10pm for the In-Town Show tonight. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5.
Friday, March 25 is the Out Of Town Show at Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St on Granville Island.
Saturday, March 26 is the Grand Ball at Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St on Granville Island.
Sunday, March 27 is the Victory Mixer at The Junction, 1138 Davie St.
For info, show times and tickets go to facebook.com/events/1627263984213811/
(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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