Bars & Parties
Pulling out the gay stops
Charles Miller knows music, but it’s mostly in the classical vein. He’s been called one of D.C.’s most brilliant organists and his office at National City Christian Church is well stocked, as one might imagine, with CDs, hymnals, file cabinets full of scores and scholarly books on music. It’s easy to throw him, though, when it comes to pop.
When asked if the title of his new organ recital series, “Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine,” which resumes today at 12:15 p.m., is a play on words of the similarly monikered Beatles album (“Magical Mystery Tour”), Miller says the thought never occurred to him.
“No, actually,” he says. “It’s just something I created myself. What I wanted to do was get something with some sort of title that was going to grab people … something other than the National City Christian Church organ series, which is as boring as Wonder Bread. And it’s worked.”
The series had existed for about 25 years at the large D.C. church, an architectural wonder that anchors Thomas Circle, but was struggling. Thursday was its normal day and it featured a wide array of performers on various instruments, not just organ. Miller and others at the church retooled it after a hiatus. “Machine” debuted in September on Fridays and was an instant hit.
Miller says attendance has tripled. And all the recitals, which are free, are performed on the church’s mammoth 7000-pipe Moller organ, the third largest organ in Washington (only organs at National Cathedral and National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception have more ranks, though National City’s is the only D.C. organ with five manuals, or keyboards, a distinction Miller says is necessary to play the church’s gallery organ in the back).
That makes it distinctive enough that organists from around the country are itching to play it. Miller says he gets unsolicited requests weekly from players willing to donate their recital time to the church. Miller has taken many of them up on the offer. Several are scheduled for “Machine” recitals, which run every Friday through May.
Stephen Harouff, a Peabody graduate who lives in Baltimore and plays at Faith Presbyterian Church there, plays at National City on Feb. 19. This will be his second recital there.
“It’s interesting,” he says of the National City organ. “It’s not often that you can go and sit at an instrument and have everything you need for any style of organ music … it’s pretty stellar.”
Miller kicks off the series return with today’s recital. He plans a toccata by J.S. Bach, a trumpet tune by David N. Johnson, an adaptation of on operatic intermezzo by Pietro Mascagni and a movement of an organ symphony by Louis Vierne.
And though Miller didn’t plan it, all the players booked for the series in February are gay (openly gay David Christopher of Wilmington, Del., plays Feb. 12. The month ends with another recital by Miller on Feb. 26). Miller guesses about 75 percent of U.S. organists are gay men.
Miller says why that’s the case is “the million dollar question.”
“I don’t know if it’s because as young musicians the pipe organ is such an odd, well, odd is kind of a weird word, but people don’t readily seek out to play the pipe organ. You’re more likely to say, ‘I’m gonna play the trumpet, or the flute, or the piano.’ So I can see in many instances if you’re a young child struggling with your sexual identity, you’re kind of off the beaten path anyway, you feel unique or isolated or weird. I guess maybe that could be it, but it’s very difficult to know and it’s a phenomenon unique to the U.S. It would be a great sociological study.”
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
D.C.’s 10 best theater productions of 2025
A look back at the best books of 2025
A dangerous precedent on trans rights in Texas
Top 10 international LGBTQ news stories of 2025
A pledge to keep fighting in 2026
How to cope when a partner gives you the silent treatment
The 25 greatest queer movies of the 21st century so far
Top 10 LGBTQ local news stories of 2025
Kazakh president signs anti-LGBTQ propaganda bill
