The Odd Ball

Check out our article in Xtra West!

2008-11-11T10:32:00.001-08:00

From Xtra west: http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Odd_Ball_lessons-5825.aspx

Odd Ball lessons

COMMUNITY / A dance revolution for a community of queers

Zena Sharman, Michael V Smith, Amber Dawn and Brie Grey-Noble / Vancouver / Thursday, November 06, 2008

'If I can't dance, I don't want to be in your revolution.'

—Emma Goldman

Want to do something revolutionary?

Grab a dance partner, or two or three, without stopping to think about how others might judge your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Step out onto the dance floor. Wrap your arms around each other. It doesn't matter if your palms are sweaty or your rhythm is off. Savour the feeling of your bodies pressing together. Lose yourself in the music.

Though it may not be as newsworthy as a protest march, dancing is an important part of queer history and activism.

The Stonewall Inn, site of the momentous 1969 riot where our people fought back against homophobia, was the only gay bar in New York where dancing was allowed. Imagine what it must have felt like for the men and women who frequented the place to dance cheek-to-cheek with their lovers (which they must've done, even though they were under constant threat of violent police raids).

Almost 40 years later, despite all the significant social progress that we've enjoyed as a queer community, dancing is still a revolutionary act, a way queers take up space, flirt, express joy, show off dance moves, outfits, and bodies of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. It's how we make ourselves visible at bars and proms and wedding receptions. Dancing allows us to look across a crowded dance floor and think, "I am not alone."

We created The Odd Ball as a way to foster this feeling of community.

Back in 2004 we surveyed the parties that made up the Vancouver Pride celebrations. We asked ourselves: Where was the East Van event? The alternative music? Lezzies, fags, genderqueers and breeders all in one room?

Where was the diversity our Stonewall generation had fought so hard for?

The Odd Ball was our answer to these questions. We, Amber Dawn, Brie Grey-Noble, Michael V Smith and Zena Sharman, founded the party four years ago with our then co-organizer Morgan Brayton.

Our goal was to host a low-cost East Vancouver dance party where our fellow odd balls —a diverse community of queers, transfolk, kinksters, artists, activists, allies, and a surprising number of librarians —could feel at home.

In the years since, our annual Pride and Halloween parties boomed, thanks to the support and efforts of our dedicated party-goers, performers, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers.

So what's the recipe for a party that wins hearts and sells out every time?

Invite the best people you know. Include everyone who thinks 'queer' isn't an ugly word. Welcome them in; approach everyone with a generosity you reserve for your friends. Give them permission to be goofy.

Make your partygoers responsible for creating their own fun; give them the venue to do so. Share the party. Make it affordable and accessible. Put it in your neighbourhood. Invite community groups in. Don't expect artists to work for free. Treat your volunteers and performers well (feed them, give them free water, compliment their outfits, help them get laid).

The last Odd Ball —Die, Odd Ball! Die!!! —was held on Oct 31. People keep asking us why we retired such a popular party. The short answer is: we wanted to end on a high note.

The long answer is: a lot can happen in four years. Since founding the party we've started school, finished school, fallen in love, fallen out of love, gotten jobs, quit jobs, moved apartments, and one of us moved cities.

With 400-500 people turning out for a 250-person venue, we either would have had to sacrifice the intimate size of the party or disappoint a host of people by turning them away. We don't want to lose our momentum or passion for The Odd Ball, so we're calling it quits. We're making room for what comes next. (Who's next?)

We're doing it with heavy hearts, because it means the end of an era. The Odd Balls are always some of the most magical (and colourful!) nights of our year.

One Halloween, wearing nothing more than booties and a diaper, Michael V Smith had to bounce a very drunk and very salacious six-and-a-half-foot-tall cowboy out of the urinal.

Zena gets tears in her eyes when she remembers the Pride party where one of her dearest friends, a gay man who felt sad and out of place at a men-only Pride event, had an amazing time at The Odd Ball because it felt like home.

And she feels a bit of cheeky pride when she remembers the barely-out-of-the-closet Odd Ball volunteer who lost his gay virginity in a threesome after another of our parties!

Over the last four years, Amber Dawn has lost three pasties, one hair weave and countless pairs of panties at The Odd Ball; she has also discovered many of her favourite drag identities, including the infamous Horsey Girl. (Ah, the queer universe giveth and the queer universe taketh away!)

Brie, aka DJ Titz McGee, has cued the music for aerialists, stilt walkers, burlesque dancers, drag royalty, and even a troupe of synchronized swimmers.

We The Odd Ball thank everyone who has supported our parties over the years —the folks who waited hours in line (in the most incredible costumes!); the gifted performers who entertained us; the DJs who kept us dancing all night long; the dedicated, self-sacrificing volunteers who helped make the night run smoothly; the partners who donated prizes, advertising and their time; and the WISE Hall for being The Odd Ball's home.

You are our Odd Ball family and we hope that you keep the party's spirit alive in your hearts, in your communities and in your neighbourhoods.

Like the song that closed every Odd Ball says, "Don't stop believing, hold on to the feeling." And never take for granted that pressing your queer body against other queer bodies to the beat of your favourite song is a revolutionary act.

Thank-you! Thank-you!!!

2008-11-02T18:19:00.001-08:00

Dear Odd Balls,

Thank you for making Die, Odd Ball! Die!!! such a huge success! We were thrilled to celebrate our last party with a roomful (and we mean FULL) of spooky, sexy, fun-loving people. You folks were the heart of our parties for the last four years, so thanks a million for sending The Odd Ball off in style.

Special thanks to our hardworking volunteers, our amazing DJs (Mickey Moniker, Buzy B, and Ruggedly Handsome), our talented performers (Elaine and T, Ed and Majik of DKUnited, Isolde N. Barron and the Fag Hag Cabaret, and VaVa Vunderbust), our dedicated community partners (YouthCo and ManCount), our generous sponsors (Rhizome Cafe, Spartacus Athletic, The Kiss Store, and Xtra West), and our party's home, The WISE Hall.

To any partygoers who accidentally left stuff at the party, please contact The WISE Hall about lost and found items. The phone number is 604-254-5858.

We would also like to respond to some concerns raised by partygoers about seeing people in racist costumes at Die, Odd Ball! Die!!! We work hard to create safe, inclusive, accessible, and prejudice-free spaces at our parties. While Hallowe'en is a time to play with identity - to put on a costume and become someone else for an evening - we urge everyone to think twice about 'putting on' a stereotypical racial or ethnic identity (particularly one that isn't your own) as a costume. If you'd like to read more about this idea, check out this thoughtful blog post at Racialicious. Some of us have also found this essay on white privilege to be a helpful reminder of our complicity in everyday racism.

If you have any questions or comments for us, please drop us a line at oddball@michaelvsmith.com. Thanks again to everyone who came together with us to celebrate Die, Odd Ball! Die!!! We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Love,
Team Odd Ball (Amber Dawn, Brie, Michael V., and Zena)

Did Anyone Meet ManCount at Odd Ball?

2008-11-01T11:33:00.001-07:00

Count yourself in! The ManCount survey team is recruiting gay and bisexual men to participate in a new sexual health research project in Vancouver. This anonymous and confidential survey aims to gather important information on HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections affecting our community.

Look for the ManCount survey team in bars, bathhouses, clubs, and bookstores around the city for your opportunity to count yourself into this important community health project. In addition, we’ll give you $10 in appreciation for your time and support. For more information, please visit our website at www.mancount.ca.

It's raining!

2008-10-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Odd Ball party-goers!

You've probably noticed it's raining. Please keep in mind that our line-up outside is, unfortunately not covered. We're going to do our best to accommodate everyone, but please dress for the weather and bring an umbrella. YouthCo are operating our coat cheque by donation and, as always, we'll be handing out treats to you while we wait in line.

Also, we're very excited that there will finally be a satellite bar inside the hall this time! That means less crowded lines for the one bar. Keep your eyes peeled for the WISE Hall satellite bar in addition to the regular bar.

See you tonight! Keep dry, be safe and have fun!

xo Amber Dawn, Brie, Michael and Zena

Ruggedly Handsome is back again!

2008-10-29T23:47:00.004-07:00

The only DJ other than Titz McGee to have played music and made you dance at EVERY Odd Ball, DJ Ruggedly Handsome is back to send the Odd Ball off in style. She's a lover of good songs with an affinity for girl bands, think The Slits not the Spice Girls. On occasion she has been known to take her musical cues from her feline companion. This Scorpio is very in touch with her feelings and has been bringing the dance party to your living rooms, bedrooms, libraries, lezzie bars, basements, and community centers since 2004.

Get ready for some hair-raising tunes!

2008-10-29T22:14:00.002-07:00

Titz McGee is back for her final Odd Ball! Without a doubt she'll get your zombie feet shufflin' around the dance floor with some ghoulishly ghastful, bloodcurdling sounds.

Don't forget the costume contest!

2008-10-22T16:15:00.002-07:00

Mickey Moniker, back for a second ghoulish year!

2008-10-21T18:48:00.001-07:00

Mickey Moniker mostly grew up absorbing American television, back when MTV showed music videos and "New Wave" was still almost "New". He's been DJ'ing in Vancouver for several years now under an assortment of names, specializing in underexposed and forgotten musical nuggets over the "Will & Grace" and Top40 fare.

Mickey can now be heard spinning an assortment of spacedisco/new wave/italo/electro at 1181's weekly Roboteria nights and at Audio Teabag at DVC. He also spins for the bears & cubs at events like GRIP & Bear Bounce, along with various local fetish nights. You may even remember him from Uncanny nights at Lick, or last year's Halloween edition of the Odd Ball. His favourite Halloween candy is peanut butter cups... left overnight in the fridge.

Isolde N. Barron strikes again . . .

2008-10-17T16:38:00.002-07:00

From Classic Diva to Sea Witch, Isolde N. Barron has both charmed and shocked many Vancouver stages, including For the Girls, Bent, Odd Ball from the Crypt, Uncanny and High School Confidential. Get ready for another eye-popping, jaw-dropping (and perhaps even slightly stomach-turning) number from Isolde N. Barron and her creepy company.

Taiko with a Dangerous Twist ...

2008-10-16T14:24:00.003-07:00

Odd Ballers have loved the live vocal stylings of Crystal Precious and Ryan Hinds - now get ready for the first live taiko drumming at Die Odd Ball Die. Our first stage performance of the (fright) night features taiko with a spooky, sexy twist: T and Elaine Miller.

An internationally recognized teacher, performer and master taiko drummer, T has been doing taiko performances in Vancouver for the past 3 years. Elaine Miller is a performer known for laying down some serious beats. Together they're a spooky duo doing the rhythm method.

DKUnited and Odd Ball reunited!

2008-10-15T16:23:00.003-07:00

Remember the Ambiguously Gay Duo number at Pride Odd Ball? The cuties from DKU are returning to bid Odd Ball a boi-tastic goodbye.

From the DKUnited crew, drag kings Majik and Edward Malaprop will be bringing their talents to the Oddball stage this Halloween. Majik is a hip-hop dancer, choreographer extrordinaire and culinary enthusiast. Edward is a professional nerd currently focusing on a fine arts minor. They both worked on the International Drag KingCommunity Extravaganza (IDKE) Vancouver in 2007 and are board members of its organizing body, the Bent Umbrella Queer Performing Arts Society (bentumbrella.blogspot.com).

Va Va returns!

2008-10-11T03:46:00.003-07:00

She thrilled us last Halloween with her giant, knife-wielding doll number. The mistress of props, the goddess of costumes, and the queen of va-voom, the one the only Va Va Vunderbust is back again for Die Odd Ball Die.

Special Guest DJ

2008-10-10T05:19:00.002-07:00

Beth Allen also known around Vancouver as DJ/MC Buzy B, has been rocking out for 5 years. She started collecting records before she had a record player and loves to get lost in record stores digging threw the dollar record section. Her passion for all types of music can be heard in her sets as she might drop an old school rock tune or maybe some jazz. Her focus lies in Hip Hop, Soul and R&B. She's DJ at The People's Prom, Sistahood Celebration, and is a feature DJ at Toby's Pub.

Odd Ball update!

2008-10-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

Die, Odd Ball! Die!!! After four fun-tastic years we're throwing our final party on Halloween night. Featuring... ghoulish go-go dancers, eye-popping performances and our ever-popular costume contest!

Dance to the sounds of Odd Ball faves, including DJ Titz McGee, and special guest Buzy B.

Performances by VaVa Vunderbust, Isolde N. Barron, DKUnited, Elaine Miller and taiko drummer Ronin T.
Come party with us and celebrate Odd Ball's final "scream" at the WISE Hall (1882 Adanac St @ Victoria Drive)

Friday October 31, 2008
8pm-1am
10 bucks flat rate. No advance tickets - tix ONLY at the door so come early. Treats for folks waiting in the line-up.
Sorry, no minors.
Limited wheel-chair access through the rear doors: please contact organizers in advance if you have accessibility needs. oddball@michaelvsmith.com

Thanks to XtraWest for being the Odd Ball’s media sponsor. And to our community partners; YouthCo, Rhizome Cafe, The Kiss Store and Spartacus Gym.

2008-09-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

Wondering about Vancouver's Queer History?

2008-08-14T12:43:00.004-07:00

Well then, wander on over to the newly launched Queer History Project. It's an interactive site chockful of resources and information about Vancouver's Queer History. Check it out!

What is your super power?

2008-08-01T11:22:00.004-07:00

Those fabulous folks at Out On Screen have given us a pair of tickets to the screening of Confessions of a Sorta Str8 Drag King on Saturday August 23rd at 7PM. The documentary film features footage of Vancouver's very own Stilettos and Strap-Ons!

If you'd like to win these tickets start charging up your super powers now. The Odd Ball team will be choosing the winner of these tickets based on who has the best super power at Super Queer-O Odd Ball on Sunday night.

With music by...

2008-07-31T17:15:00.002-07:00

Odd Ball favourites: Ruggedly Handsome and Titz McGee! Mixing it up all night long to ensure your booty shakes and your feet don't stop moving.

In one week and a day...it'll be Super Queer-O Odd Ball!

2008-07-26T10:22:00.004-07:00

Have you planned your outfit yet? Check out our post on the costume contest, 'cos it wouldn't be Odd Ball without outrageous outfits.

Just a reminder to line-up early. Last year a few folks brought a picnic dinner and were first in line! This year we have some treats planned for everyone waiting to get into the party.

Also, if you or anyone you're coming with has accessibility issues please let us know ahead of time by e-mailing us at oddball[at]michaelvsmith[dot]com. We'll do our best to make sure accessibility needs are accommodated. As always, we will have a few tables reserved up front too.

And please, be respectful of the WISE Hall neighborhood when you're waiting in line and leaving the venue at the end of the night.

See you next Sunday!

Super Queer-O Odd Ball
Sunday August 3rd
8 PM until Midnight
$10 - tickets only at the door

Did somebody say costume contest?

2008-07-20T08:19:00.004-07:00

Yes, it's true. Super Queero Odd Ball will be holding a costume contest . . .

But first, some of you have been asking what to wear to our pride party. Super Queero can be just about anything and anyone. Put a spin on your classic comic book heroes, or come as an over-the-top expression of gender or queerness, or maybe you'd like to play-out a super power for the night (like x-ray vision). The sky's the limit. Just don't punch holes in anything because we don't want to loose our damage deposit.

Now back to the costume contest. The categories are: Fiercest Femme, Mightiest Man (or Butch), and Best Sidekick. We have awesome prizes from Rhizome Cafe, The Kiss Store and Good Dyke Porn!

Torontonian hero Ryan G Hinds

2008-07-10T17:13:00.004-07:00

Ryan G Hinds is an alternative theater artist, modern dancer, vocalist and activist based in Toronto. From broadway to indie rock, from grit to glamour, Ryan promised to give Odd Ball a queer-tastic show like we’ve never seen. Check him out at Odd Ball and at his brand new website: www.ryanghinds.ca

DKUnited's Mission (of hot!)

2008-07-10T17:01:00.004-07:00

Our primary objective has been to score hot babes. m I right? nuge nuge...burp...fart..." -Daxx
DK United is a drag king troupe consisting of a diverse range of individuals made up of varying genders, ethnicities, personalities, and talents in hopes that we can touch as wide an audience as possible. We strive to stay grounded within the community by participating in nonprofit shows and holding workshops to help keep Vancouver up-to-date with all things drag and beyond. Our hope is that by spreading our message while, at the same time, entertaining audiences, we can spawn more troupes in Vancouver, across BC, and to anywhere else that so happens to see, or hear about us: www.dkunited.com

DKUnited brings their mission of community-based drag (and dare I say their cute asses too) to Super Queero Odd Ball.

The story of Vera Way and Her Sisters

2008-07-07T17:51:00.005-07:00

Born to father Mova Way and mother Stora Way along with 13 sisters and two brothers, Vera spent her formative years with the family's traveling circus and sideshow. When Vera was old enough to venture out on her own, she did so with a vengeance – roaming throughout the world where she was exposed to innumerable cultures and ideas. Upon returning home, she enrolled in dance and acting classes, but her studies were suddenly disrupted by the untimely death of her parents in a freak animal stampede and ensuing fire which burnt the circus to the ground. Despite the tragedy, Vera reconnected with her sisters Beena, Gonna, Turna and Flya. They decided to start a troupe of their own, Vera Way and Her Sisters – combining acting, dancing, performance, sets, costumes and the circus panache they knew so well. Early on, Flya abruptly left to pursue a solo dance career, and was soon after followed by Beena who aspired to pursue a solo singing career. Despite these
setbacks, and with only three girls left, Vera Way and Her Sisters continued to design whimsical, dynamic and visually exciting numbers and shows astounding audiences around Vancouver. Vera Way and Her Sisters will be performing at Super Queero Odd Ball!

photos by sixthspence

An Odd Ball favorite returns!

2008-07-04T16:08:00.003-07:00

Linsey Long Legs will be walking tall at Odd Ball.
He and Naomi are celebrated for their over-the-top costumes and towering stage presence.
Here's Linsey as a cute cowboy.

http://stiltwalking.net/

Odd Ball announces its Pride Line Up!

2008-07-04T16:01:00.001-07:00

Celebrate the high-flying hero in all of us at SuperQueer-O Odd Ball!
an alternative Pride DANCE PARTY for queers, breeders, heroines, and unsung stars.

This is your LAST CALL for Pride Odd Ball. After four fun-tastic years we're throwing our final Pride Party.*
Featuring... go-go dancers, fantastic performances and our ever-popular costume contest!
Dress heroically queer! Dance to the sounds of Odd Ball faves DJ Titz McGee and Ruggedly Handsome.
Performances by Lindsey Long Legs and Naomi on Stilts, DKUnited, Vera Way and Her Sisters,
and Torontonian sensation, Ryan G. Hinds.

Come party with us and see what all the commotion is about at the WISE Hall (1882 Adanac St @ Victoria Drive)

Sunday August 3, 2008
8pm-12am
10 bucks flat rate. No advance tickets - tix ONLY at the door so come early.
Treats for folks standing in the line-up.
Sorry, no minors.
Limited wheel-chair access through the rear doors: please contact organizers in advance if you have accessibility needs.

http://www.theoddballcouver.blogspot.com

* Odd Ball's official last party will be Friday October 31st.*

It's a bird...it's a plane...!

2008-06-30T14:48:00.007-07:00

Mark your calendars and save the date because on Sunday August 3rd we will be proudly presenting...

Super Queer-O Odd Ball!

As always at the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver

$10 at only at the door

8pm until midnight

Stay tuned for more details...

Shout out

2008-02-28T18:45:00.002-08:00

A big thanks to Sarah Leavitt for her very kind mention of Odd Ball in a recent article in Xtra West! Thanks Sarah!

Please click here to read her article: When the marginalized marginalize. Or pick up a copy of the February 27th issue to read it in print.

Thanks!

2008-01-04T11:24:00.001-08:00

A great big thanks from the Odd Ball to YOU for making Big Bang Odd Ball a success!

Many thanks to our amazing performers and guest DJs, as well as to Youth Co for running the coat check and the Kiss Store for donating prizes!

See you at Pride for the next Odd Ball!

PS If you lost something at the party, please contact the WISE Hall to see if they have it in their lost and found: 604-254-5858

Odd Ball/WISE Hall accessibility

2007-12-30T14:56:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that if you have ability issues to please contact us prior to the party by sending an e-mail to oddball@michaelvsmith.com. Odd Ball is happy to accommodate folks with ability issues by making the hall and the party more accessible to our party-goers. If you let us know when you plan on arriving we can arrange for you to get into the hall via ramp access. Additionally, if you have trouble standing for long periods of time we can provide you with a chair to sit on while you wait in line.

In the hall we always have two tables marked and reserved for those with ability issues. The tables are to the right of the stage and will be marked with signs.

If you are unable to e-mail us prior to the party, please speak with one of our volunteers at the front doors and we will do our best to make the Odd Ball a fun, comfortable and accesible night for you and your friends.

Shake-a-your-rump into the new year!

2007-12-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

Once again the Odd Ball brings you a stellar line-up of DJs to make you wanna dance all night long.

Big Bang Odd Ball is pleased to welcome DJ Art Flick to the stage! DJ artflick has been playing the east side since the inception of the Bent parties in January 2006. As a restless sagittarius, she spins an eclectic mix from riot grrrl & political hip-hop to queer dark wave & electro. After three years of editing her big ol' trannie-dyke documentary She's a Boy I Knew, DJ artflick's New Year's Resolution is to hit the road on her '69 Vespa.

Ruggedly Handsome returns for her seventh Odd Ball! DJ Ruggedly Handsome is a lover of good songs with an affinity for girl bands, think The Slits not the Spice Girls. On occasion she has been known to take her musical cues from her feline companion. This Scorpio is very in touch with her feelings and has been bringing the dance party to your living rooms, bedrooms, libraries, lezzie bars, basements, and community centers since 2004.

And Odd Ball's very own Titz McGee. Most recently Titz DJ'ed a holiday dance party for a crowd of librarians---buns, readings glasses and cardigans were flying everywhere. In 2008 Titz hopes to exercise more, get her readings done for school and conquer Guitar Hero.

Tickets only available at the door!

2007-12-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

Monday December 31st
8PM until 2AM
WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac
$15.00
Tickets only available at the door
Please bring small bills ($5/$10) if possible

See earlier posts for details on the always amazing performances...

We Odd Balls would like to acknowledge that our New Year's party is $5 more than our other parties. This is NOT a new trend. We're only charging more because the overhead costs are more on New Years Eve.

Tiny bubbles

2007-12-17T14:24:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the WISE Hall bar will have bottles of champagne stocked on New Year's Eve for Big Bang Odd Ball. Champagne will be sold by the bottle. A reminder that the WISE Hall bar is CASH ONLY.

It wouldn't be New Years without a New Year's baby . . .

2007-12-05T09:38:00.001-08:00

Your Little Pony and Halfbreed exploded from behind the scene of 1980's western's, disney, and muchmusic to bring you the true definition of ham. This duo mixes hip hop, burlesque, and physical comedy in short skits or burlettas. They also host cabarets in characters that fit any theme. Soon they'll be adding a third performing into the mix, when their baby is born in March 2008!

The Sweetest Dumpling . . .

2007-12-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Joanie Gyoza is a dear little darling whose tassel twirlin' prowess may cause cardiac arrest! Her sultry striptease style always guarantees giggles and a smile! Her signature acts aim to cultivate lusty laughs and erotic gasps: she titillates, she tantalizes and she's delightfully goofy: she's Joanie Gyoza. She's the cutie-pie inadvertent pervy, curvy sexpot! She aims to blossom into what is Neoburlesque at its best: comedy, sexiness and creativity that empowers both the womyns and the community.

Aerials at midnight!

2007-12-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

The first aerial silks performance, by the fabulous Jen Cressey, was way back in October 2005. After seeing the Halloween crowd go wild for Jen, Odd Ball has had a queer or queer-friendly aerialist at every party since. We Odd Balls would like to thank these performers for the incredible amount of work, strength and beauty that goes into their art.

And speaking of strength and beauty . . . Jillian will be performing at Big Bang Odd Ball. Jillian is a queer theorist by day and a silks aerialist and trapeze artist by night who hopes to one day run away with the circus. You may remember her from Odd Ball Halloween 2006 or other circus/cabaret events around town.
Just before midnight, you'll see Jillian counting down the
New Year as our
Odd Ball HUMAN BALL DROP!

It's Big Bang Odd Ball!

2007-12-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

Announcing Big Bang Odd Ball!

Monday December 31st
8PM until 2AM
WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac
$15.00
Tickets only available at the door

Featuring, as always, amazing performances...

(We Odd Balls would like to acknowledge that our New Year's party is $5 more than our other parties. This is NOT a new trend. We're only charging more because the overhead costs are more on New Years Eve. )

DECEMBER 31 2007

2007-11-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

B I G
B A N G
O D D
B A L L

are you ready for it?

Did you lose your glasses?

2007-10-28T21:35:00.001-07:00

We found a pair of prescription eyeglasses while cleaning up after Odd Ball from the Crypt. Are you missing your glasses? If so, please send a message to oddball@michaelvsmith.com to claim them and arrange to pick them up.

This year's costume contest...

2007-10-26T19:09:00.001-07:00

Announcing Odd Ball From The Crypt's Costume Contest!

Top prize will go to the ODDEST costume. Wow us with your weirdness and you'll take home a prize from the kiss store!

There will also be a prize bag each for the SCARIEST and SEXIEST costumes.

Trick-or-Treat!

Va Va from the Crypt!

2007-10-17T11:30:00.002-07:00

VaVa Vunderbust is queerly a whole lot of woman! She came busting out into Vancouver's burlesque scene earlier this year, at events such as Hot & Horny, Out on Screen Film Festival, and BENT. Known for her colourful costumes, over-the-top props, and endearing endowments - VaVa rocks!.

She also took first prize at our Pride Beach Ball Odd Ball party.

Rattling bones, shaking rumps and creeping you out!

2007-10-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Odd Ball at the Crypt will feature three DJs who will thrill you, chill you and leave you wanting more on the dance floor!

Odd Ball is pleased to announce that DJ Mickey Moniker (UNCANNY) will be joining us this Hallowe'en. Mickey Moniker likes finding old Italo-Disco and New Wave records, along with newer Electro and Indie stuff too. He's an Aquarius with a passion for Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cups after they've been left in the fridge.

Joining us once again, we're pleased to welcome DJ Ruggedly Handsome back to the Odd Ball DJ booth. DJ Ruggedly Handsome is a lover of good songs with an affinity for girl bands, think The Slits not the Spice Girls. On occasion she has been known to take her musical cues from her feline companion. This Scorpio is very in touch with her feelings and has been bringing the dance party to your living rooms, bedrooms, libraries, lezzie bars, basements, and community centers since 2004.

And, it wouldn't be an Odd Ball without our very own Titz McGee, DJ. Titz is a Taurus whose stubborn streak won't let her rest 'til she sees all y'all's rumps shakin'. Bringing you a mix of hip hop, indie dance tunes and "the classics", Titz will be full of tricks and treats this Hallowe'en. Fill her plastic pumpkin with tootsie rolls and mini snickers, please.

Isolde N. Barron takes the Odd Ball from the Crypt stage . . .

2007-10-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Isolde N. Barron aka. Cameron Mackenzie is a director, designer, writer and performer. Some of Isolde's favourite roles include Usrula the Sea witch at Bent and the Industry show at Uncanny. Check out her previous performances with the ever evolving Fag Hag Cabaret on Youtube.

Crypt Performer Line Up . . .

2007-10-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

Kira Schaffer is a Vancouver based performance artist, combining dance and physical theatre with circus skills such as fire performance, aerial acrobatics, and stilt dancing. She is the artistic director of Firebelly Performance Society, an interdisciplinary performance company which she founded in the Spring of 2000. Kira has performed in a variety of venues, including such events as the Vancouver International Dance Festival, the Alberta Centennial celebrations and the Winter Olympic closing ceremonies in Italy.

Kira is inspired by the process of transforming fear into pleasure and finding expressive possibilities within physically limited situations.

She loves sharing her passion for playing with fire and the thrill of dangling upside down by teaching both aerial dance and fire performance classes through the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Odd Ball from the Crypt is coming!

2007-09-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Coming soon...

2007-09-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

Odd Ball From The Crypt

Saturday October 27th
8pm until 1am
WISE HALL
$10
Tickets only available at the door

Stay tuned for performer announcements and other spine-tingling, bone-rattling news. In the meantime, dust off the cobwebs and get your creepy costumes ready for the Odd Ball!

Hold Up at the Heist with John Cameron Mitchell

2007-08-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Out on Screen and the Odd Ball present...

Hold Up At The Heist

Wednesday August 22nd, 9:30pm

The Century House 432 Richards
$5.00 at the door

Following the Filmforward Director's Spotlight: John Camron Mitchell with the screening of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Vancity Theatre, head over to The Century House where J to the C to the M himself and DJ Titz McGee take the time to squeeze fresh lime in the music booth upstairs at the Heist. Bang! Bang!

The 19th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Worth Coming Out For! Aug 16-26

A big thanks and an explanation

2007-08-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

A big Odd Ball thank you to all the partygoers who came out for Pride! We've never seen so many pairs of tight beach trunks and sexy swimwear in one room before.
The biggest thanks goes out to those who stood in the line-up upwards of an hour. THANK-YOU for your patience and enthusiasm!

Some of you may have heard that this year we tried out advanced tickets. These tickets allowed ticket holders to bypass the line-up if they came before 9:30. We hand sold 100 tickets – the WISE Hall's capacity is 250 people.

We sold advance tickets for three main reasons:
1) Our loyal Odd Ball partygoers asked us for advanced tickets – we thought we'd try it
2) We wanted to give tickets to some of our community partners, regular Odd Ball attendees, and folks with access needs
3) Last Halloween, Odd Ball faced security challenges. It was the first time we dealt with extreme intoxication, unsafe behavior and a general disregard to the kind of community party we want at Odd Ball. We thought advance tickets might ensure space for our regulars and discourage the overly intoxicated, sexual harassers.

After this ticket experiment we've decided to return to a first-come-first-serve door sales only policy.

We will not be selling advanced tickets again.

It's important to us that everyone has the same opportunity to attend Odd Ball.

Instead, we will continue to improve the party by hiring security and strengthening our volunteer base. Feedback is always welcome. Also – we have some special Halloween treats up our sleeve for folks waiting in the line-up.

Please feel free to post comments on the blog and/or send feedback to titzmcgee@yahoo.ca.

Please keep checking back for info on the third annual Odd Ball Hallowe'en party and our New Year's plans!

Accessing the WISE Hall

2007-08-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Partygoers with mobility/access needs and friends –

Just a reminder that the front entrance of the WISE Hall is up a flight of stairs – there is a back entrance, off the alley between the WISE Hall and the Cultch, for folks who need to access the WISE Hall without via a stair-less entrance. Please note, there is no doorperson stationed at the backdoor. While we will check the back door routinely, it is best to let us know about your arrival via a stair-climbing friend or partygoer. OR email us in advance with your expected arrival time.

We will also have a few chairs out front for folks that need to sit down while waiting in the line-up.

We always have two tables reserved for folks with mobility issues and their friends. These tables are close to the bar and the washrooms.

Now let’s party!

Don't forget your swimsuit!

2007-07-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be an Odd Ball without a outrageously fun contest...

Beach Ball Odd Ball is excited to announce our Swim Wear Contest!

The winner of the Most Spectacular Beach Outfit will receive a fabulous pair of boots generously donated by East Van's very own, Dayton Boots.

Two second prizes of fun beach-themed goodies will be awarded for best swim wear as decided by us, The Odd Balls.

We're two weeks away from the party---
do you know what you're wearing???

The Queen of Sass is back . . .

2007-07-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Last pride Crystal Precious' vocals and burlesque styling steamed up the Odd Ball.

Producer/performer Crystal Precious is well-known for her trademark curves and incomparable stage presence. Mixing up her favourite combo of 80's flavoured satire and true vintage glam, the self-declared Queen of Sass slips effortlessly from classic golden-age tributes to old-school jams by incorporating smooth vocals or hip-hop stylings to her burlesque numbers.

B.Y.O is a triple threat troupe of beach babes: they sing, they dance and they're sexier than a thong bikini

2007-07-14T23:09:00.001-07:00

photo by Sarah Race

Bring Your Own . . . is a cabaret collective based out of Vancouver , BC, Coast Salish Territory . They are a queer focused, femme centric group of activists and performers who produce cabaret events of dance numbers, short scenes and musical acts which break expectations and titillate the senses. They want to push your buttons and then unbutton them.

I know it's a beach party, but Is it getting hot in here?

2007-07-14T22:59:00.001-07:00

Dynamic, Amazing, and Powerful are three words that have been used to describe Ryan's performances on Aerial Silks. With a background in gymnastics, martial arts, and music, he brings a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and grace to his aerial routines. He has trained under, and worked with Aerialists from around the word including: Vancouver, New York, Montreal, Brazil, Japan, and Colombia.

Ryan is Odd Ball's opening act. See him - in hot aerial action - at 9 PM!

2007-07-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

Out On Screen and The Oddball present

Hold Up At The Heist

Wednesday August 22nd, 9:30pm
The Century House 432 Richards

Following the Filmforward Director's Spotlight: John Camron Mitchell with the screening of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Vancity Theatre, head over to The Century House where J to the C to the M himself and DJ Titz McGee take the time to squeeze fresh lime in the music booth upstairs at the Heist.

Bang! Bang!
The 19th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival - Worth Coming Out For!
Aug 16-26

$5.00 at the door

We've got a poster!

2007-06-16T15:02:00.001-07:00

The must-have fashion accessory of the summer!

2007-06-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes peeled, kids...We've got BUTTONS!!!

Hey Odd Ball Volunteers!

2007-04-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

We love and appreciate YOU!

April 15th to the 21st is National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

The Odd Ball crew
is sending you big-time appreciation
for helping to make Odd Ball the freakiest and fun-est Dance Party.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Mark Your Calendars!!! Bust out your bikini and trunks!!!

2007-04-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Beach Ball Odd Ball is coming!

Sunday August 5, 2007
(Pride Weekend)
WISE Hall 1882 Adanac Street
$10 at the door

At long last!

2006-11-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

We at Odd Ball headquarters send a very gracious (and impressed) THANK YOU to the three photographers that went out of their way to capture the fun and wackiness that was Nightmare on Odd Ball Street.

Take a look at some of the photos...

Here

Here

and Here

Thanks again to everyone who attended Nightmare on Odd Ball Street. We hope that you had as much fun as we did.
See you in August!!!

Rattlin' your bones and shakin' your bum

2006-10-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Odd Ball welcomes a third DJ to Nightmare on Odd Ball Street!

Revoked (Lick) will be joining the always fabulous Ruggedly Handsome and Titz McGee on their mission to make you dance all night long.

Coat Check

2006-10-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's chilly out there! We'd like to let you all know that Nightmare on Odd Ball Street will feature a self-serve coat check. This means that the coat check will not be very secure, so please don't leave your favourite coat or anything valuable in the coat check. It will be located close to the table where you pay, so there will be people around but no one will be specifically guarding the coats. Please keep this in mind if you choose to leave your coat in our coat check. We'll also have somewhere for you to put your umbrellas, but if you're like me you're crossing your fingers for no rain on Friday night!

Two more sleeps!!!

2006-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Nightmare on Odd Ball Street is a mere two days away! What are you dressing up as?

Don't just sit there!
Head on over to the WISE Hall on Friday October 27th for some spine-tingling fun.

Music by DJs Titz McGee, Ruggedly Handsome and Revoked!!! Dance your undead butt off! Blood-curdling performances by Malaika Millions, Teddy Smooth, Mutya Macatumpag and Jillian! Let their daring feats rattle your bones.

And...don't forget about our costume contest! Who will win the skankiest? Who will win the oddest? Who will win the scariest? Want to know? Well, you'd better zombie shuffle on over to find out!

It's a bird...It's a plane...It's silks aerialist Jillian!!!

2006-10-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

We at the Odd Ball are thrilled to present our party goers with another spine tingling silk aerialist performance!

Jillian is a queer theorist by day and a silks aerialist and trapeze artist by night. She would run away with the circus if they'd take her.

It was a graveyard smash!

2006-10-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

As always, we at the Odd Ball strive to bring our party-goers the best and most exciting entertainment that we can possibly muster. Nightmare on Odd Ball Street is no different! Mark your calendars for Friday October 27th and prepare to have your bones rattled and your blood chilled by our thrilling performers!

Please give a warm round of applause for...

Malaika Millions

A body language poetess articulating her titillating assets, Malaika Millions takes her Words off in a Script-Tease of incomparable style! Studied in Poetry Performance and Impersonation, her hybrid personality dazzles and surprises. A versatile performer of Hottlesque Cheese Cake Burlesque and Conceptual Satire Burlesque, this femme fatale is also a motorcycle-riding, Chihuahua-toting, cute but vitriolic vixen. She's got enough self-penned quips to keep you quoting long after the show.

Malaika will also be performing with boylesque casanova Teddy Smooth!

Teddy Smooth is a Boylesque heartthrob, often seen teamed up with the sassy ladies of Vancouver's Sweet Soul Burlesque.

Also performing is Mutya Macatumpag

Mutya is a multi-disciplinary artist and instructor. She dances, acts, sings, choreographs, plays guitar, paints and teaches a dance fusion called "Free Form Footwork" It is a fusion of Modern, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Contact Dance. She is also an Event Coordinator, Promotor and Artistic Director of MoonpulsE Productions.

Stay tuned for more information and announcements about performers and all the other spppoooookkkyyyy things happening at the upcoming Nightmare on Odd Ball Street!

Boo!

2006-09-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

It's coming...

Nightmare on Odd Ball Street

Friday October 27th, 2006

WISE Hall

Spoooooooooky details to emerge soon!!!

Baby, you'd look great in pictures!

2006-08-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Odd Ball Revelers!

Wanna see some great photos from It Came From Planet Odd Ball?

Check here...Our good friend Ayesha was on photo duty and got some really amazing shots. Like this one:

Do you have any photos from the Odd Ball? If you do and if you'd like to see them posted please e-mail us at titzmcgee(at)yahoo(dot)ca.

For the Boys 2006

2006-08-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Our lovely co-organizer Tralala is a very busy bee...Please come to this event!

The 3rd annual For The Boys is a two-night celebration of
male-identified folks in the queer community – and it's happening
August 18th and 19th at LICK. If you want the long story, read Denise
Sheppard's current Xtra West article titled "A Continuum of Caring"
at: http://www.xtra.ca/public/viewstory.aspx?AFF_TYPE=4&STORY_ID=1960&PUB_TEMPLATE_ID=2

Friday night features: DJ Titz McGee and DJ Ruggedly Handsome (from the Odd Ball and Bent). Performances by Sarah Korba (the pole dancing queen), Your Little Pony and Malaika Millions from Sweet Soul Burlesque, DK Unitied, Tralala, Ambrosia, Mz Emily, and hosted by Zena (also of the Odd Ball).

Saturday night features: DJ T and DJ Buttah. Performances by Brigee K, Mutya, Kyle, Iona Whip, 3 Dollar Bill, Ray, Caitlin, Tralala, and hosted by Maya Suess.

And presenting Lolo Femme as the live porn-is-art pre show.

Doors at 10. Show soon thereafter.

For the Boys is proud to have Aaron and Ethan as this year's beneficiaries.

Suggested donation is $10.

LICK IS A SMALL BAR so if you want pre-sale tickets please contact us: titzmcgee[at]yahoo[dot]ca

Thanks Everybody!

2006-08-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

A great big THANK-YOU to everyone who came by It Came From Planet Odd Ball for a dance on Sunday night! We had a blast and hope that you did too.

Can't wait to see you again on October 27th for Nightmare on Odd Ball Street.

Where it's at!!!

2006-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, just to confirm, this is where you will be on Sunday night:

It Came From Planet Odd Ball

The WISE Hall 1882 Adanac Street

East Vancouver

8pm (sharp!) until Midnight

$10 at the door

19+ (sorry no minors)

Xtra! Xtra!

2006-08-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Read all about us in the latest issue of Xtra West!

And a special thanks to Michael Harris for writing such a very nice and complimentary article about our little group and our party. Woo hoo!

Regretfully...

2006-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Wet Spots will no longer be available to perform at It Came From Planet Odd Ball. Due to a change in their touring plans, they were forced to cancel their appearance at our event.

However, fear not! We still have some amazing, fantastic and out of this world performances scheduled for the event.

Crystal Precious will wow you with her sassy burlesque!

Edward Malaprop will shake you up with an amazing drag performance!

Lindsay Longlegs will be towering over the crowd!

Miss Cookie LaWhore and Lady Tralala will rock you with an unforgettable performance!

All that and our fabulous lady DJs Ruggedly Handsome and Titz McGee will make you dance holes into your spaceboots!

Don't forget to show up early! Doors are at 8pm.

B-I-N-G-O

2006-07-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Got plans for Tuesday August 1st? Why not head down to The Oasis on Davie Street for Bingo for Life, hosted by the Vancouver Friends for Life Society.

Up for grabs are fab prizes included a two-person pass to It Came From Planet Odd Ball!!!

The money goes to a great cause and it's a ton of fun. That and you have a chance to win a prize to this year's most fun Pride event: The Odd Ball!

Get Shame-ful after the Odd Ball!

2006-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

The producers of the Odd Ball and Shame are banding together to bring you the hottest night of eastside Pride fun.

Odd Ball partygoers get into Shame at the ANZA Club for half-price after 11:30PM. Since the Odd Ball closes at midnight, it's a ready-made after-party.

Lesbians on Ecstasy won't go on until you get there - after midnight! Two parties on the eastside! Don't miss out.

Party at the Odd Ball from 8:00PM to midnight and then keep going 'til 4am at Shame!

Are your buns hot enough?

2006-07-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

We have great news! Spartacus Athletic is sponsoring this year's hot buns competition. Spartacus is very generously providing three 3-month passes to the first, second and third place winners of our hot buns competition!

Spartacus Athletic is Commercial drive's only locally owned, no-attitude, full-service fitness centre. Our very own Zena and Amber Dawn are huge fans and members of the gym! They love it and so will you!

It Came From Planet Odd Ball is just under three weeks away...Get those buns ready!

Announcing a special performance by The Wet Spots

2006-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Odd Ball is thrilled to present: a very special performance by The Wet Spots!

From their website:
“The Wet Spots' glam, campy show is a natural fit with the alternative cabaret/variety scene, and they consider themselves part of the queer entertainment community (though their material goes over equally well with soldiers, bikers and suburbanites). The cheery, sex-positive message they bring reflects Cass' former career as a sex columnist and manager of a pioneering women's sexuality store. While [they primarily focus] on entertainment, its educational value has been noted by the media and by renowned sex educators such as Annie Sprinkle, Susie Bright, Ducky Doolittle and Sue Johansen."

The Wet Spots will be performing a very special, intergalactic dance routine...Don't miss it!

Check out their fantastic video for the song "Do You Take It...?" here:

Music that you can dance to!

2006-07-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

If you've been to past Odd Balls then you know that we have two rad ladies on the decks. Back again to make you dance, dance, dance are DJ's Ruggedly Handsome and Titz McGee.

Ruggedly Handsome (formerly Party Bangs) has been DJ-ing around Vancouver for a while now. You may have seen her throwin' down the tunes at Seamrippers parties and at Bent. This is the third time that she has DJ'ed an Odd Ball and we are excited to have her back. Not only is she an excellent DJ, but she's an excellent person as well. Calling all fans of Fleetwood Mac, Beyonce and Dolly Parton...and cats!!!

Titz McGee has DJ'ed at special events at Lick and Honey, as well as local house parties and all of the Odd Balls. When she's not picking out records and CDs to play, she's helping organize the Odd Ball. Her friends call her "the music nazi" but she just wants them to have a good time and dance to her favourite songs. Look out for rump shakers like Lady Sov, Sean Paul and, erm, Journey.

Oh yeah!

2006-07-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Odd Ball is gonna be awesome! Don't believe me? Check out what these folks had to say about our past parties:

You guys should do this every weekend! It was so much fun!!! - Anne

The folks the party attracted made for a perfect lefty, creative, queer, performer chemistry. I noted people dancing in the line for the bar, as well as in the bathroom. Everyone was smiling at each other, talking, laughing. It was great. - Gregory

All I could think of all night was - this is just like prom night except that last weekend all the cheerleaders and football guys got killed in a horrible bus crash! - Rob

August 6th, Y'all!

2006-06-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited!

2006-05-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Odd Ballers are pretty darned excited to announce our fabulous performers for this year's out of this world Pride party, It Came From Planet Odd Ball! We are so very, very, very pleased to present some of Vancouver's most exciting and titillating entertainers...Read all about 'em:

Lindsey Long Legs has been seen in feature films, television movies, and commercials. A regular fixture at numerous annual parades and art events throughout the city, he shows his community pride whenever he can. Odd Ball welcomes him and his tantalizing tall friend, Naomi, back for their third - and Oddest – appearance. http://www.stiltwalking.net/

Edward Malaprop is a big Geek, sweet yet crass, this little boy delights in critique of the patriarchy and in playing with performance conventions. As a drag king, he does his best to bring alternate performance styles to drag, blurring the boundaries of genre. Edward also tries his hardest to forge alternate masculinities that do not rely on power structures. He likes to dance, play with words, make lanterns, and cuddle. In his past life he was a lap cat. Find him at http://www.stilettosandstrap-ons.com/ and http://www.dkunited.com/

Producer/performer Crystal Precious is well-known for her trademark curves and incomparable stage presence. Mixing up her favourite combo of 80's flavoured satire and true vintage glam, the self-declared Queen of Sass slips effortlessly from classic golden-age tributes to old-school jams by incorporating smooth vocals or hip-hop stylings to her burlesque numbers. Also a full-figured model for Sweet Soul Designs, Bodacious and Bon Bon Style, she has danced in nearly every venue in the city, toured the US and has booked shows for underground cabarets, corporate events and television spots. Her production company, Precious Productions, is co-presenter of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and has produced the Sweet Soul Burlesque shows since the troupe's formation in 2003. Check out Crystal's website here.

Coming Soon!

2006-05-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for August 6th!

Our lovely Tralala has created an amazing preview flyer for our Pride event...Look for the flyer around town!

Won't you please be our Friendster?

2006-04-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Odd Ball has a Friendster page...Check us out...Be our friend!

Mark your calendars and start polishing your dancing shoes!

2006-03-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that this year's Odd Ball will be held on Sunday August 6th (Monday's a holiday y'all).

Celebrate Pride at Vancouver's best and most affordable Pride Weekend Dance Party!!!

And if that's not enough good news for one day...

We are also pleased to announce that

Night of the Living Odd Ball, our Hallowe'en incarnation, will be happening on Friday October 27th.

Both events will be taking place at our usual spot, the WISE Hall at 1882 Adanac Street in East Vancouver. Emerging details and excitement will appear on this web site within the next little while.

Survey says

2005-11-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

Please take a sec to check out the Survey of the Living Odd Ball below the photos...And if you have time, take another mo' to cut & paste it into an e-mail and send it to us. Thanks!

Mwah, Vancouver, mwah! (those are kissing noises)

2005-10-31T21:12:00.000-08:00

What can I say, Night of the Living Odd Ball was a big ball of zombie-laundrybasket-pirate-skeleton-witch-mummy-cowboy-dom-sheep etc. fun! I don't know about the rest of you, but I had a great time. Thank-you to everyone who showed up in costume (and out of costume as the night went on) and danced like a bunch of blood-thirsty ghouls!

Here are some photos of the party and of all the fun we had:

The winner of the Oddest Costume award

The winners of the Scariest Costume award

The costume competition heats up

We are the robots

Rattle Me Bones

The zombie ate my baby!!! Trala La and Cookie show us how to have a good time

Fortunately, Little Bo Peep found her sheep

Our lovely DJs Party Bangs as Garth and Titz McGee as Marion Crane from Psycho

Aerial silks - holy poop that girl is hanging from the ceiling and doing acrobats!

The always amazing (and extraordinarily tall) stilt walkers

Photos by the occasionally blustery, but always beautiful, Dilettante

Please...If you see a picture of yourself on this website and you do not want it up here for all the internet to see e-mail titzmcgee@yahoo.ca and I will remove it.

Help us out, please!

2005-10-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

If you attended the Night of the Living Odd Ball, but didn't have a chance to fill out a survey here's you second chance! Cut and paste the following survey into an e-mail and send it to oddball@michaelvsmith.com Thank-you for your help---we appreciate the feedback!

Survey of the Living Odd Ball!

On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the woo hoo-est) how much did you enjoy the Night of the Living Odd Ball overall? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On a scale of 1 to 10 how much did you enjoy the DJs tonight? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On a scale of 1 to 10 how much did you enjoy the performances tonight? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On a scale of 1 to 10 how much did you enjoy the bar service tonight? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On a scale of 1 to 10 how much did you enjoy the contests tonight? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On a scale of 1 to 10 how much do you like the WISE Hall as the Odd Ball venue? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Did you attend the Pride Odd Ball? Yes No

How did you hear about the Night of the Living Odd Ball? Word of mouth Ad in Xtra West SuperDyke
Odd Ball Blog Poster/Handbill Other (please specify)____________________________________________

What area of town do you live in?____________________________________________________________

Would you like to sign up for our e-mail list to be notified about future Odd Balls? (We promise not to give your address to anyone or use it for anything other than Odd Ball purposes.) Your e-mail: (please print LEGIBLY or have someone sober fill this part in for you)____________________________________________________

We are always looking to make the Odd Ball even more fun for everyone. Please use the back of this form to offer any suggestions you might have for us. You can also use it to tell us how much fun you had!
www.theoddballcouver.blogspot.com or oddball@michaelvsmith.com

Tonight's the night we're gonna make it happen!!!

2005-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

As if you would forget!

Tonight is Night of the Living Odd Ball!!!

Get your ghoul on from 8 until midnight at the WISE Hall!

{insert witchy cackle, zombie groan, werewolf howl, bone rattle here}

Two more sleeps!

2005-10-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween
Originally uploaded by JuJu Coop.

Night of the Living Odd Ball is a mere two nights away!!! I don't know about you, but my spine is already beginning to tingle in anticipation of what is sure to be one of the BEST Hallowe'en events in this crazy town called Vancouver. Just to remind you...

The Ghastly Events will take place this Thursday October 27th at the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street (just off Victoria Drive). The party will begin at 8pm and will end at midnight. It's $10 at the door---did I mention there will be candy? No! Well, there will be CANDY!!! As well as devilishly danceable music and ghoulish performances.

Be There!!!

Coat Check!

2005-10-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

skeleton coat
Originally uploaded by JuJu Coop.

It's chilly out there! We'd like to let you all know that Night of the Living Odd Ball will feature a self-serve coat check. This means that the coat check will not be very secure, so please don't leave your favorite coat in the coat check. It will be located close to the table where you pay, so there will be people around but no one will be specifically guarding the coats. Please keep this in mind if you choose to leave your coat in our coat check.

xotitz.

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me S.O.S.

2005-10-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Less than one week until the Night of the Living Odd Ball! Is your costume prepared? Mine nearly is. And as if you needed encouragement to create the BEST costume ever, the Odd Ball planning committee would like to give you a lil' incentive...

The Night of the Living Odd Ball S.O.S. Costume Competition!!!

S...for Skankiest costume
O.......for Oddest costume
S......for Scariest costume

There will be three prizes in all...Will you be the skankiest, the oddest or the scariest?

I want Candy!

2005-10-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Do you love candy? We do! And that's just one of the reason's we're so excited about this Thursday's "Night of the Living Odd Ball". Zena and I have ensured that approximately 40 pounds of candy will make an appearance at the party. Will you be there? If you are we'll give some candy! Don't believe us, check 'er out:

That's a lot of candy!!!

Devilishly Delicious Duo!

2005-10-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

We are terribly excited to announce that Night of the Living Odd Ball will feature a bone-chilling performance by the always entertaining

Trala La and Miss Cookie LaWhore!

Few details are available at this time, all I can reveal is that this performance will leave you wanting more, more, more with a side of zombiefied brains. Yum!

Here's a sneak peek of what we have in store for you:

Aerial Silks!

2005-10-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that Night of the Living Odd Ball will feature an aerial silks performance by the fabulous Jen Cressey!!! This performance will likely cause hearts to pound and spines to tingle - perfect for our event!

Jen Cressey has been producing, directing and performing cabaret and underground theatre for more than a decade. She directed the Wet Spots in their 2004 Fringe fest hit, Sing Your Way to Better Sex. Jen is a founding member, writer and director of satirical burlesque group The Hot Toddy Girls, of whom the Vancouver Sun said “The Hot Toddy Girls flip burlesque on its frilly-lingeried butt…The sexy quintet’s elaborate sketches are intensely sarcastic, political, and, if you can fathom it, feminist…It’s a potent cocktail and highly amusing.”

Performing Aerial Silks is relatively recent passion for Jen, and she is honoured to be hatching one of her fledgling routines just for you.

For more info contact: jencressey@hotmail.com

This just in...

2005-10-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

groom1
Originally uploaded by JuJu Coop.

Here's a sneak peak at the amazing stilt performance that will be showcased at Night of the Living Odd Ball. Scary!

Look up, up, WAAAYYYYYY up...

2005-10-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that Lindsey Long Legs will be doing a stilt walking performance at the upcoming Night of the Living Odd Ball!

You may have noticed two very, very tall people wearing fabulous outfits at our Pride Odd Ball in the summer---well, I'm pleased to say they will be back again for our next event! If you weren't able to make it to the July 31st Odd Ball, then this is just one of the performances that you missed:

Check out Lindsey's website for more information on his stilt-walking adventures. And, of course, plan to attend the Odd Ball on Thursday October 27th at 8pm at the WISE Hall!

Night of the Living Odd Ball! Ooooooh!

2005-10-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Night of the Living Odd Ball! Ooooooh!
Originally uploaded by JuJu Coop.

Ch-ch-check out our ad! Look for it an upcoming issue of Xtra West (who graciously gave us sponsorship yet again). Also, big ups to Pink Vixen who are also sponsoring us.

Keep checking back for updates on performers and other exciting Odd Ball happenings.

You wanna poster, I'll giveya a poster...

2005-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here it is...The Night of the Living Odd Ball poster! Look for our orange and purple posters around town in the coming weeks and don't forget to come to the best and most fun Hallowe'en party in Vancouver!

Calling all Jack and Jill O'Lanterns!

2005-09-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

You asked and we are delivering!

Plans for the next Odd Ball are rolling along at full steam ahead...

Night of the Living Odd Ball will take place on Thursday October 27th

at the WISE Hall 1882 Adanac Street, East Vancouver

$10 at the door

8pm until midnight

Costumes are encouraged

Please continue to check this blog for emerging details. What I can tell you right now is that just like our fabulous Pride party on July 31st, the Night of the Living Odd Ball will feature fun music that you can dance to and sing along to, amazing performances, contests and good times.

E-mail titzmcgee@yahoo.ca if you have any questions

Hold the phone!

2005-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Check back soon for more information about our upcoming event...

+ Night of the Living Odd Ball +

Bringing the fun to Vancouver just in time for Hallowe'en.

We be plannin'

2005-08-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes on this spot for information about upcoming events planned by

The Odd Ballers.

We've got plenty o' ideas in mind and if you'd like to see them come to fruition then you'd be best to check here frequently. Having brought the fun to Vancouver for Pride we are determined not to let it stop there.

As always, please feel free to send comments, questions, photos to titzmcgee@yahoo.ca.

Calling all Photogs!

2005-08-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hey you with the camera!

Did you take any interesting, hilarious, sexy photos of the Odd Ball on Sunday July 31st? If so, and if you're willing to share, please send files to titzmcgee@yahoo.ca

We'd really like to post some photographic evidence of all the fun we were having on Pride Sunday! Woo-hoo!

Thank-you!

Woooooo-Hoooooo!

2005-08-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

A great big Thank you! again to all of our volunteers and to all of the party-people that totally rocked last Sunday's Odd Ball! Without you we wouldn't have been able to brag that we hosted The. Best. Pride. Party. Ever!!!

Thank-you to those of you who have e-mailed us with feedback, here are some of the comments that we've received so far:

"You guys should do this every weekend! It was so much fun!!!" - Anne
"The folks the party attracted made for a perfect lefty, creative, queer, performer chemistry. I noted people dancing in the line for the bar, as well as in the bathroom. Everyone was smiling at each other, talking, laughing. It was great." - Gregory
"All I could think of all night was - this is just like prom night except that last weekend all the cheerleaders and football guys got killed in a horrible bus crash!" ~Rob

We encourage those who attended to send us feedback---please leave comments on the blog or send feedback to titzmcgee@yahoo.ca

Please stay tuned for our other events in the future. There is a Hallowe'en event in the works!