Arts & Entertainment
Pulling out the stops
Gay organist to delight with two shows in area this week
It’s a big time for pipe organ enthusiasts in Washington. Queer virtuoso Cameron Carpenter makes his debut tonight at the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) and on April 19, National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, NW), home to one of the District’s largest pipe organs, resumes its Friday afternoon recital series after rebuilding significant parts of its massive instrument damaged in the earth quake of 2011.
Carpenter’s performances are known for great technique and expression while bring showmanship to the organ world. He was the first organist ever nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo album “Revolutionary” and he was recently awarded the Leonard Bernstein Prize at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$40. Visit Strathmore.org for more information.
The noon recital series “Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine” resumes with organist Kristine Adamaite and saxophonist Artis Semanis from Latvia. This performance is free. For more information, visit nationalcitycc.org.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
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.