Music & Concerts
‘Let your love shine’
‘Idol’ finalist prizes authenticity, tenacity
Singer/songwriter Crystal Bowersox says the national exposure of a hit reality show can be a double-edged sword. (Photo courtesy Orrigami Entertainment)
Crystal Bowersox
124 Market Place
Baltimore
Tuesday 8 p.m. (Doors 7)
All ages
$20 advance; $25 day of
Crystal Bowersox was introduced to millions of people on television when she competed in “American Idol’s” ninth season. But viewers may remember more of the experience than she does.
When Bowersox auditioned for the show performing “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin, it was clear she would be a top contender. The judges were baffled that she brought her guitar in for her audition. Unlike now, contestants were not allowed to perform with a guitar. Bowersox replied that it was like a comfort blanket for her. She went on to be a runner-up to Lee DeWyze for the season.
“Honestly the whole ‘Idol’ thing was a blur,” Bowersox, who plays Baltimore Sound Stage on Tuesday, says. “When I try to recall a moment of my own experience its hard for me to do that because it was such a high stress environment.”
Her strategy in the competition was to achieve an intimate feeling to her performances.
“I had a game plan in my mind to perform for the people who were there in the live viewing audience rather than concern myself with 30 million people watching through the cameras,” she says. “I think that’s really what kept me sane.”
It’s a strategy that worked. While Bowersox, originally from Elliston, Ohio, was stressing out during the season, America was loving her soulful voice. She was the third “Idol” runner-up never in the bottom three or two, behind fellow “Idol” alums Clay Aiken and David Archuleta.
After the success on the show, Bowersox went on to release two albums “Farmer’s Daughter” in 2010 and “All That for This” in 2013. This summer, she self-released an EP called “Promises” with her song “How Long” that explores the fame and success that comes along with being on a show like “American Idol.”
“There is a downside. ‘How Long’ is about exactly that. How long will the love be here? They love you when you’re up and kick you when you’re down.”
Some “Idol” contestants have noticeably dropped from the public eye after the ending of the show like fifth season winner, Taylor Hicks. It’s something Bowersox, 29, believes has less to do with the artist and more with the listener.
“Folks just assume that people who grace that stage disappear but they don’t disappear. Its just a matter of people having very short attention spans and people don’t seek out what they’re interested in,” Bowersox says.
Her success also allowed her to bring light to issues she felt were important. In 2013, Bowersox came out as bisexual through her Christmas song, “Coming Out for Christmas.” She had previously been married to a man and had one child. Yet coming out was worth doing for her after she started questioning her sexuality in high school.
“Hearing from people who I was close to that it was not OK to love someone of the same gender was a struggle,” she says. “You start this cycle of self-loathing and thinking there is something wrong with me.”
She thinks those feelings are ones that many other people can relate to and that’s why she wanted to share her own experience.
“I think that the more people in the public eye who come out and are honest about themselves gives kids in the middle of nowhere who are struggling the confidence to really love themselves no matter what. You are not flawed. You are human and it’s important to let your love light shine.”
She says her song “Coming Out for Christmas” is about not being afraid to bring your partner home for the holidays and having your family accept them. It’s a message she hopes is heard.
“Some parents don’t love their children unconditionally and that’s a shame,” Bowersox says.
Since “Idol,” Bowersox has collaborated with Jakob Dylan on the song “Stitches.” The two met through a mutual friend and bonded over the amount of bruises their children received resulting in the two singing the song she wrote. She also is in the works to play Patsy Cline in the Broadway play “Always, Patsy Cline.” All of these opportunities are ones Bowersox recognizes comes from the exposure she got on “Idol.”
“Anyone who has been on a reality TV show who doesn’t come out on the other side with something positive, I feel like that’s a choice rather than just fate or something beyond your power.”
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Music & Concerts
Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring
Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert
D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.
March
3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.
3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.
April
4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”
4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.
4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”
4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.
4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.
4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.
4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.
May
5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.
5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.
5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.
5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.
June
6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
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