Arts & Entertainment
Sentinels celebrate wins
Other local queer sports groups in full swing
The D.C. Sentinels are on a winning streak with two major titles under their belt this year. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Majoros)
There are lots of great things happening with the D.C. sports groups in the coming month.
Congratulations to the D.C. Sentinels basketball team who have been on a tear this year winning two national tournaments. In January, the team won the A division of the Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas. Two weeks ago the Sentinels won the A division of the Coady Roundball Classic in Chicago. They will be celebrating with a happy hour party today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Black Fox Lounge. You can check out the Sentinels at www.teamdcbasketball.org.
The D.C. Strokes Rowing Club is offering Learn To Row sessions for men and women in the month of May. All skill levels are welcome and you will be introduced to the basics of technique, equipment and language in a small class of 10-12 people. From April 30 to May 22, sessions will be offered on Saturdays in the mornings and afternoons. From May 2-25, sessions will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. From May 3-26, sessions are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. More information is available at www.dcstrokes.org.
Last year, about 3,500 members of the LGBT community attended Team D.C.’s Night OUT at the Nationals. Join them again this year on June 21 as the Nats take on the Seattle Mariners. Tickets start at $16 and are available at Nellie’s Sports Bar. In the coming weeks they will be available online at www.teamdc.org.
The D.C. Front Runners Spring Fling is scheduled for May 13-15 which includes socializing, walk/runs in Rock Creek Park and the Capitol Hill Classic 10K on Sunday. More info is available about Spring Fling and their weekly run/walks at www.dcfrontrunners.org.
The first practice for the Jolly Boozers Ultimate Frisbee Team was a few weeks ago and you can still get in on the action. Men and women of all skill levels are welcome and cleats are recommended. Contact Ben at [email protected] to learn more.
After a brief break, D.C. Cheer is getting back in the game with their cheer squad. They are looking for coaches and places to practice. If you are interested or can offer an opportunity, contact Greg at [email protected].
The Lambda Links Golf Club has kicked off its season. The first tournament is a Scramble to be held at Glenn Dale on April 30. Weekly outings will continue until the next tournament which will be held on June 11. Stay current with the Links at www.lambdalinks.org.
The Rainbow Spinnakers Sailing Club has begun its weekly sails. You can ride along as a passenger or train to become a skipper. Get on its mailing list and receive weekly e-mails about openings on the sailboats. You can find them at www.rainbowspinnakers.org
Interested in scuba diving? Join members of the Lambda Divers Scuba Club on May 15 (and every third Sunday of the month) at Nellie’s Sports Bar between 5-7 p.m. for happy hour. Information on future diving trips will be on hand. More about them is available at www.lambdadivers.org.
The Adventuring Outdoors Group is sponsoring the Arboretum Azaleas Hike on Saturday. Last November, the National Arboretum announced that it was destroying most of its world-famous azalea collection due to budget constraints.
Ultimately, The Friends of the Arboretum secured a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor to “save the azaleas.” The group will take an easy 5-mile hike around the Arboretum, a 446 acre hidden gem in the middle of Northeast D.C. Established 65 years ago, the azaleas now blanket the hillside of Mount Hamilton, the third highest natural point in D.C.
The group will also visit a selection of other seasonal displays as well as some of the meadows, the forested areas and the famous original National Capitol Columns. Look for the trip leader’s orange cap at 9 a.m. at the top of the Q Street escalator at Dupont Circle Metro. They will carpool from there and return by 1:30 p.m. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen and $5 for trip fees. Drivers are needed. Contact Damon at [email protected]et for more information.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
