Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: Aug. 26

Parties, concerts, meetings and more through Sept. 1

Published

15 years ago

August 29, 2011

Judy Taylor's 11-panel ‘History of Labor in the State of Maine,’ removed from the headquarters of Maine's Department of Labor by Governor LePage in March, will be on display at Kaplan Gallery (155 Gibbs St.) in Rockville starting Tuesday. (Image courtesy of the Kaplan)

TODAY (Friday)

The Lodge (21614 National Pike) in Boonsboro presents Araya Sparxx’s All American Drag Off with specials guests Jessica Jade and Patti Lovelace. Seven contestants will be competing for a prize package worth over $1,000 including six guaranteed bookings at The Lodge, promo photo shoot by RAB2 Imaging and $500 cash prize. For more information, visit thelodgeMD.com/dragoff.

Grap Luva is hosting the Michael Jackson birthday celebration tonight at 9:30 Club with DJ Dredd spinning and Robin Bell providing video. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at 930.com. Door open at 9 p.m.

Gospel legends Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes, a cappella group Naturally 7 and urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet will be performing as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Celebration Concert at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). This is a free performance but tickets are required. Reserved seating tickets will be distributed today starting at 4 p.m. in the Hall of Nations.

Beat City, a queer lounge night, is tonight at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There is no cover for this 21-and-older event.

Busboys & Poets will be having an American Sign Language open mic night tonight at 11 p.m. in the Langston room at its 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). Anyone with sign language knowledge may sign up by e-mailing [email protected]. There is a $5 admission at the door.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Rams Head Promotions and 103.1 WRNR present Silopanna Music Festival featuring 20 acts on three different stages, including Matt and Kim, Pasadena and Tobias Russell. General admission tickets are $39.50 in advanced and $45 the day of show and V.I.P tickets are $195 in advanced and $225 the day of show. V.I.P tickets include complimentary drinks, a dinner buffet, private bathrooms and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit silopannafest.com.

Southwest Renaissance Development Corporation is hosting a panel discussion as at Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I St., S.W.) today from 1 to 3 p.m. as part of its series, “Thinking About Jazz.” This month’s program will duscuss women such as Mary Lou Williams, Marian McPartland and Dinah Washington. Several members of the case of “Sistas Can Sang” will be discussing their own experiences.

Burgundy Crescent Volunteers seeks help as its members help the National Park Service paint park benches in Dupont Circle. Volunteers will meet up with NPS staff at 9 a.m. by the fountain in the circle, wearing clothes they don’t mind getting paint on and should plan on being there until noon. Interested volunteers should e-mail [email protected].

Will Eastman, Kid Color and Jerome Baker III will be at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. with “Bliss.” Tickets are $10 and available online at ustreetmusichall.com. Attendees ages 18 to 20 must purchase tickets in advanced to gain entry. Pre-sale ends an hour before doors open.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts “Slippery When Wet” tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with prize packages and Manhunt giveaway. DJ Ace D.C. will be spinning.

Reportory Opera Theater of Washington has “A Grand Night of Opera” tonight at 8 at Immanuel Church on the Hill in Alexandria (3606 Seminary Road). Tickets are $15; $10 for ages 10-17 (under 10 free). Arias from operas by Mozart, Wagner, Gershwin and more will be performed. Visit repopera.org for details.

Sunday, Aug. 28

GLOE is having its sixth annual pool party “Tel Aviv (in D.C.) Beach Bash” today from 1 to 5 p.m. at the home of founder Stuart Kurlander and David Martin. Tickets are $5 and the exact address will be emailed upon registration. For more information, visit washingtondcjcc.org/gloe.

The fourth annual Summer Games with Shearon Van Riggins (Shea Van Horn and Aaron Riggins) and officiated by drag queen Summer Camp, is today from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Meridian Hill Park and the theme this year is skin. Teams of four will compete in events for gold, silver or bronze metals. Events include all-you-can-eat bananas, Sharpie pen fencing and more. The games will be followed by the official after party at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.)

Camp Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders are holding the second annual “Sundance 5k: Run Walk or Sashay!” today in Rehoboth Beach, Del., with registration beginning at 6 a.m. The race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. General registration and sleepwalker registration is $25. For more information, visit camprehoboth.com.

Monday, Aug. 29

D.C. Different Drummers Capitol Pride Symphonic Band will rehearse tonight from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church, Capitol Hill (212 East Capitol St.). For more information, contact [email protected] or visit dcdd.org.

Brightest Young Things is having its happy hour tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Federal Triangles Soccer Club Summer of Freedom league is having its closing party tonight at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) starting at 6:30 p.m.

VisArts presents the work of Maine artist Judy Taylor whose 11-panel “History of Labor in the State of Maine” was removed from the headquarters of Maine’s Department of Labor by Govnernor LePage in March. The exhibition opens today at Kaplan Gallery (155 Gibbs St.) in Rockville, on the second floor. An opening reception and other events are scheduled for September. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit visartsatrockville.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

The Lambda Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) across from Marine Barracks for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. If a partner is needed, visit lambdabridge.com.

D.C. Different Drummer’s D.C. Swing! group will rehearse tonight from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church, Capitol Hill (212 East Capitol St.). For more information, contact [email protected] or visit dcdd.org.

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 spinning alternative music and obscure dance tracks from the ‘80s tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Attendees must be 21 or older for this cover-free event.

Thursday, Sept. 1

“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed tonight at the Kennedy Center Theater Lab (2700 F St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon. Tickets are $42. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Guttermouth, a punk band from California, will be performing at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight with The New Threat and Bumpin Uglies. Tickets are $13 and doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.

Calendar

Calendar: April 17-23

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

16 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, April 17

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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.

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Saturday, April 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, April 19

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. 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.

Monday, April 20

“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, April 21

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, April 22

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.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].

Thursday, April 23

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 5:00 pm 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.

Out & About

Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend

LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’

Published

16 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.

This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.

There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.

This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:

Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
Champion Award – Dan Martin
Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club

To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.

Television

‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation

Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2026

Matt Minton

From left: Executive Producer R. Scott Gimmell, Noah Wyle, and Katherine LaNasa at PaleyFest LA 2026 honoring "The Pitt," presented by the Paley Center for Media, at the DOLBY THEATRE on April 12, 2026, in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Brian To)

As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.

“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”

Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”

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Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”

Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.

“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”

The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.