Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Dec. 6
Concerts, parties, exhibits and more through Dec. 12
JD Samson & Men, a queer band, play Comet Ping Pong Sunday. (Photo courtesy BMF Media)
Friday, Dec. 6
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts a trans support group, a peer-facilitated discussion group, tonight at 7 p.m. The group is open to all members of the transgender community as well as partners, friends and allies. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Gay District, a facilitated group discussion focused on building understanding of gay culture and personal identity for men ages 18 through 35, at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 8:30-9:30 p.m. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts free vodka Friday tonight from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Free rail vodka 11 p.m.-midnight. Two DJs on two floors. Cover is $10. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) holds a happy hour from 5-7:30 p.m. tonight with all drinks half price. Music begins at 11 p.m. Enjoy pool, video games and cards. Admission is $5 after 9 p.m. Must be 21 and over. For more details, visit bachelorsmill.com.
“Best of Burlesqueer: The Queerlesque Revue” is tonight at 8:45 and 11 p.m. at the Black Cat (1811 14th Street, N.W.) with a show called “Down and Dirty Holigay Blues.” Performers Cherie Nuit, Glam Gamz, DoctorGinger Snapz, Velvet Kensington and Dutch Oven will perform. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Ages 21 and up. Visit blackcatdc.com for details.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers for Food and Friends (219 Riggs Rd., N.E.) tonight from 8-10 a.m. Volunteers will chop vegetables and pack groceries. To volunteer, email [email protected]. For more details, visit burgundycrescent.org.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) provides free and confidential HIV testing drop-in hours today from 1-3 p.m. For more information, visit smyal.org.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts “World AIDS Day Drag Show” from 1-4 p.m. This annual drag show for youth welcomes beginner and veteran drag performers for a make over and chance to perform on stage. For details, visit smyal.org.
Wolf Trap has its annual Holiday Sing-A-Long today at 4 p.m. at the Filene Center (1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) featuring the U.S. Marine Band along with several choral groups from the region. Guests are encouraged to bring a candle, a bell and a “Toys for Tots” gift. This is a free event. Visit wolftrap.org for details.
Broadway performer Jackie Hoffman brings her one-woman show “Jackie Hoffman’s A Chanukah Charol” to the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax) tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $34. Visit jccnv.org for details.
Sunday, Dec. 8
JD Samson & MEN perform at Comet Ping Pong (5037 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. For details, go to cometpingpong.com.
The D.C. Center hosts “A Question of Marriage: Financial, Legal and Practical,” a discussion that looks at marriage’s federal and state implications for people in the DMV, at 6901 Rockledge Dr., Bethesda, Md. today from 1-3 p.m. Refreshments and child care will be provided. There is free parking. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
KhushDC and The D.C. Center present a film screening of “My Brother…Nikhil” in honor of World AIDS Day at The Dunes (1402 Meridian Pl., N.W.) today from 1-3 p.m. Donations accepted at the door. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Sunday Drag Brunch” today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. For more details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.
Monday, Dec.9
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave., N.W.) holds a support group for gay black men to discuss topics that affect them today, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.
Brave Soul Collective (BSC) performs “Passages” at the Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave., N.W.) tonight from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For details and to purchase tickets, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
A Transgender Community Celebration is at MOVA Lounge (2204 14th St., N.W.) with a happy hour reception from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy free champagne from 5-6 p.m. and happy hour prices until 8 p.m. Proceeds go to support Maryland Trans Unity. For more information visit movalounge.com.
D.C. Bi Women hosts its monthly meeting in the upstairs room of Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) from 7-9 p.m. tonight. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts a “Rap Group” today from 5-6:30 p.m. Discuss stressful issues like school, bullying, getting into college or finding a job in this support group. For more details, visit smyal.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 1155 F St., N.W. Suite 200 at 7 p.m. to discuss ”Gypsy Boy: My Life in the Secret World of the Romany Gypsies by Mike Walsh, a story about a boy growing up in a Roman Gypsy family and deciding whether to stay in that secluded community or venture elsewhere. For details, email [email protected].
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) provides free and confidential HIV testing drop-in hours today from 3-5 p.m. For more information, visit smyal.org.
Rainbow Response, an LGBT intimate partner violence prevention group, meets in the third floor conference room at 5 Thomas Circle N.W. today from 6-7 p.m. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th Street, S.E., across from the Marine Barracks) for duplicate bridge. No reservations needed and newcomers welcome. Call 703-407-6540 if a partner is needed.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Ama tu Salud, a Latino-focused health fair, is at Casa Ruby (2822 Georgia Ave., N.W.) today from 5:30-8 p.m. The community health fair will have panel discussions, STD testing, health screenings and LGBT and Latino focused health resources. There will be food and giveaways. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Rude Boi Entertainment hosts “Tempted 2 Touch,” a ladies dance party, tonight at Fab Lounge (2022 Florida Ave., N.W.). Doors open at 10 p.m. Drink specials $5 and vodka shots $3 all night. No cover charge. Admission limited to guests 21 and over. For more details, visit rudeboientertainment.wordpress.com.
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)
Iran war causes condom shortage in India
U.S. attorney nominee confirmed despite anti-LGBTQ history, no trial experience
Vt. lawmaker equates transgender identity with bestiality
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
BREAKING NEWS: Barney Frank dies at 86
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
Honey, have we been priced out of gay paradise?
IDAHOBiT a reminder we all must stand up against transphobia
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
