Arts & Entertainment
Shirtless Violinist covers Katy Perry, launches charity challenge
Matthew Olson performs violin covers in various locales
Matthew Olson is combining music and giving back to the community with his new project, Shirtless Violinist.
Olson, who is openly gay, came up with the idea for the Shirtless Violinist during a conversation with his boyfriend and Shirtless Violinist producer Paul Castle. The couple decided to use the video project as a means to raise awareness of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, and to spark motivation in others to give back to their communities.
Olson is a professionally trained violinist who has played on stage with singers such as Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. He is also part of a musical trio Two Hits and a Miss with his two siblings who are also both professionally trained violinists.
For his first video, Olson performs a violin cover of “Rise” by Katy Perry shot in scenic locations throughout the West Coast such as Napa Valley, Portland International Airport and the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, the performance is filmed with Olson completely shirtless.
Olson encourages viewers at the end of the video to post a picture of themselves giving to a local charity with the hashtag #ShirtOffMyBack on social media for a chance to be featured in an upcoming music video.
Shirtless Violinist plans to release two or more music videos every month at other locations to continue to promote the #ShirtOffMyBack campaign.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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