Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Dec. 2
Parties, events, concerts and more through Dec. 8
‘The Sound of Music’ is one of a series of mixed media sculptures in the exhibit ‘Eclipsed by the Cloud: the Detritus of Obsolescent Technology’ by Rima Schulkind at Touchstone Gallery. (Image courtesy Touchstone)
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 guest J.T. Bullock, a poet, writer and aspiring teller of stories. Bullock’s been featured at Sparkle and Capturing Fire and is working on a one-man show which debuted as a work in progress at the Wooly Mammoth Theater. The event is hosted by Mike Brazell.
“The A List Show” is tonight at Remingtons (639 Pennslyvania Ave.) at 11:30 p.m. hosted by Miss Remingtons Brandonna DuPri with special guest Stasha Sanchez and MC Tony “And I Thank You” Nelson.
LezGetTogether.com presents “Lez Have a Gay ‘Ol Time” tonight from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Science Club (1136 19th St., N.W.) featuring trivia, an ugly holiday sweater contest, raffles and more. There’s a $4 cover with a $2 discount for wearing an ugly holiday sweater and entering the contest and a $1 discount for wearing a Santa hat, Rudolph nose, antlers or mustache.
Red Fridays presents Will Eastman’s birthday party with Cosmo Baker, Sam Burns, Chris Nitti and Lxsx Frxnk tonight at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) at 10 p.m. This event is free for attendees 21 and older. Attendees from 18 to 20 must purchase tickets in advance for $10 at ustreetmusichall.com.
Baltimore filmmaker Matt Porterfield presents Andy Warhol’s “Chelsea Girls” tonight at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.) in Baltimore at 7 p.m. Presented in split screen with alternating soundtracks and alternation between black and white and color photography, the film follows the lives of several young women who lived at the Hotel Chelsea. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $7 for Creative Alliance members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit creativelliance.org.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) is having an opening reception tonight from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for its newest exhibits “Eclipsed by the Cloud: the Detritus of Obsolescent Technology” featuring totems created with obsolete technology by Rima Schulkind and “Small Treasures” featuring artworks small in size and price by a wide array of artists. For more information on either exhibit, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Saturday, Dec. 3
The D.C. Trans Coalition is having its annual community forum today at 12:30 p.m. at the Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard St., N.W.). There will be food, drink and a limited number of transportation vouchers and door prizes. For more information, visitdctranscoalition.org.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents Hellmouth Happy Hour where every week an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will be screened and drink specials will be offered. This week the episode is “Homecoming.”
It’s the last day to view the exhibit “Above the Radar II” at The Fridge (516 1/2 8th St., S.E.) featuring 100 pieces from more than 40 artists. The Fridge is open from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit thefridgedc.com.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will be performing Handel’s “Messiah” tonight at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane) in North Bethesda at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $88 and can be purchased online at bsomusic.org.
Lambda Squares, D.C.’s LGBT square dancing group, is having a community dance tonight at the Francis Scott Key Middle School (910 Schindler Dr.) in Silver Spring from 7 to 10 p.m. with caller Butch Adams. There’s a $10 entrance fee. The theme this year is Proud Mary. For more information, visit dclambdasquares.org.
Crack presents “Crack High: A School-Themed Variety Show” tonight at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 9 p.m. All attendees must be 21 or older. There will also be a matinee performance on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets to this show are $8.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Creative Alliance presents “Merry Mart” hosted by Jen Menkhaus and Allison Fomich today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.) in Baltimore. The show will feature clothing, handbags, felt accessories, ceramics and more by crafters from Charm City Craft Mafia, the Baltimore Etsy Street Team and more. This is a free event. For more information visit the Merry Mart blog and merrymartbaltimore.blogspot.
The Logan Circle Community Association is having its 33rd annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with more than a dozen properties opened for self guided tours. Check-in at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) to get a tour guide. There will also be a reception from 3 to 5:30 at the theater. Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at logancircle.org. Same day tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Studio Theatre.
Monday, Dec. 5
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.
WEAVE, a support group for LGBT survivors of intimate partner violence/abuse, meets from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Lighthouse Center for Healing (5321 First Place, N.E.). For more information and to register, call 202-280-6391.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) is celebrating the end of the year with a happy hour and appreciation tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.). Proceeds from drink sales will benefit the organization. For more information, visitglovdc.org.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) presents its “Glee” watch party tonight at 8 p.m. on the deck in the pub room.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
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The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents the 38th annual “Merry TubaChristmas!” today at 6 p.m. Founded by Harvey Phillips, the concert features tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players from around D.C. playing traditional Christmas music. This is a free performance.
Riot Act Comedy Theater’s (801 E St., N.W.) monthly gay and gay-friendly comedy show “Gay-larious” returns tonight at 8:30 p.m. with Adam Lehman and co-founders Chris Doucette and Zach Toczynski. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online atriotactcomedy.com.
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club is meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.), across from the Marine barracks, for social bridge. No partner is needed. For more information, visit lambdabridge.com and click on “Social Bridge in Washington.”
Thursday, Dec. 8
The American Ballet Theatre performs “The Nutcracker” tonight at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $150 and can be purchased online atkennedy-center.org.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting a fundraiser for Jack Evans, Councilmember for Ward 2, to be reelected in 2012 tonight at 7 p.m. Also a Nellie’s is the Washington Wetskins Water Polo Happy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m., during which $1 from every Nellie beer sold goes toward the team.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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, May 5
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 details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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 6 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 information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
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 p.m. 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.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
Republicans attach five anti-LGBTQ riders to State Department funding bill
Calendar: May 1-7
The university that refuses to let go
Judge issues revised order in Capital Pride stalking case
New Zealand blood donation rules shift
House Republicans push nationwide ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
From red carpet to chaos: A first-person narrative of the WHCD shooting
European Parliament backs EU-wide conversion therapy ban
LGBTQ people are leaving Orthodox Judaism behind
Democracy Forward files FOIA request for State Department bathroom policy records
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Federal Government3 days agoHouse Republicans push nationwide ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
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The White House5 days ago
From red carpet to chaos: A first-person narrative of the WHCD shooting
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European Union2 days ago
European Parliament backs EU-wide conversion therapy ban
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News4 days ago
LGBTQ people are leaving Orthodox Judaism behind
