June 2011 V-Rag Magazine

V-rag vancouver's gay arts + culture rag

V a n R a g a z i n e

v-rag.com

june 2011 issue 23

simone denny

cece peniston lisa lampanelli burgundy brixx dj ntelect

music + lifestyle + film + travel + health + food + nightlife + fashion + design + art + culture

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june 2011 Issue 23

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V a n R a g a z i n e

june2011

04 editor's note

good time charlie 30

06 lisa lampanelli

health & wellness 32

Happy birthday to us! 2 years young!

Takes on the Westboro Baptist Church

08 cece peniston

Finally it has happened to me!

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simone denny

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burgundy brixx

Love Inc. & BKS diva headlining our anniversary

The Vancouver burlesque superstar

20 1 girl 5 gays: andrew

Q&A with MTV's Andrew Charles Edwards II

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food:notes

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calendar of events

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joan-e's rag

28

wayoutwest

Mis Trucos unveils its summer patio

The city's most comprehensive calendar

Queens Please!

Download MobileTag and let's get started!

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Elephant Yoga in Northern Thailand

The Health Benefits of Pride

film:notes 34

Pirates of the Caribbean, Secret Diaries...

music:notes 35

Lady Gaga, Ready.Set.Die, Fleet Foxes

book:notes 36

The Art of Racing in the Rain, Foundation

todd almighty 38

Gay Top Model winner Todd Johnston glitters

event listings 42

V-Rag's top picks for this month

nightlife in vancouver 43 Your weekly barhopping guide

v-map 44

Don't get lost! Find everything here

dj ntelect 46

q&a: DJ Ntelect = pure sex. Deep soulful house sex

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vanragazine #23

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Editor's

Note

Well, it's been two years since the first issue of V-Rag came out. Who'd have known in that time that we'd grow to be the biggest gay monthly magazine in BC? Or that we'd have the honour of interviewing superstars like RuPaul, Robyn, Tegan & Sara, Peaches, Hercules & Love Affair, Rick Mercer, Michael Musto, Chromeo, Tabatha Coffey and Margaret Cho? And we're not slowing down! In this special "diva" issue of V-Rag, I got to chat with dance music legend and diva CeCe Peniston. Finally it has happened to me! Also this month, Lisa Lampanelli talks about her recent run-in with the Westboro Baptist Church and how she turned hatred into compassion; Burgundy Brixx shares some burlesque tricks with Michael Venus; and of course, Canadian dancefloor diva Simone Denny, of Love Inc. and BKS, gets up close and personal for our two year extravaganza.

Speaking of Ms. Denny, don't miss our big Two Year Anniversary Party on June 30th (the night before Canada Day), headlined by the songstress herself. Get on your best '90s fashion and boogie to the sounds of DjG-Luve, Mumbles, Symone and Conni Smudge! Get your tickets at www.v-rag. eventbrite.com or at Little Sisters Books. V Editor & Art Director Cole Johnston • cole@v-rag.com Editorial Contributors Jacqui Baille Derek Bedry Lana Chunn Charlie David Rob Farrow Jason Goodwin Jen Hill Joan-E Cole Johnston Jason Keller Toby Moisey Matt Roy Michael Venus Printed by East Van Graphics

Publisher Cole Johnston Design Art & Photography Adam Andrew Caldwell Albert Coutourier Michel Dauda Jody Daye Phil Dunne Shimona Henry Nicholas Jang Kate McLaren MTV Canada Jimmy R. Smith Gerardo Somoza Cover Photo by Michel Dauda

Copy deadline for the July Pride issue is June 22. Ad space is available until June 24 and can be booked by calling 604-8318179 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.

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 Š 2011 Cole Johnston Design.

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vanragazine #23

V-rag

Lampanelli

by Jen Hill

W

ell played Lampanelli, well played. This past month, after a heated Twitter “back-and-forth”, Lisa Lampanelli got wind that the delightful folks of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) were planning on protesting her Topeka, Kansas comedy show.

If you haven’t heard about the WBC, here’s a quick 411: Known for its extreme stance against homosexuality and protests (which include picketing funerals of deceased American soldiers), the church is widely described as a hate group and is monitored as such by the Anti-Defamation League.

Lampanelli’s steadfast support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community had apparently rubbed the WBC and leader Fred Phelps in all the wrong ways.

In response to the intended protest, Ms. Lampanelli announced that she would donate $1,000 to Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services provider, for each protestor who showed up. Moreover, she would donate the money in the name of the WBC. The more protestors more the merrier!

We caught up with the V-Rag veteran to get the inside scoop on the “Rumble in Topeka”.

to come out and protest. I couldn't stop them, so I thought of donating a thousand dollars in each protestor's name to GMHC, 'cause that will stick it to them. I wanted them to know, if you come out to protest the gays, you're going to end up helping the gays.

Have you had any "run ins" with the Westboro Baptist Church in the past?

Did you have a chance to speak with Fred Phelps?

Someone had sent me a link to a website with funny anti-Westboro signs. It was hysterical and I tweeted it out. And then they started coming after me. Frank DeCaro on Sirius had told me about them years ago, and I'd forgotten about them. They're like 100 people or less and hadn't been on my radar. But then I started reading about them and I thought, oh, my god. I hate them so much! So we started going back and forth, tweeting jokes. I put up that Westboro Church isn't really a church, it's just a shitty sign-making company. They were being vicious.

And then, when I was coming to Topeka, their back yard, they started saying they were going

Where did the idea to donate in their name come from? What were your original thoughts there?

I'd like to say this idea came from my love of gays, which part of it did. But it also came from my wish to stick it to these sick douchebags. Their idea of religion and sexuality is so fucked up!

There were reports that your team counted 44 people but WBC counted 48 people, and that you ended up donating an even 50K. Is that true? It’s interesting that they quibbled over a few people.

My driver counted 44 people, but the next day, somebody from those assholes said they had 48. I'm not going to quibble, so I said, "Let's make it an even 50 grand." And if they don't like that, they can suck my dick. So we're going to GMHC on Wednesday. I asked if we could put in the memo line of the check, "Courtesy of the in-bred bigots," but the nice lady at GMHC said that's a little politically incorrect.

No, thank god. I was in Kansas just about 24 hours. And I'm not one of those people who is a snob and has a problem with the Midwest. There are as many dumb people in New York. But it was a pleasure to get the fuck out this time.

It takes a special sort of person to turn a potentially volatile situation around to a positive end. Lampanelli has proven that she’s not just clever in her humour, but also in her ability to turn the tables of hate and ignorance. Way to squeeze those bitter lemons and make something sweet Lisa! V www.insultcomic.com

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Lisa

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Peniston

F

inally we are talking to her... What can you say about an icon like CeCe Peniston? Yes, she's the most successful dance club artist in history. Yes, she sang one of the most recognizable club tracks ever, "Finally". Yes, she was the first artist to perform in South Africa after the apartheid (she even beat out Whitney Houston on that one). So how does someone follow up a history like that? After charting several top ten singles throughout the '90s, CeCe Peniston is back with a new sound, a new look, a new record label, a hit single and a fourth studio album. As she puts it, "expect a more grown up CeCe, who’s more open to being and expressing exactly who she wants to be. Flirty, in a very creative space, sexy, funny, spiritual..."

Back in 1991, an 9 year old soon-to-be gay magazine editor was listening non-stop to "Finally", so it was a dream come true to be able to interview someone who shaped my musical life. Fifteen years after her last album, I got to grill CeCe about making us fans wait so long.

"Haha I know baby," she explains coyly, "I had to make sure it was right. I did some singles, but they hit more overseas."

The first single, "Stoopid", from the album set to be released mid-August, shows us fans that she hasn't missed a beat. With a more R&B style to the proceedings, Peniston sounds just as fresh and catchy as she did with her debut. "Stoopid" is one of those tracks that you'll listen to once and be singing in the shower the next morning.

"I feel like my songs seem to tell a story," CeCe tells me. "'Finally' was about love and 'Stoopid' is about relationships and, you know, what happens when people get mad haha. You often hear them say 'oh... they must think I'm stupid.' So I thought how can I make that a song that's real and fun at the same time."

The production is very different from her earlier dance tracks, but still upbeat and uplifting. She also assures us that there will be plenty of old school dance jams for fans

by Cole Johnston of "Finally" and "We Got A Love Thang". Having worked with mega-producers like Steve "Silk" Hurley (Crystal Waters' collaborator) and Dave "Jam" Hall (of Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover" and "Fantasy" fame), I had to ask who was responsible for the new style and the undeniable hook. "So far, I've worked with Vudu Spellz and Status out of Vegas, Aphiliated and the Incredibles, and I'm set to work with J2 and Paul Oakenfold."

With credentials like these, CeCe Peniston is sure to have another hit on her hands.

Surprisingly, the forthcoming album will be released independently, on West Swagg Music Group/Bungalo Records. Of working with an independent label instead of the majors, she muses, "everything is very hands on, I have a lot of one-on-one with the label. I actually have people who believe in me instead of me being just a number to them... I love it!"

I was curious to hear what changed in the music industry since the last album Moving On was released in 1996. Afterall, the fifteen year absense is like a lifetime in music business terms.

"The internet has made people overnight sensations with YouTube and other sites.

That’s a good thing and bad thing... The good part is that everything is downloadable... The bad is that a lot of it is downloadable for free on some sites, and some people have the nerve to sell your music that have nothing to do with it. Artists have freedom to express themselves and make more money, but the mystique is taken out through leaking tracks, videos and all that... You get it haha."

Not only has the business of making music changed drastically, the musical landscape is completely different in 2011. Although Peniston loves new artists like Black Eyed Peas, Musiq Soulchild and Keisha Cole, she's especially a sucker for the First Lady of Pop. "I really love Lady Gaga... She's so creative and she played my song 'Finally' in the opening of her show, so you know, I love that and would love to do a collaboration with her."

june 2011 Issue 23

CeCe

V-rag

vanragazine #23 A CeCe Peniston and Lady Gaga collaboration? Could there be any greater gay anthem than that?? It would be hard to imagine two bigger gay icons getting together and making us all very happy homos. Peniston will be debuting her new single live this month at Gay Pride in Montana, and how fitting that she wanted to take the time to give her gay followers a special shout-out.

"I couldn’t ask for a better fan-base. The gay and lesbian community has continued to show me so much love, all I can say is that I'm really blessed." I asked her why she thought her music is so loved by our community.

"I believe it’s because my music is easy to dance to and it‘s happy music and they know I'mma bring when I hit the stage in my short dress and high-ass pumps haha! Anyway, in a world of drama we need something to keep it light, whether it's my music or someone else’s."

For Peniston, a former beauty queen who performed for Aretha Franklin at her birthday, Bill Clinton at his inauguration, and even Pope John Paul III on Christmas, things are only getting better. It was a real honour to chat with a woman who defines the word diva, while remaining down to earth and as excited about her fans as we are about her. "I feed off the energy of the crowd and I like to touch and feel people's energy." Way to

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make us want a performance here in Vancouver, CeCe! Although there's no stop here yet on her upcoming tour, there have been grumblings in the V-Rag office to bring CeCe Peniston for our next big event. If you'd like to see this diva in person, let us know by emailing fans@v-rag.com or post on the V-Rag Facebook group.

Until then, we'll be waiting for her to bring it in her short dress and high-ass pumps! V CeCe Peniston's latest single "Stoopid" is available now on iTunes. The forthcoming album will be released mid-August 2011. www.cecepeniston.com

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by Jason Goodwin

f you've ever danced in a club, watched MuchMusic, listened to the radio or simply lived in Canada, chances are you've heard Simone Denny sing. The Toronto native has been a fixture in the Canadian club scene for almost 2 decades now, gaining the title The Queen of Canadian Dance. Though she's probably best known for her work in Love Inc., she was also the driving vocalist behind Top Kat, Killer Bunnies, M1, Widelife, Devon and the Metro Squad and BKS. It was Denny's 1993 collaboration with boy wonder DJ/producer Chris Sheppard ("out of control like Don King's hair") that solidified her reign over the Canadian club circuit. BKS was an overnight sensation, pumping out hit after hit like "Dreamcatcher", "Take Control", "I'm In Love With You", "4 Your Love" and "Astroplane". The latter earned her a Juno Award as well as a MuchMusic Video Award in 1996.

After BKS came Love Inc. and another slew of hits including "Broken Bones", "You're A Superstar", "Into The Night" and "Here Comes The Sunshine". This time around, Simone Denny would come home with two more Juno Awards, three MuchMusic Video Awards, a Canadian Radio Music Award and a SOCAN Music Song Writer's Award for "Who Do You Love". Not bad!

The 2000's saw American success with Denny lending her vocals to the theme song for Queer Eye For The Straight Guy "All Things (Keep Getting Better)", a collaboration with Widelife. With a fifth Juno Award under her belt, Simone Denny is now working on her highly-anticipated solo album.

Between performing at clubs, festivals and of course, Pride parades around the world, Simone also donates her time to a multitude of charities. She has performed at events in support of Doctors Without Borders, Fashion Cares, CANFAR and the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Oh yeah, and the V-Rag 2 Year Anniversary Event!

Not to shamelessly promote, but we're absolutely thrilled to welcome Simone Denny to Vancouver on June 30th at Oasis to help celebrate our second year as Vancouver's gay arts & culture rag. The intimate night will be a tribute to all things '90s, with DjG-Luve, Ntelect and Mumbles

spinning the best in retro dance, house and garage.

Hostess Conni Smudge will oversee the festivities, which include prizes for best '90s gear, catering

by Oasis, swag bags, and door prizes courtesy of The Fairmont Vancouver, Aveda Eco Chic, Lancome, UVAB Tanning, CruiseyT, The Beehive Salon and Little Sisters Bookstore. All that and Simone Denny!

Before she takes over Vancouver, we wanted to chat with Simone about her success, her inspiration, and what the future has in store...

You've been the voice to countless Canadian club and radio hits including "Broken Bones", "All Things (Keep Getting Better)" and "Astroplane".

Do you find fans are constantly discovering that you're the singer behind their favourite songs?

Yes! I have few different identities in the industry. In Canada I'm known for Love Inc., BKS and Killer Bunnies. In Europe and Australia, it's Love Inc. and in the US it's Simone Denny or for my work with Widelife. But now, I'm finally just me... Simone Denny!

How did your early collaboration with Chris Sheppard and BKS come about?

At that time, my focus was pop and R&B. I had heard about Chris Sheppard and the dance music scene. To make a long story short, my soulful vocals came together with his house music style and "Dreamcatcher" was born. It went on to be nominated for a Juno.

How do you think the music industry has changed since the days of "Dreamcatcher" and "I'm In Love With You"?

The sound of dance and house music has expanded tremendously. There is continuous growth within the genre, especially now. There is a cross pollination between dance/house music and pop, R&B, hip-hop, rock, Soca, Latin and classical. It can be used as a base to almost any genre of music. It provides the base to turn mainstream music into party music. I am really happy about that. I encourage people to truly embrace dance and house music.

june 2011 Issue 23

Denny

Simone

vanragazine #23 This is more of a personal question, as "Astroplane" was one of my favourite songs of the 90s…

Was this the song that you feel launched your voice into the mainstream, or was it earlier?

photos by jimmy r. smith

My work with BKS overall established my voice in the Canadian house music genre. At the time, dance music was new to Toronto.

"Dreamcatcher" and "Astroplane" and "I'm In Love With You" definitely launched my voice onto the dance music scene. I was on wave of what was happening at that time. I am glad I embraced it.

You've won multiple Junos with your work with Love Inc., BKS (a personal favourite of mine) and Widelife. How do you feel about the Canadian music industry in terms of supporting artists and rewarding success?

You had undoubtedly your biggest commercial success with Love Inc. What was that period of time like when "Broken Bones" and "You're A Superstar" were being played on heavy rotation everywhere from MuchMusic to virtually every Canadian radio station?

It was a thrill! I loved every minute of it.

Touring Canada and hearing the songs on the radio everywhere was mindblowing. Being able to inspire that many people was an incredible honour. Performing on air at the Junos and the MuchMusic Awards was so memorable.

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I think Canada supports and rewards their artists overall, mainly pop, rock and country...

But there is always room for more, especially in the dance genre. Dance is mainstream right now worldwide and there are a lot of amazing Canadian dance artists and producers who are making waves and not getting the credit they deserve. It would be great to see dance artists presenting, performing and receiving Junos live on air during the main show as Love Inc. did at its peak in 1999 – 2001. Love Inc. was given that opportunity then and I'd like to see it happen again now.

Love Inc. was hugely successful in Canada, and eventually made it over the pond to become a big group in Europe. Do you find the American market a harder nut to crack?

There is a big difference between the European and US markets. As a dance artist, I gravitate towards European industry because dance music is

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Can fans expect a solo album in the future?

You were a member of the hip-hop group Devon and The Metro Squad as well as doing work with a metal band, and even opera?! Do you have a favourite genre or do you like to dabble in every musical facet?

I enjoy both. I am lucky to record with some really great producers who make my studio sessions so much fun. They have worked with me for years, know my voice inside out and push me to always give my best. Live is all about the audience. The energy exchange is incredible!

My taste in music is very eclectic. I love to listen to and sing everything. I've sung various styles of music, and I enjoy it that way. It keeps music interesting. And as a vocalist I don't like to limit myself.

What else might fans find surprising about you?

My dream was to become a fashion designer... music was an accident. I had no idea I could sing!

Do you enjoy being referred to as the Queen of Canadian Dance Music or do you find that limiting?

I love that title! Thank you! I don't see it as a limitation at all. I am Canadian and I proudly represent wherever I go.

Is there anyone right now in the music biz that you're really inspired by?

I am inspired by other Canadian musicians who are pushing the boundaries of house and dance music. Internationally there a lot of artists that inspire me. I can't choose just one.

If you could do one dream collaboration, who would it be with?

My dream collaboration would have been to do a song with Michael Jackson. I have always been die-hard MJ fan.

You'll be headlining our little magazine's 2 year anniversary this month, and the last time you were out here was for Pride. How have the gay and lesbian fans been during the past 15 years?

I love my gay and lesbian fans dearly. They are always supportive and have kept me touring for years.

Why do you think your music has been embraced so widely by the gay and lesbian community?

My music is about positivity, inspiration and fun! It's about the dance floor! A message in the music to which any person can relate.

Anyone, of any colour, race, or sexuality, can relate to it. And that’s the way it should be.

Let's just say there are a few surprises in the works...

What do you enjoy more, performing live or recording studio tracks?

Do you have a favourite song to perform?

I love performing "You're A Superstar" because of the way people react to it. It's such a positive and inspiring song. The crowd knows every word! They sing it loud with their eyes closed and their hands in the air. That is what music and performing is all about for me... the positive energy exchange with my audience.

What have been some of the most memorable moments during your career?

There have been a lot of wonderful moments... singing to a crowd of 250,000 people in the Canary Islands; meeting my vocal idols like Lionel Richie; singing with Patti Labelle and Jocelyn Brown; traveling around the world and hearing stories about how my voice or the lyrics have impacted people's lives over the years. I could go on and on.

You've been called one of the most successful Canadian dance artists in history. Where do you see your career now and what can fans expect from the future?

I take that title very seriously. I am honoured and I have sooo much more in the works. I can't reveal too much right now, but there is definitely more great music on the way!

Any hints as to what fans can expect from your upcoming performance at the V-Rag 2 Year Anniversary Party?

A little old... a little new... but more than anything, get your hands in the air and get ready to PARTY with me! V See Simone Denny live with Conni Smudge, Symone, DjG-luve, Ntelect and Mumbles June 30th at Oasis. Capacity is limited so get your tickets now at Little Sisters or www.v-rag.eventbrite.com. www.simonedenny.com

june 2011 Issue 23

always mainstream in Europe. In the United States, hip-hop, R&B, rock and country music dominate the charts. It's only in the last few years that dance music has had an impact on American mainstream radio like it did in the '90s.

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photo by shimona henry

vanragazine #23

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B

urgundy Brixx is the vivacious vixen who spearheads the weekly vaudeville spectacle that is Kitty Nights West every Sunday night at the Biltmore Cabaret. The buxom burlesque starlet gives us the scoop on what makes her pasties spin.

What is Kitty Nights?

Kitty Nights is a burlesque showcase that features different performers each week from all across the Vancouver burlesque community and beyond.

Very shortly after moving to Vancouver, I began producing the show as a monthly feature at the newly re-opened Biltmore Cabaret in January of 2008, and shifted to a weekly Sunday night event a few months later. I feel very fortunate to be able to provide ongoing work for our local performers and to bring Vancouver fabulous guest artists from all over the world on a regular basis. The show itself originated in New York City's East Village in 2006 at Bar On A. The original producer was Fem Appeal, and I came in as co-producer shortly after the show's inception. Fem still produces the show in NYC at the same venue and is celebrating Kitty Nights' Fabulous 5th Anniversary in July!

How would you describe your stage persona?

Burgundy Brixx is very much me, but as in all good burlesque, she is a huge exaggeration of my inner self. Burgundy is much more feminine and extravagant than I am. She can be both elegant and outrageous, but is always polished and put-together at all costs! A force to be reckoned with, she dances, she sings, she makes her own innovative costumes, and she artfully peels her way in to your heart!

Why has burlesque remained such a popular form of expression?

It's very accessible. Burlesque is less about specific skills and training than it is about creating a personality that's larger than life.

Of course the skills and training that anyone may have going into burlesque can certainly be a great help, and give one a unique style and performance edge, but the presence is

by Michael Venus

the main thing, and that can be cultivated and honed by women of all walks of life.

Career Highlights?

International festival invitations are always great fun because you have the honour of performing for and having your work acknowledged by your peers, but I feel even more richly rewarded being on the other side of that type of production.

Working on the Board of Directors of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival these past couple of years has been exhausting and at times incredibly frustrating. But seeing the end result and experiencing the glow in the faces and hearts of both performers and audience members alike makes all the hard work seem to melt away, and is more satisfying than any personal triumph could be.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

As I've been growing more and more confident with my costuming skills, expect more elaborate costumes and multi-disciplined performance pieces that challenge the structure of the art form. I'm finally retiring some of my earlier pieces to make room for the next level of growth in my craft.

Words of wisdom to budding performers?

Do your homework. Read a book. Take a class.

Do research online. And rehearse! Yes, burlesque is accessible to everyone, but it's still an art, and there are a lot of burlesque artists that work very hard at their craft. The worst thing you can do is dishonour their work and the lives of the countless women who came before us in the golden age of burlesque by jumping around unrehearsed on a stage "Girls Gone Wild" style, flashing your boobs and then calling it burlesque. Ours is a rich history of female empowerment and renegade culture. Let it inspire you! And then show us your (proud, sparkly, well-rehearsed) boobs!. V Check out Kitty Nights West every Sunday at the Biltmore Cabaret! www.burgundybrixx.com www.kittynights.com

june 2011 Issue 23

Burgundy Brixx

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PRIDE 2011 Next month, get your hands on the very special Pride & Outgames 2011 Edition, our biggest V-Rag yet!

Featuring some of the best interviews we've done, Pride and Outgames schedules and events, and a very special Pride supplement guide!

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vanragazine #23

1girl 5gays

Q&A: andrew

Let's get to know this week's gay: Andrew Charles Edwards II What scares you the most?

Heights scare the shit out of me. I confronted my fear by going bungee jumping... it didn’t work. My next “therapy session” will be doing the CN Tower Edge Walk.

Nikki Minaj or Lil' Kim? Lil' Kim. "How Many Licks" used to be my favourite song!! When I hear it, I think about my good friend Andrew and the crazy summer we had when we were 19.

Superhero crush?

North Star. He’s Canadian, he’s gay, he can fly and is super-hot. Need I say more?

Flowers or chocolate?

Flowers. My favourite are pink Gerber Daisies.

What's playing on your iPod right now?

DJ Manzone and Strong, Alicia Hush, and Britney Spears of course.

I’d hook her up with my aunt. Having AliyaJasmine in the family would be amazing.

Britney or Gaga?

There is no comparison!!! Britney could throw on a meat dress or draw a lightning bolt on her face, but Gaga could never be as sexxxy and beautiful as Ms. Britney Jean Spears. Britney is the original; she re-defined sexuality in the music industry. Britney broke barriers and pushed the envelope with nothing more than a belly top and a southern smile.

Of all the members of the cast, who could you see getting into politics?

20

I could see David running for leader of the Marijuana Party.

How would you describe the show in 5 words?

Brave, Sexy, Educational, Honest and Colourful.

Favourite thing for Sunday Bunch?

Champagne!

Cause you stand for with all your heart?

I hate the word fag/faggot. I’m constantly calling people out for using it. I’ve been called a faggot enough to know how much that word hurts gay youth. It shouldn’t be socially acceptable to call someone a fag. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to ignorance. V New episodes of 1 girl 5 gays air every Friday at midnight on MTV Canada. Season 1 airs in the US on Logo every Monday at Midnight. www.mtv.ca www.logotv.com

photo courtesy of mtv canada

If Aliya-Jasmine were a lesbian, who would be her perfect match?

V-rag

W/ DJS ZACH SHORE & ADAM DREADDY

#501 Denman Street CRUISE 4 -8 PM

SUNDAY, JULY 3rd

WITH DRAG DIVAS JOAN-E & WILLIE TAYLOR

Adv. $30 tickets @ Cruisyt.com | Little Sisters | Priape | Celebritiesnightclub.com

june 2011 Issue 23

BOARDING THE MV BRITANNIA AT 3:30PM

21

FOOD:notes

Mis Trucos thank god it's patio season

1141 Davie St.

By order of V-Rag, here are some things you simply must order. Start with their daily selection of pintxos – six perfect little bite-sized bursts of awesomeness to kick-start your meal.

Then, go for the slow-cooked free-range egg with Serrano ham (above photo), piperade (stewed red peppers) and Parmesan cheese (an oldie but goodie on their menu) – it’s like a magical version of bacon and eggs. Then it’s time for their pan-seared striped bass with sweet pea puree, olive oil potatoes, oyster mushrooms and romesco sauce; followed by the Sezmu beef (says moo, get it?) flatiron steak with piquillo peppers, carrot puree, and creamed barley. Finish off the meal with the Mis Trucos chocolate bar, made in-house and served with homemade gummy worms (it’s kinda the cutest thing ever).

Although the chef never flaunts it, he only uses fresh local seasonal ingredients, sustainable seafood and locally raised organic meats.

This means that the menu can change quite often, based on the availability of fresh ingredients. So, if these dishes are no longer on the menu, our apologies (and it sucks to be you), but we are sure their replacements will be just as tasty.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, put yourself in the hands of the chef and go for the $35 six-course chef’s menu, which is a steal of a deal for food of this caliber.

See you on the patio! V

The sun has started to shine, and Mis Trucos, one of our favourite gaybourhood hotspots, has opened their patio just in time for some summer sangria.

Located at 1141 Davie Street, in the upper level of the house beside the Shopper’s Drug Mart on Davie, it’s easy to walk right by Mis Trucos if you aren’t paying attention. And the front of the restaurant gives no indication of what lies behind – a lush garden patio that’s a secluded oasis in the heart of the West End. This hidden gem is removed from the hustle and bustle of Davie Street and surrounded by the restaurant’s urban garden, where chef Kris Barnholden has recently started growing his own fresh herbs and micro greens for the restaurant.

Mis Trucos features tasty tapas that are inspired by the Mediterranean and given innovative and whimsical twists by the chef. The restaurant opened in 2009 and although we’ve always found the food to be good, a recent sampling of chef Kris’ new summer menu rocked our world.

As with many of Vancouver’s most popular restaurants, the food at Mis Trucos is meant to be shared. It’s a fun way to eat that lets you try a bunch of different dishes and sample some things you might not usually try (grilled www.mistrucos.ca octopus anyone?).

22

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This month's artwork: Phil Dunne is a world-renowned visual artist and illustrator. Based in Dublin, Ireland, we featured his work in last June's artist spotlight and he even created a special piece exclusive to V-Rag for our Pride 2010 edition. Check out his amazing portfolio at www.lovetherobot.com.

Tuesday

6

Black Out Mondays @ F212

The Proper Villains @ Republic

13

Tops & Bottoms @ J Lounge

Hot Mondays Latin Fiesta @ Celebrities

20

Karaoke @ Paparazzi, Victoria

4U Mondays @ Numbers

27

KISS @ Abbotsford Sports Centre

The Black Keys @ Deer Lake Park

Kitty Nights @ The Biltmore

Architecture in Helsinki @ Venue

12

Hair 2 Help Part(ed) 2 @ ginger62

Miami Horror @ Fortune Sound Club

19

Hey, It's Sunday @ F212

Tracey Bell @ Five Sixty

26 – Closing Night

Wicked: The Musical @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Love Not H8 Qmunity Fundraiser @ The Railway Club

Dirty South @ The Caprice

Tuesdays at Celebrities @ Celebrities

28

An Horse @ The Biltmore

Buddy Tuesdays @ F212

21

DJ Del-icious @ Numbers

Karaoke @ Oasis

14

The Airborn Toxic @ The Commodore

Lock Up Your Sons & Daughters @ Pacific Cinematheque

7

june2011

Monday

5

Sunday

Gossip! Talk of the Town @ 1181

Dollicious: Joan-E's B-day @ Celebrities

Digable Planets @ Bar None

Hump Wednesdays @ Five Sixty

29

Cibo Matto @ Fortune Sound Club

Sub Focus @ Venue

22

Black Lips @ The Biltmore

Night at the Indies @ Cafe Deux Soleils

15

Etienne De Crecy @ Post Modern Dance Bar

Leo Awards @ Five Sixty

V-Rag 2 Year Anniversary Party @ Oasis

HerShe Bar @ Red Room

30

Lipstick Jungle @ ginger62

Hard Candy Thursdays @ 1181

23

Kid Cudi @ Deer Lake Park

Desperate Houseboys @ Numbers

16

Kingdom Thursdays @ Shine

We Like Boys @ The Helm

9

Josh Martinez @ Red Room

Wicked: The Musical @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

8

2

Thursday

1 – Opening Night

Wednesday

Stonewall Celebration @ Five Sixty

East Side Pride @ Grandview Park

25

Miguel Migs @ ginger62

Miss WESA @ Five Sixty

18

Big Primpin' w/ DJ Miss M @ Pub 340

B-You Saturdays Launch @ Celebrities

11

Fit For A Queen @ River Rock Theatre

House of Love @ Five Sixty

4

Saturday

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

Rihanna w/ Cee Lo @ Rogers Arena

Tee Off To Fight Bullying @ University Golf Club

24

Sweet w/ DJ Miss M @ Canvas Lounge

Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Review @ River Rock Theatre

17

Paul Oakenfold @ Gossip

Gay Fridays: It's So Homosexual @ Oasis

10

SPIT - California Dreams @ The ANZA Club

Bruno Mars & Janelle Monae @ Rogers Arena

3

Friday

vanragazine #23

joan-e's

queens please

T

hought it was about time I spread a little love to some of my Drag sisters who have been shaking it up in 2011.

So here, in no particular order, are some of the gals who have been "doing it up nice" around town. Here now I present the Seven Syrens of Summer. (Note that I was able to drop in the names of two of my for real-reals bestest sisters who I am not writing about today so that they won't be too pissed at me? Tee hee!)

Mantra Mmx Mantra's sizzling over-the-top banshee-esque love Goddess performances have been blowing crowds away. Her performance at Hard at 560 was simply amazing. She has found her character, her niche and an audience that just adores her. Mantra appears often at Celebrities and at special events and parties.

Iona Whip Iona is a girl in her prime. Her slimmed down, glammed-up style seems to have given her an extra energy and love of performing. She, perhaps more than any queen right now, is experimenting with bold fashion choices and new material. She hosts the Dogwood Monarchist Society Charity Show every Wednesday at Celebrities.

Isolde N. Barron The Queen of East Van has marched her way into the top of the heap of Vancouver's show Queens. Isolde has a true love for theatre and for the grand divas of yester-year.

Her Apocalypstic drag show each Sunday plays to a large, diverse and young crowd, who simply adores her. Look out, because Isolde has landed the coveted Assistant Director job for the 2011 Vancouver Playhouse production of La Cage Aux Folles.

C arlotta Gurl Still at the top of her game, Carlotta was named Entertainer of the Decade at this year's Coronation Ball. Her Saturday night show at Junction plays to sold-out crowds (often with a line up). At this year's Wiggle, she once again stole the show with her Gaga tribute. She will be the best this city has until the day she decides she's done!

Sienna Blaze Attention, attention, Queen on the rise! Sienna had been shaking it up for some time now, but really showed her stuff when she won the Southern Belle competition at Celebrities. Edgy,

26

photos by nicholas jang www.double-take2.ca

rag

sexy and lots of great energy. Oh, and she proves that being a nice guy gets you a long way!

Tammy Drag Hot HOT HAWT! This year, like most, the Entertainer of the Year competition was fierce! The winner this time around was Tammy Drag. She is tall, leggy, beautiful and can dance! With tons of energy, she invests great skill and spirit into her performances! A trained dancer hailing from Brazil, it's safe to say that Tammy has taken Vancouver!

Vera Way Vera is also a great part of the East Van scene and has a huge fan following. To say that she is an original is an understatement. Tammy may have won Entertainer of the Year, but she had to share the hearts of the crowd with Vera Way! Honourable mentions: Robyn "Groovy" Graves In addition to her regular performances around town, one of Vancouver's all-time favourite drag queens is now one of the hawtest DJs in town!

K amelle Toe Kamelle, who is amazing as usual, is getting her charity on by serving as this year's Empress of Vancouver!

Maybe I should become a Whore? If I had some Cash I could get some Sunshine and a nice cup of Coco while being Kamp in Milan! V Check out more of Joan-E's Rag on www.v-rag.com

23RD

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

he t t n i ! pa k n i p town Let’s be friends!

VancouverQFF @queerfilmfest

vanragazine #23

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: I Am Divine www.tinyurl.com/vrag81

Automat Pictures presents I Am Divine, a celebration of the immortal star and Most Beautiful Woman in the World... Divine!

From the director of Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, Jeffrey Schwarz. Starring Divine, John Waters, Ricki Lake. Coming 2012!

WATCH:Â True Blood Screen Test www.tinyurl.com/vrag82

Spend 22 seconds with your favourite vampire, Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) in this screen test from the fourth season of True Blood. Catch an all new season of True Blood premiering on June 26th only on HBO. Set your DVRs now!

WATCH: Judas Kiss-Why All Stealth Mode? www.tinyurl.com/vrag83

The second clip from the upcoming Charlie David film Judas Kiss. Film students Chris (Brent Corrigan) and Danny (Richard Harmon) steal away for a private moment in the woods at Keystone Summit University.

WATCH: Caught by Monte Patterson www.tinyurl.com/vrag84

In 1962, police used camera surveillance to capture sex deviants in public parks. This is the story of one of those men. Based on a true story set in an Ohio town that video taped gay men when video surveillance was very new. www.caughtfilm.com WATCH: I'm From San Antonio, TX www.tinyurl.com/vrag85

Nathan from I'm From Driftwood talks to Academy Award winner Dustin Lance Black. Dustin remembers the ups, downs and often times humorous experiences of his coming out process to Ryan, his best friend and roommate.

WATCH: Gregg Homme - Room Service www.tinyurl.com/vrag86

28

Thierry Pepin is back as the hot businessman waiting for his internet hookup in his Gregg Homme Underwear, and you are the hookup! So, off to the W Hotel and up to the room to find out what you have in store.

celebrating

20 years 1992 to 2012

vanragazine #23

good time CHARLIE

by Charlie David

T

o say my yoga class in Montréal is a challenge may be an understatement.

While bent into a ridiculous pose I crane my neck into the mirror to imitate my handsome yogi Matthew, not entirely confident I’m fully grasping each nuance of his French instructions. Sometimes I contort myself incorrectly just so his guiding hands will find their way to my hips. In terms of challenges, though, my local class is a level 1. Just imagine twisting your body into knots, trying to relax and breathe correctly while precariously balancing on the head of an elephant!

At the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Northern Thailand you can try out their new Jungle Yoga, Elephant and Spa Experience. The result is a memorable and unique signature vacation. I took my place behind the ears of my pachyderm partner for the day and wondered just how I would be doing anything but hanging on for dear life.

“Although elephants are capable of great speed and seemingly fast thought processes, when they are in a relaxed state, nothing is hurried – which is what we’re attempting to do in yoga, to blank out the outside world,” says the elephant camp manager John Roberts. We began our trek down a sun-streaked jungle path

30

with floating butterflies and towering bamboo.

Soon I was able to relax into a Lotus pose and concentrated on matching my breath to the plodding steps of my elephant. By the time we arrived at the open-air sala I was lulled into a peaceful trance-like state.

To embarrassingly fall down in my class in Montreal is one thing. To fall out of a pose on the head of an elephant posed the threat of a two and a half meter drop. "Breathe. Focus", I commanded myself. And somehow I found my rhythm. I began to find the purpose in it all. It was about communion with yourself and communion with another living being you would not readily be in connection with. And by doing so – finding the interconnectedness of all. What had sounded like a bizarre and novel idea became my reality. I was practicing yoga on an elephant.

Now that one of my best-kept vacation secrets is out… it’s time to hunt out a new hidden gem. Catch me if you can! V Charlie David is an author, actor and host of Logo's travel show Bump! Where in the world is Charlie? http://twitter.com/CharlieDavid www.charliedavid.com

vanragazine #23

HEALTH

& wellness

by Jason Keller

J

une is pride month. Sure, the parade isn't until the end of July, but 42 years ago, this month, the Stonewall riots occurred in New York City's Greenwich Village.

Since then, June has been officially proclaimed as pride month in Canada and around the globe.

With the celebrations still many weeks ahead, this month gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of what pride is really about and to reconnect with its original roots.

The word Pride looks simple, but it represents a profound purpose in life. By definition it means to take pleasure or satisfaction from achievement. Pride can be a pillar of strength and a source of energy one calls upon to overcome challenges. For LGBT individuals, pride involves sharing a common sense of satisfaction which lends to camaraderie, the building of community, and acceptance among peers. I would argue that pride is essential to the maturity and mental health of all queer people. Pride is healing.

So what is the achievement we are so proud of?

Many gay individuals grow up feeling that they are flawed and unwelcome guests at the party. Whether this rejection is real or perceived, subtle or overt, perpetrated by strangers or close family members, this is our ‘gay trauma’ that we all share. It binds us. Many of us as adults still lack self esteem and a healthy ego. It is not uncommon to see queer adults overcompensate.

Many feel that they need to make more money, become famous, live outrageously, be special, or do something extraordinary to be worthy of notice. Such achievements are not likely to lead to a positive end. They are the manifestations of what author, Alan Downs, calls our ‘Velvet Rage’.

Feelings of worthlessness can be created in childhood, quite unintentionally, and these lead gay adults to search for unachievable perfection.

We see this material attitude in much of the more commercialized pride celebration. The Velvet Rage theory touches on this subject. “We put on this TV picture and what we show is: ‘I’m proud to be gay.’ Underneath that, we might be dying

32

inside.” The achievement of money, success, fame, or glamour does not nurture a healthy pride.

Gay men are four times more likely to suffer from depression than straight men. In fact, nearly all queer individuals suffer at some point from low self esteem and it is often linked to a perception that one’s self-worth is linked to one’s appearance and material successes.

To heal from this, both individually and as a community, the next phase in our evolution must be to create a culture that is livable, comfortable, and accepting. Celebrating our collective pride gives us this opportunity.

Our real achievements to be proud of are the pain and trauma we have overcome, the fact that we love ourselves, and our diverse and welcoming community. The root of pride season is celebration of diversity. By celebrating this gift, standing in solidarity, and demonstrating a healthy pride, we continue to achieve a progressively higher level of acceptance in our larger national and global communities.

Pride is something we should practice all year round, but use this month as an opportunity to examine what you are proud of. When pride weekend arrives, share your healthy

achievements with others and contribute to the sense of camaraderie and support within our community. Many community organizations are putting forth efforts to foster a healthy pride celebration. If you are looking for a place to go after the parade this year, Health Initiative for Men will be hosting a wellness space in a large tent behind the ‘dust bowl’ area by the beach.

Look forward to seeing you there! V Jason Keller is an Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator for Vancouver Coastal Health. www.vch.ca

Where Social Meets Savvy

vanragazine #23

FILM:notes POTC: OnStranger Tides D: rob marshall

Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister D: James Kent

The producers of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise would do well to belay the bilge - that ship is sinking. On Stranger Tides, the fourth offering in the rumored seven-film series starring Johnny Depp as kooky pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, officially kills the horse and rears back its leg.

The script is the least clever of the four films, sadly reducing Sparrow to a repetitive and rarelyamusing sight gag with flailing limbs and facial tics.

Many of the plot devices, such as the pointless zombies or the Spanish soldiers racing the pirates to the fountain of youth, could simply be lifted out of the script without impacting any character’s arc (if they have one). At least no one directly references the whereabouts of the rum.

Most of the actors are supremely dull, including Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz in a forgettable turn as the daughter of the villain Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

The uncharismatic-pretty-boy hole (haha, boy hole) left by Orlando Bloom’s departure from the series is now filled by vacant newcomer Sam Claflin, playing a missionary whose piety is annoying - and perplexing, as modern audiences are more likely to roll their eyes at his unswerving Bible-thumpery than sympathize with… whatever his cause for being in the movie is. It’s unclear, like the plot, driven not by characters but by box-office sales.

McShane‘s Blackbeard, however, is genuinely spooky, his macabre entrance being the film’s only memorable image. Army of fanged man-eating supermodel mermaids and Judy Dench’s hilarious cameo aside, skip this in theatres.

High society. Coal mines. Lesbians. Sound like 1821? Well, it is.

Toronto’s LGBT film fest, Inside Out, just concluded, and one of the favourites was The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister. The title sums things up well. The biopic chronicles Lister’s early adult life, her significant lesbian relationships, her struggles in society, and her rise to prominence as an industrialist. All these things were diligently recorded in her four million word diaries, some written in code to disguise the graphic revelations of her affairs.

Two of the most difficult genres to film are biopics and period pieces. People expect a certain realism from both. Over-embellishment in costume, makeup, and acting can destroy a film’s credibility quickly. None of this applies to Secret Diaries. In the film, a woman at tea describes Lister as “natural”. Meant to be an insult, director James Kent strips that scathing comment and reveals the beauty in natural. Whether it be the scenes set in the lushly wooded Shibden property, the stark use of makeup, or the subdued clothing worn by the characters, Kent taps into what’s beautiful in “natural”. Likewise, writer Jane English’s script shines with wit. Whittling down four million words into a film adaptation is no easy feat, but English does so seamlessly, with well timed humour breaking up the drama that unfolds. Maxine Peake interprets Lister wonderfully, is calculated but bursts with emotion at exactly the right times. A pleasure to watch, I suspect that Secret Diaries will screen in Vancouver’s own festival in August.

by Derek Bedry

34

by Matt Roy

V-rag

35

Lady Gaga born this way

Ready.Set.Die until the end of time

Fleet Foxes helplessness blues

V-Rag wasn’t kind to Lady Gaga’s lead single from the eponymous Born This Way in March. The comparative flop "Judas" left even hardcore Little Monsters digging for enthusiasm as they awaited the release, heralded by Gaga herself as “the greatest album of this decade“.

It’s not without missteps or delights. The album’s overall success is in its baffling ability to meld metal guitar riffs, rock saxophone, and Euroelectronica into an effort that begs the question, “What were they thinking and why is it so good?” Its major failure is Gaga’s need to tackle a checklist of political issues without much lyrical eloquence. She’s at her best in "Hair", a sugary pop anthem so hot it kicks the title track’s ass practically off the album without attempting the religious commentary that otherwise pervades the disc.

There is plenty on Gaga‘s third effort that is well worth the price. Skeptics who like pop will enjoy its infectious fury, but probably won’t convert into Mother Monster’s zealous flock.

Vancouver female-fronted indie pop-punk trio Ready.Set. Die pack an explosive amount of energy into five solid tracks with their EP Until the End of Time.

Opener and single "What’s the Difference" instantly hooks you in with its infectious pop-punk up-tempo sound. Lead guitarist/ vocalist JT Criminal’s vocals are clear and expressive and flow well with the angst-filled lyrics.

The ballad "Across the Ocean" slows things down a couple songs in and manages to do so without losing any intensity.

The keyboard coupled with the melancholy guitar set the mood of the heavy-hearted song.

Nearing the end of the EP is the gem "Construction Destruction", a dark and moody song which juxtaposes nicely with its unhesitatingly fun (even danceable) beat. This song will surely have you singing along.

Until the End of Time is one of those EP’s that has an amazing ability to grow on you with each listen, and the great news is that it’s available to download for free. Hit up lovereadysetdie.com to download your copy.

I know there’s a Lady Gaga review nearby so I thought I’d suggest something completely different: Fleet Foxes. In a time when electronica permeates nearly every genre of music, it’s nice to know that there are still musicians out there creating music without the aid of a programming machine.

Don’t get me wrong, I love electro in all its forms. But every so often it’s nice to be reminded of the power of a couple instruments and a few voices. Fleet Foxes’ second album, Helplessness Blues, delivers astonishing musical landscapes with little more than a guitar and layers of vocals. It’s part folk, part chamber, and wholly wonderful.

The first half of the album ebbs and flows perfectly, like an ocean wave; yes I just wrote that. Some key singles include "Montezuma", "Lorelai", and "Battery Kinzie". But just to shake things up they’ve ended with some big, bold, and brash songs, most notably "The Shrine/ An Argument", leaving the listener feeling utterly helpless and, well, blue. In a good way.

by Derek Bedry

by Lana Chunn

by Matt Roy

june 2011 Issue 23

MUSIC:notes

vanragazine #23

BOOK:notes

Garth Stein the art of racing in the rain

Isaac Asimov the foundation series

Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain has me convinced of something I’ve long suspected – that dogs understand far more than I give them credit for.

This is a familiar and simple story of life: the ups and downs, the wonder of falling in love and the pain of losing that love. What makes this tale different is that it is told from the ‘dog’seye’ point of view of Enzo, a terrier-cross.

The story begins at the end of Enzo’s life and, during his reflection on the past, we learn about his puppy-hood, how he was picked by Denny, the life they built, Enzo’s jealousy as Denny falls in love, the birth of a new family and the confusion as that same family falls apart.

Intermingled with this very human tale, and with a wry sense of humour, Enzo tells us of his love of Formula One racing and philosophy. He describes the joy of chasing a ball, the wonder of smells and his ultimate desire for a human body through reincarnation.

This is a well written narrative of families and life. The story is full of highs and lows; it is in turn funny, full of joy, incredibly sad but ultimately uplifting.

This is, quite simply, a fantastic book. V-Rag is giving away 5 copies to the first 5 people to join the Facebook group and post "Enzo Loves V-Rag".

See that geek across the bar? His thick rimmed glasses and sleek pocket protector getting you all hot and bothered? Haven't a clue what to say to him? Well, read the Foundation series from Isaac Asimov and I am sure you will find something to get the balls rolling.

The Foundation refers to all seven books in the series, but for summer reading start with the Foundation trilogy (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation), it's a great quick read. Set in a crumbling galactic empire, eons into the future, Asimov's tale curiously weaves through concise short stories evolving into a solidly engaging, thrilling, narrative.

The books follow the Plan laid out by Hari Seldon, a mathematician and psychologist who discovers how to accurately predict the future of vast groups of people. The results? The imminent destruction of humanity...

Unlike other fantastical novels, Foundation doesn't get weighed down in fine detail or useless jargon, but efficiently hashes out plot keeping you turning pages – not rereading them. It's not all warp fields and ray guns, but who wouldn't like that anyway?

So whether you want to impress your geek or just read some light science fiction, I recommend this series. There's even talk of a movie, directed by openly gay 2012 director Roland Emmerich.

by Jacqui Baille

36

by Toby Moisey

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photography: kate mclaren www.kate-mclaren.com styling: jason mccoll model: todd johnston clothing by: piss & vinegar, mogo wear available at: little sisters www.littlesisters.ca

vanragazine #23

LISTINGS saturday june 4 Fit For A Queen The annual "Vegas" style drag show in support of the Shooting Stars Foundation celebrates its 10th year! River Rock Theatre, 8811 River Rd. sunday june 12 Hair 2 Help Part(ed) 2 Symone hosts the second annual salons in support of Children's Wish Foundation at ginger62, 1279 Granville. tuesday june 21 An Horse Australian duo fronted by Kate Cooper and produced

42

30

by Sara Quin (Tegan & Sara).

The Biltmore, 395 Kingsway. friday june 24 Tee Off To Fight Bullying Golf 18 holes and enjoy a Westcoast Gala dinner in support of scholarships to combat bullying. University Golf Club, 5185 University Blvd. saturday june 25 East Side Pride Get your PRIDE on with Conni Smudge and Isolde N. Barron for an all day event in the heart of East Van! The first Pride event of the year!

Grandview Park, 1657 Charles.

thursday june 30 V-Rag 2 Year Anniversary Party w/ SIMONE DENNY Love Inc. diva Simone Denny headlines our 2nd Anniversary, hosted by Conni Smudge!

Ticket holders will receive a free 1 year subscription to V-Rag, as well as a swag bag valued at over $50! Door prizes courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel, Aveda Eco Chic, Lancome, CruiseyT, UVAB Tanning, & Little Sisters. Oasis, 1240 Thurlow. Buy tickets at www.v-rag.eventbrite.com

BLACKOUT MONDAYS LOCKERS $6, ROOMS $14

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

F212

Comedy Night: Tops & Bottoms

industry night w/ dj drew & g-luve

4U PERFORMING LIVE $3 DRINK SPECIALS

OH FUCK IT'S MONDAY

FREE POOL

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

dj dennis

KARAOKE & KEGGER NIGHT

Social @ 2PM $8 PITCHERS oasis lager

SUNDAY KEGGER

ALL DRINK SPECIALS ALL DAY

SUNDAY SPIN CYCLE W/ DJ NICK BERTOSSI

SCORE ON DAVIE

STEAMWORKS

Tuesdays

$2.50 HOTDOGS $2.50 CANS OF PBR

WELL LIQUOR SPECIALS

karaoke

DJ DEL-ICIOUS

GLEE TUESDAYS

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.

PUMPJACK

OASIS

NUMBERS

JUNCTION

J LOUNGE

VILLAGE SUNDAYS: DRAG SHOW

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

CHEAP SUNDAYS

Sundays

$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

Wednesdays

Fridays

LIGHTS OUT PARTY

$3 HIGHBALLS, $5 DOUBLES, $5 PIZZAS

ALL BEER, CIDERS & COOLERS ON SPECIAL

discolicious w/ dj mumbles & jay douglas

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

Thursdays

BEARS, BATH & BEYOND EVERY 4TH SATURDAY

BUCKETS OF CORONS $19

BLACK SATURDAY / SHOW YOUR STUFF

guys & dolls

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

Saturdays

NIGHTLIFE in VANCOUVER

V-rag

43

S Pa ss eaB en u ge s rF er ry

vanragazine #23

AWARD-WINNING DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER CONDO SPECIALIST Vancouver Aquarium

DE ENA SEAWALL PROM BAYSHORE

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

44

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26 27 28 29

Independent Flixx (976 Denman) J Lounge (1216 Bute) The Junction (1138 Davie) Little Sisters Bookstore (1238 Davie) M2M (1210 Granville) Masc Skincare (433 Davie) Mine Salon (177 E. Broadway) Numbers Cabaret (1042 Davie) Oasis (1240 Thurlow) Old G.M. Place - Now Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way) Pacific Cinematheque (200-1131 Howe) Pacific Sun Co. (1060 Davie) Pompadours Salon (1071 Denman) Priape (1148 Davie)

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

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MAIN

1 31

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june 2011 Issue 23

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HA ST IN G S

V-rag

Q&A

DJ Ntelect is the last word in deep, spiritual and vocal house tunes. This former vocalist for such producers as Andy Caldwell, Panevino, Eddie Amador, DeepSwing, Generate Music and Soul Planet Records gave up the mic to pursue the lifestyle of a DJ. The California transplant is bringing his soulful deep house to Vancouver at such nights as Kingdom (every Thursday at Shine), Desnudo at Club 23 West, and the V-Rag 2 Year Anniversary on June 30th at Oasis.

DJ

TOP TEN

1. Blaze – "Consequences" 2. S tephanie Cooke – "Our Love 3. The Layabouts – "Perfectly" 4. Chinahblac – "Til You Go Home" 5. MuthaFunkaz – "Under My Skin" 6. L isa Fischer – "Love Will Know" 7. D aryl d’Bonneau – "Revenge" 8. India – "I Can't Get No Sleep" 9. Zansika – "And I Know It" 10. T oni Braxton – "Make My Heart"

here in Vancouver. It’s very spiritual, the average person wouldn’t recognize any of the songs but I think they would find it very comfortable if they let go and just let the music move them.

Rock star moments?

Well, Eric Wickman (DeepSwing) gave me my first lesson about 12 years ago; of course that was with vinyl. . I have been around some of the best DJ’s – man I got my education from people like Tony Humphries, Eddie Amador, Master Kev, Jamie G, Terry Hunter, David Harness, so it’s been in me forever. I decided to retire from singing in 2006 to pursue DJing and so that’s what I’ve been doing, even if it wasn’t on a global scale.

Years ago at a club called Out in the Sticks in Manchester, England, I went to hear one of my dearest friends David Wareing of RedSoul spin and word got out in the club that I was in the house. My song “Takin Me Higher” by DeepSwing was hitting the UK charts like mad at the time, and I got totally mobbed and had to be rushed off of the dance floor to the DJ booth by security.

I couldn’t believe it, and you would think that I would have felt like I had finally made it, but I was pissed because I wanted to keep dancing.

Favourite gig(s)?

DJ nightmare?

By far Desnudo – but I start a new night at Shine and I really look forward to making that night special. To me it’s like cooking dinner for folks.

I’m inviting people to sit at my table and to taste what I put together just for them. As a vocalist, wow I’ve sung in so many cool venues but I’d have to say the most memorable was at The End Up (Fag Fridays) in San Francisco during Gay Pride. It was a packed house and I couldn’t believe how many people came out to see me. When I heard them singing along with me, I lost it for a minute (emotionally) because I realized that people listen even if it doesn’t register on the charts.

Oh god, my first night at Shine. I think maybe three people came out to support – it was humbling to say the least.

What kind of music do you play?

DJ Ntelect plays every Thursday at Shine and the next Club Desnudo is July 31 at Club 23 West. Check him out at the V-Rag Anniversary June 30 at Oasis. www.djntelect.info www.clubdesnudo.info

When did you start DJing?

46

dj ntelect

photo by adam andrew caldwell photo by david lewis

vanragazine #23

The best way to describe it is NYC/Chicago deep vocal spiritual house music. It’s very foreign

Musical inspirations?

I love love love Martha Wash, Sylvester, Tortured Souls, and Journey haha – I know that’s soooo odd but I love Steve Perry.

What are your future plans?

To take over Vancouver and make everyone do and wear what I tell them to ('cept the girls). V

V-rag V a n R a g a z i n e

TwoYear Anniversary '90s Dance Party June 30

Sw ag

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im 9: 00 ba pm of on L gs e w , d Ju ove De ith oo ne I nc n rp . n riz 30 es at & B y an O KS a d m sis o

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or rs te om Sis e.c le rit itt ntb t L ve s a g.e et ra ck .vTi ww

Come celebrate 2 Years of V-Rag with host Conni Smudge, Symone, DjG-Luve, DJ Mumbles, DJ Ntelect and our favourite house diva Simone Denny! 1240 Thurlow S A L O N

&

ecochic@shaw.ca

S P A

250.383.2832