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.
Friday, June 26
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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 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 The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
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