Arts & Entertainment

Gaining ‘Momentum’

DJ Alyson Calagna kicks off Cherry with Apex party

Published

12 years ago

March 31, 2011

Juliette Ebner

DJ Alyson Calagna says she likes to start her sets slow and work to a boil. (Photo courtesy of the Cherry Fund)

Cherry Fund’s annual charity circuit party may have officially kicked off Thursday, but the party has barely started with more events all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The big party tonight is Momentum hosted by Miss Foozie at Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) with lesbian DJ Alyson Calagna and DJ Steve Henderson.

With a line-up of mostly male DJs, Calagna, who has been spinning for 19 years, kind of sticks out of the crowd, and she likes it that way.

“It feels pretty good … now things have changed and it’s a lot easier to be a girl DJ,” Calagna says. “I have a much more masculine essence so its good to be among the boys.”

She doesn’t stay at one club and spin, but tours and goes somewhere new every weekend, with fans sometimes traveling to hear her at the bigger parties.

Circuit parties don’t seem to be as big as they once were, and Calagna thinks it’s just the way the club culture goes every five or six years with peaks and drops.

“Right now, I think we’re in a bit of a reorganizing phase, weeding out what’s not working, changing things,” she says. “There are some circuit parties that do really, really well.”

Music has always been a part of Calagna’s life.

When she was young, she wanted to be a radio DJ, until she started clubbing.

She became a resident dancer at a teen club, getting close to the different DJs there. One night, she went up to the DJ and just asked if he’d teach her.

“The first time I went to his studio where he practiced, that was it … I knew the moment I touched a turntable, that was what I wanted to do,” Calagna says, adding she almost gave up dancing right there.

This isn’t Calagna’s first turn at Cherry.

“I play a lot of circuit parties … Cherry is one of the ones that really still stands for something,” Calagna says. “I really like what they’re doing.”

Her style is house-based, but Calagna doesn’t stay in a single genre or follow a set list when she spins, rather going with the vibe of the crowd, comparing what she does to a chef visiting another country and changing regional recipes to fit his style of cooking.

Don’t expect the music to be fast and rocking right away tonight. That’s one of her biggest DJ pet peeves, time-appropriate music.

“I start deeper and more soulful and melodic in the beginning because I don’t like to bang out clubs until there’s a lot of people in there,” Calagna says. “I like the music to start slow and kind of build.”

Calagna does get paid for her appearance at Cherry, but she gives the organizers a big break and she donates a large portion of the money she receives to the Cherry Fund, which benefits AIDS charities.

Calagna is probably looking forward to seeing the other DJs on Saturday night at the main event the most.

“I’ve always really enjoyed playing in D.C.” she says. “I love the city … I’m looking forward to having the next night off.”

DJs Oscar G, BennyK and Town’s own Wess will be spinning at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. with performances by Macaviti and the Ladies of Town.

Friday also has two other events, a fashion show at Caramel Boutique (1603 U St., N.W.) with local designer Andrew Nowell from 2 to 8 p.m. and a bachelor auction at Town with DJ Bandit and D.C. Bear Crue from 7 to 9 p.m.

After the main event on Saturday is an after-hours party at Fur (33 Patterson St., N.E.) with DJ Peter Rauhofer from 4 to 9:30 a.m.

Sunday continues with a Tea Dance at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from noon to 4 p.m. with DJ Mike Reimer and Ovation with DJs Stephan Grondin and Sin Morera from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Ultrabar (911 F St., N.W.).

For more information and to purchase tickets to events, visit cherryfund.org.

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PHOTOS: Pride in the Park

Us Helping Us holds annual DC Black Pride event

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Michael Key

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Us Helping Us and DC Black Pride held the annual Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park on Monday, May 29.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Covering DC Black Pride Festival in the Park for @WashBlade . pic.twitter.com/amw66FZ7gs
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 29, 2023

Bars & Parties

Top LGBTQ events this week

Pride month begins with Black Pride, Latinx Pride and more

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2023

Michael Key

Events this week include, from left, the DC Black Pride Us Helping Us Pride in the Park on Monday, the Latinx Pride Party on Thursday and Annapolis Pride on Saturday. (Washington Blade file photos by Michael Key)

Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.

Pride By the River Super Sunday

Sunday, May 28
12-8 p.m.
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, S.E.
Eventbrite

Viiv Healthcare, The Pride Center of Maryland, Gilead, DC Engage, and LIVE! Maryland Casinos +Hotels sponsor Pride by the River at Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion today until 8 p.m.

La Loca: Memorial Day Edition

Sunday, May 28
7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website

Enjoy Bunker’s LGBTQ Latinx night tonight.

Flashy Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, May 28
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite

DJ Twin and Dean Sullivan bring the music for the Flashy Memorial Day Weekend edition tonight.

The PRIDE Sunday Night

Sunday, May 28
11 p.m.-4 a.m.
Space DC
1355 U Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

Have a night out at DC Black Pride’s main nightlife event at Space DC.

Pride in the Park

Monday, May 29
12-7 p.m.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Avenue, S.E.
Free
Website

The annual cookout and festival at Fort Dupont Park will be held on Monday.

Reign Drag Variety Show

Monday, May 29
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor

Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.

Roof Top Closeout Party

Monday, May 29
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Public Bar Live
1214 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

DC Black Pride ends with a party at Public Bar Live on Monday.

JR.’s Showtunes

Monday, May 29
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Belt out your favorite showtunes among friends at JR.’s on Monday.

Goldilocks Trivia

Tuesday, May 30
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Hang out with friends with a game of trivia at JR.’s that isn’t too hard or too easy.

Daddy Issues

Wednesday, May 31
9 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
No Cover
Instagram

Crystal Edge hosts a weekly drag show at Kiki on Wednesday.

DC Brau Pride Pils Launch Party

Thursday, June 1
6-8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite

The Washington Blade holds a party for the release of this year’s DC Brau Pride Pils at Red Bear Brewing on Thursday.

Latinx Pride Party

Thursday, June 1
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook | Website

The Latinx History Project holds The DC Latinx Pride Party at Bunker on Thursday.

The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers Exhibition

**Frank Kameny** (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)

Friday, June 2
5-7 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite

Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade cordially invite you to the opening of The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers.

DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC.

LIYT Nights and Drag Duel

Friday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Free-$130
Facebook | Eventbrite

Enjoy a live entertainment event with comedy, music, dance and more.

Capital Pride Honors

Friday, June 2
7 p.m
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$25-$60
Facebook | Tickets

The Capital Pride Alliance holds its annual awards ceremony at Penn Social on Friday.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Watch Party

Friday, June 2
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at JR.’s Bar on Friday.

Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party

Friday, June 2
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / Free
Facebook

Capital Pride has its official Pride Womxn’s Kickoff party at A League of Her Own on Friday.

Friday, June 2
7 p.m.
The Commentary
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC hosts a get-together at The Commentary in Arlington on Friday.

Drag Underground

Friday, June 2
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite

The popular Drag Underground show is held at Dupont Underground on Friday.

LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch

Saturday, June 3
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC holds a Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.

Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 7th Street, S.E.
$38
Eventbrite

Logan Stone leads a Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday with two showings.

Journey to Josiah’s Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Avenue, N.E.
$20
Eventbrite

Bombalicious Eklaver hosts a drag brunch fundraiser at The Eleanor DC on Saturday.

DC Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Lima Twist
1411 K Street, N.W.
21+ / $23
Eventbrite

The DC Drag Show has moved from Harlot DC to Lima Twist for an upscale drag experience every Saturday at noon.

Baltimore Trans Pride

Saturday, June 3
12-9 p.m.
2117 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md.
Facebook

The Baltimore Trans Pride 2023 Grand March is to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday along North Charles Street between 22nd and 23rd. The Block Party continues at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 4 p.m.

Afterparties are scheduled at The Crown (1901 North Charles Street) and Ottobar (2549 North Howard Street). Baltimore Safe Haven also hosts a kickoff ball on Friday, June 2 at 2640 Saint Paul Street at 6 p.m.

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival

*Annapolis Pride Parade (Photo by Fleur de Lis Photography/Jaime Thompson)*

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Inner West Street
Annapolis, Md.
Facebook

Annapolis Pride holds its annual parade and festival on Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. on Inner West Street in Annapolis, Md.

Reston Pride Festival

Saturday, June 3
12-6 p.m.
1209 Washington Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza
Reston, Va.
Facebook

The 2023 Reston Pride Festival will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday.

Spirits & Beer Showcase with Republic Restoratives & DC Brau

Saturday, June 3
1-4 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
$22
Eventbrite

Join the Washington Blade and guest DJ Chord to taste and learn about local offerings from DC-based distillery Republic Restoratives and brewery DC Brau.

Alexandria Pride

Saturday, June 3
2-5 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Website

The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force presents the sixth annual Alexandria Pride at Alexandria City Hall in Market Square of Old Town Alexandria, Va. on Saturday.

Drag Story Hour w/D’Manda Martini

Saturday, June 3
3:30 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
Facebook

It’s Drag Story Hour at Red Bear Brewing on Saturday.

Art Out Loud: A Rooftop Pride Party

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Selina Union Market
411 New York Avenue, N.E.
$25-$45
Facebook

District Fray presents the official Capital Pride event “Art Out Loud” Rooftop Pride Party at Selina on Saturday.

Tara Hoot’s Pride Bingo and a Show!

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook

Tara Hoot hosts a game of bingo and a show alongside Shelita Ramen on Saturday.

DC Rawhides Country Western Dancing

Saturday, June 3
7-11 p.m.
Eastern Market
225 7th Street, S.E.
$5 donation
Facebook

Learn how to do some Country Western dancing at Eastern Market on Saturday with the DC Rawhides.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Present: “DOLLY!”

Saturday, June 3
8-9:30 p.m.

and

Sunday, June 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street, N.W.
$20-$65
Facebook | Tickets

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington present a Dolly Parton-themed show at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.

Pride Night OUT at the Washington Spirit

Saturday, June 3
8 p.m.
Audi Field
100 Potomac Avenue, S.W.
e
Website

Team DC holds a Night OUT at Audi Field with the Washington Spirit on Saturday.

Freddie’s Follies

Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook

The weekly drag show, consistently one of the best in the city, always draws a crowd.

Unity: A Call for Club Colors- A Highwaymen TNT Bar Nite

Saturday, June 3
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W
$15
Facebook

The Highwaymen TNT invite you to don your leather, Levi’s, shorts, tanks and gear for a night of Pride fun.

LGBTQ+ Pride Coffee & Conversation

Sunday, June 4
12 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC holds a coffee and conversation gathering at As You Are on Sunday.

Sisters Bingo w/The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Sunday, June 4
1 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
$20
Facebook | Tickets

The DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hold a bingo game at Red Bear Brewing on Sunday.

Photos

PHOTOS: Caroline County Pride

‘Carnival Adventure’ LGBTQ celebration held in Denton, Md.

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2023

Michael Key

The 2023 Caroline County Pride Festival is held in downtown Denton, Md. on Saturday, May 27. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The third Caroline County Pride Festival, “A Carnival Adventure,” was held in downtown Denton, Md. on Saturday, May 27.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Covering Caroline County Pride in Denton, Md. for @WashBlade . #Pride2023 pic.twitter.com/ET6YN5ceyp
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 27, 2023