Arts & Entertainment
SPRING ARTS PREVIEW CONCERTS: Sounds of spring (and beyond)
GMCW, Jane Lynch, Bette and more coming to region
Trans singer/songwriter Eli Conley plays Ebeneezer’s Coffeehouse next month. (Photo courtesy Conley)
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington has its “When You Wish” show, Disney songs with a gay twist, March 13-14 at Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). For tickets and details, visit gmcw.org.
Out singer/songwriter and GLAAD Award-nominee Mary Gauthier plays Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., E. Vienna, Va.) March 19. She’s touring behind “Trouble & Love,” her first studio album in four years. Visit jamminjava.com for tickets.
A capella group Pentatonix performs at the Patriot Center (4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, Va.) on March 19 at 8 p.m. Their Christmas album “That’s Christmas To Me” was a hit album over the holiday season reaching No. 2 on the Billboard chart. They have performed on “The Today Show” and “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.” Tickets range from $29.50-49.50. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more details, visit patriotcenter.
Soul singer Ledisi comes to DAR Constitution Hall on March 21 at 8 p.m. Singers Raheem DeVaugn and Leela James will also be performing. Tickets range from $85-110. For more information, visit dar.org.
British songstress Jessie Ware performs at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on March 31. Her album “Tough Love” includes her latest single release “Champagne Kisses.” Ware will be joined by alternative R&B singer Jesse Boykins III. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more details, visit 930.com.
Broadway legend Audra McDonald will play the region twice in the coming months. She’s at the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md.) on March 27 then plays Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) on June 22 with the National Symphony Orchestra. Details at strathmore.org and wolftrap.org respectively.
Audra McDonald (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Out concert pianist Stephen Hough returns to the Kennedy Center on April 1 to play a mostly Debussy recital in the Terrace Theater. Tickets are $49. Details at kennedy-center.org.
Trans folk artist Eli Conley and his band play Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse (201 F St., N.E.) on April 2. Tickets are $10. Details at ebenezerscoffeehouse.com.
The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of out music director Yannick Nezet-Setuin plays the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on April 7. On the program are the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor and the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor. Tickets are $35-105. Details at kennedy-center.org.
Singer and actress Jane Lynch performs her musical comedy show “Sing Jane Sing” at the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.) March 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. Lynch, best known for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on “Glee,” will perform both American standard songs and show tunes. Tickets are $89.50.
Jane Lynch will perform at the Birchmere two nights later this month. (Photo courtesy Birchmere)
Singer Neil Diamond performs at the Verizon Center (601 F St., N.W.) on April 4 at 8 p.m. Diamond’s latest album “Melody Road” was released last year. Diamond will perform songs from “Melody Road” as well as classic favorites. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $65-175. For more details, visit verizoncenter.
Drummer and percussionist Sheila E. comes to the Howard Theatre on April 30 at 8 p.m. Sheila E has worked with Prince, Lionel Ritchie, Beyonce and many more. She has released seven albums to date. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 in advance and $42 day of show. Seating is first come, first seated. There will be a full dinner menu available. For more details, visit thehowardtheatre.com.
Legendary actress and singer Julie Andrews joins Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md.) for “An Evening with Julie Andrews” on April 25 at 9 p.m. Andrews will be joined by moderator Peter Marks and Strathmore Children’s Chorus will perform. The show will be part conversation, stories and clips. The performance is part of Strathmore’s 10th anniversary Spring Gala. Andrews will not sing. Tickets range from $58.50-157. For more information, visit strathmore.org.
Though she won’t be singing, locals get a rare chance to see Julie Andrews live on April 25 at the Strathmore. (Photo courtesy Strathmore)
Alternative indie dance duo Matt and Kim perform at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on May 11-12. Their well known singles include “Let’s Go” and “Daylight.” Doors open at 7 p.m. The May 11 show is sold out. Tickets for the May 12 are at 930.com.
Aretha Franklin plays the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md.) on May 13. Details at strathmore.org.
Howard Theatre presents “Salute to the Divas: Girl Groups and Ladies of Hip Hop,” a concert drag show headlined by drag performer Shi-Queeta-Lee on May 24 at 8 p.m. Impersonations will include Nicki Minaj, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot and many more. This show is a part of Black Pride. General admission tickets are $49.50. General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. There will be a full dinner menu available. For more information, visit howardtheatre.com.
‘Drag Salute to the Divas’ returns to the Howard. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Lesbian singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke performs at the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.) on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Brooke has released 11 albums and has toured internationally. Tickets are $29.50. For more information, visit birchmere.com.
And to peek ahead slightly to summer, some huge names are on the calendar.
Pop-country hybrid singer Taylor Swift performs a two-night show at Nationals Park (1500 S Capitol St., S.E.) on July 13-14 at 7 p.m. The first night is sold out. Swift’s opening acts will be alternative rock group Vance Joy and pop singer Shawn Mendes.Tickets range from $54.50-134.50. VIP tour packages range from $199-399 and include a limited edition set of Taylor Swift “1989” tour lithographs among other perks. For more information, visit Washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Bette Midler brings her tour to the Verizon Center (601 F St., N.W.) on June 22 at 8 p.m. Midler’s latest album release ‘It’s the Girls!” is a musical tribute to famous girl groups in history from the Andrews Sisters to TLC. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $55-290. For more details, visit verizoncenter.
Sam Smith performs at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Md.) on July 24 at 8 p.m. Smith, who is gay, has won four Grammy awards from his first album “In the Lonely Hour.” Tickets range from $45-97.50. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is an all-ages show. For more information, visit merriweathermusic.com.
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett perform at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) on July 31 and Aug.1 in promotion for their new collaborative jazz album “Cheek to Cheek.” Songs from the album include both solo and duet performances. Songs from the album include classic jazz songs such as the title track “Cheek to Cheek,” “But Beautiful” and “I Won’t Dance.” Tickets range from 4125-275. Tickets go on sale March 11. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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)
Calendar: May 23-29
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