Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 4
Concerts, parties, exhibits and more through Nov. 10
TODAY (Friday)
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is holding its monthly open mic night tonight from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring guests Eryca Kasse, a Jewish lesbian, writer and social worker, and Jessica Genia Simon, who has been writing poetry since she was 7 and has been published in “New Voices: National Jewish Student Magazine.” The event is hosted by Mike Brazell.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) presents Fahrenheit tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring music by DJ Joey-O. There’s a $5 cover after 10 p.m. and free rail vodka on the second floor from 10 to 11 p.m.
Busboys & Poets presents First Fridays: A Local Arts Exploration tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Zinn room at its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104). This event combines a reception, artist talk and the opportunity to meet other local artists, and see their work. This month’s presenters are Chanel Compton, Charles A. Sessoms, J.J. McCracken, Bensonn Anspach and Brooke Kidd.
Strathmore presents Friday Night Eclectic featuring D.C.-based world funk ensemble Funk Ark and special guest Fort Knox Five’s Mustafa Akbar, tonight at 8 p.m. at the Mansion (10701 Rockville Pike) in North Bethesda. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit strathmore.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) is having its weekly Bear Happy Hour tonight starting at 6 p.m. There is no cover for this 21 and older event.
Saturday, Nov. 5
Blowoff, a dance party featuring gay DJs Bob Mould and Richard Morel, will be at 9:30 club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at 930.com.
The Capital Pride Symphonic Band is having its fall concert Architects of Music tonight at the Columbia Heights Education Campus Auditorium (3101 16th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. The concert will be emceed by Martin Moeller, author of the AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington D.C., and conducted by Nancy Plantinga.3
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is hosting a Deaf Women’s Happy Hour tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $5 cover and all proceeds will go toward the Deaf Abused Women’s Network. All attendees must be 21 or older.
Tayisha Busay, an electro-dance band from Brooklyn, will be at The Islander (1201 U St., N.W.) followed by a dance party. Tickets are $6 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 after midnight for the dance party only. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and all attendees must be 21 or older.
Code has its monthly installment tonight at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). Gear, rubber, skin, uniform or leather dress code will be strictly enforced. Music provided by DJ Frank Wild. Admission is $10. All attendees must be 18 or older. There will be an open bar from 9 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The Bet Mishpachah Education Committee is hosting a brunch today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DCJCC (1529 16th St., N.W.) featuring a screening of the 1977 film, “Word is Out: Stores of Some of Our Lives.” The film was the first feature-length documentary about gay and lesbian identity made by gay filmmakers. For more information and to RSVP, visit betmish.org.
Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Arlington, is hosting a CD launch party for local gay composer Matt Conner from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the release of his second Christmas CD, “Snow.” The wine and cheese reception will take place in the lobby and will feature Conner performing selections from his album, including classics as well as two original compositions. The party is free and open to the public.
Busboys & Poets presents Photoworks Photo SLAM tonight at 8 p.m. in the Langston Room at its 14th and V. streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). The slam will feature photo artists projecting their portfolios in front of a panel of celebrity judges and the winner gets an exhibit at Photoworks gallery during FotoWeek 2012. This is a free event.
A new gay-welcoming Catholic church, St. Hedwig’s Old Catholic Church, has Mass today at 9 a.m. The church meets each Sunday morning at Palisades Community Church (5200 Cathedral Ave., N.W.) in Washington. The church, not affiliated with the Vatican, describes itself as one with “progressive Catholic values” that welcomes those “disaffected by mainstream traditions” and what some consider “politically distorted teachings of Christ” in other faith traditions. Bishop Michael Seneco, who’s gay, is the pastor. Visit sainthedwigs.org for more information. All are welcome.
Monday, Nov. 7
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is having its monthly volunteer night tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tonight’s activities could range from sorting through book donations, cleaning up around the center and taking inventory for Fuk!ts, as well as socializing. Pizza will provided.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts Bears Do Yoga from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. upstairs followed by Queer Pong hosted by Andy from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
D.C. Bi Women will have its monthly dinner at Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Today is Digital Capital Week’s Fashion Day at the Washington Economic Partnership (1495 F St., N.W.) with three panels discussing the different aspects of life in the fashion industry in D.C. starting at 1 p.m. The first panel will include Daniella Kallmeyer, winner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show,” discussing the role of technology in creativity and design. The second panel will be about business and retail development, while the third panel will focus on the role of social media. The day will end with a fashion show held at Bloomingdales. This is a free event. To RSVP, visit dcweekfashionday.eventbrite.com.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting a City Dogs Rescue fundraiser during Drag Bingo this week from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. with $1 from every Nellie beer sold going to City Dogs, an organization formed to rescue adoptable dogs in high-kill shelters where resources are limited. For more information on the organization, visit citydogsrescue.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Rainbow Response is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 8 p.m.
Green Lantern (1331 Green Court, N.W.) will host the weekly Poz D.C. happy hour upstairs from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Bet Mishpachah, GLO, Nice Jewish Girls, Nice Jewish Boys and Gayyim join up at a free happy hour tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dirty Martini (1223 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to celebrate Mautner Project. RSVP at freehappyhourmautner.eventbrite.com.
Brandi Carlile plays the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Helping Our Brothers and Sisters is holding its annual fundraiser dinner tonight at the Eatonville Restaurant (2121 14th St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. with a social hour followed by the dinner and program at 7:30 p.m. The event will also celebrate the life of Frank Kameny. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at helpingourbrothersandsisters.com.
Arts & Entertainment
Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ star and celebrated queer ally, dies at 71
Actress remembered for memorable comedic roles in ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Home Alone’
Catherine O’Hara, the varied comedic actor known for memorable roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Home Alone,” has died at 71 on Friday, according to multiple reports. No further details about her death were revealed.
O’Hara’s death comes as a shock to Hollywood, as the Emmy award-winning actor has been recently active, with roles in both “The Studio” and “The Last of Us.” For her work in those two shows, she received Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series and outstanding guest actress in a drama series.
In 2020, O’Hara won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a comedy series award for her work in the celebrated sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek.” She was also known as a queer ally and icon for her theatrical and often campy performances over multiple decades. In “Schitt’s Creek,” she played Moira Rose, the wig-loving mother of David Rose (played by series creator Dan Levy). David is pansexual, but the characters around him simply accept him for who he is; the show was embraced by the LGBTQ community with how naturally David’s sexuality was written and portrayed. That show ran from 2015 to 2020 and helped bring O’Hara and her co-stars into a new phase of their careers.
In a 2019 interview with the Gay Times, O’Hara explained why the show got LGBTQ representation right: “Daniel has created a world that he wants to live in, that I want to live in. It’s ridiculous that we live in a world where we don’t know how to respect each other and let each other be. It’s crazy. Other shows should follow suit and present the world and present humans as the best that we can be. It doesn’t mean you can’t laugh, that you can’t be funny in light ways and dark ways. It’s all still possible when you respect and love each other.”
Additional credits include “SCTV Network” (for which O’Hara won a writing Emmy), “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Six Feet Under,” “Best in Show,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and “Dick Tracy.” O’Hara also lent her voice to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Chicken Little,” “Monster House,” and “Elemental.” O’Hara was expected to return for Season 2 of “The Studio,” which started filming earlier this month.
Friday, January 30
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. This event will be hosted by local drag queens TrevHER and Grey, who will provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 31
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.
Sunday, February 1
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 2
“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 (adamheller@thedccenter.org).
Tuesday, February 3
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 information, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 4
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 7 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 details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, February 5
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.
a&e features
D.C. LGBTQ sports bar Pitchers listed for sale
Move follows months of challenges for local businesses in wake of Trump actions
A Santa Monica, Calif.-based commercial real estate company called Zacuto Group has released a 20-page online brochure announcing the sale of the D.C. LGBTQ sports bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own.
The brochure does not disclose the sale price, and Pitchers owner David Perruzza told the Washington Blade he prefers to hold off on talking about his plans to sell the business at this time.
He said the sale price will be disclosed to “those who are interested.”
“Matthew Luchs and Matt Ambrose of the Zacuto Group have been selected to exclusively market for sale Pitchers D.C., located at 2317 18th Street, NW in Washington, D.C located in the vibrant and nightlife Adams Morgan neighborhood,” the sales brochure states.
“Since opening its doors in 2018, Pitchers has quickly become the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ bar in Washington, D.C., serving as a cornerstone of D.C.’s modern queer nightlife scene,” it says, adding, “The 10,000+ SF building designed as a large-scale inclusive LGBTQ+ sports bar and social hub, offering a welcoming environment for the entire community.”
It points out that the Pitchers building, which has two years remaining on its lease and has a five-year renewal option, is a multi-level venue that features five bar areas, “indoor and outdoor seating, and multiple patios, creating a dynamic and flexible layout that supports a wide range of events and high customer volume.”
“Pitchers D.C. is also home to A League of Her Own, the only dedicated lesbian bar in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its role as a vital and inclusive community space at a time when such venues are increasingly rare nationwide,” the brochure says.
Zacuto Group sales agent Luchs, who serves as the company’s senior vice president, did not immediately respond to a phone message left by the Blade seeking further information, including the sale price.
News of Perruzza’s decision to sell Pitchers and A League of Her Own follows his Facebook postings last fall saying Pitchers, like other bars in D.C., was adversely impacted by the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard soldiers on D.C. streets
In an Oct. 10 Facebook post, Perruzza said he was facing, “probably the worst economy I have seen in a while and everyone in D.C. is dealing with the Trump drama.” He told the Blade in a Nov. 10 interview that Pitchers continued to draw a large customer base, but patrons were not spending as much on drinks.
The Zacuto Group sales brochure says Pitchers currently provides a “rare combination of scale, multiple bars, inclusivity, and established reputation that provides a unique investment opportunity for any buyer seeking a long-term asset with a loyal and consistent customer base,” suggesting that, similar to other D.C. LGBTQ bars, business has returned to normal with less impact from the Trump related issues.
The sales brochure can be accessed here.
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