Arts & Entertainment
Arts briefs: Gay-themed ‘Ladies’ screens Friday
Whitman-Walker and Us Helping Us also plan events
A still from the gay-themed film 'Leading Ladies' which will be screened tonight in Alexandria. (Photo courtesy of the filmmakers)
Gay-themed ‘Ladies’ screened tonight
“Leading Ladies,” a film about a ballroom dancing family, will have its D.C. premiere tonight at 7 p.m. at the AMC Hoffman Theatre (206 Swamp Fox Rd.) in Alexandria as part of the fourth annual Alexandria Film Festival.
The film follows the Campari family. Sheri is the larger-than-life, overbearing stage mom who was once a young and beautiful ballroom champion and now lives vicariously through her youngest daughter Tasi. Sheri’s oldest daughter, Toni is Tasi’s practice partner. The only consistent man in the life of the Campari women is Tasi’s partner Cedric.
This film has a number of LGBT angles. Tasi’s dance partner, Cedric, played by Benji Schwimmer, is gay. Toni, played by Laurel Vail, has her first romantic experience with Mona and later becomes her dance parter.
The film will be followed by a party at Yves Bistro (235 Swamp Fox Rd.), just steps from the theater. Schwimmer and actresses Melanie LaPatin and Vail will give a live ballroom dancing demonstration.
Tickets are $9.01. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.
Art auction to benefit Whitman-Walker
The 17th annual Art for Life art auction will be held Nov. 12 at the Carnegie Institute of Washington (1530 P St., N.W.) at 6 p.m.
The auction and cocktail reception will benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic’s HIV/AIDS prevention services for communities of color.
“Art for Life brings a message of hope to communities that are being devastated by HIV/AIDS in D.C.,” Don Blanchon, Whitman-Walker Clinic’s executive director, said in a press release for the event. “We must remember that communities of color are bearing the brunt of the epidemic. The funds raised by Art for Life will help us reach these communities with the message, the tools and the power to protect themselves.”
Dr. Shannon Hader, former director of D.C.’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, will receive the clinic’s Community Service Award for her contributions to the HIV/AIDS fight in D.C. Three longtime contributing artists will also be recognized as Art for Life Honorees.
“I have been a friend and supporter of Whitman-Walker Clinic for many years,” Renato Salazar, one of the Art for Life Honorees, said in a press release. “When I came to the United States … Whitman-Walker was there when I needed health care services and could not afford health insurance. Donating … is my way of giving back.”
More than 60 international artists have donated works ranging from paintings to photography to sculptures for the auction.
Tickets for the event, a preview exhibit of the art and absentee bid forms for those unable to attend are available here.
Us Helping Us plans fall event
Us Helping Us will be having its autumn reception, “A Passion for Living: An Evening of Live Music, Fine Cuisine and Community Celebration,” Nov. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SunTrust Bank Penthouse (1445 New York Ave., N.W.) featuring Anthony David, Grammy-nominated recording artist.
Us Helping Us will be honoring several people and organizations.
Ernest Hopkins, co-founder of the Washington, D.C. Black Gay and Lesbian Pride Day, will received the Founders Award for Outstanding Leadership
Philip Pannell, the first African American in the country to be arrested in an AIDS demonstration and who organized the first community meeting about AIDS east of the Anacostia River, will receive the Thurlow Tibbs Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Carlene Cheatam, a long-time community activist and pioneer in the LGBT community, will also received the Thurlow Tibbs Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Mildred and Eugene Young, parents of the late Marvin Young, have advocated for Us Helping Us since his death in 1995 and will received the Chairman’s Award for Philanthropy.
Terrance Payton, the elementary program director at New Community for Children, a mentor to many Washingtonian youth will receive the Marvin Young Volunteer Award.
Tickets are $125 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here or call 202-446-1100.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
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 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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