Music & Concerts
FALL ARTS 2018 DANCE: ‘Realm of the Jaguar’
Fall dance offerings range from freestyling contemporary works to classical standards


’SOMBRERISIMO’ with choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and music by Banda Ionica and Titi Robin is a ballet for six men who use a bowler hat to explore masculine identity set to flamenco guitar and Spanish rap in a ‘playful, sexy atmosphere.’ (Photo by Dean Alexander; courtesy Washington Ballet)
PrioreDance presents “Cirque De Nuit” at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) tonight (Friday, Sept. 14) at 8 p.m. Set during the times of traveling circuses, the dance follows a group of outcasts that come together inside and outside the circus tent. Tickets are $10. For more details, visit atlasarts.org.
National Museum of the American Indian (4th St., S.W. and Independence Ave., S.W.) presents “Realm of the Jaguar” on Sept. 22-23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be a series of dance performances from Bolivia, Mexico and Guatemala honoring the jaguar. Attendees can also learn about mask making from Alex Vasquez and artistry from Carlos Chaclán Solís, who tells the story of the jaguars through ceramics. Free admission. For more information, visit nmai.si.edu.
City of Takoma Park presents “Sly Anansi: A Mini Musical” at Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, Md.) on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. The musical retells the West African folk tale about Anansi, the trickster spider who gets tricked himself. The performance features Caribbean dance with original choreography, African drumming, live music and audience participation. Admission is free. For more details, visit facebook.com/takomaparkmd.
The Washington Ballet offers its TWB Welcomes series with “Program A: Exquisite and Exotic” featuring “Serenade,” “Bolero” and three pas de deux Sept. 26, 27, 29 and 30. “Program B: Ethereal and Evocative” features “Les Sylphides,” “SOMBRERISIMO” and three pas de deux Sept. 28, 30 and 30. Its season continues with “Contemporary Masters,” “The Nutcracker” (more details below on that), “The Sleeping Beauty” and three world premieres. Full details at washingtonballet.org.
The D.C. Fall Salsa & Bachata Dance Festival is at the Westin Alexandria (400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, Va.) on Sept. 27-Oct. 1. There will be more than 50 workshops and dance performances throughout the weekend. Theme parties will be held every night with salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba rooms. Weekend passes are $169 and include access to workshops and parties. VIP weekend passes are $195 and includes a T-shirt and VIP seating for all performances. Passes only for workshops are $115. Daily passes range from $15-125.
The AfroCuban D.C. Dance Festival is at the Capitol Quarter Community Center (1000 5th St., S.E.) on Oct. 6 from noon-2 a.m. There will be AfroCuban and folkloric dance and music workshops. Afterwards, there will be an after party. An all access class pass is $100. Individual classes are $20. For a complete list of workshops and instructors, go here.
Gin Dance Company presents “The Story of Our Lives” at the CenterStage at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, Va.) on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will feature the premiere of “We, The Moon, The Sun,” a work by Artistic Director Shu-Chen Cuff which fuses Chinese Opera movements with modern dance. “200 Feet,” a dance performance inspired by author Jack Canfield, Gin Dance Company’s critically acclaimed piece “L.E.O.” and the storytelling performance “The Other Side” will also be included in the showcase. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit gindance.org.
Robert Fairchild joins Renée Fleming for “Voices,” a spotlight series, at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Fairchild, known for portraying the lead role in “An American in Paris,” will perform songs and dance from “An American in Paris” and more. Tickets range from $59-69. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Flamenco dancer and choreographer Eduardo Guerrero performs at George Mason University Center for the Arts (4400 University Dr., Fairfax, Va.) on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Guerreror will perform a mix of classical and contemporary Spanish dance and ballet. Tickets range from $30-50. For more information, visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu.
Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker presents “Dog Without Feathers” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) on Oct. 18-20. The performance is inspired by Brazilian author João Cabral de Melo Neto. Tickets range from $29-79. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
The San Francisco Ballet presents the East Coast premieres of works from “Unbound: A Festival” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) Oct. 23-28. Program A will be performed Oct. 23-24 and 27-28. It will include works from Trey McIntyre, Christopher Wheeldon and David Dawson. Program B will be performed on Oct. 25-27 and includes works from Edwaard Liang, Cathy Marston and Justin Peck. Tickets range from $29-129. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess debuts “Silhouettes” at the Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (8th St., N.W. and F St., N.W.) on Oct. 27 and Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The dance performance is inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibit “Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now,” an examination of the art form and its impact on American history and culture. This gay-helmed company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. For more information, visit dtsbdc.org.
“Demo by Damian Woetzel: Gathering” is at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) on Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Woetzel, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, curates and hosts cross-genre performances. Tickets range from $49-59. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Ragamala Dance Company presents “Written in Water” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) Nov. 2-3. “Written in Water” is inspired by the Indian board game Paramapadam and combines dance, music, text and painting. There will be a free, pre-show interactive game-playing experience. Tickets are $30. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
“So You Think You Can Dance Live” comes to the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. Season 15’s top 10 finalists Hannahlei Cabanilla, Jay Jay Dixonbey, Chelsea Hough, Evan Debendedetto, Genessy Castillo, Cole Mills, Darius Hickman, Madalena Fialek, Slavic Pustovoytov and Jensen Arnold will perform along with the season 15 winners and America’s Favorite Dancers. All star guests will be announced. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $57-87. For details, visit warnertheatredc.com.
The Washington Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at Thearc Theater (1901 Mississippi Ave., S.E.) on Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) from Nov. 29-Dec. 28. This version of the classic Christmas tale is set in Georgetown featuring the traditional “Nutcracker” characters and historical figures such as George Washington and King George III. Tickets for Thearc range from $30-55. Tickets for the Warner Theatre range from $32-125. For more information, visit washingtonballet.org.
Music & Concerts
Busy season for live music in D.C.
Erivo, Kylie, Sivan, and more headed our way this spring

One sure sign of spring’s arrival is the fresh wave of live music coming to Washington. With more than 10 venues and a diverse lineup of artists, the city offers no shortage of live performances for the new season.
In addition to this impressive list, don’t forget the many artists coming to town for WorldPride, May 17-June 8. In addition to headliner Cynthia Erivo performing on Saturday, June 7 at the two-day street festival and concert, many other performers will be in town. Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and RuPaul are among the featured performers at the WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Festival Grounds, June 6-7. Visit WorldPrideDC.org for a list of other performers.
MARCH
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Capital One Arena on March 26 for her For My Fans tour. Two days later, on March 28, J Balvin will also perform at Capital One Arena for his Back to the Rayo tour.
The Lincoln Theatre will host the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington for three performances—one on March 15 and two on March 16.
If dance parties are more your vibe, you’re in luck. DC9 is hosting a series of themed dance parties this month, starting with Poker Face: 2000s + Dance Party on March 14, the ever-popular Peach Pit ’90s dance party on March 15, H.O.T.S.: A Sapphic Dance Party on March 22, and RageRiot!—a burlesque and drag revue featuring a lineup of local drag kings, queens, and everything in between on March 29.
APRIL

Australian queen of pop Kylie Minogue will bring her Tension tour to Capital One Arena on April 8, with British dance artist Romy as her special guest.
Indie singer-songwriter mxmtoon will stop in D.C. for their Liminal Space tour on April 4 at the 9:30 club, followed by indie rock band Gossip on April 5. The 9:30 club will also host two dance parties in April: Gimme Gimme Disco – a dance party inspired by ABBA on April 11 and Broadway Rave on April 18.
The Atlantis will feature Brooklyn-based indie rock band Pom Pom Squad on April 2.
Comedy duo Two Dykes and a Mic will bring their Going Hog Wild tour to the Howard Theatre on April 19.
DC9 has two dance parties lined up this month: Bimbo Night on April 4, hosted by Baltimore’s “premier red-tattooed Filipina diva” Beth Amphetamine, and Aqua Girls: A QTBIPOC Dance Party on April 5, celebrating “queer transcendence through music, movement, and community.”
The Anthem will welcome a lineup of big names in April, starting with Alessia Cara on April 8. Lucy Dacus will take the stage on April 18 and 19 for her Forever Is a Feeling tour, while funky pop artist Remi Wolf will headline on April 27, joined by special guests Dana and Alden.
MAY
Indie-pop artist Miya Folick will bring her Erotica Veronica tour to The Atlantis on May 1, followed by multi-genre musician SASAMI on May 2. Pop artist Snow Wife will close out the month at The Atlantis on May 31 as part of an official WorldPride 2025 event.
Queer rock band Lambrini Girls will perform at the Howard Theatre on May 4, while rock trio L.A. Witch will take the stage at DC9 on May 12.
Union Stage will feature Rachel Platten on May 3 for her Set Me Free tour, followed by Femme Fatale: A Queer Dance Party later that night.
The popular DJ festival Project Glow will return to RFK Stadium grounds on May 31 and June 1.
JUNE
Pride month kicks off with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trixie Mattel, who will perform at Echostage on June 3 as part of a series of official WorldPride 2025 events.
Queer icons Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe will take over The Anthem on June 5 for a WorldPride 2025 event performance.
Perfume Genius will bring his signature sound to the 9:30 club on June 7 as part of WorldPride 2025 festivities. Later in the month, Blondshell will hit the 9:30 club for her If You Asked for a Tour on June 24.
Music & Concerts
Pride concert to take place at Strathmore after Kennedy Center rescinds invitation
International Pride Orchestra ‘heartbroken’ event ‘would no longer be welcome’ at DC venue

The International Pride Orchestra has announced its Pride concert will take place at the Strathmore Music Center on June 5 after the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts disinvited the group.
Since President Donald Trump took over the Kennedy Center during his first month in office, LGBTQ events and performances have been banned with community allies withdrawing in solidarity.
The Kennedy Center has cancelled “A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride,” a May 21 concert that was to feature the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. The International Pride Orchestra on Monday said its concert will now take place at the Strathmore.
“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,” said International Pride Orchestra Founding Artistic Director Michael Roest in a statement released by the orchestra’s media page. “The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. However, we are profoundly grateful to the Strathmore Music Center for opening their doors to us. Their willingness to host our Pride Celebration Concert ensures that our message of love, pride, and resilience will be heard on the doorstep of the nation’s capital.”
The Pride concert is among the events that have faced uncertainty since the Trump-Vance administration took office on Jan. 20. Many, however, are fighting back and looking for ways to push back against the bans and cancellations.
“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” said Roest. “We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.”
WorldPride is scheduled to take place in D.C. from May 17-June 8.
Music & Concerts
J. Lo, Troye Sivan, RuPaul added to WorldPride Music Festival
Two-day event to feature array of musical genres

WorldPride organizers on Tuesday announced two new headliners for the WorldPride Music Festival at RFK Festival Grounds (2400 East Capitol St., N.E.) June 6-7 in Washington, D.C.
Superstar Jennifer Lopez and gay pop artist Troye Sivan are set to headline, while drag trailblazer and TV star RuPaul will also take the stage for a DJ set.
Taking place over two days and nights and across three stages, WorldPride Music Festival will showcase a diverse range of music. Beyond pop stars and drag performances, house, EDM, techno, country, R&B, and a host of other genres will be heard across the weekend.
Featured LGBTQ audience fan favorites include Kim Petras, Rita Ora, Betty Who, and Marina. House and electronic fans will enjoy Zedd, Grimes, Purple Disco Machine, and Sofi Tukker. Other top-billing pop stars include Tinashe, Raye, and Grimes; Paris Hilton is also set to make an appearance.
Other artists that will bring their sounds to one of the stages include Aluna, Anabel Englund, Anne Louise, Coco & Breezy, Crush Club, Dombresky presents Disco Dom, Galantis, Hayla, Kaleena Zanders, Karsten Sollors, Leland + Friends, LP Giobbi, Matt Suave, Patrick Mason, Sasha Colby, Slayyyter, Spencer Brown, Trisha Paytas, and Ty Sunderland.
The music festival came together as a partnership between Capital Pride, Dreamland’s producer Jake Resnicow (who ran WorldPride in New York), and event promoter Club Glow, which has produced several music festivals in the region. Club Glow is set to host a separate festival, Project Glow, also to take place on RFK grounds the weekend prior to WorldPride.
Resnicow, as executive producer, noted that, “WorldPride Music Festival is a moment the world will remember. With legendary artists and our global community coming together, we’re creating an electrifying celebration that unites, uplifts, and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices like never before.”
Given the current political climate and anti-LGBTQ policies sweeping the country, “Hosting this festival in our nation’s capital makes it even more powerful — it’s not just a party, it’s a global movement.” Resnicow added.
Beyond the music, the festival will feature art installations and immersive experiences that celebrate the spectrum of LGBTQ culture, along with food and drink, specialty cocktail lounges, giveaways, and a VIP section. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit Capital Pride Alliance and other local LGBTQ community organizations, ensuring the festival’s impact extends beyond its two days of programming. WorldPride marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in the capital.
General admission, GA+, and VIP tickets start at $209.