Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Oct. 22
Halloween parties, the Indigo Girls, Janis Ian and more
Friday, Oct. 22
Reel Affirmations presents a night of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on screen with two movies at the U.S. Navy Memorial Theatre (701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). “A Marine Story,” a film about a Marine officer who unexpectedly returns home from the war and is recruited to help a troubled teen prepare for boot camp until the real reasons for her return become known, will begin at 7 p.m. “Out of Annapolis,” a documentary about LGBT alumni of the U.S. Naval Academy, will being at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for both and a reception in between and can be purchased at reelaffirmations.org.
Apex presents an employee drag show tonight at 10 p.m. to benefit Metro Teen AIDS. The entire Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) staff will be performing with music by DJ45Z. The show will be hosted by Kristina Kelly and Rachel Savage. Cover for the evening is $10. Attendees must be 18 to enter, 21 to drink.
The 2011 Queen of Queen City Pageant will be tonight at 9 p.m. at the New Embassy Theatre (49 Baltimore St.) in Cumberland. The theme of this yearās pageant is jungle attire. Tickets are $9 and include one free drink. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newembassy.org.
Ski Bums will be having a happy hour tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. at Nellieās (900 U St., N.W.) during which the D.C. day trip season will be announced. For more information, visit ski-bums.org.
Choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess’s newest work “Charlie Chan and the Mystery of Love” opens tonight at the Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.) at 8 p.m. The multi-media, autobiographical piece is inspired by the popular film detective Charlie Chan and uses video projection, spoken word text and a soundtrack of 1930s and ā40s music to tell a gay coming-of-age and coming-out story. Tickets range from $22 for general admission to $8 for children 2-17 and can be purchased at danceplace.org.
The International Drag King Extravaganza continues today in Baltimore with workshops, an art and film festival, spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. and more. (2640 Saint Paul St.) The workshops are $45 for a three-day pass and the dinner is $10. Also part of the event is “Glitterbox” at 8 p.m. and “Lesque” at 11 p.m. at Ottobar (2549 N. Howard St.). $12 gets you into both events. Visit idkexii.com for more information and to purchase tickets and passes.
Saturday, Oct. 23
Connections 2010, a one day business and professional development conference, is today at the Washington Post (1150 15th St., N.W.) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has assembled a line up of speakers, business leaders and vendors for this event.
Defend Yourself will hold a self-defense class for the LGBT community today on the second floor of the Emergence Community Arts Collective (733 Euclid St., N.W.) from 1 to 4 p.m. The class costs $52. For more information and to learn how to register, visit defendyourself.org.
Neil Simonās āThe Odd Coupleā opens tonight at Theater J (1529 16th St., N.W.) presented by the D.C. Jewish Community Center at 8 p.m.
The International Drag King Extravaganza continues with the last day of workshops and art and film and the keynote and lunch at 1 p.m. with keynote speaker Tristan Taormino, both at 2640 Saint Paul St. Later tonight is the showcase at Sonar (407 E. Saratoga St.) at 9 p.m. This is the first time in the history of the event that is will be held on the east coast. The lunch is $20 and the showcase is $15. Visit idkexii.com for more information and to purchase tickets and passes.
Sunday, Oct. 24
GayParazzi, a new LGBT photo group, will explore the Georgetown area and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal path near the Potomac River today at 10 a.m. The group will meet in front of AMC Loews Georgetown Theater (3111 K St., N.W.) and head to the waterfront.
Equality Marylandās 2010 Signature Gala with special guest Governor Martin OāMalley, is tonight at the Samuel Riggs Alumni Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. There is a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program beings at 6:30. For more information and to learn how to purchase tickets, visit equalitymaryland.org.
The Imperial Court of Washington presents āDragging Out the Gospelā hosted by Co Co L. Blackwell at Green lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) at 7 p.m. One performer will be chosen by audience participation as the best performer and will qualify for “drag gospel performer of the year.” Doors open at 6 p.m. There is a $3 cover.
Lesbian band the Indigo Girls will be at the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandia tonight at 7:30 p.m. with Mount Moriah. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Monday, Oct. 25
SAGE Metro D.C. will be having its monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.).
The D.C. Gay Flag Football League presents speed dating at Nellieās (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $15 cover and check in is at 6 p.m.
Hope Operas, whose founder is openly gay, has its third week of five new shows tonight to raise money for charity. The shows are at 8 p.m. at the Comedy Spot, in Ballston Mall (4238 Wilson, Blvd.), in Arlington. Each show benefits a different charity. Tickets are $12 per show. For more information call 323-788-8970 or e-mail [email protected].
Adele Stan will be at Busboys & Poets’s 5th and K streets location tonight signing and discussing “Dangerous Brew: Exposing the Tea Party’s Agenda to Take Over America,” an anthology she co-edited with Don Hazen.
The Indigo Girls will be at the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandia, tonight at 7:30 p.m. with Mount Moriah. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 26
The Mautner Project will be having a workshop entitled āGetting Unstuckā tonight at its headquarters (1875 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Ste., 710) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with Gail Waldman. To RSVP call 202-332-5536 or e-mail [email protected].
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) will be holding a “Glee” watch party tonight on the deck in the pub room at 8 p.m. featuring a $3 beer special all night.
Wednesday, Oct. 27
Secrets (1824 Half St., S.W.) is holdings it monthly amateur dance contest tonight beginning at 11 p.m. Contests must sign up at the main bar between 10 and 10:45 p.m. This monthās contest is masquerade themed and contestants are encouraged to wear masks.
The Pink Party is hosing a candlelight vigil in Dupont Circle today from 6 to 9 p.m. in connection with the national Facebook effort to wear purple on Oct. 20 to “show support for LGBT people and protest/mourn the youth suicides.”Ā Attendees are asked to bring their own candles and cups.
Thursday, Oct. 28
Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence will have its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 9 p.m.
Ganymede Arts presents Gerald Duvalās āEdie Beale Live at Reno Sweeneyā starring Jeffrey Johnson, tonight at Noiās Nook at go mama go! (1809 14th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ganymedearts.org.
LAMBDA SCI-FI book discussion group meets today at 7 p.m at 1425 S Street NW. This month’s book is “Soulless,” by Gail Carriger. For more information or to RSVP, call Peter and Rob at 202-483-6369 or James at 202-232-3141 or e-mailĀ [email protected] or visit lambdasf.org.
Friday, Oct. 29
Margaret Cho will be at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. with her show, “Cho Dependent.” Tickets are $40.50 or $57.60 and can be purchased at livenation.com.
Zoom Urban Lesbian Excursions hosts “Night at the Museum” tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Museum of Crime and Punishment (575 7th St., N.W.) as it turns into a haunted torture chamber. Attendees are welcome to wear costumes but masks are prohibited. Tickets are $23 and can be purchased at zoomexcursions.com.
The D.C. Kings will be at Apex tonight at 11 p.m. as part a special ladies night featuring a few Halloween-themed performances.
Saturday, Oct. 30
Douche Bag City, an exhibition of video animation, painting and sculpture by Federico Solmi, opens today with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Conner Contemporary Art (1358 Florida Ave., N.E.).
Jimmy Valentine’s Lonely Hearts Club (1103 Bladensburg Rd., N.E.) is hosting its Halloween Homecoming tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring DJs Junebullet of She.Rex, Natty Boom of Anthology of Booty, and vANNIEty Kills of Anniething Goes. Costumes are required for entry. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online. Visit jimmyvalentineslhc.com for more information and tickets.
Tom Paxton and Janis Ian, “Together at Last,” will be at the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandia, tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Ian is a lesbian.
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is having its annual Halloween costume contest tonight. Best costume will win $100 and there will be other prizes for sexiest and mot hilarious. Doors open at 7 p.m. and attendees must be 21 or older to enter.
Sunday, Oct. 31
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is having a Halloween costume party tonight from 8 p.m. to midnight. First place wins $250 cash, second place wins a $100 Nellie’s tab and third place wins a $50 Cubano’s dinner. There’s no cover for this event.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and activist Jeanne White-Ginder spoke at a commemoration of World AIDS Day at the White House on Sunday, Dec. 1. Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were displayed on the South Lawn for the first time in U.S. history.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, thereās a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Hereās a sliver of whatās out there.
Arena Stage invites audiences āto step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of āStep Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Showā (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.ā DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.orgĀ
Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Centerās āElf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestraā (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debneyās wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is āFinnā (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TVās āDoc McStuffinsā and āVampirina,ā āFinnā is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.orgĀ
For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, thereās the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available.Ā Nationalcathedral.org
At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentricās production of āBlack Nativityā (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org
For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents āA Swinginā Little Christmas!ā (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (āGlee,ā āThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (āThe Officeā), Tim Davis (āGleeās” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, āChristmas Ballads.ā Strathmore.org
Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of āA Hannukah Carolā (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways ā or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org.Ā
Historic Fordās Theatre again presents āA Christmas Carolā (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickensā classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you havenāt seen it, do. Fords.orgĀ
At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of āA Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmasā (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org
The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with āA Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Seasonā (Dec. 6-15). Folger.eduĀ
In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents āMadelineās Christmasā (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Itās Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isnāt easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all thatās miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org
The Washington Balletās āThe Nutcrackerā at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovskyās instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org
The Gay Menās Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza āThe Holiday Showā (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This yearās uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include āSee Amid the Winterās Snow,ā āFeliz Navidad,ā āLove is Christmas,ā and āSilent Night.ā Gmcw.org
Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Yearās Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venueās Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in styleāwhere every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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