Arts & Entertainment
Shirtless Violinist covers Katy Perry, launches charity challenge
Matthew Olson performs violin covers in various locales
Matthew Olson is combining music and giving back to the community with his new project, Shirtless Violinist.
Olson, who is openly gay, came up with the idea for the Shirtless Violinist during a conversation with his boyfriend and Shirtless Violinist producer Paul Castle. The couple decided to use the video project as a means to raise awareness of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, and to spark motivation in others to give back to their communities.
Olson is a professionally trained violinist who has played on stage with singers such as Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. He is also part of a musical trio Two Hits and a Miss with his two siblings who are also both professionally trained violinists.
For his first video, Olson performs a violin cover of “Rise” by Katy Perry shot in scenic locations throughout the West Coast such as Napa Valley, Portland International Airport and the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, the performance is filmed with Olson completely shirtless.
Olson encourages viewers at the end of the video to post a picture of themselves giving to a local charity with the hashtag #ShirtOffMyBack on social media for a chance to be featured in an upcoming music video.
Shirtless Violinist plans to release two or more music videos every month at other locations to continue to promote the #ShirtOffMyBack campaign.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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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
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.
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 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 fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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