Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Through March 14
Local D.C. events, parties, concerts, mixers and more through mid-March
‘Mr. Imagination’ by Gregory Warmack, one of the pieces on display starting Saturday (through March 30) in the exhibit ‘Glitterbomb’ at Off-Rhode Studio. (Photo courtesy of Paul Yandura)
Friday, March 8
Special Agent Galactica returns with her happy hour show this evening at 6 p.m. at Black Fox Lounge (1732 Connecticut Ave., NW). The show includes live jazz, blues, cabaret, standards and comedy. Galactica is backed by a three-piece jazz combo. There is no cover charge. For more information, visit pinkhairedone.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elT5UIELpGA
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts “10 Hail Marys: A True Blue Madonna Tribute” tonight starting 10 p.m. The party celebrates her first 10 albums. There is an open vodka bar from 10 to 11 p.m. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, March 9
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Our City Film Festival kicks off tonight with an opening night party at 9:30 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., NE). This party is free. The festival continues tomorrow at noon with its first screening of “Oxygen for the Ears: Living Jazz.” This is the only film festival that showcases D.C.-focused films. Individual tickets are $12, and VIP tickets are $150. For more information, visit ourcityfilmfestival.com.
Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables (2204 Rhode Island Ave., NE) opens the art exhibit “Glitterbomb” provided by art collector Paul Yandura this afternoon at 1 p.m. The show redefines the attitudes and uses of glitter in artwork with pieces from several different artists and mediums. For more information, visit art-enables.org.
Team D.C. hosts its annual Fashion Show and Model Search tonight at 7 p.m. at Town (2009 8th St., NW). The featured fashions range from club wear and swimsuits to underwear and leather from Universal Gear and Adam & Eve. Pussy Noir will be guest judge. Cover is $10. For more information, visit teamdcsports.com.
Community Life Newsletter celebrates eight years tonight with a night at the theaer to see “Ladies Swing the Blues” at Metro Stage (1201 North Royal St., Alexandria) at 8 p.m. The Community Life Newsletter’s goal has been to connect and educate the community. Tickets are $55. For more information, visit metrostage.org.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHp_-jVp3mY
Sunday, March 10
Lambda Sci-fi has its monthly meeting this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at 1425 S St. NW. Attendees are asked to bring a snack or a non-alcoholic beverage to the social. For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.
Bishop Gene Robinson gives a homily as part of a Lenten Series at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (3rd and A St., SE) this morning at 10 a.m. Robinson was consecrated as Bishop in 2003 by the Episcopal Diocese in New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay bishop. His talk will start a discussion about the journey of St. Mark and about the global Anglican Church’s inclusion of the LGBT community. For more information, visit stmarks.net.
Monday, March 11
The D.C. Lambda Squares holds its dance series tonight at 7:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, NW). The only square dance club located in Washington, the group invites everybody to learn square dancing in just 16 Mondays. No special outfits, partner or prior dance experience is needed. The cost is $100. For more information or to register, visit dclambdasquares.org.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Tuesday, March 12
D.C. Center kicks off its new Center Military program this evening at 5 p.m. at MOVA Lounge (2204 14th St., NW). The program is a new initiative to support LGBT service members, veterans and their families. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) holds its group Starting Over for Women tonight at 7. The group is for women whose long-term relationship with another woman. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Pop singer Rihanna performs at 1st Mariner Arena (201 West Baltimore St.,) tonight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33-$123. For more information, visit baltimorearena.com.
Wednesday, March 13
The Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other LGBT networking groups invite professionals to Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St., NW) this evening at 6:30 p.m. for its fifth annual Mega Networking event. There is no cover and registration is free. For more information or to register, visit caglcc.com.
The Big Gay Book Group discusses the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Angels in America: Part I Millennium Approaches” by Tony Kushner tonight at 7 p.m. at 1155 F St., NW, Suite 200. The epic weaves together historical and fictional characters spanning the Reagan-Bush years. For more information, visit biggaybookgroup.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) at 7:30 p.m. for social bridge. Newcomers are welcome and no reservations are needed. For more information or if you need a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.
Thursday, March 14
P!NK comes to the Verizon Center (601 F St., NW) on her tour “The Truth About Love” tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50-$115. For more information, visit verizoncenter.com.
Special Agent Galactica celebrates the coming weekend at her show at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., NW) tonight at 8 p.m. Her show brings a variety of music genres and comedy. There is no cover for this event. For more information, visit pinkharedone.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its gay men over 50 support group this evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is for gay men entering a new phase of life. Registration is required to attend. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Books
‘Mighty Real’ explores history of LGBTQ music
From Judas Priest to Whitney, something for every taste
‘Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000’
By Barry Walters
c.2026, Viking
$35/496 pages
Step, step, tap, back step.
Shimmy in a circle, left hand waving over your head, shake your tail feathers, repeat to the beat. Once there was a time when you could do any dance in your sleep, but it’s been a while. So read “Mighty Real” by Barry Walters, and see if your toes don’t tap.
Fifty-seven years after Stonewall, and here we are: LGBTQ musicians still face scrutiny for their sexuality because, says Walters, music isn’t created for gay listeners. No problem: LGBTQ artists and writers have often penned lyrics carefully in order to say what can’t be said, “coding” songs for gay audiences that straight (and ignorant) listeners can dance to and enjoy with apparent obliviousness.
Walters offers “just a few” examples.
Lou Reed sang about trans people in the late ‘60s and offered a rallying song for the Gay Liberation Front in 1972, the latter of which felt like a message to a then-11-year-old Walters. Janis Joplin claimed she was straight, but she had several girlfriends. Motown singers often offered sometimes-ambiguous lyrics.
John Lennon’s hand placement on the back cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band made Walters begin to understand that he was different from other boys.
David Bowie is on his list, of course, as is Bette Midler, Elton John, Donna Summer, and Queen. You’ll find Judas Priest here, Green Day, and punk music. The Village People are included in this book, also Grace Jones, Duran Duran, and Cher, Whitney, Melissa, Latifah, and the lyrics from several blockbuster movies.
Two of Prince’s band members were lesbians, and they heavily influenced his albums. Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” cemented her position in LGBTQ culture, and Michael Jackson’s inclusion here takes much careful consideration.
Read about Olivia Newton-John and the B52s. And then there’s Sylvester, for whom Walters has a soft spot in his heart. Sylvester’s death still makes Walters cry.
In his preface, author and music writer Barry Walters points out that music is what you make it and that it’s interpreted differently by each individual. To that end, this book naturally consists of preferential history and personal opinions about singers, bands, albums, and songs.
Agree or disagree. That’s where much of the appeal lies in “Mighty Real.”
Here, Walters wraps his memories around his choices, giving readers room for their own views, memories, and list making. Music-loving readers might also be surprised to note who’s not on Walters’ list – there aren’t many country performers here, for example, and the overall list focuses entirely on music from roughly 1968 to the year 2000, mostly on the kinds of songs you’ll want at the club or party. Again, discuss, and curate your own playlist.
This is a hefty book, but the chapters are browse-able and generally short enough to read in under five minutes. It’s nostalgic, yet also serious in the history it presents. This is the kind of book you want to leave near your album collection, or wherever you get your tunes. But finding “Mighty Real” is your first step.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performed “Soul Divas” at the Lincoln Theatre over the weekend. The show featured songs popularized by Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston and more.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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D.C.’s housing reality: Cautious optimism meets landlord strain
‘Mighty Real’ explores history of LGBTQ music
Leaving for a barge trip through canals of Burgundy
A vice president marches by our side
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