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Into the groove

John, Minnelli, Indigo Girls, among big acts slated for fall releases

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The gay-friendly acts outnumber the gay acts on the fall album release slate though a few long-time queer stalwarts, like Elton John and the Indigo Girls, have new records coming soon.

Olivia Newton John’s new album, “Grace and Gratitude Renewed” drops Tuesday. It’s a re-recording of her 2006 release.

Liza Minnelli’s new album, “Confessions,” arrives Sept. 21. This album is a collection of American classics, featuring some of Minnelli’s favorite songs with accompaniment by her long-time pianist Billy Stritch. She has said this album is almost accidental.

“It just sort of happened,” Minnelli said in a press release for the album. “I used to have these evenings at my house, usually on a weekend, and people like Tony Bennett — or more surprising people like Janet Jackson — would come by, and we would end up singing around the piano.”

After suffering a knee injury, Minnelli recorded some of her favorite songs while stuck in her bedroom and kept going with it even after recuperating. “Confessions” is the follow-up to her 2008 return to Broadway, “Liza’s at the Palace,” which was nominated for a Grammy and won the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.

On Sept. 28, the new Broadway cast’s recording of “La Cage Aux Folles” will be released including the voice of Kelsey Grammar and Douglas Hodge, who won a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. The show has earned three Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Sept. 28 also brings the “Station to Station” special edition 3-CD set by David Bowie. This set includes the original album, previously unreleased “Live Nassau Coliseum ’76” concert, lift-off-lid box, six-page booklet and three postcards.

Robbie Williams has a greatest hits collection coming out Oct. 12. “In & Out of Consciousness” includes two CDs with definitive hits and a third disc with b-sides and rarities, all in a 20-page casebound book package. The collection introduces listeners to a new single, “Shame,” co-written with Gary Barlow. The single is the first time these two have ever recorded and performed a duet together and the first time they have written and recorded a song together since Williams left Take That in 1995.

Elton John has a new album coming out on Oct. 19, “The Union,” on which he worked with Leon Russell. Recording in Los Angeles earlier this year, there are many guest musicians including Brian Wilson, Booker T, Don Was and Neil Young. The recording sessions were filmed by Cameron Crowe for a documentary.

October also brings two holiday albums by some big names.

The Indigo Girls add another album to their discography with “Holly Happy Days” on Oct. 12. Amy Ray has previously described this album as having a more country feel with original songs and classics, both holiday and seasonal based.

On Oct. 21, “Christmas in Harmony” will be released, marking the first studio album by Wilson Phillips since their 2004 release, “California.”

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PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

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A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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