Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through May 23
A packed trans pride weekend has concerts, parties and more
Comedian Vicki Lawrence comes to Ram’s Head On Stage with her show ‘Vicki Lawrence & Mama’ this weekend. (Photo courtesy the Brokaw Company)
Friday, May 17
Washington Blade hosts its seventh annual Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) today at 5 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested and will go toward the Washington Blade Foundation. For more information, visit the Facebook event or washingtonblade.com.
Friends of the Library, Montgomery County and the Latino Gay Lesbian and Transgender History Project host inaugural poet Richard Blanco this evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library (21 Maryland Ave.). Blanco is a Cuban-born writer whose family emigrated to Spain, New York and then eventually settled in Florida. He is the author of three books and a bilingual triptych of poems that were submitted for the inauguration. Tickets are $30-$100. Attendees can buy packages that include a signed book. Visit folmc.org for more information.
Whitman-Walker provides free HIV Testing at Town (2009 8th St., NW) starting at 8 p.m. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Saturday, May 18
The Hagerstown Hopes Pride & Diversity Celebration takes place today from noon-4 p.m. at Doubs Woods Park (1307 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD). The event’s goal is to educate, enlighten and entertain the LGBT community. For details, visit pflagcentralmd.org.
Emmy-winning comedian Vicki Lawrence comes to Rams Head On Stage (33 West St., Annapolis, Md.) bringing her show “Vicki Lawrence & Mama, A Two Woman Show” tonight at 8 p.m. One of her most endearing and famous characters, Thelma Harper, also known as “Mama,” was created in the seventh season on “The Carol Burnett Show.” Tickets are $75. For more information, visit ramsheadonstage.com.
The fourth Gaithersburg Book Festival takes place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall in Old Towne (31 S Summit Ave.). This year coordinators are trying a new format to bring more authors and greater diversity. There will be pairings of authors, panel discussions and one-on-one conversations between authors and critics and industry insiders. Food, drink and ice cream is provided. Admission is free. Visit gaithersburgbookfestival.org for more information.
MOVA (2204 14th St., NW) holds its “Blast from the Past ‘80s Night” tonight hosted by Stormy Vain and music by VJ Tre. There will be drink specials for ‘80s themed drinks all night. For details, visit movalounge.com or the Facebook event.
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at Falls Church PetSmart (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va.) starting at 11:45 a.m. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Whitman-Walker provides HIV Testing at Capital Trans Pride today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, NW). The clinic provides testing again at the D.C. Eagle (639 New York Ave., NW). For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
The Green Spring Garden (4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria Va.) hosts its Spring Garden Day on today at 9 a.m. The even features 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants. For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring.
A new New Balance shop opens today in Fairfax’s Mosaic District (2910 District Ave., Fairfax) and will carry the entire collection of athletic shoes, casual shoes and athletic apparel. Several discounts, prizes and raffles will be available today and Sunday. The shop is just steps away from the Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro stop. Store hours today are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit nbretail.com for more information.
Sunday, May 19
The D.C. Center and Professionals in the City host Women’s Speed Dating tonight at 7 p.m. at Finn and Porter in the Embassy Suites Hotel (900 10th St., NW). This event is for bisexual and lesbian women in their 20s and 30s. Admission is $30. For more information, visit thedccenter.com.
Monday, May 20
The Shakespeare Theatre Company hosts an installment of its Classic Conversations with Michael Kahn featuring Audra McDonald and Christopher Plummer tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St., NW). The series of discussions covers the topics of classical theater and the craft of acting. McDonald is both and actor and opera singer, while Plummer is a classical actor who is known for his role in “The Sound of Music.” Tickets are $20-$35. Visit shakespearetheatre.org for more information.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., NW) holds coffee drop-in for the senior LGBT community today at 10 a.m.-noon. The Center will provide complimentary coffee and a community to chat with. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Bears do Yoga takes place this evening 6:30 p.m. as part of a series at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). This is part of a basic yoga series that takes place every Monday and is open to people of varying body types and experience. There is no charge. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Tuesday, May 21
The Stephen Sondheim production “Company” opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va.). The show is about Bobby, a commitment-phobic bachelor, who searches for the answers to love and life in New York City. He observes the joys and pitfalls of marriage from his five couple friends while enjoying the company of the ladies. Sondheim’s award-winning score includes “Being Alive,” “Side By Side,” “Little Things You Do Together,” “Another Hundred People” and “Ladies Who Lunch.” The show runs until June 30. Tickets are $25-$80. For more information, visit signature-theatre.org.
Wednesday, May 22
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
Thursday, May 23
Lambda Sci-fi has its book discussion tonight at 7:30 p.m. at 1425 S St., N. Tonight the group will be discussing the book “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.
Celebrity News
Brazilian police arrest two men who allegedly targeted Lady Gaga concert
Authorities say suspects wanted to target LGBTQ Brazilians
Brazilian police have arrested two people who allegedly sought to detonate explosives at a free Lady Gaga concert that took place on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported Felipe Curi, a spokesperson for the city’s Civil Police, told reporters the men who authorities arrested hours before the concert took place wanted to target LGBTQ Brazilians. Civil Police Chief Luiz Lima said the men posted hate speech and violent content online “aimed at gaining notoriety in order to attract more viewers, more participants — most of them teenagers, many of them children.”
“They were clearly saying that they were planning an attack at Lady Gaga’s concert motivated by sexual orientation,” said Cury, according to the AP.
An estimated 2.5 million people attended the concert.
A Lady Gaga spokesperson told the AP the singer learned about the threats on Sunday from media reports.
“Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks,” said the spokesperson. “Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place.”
Lady Gaga in an Instagram post thanked her Brazilian fans.
“Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show — the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil,” she wrote. “The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.”
“An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history. I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world — I know I can’t, but I can say this — if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard,” added Lady Gaga. “You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights — you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time. Thank you Rio for waiting for me to come back. Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment. Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
An estimated 1.6 million people attended Madonna’s free concert on Copacabana Beach last May.
Books
A boy-meets-boy, family-mess story with heat
New book offers a stunning, satisfying love story
‘When the Harvest Comes’
By Denne Michele Norris
c.2025, Random House
$28/304 pages
Happy is the bride the sun shines on.
Of all the clichés that exist about weddings, that’s the one that seems to make you smile the most. Just invoking good weather and bright sunshine feels like a cosmic blessing on the newlyweds and their future. It’s a happy omen for bride and groom or, as in the new book “When the Harvest Comes” by Denne Michele Norris, for groom and groom.
Davis Freeman never thought he could love or be loved like this.
He was wildly, wholeheartedly, mind-and-soul smitten with Everett Caldwell, and life was everything that Davis ever wanted. He was a successful symphony musician in New York. They had an apartment they enjoyed and friends they cherished. Now it was their wedding day, a day Davis had planned with the man he adored, the details almost down to the stitches in their attire. He’d even purchased a gorgeous wedding gown that he’d never risk wearing.
He knew that Everett’s family loved him a lot, but Davis didn’t dare tickle the fates with a white dress on their big day. Everett’s dad, just like Davis’s own father, had considerable reservations about his son marrying another man – although Everett’s father seemed to have come to terms with his son’s bisexuality. Davis’s father, whom Davis called the Reverend, never would. Years ago, father and son had a falling-out that destroyed any chance of peace between Davis and his dad; in fact, the door slammed shut to any reconciliation.
But Davis tried not to think about that. Not on his wedding day. Not, unbeknownst to him, as the Reverend was rushing toward the wedding venue, uninvited but not unrepentant. Not when there was an accident and the Reverend was killed, miles away and during the nuptials.
Davis didn’t know that, of course, as he was marrying the love of his life. Neither did Everett, who had familial problems of his own, including homophobic family members who tried (but failed) to pretend otherwise.
Happy is the groom the sun shines on. But when the storm comes, it can be impossible to remain sunny.
What can be said about “When the Harvest Comes?” It’s a romance with a bit of ghost-pepper-like heat that’s not there for the mere sake of titillation. It’s filled with drama, intrigue, hate, characters you want to just slap, and some in bad need of a hug.
In short, this book is quite stunning.
Author Denne Michele Norris offers a love story that’s everything you want in this genre, including partners you genuinely want to get to know, in situations that are real. This is done by putting readers inside the characters’ minds, letting Davis and Everett themselves explain why they acted as they did, mistakes and all. Don’t be surprised if you have to read the last few pages twice to best enjoy how things end. You won’t be sorry.
If you want a complicated, boy-meets-boy, family-mess kind of book with occasional heat, “When the Harvest Comes” is your book. Truly, this novel shines.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
ILGA World reinstates Israeli LGBTQ rights group
Brazilian police arrest two men who allegedly targeted Lady Gaga concert
Hidden hazards at home
A boy-meets-boy, family-mess story with heat
Australian prime minister re-elected
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
LGBTQ activist murdered in Lesotho
Theatre Prometheus spreads queer joy with ‘Galatea’
English soccer bans transgender women from women’s teams
