Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Sept. 21
Parties, concerts, exhibits and more through Sept. 27
Diamond Ring, gay singer John O’s performance alter ego, is at the 9:30 Club Sunday night. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
TODAY (Friday)
“Clean House” star Mark Brunetz is featured in The Capital House Show at the Dulles Expo Center (4320 Chantilly Center Chantilly, Va.) today from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the box office adult admission, $7 adult online admission and $3 children (6-12 years old) admission and free for children 5 years and under. For more information about the show and tickets, visit capitalhomeshow.com.
The Nitecamp Dancers will perform at Town (2009 8th St. NW) tonight at 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 10. There is a $5 cover from 10-11p.m. for the 21-and-up crowd and $10 cover after 11 p.m. Those 18-20, have a $10 cover all night. $3 drinks last from 10-11 p.m. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Saturday, Sept. 22
Team D.C. Dodgeball holds its first ever tournament at the Columbia Heights Recreation Center (1480 Girard Street) today at 10 a.m. Team D.C. was created to educate the LGBT community on the benefits of sports participation, while dismissing discrimination of those partaking in sports. The group also gives the opportunity for the community to participate in various local, regional, national and international competitions. For more information, visit teamdc.org/Dodgeball.htm.
Brother Help Thyself has its rain date for Gay and Lesbian Night at Kings Dominion for tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. As the group’s biggest fundraiser, all benefits go to Brother Help Thyself. Although the event was changed because of bad weather, all Sept. 8 tickets will be accepted. Tickets costs $34 online and $36 at the gate. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The third annual 17th Street Festival is today from noon-6 p.m. The community will celebrate the 17th Street Corridor from Riggs Place to P St. N.W. Including many different musical performances, artist vendors, a pet and kid zone and appearances from various city officials, everyone is coming together to commemorate business and the community itself. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct.) hosts The Tainted Love, an International ‘80s Dance Party tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The party features all worldwide hits provided by DJ Tom from Prague. Dress code is enforced, meaning high tops, big hair and bright makeup. The cost is $5 all night. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The 12th annual National Book Festival is back at the National Mall today at 10 a.m. This free event, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as honorary chairs, will celebrate many different books while honoring authors such as, Michael Connelly and R.L. Stine. Singer Jewel will make presentations, along with a variety of other illustrators, poets and writers. For more information, visit loc.gov/bookfest/.
Grubb’s NW Specialty Pharmacy (1517 17th St. NW) hosts a free seminar today at noon, for those interested in learning how to accomplishment parenthood in the LGBT community. Discussions will include psychological issues related to in vitro fertilization in the LGBT community and legal implications of the process. Space is limited and RSVP is required. To RSVP, contact Emily or Daphne at 202-503-2644.
Sunday, Sept. 23
Diamond Rings performs at the 9:30 club (815 V St. NW), for the Stars Concert with the California Wives tonight at 7 p.m. The Canadian gay singer is known for his glittery makeup, animal print and leotards. For more information, visit 930.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St. NW) hosts its weekly Drag Brunch today at 11. The cost is $24 for the brunch buffet, while your first mimosa is free. Also, Zing Zang Bloody Marys are $4 and Absolut Peppar Bloody Marys are $6. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
LGBT Families Day at National Park (1500 South Capitol Street SE) happens today at 1:30. The Nationals will play the Milwaukee Brewers today at 1:35 p.m. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Monday, Sept. 24
Cobalt (1639 R St. NW) hosts its Martini Monday tonight at 10. There is no cover charge and martinis are $5. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St. NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. The group is a confidential support system for those recently diagnosed with HIV and all are welcome. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
The 2012 Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Reception will be tonight at 7 p.m. at The D.C. Center (1318 U St NW). The center will be thanking bars, clubs and other local businesses that have helped fight HIV in D.C. by distributing the safer sex kit, FUK!Ts, around town.
The Marylander’s for Marriage Equality is holding a fundraiser at Joe’s Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Road Mount Rainier, Md) tonight at 6. Entertainment, wine and light fare will be included. For details, visit marylandersformarriageequality.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct.) hosts the D.C. Center’s FUK!T Packing Party tonight at 7 p.m. The goal is to circulate these packets around the city and the clubs to spread HIV awareness. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 at the DignityCenter (721 8th St., SE) for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers welcome. For details and/or a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St. NW) holds its Gay Men Over 50 group meeting tonight at 6:30. This support group is confidential for gay men over 50 (or soon to be 50) seeking to continue their quality of life and sense of purpose while beginning a new chapter. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Thursday, Sept. 27
The Lambda Sci-Fi Book Group meets tonight at 7 to discuss this month’s book, “Beyond Binary,” edited by Brit Mandelo. Bring a snack and/or a non-alcoholic drink to share. The meeting will be held at Peter and Rob’s Place (1425 S St. NW). For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.
Theater
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts
“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.
But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.
Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.
“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.
For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.
The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
View on Threads
View on Threads
View on Threads
The weekly drag show “Daddy Issues” was held at Kiki on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Performers included Evry Pleasure, Indiana Bones and Tiara Missou-Sidora.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Same-sex couples challenges India income tax law
HISTORIC: Susan Stewart elected Rehoboth’s first out mayor
Todd Blanche’s record on LGBTQ issues comes under scrutiny as he takes over DOJ
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
PHOTOS: World Pride March
Calendar: August 7-13
Insured on paper, excluded in practice
Greg Araki still wants your sex
Mr. Henry’s to host 60th anniversary party
