Arts & Entertainment

Out & About: DC and Baltimore events

Swimsuit show and WTF at Town, several black LGBT theater events, a Whitney Houston tribute in Baltimore and more

Published

11 years ago

May 24, 2012

Juliette Ebner

A production still from ‘The Ice Child,’ being staged now in Washington. (Photo courtesy Factory 449)

‘Ice Child’ play finds inspiration in creepy Poe tales

Inspired by the chilling tales of Edgar Allan Poe, Factory 449 company members Lisa Hodsoll, Hunter Styles and Rick Hammerly (who is gay) have co-written “The Ice Child,” a terrifying hour-long theater piece guaranteed to resonate with audiences.

Now in production at Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, “The Ice Child” centers on Catherine (Sara Barker), a young woman who awakens to find herself imprisoned in a coffin-sized freezer. Held captive by former co-worker Kidd (Dexter Hamlett), Catherine soon learns her release is not imminent and escape from what could easily be a lethal situation depends on not angering her creepy captor. Meanwhile outside the freezer, Catherine’s treatment and fate is being considered as well.

Slickly produced, “The Ice Child” is compellingly told through a mash up of performance, film, and projected photos. It runs through June 3 at the Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint (916 G Street, NW). Tickets are $20. Visit factory449.com for details or call 866-811-4111.

Swimsuits and WTF at Town this weekend

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) has a couple events happening this weekend.

On Saturday, the club is hosting a swimwear fashion show featuring models in “2xist” swimsuits courtesy of Universal Gear. DJ Chord spins. Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $7 until 11 p.m. and $12 afterward.

Sunday brings the return of “WTF” and this week’s theme is airlines. The night will feature several DJs including the Pocket Gays, Aaron Riggins and Ed Bailey. Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $5.

Attendees must be 21 or older for both events.

Several black LGBT theater events on weekend slate

Tonight and Saturday, “She’Baltimore” by Ira Kip is premiering in the D.C. area at Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave.,) as an official part of Black Pride at 8 p.m.

The play, which takes place in Baltimore, deals with issues of battery and abuse in the LGBT community. Admission is $25.

Another official Black Pride theater event is a reading of “The Four of Us” at Mead Lab Theater (916 G St., N.W.) on Saturday at 2 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a small reception.

Although not an official part of Pride, the African-American Collective Theater is observing the 20th anniversary of its first D.C. Black Pride theater showcase on Sunday with two stage readings of “Here. And Now.” by ACT founding directo Alan Sharpe at Warehouse Theater at 5 and 8 p.m. The play is a family drama in which the relationship of a middle-aged, male couple with two sons is tested. Tickets are $15. Contact [email protected] for more information and advance tickets.

Komen race to benefit Mautner Project

The 23rd annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure will happen June 2 on the National Mall in Washington. The annual breast cancer benefit awarded a $200,000 grant to lesbian health organization the Mautner Project, which expanded its breast cancer program. The grant was awarded in 2011 and runs for two years.

The event starts at 8 a.m. It’s still possible for those wishing to participate to register. Details are at globalraceforthecure.org. Or call 1-877-GOKOMEN.

Soulful Symphony to honor Houston

Hippodrome Theater at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St.) hosts the Soulful Symphony on June 1 at 8 p.m. as it honors the late Whitney Houston.

The concert will feature Houston’s hits ranging from gospel to pop, R&B to film music and more.

This performance will also act as the groups season-ending gala event.

Tickets range from $30 to $250 and are available online at ticketmaster.com. Special gala tickets include dinner, concert and VIP after party.

For more information on Soulful Symphony, visit soulfulsymphony.org.

Grand Central has specials, theme nights and more

Grand Central (1001/1003 N. Charles St.) has several events this week.

Tonight is the club’s weekly dance party with $2.50 drinks until 11 p.m. Sappho’s is having its own happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday has two-for-one drinks until 8 p.m. and Glow with DJ Arturo. Admission to Glow is $5.

Sunday is the club’s kick off to summer beach party with DJ Arturo.

Monday and Tuesday, Grand Central has karaoke with host Nikki Cox from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Wednesday is “Hump Wednesdays,” an electropop, alternative, indie dance night with DJ Arturo.

The week ends Thursday with ladies night featuring DJ Lems and $2.50 drinks until 11 p.m.

Sci-fi/fantasy convention in town this weekend

Balticon 46, the Maryland regional science fiction and fantasy convention, runs today through Monday at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn (245 Shawan Rd.) with special guests Jody Lynn Nye, Jim Odbert, Heather Dale, Ben Deschamps and William D. Phillips.

There will be a variety of panels and workshops covering topics such as anime, dance, gaming, music, video and more.

There will also be an art show, various dealers selling books, memorabilia and more.

Registration ranges from $17 for a single day to $62 for the whole weekend for adults and $9 to $31 for children ages 6 through 12.

For more information and to register online, visit balticon.org.

Trans, poz, coming-out groups to meet at Center

The GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (241 West Chase St.) has several programs this week.

Three groups are slated to meet Saturday: Sufficient As I Am, a group for youth 24 and younger dealing with issues of sexuality, coming out, relationships, family and more, meets in room 201 at 12:30 p.m.; GIG: Baltimore Trans-Masculine Alliance, a FTM support group, meets at 6 p.m. in room 202; and GIG: Tran*quality, a MTF support group, meets at 8 p.m. in room 202.

On Monday, Men Like Me, a support group for adult men who love other men, is facilitated by licensed clinicians and meets 6 p.m. in room 202.

POZ Men, an LGBT-affirming peer support group for all HIV-positive men, meets Wednesday in room 202 at 6 p.m.

Women of Color, a social and discussion group, meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in room 202.

The center also has HIV and STD testing on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. provided through a collaboration between the GLCCB Health Committee and the Baltimore City Health Department.

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade, Dupont Underground spotlight D.C. LGBTQ Changemakers with new exhibit

‘The Ground We Stand On’ highlights 25 queer pioneers during Pride month

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2023

Staff reports

The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground present “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers,” a new exhibit that highlights D.C. LGBTQ pioneers.

The exhibit, featuring 25 changemakers will be on view beginning Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 25.

The inspiring exhibition will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, D.C. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations.

The exhibition opens on June 2 at 5 p.m., where all the living honorees will be present for the opening reception, followed by Drag Underground starting at 8:30 p.m., featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC such as Shi-Queeta Lee, Cake Pop, Jane Saw, and Destiny B Childs.

“By shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the D.C. LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries,” said Stephen Rutgers, director of Sales and Marketing for the Washington Blade.

“We are thrilled to highlight so many living changemakers who will visit us for opening night, and to honor the memories and work of those changemakers who are no longer with us,” said Ana Harvey, Dupont Underground CEO.

For more information about Dupont Underground, visit www.dupontunderground.org.

Photos

PHOTOS: Pride in the Park

Us Helping Us holds annual DC Black Pride event

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2023

Michael Key

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Us Helping Us and DC Black Pride held the annual Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park on Monday, May 29.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Covering DC Black Pride Festival in the Park for @WashBlade . pic.twitter.com/amw66FZ7gs
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 29, 2023

Bars & Parties

Top LGBTQ events this week

Pride month begins with Black Pride, Latinx Pride and more

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2023

Michael Key

Events this week include, from left, the DC Black Pride Us Helping Us Pride in the Park on Monday, the Latinx Pride Party on Thursday and Annapolis Pride on Saturday. (Washington Blade file photos by Michael Key)

Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.

Pride By the River Super Sunday

Sunday, May 28
12-8 p.m.
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, S.E.
Eventbrite

Viiv Healthcare, The Pride Center of Maryland, Gilead, DC Engage, and LIVE! Maryland Casinos +Hotels sponsor Pride by the River at Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion today until 8 p.m.

La Loca: Memorial Day Edition

Sunday, May 28
7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website

Enjoy Bunker’s LGBTQ Latinx night tonight.

Flashy Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, May 28
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite

DJ Twin and Dean Sullivan bring the music for the Flashy Memorial Day Weekend edition tonight.

The PRIDE Sunday Night

Sunday, May 28
11 p.m.-4 a.m.
Space DC
1355 U Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

Have a night out at DC Black Pride’s main nightlife event at Space DC.

Pride in the Park

Monday, May 29
12-7 p.m.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Avenue, S.E.
Free
Website

The annual cookout and festival at Fort Dupont Park will be held on Monday.

Reign Drag Variety Show

Monday, May 29
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor

Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.

Roof Top Closeout Party

Monday, May 29
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Public Bar Live
1214 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

DC Black Pride ends with a party at Public Bar Live on Monday.

JR.’s Showtunes

Monday, May 29
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Belt out your favorite showtunes among friends at JR.’s on Monday.

Goldilocks Trivia

Tuesday, May 30
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Hang out with friends with a game of trivia at JR.’s that isn’t too hard or too easy.

Daddy Issues

Wednesday, May 31
9 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
No Cover
Instagram

Crystal Edge hosts a weekly drag show at Kiki on Wednesday.

DC Brau Pride Pils Launch Party

Thursday, June 1
6-8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite

The Washington Blade holds a party for the release of this year’s DC Brau Pride Pils at Red Bear Brewing on Thursday.

Inaugural Latinx Orgullo Reception

Thursday, June 1
7:30-9 p.m.
The REACH at the Kennedy Center
2700 F Street, N.W.
Free
Facebook | Tickets

The Latinx History Project presents the Latinx Orgullo Reception at the Kennedy Center on Thursday.

Latinx Pride Party

Thursday, June 1
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook | Website

The Latinx History Project holds The DC Latinx Pride Party at Bunker on Thursday.

The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers Exhibition

**Frank Kameny** (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)

Friday, June 2
5-7 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite

Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade cordially invite you to the opening of The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers.

DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC.

LIYT Nights and Drag Duel

Friday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Free-$130
Facebook | Eventbrite

Enjoy a live entertainment event with comedy, music, dance and more.

Capital Pride Honors

Friday, June 2
7 p.m
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$25-$60
Facebook | Tickets

The Capital Pride Alliance holds its annual awards ceremony at Penn Social on Friday.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Watch Party

Friday, June 2
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at JR.’s Bar on Friday.

Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party

Friday, June 2
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / Free
Facebook

Capital Pride has its official Pride Womxn’s Kickoff party at A League of Her Own on Friday.

Friday, June 2
7 p.m.
The Commentary
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC hosts a get-together at The Commentary in Arlington on Friday.

Drag Underground

Friday, June 2
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite

The popular Drag Underground show is held at Dupont Underground on Friday.

LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch

Saturday, June 3
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite

Go Gay DC holds a Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.

Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 7th Street, S.E.
$38
Eventbrite

Logan Stone leads a Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday with two showings.

Journey to Josiah’s Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Avenue, N.E.
$20
Eventbrite

Bombalicious Eklaver hosts a drag brunch fundraiser at The Eleanor DC on Saturday.

DC Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Lima Twist
1411 K Street, N.W.
21+ / $23
Eventbrite

The DC Drag Show has moved from Harlot DC to Lima Twist for an upscale drag experience every Saturday at noon.

Baltimore Trans Pride

Saturday, June 3
12-9 p.m.
2117 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md.
Facebook

The Baltimore Trans Pride 2023 Grand March is to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday along North Charles Street between 22nd and 23rd. The Block Party continues at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 4 p.m.

Afterparties are scheduled at The Crown (1901 North Charles Street) and Ottobar (2549 North Howard Street). Baltimore Safe Haven also hosts a kickoff ball on Friday, June 2 at 2640 Saint Paul Street at 6 p.m.

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival

*Annapolis Pride Parade (Photo by Fleur de Lis Photography/Jaime Thompson)*

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Inner West Street
Annapolis, Md.
Facebook

Annapolis Pride holds its annual parade and festival on Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. on Inner West Street in Annapolis, Md.

Reston Pride Festival

Saturday, June 3
12-6 p.m.
1209 Washington Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza
Reston, Va.
Facebook

The 2023 Reston Pride Festival will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday.

Spirits & Beer Showcase with Republic Restoratives & DC Brau

Saturday, June 3
1-4 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
$22
Eventbrite

Join the Washington Blade and guest DJ Chord to taste and learn about local offerings from DC-based distillery Republic Restoratives and brewery DC Brau.

Alexandria Pride

Saturday, June 3
2-5 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Website

The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force presents the sixth annual Alexandria Pride at Alexandria City Hall in Market Square of Old Town Alexandria, Va. on Saturday.