Bars & Parties
Shi-Queeta Lee plans drag queen flash mob
Shi-Queeta Lee, one of Washington’s most active and industrious drag queens, found inspiration in an unlikely place. A 2009 stint on “America’s Got Talent” in which she and her Diva League cohorts were harshly criticized, made her realize there was an opportunity for education.
She says she was “stunned” by the blunt assessment her troupe received from judge Piers Morgan, who said “a bunch of lip-synching old drag queens who can’t dance is not what America needs right now.”
Lee, inspired by gay cable channel Logo’s designation of January as “drag history month,” says drag tradition, both here and nationally, needs a shot in the arm. She hopes to give it one by filming a flash mob video — a YouTube fad in which a person starts dancing alone but is joined by dozens and sometimes hundreds of others by the end. She says it’s also a way to unite D.C.’s local drag community.
“The drag shows around here have kind of been falling down,” Lee (aka Jerry Van Hook) says. “The gay community hasn’t been coming to the shows as much. It’s been more the heterosexual community.”
Lee and a small army of local drag queens — she invited all the locals who regularly perform — are taping Saturday at noon at National Harbor. Several rehearsals have been held with varying numbers of attendees at each.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests
The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4
“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.
This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances
Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.
There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.
To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.
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