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 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & 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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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