Thursday, Sept 8
Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Fringe brings good and bad feelings for me each year; good because the performances are always excellent and not mainstream “let’s all be happy at the end” drivel, and bad because I know it’s time to get the winter coat out of storage. The fest gets better every year, and if you’re like me I know there are quite a few sick days coming up in the next two weeks. There are more than 800 performances by 90 artists over 11 days with something for everyone. One of my must-see shows is Morgan Brayton’s Give It Up, a show that guarantees big laughs.
Runs Thursday, Sept 8 to Sunday, Sept 18. For the full schedule of shows, venues, times and tickets, visit vancouverfringe.com
Queer Swing Dance
We are all queer, most of us swing, and very few can really dance. Put that all together and you get an eight-week, 12-hour, intermediate swing dance course. No partner required but you may meet the man of your dreams there. That’s a good “where-did-you-two-meet” story. This is a fun-to-screw-up kind of class to teach you rhythm, solo movement, social dance culture and more.
7:30-9pm. Classes run until Thursday, Oct 20. Raqasa Studios, 25 East 6th Ave. Fees run on a sliding scale from scholarship to $50-$160 for complete course. facebook.com/events/171592063249950/
Friday, Sept 9
I Had Sex Until My Heart Stopped
I had to single out this Fringe Festival performance just for the title alone. Sex so good that your heart gives out sounds like a great premise for a comedy show, and Cameron MacLeod in his first one-man show promises to deliver. True stories about flatlining, deadly food allergies, and awkward sexual escapades will have you on the edge of your seat. Join him as he guides you through a life lived and almost lost in this hilariously honest performance.
First performance this evening at 6:45pm. Check program for the other five performances throughout the festival. Studio 16, 1551 West 7th Ave. Tickets $11 with $5 Fringe membership at vancouverfringe.com.
facebook.com/events/1751434858458398/
Full-Length Feature Fridays
The only thing full-length about DJ Gingerbear Todd must be hiding in his pants. That little bear has more energy than the Energizer Bunny — spinning everywhere, remixing videos, and watching go-go boys every Friday. You’ll notice a lot of queens here as they get in free and usually the crème de la crème are performing. Tonight’s featured doll is Mandy Kamp. Always a fun time — at least up until the time I can still remember.
9pm. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. Cover $5, Queens free all night.
facebook.com/fulllengthfeaturefridays/
VAL Two-Year Secret Artist Showcase
Congratulations to Matt Troy as he prepares to celebrate Vancouver Art and Leisure’s second anniversary. I wouldn’t make plans for Saturday because this one is going to be a blowout. Dozens of local artists and performers come together for one night to pay homage to a city of glass ceilings forever broken by the strength of their members. Join them as they mark two years of fighting for you and your political, sexual and artistic expression. Participate in an open and safe space that is female-friendly and queer-friendly. No discrimination or uninvited touching will be tolerated.
10pm. Vancouver Art and Leisure, 1965 Main St. $15-$20 at the door.
facebook.com/events/183909442020238/
Saturday, Sept 10
Shine
More than 900 guests and 200 volunteer models, dancers, actors and musicians will create an extravaganza on the runway in support of fighting mental illness at this event’s inaugural year. Shine is produced and founded by Volume Studio owner Dean Thullner, who has since 2012 raised over $2 million to take on mental health issues, addiction, and HIV/AIDS as the founder and producer of Brilliant and RED.
6:30pm–1am. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St. Tickets $75 and up at eventbrite.ca or facebook.com/events/1043808875696512/
The Drag Show Is On A Mission
Picture it: Mz Adrien, Alma B Itches, Vonda Dupoint, Celestial Seasons and Robin Loveless all in a vehicle on their way to Mission — kind of like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert meets Deliverance, but without the tree. Mission better hide their men because these bitches mean business. It’s always a great show with Mz Adrien, and with a 32-foot runway, she’ll be strutting for days. Kudos to the ladies for taking their show on the road. Is it Alma that shoots the ping pong balls?
7pm. The Stage in Mission, Bellevue Hotel, 32998 1st Ave, Mission. Tickets $10 advance at thestageinmission.ca. More info at facebook.com/events/994104930697373/
Fetish Hospital Night
I have the perfect fetish outfit for this Sin City medical-themed event — a catheter, that’s it. I’m pretty sure I’d win best costume as long as some drunk guy didn’t pull it out, then I’d just look foolish. Dirty doctors, naughty nurses, and strait-jacketed nymphos will all be at one of the naughtiest parties of the year.
9pm. The Imperial, 319 Main St. Tickets $15 advance at sincityfetishnight.com/ or $20 at door.
Ride Or Die
If you know hosts Berlin and Alma B Itches, you know the riding won’t be in a car. It’s most likely riding DJ Landon James — and who could blame them? The “die” part is anyone who tries to pull them off him. With great performances, hot go-gos and a DJ to drool over why would you miss this? Join in on the fun the second Saturday of every month.
9pm. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/947367505392907/
Sunday, Sept 11
Sanctuary Sunday
If I were a priest and the altar men looked like Riley Cox, I’d be in prison for decades. Check it out for yourself at the latest church on Davie: a place where Mother Superior, aka Alma B Itches, purges your transgressions with drag, where the monsignor — DJ Riley Cox — offers you communion, and their guests will take you to the doors of hell and back with their performances. This truly is a dance party to exorcise your demons.
10pm-1am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1781552585418872/
Monday, Sept 12
Hanging Art
Release your inner Picasso — or in my case, caveman drawings — at this Mpowerment night of art creation. Different art stations are available to spark your talent but no art credentials are needed. Hang out with other guys, make art, hang it, or take it home. Note: Remember to sign your masterpiece — and not with your phone number. All guys who like guys and their friends are invited.
6:30-9pm. 205-568 Seymour St. No charge. youthco.org/mpowerment_hangs_art
Stumped With Industry Night
When I was a kid, there were only four types of ice cream: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and Neapolitan, which of course is a mixture of the other three. I love things that come in combinations, so this is a night after my own heart. Where else can you play trivia and show that you are dumb as a rock, then stay and drink your face off with all the hot servers in town?
Stumped Trivia is 7:30-10:30pm and Industry Night is 11pm in the same place. Best of all DJ Del Stamp spins into the early hours. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $3. junctionpub.com
Wednesday, Sept 14
Consent
Nobody ever asks my consent when they jump on me — unless you count a hearty grunt when they say, “ready.” This workshop is about obtained consent and the difference between a major violation and a good time for everyone, whether it’s sex or BDSM. Whether you’re new to kink or an experienced player, everyone can benefit. Metro Vancouver Kink hosts.
6:45-8:30pm. The Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St. facebook.com/events/1612941852330819/
Vancouver Men’s Chorus
If you’re looking to join a large group of men who are always happy and singing — aren’t we all? — this is one where you’ll need to be able to carry a tune. Fall is virtually upon us, and that means it’s time for the Chorus’s audition nights. For the next three weeks, on Wednesdays, open rehearsals will be happening. It’s a truly uplifting moment when you step onto the stage to perform for the first time as part of a huge team of guys. This is their 36th year, so they must be doing something right.
7:15pm. Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut St. vancouvermenschorus.ca
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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