Thursday, May 14
Yoga Rave For Life
When I heard I’d be getting Bliss Balls at this event, I thought a massage with a certain type of ending was being offered. But no, this is a fundraising party for Friends For Life that promises to be a fun, energizing night of Kundalini yoga, music, Tarot readings, body painting, vegetarian snacks and treats (hence the Bliss Balls), and amazing people. 6pm. Club 560, 560 Seymour St. Tickets $25 at eventbrite.ca. Info at friendsforlife.ca
Friday, May 15
Weekend of Kink: Noir Fetish Ball
Now this is my kind of party: they supply a “no” list of everything that will keep you out. More places should follow their lead. Featuring everything kinky, from seminars and performances from the BDSM technical director of 50 Shades of Grey (Liam Helmer), to a naked paint party, to a dungeon play space, to the gala Fetish Ball, to the dreaded Ball Pit, this is the weekend to turn a boy into a man, and a man into a whimpering pile of Jello! Tonight at the Astoria, 769 East Hastings St, Saturday and Sunday at Vancouver Arts & Leisure, 1965 Main St. Tickets $15 to $75 (for a weekend pass) at brownpapertickets.com. For full schedule, events, times and rules at noirvancouver.com
Saturday, May 16
Bros B4 Clothes: The Gay Agenda
The last time I went to East Van’s amateur strip show, Ryan Steele was dropping his gear for a crowd of skin-starved men! In spite of that I will go back to check out the new crew, which includes Chase Porter, Beardonce and many others. One of particular interest to me and most of my friends is named KingDong. We’ll see about that! 9pm–2am. The Cobalt, 9147 Main St. Cover $8. More info on their Facebook page.
Sunday, May 17
Diva’s Den
The Vancouver Dyke March and host Amy Wilding bring you a safe and supportive environment to strut your sexy selves in this annual women-for-women strip show and fundraiser. This event is trans-inclusive and organizers say they encourage each person to decide for themselves if they belong in a “women-for-women” centered space. ID will be checked for age, they say, not gender markers. 7:30–11pm. The Penthouse, 1019 Seymour St. Tickets $15 in advance at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, Kokopelli Salon, 2052 Commercial Dr, or vancouverdykemarch.com or $20 at door.
Bearracuda
The bears are back in town and if you heard I was go go’ing at this event you have had a few too many beverages already — plus I was never asked. Tonight they have DJs Matt Consola, Rotten Robbie, Del Stamp and Jay Douglas to keep you moving on two floors. So much hot, sweaty, muscle beef you’ll think you’re at an all-you-can-eat BBQ! 9pm. Club 560, 560 Seymour St. Tickets $15 at Top Drawers, 809 Davie St, or bearracuda.com.
New York
I could’ve sworn that doppelganger refers to DJs who date their boyfriend’s twin, but tonight it refers to the group that brings you a night with some of the hottest DJs around: Nathalie Morel, Sollors and Mr Doppelganger himself AdamDreaddy. New York bills itself as an experience for the senses: “look your best, feel your best, and eye fuck the rest.” Plus see if you can spot Dreaddy’s Doppelganger, the younger one, in the room. 10pm. Killjoy, 1120 Hamilton St. VIP tickets $15 at eventbrite.com, $15 at door, $20 after 12am. More info on their Facebook page.
Wednesday, May 20
Queer & Trans Open Mic: Special Tribute to Roy Buna
Check out this new community open mic night featuring live music from local queer musicians of all genders and ages. Opening night launches with a special tribute to the late Roy Buna, beloved father of Queer as Funk lead singer Connie Buna. 7pm. Heartwood Community Café, 317 East Broadway St. Free admission. heartwoodcc.ca