Music & Concerts
Lovato, Jonas kindred spirits
Singers bond over music, gay rights
‘2016 Honda Civic Tour Featuring Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas: Future Now’
Tuesday, July 26
7 p.m.
Verizon Center
601 F St., N.W.
$25-80
Nick Jonas joins Demi Lovato on the D.C. stop of their Future Now Tour on Tuesday, July 26. (Photo courtesy 42 West)
Singer and actress Demi Lovato is a strong supporter of LGBT rights. She played a lesbian character on Fox’s “Glee,” served as grand marshal of the Los Angeles Pride Parade this year and has spoken openly about her grandfather’s homosexuality. She’s also partnered with the Human Rights Campaign on the Americans for Marriage Equality campaign, which supports marriage equality.
“Well, I think first of all, for me, my connection with the gay community — the LGBT community — I’ve always kind of been kind of like an outsider when I lived in Texas,” Lovato says. “I never fit it and I didn’t agree with a lot of the opinions down in the South, and when I got out to California, I just saw a whole new world and I thought I have no idea why this isn’t like the rest of the U.S., and the rest of the world, to be honest. So, I’m just standing up for what’s right and that’s my connection with it.”
On July 26, Lovato and touring partner Nick Jonas head to the Verizon Center as part of their Honda Civic Tour: “Future Now,” in support of Lovato’s newest album, “Confident” and Jonas’ latest release, “Stone Cold.”
Never afraid to speak her mind, earlier this year Lovato appeared at the Billboard Music Awards wearing a mesh shirt with a symbol that’s come to represent trans people in the ongoing fight for trans legal protections (and the opposition’s obsession with bathrooms).
“I feel like, for me, I want to use my voice to make a difference in the world,” Lovato says. “There’s so much more to my voice than just singing and I learned that at a young age. I had a moment where I just thought, ‘You know I want to do so much more than just sing,’ and I grew up with people that were judged for being gay and I never understood it.”
Lovato and Jonas even decided to cancel their performances in North Carolina in support of these beliefs.
“I think that Demi and I felt it to be really important and it’s a tough call to make,” Jonas says. “We obviously feel disappointment ourselves knowing that our fans that were looking forward to the show were disappointed but there are these moments when something is as important to you as this issue was and is, where you kind of have to make a strong stand and hope that your fans unify with you and do their best to make that change and see positive outcomes. But it is just an overall disappointing situation and hopefully there are artists that are always willing to make bold choices to stand for what they believe in.”
Lovato agrees.
“I think that anything that you do, you need to do it to the max and if you can make a difference by, for instance, with the Billboard Awards, I knew that this was an issue that we had been dealing with, with the cancellation of the shows,” she says. “I wanted to make an impact and I wanted to make a statement that said, ‘Hey, listen, I hear you, I’m really sorry to the fans that are going to miss the show but this is an important issue to me and I want to speak out and I want to use my music to do it. I think it’s important for artists to remember that they can use their platform for the better.”
Although Lovato and Jonas are proud of their Disney pasts — she from the show “Sonny With a Chance,” he from “Jonas L.A.” and both from the “Camp Rock” movies — both have seen their music transform from Disney Radio to more adult mainstream.
“Demi is pushing me to get more vulnerable in my music with this next record and encouraging me to really open up about some things that happened in my life that I think will help people get even more connected to me,” Jonas says. “Those moments among friends and creative relationships are so important because I think they really shape not only your next steps but the way the world sees you as well which is key in making a transition from a youthful career to what hopefully is a long-lasting adult tour.”
Lovato feels the transition was a little easier for her due to the press about her rehab and problems she encountered through the years.
Demi Lovato (Photo courtesy 42 West)
“I kind of grew up really fast in the public eye in that way and so when it was time to release my music, I think people looked at me differently,” she says. “I wanted to prove to people that I wasn’t just a stereotypical Hollywood starlet that goes to rehab and falls back into the trap of the things that got her there. I wanted to make sure that the music that I made was great and that I was passionate about the music that I put out and I sang my heart out and I also wanted to continue the message of using my platform for more things than just singing about heartbreak. That’s what music is for, is getting you through times, but also using it to inspire people.”
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.
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