Arts & Entertainment

Arts news in brief: June 1

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

Published

14 years ago

May 31, 2012

Staff reports

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: Fairfax City Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Sherwood Center

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2 days ago

June 9, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from Fairfax City Pride on June 6. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Published

2 days ago

June 9, 2026

Evan Caplan

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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.