Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 13-19
Performances, parties and events in the week to come
Friday, Sept. 13
The D.C. Center Fall Reception is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at the Warner Building (1299 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Tickets start at $50. This is the Center’s signature fundraising event and contributions ensure programming continues for all the D.C. area LGBT community. The reception celebrates 15 years of service as well as a return to the rooftop space at the Warner building. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Alamo Drafthouse (15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100, Woodbridge, Va.) is screening “Friday the 13th (1980)” for 24 hours starting at 10 p.m. tonight. Return to Camp Crystal Lake, shuttered for over 20 years due to several vicious and unsolved murders, now home to a new owner with seven frisky, young counselors. Enjoy a prime Kevin Bacon, as counselors and staff re-open the camp despite warnings from the locals. What could go wrong? For tickets and a vintage trailer, visit drafthouse.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Arty Queers, D.C.’s LGBTQ Art Market, is open today from 11a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., suite no.105). This monthly indoor market features original artwork for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and more. All art is created by local LGBT artisans and displayed in the heart of the U street corridor. Art space is available for $20 per table, and interested artists should visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Drag Picnic hosted by Brooklyn Heights is today from 12:30-3 p.m. at Pitchers D.C. The event is every second and fourth Saturday of the month and showtime is promptly at 1 p.m. Performances by Brooklyn Heights and other D.C. area favorites. Reservations can be made at pitchersdc.eventbrite.com.
The Harmonizers fall show “The Circle of Life” is tonight fro 4-6:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, Va.). This annual event is a journey through Broadway hits, featuring 2015 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Champions “Instant Classic” and the multi-award winning Sweet Adelines quartet, “GQ.” Prices are $35 for general admission tickets and $100 for premier seating. For more information, visit harmonizers.org.
The 2019 Baltimore Drag Festival hosted by Ryan Butler, Josh Kohn and Micah E. Wood starts tonight at 7 p.m. at the Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore). Baltimore’s first-ever drag festival includes vendors, fun, community and drag performances. Headliners include Sabrina White, Karmella and Iyana Deschanel. General admission tickets are $15, $12 for members and $15-18 at the door. VIP tickets are $25, $22 for members. More information at creativealliance.org.
Rave Room featuring Tama Gucci, hosted by Friends with Benefits Radio, is tonight at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Location to be sent by email shortly after purchase.Tama Gucci, a pioneer of R&B and drum and base fusion is the first featured artist of this event series featuring old-school rave, hardcore, breakbeat, hard techno and more. Tickets available at residentadvisor.net or $20 at the door.
Sunday, Sept. 15
The Maryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Md.) hosts a Celtic Celebration today from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $27 for ages 16-61 and $12 for 7-15. Today attendees can enjoy music and merriment with a Celtic flare as they enjoy entertainment throughout the village. For tickets and information, visit rennfest.com.
Monday, Sept. 16
La Ti Do presents Sarah Anne Sillers from 8-10 p.m. tonight at Le Mirch (1736 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). LTD, winner of the D.C. Metro theater arts special award and named Broadway World D.C.’s best cabaret, presents an evening of Jazz performances by Sara Anne Sillers and spotlight feature, Eric Brooks. Guest performers include Rebecca Cooley, Hannah Gilberstadt, Erin Granfield, Michael Santos Sandoval and more. Hosted by Don Michael Mendoza and Anya Randall Nebel. General admission is $20 at the door. More information available at brown paper tickets.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
The Sapphire Sapphos: 40 Years Later is tonight 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Shaw library (1630 7th St., N.W.). Founded in late 1979, this group was D.C.’s first ongoing political, social and cultural group for black lesbians. A panel discussion features past president Tania Abdulahad as she and former members reflect on the organization’s cultural and historical significance. The event is free and open to all but space is limited. Register on eventbrite.com.
The B-52s – 40th Anniversary Tour with guests Orchestral Manoevers in the Dark and Berlin starts at 8 p.m. tonight at The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.). These three chart-topping ’80s bands will thrill fans with hits including the B-52’s “Love Shack,” OMD’s “If You leave” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Tickets and information on ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
The DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) hosts Astronomy on Tap tonight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 and features professional astronomers giving short, engaging talks, prize giveaways and merchandise, including exclusive pint glasses and t-shirts, available for a small donation. Line up includes “How Stars Live and Die” by Liz Landau of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “Astronomy on a Rocket” by Nick Thomas of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, “Jupiter Exposed” by Rahul Patel of CNA Corporation, space-inspired songs by Liz Landau, astronomy bingo, and rooftop stargazing, weather permitting. For more information, visit dc9.club.
Thursday, Sept. 19
LGBT! #ShowUp4DC is today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, and is hosted by the D.C. Center, Capital Pride, DCHomos, Go Gay D.C., HRC and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. This event is to support H.R. 51, the D.C. Statehood Bill, scheduled for hearing today. Supporters state Congress made statehood an LGBT issue when blocking needle exchange programs and medical marijuana during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Current D.C. Council legislation facing possible Congressional interference include LGBT Older Americans and Older People with HIV Act and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Bill. Visit showup4dc.com for more information.
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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