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.