Music & Concerts

The year in pop music

Published

16 years ago

January 3, 2010

This year, pop had the makings of a Broadway spectacle. Conflict, death, love woes and randy delight abounded, with the cast of characters bringing one of the more interesting blends of music and melodrama in recent years to a fever pitch.

And it was quite a ride.

The death of “King of Pop” Michael Jackson eclipsed all things in the realm of recorded music. Jackson’s untimely death at 50 spurred reflection on not only his musical legacy but just how much, for better or worse, the kingdom he ruled has changed. While the likes of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake are icons for today’s listeners, performers these days just don’t produce events that burst forth with the vibrancy of an “Off the Wall” or “Thriller.” And in an era of 24-hour cable news and gossip blogs, the joy that once made pop music what it was is no more. But Jackson’s magic is indeed working: The lavish concert film “This Is It” and its soundtrack album both went to No. 1, while the late singer collected a whopping four trophies at the 2009 American Music Awards. No matter what you think of him, he’s still the blueprint.

In a year replete with goodies for the children to savor, Beyonce was pegged by many to pick up Jackson’s mantle. It’s not likely she’ll reach those heights, but she could come close. Though “I Am … Sasha Fierce” hit shelves late last year, the album and its half dozen hit singles are still going strong, with “Single Ladies” and its video remaining staples at radio, YouTube and beyond. “Video Phone,” her latest outing, pairs her with aspiring gay icon Lady Gaga, whose blend of hooks and histrionics yielded four chart-topping singles and made her the year’s breakout star and a top concert attraction. Pop princess Britney Spears capped an amazing comeback with the catchy single “3,” a surprise No. 1 hit this past October that proves she can still make you move. And while not yet stars Stateside, U.K. duo La Roux offered up one of the best jams of the year with the synth-happy “Bulletproof,” a ditty that would make The Human League and Depeche Mode proud.

Whitney Houston proved the leader among the cornerstone gay divas, as her solid comeback effort “I Look to You” topped the charts and birthed hits in the title track and the ultra-glam disco throwback “Million Dollar Bill.” Critics were quick to point out that her pipes aren’t what they used to be, but writing her off may be premature. If time can do for Nippy what it did for Natalie Cole, we may get glimmers of the “You Give Good Love” gold in the future. For now, it’s just good to have her back.

Elsewhere, Madonna commemorated more than two decades of divadom with “Celebration,” a multi-format career retrospective. The single and video of the same name were frenzied and fresh, complete with Madonna getting her dance on like no other chick over 50.

Fellow icon Janet Jackson, who issued the outstanding compilation “Number Ones,” set things ablaze hot on the heels of her MTV VMA tribute to her late brother with “Make Me,” easily her best single in years and a No. 1 smash on the Billboard dance chart. As for Mariah Carey, her “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” proved a disappointment in comparison to “The Emancipation of Mimi” and “E=MC2.” However, Carey’s got another reason to sing: Her minimalist portrayal of a social worker in “Precious,” based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, has earned the singer the strongest notices of her low-key acting career.

Pop and controversy go together like horse and carriage, and this year was no exception. There was Kanye West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift’s MTV VMAs acceptance speech, an outburst that’s proved a boon to the country upstart’s career. The comical part? West and Swift were Billboard’s top male and female artists for 2009. Then we had out power-pop divo Adam Lambert, who caused a collective gasp with his oral-sex simulating American Music Awards performance. Still, no two stars proved more polarizing than Chris Brown and Rihanna, whose sordid tale of domestic abuse still seems surreal. They’ve both spent plenty of time in the press opining about the lessons they’ve learned but their art doesn’t show it, as Brown’s “Graffiti” and Rihanna’s “Rated R,” while competent, are hardly career-defining achievements. A little time out of the spotlight would do them both some good.

Without a doubt, 2009 kept us dancing with feet planted in the past and the future. Considering that the start of a decade brings new icons, trends and good-old fashioned drama, this year just might have been a prelude to the best show yet.

It will be tough to top, that’s for sure.

Music & Concerts

DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami

Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment

Published

2 weeks ago

May 10, 2026

Susan Hornik

DJ Chanel Santini (Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR)

Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.

Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.

“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.

While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”

Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.

“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”

Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.

“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”

*DJ Chanel Santini / Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR*

While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.

Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.

“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”

Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.

“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”

Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.

“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”

And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”

Santini is already working on big plans for the future.

“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”

Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.

“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”

Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.

“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”

Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.

“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”

In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.

“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”

Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”

Music & Concerts

Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring

Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2026

Evan Caplan

Lady Gaga plays Capital One Arena on March 23. (File photo courtesy of Might Real Agency)

D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.

March

3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.

3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.

April

4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”

4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.

4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.

4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”

4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.

4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.

4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.

4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.

May

5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.

5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.

5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.

5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.

June

6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.

Music & Concerts

Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program

‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned

Published

6 months ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).

The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.

For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.