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

may 2011 issue 22

YELLE

todd johnston nina arsenault mogo maxx dj miss m

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

V-rag

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V a n R a g a z i n e

may2011

04 editor's note

Another star-studded issue this month

06 mogo maxx

Our very first interview with a superhero

08 nina arsenault

The Lofters to KinK, she knows how to WORK!

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todd johnston

14

yelle

Meet this year's Gay Top Model

French pop trio that makes us go oooh la la

20 1 girl 5 gays: juan

Q&A with MTV star Juan Gonzales

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club:notes

24

calendar of events

26

joan-e's rag

27

cotton around town

The Oasis unveils its brand new night

The city's most comprehensive calendar

Givin' Em Head

April showers, but May deflowers...

wayoutwest 28

Download MobileTag and let's get started!

good time charlie 30

Charlie David goes to Kwa-zulu Natal

health & wellness 32 Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

film:notes 34

I Love You Philip Morris, Hanna

music:notes 35

Lady Gaga, The Kills, Peter Bjorn & John

boys & girls 36

Girls who are boys who like boys to be girls

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 miss m 46

q&a: Please welcome this Vancouver newcomer

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may 2011 Issue 22

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vanragazine #22

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

With over 20,000 monthly readers, V-Rag Magazine is Vancouver's largest monthly gay & lesbian publication.

Music, film, arts and culture, all with a homoclectic flare!

Become a fan to be entered into exclusive monthly contests and draws; just email us fans@v-rag.com

LIKE US! v-rag

FOLLOW US!

@vanragazine

Editor's

Note

We're finally getting ourselves out of the winter doldrums, Spring is in full swing! In not too long, Pride and the North America OutGames will invade Vancouver, and I personally can't wait! Not that there isn't a lot happening until then. Grammy-award winning DJ David Guetta will be bringing his banging electro pop sounds to Van on May 22!

Join the V-Rag Facebook group for a chance to win a pair of tickets to that sold-out show, and look for our interview with him next month!

In this issue, the lovely living legend Nina Arsenault sat down with Michael Venus to chat about art, politics and practicing magic... Get to know Gay Top Model winner Todd Johnston... And French pop sensation Yelle took some time out of their busy touring schedule to show us some love. If you haven't already, buy their new album; it's been on repeat at the V-Rag offices all month!

Be sure to mark June 30th on your calendars, we'll be celebrating our 2 Year Anniversary and you're all invited! Canadian House diva Simone Denny of Love Inc. and BKS will headline the festivities at Oasis. Early bird tickets available at www.v-rag.eventbrite.com. More info to come... V Editor & Art Director Cole Johnston • cole@v-rag.com Editorial Contributors John Britton Lana Chunn Miss Cotton Charlie David Rob Farrow Jason Goodwin Joan-E Cole Johnston Jason Keller Pop Trash Addict Mike Matt Roy Michael Venus Printed by East Van Graphics

Publisher Cole Johnston Design Art & Photography Gregoire Alexandre David Hawe Nicholas Jang David Lewis Kate McLaren modelnv.com mogowear.com MTV Canada Bob Onoshi George Quaintance Cover Photo by Nicholas Jang

Copy deadline for the June issue is May 22. Ad space is available until May 26 and can be booked by calling 604-831-8179 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.

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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www.v-rag.com

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At Coast Capital Savings,® you really are the boss. That’s why one of our Mobile Mortgage Specialists, like David Hudson, will come to wherever you are, whenever it works for you. He’ll even bring you our flexible new You’re the Boss™ Mortgage. Give David a call. He’d love to help.

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image courtesy of mogowear.com

vanragazine #22

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V-rag

Maxx

T

by Cole Johnston

his is pretty exciting for me, I'm not gonna lie. I've never interviewed a superhero before, let alone a cartoon superhero! MOGOMaxx is Canada's newest advocate for young people struggling with their sexuality, bullying, depression, or anything that a GLBTQ teen faces growing up. With the support of the LOUD Foundation, Out in Schools and MOGO Wear, a new face to anti-homophobia has arrived.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I’m just an average guy. I’m an architect by trade but I’m also a gay advocate for LGBT youth struggling with their sexuality or who have trouble with bullies. I guess I’m also a little bit of a superhero.

A superhero? Do you have special powers?

I try to keep those a secret, but I do have a mission.

What is your mission?

I want to be a role model for youth who are struggling with bullying or their sexuality. I want to raise awareness and be there for them when times are tough. This doesn’t stay within city limits but goes out to rural areas as well.

I want them to be able to know they have someone out there who is on their side when they feel like they are all alone.

guess he’s like my little sidekick or “partner in crime” as you call it. I’m also really close with my mom, MOGO T. She’s been known to get her hands dirty from time to time. The three of us work pretty well as a team.

So how can the community get involved and help support what you stand for?

Well, the good folks at MOGO have created a t-shirt dedicated to me so you can purchase the t-shirt from their website. The proceeds go to support what I stand for. You can also be my friend on Facebook and follow my team on Twitter. But most importantly, your support starts with being an advocate yourself against bullying. Even the smallest amount can unleash your Maxx-imum potential. V www.mogowear.com

AWARD-WINNING DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER CONDO SPECIALIST

How are you going to get your message out there?

There are a few ways to keep in touch with me. I am just starting to get into this social media game so I have a Twitter page and Facebook so you can add me as a friend or follow my tweets. You can also follow MOGOHump and MOGO T. I send out inspirational messages twice a day and respond to messages and @ replies all the time. I also want to reach out to kids in schools so I’ll be working with other organizations and charities to get the message out there. Keep a look out for me.

Do you have a partner in crime?

MOGOHump is my best friend. We’ve known each other ever since we were little kids. I

www.blairsmith.ca 604.313.8732 HELPING YOU MAKE ALL THE RIGHT MOVES.

may 2011 Issue 22

Mogo

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photos by david hawe

vanragazine #22

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Arsenault

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by Michael Venus

ina Arsenault is a trans-discipline artist whose work has blurred the lines between artist and art, character and actor and reality and performance. She has worked in live performance, video, photography and popular national media. Nina has seduced a nation with her wit and charm, not to mention her "Barbie" body, which she continues to shape into the body she wants. This educated living doll fills us in on her passions and drive to be herself and why she is becoming such an icon.

You studied theatre at York and continue to do a lot of stage work including The Silicone Diaries and I was Barbie. Tell us about those projects.

The Silicone Diaries is a one-woman show about my quest for inner and outer beauty through sixty cosmetic surgeries and procedures. It's a pretty accessible theatre piece, although it is very intense emotionally. The Toronto production had people fainting as well as vomiting in the audience. But other parts of the show are very funny. People find the story about how rocker Tommy Lee tried to pick me up hilarious, and I sometimes crack myself up when I'm telling it. I Was Barbie is my second play. It is about the night I was asked by Mattel to represent Barbie at her official 50th birthday party in Toronto. I've told it in different ways because some parts of it are really like a fairy tale. Other parts of it are very Hunter S. Thompson.

I first saw you when you appeared on The Lofters, and from there you have done a fair amount of television work. Will we be seeing more of you on the tube?

Actually, I have turned down three television series in the last twelve months as well as two feature film roles. I am concentrating on my artistic work – my own autobiographical plays, my video work and photographic self-portraiture. I am still interested in doing TV and film but only if the roles are very well-written. Otherwise, I write and create my own work to act in. On film, TV and even in literature there

are few characterizations of trans people that I really admire. I won't do something I don't believe in just to be on national TV. I am interested in making art.

Over the past decade we have seen a real shift in seeing more and more transexuals on television and in the media. What are your thoughts on that, and what do you think the next decade will bring?

I think it's great that there are transexuals in the media. I'd like for people to realize that there are a lot of different types of ways to be transgendered and this seems like a very good medium to disseminate that. Also, I don't really have a problem with transgendered people being represented in such banal ways in the media as I think that almost everyone is represented in a pretty rigid way in mainstream media. From my point of view, the BBC has always led the way for putting interesting queer people on TV. My aesthetic sensibilities are much more edgy than anything I see on Canadian television lately.

You were a part of Idea City 10. How was that experience and how did it come to be?

Basically, I got an email from Moses Znaimer personally asking me to come and speak at his annual conference of extraordinary thinkers and doers. It was a fabulous experience. Znaimer's team had everything so well coordinated from beginning to end – the technical aspects of things, camera angles, assistants, and schmooze parties so the speakers could meet the participants at the end of the day to discuss the ideas. All executed with elegance and panache. He's incredibly grounded and brilliant at everything he attempts.

I met so many accomplished people from so many different fields of work; architects, sexologists, magazine editors, film producers, intellectuals, academics, pornographers and media artists. I felt like I was in a room with so many people who are interested in pushing culture further. People who are interested in the avant-garde, interested in what comes next, interested in being trail-blazers.

may 2011 Issue 22

Nina

V-rag

vanragazine #22 Do you practice magic?

My drama and writing mentor Judith Rudakoff once told me that magic is simply energy and will directed at change. That is the best definition for magic that I have ever heard of.

What do you have planned for the next year?

I am working on a video piece with a hot young director and artist named Jordan Tannahil. He is going to be an international talent. He is major!

Silicone Diaries is touring to Ottawa to be a part of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival and will play in Vancouver in 2012. I'm doing a lot of photographic self-portraits with the help of some amazing photographers like Bruce LaBruce and Neil Mota. It's a dream to work with people who I consider to be among the top artists in Canada as well as the top provocateurs because I think that art, especially queer art, should be provocative. I'm also working on another video project called Ophelia/Machine about sadomasochism and sexual objectification. That piece will probably be in development for a long time, at least another eighteen months.

What is your advice for young trans people who want to break into the biz?

The sex biz or show business? Either way: make your own work. V www.ninaarsenault.com

V-rag

june 2010 Issue 12

Tanning

at the Speed of Light

Formerly Pacific Sun Co.

Come in and check out our new look!

WESTEND / DOWNTOWN 1060 Davie Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1M3 604-331-8267

Find us on FACEBOOK! UVAB Tanning

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photo by nicholas jang

vanragazine #22

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Johnston

T

by Jason Goodwin

he votes have been tallied and this year's winner of the 4th annual Gay Top Model competition is Todd Johnston!

This 6'0 tall, handsome 27-year-old is a smalltown boy at heart, from Nelson, B.C. He took a few minutes to chat with us about his recent win, and shows us that nice guys finish... first!

Congrats on your win and becoming the 2011 Gay Top Model! How has the response been in the last few days? Feeling any different?

Everyone has been really great and positive.

I'm not to sure if it has really fully sunk in yet, but I’m feeling grateful and thankful for the whole experience.

What did you find surprising or unexpected about the competition after entering?

Winning! I really didn't think I was going to win. I was also surprised about how well we all got along, and how uncomplicated the whole three months where.

If you had to lose to someone in the competition, who would you have wanted to lose to?

I really wouldn't have minded losing to any one of the guys! They're all great and I could see any of them winning for different reasons.

I’ve thought that since day one.

Who do you look up to in the GLBT community?

Ellen (of course), and my great friends Rod, Brian and Clint. They have all really helped me with my whole coming out process, and where a great support throughout the entire competition.

What's your favourite memory from the last three months of Gay Top Model?

The ten minutes before we went on stage of the finale at the River Rock. Just gathering around together and realizing this is what we had been working so hard for over the last three months. It was finally here.

Was there ever any drama during the competition? Anything juicy you can divulge?

What happens in Richmond... Stays in Richmond! Haha... No, why, what did you hear?

What do you hope to do with your new title?

Bring tougher controls and regulations on guns... Oh, and world peace. Haha not really...

Actually, I hope that I could be a role model or a positive influence on someone struggling to come out, and being true to themselves.

Future plans?

Just to take each day as it comes and to live life and enjoy the moments that come with it. V As part of the Gay Top Model prize, Todd has won an exclusive photo shoot with V-Rag, photographed

by Kate McLaren. Look for it in the next issue. www.gaytopmodel.com

may 2011 Issue 22

Todd

V-rag

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photos by gregoire alexandre

vanragazine #22

B

uoyant. Brash. Exhibitionist.

Melancholy?

French dance-pop purveyors Yelle returned this month with Safari Disco Club: A surprising new album that goes beyond the sweet-and-tart ... (more) cocktail of their 2007 debut Pop-Up, adding a layer of experience over all that indulgent innocence.

A new layer of emotion too, a chance to “dance and cry at the same time” as producer/ mastermind GrandMarnier admits it.

The world first met Yelle through “Je Veux Te Voir”, an explicit but fun-loving girl-on-boy diss track with an edgy electro beat that made everyone within earshot hit the dance floor.

Despite being sung entirely in French – as is all their music – the hit rocketed the band to international stardom, and gained them a dedicated fan base of downtown artists, fashionistas, and nouveau club kids.

Yelle is named after and fronted by Yelle, née Julie Budet, a sparkplug gamine with a deceptively demure schoolgirl voice. GrandMarnier (born Jean-François Perrier) and Tepr add the electro-beats, disco-inspired loops and inescapable hooks to her speak-sung lyrics.

If Pop-Up was a breakout debut set of bawdy pop, Safari Disco Club will reintroduce Yelle in a whole new way. The album goes where all sophomore efforts should: deeper, with more sonic and emotional diversity, an increasingly definitive style, and the poise of a band maturing and hitting its stride.

“Pop-Up was produced differently; we did ‘Je Veux Te Voir’ first, then we waited two or three months, then started another song,” says GrandMarnier. “Safari Disco Club is a more fluid, cohesive album that you can listen to from the first track to the last.”

The band used some of the time between albums to collaborate with other artists they admired: They swapped covers with Robyn (Yelle covered Robyn’s “Who’s That Girl”; Robyn covered their “A Cause Des Garçons”); remixed Katy Perry and worked with dance

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by Cole Johnston production duo Crookers on the track “Couleur Cooler”, which rocked dance floors in nightclubs on both sides of the Atlantic.

But the majority of their two years off the road was spent on Safari Disco Club. We caught up with Yelle's frontwoman to hear about the new album, the tour, and her wild and colourful fashion.

Safari Disco Club is hot off the presses. How would you describe your new album?

That's a short but big question haha! Safari Disco Club is a safari of dual-taste songs.

Emotion and dance, hot and cold, rhythms and harmonies, lightness and depth. Listen to it, Safari Disco Club!

In what ways does it differ from your first album Pop-Up? We had been touring for 3 years after the first album, all around the world, we had so many memories in mind, so many emotions, so many parties. We took a year to work on the new songs, we've been really focused. Pop-Up was created in a different context, after work and on and weekends, as we had day jobs at the time!

Who do you draw inspiration from as an artist?

Life. It's a bit cliché to say that but it’s so true. We don't get inspired by other musicians; moods, atmospheres, environment are what inspire us most... it can be a logo, a movie, a song, a burger, a car drive, anything!

You've got a pretty intense tour starting this month. What are your favourite things about touring and what could you do without?

Touring is the best way to feel your music alive.

So this feeling is our favourite thing. And for sure meeting people, trying new food, being in that crazy energy is so stimulating. It's also a great way to be super happy when you finally get back home, kind of a perfect balance, even if it's physically very hard sometimes, making a life of what you love most is a dream.

may 2011 Issue 22

Yelle

V-rag

vanragazine #22

What's your favourite song to perform live?

I don't have any as our live set is built to be the perfect progression of our songs, it's each time the best moment to play the song we are actually playing! I love the intro, “S'éteint le soleil” (which means when the sun disappears), because it's the beginning!

Your tour will bring you to Vancouver in May. Is this your first time performing in our rainy city?

Nope, we played there for the 2008 tour. I love the city!

How would you say the North American market reacts differently from the European market to your sound?

Hard to say. Easier to talk about countries, more than continents! Americans are really direct, it's “yes let's party!”, from the start, to the end. French are more progressive, a bit shy, they need to be seduced, it's a slower “process”. Hispanic people are super over excited! Intense! It's really interesting, I could write a book about all the different crowds!

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From music videos to photo spreads, your style is so unique. Any favourite fashion designers or stylists that we should be looking out for?

Well, Jean-Paul Lespagnard – a young Belgian designer and a friend – he was already responsible for the style in the “Ce Jeu” music video a couple of years ago. He’s designed the Safari Disco Club outfits you can see on the new album artwork.

We also use some of the outfits in the videos, and some Brian Lichtenberg clothes too! So, yes, you should definitely look out for Jean-Paul Lespagnard!

You've done some great collaborations over the years with stars like Katy Perry and Riot in Belgium. What was your favourite collaboration? Can we expect more in the future?

Collabs are always cool. If I feel there’s no fun in what’s proposed, I just don't do them. They are never planned.

Is there anyone that you're dying to collaborate with?

Dave Gahan!

Other than the new album and the tour, what can fans hope for in the future?

Is North America a harder nut to crack based on the language difference?

A country music covers EP haha. V

No! North American people are super open to the language difference! I think they really like hearing new sounds!

Yelle's Safari Disco Club is out now on iTunes. See their electro pop bliss at the Commodore on May 13! www.yelle.fr

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

TwoYear Anniversary 90s Dance Party June 30

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m co e. rit tb en ev g. ra .vw

Th Si m ur G et s Yo da of on Lo e y ur v Ea Ju De with rly ne e In Bi c. nn rd 30 y a & Ti ck t O BK S et s N asi s o

w Come celebrate 2 Years of V-Rag with host Conni Smudge, Symone, DjG-Luve, DJ Mumbles, and our favourite house diva Simone Denny! www.v-rag.com

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

vanragazine #22

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vanragazine #22

V-rag

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Q&A: juan Britney or Gaga?

Fresh off of their nomination at the 2011 Newnownext Awards, 1 girl 5 gays is blowing up internationally. Let's get to know this week's gay: Juan M. Gonzalez!

What scares you the most?

Considering I live far away from my family, I’m always worried about their well being. I’m not really scared of something happening to me as much as I am of it happening to them. I’m also scared of sharks. Jaws traumatized me as a kid. I seriously couldn’t even swim in a pool for a whole year.

Gaga. Britney just doesn’t do anything for me.

At first I wasn’t too crazy about Gaga (I hate “Just Dance”) but she eventually won me over.

I think she’s fantastic.

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

JP – not only is he really smart, but he’s also very caring. He always stands for the right thing and isn’t scared to share his point of view. He would be great in a debate – that boy argues very well, especially after a night at the bar.

How would you describe the show in 5 words?

Brave, Sexy, Educational, Honest and Colourful.

Nikki Minaj or Lil' Kim?

Favourite thing for Sunday Bunch?

Neither are really my cup of tea, but they’re both very talented young ladies.

Usually I have a Caesar to help me with the hangover. After that, I love me some buttermilk blueberry pancakes. There’s a place in Toronto called Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, and they make the best pancakes I’ve ever had.

I even got the recipe. Now I’m totally going to come across as a fatty in this interview.

Deal with it.

Superhero crush?

Superman; He’s got the best hair and a cape. Not just a cape, but a red cape. It’s all about colour.

Flowers or chocolate?

Flowers and chocolate. I believe you can have it all.

What's playing on your iPod right now?

Cause you stand for with all your heart?

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

There are many causes I stand for, but as a gay man it’s hard not to prioritize the fight for gay rights in this moment. From Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, to the anti-gay laws in Uganda… We’ve got it pretty great here in Canada, so it’s important for us to care and support our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. V

Does it have to be another lesbian? I could see her dating someone like Rashida Jones, who I don’t think is a lesbian. Still, they would make the most fun and the hottest couple.

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

I’m still not over Adele’s 21 album, but right now I’m obsessed with this Spanish band called El Guincho. Their album Pop Negro is going to be the soundtrack to my summer.

may 2011 Issue 22

1girl 5gays

vanragazine #22

photo by bob onoshi

CLUB: notes

The Oasis serving up boys & Booze 1240 Thurlow St. (at Davie)

Times are changing at Oasis, as many of you may have already heard. Fridays are now, like, so homosexual. The brand new Friday party to hit Vancouver is – you guessed it – Gay Fridays. Makes sense, considering all the hot shirtless bar boys, pounding dance music, sweaty club kids and rotating DJs Nick Bertossi and Zach Shore. It's a far cry from the piano bar of yesteryear. But we're not complaining.

Mondays are gaining steam with Ryan Steele and Gingerbear Todd hosting the hilarious Oh Fuck It's Monday Show. Weekly guests have included Vera Way, Darcy Michael, Matthew Presidente,

BOARDING THE MV BRITANNIA AT 3:30PM

Raye Sunshine, Spandy Andy, Jerome Mandrake... and some insane dancing man... DJ Mumbles provides the tunes, which he also does on Thursday nights. The new Discolicious is Vancouver's answer to the old Saturday night parties at Shine.

Classic house is served up hot and pumping from DjG-Luve and Jay Douglas.

June 30th marks V-Rag's 2 Year Anniversary Party at Oasis. Hosted by Conni Smudge and featuring the legendary house diva Simone Denny of Love Inc. and BKS fame, our '90s dance party will be the ultimate birthday celebration! V

#501 Denman Street CRUISE 4 -8 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 29th

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Adv. $30 tickets @ Cruiseyt.com | Little Sisters | Priape

UNLEASH YOUR MAXX-IMUM POTENTIAL MOGOMAXX T-SHIRT PARTIAL PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT

WWW.MOGOWEAR.COM

This month's artwork: George Quaintance was a highly influential artist from the early to mid 1900's who painted the male physique.

He inspired an entire generation of gay artists, including G.B. Jones and Tom of Finland. This piece is one of his most famous works, from 1953, just four years before his death. Join the V-Rag Facebook group for your chance to win a limited edition hard cover book of his work.

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Election Day! Vote Baby Vote!

Vancouver & B.C.

Charlie Sheen Live @ Rogers Arena

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Black Out Mondays @ F212

Oh Fuck It's Monday @ The Oasis

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Tops & Bottoms @ J Lounge

Hot Mondays Latin Fiesta @ Celebrities

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Karaoke @ Paparazzi, Victoria

4U Mondays @ Numbers

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Elektric Circus @ The Cobalt

Fitz & The Tantrums @ Venue

Join Vancouver Men in Leather @ Priape

Apocalypstick @ The Cobalt

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Emily Carr Degree Exhibition @ Emily Carr University

The Kills @ The Commodore

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Social Sundays @ Oasis

Walk A Myelin Our Shoes Fundraiser @ CBC Studios

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VML HARD Leather Fetish Ball @ Five Sixty

David Guetta @ Van Convention Centre

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CruiseyT 20th Kick Off Cruise @ 501 Denman St.

Aloe Blacc @ Fortune Sound Club

Monday

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Sunday

Adele @ The Orpheum

Tuesdays at Celebrities @ Celebrities

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Ballet BC @ Vancouver Art Gallery

Buddy Tuesdays @ F212

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QMUNITY Breakfast @ Floata Restaurant

Annual Day Against Homophobia Vancouver & B.C.

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James Blunt @ The Centre

The You Show @ The Cultch

10 – Opening Night

Chill @ 1181

Tuesdays at Celebrities @ Celebrities

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Tuesday

We Like Boys @ The Helm

Cocky Thursdays @ 1181

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Discolicious @ Oasis

Steve Lawler @ Fortune Sound Club

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VMC Duets: Two Fabulous @ Performance Works

Hair Spray: The Musical @ The Stanley Theatre

Lykke Li @ The Vogue

Sarah Wheeler @ St. James Hall

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Krafty Kuts & Deekline @ Gossip

Gay Fridays: It's So Homosexual @ Oasis

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Yelle @ The Commodore

VML Leather Night @ Numbers

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SPIT - Seis De Mayo @ The ANZA Club

Mark Knight @ Celebrities

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Friday

Big Primpin' w/ DJ Miss M @ Pub 340

Give My Regards to Broadway @ Kay Meek Centre

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Noir Fetish Ball @ The Cobalt

Saturgay @ Five Sixty

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Big Primpin' w/ DJ Miss M @ Pub 340

POW: Trash Edition @ The Cobalt

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Men Without Hats @ Venue

Sprung @ Five Sixty

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Saturday

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

12 – Opening Night

6th Annual Burlesque Festival @ Rickshaw Theatre

Mother Mother @ The Commodore

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Thursday

may2011

Usher w/ Akon @ Rogers Arena

Toolbox Wednesday @ The Pumpjack

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15th Annual Bingo For Life @ Celebrities

Night at the Indies @ Cafe Deux Soleils

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Peter Bjorn & John @ Venue

Wiired Wednesdays @ 1181

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Gift of Gab @ Bar None

Live Bands @ J Lounge

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Wednesday

vanragazine #22

joan-e's

givin' em head

I

recently had the pleasure of being one of the lucky invited guests to the 11th Anniversary party for the Fountainhead Pub. Not only was it the "Steel" Anniversary of the infamous Davie Street pub, but also the unveiling of their recent renovations. Suffice it to say, the party was an absolute success and the revelation of the "new" Fountainhead did not disappoint.

As I was standing in line (the invited guests were lined up down to Burrard before the start time of 5:30pm), I took a moment to reflect over the Fountainhead's history. I remembered back when the space was a CIBC and, upon its closing, the rumours that a gay space might open up. I remember being one of hundreds that signed petitions and went to City Hall to support the pub when it was feared that once again our "small town mentality" Civic Council would kybosh the whole thing. It took the Fountainhead a long time, a lot of money, even more patience and the help of a village before the pub in fact opened its doors.

When The Fountainhead finaly opened for business, it filled a void left by The loss of The Royal and the legendary Castle Pub on Granville.

The FH, under the management of the fantastic Derek White, has always found the right combination of product, prices and people, which is the simple yet near-impossible secret to success in the food and beverage industry.

Much happy history has been made within the walls of the Fountainhead. There have been many Pride pancake breakfasts, countless sporting events, Oscar parties, and thousands of birthdays. The Fountainhead Christmas Drag Show continues to be our community's biggest holiday fundraiser. And who will ever forget the roar that went up in the Fountainhead when Crosby scored the final gold medal winning goal during the final hockey match during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games? (or all the dishy Russian servicemen who "accidently" made the FH their home during said Games!)

26

photos by nicholas jang www.double-take2.ca

rag

There has been sadness too... On March 13th 2009, the Fountainhead forever changed when longtime pub regular and FH friend Ritchie Dowrey was brutally attacked inside the pub.

It changed more than just the Fountainhead, it changed our community too. Fag bashings were not new, but they had never happened inside one of our "houses" in that way before. Eventually a man was sentenced to six years in prison.

The FH staff and supporters were there to support Ritchie and his family every day of the trail.

Today, the Fountainhead looks very different.

The carpet is replaced, the bar refurbished, and the infamous "crotch" paintings are, at least for now, in storage. The FH has produced a warm, cool clean space that is more timeless, much slicker, and is way more functional, while retaining a cozy local pub feel. The Fountainhead didn't really need to renovate. Afterall, they have hardly any competition in our meager LGBT market and business has been brisk. I, however, am glad they did. In a community where venues often give us so little and expect so much support, it is nice to see a business taking pride in itself and adapting to offer its best possible self... and in this case, they have succeeded. Well played Fountainhead! V Check out more of Joan-E's Rag on www.v-rag.com

V-rag

27

miss cotton around town

S

pring is fully upon us and this is when Vancouver really comes to life! You can almost smell the summer heat and fabulocity of memorable times to come! Mother MAY I? Before we dive into what happening this month here in Vancity, I have to give a quick shout out to all who were involved with the 17th installment of Wiggle. All the performers were top notch and brought the house down, the creations were out of this world and the crowd was definitely appreciative of the spectacle they witnessed. Things started off with a huge electric bang with Pussy Willow’s live Theremin collaboration. Carlotta tore us a new one, Conni Smudge shook it, while House of La Douche shocked it with their brilliant dance mash-up.

Burgundy Brixx gave us some old skool burlesque while Crystal Precious rapped us some new skool.

The live vocal of Afrodisia shot shivers down spines, while Robyn Graves worked it out. Project Runway Canada’s first season winner and designer extraordinaire Evan Biddell made an onstage appearance (and one of my outfits) while Canadian art star Douglas Coupland enjoyed some backstage antics.

Oi to the vey, I am already thinking about next year!

Back in the Village, things are saucy at Oasis, which will have a bright and happening patio all summer long to take in golden rays at. Junction

works their nightshade patio and things get bumping late night – almost every night. My very favourite happening spot on the strip is always 1181, where the boys are gorge, the music is always good, the crowd is a diverse gang, and (most importantly) always at least one free glass of wine bought by some little darling angel... Hint hint...

Something truly genius, a bit like “drag” for girls, showcases at the 6th Annual International Burlesque Festival. Happening May 5th to 8th, the event will be held at some killer venues like the Rickshaw and the Vogue. The local talent alone is amazeballs, but they are stalked to the tits (with pasties) with utterly fantastical show-stoppers.

My favourite places lately have been the stunning and massive Fluevog mothership on Water Street in Gastown. The space is beyond and the shoes are spectacular with a very diverse selection of styles, both classic and modern. Loves it, and Fluevog Shoes make Vancouver look so cool abroad! My favourite lunch spot as of late has to be Gorilla Food, a raw vegan restaurant with some extremely tasty treats. I like to say I'm a raw vegan (I'm not, although I do eat lots of raw vegan food). I do it cuz it sounds cool and I like the attention. xo, Miss Cotton. V www.houseofvenus.com www.youtube.com/misscottontv

vanragazine #22

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: Going Down In LA - LA Land www.tinyurl.com/vrag75

The latest feature film from director Casper Andreas based on the novel by Andy Zeffer.

A riveting and uncensored look at Hollywood.

Adam (Matthew Ludwinski) moves from New York to LA to become famous and starts his journey on the boulevard of broken dreams.

WATCH: Judas Kiss - Exclusive Scene www.tinyurl.com/vrag76

Zachary Wells (Charlie David) confronts film student Danny Reyes (Richard Harmon), who he's convinced can't be real, in the time-bending campus sci fi-drama. Directed

by J.T. Tepnapa, written and produced by Carlos Pedraza. www.judaskissmovie.com WATCH: Daniel Garofali - Pretty in Pastels www.tinyurl.com/vrag77

Behind the scenes with a wayoutwest.tv favourite, Australian model Daniel Garofali in a Paul Gunn photo shoot. Daniel shoots and edits all his behind the scenes videos himself, tinting this clip with pastels. Creative and beautiful, just the way we like 'em.

WATCH: Angry Boys - Jen Okasaki www.tinyurl.com/vrag78

Another leaked clip of Chris Lilley's upcoming HBO series Angry Boys. One of the 6 new characters is Jen Okasaki, a Tiger Mom whose son Tim is a skateboarding champion. She decides that Tim's career needs a marketing twist. Gay-style. Airs this summer on HBO. WATCH: eCUPID

www.tinyurl.com/vrag79

Marshall is a cocky young ad executive who takes everything for granted. He is in a dead-end job, turning 30, and his seven-year relationship is stuck in rut. A birthday wish brings a mysterious phone app into his life that is guaranteed to help him find love.

WATCH: Wiggle 17 Billboard on Hornby St www.tinyurl.com/vrag80

28

Hey Andy did you hear about this one? Hey baby, are you losing touch... A promo video for Wiggle 17 using visual effects. The billboard isn't for real but we were surprised at how many thought it was. We even got a call about how much $$$ it cost. Ha!

free every Monday

The westend will never be the same once you’’ve peed yourself silly at the Oasis Ultra Lounge.

Ryan Steelein

Oh Fit’s**k Monday show

Gingerbear Todd presents an iotaCreative.ca production a Ryan Steele show Ryan Steele Darcy Michael Amy Goodmurphy Yuzuru Yabuki 1240 9pm drink great Food Oasis Ultra Lounge 7 -every Monday special Cosmopolitan really Samantha Mack Gingerbear Todd and Special Guests videoskitschby1960’s Lounge Thurlow

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vanragazine #22

good time CHARLIE

by Charlie David

I

n Cape Town, South Africa I met a handsome (think of your fantasy crush and multiply that by 20) gent named Johan. He and his two best mates have started a program called Wildlife Act, which monitors endangered species like the wild dog, black rhino and cheetah. The program is great for tourists who want to volunteer some time, have a more hands on safari experience and assist in the protection of these incredible animals. Africa has over 400 known species of endangered animals and the tracking and monitoring of these endangered species is a critical step in their conservation. Johan invited me up to Mkuze Game Reserve, which is a 40,000 hector stretch of land in Kwa-zulu Natal.

Obviously I said I'd be on the next plane to Durban, not just because I wanted to see Johan in his ranger gear – okay, well that may have played into the equation – but for the most part I was driven by my insatiable curiosity and passion for advanced hands-on educational experiences. Will you buy that? [No. – editor] Johan looked good in his khakis and it was easy to listen attentively for hours as he and his friend Simon (also a fox in ranger's clothing) explained their mission.

Essentially the goal is placing radio

30

collars on members of the wild dog pack, the cheetahs and drilled into the horns of rhino. Then, using a transmitter, they are able to go out daily and monitor the activities of the animals – from what they are eating, to mating habits, to the terrain they are traversing.

Voluntourists can come for anywhere from a week to a few months at a time and help drive this important initiative. And let me tell you – it's up close and personal. I walked with the cheetah as they stalked zebra, helped feed wild dogs a nyala (a spiral horned African antelope) and put my tracker training to use to locate a lion in the early evening.

There are holidays where one lies on a beach with a margarita, and then there are holidays when you have an opportunity to change the world... and along the way change yourself.

Working with the boys and girls at Wildlife Act was a playcation I'll never forget, and the game viewing was astounding (Johan and Simon included). 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

vanragazine #22

HEALTH T

he new work being done in the world of sex research tells us that we need to do more than just hand out condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STI’s. Many people still do not use condoms.

Latex allergies, lack of sensation, and social or cultural factors are realities for some, which prevent them from using condoms. So this month I decided to pass on some additional tips to reduce the risk of infection… and, no, I’m not talking about just putting in the tip.

Condom Alternatives Latex allergies are becoming more common. For these people, polyurethane condoms are readily available if you are willing to spend a little more at your local well-stocked drug store. Polyurethane condoms do not stretch very well. Therefore, they may restrict a larger penis and slide off a thinner one. Choose the right size of condom for you or your partner.

Know Your Lubes Recent studies have shown that many water-based lubes are toxic to rectal cells and can increase chances of infection by up to three times compared with other lubes. Silicone lube is arguably the safest, although about double the price. If you are using a condom, stay away from the Crisco. Oil-based lube works well for anal play but it is corrosive and damaging to condoms. Check out the large selection of lubes at Little Sisters (1238 Davie Street) and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Don’t Have Sex While Drunk or High Think of this the same way you think of driving while drunk. It is just not smart. Make a commitment to yourself to have sex only when you are in the frame of mind to make intelligent and informed decisions.

Be Assertive and Ask Questions Check your self esteem, anxiety level, and impulse control. It is essential that you are comfortable and confident enough to ask the right questions. Ask about HIV status and STI’s. Your partner will respect you more for it. Be ready for rejection if your partner is not prepared to be honest. You should feel empowered to say no to sex. Don’t be manipulated. If you need help preparing your assertiveness, controlling your anxiety in social situations, building your self esteem, or dealing with rejection in the dating world, you might want to

32

photo courtesy of modelnv.com

& wellness

by Jason Keller

consider accessing some of the services which are made available to you. You are not alone.

HIM has professional counsellors, peer counsellors, and personal strategic advisors just waiting to help. Contact Hans Bosgoed (hans@checkhimout.ca) or call 604-488-1001.

Get Tested Together A sexual health checkup reduces ambiguity and can be like anything else potential sex partners do together. Show your commitment by seeing your doctor or visit a local STI testing clinic together.

HIM Sexual Health Centre: 1033 Davie St, Suite 421 – 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday Bute Street Clinic: 1170 Bute Street – 11am to 6:30pm Monday through Friday K eep a Buddy L ist Limit your sexual encounters to partners you trust and you know have been tested. If you are not in a relationship, make an arrangement with a fuck buddy or fuck buddies.

Make sure these are people who will be honest with you and respect your choices.

Clean Sex Toys HIV dies immediately when exposed to oxygen. However, it has been known to survive in the pores of objects such as silicone sex toys. Other viruses and microorganisms can also survive on a silicone surface. Wash your toys after you use them with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly. V Jason Keller is an Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator for Vancouver Coastal Health. www.vch.ca

vanragazine #22

FILM:notes I Love You Philip Morris D: Glenn Ficarra

Hanna D: Joe Wright

A smattering of reviewers have accused ILYPM as perpetrating gay stereotypes. Not so. For once we have a major gay movie that’s not really about being gay; it’s about good people with bad traits struggling with the complexities of identity, compulsion, love and ultimately self-deception. These people just happen to be homos. And that makes this fact-based, criminally overlooked comedy-drama a true hidden gem. Steven Russell (a career-best Jim Carrey) is a fraudster, fantasist and conman who escaped from prison five times by masquerading as a Judge, a physician and a handyman, and at one point even faked his own death from AIDS to evade capture. He is currently serving a 144-year sentence in solitary confinement. The impetus behind his numerous cons, frauds, embezzlements and prison-breaks (at least in his later years) was his misguided-yet-sincere love for the soul-mate he met in prison – the titular Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor, playing pitch-perfect vulnerability with a Blanche Devereux Southern twang). This is a towering film that deserves to find its place as a giant in gay cinema. As an oddball comedy, it works brilliantly; it’s laugh-out-loud funny and Carrey shows just how great he can be when he’s not saddled with a generic Hollywood crowd-pleaser. As a character-study, it’s a dark look at compulsions and addictions and their devastating effects. And as a love story, it’s remarkably daring and honest and doesn’t sugar-coat or shy away from the passions of its leading couple (a prison dance-sequence is flawlessly executed). File under ‘Favourites’.

There's definitely a place for mindless action flicks, but action doesn't have to automatically equal stupid. Enter Hanna, the pulse-pounding chase flick that proves you can get an adrenaline fix without sacrificing your brain cells.

The Hanna in question (Saoirse Ronan) is a 16-year-old girl, who happens to be a ruthless assassin. Her father Erik (Eric Bana) has trained her in the frozen wilderness of Finland.

It's the ultimate in home-schooling – hand-tohand combat, how to field-dress a deer and speak multiple languages. Erik is training Hanna for a mission involving a ruthless and stern CIA operative (Cate Blanchett) who shares a history with the family.

Punchy and well-acted, if Hanna seems like an unusual actioner, it might be because it's from the director of (I'm not making this up) Pride & Prejudice.

A period piece it is not, but it does feel slickly European, reminiscent of Run Lola Run or the Bourne flicks.

It's got a comic-book concept, but it's stuffed with smart dialogue delivered by top-notch actors. Ronan (The Lovely Bones) is believable both as sad little girl and an efficient killer. Bana gives the stern father a heartbreaking quality. And Blanchett has a blast as an over-the-top villainess. It's smart but also compulsively fun, all set to a thumping soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers.

by John Britton

34

by Jason Goodwin

V-rag

35

Lady Gaga judas

The Kills blood pressures

Peter Bjorn & John gimme some

"Judas" has been widely likened to "Bad Romance" but I don't agree. That song has an underbelly of hate, hurt and love that is completely missing from Gaga's latest single. There is nothing raw or personal about this. "Bad Romance" will be remembered as one of the best pop songs of the noughties because it rings true. Behind the slick production and catchy vocal hooks is a very simple break-up anthem that will stand the test of time. "Judas", on the other hand, is emptier than Toni Braxton's bank account.

Despite all my bitching, I don't mind it and am able to listen the whole way through without cringing or wanting to call Madonna's lawyers. It's just that, as a former Monster, I expect so much more.

Lady Gaga is too talented to be writing throwaway pop songs that Aubrey O'Day would reject.

I don't know how I feel about Gaga's third album now. The first two were so brilliant, part of me thinks she can't get it so drastically wrong this time around. But why release these stinkers as singles if there is better material in the can?

At least the cover is BRILLIANT.

Not going to lie, the first time The Kills came onto my radar was in 2008 while watching an episode of Gossip Girl. One thing lead to another and my guilty pleasure helped me discover a not-so-guilty pleasure.

Naturally, after hearing a new album was coming this spring, I was eager to hear how they would compare to their previous release Midnight Boom; and I must say Blood Pressures holds its own.

Basking in all of its glory, opening track “Future Starts Slow” is an inviting opener filled with sharp, energetic bass and a slaying guitar line comparable to some of the best indie rock acts.

A handful of songs on this album shine while the others are admirable but not as appealing as songs such as "DNA", "Nail in My Coffin", "The Last Goodbye" and the first single "Satellite".

The Kills have made a solid come back album after three years. The fuzzy, slightly distorted production reminded me of ’90s alt rock, seedy bars and Quentin Tarantino films.

Speaking of guilty pleasures…

Peter Bjorn and John’s new album, Gimme Some, is a lot like springtime; it’s a little frigid and I’m glad it’s here, but it’ll be forgotten once summer hits. While the album opens with a great track, "Tomorrow Has to Wait", the promise starts to fade as the rest of the songs start sounding the same. It’s not bad, it’s just level. If I had to pull out some additional singles, I’d suggest "Dig a Little Deeper", and "Eyes". They’re solid tracks but not worth putting on repeat. Gimme Some will be great background music while I spring clean my house.

The album is more of a throwback to earlier Peter Bjorn and John and less experimental than their previous two releases. The problem is that a lot of groups sound like this now and they’re doing it a lot better. It might be an unfortunate case of Europe being years ahead of North America; now that we’ve caught up, PB&J sound a little redundant.

It’s kind of a shame, but that’s the music game.

by Pop Trash Addict Mike

by Lana Chunn

by Matt Roy

may 2011 Issue 22

MUSIC:notes

boys

&

girls

by Kate

McLaren

styling + photography: kate mclaren www.kate-mclaren.com models: dave + shannon

if it purrrs like a kitten,

it's on

sale

1238 Davie Street_ 604.669.1753

www.littlesisters.ca

Little Sister's annual

vibrator sale

everything that vibrates is

25% off for the month of may

* while quantities last

vanragazine #22

LISTINGS thursdays may 5 – Discolicious Thursdays You know we love all things classic house and disco. So this brand new night from DJ Mumbles is right up our alley. Oasis, 1240 Thurlow. fridays may 6 – Gay Fridays The newest place to be on a Friday night wth Nick Bertossi, Zach Shore and guests. Oasis, 1240 Thurlow. friday may 13 Yelle Hot off the heels of their brand new album, the

42

27

French pop trio invades Le Commodore, 868 Granville. saturdays may 14 – Big Primpin' w/ DJ Miss M Toronto's legendary queer hip-hop party comes to Vancouver! Dawn your street chic and come down to Pub 340 every second Saturday. 340 Cambie.

friday may 27 Lykke Li Indie goddess Lykke Li tops V-Rag's list to become pick of the month. Expect an interview coming very soon...

The Vogue, 918 Granville.

sunday may 22

sunday may 29

David Guetta Our French DJ cover star, and we do mean star. From Black Eyed Peas to Kelis!

Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place.

CruiseyT Kick Off Cruise Joan-E, Isolde N. Baron & Zach Shore help celebrate the summer season with the kick off for CruiseyT's 20th year!

North Foot, 501 Denman.

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

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

BUDDY TUESDAYS 1 ROOM FOR 2

BLACKOUT MONDAYS LOCKERS $6, ROOMS $14

$2.50 HOTDOGS $2.50 CANS OF PBR

WELL LIQUOR SPECIALS

karaoke

DJ DEL-ICIOUS

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

PUMPJACK

OASIS

NUMBERS

GLEE TUESDAYS

GLEE TUESDAYS

RUSSELL & TWISTED COOLERS SPECIALS

dj dennis

JUNCTION

J LOUNGE

Tuesdays

TUESDAYS AT CELEBRITIES

CHILL

HOUSE WINE & BLUE

ELEKTRIC CIRCUS '90S NIGHT

Comedy Night: Tops & Bottoms

CAESARS & OKANAGAN SPRINGS SPECIALS

APOCALYPSTICK

LATIN FIESTA NIGHT

Mondays

VILLAGE SUNDAYS: DRAG SHOW

THE HELM

F212

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

vanragazine #22

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

V-MAP

NIC

Robson Market

J Lounge (1216 Bute)

18

The Junction (1138 Davie)

19

Little Sisters Bookstore (1238 Davie)

20

M2M (1210 Granville)

21

Masc Skincare (433 Davie)

22

Mine Salon (177 E. Broadway)

23

Numbers Cabaret (1042 Davie)

24

Oasis (1240 Thurlow)

25

Old G.M. Place - Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way)

26

Pacific Cinematheque (200-1131 Howe)

27

Pacific Sun Co. (1060 Davie)

28

Pompadours on Denman (1071 Denman)

29

Priape (1148 Davie)

30

Pub 340 (340 Cambie)

31

PumpJack Pub (1167 Davie)

32

Republic (958 Granville)

33

Roundhouse Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews)

E. 1ST AVE

34

Score On Davie (1262 Davie)

E. 2ND AVE

35

Scratch Records (726 Richards)

36

Steamworks (123 W. Pender)

37

Top Drawers (115-1030 Denman)

38

VanCity Theatre (1181 Seymour)

39

Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby)

E. 8TH AVE

40

Venue (881 Granville)

E. BROADWAY

41

Videomatica (1855 W. 4th Ave)

42

West End Community Centre (870 Denman)

43

WISE Hall (1882 Adanac)

E. 12TH AVE

44

Zulu Records (1972 W.4th Ave)

E. 13TH AVE

1600

1700 BIDWELL

1800

1900

GILFORD

COMOX

NELSON PARK

CARDERO

NICOLA

DAVIE

34 19

1 31

29 18

15 10

23 27 3

BURNABY

24

17

HARWOOD

PACIFIC BLVD BEAC H

PACIF

GE

n

SEA WA LL PROME NADE

M

BRID

ai

SUNSET BEACH

Stadium

9

HARWOOD

St .

ENGLISH BAY BEACH

PENDRELL

DAVIE VILLAGE

CARDERO

BIDWELL

PENDRELL

BURRARD

le

28

Gr an vil

Burrard

CHILCO

nt PENDRELL

NELSON

THURLOW

17

37

1000

Independent Flixx (976 Denman)

BUTE

H.I.M. Main Office (310-1033 Davie)

16

CARDERO 1500

15

16 West End

D

BARCLAY

1200

42

BUTE

GO LA

West End Community Centre

ROBSON

HARO

JERVIS

Grace Gallery/The Narrow (1898 Main)

HARO

fro

Fals Yac

RAR D

ENGLISH TELUS BAY World of Science

BUR

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

44

41

KS EE CR

E. 3RD AVE

5

E. 4TH AVE

43

14

E. 5TH AVE

E. 5TH AVE

E. 7TH AVE

E. 14TH AVE E. 15TH AVE E. 16TH AVE

E. 10TH AVE E. 11TH AVE

GUELPH

QUEBEC

ONTARIO

MANITOBA

COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

YUKON

22

FRASER

SCOTIA

E. 6TH AVE

ST. GEORGE

MAIN

MAIN

ID E

CAMBIE

South Granville

LOST LAGOON

BUTE

Gorg-O-Mish (695 Smithe)

ALBERNI

WARD

Goldie’s (605 W. Pender)

13

Royal Centre

W. GEORGIA

PRINCE ED

12

Bentall Centre

MELVILLE

DER

EN W. P BROUGHTON

ginger62 (1219 Granville)

CHILCO

11

DE ENA SEAWALL PROM BAYSHORE

RK CAUSEWAY Y PA NLE STA

CHILCO

Fountainhead Pub (1025 Davie)

ON DR IVE

F212 Steam (1048 Davie)

er at W

9 10

VA DO S COR STING HA W.

Coal Harbour Community Centre

Harbour Cruises

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

1300

Five Sixty (560 Seymour)

W C

BRUNSWICK

8

RD

1400

Cranberries Spa (330 Robson)

H.M.C.S Discovery

COAL HARBOUR

BROUGHTON

7

P

Im Ca Vancouv Conv C

BURRARD INLET

SOPHIA

IPE LIN Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville) E

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

WATSON

Cobalt (917 Main)

6

DEADMAN'S ISLAND

DRIVE SCE

5

14

44

STANLEY PARK

CARDERO

Club 23 West (23 West Cordova)

NICOLA

4

Vancouver Aquarium

MAIN

Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie)

BIDWELL

Caya (808 Davie; 14 Water)

3

S Pa ss eaB en u ge s rF er ry

2

DENMAN

1181(1181 Davie)

GILFORD

1

EN DE R

ER

.P

KE

EF

E

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9

may 2011 Issue 22

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TO NORTH VANCOUVER

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max Theatre anada Place ver Trade & vention Centre

HA ST IN G S

V-rag

DJ Miss M is a recent transplant from Winnipeg via Toronto, and one of the busiest female DJs in North America. Having headlined at megaclubs like the Guvernment (Toronto), Paradise (San Francisco), and Tryst (Las Vegas), she now brings her unique brand of hip-hop and R&B to the legendary Big Primpin' party, starting May 14.

When did you start DJing?

Four years ago I gave up acting, moved back to my hometown of Winnipeg and bought a pair of Technics 1200s from ebay. Unfortunately they arrived at my house busted, but instead of taking it as a bad sign, I went out and bought new ones. The first records I bought included TLC’s “What About Your Friends”, Cassie’s “Me and You” and “Reminisce”

by Mary J Blige. I still love those tracks.

Favourite gig(s)?

San Francisco’s Everlasting Bass party on Folsom Street was really fun. It’s an all female DJ line-up and a totally mixed crowd. I fell in love with San Francisco! The architecture, the history and I found a record shop that sold 25 cent records – hello!

What kind of music do you play?

I love playing raggaeton, R&B and dancehall, but it depends on the crowd and what they want. I’m into all kinds of music so open format gigs are also really fun to play because I get a chance to explore my music.

Rock star moments?

46

I did a weekend of shows in Toronto and got to play the legendary Guvernment for Michie Mee’s birthday. Michie Mee is definitely an inspiration for me as a female in the Canadian hip-hop community, so playing for her and thousands of hip-hop heads was a dream! She made a point of

dj miss m

Q&A

photo by david lewis

vanragazine #22

DJ

TOP TEN

1. I ce Cube – "You Can Do It" 2. N icki Minaj – "Moment 4 Life" 3. Jeremih – "Down on Me" 4. Wrex N Effex – "Rumpshaker" 5. TLC – "Creep" 6. L auryn Hill – "That Thing" 7. M iguel – "Sure Thing" 8. Jennifer Hudson – "Where You At" 9. Keri Hilson – "Pretty Girls Rock" 10. K anye West – "All of the Lights"

thanking me by name and I pretty much melted.

She’s a very cool and gracious woman.

DJ nightmare?

I was playing the grand opening party of a big new club in Winnipeg and I guess they hadn’t checked their power capabilities. In the middle of my set, everything shut off – the decks, the lights, everything. Nothing kills a party like dead air and equipment malfunctions.

Musical inspirations?

Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Lauren Hill are definitely some of the people I look up to business-wise and artistically. My wife Alysha tops the cake though. From my experience, if she doesn’t want to dance to it, it’s not going to be a hit. My music sounds better when I see her on the dance floor. She inspires me!

What are your future plans?

Since I’ve been with Drama Squad, a lot of doors have opened up for me. We have a ten city East Coast Video DJ Tour coming up this summer. The crew is made up of American DJ’s including Jersey Shore’s Pauly D. It’s all guys, so I’m definitely representing Canada and the ladies. I’m also really looking forward to playing Vancouver’s Big Primpin'. It’s a huge party in TO and I’m psyched to play their jump-off this month. Check out my website to see where I’m at throughout the year! V DJ Miss M plays every second Saturday starting May 14 at Pub 340 for Big Primpin'. www.djmissm.com