Arts & Entertainment
Gladys at the Strathmore: brief but magical
Soul legend delights with all-too-short 75-minute set
Soul legend Gladys Knight played two nights at the Strathmore last week. I caught the Friday night show which found the singer in fine voice running through a vigorous hit-heavy set with a smoking tight band.
She was also in a chatty, jovial mood. Her sassy, tell-it-like-it-is stories had the sold out crowd — probably 75 percent African-American — in the palm of her hand.
Gladys Knight at the Strathmore Friday night. (Photo courtesy Brian Walmer)
Looking 25 years younger than she is (68) and with vocals that sounded as rich and solid as they did in 1967, it was an almost magical night. The only downside — and with many tickets soaring past the $100 mark, it was an issue — was the overall brevity of the evening. Knight was on stage only about 75 minutes, with nearly 15 of that being eaten up by her joined-at-the-hip brother Bubba. Yeah, he’s an original Pip and deserves respect, but it was painful after awhile realizing his heavily stage-crafted schtick was taking up so much time.
Of course the Knight siblings — true to their old school show biz roots — pretended all this heavily worked out banter was spontaneous. And while much of it was cute, a little less of that and a few more songs would have made for an almost perfect evening. The lack of an encore — she sometimes comes back out for “The Way We Were” — added to the “bare minimum” feel.
To Knight’s credit however, she doesn’t phone in her show — it was substantially different from the set list she played at Wolf Trap in 2009.
The Strathmore is truly one of Washington’s finest concert venues. I was there two weeks ago for a classical concert (organist Cameron Carpenter) yet it works just as well for a “pop” show such as Knight’s. Friends in the top balcony said the sound was muddy up there — hard to know if that’s a venue thing or something with Knight’s crew — but the sound mix was pristine on the floor.
SET LIST
Soldier of Love
Just Fine
If I Were Your Woman
You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Feelin’ Good (Vacilon)
I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
End of the Road Medley:
-If You Don’t Know Me By Now
-Love Don’t Love Nobody
-End of the Road
Before Me Medley:
-The Man I Love
-Stormy Weather
-Someone To Watch Over Me
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Neither One of Us
Bubba Knight Segment:
-Yesterday (Duet w/Gladys)
-Love & Happiness
-Funky Good Time
-Dance To The Music
-Love & Happiness (Reprise)
Midnight Train To Georgia
Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Photos
PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals
The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Books
Curl up with a good book this fall
New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more
The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.
FICTION
For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?
If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.
Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.
So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.
NONFICTION
So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.
If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.
For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.
Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.
And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.
Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!
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