Music & Concerts
FALL ARTS 2018 ALBUMS: Cher, Gaga, Idina and (maybe) Madonna
Diva-heavy fall features ABBA tribute, ‘A Star is Born’ soundtrack and tons more
Godmother is a new queer outfit to watch out for. (Photo by Andrey Kezzyn; courtesy Noisy Ghost)
This fall’s album release schedule looks promising for fans of all genres. Several major artists are slated to drop cover albums, several re-releases are in the works and there is lots of new material across the board, including the soundtrack to Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s new film “A Star Is Born.”
Friday, Sept. 14 “American Idol” winner and country icon Carrie Underwood releases her new album, “Cry Pretty,” which marks 13 years since the release of her debut album “Some Hearts.” David Guetta, the French DJ and mastermind behind songs like “Sexy B*tch” and “Titanium,” is also out with “7,” his aptly titled seventh studio album. The lead single, “2U” featuring Justin Bieber, has already been a major success, landing at the Billboard no. 16 spot. Willie Nelson’s album of Frank Sinatra covers, “My Way,” will be released today as well.
On Sept. 21, R&B singer Macy Gray comes out with a new album entitled “Ruby” on the heels of her 2016 jazz album, “Stripped,” a major success on the jazz charts. The 21st also sees the release of “Piano & A Microphone 1983,” a previously unreleased nine-track recording of Prince at the piano. “Bridges,” the new studio album by Josh Groban which features a cover of Celine Dion’s “S’il suffisait d’aimer,” is also scheduled. His 2015 album “Stages” was a set of wide-ranging Broadway covers that put the singer at the Billboard no. 2 spot.
Also on the 21st — and from the other side of the Atlantic — queer pop newcomers Godmother release their self-titled debut. And “Bobbie Gentry: the Girl from Chickasaw County — the Complete Capitol Masters” is slated for release featuring eight discs with seven remastered studio albums and a generous stash of 75 unreleased recordings and never-before-issued live tracks taken from her BBC TV series. It’s looking like a holy grail moment for fans of the mysterious “Ode to Billie Joe” singer who pretty much disappeared from the public eye in 1981.
On Sept. 28, Cher is scheduled to release her much anticipated ABBA cover album, “Dancing Queen.” Her first studio release in five years, “Dancing Queen” arrives on the heels of her performance in this year’s “Mama Mia! Here We Go Again,” for which she recorded ABBA’s “Fernando” and “Super Trouper.” She gets the Kennedy Center Honor on Dec. 2 (broadcast Dec. 26 on CBS).
Also on Sept. 28, country legend Loretta Lynn will release “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” which features new Lynn-penned originals along with new recordings of two of her classic songs, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin.’” It was delayed last year after Lynn’s stroke. Rod Stewart is slated to release his new record, “Blood Red Roses.” And Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) releases her ninth solo album “Holler” with 14 new songs on double LP and other formats.
On Oct. 5, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga release the soundtrack to their upcoming film “A Star Is Born.” The album is loaded with original music, in addition to a few classics — Lady Gaga performs a rendition of “La vie en rose” — all recorded live for the film.
Cher’s ABBA tribute album comes out Sept. 28. (Photo courtesy of the Karpel Group)
Idina Menzel is set to release a new live album, entitled “idina, live,” from her 2017 world tour on the same day. The recording includes songs from the musicals “Wicked,” “Rent” and “Frozen.”
Additionally, Oct. 5 sees new music from pop duo Twenty One Pilots. “Trench” is the group’s first release since its 2015 Billboard no. 1 album “Blurryface.” And rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah is out with a new album called “The Lost Tapes.” On the same day, former Journey frontman Steve Perry is slated to release his third solo record, “Traces.” Perry has already put out the lead single “No Erasin,’” along with a new music video.
The fourth in a series of David Bowie boxed sets is scheduled for release on Oct. 12. “Loving The Alien (1983–1988)” will contain 11 CDs and a 15-piece vinyl set, which includes previously unreleased music and new artwork.
It also looks as though Christmas may come early this year. Also on Oct. 12, English rock legend Eric Clapton is releasing his first Christmas album, “Happy Xmas,” which features a number of classics, including a version of “Jingle Bells.” And RuPaul’s third Christmas album — “Ho Ho Ho” came out in 1997 and “Slay Belles,” in 2015 — will make its debut in October as well.
Other anticipated but so far unscheduled releases this year are expected from T.I., Madonna, My Bloody Valentine, Zayn, Carly Rae Jepsen and, as always, Frank Ocean. And be prepared for a surprise or two along the way.
A Bobbie Gentry box set is out Sept. 21. (Photo courtesy Universal)
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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