Arts & Entertainment
May events galore planned for D.C.
D.C. spring events in full swing this month
VinoFest, a ‘super-sized’ wine tasting is this weekend. (Photo courtesy VinoFest)
As the weather gets warmer and people begin to transition their weekend activities from indoors to outside, a bevy of spring events are popping up all over town to satisfy that spring fever. Pride festivals, concerts, a wine tasting and many others are scheduled to make sure no one’s social calendar remains empty.
Capital Trans Pride is at the Reeves Municipal building (2000 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be workshops and panel discussions on how to be a supportive trans ally, HIV prevention, Genderqueer 101 panel discussion, name and gender change and more. After the festivities of the day there will be a happy hour at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) from 4-7 p.m.
D.C. Black Pride runs over Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30.This year’s theme “i am u. u r me. we are Pride” will have both lesbian and gay dance parties, workshops, entertainers, a writer’s forum and a film festival.
“There are still members of the Black LGBTQ community in the D.C. area who feel as through they are alone and isolated as they did with coming to terms with their expression of their sexuality,” says Earl Fowlkes, CEO of the Center for Black Equity. “D.C. Black Pride still draws a majority of our 25,000 or so attendees from the DMV area. D.C. Black Pride remains an important source of information on HIV/AIDS, spirituality, youth service, men’s and women’s health, and more for the Metro area.”
The Green Festival Expo will be at Washington Convention Center (801 Mt Vernon Pl., N.W.) in D Hall on Friday, May 6 from noon-6 p.m.; Saturday May, 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, May 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ralph Nader will speak on Saturday, May 7 on the Green Fest Stage after the screening of “Cowspiracy: the Sustainability.” Other speakers will be owner of Full Flavor Vegan Milan Ross; Co-Director of Earth Rights Institute Alanna Hartzok; Co-Founder of One Common Unity Hawah Karat; and Founder of the Cannabis and Hemp Association Scott Giannotti. Learn about plant-based power, agriculture, yoga and other environmental wellness topics with speakers and numerous exhibitors.
“We believe there is no better time to be in the D.C. area, where decisions about our sustainability policies are being made and climate issues are being addressed and we hope Green Festival Expo can provide a venue for consumers to contribute to the conversation,” says Corinna Basler, president of Green Festivals.
Tickets range from $13.65-37.92. Mothers receive free admission all weekend.
You don’t have to be in Kentucky to enjoy one of the biggest spring events of the season, the Kentucky Derby. Parties across the District will be celebrating the event in style right from home.
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar (1104 H St., N.E.) will have a Kentucky Pig Roast on Saturday, May 7 at 3 p.m. There will be an all-you-can-eat/all-you-can-drink menu featuring drinks from Anderson Valley Brewing and food such as Pimento mac and cheese, pork belly potato salad and jalapeño cheesy grits. The Kentucky Derby will be shown live at 6:34 p.m.Admission is $48. Dressing up and wearing hats is encouraged.
Melrose Georgetown Hotel (2430 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) will host its second annual day party for the derby with a live screening of the races. The hotel will serve speciality derby-themed cocktails with no cover charge. Guests are encouraged to dress up.
Sweetlife — a sweetgreen festival, is at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Md.) brings a lineup of chart-topping musical acts on Saturday, May 14. Queer acts are on the bill such as bisexual singer Halsey and gender-queer hip-hop artist Shamir. Other acts performing will be the 1975, Flume, Grimes, PartyNextDoor, Blondie, Eagles of Death Metal and more.
“We are very proud of this year’s sweetlife lineup,” says sweetgreen co-founder Jonathan Neman. “The artists themselves — from Halsey to Shamir — are as diverse and as unique as the D.C. community and truly embody the sweetlife. Through their passion, they help us bring this festival to life, and connect us over a shared love of music and food.”
General admission tickets are $100, general admission pavilion tickets are $125 and VIP Access tickets, which include VIP bars, lounges and restrooms, are $150.
Victory Fund hosts its National Champagne Brunch at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St., N.W.) on Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Special guests in attendance will be Hon. Chris Abele, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Angie Craig, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Denise Juneau and more. Sen. Tammy Baldwin has filmed a video tribute to Emily’s List, recipient of Victory Fund’s President’s Award, that will be shown at the event. Charlotte, N.C., Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield will give an update on LGBT rights in North Carolina and Victory President and CEO Aisha Moodie-Mills will speak about the 2016 presidential election. General admission tickets are $250 and VIP tickets are $400 and include reception access.
VinoFest at The Yards (1300 First St., S.E.) is Saturday, May 7 from 3-10 p.m. This supersize wine tasting will include eight 2 oz. wine tastings from more than 20 local and international vineyards. Pair the wine with edible treats from vendors such as Luke’s Lobsters, Milk Bar and Maketto. Performances by Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Stephen Colbert’s in house band, the Original Wailers, local D.C. band Paperhaus and more are scheduled. General admission tickets are $55. VIP tickets are $99 and include a premium open bar from 3-8 p.m., VIP stage viewing area and early access at 3 p.m.
Washington Blade hosts its 10th annual Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party at Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Friday, May 20 from 5-7 p.m. Speakers will be announced. There is a suggested $10 donation with each guest receiving a drink wristband and entry into a drawing for prizes.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
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. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
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 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.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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