Music & Concerts

YEAR IN REVIEW: Milestones and missteps

Best 2010 gay musical treats were not always in the pop culture limelight

Published

15 years ago

December 30, 2010

Gay singer Clay Aiken had one of the year's unexpected pleasures with his lovely standards collection, 'Tried and True.' (Photo courtesy of Decca)

It was a strange year musically, one that got rolling with a surreal all-star remake of “We Are the World” that had fossils like Barbra Streisand and Gladys Knight (where were they on the original?) rubbing shoulders with younger acts and found the Indigo Girls releasing a Christmas album of all things.

And while the mainstream was abuzz with new albums from Kanye and Eminem, several gay releases got some notice.

The Scissor Sisters, featuring gay front man Jake Shears, are, perhaps, the closest thing the gay world has to the Black Eyed Peas. On third album “Night Work,” which dropped in June, lyrics like “I think I need a rubber tonight” were splashed over neo-disco and new wave beats courtesy of Madonna vet Stuart Price.

Local indie lesbian singer/songwriter Mara Levi released her third album, “We Listen to Fools” (digital only release) in October.

It was, perhaps, Elton John’s least gay album in years, but his recent collaboration with forgotten vet Leon Russell, “The Union,” resulted in a critical triumph. Rolling Stone called the T Bone Burnett-produced disc worthy of the artists’ best work.

Taylor Swift may seem bland compared to Lady Gaga but her country crossover domination continued with this year’s “Speak Now,” a savvy collection of catchy hits.

Swedish diva Robyn — what is it with the Swedes and dance music? — delivered the year’s best dance album with “Body Talk,” a pummeling collection of memorable club rattlers like “Fembot,” “Dancing On My Own” and “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do.”

Katy Perry, of “I Kissed a Girl” fame, teamed up with pop masterminds Max Martin and Dr. Luke for one of the year’s best pop albums, “Teenage Dream,” which dropped in August and topped the Billboard album chart. It’s also up for several Grammys.

Even with no new album out, Lady Gaga kept things interesting, if occasionally uneven, this year. Her “Telephone” video with Beyonce was an epic, nearly 10-minute clip on a Michael Jackson-scope scale, but her September D.C. concert appearance drew mixed reviews as did a half-hearted remix album. Look for a new studio album from her in 2011.

Rhianna’s “Loud” dropped in November and continued her hit streak with two No. 1 U.S. singles, “Only Girl (In the World” and “What’s My Name?”

There was a new “Glee” soundtrack album almost every month this year but April’s “Power of Madonna” collection was perhaps the most memorable. The “Glee” juggernaut will surely continue in the new year.

Electropop British gay-fronted group Goldfrapp released its fifth studio album “Head First” in March, featuring retro-’80s sounds.

Gay Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi released a solo effort in April, called “Go,” which received mostly strong reviews and had a strong chart showing in the U.S.

Gay singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright dropped his sixth studio album “All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu” in April. It’s a classy and stripped-down record that finds inspiration in Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Melissa Etheridge, perhaps the most famous lesbian rock star, released her 10th studio album “Fearless Love” in April. It’s more rock-oriented than her last few albums, which sometimes found her veering way too close to snoozeville. It’s great to hear her rocking out again.

Liza Minnelli released the little-noticed “Confessions” in September, her first studio album in nearly 15 years.

The Indigo Girls were all over the map with their surreal October release “Holly Happy Days” which, despite its nod to Hanukkah with a Woody Guthrie cover featured several surprising nods to Christianity such as the French carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” and a country version of “O Holy Night.” Annie Lennox had one of the year’s more interesting holiday albums with her “Christmas Cornucopia.”

Adam Lambert, the gay “Idol” runner-up, stayed busy this year with his first tour, “Glam Nation,” which made a memorable D.C. stop in June at the 9:30 club. A live EP dropped earlier this month. Look for a new studio album next year.

Cyndi Lauper, easily the world’s most gay-friendly straight act, released a blues album, “Memphis Blues,” in June and earned solid reviews and a Grammy nomination. Look for a live DVD from the tour, which came to D.C. last month, in 2011.

It was a great year for Kylie Minogue fans. Her 11th studio album “Aphrodite” was released worldwide in June and this month a Christmas EP was released on iTunes. Single “All the Lovers” topped the U.S. Dance Club chart and, though Minogue has always been more popular abroad, she still managed a decent showing on the album charts with a No. 19 peak, her second-highest charter here.

Gay singer Clay Aiken went retro in June with “Tried and True,” a standards collection. Though the concept has been run into the ground after umpteen releases from Rod Stewart, Aiken’s the kind of singer who, despite his youth, has the vocal oomph to breathe new life into these classics. His covers of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” and “Mack the Knife” are especially good. He soars on the latter.

One of the year’s biggest disappointments was a dud from Christina Aguilera called “Bionic,” another June release that found the overwrought singer all over the stylistic map with few memorable results. The album bombed — it’s only halfway to gold status in the U.S. six months after its release.

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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.

Published

2 months ago

September 9, 2025

Joe Reberkenny

Doechii performing at WorldPride 2025's closing concert in June earlier this year. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas

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

Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride

Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica

Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

Lisner Auditorium

Washington Master Chorale

Sacred Jewel Box

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

Published

4 months ago

July 18, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Pop icon Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live on July 24. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

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.

Music & Concerts

Red, White, and Beyoncé: Queen Bey takes Cowboy Carter to D.C. for the Fourth of July

The legendary music icon performed on July 4 and 7 to a nearly sold-out Northwest Stadium.

Published

4 months ago

July 9, 2025

Joe Reberkenny

Beyoncé performs on July 7. (Washington Blade photo by Joe Reberkenny)

Just in time for Independence Day, Beyoncé lit up Landover’s Commanders Field (formerly FedEx Field) with fireworks and fiery patriotism, bringing her deeply moving and genre-defying “Cowboy Carter” tour to the Washington, D.C. area.

The tour, which takes the global icon across nine cities in support of her chart-topping and Grammy-winning country album “Cowboy Carter,” landed in Prince George’s County, Maryland, over the Fourth of July weekend. From the moment Beyoncé stepped on stage, it was clear this was more than just a concert — it was a reclamation.

Drawing from classic Americana, sharp political commentary, and a reimagined vision of country music, the show served as a powerful reminder of how Black Americans — especially Black women — have long been overlooked in spaces they helped create. “Cowboy Carter” released in March 2024, is the second act in Beyoncé’s genre-traversing trilogy. With it, she became the first Black woman to win a Grammy for Best Country Album and also took home the coveted Album of the Year.

The record examines the Black American experience through the lens of country music, grappling with the tension between the mythology of the American Dream and the lived realities of those historically excluded from it. That theme comes alive in the show’s opening number, “American Requiem,” where Beyoncé sings:

“Said I wouldn’t saddle up, but
If that ain’t country, tell me, what is?
Plant my bare feet on solid ground for years
They don’t, don’t know how hard I had to fight for this
When I sing my song…”

Throughout the performance, Beyoncé incorporated arresting visuals: Black cowboys on horseback, vintage American iconography, and Fox News clips criticizing her genre shift — all woven together with voiceovers from country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The result was a multimedia masterclass in storytelling and subversion.

The “Cowboy Carter” tour has been a social media sensation for weeks, with fans scrambling for tickets, curating elaborate “cowboy couture” outfits, and tailgating under the summer sun. At Commanders Field, thousands waited in long lines for exclusive merch and even longer ones to enter the stadium — a pilgrimage that, for many, felt more like attending church than a concert.

One group out in full force for the concert was Black queer men — some rocking “denim on denim on denim on denim,” while others opted for more polished Cowboy Couture looks. The celebration of Black identity within Americana was ever-present, making the concert feel like the world’s biggest gay country-western club.

A standout moment of the night was the appearance of Beyoncé’s 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Commanding the stage with poise and power, she matched the intensity and choreography of her mother and the professional dancers — a remarkable feat for someone her age and a clear sign that the Carter legacy continues to shine.

It’s been nearly two decades since Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child parted ways, and since then, she’s more than lived up to her title as the voice of a generation. With “Cowboy Carter,” she’s not just making music — she’s rewriting history and reclaiming the space Black artists have always deserved in the country canon.