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Arts news in brief: June 1

Events for the weekend and beyond in D.C., Baltimore and Rehoboth Beach

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Dustin Lance Black, Milk, American Foundation for Equal Rights, AFER, gay news, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, marriage equality, Washington Blade

Dustin Lance Black (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Prop. 8-themed play comes to local theater

Woolly Mammoth Theater (641 D St., N.W.) is hosting a one-night reading of the play 8, written by the award-winning writer Dustin Lance Black, Monday at 7 p.m.

The play is about the federal constitutional challenge against California’s Proposition 8, which did not allow gays or lesbians to marry. Its first premiere in the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City raised $1 million for American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Its West Coast premiere was led by an all-star cast with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Martin Sheen and Theodore B. Olsen and raised $2 million.

Black is widely known for his screenwriting in “Milk” and “J.Edgar.”

Following the reading is a panel with Executive Director Rea Carey from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno, Jr., Brian Moulton from the Human Rights Campaign and Matt Nosanchuk from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Tickets are $5. They can be purchased at the box office, over the phone at 202-393-3939, or by visiting woollymammoth.net.

For more information about “8,” visit 8theplay.com.

Chorus commemorates men and music

Gay Men’s Chorus is performing “Heart Throbs” Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.).

The group will be paying tribute to men and music through fun and flirtatious musical selections by artists like Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Boys II Men, N Sync, Backstreet Boys and The Beatles.  The show presents a montage of fantasy dream dates and boy band crushes that will appeal to all ages and musical preferences.

Tickets range from $15-$50 and can be purchased at gmcw.org.

Rehoboth party celebrates 25 artists

Clear Space Theatre (20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE) is hosting the Black & White Beach Ball on Sunday evening from 5-8 p.m.

The event brings together 25 invited artists and their juried artwork that includes photography, charcoals, acrylic, oil, watercolor, sculpture and multimedia.  The curators are artist and CAMP Rehoboth President Murray Archibald, Sondra Arkin, Gallery 50 owner Jay Pastore and graphic designer Andres Tremols. Professional auctioneer Lorne Crawford will be selling the artwork in the HeART of the Community Live art auction.

The evening will also include catered food and an open bar. Attendees should dress in black and white casual attire.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at camprehoboth.com or at 302-227-5620.

Macy’s to host Pride panel discussion

Macy’s is hosting a panel discussion at its Metro Center location (1201 G Street, NW) Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the furniture gallery on the lower level. A discussion of progress of the LGBT community will include Nicholas Benton of Falls Church News Press; Candace Gingrich-Jones of Human Rights Campaign and Kevin Naff of Washington Blade.

For more information, visit macys.com/pride.

‘Prime’ time for sin

The Collective, a dance group with members representing Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Hartford counties, presents “Prime,” part of its 13th performance season, on Saturday at the Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive) at 2 and 8 p.m.

The show will feature seven works laced together with seven short solos built on the seven deadly sins. Themes of these sins will appear throughout the concert work as the dancers portray life with and without sin.

There will also be an encore of Jenny Seye’s “Complex Figures” and guest artist Adrienne Clancy’s “Sisters.”

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit collective-dance.com.

Chenoweth has Baltimore and D.C. shows planned

Kristin Chenoweth, original star of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” plays the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St.) on June 9 at 8 p.m.

Chenoweth will perform songs from countless performances, including “Wicked” and her new album, “Some Lessons Learned.”

Tickets are $200 and $350. The $350 tickets include a pre-concert buffet beginning at 6:30 p.m., access to the best seats for the concert and a post-show dessert and champagne reception. The $200 ticket includes a post-show dessert and coffee reception.

Chenoweth will also appear at DAR Constitution Hall in D.C. on June 10.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit france-merrickpac.com or kristin-chenoweth.com.

Gay-themed ‘Bent” at Mobtown

Baltimore’s Mobtown Players present Martin Sherman’s “Bent” at the Mobtown Theater at Meadow Hill (3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 114) opening tonight with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and matinees on June 10 and 17 at 4 p.m.

“Bent,” set in Hitler’s Germany, tells the story of Max, a man forced to by fear and shame to hide his sexuality and accepting who he is until he no longer can.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students.

There will be a special benefit performance on June 10 at 4 p.m. Tickets for that performance are $25 and $15 of every ticket goes directly to Equality Maryland. The price also includes complimentary wine and a talkback session with the cast and crew after the performance.

The show runs through June 23.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mobtownplayers.net.

Lesbian Md. delegate having birthday party

Democratic Delegate Mary Washington, a lesbian, is celebrating her 50th birthday with “Shake, Shake, Shake,” a dance party at Metro Gallery (1700 North Charles St.) at 7 p.m.

The party will begin with a vintage photo slide show, birthday wishes and cake. At 8:30 p.m. a live DJ will be providing the soundtrack for the dance party with music ranging from the ‘60s to today with drinks and light fare produced by Neopol of Belvedere Square.

Tickets range from $40 for young Democrats to $2,000 for platinum sponsors. Attendees must be 21 or older.

For more information on Washington and to purchase tickets or make a contribution, visit electmarywashington.com.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch

LGBTQ politicians gather for annual event

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Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) speaks at the 2025 Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Music & Concerts

Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’

Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

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Singer Tom Goss is back. (Photo by Dusti Cunningham)

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co. 

Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.

For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

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Calendar

Calendar: May 2-8

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, May 2

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, May 3

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.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group 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 judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc

Sunday, May 4

“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite

Monday, May 5

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected]

Tuesday, May 6

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 7

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected]

Thursday, May 8

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected]

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