Arts & Entertainment

Old school jazz and blues

New MetroStage production brings fabled era to life

Published

13 years ago

March 21, 2013

From left, Yvette Spears, Lori Williams, Anthony Manough, Roz White and Sandy Bainum in ‘Ladies Swing the Blues.’ (Photo by Christopher Banks; courtesy MetroStage)

‘Ladies Swing the Blues, a Jazz Fable’
Through March 31
MetroStage
1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria
$48-$55
703-548-9044
mestrostage.org

Near the end of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s life, an attending doctor mistook the 34-year-old alto saxophonist to be in his 50s. A longtime battle with drugs and alcohol had taken a toll on the legendary jazz great’s body; but despite the tragic circumstances attached to his premature demise, Bird’s impact remained unbroken, leaving an inimitable, enduring mark on his musical genre and those who knew him.

With “Ladies Swing the Blues, a Jazz Fable” currently premiering at MetroStage in Alexandria, Thomas W. Jones II (book and lyrics) and William Knowles (arrangements and original music) again put the spotlight on an exciting chapter in 20^th century African-American musical culture. Jones and Knowles who are also “Ladies” director and musical director respectively have worked together before — past collaborations include vaudeville-era “Bricktop,” and ‘60s-set “Cool Papa’s Party.” This time it’s the ‘40s and ‘50s New York City jazz scene as personified by the genius Parker.

The action takes place in Manhattan’s legendary jazz club Birdland in 1955 on the day after Parker’s death. Four divas of jazz in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee, have gathered to celebrate the memory (warts and all) of their beloved downed comrade. As the ladies swap gossip, jazz lore, and, of course, sing bluesy, jazz standards, Parker walks among them unseen and appears in flashbacks from his fast and furious life.

With an easy smile, twinkly eye, nimble dance moves and fabulous voice, Anthony Manough as Parker sets the bar high for what unfolds as 90 minutes of first-rate entertainment. In turn, Roz White (Lady), Lori Williams (Ella), Yvette Spears (Sassy), and Sandy Bainum (Lee) — terrific, seasoned singers and actors all — prove themselves more than willing and able to command center stage. “Ladies” peaks when the jazz women (decked out in ‘50s cocktail dresses, rhinestones and wigs) take to the Birdland stage to pay musical homage to Parker, starting with low-key, blonde Lee’s heartfelt “Lullaby of Birdland” followed by unbridled Sassy’s powerful “Sometimes I’m Happy,” and worldly Ella’s show stopping scat-infused “Flying Home.”

Finally, Wisecracking and streetwise Lady takes the stage. “Slow this shit down,” she says before easing into an unhurried and salty “Billie’s Blues.”

Besides Lee, Bainum also effectively plays characters from Parker’s life including a socialite jazz-loving baroness and bebop-obsessed “On the Road” author Jack Kerouac.

In search of motivation for his characters’ seeking solace in jazz, Jones smartly plumbs the real life ladies’ rocky pasts which involved prostitution, sexual and physical abuse, bad relationships and addictions. Throughout the show, Lady funnily sips from a sparkly flask that she keeps handily nestled in her cleavage; but at a darker point she moves to the edge of the stage where she shoot ups in the shadows.

The show’s incredibly on point, five-man jazz band led by Knowles on piano is definitely a part of the show. Clad in black tie and placed very visibly onstage beneath an orangey-red neon Birdland sign, the band members enjoy solos and occasionally interact with the actors. “Ladies” features great stuff like “Fever,” “Round Midnight” and “T’aint What You Do” along with some original tunes by Knowles that hold their own in the company of the more familiar classics.

Earlier this season, MetroStage was transformed into a French café celebrating the poignancy of Jacques Brel’s Paris. And now with “Ladies,” it’s been convincingly morphed into a New York jazz club with all the gloriousness and pain that goes with that.

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D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday

Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns

Published

2 days ago

June 9, 2026

Evan Caplan

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”

On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:

Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.

Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.

Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.

9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.

Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.

Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.

Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.

Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.

Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.

Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.

Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.

Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.

District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.

African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.

KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.

The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.

Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.