Arts & Entertainment
Arts news in brief: Feb. 17
Storytelling groups shares gay experiences, ballet troupe plans Patrick Swayze tribute and more
Regie Cabico is one of the performers in SpeakeasyDC’s ‘Born This Way.’ (Photo by Alexander Morozov)
Storytelling group returns with gay-themed show
SpeakeasyDC presents “Born This Way” on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Paul Sprenger Theatre at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) during the Intersections Festival.
This is the third time SpeakeasyDC, a performance group that specializes in first-person autobiographical storytelling, has participated in the festival and will feature storytellers Kevin Boggs, Regie Cabico, Sandra Faria, Andrew Korfhage and Natalie E. Illum describing their personal stories of same-sex love, lust and self-discovery.
Tickets to the show are $20 for general admission and $12 for students. They can be purchased online at intersectionsdc.org.
For more information, visit speakeasydc.org.
Whitman-Walker plans Healthier Hookups discussion
Whitman-Walker Health is having a series of Community Conversations this year and the next Conversation is “Healthier Hookups” on Thursday at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center (1701 14th St., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m.
The conversation will feature a panel of speakers discussing topics such as how social media tools have made the search for a one night stand more efficient and impersonal, how to keep healthy during the encounters and more.
For more information and a complete list of the series conversations, visitwhitman-walker.org.
Gay ballet creators unveil Patrick Swayze tribute piece
The Complexions Contemporary Ballet perform ‘Mercy,’ a tribute to late actor Patrick Swayze. (Photo by Sharen Bradford; courtesy GMU)
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, founded by former Alvin Ailey dancers Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, performs at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (Braddock Rd. and Rt. 123, Fairfax) on Friday at 8 p.m.
The program will begin with Rhoden and Richardson’s 2009 work “Mercy,” a piece dedicated to the memory of actor Patrick Swayze. After intermission, there will be a series of duets by Rhoden and the show will conclude with his work “Rise” performed to the music of U2.
There will also be a pre-performance, sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts, 45 minutes prior to the show. Rhoden and Richardson, both gay, are former partners but continue to enjoy a thriving creative partnership.
Tickets to the show range from $21 to $42 and can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu or by phone at 888-945-2468.
Mitchell plays Ellington tribute
Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell performs as part of the Duke Ellington festival at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) on Friday at 8 p.m.
Mitchell, who recently appeared on the series “Glee” as one of Rachel’s dads, will be singing sections from Duke Ellington’s musicals “Sophisticate Ladies,” “Play On” and the Ellington’s unfinished musical, “Queenie Pie.” He will also perform favorites such as “Satin Doll” and “A Train.”
Tickets range from $39 to $79 and can be purchased online at Strathmore.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
Brittney Griner considered suicide in Russian prison
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
