a&e features
In with the new
A gay bar, a drag king company, a bookshop and more enjoy recent launches
(Washington Blade photos of WiskHER and Dirty Goose by Hugh Clarke; photo of Namii courtesy Pretty Boi Drag)
LGBT Washington has seen a spate of new business openings in recent months. Here are a few to check out.
The Dirty Goose, a new gay bar
The Dirty Goose (913 U St., N.W.) is the new kid on the block for D.C.’s gay nightlife scene. Tucked into the U Street corridor across from Nellie’s Sports Bar, the Dirty Goose’s slogan is “Where Birds of a Feather Drink Together.” Owners Justin Parker and his fiancé Daniel Honeycutt say they consider the Dirty Goose a gay bar, but welcome all to their establishment. According to Park, they consider their bar to be upscale but welcoming.
”We believed that sometimes ‘upscale’ gets a stigma and is assumed to be stuffy and expensive,” Parker says. “We have tried really hard to address small details that we think can wash the stigma away. Our bartenders are specifically friendly, outgoing and always willing to help. Our prices are comparable to our neighbors. We simply just try to provide a higher quality of drinks, food and service.”
The bar, which opened Aug. 18, has plans for parties in the near future with details to be announced. In addition to dinner, the Dirty Goose also offers bottomless brunch for $38 on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch includes your choice of a bottomless mimosa, rose mimosa or Bloody Mary paired with entrees such as the spring vegetable omelet, eggs Benedict and TDG hamburger with Sriracha aioli. Make reservations at thedirtygoosedc.com. (MC)
The Dirty Goose is working to take the snob quotient out of upscale. (Washington Blade photo by Hugh Clarke)
SIR, a new male burlesque show
SIR is an all-male burlesque show hosted at SAX Restaurant & Lounge (734 11th St., N.W.) every Sunday.
There are two shows — one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. It’s slated to launch on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Billed as an “electrifying show that brings together some of the hottest men in the DMV,” it promises a “theatrical experience that will leave you begging for more.”
Performers are dancers, aerialists, pole dancers and more. There are games, bottomless mimosas, brunch, go-go boys, “stud” waiters and more. Participants must be 21 to enter. Tickets are $50-65.
Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. No entry 15 minutes after show time.
SAX is a French-American cuisine restaurant. Full details at saxwdc.com. (JD)
Pretty Boi Drag, a new drag king troupe
Pretty Boi Drag is a drag king collective that hosts day parties, brunch shows and workshops in the District. The shows feature music from DJ Tezrah and audience members are invited to dance and sing along with the kings making shows interactive. Workshops are part lecture and part Q&A for audience members to learn about the drag king experience and create their own drag king persona.
The group’s new brunch show at Acre 121 (1400 Irving St., N.W.) will be on the first Sunday of every month. For $40 enjoy bottomless mimosas, one entree and a show from noon-3 p.m. The first show of the season starts Sunday, Sept. 4.
Pretty Boi Drag also hosts its monthly day parties at the Bier Baron (1523 22nd St., N.W.). On Sunday, Sept. 18 the party’s theme will be #PrettyBoiHigh. The party will be back to school themed. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
On Sunday, Oct. 16 there will be #APrettyBoiFairyTale, which will be a fairy tale-themed event. Drag kings will perform as fairytale characters to reenact moments from fairy tale stories with a modern twist. The final show of 2016 will be #SundayService on Sunday, Nov. 20. The show will be a secular interpretation of a church service featuring a six-person choir, church fans and ushers.
Co-producer Pretty Rik E says being part of these shows as a troupe member and as an audience member is fun and brings people together.
“Speaking from the perspective as a member of Pretty Boi Drag, we have the best performers and crew in D.C., hands down,” Pretty Rik E says. “More importantly, we are a family. We enjoy spending time with each other outside of performance space as much as we can and turn to each other in times of need or celebration. From the perspective of an audience member, we like to think we create an environment of fun and camaraderie whenever we put on a show. Our goal is to have every audience member leave our shows having had an experience.” prettyboidrag.com. (MC)
Pretty Rik E performs in Pretty Boi Drag, a new drag king outfit. (Photo courtesy PBD)
WhiskHER, a new bi and trans queer party
WhiskHER is a brand new bisexual and trans-inclusive queer party that will take place at the Old Engine 12 Restaurant (1626 N Capitol St., N.W.) every fourth Friday of the month.
The V D.C. promoters behind the queer party GlittHER ended the event after the head promoter moved to San Francisco. Wanting to keep the same spirit alive in a different event, WhiskHER was born from GlittHER’s resident DJ Tezrah and Katy Ray, an active member of D.C.’s queer women’s community. Its opening party kicked off on Aug. 26. DJ Tezrah and Katy Ray say they have plenty of ideas for future parties. The pair want to include various DJs, live performances, artists, contests and different themes into this new party scene.
“Since GlittHER was consistently successful for three years, WhiskHER strives to emulate GlittHER’s positive presence while primarily possessing its own, distinct entity,” DJ Tezrah says.
Details at facebook.com/whiskherdc. (MC)
WhiskHER is every fourth Friday of the month. (Washington Blade photo by Hugh Clarke)
East City Bookshop, a new bookstore on Capitol Hill
Conventional wisdom has it that launching a new brick-and-mortar bookstore in this day and age and going up against Amazon is nuts. But there are some Davids out there making a case for themselves among all the Internet Goliaths.
East City Bookshop is a new queer-friendly space that opened at 645 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. (suite 100) on April 30 on Capitol Hill. Sensing what she felt was a need after Trover Shop Bookstore closed in 2009 after 51 years in business, Laurie Gillman, a Washington resident since 1991, pounced.
“I was so annoyed I’d have to go to Virginia to go to a bookstore,” says the 50-year-old Gillman, who’s straight. “Even after my kids were older, I kept thinking, ‘Why do we not have a bookstore here? This is a perfectly good bookstore neighborhood.’ I began to think maybe I should open one.”
Gillman, who also lives in the neighborhood, went to Florida for a weeklong course offered by Paz and Associates, a group that offers seminars on how to open modern-day bookstores and the challenges entrepreneurs are likely to face. She says the “bottom of the valley” for bookstores was about 2009 but once so many were gone, people started to miss them.
“It’s actually a really good time because people do want actual books a lot of the time. They like to browse and pick things up and flip through them,” Gillman says. “And bookstores are such community spaces. … More bookstores have been opening than closing in the last few years.”
East City has about 3,200 square feet of retail space that Gillman rents in what she calls a “funky, little shopping center” right by the Eastern Market Metro. Labyrinth, a board game and role-playing game shop, is next door and offers “a nice mix of customers and items.” She has about 12,000 books in stock in all genres, including a large kids’ section, a bargain book section and everything in between. LGBT content is spread throughout — just because a mystery might have LGBT protagonists, for instance, did not justify putting all the gay stuff in one section, Gillman felt.
And so far business has exceeded her expectations. She hoped to turn a profit by the five-year point. If things continue at the present pace, she says that might be more like three years.
Gay authors are peppered throughout the upcoming events schedule. This week out author Gregg Shapiro shared readings from his new short-story collection, “How to Whistle.” On Friday, Sept. 16, comic artist Ed Luce will talk about his underground hit series “Wuvable Oaf,” set in San Francisco’s queer music scene. Full schedule is online at eastcitybookshop.com. (JD)
Long-time Washingtonian Laurie Gillman says Capitol Hill needed its own bookstore so she took it upon herself to open one. (Photo courtesy Gillman)
a&e features
Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar
America 250 celebrations continue
From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.
Museum exhibitions
The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free.
The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.
The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.
Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.
At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.
The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3.
Live performances
On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game.
Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.
From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances.
DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace.
Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.
Other events
Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary.
The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.
For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.
Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.
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Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more
Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.
Dining
Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.
New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:
- Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
- The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
- Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
- Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.
Sports
- Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
- Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.
Festivals
- Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
- Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
- The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
- All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
- Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.
Art and Music
- United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
- The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
- ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
- 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
- Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
- Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
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Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event
Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema
Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.
O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.
“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”
O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.
“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”
The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.
The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.
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