Vancouver International Burlesque Festival unveils 2023 program, March 29 to April 2
Zyra Lee Vanity, Moscato Sky, and Vancouver-based Legend Lorna headline an inclusive live event

Zyra Lee Vanity, also known as Canada’s Urban Desire

Seattle-based Moscato Sky.
Vancouver International Burlesque Festival runs from March 29 to April 2, online and at the Vancouver Playhouse
THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL Burlesque Festival has just unveiled a feathered-and-sequinned array of local and international guests for its big in-person event March 29 to April 2.
The weekend features two live evenings at the Vancouver Playhouse. Headliners include Seattle-based Moscato Sky, the first trans femme, nonbinary competitor in the Miss Exotic World category at the Burlesque Hall Of Fame Weekender; Zyra Lee Vanity, also known as Canada’s Urban Desire, an award-winning international burlesque entertainer based in Montreal; and Vancouver’s own Legend Lorna, a Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame inductee who returned to the stage in 2022 at age 79.
The weekend will also feature a new virtual showcase, skill-based workshops, social happenings, and the educational, TED-talk-inspired “TIT Talks” series.
The 2023 event marks the first festival curated by VIBF’s new artistic director Androsia Wilde, Vancouver’s “Bahama Mama of Burlesque.” She’s focussed on amplifying BIPOC voices within the scene, and has participated in the formation of the all-BIPOC collective Diasporic Dynasty. This year’s lineup emphasizes visibility and inclusion across age ranges, body shapes and size, colour, abilities and disabilities, and the LGBTTTQQIAAP community.
Tickets for the two showcases are available now at vibf.ca.
Related Articles
Taiko artists Noriko Kobayashi and E. Kage reflect on punk-rock roots and gender expression
Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival’s artist-in-residence interprets Bach, Schubert, and Mozart—and hosts a panel on how to bring environmentally sound practices to performing arts
Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival concert coincides with the release of a new CD
Tio Chorinho and Flávia Nascimento’s vibrant Brazilian rhythms, Shpilkis’s brass-driven klezmer, Julian Taylor’s soulful voice, and more
From an indie garage-pop concert by Twin River to a plant pot–decorating workshop, here are just a few of the free offerings in store
As if haunted by centuries of hits and flops, the three figures in this Bard on the Beach comedy take jabs at the self-consciousness and shaky footing of being an actor
Indigenous multidisciplinary artist will share responsibilities with founding artistic director Heather Lamoureux
Vancouver-based Drew Tarves takes his music out of the bedroom and across the country
Over two dozen vendors are selling handmade wares at Jericho Beach Park during this year’s Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Ontario-based aficionados of vintage gear and saucy slang bring Prohibition-era daring to this year’s event
Ahead of her Vancouver Folk Music Festival sets, the award-winning singer-songwriter reflects on the power of performing in her Nation’s language and representing her community
Belle Spirale’s backyard shindig features performances by Action at a Distance’s Vanessa Goodman, Paper Rabbits collective, Ballet BC dancers, and more
Headlining at this year’s Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the electrifying Marrakesh-born outfit plugs in traditional instruments and rocks out
Multimedia artist Henry Tsang’s project allows Vancouverites to see how the city looked in 1907, when an act of anti-Asian violence occurred
Free events will take place in seven Vancouver parks from August 6 to 16
Event’s artistic director recommends under-the-radar discoveries, from Tanzanian polyphony to a smashing trad Irish trio
This year’s event, on from August 7 to 17, also features a standup comedy show by YouTube star Manpreet Singh and all-ages dance workshops
From legendary names in Vancouver’s music scene to ice-cold craft beers and a bangin’ kids stage, here are a few features to hit on West 4th Avenue on July 5
In Bard on the Beach’s new production, retro pastels and power suits map surprisingly well onto the chaos of Shakespeare’s sometimes troublesome original
Waacking-infused world premiere co-created with Justine A. Chambers draws on a 1990 indie Bollywood film choreographed by Sachar’s mom
An exhibit dedicated to Patkau Architects, a film about Arthur Erickson, and a jazz concert round out the celebration
Audience members will hear tracks off her latest album Odyssey, which honours her reignited love for composing
Headliner at Khatsahlano Street Party’s Burrard Stage takes a decidedly modern approach to getting its music out into the world
Expanded Indigenous celebration includes concerts by Northern Cree and Tia Wood, as well as a marketplace, films, and more
An extension of her national exhibition of the same name, Catherine Clement’s latest book shares individual experiences of Canada’s dark period of Chinese exclusion
With modernized touches and strong performances, this adaptation renews the wit and scheming of Shakespeare’s classic comedy
In the spirit of the cancelled Vancouver Mural Festival, a new creative hub announces its first block party August 8 to 10
Nostalgic activities planned for the 10-block music event include a Scavenger Hunt, a Donut Chomp Challenge, and so much more
Sean Bayntun and Eliza De Castro sound off on bringing to life the bold characters of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde: The Musical
Pianist brings his expressive playing to Performance Works alongside bassist André Lachance, drummer Joe Poole, and trumpeter Brad Turner