D.C. arts briefs: Aug. 31

The cast of ‘11×81/2 Inches.’ (Photo by Omar Miguel)

Gay-themed play in Page-to-Stage Festival

Local playwright Alan Sharpe and his African-American Collective Theater return to the Kennedy Center’s annual Page-to-Stage Festival this weekend for a reading of his new work “11×81/2 Inches,” which he describes as “darkly dramatic, explicitly erotic, candidly comic and raunchily romantic.” It explores the lives of “same-gender-loving men in the black community.”

The Festival runs Saturday through Monday and the readings will occur at various spots throughout the Kennedy Center. The readings are free and no tickets are required but seating is limited and available first come, first served. Sharpe’s play will be performed Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the South Atrium Lobby.

More information is at kennedy-center.org.

— from staff reports

‘Rainbow Lounge’ doc depicts ’09 Texas raid

The new documentary “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” from Dallas-based filmmaker Robert Camina will be screened Wednesday in Washington at 7 p.m. at the Marvin Center Amphitheatre at George Washington University (800 21^st Street, NW) with a Q&A to follow.

The 103-minute documentary depicts a 2009 police raid on a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar that resulted in multiple arrests and serious injuries. Lesbian actress Meredith Baxter narrates. A meet and greet will be held at 6:30. The screening is co-sponsored by the Latino GLBT History Project, George Washington University and One in Ten. More information is at raidoftherainbowlounge.com.

—   from staff reports

Holiday weekend beach fun

Rehoboth Beach, Del., is always bustling with LGBT activities throughout the Labor Day weekend. Here are a few in case you’re heading to the beach this weekend.

The 25^th anniversary Sundance Celebration occurs Saturday and Sunday at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave.) in benefit of CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. On Saturday, there’s a Sundance Auction, cocktail buffet and an open bar starting at 7 p.m. The party starts the next night at 8 with dancing and an open bar. Tickets are $45 for one event and $80 for both events. For more information or to buy tickets, visit camprehoboth.com.

The annual Drag Volleyball Tournament takes place Sunday at Poodle Beach, or the end of the boardwalk. The tournament begins at 1 p.m., however it is suggested that attendees arrive early to put out chairs, as it always gets crowded. The themes of the tournament will not be announced until the teams begin playing. In previous years, themes like “The Sound of Music” and Lady Gaga have turned up. The event is free and open to everyone.

The gay bars in Rehoboth also have their usual fun going on. Definitely check out Aqua Grill (57 Baltimore Ave.), the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.). The latter, especially, always has something fun in the works. On Labor Day weekend, check out the Celebrity Tribute Show on Saturday, Psychic Sunday with Cashetta on Sunday and resident diva Pamala Stanley on Sunday and Monday (bluemoonrehoboth.com).

— ERIN DURKIN