[Editor's Note: Welcome to Melanie, our new arts columnist focusing on Vancouver events and culture happening beyond the beaten path!]

On Friday, March 19, Darby's Pub on West 4th will be taken over by seven talented girls in pasties, corsets and stockings, as the Girls On Top Risque Cabaret Society (G.O.T. ) throw their "G.O.T. Curves, Will Travel" fundraiser event.

In recent years Vancouver has hatched a glittering array of burlesque groups, and their popularity is clearly growing. The independent, roots up attitude of these girls harks back to the beginnings of burlesque, when it was taboo for women to be making their own money -- especially by performing, of all things. What's even more interesting about Girls On Top in particular is that the entire net profits of this group go to charity, so we get "burlesque dancers shaking it up for change!" That's social change, not coins... or is it?

Today marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and if it weren't for a quick news scan this morning, I would have had no idea.

Where it was once cool to loudly champion women's rights, many women now balk at being labeled a "feminist." In many eyes, the feminist movement should have ended with emancipation, the right to work outside of the home, university degrees and the rise of the mini-skirt. "They have equality and jobs, what can they possibly want now?" some ask. There are men and women who feel the gender equality campaign has made "enough" progress.

But when we witness the Canadian Women's Ski Jumpers in court numerous times unsuccessfully fighting to have their sport instated in the Olympic Games, when journalists comment on the fashion sense of our female politicians before their political abilities, when women are still struggling to make the same wages as men, and girls still feel a boob job will get them happiness, it is hard to be satisfied with this so-called level of equality.

Disclaimer the first: Not all of these happen on Halloween night
Disclaimer the second: Yes, I know I missed that event, and that one, and that other one, so include them in the comments.
Disclaimer the third: There isn't one. I just think things should come in threes.

Fright Nights
The PNE Vancouver, 6pm - Late
$25 ($30 for Oct 30 & Oct 31)

Halloween Ghost Train
Until November 1, Stanley Park, 6 - 10pm
$10 adults, $6 kids
Price includes access to the Haunted Farmyard

OCW Halloween Release Party
October 28th @ The Astoria, 8pm
$10 entry gets you a new copy of the mag/CD
Bands: Kick Evrything, Hayfa Makes Music, and more

Saturday October 24th check out Here is Now: A Pop-Up Art Exhibition happening at 2152 Main St from 7pm until 2am.

There will be art, music, and cheap drinks. A pretty good combination, in my opinion.

"HERE IS NOW is a 'pop-up' art show organized by Natasha Lands and Victor Wang. This exhibit features the works of eleven contemporary Vancouver artists, who will be taking over a storefront at the corner of 6th and Main St, Vancouver Canada for one night only. The intention is to exhibit a diverse range of talented young Vancouver artists in a non-conventional space. This 'pop-up' aesthetic demonstrates what can be accomplished independently, with limited time, and limited resources. "HERE IS NOW" hopes to add to the city's cultural diversity and create more attention for the amazing younger contemporary arts community in Vancouver. As 2010 approaches an increasing number of 'pop up' art shows will be happening in various unconventional and alluring locations around the city."

Thanks to organizer Natasha Lands for the informational blurb.

As you turn the corner onto Maple from 4th to take a break from dodging rolled up yoga mats, you may have noticed a strangely juxtaposed blue cube of a building, oddly sporting rooftop solar panels. Sitting unassuming among the bountiful crops, this structure in fact has been the homestead of many successful local environmental movements, housing the headquarters of one of Canada's oldest environmental organizations, the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation, otherwise known as SPEC.

Since 1969, SPEC has been a strong and consistent advocate for environmental protection, offering practical solutions for building healthy communities - from helping eliminate the use of DDT to establishing the first recycling depots in BC and stopping logging in Vancouver's watersheds, to their current work promoting food security in the Lower Mainland.

Sunday, August 23

OK, technically not part of this week, but anyway: Blim Community Market at Main St Car-Free Days. And if you're there, check out Jenn Upham's "Buttons for Cancer" where she makes earrings from buttons. She sells the buttons for $10 and donates the entire proceeds to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. She hopes to raise $5000 for the society.

On Main St between 12th and 16th, from noon until 5pm.

Monday, August 24

Elvis Costello plays at Stanley Park's Malkin Bowl tonight. You could buy a ticket. Or you could, you know, just sit outside the fence and listen for free. Doors at 5:30, show at 7pm.

Tuesday, August 25

The Vermeer, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art exhibit at the VAG ends on September 13, which means that tonight is the third last 'by donation' day to go and see it and avoid the regular admission rates. By donation runs on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 9pm.

Wednesday, August 26

one cool word magazine summer lovin' release party at The Biltmore at 8pm. Grab a copy of the new issue and compilation CD of all Vancouver content, while listening to:

World Club
Maria in the Shower
Spoon River

$10 entry, or $12 with a magazine/CD