Out & About
Calendar: Aug 9-18
Concerts, meetings and events in the week to come
Friday, Aug. 9
“A Tribute to the Music of Aretha Franklin” featuring R&B recording artist Amaya Taylor is tonight at 8 p.m. at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club (7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md.). Taylor and the Brencore Allstars band will honor Franklin’s musical legacy throughout the evening by performing many of her greatest songs such as “A Natural Woman,” “Until You Come Back to Me,” “Rock Steady” and more. Tickets are $40 and are available on instantseats.com.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Arty Queers presents D.C.’s LGBT art market today 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). Arty Queers is the D.C. Center’s monthly indoor art market featuring original artwork for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass work, textiles and clothing. The market is held the second Saturday each month and features art created by local artists. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Partners of Transmasculine Folx, a support group for partners of trans men, assigned-female-at-birth nonbinary, two-spirit and gender-expansive individuals, meets tonight and every second Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Whitman-Walker Health (1525 14th St., N.W.). The event is free and open to partners of all genders. ASL interpretation provided. For more information visit dcats.org.
Monday, Aug. 12
Today starts Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week which runs August 12-18. At about 100 participating restaurants, lunch and brunch are $22 while dinner is $35. Claudia’s and the Hamilton in downtown D.C., Ambar in Arlington, the Riggsby in Dupont Circle and Sushiko in Chevy Chase all a few of the many restaurants and bistros showcasing a variety of cuisine at a shared price. Book reservations at opentable.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
The iconic band Heart continues their “Love Alive Tour” tonight at 7 p.m. at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.). Tickets start at $29.50 on ticketmaster.com. Formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group pioneered the female-fronted rock band sound and has endured for four decades, earning them four Grammy nominations, over 35 million records sold, ten top 10 albums and a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Fans will be sure to enjoy hits such as “What About Love,” “Never” and “These Dreams.” Visit merriweathermusic.com for more information.
Canadian singer, songwriter and model Shawn Mendes comes to Capital One Arena (610 F St., N.W.) tonight for “Shawn Mendes: The Tour.” Tickets start at $59; show begins at 7:30 p.m. Mendes first gained a following on the video-sharing app Vine and has since released three albums, headlined three world tours and received numerous awards, including two Grammy nominations. For tickets and information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 14
The Big Gay Book Group will discuss “A Ladder to the Sky” by John Boone at 1800 K street, suite 1000 tonight at 7 p.m. This new novel by the New York Times-bestselling author of “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a seductive psychodrama following a gay German novelist who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of fame. RSVP to [email protected]. Newcomers are always welcome.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. Phone 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
The D.C. Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS) hosts its monthly transmasculine and nonbinary social hour tonight starting at 6 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). The event is 17-and-older and open to the public. For more information, visit dcats.org.
Thursday, Aug. 15
The Jonas Brothers perform tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.). Tickets for their “Happiness Begins Tour” start at $84.95 and audiences can be sure to enjoy favorites such as “Burnin’ Up,” “When You Look Me in the Eyes” and “That’s Just the Way We Roll.” Tickets and information available on ticketmaster.com.
Out & About
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Panel discussion to follow ‘Lou’s Legacy’ screening
“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the ‘Washington Blade’” will premiere on Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
This new documentary from Emmy-nominated D.C. filmmaker Patrick Sammon tells the story of the legendary Blade news reporter, Lou Chibbaro Jr., as he works on an article about the return of drag icon Donnell Robinson – also known as Ella Fitzgerald — to the Capital Pride stage.
The documentary follows Chibbaro as he works on a story about Ella’s triumphant return to the Pride stage after three years away because of COVID. Donnell and Chibbaro reflect on their careers and discuss the ongoing backlash against the LGBTQ community, including laws targeting drag performers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by D.C. journalist Rebekah Robinson and featuring Blade Publisher Lynne Brown. This event is free and more details are available at the DC Public Library website.
Friday, May 16
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St. NW. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be 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, May 17
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.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff FunDay Social” at 4 p.m. at Moxy. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected and nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Art with Tosca will host “Queer Icons & Trailblazers: An Art Tour for World Pride DC 2025” at 2:00p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This will be an unforgettable exploration of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and artistic expression at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community through compelling portraits and groundbreaking works that highlight the power of queer artistry. Tickets cost $48 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 19
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
“Pickets, Protests and Parades Exhibit Tour” will be at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This exhibition honors the courage, resistance, and resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets start at $10 and are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion 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. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup.
Wednesday, May 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 22
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 p.m. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. These are open meetings, and we would love to see anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more details, visit Facebook and Twitter.
Out & About
DJs to hold panel discussion on music, identity
Featured artists include DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell
Promethean Fundraising will host “Circuit Music: A LGBTQ+ Cultural Identifier,” an exclusive panel featuring influential LGBTQ DJs in the music industry, on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community (1828 Wiltberher St., N.W.).
The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with these groundbreaking artists as they share their journeys, discuss the cultural significance of circuit music, and explore how music can serve as a platform for advocacy and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. The featured artists are DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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