Arts & Entertainment
‘80s resurrection?
Two gay legends named George slated for first albums in years
Kylie Minogue’s ‘Kiss Me Once’ is slated to drop March 18. (Image courtesy FlyLife)
Is your iPod ready for some major gay action? Before we get to the spring releases, though, a couple albums that dropped in February you might have missed.
Coinciding with the premiere of the latest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the queen of all drag queens, RuPaul, released her sixth full-length studio effort, “Born Naked” on Feb. 24. RuPaul enlists the help of who’s who of underground pop including Weather Girl/dance legend Martha Wash, Australian soul singer Clairy Browne and My Crazy Girlfriend vocalist Myah Marie. “Born Naked” also features a cover of “Let the Music Play” featuring Michelle Visage.
Catie Curtis released her 13th studio album “Flying Dream” on Feb. 25 which treats her fans to 10 new tracks which the out singer/songwriter describes as a “lustrous long player with subtle jazz, electronic and AM pop shadings.”
Hitmaker Pharrell Williams dropped his highly anticipated studio set “GIRL” this week. Packed with star-studded collaborations featuring Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus and Daft Punk, “GIRL” promises to take listeners on a pop-funk joy ride.
Gay pop legend George Michael is slated to release his first album in seven years, “Symphonica,” on March 18. Recorded during his Symphonica Tour in 2011 and 2012, Michael’s latest album will feature live classics and covers. The first single is dramatic ballad “Let Her Down Easy.”
Sure to be on repeat into the summer is Kylie Minogue’s latest album “Kiss Me Once” scheduled for March 18. Lead single “Into the Blue” picks up where “Get Outta My Way” left off with dance-infused goodness. Minogue collaborated with pop hit-makers Sia and Pharell Williams this time around and features Enrique Iglesias on the duet, “Beautiful.”
Another gay pop legend, Boy George, makes his first return to the music scene since 1995’s “Cheapness & Beauty” with the March 25 release of “This Is What I Do.” George’s latest full-length LP features an eclectic sound with jazz, country and soft rock stylings accompanied by George’s signature soulful voice.
Cyndi Lauper celebrates the 30th anniversary of her hugely successful album “She’s So Unusual” with a re-release scheduled for April 1. The two-disc commemorative set features signature hits “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Time After Time” on disc one and a combination of remixes, demos and live recordings on disc two.
Speaking of Lauper, fresh off a Tony- and Grammy-winning turn in her hit “Kinky Boots,” out Broadway legend Billy Porter will release “Billy’s Back on Broadway” on April 15. Lauper guests on “Happy Days”/”Get Happy” on the standards-heavy set.
Ally Joan Osborne is back with her eighth studio album “Love and Hate” dropping April 8. The 12-song collection features an American roots music sound with poetic lyrics. Osborne enlisted the help of producer Jack Petruzzelli.
Soulstress Kelis is hungry to get back into the music game with her latest LP “Food,” scheduled for an April 22 release. Departing from the EDM club sounds of 2010’s “Brave,” Kelis is venturing into a varied sound with “Food” complete with a full band that includes a horn section and string orchestra. Lead single is the raw and delicious “Jerk Ribs.”
Dolly Parton is a back with her years-in-the-making “Blue Smoke” on May 13. Parton promises a “little bit of something for everyone.” The 12-track release features the Grammy-nominated collaboration with Kenny Rogers, “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”
LGBT supporter Tori Amos returns with her 14th full-length effort, “Unrepentant Geraldlines” due May 13. The album sees Amos returning to her roots after a departure toward more classically inspired albums. “Unrepentant Geralines” combines Amos’ signature piano and thoughtful contemporary pop sound with her appreciation for visual art.
Originally discovered by none other than Madonna, bi singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, is preparing for the reveal of her 11th studio album, “Comet, Come to Me” slated for a June release. Ndegeocello’s latest offering features a groove-driven and infectiously melodic sound. Lead single is the laid-back soul number “Continuous Performance.”
Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley is gearing up for the release of his latest release, “Hopeful Romantic” also expected in June. Supporting the release is uplifting dance cut, “Somebody 4 Everybody” which saw a single release in early February.
Out organist Cameron Carpenter releases his Sony Masterworks debut “If You Could Read My Mind” on April 22.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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