Variety of Queers show and party to benefit Rainbow Refugee this Saturday

Feb 28 2017, 5:04 am

Vancouver performance group Variety of Queers is set to hold its first ever live show and dance party to help gay and transgender refugees this Saturday.

The show, at Wise Hall & Lounge at 8 pm, will feature singing, drag performances, comedy, dancing, and a burlesque satire artist.

There will also be a 50/50 draw, raffle prizes and a silent auction, all followed by one huge dance party with DJs Krista and Denise.

Singer Michael Arzadon (Variety of Queers)

Singer Michael Arzadon will be performing at the Variety of Queers live show (Variety of Queers)

All proceeds will go to Rainbow Refugee, a grassroots organization that helps refugees fleeing persecution due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.

Organizer and comedian Amy Wilding told Daily Hive she began Variety of Queers to create a diverse, safe and inclusive space for the queer community to showcase their many talents.

“[But] as a production team we are also passionate about fundraising for causes we care about, and for raising awareness as well. The two went hand in hand.”

“Rainbow Refugee … does amazing and important work.” she said. “Our benefit concert will go a long way towards helping bring our Syrian refugee friends to Canada.”

Comedy, music and burlesque

Comedian Amy Wilding (Shimon Karmel)

Comedian Amy Wilding will be performing at the Variety of Queers live show (Shimon Karmel)

Wilding will be performing at the show, as well as the Variety of Queers Choir, led by Janelle Zwarych, bringing together some of Vancouver’s best queer singers and musicians.

Also on the bill are drag artists Thanks Jem, Owen and Blake, musicians Michael Arzadon and Michael Barry Anderson, and burlesque satirist Jenny Magenta.

Drag performer Thanks Jem (Variety of Queers)

Drag performer Thanks Jem will be performing at the Variety of Queers live show (Variety of Queers)

The Variety of Queers show will be hosted by Symone Says, Vancouver’s first lady of glam. Tickets are $25-$50; Pay What You Can option also available.

Variety of Queers

Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver

When: Saturday, March 4, doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm, dance party at 10 pm

Tickets: On Brown Paper Tickets or at JQ Clothing on Commercial Drive, $25-$50; Pay What You Can admission is available via email at [email protected]. 19+

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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