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Calendar: events through Feb. 17

Concerts, plays, parties and more slated for coming week

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‘Fast Company Table’ is part of the Jens Praet exhibit, 'Fossilized' at Industry Gallery. Photo courtesy Violetta Markelou

Friday, Feb. 11

Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge St., N.W.) hosts neighborhood bingo tonight at 7 p.m. The doors open at 6:10 p.m. Free parking is available. Bring this announcement and play the early bird games for free. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 202-297-6884.

Tonight from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. is College Nite at Paradox (1310 Russell St.) in Baltimore featuring hip-hop, reggae, club and R&B music. The first 100 college students with ID enter free. A college or military ID will get a discunt. Attendees must be 18 or older.

Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) in Baltimore presents “Funhouse” an official preliminary to Miss Gay Maryland America hosted by Josie Foster and Tatiyanna Voche. Doors open at 10 p.m.; the contest starts at 10:30. General admission is $8 and reserved seating is $9. For reservations or application information, contact Josie at 410-274-71118.

“Sunset Boulevard” will be performed tonight at 8 p.m. at Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Arlington. Tickets are either $89.95 or $84.95 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the theater box office.

Jens Praet’s first solo U.S. exhibition, “Fossilized,” is on display at Industry Gallery (1358 Florida Ave., N.E.). Praet’s work is created from shredded magazines and documents. He used shredded and recycled copies of Art in America, Capitol File, Details, Fast Company and Robb Report mixed with clear resin to create his art. The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit industrygallerydc.com.

Saturday, Feb. 12

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will be performing “Let’s Hear It for the Boys” tonight with the Rock Creek Singers and special guest Major Mike Almy at the Chruch of the Epiphany (1317 G St., N.W.) at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Chorus will also be honoring the Servicemembers Legal Defence Network with the 2011 Harmony Award. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at gmcw.org.

Dupont Social Club and 18th and U Duplex Diner present “Valentine’s is a Drag” tonight at 6 p.m. Duplex Diner will be open all night and will feature drag queen waitresses, bartenders and hostesses. All donations will go to SAGE Metro D.C.

D.C. Eagle (639 New York Ave., N.W.) hosts the 40th anniversary Scarlett’s Bake Sale today from 4 to 8 p.m. A judged competition will begin prior to the auction of baked goods and the categories will be Best Individual Entry, Best Commercial Entry, Best Club Entry, Most Creative Entry and The Directors Award.

Homo/Sonic comes to the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) with DJ Natty Boom’s “Birthday Explosion” tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring DJs Natty Boom and Zack and Michael of The New Gay. Cover is $10.

The Lodge (21614 National Pike) in Boonsboro hosts “Cupid’s Ball: The Red Party” with DJ Ryan W tonight from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $8 after.  There will be $5 XXL ReFresher, a super-sized cup, all night.

The Virginia Wine (and Food) Showcase begins today at 11 a.m. with the Grand Tasting Open. The Showcase is one of four Virginia wine events, sponsored by the Farm Wineries Council. There will be unlimited wine tastings of more than 300 world class Virginia wines. The goal is to offer wine lovers the opportunity to sample Virginia’s large variety of award-winning, locally grown wines. Tickets are $45 at the door, $36 online and $20 for non-drinkers. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit vawineshowcase.org.

Sunday, Feb. 13

The fourth annual Metro D.C. PFLAG “Bowling for Love Bowl-A-Thon” is today from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bowl America (6446 Edsall Rd.) in Alexandria. The bowlathon will be $25 a person including shoes and three games. Door prizes and raffle prizes will be given out.

The Human Rights Campaign presents HER HRC Washington D.C. tonight starting at 7 p.m. at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) with a special performance by DCypher Dance. Tickets are $10 and includes an annual HRC membership. Attendees must be 18 or older. For more information and to purchase tickets visit dc.hrc.org.

CLITFest D.C. presents a pancake breakfast today from noon to 2 p.m. at Hole in the Sky (2110 5th St., N.E.). There will be pancakes, orange juice, mimosas and board games. Admission is $5 and proceeds will go toward CLITFest D.C. 2011, Combating Latent Inequality Together, a three-day event in July.

Lace Lounge (2214 Rhode Island, Ave., N.E.) is celebrating Valentine’s Day with two events. First there will be a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music from saxophonist Sharon Thomas. Brunch is $15.95 per person, $20 with bottomless mimosas. The day continues with “Lover’s Cove,” a dinner for two with live music from John G. Lewis and the Band. A three course meal for two is $50. For more information, visit lacedc.com.

Drag City D.C. will be at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) today for a Valentine’s Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The brunch buffet is $20.

Pocket Gays present “Missed Connections Sunday School”  tonight from 3 to 9 p.m. at Local 16 (1602 U St., N.W.). There will be games and special Valentine’s Day prizes. After sunset, The Metaphysical will be providing music inside.

Monday, Feb. 14

SpeakeasyDC and Two Pear Productions partnered up to present “Logic, Luck and Love” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Atlas Performing Arts Center Lang Theatre (1333 H St., N.E.). Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at speakeasydc.com.

Chris Chase presents “Heart On: A Singles Soiree” tonight at 7 p.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) with DJ Jesse Jackson. No cover.

Secrets in Lave presents “Burlesque-A-Pades February Frolic” tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria. The Valentine’s inspired burlesque revue will sar Angie Pontani, Helen Pontani, Melody Sweets, MStickle, Deanna Danger, Tyler Fyre and hosted by Albert Cadabra

Tuesday, Feb. 15

The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “Cymbeline,” directed by Rebecca Bayla Taichman, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St., N.W.). Tickets range from $37 to $70 and can be purchased online at shakespearetheatre.org.

The National Portrait Gallery is showing an exhibit that focuses on sexual differences in the making of modern American portraiture. “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture” is the first major museum exhibit of its kind. The museum is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 16

D.C. Ice Breakers and the Federal Triangles Soccer Club will be hosting a free skate tonight from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. at Kettler Capitals Iceplex ion top of the Ballston Common Mall parking garage (627 N. Glebe Rd.) in Arlington. The groups will go to a local bar afterward for a social hour. Skating is $8 and $3 for skate rentals. For more information, visit dcicebreakers.com.

The Fessenden Ensemble at the National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.) will be performing Mozart favorites today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door. Students are free with an ID.

Thursday, Feb. 17

Touchstone Gallery’s (901 New York Ave., N.W.) newest exhibit is “Color of Love” featuring 50 artists. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through Feb. 27.

Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 S. 23rd St.) in Arlington presents the grand opening of Wild Thursdays tonight from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. There’s no cover.

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Theater

Talented pair of local queer actors tackles ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Ford’s production features terrific score

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Chani Wereley (Audrey) and Derrick D. Truby Jr. (Seymour) in the 2024 Ford’s Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors. (Photo by Scott Suchman)

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ 
Through May 18
Ford’s Theatre
511 10th St., N.W.
$33-$95
Fords.org 

Ever since premiering off-Broadway in 1982, “Little Shop of Horrors” has drawn a devoted following of avid audiences as well as performers eager to act in the show. Now playing at Ford’s Theatre, the doo-wop, dark comedy features a terrific cast including a wildly talented pair of local queer actors who’ve longed to appear in the show since they were kids. 

Set in the urban 1960s, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s hit show with a terrific score follows the wacky rise of Seymour, a nebbishy florist in a Skid Row shop who changes his fortunes by unintentionally marketing an exotic, human eating plant.  

Chani Wereley, 28, who plays Seymour’s love interest Audrey, a hyper femme downtowner with an edge, has had her on eye the role for years. Wereley says, “Audrey’s been around the block more than once, but I approach her as a person who moves through the world with love and hope.”

The queer D.C. native adds, “On long trips to visit family in Canada or Florida, the first thing we’d do is pop a ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ video [film version] into the car’s VHS player. I’ve watched is so many times, I could quote the whole movie to you.”

After auditioning to play Audrey in director Kevin S. McAllister’s production at Ford’s, Wereley never thought she’d book the part, and when they said she got it, she cried.  

Similarly, Tobias A. Young, 34, the pansexual actor who voices the part of the bloodthirsty plant affectionately dubbed Audrey II, explains his intense interest in the work: “I started watching the film in ’86. Growing up as a little gay boy in Calvert County, Md., I wanted to be blonde Audrey [played by Ellen Green in the movie]. I didn’t know much about musicals at the time, but I was absorbed.” 

When asked by Ford’s to play the voracious plant Audrey II without auditioning, his reply was an unhesitant “yes.” 

Voicing a role requires Young to sing from backstage in a black box rigged with monitors and a mixing board. He says, “people ask if I’m singing from inside of the ever-growing, scary plant. No, I’m not, and that’s fine. But let’s face it, actors love to be seen on stage, but I don’t feel entirely unseen as Audrey II.”

He’s worked hard and successfully with formidable puppeteers Ryan Sellers and Jay Frisby to bring parts of himself to the carnivorous plant — his sassiness, own movements, and even a tilt of his head; their efforts have drawn the actual Young into the show. 

Both Wereley and Young possess gorgeous, emotive voices as evidenced by Wereley’s striking rendition of Audrey’s “Suddenly Seymour,” and Young’s soulful “Feed Me (Git It).” Additionally, both actors are also big on queer representation in theater. 

When her young pals were listening to Britney Spears, Wereley was dancing to retro tunes like “Mashed Potato Time,” and her favorite song to this day, the Shirelle’s girl group anthem “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” As Audrey, Wereley eschews the character’s usual platinum hair for a bouncy brunette, cherry-streaked wig, tight pencil skirts, swing coats, and her very own half-sleeve tattoo. 

“It’s important for people to see themselves on stage,” she says. “Seeing me or someone like me is inherently interesting. Being that person on Instagram or with the institution, cast, or audiences is meaningful. It’s important.”

In 2011, a couple years after finishing high school, Young landed a part in “Dream Girls” at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, and he’s been working professionally ever since. Growing up, he didn’t see a lot of himself – Black and queer – on social media. He now wants to be open and honest for those out there who might not feel seen, he says

An introvert who lets everything loose on the stage, Young says, “theater is a safe space for queer people. That’s the first place we feel safe, particularly in school. And this is why we need theaters in schools, now more than ever.”

He adds, “What’s great about Ford’s is its surprises, especially when they switch up casting. It’s meaningful to see the shows you love, but why not see them with a twist? Using unexpected actors and incorporating queer people just makes it that much better.”

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Nightlife

D.C.’s gay DJ collective CTRL returns

Electropop group resurfaces at Trade on March 30

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CTRL is back after a six-year absence.

Finger lasers, confetti cannons, drag shows, photo booths, throwback tunes, and a touch nerdy: after a long break, D.C.’s gay DJ collective CTRL is throwing its first party in six years.

Born in an Eritrean restaurant more than a decade ago, this longstanding gay nightlife electropop group is resurfacing with a comeback event at Trade on March 30.

Gay DJs Adam Koussari-Amin, Jeff Prior, Devon Trotter, and Brett Andreisen hosted the first CTRL party at now-closed restaurant Dahlak, on the corner of 18th and U Streets. After a year of hosting pop-ups in that restaurant’s dining room, they upgraded down 18th Street to now-closed gay club Cobalt. There, the parties grew: drag shows, a pop-up photo booth from David Claypool, and quirky activations like throwing hot dogs into print-outs of Putin’s mouth. Their productions grew as well, like producing the now-defunct Brightest Young Gays (BYG) Pride events at Wonderbread Factory and Union Market and the ‘Get Wet’ pool party with David Brown’s Otter Crossing at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.

CTRL wasn’t done. The group received its biggest stage yet after a call from Ed Bailey, the owner of now-closed gay club Town, as well as current gay bars Number 9 and Trade. At Town, the opportunity “allowed our creativity to flourish with even bigger performances, bigger photo experiences, crazier hand-outs, and the same electropop dance vibes our fans had come to know us for,” says Koussari-Amin.

CTRL pressed pause when Town shut down, which “was a huge loss to the LGBTQIA+ community and D.C. nightlife in general,” says Koussari-Amin. After that, it hosted an occasional spinoff called QWERTY. Post-pandemic, Koussari-Amin has spent a few nights solo as DJ at Trade and other venues.

After connecting with Jesse Jackson, the Trade general manager, as well as with Bailey, who agreed to host the inaugural event, Koussari-Amin was determined to shift CTRL back to life.

However, getting the old band back together proved to be a challenge. While the rest of the group have either left Washington, D.C., or are pursuing other projects, Koussari-Amin received their blessing to stay on and find new members. 

“When it came to finding new partners, both DJ Dez [Desmond Jordan] and DJ Lemz [Steve Lemmerman] were obvious choices,” he says, noting that “they also have distinct styles and interests.” Dez has a residency at Pitchers and Kiki as well as pop-ups, and Lemz throws events like Sleaze and BENT.

 “It seemed important to come back to the nightlife table with an experience that could complement all the amazing experiences that have even built up since CTRL threw its last event at Town. Bringing back both the DJ collective and the CTRL event with Dez and Lemz means new voices, perspectives, sounds, and excitement.”

“CTRL is an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy music, drinks, and good vibes,” adds Jordan, noting that for him, it’s an event that celebrates queer identity.

And after months of planning, CTRL will kick off its monthly party series at Trade on March 30 for the first gig after its glow-up.

The trio says that its core inspiration “is driven by the indie and electropop favorites of new and old, like Goldfrapp, Ava Max, Charli XCX, … We’re also all huge fans of slut and trash pop music like Kim Petras, Slayyyter, Cupcakke,” as well as pop diva remixes, new bops, and songs that reside inside and far beyond the expanse of Top 40.

CTRL is also bringing back its activations that complement the tunes. Summer Camp is set for drag performances, David Claypool is back with his photo booth, and Koussari-Amin promises “to have all sorts of weird and wacky handouts like we used to.”

After the March premiere, April’s party is “CTRLella”, a Coachella send-up. Future events will feature various different themes, and they plan to throw a party during Capital Pride; they’re also looking to be a central part of Trade’s expansion into the adjacent space.

 Koussari-Amin says that “the event’s signature experience [is] a lynchpin in connecting D.C.’s expanding generations of queer folks, giving everyone a safe space to let loose and feel a rush no matter who they are.” 

For his part, Bailey continues to support CTRL and its collective intention, expressing its essential nature as a party for partiers by partiers. “CTRL is the kind of party that represents what people want. It’s just a real party by real people that just want to hear good music and dance with their friends.”

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Celebrity News

HRC releases ‘Queer Renaissance Syllabus’

Beyoncé’s hit album inspired curriculum

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Beyoncé performs at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Aug. 6, 2023. The Human Rights Campaign has released a curriculum that her "Renaissance" album inspired. (Washington Blade photo by Isabelle Kravis)

In a move aimed at celebrating the beauty, brilliance and resilience of the LGBTQ community, the Human Rights Campaign unveiled the “Queer Renaissance Syllabus” that Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album inspired. 

Curated by Justin Calhoun, Leslie Hall and Chauna Lawson of the HRC’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program, the syllabus includes a variety of academic articles, essays, films and other media rooted in Black queer and feminist studies. Each piece is directly inspired by the tracks on Beyoncé’s Billboard 200-topping dance album, “Renaissance.”

Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance” stands as a cultural milestone, celebrating the Black queer roots of dance music while shedding light on overlooked Black queer artists. Inspired by her late-Uncle Johnny, the album not only garnered critical acclaim but also shed light on the often marginalized contributions of Black queer artists. Winning four Grammys and yielding chart-topping hits like “Break My Soul” and “Cuff It,” the album sparked discussions about economic impact and cultural representation.

Amid its success, legislative challenges arose, with Florida and Texas enacting bans on DEI initiatives in public colleges. Recognizing the album’s transformative potential, HRC developed the “Queer Renaissance Syllabus” to leverage its impact for education and activism.

Tailored for educators, youth-serving professionals, DEI practitioners, higher education leaders and admirers of Beyoncé’s artistry, the syllabus aims to encourage meaningful discussions, enrich lesson plans, and explore innovative ways to honor the vibrancy and significance of LGBTQ individuals and their culture.

With six themes anchoring the syllabus, ranging from “intersectionality and inclusivity” to “social justice and activism,” it provides a comprehensive exploration of various facets of LGBTQ experiences and expressions. Fan-favorite tracks from the album are paired with scholarly readings, offering insights into empowerment, self-acceptance and the transformative power of artistic expression. The syllabus also reinforces HRC’s efforts to highlight, amplify and re-center Black and queer voices.

By providing links to articles, books, podcasts and interviews, each associated with a song from the album, it celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Black queer community.

The concluding section of the syllabus includes Beyoncé’s tribute to O’Shea Sibley, a young Black queer person who was murdered in Brooklyn, N.Y., last July while voguing to “Renaissance” songs at a gas station. HRC also includes a statement that condemns hate crimes.

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