Out & About
LGBT themes abound at Fringe Festival
Burlesque, Whitman, Poe and more continue all month
(Photo courtesy CFF)
Capital Fringe Festival, a performing arts festival, presents several LGBT-themed shows during its run. It kicked off this week and runs through Aug 2.
“mostly the Voice: a black lesbian journey,” a musical theater solo performance about a young black lesbian poet and songwriter, begins at Gallaudet University in the Eastman Studio Theatre (800 Florida Ave., N.E.) Saturday at 6:15 p.m. The show runs through July 26. J. scales wrote, composed and stars in the show.
“St. Jimmy Celebrates ‘The Food at Our Feet,’” a comedy cabaret show about cooking “divinities” such as Rachael Ray and Paula Deen by gay playwright Jimmy Grzelak, is at Dance Place in the Hyman M. Perlo Studio (3225 8th St., N.E.) on July 18 at 3 p.m. and runs through July 16.
“Bare Naked Comedy,” a comedic burlesque show, shows at Logan Fringe Arts Space in the Trinidad Theatre (1358 Florida Ave., N.E.) on July 11 at 8:05 p.m. The show runs through July 24 and features local burlesque performers such as Dainty Daindridge, Glam Gamz and more.
“Poe Whitman,” a solo performance by Robert Michael Oliver of Edgar Allen Poe’s “Silence,” “The Raven” and “Eureka” and Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” is at Dance Place in the Hyman M. Perlo Studio. Performances of Poe’s and Whitman’s poems will be done on different nights. Whitman’s poetry will be performed on July 10 at 6:30 p.m., July 15 at 7 p.m. and July 23 at 8 p.m. Oliver will perform Poe’s poetry on July 12 at 2:30 p.m., July 18 at 7:15 p.m. and July 26 at 1:45 p.m.
“Interconnected,” a dramatic play about three families’ lives that are affected by the death of the father of one of the families, is at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) starting July 11 at 4:30 p.m. The play features a bisexual character. The show runs through July 25.
Tickets for each performance are $17. For a complete list of performances in the festival and show times, visit capitalfringe.org.
Anthony Oakes will host “DC Black Pride Comedy Show” on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
Oakes will workshop his new hour about addiction, incarceration, recovery, and redemption with special guests.
This event will be hosted by the hilarious Apple Brown Betty with TJ So Silly, Howl Cooper, and featuring Patrice Deveaux. DJ Art.is will be spinning on the 1’s & 2’s. Libations will be provided by Drink Alchy. Images by RGF ENT. Tickets are $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Out & About
United Night Out set for Saturday
Team DC hosts evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag and community
On Saturday, May 16, Team DC is taking over Audi Field for United Night OUT as D.C. United faces St. Louis SC.
Come out for an evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag, and community. The night kicks off with pre-game fun featuring DC Different Drummers, DJ Heat, and a Pride Night OUT Party at the Heineken Rooftop. Then get ready for a 7:30 p.m. match, including the National Anthem sung by Dana Nearing and a halftime drag performance.
After the match, the celebration continues at the Post-Game Rooftop Party with DJ Heat and the After Party at Dacha Navy Yard. Game tickets and after party tickets are available now through Zeffy. After party tickets are $20 and include one drink.
Friday, May 15
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is 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 16
LGBTQ People of Color 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, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, May 17
Red Bear Brewing Company will host “Drag Brunch” at 11 a.m. This is a camp and comedy drag brunch with host Logan Stone. Tickets cost $10.60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 18
“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, May 19
Center Bi+ Roundtable 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.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, May 20
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will partner with House of Ruth to host “Art & Conversation” at 2:30 p.m. This free workshop is facilitated by art therapist Jenny Christakos, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, a licensed mental health clinician at House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center. This session, titled “The Masks We Wear,” will explore elements connected to identity, belonging, and community. No RSVP required. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Thursday, May 21
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 DC Center’s website.
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