Arts & Entertainment
Dolly Parton and Pentatonix sing a capella version of ‘Jolene’
the classic hit gets a revamped sound
(Dolly Parton and Pentatonix sing ‘Jolene.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
Grammy-winning group Pentatonix was joined by Dolly Parton to sing an a capella version of her classic hit “Jolene.”
Pentatonix delivers a backing beat using only their voices while Parton takes over as lead vocalist. After the video was released, both Parton and Pentatonix tweeted their excitement over the project and each other.
Singing with @PTXofficial was pure magic, and we had lots of fun rearranging the song! #PTXDollyJolene
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 16, 2016
It was magical singing with YOU!! We will never forget it! <3 #PTXDollyJolene https://t.co/tRldEnMoNr
— Pentatonix (@PTXofficial) September 16, 2016
Singing with @DollyParton was a dream come true for us, and we had so much fun arranging the song! #PTXDollyJolene
— Pentatonix (@PTXofficial) September 16, 2016
“Jolene” was released in 1974. Rolling Stone ranked the song No. 217 on its “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2004. The revamped version is available on iTunes.
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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