Arts & Entertainment

Differing directions

MCC music program adjusting to new leadership, styles

Published

14 years ago

April 5, 2012

WBadmin

Darius Smith, one of the new choir directors at MCC-DC. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

By MALI KRANTZ

The two Sunday morning services held each week at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington have always had slightly different styles, but the distinction has become more pronounced as each has its own choir director now.

In December, Shirli Hughes resigned from her position as minister of music there. After a decade of service at the District’s largest predominantly LGBT church, the lesbian music minister left big shoes to be filled in the church’s music department.

“She had a big job,” says Jeff Herrell who sang in her choir for about 10 years.

Hughes led both Sunday services at 9 and 11 a.m. as well as occasional performances for holidays and special events. She was also a full-time employee.

Her succession came in the form of two interim music ministers, Justin Ritchie, who leads the 9 a.m. Sunday service, and Darius Smith, who leads a more contemporary service at 11. They’ll both be on board for this Sunday’s Easter services, the highest holy day in Christendom. A Good Friday service is tonight at 7. Visit mccdc.com for details.

“It has worked out well to have two of us,” Ritchie says. “Because each service is very different and they play to each of our strengths … the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service have always had their own personality.”

Ritchie, whose service is more traditional, came from the MCC choir. In addition to his musical success at MCC, he’s also a featured vocalist with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and a member its 14-person a cappella group, Potomac Fever.

Smith, a graduate of Howard University’s Music Department and New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program is an assistant professor of musical theater at Howard. He has also written original music for a number of plays in the D.C. area including “U.G.L.Y.,” a new musical.

Smith’s service leans toward pop and contemporary styles.

“It’s interesting. It’s fun,” says Herrell of the new musical content.

Both Herrell and Ritchie estimate that the choruses have grown over the past few months.

“I think people are really receptive to Justin’s style of music … and new people want to be a part of Darius’ ministry,” Herrell says. “Yeah it’s cool. It’s different.”

While Rev. Dwayne Johnson, the church’s senior pastor, recognizes that Hughes brought an extraordinary talent to MCC’s music ministry, he’s enthusiastic about the church’s new direction.

“We have a long tradition of excellent music,” Johnson says. “And Justin and Darius are continuing that tradition. It’s an exciting time to see what gifts they have to bring to the table.”

While much of the music is changing, a few traditions remain such as having drums and bass accompany services. Each choir director does his own accompanying.

During the transition period after Hughes left, Acoustic Praise, a subgroup of MCC’s music ministry, stepped up to fill in while they looked for new staff members. Though the church has an organ, it’s rarely used.

“They’ve really worked hard during this transition filling in on Sundays,” says Tommie Adams, Herrell’s partner and an Acoustic Praise member. “It’s still a transitional period. Both people have great musical backgrounds and Darius brings kind of a youthful mood to music too, so it’s a nice variety.”

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, May 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

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PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

4 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

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Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.