Arts & Entertainment
Dolly Parton scores big with new EDM hit, ‘Faith’

Dolly Parton is already an icon beloved by the LGBT community, there’s no doubt about that, but the singer is winning a whole new generation of fans with her latest single.
Parton’s newest track, “Faith,” is a collaboration with Swedish electronic duo Galantis and Dutch artist Mr. Probz, and it has landed her the top spot on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart – the first time the multi-platinum selling country superstar has achieved that distinction.
The song debuted at number one on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart for the week of Nov. 9. It was streamed 1.8 million times in the U.S. and sold 4,000 downloads in its first week, according to Nielsen Music.
The song, a cover of a 1987 John Hiatt tune, was originally written by Hiatt while in the process of re-stabilizing his career and personal life after getting sober from drugs and alcohol. According to Parton, speaking at a press event celebrating her 50th anniversary at the Grand Ole Opry, the song’s message of positivity fits perfectly into her current musical themes.
“This world is just so dark and ugly and awful. I can’t believe how we just can’t have a little more light and a little more love,” she said. “So I’m gonna try and make it my business to do more songs that are more uplifting. Not just all Christian-based songs, but songs that are just about better things, and have a little more light.”
Parton will perform “Faith” as part of a medley on tonight’s 2019 CMA Awards. She will also co-host with Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, as part of the organizations push to honor iconic women in the genre.
As if the singer weren’t busy enough, later this month, Parton’s new show “Heartstrings” will debut on Netflix, promising “the Dolly music you love, the stories you’ve been waiting for.” An anthology series that showcases the stories, memories, and inspirations behind her most beloved songs, every episode will be scored with “new and classic Dolly music.” Episodes vary in tone, and the cast will include Kathleen Turner, Delta Burke, Gerald McRaney, Ginnifer Goodwin, Julianne Hough, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Timothy Busfield, and Melissa Leo.
Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.
There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.
Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free.
Out & About
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery
The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m.
Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.
The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.
