Arts & Entertainment
Local social events in brief
Chamber dinner Friday, gay artist at the Center and more
'Gentle Soul,' a photo transfer with mixed media by gay artist Bill Travis, is one of the works that will be on display at the D.C. Center this month. (Image courtesy of the Center)
Gay artist debuts Center exhibit
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be having an opening reception for its next art exhibit, “Bodyscapes: The Art of Bills Travis,” tonight from 6 to 8 p.m.
Travis’s, who is openly gay, work in this exhibit pairs images of bodies and landscapes to “invite us to contemplate connections that can exist on several levels,” according to his artist’s statement.
Travis recently moved to D.C. and has a Ph.D. in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts. He has had more than 60 solo and group shows around the world.
Bodyscapes will be on display through Jan. 5.
For more information on this event, visit thedccenter.org. For more information on the artist and to see some of his photographs, visit billtravisphoto.com.
Gay chamber has national dinner Friday
The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has its national dinner tonight as part of its weekend conference festivities. It’s from 5:30 to 11 at the National Building Museum’s “great hall.”
The theme is “An Evening of Courage.” A “founders and friends” reception and silent auction will be from 5:30 to 7:30 with the dinner to follow. An after party is from 10 to 11.
The museum is at 401 F Street, N.W. Tickets were still available as of press time Wednesday. Call 202-234-9181 or e-mail to [email protected] for more information. Tickets start at $250 for non-members. Several other price packages are available. Visit nglcc.org for more information.
Enigma party tonight at Green Lantern
Enigma is a monthly, alcohol-free and substance-free event at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) on the second floor with its own entrance at the side door that bypasses the first floor. It’s tonight at 10 p.m. and runs till 1 a.m.
Presented by gay event planner Jacob Pring, Enigma is a chance for those who don’t drink or do drugs to have a chance to hang out with friends and play pool without feeling pressured into doing something they don’t want to do.
Matthew, from Nectar Organic Juice Bar, will be there mixing non-alcoholic drinks.
DJ John Thompson will be providing music with a mix of indie, ’80s pop and more.
There is a $5 cover and a security person will be working the door to maintain the clean and sober atmosphere.
For more information, visit jacobpring.com.
Gay-penned ‘Candide’ slated for Harman Hall
Shakespeare Theatre Company teams up with Chicago’s Goodman Theater to present Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide,” based on Voltaire’s satire.
Directed by Tony winner Mary Zimmerman, Candide opens Nov. 26 and is the story of a “optimistic and hopeful” young man.
The show features songs such as “Make Our Garden Grow” and “Glitter and be Gay.”
Candide will be the first musical to be staged in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St., N.W.) and will run through Jan. 9.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit shakespearetheatre.org.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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