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Harry Connick Jr. wows with smoldering Wolf Trap set Friday night

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The obscenely talented Harry Connick Jr. — straight but known by many gay fans as Grace’s hubby on “Will & Grace” — brought his summer tour to the Washington area Friday night with a smoldering and generous stop at Wolf Trap.

Harry Connick Jr. at Wolf Trap. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)

Harry Connick Jr. at Wolf Trap. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)

Touring his two current albums — “Every Man Should Know” and “Smokey Mary” — the jazz/funk legend played a no-filler, hour-and-58-minute set that found him darting all throughout his vast discography from pop standards of yesteryear (“Without a Song”), Broadway hits (“On a Clear Day”), gospel classics (highly unexpected-yet-effective “The Old Rugged Cross”), a medley from “When Harry Met Sally” and lots more. His tight 14-person band (complete with string section that did remarkably well at staying in tune despite the heat), crackled and fed off Connick’s energy. And he was in exceedingly fine voice throughout — his live vocals are exactly the sound you hear on his many recordings.

Connick is straight in a Hugh Jackman-kind of way — so confident in his heterosexuality that he’s not afraid to shimmy and gyrate in a mock-sensual way or sashay off the stage in a faux-prissy huff because the band at various points gets too much attention. Never taking himself or his music too seriously yet with more than enough talent to warrant his refreshingly old school-type of career approach, Connick is one of our true modern day musical gems. His summer tour wraps Aug. 31 in Lenox, Mass. Full tour dates are here.

The set list — slightly truncated from what was planned but known to vary significantly from show to show — was:

1. With a Song in My Heart

2. Bourbon Street

3. Without a Song

4. On a Clear Day

5. Didn’t He Ramble

6. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

* Rock and Roll All Nite (spontaneous audience sing-along)

7. When Harry Met Sally medley

8. Bye Bye Blackbird (duet with Harry’s father)

9. Jesus On the Mainline (duet with Jonathan DuBois Jr.)

10. Old Rugged Cross

11. I Love Her

12. This Nearly Was Mine

13. Smokey Mary

14. Time To Go

15. funk jam

16. City Beneath the Sea

* band intros

17. One Fine Thing

18. Mardi Gras parade

19. The Way You Look Tonight

20. Come By Me

21. Every Man Should Know (encore)

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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

Saturday, August 1

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.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite

Monday, August 3

“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, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

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 & 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. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.  

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