Arts & Entertainment
Becker, Knapp bring holiday cheer
Gospel singers hit region with ‘hymns and hits’ tour
Gospel singers Margaret Becker and Jennifer Knapp brought their Christmas show (unofficially dubbed the “hymns and hits” tour according to Knapp’s social media posts) to Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Va., last Wednesday night.
The two are touring for the second year behind their “Hymns of Christmas” duet album. They played the Birchmere last December. Last week’s show found the two singers trading out a few of the non-seasonal selections to good effect. Becker’s “Grace” (the title cut of her 1995 album) was an especially nice surprise. Knapp came out as a lesbian several years ago. Both were battling colds at last year’s show, but sounded perfect this time.
Set list:
1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
3. Angels We Have Heard on High
4. I Don’t Know How (MB)
5. Sing Mary Sing (JK)
6. O Holy Night
7. Lo How a Rose
8. Coventry Carol
9. When Nothing Satisfies (JK)
10. Silent Night
11. What Child is This
12. The First Noel
13. All I Want This Christmas (MB)
14. Go Tell It
ENCORE
15. Grace (MB)
16. Dive In (JK)
17. Clay and Water (MB)
18. Martyrs and Thieves (JK)
19. Fall Down (JK)
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.