Vancouver on the Cheap: Valentine's Day at The Biltmore

Toonie Tuesday on Valentine's Day means $2 cover and $4 draft beer and high balls, leading to a totally cheap night of awesomeness that also makes for a thoroughly impressive date. Sample dialogue: "Did you forget Valentine's Day again?" / "No way! I'm taking you out on the town! We're going to a concert at The Biltmore!" / "Wow, you really must love me after all!"

See how easy that was?

		Valentine's Day is on the horizon, and whether you're actively celebrating by going on some form of date or protesting at home with libations and movies, this holiday can be dang expensive.  Luckily I've come across a cheap event that can make for a fun, non-stereotypical date OR a singles' night out: Toonie Tuesdays at the Biltmore, Valentine's Day edition!

On stage on the big V-Day are The Ballantynes and Pleasure Cruise, bands that simply must have been picked on theme.  Any actual knowledge of their music aside, Ballantyne rhymes with Valentine, and Pleasure Cruise just sounds kinda sexy.

This is one to put in your back pocket for non-Valentine's Day-days as well, as this is not just a one-time deal. Here's the full low-down on cheap Tuesdays at the Biltmore:

Every Tuesday is "Teenage Lifestyle", a weekly night where DJs play 60's records, all garage/punk/new wave/psych/powerpop/etc. The motto on their facebook fanpage is "do lots of drinking and talk to no one!" I can only assume this is because it will be so bloody loud in there that talking becomes meaningless.

Once a month a few bands get thrown into the mix and it's a real, live concert, just like this coming Tuesday. No one needs to feel bad about bands not getting paid because of the low cover, there is a trio of awesome sponsors making sure the artists get their due (Phillips Brewing, Tattoo Union, and Discorder). I specifically mention the sponsors because I work in theatre and know how vital sponsors are. They deserve a shout-out for their awesomeness, so come on, let's all shout for them! Right now! At your computer! Scare whoever's nearby!

All shouting aside, the price is the same every Tuesday, and merits repeating: $2 cover. $4 draft beer and high balls.

You know what this means, right? If you drink in moderation (it is a Tuesday evening, after all, and what, were you raised in a barn?) then you can have a fun night out for a tenner! Or less! It could be pocket change! But don't forget to tip the bartenders. There is no sponsor for that and they still have to serve all us annoying cheapskates - make it worth their while.