Music & Concerts
Midler in fine form at D.C. show
Legend hits perfect balance between zany and poignant
‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most’ and ‘Stay with Me’ were highlights from Bette Midler’s concert Monday night, her first D.C. show in more than a decade. (Photo by Julia Kennedy)
The Divine Miss M brought her dazzling “Divine Intervention Tour” to the Verizon Center on Monday evening, her first time back in Washington since 2004’s “Kiss My Brass Tour.” Gratefully, not much has changed in 11 years as the 69-year-old legend still has it.
Opening with the tongue-in-cheek “Divine Intervention,” the title song crafted just for this show, Midler enthusiastically welcomed her audience in a blue sequined romper while accompanied by her longtime (and constantly changing) trio of backup singers the Harlettes.
Though she’s promoting her latest album,” It’s the Girls!” — a covers album of hits from famous girl groups — Midler could easily have toured without a new release. Strictly incidental, she performed just three songs from this new album, the most notable being her stripped down and heartbreaking version of TLC’s “Waterfalls.”
Always self-depreciating and in on the joke, she made a few jabs at her own age as well as the age of her typical fan, at one point asking who in the audience drove to the concert and then quipping, “I’m so glad to see that so many of my fans are still able to drive at night.” Though, nearly within the same breath she asked the audience “Don’t I look fabulous?” And she did indeed.
Her voice has held up just as well as her legs. She did not disappoint when delivering her top three signature hits: “The Rose,” “From a Distance” and “Wind Beneath My Wings,” from “Beaches.” Two other “Beaches” cuts also made it into the show, the haunting “I Think it’s Going to Rain Today” and the whimsical “I’ve Still Got My Health.”
Raunchy Sophie Tucker jokes have been a part of Midler’s act since the mid-‘70s. Always beginning a joke in character with the phrase “I will never forget it, ya know…” and ending with a hilariously vulgar punchline, she donned a campy feathered costume (think chicken showgirl) in this well-crafted segment singing “A Bird in the Hand” in between her rapid fire delivery of classic jokes.
While Sophie Tucker jokes remain part of her act today, sadly there is one long running bit she has permanently retired. Delores De Lago, Bette’s mermaid in a wheelchair character, was given a tasteful sendoff a la an Academy Awards Show in memoriam tribute. One imagines Midler is simply no longer up for jumping around in a fish tail.
The biggest surprise of the evening, and a nod to her fans from the Millennial generation, was “I Put a Spell on You” from the film “Hocus Pocus” dressed as the character Winifred Sanderson, with the Harlettes backing her as her sister witches. She has never referenced this movie in any of her live acts, so this was definitely an added treat and proof that she has finally realized the lasting impact of this film.
Further surprises were the inclusions of her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” (probably the most rock she’s ever been) and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most,” a gem of an album track from her 1990 release “Some People’s Lives” (still her most polished studio album to date). She mentioned how “Beast of Burden” was a flop upon its release in 1983 and joked that she blamed it on the fact that she wore a leather jacket and mullet in the music video with Mick Jagger. Perhaps.
Toward the end of the show, Midler commanded the stage in a sparkling pink sequined gown and delivered a restrained, yet powerfully emotional cover of Lorraine Ellison’s “Stay with Me.” Though not as raw as the version on her “Divine Madness” tour in the late ’70s, it has evolved and changed with her over the years into a softer and more mature performance. She ended the show with one of her earlier hits, the song she said “started it all”: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” an Andrews Sisters cover she has made her own over the years. The only glaring omission from the show was her signature hit “Friends” from her debut album, “The Divine Miss M.”
The way Midler meshes class with trash is a testament to her impressive versatility. One moment she is making a hilarious dirty joke while dropping the F bomb and in the next set belting out an inspirational ballad with unbridled sincerity. Making you laugh one moment and cry the next is a unique ability she has always possessed and is what sets her apart from her diva contemporaries. While her act does not have the production values of a Cher extravaganza, the softness of a Streisand concert or the soul of an Aretha show, it’s effortlessly sincere and incredibly entertaining.
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.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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