Arts & Entertainment
Looking ahead
A few events for your 2011 social calendar
Plans are still being made but many of the region’s signature annual LGBT events have been penciled in for 2011, mostly — but not always — in their usual slots.
The biggest out-of-the-norm loop will be Reel Affirmations, Washington’s annual LGBT film festival which has moved from its usual October slot to April 28 to May 7 (2011).
The 20-year-old festival staged by the non-profit One in Ten has moved its screening marathon because the economic crash of 2008 and the resignation of its former director left it in the red after the 2009 event. Three films were shown in October but the main event was bumped to 2011.
One in Ten has monthly selections now at the D.C. JCC on 16th Street. Look for “The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister” on Jan. 21, “Children of God” on Feb. 11 and “You Should Meet My Son” on March 11. Screenings are at 7 and 9:15 p.m. on those nights. Tickets are $12. Visit HYPERLINK “http://reelaffirmations.org/”reelaffirmations.org for details.
Phasefest, the indie music festival hosted each fall by lesbian bar Phase 1, will return with its fifth annual event. Founder Angela Lombardi starts making plans each year in January.
“I haven’t even started looking for headliners yet,” she says. “Basically I get through New Year’s and then start planning. I was just thinking today this is kind of my last week of not worrying about Phasefest. But we were really off the train last year with MEN headlining and I hope we have an even stronger year in 2011.
Phasefest runs from a Thursday to a Saturday in late September. The exact weekend hasn’t been selected.
Also usually in September is Ganymede’s GLBT Fall Arts Festival, though it wasn’t held per se this year and plans are still being decided for 2011. Ganymede had several strong productions this year — “Naked Boys Singing!,” “Falsettos,” “Edie Beale Live at Reno Sweeney” and several Galactica shows, but the organization has struggled financially.
Artistic Director Jeffrey Johnson says nothing for sure is planned.
“We have a lot to figure out,” he says. “Home, budget, etc., before we can announce anything.”
Capital Pride will be June 2 to 12 with all the usual events. No headliners have been announced yet. Latino Pride and Trans Pride usually plan their events to coincide with Capital Pride week.
D.C. Black Pride is usually the last weekend in May but no dates have been announced yet.
Another big event will likely be the 25th anniversary of Michael Kahn‘s spot as artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Publicist Lindsay Mady says an anniversary season is planned but details haven’t been finalized. Look for more information in late January or early February.
Team DC holds its annual fashion show and model search on March 12 at Town and look for the return of Night Out at the Nationals in July.
Other annual staples are the AIDS Walk, a Whitman-Walker benefit (usually the first Saturday in October), the Human Rights Campaign national dinner (Oct. 1), the SMYAL Fall Brunch (usually a Sunday in late September), and the Victory Fund’s National Champagne Brunch on March 20, among others.
Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Photos
PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals
The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Books
Curl up with a good book this fall
New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more
The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.
FICTION
For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?
If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.
Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.
So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.
NONFICTION
So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.
If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.
For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.
Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.
And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.
Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!
Long-time DignityUSA executive director announces retirement
PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV
PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
Moving presents a chance to ‘clean house’
EV ecstacy: BMW iX3, Rivian R2
Trump’s Cabinet: Dumb, dumber, dumbest, and evil
More than 150 people detained outside Istanbul courthouse
D.C.’s fall theater season is already well underway
Gun reform is an LGBTQ rights issue
