Evening of drag and music entertainment for those affected by HIV

With top-class entertainment, queer-culture, music and food, Pony Cabaret returns to Kelowna for its seventh annual fundraising event.

The evening, hosted by Miss Cookie LaWhore and Erin Scott, features drag, storytelling, comedy and burlesque at the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Feb. 9.

All proceeds go towards the Living Positive Resource Centre, which provides resources for individuals affected by HIV, Hepatitis C or related health issues.

Miss Cookie LaWhore is the alter-ego of UBC Okanagan professor Michael V. Smith, who has partnered with the Inspired World Café (IWC) to organize the fundraiser.

“The goal of the event is to make a space where everyone can feel welcome, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” Smith explains.

There will be a mix of local and national talent, with performances from Ivan Coyote, Rose Butch, Tanya Lipscomb, Mother Girth and Ella Lamoureux.

“Pony is a breath of fresh air for our community,” says Scott, the former executive director of IWC. “I encourage people to come for the performers, stay for the looks and drink for the cause."

Smith and Scott partnered to make IWC an official partner of the event, with a funding boost from Canadian Heritage and additional support from the Government of Canada and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBCO.

The venue is wheelchair accessible, has gendered washrooms and a gender neutral, accessible washroom available by request. A bar and concession will be open before and during the show.

The event is 18+ and doors open at 7 pm.

Scott adds: "Come and get in the saddle and get ready to go for a ride.”

Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $10 to $40 and can be purchased here.