Arts & Entertainment
Kesha drops single ahead of new album
Kesha fans can rejoice – not only is the rapper, singer and songwriter’s newest album set to release on Friday, she’s dropped another advance track with today’s release of the song, “Tonight.”
The music superstar’s fourth album, “High Road,” from Kemosabe/RCA Records, is the culmination of a lead-up that has included three – now four – singles and the announcement of a North American tour this spring. On Thursday, the eve of the album’s release, she’ll also hit the stage on “The Late, Late Show with James Corden” to perform the previously released track “Resentment,” giving fans one more bonus treat for a very eventful week.
The latest track begins with a delicate piano solo, leading into Kesha’s soulful vocals before transforming into something much wilder.
According to the press release:
“[The song] undergoes a sudden morphing, from heartfelt pop ballad into a dirty, club-ready hip-hop ode to a wild night – of throwing caution to the wind, living life to the fullest, losing your phone, and smuggling a bottle of wine in your purse. ‘Tonight’ is a tantalizing merger of the inspiring heart found on her last album Rainbow with the signature gritty IDGAF swagger from her early releases. The song is destined to become a celebratory anthem and is the perfect sampling of what’s to come when ‘High Road’ drops on Friday.”
“Tonight,” written by Kesha with Wrabel and Stint (who also produced the track), has been one of the new albums most highly anticipated tracks. Fans have been buzzing about it since it was featured in the album’s trailer, and a portion was heard in a video posted by a fan from a live event in LA a few months ago.
Previously released from “High Road” have been the raucous lead single “Raising Hell” (feat. Big Freedia, the self-empowered and tongue-in-cheek “My Own Dance,” and the heartbreaking country-crossover collaboration “Resentment” (feat. Sturgill Simpson, Brian Wilson and Wrabel).
You can listen to the new track below.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
