Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: Aug. 12

Parties, events, meetings and more through the 18th

Published

15 years ago

August 11, 2011

The cast of ‘Grease’ in Olney Theatre Center's production, which runs through Aug. 28. (Photo courtesy of Olney)

Don’t forget to check into each of these events through our Foursquare Tips page! Find all sorts of great things to do in DC at https://foursquare.com/washingtonblade.

Friday

The Lodge (21614 National Pike) in Boonsboro presents the first Black and White AIDS Response Effort Music Benefit hosted by Jennifer Warner, Stephanie Michaels and Ashley Bannks with musical numbers by musicians of the Mercy Rock String Quartet, Chad D, Michael Ehlers and DJ Philly Cheze, tonight from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $25 after 11 p.m. VIP tickets are $50 and include table seating and open bar until 10 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit areblackwhiteparty.eventbrite.com.

Black Cat presents Right Round, an ‘80s alt-pop dance night with DJ lil’e, backstage tonight at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 and available tonight.

Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) presents “Pop!” a musical murder mystery by Maggie-Kate Coleman and Anna K. Jacobs which peeks inside the artistic revelry of Andy Warhol’s infamous Factory, today at 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $50 and can be purchased online. The show has been extended through Aug. 21. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit studiotheatre.org.

The fifth annual Take Five! Baltimore Improv Festival continues tonight with three sessions of improv performances at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.). Training 4 Prom, Mr. Licorice and Michael Loves Greg go on at 7 p.m. Pop 6, Plan B and Gus go on at 8:30 p.m. Hot and Modest, Student Driver and D.C. Comedy Sportz Blue Show go on at 10 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $15. The festival run through Sunday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit baltimoreimprovfestival.org.

The GLBT Arts Consortium and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St., S.E.) present Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pinafore” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 202-547-6839 or e-mailing [email protected].

Busboys & Poets presents “The 11th Hour” poetry slam hosted by “2Deep” the Poetess, tonight at 11 p.m. in the Langston room at its 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). There is a $5 admission at the door starting at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13

Just Circuit will be at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight featuring Twisted Dee with DJ Kuhmeleon at 10 p.m.

Girls Rock! D.C., a rock ‘n’ roll camp for girls ages 8 to 18, is having a Camper Band Showcase today at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) at 11 a.m. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

The D.C. Slutwalk is today starting with a rally at 11 a.m. in Lafayette Square. The walk will begin at noon, ending at the National Sylvan Theater where the event continues with several speakers including Dr. Ruth Neustifter, Maryland District 16 Delegate Ariana Kelly and more. There will also be booths set up after the speakers. Slutwalk is a protest, rally and demonstration of “frustration and anger” protesting the blaming of victims of sexual violence based on what they wear, who they associate with and who they are.

There will be free HIV testing at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) today from 4 to 7 p.m.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) presents “Madonnarama” featuring Madonna music and videos by Ed Bailey and a special live performance by the Ladies of Town and the Town Dancers tonight. Doors open at 10 p.m. There is a $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. Attendees must be 21 or older.

There will be two performances of the Olney Theatre Center’s (3001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd.) production of “Grease” directed by Bobby Smith today at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $26 to $49 and can be purchased online at olneytheatre.org. The show has been extended to run through Aug. 28.

Sunday, Aug. 14

Chicago will be performing at Pier Six Pavilion (731 Eastern Ave.) in Baltimore, tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $75 and can be purchased online at tickets.piersixpavilion.com. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for this all ages show.

Lambda Sci-Fi, an LGBT science fiction, fantasy and horror group, is having its monthly meeting and social today starting at 1:30 p.m. at 1414 17th St., N.W. Participants are asked to bring a snack or a non-alcoholic drink to share. For more information, call James at 202-232-3141, e-mail to [email protected], or visit the group’s website lambdascifi.org.

Zoom Urban Lesbian Excursions is hosting ladies’ kickball on the Mall today at 3 p.m. The group will be meeting between the National Museum of History and the Smithsonian Castle and will be identifiable by the purple balloons. This is a free event. For more information, visit phatgirlchic.com/zoom.

Monday, Aug 15

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, 10,000 Maniacs will be performing at the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria, tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at birchmere.com.

D.C. Lambda Squares is hosting an open house tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Scott Hall of the National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.). Partners are not needed and no experience is necessary.

Tuesday, Aug. 16

The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) is having a special theater look-in for Sydney Theatre Company’s production of “Uncle Vanya” today at 5 p.m. featuring company members Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Richard Roxburgh, Hayley McElhinney and John Bell. There will be a performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the look-in are $12 and performance tickets range from $59 to $135. For more information and to purchase tickets to either event, visit kennedy-center.org.

Remington’s (639 Pennslyvania Ave., S.E.) is hosting D.C. Drag Idol tonight from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. hosted by Raquel Savage Black. Admission is $5.

Wednesday, Aug. 17

The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m, at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) across from Marine Barracks, for social bridge. No partner is needed. For more informaiton, visit lambdabridge.com and click on “Social Bridge in Washington.”

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is tonight at Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar (1101 H St., N.E.) with The Machine and special guest DJs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Attendees must be 21 or older for this cover-free event.

Thursday, Aug. 18

The musical “Wicked” will be performed at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. “Wicked” tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, before Dorothy landed in Oz. Tickets range from $37 to $250 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) has two exhibits on display, MiniSolos@Touchstone, which features the work of 37 area artists and a small companion show, Summer Sampler, which features works by the gallery’s members, which will run through Aug. 27. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photos

PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

Published

36 minutes ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Books

Curl up with a good book this fall

New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more

Published

7 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Terri Schlichenmeyer

(Book cover image courtesy Amazon)

The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.

FICTION

For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?

If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.

Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.

So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.

NONFICTION

So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.

If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.

For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.

Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.

And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.

Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!