a&e features
Holiday-themed 2017 albums a mixed bag
Sia, Hanson, Fantasia among pop acts tackling Xmas standards
This year’s holiday-themed albums are a mixed bag. Kaskade has one of the best; many others will have limited appeal beyond the various acts’ core fan base.
Every holiday season, shoppers are inundated with a seemingly endless choice of festive new musical offerings to add to the family’s traditional repertoire. This year is no exception with multiple new releases that cater to just about every style imaginable. We’ve examined 10 of the most prominent new holiday offerings and ranked them in descending order as most to least essential new additions to your holiday music library. (Christmas albums 2017)
No. 1. Kaskade ‘Kaskade Christmas’
The Chicago-based EDM titan Kaskade might seen an odd choice to create a Christmas album, but he delivered a surefire winner, easily the must-own holiday album of the 2017 season. “Kaskade Christmas” is made for adding to that holiday party mix, elegant, festive and uber-cool. Kaskade’s electronic rhythms are stripped-down and painted with Christmasy touches throughout and the vocalists he brings in keep with the chilly minimalism that is a nice contrast to the often over-the-top boisterousness of a typical holiday album. Two particular standouts are classic ballads: “Silent Night” features a sweet vocal performance by Ilsey, and “Holy Night” is Christmas cool, a seamless blend of the traditional and modern. This album was obviously a labor of love for Kaskade and he’s created the essential holiday soundtrack for those classier and elegant gatherings where you want holiday, but not anything close to the crap that blares over department store speakers.
2. Gwen Stefani ‘You Make it Feel Like Christmas’
Gwen Stefani has managed energetic ska/rock during her earlier days with No Doubt and then managed the transition to Top 40 dance/pop solo star. For her first holiday album, “You Make it Feel Like Christmas,” Stefani takes on the role that she’s always managed to fill no matter what style she’s singing: entertainer. “You Make it Feel Like Christmas” is a a glossy frivolity, all smiles and cheer, with an engaging old-school vibe and sparkling vocals. The songs are mostly standards: “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Baby” (well, duh), and “the modern standard, Wham’s “Last Christmas.” Naturally, there’s a duet with her hunky beau Blake Shelton, the upbeat and jubilant “You Make it Feel Like Christmas.” Stefani delivers a knockout of a Christmas album, fun and classy, elegant and bursting with holiday cheer. If you add one Christmas album to your library this year, you could do far worse than “You Make it Feel Like Christmas.”
3. Leslie Odom, Jr. ‘Simply Christmas’
Tony Award-winning star of “Hamilton,” Leslie Odom, Jr. delivers the sweetly soulful “Simply Christmas.” Odom is obviously going for a classic vibe and he achieves this down to the black and white album photo that could have been lifted straight from an earlier generation. Odom’s supple voice shines as he runs through mostly familiar classics, with a few lesser-known gems thrown in for variety. Odom’s take on “The Christmas Song,” a carol that’s been performed and recorded countless times, is particularly reverent and sublime. “Simply Christmas” is heavy on the ballads, so if you’re going for upbeat holiday party music this might not be the best choice, but for a romantic evening in front of the fireplace it couldn’t be more perfect.
4. Cheap Trick ‘Christmas Christmas’
Legendary power-rockers Cheap Trick are the latest rockers to put their stamp on the holidays and they turn in a solid effort on “Christmas Christmas.” The songs are mostly lesser-known tracks, although they do tackle a couple ballads: “Silent Night” doesn’t quite work, but their bluesy take on “Please Come Home for Christmas” is a delight. The rockers are best, though, especially “Run Rudolph Run,” “Merry Christmas Darlings” and the epic “Merry Xmas Everybody.” Cheap Trick’s “Christmas Christmas” will likely never be considered a classic holiday album, but it’s certainly a worthy effort by a venerable band still going strong.
5. Fantasia ‘Christmas After Midnight’
“American Idol” favorite Fantasia goes for the elegant romantic side of the holiday with a sophisticated set of classics and lesser-known tunes that’s pleasant enough, but doesn’t really live up to its full potential given the dynamic power of Fantasia’s voice. It’s a little too smooth and over-produced. Still, it’s far from a disaster and there are moments of pure joy. Fantasia’s jazzy saunter on “The Snow is Falling” is great, and “Merry Christmas, Baby” is the song on which her sparkling personality shines through the brightest. Yeah, we get another dose of “The Christmas Song,” “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and Fantasia’s renditions are pretty if unmemorable. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is performed as a duet with Cee-Lo Green, and while Fantasia nails the pert attitude in her vocal, the song itself never quite gets beyond its usual creepiness. “Christmas After Midnight” feels like it could have been more impactful, but it’s not awful by any means. Fantasia fans will love it; appeal beyond that is limited.
6. Lindsey Stirling ‘Warmer in the Winter’
Violinist Lindsey Stirling offers up her dazzling musical skills on “Warmer in the Winter,” a mostly light-hearted collection heavy on the fun. An early highlight is a cleverly arranged take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” featuring popular teen vocalist Sabrina Carpenter. There are also moments of breathtaking beauty, such as Stirling’s angelic instrumental renditions of “Carol of the Bells” and “What Child is This” (although technically the song was “Greensleeves” before the lyrics were written much later, so if it’s instrumental it shouldn’t really be titled “What Child is This” …. Eh, whatever. It’s beautiful). The shrillness of Stirling’s violin does kinda grate after a while, so this album might be better suited for a shuffle mix rather than listening all the way through.
7. Alabama ‘American Christmas’
Country legends Alabama released their classic “Christmas,” a 1985 collection that has become a standard, thanks in part to the smash “Christmas in Dixie.” For their latest, “American Christmas,” Alabama adds four originals to a mix of standards that also includes a new version of “Christmas in Dixie.” A mix of religious and secular tunes, “American Christmas” is an earnest collection that doesn’t really grab you, but is perfectly fine for background music or as part of a mix to play on Christmas morning. Perhaps, inevitably though, there is one maudlin ballad: “First Christmas Without Daddy.” It’s poignant, but for those of us who quickly flip through “Blue Christmas” and prefer holiday music not drenched in sadness, it’s not likely to be at the top of our holiday playlist. The album as a whole is solid if predictable, which perhaps is the point. With Alabama you know what you’re gonna get and that ain’t necessarily a bad thing.
8. Sia ‘Everyday is Christmas’
It must have seemed like a sure thing: pop phenom Sia, one of the top purveyors of pop gold these days both as a songwriter and performer, teaming up with uber-producer and songwriter Greg Kurstin on a collection of newly written Christmas songs with a modern pop sheen. A holiday album of all new originals is a bit unusual these days, as people are largely traditionalists when it comes to Christmas and like to hear their standards. It can work, though, if this songs are good enough. On “Everyday is “Christmas,” alas, they just aren’t. It’s a bit like tinsel that’s supposed to make your tree all shiny and festive but instead turns it cheap and tacky. “Puppies are Forever” (yeah, really) is about as odious a throwaway as you’ll find, “Ho Ho Ho” tries to be festive but Sia’s overly mannered vocals never convey anything other than an affinity for autotune. The ballad “Underneath the Mistletoe” is nice enough, but by and large “Everyday is Christmas” falls flat.
9. Hanson ‘Finally It’s Christmas’
Two decades ago, back when they were still a teen-pop sensation, Hanson released the now-standard holiday collection “Snowed In.” Now in their 30s, the trio delivers the long-awaiting follow-up, “Finally It’s Christmas” and it’s not quite so quite. It’s overproduced, forced and never transcends its rather bland formula. Not much personality or sincerity to be found. The song selections are uninspired as well: did the world really need another version of the already migraine-inducing “Wonderful Christmas Time”? Sir Paul still has yet to atone for unleashing that atrocity upon the world and Hanson renders it, if anything, even more annoying. Their attempt at a Christmas-rock “Til New Years Night” is limp and the obligatory cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” has all the personality of water-down eggnog (without rum). Unless you’re a Hanson aficionado (and apparently they do exist), “Finally It’s Christmas” can safely stay in its shrinkwrap. “Snowed In” is by far the better of the two, with the younger version of the trio actually managing to instill some enthusiasm and holiday spirit, unlike this leaden collection.
10. ‘The Star (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)’
Sony Pictures’ critically panned animated Christmas film “The Star” has an accompanying soundtrack that is, well, as bad as the firm purportedly is (and I make no claims to having seen it, but the reviews are pretty harsh). Most of the tracks are performed by gospel or contemporary Christian artists and it’s a mixed bag. Casting Crowns perhaps owns the gem of the collection with the beautiful “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and country singer Jake Owen does a nice job on “What Child is This?” Zara Larsson doesn’t quite have the gravitas to pull off a convincing “Mary, Did You Know?” (check out Cee-Lo Green’s definitive version from a few years back instead). The big opening ballad and title song, “The Star” by Mariah Carey, is insipid and dreary. There are a few tracks worth downloaded from your favorite online retailer, but the album as a whole is spotty.
a&e features
Mr. Henry’s celebrates 60 years of proud inclusivity
Capitol Hill staple remains ‘a caring community’
America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year.
Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 1966 and has never looked back.
Yaffe took over what was then a country western restaurant, renovated the interior to his liking, and created an institution. Yet Yaffe had another goal. As a gay man, “he created Mr. Henry’s to be a place where everyone felt welcome — not easy in 1966 — and he succeeded,” says current owner Mary Quillian.
“Mr. Henry’s has long been a place the LGBTQ community has supported because they felt and still feel welcomed,” says Quillian. Even in the current administration, “the gay community and the diversity-minded community continue to come.”
Since then, Mr. Henry’s has changed hands, opened and closed its second floor, welcomed famed musical acts, and played host to politicians, date nights, breakups, and birthdays. But it still feels like home (and has a note in the National Trust for Historic Preservation) at 601 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.
Its wood-paneled, Victorian-inspired art-filled décor in the downstairs dining room and bar serves American pub fare for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends (and a dog-friendly patio). Upstairs, Mr. Henry’s hosts live jazz performances and special events most nights, continuing a musical tradition that has defined the venue for decades. That upstairs bar has played host to names like Roberta Flack and Woody Allen.
Musician Kevin Cordt said that, “Mr. Henry’s has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I started as a customer, then became a bartender and server, and now I have the good fortune to play trumpet at one of the best live music venues in Washington, D.C.”
Aaron Myers, executive director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, is also a supporter. “Not many cities can sport venues that have consistently served the community in the space of culture for more than 50 years, let alone can brag as the birthplace of culture defining talent.”
From the start, Yaffe promoted a rare yet celebrated combination of locals’ bar and soulful nightlife venue. Mr. Henry’s has attracted a diverse crowd at a time when such spaces were – and perhaps still are – uncommon, a diversity that is credited with helping protect the pub during the 1968 D.C. riots.
Longtime customer Evelyn Branic said, “Mr. Henry’s has been my ‘Cheers’ hangout since my wife and I moved to the Hill in 1987. I’ve experienced many iconic moments meeting politicians, reporters, civic activists, and neighbors engaging in spirited conversations. Whether political, LGBTQ, historians, neighbors, or out-of-towners, everyone could find a special place to be greeted as a friend.”
Its welcoming tables come dabbed with a bit of tea: In 1971, in a moment that has since become part of Capitol Hill lore, Yaffe lost the pub in a poker game to Larry Quillian. The Quillian family, recognizing the special role Mr. Henry’s played in the neighborhood, took over ownership, and committed to preserving its spirit. Today, Larry’s daughter Mary owns the bar, having given it a bit of a facelift for the bar’s 50th birthday, bringing in new tables and some fresh menu items.
For example, the menu has some of those dishes that regulars would riot if they disappeared. The Reuben and the hamburgers, the chili and in-house roasted turkey have never departed the menu. Dishes do evolve, says Quillen: they added wings about two decades ago.
In 2026, the restaurant is hosting monthly ticketed “decades” parties, celebrating each of the 10-year periods the restaurant’s been open, plus there were specials in June for Pride. The official 60th anniversary gala takes place Aug. 29, featuring performers, beverages, timeless favorite foods, swag – and the unveiling of a new cocktail.
Inclusive, eccentric, eclectic, Mr. Henry’s is looking forward to maintaining its centrality to diverse crowds in Capitol Hill. Battling inflation, rising menu prices, changing tastes, and thin margins, Quillian says that Mr. Henry’s has — and will always be — “a caring community for so many different folks. And THAT is why I am committed to keeping us going. Society needs places like Mr. Henry’s, now more than ever.”
a&e features
Television loses a legend, longtime ‘Will & Grace’ director James Burrows
Iconic hitmaker leaves behind a legacy of telling LGBTQ stories
You don’t have to be a pretentious film major to name 10 movie directors. But naming television directors is not that simple. They’re the unsung heroes of your favorite shows, and the late James Burrows was the television director. He passed on June 19, but his DNA runs through television history.
He directed over 1200 episodes of television and over 50 pilots. He co-created “Cheers” and directed many episodes of long-running series like “Friends,” “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Two and a Half Men.” You also may remember him from playing a heightened version of himself on the Lisa Kudrow comedy “The Comeback.”
He has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ community. As recently as last year, he directed the series run of “Mid-Century Modern” starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Linda Lavin. He was also a longtime director of “Will & Grace” and directed every episode of the series revival. He even directed the unaired “Absolutely Fabulous” pilot with Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Johnston, and Zosia Mamet.
Not to mention he’s worked with queer icons throughout history, including Betty White and Stockard Channing on their single-season series, and Jennifer Coolidge in “2 Broke Girls.”
He started his career on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and the first four seasons of “Taxi.”
He continued to work steadily and directed successful pilots that went to series for “Roc,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Wings.” He directed multiple episodes of “Friends,” “Caroline in the City,” and “Frasier.”
This magic continued into the 2000s with him directing the pilots for “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and multiple episodes of “Mike & Molly,” and the entire return series of “Will & Grace.”
What was the secret to his success? He’d enact the “fun clause” in his contract. In his words, “Life is too short to deal with obnoxious leads,” he shared. “So as long as the writing is good and the cast is fun, I’m going to enjoy the experience.”
He had the magic touch, having multiple pilots turned into long-running series. He was nominated for an Emmy 24 times in 26 years and worked consistently until a year before his death.
The secret was the way he brought the cast together. He describes, “it was my job to mold them into an ensemble, and they did round into a group of people who loved each other.”
This earned him 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, including being awarded the inaugural DGA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Television Direction.
In a 2003 interview by the Television Academy, he was asked how he wants to be remembered, and he said, “That every night forever you can tune in somewhere, and there’ll be a show I did.”
He’s survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, seven grandchildren, and the countless people whose careers he launched and the countless viewers he inspired with his television legacy.
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
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