Arts & Entertainment
Miss Ross wows at Wolf Trap
Hit-heavy 90-minute set delights sold-out crowd
Diana Ross at Wolf Trap Wednesday night. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
Diana Ross was in fine form Wednesday night when her summer tour touched down at Wolf Trap. It was her first appearance in the D.C. area since playing the Strathmore in 2010.
The show found the legendary Motown vet giving just about the same set list she provided last time. While die hards would have loved a little more variety, casual fans ate up the hit-heavy romp. And yes, it was the gay high holy day one would expect. The D.C. gays were out in full force, even a subdued-looking Jerry Van Hook, undoubtedly gathering inspiration for his next Shi-Queeta routine.
And though it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the difference was, Ross seemed more engaged with the proceedings than other times I’ve seen her. She smiled constantly and seemed genuinely glad to be there, flitting about in a seemingly endless array of sequined gowns. Just before the hard-to-tell-if-it-was-planned-or-spontaneous encore (“Reach Out and Touch,” performed in what appeared to be backstage loungewear), Ross said she’s dealing with empty nest syndrome and an open schedule. “This isn’t work for me,” she said.
Her hour-and-25-minute set — aided considerably from a tight band including stellar horn section — was:
1. I’m Coming Out
2. More Today Than Yesterday
3. My World is Empty Without You
4. Baby Love
5. Stop! in the Name of Love
6. You Can’t Hurry Love
7. Touch Me in the Morning
8. Love Child
9. The Boss
10. Upside Down
11. Love Hangover/Take Me Higher
12. Ease on Down the Road
13. The Look of Love
14. Don’t Explain
15. Why Do Fools Fall in Love
16. Smile For Me (BGVs)
17. Do You Know/Ain’t No Mountain
18. I Will Survive
* Survive reprise
19. Reach Out and Touch (encore)
* Survive reprise
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
