Arts & Entertainment
MCC bids Hughes farewell
Gay church choir joined by GMCW; Chaka Khan and Meshell Ndegeocello also had recent D.C. appearances
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (MCC-D.C.) pulled out all the stops for its Christmas concert this year but even with another diva in the house — guest singer Oleta Adams — it was still Shirli Hughes’ night, as it should have been.
Shirli Hughes at Saturday night's MCC Christmas concert. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
Hughes, the church’s minister of music (and a lesbian), has resigned and Saturday night’s concert was her swan song after a decade running the church’s music program. It felt as though she decided to go out with a bang — the concert was held at the Lincoln Theater (usually all MCC concerts are held at the church) and there were two big guests: Adams and a healthy fraction of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington which has its own holiday show the weekend of the 16th (go here for details).
That Adams sang beautifully was almost a given. She owned the stage during a three-song mini-set late in the second half during which she accompanied herself on electric piano with her hit “Get Here” and an exquisite cover of Amy Grant’s “Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven)” that’s also on Adams’ Christmas album. Initially I thought she sounded too muscular for the tender lullaby but she settled into a moving rendition of the song marked by dead-on phrasing and vocal nuance.
And, of course, I know rehearsal time is often either highly limited or non-existent when you bring in a big-name artist, but it was almost tragic to hear the canned backing vocals on her opening number “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” considering the bounty of choral talent that was sitting back stage. Thankfully she joined them on closing song “Joy to the World” (mostly the Three Dog Night version but not entirely), which gave the concert a less compartmentalized feel among its participants which, prior to that, had been totally insular (the MCC choir didn’t sing a note with the GMCW; they’re much different outfits, of course, but some sort of collaboration would have been refreshing).
Natalie Carter, left, accompanied by Shirli Hughes, in red. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
The concert, playing to a packed house, was designed to give the church a chance to show off its abundance of talent. Several soloists — especially Marcia Newbill, Gbenimah Slopadoe, Jeffrey Herrell and Yartumo Gborkorquellie — have pro-caliber voices and could be on Broadway or in Los Angeles recording studios if they wished. Equally good, Natalie Carter’s warm, silky solo on “My Sweet Lawd” was understated yet powerful. And old MCC standbys Lisa Carrol, Tanya Harper and Michelle Lanchester (Hughes’ partner) were each in fine voice. Carrol, who possesses a lovely alto timbre, has excelled under Hughes’ guidance and has found new range in her interpretive abilities. And Lanchester, a soul growler who can ad lib with all the passion and fire of any big-name gospel act, sounded better than ever last night. She has, at times, been hampered by muddy acoustics and ill-tempered mics in the MCC sanctuary but last night the balance was perfect. There were some howling mics here and there, sadly, but they were mostly worked out by the time she came on.
Lisa Carrol (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
Hughes opened the second half with two solos — “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night,” both of which she’s performed previously at the church. The latter, especially, was lovely and allowed her to show off her interpretive finesse and range to their fullest. They also exemplified, by contrast, what makes Hughes such a rare talent — she can kick back and throw down with the most sanctifying gospel grooves but on her solo selections she proves she’s got great classical sensibilities as well and is undeniably a trained singer. It’s quite rare to find a musician, whether he or she is singing or directing (or accompanying as Hughes also does), who can pull off both extremes so successfully. Though mercurial at times — and she would likely admit to that — she leaves enormous shoes for the church to fill. Music can totally make or break a worship service.
The Gay Men’s Chorus sounded lovely as usual — their harmonies, tighter and more refined (but also more staid) than MCC’s — are undeniably great. Their overall pitch is as precise as a tuning fork. They continue to excel under Jeff Burhman’s sturdy leadership.
There was only one misstep of the evening but unfortunately, in my estimation anyway, it was a huge one — a medley of Hanukkah songs the GMCW closed its mini-set with. While musically they provided the show with a nice change of pace, thematically it was jarring and completely out of place. I’m all for diversity and respect of other faiths especially during the holidays, but MCC is a Christian church and this was a Christmas concert. A few secular songs that were included — a slightly wobbly “Christmas Song” by the church’s string ensemble and a medley of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Darling” by the GMCW — were fine. And I’m not of the mindset, as are many Christians, that everything performed during a church program has to be explicitly religion in text. Yes, Jesus Christ was Jewish himself, but to include a selection of material that rejects the divinity of Christ at a Christian Christmas concert was offensive. I was probably in the minority on this point though — the number was as heartily applauded as any of the night. It’s a shame, though, as the GMCW has several gorgeous sacred Christmas numbers in its repertoire — much more appropriate would have been selections like the Bass “Gloria,” or the Mendelssohn “Say Where He is Born” or “There Shall a Star” they performed at their own concert last year.
Oleta Adams after the concert. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
But that’s quibbling — overall, it was a great, great night. Kudos to Adams for graciously singing autographs and posing for photos after the show.
I’ve been meaning to blog, too, about two other concerts I caught in recent weeks that are both of considerable queer appeal. Chaka Khan played a tight half jazz/half pop/funk concert during a two-night run at the Birchmere last week. I caught the first show Monday night. And bi bassist Meshell Ndegeocello was also at the Birchmere a couple weeks before (on Nov. 15) for her “Weather Tour,” supporting her brand new album. I interviewed both of them (here and here) prior to their appearances.
Chaka Khan at the Birchmere last week. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
Khan’s was far tighter and more generous. Playing an hour-and-45-minute set, she opened with standards like “I’ll Be Around,” “To Sir With Love” and “My Funny Valentine” before putting her own stamp on a four-song set of Joni Mitchell covers, only one of which (“Ladies Man”) she’s recorded herself. The standouts were the moody — it’s perhaps the darkest song in Mitchell’s entire canon — “Two Grey Rooms” and a highly unusual take on “Man From Mars” that gave her kick-ass band time to solo and jam. You wouldn’t think they’d pick that kind of a song on which to solo — Mitchell’s version is slow and atmospheric — but somehow it worked.
Khan closed her show with several hits — “Everlasting Love,” “Tell Me Something Good” and “What Cha Gonna Do 4 Me” (but not “I’m Every Woman”). She gamely sang an a cappella verse and chorus of “Fool’s Paradise” at a request, and gave her testimony of getting clean during an emotional reading of “Through the Fire.” She was in dazzlingly fine voice — her extraordinary pipes are as bright and strong as they’ve ever sounded. Her voice is a feat of nature — she could blow Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Gladys Knight away with a sneeze and I’m not exaggerating.
Meshell Ndegeocello at the Birchmere in November. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
Meshell, conversely, is almost an anti-singer, an anti-entertainer. She’s much more a funky groove chef than a great singer. Her vocals are wispy and non-committal, but armed with her bass and a tight band, there were smoldering sonic stews being conjured throughout her hour-and-20-minute set. She also does exactly as she pleases. There were no hits (unless you count the one “Plantation Lullabies” song she performed, “Outside Your Door”) and 11 of the 17 songs she did are from the new album. I’m all for artistic license and unpredictability — you don’t go to a Meshell show expecting hits — but even that was, admittedly a bit self indulgent on her part. But she doesn’t care and that’s part of her charm. She did make some small talk and said she was enjoying herself — but she’s so laid back and “chill” it can be a bit polarizing. Nobody expects her to be Wayne Newton, of course, but I mean c’mon — isn’t there some middle ground she could stomach without feeling like a human juke box?
MCC’s set:
1. Andaluza (piano solo)
2. The Christmas Song (strings)
3. Gloria We Sing
4. Hallelujah
5. Amen
6. My Sweet Lawd
7. Emmanuel Medley
8. Jesus Brings Joy
9. Perfect Praise
10. Wonderful Child Medley
11. Ave Maria
12. O Holy Night
13. In the Bleak Midwinter (GMCW)
14. I’ll Be Home For Christmas/Merry Christmas Darling (GMCW)
15. Music of Hanukkah (GMCW)
16. Hark the Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High (Oleta Adams)
17. Breath of Heaven (Oleta Adams)
18. Get Here (Oleta Adams)
19. Carols from around the world — a cappella (various soloists)
20. Joy to the World (MCC w/ Oleta Adams)
Chaka Khan’s set
1. High Wire
2. I’ll Be Around
3. To Sir With Love
4. My Funny Valentine
5. Hissing of Summer Lawns
6. Two Grey Rooms
7. Man From Mars
8. Ladies Man
9. Angel
10. Everlasting Love
11. Through the Fire
12. Tell Me Something Good
13. Fool’s Paradise
14. What Cha Gonna Do 4 Me
15. Ain’t Nobody (encore)
Meshell Ndegeocello’s set
1. Grace
2. Faithful
3. Dirty World
4. A Bitter Mule
5. Bright Shiny Morning
6. Lady Cab Driver (Prince)
7. Outside Your Door
8. Blood on the Curb
9. Feeling for the Wall
10. Chance
11. Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear
12. Oyster
13. Crazy and Wild
14. Weather
15. Rapid Fire
16. Don’t Take My Kindness for Weakness
17. Dead End (encore)
Out & About
Gay librarian to discuss new novel at Green Lantern
Gareth Carter to speak at ‘Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy’ fundraiser
Librarian, novelist, and advocate for intellectual freedom Gareth Carter will talk about his debut novel, “The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Mihol,” on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. at Green Lantern Bar.
The event, titled “Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy” is a fundraiser for the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center Library and will celebrate queer storytelling, libraries, and Carter’s new novel.
The event will combine humor, conversation, and community. In addition to being on hand to sell and sign books, Carter will share his own journey from librarian to novelist, discuss the state of public libraries in an era of book banning, and his own challenges with one group, which served as the genesis for this novel, the first in his International Men of Mystery series.
For more details, visit Carter’s website.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
Friday, July 10
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 6 p.m. at Freddie’s. 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.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.
Saturday, July 11
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.
“Reel Affirmations XTRA: Washington DC’s International LGBTQ+ Monthly Film Series” will present “Bookends” at 11:30 a.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. “Bookends” is a touching love story, free popcorn, soft drinks, and conversation with your community. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Sunday, July 12
“Duet: A Curated Sapphic Karaoke Dating Experience” will be at 5 p.m. at Muzette. This event is designed for single queer women and sapphics ages 35+ who are looking to meet potential romantic partners in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, July 13
“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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, July 14
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, July 15
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.
Thursday, July 16
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LBTQ+ Community Center. 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, breathwork 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.
Movies
‘She’s the He’ brings gender-bending twist to teen comedy genre
Recreating raunchy nostalgia through a queer eye
No matter which generation you belong to, you have nostalgic memories of “teen comedy” movies from your adolescent years, even though you’re a little embarrassed about it today.
This is particularly true for the Gen X and Millennial crowd, who grew up with raunchy teen movies from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” to “Porky’s” to “American Pie,” and have lived long enough to experience the shock of watching younger generations deploring them for the very raunchiness and toxic behavior that made them appealing to us in the first place.
These are exactly the type of films that are channelled in “She’s the He,” a SXSW hit and Independent Spirit Award nominee that hit VOD platforms on June 30, which strikes a nostalgic chord that conjures both the extreme “political incorrectness” and heartfelt sensitivity of the movies that inspired it – but updates the formula to add an edge that’s especially relevant in our current time.
In other words, it recreates the “raunchy teen comedy” genre through a queer eye (with a focus on the fine points of gender identity), and it’s every bit as messy, awkward, inappropriate, and “cringey” as you might hope it to be.
Written and directed by trans/nonbinary filmmaker Siobhan McCarthy, it’s a movie that might result in mixed feelings from many audiences over a story that centers on two cis-male high school seniors, Ethan (Misha Osherovich) and Alex (Nico Carney), who pretend to “come out” as trans together as a way to get close to girls.
Actually, it’s mostly Alex’s scheme to gain “access” to his crush, Sasha (Malia Pyles), and quell the rampant rumors that he and lifelong BFF Ethan are gay, reasoning that being “trans” would technically make them girls, too. It works, incredibly, in the beginning, but as a burgeoning friendship with nonbinary Forest (Tatiana Ringsby) distracts Alex from his rampant teen hormones, Ethan begins to realize that she really is trans, after all. What started out as a juvenile ploy suddenly becomes a complicated mess, and the two best friends must try to navigate their way out of it; unfortunately, Alex can’t stop scheming for sex and Ethan is struggling with the prospect of coming out to her transphobic mother (Suzanne Cryer), and needless to say, it puts a strain on their friendship. Meanwhile, there’s a whole locker room full of testosterone-charged jocks who want in on the scam themselves.
If all that sounds incredibly problematic to you, you’re not wrong – it definitely is. The entire premise, with all its nonconsensual shadiness and its hormone-driven gaslighting, seems like enough to trigger calls for “cancellation” from both sides of our divided social mediaverse; add to that the fact that the whole thing is played for laughs, as a crass and foul-mouthed sex farce about high school kids, and the movie opens itself up to an even greater level of pearl-clutching.
Like most of those teen raunch-fests of earlier generations, however, “She’s the He” is doing it all on purpose. McCarthy’s wildly “inappropriate” movie is not just some cheap sexploitation comedy, but a savagely campy assault on the attitudes and expectations of the very people that might be offended by it.
As McCarthy says in their director’s notes for the film, “By taking conservative talking points at face value and playing out their worst fears on screen, ‘She’s the He’ seeks to undermine and defang these harmful ideas while satirizing the very media that has fueled this fear-mongering.”
Among the most obvious “conservative talking points” their movie lampoons is the whole obsession around gender and bathrooms (it is, after all, a story about two cis males who essentially disguise themselves as trans so that they can get into the girl’s locker room), but there are a whole lot of others, too: the excessive concern over pronouns, the obsession over genitalia, the assumption that gender identity and sexuality are somehow synonymous, the sexed-up male fantasy of what happens between girls when they’re behind closed doors – all the typical exaggerated tropes are there, and exaggerated even further for full effect. In fact, it’s the film’s not-so-subtle subversion of the “male gaze” through a queer and feminist lens that might be its most satisfying flourish, underscoring the already absurd parody provided by Alex’s single-minded (and hilariously “incel”-ish) prioritization of his sex drive above all other considerations.
Yet what really raises “She’s the He” above the level of the crude humor it deploys has nothing to do with making fun of people, nor is it even about pushing against uptight social boundaries around sexual and/or gender expression; all the irreverent zaniness is wrapped around a deeper story about friendship, love, and growth, a journey of self-discovery and finding the courage to embrace who you really are. And at the center of it is a transgender nonbinary actor in the leading role – in itself a bold challenge to rigid expectations – with not just the talent, but the grace, nuance, and bravery to play it with full authenticity. Osherovich earned a well-deserved nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards, and they’re the heart of the film.
In fact, it might be McCarthy’s deliberate choice to cast their film entirely with actors who identified in some way as queer that fuels its transgressive energy and keeps it feeling “real” even when it’s at its most ludicrously excessive. They make for a great ensemble of players, but naturally there are standouts: co-star Carney (who is also a successful standup comic, known for mining his own transmasculine experience for laughs) does a great job as Alex, endearingly unconcerned and frequently clueless about his shortcomings as he single-mindedly pursues the loss of his virginity, and his chemistry with Oserovich makes them a winning pair whenever they share the screen; Cryer brings a dose of needed maturity to the mix, while also conveying the struggle of a mom trying to navigate her child’s coming out; Pyles and Ringsby both bring the intelligence and depth to undercut our expectations of their characters; comedian Aparna Nancherla earns plenty of chuckles as a teacher haplessly trying to keep up with all the changing identities (and pronoun protocols) of her students; and knowing that the school’s entire male sports team is played by transmasculine actors adds a delicious flavor to the movie’s overall parody of conventional gender presentation that helps make its climactic “locker room showdown” scene all the more hilarious.
It’s worth noting that “She’s the He” is targeted mainly for Gen Z audiences – it’s their generation’s turn to put their stamp on the genre, after all – but older audiences needn’t feel left out; there’s plenty here that should feel universal enough for any age to enjoy; and if you’re afraid it will be too extreme, rest assured: the most shocking thing about it is that it might be the sweetest teen sex comedy you’ll ever see.
Considering they’ve been making them for decades, that’s saying a lot.
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