Music & Concerts
Revisiting the classic Tori Amos album ‘Boys for Pele’
Seminal 1996 work gets vinyl, deluxe treatment for 20th anniversary Rhino re-release
Tori Amos’ 1996 release ‘Boys for Pele’ is a favorite of her hardcore fans. (Photo courtesy Rhino)
Tori Amos is one of the most important yet woefully underappreciated artists of the last 35 years.
Despite the one-two punch of her now-classic first two albums, 1992’s “Little Earthquakes” and 1994’s “Under the Pink,” both full of wrenchingly confessional yet achingly beautiful songcraft, Atlantic Records were in a state of shock when in 1996 Amos delivered her third album, the extraordinary “Boys for Pele.”
Amos had recently experienced a painful romantic breakup with her longtime musical collaborator Eric Rosse, and “Pele” drew heavily from the anguish of that disintegration. “Pele” is the journey of a woman at times despondent and seemingly defeated, at times exploding with molten rage, and at times philosophical and self-aware enough to wonder what comes next.
There were no obvious singles (“Caught a Lite Sneeze” was about the closest, and it became the first single), as “Boys for Pele” is a challenging listen, one that takes time to digest and absorb. The songs do not follow traditional arrangements and she relies on the harpsichord as much as the piano. Sometimes her voice is as beautiful and melodic as ever, sometimes it’s unhinged in a torrent of pain or fury. Despite its evocative strangeness (or perhaps because of it), millions of fans heard what Amos was saying loud and clear. “Boys for Pele” rocketed to no. 2 on the Billboard Album Chart, although critics generally didn’t know what to make of it. Fans continue to cherish it, though, and many die-hards consider “Boys for Pele” her crowning achievement.
Twenty years later, esteem for “Boys for Pele” has only grown, and Rhino Records is celebrating the album by issuing a deluxe double-CD edition that features a digitally remastered version of the original recording and a full disc of rarities, b-sides, remixes and previously unreleased material. A vinyl edition is also coming, although it will not include the bonus material. The remastered album sounds superb, with a crisp clarity similar to the remasters of “Little Earthquakes” and “Under the Pink” released last year. Of course, of interest to most of the die-hard is the second disc, where all the hidden treasures are collected.
Disc two is a bit of a mixed bag and seems to be somewhat a missed opportunity. More unreleased material would have been welcome. That said, there are some definite thrills. “To the Fair Motormaids of Japan,” a sprightly piano jaunt, is a track fans have been pining to hear ever since Amos mentioned it in an interview around the time of “Pele” as a song that didn’t make the album.
The particularly bracing “Sucker” is another previously unreleased studio song and it’s even more challenging than most of the era’s fare. For the most part, the disc two consists of the era’s b-sides, the best of which — “Alamo,” “Graveyard” and “Frog on My Toe” — are exquisite, though several are less essential. Amos also incorporates some live tracks, which are generally excellent (including the famous “Merry Widow” version of “Professional Widow”), and some remixes (the “Armand’s Star Trunk Funkin’ Mix” of “Professional Widow” became an unlikely no. 1 single on the U.K. pop charts and was one of the decade’s’ biggest dance singles). As a listening experience, though, going from a sketch of a demo to a thumping remix to a typically eccentric b-side is jarring.
Still, “Boys for Pele” is an album that richly deserves the lavish 20th anniversary treatment and will hopefully draw a new generation of fans with its innate power of beauty, heartbreak, rage and ultimately resolve.
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.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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