Music & Concerts
Sounds of the season
Gay-friendly D.C.-area churches prepping Christmas musical offerings
MCC's Shirli Hughes at a rehearsal Monday night for this weekend's Christmas concerts. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
One of the nice aspects of Washington living is the chance for full LGBT participation in the region’s Christian churches.
And practically all the region’s parishes — from mostly gay gathering spots like Metropolitan Community Church of Washington to welcoming and inclusive worship spaces like National City Christian Church in Thomas Circle — have holiday concerts planned throughout the month.
This weekend’s annual Christmas concert at MCC-DC has become a tradition. This year’s offerings, dubbed “Season of Joy!” are tonight at 7:30 and Saturday at 7. There’s no cost to attend.
“I think so many people really look forward to this particular concert because it really brings so many different people together at one time,” says Shirli Hughes, MCC’s music minister and choir director. “So it’s kind of like sitting down with friends and family for a special meal and it brings a lot of people into the church who might not otherwise come.”
The church’s choirs have a stirring and eclectic set list planned that will dart around from secular to sacred, gospel to contemporary, classical and traditional.
“We’re really covering everything this year,” Hughes, a lesbian, says. “From some old-school R&B with Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas,’ to traditional carols and even an arrangement of the old Three Dog Night song ‘Joy to the World’ that we’ve re-arranged and it just sounds awesome. Plus we’ve got some extra voices this year so it’s an even bigger, more seasoned sound.”
The church’s two choirs — praise and gospel — will feature about 40 singers. A string ensemble will play while attendees arrive and two cellists will accompany the choir along with Hughes, pianist Julio Fonseca, drummer Jonas Baubrun and long-time MCC bassist Wardell Howell. It’s free but an offering will be taken. Last year about 700 attended over two nights.
Charles Miller, organist and minister of music at National City, has a busy month planned as his church will be used for several recitals, concerts and worship services.
“What I think is so magical about this time of year is that there’s something about Christmas music that seems to touch the hearts of everybody whether they’re regular church goers or not,” Miller, who’s gay, says. “These are pieces of music, carols that almost everybody seems to know by heart. You hear people humming them. Everybody knows the words to ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Joy to the World.’ And yeah, there are a lot of high-brow arrangements of Christmas Carols and some very elaborate Christmas music, but the thing is, it’s really about these simple carols. They span generations and church goers versus non-church goers, they span countries and nationalities, so it allows everybody literally to be touched in some way whether they’re Christian or what not.”
Miller plays an organ recital today at 12:15 — a free weekly event his church hosts. He’s planning settings of carols by Bach, Virgil Fox, Richard Purvis and Sigfrid Karg-Elert.
During an interview Tuesday Miller — just returning from an out-of-town family trip for Thanksgiving — joked about his preparation efforts.
“I may try a Virgil Fox arrangement of ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ but don’t count on it,” he said. “It’s a pretty big piece and takes some work to make it sound half-way decent on a pipe organ. We’ll see if I can get my ass in gear and practice.”
On Saturday, the Fairfax Choral Society has an “around the world” Christmas concert planned at National City. It’s at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25.
On Dec. 8, the Fessenden Ensemble, a chamber group of local top-level players, will give a $30 concert at 7:30 at the church. On Dec. 10, organist Eric Bowman plays the noon recital. The church has its annual “lessons and carols” service on the 12th at 11 a.m. At 3 that afternoon the Washington Sinfonietta and the National Cathedral School Guild Choir has a concert. Tickets are $20. On Dec. 17, organist Steven Kalnoske plays the Friday recital and will play his improvisations of Christmas carols. And on the 18th an 19th at 4 p.m., the Children’s Chorus of Washington has its concert. Miller will be playing and conducting at the church’s 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service.
Why so many outside groups?
“They really love to perform here because of the beauty of the acoustics,” Miller says. “It’s such a wonderful atmosphere in which to make music and it gives some of the outside groups a chance to play in the city.”
Hundreds of other church recitals will be offered throughout the region. Too many for this list to be all-inclusive, but here are some of the highlights.
On Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Alexandria’s Christ Church Episcopal has its fifth annual “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” that will feature adult and children’s choir under the direction of gay organist and choirmaster Jason Abel. Community leaders from Alexandria will read the lessons. The concert is free but an offering will be collected to support the music program at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School, a special needs school in Fairfax County that Abel says has a great program.
“Every fifth and sixth grader there participates in choral and instrumental music and that’s a rarity in this time,” Abel says. “The teachers at this school do amazing work on a shoestring budget so the offering will go to help purchase instruments, uniforms or other things the music department might need.”
A brass quintet will also play. One of the hymn arrangements is from openly gay composer Richard Webster. Bruce Neswick, also gay, composed one of the anthems. Doors open at 4:30 and a capacity crowd is expected. A reception will follow. Christmas Eve services are planned at noon, 3 p.m., 5:30, 8 and 10:30. There’s also a 10 a.m. service on Christmas. A children’s pageant will be presented on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. The church is at 118 North Washington Street in Alexandria and is open and affirming to gays.
“A Renaissance Christmas” is Dec. 10-12 at Georgetown University’s Gaston Hall by the Folger Consort with the Tallis Scholars. Visit www.folger.edu/consort for more information.
Handel’s “Messiah” is today, Saturday and Sunday at the National Cathedral with the Cathedral Choir, Baroque Orchestra, soloists and under the direction of conductor Michal McCarthy. Tickets range from $25 to $85. Visit www.nationalcathedral for details.
Church of the Holy City, another gay-welcoming congregation, has its “Christmas Art Concert” on Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. The church is at 1611 16th Street, N.W. Go to www.swedenborgcenter.org for details.
Washington has many gay-welcoming churches — too many to name, but a couple that also have music planned include Augustana Lutheran Church at 2100 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. and Foundry United Methodist Church at 1500 16th Street, N.W. Visit the churches online for details.
“Every denomination has their sort of extremes and there are some religious communities that are very ultra conservative no matter what, but Washington is remarkably open and very accepting of people from all walks of life,” Miller says. “There are so many people here from so many different parts of the world, that there’s really an overriding sense of openness and that’s certainly the case at National City.”
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Music & Concerts
Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring
Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert
D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.
March
3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.
3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.
April
4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”
4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.
4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”
4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.
4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.
4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.
4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.
May
5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.
5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.
5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.
5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.
June
6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.
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.
Jason Collins dies at 47
Polish government to recognize same-sex marriages from EU countries
America’s broken pipeline of mental healthcare for trans youth
GLAA releases ratings for 18 candidates running for D.C. mayor, Council, AG
Blade finalist for D.C. Society of Professional Journalists awards
Maren Morris to headline Capital Pride Concert
Va. Supreme Court invalidates Democrat-backed redistricting plan
Celebrate Pride in Lost River, a slice of rural heaven
Learn more about queer love
