Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through August 8
Concerts, parties, support groups, gallery openings and more
‘Geometrics’ by Paul McCutchen, on display this summer at Touchstone Gallery. (Image courtesy Touchstone)
Friday, Aug. 2
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts a trans support group this evening from 7-8:15 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit towndc.com.
Gay District, a community-based organization that builds understanding of gay culture and personal identity, meets from 8:30-9:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.). The group specifically promotes awareness of community events and civil rights for LGBT men ages 18-35. For more information, visit thedccenter.org or gaydistrict.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts its monthly “So, You Think You’re a Drag Queen?” contest tonight to find the region’s newest drag talent. Doors open at 10 p.m., and the competition starts at 10:30. Cover is $5 from 10-11 and $10 after 11 for guests 21 and over, and $10 all night for guests 18-20. For details, visit towndc.com.
Delta Elite (10 St., N.E.) hosts ladies night tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. For more details, visit deltaelite.net.
Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) presents “The Rocky Horror Show,” directed by Keith Alan Baker and Alan Paul, at 8 p.m. tonight. The production has been extended through Aug. 11 and will include shows at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission ranges from $40-45. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit studiotheatre.org.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Phase 1 of Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Booty Beach Ladies Dance Party.” The winner of the party’s bikini and board shorts contest will receive cash and prizes. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $5. Visit phase1dc.com for more information.
Burgundy Crescent Volunteers, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today at Chesapeake Pride (4150 Honeysuckle Dr.) near Annapolis from noon-6 p.m. Volunteers will help at the front gate, sell wine and beer and help direct traffic into the parking lot. Visit burgundycrescent.org for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 4
Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts karaoke tonight from 9 p.m.-midnight. Cover is $3 and there will also be pool, video gaming systems and cards. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly Drag Brunch with Shi-Queeta Lee today at 11 a.m. The buffet is $24, including one free mimosa. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. For details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.
Monday, Aug. 5
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Golden Girls Watch Party” tonight from 5 p.m.-midnight featuring $5 drink specials inspired by the Golden Girls characters. Visit nelliessportsbar.com for details.
The Fort Reno Summer Music Series continue tonight at Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. and Nebraska Ave., N.W.) from 7:15-9:30 p.m. Tonight’s local bands include Mary Christ and Sunwolf. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fortreno.com.
A sampling of Sunwolf
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Monday’s a Total Drag [Show]” party tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. An episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” screens at 9, and then a live drag show will be featured. Admission is 18 and older and free. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave., N.W.) hosts a focus group for gay black men, organized by the D.C. HIV Prevention Planning Group, from 5:30-8 p.m. this evening. Visit thedccenter.org or uhupil.org for more details.
MOVA Lounge (2204 14th St., N.W.) screens “Will & Grace” reruns tonight from 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Half-priced “Karen Walker Martinis” and “Just Jack Cocktails” will be served. There is no cover. For more information, visit movalounge.com.
A little Karen & Jack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vDHKxAK9Ds
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. Newcomers are welcome and a partner is not needed. For more information, call 301-345-1571.
Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts drag bingo during happy hour tonight from 5-7:30 p.m. All drinks are half price and there will also be pool, video gaming systems and cards. Admission is free. For details, visit bachelorsmill.com.
The Smithsonian National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) features “Gorilla Day” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today in the Great Ape House. The event is family friendly and free and includes animal demonstrations and talks with zookeepers. At 11:15 and 1:15, there will be “knuckle-walking races” kids can compete in. For more information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu.
Thursday, Aug. 8
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers this evening for Food & Friends (219 Riggs Rd., N.E.), which helps to feed about 1,100 living with AIDS in D.C. Burgundy Crescent members will pack groceries and chop vegetables. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
The Fort Reno Summer Music Series continue tonight at Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. and Nebraska Ave., N.W.) from 7:15-9:30 p.m. Tonight’s local bands include Paint Branch and Quiverd. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fortreno.com.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Ripped Hot Body Contest” tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Lena Lett hosts the event and contestants can win up to $200 in prizes. $2 rail drinks will be served from 9-11 p.m. Admission is 18 and older and free. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Finn and Porter (900 10th St., N.W.) hosts speed dating for women in their 30s and 40s from 7-9 p.m. tonight. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
JR.’s Bar and Grill (1519 17th St., N.W.) hosts an “All-U-Care-2-Drink” happy hour for $15 from 4-8 p.m. this evening. For details, visit jrsbardc.com.
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)
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
New LGBTQ visitor center slated for Wilmington, Del.
PHOTOS: World Pride March
Tens of thousands take part in World Pride March
PHOTOS: Daddy Issues at Kiki
Continue to engage in community after Pride month
D.C.’s Mary’s House For Older Adults names new executive director
Suzanne Goode is not good for Rehoboth Beach
Calendar: August 7-13
