Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through June 6
As Pride Week approaches, get in the spirit with a bevy of events
Matthew Morrison, an LGBT ally, releases a new album called ‘Where It All Began’ Tuesday with partial proceeds going to Human Rights Campaign. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
Friday, May 31
The Club (5268 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, W.Va.) hosts The Decardeza Dynasty: A Royal Family of Illusion Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the drag show starts at 10:30. The cover is $5, or $20 for unlimited rail and draft beverages from 8:30-midnight. Visit the Facebook event, “The Club: The Decardeza Dynasty,” for more details.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour Friday from 6-11 p.m. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. There is no cover charge. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Whitman-Walker Health provides free HIV testing from 10 p.m-12:30 a.m. Friday at Glorious Health Club (2120 West Virginia Ave., N.E.). For more details, visit whitman-walker.org.
The AFI Silver (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md.) hosts the opening screening of “We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks” Friday evening (no screening time had been announced by Blade press time). The documentary details Julian Assange’s creation of his controversial website and its facilitation of the largest security breach in U.S. history. Visit afi.com/silver for more information.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUbav0DiwRs
The D.C. Queer Theater Festival continues Friday and Saturday night at Flashpoint Theater (916 G St., N.W.) The festival features six short plays that chronicle joys and hardships faced by the LGBT community, as well as performances by D.C.-based slam poets. Tickets are $15 and the proceeds benefit The D.C. Center for the LGBT Community. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dcqueertheatrefest.org.
Saturday, June 1
DJ Cottontail spins Saturday at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.), wearing his signature pink rabbit suit. Doors open at 10 p.m. and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. Cover is $8 from 10-11 p.m., and $12 after 11. Visit towndc.com for details.
The Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium starts its annual Museum Walk Weekend Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event features free admission to nine neighborhood museums, including The Phillips Collection and Woodrow Wilson House, as well as a variety of special programs. If interested in volunteering, contact Katherine Neill Ridgeley at [email protected]. Visit dkmuseums.com for more information.
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Hellmouth Happy Hour” Saturday at 7 p.m. One episode of the gay cult classic television show “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” screens and a drink special will be served. Admission is free. Visit blackcatdc.com for details.
Sunday, June 2
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts karaoke Sunday from 9 p.m.-midnight. There will also be pool, video gaming systems and card games. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and admission is $3 after 9. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
“Love Makes a Family,” a traveling exhibit of photos of LGBT families, has its opening reception Sunday evening at 7:45 p.m. at Arlington Central Public Library (1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington). The exhibit was arranged by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours throughout June.
The D.C. Center hosts the Stonewall Kickball Drag Ball Game Sunday afternoon from 2-6 p.m. in Stead Park (17th St. & P St., N.W.). Visit thedccenter.org or the event on Facebook for more details.
The Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium continues its annual Museum Walk Weekend Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The event features free admission to nine neighborhood museums, including The Phillips Collection and Woodrow Wilson House, as well as a variety of special programs. If interested in volunteering, contact Katherine Neill Ridgeley at [email protected]. Visit dkmuseums.com for more information.
Monday, June 3
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Monday’s a total drag [show]!” party starting at 9 p.m. with host Kristina Kelly. $4 vodka specials will be served until close. For more details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Mombian, an award-winning LGBT parenting website, posts all blog entries submitted for the eighth annual Blogging for LGBT Families Day today. The event, held each year during June, is run by Mombian and sponsored by Family Equality Council. The blog posts raise awareness about the diversity of LGBT families and the prejudices they face. Visit mombian.com to view posts and participate.
Tuesday, June 4
Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) features performances by jazz musician Bill “Magic” Lavender Bey from 8-11 p.m. this evening. Admission is free. Visit blackfoxlounge.com for details.
Melissa Ferrick releases her new album “the truth is” today. Known for her indie-rock sound, Ferrick experiments with an alternative-country approach on this album. For more information and to pre-order an autographed copy of “the truth is,” visit melissaferrick.com.
Matthew Morrison releases his new album “Where It All Began” today. Partial proceeds for the pre-sale of the album will benefit Human Rights Campaign. Morrison features classic standards, many from Broadway musicals, on the album. For more information, visit matthewmorrison.com.
The D.C. Trans Coalition hosts its monthly planning meeting tonight from 7:30-9 p.m. at Casa Ruby (2822 Georgia Ave., N.W.). For more information, visit dctranscoalition.org.
Wednesday, June 5
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., N.W.) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. It’s a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and is inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations. Attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected] to register. Visit whitman-walker.org for more information.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. No partner needed. Visit lambdadc.org, or call 301-345-1571 for more details.
Bookmen D.C., an informal literature group for gay men, discusses Michael Cunningham’s novel “By Nightfall” this evening at 7:30 p.m. at Tenleytown Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.). All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents “Story League Contest: Gay Love” tonight at 8 p.m. for guests 21 and over. Seven LGBT contestants tell seven-minute stories on their love relationships and four expert judges will decide who wins a $100 prize. Admission is $12. For more information and to pre-submit a story idea, visit blackcatdc.com.
Thursday, June 6
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts a hot body contest from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. tonight to kick off Pride. Contestants can win up to $200 in prizes. Admission is free and $2 rail drinks will be served from 9-11 p.m. Visit cobaltdc.com for details.
Two events are slated for a new book called “Your Queer Career: the Ultimate Career Guide for LGBTQ Job Seekers” by local gay author Riley Folds. Tonight there will be a book launch party and signing from 6-8 p.m. at MOVA Lounge (2204 14th Street, NW). RSVP is requested at [email protected]. And on Friday (June 7), Folds will conduct a reading and discussion on the topic at the D.C. Center (1318 U Street, NW) from 6:30-8 p.m. Folds is the founder of Out for Work, a national non-profit dedicated to educating, empowering and preparing LGBT students to transition into the workplace.
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) features “Rock the Rainbow Karaoke” at 9 p.m. this evening for Pride week. Admission is free and limited to guests 21 and over. For more information, visit the Phase 1 Facebook page or phase1dc.com.
The Fireplace (2161 P St., N.W.) hosts a happy hour today from 1-8 p.m. Admission is free and limited to guests 21 and over and $3 rail liquor drinks and domestic beer will be served. For more details, visit fireplacedc.com.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, May 5
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 6
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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 LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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