Arts & Entertainment
D.C. arts briefs: through Nov. 1
Kate Clinton at the Birchmere, Different Drummers hold drag event and more
Kate Clinton is expected to tackle her usual array of topics at her Birchmere show tonight. (Photo courtesy Kate Clinton)
Clinton returns to the Birchmere
Lesbian comedian Kate Clinton brings her tour “2012 All Fracked Up Tour” to Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) tonight (Friday) at 7:30.
Kate’s hyperbolic style touches on politicians, LGBT themes and the Occupy movement.
Tickets are around $48 including fees. For more information, visit kateclinton.com.
Different Drummers hold drag benefit
D.C.’s Different Drummers presents “Drag Me Over!,” their third annual drag show, at Omega (2122 P St. NW) Saturday night at 7:30.
The group promises the show will be fabulous with “star-studded” classic and new drag performances. Their Go-Go boys and girls will be mingling with the crowd. The show is in benefit for the group.
A $7 donation is requested at the door. Raffle tickets and Jell-o shots will also be available. For more information, visit omegadc.com.
‘Gay Issues’ panel at the Newseum
The New York Times hosts “Gay Issues & the Election” as part of its TimesTalks series on Tuesday night at 7. It will be in the Annenberg Theater of the Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW).
Members of the Times’ staff will discuss the many same-sex marriage initiatives on the ballot in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington and the federal challenges to California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act.
Tickets are $25. For more information, visit timestalks.com.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
