Arts & Entertainment
Cherry time
Dance benefit gears up, Queer Prom slated for Saturday night and more
Revelers at last year's Cherry at Town. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Cherry charity dance events kick off next week
Cherry 2012 starts Thursday and will continue through next weekend with various parties and events.
This year the event starts with a welcome center at Mova (2204 14th St., N.W.) on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. where tickets and passes may be purchased or picked up. Then Ignition will be held at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Friday (March 30) will have its own welcome center at No. 9 (1435 P St., N.W) from 5 to 9 p.m. followed by two events. There will be a women’s event at Phase 1 Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Boys on Fire” at Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave., N.E.) from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
March 31 brings the “Moody Horror Picture Show,” a birthday celebration for party pioneer, Moody Mustafa at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 2 to 7 p.m. Town is also hosting that night’s “Blossom” from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The festival ends on April 1 with “Momentum” at Ibiza (1222 1st St., N.E.) from 4 to 9 a.m. followed by a brunch and tea dance at Cobalt from noon to 6 p.m. The final event is “Ovation” at Ultra Bar (911 F St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tickets for individual events range from $17 to $50. The 2012 Cherry Host Pass is $120 and does not include admission “Moody Horror Picture Show.” For complete event details and to purchase tickets, visit cherryfund.org.
Jewish LGBT experience explored in film
As part of the Northern Virginia International Jewish Film Festival, Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) is screening the film “Trembling Before G-d” on Saturday at 8 p.m.
The film, directed by Sandi Simcha Dubowski, follows gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews as they try to reconcile their sexuality with the faith. It also includes interviews with rabbis and psychotherapists about Jewish attitudes towards homosexuality.
Tickets are $11 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artisphere.com.
Queer Prom goes ‘Carnival’
Last year's Capital Queer Prom. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
The sixth annual Capital Queer Prom “Carnival Extravaganza” is this weekend at Almas Shriners Ballroom (1315 K St., N.W.) from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The evening will include interactive carnival games, entertainment, a silent auction, the crowning of the 2012 Prom King and Queen and more. Each guest will also receive a Capital Queer Prom Yearbook and gift bag.
The party will continue at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) where prom guests will get in for free. Then Sunday guests are invited to Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a drag brunch with premiere seating and a special prom treat.
Tickets for the prom are $85, $105 for the prom and brunch. There are also VIP options for the Prom. An individual VIP ticket is $150 and a VIP table for 8 is $1200.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit capitalqueerprom.com.
Feminist writers on Madonna
Five women authors who contributed to the new book “Madonna & Me” will read selections from the essay collection Tuesday at Busboys and Poets (14th and V Streets, NW) at 6:30 p.m. Local author Shawna Kenney and rock journalist Maria Raha will appear.
The book is from Laura Barcella, a San Francisco-based writer who became obsessed with Madonna at age 6.
“As I grew older, [Madonna] served as a sort of course in feminism 101 for me,” Barcella says. “She set the stage for a lot of ideas that began to develop later, including her thoughts on women, gender and feminism. Later I learned that Madonna has played a role in many women’s lives.”
“Madonna & Me: Women Writers on the Queen of Pop” is 39 personal essays by women writers (including Barcella). The anthology focuses on how Madonna has influenced the essayists’ lives. The entries run the gamut from funny to intense. Barcella writes about her first boyfriend’s hatred for the superstar and how it destroyed their relationship, whereas lesbian author Laura Andre’s essay recounts the positive role Madonna played in her coming out.
The event, which is free, coincides with the release of Madonna’s latest album “MDNA” which drops Tuesday. — Patrick Folliard
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.
Friday, May 3
Center Aging Friday Tea Time will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social” at 7 p.m. at The Commentary. 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.
Saturday, May 4
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, May 5
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Dinner” at 7 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 6
Center Aging: Monday Coffee & Conversation 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 their choice. For more details, email [email protected].
The Pride Center of Maryland will host “Transend: transgender & Nonbinary Support Group” at 4 p.m. at its offices. This is a safe place for hot topics, food, resources, information, image consulting and community. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 7
Pride on the Patio Events will host “LGBTQ Social Mixer” at 5:30 p.m. at Showroom. Dress is casual, fancy, or comfortable. Guests are encouraged to bring their most authentic self to chat, laugh, and get a little crazy. Admission is free and more details are on Eventbrite.
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 8
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Thursday, May 9
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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
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