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GIFT GUIDE I: Tickets to wonderland

Koz, Waters, ‘Nutcracker,’ ‘Messiah’ and tons more

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holiday gift guide, gay news, Washington Blade
holiday gift guide, gay news, Washington Blade

Christine Rocas and Rory Hohenstein in Joffrey’s Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Kennedy Center this weekend. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)

From theatrical plays to concerts to sing-alongs and more, as always, the Washington area is rich with holiday productions of every genre. We’re calling this gift guide part one but in a few cases, you may be your own recipient!

At the ballet

Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” at the F Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville (603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, Md.)  at 1:30 and 7 p.m., Nov. 28. The classic ballet features rich costumes and moving music by Debussy. Tickets are $22.

Robert Joffrey’s awe-inspiring staging of the perennial classic “The Nutcracker” will enjoy its final performances at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House at 7 p.m., Nov. 25, 27-29; 1 p.m. and Nov. 27-29. Tickets from $55.

The Washington Ballet welcomes the holiday season by presenting “The Nutcracker” Nov. 28-29 at the THEARC (1901 Mississippi Ave., S.E.), and Dec. 3-27 at the historic Warner Theatre (3515 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.). Septime Webre’s critically acclaimed ballet transports audiences back in time to historic Washington in a one-of-a-kind production set in 1882 Georgetown and starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker, King George III as the villainous Rat King, Anacostia Indians, frontiersmen and many other all-American delights. Tickets range from $34-99.

Musical melodies

holiday gift guide, gay news, Washington Blade

Calmus plays the Barnes at Wolf Trap on Sunday, Dec. 6. (Photo courtesy Wolf Trap)

A cappella quintet Calmus will perform Christmas carols from around the world, featuring pieces from the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Ireland and more, at a special holiday concert at the Barns at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road) at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $35.

“Sound of Music” fans will delight in the Kennedy Center’s NSO Pops: the von Trapps & Stephanie J. Block Family Holiday show at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10; 8 p.m., Dec. 11 and Dec. 12; and 2 p.m., Dec. 12. Tickets begin at $20. Songs from the great-grandchildren of the cherished “Sound of Music” von Trapp family join musical theater star Stephanie J. Block and the NSO Pops.

The Washington National Opera presents “Hansel and Gretel” at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater at 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 18-20. The show features current and former Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists alongside the WNO Children’s Chorus. Tickets start at $59.

Acclaimed a cappella group, Chanticleer, brings soaring Christmas carols to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax) at 8 p.m., Nov. 28; and at the Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas) at 8 p.m., Nov. 29. Expect ancient hymns, venerated sacred songs, contemporary classics, gospel spirituals and treasured American and European carols. Tickets range from $32-54.

holiday gift guide, gay news, Washington Blade

Chanticleer performs two shows in Virginia on Nov. 28-29. (Photo by Lisa Kohler)

Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell will perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for the holiday spectacular, “‘Tis the Season” on Dec. 10 at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda). Tickets range from $25-99. For more information, visit strathmore.org.

The Dave Koz Christmas Tour with guests Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer and Bill Medley returns to the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) on Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48-88.

Sing along!

holiday gift guide, gay news, Washington Blade

Wolf Trap’s holiday sing-along is Saturday, Dec. 5. (Photo by Sam Kittner)

Wolf Trap presents its annual holiday sing-a-long on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Filene Center (1551 Trap Road), featuring Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs by choir and vocal groups and the United States Marine Band. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to donate as part of the Toys for Tots campaign.

The 45th annual Kennedy Center “Messiah” Sing-Along takes place at 8 p.m., Dec. 23 at the Concert Hall. Tickets are free but reservations are required. Guest conductor Barry Hemphill leads the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, guest soloists and audience in a glorious “sing-along” of Handel’s beloved masterpiece.

The 10th annual Congressional Chorus’ holiday concert and sing along presents the American Youth Chorus leading holiday favorites at 4 and 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., NE).

Traditional favorites

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington presents “Rewrapped,” Dec. 5-6, 12-13 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Expect signature holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Don’t be surprised to see a visit from Ole’ St. Nick himself. Tickets range from $13-35.

The National Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s “Messiah” at 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 8 p.m., Dec. 18-19; and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall. Conductor Nathalie Stutzman leads soloists Emöke Barath (soprano), Sara Mingardo (contralto), Lawrence Wiliford (tenor), Burak Bilgili (bass) and the University of Maryland Concert Choir (Edward Maclary, music director) in the holiday classic. Tickets start at $15.

The 25th annual NPR’s “A Jazz Piano Christmas” takes place at 7 and 9 p.m., Dec. 4 at the Terrace Theater. NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron will perform with Fred Hersch and Joey Alexander. Tickets are $59. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.

The 17th annual All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam will take place on Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage at 6 p.m., Dec. 25.

Legendary filmmaker John Waters will give his take on the holiday season with his show, “A John Waters Christmas” playing the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria on Dec. 21. Delving into his passion for lunatic exploitation Christmas movies and the unhealthy urge to remake all his own films into seasonal children’s classics, “The Pope of Trash” will give you a Joyeaux Noel like no other. Tickets are $49.50.

On stage

The annual Ford’s Theatre (511 Tenth St. NW) production of “A Christmas Carol” is being staged Nov. 19-Dec. 31. Adapted by Michael Wilson and directed by Michael Baron, join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. For more information, visit fordstheatre.org.

The Olney Theater (2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd.) in Olney is bringing back storyteller Paul Morella in a one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas,” Nov. 27-Dec. 27. Tickets for all shows begin at $26 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 301-924-3400.

The Annapolis Shakespeare Company (111 Chinquapin Round Road, no.114, Annapolis) presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry, Dec. 4-Jan. 3.

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (7 S. Calvert St, Baltimore) holds its annual “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, Dec. 4-23. Tickets are $25.

MetroStage (1201 North Royal St., Alexandria) present “A Broadway Christmas Carol starring Peter Boyer, Michael Sharp, Tracey Stephens and Howard Bretibart, Nov. 24-Dec. 27. Tickets start at $20.

Black Nativity” returns to the Theater Alliance Stage (2020 Shannon Place, S.E.) as Langston Hughes chronicles and celebrates the birth of Jesus, while also celebrating the birth of blackness. This classic story is told through gospel, blues, funk, jazz and dance. The show runs from Nov. 25 to Jan. 3.

Super Art Fight’s second annual “Non-Denominational Holiday Spectacular” plays the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) on Dec. 4 with four “art fights” featuring mashups of pro wrestling, live art, improv comedy and more. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 9 p.m. Details at blackcatdc.com.

“Sorry” and “Regular Singing,” the final two plays in “The Apple Family Cycle” by Richard Nelson continue at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) in rotation through Dec. 13. “Bad Jews” by Joshua Harmon opens Dec. 3.

The American Opera Initiative of the Washington National Opera continues with three pairings of new opera composers and librettists each with new one-act operas based on contemporary American stories in sem-staged concert performances at 7 and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater (2700 F St., N.W.).

Big Band Holidays featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Denzal Sinclaire and Audrey Shakir plays the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md.) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets start at $58.

Santa visits American Plant every weekend in December. On Saturdays, he’s at its 5258 River Road location and Sundays at 7405 River Road each day from noon-2 p.m. (dates are Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20). Get all your holiday shopping, home decorating, tree, photos with Santa and more at American Plant.

Welcome 2016!

The Kennedy Center’s annual New Year’s Eve concert returns with a funky edge at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St. N.W.) with Chaka Khan at 8:30 p.m. The evening culminates with a party in the Grand Foyer to ring in 2016. Tickets range from $50-90.

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James Baldwin bio shows how much of his life is revealed in his work

‘A Love Story’ is first major book on acclaimed author’s life in 30 years

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(Book cover image courtesy of FSG)

‘Baldwin: A Love Story’
By Nicholas Boggs
c.2025, FSG
$35/704 pages

“Baldwin: A Love Story” is a sympathetic biography, the first major one in 30 years, of acclaimed Black gay writer James Baldwin. Drawing on Baldwin’s fiction, essays, and letters, Nicolas Boggs, a white writer who rediscovered and co-edited a new edition of a long-lost Baldwin book, explores Baldwin’s life and work through focusing on his lovers, mentors, and inspirations.

The book begins with a quick look at Baldwin’s childhood in Harlem, and his difficult relationship with his religious, angry stepfather. Baldwin’s experience with Orilla Miller, a white teacher who encouraged the boy’s writing and took him to plays and movies, even against his father’s wishes, helped shape his life and tempered his feelings toward white people. When Baldwin later joined a church and became a child preacher, though, he felt conflicted between academic success and religious demands, even denouncing Miller at one point. In a fascinating late essay, Baldwin also described his teenage sexual relationship with a mobster, who showed him off in public.

Baldwin’s romantic life was complicated, as he preferred men who were not outwardly gay. Indeed, many would marry women and have children while also involved with Baldwin. Still, they would often remain friends and enabled Baldwin’s work. Lucien Happersberger, who met Baldwin while both were living in Paris, sent him to a Swiss village, where he wrote his first novel, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” as well as an essay, “Stranger in the Village,” about the oddness of being the first Black person many villagers had ever seen. Baldwin met Turkish actor Engin Cezzar in New York at the Actors’ Studio; Baldwin later spent time in Istanbul with Cezzar and his wife, finishing “Another Country” and directing a controversial play about Turkish prisoners that depicted sexuality and gender. 

Baldwin collaborated with French artist Yoran Cazac on a children’s book, which later vanished. Boggs writes of his excitement about coming across this book while a student at Yale and how he later interviewed Cazac and his wife while also republishing the book. Baldwin also had many tumultuous sexual relationships with young men whom he tried to mentor and shape, most of which led to drama and despair.

The book carefully examines Baldwin’s development as a writer. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” draws heavily on his early life, giving subtle signs of the main character John’s sexuality, while “Giovanni’s Room” bravely and openly shows a homosexual relationship, highly controversial at the time. “If Beale Street Could Talk” features a woman as its main character and narrator, the first time Baldwin wrote fully through a woman’s perspective. His essays feel deeply personal, even if they do not reveal everything; Lucian is the unnamed visiting friend in one who the police briefly detained along with Baldwin. He found New York too distracting to write, spending his time there with friends and family or on business. He was close friends with modernist painter Beauford Delaney, also gay, who helped Baldwin see that a Black man could thrive as an artist. Delaney would later move to France, staying near Baldwin’s home.

An epilogue has Boggs writing about encountering Baldwin’s work as one of the few white students in a majority-Black school. It helpfully reminds us that Baldwin connects to all who feel different, no matter their race, sexuality, gender, or class. A well-written, easy-flowing biography, with many excerpts from Baldwin’s writing, it shows how much of his life is revealed in his work. Let’s hope it encourages reading the work, either again or for the first time.

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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

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Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies. 

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays. 

The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.

The D.C. Black Gay Men & Women’s Community Conference table at Gay Pride Day in 1978. (Washington Blade archive photo by Jim Marks)
A scene from 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the 1988 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the Capital Pride Block Party in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
Keke Palmer performs at the 2024 Capital Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
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In stressful times, escape to Rehoboth Beach

Here’s what’s new in D.C.’s favorite beach town for 2025

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Rehoboth Beach is ready to welcome visitors for the 2025 season. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

At last, after an uncharacteristically cold and snowy winter, another Rehoboth Beach season is upon us. I have been going to Rehoboth Beach since 1984, and it was the first place I went where people only knew me as a gay man. It was the year I came out. It was a summer community back then. Today it really is an exciting year-round community. But it’s still the summer season when Rehoboth shines, and when the businesses make most of their money. 

The summer brings out tens of thousands of tourists, from day-trippers, to those with second homes at the beach. Everyone comes to the beach for the sun and sand, food, and drink. Some like to relax, others to party, and you can do both in Rehoboth Beach, Del. 

Stop by CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ community center on Baltimore Avenue, to get the latest updates on what is happening. CAMP sponsors Sunfestival each Labor Day weekend, and a huge block party on Baltimore Avenue in October. They train the Rehoboth Beach police on how to work with the LGBTQ community, and have all kinds of special and regularly scheduled events. Pick up a copy of their publication, Letters, which is distributed around town. 

I asked Kim Leisey, CAMP’s executive director, for her thoughts, and she said, CAMP Rehoboth looks forward to welcoming our friends and visitors to Rehoboth Beach. We are a safe space for our community and will be sponsoring social opportunities, art receptions, concerts, and art exhibits, throughout the summer. If you are planning a wedding, shower, reception, or business meeting, our beautiful atrium is available for rental. We look forward to a summer of solidarity and fun.”  While at CAMP stop in the courtyard at a favorite place of mine, Loris Oy Vey! Café, and tryher famous chicken salad.

There’s something for everyone at the beach, from walking the boardwalk and eating Thrashers fries, to visiting Funland, or playing a game of miniature golf. Or head to some of the world-class restaurants like Drift, Eden, Blue Moon, or Back Porch.  

Some random bits on the summer 2025 season. Prices are going up like everywhere else. Your parking meter will cost you $4 an hour. Meters are in effect May 15-Sept. 15. Parking permits for all the non-metered spaces in town are also expensive. Transferable permits are $365,non-transferable $295, or after Aug. 1 if you only come for the end of summer, it’s $165. Detailed information is available on the town’s website.

Rehoboth lost one of its best restaurant this off-season, JAM, but Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant is open for its fourth season. Owner Freddie Lutz told the Blade, “We are looking forward to a fabulous season. Freddie’s has a dance floor and is the only music video bar in town.” There is also live entertainment, karaoke, and Freddie’s Follies drag show Friday nights. 

Magnolia Applebottom performs at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Rehoboth Beach, Del. on May 12. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

My favorite happy hour bar is Aqua Grill, which has reopened for the season. I recommend taking advantage of their great Tuesday Taco night, and Thursday burger night. Then there is The Pines and Top of the Pines. Bob Suppies of Second Block Hospitality told me, “Come, relax, and play. We are ready! I have been spending summers here since the mid-90’s, and Rehoboth Beach seems to age like a fine wine. Between the new, and favorite restaurants opening back up, the shops bursting with incredible finds, and all the great LGBTQ+ bars to entertain everyone, nowhere beats the Delaware beaches this summer.” 

Head down the block on Baltimore Avenue and you get to La Fable restaurant. Go all the way to the beach and you will see the new lifeguard station, which is slated to open later this month. Also, demolition of the old hotel and north boardwalk Grotto Pizza has happened. The site will become a new four-story, 60-room hotel, with ground level retail space. 

Then join me at my favorite morning place at the beach, The Coffee Mill, in the mews between Rehoboth and Baltimore Avenues, open every morning at 7 a.m. Owners Mel and Bob also have the Mill Creamery, the ice cream parlor in the mews, and Brashhh! on 1st street, where Mel sells his own clothing line, called FEARLESS! Then there is the ever-popular Purple Parrot, celebrating its 26th year, now with new owners Tyler Townsend and Drew Mitchell, who welcome you to their iconic place. It has only gotten better. If you head farther down Rehoboth Avenue you will find the Summer House with its upscale Libation Room, and a nice garden looking out on Rehoboth Avenue. Also on Rehoboth Avenue is Gidgets Gadgets owned by the fabulous Steve Fallon. With the renewed interest in vinyl records you may want to stop in at Extended Play

Then there is the always busy and fun, Diegos Bar and Nightclub. Joe Zuber of Diego’s told the Blade, “Get ready for a great gay ole time in Rehoboth Beach. Plenty of entertainment, dancing and fun as we seem to be the next Stonewall generation with this newest administration. Each election brings its concerns about how our gay community will be affected. Come to Rehoboth Beach to escape this summer season!” 

If you are in town for Sunday happy hour, make sure to stop there to hear the talented Pamala Stanley who is celebrating her 20th season entertaining in Rehoboth.And on Mondays, Stanley plays Broadway and other classics on the piano at Diego’s.

If you are looking for culture Rehoboth has some of that as well. There is the Clear Space Theatre on Baltimore Avenue. Rumors abound that Clear Space will move out of town. But I can’t believe the commissioners and mayor would be dumb enough to let that happen. This year’s shows include “Spring Awakening,” “Buyer + Cellar,” “Hairspray,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and “RENT.”Tickets sell fast so I suggest you book early and they are available online. Then mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19 for Rehoboth Beach Pride 2025 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other fine restaurants and clubs in town. Just a reminder, during season you often need dinner reservations. Come to the beach often enough, and you can try them all: Café Azafran, Dos Locos, Goolee’s Grille, Rigby’s, Frank and Louie’s, Above the Dunes, Mariachi, and Henlopen City Oyster House, and Red, White & Basil. And take a short drive to Dewey for breakfast or lunch at the Starboard; popular bartender Doug Moore (winner of the Blade’s Best Rehoboth-Area Bartender 2024 award) holds court at one of the inside bars, which has become a de facto gay bar on Saturdays. 

One major development in the local dining scene last summer was the purchase of the Big Fish Restaurant Group by Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group. Nearly a year later, not much has changed at the many Big Fish restaurants, although many locals are hoping for a renovation of Obie’s along with a gay night at the ocean-front bar/restaurant. 

These are only a few of the fantastic places to eat and drink at the beach. Remember, book your reservations for hotels and restaurants, early. Rehoboth is a happening place and gets very busy. 

We are living in stressful times. A visit to Rehoboth is a nice way to escape them for a while. Take the time to destress, enjoy the sun and sand. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and listen to the sound of the ocean, and people having fun. Enjoy good times, good food, good friends, and remember that life can still be good. Recharge your batteries for the rest of the year, by enjoying some summer fun in Rehoboth Beach. 

(Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
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