It’s a safe bet there will be more drinking than eating taking place at an upcoming event at the Astoria Hotel featuring classical music, tacos and nude sketching.
That’s because not only will three professional models be on hand to sketch, but, from 10 to 11 p.m., audience members have an opportunity to drop their clothes and present their best side, so to speak, something unlikely to happen after 10 ($4) tacos.
Organizer Nikki Hebert said the event, aptly called Get Nude, is an opportunity for men and women to do something they’ve always dreamed of, just likely not in the place they imagined.
“Some people approach me during the evening to ask if they can pose,” said Hebert. “So far it’s been mostly young people, but we really want to see some older people take part so we have a variety of different body types.”
Hebert, who besides curating events at the Astoria works there as a bartender, said the odd combination of tacos, classical music and sketching models in the nude appealed to her. In a Facebook post, Hebert asks, “Have you ever thought, ‘Why can’t I go to my local bar not ONLY to drink beer and eat saucy Mexican food, but also to sketch (or shyly glance at modern nudes in various poses while listening to dramatic classical music by the greats?’”
Hebert joked the combination might be best described as the symphony meets No. 5 Orange, in reference to a local strip club.
“Just kidding, it’s nothing like that.” Hebert noted many 20-somethings don’t know a lot about classical music, so the evening is an opportunity for them to expand their horizons, as well as their play lists. Audience members who want to pose simply write their name and favourite composer or classical song (if they have one) on a slip of paper and drop it in the marked basket at the bar or talk to Hebert. Only one volunteer model from the crowd will be chosen to pose on stage naked. Audience members are also welcome to request their favourite classical pieces, but Hebert said that rarely happens due to their lack of knowledge about that genre of music.
“They don’t hear it in the bars,” said Hebert, who admits she is not yet a fan. “And they’re ashamed to admit how little they know.”
Participants are also encourage to show off their sketches during intermission, but because this is not your mother’s art class, they are in no way obligated to do so. To that end, participants are asked to BYOSS (“Bring your own sketching shit”). It’s also advised they bring along something with a hard back to sketch on, such as a book, since table and chairs are limited.
Get Nude is not the only interesting event hosted at the Astoria. Other highlights of the month include an amateur strip night called Rent Cheque and Manic Monday Karaoke.
The next nude drawing/taco/classical music session starts at 7 p.m. July 5, at the Astoria Hotel, 769 East Hastings St. Cover charge is a sliding scale between $5 to $10 – $8 gets you a drink ticket. Check out the Astoria on Facebook for a complete schedule.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
