Arts briefs: Feb. 3

Suzanne Westenhoefer has toured with the Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco and others. (Photo by Adam Bouska)

Westenhoefer to play Birchmere

Suzanne Westenhoefer, the first openly gay comedian to appear on television, is performing at the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Westenhoefer has appeared on many shows including “Late Night with David Letterman” and Game Show Network’s remake of “I’ve Got a Secret.” She’s also had specials on HBO, Bravo and Logo and has toured with the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco.

Westenhoefer has received many awards including being named one of Power Up’s 10 Amazing Women in Showbiz in 2008 and was voted the second funniest lesbian in American by Curve Magazine readers, behind Ellen DeGeneres.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.

Local queer group performs for black AIDS awareness day

Brave Soul Collective will be performing “Moments of Truth: Healing Ourselves From the Inside Out” at Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave., N.W.) on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

The show will feature original work by founder Monte J. Wolfe and members Alan Sharpe, Jared Shamberger, Thembi Duncan and Cornelius Jones, Jr., including theatr, spoken word and personal testimonials.

The Collective is an education, outreach and support organization for LGBT HIV positive and negative individuals living their lives in truth through the arts.

This performance is in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at bravesoulcollective.org.

Sykes brings routine to Strathmore next week

Out comic Wanda Sykes will be performing at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Besthesda) on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

Named one of the 25 funniest people in America by “Entertainment Weekly,” Sykes started her stand-up career in 1987 at the Coors Light Super Talent Showcase right here in D.C. and continued to hone her craft while working for NSA.

Sykes has been featuring on shows such as “Chris Rock Show,” “Inside the NFL” and what is probably her most well known role as Barbara Baran on “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” She’s also lent her voice to several animated features including “Over the Hedge” and “Barnyard.”

Tickets range from $39 to $99 and can be purchased online at Strathmore.org.