Music & Concerts
Hat full of blues
Cyndi Lauper’s swampy, moody new album belies her sunny frame of mind
Cyndi Lauper (Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth)
Gays love La Lauper, ’tis no secret. And the feelings are mutual. In honor of her D.C. show Saturday at the 9:30 Club, she e-mailed her thoughts on the blues, her lesser-known albums, her inspirations and how it feels to be immortalized in Barbie doll form.
The new album is doing quite well — do you think this might become a regular genre for you (i.e. blues) where you may do several projects in this vein as Dolly Parton did with bluegrass when her “Grass is Blue” album sold solidly and spawned a trilogy?
I am not sure yet. Just living and enjoying this release right now. I am filming a live DVD in Memphis in a few weeks that will come out Spring 2011. Basically it’s the show we’ve been doing on the road since “Memphis Blues” has come out. It will include songs from “Memphis Blues,” my hits and a few new songs. We will see after that. Stay tuned.
You made some phenomenal albums like “Hat Full of Stars” and “Sisters of Avalon” that were largely overlooked. Hindsight is 20/20 (they say) — the material, songwriting and production were so good, why do you think they failed to catch on to the degree that your early albums did?
I honestly don’t know. I am very proud of those records and am often told by fans that “Sisters” or “Hat Full of Stars” is their favorite CD, so its nice to hear and I continue to perform songs from those CDs live so hopefully they can grow the old fashioned way on the road.
Did you overcut tracks for any or many of your ’80s and ’90s albums? Are there outtakes and alternate versions from the “Unusual” or “Colors” sessions just waiting for a box set someday?
No I didn’t. We didn’t do things like that back in ’80s and ’90s. Sony has put out so many, and in my opinion, too many greatest hits packages, something I have very little control over, and there are too much “greatest hits” packages, box sets, etc. out there already and I don’t think my fans need more of that. The only greatest hits I am proud of or had anything to do with was “12 Deadly Cyns.”
How would you summarize your philosophy of set list building? What makes an effective set list? Do you like doing covers or deep album cuts in concert to surprise the hardcore fans?
My set list is different with each show. As you can see, I love to mix some old into something new with each performance. You should hear how “Girl” sounds with this tour. I have to say it’s really good. Come to a show and you will know what I am talking about.
You’ve been such an outspoken proponent for gay rights in so many ways — was there any sense that you might come to be thought of largely for that? i.e. was the new album in any way a chance to do something unrelated to gay activism and perhaps stretch some different creative muscles?
No, I never thought that. I thought I have to do something to help my family and friends who deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and most importantly as equal citizens. Here in the United States where everyone is supposed to be free and have the same rights as the person next to you, it angers me that people are still singled out and told they are less than the rest of us. So, if by my speaking up and using whatever celebrity I have to tell it like it is has garnered me a reputation, then it means it is working and shows others when you speak up you can make a difference. I wanted to do an album that spoke to the nation’s mood right now, and blue definitely sums it up. From the economy to the wars to the fact that people are still not treated equally on many fronts. Blues music is a genre that the gay community, for those who haven’t already, should embrace because blues is about telling uplifting stories through overcoming the obstacles in one’s life. It is a message that everyone can connect to, but I think gay and transgender people can benefit from it even more given the times we still live in.
What did you think of the Cyndi Lauper Barbie doll that came out last year? Do you think it looked like you? Did you have to give permission for that?
I love it. They did a fab job, right? Yes as I had a lot of creative input. Hope you like it.
There were some years where it seemed like you went eons between records but now it feels like you’re back in a pretty regular groove of writing, recording and touring. There are probably a million reasons for that but any overarching factors that led to that?
Nothing really. I get bored very easily. Love new challenges. Maybe that’s why I am doing something different all the time.
You’ve made a lot of specialty records — a standards album, a Christmas album, an acoustic record and now a blues record. Is it artistically or commercially rewarding to go into a project with some theme in mind versus doing a straight-up studio project?
I just follow my spirit. I have no idea what’s next. Maybe a new studio CD, maybe a specialty record. Really the ideas for all of my albums have kind of come to me and then I focus and do the best I can each time out.
Is your relationship with your gay fans symbiotic? How so?
I have had a long standing love affair with the LGBT community. My relationship with the community has been one of the greatest things that has come out of my music. The community has been there for me throughout my career and I will be there for the community until the end. My commitment is undying and everlasting.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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