Local
Acclaimed Kennedy Center musician dies at 52
Donald Shore battled brain cancer
Donald Shore (Photo by David Peiffer, used with permission)
Donald A. Shore, a nationally acclaimed bassoon player with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra for 30 years and a supporter of charitable events for D.C.’s gay community, died Oct. 9 at his home in Washington following a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. He was 52.
During his long tenure with the Kennedy Center opera orchestra, for which he held the title of Principal Bassoon, Shore collaborated with luminaries of the opera world, including Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Kiri te Kanawa, and Denyce Graves, according to his friend and colleague, bassoonist Chris Jewell.
In a biographical write-up, Jewell said Shore also worked with some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, including the Bolshoi, Kirov, Paris, Joffrey and Royal Ballets in the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra’s dual role of playing for ballet performances.
In addition, he played during performances of the American Ballet Theater and the Dance Theater of Harlem,” Jewell said.
“As a member of the orchestra he performed at the White House, toured Japan, and played for the Kennedy Center Honors as well as numerous musicals and chamber music performances on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage,” Jewell said in his write-up.
Jewell said Shore’s playing spanned both classical and popular music, ranging from the orchestra’s performance of the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante under the direction of Maestro Heinz Fricke to a solo performance in a routine with comedian Steve Martin at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
A lifelong resident of the D.C. area, Shore was born Nov. 30, 1961 to Kitty Murray Shore and Francis Marion Shore Jr. He was a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and studied with National Symphony Orchestra bassoonist Linda Harwell, Jewell said in his write-up.
Shore attended the University of Maryland and the Peabody Conservatory before transferring to the University of Toronto, where he studied bassoon and received a bachelor of music degree, according to Jewell.
He became recognized as an up-and-coming star bassoonist in 1984 when he was chosen as a winner of the National Symphony Orchestra’s Young Soloists’ Competition. That same year Shore won his position in the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra at the age of 23.
In addition to his skills as a bassoonist Shore was also a talented vocalist and pianist, Jewell said.
Friends said Shore was involved in D.C.’s gay leather community and contributed regularly to charitable fundraisers organized by local leather groups such as the annual Dusty Cunningham Picnic Basket Auction. He also enjoyed attending leather events in other cities, including New York, Montreal, New Orleans and Chicago.
Jewell said Shore’s favorite time of the year was Christmas, when he loved to decorate a live tree – usually the tallest one he could find.
“Donald Shore touched many people deeply with his kindness, generosity, superb (and bawdy) wit, and unparalleled Musicianship,” Jewell said in his write-up.
“I am very sad about the news that Donald Shore has passed away,” said Placido Domingo in a statement.
Domingo served from 1996 to 2011 as artistic director and later general director of the Washington National Opera.
“Our principal bassoonist was a great artist with whom I talked very often during our rehearsals and performances,” Domingo said. “I remember being told some months ago about his operations and, now to learn that he has lost his battle. Please convey to his family and to the orchestra my sincerest condolences for this terrible loss.”
Survivors include his companions of nine years, David Peiffer and Arnold Mixon, of Washington; close friends Chris Jewell of Burke, Va., and Richard Thibadeau of Washington; two brothers, Tony Shore of Chevy Chase, Md., and Francis Shore III of Fort Myers, Fla.; and two sisters, Lynne Grace of Eastbourne, England; and KC Shore.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Kennedy Center Atrium, roof-level Terrace Gallery, on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.
Donald Shore, on right, with internationally acclaimed opera singer Placido Domingo. (Photo by David Peiffer, used with permission)
Maryland
Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes
Pride Center of Maryland among recipients
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.
The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants
“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”
“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”
Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
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