Music & Concerts

‘Atomic’ hit parade

‘80s dazzlers strung together deftly on ‘Blonde’ soundtrack

Published

8 years ago

August 10, 2017

Chris Gerard

Atomic Blonde, gay news, Washington Blade

The ‘Atomic Blonde’ soundtrack is a strong ‘80s hits compilation that works on its own. (Photo courtesy Focus Features)

One of the most anticipated films of the summer is the thriller “Atomic Blonde” starring Charlize Theron as a British spy operating just as the Berlin Wall is about to collapse as the ‘80s wound to a close.

While the movie hasn’t been a major blockbuster, it has performed respectfully and reviews have been mostly favorable. One of its most notable aspects is the deft use of some terrific music from the ‘80s which sets the right vibe for the bygone era in which it is set. Summer movies have traditionally been fertile ground for classic soundtracks, with some even outlasting the movie to which it belongs in pop culture awareness.

That might not be the case with “Atomic Blonde,” but director David Leitch’s song selections make for an awesome nostalgia ride that will delight fans of ‘80s music and will hopefully introduce new audiences to some truly classic tunes.

David Bowie’s “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” makes yet another high-profile appearance in film, a testament to the song’s gripping cinematic power. It was originally written and recorded for the 1982 film “Cat People” directed by Paul Schrader, and Quentin Tarantino dusted it off for a key sequence in his 2009 wartime thriller “Inglourious Basterds.” It opens the compilation with a brooding intensity that sets the mood.

German artist Peter Schilling’s synth-rock staple “Major Tom” follows, a clever transition from the man who originated the character in “Space Oddity” to the tense and jittery homage that became a surprise hit (Schilling’s only Top 40 appearance in the U.S.) in 1983.

One of the coolest things about the “Atomic Blonde” soundtrack is that Leitch doesn’t just go with obvious choices. There are a few major hits, like George Michael’s sensual chart-topper “Father Figure,” A Flock of Seagulls’ new wave essential “I Ran (So Far Away),” and Til Tuesday’s mournful tale of an oppressive relationship, “Voices Carry,” but there are also lesser-known tracks. Siouxsie and the Banshees’ dramatic “Cities in Dust” is a superb addition, as is Re-Flex’s “The Politics of Dancing,” an edgy electro-rocker that wasn’t a giant hit upon its release in 1984 but still pulses with club-ready energy.

Given that the film is largely set in Germany, Leitch chooses several tracks that harken back to that country’s proud pop music history. Nena’s anti-war fable “99 Luftballons,” set at the Berlin Wall, is always wonderful to hear (as is the new recording by Kaleida, also featured on the soundtrack).

“Der Kommissar,” a song originally released in German by Falco in 1981, is featured as covered by After the Fire, who scored a major U.S. hit with their 1983 English-language version. Several new covers are thrown into the mix, including a searing take on New Order’s “Blue Monday” by HEALTH, and Marilyn Manson’s collaboration with original score composer Tyler Bates on a manic version of Ministry’s industrial epic “Stigmata.”

Movie soundtracks, with few exceptions (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” for instance) no longer enjoy the same massive cultural cachet as in decades past, but there are still great ones to be found thanks to directors who know how to incorporate outstanding music into their films in meaningful ways. “Baby Driver” is arguably the best of the summer so far, but “Atomic Blonde” is right up there with it.

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Music & Concerts

Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program

‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

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.

Published

3 months ago

September 9, 2025

Joe Reberkenny

Doechii performing at WorldPride 2025's closing concert in June earlier this year. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas

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

Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride

Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica

Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

Lisner Auditorium

Washington Master Chorale

Sacred Jewel Box

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

Published

5 months ago

July 18, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Pop icon Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live on July 24. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

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.