Metro Weekly - May 22, 2014 by RP MEDIA ARCHIVE

MAY 22, 2014

METROWEEKLY.com

MAY 22, 2014

Publisher Randy Shulman

Editorial

MAY 22, 2014 Volume 21 / Issue 4

Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Political Editor Justin Snow Assistant editor John Riley Contributing Editors Rhuaridh Marr, Doug Rule Senior Photographer Ward Morrison Contributing Photographers Christopher Cunetto, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrators Scott G. Brooks, Christopher Cunetto Contributing Writers Daniel Burnett, Christian Gerard, Brandon Harrison, Chris Heller, Will O’Bryan Troy Petenbrink, Richard Rosendall, Kate Wingfield

NEWS

Transgender Militarized Zone Justin Snow

O’Malley Signs Transgender Rights Bill

John Riley 12 LHP Hosts DC Latino Pride John Riley COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SCENE 21 Next Generation Awards Ward Morrison

editor emeritus Sean Bugg Webmaster David Uy Multimedia Aram Vartian Administrative / Production Assistant Julian Vankim

Advertising & Sales Director of Sales Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla

Patron Saint E. Lynn Harris

FEATURE 25 Spiritual Engagement John Riley Photography by Julian Vankim

Scandinavian Symphony

OUT ON THE TOWN

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Follow Her Heart

Doug Rule

Randy Shulman

Doug Rule

SCENE 39 Chef’s Best Ward Morrison PETS

Patios Unleashed

NIGHTLIFE

Cobalt

CLUBLIFE

Doug Rule

Last Word

Zack Rosen

Cover Photography Julian Vankim

Metro Weekly 1425 K St. NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 202-638-6830 MetroWeekly.com All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Metro Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. All such submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metro Weekly is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization.

MAY 22, 2014

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Ward Morrison

Holiday’s Road

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MAY 22, 2014

LGBT

News

Now online at MetroWeekly.com

Utah marriage ban declared unconstitutional Chord Bezerra’s 2014 Summer Pop Off

Transgender Militarized Zone Inside the fight for transgender equality in the American military by Justin Snow

MAY 22, 2014

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DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

arlier this year, a select group of active duty members of the military met at a community center in Texas. The 30 Americans represented every branch and component of military service. They were members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The vast majority had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at least once, and many others had multiple deployments under their belts — some to both countries. A majority were junior enlisted and junior noncommissioned officers. But what brought them together was the same thing that cloaked their meeting in secrecy: They are all transgender. For three days, those 30 servicemembers — who under military policy can be discharged because of their gender identity — heard each others’ stories. Many of them had never met another transgender servicemember before, let alone another trans person. In some cases, it marked the first time they had ever come out to another person. The meeting was not just an opportunity to build a network of support relationships for those forced to continue to live life in the closet while serving their country, but also to strategize. The gathering had been organized by a group of activists with decades of combined experience working on LGBT military issues who are seeking to open the armed forces to transgender service. To be transgender in the American military is to live a life of secrets. The repeal of ”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) in September 2011 brought an end to nearly two decades of discrimination that saw more than 13,000 men and women discharged because of their sexual orientation. Despite that achievement, and a consensus inside and outside the military

Chuck Hagel addresses troops

that repeal has had no negative impact, a medical regulatory ban remains in place for those who identity as transgender. Not only is evidence of transition therapy grounds for disqualification for potential recruits, so is openly identifying as transgender. But unlike DADT, the medical regulatory ban is not a federal statue and the ability to lift it lies not with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, but leaders at the Pentagon. The meeting, many details of which organizers have asked not be disclosed for fear participants could be identified, was born in the aftermath of the collapse of OutServe-SLDN last summer. It was in June that the board of the nation’s largest LGBT military organization ousted its executive director, Allyson Robinson. A former Army captain, Robinson had taken the reins of the organization in October 2012, making her the first transgender person to head a non-transspecific national LGBT organization. Robinson’s departure was entangled with controversy and led the organization to

bleed staff and board members resigning in protest. The financially struggling OutServe-SLDN has yet to recover. “In the days and weeks that followed all of that, there was a group of us that really felt as though all the work we had done can’t just die. It can’t just fall by the wayside,” says Robinson. In fact, post repeal of DADT, the working assumption of many LGBT organizations had been that they would play a supporting role to OutServe-SLDN’s carrying equality in the military through its final stages. “We came to this moment where we looked at one another and said, ‘What if we just did it? We have the connections, we have the expertise,’” Robinson says. “At that time the organization SPARTA” — Service Members, Partners, Allies For Respect and Tolerance For All — “was standing itself up and building itself around the two remaining equality goals in DoD, which are updating the regulations on transgender people serving and securing nondiscrimination and equal opportunity protections across

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LGBTNews the board. What we realized is we have a set of resources here that might allow us to accomplish something if we set our minds to it.” And so Robinson, along with military advocates such as Sue Fulton, Brynn Tannehill, Zeke Stokes and others, looked to the successful repeal of DADT for guidance. “We knew from the lead up to the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ that gay and lesbian servicemembers coming together with one another and having the opportunity to build a network and to share their stories was a catalyst for what was eventually a successful effort,” Robinson says. “We wanted to do something similar and so we began planning to bring together a meeting of transgender servicemembers.” Organizers went to the transgender chapter of SPARTA, which boasts more than 200 actively service transgender Americans, for members who indicated they wanted to be “at the tip of the spear in this fight.” With logistical and financial support from individuals, as well as organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Palm Center, they were able to bring the meeting together at no personal cost to the servicemembers. “We were able to let them know what a campaign of activism would look like if they were to undertake it,” says Stokes, who previously served as spokesman for OutServe-SLDN. “We really came away with a core group of people committed to making this happen. We came away thinking this is possible.” “It was incredibly inspiring and educational for me,” adds Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, who attended the meeting. “To see such a large group of them together and to hear what open service means to them was really inspiring.” Among the military members in attendance was Landon Wilson, a cryptologist specialist the Navy spent at least half of a million dollars to train, who also happens to be transgender. “The meeting in Texas was one of the very first places that Landon ever told his story to anyone,” recalls Robinson. In March, Wilson would be discharged after his gender identity was discovered by supervisors arranging for his promotion — a story that was recounted on the front page of The Washington Post last month. Wilson’s story in particular could prove a pivotal moment in this fight, especially 8

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with regard to the man with the power to end the ban, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. “I think the fact that Landon’s story was on the front page of Chuck Hagel’s morning paper made a difference,” says Robinson. “One of the greatest qualifications Hagel brings to the job is he was an Army sergeant. A sergeant’s entire job is to take care of the troops. I think that he and others see stories like Landon’s and they recognize we’re not doing a very good job of taking care of these troops.” Indeed, in recent days the movement has “taken a quantum leap,” says Keisling. During an interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz that aired May 11, Hagel said the military’s transgender ban should be “continually reviewed” and stated he is open to such a review. “I go back to the bottom line — every qualified American who wants to serve our country should have an opportunity if they fit the qualifications and can do it,” he said. “This is an area that we’ve not defined enough.” During a flight en route to Saudi Arabia a few days later, Hagel expanded upon his remarks, stating that the Pentagon should continue to evaluate the ban. “I’ve not asked for a specific task force,” he said. “I’ve not asked for a specific study. I would want to hear more from individuals who are close to this issue, know this issue, who I would value their judgment and their direction on.” And then on May 16, the White House signaled their support for such a review. “I would certainly point you to what Secretary Hagel said and we certainly support his efforts in this area,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said in response to questions from Metro Weekly. Such statements illustrate a dramatic shift in tone by the Pentagon and Obama administration on transgender military service. “This issue has progressed more in seven days than previously imaginable,” HRC Vice President Fred Sainz said after Carney’s remarks. “And I think the fact that it also appears that these are not off the cuff remarks made by Secretary Hagel — that clearly his thoughts, his plan is endorsed by the White House — that shows incredible momentum and strength for this issue and that is deeply, deeply meaningful.” The publication of Wilson’s story, and the anticipated publication of more such stories in the coming months by a documentary web series titled TransMilitary,

builds upon growing evidence that the military’s transgender ban is archaic. An independent commission led by a former U.S. surgeon general and retired admiral concluded in a study released by the Palm Center last March that there is no compelling medical rationale for banning transgender people from serving in the American military. According to that report, there are approximately 15,450 transgender personnel currently serving. The study is one of 11 commissioned by the Palm Center’s Transgender Military Service Initiative evaluating transgender military service as well as questions related to readiness, morale, welfare, personnel requirements and management. The initiative was launched in 2013 after a $1.35 million grant from the Tawani Foundation, which was founded by Jennifer Pritzker. A retired lieutenant colonel who served 11 years in the Army and 16 years in the National Guard, Pritzker became the world’s first transgender billionaire when she came out last September. Many of America’s allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel, allow transgender military service. Moreover, the lifting of the ban on women in combat in January 2013 has “cleared the way forward for the military to have this conversation,” says Robinson. “President Obama said something that I like to think was as much forward thinking as it was for that day: ‘Valor knows no gender.’ I think our leaders at the Pentagon post-Iraq, post-Afghanistan know that’s true. And that as a value and principle of DoD will help to move this ball forward,” says Robinson. (When asked if Obama believes the ban on transgender military service should eventually be lifted, Carney deflected back to Hagel’s remarks and reiterated their support for his efforts.) No review of the ban has yet been ordered, according to a Pentagon official, but advocates are taking Hagel up on his invitation for more information from those close to this issue. According to Sainz, HRC is also working with a coalition of groups, including SPARTA, to plot an effective strategy. Telling the stories of transgender servicemembers, such as Landon Wilson, will prove critical as well, advocates say. “When we began to introduce images and stories of gay and lesbian military families into the national conversation about marriage equality, that conversa-

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LGBTNews tion changed in a subtle but critically important way,” says Robinson. “For a certain segment of America seeing gay and lesbian people wearing the uniform of the United States along their families, hearing their stories of service

and sacrifice, made them think not just about ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and marriage equality, it made them think about gay and lesbian people in a way they never had before. For a certain segment of America, seeing Landon and seeing

these other servicemembers that they’ll see over the weeks and months to come, I think it’s going to change how they think, not just about transgender people in the military, I think it’s going to change how they think about transgender people.” l

O’Malley Signs Transgender Rights Bill Nondiscrimination bill slated to go into effect in October now faces potential repeal referendum by John Riley

aryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) on Thursday, May 15 signed into law a bill prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in the areas of employment, housing, credit and public accommodations, extending vital civil rights protections to transgender Marylanders. The Fairness for All Marylanders Act, also known as SB 212, previously passed the Maryland Senate in March by a 32-15 vote, and passed the House of Delegates, 82-57, later that month. Because similar protections already exist in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and the city of Hyattsville, which together comprise about half of the state’s population, the bill, as signed into law, simply extends protections to transgender people living in the state’s 20 remaining counties. As written, the bill is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1. In statements on his office’s website, O’Malley grouped the transgender rights bill in with other bills related to the budget and protecting the state’s wetlands, saying that all those efforts “will ensure that we continue to make critical progress toward a better shared future for our state,” and that the transgender bill, in particular, recognizes the human dignity of all Marylanders. In 2002, as the mayor of Baltimore City, O’Malley signed similar legislation into effect to make the city the first jurisdiction to protect transgender individuals from discrimination. “Today, with the signing of the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, we’re tak10

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ing a critical step forward in protecting all Marylanders from discrimination,” Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown said in a statement. “This is important legislation at a time when more than half of transgender residents in our state have reported harassment in their community. I’d like to thank and congratulate all of the lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders who made this legislation possible, and fought to ensure that all Marylanders are treated and protected equally under the law.” Various advocates for transgender rights praised the signing of the bill into law, including representatives from Gender Rights Maryland and from the Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality (MCTE), a collection of more than 50 civic, political, religious or community groups that advocated on behalf of SB 212’s legislative passage. “I applaud the Governor for his completing the process by which the transgender community has risen to full legal equality in the state of Maryland,” Dana Beyer, the executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, said in a statement. “He started this process in 2002 by making Baltimore City the first protected jurisdiction; now, following the addition of Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore counties, Governor O’Malley gets to close the circle for all residents of our state.” “We are proud to have worked with the O’Malley-Brown Administration on passing The Fairness for All Marylanders Act,” Carrie Evans, executive director of MCTE member Equality Maryland, said in a statement. “We especially want to thank the Lt. Governor for testifying before the House Committee this session, and the Governor for addressing our rally. Their efforts were effective and helped continue

the momentum for passing this bill.” Equality Maryland’s political action committee, Equality Maryland PAC, previously endorsed Brown in his bid for governor over Attorney General Doug Gansler (D) and out lesbian Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery Co.), both of whom supported the law, and, in Mizeur’s case, also testified in favor of it before the General Assembly. Equality Maryland PAC also endorsed Sen. Rich Madaleno, the chief Senate sponsor of SB 212, in his bid for reelection. He faces off against Beyer in the June primary. Other MCTE members also expressed enthusiasm for the newly signed law. “We’re so incredibly pleased that the governor is taking the next step to ensure that all Marylanders, including transgender Marylanders, have the basic protections that everyone should be afforded,” Sarah Warbelow, legal director at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), another MCTE member, told Metro Weekly. But opponents of the legislation are mounting an effort to collect petition signatures from 55,736 registered voters by the end of June in order to place SB 212 onto the November 2014 ballot in the hope of overturning the law just a month after it takes effect. Using Del. Neil Parrott’s (RWashington Co.) brainchild, MDPetitions. com, a site that uses information contained in the state’s voter database to make it easier for people to sign their names as they appear on their voter registration, opponents are trying to rally support from conservative-leaning constituents against the so-called “bathroom bill,” the derogatory name by which opponents refer to SB 212. Opponents of the law claim that its enactment into law will threaten the safety of women and girls in public restrooms

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LGBTNews by placing them at risk from sexual predators, whom they say will claim to be transgender in order to avoid prosecution. But proponents of the nondiscrimination law have previously – and frequently – noted that it does not change any provisions of criminal law, meaning that it will still be illegal to commit assault against anyone in a public restroom. Supporters have also pushed back against opponents’ attempts to disparage transgender individuals by equating them with criminals and lawbreakers, or by dismissing them as “men in dresses”

and claiming that gender nonconformity is a mental problem. Still, opponents of the law likely face a tough battle even if they are successful in petitioning it to referendum. A poll by Goucher College showed that 71 percent of Marylanders said they supported adding gender identity to the list of classes protected under the state’s nondiscrimination laws, while only 20 percent where opposed. Jer Welter, the managing attorney at FreeState Legal, another MCTE coalition member, said his organization was

“incredibly proud” that the bill was being signed into law. “It’s been a long time coming, to enact into law fairness for all transgender Marylanders in all walks of public life,” Welter said. When asked about opponents’ repeal efforts, Welter said, “Del. Parrott has an uphill climb.” Welter also said that FreeState Legal and others in the coalition were exercising due diligence and working together to prepare to fight against any attempt to force the law onto the ballot. l

LHP Hosts DC Latino Pride Annual Latino Pride celebration will hold four separate events to mark its eighth-year anniversary

by John Riley

he Latino GLBT History Project (LHP), in conjunction with Empodérate of La Clínica del Pueblo, a member of the DC Latino Pride Advisory Committee, will host this year’s multi-day DC Latino Pride celebration, which is set to take place on four different days over a nearly two-week span. DC Latino Pride celebrates Latino culture, identity and contributions to the community and creates a bilingual space in which Latinos can celebrate with one another. “The Latino GLBT History Project is proud to continue in the tradition of our founder Jose Gutierrez to celebrate LGBT Latina/o culture and history during the Pride season,” David Perez, the president of LHP, said in a statement. “Now in its eighth year, DC Latino Pride has grown into a multi-day celebration gathering upwards of 800 LGBT Latinas/os and allies. The celebration is made possible with the support of over 25 community volunteers and 35 nonprofit, government, and corporate sponsors and partner organizations.” “My colleagues and I are thrilled to represent La Clínica del Pueblo’s Empodérate Youth Center on the DC Latino Pride advisory committee,” Alexa Rodriguez, transgender youth program coordinator at La Clínica del Pueblo, said in 12

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a statement. “It is Empodérate’s second year of stepping up in this leadership role to provide staff, volunteers and meeting space to plan Washington’s most exciting Latino celebration during Pride season.” The four main events this year will include a coronation and drag show, a panel discussion, an interfaith service, and a dance party. The first event, “La Coronacion,” occurs at Cobalt this Sunday, May 25, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and features the coronation of LHP’s 2014-2015 Royal Court members, selected by a subcommittee for their help in volunteering for LHP in some capacity, as well as for their community service work on behalf of other LGBT or Latino causes. This year’s honorees are Gladys Gonzalez, Juan Alvarez, and Ana Gomez. The event also features drag performances. A $5 donation is suggested to attend. The panel discussion takes place on Thursday, May 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum, at 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, and focuses on the challenges faced by Latino LGBT youth and the importance of community and family support during the coming out process. The panel is followed by a reception, a community resource fair, free HIV testing and an historical exhibit, “Positivamente Latinos,” which includes biographies and photographs of community advocates and gatherings and public health posters aimed at increasing prevention and awareness, and care for those

affected by HIV and AIDS, according to Esther Hidalgo, vice president of LHP and co-chair of its Historical Archives committee. Attendance to the event is free, but a $5 donation to benefit LHP’s work is suggested. On Saturday, May 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the LGBT-affirming Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC’s Spanish Speaking Ministry, and Grupo Latino Dignity Washington DC, the religious support group for Latino LGBT Catholics, co-hosts an interfaith service at MCCDC, at 474 Ridge St. NW, followed by refreshments. All faiths are welcome to attend. The final event, DC Latino Pride’s official dance party, take places Thursday, June 5, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Town Danceboutique. Featured guests include host Juanita Dior Lineysha Sparx from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, DJ Joe El Especialista from El Zol 107.9 FM; DJ X Gonzalez; Jocelyn Carrillo of Majestic; and DC Latina Drag Kings and Bio Queens: Sugar Cane, Dawn McSmiley, Diego El Sabroso, and Enzo. Tickets costs $10 if purchased in advance by visiting LHP’s website at latinoglbthistory.org/tickets. For more information about DC Latino Pride, visit latinoglbthistory.org/latinopride. Those wishing to become sponsors, community partners or volunteer may contact LHP Program Coordinator Jesus Chavez at JChavez@latinoglbthistory.org or at 202-670-5547. l

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LGBTCommunityCalendar Metro Weekly’s Community Calendar highlights important events in the D.C.-area LGBT community, from alternative social events to volunteer opportunities. Event information should be sent by email to calendar@MetroWeekly.com. Deadline for inclusion is noon of the Friday before Thursday’s publication. Questions about the calendar may be directed to the Metro Weekly office at 202-638-6830 or the calendar email address.

Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St. NW. betmish.org.

Brazilian GLBT Group, including others interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/ time, email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com. Dignity Northern Virginia sponsors Mass for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria. All welcome. dignitynova.org. Identity offers free and confidential HIV testing in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 12-3 p.m. For appointments other hours, call 301-422-2398.

Thursday, May 22

Friday, May 23

Weekly Events

MetroHealth Center offers free, rapid HIV

Andromeda Transcultural Health

Bet Mishpachah, founded by members of the GLBT community, holds Friday night Shabbat services followed by “oneg” social hour. 8-9:30 p.m. Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St. NW. betmish.org.

DC Aquatics Club (DCAC) practice session

Gay District holds facilitated discussion for GBTQ men, 18-35, first and third Fridays. 8:30 p.m. The DC Center, 1318 U St. NW. 202-682-2245, gaydistrict.org.

testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). Call 202-291-4707, or visit andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 7:30-9 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DC Lambda Squares gay and lesbian square-

dancing group features mainstream through advanced square dancing at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual dress. 301-257-0517, dclambdasquares.org. The Dulles Triangles Northern Virginia social group meets for happy hour at Sheraton in Reston, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, second-floor bar, 7-9 p.m. All welcome. dullestriangles.com.

Gay Married Men’s Association (GAMMA)

is a peer-support group that meets in Dupont Circle every second and fourth Friday at 7:30 p.m. gaymarried.com or GAMMAinDC1@yahoo.com.

HIV Testing at Whitman-Walker Health,

Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org.

Sunday, May 25 Adventuring outdoors group hikes 6.4 moderate miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain in most scenic part of Shenandoah National Park. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, about $20 for fees, plus money for ice cream stop afterwards. No dogs allowed. Carpool at 9 a.m. from East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Craig, 202-462-0535. adventuring.org. Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for the Lost Dog & Car Rescue Foundation in Potomac Yards. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org. 8th Annual DC Latino Pride La Coronacion. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Cobalt, 1639 R Street NW. $5 cover, 21+. 202-670-5547.

Weekly Events All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church

Project STRIPES hosts LGBT-affirming social

celebrates Low Mass at 8:30 a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244, allsoulsdc.org.

HIV Testing at Whitman-Walker Health. The Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 202-7457000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

SMYAL’s Rec Night provides a social atmosphere for GLBT and questioning youth, featuring dance parties, vogue nights, movies and games. catherine.chu@smyal.org.

Dignity Washington offers Roman Catholic

Identity offers free and confidential HIV testing

Saturday, May 24

in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours, call Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by

appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. 202-567-3155 or testing@smyal.org.

Women’s Leadership Institute for young

LBTQ women, 13-21, interested in leadership development. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.

Us Helping Us hosts a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. The group is independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road NW. Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.

Chrysalis arts & culture groups visits National Gallery of Art to see exhibits on “Degas/Cassatt” and on windows in paintings by Andrew Wyeth. Free. Lunch follows. 11 a.m., 6th & Constitution Avenue NW lobby. Craig, 202-462-0535. craighowell1@verizon.net.

Adventuring outdoors group hikes 12 moderate but level miles in Cedarville State Forest in Brandywine, MD. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, a few dollars for fees. Carpool at 10 a.m. from Branch Avenue Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Eric, 240-538-7328. adventuring.org.

Weekly Events Bet Mishpachah, founded by members of the

LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat services, 10 a.m., followed by kiddush luncheon. 14

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Mass for the LGBT community. 6 p.m., St. Margaret’s Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave. NW. All welcome. Sign interpreted. dignitynova.org.

Friends Meeting of Washington meets for

worship, 10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW, Quaker House Living Room (next to Meeting House on Decatur Place), 2nd floor. Special welcome to lesbians and gays. Handicapped accessible from Phelps Place gate. Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.

Institute for Spiritual Development, God-centered new age church & learning center. Sunday Services and Workshops event. 5419 Sherier Place NW. isd-dc.org. Lutheran Church of Reformation invites

all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is available at both services. Welcoming LGBT people for 25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org

Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL

interpreted) and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday School at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.

Riverside Baptist Church, a Christ-centered, interracial, welcoming-and-affirming church, offers

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service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330, riverside-dc.org.

Unitarian Church of Arlington, an LGBTQ welcoming-and-affirming congregation, offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd. uucava.org. Universalist National Memorial Church, a welcoming and inclusive church. GLBT

Interweave social/service group meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m., Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St. NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.

Monday, May 26 Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 27 8th Annual DC Latino Pride Volunteer Meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at

Empoderate Youth Center, 3055 Mount Pleasant St. NW. RSVP: Jesus Chavez, JChavez@ LatinoGLBTHistory.org or call 202-670-5547.

Weekly Events A Company of Strangers, a theater chorus, meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. A GLBTA and SATB looking for actors, singers, crew. Open Hearth Foundation, 1502 Massachusetts Ave. SE. Charles, 240-7645748. ecumenicon.org. Asians and Friends weekly dinner in Dupont/ Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m. afwash@aol.com, afwashington.net. DC Aquatics Club (DCAC) practice session at Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.

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marketplace

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LGBTCommunityCalendar DC Front Runners running/walking/social club

Support group for LGBTQ youth ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL, 410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.

Ad Lib, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 7:45 p.m., covered-patio area of Cosi, 1647 20th St. NW. All welcome. Jamie, 703-892-8567.

The Gay Men’s Health Collaborative

MetroHealth Center offers free, rapid HIV

DC Aquatics Club (DCAC) practice session at

serving greater D.C.’s LGBT community and allies hosts an evening run/walk. dcfrontrunners.org.

offers free HIV/STI screening every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. 703-321-2511, james.leslie@inova.org. Whitman-Walker Health’s Gay Men’s Health and Wellness/STD Clinic opens at 6 p.m., 1701 14th St. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis and herpes testing available for fee. whitman-walker.org.

The HIV Working Group of The DC Center hosts “Packing Party,” where volunteers assemble safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m., Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. thedccenter.org.

Identity offers free and confidential HIV testing

in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours, call Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978 or Takoma Park at 301-422-2398.

Karing with Individuality (K.I.) Services,

at 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free “rapid” HIV testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by

appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@smyal.org.

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testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

Marie Reed Aquatic Center, 2200 Champlain St. NW. 8-9:30 p.m. swimdcac.org.

Us Helping Us hosts a support group for black gay men 40 and older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

Historic Christ Church offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.

Wednesday, May 28

Identity offers free and confidential HIV testing

The Lambda Bridge Club meets for Duplicate Bridge. No reservation needed. All welcome. 7:30 p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. Need a partner, 703-407-6540.

Weekly Events DC Scandals Rugby holds practice, 6:30-

8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.

NovaSalud offers free HIV testing. 11 a.m.-

in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave. Walkins 2-7 p.m. For appointments other hours, call Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.

HIV Testing at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.:

Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org.

Prime Timers of DC, social club for mature gay men, hosts weekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m., Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637 17th St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316. l

2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.

Andromeda Transcultural Health offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707, andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

For more calendar listings please visit www.metroweekly.com

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MAY 22, 2014

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scene The 2014 Next Generation Awards Friday, May 16 Beacon Hotel scan this tag with your smartphone for bonus scene pics online!

Photography by Ward Morrison

PURCHASE YOUR photo AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE/

See photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

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MAY 22, 2014

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Spir tual Engagement A mainstay at Black Pride for years, the elegant Rayceen Pendarvis finds joy in touching the hearts and minds of others Interview by John Riley Photography by Julian Vankim METROWEEKLY.com

MAY 22, 2014

y his own admission, Rayceen Pendarvis is “one of a kind.”

An activist, a writer for SWERV Magazine, a local emcee at various parties and events, the chief organizer of the LGBT book and movie club Bruhz at Martin Luther King Jr. Library, and the host of the “Ask Rayceen Show,” a live monthly talk show at Club Liv that focuses on LGBT issues, the colorful, engaging and flamboyant Pendarvis flits from one activity to another, and still finds time to volunteer on the side. “I don’t like red tape,” Pendarvis says. “I don’t like the word ‘no.’ I like the words ‘I can. I will. Let me try. Let me see what I can do.’ Words like that make a difference.” During his interview, Pendarvis dishes out advice and shares his views on life with a sweep of his manicured nails and flashes of humor, sprinkled with references to faith or God. His message when it comes to LGBT activism? Push boundaries, and get out of comfort zones. Make the effort to reach out to others and engage them on a personal level. “I don’t think I would have ever gotten to where I am in life if I didn’t reach out to meet people from all walks of life,” he says. “I want everybody in my circle. And that was such a wonderful experience because it made my life full and whole.” But Pendarvis, who is hosting this year’s Black Pride festival on Sunday, May 25, at the Francis-Stevens Campus, is also not one to hold his tongue, particularly when it comes to serious issues affecting the LGBT community, such as mental health, addiction, homelessness and other topics routinely considered “taboo” or that might be uncomfortable to address. And in his frank yet unfiltered manner, he’s not afraid to take the community to task for what he sees as its shortcomings. “We’ll talk about HIV, we’ll talk about gay rights, but yet we have an underserved population that is dealing with mental health issues, which is the stem of a lot of our problems,” he says. “As activists, we have work to do. As human beings, we have some work to do. As LGBT members of our community, we have work to do.” Above all, Pendarvis’s message is one of universal love. Love for family, love for each other, love for God, and an appreciation of life’s blessings. From hosting a yearly black-and-white affair that not only serves as a birthday celebration for him and four close friends, but a fundraiser for the Wanda Alston House for LGBT homeless teens to his stories about the joys and pitfalls of parenting and his flair for charming even the most hostile of audiences and bringing them to his side, it is apparent that Pendarvis lives his life by the Golden Rule. “No matter where we go in life, take a moment to look back and pull someone else up,” he says. “Whether it is to give them a kind word, a warm meal, an old coat, or just to sit and have a great conversation. Pulling somebody up. That’s what’s important.”

METRO WEEKLY: If I ask you the question, “Who is Rayceen Pendarvis?” what’s your response? RAYCEEN PENDARVIS: A child of God who cares about my community. MW: And why have you been involved particularly with black LGBT causes? PENDARVIS: Well, in order to celebrate all of me, I have to embrace the part of me that you see, which is a person of color who happens to be LGBT. But that’s not only just me. I think I embrace all sides of our community — LGBT, white, black, Latino, trans — wanting to make a difference for everybody. MW: How do you personally identify? PENDARVIS: I’m a self-described “gender-blender.” MW: When did you first realize or recognize that you were part of the LGBT community? Tell me what that was like. How old were you when you first knew? PENDARVIS: Oh, my God. I think you always have an inkling. And when you finally come to grips with it, and understand who you are, it frees you. So I think the moment I decided to be free was in high school. Once I came out, I realized I was free. I think coming out during the time — I have been around for quite some time, ‘60s to ‘70s to ‘80s to ‘90s, and the new millennium — was a wonderful time. It was a great time for change, because so many people were fighting for so many causes. And I think it was a great time coming out. I can only describe it as liberating. MW: You say you’re a father to five and a mother to many. PENDARVIS: I’m a father of five, can you believe that? And a grandfather of two. And raising children has been one of my greatest rewards in life.

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MW: How old are your children? PENDARVIS: They range from 14 to 25. And that makes me 29. It’s

been a wonderful journey. MW: Are you — PENDARVIS: Am I married? No. I was never married. I’m a widow,

honey. I lost my partner five years ago. He was the greatest love of my life — David Davis. And having him in my life for 20 years was a blessing. It allowed me to show our community, and especially young people, the value of love. And that you can have it, and you’re worthy of it, and you deserve it. My children adored him. It was a wonderful experience, to have him around, and raising kids, and then have a second set of children. I helped raise my brother’s children. That was a blessing. And now they’re having children. MW: How many nieces and nephews? PENDARVIS: Another five. So I had ten. Can you believe that? Yeah. I took on raising another set. Which took a lot of my time, but it allowed me to teach them about a lot of things. They watched me go to rallies, they watched me put together condom kits. I took them to meetings. I exposed them to so many things about our community, and taught them the importance of equal rights for everybody. And that’s been a great joy. MW: Tell me about your immediate family. PENDARVIS: I have five brothers, whom I love dearly. We fight, we fuss, like all families. But I think what I have done, which is a blessing, is taught them the beauty, the diversity, and the true celebration of what it is to be gay in America. By exposing them to so many varieties in our community, such as bisexuality, trans men, trans women. Having such an eclectic group of friends, and allowing them to see that our values are no different from yours.

And having wonderful and open conversations. found out who you are, and accepting, discovering your gayness, It didn’t used to always be that way: of course, you’re going it was a process. You had a great gathering of friends. The older to have your trials and maybe one or two brothers who may not kids looked out for the younger kids. They mentored you, they understand. But you know what? You may not understand our walked you through the process, they talked to you, they taught life, but you’re going to respect it in the end. you about the value, the importance of education, they instilled MW: Where do you come in the pecking order? in you great work ethic. PENDARVIS: I’m not the oldest. And I’m far from the youngest. I’m And if you had that from home as well, it was an added plus. the special one. Which has been a blessing. And the fact that I had all of that coming from my home life, and I had a wonderful, accepting mother, who allowed me to be coming out into our community, it was celebrated, it was enwho I was, who I am. She always taught me that if you don’t hanced. It was just a necessity. You could not be gay and be stustand for something, you’ll fall for anything. So I thank God for pid. You had to have a sense of self-worth, of dignity, pride, and my mother. respect for yourself, your community, and all of the above. I thank God for my dad. I wish he would’ve lived to see me MW: Why do you think so many LGBT men and women are reticent to get involved with younger generaget to this point in my life, but he did not. But if you have an accepting famtions? “The art of communication, ily, an accepting community, it makes PENDARVIS: Well, I think a lot of the acceptance and the celebration of times, we get comfortable in our the art of sitting down, who you are so much better. own space, and we don’t want to eye contact, feeling one MW: Do you think that’s what’s lacking come out of it. And sometimes you another, shaking hands — it for many LGBT youth now, or do you have to meet people where they are. think it’s better? And sometimes in order to reach celebrates the best part of PENDARVIS: Well, the onset of social young people, you have to go where who we are. media has been an incredible thing. they are. And you have to talk to But it has allowed them not to interthem, and not at them. And listen act as often as they should, like we into them. Young people have a lot to teracted. We had to interact, because say, and we have a lot to learn from all we had was us. So we had to talk them, and they have a lot to learn to each other, we had to get out, we from us. And it’s the fair exchange, had to celebrate, find one another. and meeting and respecting each But now you can get on the Internet other, and understanding one anand do everything. So I think on one other, that’s so, so important. hand, the youth of today have a lot MW: Since you came out, how has the more freedom, or a lot more choices, District changed? to find one another. But it’s a downPENDARVIS: I think on one hand, we side, because it doesn’t allow them to are really lucky to be in the District be able to really sit one-on-one and of Columbia, because in other plachave conversations. They can text, es, in smaller communities, they they can tweet, but they can’t sit down like you and I are sitting don’t get the celebration of who they are, like we do. You know, down and having that one-on-one conversation. And that kind of the fact that we’re in a city, and we can be celebrated, and safe. I bothers me. think about rural towns and rural communities that are not acIt’s so important to communicate with each other. The art of cepting. And at the end of the day, we have so much acceptance communication, the art of sitting down, eye contact, feeling one here in the city. another, holding hands, shaking hands, greeting one another in But it’s a flip-side, now. It is a flip-side. We have so many the way of — it is a wonderful thing, it engages us, it allows us to rights, but yet, there are still so many things lacking in our combe human, and celebrates the best part of who we are. Touch is munity. Now with gay marriage, domestic partnership — I mean, a wonderful thing. Touch is important. It shows the kindness of it took a while to get to that. So it’s still growing. It’s still growing man. in leaps and bounds, until one day, hopefully there will be proMW: Do you identify as a specific religion? grams in schools that will teach tolerance. PENDARVIS: I embrace everyone. I embrace everything and everyI host a lot of straight functions. It’s been a wonderful expeone. However you find your peace and your center and your joy. rience, because when I walk in the door, it allows me to fill the I’m very spiritual. But you have to be. You have to be in touch room with love and dispel all of what they thought about us. You with all sides of spirit, and who you are, and the God of your un- know, because, visually, I am a lot when I walk into a room. derstanding. But I have the opportunity, in the time that we meet, to leave MW: When you were a young adult, what was that like for you? you with something that will make you think positively about our How did you come to find your peace? LGBT community. So every time I’m given a microphone, every PENDARVIS: With the help of God, family, and great friends, and time I’m allowed to stand on a platform, I will stand in my light, great mentors in my life — Avis Pendarvis, Tina Teasley, and Ro- I will stand in my truth. I will tell people a message of love and a berta Baldwin. Trans women who stood at a time and were really message of tolerance, mixed with humor. And if I can make you able to make a big impact on their community. And it just drew laugh, I can make you cry. And I think it’s important. But I can me to them, their light. also make you think. But you know what? That’s what’s missing in this community Every time I leave an arena, and just recently I was speaking at right now. We had a process in coming to who you are. When you a straight function, with about 1,000 people in the room, and this

Touch is a wonderful thing. Touch is important. It shows the kindness of man.”

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woman came up to me. And she said “Can I ask you something?” at home? Can you pull your hair back? Can you do this? Can you and I said, “Sure.” just be...?” Now I knew where she was going with this by the way she And not being flamboyant, I just couldn’t see, because it’s a was looking and her body language was reading. And she said, part of my persona. So you know, it’s a part of who I am. So even “Now, when I first saw you, I was a little taken aback, because I being less dramatic, to my kids, is being dramatic to their friends. didn’t know if you were a man or woman, and I kept hearing you And their friends just fall in love with that. You know, kids like speak, and I was even more confused.” all that. And she said, “You spoke so many great things in between I’d be like, “What’s going on, girl? What’s happening? What your segments. You spoke about love, you spoke about God, you you doing with yourself? That’s a cute little outfit.” Or, “You spoke about family. But you mixed it with humor and told these shouldn’t wear that. That’s not your color.” Or “That’s a little too wonderful stories. And through it all it just allowed me to think. tight and a little too low. And the next time you wear that, I want I had a vision of all flamboyant men to see some tights with it. Or I just as being these screaming queens, want to see a longer skirt.” And you “I have to embrace the part loud, wrong, flamethrowers. But you just talk to them and find ways of showed me that you are spiritual, reaching them, and tweaking it with of me that you see, a person you’re goal-oriented, you’re famia little humor, and it makes a big, big of color who happens to ly-oriented, and you just knocked difference. You know, so those have be LGBT. [But] I embrace down all the barriers I had, and all been funny things. I could tell you a the things I thought about people.” million stories. all sides of our community And that’s how you counteract I was telling a story about parwanting to make a difference something. ents. The amazing strength of mothfor everybody. I’ve had conversations with ers and fathers in our community has people that have cussed me out, tell been something that really stands in me “I don’t mess with, I don’t use my mind. Mothers who accept their your kind, I don’t understand it.” children, who buried their children. Okay, you may not like me, but let’s Fathers who loved their sons, who get over that. What else is new? So became their daughters. It’s amazwhat? Do we have something to do? ing to see the strength of parenting. Why are you here? Okay, let’s get it That was amazing. And it went bedone. yond color lines, it went beyond any And at the end of the day, and level of wealth. It was just parents, when it’s all said and done, I think loving their children. And I thought that’s what I’m doing every day of my life, one way or another. that was some of the amazing strength I’ve seen throughout this And some days it’s a little hard. Some days you don’t want to be journey. the light. You want to stand in the corner. You don’t want to be Now, of course you’ve got some parents that ain’t having it, seen, but somebody has to be seen. And somebody has to be that ain’t using it, and at the end of the day, that’s so few and far bevoice. tween. I’ve seen some ugly sides of that, but I’ve seen so much joy MW: Well, you talked about the time you were well received. Tell me and strength. That’s outweighed all of the evil, the hate and the about a time you’ve been received badly at a function? ignorance. And one journey that I have, that has stood out in my PENDARVIS: I remember one time. I walked into a room, and they mind, is the wonderful parents in our community, that just love weren’t quite getting it. And I just felt like, “How am I going to their children unconditionally. reach them?” So I said a little prayer within, and I just talked And when it’s all said and done, if I die today or tomorrow, I about God. And I just talked about love. And I just told some fun- can say, “I came. I saw. I mattered. And I cared.” That’s where ny stories about being a parent, a funny story about growing up, I’m at. And honey, all the little things along the way? It’s just litand found a way to meet them, and reach them right where they tle cherry sprinkles on top of the banana split of life. How about are, and told and I was able to be real. I peeled away my layers, that? And it just kind of makes you feel a little good when you see and I got very real in the room. And then at the end of the day, if yourself, that through this journey — amazing friends, amazing you can’t experience any of that, at the rawest form, then you’re experiences, amazing family, amazing career. All the things that not human. I’ve done in my life. And I’m not over yet. And I found a way to reach them. And I turned around, and I And here I am, 30 years later, still fighting for change, still in walked back, and I came back out and I just said, “God is good.” the game, and refuse to give up. I’m at a great point in my life, to And I got the great response, “All the time!” And it was a room of see things, doors open for me, that allows me to know that all the all these hip-hop folks. blood, sweat and tears were not in vain. I’m very happy where I And we got real and we told stories and I talked about being a am in life. parent, and what it was like being a flamboyant parent. And told Every day, I leave my door, and I’m like, “All right, world, it’s stories of PTA meetings and field trips. And Campfire Girls sto- showtime!” ries, and Boy Scouts stories. And walking into school, and putting the school on pause. And having my kids say, “Oh, God. Here Rayceen Pendarvis hosts the Black Pride Cultural Arts/Health & comes, here comes.” And telling those stories of I can walk to the Wellness Festival, Sunday, May 25, at the Francis-Stevens Edukids’ school, and how all their friends just rallied towards me, cational Campus, 2425 N St. NW, from noon to 6 p.m. For a full just fall around me, just love me, want to come with me and be schedule of all the weekend’s events, workshops and activities, visit with me. And my daughter’s just like, “Oh God. Can’t you just stay dcblackpride.org. l

I’m a selfdescribed ‘genderblender.’”

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MAY 22 - 29, 2014

Scandinavian Symphony ESpitE GroWiNG up iN a NorDiC CouNtry, ahti pauNu WaSN’t raiSED With thE MuSiC oF aBBa. “in my home we almost only listened to classical music,” the Finland native says. But as it is for so many, it was love at fi rst listen. “i instantly fell in love with the tunes,” paunu says. “i think i had been lacking a lot not knowing them before.” Certainly the 38-year-old has now made up for lost music in his youth. For about a decade now his six-member vocal group rajaton has regularly performed a symphonic concert in tribute to the Swedish superstars. the a cappella group will make its debut at the Kennedy Center next weekend in the program “the Music of aBBa” with the National Symphony orchestra pops, led by Steven reineke. “i sang once before at the Kennedy Center when i was nine,” paunu says, chuckling at the memory of performing as part of a children’s choir tour of the u.S. a baritone, paunu, who also grew up playing cello and piano, helped form rajaton as an a cappella group while studying music education in college. “We had a dream that we could become the fi rst professional vocal group in Finland, and make a living out of it,” he says. along the way rajaton — the name means “boundless” in Finnish — started performing symphonic tributes to other pop legends, including the Beatles and Queen. “But this aBBa thing we have performed the most all over the world,” paunu says, “whether in Finland or especially australia — they are really fanatic about it [down under].” at the Kennedy Center rajaton will perform a few of its own original a cappella songs in addition to the aBBa classics. “there is a rock band playing in the middle of the orchestra, so we still have the disco kind of feel all the time,” he says. and patrons are encouraged to sing, even dance, along. Says paunu: “We love people singing with us…i would say that especially towards the end, it is kind of a party.” - Doug Rule Rajaton performs Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m., at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to $85. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org. 30

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VillE paul paaSiMaa

Finnish group Ragaton joins the NSO to toast aBBa

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Compiled by Doug Rule

SPOTLIGHT BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, FOLGER THEATRE

alan markfield

Marin Alsop conducts the women’s chorus of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and the BSO while Edward Berkeley directs his concert adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring music by Felix Mendelssohn. Among the actors breathing life into Shakespeare’s classic: Spencer Aste, Katie deBuys, Kate Eastwood Norris, Marcus Kyd and Cody Nickell. Thursday, May 29, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Also Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets are $29 to $94. Call 410-7838000 or visit bsomusic.org.

BOLSHOI BALLET Meeting of the minds: McAvoy and Stewart

Future Perfect The new X-Men sets the series back on course

here’s a quick, significant shot in X-Men: Days of Future Past in which the original Star Trek series is clearly referenced. It’s a telling moment, not just for the audible acknowledgment it gets from the audience, but for director Bryan Singer’s obvious admission that his latest movie is borrowing a major move from the Trek playbook: The time-travel reset, most prominently used in Star Trek: First Contact. Singer, who directed the first two X-Men films but handed control over to Brett Ratner in 2006 for the disastrous X-Men 3: The Last Stand, has regained the reigns with gusto and righted his billion-dollar racehorse. Not so much a reboot as a reset, X-Men: Days of Future Past (HHHHH) cleverly combines the cast of the original X-Men films (Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen) with younger incarnates from 2011’s First Class (James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender) and restores the smart, sheer fun of the series while maintaining its poignancy and gravitas. In order to save society from a lethal bio-weapon fashioned in the ‘70s from mutant DNA, fan favorite Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, in splendid form, both physically and wise-crackery) is sent back in time to prevent a catastrophic event. While the set-up is simple, the execution is anything but, as the narrative takes sudden turns in directions you can’t possibly see coming. (Hint: Mutants are a stubborn lot.) Jackman, Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and especially McAvoy give extraordinary performances that root the requisite blockbuster action in deep, resonant emotions. The film has its impenetrable moments — I still have no clue what happened in the cluttered opening sequence, and its subsequent explanation left me and my comic book-astute companion in equal states of befuddlement — but Singer mostly keeps tight narrative control over an increasingly complicated plot, showcasing his directorial gifts in a magnificent climax that shuttles between two timelines with artistry. Singer focuses the story on a few key characters, wisely avoiding the temptation to dump every mutant into the fray. There are several newcomers, however, including Evan Peters as the lightening fast Quicksilver. Quicksilver gets one major scene in the film and it’s a flat-out showstopper. Let’s hope Peters, whose droll, apathetic portrayal marks a stark contrast to every other mutant’s hyper-intensity, finds his way back to the X-Men universe. He’s a welcome addition to the X-family. – Randy Shulman X-Men: Days of Future Past is rated PG-13 and opens Friday at area theaters. 32

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The ever-popular Bolshoi Ballet from Russia, which regularly plays sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center, returns with a production of Giselle, one of the most romantic and visually striking works in the classical cannon. Staged by Yuri Grigorovich with music by Adolphe Adam performed by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the ballet features choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa. Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. Also Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $38 for each night’s performance. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

CHRISTOPHER K. MORGAN & ARTISTS

Local gay choreographer Christopher K. Morgan brings his company to Rockville’s American Dance Institute, where he’s a resident artist, for the seasonclosing mixed-repertory program By The Inch. On the bill are two world premieres, including a new work for the women of CKM&A, plus a reconstruction of Morgan’s signature solo piece The Measure of a Man 10 years after later. Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m. American Dance Institute, 1501 East Jefferson St. Rockville. Tickets are $33.50. Call 301-984-3003 or visit americandance.org or christopherkmorgan.com.

GENOME: UNLOCKING LIFE’S CODE

Thanks to the work of the decade-long, $3 billion Human Genome Project, human society has gained much greater insight into our bodies and our health. Scientists have identified genes that contribute to disease, stoking hope for ways to treat or eradicate cancer among many other ailments. This new Smithsonian exhibition, which will travel the country later next year, explores the work and growth in sequencing technology that helped spark this medical and scientific revolution. Through September. National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Call 202-633-1000 or visit mnh.si.edu.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

Dianne Wiest, Doc Severinsen, Jennifer Nettles and Megan Hilty headline this year’s National Memorial Day Concert on the U.S. Capitol grounds featuring the National Symphony Orchestra as led by Jack Everly. Among the youngsters on tap at this PBS-televised concert, now in its 25th year are the 13th American Idol Anthony Kearns, The Voice 2013 Danielle Bradbery and classical crossover prodigy Jackie Evancho. Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) and Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) co-host for the ninth year, and Colin L. Powell also returns for a special

tribute to our men and women in uniform. Sunday, May 25, at 8 p.m. U.S. Capitol Building - West Lawn. Free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit pbs.org/memorialdayconcert.

SHEILA E.

Three decades after her work as a drummer, songwriter and musical director for Prince, including on the stupendous Purple Rain soundtrack, which in turn launched her solo career with The Glamourous Life, Sheila E is back, preparing a September release of her autobiography The Beat of My Own Drum. But right now you can hear her showing off her dexterous skills in all manner of music-making on Icon, her first studio album in 13 years — offering everything from wondrous polyrhythmic percussive runs, such as on first single “Mona Lisa,” to “Don’t Make Me,” an impressive all-vocal track in which Sheila shows she’s a vocal percussionist too — that is, a beat-boxer. Prince even shows up, to sing backing vocals and play piano on the infectious E Family jam “Leader of the Band.” Expect the same kind of lively, engaging music fusing pop, R&B, funk, jazz and rock when she drops by the Birchmere. Thursday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $49.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

THE LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE

The ever-ambitious, ever-adept Constellation Theatre Company once again dares to stage a large-scale classic tale in the intimate Source Theater space. This time around the company’s Allison Arkell Stockman corrals a typically large ensemble and her trusty veteran designers to bring to life Timberlake Wertenbaker’s The Love of the Nightingale, a theatrical piece originally commissioned by the U.K.’s Royal Shakespeare Company and inspired by a tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Constellation staple Megan Dominy stars as Philomele, who struggles mightily in a dangerous seafaring quest to reunite with her younger sister Procne (Dorea Schmidt) in this Greek tragedy about family loyalty and gender roles. The production includes puppetry by Don Becker and Erick Brooks and original music performed live by percussionist Tom Teasley. To May 25. Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $35 to $45. Call 202-204-7741 or visit constellationtheatre.org.

FILM BLENDED

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play a man and a woman who find themselves stuck together at a family resort. Don’t get stuck seeing Frank Coraci’s comedy — or at least don’t say you weren’t warned against the flick that also features Joel McHale, Kevin Nealon, a whole bunch of Sandlers, even Shaquille O’Neal in supporting roles. Opens Friday, May 23. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.

THE IMMIGRANT

Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) stars as a young woman fresh off the boat from Poland in 1920s New York, where she’s quickly forced into prostitution by Joaquin Phoenix — no, he never gave up acting. In James Gray’s latest film, Cotillard’s character’s only hope becomes Jeremy Renner, who plays Phoenix’s character’s cousin — a stage magician. Naturally we all believe in magic by movie’s end. Opens Friday, May 23. Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave. Call 301-652-7273 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

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MAY 22, 2014

STAGE A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S RIOT

Keegan Theatre, in repertory with Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight (see separate entry), presents the world premiere of Rosemary Jenkinson’s latest one-man tour-de-force, this time a biting comedy about a poor Irishman who dreams of becoming a professional golfer — and practices amid the nighttime fights between Protestant and Catholic youth that still plague Belfast every summer. Just as with Jenkinson’s one-man-plays Basra Boy and Cuchullain, Keegan taps Abigail Isaac to direct Joss Sticklin. To June 5. Andrew Keegan Theatre (formerly Church Street Theater), 1742 Church St. NW. Tickets are $30. Call 703-892-0202 or visit keegantheatre.com.

ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE

Maryland’s Rude Mechanicals, whose name derives from the beloved Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, offers a production of Tennessee Williams’s Eccentricities of a Nightingale, about a sensitive, lonely young woman who fears she’ll remain a spinster. Ed Starr directs. Closes this Saturday, May 24. Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202-315-1310 or visit flashpointdc.org or rudemechanicals.com.

HENRY IV PARTS I AND II

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The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents Henry IV Parts 1 and Part II in repertory, meaning the plays can be seen on separate nights but still in order — a unique opportunity to follow not only Henry’s history, but also the way in which Shakespeare darkly and interestingly evolves his characters. Edward

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Gero as Henry IV, Stacy Keach as Falstaff and Matthew Amendt as Hal carry both plays, and even with a big cast (in which many play multiple roles across the two productions) and despite an overarching plot that the uninitiated may find obtuse, most will find the drama unfolding among the three men eminently accessible. Especially so, given the strong vision of director Michael Kahn. Tightly sprung, perfectly pitched and paced, Kahn’s productions are the bloody steaks and tannic reds of the theater: rich, gratifying and offering an energy that endures long after the evening has ended. In rep to June 8. Sidney Harman Hall, Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F St. NW. Tickets are $20 to $110 for one play, with discounts available for combined purchase. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org. (Kate Wingfield)

NERO/PSEUDO

WSC Avant Bard presents a world premiere of a glam rock musical by writer Richard Byrne and composers Jim Elkington and Jon Langford that takes the historical fall of Rome under Nero as its starting point. Nero/Pseudo follows a rock and roll Nero imposter who wins over the emperor’s fans and becomes a celebrity. Patrick Pearson directs a cast including Ryan Alan Jones, Alani Kravitz, Lee Liebeskind, Brian McDermott, Gillian Shelly and Bradley Foster Smith. Weekends to June 1. The Shop at Fort Fringe, 607 New York Ave. NW. Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 866-811-4111 or visit wscavantbard.org.

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ

One of the earliest and longest-running revues in Broadway history, Smokey Joe’s Café focuses on the rock and R&B tunes written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, from “Hound Dog” to “Stand By Me.” Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage after One Night with Janis Joplin to direct a new take on the show, beefed

up with a more urban feel and more relationships — and of course the local vocal firepower of Helen Hayes Award winners E. Faye Butler and Nova Y. Payton. “They’re really so impeccable that rehearsal is a joy,” Tony-winning LGBT pop singer-songwriter Levi Kreis tells Metro Weekly, adding that during rehearsals, “I literally am giggling like a child, because I can’t believe what’s coming out of their faces!” To June 8. The Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets are $75 to $120. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

THE THREEPENNY OPERA

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Dressed in female drag, Rick Hammerly all but steals the show as Lucy, arguably the most hopelessly deluded lover of Macheath, aka Mack the Knife, played by the charismatic Mitchell Jarvis in Signature Theatre’s new production. The notorious criminal in Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s nearly 90-year-old musical farce has got quite the harem lined up in London’s gritty underworld. And director Matthew Gardiner has seen to it that you’ll love the women in Signature’s production all right, from the phenomenal Natascia Diaz as Jenny to Signature staple Donna Migliaccio, who bowls us over in her typically wonderful way as Polly’s domineering mother Mrs. Peachum. You just can’t help but find the good in this production: Its strong cast and also its sharp design team. To June 9. The Max Theatre at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets are $40 to $95. Call 703-820-9771 or visit signature-theatre.org. (Doug Rule).

TICK, TICK…BOOM!

New professional theater company QuackenSteele Theatre Co. offers as its inaugural production Tick, Tick…Boom! from the late Jonathan Larson, creator

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MAY 22, 2014

of Rent. Adapted after Larson’s death by playwright David Auburn, the musical offers an autobiographical tale about a man questioning his decision to be in the performing arts. Based in Alexandria, QuackenSteele is a company named after its principals Laura Quackenbush, the producer of this production, and Lou Steele, the actor who takes on the lead role in a production also featuring Madeline Botteri and David Little and directed by Walter Ware III. Opens Friday, May 30, at 8 p.m. To June 6. The Lab at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Alexandria. Tickets are $25. Call 703-664-0312 or visit QuackenSteeleTheatreCo.org.

MUSIC brandyclark.com

10,000 MANIACS

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Follow Her Arrow Brandy Clark is gaining attention for her “dark comedy” country songs

’m a little older than most people when they first start doing it, as far as like coming out as an artist,” country singer-songwriter Brandy Clark says. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s just something that’s not going to happen to me.’” Over the past few years the thirty-something native of Washington state has established herself as a preeminent Nashville songwriter. Clark is part of a Music Row collective writing smarter, more sophisticated songs, many of which have become major hits — from “Mama’s Broken Heart” for Miranda Lambert to “Better Dig Two” for The Band Perry. And if you saw this year’s Grammy Awards, no doubt you remember Kacey Musgraves performing Clark’s twangy gay-affirming anthem “Follow Your Arrow.” But since last fall Clark has also started gaining attention as a singer and an artist in her own right, with the release of her tremendous, and tremendously entertaining, debut album 12 Stories. “I’ve never thought my stuff was that far off what country radio was, which I grew up listening to,” she says, “but I think it is quite a bit off of what country radio currently is.” All it takes is a glance at the song titles to see how off from conservative-leaning country Clark’s sharp songs are: “Illegitimate Children,” “The Day She Got Divorced” and current single “Get High.” “I think life is a dark comedy, so to me my songs are kind of dark comedy, a lot of them,” she says. “Tough subject matter but really delivered a little bit tongue in cheek. “Some of those songs are closer to me than others, as far as my own personal experiences,” continues Clark, who sees herself as a storyteller, telling stories that go beyond just her own experiences. And her own experiences in Nashville, where she moved at the age of 21, have been good, or at least free of outright homophobia and discrimination. “I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve been working with a lot of other gay people in the industry … and we’ve all been pretty successful.” — Doug Rule

In a couple months, Natalie Merchant will perform at Lincoln Theatre. But next weekend the alt-rock band that gave her her start appears at the Birchmere, on tour fronted by Jenn Grinels. The band tours in support of last year’s Music from the Motion Picture, the group’s first new studio set in 14 years, which featured vocalist Mary Ramsey. Friday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $39.50. Call 703-5497500 or visit birchmere.com.

LENA SEIKALY

A former Strathmore Artist-in-Residence, this local jazz vocalist has won lots of praise in the past few years, including form Duke Ellington’s biographer John Hasse, who has touted her as “a major league young talent in jazz.” Now Seikaly returns to Blues Alley in a program paying tribute to classics by the Duke. Saturday, May 24, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $22, plus $10 minimum purchase. Call 202-337-4141 or visit bluesalley.com.

MARY LOU WILLIAMS WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 19th edition of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, named after the late legendary jazz pianist/composer, features two evenings of performances by some of contemporary jazz’s leading women, including lesbian singer-songwriter Toshi Reagon, drummer Allison Miller, clarinetist and saxophone player Anat Cohen and Rene Marie, who will perform selections from her tribute set Evil Little Me: A Tribute to Eartha Kitt. Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $38 for each night’s performance. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedycenter.org.

SAM HAYWOOD

The Washington Performing Arts Society presents this British pianist, a composer and director of the Solent Music Festival. In recent seasons Haywood has performed with Joshua Bell at the Kennedy Center and Strathmore, but he now makes his U.S. solo recital debut performing Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata among other works by Chopin, Haydn, Wagner and Liszt. Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $40. Call 202467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org or gmcw.org.

DANCE AMERICAN EMBASSY OF DANCE

Brandy Clark performs Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m., at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $20. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

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“For The Love of Tap” is the name of a program commemorating the 25th anniversary of National Tap Dance Day, featuring Joseph Webb as event host as well as a performer along with Cartier Williams, a fellow alum of Broadway’s Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk. Also on tap: Rasta Thomas’s Bad Boys of

Dance performing “Tap Stars: A Dance Revolution,” The Jam Project, Capitol Tap, Tapology, Anna Menendez, Studio Bleu and Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble, among others. Friday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Call 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org or American embassyofdance.com.

SOLE DEFINED

Focused chiefly on various music and dance styles from Africa and Brazil, The Sole Defined Experiment is the latest production from this local tap dance-fusion company launched in 2012 as part of Atlas’s Intersections: A New America Arts Festival. Co-founded by dancer/choreographers Ryan K. Johnson (Stomp, Step Afrika) and Quynn Johnson (Cirque du Soleil, Just Tap), Sole Defined presents global variations on tap dancing as well as other urban and Africa-derived dance styles in a multidisciplinary fashion, incorporating theater and visuals. Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $38.50 in advance or $43.50 at the door. Call 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org or facebook.com/soledefined.

COMEDY MICHAEL IAN BLACK

“I look at myself on TV and [even] my gaydar pings,” Michael Ian Black joked in an interview with Metro Weekly a couple years ago. In fact, the straight comedian, familiar from work on NBC’s Ed, VH1’s I Love The… series and Comedy Central’s Stella and Reality Bits Back, has been an affiliated member of the gay community essentially since birth, raised by his mother, who happens to be lesbian. “I [always] related very directly [to the gay rights movement] because it affected my mom, it affected people that I care about.” Tuesday, May 27. Doors at 7 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com. Also visit 930.com/friends to sign up for the club’s Friends With Benefits rewards program offering exclusive deals and discounts on tickets, drinks and merchandise. l

For more out on the town listings please visit www.metroweekly.com

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MAY 22, 2014

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MAY 22, 2014

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scene Food & Friend’s 24th Annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction Tuesday, May 13 Washington Hilton scan this tag with your smartphone for bonus scene pics online!

Photography by Ward Morrison

PURCHASE YOUR photo AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE/

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MAY 22, 2014

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pets

Kuznetsov Alexey

by zack rosen

Patios Unleashed Larry’s Lounge and other D.C. hotspots are ready to seat your dog

ome people make a break for the mountains when it the mercury rises in Washington, others head for the beach. Those who stick around will find a city, and many of their favorite watering holes, going to the dogs. Literally. Larry’s Lounge is neighborhood favorite for its strong drinks, tasty menu and welcoming vibe. The 18th Street gay bar is popular with a primary clientele — neighborhood men, women and dogs. The bar had long hosted a perennially popular “Yappy Hour” on their spacious patio, but the event’s great success — and its patrons’ devotion to their canines — has led Larry’s new owners to encourage furry visitors at every hour of the week. “It all comes back to: what’s the neighborhood like?” says Larry’s co-owner Ron Robinson. “Our customers can go many places and I want to keep them here. [Our patio] has bowls everywhere. I go over and beyond in looking to make dogs more welcome by offering services for them. I always have doggy treats in my pocket. All natural. You’ve got to look at the healthy side too.” Walking by Larry’s in the warm months is a happy sight indeed. Nestled at the corner of 18th and T, at the hinterlands METROWEEKLY.com

MAY 22, 2014

where Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and U Street come together abruptly, the laidback bar’s patio serves as a low-key neighborhood magnet for those who either own dogs or appreciate their company while drinking. Robinson himself is a longtime animal lover. He does not have dogs of his own, as the demands of bar ownership lead him instead to the rescue of two less-demanding cats. But just because he devotes all his time to the lounge does not mean his customers’ dogs get anything less than the royal treatment. “I just want dogs here,” he says. “The neighborhood knows that I live two doors down and that I’m here at 9 a.m. with treats in my pocket. The dogs can come over to me – I get down on the ground and play with them. We’re right by [dog-walking firm] City Dogs and I know the dog walkers. Our customers say ‘You’re the most friendly bar to have dogs, and you’re so sweet to them.’” The peaceful, tree-lined streets around Larry’s Lounge seem to house as many dogs as people, reflected in some of the area’s other businesses. Ever-crowded Adams Morgan coffee shop Tryst has a new patio that is dog (but not cigarette) friendly, and always has a full bowl of water on the ground for those tonguelolling summer days. Hidden gem Hans Pedr’ Kaffe’, on Florida Avenue, has some of the best Belgian pastries, coffee and savory food in the city. Those Chimay beers and almond croissants taste great in the restaurant’s immaculate interior, but a veteran dog owner won’t feel truly at home without their begging buddy at their feet. Luckily, Hans Pedr’ Kaffe’s shaded patio provides room for two brunch guests and a weimaraner, and their wait staff are quick with a water dish and some affectionate pats to the nose. Just down the street is the hippie coffee shop Pleasant Pops, which features (among other items) freshly made sandwiches,

MAY 22, 2014

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salads and their eponymous frozen delights. The storefront is flanked by a row of picnic tables that actually look lonely if not attached to at least one smiling dog. Dog owners know the benefits of an outdoor gathering spot that allows dogs, as most meals are better with a best friend. Robinson may be a bar-owner as a profession, but animals have long been his passion. “I’m such an animal person because they bring great satisfaction,” he says. “They’re comforting. They gravitate towards me, too. I’m great with horses, dogs, cats. I saw a flock of sheep once out in Pennsylvania and they came running to me.” While that particular animal has yet to make an appearance at Larry’s, Robinson (and his pocket full of treats) has without question created a true social paradise for dogs and the people who love them. l

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MAY 22, 2014

night

life listings Thurs., 05.22.14

9 1/2 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover Annie’s/Annie’s Upstairs 4@4 Happy Hour, 4pm-7pm • $4 Small Plates, $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis Fireplace Happy Hour, 1pm-8pm • $4.50 Absolut & Bacardi, 10pm-12am Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm Green Lantern Shirtless Men Drink Free, 10-11pm JR.’s $3 Rail Vodka Highballs, $2 JR.’s drafts, 8pm to close • Top Pop Night Nellie’s Sports Bar Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 • Drag Bingo

Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • Shirtless Thursday • DJ Tim E in Secrets • 9pm • Cover 21+

Number Nine Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

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MAY 22, 2014

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scene Cobalt Friday, May 16 scan this tag with your smartphone for bonus scene pics online!

Photography by Ward Morrison

Fri., 05.23.14

607 New York Ave. NW • 21+

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Friday Night Videos with resident DJ Shea Van Horn • VJ • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover

Fireplace Happy Hour, downstairs 1pm-8pm, upstairs 3pm-8pm • VJ Dina Valentine • DJ Keith Hoffman 9pm-2am

Annie’s 4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $4 Small Plates, $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis • Upstairs open 5-11pm

Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm JR.’s Buy 1, Get 1, 11pm-midnight • Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm • $5 Coronas, $8 Vodka Red Bulls, 9pm-close

DC Bear Crue @Town • Bear Happy Hour, 6-11pm • $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles • Free Pizza, 7pm • Hosted by Charger Stone • No cover before 9:30pm • 21+

Nellie’s Sports Bar DJ Matt Bailer • Videos, Dancing • Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15

Eagle-N-Exile Full Bar, 3 Premium Draughts • Doors 6pm • No Cover • Capital Fringe,

Number Nine Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

Phase 1 DJ Styalo • Dancing • $5 cover PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 Drag Show in lounge • Half-price burgers and fries Town Drag Show starts at 10:30pm • Hosted by Lena Lett and featuring Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Jessica Spaulding Deverreoux and Banaka • Doors open at 10pm • For those 21 and over, $5 from 10-11pm and $10 after 11pm • For those 18-20, $10 all night • 18+ Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • Ladies of Illusion with host Kristina Kelly, 9pm • Cover 21+

Sat., 05.24.14

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • $5 Absolut & Tito’s, $3 Miller Lite after 9pm • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover Eagle-N-Exile Full Bar, 3 Premium Draughts • Doors 6pm • No Cover • Capital Fringe, 607 New York Ave. NW • 21+ Fireplace Happy Hour • $4.50 Bacardi & Absolut, 10pm-12am • VJ Dina Valentine Freddie’s Beach Bar Diner Brunch, 10am-3pm • Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Freddie’s Follies Drag Show 8 pm-10pm, 10pm-1am Karaoke

JR.’s $4 Coors, $5 Vodka highballs, $7 Vodka Red Bulls Nellie’s Guest DJs • Zing Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, House Rail Drinks and Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm • Buckets of Beer, $15 Number Nine Doors 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Phase 1 Dancing, 9pm-close PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 Karaoke in the lounge • Charity Bingo with Cash Prizes 3rd Sat. of Every Month

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Town Raven from RuPaul’s Drag Race • dj MiMi Imfurst spinning upstairs all night • Drag Show starts at 10:30pm • DJ Wess • Hosted by Lena Lett and featuring Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee, Jessica Spaulding Deverreoux and Banaka • $8 from 10-11pm and $12 after 11pm • 21+ Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All nude male dancers, 9pm • Ladies of Illusion with host Ella Fitzgerald, 9pm • DJ Steve Henderson in Secrets • DJ Spyke in Ziegfelds • Doors 8pm • Cover • 21+ Sun., 05.25.14

9 1/2 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover

MAY 22, 2014

Fireplace $3 Smirnoff the Night Away, 8pm-12am • VJ Dina Valentina • DJ Keith Hoffman 8pm-1am Freddie’s Beach Bar Champagne Brunch Buffet, 10am-3pm • Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke 8pm-1am JR.’s Sunday Funday • Liquid Brunch • Doors open at 1pm • $2 Coors Lights & $3 Skyy (all flavors), all day and night Nellie’s Drag Brunch, hosted by Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm • $20 Brunch Buffet • House Rail Drinks, Zing Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer and Mimosas, $4, 11am-close • Buckets of Beer, $15 Number Nine Pop Goes the World with Wes Della Volla at 9:30 pm • Happy Hour: 2 for

MAY 22, 2014

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1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

$4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis

Town WTF Presents Dinosaur Island Luau! • Closing party for National Volleyball Tournament • Doors 10pm • $5 Cover, 21+

Fireplace Happy Hour all night long • DJ Keith Hoffman, 8pm-12am

Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • Decades of Dance • DJ Tim-e in Secrets • Doors 8pm • Cover 21+ Mon., 05.26.14

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover Annie’s 4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $4 Small Plates, $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,

Freddie’s Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm JR.’s Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm • Showtunes Songs & Singalongs, 9pm-close • DJ Jamez • $3 Drafts Nellie’s Sports Bar Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 • Poker Texas Hold’em, 8pm Number Nine Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 Buzztime Trivia competition • 75 cents off bottles and drafts Tues., 05.27.14

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover Annie’s Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis Fireplace Happy Hour all day long downstairs Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm

JR.’s Underground (Indie Pop/ Alt/Brit Rock), 9pm-close • DJ Wes Della Volla • 2-for-1, all day and night Nellie’s Sports Bar Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 • Karaoke Number Nine Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 75 cents off bottles and drafts • Movie Night

Wed., 05.28.14

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • No Cover Annie’s Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis Fireplace Happy Hour, downstairs, 1pm-8pm • Hump Day $3 Domestic Beer all night long Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Drag Bingo, 8pm • Karaoke, 10pm Green Lantern Happy Hour Prices, 4pm-Close

JR.’s Trivia with MC Jay Ray, 8pm • The Queen, 10-11pm • $2 JR’s Drafts & $4 Vodka ($2 with College I.D./JR’s Team Shirt) Nellie’s Sports Bar Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Half-Price Burger Night • Buckets of Beer $15 • SmartAss Trivia, 8pm Number Nine Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 Free Pool • 75 cents off Bottles and Drafts Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • New Meat Wednesday DJ Don T • 9pm • Cover 21+

Thurs., 05.29.14

Green Lantern Shirtless Men Drink Free, 10-11pm JR.’s $3 Rail Vodka Highballs, $2 JR.’s drafts, 8pm to close • Top Pop Night Nellie’s Sports Bar Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 • Drag Bingo Number Nine Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • Shirtless Thursday • DJ Tim E in Secrets • 9pm • Cover 21+

Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm

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MAY 22, 2014

Fri., 05.30.14

9 1/2 Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • Friday Night Videos with resident DJ Shea Van Horn • VJ • Expanded craft beer selection • No cover Annie’s 4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $4 Small Plates, $4 Stella Artois, $4 House Wines, $4 Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4 Manhattans and Vodka Martinis • Upstairs open 5-11pm DC Bear Crue @Town • Bear Happy Hour, 6-11pm • $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles • Free Pizza, 7pm • Hosted by Charger Stone • No cover before 9:30pm • 21+

Fireplace Happy Hour, downstairs 1pm-8pm, upstairs 3pm-8pm • VJ Dina Valentine Freddie’s Beach Bar Crazy Hour, 4-7pm • Karaoke, 9pm JR.’s Buy 1, Get 1, 11pm-midnight • Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm • $5 Coronas, $8 Vodka Red Bulls, 9pm-close Nellie’s Sports Bar DJ Matt Bailer • Videos, Dancing • Beat The Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 Number Nine Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Phase 1 DJ Styalo • Dancing • $5 cover

MAY 22, 2014

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PW’s Sports Bar 9855 Washington Blvd. N Laurel, Md. 301-498-4840 Drag Show in lounge • Half-price burgers and fries Town Drag Show starts at 10:30pm • Hosted by Lena Lett and featuring Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Jessica Spaulding Deverreoux and Banaka • Doors open at 10pm • For those 21 and over, $5 from 10-11pm and $10 after 11pm • For those 18-20, $10 all night • 18+ Ziegfeld’s/Secrets All male, nude dancers • Ladies of Illusion with host Kristina Kelly, 9pm • Cover 21+ l

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Road

Musician Debby Holiday dives back into Cobalt, performing another short set of songs “to make people feel good”

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DIDN’T KNOW THERE was such a thing as a remix,” says Debby Holiday. “I had no idea. I’m a rocker.” The singer-songwriter laughs as she recounts a time her friend, Sordid Lives writer/director Del Shores, asked if she had a song that might work for one of his ﬁlms. “Listen, I need 52

MAY 22, 2014

a dance song. I know you do rock, but do you have anything that’s dance?” she recalls him asking. “And I looked through my stuff and there was this song that my rock band never wanted to play because they thought it was too dance-y.” That song was the rousing anthem “Dive,” which DJ/producer Chris

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Cox remixed into a Top 5 hit on Billboard’s dance chart and made a staple on gay dance ﬂoors in 2004. Holiday has had a few club hits since, including “Joyful Sound” and “Surrender Me.” She’s also become a regular performer at gay parties and clubs, including repeat performances at D.C.’s Cobalt, where she

returns this Friday, May 23. A native of Los Angeles, Holiday originally wanted to be a ballerina. But her father, Jimmy Holiday, was a hit songwriter (“Put A Little Love In Your Heart”) — and the pull of the family business was too strong to resist. “When you grow up with a father like mine, grooming is probably the wrong word,” says Holiday. Recently, Holiday has dabbled in acting, appearing as the Blues Singer in Del Shores’s The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife. She reprised that role for the 2012 movie adaptation of the play, renamed Blues for Willadean and starring Octavia Spencer. But Holiday is a singer first and her chief focus is on producing a slew of new music, a double album featuring roughly 10 new rock songs and 10 new dance songs. “It’s not like a maxi-single, where it’s one song five, six, seven, nine different ways,” she explains. “It’s 10 new original dance songs. It’s quite an undertaking.” She’s aiming to finish the set later this year. “A lot of my songs are about believing in yourself,” Holiday says. “Especially with minorities, any group that’s not part of the mainstream.” Music has become the key way for her to give back. “I just would like to continue to create music that makes people feel good.” Debby Holiday performs this Friday, May 23, after 10 p.m., at Cobalt, 1639 R St. NW. Cover is $10. Call 202-232-4416 or visit cobaltdc.com.l

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MAY 22, 2014

“This type of ‘training’ is an American styled re-education camp for Jones. He will undoubtedly emerge with a new and enlightened view of homosexuality.” — Jeff Crouere, conservative political commentator and radio host, in a column for the Christian Post. Miami Dolphins star Don Jones was suspended and required to attend sensitivity training after making homophobic comments about openly gay NFL player Michael Sam on Twitter. Crouere compared such training to Soviet-era re-education camps and stated that “the politically correct liberals in charge of the NFL are admirers of communism.” (Christian Post)

“I think that’s a really fun and daring move to put in. I love the idea that Gobber is Berk’s resident gay.” — Dean DeBlois, openly gay director of upcoming animated film How to Train Your Dragon 2. DeBlois revealed that Gobber, voiced by late night host Craig Ferguson, will come out as gay. Speaking with E!, DeBlois stated that Gobber’s outing will be subtle: while watching a husband and wife fight, he’ll say that’s why he never got married, as well as one other reason. (E!)

“Even as the gay rights movement progresses at a faster clip than civil rights movements before it, there is an overwhelming pressure in the workplace to hide one’s sexual orientation. ” — Clair Miller, writing in the Sunday New York Times about the lack of out gay chief executives in the nation’s top 1,000 companies. Miller muses that “it is no wonder that closeted employees have difficulty advancing at their companies. They report feeling distracted at work, avoiding certain clients or co-workers, skipping company social events and having a difficult time finding mentors.” (New York Times)

“Most Americans (66%) say it wouldn’t matter if a presidential candidate is gay or lesbian.” — The findings of a survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which asked participants whether they would support an openly gay or lesbian candidate in a Presidential election. Of the remaining respondents, 27 percent said they would be less likely to support a gay or lesbian candidate while 5 percent would be more likely to support such a candidate. (Pew Research Center for the People and the Press)

“We recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination. ” — President Barack Obama, in a statement commemorating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). Obama added, “At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.” (White House) 54

MAY 22, 2014

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