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.
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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