Arts & Entertainment
Calendar for March 26
Friday, March 26
Pandemonium returns to Cobalt, 1639 R St., N.W., with “Pandemonium’s Sultry Funhouse!” The main attraction is famed circuit DJ Wendy Hunt with a midnight performance by Sue Nami. Doors open at 10 p.m.; 21+ with a $7 cover. Open vodka bar from 11 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Gay Comedy Show is returning to the EFN Lounge, 1318 9th St. N.W., with host Shawn Hollenbach (Logo’s “Gayest Week Ever”). Hollenbach will be accompanied by Paul Case (MTV and here! TV’s “Hot Gay Comics”). There is a $10 admission for the show, which runs from 8- 11 p.m.
The Whitman-Walker HIV Mobile Testing Unit will be at the Giant Food located at 1245 Park Rd., N.W. from 3:30–7 p.m.
Gay District is held from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Gay District is a weekly, non-church affiliated discussion and social group for GBTQ men between 18 and 35. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Friday night Erev Shabbat Services are held 8:30–10 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St., N.W. Friday Night Services are followed by an Oneg social. Please use the Q Street entrance.
Women in their Twenties will meet at the DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W., at 8 p.m. WiTT is a social discussion group for lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and other interested women in the D.C. area. The group is led by several facilitators on a rotational basis. Facilitators lead the group in discussion topics (serious and silly, LGBT-related or not). Newcomers are always welcome.
Saturday, March 27
The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held beginning today and running through April 11. This year’s festival marks the 98th celebration of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C., in 1912. Family day and opening ceremony at the National Building Museum, 401 F St., N.W.
The famous DJ duo, The Freemasons, is returning to the states to spin at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. N.W., for a second time. The Freemasons have produced some of the biggest songs played on gay dance floors, including “Million Dollar Bill” by Whitney Houston. Tickets are on sale at the Town box office. Advance tickets are $15; $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased at groovetickets.com for $27. Doors will open at 10 p.m. Drag show starts at 10:30 p.m. Music and videos downstairs by Wess; 21 and over.
Comedian Chelsea Handler brings her “Bang Bang” tour to DAR Constitution Hall, 18th & C streets, N.W., at 8 and 10 p.m. Call 202-638-2661 for tickets, which cost $53.50-73.50.
LAMBDA SCI-FI hosts a video party for LGBT science fiction, fantasy and horror fans and their friends. Bring a dish or a non-alcoholic beverage to share, as well as some favorite DVDs, Blue-rays, or AVI files on a USB drive. Noon until 10 p.m., 7015 Sycamore Ave., Takoma Park, MD. For more information, e-mail Teresa at [email protected], call 301-270-6373 or visit lambdasf.org.
Jonatha Brooke and Lori McKenna play the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $27.50, visit birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500 for information.
Sunday, March 28
“The Wiz” production at University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave., starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 for general admission, $7.50 for all students, $5 for children 12 & under.
Don’t miss the final performances of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” at Warner Theater, 13th Street between E&F, N.W., at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Call 202-783-4000 for ticket information.
Wiz Khalifa with Yelawolf and Jasmine Solano play 9:30 club, 815 V St., N.W., at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15; visit 930.com or call 202-265-0930 for information.
Monday, March 29
Substance Abuse Support Group will meet at the Max Robinson Center located at 2301 MLK Ave., S.E. from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.
Relive your big hair ‘80s days as Bon Jovi rocks the Verizon Center, 6th and G streets, N.W., at 7:30 p.m. Visit ticketmaster.com for information and tickets, which range from $49.50 to $503.
Tuesday, March 30
Packing Party at EFN Lounge/Motley Bar, 1318 9th St., N.W., from 7-8 p.m. Volunteers will assemble safer sex kits and enjoy drink specials at Motley.
Wednesday, March 31
Megafaun and Sharon Van Etten play the Black Cat, 1811 14th St., N.W., at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; visit blackcatdc.com for tickets and information.
Career development at the DC Center, 1810 14th St. N.W., from 3-4 p.m. RSVP to careerdevelopmentthedccenter.org. For more information, contact the Center at 202-682-2245.
Thursday, April 1
The Progressive Dinner Dessert Team will raise money for SMYAL on April Fools’ Day at the Town Tavern, 2323 18th St., N.W., in Adams Morgan from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. A $5 donation per guest at the door is requested, of which 100 percent will go to SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League).
Tom Goss performs live, launching his new marriage equality EP “Politics of Love” at the DC Center, 1810 14th St. N.W., at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and can be purchased at thedccenter.org.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)










Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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