Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Sept. 21
Parties, concerts, exhibits and more through Sept. 27


Diamond Ring, gay singer John O’s performance alter ego, is at the 9:30 Club Sunday night. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
TODAY (Friday)
“Clean House” star Mark Brunetz is featured in The Capital House Show at the Dulles Expo Center (4320 Chantilly Center Chantilly, Va.) today from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the box office adult admission, $7 adult online admission and $3 children (6-12 years old) admission and free for children 5 years and under. For more information about the show and tickets, visit capitalhomeshow.com.
The Nitecamp Dancers will perform at Town (2009 8th St. NW) tonight at 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 10. There is a $5 cover from 10-11p.m. for the 21-and-up crowd and $10 cover after 11 p.m. Those 18-20, have a $10 cover all night. $3 drinks last from 10-11 p.m. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Saturday, Sept. 22
Team D.C. Dodgeball holds its first ever tournament at the Columbia Heights Recreation Center (1480 Girard Street) today at 10 a.m. Team D.C. was created to educate the LGBT community on the benefits of sports participation, while dismissing discrimination of those partaking in sports. The group also gives the opportunity for the community to participate in various local, regional, national and international competitions. For more information, visit teamdc.org/Dodgeball.htm.
Brother Help Thyself has its rain date for Gay and Lesbian Night at Kings Dominion for tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. As the group’s biggest fundraiser, all benefits go to Brother Help Thyself. Although the event was changed because of bad weather, all Sept. 8 tickets will be accepted. Tickets costs $34 online and $36 at the gate. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The third annual 17th Street Festival is today from noon-6 p.m. The community will celebrate the 17th Street Corridor from Riggs Place to P St. N.W. Including many different musical performances, artist vendors, a pet and kid zone and appearances from various city officials, everyone is coming together to commemorate business and the community itself. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct.) hosts The Tainted Love, an International ‘80s Dance Party tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The party features all worldwide hits provided by DJ Tom from Prague. Dress code is enforced, meaning high tops, big hair and bright makeup. The cost is $5 all night. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The 12th annual National Book Festival is back at the National Mall today at 10 a.m. This free event, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as honorary chairs, will celebrate many different books while honoring authors such as, Michael Connelly and R.L. Stine. Singer Jewel will make presentations, along with a variety of other illustrators, poets and writers. For more information, visit loc.gov/bookfest/.
Grubb’s NW Specialty Pharmacy (1517 17th St. NW) hosts a free seminar today at noon, for those interested in learning how to accomplishment parenthood in the LGBT community. Discussions will include psychological issues related to in vitro fertilization in the LGBT community and legal implications of the process. Space is limited and RSVP is required. To RSVP, contact Emily or Daphne at 202-503-2644.
Sunday, Sept. 23
Diamond Rings performs at the 9:30 club (815 V St. NW), for the Stars Concert with the California Wives tonight at 7 p.m. The Canadian gay singer is known for his glittery makeup, animal print and leotards. For more information, visit 930.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St. NW) hosts its weekly Drag Brunch today at 11. The cost is $24 for the brunch buffet, while your first mimosa is free. Also, Zing Zang Bloody Marys are $4 and Absolut Peppar Bloody Marys are $6. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
LGBT Families Day at National Park (1500 South Capitol Street SE) happens today at 1:30. The Nationals will play the Milwaukee Brewers today at 1:35 p.m. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Monday, Sept. 24
Cobalt (1639 R St. NW) hosts its Martini Monday tonight at 10. There is no cover charge and martinis are $5. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St. NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. The group is a confidential support system for those recently diagnosed with HIV and all are welcome. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
The 2012 Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Reception will be tonight at 7 p.m. at The D.C. Center (1318 U St NW). The center will be thanking bars, clubs and other local businesses that have helped fight HIV in D.C. by distributing the safer sex kit, FUK!Ts, around town.
The Marylander’s for Marriage Equality is holding a fundraiser at Joe’s Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Road Mount Rainier, Md) tonight at 6. Entertainment, wine and light fare will be included. For details, visit marylandersformarriageequality.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct.) hosts the D.C. Center’s FUK!T Packing Party tonight at 7 p.m. The goal is to circulate these packets around the city and the clubs to spread HIV awareness. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 at the DignityCenter (721 8th St., SE) for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers welcome. For details and/or a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St. NW) holds its Gay Men Over 50 group meeting tonight at 6:30. This support group is confidential for gay men over 50 (or soon to be 50) seeking to continue their quality of life and sense of purpose while beginning a new chapter. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Thursday, Sept. 27
The Lambda Sci-Fi Book Group meets tonight at 7 to discuss this month’s book, “Beyond Binary,” edited by Brit Mandelo. Bring a snack and/or a non-alcoholic drink to share. The meeting will be held at Peter and Rob’s Place (1425 S St. NW). For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.
Arts & Entertainment
Must-attend D.C. Pride events for 2023
Don’t miss out on these fun events during D.C. Pride

Pride Month has arrived, bringing along a vibrant array of events to explore throughout the month of June. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in our favorite events over the upcoming weeks!

PRIDE ON THE PIER & FIREWORKS | JUNE 10TH
The Washington Blade, in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf, is excited to announce the 4th annual Pride on the Pier and Fireworks show during DC Pride weekend on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 2-9 p.m.
The event will include the annual Pride on the Pier Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation at 9 p.m.
3PM: Drag Show
4PM: Capital Pride Parade Viewing on the Big Screen
9PM: Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation
PRIDE PILS LAUNCH PARTY | JUNE 1ST
Once again we’re celebrating Pride in DC with the release of Pride Pils!
The 2023 design has been created and donated by the talented Chord Bezerra of District CO/OP.
Attendance is “FREE” but please RSVP via this Eventbrite or donating at the event to further support our non-profit partners SMYAL and The Blade Foundation. 100% will be donated. As always, DC Brau and Red Bear Brewing Co. will be donating all profit from the sale of this year’s Pride Pils to our non-profit partners.

‘THE GROUND WE STAND ON’ OPENING RECEPTION | JUNE 2ND
Dupont Underground, in partnership with the Washington Blade presents 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. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations. By shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the DC LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries.

DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 2ND
Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!
Performers include Destiny B Childs, Elecktra Gee, Jane Saw, and Shi-Queeta Lee

SPIRTS & BEER SHOWCASE | JUNE 3RD
metrobar prides itself on serving locally-produced beer, wine and spirits. As part of this mission, we are hosting a curated tasting event featuring Civic Vodka & Assembly Gin from local, woman-owned and operated distillery, Republic Restoratives. We will also have a selection of beers from DC Brau, including their annual Pride Pils for tasting.

DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 9TH
Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!
Performers include Cake Pop, GiGI Paris Couture, Kabuki Bukkake, Delila B. Lee
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

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.


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
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