Arts & Entertainment
Genre-defying ‘Diva’
Opera legend Racette out with live album of cabaret and standards
Cover art for Patricia Racette’s new album ‘Diva on Detour.’ (Image courtesy GPR Records)
Opera legend Patricia Racette — who was just in Washington last month for the lead in Washington National Opera’s production of “Manon Lescaut” — is switching gears radically (at least temporarily) and has released a live album of cabaret-esque standards called, appropriately, “Diva on Detour.”
The album, recorded almost exactly a year ago, finds her covering standards such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Here’s That Rainy Day” and several French numbers associated with Edith Piaf (“La Vie En Rose” et. al.). For those of us who only know Racette by her stunning opera singing, this recording is a real jolt. I wondered, going into it, if she would still sound like an opera singer using, in some capacity, her opera voice — kind of the inverse of what Aretha Franklin does when she tackles opera. No matter the aria, Franklin sings them as a soul/pop singer would. Racette, however, sings in a totally different register and little on the disc would indicate to those unfamiliar with her career, that she even possessed the stratospheric range she does.
Racette, down to earth and unpretentious with the audience, makes a joke of this telling of how her late mother Jackie used to admonish her to “sing in your chest voice.” Racette also tells how this was the music — not opera — on which she cut her musical teeth.
Racette, who’s performed cabaret sets at Alexandria’s Birchmere among other venues, is convincing throughout. Her interpretive abilities with this kind of material are impressive and she’s a master of phrasing and nuance. However the singer — who’s been out as a lesbian for years — would not likely have ever gained fame had she used this kind of music as her launching pad. While a delight to hear, no other recording I’ve heard comes close to illuminating the musical concept of tessitura — the range at which a human voice is at its loveliest. It has nothing to do with range — Racette handles these relatively low notes (for her) with ease. At no point on the album does she sound in the least bit strained or vocally “reaching.” And while it’s a delight to hear, she’s no Linda Eder or Patti LuPone when it comes to this kind of thing.While they could never hope to hit the high notes Racette hits in opera, their voices have a luster and sheen in this range that Racette’s voice lacks.
Still no one should begrudge Racette a side project like this. Her aforementioned interpretive abilities more than justify the disc. Music lovers, however, should know that this is ultimately a curiosity piece. Brilliant pianist Craig Terry — the only accompaniment here — is perfect throughout. He supports the singer skillfully by helping to keep things moving while never getting in the way. Go here to find out more about the project.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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