Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 23-29, 2018
Happy hours, support groups and the opening night of ‘The Laramie Project’ in the upcoming week
John Legend plays MGM National Harbor next week. (Photo courtesy MGM National Harbor)
Friday, Nov. 23
The D.C Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Woof: Happy Hour and Porn Star Bingo today from 5-11 p.m. Eddie Danger hosts Porn Star Bingo which will have prizes. There will be free pizza for the crowd at 7:30 p.m. Drink specials run until 11 p.m. No cover before 9:30 p.m. For more details, visit dceagle.com.
Gamma D.C., 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 relationshipa with women. For more information, visit gammaindc.org.
Women in Their 20s and 30s, a social discussion group for LBT and all women interested in women, meets tonight at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 8-9:30 p.m. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Saturday, Nov. 24
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts Small Business Saturday, a gathering of local LGBT businesses, today from noon-5 p.m. Local LGBT and LGBT-friendly small businesses will have their products and services for purchase. There will also be door prizes, music, snacks and more. There will also be a collection of winter coasts for D.C. Center clients in need. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) hosts All the Divas: a Dance Party with DJ lil’e tonight from 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. DJ lil’e will spin tracks by artists such as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Prince and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to rainn.org. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit 930.com.
Trade hosts an extended happy hour today from 2-10 p.m. Any drink usually served in a cocktail glass will be served in a large glass for the same price. Beer and wine drinks are $4. For more details, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
The Glossary D.C. Support Group is at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today from noon-2 p.m. The group is specifically for people of color who identify as masculine of center, non-binary or trans-masculine. Discussion will include family dynamics, cultural understanding and more. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Sunday, Nov. 25
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) has a drag brunch today with shows at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Drag entertainers will perform as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Pink and more. Tickets are $41.91 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet and one mimosa or bloody Mary. For more details, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Monday, Nov. 26
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours for the senior LGBT community this morning from 10 a.m.-noon. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
The Gay Men’s Health Collaborative has free HIV testing and STI screening at the Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St., Alexandria, Va.) today from 5-6:30 p.m. For more details, text 571-214-9617 or email [email protected].
Overeaters Anonymous hosts a meeting specifically for LGBT individuals at St. George’s Episcopal Church (915 Oakland Ave., Arlington, Va.) tonight at 7 p.m. Newcomers welcome. For more information, call 703-521-1999 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, Nov. 28
John Legend brings his “A Legendary Christmas Tour” to MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m. Legend will perform a mix of holiday favorites from his Christmas album of the same name.Tickets range from $111-208. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
SMYAL hosts Overcoming LGBTQ Youth Homelessness: Resiliency and Hope at Verizon Technology and Policy Center (1300 I St., N.W.) today from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The panel discussion will feature youth who have experienced homelessness and are currently participating or have participated in SMYAL’s housing program. The program is held in honor of National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month to spotlight how almost half of homeless youth in D.C. identify as LGBT. Admission is free. For more information, visit smyal.org.
EntryPointDC hosts Hipster Hanukkah Holiday Market at Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St., N.W.) tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be musical performances, DIY activities, a hot chocolate bar and donuts. The program is aimed at people in their 20s and 30s. Entry is $6. For details, visit facebook.com/entrypointdc.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) holds Foster Parent and Adoption Information Night tonight at 6:30 p.m. There will be presentations by LGBT foster parents and representatives of the Latin American Youth Center Child Placement Programs. All are welcome. RSVPs are encouraged. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Thursday, Nov. 29
Preservation Maryland hosts a free lecture on LGBTQ history in Maryland at Chase Brexton Health Services (1111 North Charles St., Baltimore, Md.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. Susan Ferentinos, Ph.D., author of the book”Interpreting LGBT History,” will lead the discussion on LGBT history and historic preservation efforts in Maryland and around the country. Guests can suggest relevant LGBT locations in Maryland to research. After the lecture, there will be a reception with light fare. Admission is free. For more details, search “Free Lecture: Uncovering LGBTQ History in Maryland” on Eventbrite.
The Rome School of Music, Drama and Art presents the opening night of its production of “The Laramie Project” at the Hartke Theatre (3801 Harewood Rd., N.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The play is based on more than 200 interviews conducted by Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project that explore the people’s reactions to the murder of Matthew Shepard. Matt Ripa directs. The show runs through Dec. 2. General adult tickets are $20. Senior tickets are $15. Student tickets are $10. For more information, visit drama.catholic.edu.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
In some fowl fiction foreshadowing, a gay-owned chicken joint has come home to roost on U Street, taking a page from the chicken window subplot on the HBO show “Looking.”
Last Friday, Lucky Pollo – much more than just a takeout window – stretched its wings atop the busy nightlife corner of 14th and U Streets NW.
Behind the poultry production place is Zach Renovátes, a D.C.-based nightlife operator and managing partner of LGBTQ venues Bunker and District Eagle, as well as the LGBTQ event production company KINETIC Presents.
Renovátes opened Bunker in February 2023 and District Eagle in January of this year. Lucky Pollo is the third in his growing gay empire, though this time there are noshes.
“Lucky Pollo was meant to be fun and a little provocative,” Renovátes said.
Based around its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, Lucky Pollo is a quick-service restaurant boasting a small menu of poultry and sides. Renovátes says that the dishes are deeply rooted in Peruvian culinary tradition, “a playful experience alongside seriously good food.”
Lucky Pollo’s signature chicken is steeped in a dozen-plus-spice marinade for 24 hours. The meat is then slow-roasted, rotisserie-style, over oak-wood charcoal. Chicken options include quarter, half, and whole.
Helming the kitchen at Lucky Pollo is Chef Luis Herrera, who brings Peruvian recipes passed down through three generations, including his grandmother Laura’s original creations.
Beyond the full bird, the menu features Peruvian-inspired sides like yuca fries (“I personally love these,” says Renovátes) and fried plantains, as well as comfort classics such as mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, and bowls, wraps, and salads. Herrera oversees development of the multiple sauces (including staff favorite, the “secret green sauce”), crafted in-house using traditional Peruvian ingredients.
Lucky Pollo, in its streetside perch, is an independent concept from District Eagle, open to the public and staying open late (3 a.m. on weekends) to serve both nightlife guests and the wider U Street crowd hungry for late-night bites. However, just beyond the kitchen, tucked in the back lies a vintage 1950s candy machine—labeled “Out of Order,” which serves as the door leading to subterranean District Eagle.
Renovátes notes that when District Eagle is open, security staff will maintain a strict two-line policy, ensuring that those seeking meat to eat will not get entwined with those looking to gain access to District Eagle.
Lucky Pollo unites the need for sustenance with the idea of a bit of fortune, given its motto, “Get Lucky” and the whimsical brand mascot: a leather-booted chicken perched on a horseshoe. Renovátes and his District Eagle business partner had always been interested in opening a restaurant, and the Lucky Pollo space was indeed lucky: It already came with a functional kitchen. Plus, he says, the nearby fast-casual places around 14th and U streets “don’t offer a lot of quality options,” so opening the chicken spot “was a no-brainer.”
The space, designed by NYC creative Jasin Cadic, blends theatrical street-art-style vibes with Keith Haring-inspired wall prints, neon signs, and ceiling-hung chicken figurines —”some edgy, some sweet,” says Renovátes —creating an immersive, playful atmosphere. Lucky Pollo and District Eagle maintain separate amenities for their respective customers.
Lucky Pollo opened last week with a competition to devour a whole rotisserie chicken in the fastest time, with the winner earning $1,000 and a framed spot on the restaurant’s “Wall of Fame.” The opening also featured other games and prizes, and a full crowd spilling out the door.
“We want it to be a great place to eat, but also serve as a playful front for something completely unexpected.” Renovátes says.
On weekends especially, he jokes, the motto will be, ‘Come for the chicken, stay for the cock.’”
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