Music & Concerts

Rebuilding and reconnecting

Lesbian country singer Chely Wright to play the Birchmere

Published

15 years ago

January 20, 2011

Joey DiGuglielmo

Chely Wright

with Deep River

Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

The Birchmere

3701 Mount Vernon Ave.

Alexandria

Tickets: $25

Wright performs at last year's Capital Pride, her first such appearance since she came out last May. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Chely Wright is sick.

Nothing major but it’s her third day of a cold she picked up last weekend at a songwriter’s festival in Florida. It’s bad enough that a doctor’s visit is planned. She’s at home in Manhattan, where she moved nearly three years ago to finish her autobiography. She’s confident she’ll be recovered enough to play the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., Friday night.

“Several of us were kind of passing it around at the festival,” she says sounding clear-voiced during a phone interview.

This is her first show at Alexandria’s Birchmere but she knows the venue from other singer/songwriter friends. Tickets were still available as of Blade press time Wednesday.

“It’s a very discerning audience there,” she says. “I’m excited.”

The venue doesn’t regularly book country acts but has hosted shows by Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, the late Johnny Cash as well as current acts like Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band.

Michael Jaworek booked Wright several times at the Alexandria country club Zed in the early years of her career and is excited to have her play the Birchmere where he’s been booking acts since 1988.

“Musically, her current work fits the club, plus she has an audience,” he says. “It’s made up of her old fans from her Top 40 country career and the new ones who have discovered her since coming out. The new album shows that she can write solid songs and is produced by one of the best songwriters today, or any day, Rodney Crowell. We don’t book many country acts but we do book those we think can fill the venue.”

It’s been, of course, a life-altering time for Wright, who came out last May with a high-profile media blitz that included the Crowell collaboration album “Lifted Off the Ground,” the aforementioned memoir “Like Me” and appearances on “Oprah,” at Capital Pride and more. She’s known for a string of late ’90s/early ’00s country hits that found her charting about 15 singles on the country radio charts including the No. 1 cut “Single White Female.” “Ground” is the 40-year-old Kansas native’s seventh studio album.

“I’m still having what Oprah calls those ‘a-ha’ moments,” Wright says. “Time is still revealing what this freedom brings even just in simple things like going to my girlfriend’s house for the holidays. I’m still in my first year of doing all those once-a-year things. The holidays are a stressful time for a lot of gay couples because they’re often split up. With my ex-partner, it was a stressful time.”

Wright has been dating someone since last summer but they don’t live together. She spent last summer pushing her book with in-store appearances to which she’d bring her guitar and sing a few songs. She spent the fall writing songs, touring some and doing behind-the-scenes advocacy work with several national LGBT advocacy groups. She says the chance to positively impact young LGBT people was one of the reasons she came out.

At one time suicidal herself, she says last year’s spate of teen suicides brought a bevy of mixed emotions.

“I felt incredibly thankful to be out. It would have really devastated me to be in the closet when that happened and know I was still locked into silence. It really galvanized my mission. This isn’t a new phenomenon. It’s happening every single day. America just paid attention this time and it got out of hand. Kids were feeling hopeless. And while yes, there has been an upside to it, dare I say that, in that people started paying attention, the downside is that the negative volume gets turned up to and out in the schools each day, gay kids are still being bullied.”

So what’s life like for Wright now that the initial coming out hoopla has calmed?

She says she’s found herself more “lyrically free” as a songwriter.

“I do have a liberty and a freedom that wasn’t there before. I don’t have to stop and think about how I can make this sound like it’s not about a girl.”

Wright enjoys living in Manhattan but since she’d spent lots of time there before, it wasn’t a big adjustment. She still has her house in Nashville and says she likes both cities. One thing that hasn’t changed for her is her sense of style.

“That’s just the way I am,” she says. “I never wanted to have short hair and the way I dress suits me. I never felt any pressure. Sure, if I’m doing a show or a photo shoot, I dress up while I am perfectly comfortable in tennis shoes and jeans on other days, but I just happen to be a feminine lesbian.”

Wright, who’s said in other interviews that Mary Chapin Carpenter was the only other celebrity who made a public statement of support when Wright came out, says there have been some quieter statements of solidarity. She spent “a little time” with Melissa Etheridge, perhaps the most famous lesbian singer/songwriter in the U.S. who’s in the midst of a not-so-amicable split from Tammy Lynn Michaels.

She says Etheridge “had some great mentoring words and very supportive words — she was lovely.”

And she knows k.d.lang’s management team whom she says “reached out in support.”

She hasn’t spoken to Brad Paisley, whom she once dated briefly, since last year but says he made a donation to one of her LGBT charities, which she described as “a beautiful gesture.”

And in terms of other celebrity happenings she says seeing the backlash against the Dixie Chicks several years ago, especially on country radio, made a huge impression on her and, at the time, cemented her resolve to stay in the closet.

“Oh yes, I was definitely watching that situation and it had a huge effect on me,” Wright says. “Yes, it’s apples and oranges, but it’s all fruit. I’m very well aware of how our industry works. It’s commerce. It’s like McDonald’s selling hamburgers. You don’t want to anger your sales demographic. … I saw the repercussions and just thought, ‘Holy crap, I might get outed at some point, but I’m never gonna do it myself.’ I steeled myself against it then because I saw the nastiness they faced.”

Wright feels the support from the LGBT community — playing her first Pride date at last year’s Capital Pride was “very emotional” — but she knows that solidarity won’t necessarily translate into record sales.

“There’s a big difference between hitting ‘like’ on Facebook and coming out to a show, but that’s what rebuilding is all about and this is a time of rebuilding for me. I’d love it if they say, ‘I want to hear music that’s great so I’ll go hear her,’ if those dots connect, but it’s two different things. And we actually have a fairly robust LGBT following in country music generally though I certainly have been made aware of the new consciousness.”

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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

Published

3 weeks ago

May 10, 2026

Susan Hornik

DJ Chanel Santini (Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR)

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!”

*DJ Chanel Santini / Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR*

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

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2026

Evan Caplan

Lady Gaga plays Capital One Arena on March 23. (File photo courtesy of Might Real Agency)

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

Published

6 months ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

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.