Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: March 23
Parties, exhibits, concerts and more through March 29

Evolve Urban Arts Project is hosting an opening reception on Thursday for its newest exhibit featuring the work of Dilip Sheth, including this painting. The show runs through May 4. (Image courtesy Evolve)
TODAY (Friday)
The Lodge (21614 National Pike, Boonsboro) and the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens presents a ladies’ night “Anything But Clothes” tonight hosted by Lucretia McEvil and co-host Scruff with beats provided by DJ Joey-O. Games and a fashion show begin at 10 p.m. There’s a $3 suggested donation.
Gay District is hosting “Pre-Mature Spring Fling” tonight at Bread and Brew D.C. (1247 20th St., N.W.) from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The night will feature games, happy hour prices and drink specials. There is a required $5 donation.
D.C. Women4Women presents “Tryst,” a monthly professional lesbian happy hour at Topaz Bar (1733 N St., N.W.) tonight from 7 to 10 p.m.
Destino Final, a night of freestyle, upbeat R&B, early house and more, is tonight at Dodge City D.C. (917 U St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring Alex DB and FLEG from Baltimore.
Pants vs. Pumps is taking over the original Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. for “Trouble,” a pre-game event with drink specials and games including flip cup and beer pong. There is a $5 cover with the mention of PvP.
Saturday, March 24
The 2012 Visions in Feminism conference is today at American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave.) in the Ward Building. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and ranges from $10 to $15. A.U. students get in free with student ID. Jeanne Flavin, a professor of sociology at Fordham University, will be the keynote speaker. For more information, look for the Facebook event page.
Tom From Prague brings “Tainted Love: An International ‘80s Dance Party” at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. There is a $5 cover.
Grammy nominee Katie Herzig plays Red Palace (1212 H St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at $15 day of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Cocker Productions presents Miss Gay D.C. America pageant tonight at Town (2009 8th Street, N.W.), honoring Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay D.C. America 2011 and Miss Gay America 2012. Admission is $10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Also tonight, Chad Michaels of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will perform. Doors open at 10 p.m. for this event (those who attend the pageant can stay all evening and don’t have to pay the regular Town cover). Admission is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. Attendees must be 21 or older.
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 “Choices.” Doors open at 7 p.m. The Black Cat is also hosting “Disco in the Dark” with Mr. Bonkerz, DJ Remote CTRL and Sneakers in the Dryer. Doors open at 9:30 for this and tickets are $5.
Sunday, March 25
The Black Men’s XChange D.C. is having a brunch at the Howard University Blackburn Center honoring the “same gender-loving” elder community today at the Howard University Blackburn Center (2397 6th St., N.W.) from noon to 3:30 p.m. There is a $4 suggested donation.
Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) presents “Sucker Punch,” a play by Roy Williams, directed by Leah C. Gardiner, today at 2 and 7 p.m. The play follows two British teenagers and their rise from “would-be vandals” to boxing champions. Tickets range from $46 to $59 and can be purchased online at studiotheatre.org. The show runs through April 8.
Monday, March 26
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) presents a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watch party tonight at 9 p.m.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be holding an information session about the Mobile Homecoming Project, an initiative to promote intergenerational dialogue in the community, tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Following the presentational will be a mixer at Mova (2204 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, March 27
GLAA is having a membership meeting tonight in the second floor community room at the Reeves Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Chesapeake Squares, a gay square dancing group, are having a mainstream-through-advanced club night tonight at the Waxter Center (1000 Cathedral St.) in Baltimore from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit chesapeakesquares.org.
Wednesday, March 28
Secrets (1824 Half St., S.W.) is holdings its monthly amateur dance contest hosted by LaTroya Nichole tonight beginning at 11 p.m. Contests must sign up at the main bar starting at 10 p.m.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE — across from Marine Barracks) for duplicate bridge. No reservations needed; newcomers welcome. Visit lambdabridge.com if you need a partner.
Busboys & Poets presents Sparkle Open Mic Poetry, a queer-friendly reading series hosted by Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou in the Cullen room of its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) at 9 p.m. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 11 a.m.
Thursday, March 29
Evolve Urban Arts Projects (1375 Maryland Ave., N.E.) is having an opening reception tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for its newest exhibit “The Moon and Landscapes, etc.” featuring the work of local artist, Dilip Sheth.
KHUSH D.C. and OutWrite present “God Loves Pavement: Two Brown Authors Hit the Road” tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Farzana Doctor, a Toronto-based author and recipient of the Writers’ Trust of Canada’s Dayne Ogilvie Grant for emerging gay Canadian author in 2011 and Vivek Shraya, a Toronto-based artists, arts educator and author, will be at this joint book reading.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.

Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)































Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)















Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)














