Bars & Parties
Review: Poundstone’s tour stops in Maryland
Paula Poundstone’s latest tour included a double performance Dec. 12, at the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Md. Her career has spanned several decades boasting awards including the American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up Comic in 1989 and a CableAce Award for her HBO special “Cats, Cops and Stuff” in 1990. Poundstone worked as a political correspondent for “The Tonight Show” during the 1992 presidential campaign and in 1996 served as a political correspondent for “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” Most recently, she has appeared on National Public Radio as a panelist on the radio news quiz show “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!”
She performed before a sold out audience at the Rams Head Tavern and received a warm welcome when she took the stage. The odd part was there was no announcement that her set was going to begin, she simply took the stage, mic in hand, and dove right in. In true Poundstone style she was dressed in a suit and tie combination, which, for those that remember her earlier performances, has become a trademark ensemble.
Many performers like to incorporate remarks about the city where they’re performing into their act to connect with the audience, but not Paula. Poundstone asked an audience member closest to the stage, “Do you live here? Wherever we are,” which seemed to endear her to the audience even more. Attending a Paula Poundstone performance will leave you impressed at her ability to interact spontaneously with audience members creating conversations bound to garner riotous laughter. Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula’s ability to find humor on the spot has become the stuff of legend.
Poundstone was born in Huntsville, Ala., and her family moved to Sudbury, Mass., when she was young but now she calls California home. When discussing her current state of residence, she said it’s “Embarrassing to live in a state that had Prop 8,” which was met with applause from the audience. Her performance was fairly divided: the first half had more of a political slant while the last half was more related to family life. Poundstone has adopted several children, so her comedy will oftentimes reveal her personal struggles with raising kids in today’s society.
Poundstone labels herself as asexual, doesn’t date, and she has never been romantically linked with anyone of any gender. “I don’t have sex because I don’t like it,” she once joked. “I’d have to marry a Mormon so someone could cover my shift.” This was not a subject she greatly expounded upon; she merely stated that she is “not much of a sexual creature.”
Poundstone also considers herself an atheist, which brought one member of the audience to his feet with applause. Her description of not seeing atheists traveling door to door NOT preaching the word and not trying to give away “The Good Book with blank pages” was met with thunderous applause from the audience. It was this unassuming, matter-of-fact humor that kept the audience thoroughly entertained for the entire set.
With a house full of children and cats, 13 felines to be exact, it’s no wonder that it took Poundstone nine years to write her book. She mentioned that she wrote “There Is Nothing in this Book That I Meant to Say” entirely by hand due to the fact she has only recently purchased a computer. Writing is a topic Poundstone obviously has strong feelings about. She refers to children who don’t try their hand at writing as “iPod kids” because those are the ones who essentially sit in class with their iPods on rather than paying attention and learning. This was the point in the show where you could see the mother coming out as she described several situations of her involvement with her children’s education and the importance of being involved in the process.
Paula Poundstone is obviously smart, her fidgety style with locked-jaw delivery proved to be more than a pleasant surprise live. She is relaxed and charming — her jokes seem more like offhand remarks than forced quips. Combined with the spontaneously amusing give-and-take with the audience you could not have asked for a more enjoyable evening.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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