Music & Concerts
Not your grandmother’s opera
Contemporary D.C. outfit explores trans experience in new production
UrbanArias founder Robert Wood believes opera should be accessible and not overly long. (Photo courtesy UrbanArias)
‘As One’
Oct. 3-10
Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H St., N.E.
$29.50
202-399-7993
Don’t like opera? UrbanArias may change that. For five years, the local company has been making buffs out of the unconvinced with short, contemporary and relevant operas.
“I want to be a gateway to convert people into fans,” says UrbanArias’ out founder Robert Wood. “I want them to know what is so compelling about the human voice unamplified. What is stirring about being in a black box theater so close to the performers that you don’t only hear them you feel their voices resonate in your own rib cage.”
For many, length and language are opera’s biggest turnoffs, Wood says. In response, UrbanArias insists the works it produces be short (defined loosely as the length of a feature film — about 90 minutes) and they must be performed in English. (“Even with supertitles, people are turned by foreign language,” Wood says). Their operas are less than 40 years old, and relevant. The story must be compelling and the music beautiful and accessible.
The company’s current offering is out composer Laura Kaminsky’s “As One,” a timely chamber opera about self discovery told through the journey of Hannah, who is transgender. The protagonist Hannah is sung in two voices — Hannah Before (baritone Luis Alejandro Orozco) and Hannah After (mezzo soprano Ashley Cutright). In 15 songs, the three-part narrative follows Hannah’s experiences from her youth in a small town to her college years on the West Coast, and finally to Norway.
Commissioned by American Opera Projects, “As One” premiered last year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Its co-librettists are Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, whose documentary “Prodigal Sons” traces her own transition from high school quarterback to woman who makes films.
Kaminsky initially reached out to Reed to do video design only. But when experienced librettist Campbell joined the project, he invited Reed to also co-write with him.
“It actually wasn’t such a big leap from filmmaking, especially the way Mark writes — unadorned and truthful,” Reed says. “Some of the lyrics began with a grain of biographical truth but it was important for us to leave my story behind and fictionalize the libretto to make it something universal. For instance, we included violence against trans women. Not my experience, but something that needed to be told.”
Campbell, who wrote the libretto for the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Silent Night,” says collaborating with Reed was a smart decision.
“I really didn’t know if I’d get the transgender experience right. I’m a gay man but that doesn’t mean I’d automatically understand Hannah’s story. Looking back I can see that I was getting a lot wrong at first. Kim added a lot of realness to the story. I learned so much working with her.”
Campbell and Reed also made a defined resolution to tell an accessible story.
“Some people are terrified of contemporary opera, and because it’s sometimes pretentious, they have every right to be,” Campbell says. “We wanted to tell a story to which people could relate. Also, the music is tonal and rhythmic with some beautiful vocal lines. A visible string quartet plays off to the side.”
And the team was adamant in not presenting a ‘50s film version of the transgender experience. While Hannah understands the seriousness of her journey, she is not a tortured person. Her experience isn’t exclusively about pain. She can make fun of herself.
“Her journey isn’t unlike all of ours,” Campbell says. “We all have to give up something of ourselves to move on. Hannah’s recognizing her authentic self is something every queer person can understand. “
In creating UrbanArias, Wood, a D.C.-based music conductor who freelances around the country, wanted to do something fulfilling and meaningful close to home. And he wanted it to be different. He felt that interpreting what big regional houses do but on a smaller scale would only invite unfavorable comparisons. So far critics have responded positively and funding from local foundations has been good.
Wood concedes that among opera goers there will always be traditionalists who only want to see Puccini, Mozart and Verde.
“But for those who’ve seen various contemporary things along the way and are curious to see a little more,” he says. “We can serve it to them beautifully done in a smaller portion.”
Past seasons have featured gay composer Rick Ian Gordon’s “Orpheus and Euridice,” and “Green Sneakers,” and the world premier of Gregory Spears’ “Paul’s Case,” based on a short story by lesbian novelist Willa Cather about a bored gay boy who steals money from his industrialist father and runs away.
While he describes Kaminsky’s score as beautiful and embracing opera, Wood says “past productions have had feet planted firmly in a crossover genre like blues-infused opera, and musical theater, things purists in other opera houses would shy away from.”
“Also,” he says, “UrbanArias casts well. I’ve spent the last 15 years conducting around the country over, and I’ve made a lot of friends. This allows us to have talented, known singers in our productions. And we pay pretty well too.”
In preparing to sing the part of Hannah after, Cutright joined a transgender chat room.
“I didn’t have any close trans friends and I wanted to get is right,” she says. “The trans people I met were excited and supportive and forthcoming with experiences and perspectives.”
In the early stages of rehearsal, Cutright spent time grappling with her character’s physicality.
“I wasn’t sure how to move as Hannah. I’ve been cast in a lot of trousers roles which means I play young teenage boys. So I’ve had to walk like a guy, whatever that means. After some thought, I came to Hannah’s story is about somebody who is forced to be who she’s not. And they just want to be who they really are, so I relaxed and ended up moving like myself.”
Hannah is equal parts realist and optimist, says Cutright.
“She goes to Norway to see the Northern Lights and when they don’t appear, she realizes even the most natural things in the world aren’t going to appear just because I want them to, and she moves on. I love that about her.”
Luis Alejandro Orozco and Ashley Cutright in ‘As One,’ a contemporary opera about the plight of a transgender woman. (Photo by Courtney Kalbacker, courtesy UrbanArias)
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.
U.S. attorney nominee confirmed despite anti-LGBTQ history, no trial experience
Vt. lawmaker equates transgender identity with bestiality
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
BREAKING NEWS: Barney Frank dies at 86
Intersex lives, constitutional freedom, and the dangerous future of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
Honey, have we been priced out of gay paradise?
IDAHOBiT a reminder we all must stand up against transphobia
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
