Arts & Entertainment
Bare celebrates second anniversary
(Blade photo by Michael Key)
Saturday marked the second anniversary of Bare, a monthly lesbian event at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.).
“From go-go dancers, to multiple levels and DJs, we bring a little bit of everything into one building,” Karen Diehl, founder of Lure, the event planning company that puts on Bare, a monthly event, said of the party.
Diehl started Lure a few years ago with a business partner, but has been going “solo” for about a year and a half. The company first reached out to Cobalt early in 2009, but the club was unable to take on another party at the time.
In August of that same year, they sat down with Jason Royce and Mark Rutstein of Cobalt and came to an agreement and two months later, Bare was born.
“We want to thank Eric Little and Mark Rutstein for being so wonderful for the past two years,” Diehl said. “They really have stood behind the lesbian community and embraced this event as one of their own.”
Saturday’s party starts at 9 p.m. and Diehl recommends getting there early.
Everyone will be able to get her picture taken by Binxer Photography on the red carpet with Lure’s backdrop displaying all the companies’ allies. Prizes will be given to the first 100 guests.
DJs Rosie and Keenan will be spinning.
“Real L Word” fans will be happy to hear someone from the show will be at the party for those who purchase VIP admission. But Diehl won’t say who.
“We would prefer to keep it a secret, because just like most birthdays, it’s always nice to be surprised,” Diehl said.
VIP admission is $25 and includes access to both floors, giveaways, entry into a raffle for Phasefest 2011 tickets and Queer Prom 2011 tickets, $5 “you call-its” and the ice luge.
General admission is $10 and includes drink specials and go-go dancers. All attendees must be 21 or older.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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