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New West Pride 2020 lineup features standup comedy – and much more

New West Pride goes digital

An evening of standup comedy and storytelling is part of Pride Week 2020 in New West.

Janice Bannister and her company, Laughter Zone 101, have participated in New West Pride for several years. Because of COVID-19, this year’s storytelling and standup show is heading online.

"We usually bring a show to one of the restaurants in New West so that everyone can get out and share the evening and a dining experience, but this year we have to look at new ways to bring talented performers to the stage,” she said.

Bannister will be MCing the free Inside OUT or OUT Inside show that features a variety of performers. It’s taking place on Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 13 (today) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“The name of this show sounds confusing, and that is the times we all are in right now,” said a press release about the event. “It is especially confusing for performers that are used to hitting the live stages, at comedy clubs, cafes, and theatre venues.”

To register to attend (and get an invite code so you can sign in to the show on Aug. 13) go to eventbrite.ca (search for Inside OUT or OUT Inside.)

“There is no place like home. And that is where you can watch this show from,” said a notice about the show. “Tap your sparkly red shoes, put on your favourite boa, or sit back in a comfy sun dress or your short shorts. Set up a patio bubble group, cool the cocktails and you are ready to join us for a New West Pride event. Join a group of comics and storytellers, as they entertain you with stories about their humorous and sometimes wild and crazy lives. Featuring talent from New Westminster Vancouver, Victoria, and a few other secret places.”

Featured performers who will be joining the show include, Jessica Pigeau, Jason Martin, Marylee Stephenson, Amy Lucille Wilding and Angela Crosato.

Pride Week, being celebrated in New West from Aug. 10 to 17, includes a variety of events that are being hosted by different organizations and individuals. Instead of the annual street festival, this year’s New West Pride – Digital Edition will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Hosted by Kendall Gender, the online event will include  Juno award-winning artist  iskwē, drag superstar Tynomi Banks, an introduction by the Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society and performances by Mx. Bukuru, Grace Mari, Dong Ganisa,  Roger Blenman, Skim, King Fisher, Jason Qiu, Maiden China, Jaylene Tyme and Celestial Seasons.

Other events taking part during Pride Week include an official proclamation and flag-raising on Aug. 10, a Strut Your Mutt contest on Twitter and Instagram, a digital screening of My Name Was January on Aug. 11, a New West Pride family picnic on Aug. 12, a Wear Your Pride photo contest with New West Farmers Market on Aug. 13, the Let’s Talk It Out online interactive workshop on Zoom on Aug. 13, a QUEST New West challenge and an After Eight – Live DJ stream by Travis Ketler on Friday, Aug. 14 and a New West Pride cruise with Paddlewheeler River Boat Tours on Saturday, Aug.  15. 

Details about all of this year’s New West Pride Week events can be found at www.newwestpride.ca.