Arts & Entertainment
‘Fun, philanthropy and community’
Stonewall Bocce League gearing up for fall season
Members of D.C.’s Stonewall Bocce league. (Photo courtesy Stonewall Bocce)
You only have to look at some of the names of their teams to know that the members of Stonewall Bocce are having a good time — Love is a Boccefield, Joanie loves Bocce, Low Hanging Bocces and the Andre Boccellis are just a few teams on their roster.
The Stonewall Bocce League was formed in 2011 by Melvin Thomas and Lucy Cunningham. After playing in the D.C. Bocce League, they decided to form a league for the LGBT community and its allies.
The group runs a spring league from March to May and a fall league from September to November. They play on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Logan Circle and games usually last 30 to 45 minutes.
The rules of bocce ball are relatively easy to learn. A small ball called the jack is thrown onto the court and each team has four larger balls, which are then bowled onto the court in an attempt to be closest to the jack. The team with the closest ball is the only team that can score points in any frame.
The sport of bocce ball in its present form was developed in Italy, but throwing balls toward a target is the oldest game known to mankind. As early as 5000 B.C., the Egyptians played a form of bocce with polished rocks.
The Stonewall Bocce League has become so popular that there’s a cap of 200 players that make up the 20 teams in the league. Registration for the league is $40 to $45 and free agents are welcome to register for placement on a team.
“We operate under three principles that guide all of our decisions,” says Co-Commissioner Brien Bell. “Fun, philanthropy and community.”
At the beginning of each season, all 20 teams name a local charity of their choice and then play to win money that will be donated to the chosen charity. At least 80 percent of the profits raised during the season are given to the named charities of the teams that make it to the final rounds of the league championships.
Bocce developed in Italy but has roots in some of the earliest games humans have been known to play. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Following league play on Thursday nights, the players often head to Nellie’s Sports Bar where they receive special prices. Another social event for the group is their mid-season karaoke contest which is another opportunity for fun and to raise additional money for charitable giving.
“I was looking at our group of players during the last season,” says Co-Commissioner Thomas. “We have an incredibly diverse mix of race, sexual orientation, gender and even players with disabilities.”
Thomas was recently honored with the “most valuable player” award at the 2013 Team D.C. Champions Awards.
The Egyptians would be proud.
Registration is open for the fall season from Monday through Wednesday (Aug. 19-21) at stonewallsports.org.
Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
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.
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.
Celebrity News
Madonna to perform at World Pride in Amsterdam
‘Confessions II’ album released earlier this month to rave reviews
Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key will be on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10. They will be covering World Pride in Amsterdam.
AMSTERDAM — Madonna on Saturday will perform at World Pride in Amsterdam.
She is scheduled to appear alongside Stuart Price, Honey Dijon, and other “special guests” at the World Pride Music Festival at AFAS Live concert hall. The Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade will take place earlier on Saturday.
MISTR, a telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, Doxy PEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care, is organizing Madonna’s performance.
Madonna on July 2 released her new album, “Confessions II,” to rave reviews.
She appeared at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., in April. Madonna in June celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York’s Times Square.
“Everyone here is a work of art,” says the World Pride Music Festival performance poster, referring to a line from “Danceteria” on “Confessions II.”
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