Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

Calendar for May 7

Published

on

Friday, May 7

The international hit, “Naked Boys Singing!” will heat up the beginning of summer. The D.C. production will premiere a song by the original writers created especially for local audiences. The show will run from May 7-June 13 at 1409 Playbill Cafe, 1409 14th St., N.W. Visit ganymedearts.org/NBS.htm for tickets.

RAW will return to the Green Lantern, located at 1335 Green Court, N.W., from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Raw is an electro-disco party on the first Friday of each month inspired by gay parties of the early 80s. Join your host, Karl Marks and resident DJs Shea and Bil for some dirty retro fun. Fill your night with fog, lasers, strobe lights and throbbing music. Free entry before 11 p.m., cover is just $3 after that.

Shawn Colvin performs at the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45; call 703-549-7500 for information.

Saturday, May 8

It’s a family-friendly celebration of marriage equality at “My Big Fat Gay Wedding Reception,” 7-10 p.m., All Souls Church, Unitarian, 1500 Harvard St., N.W. Tickets are $50/individual or $100/family available at all-souls.org. Magician and child care for the kids; dancing and door prizes for the adults.

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s 53rd annual Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour. Hours for the tour are Saturday, 4–8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Sunday refreshments break at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church is from 2–4:30 p.m. Tour tickets are $25 in advance ($20 for CHRS members) and $30 the weekend of the tour. They may be purchased at www.chrs.org and at select venues around the Hill (locations available at the CHRS web site).

History will be made tonight when Betty White hosts Saturday Night Live for the first time. In honor of this momentous occasion, Shaaron Van Riggins is throwing a special party at Duplex Diner, 2004 18th St., N.W. Watch the live SNL telecast (which starts at 11:30 p.m.) plus “hijacked” commercial breaks, drink specials, including Betty White-themed cocktails, music by DJs Shea Van Horn + Aaron Riggins, and prizes for best WHITE and BETTY WHITE inspired costumes.

Fuego’s Got Talent contest, 1818 New York Ave, N.E., from 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Hosted by the Queen of the House “Miss Gigi Paris Couture” and featuring music from DJ Flaco. To enter the contest contact Philip at www.facebook.com/marquesadoyle

Mousetrap, billed as D.C.’s “biggest Britpop dance night” is held at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St., N.W., on the main stage at 9:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Visit blackcatdc.com for information.

Madonnarama at Town, 2009 8th St., N.W. (corner of 8th & U) features performances by the Ladies of Town and the Town dancers. Doors open at 10 p.m., drag show at 10:30 p.m.; music and videos downstairs by Wess. $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 thereafter.

The Whitman-Walker Clinic HIV Mobile Testing will be at Apex, 1415 22nd St., N.W., 10 p.m.–1:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 9

Meditation and Prayers for World Peace at the Vajroyogini Buddhist Center, 1803 Connecticut Ave., N.W., 2nd floor. Without first developing inner peace, world peace will remain impossible to achieve. These classes include a short teaching, guided meditations and prayers for world peace. For more information visit www.meditation-dc.org or contact 202-986-2257 or [email protected]

Monday, May 10

The Imperial Court of Washington, D.C. will hold a “Town Hall Meet and Greet” at 7 p.m. at the DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W. The Imperial Court’s sole mission is to raise funds for the community, give back more than it receives, and to help raise awareness for important causes.

Country Western Dance Lessons at Remingtons, 639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., 8:30-9:30 p.m., $5 per person, per lesson. (Dance class participants should wear boots or shoes with leather soles.)

Tuesday, May 11

MAsT (Masters and Slaves Together) monthly meeting from 7:30–9 p.m. at the DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W. For more information about this group visit: http://mastwashington.org.

Volunteers will be assembling safer sex kits and enjoying drink specials at Motley, 7-10:30 p.m. Motley is the upstairs bar at EFN Lounge, located at 1318 9th St N.W.

Drag Bingo at Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U St., N.W., hosted by Shi-Queeta Lee, every Tuesday starting at 8 p.m. Free to play.

Wednesday, May 12

Rainbow Response monthly meeting at the DC Center, 1810 14th Street N.W., from 7-8 p.m. Regular meeting of individuals and agencies collaborating to address intimate partner violence among LGBTQ people in the greater DC area. This meeting normally occurs on the second Wednesday of each month. Check www.rainbowresponse.org for additional information.

Each Wednesday at the Green Lantern is POZ Wednesday. Starting at 8 p.m., POZ mixers provide a supportive atmosphere for those who are HIV positive and those who want to help eradicate the stigma surrounding HIV. The Green Lantern is located at 1335 Green Ct., N.W.

Thursday, May 13

Active Duty Thursday at Motley Bar above EFN Lounge, 1318 9th St., N.W., $3. First drink is free with a military ID.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Photos

PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

Published

on

A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

Published

on

Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Books

Curl up with a good book this fall

New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more

Published

on

(Book cover image courtesy Amazon)

The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.

FICTION

For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?

If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.

Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a  young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.

So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.

NONFICTION

So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.

If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.

For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.

Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.

And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.

Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!

Continue Reading

Popular