Arts & Entertainment
Arts briefs: April 13
Events of note for the region — Washington and Baltimore
Victory Fund to host annual brunch
The Victory Fund is having its National Champagne Brunch on Sunday at the Washington Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) at 11 a.m. featuring Tammy Baldwin.
This year’s theme is “Strength in Numbers” and Victory Fund will be honoring the eight openly gay and lesbian members of the Maryland legislature: Luke Clippinger, Bonnie Cullison, Anne Kaiser, Richard Madaleno, Maggie McIntosh, Heather Mizeur, Peter Murphy and Mary Washington.
Individual tickets are $150 and a table with ten seats is $1,500.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit victoryfund.org.
Illumination time for Ward 8
Saturday marks the opening of a series of spaces opening in the commercial corridor of Historic Anacostia with Lumen8Anacostia, a 12-hour festival of light, art, music and more starting at noon.
Events begin at noon at Lightbox (2235 Shannon Place, S.E.) with opening remarks on the cargo bay stage and SHAM pop up shop and DJs on the main stage. Both stages will have various performers, the cargo bay stage closing at 6 p.m. and the main stage remaining busy until midnight.
There’s also the “Party Behind the Big Chair” (2020 Shannon Place, S.E.) with performers such as Yung Yeaga and Cee Love, starting at 4:15 p.m.
Part of a project by D.C.’s Office of Planning, vacant and underutilized storefronts and empty lots have been transformed into an artist showcase/village for three to six months.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit lumen8anacostia.com.
Scott Nevins (Photo courtesy MCC-DC)
Scott Nevins plays two shows at MCC-DC
Openly gay comedian, celebrity and television personality Scott Nevins will be appearing at Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge St., N.W.) tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Nevins, who appears on truTV’s show, “The Smoking Gun Presents,” has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest starts including Barry Manilow, Susan Lucci, Idina Menzel, Hal Sparks and more.
Nevins has been awarded an Out There award, was nominated for a HX Award and Glammy Award in 2004 and a MAC Award in 2007 and was chosen by “New York Magazine” in their “Best of New York” issue.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at mccdc.com. Proceeds will benefit the outreach and service programs at MCC.
Gay Broadway star at the Birchmere Sunday
Original Broadway cast members of “Rent” Adam Pascal and openly gay Anthony Rapp play the Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Rapp, who came out when he was 18, originated the role of Mark Cohen, best friend and roommate of Pascal’s Roger Davis. He has also released a solo album, “Look Around,” and appeared in many theatre productions, TV shows and films including the film version of “Rent.”
Rapp has also written a memoir “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent,” which was released in 2006 and premiered as a show at the Pittsburgh City Theatre in 2008.
Tickets are $39.50 and available online at ticketmaster.com.
BALTIMORE BRIEFS:
Ball, screening among Alliance offerings
The Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.) has two events coming up this week.
On Saturday, the Patterson will be transformed into Wonderland for its “Alice in Wonderland”-themed 2012 Marquee Ball.
The ball begins with a preview dinner at 6 p.m. to honor arts lawyer, Scott Johnson with the Golden Formstone Award and Terry Rubenstein for her family’s lifetime achievements in the arts. The dance party begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $40 in advance for the party, $35 for CA members and $185 for the dinner.
On Thursday, the Alliance is screening the film “From the Back of the Room,” by D.C.-based director, Amy Oden, about women’s involvement in DIY punk featuring interviews by women like Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, Allison Wolfe of Bratmobile and many more.
Tickets for the screening are $10, $5 for Alliance members. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information on either events and to purchase tickets, visit creativealliance.org.
Fashion show tries alternate approach
The Maryland Institute College of Arts presents the 19th annual benefit fashion show Transcend on Saturday in the Brown Center in Falvey Hall (1301 W. Mount Royal Ave.) at 8 p.m.
The designers featured in the show were asked to go beyond the expected and their norm and audience members will be able to see the workings of their brains and the manifestations of their inner thoughts and aspirations.
After the show, everyone is invited to mix and mingle with the designers and view an exhibition of fashion-inspired photography, illustration and fiber arts, including fashion pictorials of the students’ designs captured by celebrity photographer Derek Blanks.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mica.edu.
Gay group to hold tax program
The Maryland Corporate Council, a networking group for LGBT professionals, is hosting “Tax Wise,” an LGBT tax program for anyone who is or hopes to be partnered at the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf (1000 Fell St.) on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The program will feature a short presentation covering tax implications of LGBT relationships including joint property ownership and obtaining and protecting deductions, from Denise Dodson, the executive director at Ernst & Young Tax Practice.
Registration is free for members and $15 for guests.
For more information and to register, visit marylandcoporate.org.
Estate planning for LGBT residents planned
FreeState Legal Project is hosting “Will-Power Party: Estate Planning for the Rest of Us,” a workshop and pro bono assistance event at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore (241 W. Chase St.) on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
During the event, people in need of simple wills, powers of attorney and advance directives will be matched with attorneys and receive assistance in drafting their estate documents.
FreeState Legal Project is a group that advocates for the rights of low income LGBT individuals through direct legal services, education and community outreach in the Greater Baltimore region.
For more information, visit freestatelegal.org.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
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, breath work 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 new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
Republicans attach five anti-LGBTQ riders to State Department funding bill
Calendar: May 1-7
The university that refuses to let go
Judge issues revised order in Capital Pride stalking case
New Zealand blood donation rules shift
House Republicans push nationwide ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
From red carpet to chaos: A first-person narrative of the WHCD shooting
European Parliament backs EU-wide conversion therapy ban
LGBTQ people are leaving Orthodox Judaism behind
Democracy Forward files FOIA request for State Department bathroom policy records
-
Federal Government4 days agoHouse Republicans push nationwide ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
-
The White House5 days ago
From red carpet to chaos: A first-person narrative of the WHCD shooting
-
European Union2 days ago
European Parliament backs EU-wide conversion therapy ban
-
News4 days ago
LGBTQ people are leaving Orthodox Judaism behind
