Galactica’s revue continues to expand — she plays her first shows with ‘the Comettes’ this weekend at gay-owned Black Fox Lounge. (Photo courtesy Jeffrey Johnson)

Galactica returns to Black Fox

Special Agent Galactica returns with her band Captain Satellite and the Escape Pods for a new show at the Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Galactica will also be joined by two new “crew members,” the Comettes.

The show will features songs by Pat Benatar, Cee Lo Green, Jeffrey Johnson (Galactica’s alter ego), the late Etta James and more. Galactica is continuing her live singing approach after making a name for herself as a first-rate lip synch artist.

Tickets are $15 and are available online at pinkhairedone.com.

Brother Help Thyself doles out grants, awards

Brother, Help Thyself is holding its 34th annual grant reception and awards ceremony on Saturday at Remington’s (639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.) at 2 p.m.

The ceremony will include performances by Potomac Fever Ensemble, Tom Goss and D.C. Different Drummers’ Mad Hatters.

Over the past 30 years, Brother, Help Thyself has raised about $2.1 million and distributed it to more than 130 groups in the community.

Capital Pride hosts volunteer kick off Tuesday

The Capital Pride planning committee invites the community to join its organizers Tuesday at 7 p.m. for a volunteer kick-off meeting at Redwood Century 21 (1701 Q St., N.W.) off the Dupont Circle Metro stop.

Those interested in helping with this year’s festivities — which culminate the weekend of June 9 — are encouraged to attend and learn more about all facets of the process from the festival, parade, entertainment, marketing and more. The meeting will last about one hour. Light refreshments will be served. Visit capitalpride.org for more information.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Raunchy Ho to play Gaylarious

Wendy Ho, the raunchy rapper whose “Bitch, I Stole Yo Purse” video was a 2008 favorite on Logo, plays Riot Act Comedy Theatre’s Gaylarious, a monthly queer comedy night, Wednesday. Gays Zach Toczynskiris and Chris Doucette host.

Raunchy rapper/comedian Wendy Ho plays D.C. next week. (Photo courtesy Wendy Ho)

“A lot of what you see onstage is me,” says Ho, who’s straight. “My material is mostly about life as a woman and breaking out of the mold that men have cast for us. Of course, I don’t be sittin’ around my house in my wigs all day like Lady Gaga claims she does. I can’t wait to rip off the costume when I get off stage.”

Initially, Ho (born Wendy Jo Smith) was unsure if introducing the persona was a wise career move. Putting herself out there as a trash talking bad girl and revealing thornier issues from her own past had obvious drawbacks; but after she first took the act to A-list comedy clubs and gay bars in New York City it clicked immediately: “The audience embraced what I was doing. For me, performing as Wendy Ho was like coming out of the closet.”

The L.A.-based performer describes her act as part standup/part concert. Her sound, she says, is like Lil’ Kim but dirty like Peaches and funny like Lonely Island. For her, Wendy Ho’s over-the-top femininity is empowering. By using humor and blurring the lines of sexuality and cultures, Ho says she brings people together with her unapologetically raw material.

The theater is at 801 E Street, N.W. Tickets are $15. Call 202-697-4900 or visit riotactcomedy.com for details.

PATRICK FOLLIARD