Transgender Drama: The Silicone Diaries in Vancouver, thru Feb 25

Nina Arsenault is a classic blonde bombshell. But she wasn’t always that way. Born in 1974 in an Ontario trailer park as Rodney Arsenault, Nina lived her life as a man until 1996, when she underwent the first of more then 60 surgeries to transform her into the perfect woman.

Arsenault relays the sometimes harrowing, sometimes inspiring story of her transformation in the one-act play The Silicone Diaries, appearing in February at the historic Cultch theatre. Her surgical odyssey spanned more than eight years of cosmetic operations, with medical bills totaling more than $150,000.

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Transgender Drama: The Silicone Diaries in Vancouver, thru Feb 25

Betty White and more: Vancouver ComedyFest, Feb. 16 – 26

Milton Berle said: “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Escape from wintery February with Vancouver ComedyFest, which returns February 16 – 26. VancouverComedy Fest showcases big names from the international comedy circuit (Betty White, Margaret Cho, Carol Burnett, Jeremy Hotz, David Cross and Doug Benson, to name a few) while still offering a well-curated program of up-and-coming Canadian talent.

Festivities kick off with the official Opening Night Gala, 7:00pm February 16 – a great opportunity to catch 12 comedians in one show.  Find out more about Vancouver ComedyFest performers, tickets and deals after the jump. Continue reading:
Betty White and more: Vancouver ComedyFest, Feb. 16 – 26

United in Perfect Harmony: The Vancouver Men’s Chorus

Vancouver Men's Chorus

At the Vancouver Men’s Chorus’ first performance in 1981, the group’s original conductor – at the last possible minute – refused to take the podium.  The chorus was the first gay choir in Canada, and he was terrified of the public backlash.

Times have changed.  Now celebrating its 30th year, the Vancouver Men’s Chorus overcame those initial obstacles and is now one of the city’s most respected and longest-running choral groups.  Their repertoire includes an unlikely diversity of music, from Lady Gaga to Broadway hits and serious choral works.  Among the chorus’ biggest showstoppers is their annual Christmas concert.  This year’s show, featuring a collection of holiday classics from TV, movies and cartoons, proved the group’s biggest seller to date.

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United in Perfect Harmony: The Vancouver Men’s Chorus

Best Place to see Latin Music in Vancouver? You make the call!

LatinFest Vancouver

According to the most recent census (2001), 1.36 percent of Vancouver’s population of 2,097,960 residents are of Latin, Central and South American origins.  That works out to just 28,575 people.

But despite the numbers, there’s plenty of Latin influence around the city – from the Carnaval del Sol every summer to the Latin American Film Festival, not to mention some great Mexican, Brazilian and Central American restaurants.  And, for fans of Latin beats, there are even a handful of live Latin music venues in Vancouver.

Problem is that they’re not easy to find.  I’ve listed a few music venues below, but I’d like to hear from you:

Do you have a favourite place to listen to Latin music in Vancouver?  A cozy bar or club that feels more South American than North American?  Let us know. 

In the meantime, here are a few of my picks:  Continue reading:
Best Place to see Latin Music in Vancouver? You make the call!

The Ultimate Vancouver Experience

This is the big one! The grand finale weekend of Culture in Vancouver, where our winners, Giuliana and Jon, experience some of Vancouver’s most iconic cultural venues while enjoying a three-night stay at the Sandman Hotel downtown.

Take a look as they enter the private vault of the  Vancouver Art Gallery, enjoy a performance of Waiting for Godot at the Cultch, come face-to-fin with some special aquatic creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, and cheer on the Canucks at Rogers Arena. This was all topped off with incredible dining at The Teahouse in Stanley ParkSeasons in the Park, and Lift Bar and Grill in beautiful Coal Harbour.

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