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Calendar: June 22

Parties, events, concerts and more through June 28

Published

14 years ago

on

New Wave Singers, gay news, Washington Blade

The New Wave Singers, a choir of gay and straight members, performs Saturday afternoon in Westminster, Md. (Photo courtesy New Wave)

Today, Friday, June 22

D.C. Center is doing outreach at Town’s Bear Happy Hour (2009 8th St., N.W.) tonight at 6:30. There is no cover charge. For details, visit thedccenter.org.

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) is hosting its weekly Boy’s Life party tonight at 11. There is no cover charge and the party includes a open bar until midnight. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.

Whitman-Walker Health clinic is having HIV testing at Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) tonight at 10:30. Admission is $3 after 11. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Special Agent Galactica is playing Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight from 6-9. Music includes pieces by Pat Benatar, Judy Garland, Stevie Nicks, Nancy Sinatra and Ray Stevens. Admission is free. For more information, visit pinkhairedone.com.

Phase 1 ( 525 8th St., S.E.) is holding its Vixen Variety Games of Thrones show tonight at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. For details, visit phase1dc.com.

Millennium Stage Performances presents, “Just Tap,” a performance by a D.C.-based tap dance company, tonight at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) starting at 6 p.m. The event is free. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.

Saturday, June 23

The New Wave Singers, a chorus of LGBT and straight singers, perform today at Diversity Awareness Weekend hosted by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (17 Bond St., Westminster) at 3. For more information, visit newwavesingers.org.

Burgundy Crescent is volunteering to set up for the Equality Garden Party: Celebrating Family and Friends today at the Samet Chateau (1000 Parrs Ridge Dr., Spencerville). The party is a fundraiser event by Equality Maryland. Volunteers are needed to set up from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and to work the actual event from 4-10 p.m. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.com.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) celebrates DJ Randy Bettis’ newest GayDays CD tonight at 10. Cover is $8 before 11 pm and $12 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.

Club Hippo (1 West Eager St., Baltimore) hosts a dance party with DJ Jayson Royce tonight at 10. Cover charge is $6. For more information, visit clubhippo.com.

Sunday, June 24

PrimeTimers of D.C. are hosting an evening on the rooftop of the residences at Thomas Circle (1330 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.) from 4-7 p.m. There is complimentary valet parking and the evening will include drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This event requires attendees to RSVP. For more information, visit thedccenter.org

Busboys and Poets (1025 5th St., N.W.) is hosting a free screening of the film “Pariah” tonight at 8. The movie is focused on a adolescent African-American girl who is accepting her identity as a lesbian. For more information, visit busboysandpoets.com.

Monday, June 25

Author Ezra Nepon appears for a reading and discussion of the people’s history of progressive Jewish activism in the 1980s tonight at 7. The discussion will be at the DCJCC Library (1529 16th St., N.W.). The event is free but RSVP is requested. For details, visit thedccenter.org.

Whitman-Walker Health clinic (1104 8th St., S.E.) is holding its HIV Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. Registration is required to attend. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Tuesday, June 26

A community conversation about how to promote pride in health is being hosted by the Whitman-Walker Health clinic tonight at the Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge Street, NW) starting at 7. The event is free. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Millennium Stage presents Serenade! Washington, D.C. Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. The performance showcases the best talent from around the world including Countermeasure and Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.

The FUK!T packing party is tonight at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and see how many FUK!T or TOOLK!TS they can pack in two hours. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) is hosting its weekly Flashback party with DJ Jason Royce tonight. There is no cover; 21 and older. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.

Wednesday, June 27

Whitman-Walker Health clinic is holding HIV testing at Walgreens (3524 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) in honor of National HIV Testing Day today from 3-7 p.m. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Hillyer International Arts and Artists (9 Hillyer Court, N.W.) is hosting a panel discussion of distinguished artists and curators about the Richard Prince legal case tonight at 7, a photo-related case about copyright issues. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit [email protected].

An HIV Prevention Working Group meeting tonight at 7 at the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community (1318 U St., N.W). This event is free. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Chi Cha Lounge (1624 U St., N.W.) is hosting speed dating for gay men in their 20s and 30s tonight at 7. You must be at least 21 to attend. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Lambda Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th Street, S.E., across from the Marine Barracks). No reservations needed and newcomers are welcome. Those needing a partner should visit lambdabridge.com.

Thursday, June 28

Millennium Stage presents “Quetzal” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. The L.A. group blends Mexican and Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, R&B and rock. This event is free. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.

Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) meets tonight at 7 at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.). The goal of this group is to reduce violence against members of the LGBT community. For details, visit thedccenter.org.

The Lambda Sci-Fi book group meets tonight to discuss “God’s War” by Kammeron Hurley. Bring a snack and/or non-alcoholic drink to share. The group meets at 1425 S Street N.W. at 7 p.m. For details, visit lambdascifi.org.

The play “Cut/Uncut” by Steve Langley is being presented tonight at 7 p.m. at the Blackburn Center on the campus of Howard University (2397 Sixth Street, N.W.). It explores how the HIV/AIDS crisis brought disparate people together in the early ‘90s. It’s part of the D.C. Black Theater Festival which continues through July 1 and features several LGBT-themed productions. Ticket information and festival details are at dcbtf.org.

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Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

7 hours ago

on

May 1, 2026

By

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. 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.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, May 4

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, May 5

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 6

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected]. 

Thursday, May 7

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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

2 days ago

on

April 29, 2026

By

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

3 days ago

on

April 28, 2026

By

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.

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