Music & Concerts
Arts news in brief: March 11
Cowboys prep ‘Whorehouse,’ Galactica plays hostess and Goss unveils new record
The Gay Men’s Chorus Takes Audiences to Texas
As its 30th season continues, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington brings to stage an all-male production of the musical, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University (730 21st St., N.W.).
“Whorehouse” tells the true story of the closing of a 130-year-old brother outside LaGrange, Texas, in 1973 which became a scandal and was condemned when a newsman announced it on television.
The show stars Ryan Williams as Miss Mona, John O’Brien as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, Eric Peterson as Melvin P. Thorpe, Kip Jacobs as Jewel, Christopher Harris as Doatsy Mae and Andrew Harmon as Governor.
Directed and choreographed by Craig Cipollini, he describes the musical as being about “people in glass houses throwing stones — about one group of people imposing their version of morality on others,” in a press release for the show.
“I think is something gay men and women can relate to very well,” Cipollini said. “The story is filled with good looking and clever characters, it’s a little bit rowdy, it’s a little bit raunchy, and at times very funny, but look closely and it also has a serious side.”
The show also features 73 performers from the Chorus, including an ensemble of 50 singers and dancers.
The musical opens March 18 at 8 p.m. There will be another evening performance on March 19 at 8 p.m. and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place on March 20 at 3 p.m.
Tickets range from $20 to $50 and can be purchased at the door, by calling 202-293-1548 or online at gmcw.org.
Noi’s Nook sees its final performance
Special Agent Galactica will host a special closing concert at go mama go! (1809 14th St., N.W.) on Sunday at 7 p.m. in Noi’s Nook, the shop’s back-room performance space.
Those slated are returning performers including Tom Goss, John C. Bailey and the Art Improv Mashup, and D.C. King Ken Vegas.
The performances at go mama go! first started in September when Jeffrey Johnson, the man behind Galactica and an employee at go mama go!, and his theater group needed a place to perform. He went to the current owner and asked if they could set something up in the store.
It was already known that the store would be closing soon and the inventory had already been shrunk, so Noi’s Nook, named after the original owner who died in 2007 and was supportive of Johnson’s group, was built in the back.
The performances will be followed by an after party during which the stage will be turned into a dance floor and DJ Ten will provide music.
Tickets to the concert are $20 and the proceeds will go toward helping go mama go get out of debt from staying open until the end of its lease.
This will be the last performance, as the store is closing and must be empty by March 31. The staff will begin the process of taking down the stage soon after.
Gay singer/songwriter Tom Goss (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Tom Goss releases new album
Local singer Tom Goss is having two D.C. release parties for his new C.D., “Turn It Around,” at go mama go! (1809 14th St., N.W.) tonight and Saturday.
The band Echo Armada will open on Friday and Jeremiah Clark will open on Saturday.
The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 on both nights. Tickets are $12 and are limited. They can be purchased in advanced online at tomgossmusic.com.
Goss says he’s excited about the release.
“It’s a whole new project,” he says. “Very big, bright and fun.
The C.D., which will be available April 12, includes the track, “It’s All Over.” This is Goss’s third full-length C.D.
On the vibrant, jangly album opener “It’s All Over,” Goss displays his versatile instrumentation and effortless vocals. The infectious rocker, “Shady Dell,” displays Goss’ impressive writing chops and references an eccentric vintage trailer park where Goss spent his honeymoon. “All I Ever Wanted” tells the tale of losing one’s faith, inspired by Goss’ own personal struggle and his experience leaving the Catholic seminary while the album’s gorgeous melodic closer, “You Know I Love You” exemplifies Goss’ belief that true love is possible.
There will also be a Baltimore release party at GLCCB (241 West Chase St.) on March 20 with The Pushovers. Doors open at 6:30 that night and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
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.
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.
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
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
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
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
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.
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