(We met up with comedian Darcy Michael backstage after his Pride show on Aug 1, 2015 — check out our video. You can catch him headlining at The Comedy Mix in Vancouver, April 7–9, 2016./Angelina Cantada video)
Thursday, April 7
Darcy Michael
Recently I had the opportunity to see Wanda Sykes in concert, something I had looked forward to for some time. Unbeknownst to us, her opening act had to cancel at the last minute and a replacement had to be found. That’s when a good show became a fantastic show, as the act they found was Darcy Michael. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Wanda, but after seeing Darcy’s act I knew who the headliner should have been. I laughed till I cried for most of Darcy’s set, and tonight you can get that chance as well. Headlining after opening acts from Jacob Samuel and Levi McCachen, you will see exactly what I mean. I’ll be the one crying in the audience on Saturday.
Shows 8pm tonight, and 8pm and 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday. The Comedy Mix, 1015 Burrard St. Tickets $15–20 at thecomedymix.com.
Friday, April 8
Wild Fruit
Finally, the women in town don’t have to wait for a long weekend to party their brains out. Flygirl’s monthly night is a hit in the Village’s secret spot above Denny’s. From dance to hip-hop to present-day music, DJ Tanner, aka Ricki Rocket, will have you singing along as you sweat.
10pm–3am. Playhouse, 1240 Thurlow St. Tickets $10 at eventbrite.ca. More info at flygirlproductions.com
Icandy: Do More Together
If you need a little break from cruising in spaces with loud, pounding music and hot, sweaty, half-naked bodies, this night offers a more relaxing type of sexy atmosphere. Upstairs, you’ll find live jazz and vocals, for a meet and greet type of experience. Downstairs, you’ll find ambient low light and a multi-room play space with promises of a dungeon in the back for those who need it.
9pm. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $12 at eventbrite.ca Info at 8×6.ca
Saturday, April 9
Rainbow Connection
I get a lot of messages from guys who are a bit inexperienced and worried about going to some of the wilder, kinkier parties alone for the first time. I offer them suggestions on the best ways to handle it. If you’ve got similar questions, this is a great first-step party for you. Metro Vancouver Kink is great for any newbie to get their feet, or any other part, wet. They always offer a safe space to connect and fulfill any social, kinky and sexual needs and surround you with like-minded people. Tonight is a night for all to have fun, from newbies to experienced players.
8pm–1am. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $10–20 sliding scale at eventbrite.ca or at the door. For more info facebook.com/events/1663551023909929/
A Duel Event
I know some of you ladies are just like the men: we have run out of fresh meat in Vancouver and need to travel a bit to score. Just think of the possibilities in Aldergrove. Two groups are teaming up to help you do just that. Dueling DJ Dances for Women and Mingle With Singles are hosting a duel event tonight — speed dating and a women-only dance. Try it out and have some fun, you may meet Miss Right!
5:30–7:30pm speed dating, followed by dancing, 8pm–12:30am. Royal Canadian Legion, 26607 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove. Tickets $30 for both events or $20 for dance only at minglewithsingles.ca. More info for both events at dueling-djs.com.
Underwear Party: Black Light Edition
Not that I drink constantly, but one bar seems to know my every need — and yes, men in underwear on a dancefloor is definitely one of those needs. Plus, this one’s a black light event so everyone will look nice and tanned! With DJ Nick Bertossi spinning his sexy, body-grinding beats, it just gets better. Just a thought but stains show up pretty well under a black light so it might be time for a new pair of tighty whities, this isn’t a Del Stamp party.
9pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Cover $5 and coat check is available for clothes. pumpjackpub.com
Carnival Of Kink: The Perverted Circus
Yes, I am one of those people: clowns scare the hell out of me. A clown in fetish gear, though . . . I’ll either be turned on, or whimpering in the corner. That’s a win/win situation at this party! Possibly one of the most colourful parties that Sin City throws takes place tonight. Two rooms of DJs, kinky visuals, play areas, Kink Corral, suspension and rope play, as well as a full-sized dungeon to play in. This event has a very strict dress code so please check the website for details.
9pm–3am. The Hindenburg, 23 W Cordova St. Entrance $12 before 10pm, $20 after. facebook.com/events/637328003064758/
Sunday, April 10
Queer Prom
Queer and a student at UBC? Celebrate the end of classes with Pride UBC as they host a Queer Prom to wind down and get ready for summer. Open to everyone, all ages and all identities. (If anyone wants a daddy bear as a date, I’d be happy to go to my first gay prom!)
8pm. The Performance Theatre, The Nest, 6133 University Blvd, UBC Campus. Free entry. facebook.com/events/596495487167361/
Monday, April 11
Better Than Chocolate
To me nothing is better than chocolate, unless it’s a hand job while I’m eating chocolate. (I don’t think there’s a hanky code for that, but let me know.) To my lesbian friends, it seems watching a lesbian love story set in Vancouver is better than anything, especially if it’s the 1999 classic Better Than Chocolate. Don’t miss this special screening for one night only, director in attendance.
7–9pm. The Cinematheque, 200-1131 Howe St. Entrance $11 adults, $9 seniors and students only at door. thecinematheque.ca/the-image-before-us-a-history-of-film-in-british-columbia-take-2/better-than-chocolate
Tuesday, April 12
Gays, Games and Testing
Video games, men and more video games. Sounds like heaven. And for my non-schooled friends, don’t worry, the testing is not in math or spelling; it’s something you actually need: free HIV testing between rounds of Smash Bros. Mpowerment and YouthCo are teaming up to bring you a night of video and board games with a little health thrown in. Testing is from 6:30–8:30pm and you will have a chance to speak with a nurse if you have any questions. Games will go on till late. Mpowerment events are planned by and for young self-identified men who are gay, bi, or queer. They invite all guys who like guys and their friends to attend.
6pm. Mpowerment Headquarters, 568 Seymour St. Free admission. facebook.com/events/105952399803579
Wednesday, April 13
Lezervations
No, this is not another speed-dating night for the women. This is a night where you will laugh so hard it will feel like an ab workout (at a large communal table). Lezervations provides a space to share a meal and a bit of wine and to socialize with other women in the LBTQ community. Like a big family meal, if your family was all lesbians.
6:30–9:30pm. Tap & Barrel, 1055 Canada Place. Tickets $55 at eventbrite.ca. Ticket includes a glass of wine, or beer, a main course of your choice, and the company of 43 like-minded LBTQ women. facebook.com/lezervations/?fref=ts
Day Of Pink
No, not another naked bike ride, one a year is enough for these eyes, thank you. This is an event organized for youth by youth in celebration of all gay youth. There will be drag performances, slam poetry, door prizes and a chance to be with others like yourself. This event is intended primarily for youth ages 13–25, their families and school staff associated with gay-straight alliances.
5–7:30pm. Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye Rooms, Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia St. Free event. facebook.com/events/512875958919557/
Getting Rough
I can think of so many friends, and a few exes, that I want to bring to this. If you enjoy, or are interested in rough body play, this group is for you. This is a practice-based, skill-sharing group. If you are familiar with rough body play, come share your knowledge and your passion for getting up close and personal with your play. If you are brand new to rough body play, come and get some pointers and learn some basic skills. No mats are provided; bring your own mat if you need it.
6:30–8:30pm. Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St. Donations welcome for entry. metrovancouverkink.com/happening/april-getting-rough-group/
(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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