Arts & Entertainment
Arts news in brief: Feb. 17
Storytelling groups shares gay experiences, ballet troupe plans Patrick Swayze tribute and more

Regie Cabico is one of the performers in SpeakeasyDC’s ‘Born This Way.’ (Photo by Alexander Morozov)
Storytelling group returns with gay-themed show
SpeakeasyDC presents “Born This Way” on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Paul Sprenger Theatre at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) during the Intersections Festival.
This is the third time SpeakeasyDC, a performance group that specializes in first-person autobiographical storytelling, has participated in the festival and will feature storytellers Kevin Boggs, Regie Cabico, Sandra Faria, Andrew Korfhage and Natalie E. Illum describing their personal stories of same-sex love, lust and self-discovery.
Tickets to the show are $20 for general admission and $12 for students. They can be purchased online at intersectionsdc.org.
For more information, visit speakeasydc.org.
Whitman-Walker plans Healthier Hookups discussion
Whitman-Walker Health is having a series of Community Conversations this year and the next Conversation is “Healthier Hookups” on Thursday at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center (1701 14th St., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m.
The conversation will feature a panel of speakers discussing topics such as how social media tools have made the search for a one night stand more efficient and impersonal, how to keep healthy during the encounters and more.
For more information and a complete list of the series conversations, visitwhitman-walker.org.
Gay ballet creators unveil Patrick Swayze tribute piece

The Complexions Contemporary Ballet perform ‘Mercy,’ a tribute to late actor Patrick Swayze. (Photo by Sharen Bradford; courtesy GMU)
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, founded by former Alvin Ailey dancers Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, performs at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (Braddock Rd. and Rt. 123, Fairfax) on Friday at 8 p.m.
The program will begin with Rhoden and Richardson’s 2009 work “Mercy,” a piece dedicated to the memory of actor Patrick Swayze. After intermission, there will be a series of duets by Rhoden and the show will conclude with his work “Rise” performed to the music of U2.
There will also be a pre-performance, sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts, 45 minutes prior to the show. Rhoden and Richardson, both gay, are former partners but continue to enjoy a thriving creative partnership.
Tickets to the show range from $21 to $42 and can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu or by phone at 888-945-2468.
Mitchell plays Ellington tribute
Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell performs as part of the Duke Ellington festival at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) on Friday at 8 p.m.
Mitchell, who recently appeared on the series “Glee” as one of Rachel’s dads, will be singing sections from Duke Ellington’s musicals “Sophisticate Ladies,” “Play On” and the Ellington’s unfinished musical, “Queenie Pie.” He will also perform favorites such as “Satin Doll” and “A Train.”
Tickets range from $39 to $79 and can be purchased online at Strathmore.org.
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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