Thursday, May 18
Key West Cocktail Classic
Like twins separated at birth but following the same path, these two are both writers, comedians and media stars — and one of them is even funny. Decide for yourself which one. Ryan Steele and Bruce Vilanch perform at the fourth annual Stoli Vodka event, the largest LGBT bartender competition in the world. Come see the reigning champ James Rawlings, co-host Patrik Gallineaux and homoculturist Brian Webb as you sample delicious cocktails, vote for your favourites, and have a chance to win a trip to Key West.
7–10pm. Numbers, 1042 Davie St. No cover. First 100 RSVP’d guests receive a Stoli drink ticket plus a wristband to sample all the cocktails and vote. out.com/KeyWestCocktailClassic.
Speed Friending: A Rainbow Refugee Community Event
I may be a bit forward with speed dating, so this may be the way to go; at least I won’t get a drink thrown at me. Join in for a unique night marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Using the method of “speed friending,” Rainbow Refugee members will share their stories with small groups in timed sessions, moving from table to table. There will also be a short film and a chance for further activities and conversations.
7–9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Free admission. facebook.com/events/269981346805564/.
Bling: Luscious Moov
When Patricia Raye and Nick Apivor launched the project Luscious Moov, they were inspired to make a room full of people feel sexy and loved. The versatility of the vibes, keys, drums, bass and smoky vocals deliver fresh and exciting arrangements of standards with an added twist of soul, funk, and electronica. Sounds like a perfect way to escape the Top 40.
9pm–1am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $10 at eventbrite.ca. Info at facebook.com/events/203336976847689/.
Friday, May 19
Qmunity IDAHOT Breakfast
This event sounds like a great name for a drag queen, but is actually Qmunity’s benefit breakfast for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Stories are important for queer, trans and two-spirit people and communities, to find escape, new meaning and connection; join Qmunity and guest speakers as they share stories of our community, presented by Vancity.
6:45–9am. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia St. Tickets $100 at eventbrite.ca. More info at facebook.com/events/1291478407594638/.
Bianca Del Rio: Not Today Satan
A woman after my own heart, this hilariously hateful comic is known for her foul mouth and unapologetic humour. A self-professed “clown in a gown”, Bianca Del Rio (aka Roy Haylock) continues her worldwide stand-up comedy tour, Not Today Satan, for a second round across North America. If you missed it the first time, you have a second chance to redeem yourself.
8–9:30pm. The Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St. Tickets $50–$250 at thebiancadelrio.com/tour/. Info at facebook.com/events/1203011123148141/.
The Enchantment of the Arch
It may sound like a convention for podiatrists, but this is actually the Surrey Coronation XIII, which — naturally — takes place in New Westminster. Yes, I do drink a bottle or two of wine doing these listings, but I assure you this is all factual. This night is the Out Of Town Show, Saturday is the Ball, and Sunday is the Victory Brunch.
9pm Friday. Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St, New Westminster. Tickets for Out Of Town Show, $15.
5pm Saturday. Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St, New Westminster. Tickets for the Ball, $60.
11am Sunday. Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St, New Westminster. Tickets for the Victory Brunch $20.
All tickets at epama.ca/ball2017.htm. Event info facebook.com/events/1817088968565521/.
Backdoor: Last Chance
Some places come and go, replaced by something new, but this time one of the most unique venues in the city will be closing its doors for good. Backdoor was Matt Troy’s special baby, the party that changed everything. This is your last chance for a little Backdoor fun, and if you’re like me, the last chance to go after that hottie Matt Troy’s own rear entrance. Everyone is welcome, daddies, grannies, freaks and treats, to enjoy deep penetrating bass with three rooms of dancing. Organizers promise crazy out of this world art installations to make you gag, and wild, hidden intimate spaces to keep you gagging.
9pm–3am. Vancouver Art and Leisure, 1965 Main St. Tickets $30 at residentadvisor.net with limited tickets at door. facebook.com/events/1490225211039274/.
Saturday, May 20
The Chair
If you were at Red last week and saw David C Jones on stage, you’ll find it hard to imagine someone that energetic just sitting in a chair performing (unless it’s a rim seat, but that’s a different show altogether.) This concept is hilariously dramatic, at times shockingly surreal, but one of the best nights of unexpected entertainment you will experience, organizers promise. Eight actors get The Chair and bring John McGie’s words to life, sometimes with wild comedy sketches, sometimes with touching short dramas.
8–11pm. Seven Dining Lounge, 53 West Broadway St. Tickets $10 at door. eventbrite.com/e/the-chair-sat-may-20th-tickets-33451469245?aff=eac2.
Bears Night Out
Hibernation is over; bears are hungry, horny and on the hunt. If you’re looking for unpretentious, unadulterated, in your face fun, then this is the place to be. Twinks, muscle daddies, grand daddies, boys, tall, short, hairy or smooth, there is a horny bear just waiting to feast. Head bear hunter DJ Del Stamp keeps the pace going and the dancing bears grinding on stage. This is the night I get to feel like a hunk of meat just waiting on the buffet line to be eaten.
9pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. $5 cover after 9pm. pumpjackpub.com/.
Tease: Alyson Calagna And Del Stamp
If the event is called Tease then you know two things: Del Stamp will be involved, and somebody will be on their knees in the DJ booth. The tease is, will it be you? Love and Freedom Events is excited to bring DJ/Producer Alyson Calagna back to Vancouver with DJ Del Stamp for a very special opening set, inspired by Alyson’s sound. Expect infusing house, tech house and more into sets that are groovy, bouncy and fun! Some people called Alyson’s set during last year’s Big Pride Weekend the musical highlight of Pride.
10pm–3am. The Odyssey, 686 W Hastings St. Tickets $15 and more info at facebook.com/LoveAndFreedomEvents/.
Sunday, May 21
Absolut T-Dance; Out For Kicks BBQ
Back in the day — yes my day: I’m old get over it — T-Dances were the best parties around. They were so popular and fun that we would even drive to Seattle just for the Sunday Timberline T-Dances and they would be packed. It’s time to get that tradition back. The Out For Kicks Soccer club starts us off right, and hopefully they will be in full gear, including Luke and Dave’s famous short shorts. Come support the club and meet some of the hottest jocks around, you know they can go for hours, running or anything else you might want to do.
3–7pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $10 entry gets you a drink, Absolut of course, and a burger. facebook.com/events/263827534020861/
Diva’s Den
This isn’t for me, but I can’t let my followers miss out on this annual women-for-women strip show fundraiser for the Vancouver Dyke March. Wanda and June will be your hosts for this show that encourages amateur and professional performers to get on stage and let loose for charity in a safe and supportive environment. Diva’s Den and the Vancouver Dyke March are trans-, gender-nonconforming-, intersex-, and queer-inclusive. They encourage each person to decide for themselves if they belong in a “women for women”-centred space. ID checked for age, not gender marker. Transphobia will not be tolerated.
7:30–11pm. The Penthouse, 1019 Seymour St. Tickets $20 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, JQ Clothing, 2120 Commercial Dr or $25 at the door. facebook.com/events/982307251871235.
Ruff At The Pint
If you haven’t been to a Ruff party yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s always a room full of hot, horny, shirtless, sometimes pantsless, handsome men just waiting to have some fun. Air thick with so much testosterone even Conni Smudge could grow a beard. MN events always knows how to throw a great long weekend party, and you do have Monday off to recover so what are you waiting for? With performances by Mr Ruff 2017 Jesse, Colin, Anuar, Quincy, Chris and Addison, if your shorts aren’t soaked then better have your Cowper’s Glands checked out. DJs Nick Bertossi and Nark keep the action moving and the men sweating all the way to the after party at Steamworks, just up the street. Because after all that, you’ll definitely need a shower and a blow dry.
9pm–3am. The Pint, 455 Abbott St. Tickets $20 at Top Drawers, 809 Davie St and online mnevents.ca or $25 at door. facebook.com/events/242728429529731/.
Aja Live: Saturday and Sunday Shows
If you couldn’t catch Aja on Saturday night then don’t let this night pass you by. Tommy D may now be queen — oops emperor — of Vancouver, but that doesn’t mean he’s resting on his rather large laurels. OUTtvGo and TFD Presents are bringing you even more drag fantasy featuring fan favourite Aja of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9. She’s carrying, henny — don’t miss out on what will be the true gaggarini of 2017. And if that isn’t enough to get you here, a double show with Legends and Shequel follows after that. Thank god there is an ATM in the bar.
9pm–4am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $25–$35 at eventbrite.ca. Info at facebook.com/events/1727919160839492/.
Babes on Babes: Von Kiss
Babes on Babes is a collective of artists, DJs and promoters who showcase and celebrate local and international queer talent. Von Kiss is a DJ who can move the masses. Based out of LA with residencies in Vegas, San Diego and San Francisco, she has talent that comes from years of rocking shows all across the globe. Frankie Teardrop is a DJ, producer, and promoter in Montreal’s underground queer party scene. With these two along with DJs Jane Blaze, O-Show, Angle, Ethan, Cho Cha and Leahbabe, the three rooms promise to be rocking with everything you like.
9pm–2am. Fortune Sound Club, 147 E Pender St. $15 at door. facebook.com/events/811590135665977/.
Hershe Bar
Okay, Hershe Bar has definitely come a long way since the old days, and good on her. I heard a rumour that tonight there will be shower dancing and, if coaxed enough, Leigh Cousins may take a spin on the shower pole. Go for it, doll! DJs Soulfunkee and Miss M will keep the dance floor, and other things, bouncing to your heart’s content.
10pm–2am. The Odyssey, 686 W Hastings St. Tickets $12-15 at eventbrite.ca. More info at facebook.com/events/1984972821732178/.
Spanglish
A night dedicated to the modern art of mixing two languages together. If there is Spanglish, is there also Franglish, Italglish or Polglish? Caliente Nights’ resident team will be joined by your reigning Miss Gay Latina BC, Rebecca Wolf, and Ms Gay Vancouver 37 Casha Only to bring you performances that celebrate the collision of languages. If you can understand the words then you have had too much to drink.
10pm–3am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $5 cover. facebook.com/events/1319814214795986/.
Monday, May 22
Holly Near and Tori Trujillo
Holly Near has been singing for our lives for over 45 years, and is still speaking and singing out about the times we live in right now. As an acitivist and a skilled performer, she puts on a great show reflecting on the world in which we live, and the complexities of love and integrity. Tori Trujillo was raised on everything from Motown and Carole King to Mexican band music and Bob Seger, with a heavy influence of gospel greats like Mahalia Jackson. Put the two together and you have a show that will raise the roof.
7pm. St James Community Square, 3214 W 10th Ave. Tickets $30–$45 at soundsandfuries.com/concerts.html.
Wednesday, May 24
WE Arts: Dance In Transit
Looking to show off the goods? Dance in Transit has come up with free outdoor dance events this spring and summer in four amazing downtown venues: Robson Square, Jim Deva Plaza, Queen Elizabeth Plaza, and Plaza of Nations. They’re meant to build community involvement, expand social networks, ease people away from their digital devices, and get back to face-to-face connection. It’s a free event open to the public. Join to volunteer, participate, or just hang out and watch.
8pm–11pm. Robson Square Rink, 800 Robson St. Details and sign up at meetup.com/Vancouver-Lifestyle-Club/events/239967211.
The Princess Show
This is right up Alma B Itches’ britches. A sequined and bearded Princess Edward who journeys into a world where anime heroes, bass guitarist rock stars and pop epics meld into a music-filled thriller. Princess Edward is an alter ego of Aaron Collier, former keyboardist for The Jimmy Swift Band and founding member of the electronic duo Scientists of Sound. This show is a mashup of Dungeons & Dragons, Attack on Titan, Zelda and RuPaul’s Drag Race. The setting is fantasy but the problems the Princess encounters are very real to all of us. Show runs until Saturday, May 27.
Various times, 7pm to 9:45pm shows. Vancouver Culture Club, The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. Tickets $15–20. Showtimes and tickets at upintheairtheatre.com/the-princess-show.
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