V-Rag Magazine August 2011 by V-Rag Magazine

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V a n R a g a z i n e

august 2011 #25

grace

jones

larry tee •wynter gordon •bruce labruce mitzi gaynor • 2011 queer film festival music + lifestyle + film + travel + health + food + nightlife + fashion + design + art + culture

23RD

VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 11- 21, 2011 queerfilmfestival.ca

Judas Kiss

Sat | Aug 13 | 8:00 | Edgewater Casino

Meet actors Brent Corrigan, Charlie David and director J.T. Tepnapa! Presented by GuySpy

Editor's Note

VANRGAZine #25

23RD

VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 11- 21, 2011 queerfilmfestival.ca

The post-Pride hangover can be tough to take. For some, it marks the end of summer, but for V-Rag, it simply means even more fun with the start of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival! We have a complete listing of all the films playing this year, as well as our picks of the season. We got to speak with our old friend Bruce LaBruce, whose classic film Hustler White will be screening. QFF Hot Mix Party headliner DJ Larry Tee also took some time out to chat with us about his notorious career. Speaking of notorious, there's nobody quite like our cover feature this month... It's Grace! Gender bending model, singer, actress and all around alien Grace Jones spoke with V-Rag about her brand new studio album, Hurricane. We couldn't be anymore giddy to be featuring such a legendary diva and icon. I couldn't use the words "diva" or "icon" without mentioning Mitzi Gaynor, the silver screen dancer and actress from the golden age of Hollywood. The sweet GILF (if your're into that) chatted about the good old days and why she loves Vancouver. On the flipside, relative newcomer Wynter Gordon gives us a fresh new take on dance music today! Enjoy, and let's pray for sun! V Editor & Art Director Cole Johnston • cole@v-rag.com Editorial Contributors Derek Bedry John Britton Lana Chunn Charlie David Rob Farrow Jen Hill Joan-E Cole Johnston Jason Keller Matt Roy Michael Venus Printed by East Van Graphics

Publisher Cole Johnston Design Art & Photography Paul Franco Nicholas Jang Janvier Bruce LaBruce Moniker MGMT Out on Screens Gustavo Papaleo Polly O Entertainment Traver Rains Warner Music Canada Cover Photo by Janvier

Copy deadline for the September issue is August 20. Ad space is available until August 22 and can be booked by calling 604831-8179 or emailing ads@v-rag.com. Our rates are available upon request. V-Rag welcomes submissions but accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials.

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@queerfilmfest

V-Rag Magazine 1535 West Broadway, PO Box 29141 Vancouver B.C. V6J 1W6 V-Rag is printed monthly by Cole Johnston Design. No part of this may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. All content © 2011 Cole Johnston Design.

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V a n R a g a z i n e

august 2011 04 EDITOR'S NOTE

The Queer Film Festival Edition

06 mitzi gaynor

Silver screen starlet from yesteryear

08 grace jones

Pull up to the bumper for this one!

Dj larry tee

wynter gordon

The reigning king of NYC nightlife

Wynter with a 'y', thank you very much

20 bruce labruce

Home-grown legendary filmmaker

24 film festival guide Decide what to see and when during the QFF

good time charlie 30

Top Gay World Travel Destinations Part 2

food:notes 32

Point Zero Lounge & Juno Bistro

FILM:NOTES 34

Going Down in La La Land, Gun Hill Road

MUSIC:NOTES 35

Bjork, Theophilus London, Basement Jaxx

wayoutwest 36

Download MobileTag and let's get started!

raja 38

The Diamond Crowned Queen

event listings 42

Our picks for August's hottest events

26 queer film festival nightlife in vancouver 43 Our top picks for the 23rd annual event

28 joan-e's rag

The importance of film culture

29 health & wellness Overcoming social isolation

Weekly barhopping guide at a glance

v-map 44

Don't get lost! Find everything here

dj quest 46

q&a: Vancouver's music man is on a Quest

augus 2011 Issue 25

photo courtesy of polly o entertainment

VANRGAZine #25

by Jen Hill

gaynor

want Mitzi Gaynor’s “Bucket List”; or more to the point, Mitzi Gaynor’s life is my Bucket List. A woman of song, dance, TV, film, and stage, she has smooched Dean Martin, sang with Sinatra and Crosby, danced with Kelly and O’Connor, has 17 Emmy nominations and 6 Emmy wins! Ms. Gaynor has headlined in Las Vegas numerous times, had many of her own TV specials, and (perhaps her greatest accomplishment of all) was married to the love of her life, manager Jack Bean, for over 50 years. Mitzi Gaynor is perhaps the most amazing talent of the last 60 years that you might not even know you love. Her performance as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific is her most famous role, but certainly not her defining performance. Ms. Gaynor is a consummate performer and V-Rag had the immense pleasure of chatting with Mitzi recently about her career and life… so far. Thank you so much for taking the time talk with me, this is such a thrill! I’m happy to. How’s the weather there? Horrifying! It’s 14C and I wore tights today. (Huge laugh) Oh, well… I love summers there, it stays light until 10 o’clock! The first time I went to Vancouver, which is my favourite city, it was in July and I played at The Cave. [For those who don’t know about the iconic club The Cave, Google “The Cave Vancouver” and have a little history lesson on how fabulous our city was and how cool we once were on the music scene. It was iconic. Everyone – I mean everyone – played there.] I don’t know if you know this or not, but I’m an Ambassador of Tourism for Vancouver! I can’t think of anyone better! You’ve had a longterm love for Vancouver, how did that start? OK, I’m going tell you the whole story, does that sound like fun? [So this is where I have to abridge the interview. Mitzi Gaynor is an ahmay-zing storyteller. I could write a novel, but I only have 700 words. However, she is writing a novel and Mitzi (we’re on first names now) has her own show coming to the River Rock this fall.

Go see it and you will fall in deep love with a wonderful lady.] Juliet Prowse had told us about this club up in Vancouver and the band was meant to be incredible. But just before that, about 6 months earlier, Jack (Bean) and I were in New York and I met this lovely man named Hugh Pickett. That’s how it all started. Hugh being the fabulous man he was had us come up to The Cave to practice our show before taking it to Vegas. We were meant to perform in Vancouver for one week… One month later we were still there! It was tremendous! So every Spring we’d come up to Vancouver and have a pre-run of the show before Vegas. It was just home, that’s what it was. What was The Cave like when you performed there? It was a dive! (laughs) When we arrived it was summer. It was 32C out and we’d be “schvitzing” all over. They couldn’t afford air-conditioning, but they’d have a big block of ice and just [makes blowing sounds] on the ice it to keep us cool! There were fistfights and loggers… it was… well, I really, really miss going up there. Well, you’re playing at the River Rock this time… you might be disappointed at the lack of loggers and fistfights. You know one of the nicest things about people from Vancouver is that they are so real. You all are so real and have such a mad sense of humour! Great humour about yourself. It’s hard to break in jokes especially as a woman, funny stories and the like, and I tell ya, you guys get everything! (laughs) Can you tell I’m excited to come up there? Mitzi Gaynor, we are so excited to have you come up here. You make this town sparkle! And if any of you want to know the skinny on how cute Gene Kelly’s bottom was in real life… I have the inside scoop. V Mitzi Gaynor performs at the River Rock September 9th. www.missmitzigaynor.com

augus 2011 Issue 25

mitzi

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photo by javier

VANRGAZine #25

jones

've always been a rebel. I never do things the way they're supposed to be done. Either I go in the opposite direction or I create a new direction for myself, regardless of what the rules are or what society says." There are few words to describe an innovator like Grace Jones. Pioneer? Gender bender? Dominatrix? Alien...? The acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress is preparing to release Hurricane, a new album of original material, in North America on September 6. This will be her first studio album in 22 years, and we got to hear first hand how the process went down. Produced by Jones and Ivor Guest, Hurricane has received widespread praise in the U.K. and Europe where it was released last year. The tracks "Williams' Blood" and "Corporate Cannibal" have emerged as hits, as has the new video for "Corporate Cannibal" directed by Nick Hooker. Musical and visual collaborations are old hat for Jones, who has worked with artists from Sly & Robbie to Jean-Paul Goode. "I love collaborating. When I collaborate, they push me and I push them. So you always end up with something magical at the end." Last July, Jones performed in a new show at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Collaborating with acclaimed Academy Awardwinning costume and production designer Eiko Ishioka, Jones debuted songs from the new album for U.S. audiences. When asked about her attention to the look of her costuming as much as her unique sound, she replied "I have a lot of vanity." A sly laugh. "It's all very important to me. Because I really started on the stage as a teenager, and my mother was very much into fashion. She was a seamstress, did weddings, things like that. And we all grew up learning how to do that. I think growing up in Jamaica with a very religious background, made my imagination even more out there – out of the box."

by Cole Johnston

Born in Jamaica before relocating to Syracuse, New York with her family, Grace Jones was an unlikely cultural icon. The daughter of a preacher, her upbringing shaped very sharply the art she would eventually create. "I was born into a very religious family where everything was about setting the right example for the community and having to obey orders blindly. When you're a bishop in Jamaica your family is always scrutinised, so everything we did was controlled. I wasn't allowed to listen to the radio. I wasn’t allowed to wear fingernail polish. I wasn’t allowed to receive private letters. In Jamaica the Pentecostal Church was very British, very proper. Hymns. No dancing. Very quiet. Very fundamental. I was baptised and speaking in tongues at eight. Hellameesherrack. Meeshellackallah!" "My mother was very conservative," she continues. "She wanted me to marry a preacher like she did. That's why one of the songs is called 'Williams' Blood' on the new album. That all has to do with my mom trying to get me to do what she did, otherwise you're going to be manizing, and drinking and you're going to live a short life." After the move to New York, Grace Jones embarked on a successful career as a model in New York City and Paris. She brushes the modeling off, however, simply stating "I was a brief supermodel. A very brief one." In 1977 Jones secured her first record deal resulting in a string of dance-club hits including "I Need A Man" and her acclaimed reinvention of Edith Piaf’s classic "La Vie En Rose". The three disco albums she recorded, Portfolio (1977), Fame (1978) and Muse (1979), generated considerable success in the market and established her as a major recording artist. During this period Jones became a fixture on the international club scene and was often seen at New York City’s famed nightclub Studio 54. Jones also became a muse to Andy Warhol who photographed her extensively and created a series of iconic portraits of her.

augus 2011 Issue 25

grace

V-rag

VANRGAZine #25 Towards the end of the 1970’s Jones adapted the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. Working with Island Records producers Chris Blackwell, Alex Sadkin and Compass Point All Stars, she recorded the critically acclaimed albums Warm Leatherette (1980) and Nightclubbing (1981). These included reimagining’s of songs by Sting ("Demolition Man"), Iggy Pop and David Bowie ("Nightclubbing"), Roxy Music ("Love is the Drug"), Astor Piazzolla ("I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango)") and Tom Petty ("Breakdown"). Both albums included tracks co-written by Jones herself including "A Rolling Stone", "Feel Up" and most notably, the post-disco dance track "Pull Up to the Bumper", which spent seven weeks as #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club play chart and became a Top 5 single on the U.S. R&B chart. Parallel to her musical shift was an equally dramatic visual makeover, created in partnership with artist Jean-Paul Goode, with whom she had a son. Jones adapted a severe, androgynous look with square-cut hair and angular, padded clothes. The cover photographs of Nightclubbing and Warm

Leatherette as well as her subsequent albums exemplified this new identity. The images that Jean-Paul Goode created of Grace (for example the cut-up portrait extending her face in a neo-African manner) rivaled anything Andy Warhol did, and in fact are probably more recognizable even now. Jones is equally famous for her motion picture roles in such features as Conan the Destroyer co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, A View to a Kill co-starring Roger Moore as James Bond, and the vampire thriller Vamp (in which Keith Haring famously painted her body for her role as an undead exotic dancer). The latter was a nod to her gay fans, whom she acknowledges in being instrumental to her career, and even her life. "When people meet [my son], they can't believe I would be his mother. They think he must be crazy... Or gay!" Grace Jones doesn't want to speak much about the new album, but rather wants people to hear it for themselves. She had decided 22 years ago never to do another album until she met producer Ivor Guest, and Hurricane was born. It wasn't long before big names such as Tricky, Sly & Robby and Brian Eno were all lending their talents to the forthcoming album. The singles "Corporate Cannibal" and "Williams' Blood" have already become major club hits in Europe, and "Sunset Sunrise" is set to be the first single here in North America. No matter what her incarnation, Grace Jones is a completely intriguing creature. From fashion icon to musical marvel, artist muse to cocaine cowgirl, she is more of an entity than a mere celebrity. And in 2011, nearly 40 years after her beginnings in the industry, she is still going as strong as ever. "Time has made me stronger in my belief that you have to do things to please yourself in a way that does not compromise. I do what I want and I'm satisfied with it, whether or not it pleases everybody. That's what makes me feel whole. Actually there are certain people I definitely don't want to please. There are some people I'm like 'oh no, puh-leeeze don't like me!'" V Grace Jones' latest album Hurricane will hit the streets September 6. The remixes for William's Blood and Corporate Cannibal are already available on iTunes. www.worldofgracejones.com

augus 2011 Issue 25

photo by gustavo papaleo

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1238 Davie Street_ 604.669.1753

www.littlesisters.ca

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photos by paul franco

VANRGAZine #25

by Michael Venus

tee

arry Tee is one of those gays who has his finger on (and sometimes in) the pulse of what's about to blow up, and change the musical and cultural landscape forever. For over three decades, he has dictated what will be cool and what will be the next big thing. In 1992, Larry wrote and produced the song "Supermodel" for a then-unknown drag queen named RuPaul. As Vancouver braces itself for the return of this innovator, I ask my dear buddy a few questions about what's going on in his life and what we can expect when he hits the decks at Five Sixty for the Queer Film Festival's Hot Mix party on August 20th.

What is your biggest career highlight?

Not so long ago, you moved over the pond from New York to London. How is life in Europe and what prompted the move?

Well I guess everything goes in cycles, but no I'm not surprised to see that kind of thing become a mainstream fascination. Dressing up

RuPaul's "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which I wrote... It became the #1 dance single of 1992! Do think you will write another hit song for Ru in the future? You never know. I love RuPaul and I'm so thrilled he is on fire again with his hilarious reality show. I have known him from before he ever did drag, so it's amazing to watch him go from strength to strength! He's a real role model for us queens. You were a huge part of the club kid scene in the '90s. Is it strange to see a revival happening?

Well, I felt I needed an inspiring change as I had been in NYC for so long. And London always "got" what I was up to and I have so many great friends there... So why not? What's been keeping you busy there? Well, today I was working on my charity Monster Ball, a Halloween event here in London in the fall. We are tying up the details to confirm the super-amazing guest stars for the big night! It's exciting and scary because I have had to call so many stars and ask them for help... But it's a great charity, so most have said 'yes', thank god! You're the creator and reigning King of Electroclash. What's the state of the sound today? Everything is good for a moment and if it has real power, then it becomes an influence in underground dance or pop. Electroclash has done both. I can't imagine Gaga, Ke$ha, or the new Black Eyed Peas' sound without electro... But artists like Crystal Castles, Metronomy, Robyn, and Siriusmo keep the spirit of it alive! The Electroclash festivals were amazing; I fondly remember Peaches, Adult, Chicks on Speed and Fischerspooner all singing me "happy birthday"!

1167 Davie street Vancouver

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augus 2011 Issue 25

larry

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VANRGAZine #25 #24 vanragazine

is something everyone can be a part of and it's definitely really happening here in London now. My party Shabba Dabba Da is all about dressing up and showing your stuff! What is Larry Tee currently listening to? I listen to everything from underground acts like Brandt Bauer Frick, The Secret Cities, and Phil Kieren, but I also download the latest top 40 songs on the UK and US charts. You will be returning to Vancouver once again, this time to play the Hot Mix party for the Queer Film Festival. What sound can we expect? When I come back to Vancouver, I intend on playing a crazy mix of underground sounds mixed with lots of music people know, but new versions... The 'Couv likes a hit or two but they have still always loved to hear something new and crazy... And crazy is my sound! You have some Canadian in your blood and often return to the land of the free. What are your favourite thing about returning to Canada? Well, I have to say I am very proud of my Canadian heritage. The health insurance and

gay rights have always made me feel like I was born on the wrong side of the border. I am hoping that the success of the more socialized Canadian government will influence the greedy, naughty neighbours to the south... But I'm afraid we will more likely corrupt our Northern neighbours! How do you feel about laptop DJs and how easy it is to be a "DJ"? DJs... Everything, including DJing, goes through phases and is hot then not. I am fascinated with seeing how the music distribution system keeps changing. Bring on the Pamela Anderson DJ set, I say! Anything fans might be surprised to know? You don't have to get high or drunk to have a great time... I have been clean for 13 years thanks to the help of NA and AA, and have never had more fun than I am having now! Life can be fucking great! V Larry Tee headlines the Hot Mix Party for the Queer Film Festival at Five Sixty on August 20th. www.myspace.com/larrytee

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VANRGAZine #25

f you weren’t lucky enough to catch her show-stopping set at Vancouver Pride 2011’s Anthem Party, we’d like to introduce you to Miss Wynter Gordon. Although you’re probably already a fan, you may just not realize it yet. The honey-voiced dance-pop diva may just now be starting to make waves – Gordon is the writing talent and vocalist behind current club smash "Til Death" – but the ripples started quite a while ago. She’s one of those artists whose name may not immediately register but once you make the connection, there’ll be a definite "oh yeah!" moment.

Remember dance-floor monster "Dirty Talk"? The one with the killer hook and filthy lyrics about masturbation and S&M that hit clubs almost a full year before Rihanna started barking on about her fondness for whips? YouTube it. See? We told you there’d be an "oh yeah!" moment. “Girls are pretty perverted” says Gordon, “especially when there are no guys around. I got the idea (for "Dirty Talk") just talking with my girlfriends. We were like 'hahaha, penis!' I wanted to write a song that captured that." Ah, giggling about penises. It’s how all the classic songs were conceived…

gordon by John Britton

But before you write her off as just another faceless flash-in-the-pan club-monkey, consider this; Gordon is an accomplished songwriter and in addition to composing her own naughty club anthems she’s written tracks for some of the music industry’s biggest hitters. Barely out of school (and by school, we mean the prestigious LaGuardia School for the Performing Arts, to which she won her own scholarship), she wrote the title track for Mary J. Blige’s blockbuster 2005 album The Breakthrough, and more recently penned three tracks for J.Lo’s comeback disc Love. That’s a pretty impressive start for someone who grew up on the mean streets of Queens, NYC. "I guess when you grow up in an environment like that, you don’t recognize it. It’s just familiar, it’s what you know. It was a rough neighbourhood, sure, but if things were rough for me I never realized it. I knew people that got killed because they got into the wrong stuff, but my Mom made it for me. She’s a very religious woman, very strict. I went from school to the library to home and even then I wasn’t allowed to leave the backyard. Other kids whose parents let them do what they want, they weren’t so lucky." So how does this prayedup Momma feel about having a sexually forward daughter who translates this attitude into her music and image? “My mom… uhhhh… she’s not supportive in the sense that she’ll recite the lyrics back to me… but she’s happy that I’m happy. She’s happy that I’m doing something with my life. She’ll never criticize me directly, but I know she’s thinking it”. (Cue the sound of a thousand gays ‘mmm-hmm’-ing in recognition). Dance music aficionados know the difference between quality content and production and the auto-tuned ‘wave-your -hands –inthe-air-yeah’ commercial fodder that makes up a typical Saturday night playlist. And

this is where Gordon has the edge; she’s the whole package. She may be breaking out with floor-friendly dance-pop, but it’s dance-pop of the highest order; backed up by the fact she writes it herself, has written for major artists and collaborated as writer and lead vocalist with such dance juggernauts as Flo Rida (2009’s international smash "Sugar") and The Freemasons' 2010 "Believer". “What I wanted to bring to dance music was more meat. I wanted to bring a story, more meaning than lyrics like ‘party, party on the floor, tonight, last night, this night, whatever night’”. So pretty much the opposite of what Ke$ha does, then? “Well… that’s fun stuff I guess” she laughs. “I can’t speak for anybody else!” The real ace up Gordon’s sleeve is her ability as a performer. No-one expects a dance singer to be able to really hit it out of the ball-park with a live performance because the range required for a typical club track isn’t that wide. But Gordon’s vocal ability is simply stunning, and suggests a successful career in a different style of music entirely. Check out her live acoustic versions of her own hits "Dirty Talk" and "Til Death" on YouTube (plus a live cover of "ET" that would make Katy Perry run for the hills) and prepare to be amazed. It will be a true crime if Wynter Gordon doesn’t break huge in the next year. She’s a great talent and – shockingly – incredibly grounded. “I don’t have to be a superstar. Right now is just perfect. I wake in the morning and get to travel and to write and perform music as a job. Just to be able to do what I love and survive and not starve… It’s a miracle for me.” V Wynter Gordon’s new EP ‘With the Music I Die’ is available now on iTunes. The new single "Till Death" is currently charting around the world, also available on iTunes. www.wyntergordon.com www.myspace.com/wynter85

augus 2011 Issue 25

wynter

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photo by bruce labruce

VANRGAZine #25

ruce LaBruce is a home-grown filmmaker who continues to shred the envelope and push the boundaries of art and good taste. He has become a living legend, and he's not stopping anytime soon! With a filmography that includes cult classics like Hustler White, Super 8 1/2 and No Skin Off My Ass, as well as new zombie-porn flicks like Otto; or Up With Dead People and L.A. Zombie, this artist is at once highly regarded and controversial. This is also V-Rag's third interview with the always changing director. The reluctant

pornographer himself returns to Vancouver to shake things up at 23rd Annual Queer Film Festival, showing his work and being a part of all the faggotry. I got to have a chat with one of my biggest inspirations about his work and what we can expect when he comes to Van City. You are coming to Vancouver for the Queer Film Festival, tell us what your are doing and what keeps bringing you back? Out on Screen is showing the documentary about me The Advocate For Fagdom, made by Parisian filmmaker Angelique Bosio, and also Hustler

labruce by Michael Venus

White, my 1996 opus starring myself and Tony Ward. My favourite thing about Vancouver used to be The Dufferin, but I hear it's defunct. Otherwise I love Stanley Park as I am a fan of old growth. What's been keeping you out of trouble? I've been traveling and working on the road for a long time. I directed an episode of Into the Night, a documentary series, for ARTE in Paris just before Christmas, featuring Beatrice Dalle and Virginie Despentes. Then I directed an opera, Arnold Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire, in Berlin, which debuted in March. I did another project in Hamburg at Kampnagel in May. So it's been quite hectic! You are also DJing at Five Sixty on Saturday August 13th. How long have you been music selecting and what do you play? I've been DJing for a decade or more, but I'm usually just a "celebrity DJ". Although lately I taught myself how to use Traktor so I've been getting much better at mixing and such. I'm very eclectic: classic disco, funk, indie, experimental, techno, etc. Barry Manilow occasionally. What young filmmakers are you into? Â I'm a big fan of Cody Critcheloe of Ssion and Ryan Trecartin. You are based in Toronto but spend heaps of time in Berlin. Why is Berlin so damn cool? I just like the Bohemian atmosphere of Berlin. It's still less corporate and homogenized than other major capitals. It also has an amazing theater scene. I've directed three fairly ambitious theatre projects there in the last five years. What is in store for the future? Oh gosh, I have three movies in development. Hopefully one of them will go eventually! Showing my films at the Warhol Museum; premiering three of my features at Sundance; directing another opera!

Who inspires you? Tennessee Williams, William Burroughs, Andy Warhol, Gus Van Sant, John Waters... The biggies. What Time Is Love? Whatever time my husband gets home. Word to the wise? Take Fountain! V Bruce LaBruce joins Michael Venus for a Q&A on his work after the screening of Hustler White, August 14th at Cineplex Odeon International Village. A full schedule of the QFF films is on page 24. See Bruce DJ at Five Sixty on August 13th in the Disco Dungeon. www.brucelabruce.com

augus 2011 Issue 25

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film festival 2011

n 23 years, the Queer Film Festival has become the second largest film festival in Vancouver. V-Rag caught up with this year’s Director of Programming, Amber Dawn, to shed some light on the massive success of the Festival. “The world of queer cinema and arts has grown over the last two decades,” she explains. “Everything from more affordable, accessible digital film technology to the gains in international queer visibility help fuel queer filmmakers and in turn our Festival. The community also encourages and supports the Festival. We deserve to see ourselves represented in film. It’s an affirming experience to see a queer kiss on the big screen and hear the audience cheer. The Festival brings folks together, from East Van dykes to West End fags, bears, genderqueers, trans folk, leather dykes, drag queens, youth, etc. I love the Festival for reminding me how large and vibrant the queer world actually is.” Starting off as a grass-roots alternative festival in the late eighties, who would have thought that the film industry would soon change so much to favour queer films? Even Hollywood has been getting on board, garnering Oscar-nominated pictures like A Single Man, Milk, Transamerica, Boys Don’t Cry and Philadelphia. But to Dawn, this is a natural evolution and “shows that large audiences and critics alike understand the value of our stories – and moreso that they are no longer ashamed to admit that our stories are moving and dynamic and romantic and powerful.” She adds “and I do think actors such as Tom Hanks

and Sean Penn do have influence and when they make those queer-positive award acceptance speeches, I feel very hopeful.” Critics and audiences aren’t the only people changing with the times. More and more, queer film-makers have been creating innovative, thought-provoking films. Dawn agrees, saying the industry is “getting more diverse. There are gay horror films and queer science fiction now screening at this year’s Festival. It’s not all camp and coming out stories anymore.” Audiences this year can choose from over 75 films over the 11 day Festival. From dramas to documentaries, comedy to horror, even some never-before-screened film classics, this year is already shaping up to be one of the most eclectic programs so far. Page 24 features a full calendar of films. There's definitely something for every movie-goer. Don’t expect to just sit in a stuffy theatre at the Queer Film Festival, however. “We have a series of workshops and salons at the Festival that focus on telling our stories and creative personal narrative, as opposed to learning a specific skill. And our parties always promise to invigorate the community. Our parties are some of the best in town.” We’ll be there! In the meantime, check out V-Rag's top 5 picks of the festival this year. V The 23nd Annual Queer Film Festival runs from Aug. 11-21 at various theatres around the city. Check out www.queerfilmfestival.ca for more info or the centre-spread for the films playing.

The Advocate for Fagdom D: angelique bosio

Sun. Aug. 14, 7:00pm @ International Village A newly released documentary in which John Waters, Gus Van Sant and others deliver their impressions and confessions, painting a fascinating portrait of the remarkable career of Bruce LaBruce. LaBruce himself is joined by V-Rag's Michael Venus for an up-close post-film Q&A.

Going Down in La La Land D: casper andreas

Wed. Aug. 17, 7:00pm @ IV | Fri. Aug. 19, 9:30pm @ Granville 7 Last year director Casper Andreas brought his charming “fag-hag” comedy, Violet Tendencies, to the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, selling out two screenings and making news on CityTV’s Breakfast Television. This year he's back with an impressive foray into dramatic filmmaking.

Gun Hill Road D: rashaad ernesto green

Fri. Aug. 12, 7:00pm @ Granville 7 | Fri. Aug. 19, 6:30pm @ GR 7 This complex and marvelously portrayed family drama brings together television actors Esai Morales and Judi Reyes. It wowed audiences at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and has earned writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green a place in Filmmaker Magazine’s top 25 new faces in cinema.

Hustler White D: bruce la bruce

Sun. Aug. 14, 9:30pm @ International Village Bruce LaBruce's Hustler White is a satiric noir sex comedy about gay hustlers and their customers in Santa Monica, California. The film’s controversial amputee sex scene continues to be widely discussed amongst cinephiles and queer theorists.

Judas Kiss D: JT Tepnapa

Sat. Aug. 13, 8:00pm @ Edgewater | Thurs. Aug. 18, 9:30pm @ IV Meet the hunky lead actor (V-Rag's Charlie David), and enjoy the film and the convenience of two in-theatre bars! An audience member will win an iPad 2 and other door prizes. Stick around to listen to great music, take part in a learn-to-play poker game and stay as late as you like!

VANRGAZine #25

JOAN-E's

rag

photo by nicholas jang

had an interesting question asked of me over Pride Week. A young man, who has a strong sense of community and supports local LGBTQ charities a great deal, posed this: "Why should I donate money or support the Queer Film Festival?" He had no problem understanding why he might donate to the Health Initiative for Men (HIM), Friends For Life, Out in Schools (which, of course, was created by Out on Screen), A Loving Spoonful, or our many sports teams (he said, and he's correct, that those teams help promote good health). He just couldn't understand why a writing a cheque to a Queer Film Society would be helpful. Needless to say I had some strong ideas on why he, and we all, should support our Queer Film Festival! "Without culture, there is no identity of any nation". True words. Imagine the French without their cuisine, The First Nations Community without its gorgeous traditions of dance, or the Japanese without Kanji? I don't want to live in a world without Italian fashion and I know several million Canadians for whom the word "hockey" defines Canadian culture (weather I like it or not). Further, history tells us that it is often the commentary of artists that can best effects change. When the United States Government seemed completely oblivious of the their own citizens' hatred of the ongoing war in Vietnam, it was the folk artists and rock 'n' rollers of the day who crystallized the demand for change. Artists have captured what in many cases are the only evidence of important history. Christ on the Cross, the drawing of Marie Antoinette on the way to the guillotine, the photographs of Concentration Camps, the collapse of the Berlin Wall and 9/11, are all now with us forever thanks to art. Some people would have you believe that we in the queer community are entirely defined by sex. This is so untrue. The LGBTQ Community is still in its cultural infancy to be certain, but we have our culture. KD Lang, Melissa Etheridge, Culture Club, Erasure, George Michael and Sir Elton John are just a few examples of our music. We are fashion and home furnishings and I don't even need to mention our contributions to the art of flowers. We have

educated and changed hearts and minds along the way with musicals like Cabaret, La Cage Aux Folles and Rent and introduced ourselves to millions who knew little before. Perhaps no greater cultural artefacts (other than religious) have been used more effectively in recent history than the AIDS ribbon and the AIDS quilt. Oh and yes, a song like "Born This Way" does make things get better. Films like My Best Friend's Wedding, Brokeback Mountain and Philadelphia reached the masses to be certain. Yes we had Torch Song Trilogy. Yes, Rupert Everett, Nathan Lane and Sir Ian McKellen have all had great careers. Yes, many writers in Hollywood are gay... But! The vast majority of films produced in the world today are made by, produced, written, directed and star straight people. If we are to have our stories told, from our perspective, in away that encapsulates our history, our dreams and struggles, our relationships and our culture, then we need The Vancouver Queer Film Festival and queer cinema. There is no finer tool to win over our detractors than by presenting the stories of people like Larry Kramer, the humour of people like Bruce Vilanch, the work of people like Simon Callow and the reality of people like Matthew Shepard or Harvey Milk, than through film. V Check out more of Joan-E's Rag on www.v-rag.com

V-rag

by Jason Keller

or many queer individuals, the trauma they experience in their life manifests into symptoms of an avoidant personality. Hurt by a history of humiliation or aggression, some gay individuals have unconsciously chosen to opt out much of life’s rough and tumble. They have stopped taking risks because they are afraid of experiencing more humiliation or hurt. The motivating factor in their life becomes: how do I avoid such painful rejection? The answer seems to be obvious – don’t put yourself into any situation where it might occur. However, the result is loneliness and depression and an ever decreasing ability to make social contacts that could improve the quality of one’s life. Even within a relationship, this tendency will lead one to emphasize autonomy and competition, rather than closeness and intimacy. There are a few core efforts which can make breaking out from isolation a little easier. Make a Pact and Plan Your Change Decide whether you are ready to make the effort. Make a commitment to yourself. You will need motivation to move forward. Motivation and reward seem pretty straight forward but the secret is not to overwhelm yourself. Set tangible, realistic and appropriate goals. Reaching even a small goal will compel you and make it easier to move on to your next challenge. Try identifying an activity that you have a great deal of interest in and, instead of doing it alone, set a goal to invite someone to do that activity with you. For instance, if you like hiking the grind, ask the hipster vegan coworker down the hall

if he wants to go with you this Sunday. Being in an environment you enjoy is a much easier way to get to know someone. Overcome the Fear of Your Sexuality and Learn to Love Yourself If you have ever felt that awful withering sensation when someone draws attention to your sexuality in a negative way, then it is likely that you are at least slightly uncomfortable being gay. If you are comfortable with your love for yourself, every aspect of yourself – including your sexuality – you will be much more comfortable in new social situations. You can’t be loved by everyone. Although it seems simple, this is a core thought which many people have not realized. Embrace that idea and believe it. Once you have internalized it, you’ve taken a major step forward. Although it might seem like a silly exercise, try writing down a list of good things you know about yourself. Include your sexuality. How has it positively contributed to your life? Don’t be modest when making your list. Practice Effective Social Skills You will find it surprisingly useful and rewarding to make an active attempt at identifying and improving specific social skills. Visualize when alone and practice when you have incidental opportunities. • Approaching skills: being able to start talking to someone who you don't know well. • Making frequent eye contact. • Noticing other people's feelings. • Assertiveness: say what you are feeling without being aggressive or getting personal. This article is far too short to provide coaching on all of these. You may choose to seek structured guidance and perspective. HIM has professional counselors, peer counselors, and strategic advisors who can help. Contact Hans Boesgoed, at hans@ checkhimout.ca or by calling 604.488.1001 ext 223. After a while you will find yourself more engaged and you will look forward to challenging your social skill. As your confidence rises, so will your ability to experience the rewarding diverse relationships and social interactions you deserve in your life. V Jason Keller is an Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator for Vancouver Coastal Health. www.vch.ca

augus 2011 Issue 25

HEaLT + wellness

VANRGAZine #25

GOOD time CHARLIE

by Charlie David

lright, I admit it – somehow I managed to snag the dream job of hosting a world travel show, Bump! While there are limitless possibilities to explore; here are five of my favourite and most gay-friendly travel destinations. Mexico City, Mexico My visit to the largest city in the world begins at the foot of a monument devoted to the end of discrimination. Introduce yourself to Zona Rosa, the city's gay-friendly area. This may be your safest location as Mexico City has a dangerous side you won’t want to fall into. No trip to Mexico City is complete without a visit to the house of one of Mexico's most famous painters Frida Kahlo. The nightlife here offers something for everyone; be sure to visit the hottest club in town and arguably the world, Living. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico While you’re in Mexico, hop on over to PV, one of the friendliest and gayest destinations I’ve been to! This truly is a gay paradise on the Mexican Riviera. When you arrive, make a b-line for the legendary Blue Chairs gay beach to check out the swimwear on the hot sun worshippers. Anywhere you go you will be comfortable waving your rainbow colours. Some of my favourites: Boanna horseback trail rides, Paco's Paradise (an island gay resort with the only nude beach in Puerto Vallarta), fashion-forward store Bye Curious, and popular gay-owned restaurants Chilies and El Arrayun. Step out of your swimsuit for Puerto Vallarta's celebrated nightlife including Palm Bar, hot dance club Manana, and three floors of fun at Paco Paco. C algary, C anada Make a bow-legged run to the Alberta Rockies' Gay Rodeo in Calgary, Alberta. Get yourself "rodeo ready" in tight jeans, a hat and cowboy shirt. For me, there is nothing sexier

than a man competing in a dangerous sport. Stay with the boys out at the campgrounds, or for the less nature inclined, settle into one of Calgary’s many luxury hotels. Don't miss the Barn Burner Dance at the end of the Rodeo week. Giddyup, little doggy! Helsinki, Finland Helsinki, a city on the water, takes pride in its beaches, saunas and watering holes. You won’t need a car in Helsinki. The favourite mode of transportation here is the bicycle, and you’ll find many free bikes to tour this quaint city with. If you’re in good physical condition I highly recommend taking in the city on two wheels or by foot, as it’s compact enough to explore in this way over a few days. The Finnish are very friendly and you will most likely find a few new friends who will be happy to show you around. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copa, Copacabana, Girl from Ipanema, Leblon. We've heard of these, but now experience them for yourself! Rio is known for its good-natured and good-looking residents, an exuberant mix of all cultures. A few hints – leave the board shorts at home Gringo! On the beaches of Brazil, the peacocks strut in Sungas, a bathing suit with a cut similar to a speedo. Shy? Get over it! The nightlife here is legendary – be sure to stop by The Week, one of the largest clubs in the world complete with swimming pools, live shows, massages, restaurants and plenty of partiers. But be warned – it’s only open on Saturday nights and you won’t find yourself seeing the light of day until Sunday afternoon! V Where in the world is Charlie? www.charliedavid.com www.facebook.com/officialcharliedavid

VANRGAZine #25

FOOD:notes Sushi in the City two sushi hotspots just off the davie strip Point Zero Lounge 1149 Granville St. www.pointzerolounge.com

Vancouver has no shortage of sushi restaurants, but it used to take an adventure to Kits’ The Eatery to escape the ubiquitous California roll. Now, with the opening of Point Zero Lounge on Granville Street, downtown dwellers no longer need hop the #14 bus for their Volcano Roll fix. Point Zero’s strong suit is not its design. Occupying the former Space Lounge (aka the tackiest restaurant in Vancouver) space, Point Zero suffers from some very unfortunate leftover décor. However, there just might be something about futuristic neon lighting that pairs perfectly with deep-fried Mars bars. Point Zero’s executive chef comes from The Eatery – and he brought his recipes with him. The massive 18-page menu features most of The Eatery’s signature items. Light, it’s not (on both pages and calorie count). Like The Eatery, the rolls are massive and tempura frying, avocado, sweet unagi sauce and Japanese mayo are a

common theme. Gym bunnies beware, this isn’t for everyone’s waistline, but this menu made The Eatery a Westside hotspot so it just might be a hit downtown! Juno Bistro 572 Davie St. www.junobistro.ca Located on Davie Street between the gaybourhood and Yaletown, you’ve probably walked by Juno Sushi a hundred times and never turned your head. This small unassuming place is easy to miss, but if that’s the case, you’ve been missing out. A small 20-seat joint, Juno is run by a team of serious sushi chefs who don’t believe you should get 24 pieces of sushi for $5.95 and who source some of the best sustainable seafood and locally raised meats possible. Sushi rolls are light and delicately flavoured (and brown rice is available), and sashimi is expertly prepared with a deft hand. Mass quantities of mayo are noticeably absent from the menu, and even the deep-fried chicken karaage seems slightly less sinful when you know it’s made with local free-range chicken. Throw in a well-priced list of BC wines (starting at $5 a glass) and Granville Island artisan sake and you’ve got plenty of reason to stop and take notice of Juno Bistro on your next stroll along Davie.

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VANRGAZine #25

FILm:notes Gun Hill Road D: Rashaad Ernesto Green

Going Down In La La Land D: Casper Andreas

Gun Hill Road is a beautifully layered drama playing at this month’s Vancouver Queer Film Festival. The film is a gripping depiction of transition, and how gender, sexuality, race, and culture mix and become embodied in one family. Set in the Bronx, Rashaad Ernesto Green’s first feature sets the dramatic tone of the film with a prison fight taking place in the opening scene. The film follows Enrique (Esai Morales, NYPD Blue, 24), a hard-as-nails convict returning home from a three-year prison sentence to find the dominating grip he once had on his family has dwindled. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes, Scrubs), has been seeing someone else in his absence, and it becomes apparent that his son Michael (Harmony Santana) is transitioning into Vanessa, a woman. Santana, for whom this is a first foray into acting, delivers a riveting performance which entices an emotional connection for the viewer. She elegantly and sensitively portrays the tribulations Michael is going through to become Vanessa. Reyes gives an exceptional performance as well in the role of a conflicted mother and wife who must find a balance between loyalty to her estranged husband and protection of her son, whom she has accepted and embraced as a daughter. Gun Hill Road is undeniably touching, sweet, and a film on this year's list that you don’t want to miss. To see when Gun Hill Road is playing and for further schedule details refer to page 24.

Don’t judge Going Down In La La Land by its premise, which might at first make you roll your eyes: a pretty, naive New York twunk (hunky twink) moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and gets swept up in porn, parties and red carpet premieres. This film has a lot more heart than its accurate, yet deceptive synopsis foretells. It’s a gay Cinderella story, with blowjobs instead of brooms. Adam’s the aspiring thespian, played with ease and charm by Matthew Ludwinski’s juicy pout. After landing in L.A. and having little success finding a job, porn photographer Nick (writer-director Casper Andreas) approaches Adam to do some “modeling”. It isn’t long before Adam’s desperation and Nick’s coaxing urge Adam right into porn and escorting. Under Adam’s circumstances, it’s a fairly believable transition for the character, as the script manages to convey Adam’s hunger to find some aspect of performing at which he can be great. Of course, the lure of quick cash isn’t without pitfalls, and Adam finds himself in morally compromising situations - especially his relationship with the meth-addicted Nick and a famous closeted sitcom star who wants Adam to be more than just a discreet trick. One of a few minor drawbacks is Candy, Adam’s over-the-top, unscrupulous best friend. When she expresses concern about his career path, the script doesn’t realize its contradiction and never delves into this vein. All-around solid filmmaking makes this a reliable entry in Out On Screen’s program this year.

by Lana Chunn

by Derek Bedry

V-rag

Bjork biophilia

Theophilus London timez are weird...

Basement Jaxx vs metropole orkest

by Lana Chunn

by Matt Roy

First thing’s first: Bjork is releasing her next album, Biophilia, as a series of interactive iPad apps. Girlfriend is ahead of the game. The lead single, “Crystalline”, opens with a frosty keyboard section and Bjork’s trademark hesitant wail. Shortly this childish, innocent charm is corrupted by bright-edged electronic zaps and Bjork’s vocals soar rhythmically in and out of the fray. The lyrics seem to correlate crystal formation, or plants or something, with a budding human relationship. Despite the album’s advanced release concept, this first taste is surprisingly Bjork-y, recalling her now-15year-old album Homogenic and provoking comparisons to electro artist Squarepusher. The return to form isn’t displeasing, though. Perhaps the most Bjork-y thing about “Crystalline” is that it dares you not to have it stuck in your head, even while defying popular music conventions like hooks and choruses, and without being even remotely catchy.

Theophilus London’s first full-length, Timez Are Weird These Days, is a unique fusion of genre-bending beats and clever rap that showcases London's intriguing style and keen sense of originality. London starts the album with one of the weaker songs "Last Name London". This track fails to introduce new listeners to the great song-writing ability that London has. The colourful and hooky "Love is Real" featuring indiestar Holly Miranda is a clear example of London’s appeal. The shuffled synth combines well with backing bass while the melodious guitar riffs compliment the upbeat vocals. The guest appearance from Tegan & Sara's Sara Quin on "Why Even Try" is a definite standout. Quin's distinctive voice provides the icing on the cake to its dreamy '80s inspired electro-funk sound. Timez Are Weird These Days is a charming debut album that offers a refreshing assortment of sounds that are unlike other emerging hip-hop artists right now. Check it out.

It’s Basement Jaxx like you’ve never heard them before, and classical music you’ll likely never hear again. Any self-respecting clubhopping bar star old enough to party circa 1999 knows Basement Jaxx. With their hard beats, innovative instrumentation, and powerful vocal collaborations, they’ve made house music really mean something. And now they’ve been composed! Metropole Orkest have taken the best and brightest Jaxx singles and arranged them into an hour of sweeping, emotionally charged symphony; I may or may not have cried (I did). Particularly moving-slash-mind-blowing are "Lights Go Down", "Do Your Thing", and "Where’s Your Head At". Be warned, this isn’t a typical melody-to-strings translation that you often hear when it comes to the symphonification of musical groups. The composers really reworked the Jaxx; some of the songs are barely recognizable. I don’t know where or when you might find an excuse to crank this album, but when you do, crank it!

by Derek Bedry

augus 2011 Issue 25

MUSIC:notes

VANRGAZine #25

Use the QR Code to watch the videos on your iPhone. Download the free Mobiletag app. Scan the QR code for the video. The video will autoplay. Or type the tinyurl/vrag address into your browser/iPhone to watch the videos. Visit www.wayoutwest.tv for more gay videos!

WATCH: Judas Kiss Festival Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag93

Sat | Aug 13 | 8:00 | Edgewater Casino & Thu | Aug 18 | 9:30 | IV The Canadian Premiere of Judas Kiss. A quirk in time and space gives a failed filmmaker Zachary Wells (Charlie David) the chance to reshape his destiny when he visits his alma mater. Cast in Attendance. WATCH: Going Down In La La Land Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag94

Wed | Aug 17 | 7:00 | IV & Fri | Aug | 19 | EG(3) The Canadian Premiere of the latest feature film from director Casper Andreas, based on the novel by Andy Zeffer. Going Down in La La Land is a riveting and uncensored look at Hollywood. Director in Attendance. WATCH: August Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag95

Mon | Aug 15 | 9:30 IV & Thu | Aug 18 | 5:00 | IV Canadian Premiere August tells the story of two former lovers, Troy and Jonathan, who reunite after a long ago painful breakup. Troy returns to Los Angeles and decides to phone Jonathan and meet.Â Directed by Eldar Rapaport. WATCH: The Advocate for Fagdom Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag96

Sun | Aug 14 | 7:00 | IV The documentary about Bruce LaBruce featuring interviews with the likes of Harmony Korine, John Waters, Richard Kern, Gus Van Sant, Vaginal Davis, and many others. Bruce LaBruce joins Michael Venus for post-film Q&A. WATCH: Daniel Garofali Calendar Teaser www.tinyurl.com/vrag97

The hot video for the upcoming calendar photographed by James Demitri. Imagine twelve months of Daniel on your wall. All the profits from the calendar will go to charity. Creative, beautiful and uses it for a good cause. Can he get anymore adorable? WATCH: Turn Me Over â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Amanda Lepore www.tinyurl.com/vrag98

Amanda Lepore's hot new music video surrounded by Brazilian men. "Turn Me Over" is from her just released debut album I... Amanda Lepore. "I knew what he wanted, he wanted to push it, push it, push. His hands were all over me like an octopus".

V-rag

VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 11- 21, 2011 queerfilmfestival.ca

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be friends! VancouverQFF @queerfilmfest

augus 2011 Issue 25

23RD

DIAmOND cro»ned QUEEN

by Traver Rains Hot off the heels of her performance at the Pride Rapture Victory party, RuPaul's Drag Race winner Raja (aka Sutan Amrull) is photographed by Traver Rains for Moniker MGMT. Drawing inspiration from Leigh Bowery, Michael Alig, James St. James and the club kid culture of the early '90s, Raja creates her own personal spin on high fashion. www.artofraja.com

VANRGAZine #25

LISINGS tuesday august 2

page 24, various locations.

Chromeo Our old favourites, the Montreal-based electro pop duo, return to The Commodore, 868 Granville.

friday august 12

thursday august 11 Deadmau5 Canadian superstar DJ Deadmau5 headlines an all-ages show for his Meowingtons Hax Tour. PNE Forum, 2901 Hastings.

The Go-Gos We got the beat, the '80s grrrrl rock invasion returns! The Commodore, 868 Granville. saturday august 13

thurs aug 11 - sun 21

Fillmore Family Reunion The legendary Linda Fillmore hosts this event with live music, DJs, a country BBQ and much much more! UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road.

23rd Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival Satisfy the film buff inside you with an amazing array of GLBT films. Full schedule on

MC Flipside The most in-demand vocalist in Canadian house music freestyles and flipsides at ginger62, 1219 Granville.

Bruce LaBruce Iconic and controversial filmmaker Bruce LaBruce (Hustler White) makes a special appearance at 560 Seymour, along with DJ Quest and MKW. saturday august 20 Hot Mix w/ Larry Tee The main event for the Queer Film Festival, featuring NYC's DJ Larry Tee, Quest and Dreaddy, as well as special performances by Mantra and Amber Dawn. Free entry with OOS membership. 560 Seymour.

FREE POOL

SUNDAY KEGGER

Tuesdays

$2.50 HOTDOGS $2.50 CANS OF PBR

WELL LIQUOR SPECIALS

karaoke

DJ DEL-ICIOUS

rhinestone stiletto show

GLEE TUESDAYS

BUDDY TUESDAYS 1 ROOM FOR 2

RUSSELL & TWISTED COOLERS SPECIALS

TUESDAYS AT CELEBRITIES

CHILL

Please send event and calendar listings to events@v-rag.com.

SUNDAY SPIN CYCLE W/ DJ NICK BERTOSSI

babe coals live

Social @ 2PM $8 PITCHERS oasis lager

STEAMWORKS

4U PERFORMING LIVE $3 DRINK SPECIALS

KARAOKE & KEGGER NIGHT

1/2 OFF MENU FROM 6-7PM $10 JUGS

industry night w/ dj drew & g-luve

dj dennis

ALL DRINK SPECIALS ALL DAY

Comedy Night: Tops & Bottoms

SCORE ON DAVIE

PUMPJACK

OASIS

NUMBERS

JUNCTION

J LOUNGE

VILLAGE SUNDAYS: DRAG SHOW

BLACKOUT MONDAYS LOCKERS $6, ROOMS $14

HEY, IT'S SUNDAY LOCKERS $4 12PM-6PM

F212

THE HELM

HOUSE WINE & BLUE

ELEKTRIC CIRCUS '90S NIGHT

CAESARS & OKANAGAN SPRINGS SPECIALS

APOCALYPSTICK

LATIN FIESTA NIGHT

Mondays

FOUNTAINHEAD

FIVE SIXTY

THE COBALT

CELEBRITIES

1181

Sundays

CHEAP SUNDAYS

Wednesdays

$0.25 WINGS, $4 PINTS OF GRANVILLE ISLAD

TOOLBOX WEDNESDAYS: EVERY LAST WEDNESDAY

PITCHER & KARAOKE NIGHT

dj drew

Live Bands

RED TRUCK LAGER & BEEFEATER HIGHBALLS

BINGO FOR LIFE & DOLLICIOUS

wiired WEDNESDAYS

Thursdays

Fridays

LIGHTS OUT PARTY

$3 HIGHBALLS, $5 DOUBLES, $5 PIZZAS

ALL BEER, CIDERS & COOLERS ON SPECIAL

junk exotic male dancers

POOL TOURNAMENT

dj kenny

SQUIRT EVERY 2ND FRIDAY/ DJ NICK BERTOSSI

OK SPRINGS JUGE $15.16 DROP SHOTS $6

RUSSELL CREAM SPECIALS

gay fridays w/ dj nick bertossi & zach shore

DJ DREW

spin cycle w/ djs drew & robyn graves

FIXX FRIDAYS: SHOWS & DJs

PLAY FIRDAYS W/ DJ MISAKI MIZUNO & LUIS MACHUCA

WE LIKE BOYS W/ DJ QUEST & JEFFERY MICHAEL MIXX ARTISTS

STUDENT LOCKERS $6 ANYTIME

KOKANEE & POLAR ICE VODKA HIGHBALLS

rotating djs & bands

STEREOTYPE FRIDAYS

TRIGGER FRIDAYS

MENERGY THURSDAYS LOCKERS FROM $4

GROWERS CIDERS & KEITHS SPECIALS

HARD CANDY

COCKY

Saturdays

BEARS, BATH & BEYOND EVERY 4TH SATURDAY

BUCKETS OF CORONS $19

BLACK SATURDAY / SHOW YOUR STUFF

peaches w/ lisa de luxe & kasha kennedy

DJ SHELLY

ABSOLUTLY DRAG-U-LOUS WITH CARLOTTA GURL

SULTRY SATURDAYS: SHOWS & DJs

EL SEGUNDO W/ SEKO & MARVEL

GRANVILLE ISLAND & SMIRNOFF ICE SPECIALS

saturgays rotating djs

RELEASE SATURDAYS

STRUT SATURDAYS

V-rag

VANRGAZine #25

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

AWARD-WINNING DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER CONDO SPECIALIST

Im Ca Vancouv Conv C

Vancouver Aquarium

STANLEY PARK

BURRARD INLET

NIC SCE

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

PIP

ELIN

H.M.C.S Discovery

W C

COAL HARBOUR

DE ENA SEAWALL PROM BAYSHORE

BROUGHTON

CARDERO

ROBSON

THURLOW

NELSON PARK

BUTE

COMOX

1000

NELSON 1400

NICOLA

CARDERO 1500

BARCLAY

1200

BIDWELL 1600

1700 BIDWELL

1800

1900

NICOLA

BUTE

JERVIS

34 19

15 10

23 37 3

BURNABY

HARWOOD

SEA WA LL PROME NADE

1 31

29 18

PACIFIC BLVD BEAC H

PACIF

BRID

SUNSET BEACH

RAR D

Fals Yac

VANIER PARK H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Maritime Museum Vancouver Museum

BUR

ENGLISH BAY

HARWOOD

ENGLISH BAY BEACH

DAVIE

BUTE

CARDERO CARDERO

PENDRELL

DAVIE VILLAGE

BURRARD

PENDRELL

BIDWELL

CHILCO

GILFORD

CHILCO

ON DR IVE PENDRELL

ALBERNI

42 16 West End

Royal Centre

W. GEORGIA

HARO

West End Community Centre

Bentall Centre

MELVILLE

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Robson Market

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HELPING YOU MAKE ALL THE RIGHT MOVES.

DENMAN

LOST LAGOON

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Coal Harbour Community Centre

Harbour Cruises

TO LIONS GATE BRIDGE, NORTH & WEST VANCOUVER, NANAIMO FERRIES AND WHISTLER

1300

BROUGHTON

www.blairsmith.ca 604.313.8732

DEADMAN'S ISLAND

DRIVE

KS EE CR

ID E

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1181(1181 Davie) Caya (808 Davie; 14 Water) Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie) Club 23 West (23 West Cordova) Cobalt (917 Main) Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville) Cranberries Spa (330 Robson) Five Sixty (560 Seymour) F212 Steam (1048 Davie) Fountainhead Pub (1025 Davie) ginger62 (1219 Granville) Goldie’s (605 W. Pender) Gorg-O-Mish (695 Smithe) Grace Gallery/Narrow (1898 Main) H.I.M. Main Office (310-1033 Davie)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29

Independent Flixx J Lounge (1216 Bute) The Junction (1138 Little Sisters Books M2M (1210 Granville) Masc Skincare (433 Mine Salon (177 E. B Numbers Cabaret Oasis (1240 Thurlow) Old G.M. Place - No (800 Griffiths Way) Pacific Cinemathe Point Zero Lounge Pompadours Salon Priape (1148 Davie)

EN DE R

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35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

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VC C

Pub 340 (340 Cambie) PumpJack Pub (1167 Davie) Republic (958 Granville) Roundhouse Cntr (181 Roundhouse Mews) Score On Davie (1262 Davie) Scratch Records (726 Richards) Steamworks (123 W. Pender) UVAB Tanning Salon (1060 Davie) VanCity Theatre (1181 Seymour) Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby) Venue (881 Granville) Videomatica (1855 W. 4th Ave) West End Centre (870 Denman) WISE Hall (1882 Adanac) Zulu Records (1972 W.4th Ave)

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E. 16TH AVE

E. 15TH AVE

GUELPH

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H E. 11TH TAVE WATSON

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CHARLESON PARK

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22 E. BROADWAY

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E. 7TH AVE

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GRANVILLE BRIDGE

LVD

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E. 6TH AVE

BEACH

CAMBIE

TIN G S

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BEATTY EXPO BLVD

100

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HOMER

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Ya l e t o w n

300

400

500

600

700

800 HOWE

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1400

www.OasisOnDavie.com 604.685.1724

E. 5TH AVE

FIC BLVD

x (976 Denman) ) 8 Davie) store (1238 Davie)

E AV

E. 2ND AVE

E. 4TH AVE

GRANVILLE ISLAND

1240 Thurlow @ Davie (upstairs)

E. 3RD AVE

JOHNSTON

33 E. 1ST AVE

1300

LOWER GRANVILLE

TELUS World of Science OMNIMAX

TELUS World of Science

DRAKE

se Creek cht Club

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2 1200

DJ DUBBULDEE

$8 pitchers Oasis Lager $3.75 caesars ($7.50 dbl) Roof Top Patio 4PM-8PM

900

NELSON

HELMCKEN

1100 DAVIE

FOX W

Stadium

1000

Orpheum Theatre

SMITHE

A VI

B.C. Place Stadium TERRY

SOPHIA

RGIA

GRIFFITHS WA

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Downtown 40 13

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900

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G.M. 25 Place

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Vancouver Playhouse

Queen The Elizabeth Theatre Pacific Bay Centre The Centre 700 Vancouver in Vancouver for the Centre Vancouver Vancouver Performing Arts Library Art Gallery

800

LVD

EXP

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600

SOCIAL SUNDAYS

Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and Archives

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

MAIN

Pacific Centre

ALE XAN DER PO W EL L CO RD O VA

Gr an vil le 12

W. PENDER 500

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Harbour Centre

W. HASTINGS

400

HA ST IN G S

S Pa ss eaB en u ge s rF er ry AL

Steamclock

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Waterfront The Station Landing

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Seabus Terminal

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FRO

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augus 2011 Issue 25

TO NORTH VANCOUVER

Waterfront Sinclair Centre Centre

a in n Ch ow T

er at

max Theatre anada Place ver Trade & vention Centre

V-rag

dj quest

VANRGAZine #25

Q&A

TOP TEN

1. K ings of Tomorrow – "Finally (10th Anniversary Mixes)" 2. L ovebirds – "Want You In My Soul (Original Mix)" 3. Chocolate Puma – "For Your Love" 4. Calvin Harris feat. Kelis – "Bounce" 5. DJ Chus,David Penn feat Cevin Fisher – "Libres Para Siempre" 6. P itbull feat. Nayer, Neyo, Afrojack – "Give Me Everything (Bingo Players Club Remix)" 7. F rankie Knuckles – "I'll Take You There (The Shapeshifters Remix)" 8. Rouls and Doors – "Forget" 9. Celeda – "The Underground (Richard Grey Remix)" 10. M anufactured Superstars feat. Scarlett Quinn – "Take Me Over" DJ Quest has been a fixture on the Vancouver club scene for over two decades, making sure all the boys and girls of our city have something to dance to. Best known for his Trigger Fridays weekly event at 1181 and his residency at Five Sixty, Quest is one of the most recognizable faces in the community. His unique blend of house music has kept him relevant since the '90s. This month, you can catch his vibe with Bruce LaBruce and MKW at Five Sixty on August 13th, and again on August 20th alongside DJ Larry Tee for the Queer Film Festival Hot Mix Party.

What kind of music do you play?

When did you start DJing?

I'm most inspired by DJs and producers that make the music scene happen. I buy new music weekly, a bass line, a catchy vocal, a cowbell.

I started playing with music in high school, a bedroom mixer you could say. I taught myself how to mix beats. 1991 was my first DJ gig at The Twilight Zone. They never paid me. Since then, I have covered this city's nightclubs quite thoroughly. Favourite gig(s)? By far my favourite gig has to be New Years Eve at the old LUX theatre on Hastings back in '95. Divas to the dance floor PLEASE.

I play good shit! My genre is varied, house music mainly with a mix of disco, vocal, dub, tribal, Balearic, tech house and, no I don't play circuit! Rock star moments? Every moment is a rock star moment! DJ nightmare? When one of my original Technics turntables fell to the ground upside down. Musical inspirations?

What are your future plans? I want to continue to bring a fresh sound to the dancefloor. V DJ Quest can be seen Thursday nights at We Like Boys (The Helm), Fridays at Trigger (1181) and Saturdays at Five Sixty. He'll be joining DJ Larry Tee August 20th for the Hot Mix Party at Five Sixty. www.quest4sound.com

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