Arts & Entertainment
Howard renaissance
Historic D.C. theater reopens with lesbian Sykes headlining
Wanda Sykes
8 p.m. (doors open 6)
April 13
Howard Theatre
630 T Street, NW
$95 general admission tables, $125 booths
Wanda Sykes returns to D.C. next weekend to open the Howard Theatre. (Photo courtesy Howard)
Some venues, especially large arenas and sheds named after financial institutions or phone companies, are just venues — big sterile caves with concrete slab floors and tacky concession stands selling hot dogs and nachos in the lobby. They usually have less personality than your average shopping mall.
Then there are spots whose walls practically hum with historic significance — the Apollo, Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks and so on. One of the country’s lost gems has been rediscovered and after a $29 million restoration, is almost ready to be unveiled — D.C.’s Howard Theatre, the Shaw-based concert hall that hosted singers such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and the Supremes. The refreshingly cool catch? One of the anchor performers for opening weekend is an out-and-proud lesbian — comedian Wanda Sykes.
And Sykes is psyched.
“I’m really honored they asked me to come help open it,” she says during a phone interview last week from Australia where she’s touring. “I was like, ‘Of course, yeah,’ I’m very excited, very honored. It’s pretty spectacular. They wanted to send me some pictures, but I said, ‘No, let me wait and see it when it’s fully done.’ I wanna get the full impact in person.”
The 12,000-square-foot space, which, depending on the show, can accommodate either 650 seated or 1,100 standing, opened in 1910 as a spot for vaudeville, theater, talent shows and two performance companies, the Lafayette Players and the Howard University Players (it’s never been affiliated with nearby Howard University). After the stock market crashed in 1929, it was briefly a church until 1931 when it was changed back into a performance space and launched with Washingtonian Duke Ellington playing the first night. Fitzgerald and Billy Eckstine won early talent contests there. After black performers as diverse as Lena Horne, Pearl Bailey, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Smokey Robinson and more played there over the years, it suffered a blow after the 1968 D.C. riots and eventually closed in 1980.
The rapper Wales, a D.C. native, is officially the first performer for the refurbished theater. He plays a soft opening on Monday. A grand opening gala and tribute concert for Motown founder Berry Gordy is Thursday with performers Robinson, Al Jarreau, Keb Mo and others. Then Sykes plays next weekend with shows on April 13, 14 and 15.
But she’s not just an of-the-moment contemporary black performer who happened to be available. Reps from the theater say she’s a logical successor to Moms Mabley, the late great comedian who did lesbian stand-up routines as far back as the ‘20s.
“Wanda is perfect to re-launch the Howard Theatre because she really represents a continuum between herself and Moms Mabley,” says Marc Powers, director of marketing for the Howard. “Moms Mabley was one of the leading women comedians in America in the ‘20s and ‘30s and she really got her start here at the Howard. Wanda Sykes is also kind of that charming, girl-next-door type. She helps people get close to her as she criticizes America about sexuality, about class warfare … Moms Mabley was much the same thing and even though people say she wasn’t a lesbian, she was … Moms Mabley was cutting edge and there’s a very strong gay and lesbian history at the Howard.”
Other performers slated for the coming months include the Roots (April 15), Chaka Khan (May 5), Esperanza Spalding (May 12) and Bettye LaVette (Oct. 27). Bi bassist/singer Meshell Ndegeocello plays April 25.
The venue will be managed by Blue Note Entertainment Group. After being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and tagged on President Clinton’s “Save America’s Treasures” list in 2000, a non-profit Howard Theatre Restoration was formed in 2006 to raise funds for the restoration. The Restoration raised nearly $2 million — city government gave $12 million in grants and tax credits while Eagle Bank stepped in with the remainder. Work began in September 2010.
Powers says there’s a lot of buzz and excitement at the theater as staff gear up for next weekend’s opening festivities. Some finishing touches are still being added — seat padding, sound system and lighting tweaks, paneling.
He says the Howard won’t be a relic — it’s designed to be a versatile, thriving space where music of many genres and performers of all races can thrive.
“We’re going to have such an array of talent, it’s really going to be what the Howard has always been — the theater of the people,” Powers, who’s straight, says. “The people of D.C. are diverse, so we’ll represent that and there will be shows that appeal to people from all walks of life.”
Sykes busy with touring, film
Wanda Sykes says life is good. During a mid-week chat last week from Australia where she’s performing a two-week mini-standup tour, she says she’s having fun.
“They’re very nice here, but it’s kind of a phony nice,” she says from her hotel in Melbourne. “It’s that passive-aggressive-type nice. Like the other day at breakfast, I asked for a mimosa and she looked at me kinda funny. I said, ‘You know, Champagne and orange juice,’ and she smiled but it was that fake smile like she was saying, ‘That’s the shit you drink for breakfast.’”
Sykes and her wife, Alex, have twins who will be 3 at the end of the month. She says they’re “doing great” and though both parents travel extensively for work, they’re in a solid routine that works.
“When I’m there, we get the real quality time together and they’re used to both of us traveling so it just works,” she says.
Sykes is mainly touring these days though she just finished an independent film called “Hot Flashes.” Listen for her in “Ice Age 4” this summer.
When we talked, Sykes hadn’t heard of her former co-star Jane Fonda’s latest turn as Nancy Reagan but says she’ll be curious to see the film when it’s finished.
“I love Jane and we keep in touch,” Sykes says. “She’s great. She’s just totally Hollywood royalty and she was so gracious when we worked together. I was nervous [about “Monster-in-Law”]. I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna be in this movie with Jane Fonda,’ but after you meet her, you just calm down and you realize she’s just a good broad, she really is.”
Sykes says other than getting invited to every LGBT event imaginable, the biggest difference in her work since coming out is her ability to be freer on stage.
“It was so liberating,” she says. “There’s nothing hanging over my head, so it’s been great career wise. There hasn’t been anything that would make me go, ‘Oh no, I regret it.’ It’s all been very positive. I’m very happy and grateful.”
JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
View on Threads
PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride
EXCLUSIVE: Pelosi reflects on four decades of LGBTQ advocacy
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
David Archuleta, Monroe Alise named D.C. Pride parade marshals
