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.
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.