Creator of The Really Gay History Tour, Glenn Tkach, invites audiences to explore the unknown history of the punks, jockers, fairies, and Two-Spirit warriors who shaped Western Canada in The Queer Frontier: Untold Story of Canada’s Wild West.
The Queer Frontier
Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:00pm
Location: The Junction (1138 Davie Street, Vancouver)
Glenn Tkach reaches back to the The Queer Frontier to uncover some of the earliest colonial queer history in the region, predating the establishment of Vancouver. With his dynamic, engaging, and humorous style, Tkach weaves together narratives that challenge preconceptions.
The event will offer a fresh perspective on how Western Canada was built, with queer individuals at its very heart. Attendees can expect to be transported back in time, exploring an unknown history.
“I’ve always been fascinated to see queer identities expressed through different cultures. Most people don’t know about the unique queer culture that existed right here in the Pacific Northwest.”
Glenn Tkach
The Really Gay History Tour recently received TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice: Best of the Best 2023 award, ranked as one of the top ten tourism experiences in all of Canada. It has consistently received nothing less than 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Now, Glenn brings that same calibre of storytelling to an even earlier period. The Queer Frontier promises to be an enlightening experience, shedding light on an important chapter of Canadian history that has been overlooked, ignored and even erased.
During the first cold snap of the season in Vancouver, I embarked on one of my sunrise walks around the Stanley Park Seawall to capture some winter scenes.
Winter Sunrise in Vancouver
The sea lions that have made Coal Harbour home for the last month were quieter than usual first thing in the morning, and seagulls slipped and they stood on the frozen surface of the high tide. It was about -8C right when the sun started beaming from behind Canada Place.
DanceHouse and The Cultch present the North American premiere of Gravity & Other Myths’ acrobatic and athletically-charged work, The Mirror on stage in Vancouver, and you can enter to win tickets.
Performance photo by Andy Phillipson
Directed by GOM Artistic Director Darcy Grant, The Mirror is a compelling and intimate exploration of the search for authentic human connection within our disconnective digital age. The Australian contemporary circus company infuses its high-level dance choreography with innovative production design – incorporating an LED wall, cameras and selfie sticks – an atmospheric electronica soundscape, and a levity that belies its heart-pumping feats of acrobatic virtuosity.
Gravity & Other Myths The Mirror
Dates: January 24-27, 2024
Times: 8:00pm
Address: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
“When we first welcomed the company in 2015 with A Simple Space, our audiences were absolutely blown away by the unpretentious rawness of the work,” adds Heather Redfern, Executive Director at The Cultch. “This new creation pulls back the curtain even farther. Through their disarming honesty – unmasked grunts of effort, shaky limbs, and backstage camera access – GOM artists break down the barrier between audience and performer, inviting us on their quest for authentic human connection in an increasingly superficial world.”
Enter to Win
I have a pair of tickets to give away to opening night! Here’s how you can enter to win:
Friends of the North Vancouver District Library (NVDPL) is hosting a book sale at the Lynn Valley Library to help support special projects and initiatives.
Library Book Sale in North Vancouver
Dates: February 16-18, 2024
Times: 10:00am to 4:00pm Fri/Sat; until 2:00pm on Sunday
Address: Lynn Valley Library Community Room (1277 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver)
Explore a great selection of books, DVDs, CDs, and more for all ages. Most items will be priced under $2 and on Sunday, everything will be half price! The sale is cash only, small bills preferred, and if you’d like to use a bag please bring your own.
About the Friends of NVDPL
This is a group of community members dedicated to the support and enhancement of NVDPL facilities, services and programs. Members range from high-schoolers to seniors and more Friends are always welcome. If you love your Library and want to make a difference, become a member – participate as much or as little as you like.
The Friends: Financially support major events like prizes for the Summer Reading Club and the North Shore Writers Festival; host fundraisers, like the Big Book Sales, that support special projects at the Library; volunteer at library events like District Library Gallery Art Receptions, the Whisky Library Fundraiser; purchase items to benefit NVDPL, like learning games for kids, reading chairs for families, book carts, and more.
It’s almost time to order your Candygram from A Loving Spoonful! This is a sweet, simple way to not only send a lovely message to someone but also fundraise for important services in our community.
Send a Candygram and Support a Great Cause
All funds generated by Candygrams will be used to provide meals for individuals and families affected by HIV and co-existing illnesses. Your gift includes:
A specially designed Valentine’s Day gift pouch (that is re-useable!)
Delicious assorted gummies generously provided by Mondelez
McDonald’s coupon for a BIC Mac or another Entrée
Postage for anywhere in Canada (Candygrams are sent using Canada Post)
All you have to do is visit the website, select a message, and they’ll do the rest. Here are some important deadlines for sending your A Loving Spoonful Candygram to ensure they arrive by Valentine’s Day:
On Sale: Monday January 15, 2024
East Coast* Deadline: February 2, 2024
West Coast** Deadline: February 5, 2024
Metro Vancouver Deadline: February 6, 2024
*For Mailing Purposes we categorize East Coast as: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PEI, YT, NU, NT **For Mailing Purposes we categorize West Coast as: AB and BC outside of Metro Vancouver.
All funds generated by Candygrams will be used to provide meals for individuals and families affected by HIV and co-existing illnesses.
A Loving Spoonful is a Metro Vancouver charity that supports individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS and in many cases co-existing illnesses. They deliver ready-made and nutritious meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS who are unable to provide food for themselves because of medical or health conditions.
