What’s this? What’s this?! It’s Vancouver’s 21st Xmas in Skaville at The Wise Hall on Friday, December 13.

This event was the last time we saw Curtis and he was having a fantastic time.

Performances by…
Balkan Shmalkan: East Vancouver’s sweet dance party orchestra; think global music with local attitude. Their funky brass dance beats are rooted in the aural traditions of the Roma and Klezmorim of Eastern Europe and blended with a mixture of pop and jazz. Members of the group sing in 5 languages including Serbian, Romani, and Italian.

Brehdren: 10-piece theatrical ska-rock band celebrating the release of their fourth album “Terror at Camp Brehdren”.

Mivule: 4-piece band incorporating the styles of Reggae, Afrobeat and Dub in English as well as in Luganda. Their infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics are primed to get people on their feet. Check out their first full-length, self-titled album online now!

The Wavebirds: 5-piece ska-punk band from Vancouver who love to sing about all things nerdy. With a singing gamer girl and a trombone, they write high-energy original music about their favorite video games and nerdy experiences. Check out their first single High Score PLI online!

Bobbi-Jo Moore: after years fronting the ska-punk band The Elixxxirs, Bobbi-Jo has gone solo and will be kicking the evening off with an acoustic set. Bobbi-Jo has lead the organization of the Xmas in Skaville event for years. We are so happy to have her back!

Doors at 7pm. Music at 7:30
Tickets are $25 via Eventbrite

Join us Nov. 4th for ‘The Toxic Drug Supply and Post-Secondary Students’ at KPU Surrey campus, 11am-2pm.

We have incredible speakers and activists from MomsStopTheHarm, Surrey Union of Drug Users (https://www.instagram.com/sudu_bc/), Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder & Addiction (SOUDA) (https://www.instagram.co/teamsouda/), NaloxHome and Curtis’ Dream Car (https://www.instagram.com/curtisdreamcar/).

There will be pizza, naloxone training, discussions, and art!
Register at this link so we know how much food to order.

Unfortunately we have had to postpone this event until the fall. Tickets will be refunded to those who have purchased tickets.

Last year we held an amazing party for Curtis on his birthday that brought the community together for information on Naloxone and some live music.

This year we plan to do the same thing with some great suggestions on how to do the party bigger and better!

July 21, 2024 we will be hosting the 2nd Annual Curtis’ Dream Birthday Fundraiser at the Riverside Palace Banquet Hall.

Tickets include buffet style lunch and dessert, live music, guest speakers, a Mario Kart tournament, kids entertainment and more!

BANDS

BREHDREN

With varied musical backgrounds and a combined love of ska & reggae, the eight members of Brehdren bring in elements of jazz, indie pop and progressive rock to create their unique flavour. Based around a crazy, energetic front man, the rhythm and horn section cover a range of ground—from extended jams to two-minute freak outs. Not to be missed.

MATTHEW PRESIDENTE

Matthew Presidente (he/him/his) has been a staple of the queer music scene in Vancouver and abroad for over 20 years.

A maestro on the piano, a master on the mic, Matthew is a bold rock/pop songwriter. Whether you see him performing solo or with his full band, his music’s honest queer perspective invokes nostalgia, small town memories and challenges you to reflect on an exciting journey of self discovery.

Referred to as “one of — if not ­— the best singer/songwriters our LGBT scene has” by Xtra Magazine (Vancouver), Matty has performed among headliners such as Ace of Base, Dragonette and even shared a stage with Patti Smith (it’s a story)! He is known for his wide range of musical collaborations…and of course his signature leather pants. When he’s not performing live, you can find him writing, or working on his various video series, including YouTube’s “World is Watching” which hosts a rotating roster of LGBTQ2+ performers and allies, and “More Keys w/ Matty P” – an all request show hosted on the Unicorns Live platform.

Never one to settle down, Matthew has independently released 6 full length records while also showcasing his original material at notable music venues such as The Roxy, The Railway Club, The Backstage Lounge, XYYVR and Numbers Cabaret. As an advocate for queer art, his involvement in Vancouver Pride has seen him enthusiastically recognized on the Vancouver pride Main Stage (for over 12 years!), across the country, and internationally.

Want more? Check out Matthew’s latest release – ‘Standing in the way of Love’ – which held the #1 spot on Qreviews chart for over 4 weeks. Reflecting on choices and confronting vices, this song is an anthem for overcoming and finding your own way.

Curtis’ friends have put together a Golf Tournament in his memory as a fundraiser for Richmond Pathways Clubhouse. Register ASAP at the link below to participate.