Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: Feb. 25

Concerts, exhibits, parties and more through next week

Published

15 years ago

February 24, 2011

Betsy Forster's "After the Storm" is part of her exhibit, "Inspirations" at Touchstone Gallery.

Friday, Feb. 25

Beat City, a rock and roll lounge party for queer folks and their friends, is tonight from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. upstairs at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.). There is no cover for this event and all attendees must be 21 or older.

Caliente Grande is tonight at Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) starting at 9 p.m. DJ Michael Brandon will be spinning the Latin dance party in the main hall. There is a $10 cover charge. Attendees must be 18 to enter, 21 to drink.

The D.C. Cowboys host Brodeo tonight at Remingtons (639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.) from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The party will feature country/western and disco/club music, live performances, giveaways, Jell-o shots and an auction.

DJ Chord Bezzera will be at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. as part of Club London. There will be free vodka drinks from 11 p.m. to midnight and attendees could win a roundtrip ticket to London.

Women in Their Twenties, a social discussion and dinner group, will be meeting tonight from 8 to 9 pm. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.).

Lace Lounge (2214 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) presents Social Climax tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. There is a $10 cover all night and free drinks before 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 26

Burgundy Crescent Volunteers will be helping Food and Friends with food preparation and packing groceries today from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Lincoln Congregational Temple UCC presents “From Slavery to Freedom: An Historical Musical Perspective” performed by the Community Chorus of Washington today at 3:30 p.m. at Lincoln Congregational Temple (1701 11th St., N.W.).

Every fourth Saturday of the month, Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) is hosting Jocks vs. Jocks from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $5 if wearing sports attire, $7 if not. There’s a trophy and cash prizes for the winning team.

Shift presents “Surrender. Your. Booty.” a celebration of its two year anniversary tonight at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The party will feature resident DJ MAJR and guest DJs Matt Bailer of Mixtape, Junebullet of She-Rex and Zack Rosen of Homo/Sonic. Brightest Young Things will be there judging pirate costumes and the best dressed will win two tickets to Kylie Minogue at the Patriot Center on April 30.

DJ Escape will be at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.)tonight. Music and videos downstairs will be by Wess. Drag show starts at 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 10 pm. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. All attendees must be 21 or older.

Sunday, Feb. 27

Flip-Out, D.C.’s LGBT flip cup league, has its weekly games today at 5 p.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.). For more information, visit flipoutdc.com.

Lace Lounge presents “Lyrics and Lace,” an open mic, live entertainment exhibition. Appetizers will be half off and there will be drink specials. The Coolats band will be performing an the show starts at 8 p.m. E-mail [email protected] to perform. Visit lacedc.com for more information.

The Catholic University of America presents “She Said/She Said” by Rebecca Gingrich-Jones. Tickets range from $3 to $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit drama.cua.edu/hartke-season.cfm.

Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting an Oscars watch party today starting at 5 p.m.

The D.C. Center presents “Glamour, Glitter and Gold,” its sixth annual Oscar celebration from 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.). Tickets range from $20 for general admission to $50 for V.I.P.

Monday, Feb. 28

Bears do Yoga at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court N.W.) tonight at 6:30 p.m. Class lasts for an hour and serves as an introduction to yoga for people of all different body types and physical abilities. It’s taught by Michael Brazell. For more information, visit dccenter.org.

SAGE Metro D.C. is having its monthly meeting tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.).

Tuesday, March 1

Join Burgundy Crescent Volunteers to help pack safer sex kits from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at FUK!T’s new packing location Green Lantern, 1335 Green Ct., N.W.

Mautner Project presents SHE Circle, a wellness community by and for African-American lesbian and bisexual women, today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Unity Fellowship Church (502 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). For more information and to RSVP, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

“A Room of Our Own,” an exhibit at Pepco Edison Place Gallery (702 8th St., N.W.) by the f11 Women’s Photography Collective opens today. The gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through April 1.

Wednesday, March 2

The Tom Davaron Social Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 tonight at the Dignity Center, 721 8th St., S.E., (across from Marine Barracks) for social bridge. No partner is needed. Visit lambdabridge.com and click on “Social Bridge in Washington” for more information.

Bill Briggs and David Mariner invite executive directors of local LGBT organizations to join them for a local LGBT leader lunch today. The group will meet at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at noon and go to a local restaurant from there.

Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) has two exhibits opening today: “Inspiration” with paintings by Betsy Forster and “Surfaces” with paintings by Michelee Cormier. Forster paints landscapes, particularly uninhabited areas. Cormier “captures the deterioration of urban surfaces over time.” The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the exhibits will be on display through March 27.

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) presents a speech by Opening Horizons founders Tony and Christina Vanderveldt on polyamory, open relationships and swinging from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 3

“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed at the Kennedy Center Theater Lab (2700 F St., N.W.) at 5 and 8 p.m. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, May 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

4 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

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Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.