Arts & Entertainment
Out & About: Jan. 27
Galactica at the Fox, Ho gets ‘Gaylarious’ and more

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.
“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
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
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]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
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 LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
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, January 19
“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, January 20
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.
Tae Kwon Do 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, January 21
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, January 22
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, 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.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
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