Arts & Entertainment

Calendar for Aug. 13

Friday, Aug. 13, to Thursday, Aug. 19

Published

16 years ago

August 12, 2010

Friday, Aug. 13

Ladies Night tonight at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Center as the Washington Mystics take on the Minnesota Lynx. There will be music, games, raffle prizes, shopping and more. The party starts at 5 p.m. in Dewars Club. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. Call 202-527-7517 to reserve your seats.

Siren the 13th featuring DJs Majr and Aaron Riggins tonight at Apex, 1415 22nd St., N.W., with electropop vs 00’s Dance with lasers, fog, snow, performances and A Lanai. Must be 18 or older to enter, 21 or older to drink and there is an $8 cover.

She.Rex returns tonight at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room Upstairs, 1725 Columbia Rd., N.W., from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. This month’s party features the ladies of rock ‘n’ roll spun by lady DJs and lady bartenders serving up cheap beers until 11 p.m. There is no cover.

Mr. Charlie Rod’s Blue Discotheque tonight at Liv Nightclub, 2001 11th St., N.W., starting at 10 p.m. featuring DJ Rich Morel. Must be 21 or older to enter and there is a $7 cover charge.

The Pocket Gays are teaming up with Velvet Lounge, 915 U St., N.W., for Vacation Bible School Dance Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring DJ Retrospect Lantern and love sets by AK Slaughter and Menya. There’s no cover and cheap drinks.

Saturday, Aug. 14

A monthly event in downtown Cambridge, Md., Second Saturday, running from 5 to 9 p.m., features gallery openings and receptions, late shopping hours with special promotions and bargains, great dining at top restaurants, musical entertainment, and more. The festivities unfold at roughly 20 different locations along four adjacent blocks in downtown. Abundant free parking on street and in municipal lots off of Gay Street and Academy Street.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Funkytown, a night of 70s, 80s and 90s music and video on the main floor by Ed Bailey. Doors open at 10 p.m.; $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after, 21 and over.

Hip-hop legends Public Enemy play the 9:30 club at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35; visit 930.com for information.

Sunday, Aug. 15

The anti-gay group National Organization for Marriage is headed to D.C. with its “One Woman, One Man” summer tour. A coalition of LGBT organizations, activists and allies is organizing a counter demonstration, “The Big Commit,” to be held from 2-4 p.m. in Freedom Plaza. See related story in news section or visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.

“Bang to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” at Bang Salon, 601 F St., N.W., from 9 a.m. to midnight only at the Verizon Center location. Proceeds go to Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. Enjoy free mimosas and small bites. Book an appointment at bangsalon.com or call any location.

Adodi DC will meet at The DC Center, 1318 U St., N.W., at 2 p.m. Adodi is a community of men of color who affirm their African lineage and love of men. For more information, visit adodionline.com.

The HFStival is back and the California Tortilla Battle To Break Out has been narrowed down to the top six. The top six bands will perform live for the HFStival judges at the 9:30 club. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the competition starts right away. The top six bands determined by votes are: 16 Large, Cyrenic, Eye of All, Funkmnkyz, Sons of the Radio and Vessel. The winner will open the main stage of the HFStival 2010.

Monday, Aug. 16

The GLB Youth Support Group will meet at the GW Center Clinic, 1922 F St., N.W., Suite 103, at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 17

Join Burgundy Crescent Volunteers to help pack safer sex kits tonight from 7-9 p.m. at EFN Lounge, on 9th Street between O and N streets.

Wednesday, Aug. 18

The DC IceBreakers’ regular skating night starts at 7:45 p.m. at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 North Glebe Rd., in Ballston/Arlington followed by a social. The co-host for this skating/social is Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association.

Bookmen DC discuss selections from “A Casualty of War: The Arcadia Book of Gay Short Stories” edited by Peter Burton, at 7:30 p.m. at American Foreign Services Association, 2101 E St., N.W. All are welcomed. Bookmen DC is an informal group of men who are interested in gay literature (both fiction and non-fiction).

The Tom Davaron Social Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 p.m., at the Dignity Center, 721 8th St., S.E., (across from Marine Barracks) for Social Bridge. No partner is needed. Visit lambdabridge.com and click on “Social Bridge in Washington, DC”.

Thursday, Aug. 19

The Atlas Performing Arts Center presents Summer Film Series: Gay 101 showing “Cabaret” starring Liza Minnelli and directed by Bob Fosse at the Paul Sprenger Theatre, 1333 H St., N.E., at 8 p.m. Buy tickets at atlasarts.org or at the box office one hour prior to the movie.

Cool Kid Collective at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place in Baltimore, with Tsunami Rising and Maryland’s Most Wanted. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show, prices include tax. The event is for all ages.

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

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.

Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Published

4 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

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.”

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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.