Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 9-15, 2018
Concerts, parties a pageant and more are highlights this week
‘Federal City Rooftops,’ a work by Gale Wallar, is on display at Touchstone Gallery. (Photo courtesy Touchstone)
Friday, Nov. 9
Chorus D.C. presents Fancy, a dance party featuring music by DJ Shane Marcus, at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Shane Marcus hails from New York City and is known for mixing house music. Tickets are $10. Price increases to $15 at 10 p.m. on the day of the event. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Pup Night tonight from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Pups and handlers are invited to enjoy drink specials, kibble and a mosh area. Drag show begins upstairs at 10:30 p.m. For more details, visit dceagle.com.
Gamma DC, a support group for men in mixed-orientation relationships, meets at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.) tonight from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The group is for men who are attracted to men but are currently, or were at one point, in relationships with women. For more information, visit gammaindc.org.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) presents new exhibits through Dec. 2. “The Healing Power of Art” is on display in Gallery A featuring Touchstone artists who transform negative perceptions into positive artwork. “N • S • E • W” by Gale Wallar is on display in Gallery B which showcases contemporary realism through a variety of genres. Gallery C displays “Fresh Take” by Amy Sabrin which shows landscapes featuring watercolors. Admission is free. For more details, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Saturday, Nov. 10
Singer Bright Light Bright Light performs at Union Stage (740 Water St., S.W.) tonight at 6:30 p.m. Loi Loi and Sub-Radio open the show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit unionstage.com.
Distrkt C presents Jockstrap & Harness Night at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. DJ Morabito will play music. For details, visit distrktc.com.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts Freeballers, an underwear-free dance party, tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Back2back will spin tracks. Clothes check available. For more details, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The New Orchestra of Washington, Washington Master Chiorale, Musica Viva NY and featured artist Joseph Turrin perform “End of the War to End All Wars” at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St., N.W.) today at 5 p.m. The performance commemorates the end of World War I with music based on texts by war poets and features works by composers Holst and Ravel who were affected by World War I. Tickets are $40. For more information, visit neworchestraofwashington.org.
Sunday, Nov. 11
The annual wreath laying for LGBT veterans will be held at the grave of Sergeant Leonard Matlovich at Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) today at noon. Matlovich came out in 1975 making him the first out service member. The ceremony will honor all LGBT individuals who have served the U.S. as soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and coast guardsmen. For more details, search “Annual Wreath Laying for LGBT Veterans” on Facebook.
Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) hosts Flashy Veterans Day Weekend, a dance party, tonight from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Bar is open until 4 a.m. DJ Twin and DJ Sean Morris will spin tracks on the main floor until 5 a.m. Cover is $20 for the main floor and roof deck. Access to the first floor is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/flashydc.
The D.C. Chamber Musicians perform their season opening concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (301 A St., S.E.) today at 3 p.m. The group will perform Beethoven String Quartet Op. 18 and No. 4; Schubert Piano’s Trio D. 898 and Paul Juon “Miniatures.”Admission is free but there is an optional ticket registration to ensure a seat. For more details, visit dccos.org.
Comedian Elizabeth McCain performs her one-woman show “A Lesbian Belle Tells” as part of Charm City Fringe Festival at 322 N. Howard St., Baltimore. A ticket and a button is $15. Tickets without a button are $10. Buttons give attendees discounted ticket prices to all festival events. For more information, visit charmcityfringe.com.
Monday, Nov. 12
D.C. Cocktail Week kicks off today through Nov. 18. Guests can enjoy cocktails and bites for one price at participating restaurants including Allegory, Circa, City Winery, District Commons, Founding Farmers, Iron Gate and more. For a complete list of participating restaurants and for more information, visit dccocktailweek.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 13
JR.’s Bar (1519 17th St., N.W.) hosts Straight Up Paula Abdul Tribute Night tonight from 9:30 p.m.-midnight. VJ Jason Royce will play Abdul’s biggest hits as well as other music videos from the ‘80s and ‘90s. There will also be drink specials and a contest to win two tickets to see Abdul at the MGM National Harbor on Dec. 2. For more details, visit facebook.com/jrsbardc.
DC Stonewall Kickball League team Knock a Pitch Out hosts drag bingo at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) today at 3 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to a non-profit organization. Admission is free. Seating is first come, first served. For more information, search “Drag Your A** 2 Drag Bingo” on Facebook.
Wednesday, Nov. 14
The Health Working Group meets at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today at 6:30 p.m. to discuss transgender health and wellness. The group will discuss existing data on transgender health and wellness and the work of partner organizations to promote transgender health. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its first ever Miss Nellie’s Pageant tonight from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Brooklyn Heights and Chanel Devereaux host the event. Sasha Adams Sanchez, LaBellela Ziah, Iyana Deschanel, Bambi Nicole Ferrah, Gigi Cougture, Whitney GucciGoo and more will perform. Prizes include $1,000 cash, a $600 Absolut prize package, a $600 Red Bull prize package and more. Email brooklynheightsdrag@hotmail.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts karaoke hosted by D&K Sounds tonight at 9 p.m. There will be $3 rail cocktails and domestic drafts and $4 wines. For more details, visit dceagle.com.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and new comers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
Big Gay Book Group meets at Trio Bistro Restaurant (1537 17th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss “Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation” by Robert W. Fieseler. Newcomers welcome. For more details, visit biggaybookgroup.com or email [email protected].
Thursday, Nov. 15
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts its monthly poly discussion group tonight at 7 p.m. People of all different stages are invited to discuss polyamory and other consensual non-monogamous relationships. This event is for new comers, established polyamorous relationships and open to all sexual orientations. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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