Arts & Entertainment
Experience Cirque Italia
A magical show like no other


Cirque Italia comes to the D.C. area July 28 (Photo courtesy of Cirque Italia).
ADVERTORIAL
Come experience the magical world of Cirque Italia – a show like no other. We are proud to be the first traveling WATER circus in the United States.
Our extraordinary stage holds 35,000 gallons of water and features a dynamic lid that lifts 35 feet into the air, allowing water to fall like rain from above as fountains dazzle below. This incredible show takes place under our majestic white and blue big top tent that came all the way from Italy and was made by Ferrari. Inside we have such a theatrical and intimate setup, you just might forget you are under a circus tent.
Once inside, it’s hard to say what will stand out first. The plush curtain backdrop, the wooden floors, the souvenir corner, or the ever appealing look and smell of the fabulous concessions. As they enter, guests have the opportunity to get their faces painted, visit the concession stand, or check out the custom souvenirs, which include Italian masks, circus history books, and more direct from Venice, Italy.
The show owner and founder, Manuel Rebecchi, has a deep history in the circus industry. When Manuel came to the states several years ago, he decided that Americans needed to experience a European-style show. He wanted to create something special and memorable. He was actually inspired to create the water stage while drinking a bottle of water one day. The result? Something never before seen in the U.S. – a cirque variety show featuring a 35,000-gallon water tank stage and performers from around the world. The 2016 season is going very well for Cirque Italia.
So what can you expect to see at this remarkably unique show? How about a CONTORTIONIST who is able to bend her body in ways you would never imagine. How high can he go? You’ll be asking yourself as our Italian singer stacks chair upon chair and then balances on top of them on his hands. Our crazy clown, Alex, PLUNGES off the diving board during his acrobatic trampoline excursion. Our Laserman will be causing all kinds of explosions with his laser guns — maybe to scare away the large DINOSAUR that has invaded the show. All this, plus thrilling high-wire feats, twin juggling maniacs, elegant chiffons, and more. Don’t forget you also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a picture with a MERMAID.
For more information, check out the Cirque Italia website: www.cirqueitalia.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Interact with us. Keep up to date with the latest news. Or shoot us an email at [email protected]. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.
You can purchase tickets through our website (cirqueitalia.com/tickets) or by phone: 941- 704-8572. We also respond to text message.
When: July 28-31
Where: Potomac Mills, 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA 22192 (near Marshalls)
Under the grand, swirling White and Blue tent
July 28, THURS: 7:30 p.m.
July 29, FRI: 7:30 p.m.
July 30 ,SAT: 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
July 31, SUN: 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

















Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
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 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].