a&e features
Olivia Newton-John on what really matters to her
Cancer survivor talks music, ‘Grease,’ her memoirs and why she can never seem to slow down
Olivia Newton-John says she’s been making music more meaningful to her in the last few years. (Photo by Denise Truscello)
Capital Caring
40th anniversary benefit concert
Hospice Comes to Washington
Malen Smith Davis, president Capital Caring
Olivia Newton-John
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Amy Sky
Monday, May 1
Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
7 p.m.
Tickets: $95 (meet-and-greet package: $350)
Olivia Newton-John, center, with music pals Amy Sky, left, and Beth Nielsen Chapman. They’re in Washington Monday night for a benefit concert. (Photo courtesy Caprio Media Design)
Multi-talented singer, actress and activist, Olivia Newton-John will make a special stop in the nation’s capital at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Monday, May 1 for Capital Caring’s 40th anniversary.
The “Physical” singer and “Grease” icon will perform a special acoustic show with Amy Sky and Beth Nielsen Chapman in honor of their album together, “Liv On.”
Released in October, “Liv On” is about healing and coping with loss. In a statement about the album, the three women say it’s “intended for those who wish to transcend loss while walking a journey toward newfound meaning and hope.”
The album is extremely personal for the three women as each have suffered loss in recent years. Newton-John lost her sister to brain cancer, Sky lost her mother to cancer and Nielsen Chapman lost her husband to cancer as well. Newton-John and Nielsen Chapman are also breast cancer survivors or “thrivers” as they call themselves.
WASHINGTON BLADE: You’re in D.C. for Capital Caring’s 40th anniversary. Why is this an important event for you to be a part of?
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN: Well, I’ve never been part of this event before, but I just recorded an album with two of my dear friends, Amy Sky and Beth Nielsen Chapman. We recorded an album called “Liv On.” Have you heard it yet?
BLADE: I have actually. It’s a great album, very soothing and comforting.
NEWTON-JOHN: Aw, thank you. So the album is about loss and grief and moving through it. We were asked to do this event and it seems to fit in with the theme of the album, am I correct?
BLADE: You are. The event is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hospice Comes to Washington as well.
NEWTON-JOHN: Exactly, so that’s why we’re proud of this album. The three of us have all experienced the emotions of loss and grief and this album is really inspired by when I lost my sister nearly four years ago now to a brain tumor. I realized there wasn’t music about going through loss and grief and I would write songs and my friends Beth and Amy had written some songs on the same subject and we started collaborating and writing some new ones. It’s a healing experience for us.
BLADE: You worked with Amy on “Grace and Gratitude.” Had you worked with Beth before?
NEWTON-JOHN: Yes, we wrote a few things together and she’s an amazing writer and friend. We’re friends more than anything. She had breast cancer and I talked to her and helped her through that time period, so we’ve been friends for a long time.
BLADE: In 2014, a year after the death of your sister, you released a great EP called “The Hotel Sessions.”
NEWTON-JOHN: Yes, thank you. I did the EP with my nephew, Rona’s son (Brett Goldsmith).
BLADE: Was that part of the healing process for the two of you?
NEWTON-JOHN: No, not really. We had started it four years before. Every time I’d go to Australia I’d go to his house in Melbourne and we’d finish another track. We had just finished it right around the time she got sick. It was just perfect timing.
BLADE: How long did the process of recording “Liv On” take?
NEWTON-JOHN: It took about a year. We had to write the songs and I was in Vegas and the girls have their own careers, so we had to find a time we could all get together. It was a long process, but it was really worth it because it’s a timeless subject that everyone can relate to.
BLADE: You’ve done a few shows so far with Amy and Beth. What can fans expect?
NEWTON-JOHN: It’s going to be the album plus maybe a song or two of our own. It’s a trio, you know. It’s been wonderful working with them and singing as a trio rather than by myself and having the support of them on stage with the emotional aspect of this, it’s been fabulous.
BLADE: Have you heard from fans and what their reactions have been to “Liv On”?
NEWTON-JOHN: Oh yes, they love it. We’ve had some strong reactions to it. You know, everybody goes through loss and pain in their life and not everyone has someone to talk to about it and that can be very devastating. I think it’s a wonderful outlet for people to share.
BLADE: Family is important to you and in 2015, you released “You Have To Believe” with your daughter, Chloe Lattanzi and it went to No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Hot Dance Songs Chart. Was that a surprise for you?
NEWTON-JOHN: It was a wonderful surprise! (laughs) We thought it would do well, but for it be number one was fantastic.
BLADE: For some of the die-hard fans out there, is there a vault of unreleased Olivia songs that are just waiting to see the light of day?
NEWTON-JOHN: You know what, there are. I’m going to be doing a box set at some point.
BLADE: Have you thought about releasing a memoir?
NEWTON-JOHN: Yes, I’ve thought about it. It’ll probably be in the works at some point.
BLADE: Along with the “Liv On” shows, you’re also touring with your own show. You wrapped up Vegas last year and are doing select dates across the country. Do you prefer doing a residency or do you have more fun hitting the road?
NEWTON-JOHN: I like them both for different reasons. I wouldn’t say one over the other. I enjoyed my three years in Vegas and I liked the consistency and waking up in the same bed, having my husband and my animals with me, so that was fantastic. Touring is a whole other thing too, but it’s fun and different.
BLADE: Your last few albums have been more on the inspirational side. Any thought on releasing any more pop music?
NEWTON-JOHN: Ummm, well, I don’t close the door on anything. Who knows what will happen. What I’m doing now is more of what I’ve wanted to do lately.
BLADE: During your concert shows, you pay tribute to your country music beginnings. When you first came to Nashville, there was a lot of opposition with you treading into this established traditional community. Did you ever feel the backlash back then?
NEWTON-JOHN: You know what, I wasn’t really aware of the backlash till afterward. I was traveling and touring and I heard about it after and heard Dolly and Loretta had backed me up so I had great support. It was just a few people, you know — it was change. John Denver and I were the first people to cross over from country to pop and I think that was threatening to them, but they later on saw the advantage (laughs).
BLADE: You sparked some excitement recently when you announced you were planning something for the 40th anniversary of “Grease.”
NEWTON-JOHN: I didn’t actually make any announcement (laughs). I don’t know where that came from. I said we’ll probably do something is all I said. I’m not sure what we’re going to do yet for it.
BLADE: Do you feel any of your movies were overshadowed by the success and popularity of “Grease”?
NEWTON-JOHN: Not really. I don’t think so. I made “Xanadu” afterward and a few little movies that were fun to make. I did one about five years ago called “A Few Best Men” that was pretty funny, but I don’t think it’s gotten released here in the States.
BLADE: Over the last few years you’ve been hinting about retiring and taking it easy. Do you think you could ever really settle down outside the spotlight?
NEWTON-JOHN: I’m gonna do less. I’ve been saying for 10 years I was gonna do less, but fun things come up and I never know what’s going to happen. That’s the fun of it really.
BLADE: Everyone knows you from something different — some from your acting, your music, charity work. What do you want to be most remembered for?
NEWTON-JOHN: Gosh, I haven’t really thought about that. Well of course for having nice music, lovely music and if I may have touched someone’s heart or helped them in some way. And of course for the hospital (Olivia-Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre). I’m hoping my hospital is where we’ll see an end to cancer, that’s my dream.
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.
a&e features
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.
a&e features
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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