Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: July 20
Parties, exhibits, concerts and more through July 26
‘Wild Night: A Burlesque Adventure,’ is coming to the Warehouse Theater on Saturday at midnight. (Photo courtesy Warehouse)
TODAY (Friday)
The HIV Working Group is doing outreach tonight at Town’s (2009 8th St., N.W.) Bear Happy Hour. It begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5. For more information, visit towndc.com or thedccenter.org.
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, needs volunteers today through July 25 to help with the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Whitman-Walker Health is having HIV Testing at Arena Stage (1101 Sixth St., S.W.) tonight at 5:30 p.m. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) is hosting two exhibits, “3D Collage the Adventure” by David Alfuth and “Being Affected” by Charles St. Charles until July 29. Alfuth’s artwork features are surreal 3-D collages consisting of newspapers, cloth, pressed flowers and other flat objects. St. Charles’ exhibition portrays faces with various reactions to shared circumstances. The exhibit is free. For more information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Phase 1 (525 8th St. SE) is hosting its “Red, White & Boobs with D.C. Gurly Show” starting at 7:30 p.m. This event will have a special guest, Miss Flora Bush. Cover charge is $5. For more information, visit phase1dc.com.
Waverly Street Gallery (4600 East-West Highway, Bethesday) is hosting the exhibition “Heard it Through the Grapevine,” paintings and collage by Ronnie Spiewak today from noon to 6 p.m. Access to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit waverlystreetgallery.com.
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is having its happy hour today starting at 5 p.m. All drinks are half off until 7:30 p.m. After 9 p.m., admission is $15, and after 11 p.m. admission is $3. The party includes a pool, video gaming system and card tournaments. For details, visit thebachelorsmill.com.
Green Lantern (1111 14th St., Green Court, N.W.) is hosting its “Pop Goes the World” party tonight at 10 p.m. Cover charge is $5. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, July 21
A reception will be held tonight at 6 for artists John Gascot’s and MG Stout’s art exhibit at the D.C. Center (1318 U St. NW). Wine and refreshments will be served. Many or the paintings are inspired by or named after songs. The exhibit will be up through Sept. 8 and attendees can visit for free during the D.C. Center business hours. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Spunk-E Productions presents “Ink & Scruff” at Green Lantern (1111 14th St., Green Court, N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. There’s a hot body contest, drink specials all night and music by DJ Tone. Cover is $5. For details, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Tilted Torch’s “Wild Night: A Burlesque Adventure” is at the Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave. N.W.) tonight at midnight. This burlesque show allows audience members decide what happens in the story. The decisions will lead to consequences, danger and even death. General admission is $17. For more information, visit warehousetheater.com.
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight is hosting “Right Round,” its ‘80s alternative-pop dance night with DJ Lil’e. Tickets are $7 and doors open at 9:30. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.
Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St., N.W.) is hosting an AIDS 2012 Conference Party tonight at 10 p.m. The party is to bring men together to kick off the conference weekend. The music is by DJ Chord. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after 11 p.m. There are $3 drinks before 11 p.m. A drag show starts at 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Sunday, July 22
Youth Score 2012 is hosting “Uniting an AIDS-Free Generation” today at the Bell Multicultural High School (3101 16th St., N.W.) from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This basketball and soccer tournament will feature games are for ages 13-24 with great prizes for participants. The event is free. For details, visit facebook.com/YouthScore2012.
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) is hosting the seven arts-related panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in its South Gallery. The show is free and will be up until July 27. The gallery is open daily between 10 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
Monday, July 23
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) is hosting its Martini Monday tonight at 10 p.m. There is no cover charge and martinis are $5. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is offering half-price drinks all night long. A free pool and NFL, NBA and NCAA games will be on the flat screen TVs. Admission is free. For details, visit thebachelorsmill.com.
Tuesday, July 24
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) hosts its Flashback dance night with DJ Jason Royce starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover charge. For more details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Wednesday, July 25
The D.C. Center (1318 U St. NW) is hosting its Center arts meeting today at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are discussing things like chapbooks (handmade books of poetry), that are performed at Capturing Fire, the National Queer Spoken Word Summit, and Slam, a Busboys & Poets event. The meetings are free and occur on the fourth Wednesday of each month. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Transgender Health Empowerment is hosting the benefit “Glam” at Omega (2122 P St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and the event will include drinks and a drag show. All proceeds goes toward HIV/AIDS services for the trans community in D.C. For more information, visit thedccenter.org or contact Evan Hempel at [email protected].
HIV Prevention Working Group, an HIV/AIDS prevention outreach, volunteer and education program, meets tonight at 7 p.m. at the DC Center (1318 U St. NW). For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Thursday, July 26
Lambda Sci-Fi book group (1425 S St., N.W.) meets tonight at 7 p.m. The book for this month is “Welcome to Bordertown,” an anthology edited by Ellen Kushner and Holly Black. For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) is hosting its weekly Best Package Contest tonight at 9 p.m. There’s a $3 cover and there are $2 vodka drinks. Participants in the contest can win $200 in cash prizes. The event is hosted by Lena Lett and music by DJ Chord, DJ Madscience and DJ Sean Morris. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
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
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