a&e features
Pecs, abs, pop and the violin
Gay Seattle-based string player grabbing attention with Perry, Beiber videos
Matthew Olson has drifted away from playing the violin a few times in his life and returned but when it happened most recently over the past year, he found something was different.
Olson, who has lived in the Seattle area since 2001 and grew up in various parts of the Midwest (mostly in Kansas City, Mo.), has dubbed himself the āShirtless Violinistā launching his new guise with a trio of violin covers of current pop songs such as Katy Perryās āRiseā (16,600 views since Aug. 29) Justin Bieberās āCold Waterā (20,000 views since Sept. 8) and Lady Gagaās āPerfect Illusionā (7,900 YouTube views since Sept. 15). Using the hashtag #ShirtOffMyBack, Olson encourages viewers to donate to charities in their areas, especially those that help with mental illness and addiction issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVxJ_15byIM
They resonate most with him because his mother battles both. Olson was her caregiver for several years and recalls āsome very dark periods of my life and very sad periodsā where he considered giving up the violin. Music, he says, has been a salvation. He hopes it will be for others now with his videos.
āIāve taken some time off from the violin at different times, tried pursuing some things in other directions,ā he says. āMusic really kept me sane as a child growing up and it got me through a lot of trauma.ā
Olson began music lessons at age 3 and has two siblings who are also professionally trained violinists. They formerly performed around the world as the trio Two Hits and a Miss. Olson has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and in orchestras both in the U.S. and abroad. He was formerly concertmaster for the Kansas City Ballet Orchestra. He had offers with full scholarships to various conservatories but passed because of his motherās needs. He still managed to study with a series of teachers he says were excellent and highly respected in the world of violin pedagogy.
The idea for the Shirtless Violinist project developed with his boyfriend of five months, Paul Castle. Though only together a short time, Olson says they have mutual passions for physical fitness and creative endeavors. Castle, a painter, has a genetic, degenerative retinal condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa ā he has about a 15 percent field of central vision, which says is ājust enoughā to āpursue my passion in the visual arts field.ā He shoots the Shirtless Violinist videos while Olson plays and together they hope to use shirtlessness as a way to draw attention to and raise awareness for homelessness, addiction and mental illness.
Olson gleans most of his income teaching but also does studio work in Seattle on film soundtracks, video game soundtracks and occasionally providing string work for touring acts that come to town such as Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli.
āIād seen the Piano Guys on YouTube and really loved how they combined beautiful music with stunning visuals,ā Olson, who declines to give his age, says. āIād always done all classical, but I was ready to branch off and do something creative ā¦ so I started covering these pop songs, something Iād never done before. ā¦ I feel like this is the right thing to do.ā
Together with a shoestring budget, Castle and Olson filmed āRiseā the third week of August and had it posted by the end of the month. And for those who havenāt seen the videos, no, this isnāt just two guys filming with their iPhones in the backyard. Castle and Olson travel extensively for beautiful vistas and have filmed in Napa Valley, San Francisco and Mount Shasta in California; Crater Lake in Oregon; and Chuckanut Mountains and Whatcom Falls in Washington state, among others. Olson ā always sans shirt ā falls in lakes, plays with water pouring over him (obviously with prop instruments) strikes poses with planes and trains swooping overhead and all sorts of creative setups.
So far, theyāve taken anywhere from three days to two weeks to film and several days of post-production and editing. Olson comes up with the arrangements himself and adds rhythm under his violin lines. Castle and Olson are brimming with ideas for songs theyād like to do next. Olson says songs like Siaās āBird Set Free,ā a gypsy-style classical piece called āCsardasā by Vittorio Monti and maybe even some pop hits from yesteryear as likely future projects.
Castle says the projects have given him renewed passion.
āMeeting Matthew, falling in love and discovering our mutual creative passions reignited in me a love for making videos,ā he says. āWhen the Shirtless Violinist idea was born, I truly felt it was the universe calling out to me and giving me a chance to do the thing Iād always wanted to do, but stopped believing was possible. I believe ā¦ Matthew and I were meant to find each other and help galvanize our shared dreams. ā¦ We truly make a great team.ā
And though itās a new endeavor, Olson says it works for the same reasons music has always drawn him.
āI feel like music has the ability to go beyond words and connect directly with the emotions,ā Olson says. āThatās why weāll sometimes listen to a song on repeat ā it connects directly to our emotions and bypasses our brain and language. Iāve always had the most sublime, beautiful experiences through music.ā
FUN FACTS:
On arranging pop songs for violin: āIf it has a lot of spoken lyrics, like a rap song, it wonāt work. Or too many repeated notes in a row ā thatās hard, too. Trying to find ones that have enough of a melody that it still sounds beautiful without the words, thatās the challenge.ā
Songs that didnāt work: āWe tried āCloserā by the Chainsmokers, which is a great song, but just didnāt really work. Sometimes it becomes a fun challenge. I kind of love it when Iām just messing around and canāt just play it instantly. ā¦ But other times I can see that something might work but would really take a lot of time so it kind of goes in the B pile.ā
Views so far: āAbout 200,000 counting Facebook and YouTube.ā
Height: 6ā3ā
Weight: I donāt really weigh myself. Iād guess about 180. Caliper measurements are much better for giving you body mass index.
Fitness regimen: āFive-six days per week at the gym alternating upper and lower body but always some form of cardio, too.ā
Diet: āWe try to reduce sugar completely, no fruit because of all the sugars in fruit, no processed foods, high protein and stuff with good fats. We start the day with a green smoothie and then lunch and dinner are usually a little bit of Quinoa with sautĆ©ed veggies ā lots and lots of veggies like mushrooms, cucumbers, maybe a bell pepper, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, and top that with some protein like fish, ground turkey or chicken breast. We get one cheat meal a week which is usually a double-scoop waffle cone, occasionally a burger and fries before the waffle cone.ā
Naturally smooth? āNo, I shave. Paul likes it.ā
Ink? āNone. Iām just not into it at all. Iād be sick of any tattoo after a year.ā
Creepy fans? āNo, I thought we would have trolls, but all the feedback has been really positive so far.ā
Mostly gay audience? āIt seems more gay men but some straight women too. I might guess 60-40 from the comments so far.ā
An LGBT cause? āSure, I would love to.ā
Modeling? āNoā
An ā80s song youād like to cover: āWe talked about maybe doing Michael Jacksonās āThrillerā for Halloween but not sure.ā
Where you donate: āI do stuff with our local food banks and we have clothing donation bins all over the city that makes it easy to give. I also like to do volunteer work.ā
Whatās next: āWeāre in talks with producers to maybe do something on āAmericaās Got Talentā for its 2017 season. Thereās also a company in Los Angeles that has approached us about maybe doing some live streaming. I also want to start sprinkling in some classical stuff in the videos as well.ā
a&e features
Whatās new at Rehoboth Beach for summer 2024
Higher parking fees, Pamala moves to Diegoās, and more
Another Rehoboth Beach season is upon us. I have been going to the beach for more years than I can count, and always love it. Some now consider Rehoboth a year-round community, and in many ways they are right. But summer still brings out tens of thousands of tourists, from day-trippers, to those with second homes at the beach. Others book a weekend, or longer, at the many great hotels. They all come to the beach for the sun and sand, food, and drink. Some like to relax, others to party, and you can do both in Rehoboth.
So here is some of the good (and a little of the bad) of whatās new this season. First the bad: Parking at a meter will now cost you $4 an hour. Meters are in effect May 15-Sept. 15. Parking permits for all the non-metered spaces in town are also fairly expensive. You can find information on both transferable and individual permits, online.
Now for the good ā and there is lots of it. First, Aqua Bar & Grill has reopened for the season. During Womenās Fest they were packed, with many sitting around the outdoor heaters, and that included lots of good looking men. I recommend taking advantage of the Tuesday Burger night. Then the Blue Moon just announced John Francis Flynn will be on the piano from May 26-June 26, Sunday to Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m. He will then be back again on the same schedule from July 30-Sept. 11. During July, Nate Buccieri returns to town for a month-long runs of shows.
My favorite place at the beach, The Coffee Mill, in the mews between Rehoboth and Baltimore Avenues, opens every morning at 7 a.m. Whenever I am at the beach I am there. Mel, who also owns Brashhh! on 1st Street, announced he is starting his own clothing line, called FEARLESS!
The Purple Parrot, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year so be sure to spend some time there raising a glass. The Summer House last year opened the upscale Libation Room, with drinks like a Bacon Maple Old Fashioned. This year, they opened a nice garden looking out on Rehoboth Avenue, with a fountain. With the renewed interest in vinyl records you may want to stop in at Extended Play. Traveling a little beyond the town is the new 302 Local, located in Coastal Station behind Iron Hill Brewery. It is themed as a 1920s-era speakeasy. If you are in town on a Sunday for T-dance, you will have the chance to hear Pamala Stanley perform at Diegoās Bar and Nightclub. This is the perfect venue for Pamalaās talents in an indoor-outdoor setting that is already drawing packed crowds. Donāt miss it. Speaking of Diegoās, Pamala and Best Rehoboth Drag Queen winner Magnolia Applebottom are reunited there this summer. Donāt miss Magnoliaās Memorial Day Thursday party on May 23 from 8-10 p.m. featuring ānaughtee bingo.ā
If you are looking for culture Rehoboth has some of that as well. Thereās Clear Space Theater on Baltimore Avenue. This yearās shows include The Bodyguard, The Roommates, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and The Prom. Tickets sell fast so I suggest you book early and they are available online. Then there is the Pride Film Festival, June 14-16. More information on that can be found at CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ community center. CAMP plans the annual Sunfestival each Labor Day weekend, a not-to-miss event each year. On the CAMP website you can also find information on its speaker series, concerts, and other special events that will be going on during summer. This year Rehoboth Beach Pride takes place July 18-21. Sussex Pride is taking the lead on the festival, which will happen at the Convention Center July 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If you visit CAMP, or are just walking up Baltimore Avenue, make sure you pick up a copy of the Blade in the box in front of the building.
I would be remiss if I didnāt mention some of the other restaurants and clubs in town. Just a reminder, during season you often need reservations. Come to the beach often enough, and you can try them all: The Pines (and their Monday steak night) and Top of the Pines are at the epicenter of the fun on Baltimore Avenue. Freddieās Beach Bar and Restaurant offers a busy summer of events and entertainment. Rigbyās remains a go-to spot for the LGBTQ community on Rehoboth Avenue. Bodhi Kitchen is back in its second year offering delicious modern Asian cuisine āwith a twist.ā These are only a few of the great places to eat and drink at the beach.
Remember to book your reservations for hotels and restaurants early. Rehoboth is a happening place and very busy. Here’s wishing you fun at the beach.
a&e features
āRuPaulās Drag Race: All Starsā cast visits D.C.
8 queens vie for $200,000 prize for charity in new season, premiering May 17
Donning sparkling and star-studded red, white, and blue attire on a gloomy, humid D.C. Monday, the cast of the latest āRuPaulās Drag Race All Starsā season sashayed on the National Mall to promote the reality show’s ninth season.
This upcoming season is different than those in the past ā eight queens are competing for a donation of $200,000 for the charity of their choosing, rather than a personal cash prize.
Several cast members noted how it felt important to visit the nationās capital, being authentically themselves and wearing drag. Nina West, who competed in season 11, likened drag to armor.
āWeāre here during a really specific time in history, that’s, I would say, markedly dark,ā she told the Blade at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. āAnd there’s an opportunity, as drag has always done, which is for our community as specifically LGBTQI+ people, to stand in our truth and be wonderful ā like guardians and fighters for our community.ā
Sheās competing for the Trevor Project, which is focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for young LGBTQ people. This seasonās pivot to compete for charity made Nina West want to come back on the show for the All Stars season. Sheās been offered the spot two times before this, she said, and this twist aligned with what she wanted to do.
Several of the other queens mentioned that itās an honor to be featured in this season, including season 5ās Roxxxy Andrews. She also competed in two subsequent All-Stars seasons.
She chose the organization Miracle of Love, which provides HIV/AIDS prevention programming and assistance in central Florida. Itās a smaller, more local organization, which is why Roxxxy Andrews chose it. She wants to make its work more nationally known. Also, vying to win during a charity season makes the competition feel more rewarding, she said.
Plastique Tiara of season 11 also noted itās different competing for charity. Sheās competing for the Asian American Foundation, which launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and aims to curb discrimination and violence through education and investments in nonprofits.
āIt’s more competitive because then you’re fighting not just only for yourself, but your ideas and the things that you love,ā she said.
Vanessa Vanjie of seasons 10 and 11 agreed that competing for charity adds a bit more pressure ā she chose the ASPCA. And as onlookers near the Lincoln Memorial took pictures of and with the queens, she said she was relieved.Ā
āI was a little bit worried somebody would yell some slurs at us,ā Vanessa Vanjie said. āNothing happened. Everybody came to take pictures like Santa Claus in the middle of the mall.ā
Thereās a range of contestants from different seasons for this round of All Stars. Some queens hail from recent seasons, but Shannel competed on the showās first season. To be a part of this new season is surreal, she said.
Sheās competing for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, which she has a close tie to. Sheās dealt with anxiety her entire life. The association is focused on increasing awareness and improving diagnosis and treatment.
āI always felt like I just wasn’t normal, sadly,ā she said. āAnd so now being able to be able to do this season and to get back to that organization is like amazing to me.ā
Gottmik, from season 13, is competing for Trans Lifeline ā a nonprofit providing advocacy, a hotline and grants created by trans people, for trans people. Being able to do drag and give back is the āperfect scenario,ā Gottmik said.
Gottmik was the first openly trans man on Drag Race, which was overwhelming when first on the show. Gottmik felt pressure to be the āperfect example,ā but later realized that they didnāt have to worry so much.
āI just want to show people that trans people are real people. We can express ourselves however we want to express ourselves, through drag, through whatever it may be,ā Gottmik said.
The new season will be available to stream on Paramount+ on May 17.Ā
a&e features
Pride season has begun
LGBTQ parades, festivals to be held throughout region in coming months
LGBTQ Pride festivals, parades and other events have been scheduled in large cities and small towns throughout the region. Pride events around the world culminate in June, but organizers in some municipalities have elected to hold celebrations in other months.
Pride in the region has already begun with last weekendās Mr., Miss, and Mx. Capital Pride Pageant held at Penn Social as well as Roanoke Pride Festival held in Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va.
Below is a list of Pride events coming to the region.
MAY
Capital Trans Pride is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St., N.W.). The website for the event advertises workshops, panel discussions, a keynote address, a resource fair and more. transpridewashingtondc.org
Equality Prince William Pride is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. on May 18 at the Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St.) in historic downtown Manassas, Va. equalityprincewilliam.org
D.C. Black Pride holds events throughout the city May 24-27. Highlights include an opening reception, dance parties and a community festival at Fort Dupont Park. The Westin Washington, DC Downtown (999 9th St., N.W.) is the host hotel, with several events scheduled there. dcblackpride.org
NOVA Pride and Safe Space NOVA will hold NOVA Pride Prom from 7-11 p.m. on May 31 at Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va. The event is open to all high school students throughout the region, regardless of identity, from rising ninth grade students to graduating seniors. novapride.org
Capital Pride Honors will be held on May 31. The Capital Pride Alliance has announced on its website that nominations are open for awardees. The Honors celebrates excellence in the LGBTQ community and its allies. capitalpride.org
JUNE
Downtown Sykesville Connection is sponsoring Sykesville Pride Day in downtown Sykesville, Md. on June 1 from 12-4 p.m. downtownsykesville.com
Reston Pride will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on June 1 from 12-6 p.m. restonpride.org
Fairfax Pride, hosted by the City of Fairfax and George Mason University, will be held at Old Town Hall (3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Va.) on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. The event will include childrenās activities and more. fairfaxva.gov
OEC Pride celebrates Pride with āart, dance, education, and funā in Old Ellicott City. The OEC Pride Festival is held along Main Street in Ellicott City, Md. on June 1 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. visitoldellicottcity.com
Annapolis Pride has consistently drawn a giant crowd for a parade and festival in the quaint downtown of the Maryland capital. āThe Voiceā star L. Rodgers has been announced to headline the 2024 festival. The parade and festival will be held on June 1. annapolispride.org
The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force Alexandria Pride is scheduled to be held at Alexandria City Hall from 3 – 6 p.m. on June 1 in Alexandria, Va. alexandriava.gov
The Portsmouth Pride Fest will be held at Festival Park adjacent to the Atlantic-Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth, Va. on June 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. portsmouthprideva.com
The Delaware Pride Festival is a free event scheduled for June 1 at Legislative Hall in Dover, Del. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.The event is billed as family friendly and open to people of all ages and sexual orientations. delawarepride.org
The City of Rockville is hosting Rockville Pride at Rockville Town Square (131 Gibbs St., Rockville, Md.) from 2-5 p.m. on June 2. The free event features live performances, information booths, and childrenās activities. rockvillemd.gov
Equality Loudoun is hosting the ticketed Loudoun Pride Festival from 1-7 p.m. on June 2 at Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Va. The event features three stages, a ā#Dragstravaganza,ā a kidās zone, an alcohol pavilion, a food hall and more. Tickets $5. eqloco.com
Culpepper Pride is slated to be held at Mountain Run Winery in Culpepper, Va. from 12-6 p.m. on June 2. The theme this year is āTrue Colors.ā culpeperpride.org
The Southwest Virginia Pride Cookout Community Social is planned for 2 p.m. at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center in Vinton, Va. on June 2. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Capital Pride kicks off with the RIOT! Opening Party at Echostage starting at 9 p.m. on June 7. Tickets run from $27-$50 and can be purchased on the Capital Pride website. The event is set to feature Sapphire CristƔl. capitalpride.org
Pride events continue over the weekend of June 8-9 in the nationās capital with the Capital Pride Block Party featuring performers and a beverage garden, the massive Capital Pride Parade, Flashback: A totally Radical Tea Dance to be held at the end of the parade route, and the Capital Pride Festival and Concert. Visit capitalpride.org for more information. Other Pride events planned for the weekend in D.C. include a number of parties and the unforgettable (and free) Pride on the Pier & Fireworks Show at the Wharf sponsored by the Washington Blade from 2-10 p.m. prideonthepierdc.com
Pride in the āPeake will be held at Summit Pointe (580 Belaire Ave.) in Chesapeake, Va. on June 9 from 12-5 p.m. The family-focused Pride event does not serve alcohol, but will feature community organizations, food trucks and more in a street festival. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Celebrate with a drag show, dancing and a lot of wine at Two Twisted Posts Winery in Purcellville, Va. for a Pride Party from 2-5 p.m. on June 15. twotwistedposts.com
Baltimore Pride holds one of the largest Pride parades in the region on June 15 in Baltimore. (2418 Saint Paul St.). The parade concludes with a block party and festival. Pride events are scheduled from June 14-16. baltimorepride.org
The fourth annual Catonsville Pride Fest will be held at the Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Rd.) in Catonsville, Md. on June 15 from 3-6 p.m. The event features a High Heel Race, pony rides, face painting, local cuisine and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
The Ghent Business District Palace Shops have announced a Ghent Pride event from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on June 17 at the Palace Shops and Station (301 W 21st Street) in Norfolk, Va. ghentnorfolk.org
An event dedicated to celebrating the elders in the LGBTQ community, Silver Pride is scheduled for June 20 at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Location and more information to be announced soon. capitalpride.org
Visit the Hampton Roads PrideFest and Boat Parade for a truly unique Pride experience along the Elizabeth River. The full day of entertainment, education and celebration will be held on June 22 from 12-7 p.m. at Town Point Park (113 Waterside Dr.) in Norfolk, Va. hamptonroadspride.org
Frederick, Md. will hold its annual Frederick Pride Festival at Carroll Creek Linear Park on June 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Entertainers include CoCo Montrese of āRuPaulās Drag Race.ā frederickpride.org
The fourth annual Pride at the Beach is scheduled for 2-10 p.m. on June 23 at Neptuneās Park (3001 Atlantic Ave.) in Virginia Beach, Va. The event features entertainment, community vendors, beachside DJ sets, food trucks and offers a āperfect conclusion to an unforgettable Pride weekend.ā hamptonroadspride.org
Winchester Pride will hold its Mx. Winchester Pride Pageant at 15 N. Loudoun St. in Winchester, Va. on June 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. winchesterpride.com
The organizers of last year’s inaugural Ocean City Pride with a “parade” along the boardwalk in Ocean City, Md. have announced that they will be organizing a return this year with events from June 28-30. instagram.com
The third annual Arlington Pride Festival will be held at Long Bridge Park at National Landing (475 Long Bridge Dr.) in Arlington, Va. on June 29 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. arlvapride.com
FXBG Pride is holding its annual community Fredericksburg Pride March on June 29 from 10-11 a.m. at Riverfront Park (705 Sophia St.) in Fredericksburg, Va. Speeches begin at 10 a.m. and the procession starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Salisbury Pride ā90ās Editionā is scheduled for 3 – 7 p.m. on June 29 in Downtown Salisbury, Md. Magnolia Applebottom is listed as the headliner and grand marshal. salisburyprideparade.com
The 2024 Suffolk Pride Festival is scheduled for Bennettās Creek Park in Suffolk, Va. on June 30 from 12-7 p.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Expect music, entertainment and drag performances in the picturesque mountain town of Cumberland, Md. at the Cumberland Pride Festival on June 30 from 12-4 p.m. at Canal Place. cumberlandpride.org
Montgomery County’s annual Pride in the Plaza will be held on June 30 from 12-8 p.m. at Veterans Plaza (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, Md. liveinyourtruth.org
JULY
The sixth annual Westminster Pride Festival is scheduled for downtown Westminster, Md. on July 13 from 12-6 p.m. westminsterpride.org
Hagerstown Hopes is holding its annual Hagerstown Pride Festival in Doubs Woods Park (1307 Maryland Ave.) in Hagerstown, Md. on July 13 at 11 a.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
The Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival will be held on July 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with other Sussex Pride events scheduled throughout the weekend of July 18-21. sussexpride.org
Us Giving Us Richmond hosts Black Pride RVA in Richmond, Va. with events on July 19-21. ugrcrva.org
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