CONTENTS

MARCH 2, 2017 Volume 23 Issue 41

15 ONE BIG, HAPPY TENT?

Conservatives embraced LGBTQ Republicans at this
years CPAC, but transgender rights remain
a sticking point

22
By John Riley

TRAGEDY IN THE RING

In Terence Blanchards stylized, jazz-infused Champion,
a boxer struggles to come to grips with his sexuality
with operatically devastating results.

By Andr Hereford

32 CLAWS OUT
Screen legends Crawford and Davis find the boys,
the booze and Baby Jane in Ryan Murphys
delectable Feud: Bette & Joan

By Andr Hereford

SPOTLIGHT: GMCW p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.11

GLOBE SPANNING: LYNN VERONNEAU p.12 THE FEED: ONE BIG, HAPPY TENT? p.15
FORUM: MOONLIGHT AT THE OSCARS p.17 COMMUNITY: WIG NIGHT OUT p.19
COVER STORY: TRAGEDY IN THE RING p.22 GALLERY: LANIA DAGOSTINO p.29
TELEVISION: FEUD p.31 OPERA: DEAD MAN WALKING p.33
MUSIC: ELECTRIC GUEST p.35 NIGHTLIFE: TEAM DC FASHION SHOW p.37
LISTINGS p.39 LAST WORD p.46

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Managing Editor Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editor Doug Rule
Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Andr Hereford,
Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla
Patron Saint Emile Griffith Cover Photography Todd Franson

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 5

 Spotlight

Show Business
Rinaldo Martinez and DAndrew Parker photographed by Julian Vankim

E
NJOY IT, MY BOY! YOU ONLY GET TO BE ELVIS ONCE
or twice in your lifetime! John Moran offered those words
of advice to Rinaldo Martinez upon selecting him to play
the lead in Frank Loessers 1961 Broadway hit, How to Succeed in
Business without Really Trying. The 35-year-old Martinez, who
hadnt sung in a musical since college, was relatively new to the Gay
Mens Chorus of Washington. I auditioned for this in November,
not even thinking for one second that I would get a lead role,
Martinez says. I just wanted to be in the chorus.
Yet Moran saw in Martinez his J. Pierpont Finch, a role first
made famous by Robert Morse and later by Matthew Broderick.
[Johns] concept for this show was that we not change the
script, that we not change the names of the characters, says Theo
Kano, who replaced Moran after the directors untimely death in
December. The show as originally written is typical Broadway,
typical musical, boy meets girl. We have a man playing the part of
Rosemary, so, of course, now its boy meets boy. Only the role of
Miss Jones, secretary to Finchs boss J.B. Biggley, is played in drag
by DAndrew Parker. Otherwise, says Kano, its just men playing
men. But were doing some fun things to put our equality spin on it.
Kano, the artistic director of the GMCW, calls How to Succeed a
fun piece, kind of an escape, if you will, from the political storm.
Yet it also presents a tongue-in-cheek, art-imitating-life nod to our
current reality. This show, she says, is about a man who works
his way to the top with no experience and no knowledge of the job.
Doug Rule

Gay Mens Chorus of Washington performs How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying on Friday, March 10, and Saturday,
March 11, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 12, at 3 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $65.
Call 202-328-6000 or visit gmcw.org.

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 7

 Spotlight
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH
Amy Heckerlings iconic 1982 teen drama is part of
a Library of Congress series of 15 films celebrating,
however indirectly, Womens History Month. Based on
a script by Cameron Crowe and his findings spending
nine months undercover as a high school student for
Rolling Stone, the film stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge
Reinhold, and Sean Penn and was inducted into the
National Film Registry in 2005. Saturday, March 11, at
7:30 p.m. Packard Campus Theater, 19053 Mount Pony
Rd. Culpeper, Va. Free. Call 202-707-9994 or visit loc.
gov/avconservation.

FICKLE: A FANCY
FRENCH FARCE
Disguises, mistaken identities, palace
intrigues and an improbable romance
are in store in a world-premiere mod-
ern take on Pierre de Marivauxs
18th-century French comedy The
Double Inconstancy. Adapted by rising
American playwright Meg Miroshnik,
the delightful comic romp stars Tonya
Beckman, Chris Dinolfo, Mark Jaster,
Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan, Marcus Kyd,
Kathryn Tkel, and Andy Reinhardt.
Olney Theatres Artistic Associate
Eleanor Holdridge directs. In pre-
views. Opens Sunday, March 5. Runs
through April 2. Mulitz-Gudelsky
Theatre Lab, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring
Road in Maryland. Tickets are $45
to $65. Call 301-924-3400 or visit
olneytheatre.org.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC
Having been described as early Elvis
Costello meets Neutral Milk Hotel, this
new D.C. indie-rock band is comprised
of veterans of local groups Fire and the
Wheel, Last Tide, and Loose Lips. American
Electric is expected to preview songs from
its debut EP, due this spring. Thursday,
March 9. Doors at 8:30 p.m. DC9, 1940 9th
St. NW. Tickets are $10. Call 202-483-5000
or dcnine.com.

8 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
TAKODA: WHISKEY
THREE-COURSE DINNER
The contemporary American restaurant located
around the corner from Town Danceboutique
offers two one-night-only, three-course dinners to
showcase the differences in U.S.-produced spir-
its. On offer is a guided tasting of whiskeys
including Basil Hayden, Bakers Bourbon and Knob
Creek Rye all selected by General Manager Sean
MacDonald to be paired with three courses from
Chef Damian Brown. Wednesday, March 8, from
5 to 9 p.m. Takoda Restaurant & Beer Garden, 715
Florida Ave. NW. Tickets are $55 per person not
including tax and gratuity. Call 202-525-1252 or
visit takodadc.com.

ERIC BURDON
AND THE ANIMALS
Hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the
100 Greatest Voices of All Time, Eric
Burdon will sing through his reper-
toire of hits with the latest iteration
of the British Invasion band he took
to the top of the charts 50 years ago.
Think House of the Rising Sun,
Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood
and the Vietnam-era anthem We
Gotta Get Out Of This Place. Its all
part of Montgomery Colleges Guest
Artist Series. Monday, March 6, at
8p.m. Montgomery Colleges Robert
E. Parilla Performing Arts Center,
51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Tickets
are $75. Call 240-567-5301 or visit
montgomerycollege.edu/PAC.

MRS. MILLER
DOES HER THING
Emmy and Tony-winner Debra
Monk stars in a comedy by Pulitzer-
winning playwright James Lapine
about Elva Miller, a songstress
whose off-key singing found fame
in the 60s. Think of her as pop
musics Florence Foster Jenkins.
To March 26. Signature Theatre,
4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.
Call 703-820-9771 or visit signa-
ture-theatre.org.

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 9

AUDREY MELTON
Out On The Town

PRIESTS
Nearly five years old, the D.C.-based band has generated national buzz for revitalizing, however indirectly, another aspect
of D.C. culture punk rock, specifically the 90s-originating Riot Grrrl variant. Led by the strong, elastically voiced
Katie Alice Greer and including drummer Daniele Daniele, guitarist G.I. Jaguar, and bassist Taylor Mulitz, Priests is a
mixed-gender, hard-charging band with a cheekily religious name owing in part to Greers upbringing as the daughter of
a Methodist minister. The band tours in support of its debut full-length, Nothing Feels Natural, which Paste magazine said
might be the first great punk album of the Trump presidency. Its hard to disagree with music this sharp, passionate, and
powerful. Coup Sauvage & The Snips and Atta Girl open. Saturday, March 11. Doors at 8 p.m. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW.
Tickets are $16, with a dollar from each ticket donated to Casa Ruby. Call 202-667-4490 or visit blackcatdc.com.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
EXTREMIS
A 24-minute documentary by Oscar-
and Emmy-winning director Dan
Krauss (The Kill Team), screened as
part of the Whats Up? Docs! series
from the Documentary Center at
George Washington University.
Released in 2016, Extremis explores
the harrowing decisions families
must make in end-of-life cases rely-
ing on machine-based life support.
Marion Danis, NIHs Division Chief
on Ethics, and philosopher and bio-
ethicist David DeGrazia are special
guests during a post-screening dis-
cussion. Thursday, March 9, at 7
p.m. Amphitheater at Cloyd Heck
Marvin Center, 800 21st NW. Free.
Call 202-994-6787 or visit docu-
mentarycenter.gwu.edu.
MATT SHEPARD IS
A FRIEND OF MINE
Unity of Fairfax hosts an interfaith
event with a screening of Michael
Josues award-winning documen-
tary, exploring the life and tragic
death of Matthew Shepard in 1998
in Laramie, Wyoming. Similar to
The Laramie Project, Matt Shepard
Is A Friend of Mine relates the gay
students struggles through the
personal lens of his friends, fam-
ily and those who were close to
him. After the screening comes a
discussion with light refreshments
about LGBTQ equality and protec-
tions since Shepards murder and
how everyday people can work to
effect change. Saturday, March 4,
at 2 p.m. Unity of Fairfax, 2854
Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, Va. Call
703-281-1767 or visit mattshepard.
eventbrite.com.
MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI
Will Forte, Nick Offerman, Ellen
Page and Amy Sedaris lend their
vocal talents to Claude Barras
feature film debut, an audience
award-winning favorite at various
festivals and also nominated for
Best Animated Feature at this years
Oscars. Based on a novel by Gilles
Paris and with a screenplay co-writ-
ten by French filmmaker Celine
Sciamma (Tomboy), My Life as a
Zucchini is a stop-motion tale about
a nine-year-old boy struggling with
his new life with other orphans
after the death of his mother. The
hour-long film screens with anoth-
er subtitled work by Barras, the
eight-minute short The Genie in the
Ravioli Can. Opens Friday, March
3. Landmarks E Street Cinema, 555
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or
visit landmarktheatres.com.
TABLE 19
Pitch Perfect protagonist Anna
Kendrick stars in a comedy by the
Duplass brothers (The Skeleton
Twins) as a woman who attends
her oldest friends wedding, only to
find her place among other guests
who were only reluctantly invited.
Amanda Crew, Stephen Merchant,
Lisa Kudrow, Wyatt Russell, Craig
Robinson, and Andy Daly are among
the cast in this film directed by
Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound). Opens
Friday, March 3. Area theaters. Visit
fandango.com.
THE MUPPET MOVIE
Kicking off a Muppet Movies series,

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 11

 the American Film Institute screens
the 1979 original in which Jim
Hensons creations first took to the
silver screen. Mel Brooks, Madeline
Kahn, Steve Martin, Dom DeLuise,
Carol Kane, Richard Pryor, and Bob
Hope all feature in the gangs road
trip to Hollywood, led by Kermit,
Fozzie, Gonzo and Miss Piggy. Later
films in the series running through
April include The Great Muppet
Caper, Labyrinth, The Muppets
Take Manhattan, and Sesame Street
Presents Follow That Bird. Saturday,
March 4, at 11 a.m., Sunday, March
5, at 11:30 a.m., Monday, March 6,
at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, at 5
p.m., Wednesday, March 8, at 4:30
PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONNEAU

p.m., and Thursday, March 9, at 5

p.m. Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville
Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $10
to $13 general admission. Call 301-
495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.

STAGE
BLUES IN THE NIGHT
Virginias Creative Cauldron pres-
ents a scorching, Tony-nominated
musical revue interweaving clas-

GLOBE SPANNING
sic blues and American Songbook
standards by Bessie Smith, Duke
Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold
Arlen, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and
Twenty-five years ago, jazz singer Lynn Veronneau was part of the more. Matt Conner directs a show
originally conceived by Sheldon
internets very first viral image Epps. Closes Sunday, March 5.
ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South

N
Maple Ave., Falls Church. Tickets
are $50. Call 703-436-9948 or visit
OT MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THEY WERE FEATURED IN THE FIRST PIC-
creativecauldron.org.
ture on the internet. In fact, only four women can make the claim. We were
called Les Horribles Cernettes, or the acronym LHC, Lynn Veronneau says. Im BOOTYCANDY
the one on the right in the red dress. LHC was a parody pop group comprised of women A cast of students from the Visual
and Performing Arts Department
who worked in Switzerland at the European Organization for Nuclear Research or at Montgomery College bring to
CERN, as its more widely known. We had bouffant hairdos and big fluffy dresses, and life Robert OHaras semi-autobi-
we sang songs about physics. ographical collection of 10 short
plays about growing up gay and
LHCs big moment came when fellow CERN employee and web inventor Tim Berners-
black. The subversive comedy, with
Lee asked for their image and subsequently spread it far and wide via hypertext transfer mature themes and explicit sexual
protocol (HTTP). They were the first viral image, and the four women all still singers, language, first came to life nearly six
though now scattered around the globe are considering reuniting this summer for the years ago at Woolly Mammoth and
journeys from a budding gay youths
25th anniversary of the photo. childhood home and church to dive
At the moment, however, Veronneaus primary focus is on recording new music and bars, motel rooms and nursing
touring with her eponymous, globally-inspired jazz band, formed half a decade ago in homes. Professor David Rothman
directs. Opens Friday, March 3,
Northern Virginia with guitarist Ken Avis, her husband.
at 8 p.m. Weekends to March 12.
Next week, Veronneau and her band will appear at Blues Alley, performing songs from Theater 2 in Cultural Arts Center at
their forthcoming third album. The appearnce precedes a tour to Veronneaus native Montgomery Colleges Silver Spring
Canada and the U.K. over the spring and summer. Following the tour, the couple, who campus, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver
Spring. Tickets are $10. Call 240-
have lived in the D.C. area for 17 years, expect to finally be eligible for U.S. citizenship. It 567-5775 or visit montgomerycol-
was an inevitability that Veronneau had never questioned, until recently. lege.edu/cac.
I havent stopped biting my nails since November 8, she says. My familys all back
home saying, Lynn, come back home. And I thought, thats a definite option for us. Its an CHOIR BOY
Tarell McCraneys drama focuses
attractive option, too. Yet ultimately not as attractive as staying and fighting. on the most talented as well as
Now more than ever I want to be American, she says. After living here for so long, most flamboyant chorister at a
after building a wonderful life here, after meeting so many incredible people, I want the hallowed African-American, all-boy
prep school. A touching tale of bul-
right to vote.... I want my say. I want to stand up. I want to not live in fear. Doug Rule lying, homophobia, love and accep-
tance, the shows greatest source
of power is in McCraneys subtle,
graceful and evocative style of sto-
Lynn Veronneau and her band appear Tuesday, March 7, at 8 and 10 p.m., at Blues Alley,
rytelling. To March 18. Richmond
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $27, plus $12 minimum purchase. Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont
Call 202-337-4141 or visit bluesalley.com. Ave., Richmond. Tickets are $28

12 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

to $30. Call 804-346-8113 or visit
rtriangle.org.
GIN GAME
Roz White and Doug Brown take
on D.L. Coburns play, which the
New York Times called a thorough-
ly entertaining lesson in the fine
art of theatrical finesse. Thomas
W. Jones II directs. To March 12.
MetroStage, 1201 North Royal St.,
Alexandria. Tickets are $55 to $60.
Call 800-494-8497 or visit metro-
stage.org.
KING CHARLES III
Three years after giving us Cock,
British playwright Mike Bartlett
returns with his latest theatrical
effort. An Olivier-winning play that
nods to Shakespeare, King Charles
II explores how Prince Charles
might rule were he to finally ascend
to the British throne. The New York
Times called it an intellectually
and emotionally gripping study of
the strangely enduring anachro-
nism that is the British monarchy.
Directed by David Muse. In pre-
views. To March 18. Sidney Harman
Hall, Harman Center for the Arts,
610 F St. NW. Call 202-547-1122 or
visit shakespearetheatre.org.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Kathryn Chase Bryer directs a Rick
Elices prequel to Peter Pan, com-
plete with swordfights, shipwrecks
and mermaids, but also clever word-
play, daring ensemble movement
and live music. Dallas Tolentino
plays the Boy Who Never Grew
Up, alongside Megan Graves as the
plucky and precocious Molly and
Michael John Casey as the Black
Stache, determined to become the
worlds most feared one-handed vil-
lain. To March 12. Source Theatre,
1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20
to $45. Call 202-204-7741 or visit
constellationtheatre.org.
THE SELECT
(THE SUN ALSO RISES)
John Collins directs New Yorks
Elevator Repair Service adapta-
tion of the classic novel by Ernest
Hemingway about a group of
American and British expatriates
who travel to Spain for the Running
of the Bulls. Shakespeare Theatre
Company hosts the acclaimed
theater ensemble a decade after
they came to fame with their spin
on F. Scott Fitzgerald with Gatz.
The Select is a streamlined edit of
Hemingway that stays true to the
writers distinct style. To April 2.
Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW.
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shake-
spearetheatre.org.
THE WHITE SNAKE
A magical adaptation by Mary
Zimmerman, The White Snake is
brought to fantastical life in grand
spectacle in Baltimore Center
Stages newly renovated Head
Theater. Based on an ancient
Chinese fable, it tells the story of
two animal spirits who take on
human form as a beautiful woman
(Aime Donna Kelly) and her sly
servant. Natsu Onoda Power directs
the production starring Aime
Donna Kelly, Eileen Rivera and Joe
Ngo and featuring an ensemble of
actors and four actor-musicians led
by music director Jeff Song. Opens
Friday, March 3, at 8 p.m. To March
26. Baltimore Center Stage, 700
North Calvert St. Tickets are $20
to $69. Call 410-332-0033 or visit
centerstage.org
MUSIC
ALLE FARBEN
Frans Zimmer, whose artist alias
means all colors in German, is
another purveyor of the improb-
able but irresistible and increas-
ingly popular blend of folk-dance
music, merging tropical house with
breezy downtempo pop and mourn-
ful electro-folk. The Berlin-based
DJ and producer kicks off a short
U.S. tour with a stop in D.C. in
support of his new album Music
Is My Best Friend, including the
trumpet-sounding hit tune Bad
Ideas and the Macy Gray-esque
ditty Please Tell Rosie. Friday,
March 4, at 10:30 p.m. U Street
Music Hall, 1115A U St. NW. Tickets
are $10. Call 202-588-1880 or visit
ustreetmusichall.com.
KLEZMER BRUNCH:
SETH KIBEL AND FRIENDS
Every other month, the Washington
Jewish Music Festival presents a
concert served with a kosher buffet
at the Edlavitch Jewish Community
Center on 16th Street. The next
iteration features Seth Kibel and
fellow musicians performing new
arrangements of traditional Eastern
European/Jewish melodies as well
as original songs drawing upon jazz,
classical, world beat, rock and other
genres for an entertaining blend of
music. Sunday, March 5, at 11 am.
The Aaron and Cecile Goldman
Theater, Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529
16th St. NW. Tickets are $16.88
for the concert only, or $33.75 for
concert with brunch, but only if
purchased by Wednesday, March 1.
Call 202-777-3247 or visit wjmf.org.
KRONOS QUARTET
The Grammy-winning contempo-
rary classical chamber ensemble
returns for its first Washington
Performing Arts concert in 15 years
and the first as part of a five-year
collaboration. The San Francisco-
based string quartet will perform
works it has commissioned by
composers from around the globe,
including American Pulitzer Prize
winner Steve Reich, Azerbaijani
Franghiz Ali-Zadeh, Mexican rock
band Cafe Tacvba, Netherlands-
born Yotam Haber and Polish com-
posers Alter Yechiel Karniol and
Aleksander Kosciow. Saturday,
MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 13
 ESPITA MEZCALERIA: FIRST
BIRTHDAY COCKTAILS
The Southern Mexican-inspired
Shaw spot, which has helped
increase the popularity of tequi-
las worm-infused spirit cousin
mezcal, celebrates its first anniver-
sary the first full week of March.
From Monday, March 6, to Sunday,
March 12, Beverage Director Megan
Barnes offers five fan favorite
cocktails, including the Oaxacan
Sour with excessive Angostura bit-
ters, Espadin mezcal, lemon and
pineapple, the Beatriz, a play on
a dry martini with Sotol, Cocchi
Americano and elderflower, and
the Guajillo Mango Highball, which
combines house-made soda from
chili peppers, fresh-pressed mango
juice and mezcal. And each patron
will receive a complimentary pour
of Espadin mezcal with the pur-
chase of an entree on Wednesday,
March 8 a year to the day since
Espita Mezcaleria opened. Espita
Mezcaleria, 1250 9th St. NW. The
birthday cocktails are $12 to $16
each. Call 202-621-9695 or visit
espitadc.com.

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL ABOVE & BEYOND

Comedy writers Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher, whose credits include Late Show with LA-TI-DO
David Letterman, The Colbert Report and The Onion, return for another round of a festival Started by Regie Cabico and
that features found videos and live comedy drawn from garage sales, thrift stores, ware- DonMike Mendoza and now held
every other Monday, La-Ti-Do
houses, and dumpsters around the country including curiously produced industrial is a variety show chiefly focused
training videos and cheesy exercise tapes. Among the finds in the first new show since on music and singing, enlisting
2014 are clips from David Lettermans VHS Collection, a montage of satanic panic videos professionals from the theater or
opera worlds performing on their
from the 80s, and 10 years of bloopers culled from one hapless North Dakota news team. night off, but also including spo-
Pickett and Prueher also show some of the pranks theyve been hired to play on several ken-word poets, storytellers and
local morning news shows this year. Friday, March 3, and Saturday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. comedians. Some of the performers
Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Tickets are $15. Call at the next round, which is chiefly
dedicated to songs from the 1960s:
703-486-2345 or visit arlingtondrafthouse.com. Christopher Richardson, Gerdean
Ward and poet Drew Anderson.
Also participating is organization-
al partner DC Opera on Tap and
March 4, at 8 p.m. Sixth & I Historic
Synagogue. 600 I St. NW. Tickets
Concert Posters, all starting at 8 p.m.
on Saturday, March 4, at the Black
FOOD Arlingtons Dominion Stage. Pianist
Taylor Rambo provides accompa-
are $40. Call 202-785-9727 or visit Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Tickets are niment and Mendoza and Anya
CENTRAL MICHEL RICHARD Randall Nebel co-host. Monday,
washingtonperformingarts.org. $12. Visit dcmusicdownload.com
Executive Chef David Deshaies has March 6, at 8 p.m. Bistro Bistro,
for tickets and more details.
put together a special menu of sig- 1727 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets
SOUNDS OF THE CITY FEST
nature dishes given to him during are $15, or only $10 if you eat dinner
DANCE
Local music acts get the spot-
16 years of mentorship by the leg- at the restaurant beforehand. Call
light in two concerts presented by
endary French namesake of Central, 202-328-1640 or visit latidodc.wix.
online music magazine DC Music
THE WASHINGTON BALLET: who died last year. A week-long com/latidodc.
Download, part of a weekend-long
GISELLE promotion kicking off what would
D.C. Music Arts and Interactive
Celebrating its first season under have been Richards 69th birthday, RESIST COUNTER CABARET
Festival that also includes panel
the aegis of Julie Kent, the 72-year- the four-course prix-fixe dinner Feminist punk performance group
discussions with movers and shak-
old organization brings the ballet features: Smoked salmon terrine Tia Nina presents another free
ers in the local music scene and
classic to life in a re-staging by Kent with leeks tartare and brioche to variety show aimed at bringing
a record label expo. First up is a
and husband Victor Barbee based on start, lobster ravioli with citronelle progressive-minded artists and
Festival Kickoff Showcase featur-
choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules emulsion, 72-hour braised short audiences together, for a cathar-
ing Ace Cosgrove with BobMoeKill,
Perrot and Marius Petipa. Charles ribs in a mushroom-syrah reduc- tic expression of the world around
Ciscero, and DJ Ayes Cold on
Barker leads the Washington Ballet tion, and Michels Profiteroles for them. Expect performances by
Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. at
Orchestra performing the Adolphe dessert. All courses are available dancers, musicians, theater artists,
Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW.
Adam. To March 5. Kennedy Center with optional wine pairings during comedians, clowns and more at the
Tickets are $10. The next night,
Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are dinnertime only. Tuesday, March 7, Capital Fringe complex, including
Den-Mate, Nag Champa, Fellow
$33 to $130. Call 202-467-4600 or through Saturday, March 11. Central its Fringe Arts Bar, which opens at
Creatures, and Stronger Sex per-
visit kennedy-center.org. Michel Richard, 1001 Pennsylvania 6 p.m., while the show starts at 8
form a Mainstage Showcase that
Avenue NW. Cost is $80 per person, p.m. Wednesday, March 10, in the
coincides with a pop-up installation
with an additional $45 for the wine Trinidad Theatre, 1358 Florida Ave.
honoring memorable show posters
pairings. Call 202-626-0015 or visit NE. Free. Call 202-733-6321 or visit
from some of D.C.s best visual art-
centralmichelrichard.com. capitalfringe.org. l
ists in Five Years of D.C. Music in

14 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 theFeed
ONE BIG, HAPPY TENT?
Conservatives embraced LGBTQ Republicans at this years CPAC, but transgender rights
remain a sticking point By John Riley
P
ETER BOYKIN, THE PRESIDENT OF GAYS FOR
Trump is attending his first ever Conservative
Political Action Conference. To say hes in his element
is an understatement.
I would much rather be here than a gay club any day,
because everyones friendly, he beams. I like to have the
opportunity to come out and voice my opinions. It gives me
an advantage to be around people that I really feel comfort-
able around. All the Trump rallies I went to, I felt so much
love.
For Boykin, a 39-year-old North Carolina resident, CPAC
has largely welcomed gays with open arms something he
feels contrasts with the way many LGBTQ people treat con-
servatives, particularly religious conservatives.
Its funny, he says, they always talk about Christians
pushing away the LGBT, but its really the opposite. Its the
LGBT liberals pushing their conservative family members
away.
Boykin dismisses the narrative that the GOP is hostile to
LGBTQ rights as fake news, a perception he says is fed,
in part, by a lack of outreach from the GOP to the LGBTQ
community.
Theres a big social aspect to being LGBT, he says.
The Democrats go to the Pride events. You dont really see
the GOP set up there. The GOP doesnt really know how to
approach the LGBT.
Which is why, later this year, Boykin and other rep-
resentatives from Gays for Trump plan to attend Pride
celebrations throughout the United States, in order to start
conversations with the community about the appeal of the
Republican Party.
Boykins desire to bridge the gap between the GOP and
the LGBTQ community mirrors a larger aspect at this years
CPAC. Attendees stressed the importance of a big tent
approach to building the party, which demands outreach
to communities that have traditionally favored Democrats,
including LGBTQ people.
Groups like Log Cabin Republicans are an important part
of that process, says Martha Ruiz of Washington, D.C.
Thats an example that shows that the Republican Party
is a party of inclusion and diversity, the 30-year-old says.
Were not pushing them out of the party because they have
another sexual preference. We all have conservative ideals,
so why cant they be part of our party?
Charlotte Davis, the 19-year-old president of the College
Republicans at the University of West Florida in Pensacola,
agrees with the influence Log Cabin Republicans can have
on outreach.
Organizations like the Log Cabin Republicans are being
very influential in how they approach millennials and this
generation, because we are the future of the conservative
movement, says Davis. I dont think we are necessarily as
ideological as the conservative movement used to be, which
helps us to rebrand the conservative movement to fit the
times were in.
But Log Cabin hasnt always enjoyed such a warm
reception at CPAC. Just last year, their presence at the con-
servative conference made headlines. This year? Barely a
ripple of controversy. In fact, Log Cabins booth at the CPAC
hub an area where various organizations promote their
respective causes was one of the most popular, particular-
ly among the throngs of college students who attended this
years conference.
Our sponsorship of CPAC this year is a non-event,
which is exactly the way Ive always wanted it to be, says
Gregory T. Angelo, president of the Log Cabin Republicans.
The exciting thing is, much like last year, theres been a
constant stream of visitors and supporters here. Our recep-
tion has not just been overwhelmingly positive, but unani-
mously positive.
For Angelo, CPAC provides the opportunity to be a
strong voice for the LGBTQ community. Through conversa-
tions with conference attendees, they try to build trust with
conservatives by proving that Log Cabin shares their basic
values a commitment to limited government, support for
constitutional principles, an emphasis on individuals rather
than identity politics, and on personal liberty instead of
growing government power.
Starting those conversations is the only way to move
forward on LGBTQ issues, Angelo says, particularly work-
ing directly with, appealing to, and compromising with
Republicans. Its why he believes his group is best poised to
act as a conduit between the LGBTQ community and GOP
lawmakers at both the state and federal levels.
We need to meet Republicans where they are, he says.
With Republicans controlling the White House, the Senate,
the House of Representatives, the majority of governor-
ships, the majority of State Houses, any movement in the
direction of LGBT equality is going to have to address the
concerns that people of goodwill have with passing LGBT
nondiscrimination legislation. There has to be some dtente
between advocates for religious liberty and LGBT equality.
Log Cabin and Gays for Trump may be welcome entities,
but transgender issues are a pricklier topic. The GOP has in
many instances spearheaded the various bathroom bills
and other anti-transgender legislative movements that have
swept the country of late. Particularly with regards trans-
gender students accessing facilities that match their gender
MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 15
 theFeed
identity, many CPAC attendees feel those policies are best genuinely just want to know more, and they dont always
decided by state officials or local school boards, a view thats know how to ask.... We have had a few people make a snide
typified modern-day conservatism. comment here or there, but its probably a super-minority.
It should be a states rights issue, says Clare McKinney, Looming over this years CPAC was a move by the
20, of New Lenox, Ill. I go to an all-womens college, so Departments of Justice and Education to reverse Obama-
its interesting to see the way things are shifting. Because at era guidance that enabled transgender students to be treated
an all-womens Catholic college, youd never have thought according to their gender identity. The Trump admin-
theyd allow men to join. istration has defended the move,
But recently, we had a survey calling the Obama guidance an
by the presidents office, and it list-
ed transgender as one of the gender
options. So I became curious if we
Im a overreach and saying decisions
surrounding transgender bathroom
access should be made at the state
actually have a transgender student
at the college, and it hasnt been Christian or local level.
This years been so tough, and

made known.
Viraktep Ath, of Lake Elsinore,
Calif., also supports leaving the
decision up to the states.
Thats a conservative stance,
says the 23-year-old. But Im a
Christian and a social conservative.
I think theres only two genders and
bathrooms should reflect that fact.
Jennifer Williams, a 48-year-old
transgender woman from Trenton,
N.J., is committed to changing
that belief. She wants to serve as
an ambassador for the transgen-
der community through her inter-
actions with her fellow cisgender
conservatives, who may be unfa-
miliar with the issues surrounding
LGBTQ rights.
Since transgender people, par-
ticularly, and the LGB communi-
ty were on the election ballot this
year, it was really a duty that I come
and a social
particularly with what happened
Wednesday night, says Williams,
tearing up as she refers to the
conservative. rescinded guidance. There are
nearly 200,000 transgender kids
who found out from the federal
I think government that youre an other,
that youre foreign, that youre not
theres even part of the LGB communi-
ty. It sends a signal to them that
the government doesnt have their
only two back, isnt looking out for them, and
doesnt want to make sure they get
genders and educated. It also sends a signal to
transgender adults that, All right.
Youre on the plate. What are you
bathrooms going to do about it?
Evans is devastated about the
should Trump administrations decision,
though she expected it to happen,
considering the political landscape
reflect that and the people Trump had put in
charge of the Justice and Education

fact.
and speak to conservatives, she Departments: Attorney General Jeff
says. And speak to them as the first Sessions and Education Secretary
transgender person theyve ever Betsy DeVos.
met and de-mystify our community. Viraktep Ath, 23, I dont really care for [Trumps]
Even though were Lake Elsinore, Calif. argument about states rights when
Republicans, I try to follow the it comes to this issue, because when
Harvey Milk Rule: for every person it comes to basic civil liberties like
that knows you, theyre less likely this, this should be an issue that the
to vote against you. feds do have oversight on, Evans
On the first day of CPAC, Williams, along with fellow says. If people want to bring up the 10th Amendment issue,
transgender attendee Jordan Evans, held up a Gadsden I just remind them that all constitutional amendments mat-
flag reading Dont Tread on Me, with signs indicating ter. There was a Glenn v. Brumby case that found we could
they were transgender and conservative. Both women were be covered under protections of the 14th. That matters just
initially nervous about making the statement. Their fears as much as the 10th Amendment.
proved to be unfounded. While internal debates among conservatives and
You kind of come into this expecting the worse, because Republicans regarding transgender access to bathrooms are
according to a Harris poll a few years ago, only 16 percent not likely to be resolved anytime soon, the mere presence
of all Americans had met a trans person, says Evans, a and engagement of LGBTQ Republicans could pay divi-
26-year-old elected official from Charlton, Mass. Assuming dends in the future. But the key to success requires keeping
thats even less for people who identify as conservative, channels of communication open between the two sides.
I came down here expecting I was going to have a lot of Im of two tribes. Im of the LGBTQ tribe, and Im of the
difficult conversations, things might get a little dicey, but I Republican conservative tribe, says Williams. I know we
was wrong.... People have been absolutely wonderful. Ive can talk to each other, and hopefully Ive been a small part
gotten a lot of questions. Theyve all been very civil. People of proving that. l

16 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Forum

Welcome to Forum,
Metro Weeklys newest section. Its a place for curated conversations and ideas, a
place to discuss seriously and, perhaps, humorously LGBTQ issues vital to our
times (or to look at any current topic from an LGBTQ perpective). Some weeks it will
be a collection of voices, other weeks, one or two selected opinions. As the section
evolves, both in print and online, well be adding new components. Feel free to weigh
in at metroweekly.com/forum and potentially add your own voice to our pages.
For our debut, we thought it fitting to ask people how they felt about Sunday
nights Best Picture win for Moonlight as well as the unfortunate envelope mishap
surrounding it. Well kick things off by saying we couldnt be more overjoyed that
Hollywood finally did the right thing and truly rewarded a motion picture worthy of
the best picture title albeit in a way that ultimately stripped an historic moment for
both the African-American and LGBTQ community of some of its glory. Still, no film
in recent Oscar history was more deserving of the top nod than Moonlight, a poetic,
ethereal, emotionally resonant film about coming to terms with yourself, your love,
and your life. Randy Shulman, Editor-in-Chief

AISHA MOODIE-MILLS, President and CEO, Gay and Lesbian
Victory Fund and Institute: Last nights Oscar wins for
Moonlight were incredible. To watch history made with
a black film focused on the LGBTQ community was phe-
nomenal. Our current political climate has placed targets
on our community and others that are outside of the white,
cis-gendered, straight, Christian demographic, so to see a
film with representation of the beauty and love within our
community was inspiring. As both [director] Barry Jenkins
and [playwright] Tarell Alvin McCraney mentioned in their
acceptance speech for Best Adapted Screenplay, this film
matters to the young black and brown boys and girls and
gender non-conforming kids, as well as adults, to see their
lives reflected back not as a news story or as a statistic,
but as love.
CLARENCE FLUKER: I was extremely happy and proud to see
Moonlight receive the Oscar for best picture. Never before
had I seen a film explore the vulnerability and strength of
a black boys journey into manhood in such a way. Every
Chiron out there knew that the world sees them. There is
something so powerful and empowering in knowing that
you are acknowledged, that someone sees and embraces
you.
JUNE CRENSHAW, Executive Director, Wanda Alston
Foundation: I knew this film was magical the first time I
saw it. It was simplistically complicated and skillfully, art-
fully intertwined sexuality and masculinity. Moonlight aptly
depicts the challenges of poverty in the black community,
experienced in every city, including affluent Washington,
D.C. More importantly, Moonlight brilliantly showed unan-
ticipated examples of amazingly gentle giants in our com-
munity that helps to raise our kids and support our lives
examples we rarely see in the movies.
REA CAREY, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force:
I was thrilled to see Moonlight win for Best Picture, partic-
ularly in this time of attacks on people of color, in this week
of attacks on trans kids and the LGBTQ community by the
President.
ZAR NA, Project Manager, Team Rayceen: The win feels
overdue and revolutionary at the same time. Maybe now
more films will be made to which I can relate and which
represent my community.
REV. AKOUSA (ABENA) MCCRAY-PETERS, Founding Pastor,
Unity Fellowship Church: Is is my hope that this win will
open the eyes, hearts and minds of those who struggle with
their sexuality, in addition to those who speak out of against
those who identify as same-gender-attraction.
DANIELLE MOODIE-MILLS, Vice President, SKDKnickerbocker:
It was honestly one of the best feelings Ive had since
the election. To see this beautiful story of black love and
LGBTQ acceptance win the biggest prize of the night was
magnificent. Our stories and our voices matter and are
largely erased from the greater American narrative. This
prize did a lot to signal to the industry that people want to
see diverse stories, and that they want to connect with them
and celebrate them.
EARL FOWLKES, President/CEO, Center For Black Equality:
I was disappointed when I saw that Moonlight did not win
at first. I was watching the Oscars at a bar and didnt realize
that in fact Moonlight won Best Picture until I got home. I
was so very happy to see this film win Best Picture.
CAREY: With the wrong envelope being handed to the
presenters, causing the cast, director, and producers of

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 17

Moonlight having to wait for their deserved moment in the SERGE SEIDEN, Managing Director and Producer, Mosaic Theater
spotlight, the mirroring of racial dynamics in society, was stark, Company: To see it lose and then to win was an emotional roller
painful and more than ironic. coaster. The tone of the culture is shifting, progressing. Years of
people of color demanding accurate representation and differ-
KIMBERLEY BUSH, Director of Arts and Cultural Programs, The ent stories to be told and this felt like a response, an answer, to
DC Center: What happened was completely unacceptable. those demands.
And it truly shows how even Hollywoods seasoned actors
didnt have any faith or belief that a film created by POCs RAYCEEN PENDARVIS, Host, The Ask Rayceen Show: Hopefully
about LGBTQ POC could possible this will greenlight more diverse
take such an honor. Moonlights stories to highlight the different
limelight was stolen and that cru- experiences within the LGBTQ
cial moment in history can not be
regained. You cant do a second
I think the gaffe community. But we should contin-
ue to make art for the sake of artis-

sits next to the

take. You cant rewind. Barry and
Tarells prideful, celebratory and
momentous life experience was
soiled. They were cheated.
REV. MCCRAY-PETERS: The gaffe,
was just what it is: a mistake made
in a social situation. We see that
happening almost daily under our
current administration. It was sim-
ply a social blunder and doesnt in
any way change the actual win-
ning.
CATHY RENNA, Principal, Target
Cue: My heart sank when La La
Land was announced as the win-
ner, and then suddenly found
myself jumping with joy. Frankly,
I think the snafu will help - the
media has covered the gaffe so
much that the film is getting a lot
more attention than it would have
otherwise.
DANIELLE MOODIE-MILLS: We
need to move past the mishap and
instead focus on the brilliance of
this film and why its more import-
ant than ever for your young black
tic expression, not just as a means
to gain mainstream recognition.
accomplishment RON SIMMONS, Retired President/
CEO, Us Helping Us: The idea that
this is a watershed moment will
but doesnt be tested next year when we see
how diversified the Oscars are.
overshadow it.
Since films are expensive and
hard to make, there may not be
any good ones in next years crop
Moonlight won of awardees. We need to begin a
structural change in Hollywood,
putting colored faces behind the
the Oscar for set as technicians, writers, direc-
tors and producers if the Academy
Awards are to be fully diversified.
Best Picture. AISHA MOODY-MILLS: Last nights
That will always Oscars looked like America. Its
not just about diversity for diver-
sitys sake. These films and actors
be an important of color that won last night didnt
win because we needed diversity
they won because their talent is
historical fact. beyond exceptional and the stories
they are elevating need to a part of
Period. the fabric of the American story.

DANIELLE MOODY-MILLS: The

and brown queer kids and gen- Sultan Shakir
der non-conforming youth to see
themselves when their govern-
ment is turning its back on them.
JOSE CARRASQUILLO, Associate Artist, Theater J, GALA
Hispanic Theatre: I was personally rooting for Moonlight. It
was a profound and affecting piece of art, but it is not historical-
ly the kind of film that the Academy rewards. Look no further
than Brokeback Mountain. I thought, Only a true miracle can
make this happen. And then to my astonishment, that miracle
happened.
SULTAN SHAKIR, Executive Director, SMYAL: I think the gaffe
sits next to the accomplishment but doesnt overshadow it. Its
a part of the story of the win, but not above the win. Moonlight
won the Oscar for Best Picture. That will always be an import-
ant historical fact. Period.
breadth and depth of stories and
lives that were celebrated at this
years Oscars signaled progress for
an industry that has long worked
to elevate lived experiences of
White America while denying the multi-dimensional lives of
people of color and specifically queer people of color. We are as
beautiful and as diverse as the rainbow we represent. There are
so many stories that have gone untold. Maybe now, thanks to
Moonlights win they too will have a shot to shine.
ZAR NA: I look forward to the day when all types of people are
represented without it being a conscious effort. But I think we
can all agree on one thing: The Oscars broadcast is way too
long! l
Have your voice heard! Be a part of Metro Weeklys Forum. Visit
metroweekly.com/forum for details on how to contribute.

18 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Community
THURSDAY, March 2
DC SENTINELS basketball
team meets at Takoma Park
Middle School Gym. For play-
ers of all levels, gay or straight.
7-9 p.m. 7611 Piney Branch Rd.,
Silver Spring, Md. For more
information, visit teamdcbas-
ketball.org.

Weekly Events

ANDROMEDA
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing and HIV
services (by appointment). 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
1400 Decatur St. NW. To
arrange an appointment, call
202-291-4707, or visit androm-
edatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)

practice session at Takoma
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300
WARD MORRISON

Van Buren St. NW. For more

information, visit swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS run-

ning/walking/social club
Participants at 2016s Wig Night Out welcomes runners of all ability
levels for exercise in a fun and
supportive environment, with

BOBS, BOUFFANTS, AND

socializing afterward. Route
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
For more information, visit

BEEHIVES, OH MY!
dcfrontrunners.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay

and lesbian square-dancing
group features mainstream
Annual event at JR.s raises funds for Point Foundation through advanced square
dancing at the National City
and Whitman-Walker Health Christian Church, 5 Thomas
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual

O
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-
UR SECOND YEAR, WE HAD WIG NIGHT OUT DOWNSTAIRS AT LEVEL dasquares.org.
One, in the Cobalt complex, says Jack Jacobson. The ceiling was so low, too
many wigs were hitting [it], because some people brought out really big, beau- DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
practice. The team is always
tiful wigs. A lot of people were walking stooped over. looking for new members. All
That year, my mother and I had matching beehives, Jacobson, one of the organiz- welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King
ers of the annual fundraising event, continues. Were both short, so we werent hitting Greenleaf Recreation Center,
201 N St. SW. For more infor-
the ceiling, but we were getting pretty close. mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
Wig Night Out was since moved to JR.s, where nobody need worry about a ceil- dcscandals@gmail.com.
ing flattening their hair whether its a 50s-style bouffant or a Marie Antoinette-
emulating pouf with cascading ringlets. The DULLES TRIANGLES
Northern Virginia social
The bar is just about the right size, says Jacobson. We get just a little bit of traffic group meets for happy hour at
off 17th Street, and JR.s is always incredibly supportive of philanthropy in the city, so Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
theyre a really terrific partner for this event. come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
Half of the proceeds from this years event will benefit the Point Foundation, which For more information, visit
provides scholarships for LGBTQ students seeking to attend a four-year college, com- dullestriangles.com.
munity college, or grad school. The other half will go to Whitman-Walker Health,
which has spent decades serving D.C.s LGBTQ community. To participate, all one HIV TESTING at Whitman-
Walker Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at
needs is a wig and a $10 donation. 1525 14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Says Jacobson, Its a lighthearted, super easy event with a lot of color and flash. at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical
John Riley Center, 1701 14th St. NW, and 8
a.m-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave.
The 8th annual Wig Night Out is Saturday, Mar. 4 from 9 to 11 p.m. at JR.s, SE. For an appointment call
1519 17th St. NW. For more information, visit facebook.com/wignightout. 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
man-walker.org.

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 19

 IDENTITY offers free and confi-
dential HIV testing at two separate
locations. Walk-ins accepted from
2-6 p.m., by appointment for all
other hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 New
Hampshire Ave., Suite 411, Takoma
Park, Md. To set up an appoint-
ment or for more information, call
Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or
Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.
METROHEALTH CENTER
offers free, rapid HIV testing.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an
appointment, call 202-638-0750.
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 or testing@smyal.org.
Us Helping Us hosts a NARCOTICS
ANONYMOUS MEETING. The
group is independent of UHU.
6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave.
NW. For more information, call
202-446-1100.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
women, 13-21, interested in lead-
ership development. 5-6:30 p.m.
SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th St.
SE. For more information, call 202-
567-3163, or email catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
FRIDAY, March 3
GAY DISTRICT, a group for
GBTQQI men between the ages of
18-35, meets on the first and third
Fridays of each month. 8:30-9:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more information, visit gaydis-
trict.org.
Join people from all over the DMV
area for an LGBTQ SOCIAL. All
welcome. Free to attend. 6:30-8:30
p.m. Pinzimini Lounge inside the
Western Arlington Gateway, 801 N.
Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. Ballston
Metro is 2 blocks away. For more
information, visit gogaydc.org.
The DC Center hosts a meeting
of its TRANS SUPPORT GROUP,
focusing on issues important to
transgender people and those
who identify outside of the gender
binary. 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-
affirming social group for ages
11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-
0422, layc-dc.org.
20 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a
social atmosphere for LGBT and
questioning youth, featuring dance
parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. For more info, email cather-
ine.chu@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, March 4
CENTER GLOBAL, a group that
fights against anti-LGBTI laws
and cultures in 80 countries, holds
its monthly meeting on the first
Saturday of every month. 12-2 p.m.
The DC Center, 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
BET MISHPACHAH, founded
by members of the LGBT com-
munity, holds Saturday morning
Shabbat services in the DC Jewish
Community Centers Community
Room, followed by Kiddush lun-
cheon. 10 a.m. 1529 16th St. NW.
For more information, visit bet-
mish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, includ-
ing others interested in Brazilian
culture, meets. For location/time,
email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.
com.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
holds a practice session at
Montgomery College Aquatics
Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600 Takoma
Ave., Takoma, Md. For more infor-
mation, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route distance will be 3-6 miles.
Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run-
ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets
NW. For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for
LGBT community, family and
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel
Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For
more info, visit dignitynova.org.
GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses
critical languages and foreign lan-
guages. 7 p.m. Nellies, 900 U St.
NW. RSVP preferred. Email bren-
dandarcy@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, March 5
ADVENTURING outdoors group
hikes several miles over Antietam
National Battlefield in Sharpsburg,
Md. Bring beverages, lunch,
mud-worthy boots, and about $12
for fees. Carpool at 9 a.m. from
Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro
Station, return by 6:30 p.m. For
more info, contact Craig, 202-462-
0535, or visit adventuring.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
holds a practice session at Wilson
Aquatic Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551
Fort Dr. NW. For more informa-
tion, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
& P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
Catholic Mass for the LGBT
community. All welcome. Sign
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margarets
Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
NW. For more info, visit dignity-
washington.org.
holds a practice session at Dunbar
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
NW. For more information, email
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.
HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
GROUP for gay men living in the
DC metro area. This group will be
meeting once a month. For infor-
mation on location and time, visit
H2gether.com.
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 ser-
vices. 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 interpret-
ed) and 11 a.m. Childrens 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 service at 10 a.m. 680 I St.
SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcom-
ing-and-affirming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia
Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444
Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-
ing 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, March 6
The DC Center hosts a
VOLUNTEER NIGHT for commu-
nity members to lend a hand with
various duties, including cleaning,
keeping safe-sex kit inventory, and
sorting through book donations.
Pizza provided. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
more information, visit thedccen-
ter.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
789-4467.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedc-
center.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
mens evening affinity group for
GBT black men. Light refreshments
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org.
TUESDAY, March 7
Queer-identifying women who
have survived violent or traumatic
experiences and are looking for
support are invited to take part
in a bi-weekly QUEER WOMEN
WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
GROUP at The DC Center.
Participants are encouraged to
do an intake assessment with
moderator and social worker Sam
Goodwin. 6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, email Sam at samantha@
thedccenter.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of
The DC Center hosts a Packing
Party, where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube.
7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly
dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle
area, 6:30 p.m. For more informa-
tion, email afwash@aol.com, or
visit afwashington.net.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
practice session at Takoma Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren
St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environment,
with socializing afterward. Route
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m.
at Union Station. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking
for new members. All welcome.
7:30-9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf
Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW.
For more information, visit scan-
dalsrfc.org or dcscandals@gmail.
com.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH
COLLABORATIVE offers free
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday.
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617.
james.leslie@inova.org.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
LGBT focused meeting every
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Georges
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland
Ave., Arlington, just steps from
Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ
YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at
SMYAL. 5-6:30 p.m. 410 7th St.
SE. For more information, contact
Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163, or cath-
erine.chu@smyal.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.
Whitman-Walker Health holds its
weekly GAY MENS HEALTH AND
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon-
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis
and herpes testing available for fee.
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1701
14th St. NW. For more information,
visit whitman-walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, March 8
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB
meet for Duplicate Bridge. 7:30
p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St., SE
(across from Marine Barracks). No
reservations needed, all welcome.
Call 202-841-0279 if you need a
partner.
Weekly Events
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
holds a practice session at Dunbar
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
group for LGBT people looking
to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
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.
JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-
gram for job entrants and seekers,
meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more info, www.centercareers.
org.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV
testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N.
15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
Appointments: 703-789-4467.
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. More
info, contact Carl, 703-573-8316.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org. l
Submit your community event for
consideration at least 10 days prior
to the Thursday publication you
would like it to appear. Email to cal-
endar@metroweekly.com.
MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 21
 Washingtons LGBTQ Magazine THURSDAY, M

Tragedy in
KEN HOWARD

22 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

MARCH 2, 2017 metroweekly.com

n the Ring
In Terence Blanchards stylized,
jazz-infused Champion, a boxer
struggles to come to grips with his
sexuality with operatically
devastating results.

by Andr Hereford

A
MERICAN BARITONE AUBREY ALLICOCK SLATED
to make his Kennedy Center debut this week as Emile
Griffith in Washington National Operas premiere pro-
duction of Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofers Champion
is steady, ready and in fighting shape for his return to a role
he originated in this modern opera. Hes feeling inspired to be
appearing in a story that needs to be told.
For Allicock, reprising the part, alongside famed mezzo-so-
prano and D.C. native Denyce Graves (also returning to a role
she originated), offers a liberating opportunity, now that the
piece has legs, to delve into the nuances and really make bigger
points and gestures. Boasting a score by five-time Grammy-
winning composer, musician, and bandleader Blanchard, and a
libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning gay writer and actor Cristofer,
this Opera in Jazz, as Blanchard dubbed his first foray into the
form, is in itself a grand gesture: a stylized, thought-provoking,
emotional portrait of the bisexual black boxer who accidentally
killed an opponent in the ring.
Champion boxer Emile Griffith had fought Benny The Kid
Paret twice in the ring before their final, tragic bout at Madison
Square Garden on March 24, 1962. In Griffith and Parets two
previous contests, they had traded victories, with Paret entering
their final match holding the welterweight belt that six months
prior hed won back from Griffith, who had taken the title by
knockout in their first fight.
During the weigh-in, hours before their final fight, the rivals
also traded blows, after Paret reportedly hurled an insult at

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 23

Griffith. As the story goes, Paret, a Cuban native, grazed Griffiths I think what makes a man a man is being responsible, says
buttocks and called him a maricn, the Spanish slur for fag- Blanchard. Being open. Being compassionate. Having drive.
got. That night, before a packed Garden crowd and the national I think just in general we have misconceptions about mascu-
TV viewing audience, Griffith and The Kid entered the arena, linity and femininity. When it comes to sexual orientation or
and twelve brutally hard-fought masculinity, he adds, the most
rounds later, only one competitor important thing about that to me
emerged conscious from the ring. is that those arent the things that
In the words of famed author
Norman Mailer, who sat ring-
Isnt it awesome? necessarily make a man a man.
Blanchard, who is straight,
side that night, Griffith, enraged,
fought like a cat ready to rip There are drag grew up in New Orleans, in a
predominantly African-American
the life out of a huge boxed rat.
Pummeled into a coma, Paret queens, guys dancing neighborhood, with a father who
loved opera and considered him-
died ten days later.
The story of Griffiths life with each other, I self a pacifist. He was always
the person that made me try to

get to make out with

before and after March 24, 1962 respect other peoples feelings
born in St. Thomas in the U.S. and their rights and their inten-
Virgin Islands, he and his seven tions, he says. So I grew to
siblings abandoned by their
father, he trained and fought his
a guy, and you get to really respect my father in my
young adulthood because I start-
way to a Golden Gloves title, six
world championships in three
see emotionally what ed to understand how he treated
people equally. He treated them
different weight classes and a
career of 85 wins, 24 losses and
Emile goes through with respect. No matter how they
treated him. He persevered and
2 draws would make for com-
pelling drama even without the
and how he feels that he lived by his code of ethics.
Emphasizing his fathers pro-
tragic context of the fateful Paret
fight. However, add to the plot connection to found influence on his life and on
his work, Blanchard tells how he

another guy.
the fertile twist of taboo sexual- saw reminders of his late dad in
ity, and the story becomes pos- the real-life Emile Griffith.
itively Shakespearean. Parets My friend, Michael Bentt,
insult had so powerfully struck Aubrey Allicock the heavyweight champion, knew
a chord in Griffith, because as Emile. He said everybody talked
Griffith would finally admit near- about just how sweet of a person
ly half a century later, and, as was he was. [My father] was a very
heavily rumored at the time he was a closeted bisexual, in an sweet person. Very funny, hilariously funny. He was the life
era when being openly queer still entailed living to some degree of the party. And I see a lot of those characteristics in Emile.
in the shadows. Because heres a guy, while he became a professional fighter,
Despite Griffiths efforts to closely guard his secret sojourns that wasnt who he was. You see it in the opera. He was kind of
to the gay bars scattered around Times Square, gossip about his reluctant to even enter into the sport. Because it wasnt some-
proclivities spread throughout the hyper-macho boxing world. thing he thought about.
Yet, as Griffith later told biographer Ron Ross, Nobody ever But Griffith did enter a violent, unforgiving sport, and,
called me faggot. That is, until Paret. Griffith was haunted the while his rise in the ring might have coincided with Free
remainder of his life by the accidental death hed caused. He Loves coming into fashion, coming out in the 60s still could
famously lamented, I keep thinking how strange it is.... I kill a mean death to a sports career, if not worse. Thankfully, since
man and most people understand and forgive me. However, I then things have changed for many LGBTQ individuals, in all
love a man, and to so many people this is an unforgivable sin; this walks of life, though we still can point to suspiciously few male
makes me an evil person. professional athletes as successful as Griffith was in the boxing
Griffith hit upon a wicked paradox that even now, 55 years arena who have decided to live openly, publicly gay lives. Of
since that night in the Garden, our society and artists continue to course, how important is it to know whom, or what gender,
grapple with, as is perhaps best exemplified in Champion by its our favorite Caps, Nats or Wizards prefer? Sure, in the case of
signature aria, What Makes a Man a Man. Sung by Allicocks artists from James Baldwin to George Michael, or politicians
Young Emile, the piece not only foreshadows the shocking like Barney Frank, all of whose work specifically affects or
consequence of Parets casually tossed-off slur, but poignantly addressed the reality of living, breathing LGBTQ people, it
locates the torment of living in the closet. confers some insight to know that the person behind the plat-
As composer (and boxing aficionado) Blanchard explains, form identifies with the community. But in the case of a boxer,
the questions the aria raises about manhood, and humanity, are or football player, or Olympic diver, who cares who theyre
primarily what drew him to Griffiths story, which his sometime sleeping with as long as they score?
training partner, retired heavyweight champion Michael Bentt, The world does care, apparently enough that presently no
introduced to him several years ago. As Blanchard puts it, to be out gay athletes are suiting up in the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, in
in the year 2017 and to have people think that a gay or bi man Nascar, or on the UFC, PGA or ATP Tours. Sure, the NBA has
is any less of a man, is just ridiculous. Thats one of the reasons Jason Collins or had. The NFL has Michael Sam or had.
we did the opera. MLS still boasts in Robbie Rogers the only openly gay male ath-

24 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Aubrey Allicock as Emile Griffith photographed by Todd Franson
MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 25
 lete competing in a major North American sports league. coming out among professional athletes, As more and more ath-
So what is the value of being out? Visibility fuels movements, letes, or anybody in a position of power, or that are [in the public
LGBTQ activists say, but there doesnt appear to be much move- eye], come out as who they are, it empowers other people to do
ment towards greater LGBTQ visibility in sports. Just days ago, that. And I think thats the key to really squash [homophobia and
teen-age trans-male high school wrestler, Mack Beggs, forced by discrimination].
discriminatory state regulations to compete in the girls division, The 33-year-old Allicock grew up singing in the church
triggered a horrendous backlash for capturing the Texas Girls choir in Tucson, Arizona, the son of an American mother and
Wrestling Championship. Pressured to forgo competing with a Guyanese immigrant father. Like Blanchard, Allicock reveals
the boys, or against the girls, Mack Beggs would be left scant that he looked to his own father, a strict disciplinarian who
space to exist as a highly trained and effective competitor. His prized education, as his main touchstone for understanding the
soft-spoken and oft-mis-
understood Emile
I think what makes Griffith. Describing his
late dad, Allicock gush-
a man a man is being es with pride: He was
the best example of how
responsible. Being open. to live life, how to treat
others in any situation,
Being compassionate. even if theyve done you
wrong. He was always
Having drive. I think that strong force for us.
Allicock adds that he
just in general we also found strength in
coming out, and that he
have misconceptions feels lucky to work in a
business where every-
about masculinity and ones open, from the
big-money supporters to
femininity. Terence Blanchard the opera fans who buy
tickets. They dont care,
they love you for who
you are, he says.
Yet, as any gay opera
buff can tell you, that
openness and accep-
tance in the opera world
HENRY ADEBONOJO

has not led to an abun-

dilemma echoes the larger issue of LGBTQ athletes being forced
to conceal part of their existence in order to compete.
Clearly, the WNO and the Kennedy Center appreciate the
impact of promoting universal LGBTQ visibility alongside won-
derful artistry: theyve installed in the Centers Hall of Nations
a remarkable exhibit of photographer Jeff Shengs photos cele-
brating out LGBTQ student athletes. The exhibit will run con-
currently with Champion, and is well worth passing through to
read about these courageous athletes struggles to find the sort
of peace and wholeness that for most of his life eluded Emile
Griffith. His story, and Benny The Kid Parets, might have
been drastically different had they lived in a more tolerant, com-
passionate time for gays and lesbians.
In a hugely positive turn that Griffith almost certainly
couldnt have predicted, one of the men portraying him onstage
in Blanchard and Cristofers groundbreaking opera (in addition
to the great American bass, Arthur Woodley, as an older Emile)
is Allicock, an out gay artist. Being in the entertainment indus-
try, there are a lot of gay and lesbian singers, actors, he says.
Its much more common, so its no big deal in this field.
The singer urges that everyone just be who you are. Lifes
too short. He points out that although there still is a fear of
dance of gay-themed
compositions or charac-
ters. So its doubly rad-
ical that Blanchard and
Cristofers opus not only wrestles with bi and gay sexuality, but
inhabits queer spaces.
Isnt it awesome? Allicock says, clearly excited to play in
Champion the only gay bar scenes he ever has been asked to per-
form onstage. There are drag queens, guys dancing with each
other, I get to make out with a guy, and you get to see emotion-
ally what Emile goes through and how he feels that connection
to another guy.
Without much prompting, Allicock also divulges that he
changes out of his boxing trunks onstage, baring a glimpse of the
operatic sex symbol in just his jockstrap. The experience took
the performer back to his own first time at a gay bar, before I
was out. It felt a little naughty. I went with a few friends who
didnt care I was out to a few, select people and it felt like a
different world. l
Champion runs to Mar. 18 at The Kennedy Center Opera House.
Tickets are $35 to $300. Call 202-467-4600, or visit www.kenne-
dy-center.org.
Fearless Project by Jeff Sheng remains on display in the Hall of
Nations through March 19. Free and open to the public.

26 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Selections from Fearless by Jeff Sheng

David, Track and Field, Lewis-Clark State College, 2015 Lypheng, Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field, Mastery Charter
Schools-Thomas Campus, PA, 2015

Rose, Softball, Swarthmore College, 2013 Derrick, Basketball, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2014

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27

 Gallery

Lania DAgostino
Earnestine had a Brilliant Idea - mixed media

DAgostinoStudios.com

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 29

FX
Television

shoes to fill. Murphy, directing as well

Claws Out
Screen legends Crawford and Davis find the boys, the booze and Baby
as co-writing the series debut episode,
makes it clear right from the shows saucy
Saul Bass-style opening credit sequence
that this team came to play. Deploying
Jane in Ryan Murphys delectable Feud: Bette & Joan By Andr Hereford the framing device of a documentary
crew shooting a film on Hollywood feuds,

C
Murphy first introduces beloved two-
ELEBRITY FEUDS FLARE UP AND FIZZLE OUT WITH THE BLISTERING time Academy Award-winning actress
speed of a few mean tweets. Rarely are A-list beefs so bitterly compelling and Olivia de Havilland (Catherine Zeta-
long-fought that they achieve true infamy for how they end (Tupac vs. Biggie), Jones) to set the table, as she elucidates
or how they endure (Trump vs. ODonnell). with grave astuteness the origins of the
The battles royale that do cement their standing in the publics fascination, however, Crawford-Davis feud, and the nature of
usually have a couple of things in common: stars of equal magnitude who share a genuine feuds in general. Appearing only briefly,
enmity and a yen for feeding the flames of rancor. Enter Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, Zeta-Jones strikes a resonantly knowing
whose decades-long Hollywood feud was sparked in the 1930s and burned hot through tone that perfectly fits Murphys face-
multiple film studios, husbands, hits, flops, setbacks and comebacks, finally peaking on tious tale.
the set of the only motion picture the two ever made together, Robert Aldrichs Academy Feuds makers have gone out of their
Award-winning, 1962 horror classic Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? way to honor fans of cinemas Golden Age
Davis and Crawfords long-running rivalry generated loads of gossip, reams of with plenty of winking inside jokes, while
deliciously catty quotes (I wouldnt piss on Joan Crawford if she was on fire), and keeping this well-oiled machine accessible
inspired author Shaun Considines entertaining dual biography, published in 1989, to everyone else with overflowing dishes
Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud. Now, TV maestro Ryan Murphy riding the critical of Tinseltown dirt. For those well-versed
and commercial success of his FX limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American enough to know that Crawford relied on
Crime Story ups the ante by assembling a cast of heavy-hitters to portray the film leg- her trusty German maid, Mamacita, as
ends notorious on-set conflict in Feud: Bette & Joan (HHHHH), led by Jessica Lange as her fierce right hand and brick wall of pro-
Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis. tection, Feud rewards the knowledge with
Lange and Sarandon, formidable Hollywood survivors themselves, have big an endearing portrait by the ever-reliable

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31

Jackie Hoffman. still be talking about her. Lange
Mamacita warmly reflects the nails Crawfords superstar pride-
episodes assertion that loyal- fulness, adding a strong dash of
ty among women particularly every performers need to be
women of a certain age can liked, and the rest falls into place.
move mountains in an industry Her Crawford dominates
seemingly institutionally opposed the pilot, as the industrious
to recognizing older womens actress buzzes from Hollywood
worth. But this is no screed. Any to Broadway, cunningly assem-
Real Housewives or Dynasty fan bling all the main components
who loves campy, ballsy melodra- of Whatever Happened to Baby
ma starring elegantly costumed Jane? including bringing the
dames battling for control over films harried writer-director
their glamorous realm will relish FX Aldrich (Alfred Molina) on board.
every shady glance and cutting Bette Davis, on the other hand,
bon mot. It might or might not be true that Davis took fiendish is relegated mostly to tantalizing teases and glimpses, like the
pleasure in always addressing Crawford by her given name, shark in Jaws, lurking just out of view until she screams to
Lucille, but it suits the legend and it plays like gangbusters here. the center to take someones head off. Sarandon, who doesnt
Lange who often dives into character transformation with require much makeup to accentuate her resemblance to Davis,
a zeal that rivals Davis wears Crawfords thick brows, jungle has the cadences and comic timing down, along with Davis con-
red slash of lipstick and auburn pompadours with aplomb, but founding mix of humility and towering self-regard.
shes no dead ringer for Mommie Dearest. Crawford moved The pilot does provide Sarandon with one showstopping
all her life with a dancers silky determination, and Lange moment, as Davis makes her first entrance on the set of Baby
doesnt capture that lithesome grace, though she does dial Jane in her iconically creepy pancake makeup. Sarandon deliv-
into Crawfords very studied, and firmly protected, hauteur. ers on every last beat of ghoulish spectacle. If the remaining epi-
Onscreen, Crawford projected an unadulterated conviction that sodes are half as enjoyable in pitting Crawfords Hollywood cool
as long as she was in the room, she was the one everyone should against Bettes white-hot realness, this tribute to fame, feuds and
be paying attention to. Even when she was gone, they should aging goddesses will have more than earned its bones. l

Feud: Bette and Joan, an eight-episode limited series, premieres Sunday, March 5 on FX, with a finale scheduled for Sunday, April 23.
Check your local cable company or visit FXnetworks.com.

32 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

SCOTT SUCHMAN Opera

wonderful example is the way in which

Walking Tall
tendrils of southern jazzy blues braid their
way through Josephs songs. It tells us
not just what he is one in a long line of
Louisiana rough-necks but who he is:
The Washington National Operas Dead Man Walking is what modern lost and wistful.
opera should be By Kate Wingfield As with Britten, Heggies is a voice
that captures poignantly the horror of

T
revelation, that mix of the distraught,
HIS MAY SOUND CHURLISH, BUT ITS NOT: SEE THE WASHINGTON touched by panic. What he does equally
National Operas Dead Man Walking with no expectations. Dont expect Sean well is grow suspense, be it hovering,
Penn and Susan Sarandon, dont expect La Boheme. Because, quite simply, if ominous strings or the frantic hammer of
you can get through the opera doors without expecting anything, youll be blown away. an alarmed glockenspiel. Heggies singers
And thats saying something, because contemporary opera gets a bad rap. When ride the music like so many waves, but
its atonal, its inaccessible. When its accessible, it can sound like bad incidental they also become as in jazz instru-
music. Then theres the whole problem of storytelling: Should it be slice-of-life ments that mingle like soloists with the
modern or should it try to capture some kind of epic tale of our times? What works orchestra. All told, its an extraordinarily
so brilliantly about Jake Heggies Dead Man (HHHHH), is that he clears all these riveting tapestry of sound, all of it acces-
hurdles, and then some. sible, all of it an ideal vehicle for this emo-
Based on the true account of Sister Helen Prejean, the opera follows her decision to tionally traumatic story.
serve as spiritual advisor to Joseph De Rocher, a man convicted of a horrendous crime, To direct this opera must be some-
who awaits execution on Death Row. As dramatic as the crime is (it is depicted as a thing of a tightrope act. One must embrace
prelude with just enough care and discretion), the real focus here is the profoundly tur- Heggies incredibly talkative score with-
molic aftermath: the distraught families, the question of whether Joseph is innocent, out letting the actors/singers turn feverish
the facing of death planned or otherwise and the value of making some kind of under its spell. Francesca Zambello does a
peace before the end. Each and every one of these themes touch a universal nerve and superb job of keeping the acted narrative
it makes for an opera rich with emotional and spiritual dilemmas. clear and concise never out of step with
But much like another contemporary composer, the iconic Benjamin Britten, the music, never overdone. Indeed, what
Heggie understands that one of the keys to accessibility is having the music not so works so magically here is the way in
much accompany as tell the story. Here, the score is nothing less than a lively, emo- which it is the singing voices that meet the
tionally involved narrator. Setting the scene with flavor and mood one minute, then emotional highs of the score. If Zambello
describing with wild, emotional gesture the next, it is as present as any of the actors. allows Heggie his one corny moment
And just as a storyteller puts on voices for his characters, so does Heggies music. A the bonding of Joseph and Sister Prejean

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 33

over Elvis well, it could Another standout is Susan
have been worse. Graham as Mrs. De Rocher,
Completing the brilliance Josephs mother. Graham
of the production is a stellar gives pitch-perfect expres-
cast. In the role of the inno- sion to this woman who is not
cent but gutsy Sister Prejean, quite white trash, but who
Kate Lindsey sings with a has had too many debts and
sweet, rich beauty that only too little education to ever
increases as the evening pro- improve her lot. Graham
gresses and emotions grow. never lets her become a cli-
If her aw-shucks demean- ch, singing with gorgeous
or is a tad overdone in the soaring power, while her last
beginning, it is more than out- moments with Joseph are
weighed by her later descent acted and sung with exquisite
into near-despair, described despair.
SCOTT SUCHMAN

in numerous touching arias If these are the highlights,

and sung with true delicacy. It
is a long and intense role and
Lindsey is utterly memorable.
Fully her match, Michael Mayes plays Joseph as large as the
role needs, but never goes overboard. Indeed, it is his under-
stated performance that makes his terror at the end all the
more disturbing and meaningful. A beautiful, gratifyingly dense
baritone, Mayes relishes the scores long, sonorous notes, but he
simply stuns with his dexterity. In Josephs mini-aria, in which
he imagines peaceful evenings on the lake with a woman, Mayes
moves seamlessly between opera and jazzy-blues, his voice glid-
ing like liquid gold. Extraordinary.
there are countless other
smaller moments and perfor-
mances here that make this
production one to remember. Just one example is the ines-
timably clever ways in which Heggie and librettist Terrence
McNally suggest the terrible loss at the heart of the story not
just through the grief but through the innocent memories of a
mothers love shared between Sister Prejean and her colleague
Sister Rose, played and sung thoughtfully by Jacqueline Echols.
The takeaway is that this is what modern opera should, and
must, be: beautiful and compelling in its own, original way. Once
you see Dead Man Walking, youll expect nothing less. l

Dead Man Walking runs to March 11 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets are $35 to $300.
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

34 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

NICK WALKER
Music

Resurgence
Electric Guest emerges from hibernation with a collection of catchy,
expertly crafted tunes By Sean Maunier
Synths lifted directed from 80s pop lend
the album a sense of nostalgia, while the
occasional burst of falsetto and the acous-
tic elements like the piano intro to Zero
speak the indie pop sensibility of their first
album. Midway through, HAIM is brought
on board to lend their otherworldly vocal

A
harmonies to Dear To Me, elevating an
FTER FIVE YEARS OF RUMOURS, FALSE STARTS, AND A PROLONGED already stellar track into the albums high
period of self-reflection, Electric Guests sophomore album has finally point.
arrived. After such a prolonged hiatus, though, many will no doubt be discov- As Electric Guest flirts with a wide
ering the pairing of vocalist Asa Taccone and drummer Matthew Compton for the range of moods and genres over the
first time. The L.A.-based duo has been compared to Scissor Sisters and Tame Impala, albums 11 tracks, it becomes clear that
and their new album Plural (HHHHH) is certain to invite more of the same. Even so, they have come into their own as songwrit-
there is something unique about Electric Guests particular brand of breezy, summery ers. Plural shows a dedication to craft and
electropop. It is music that evokes their home city, or at least the nebulous, idealized attention to detail that does not feel obses-
version of L.A. that exists in the minds of outsiders. Plural inhabits a sonic space that sive or labored over. Refreshingly, it also
recalls constant sun and haze, a carefree yet vast and lonely place in a constant, unhur- avoids the sometimes frustrating sense of
ried sort of motion. aimlessness sometimes embraced by other
Plural finds the already talented band with a renewed sense of purpose, more artists who dabble in the same sort of hazy,
confident in their craft. Compared to their (still stellar) debut, the songwriting seems chillout electropop. Instead, Taccone and
more focused and deliberate. If Electric Guests first outing occasionally felt uncertain Compton infuse the tracks with a sense
and uneven, it may have been because they were trying out a lot of styles, to see what of movement. Compton in particular ani-
stuck, and as it turned out, the final product featured plenty of both. This time, they mates the songs and gives them a sense
have parsed things down to a cleaner, more straightforward electronic sound that of direction and purpose, qualities often
feels well-suited to their talents. Plural is a more focused album a result, but Taccone neglected in a genre where drum beats
and Compton remain as committed to eclectic, multifaceted work as ever. The pair are often an afterthought, relegated to
plays off of a spectrum of influences, ranging from electronica to R&B to indie rock. the background if they even show up at

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 35

all. Tracks like Glorious Warrior and
See The Light are effortlessly chill,
laid back enough to slink into the back-
ground, but energetic enough to keep
a listeners head nodding along. Even
when the tracks meander, as the Mondo
callback Back For Me does, they are
carried forward by a confident, unhur-
ried rhythm. Electric Guest may not be
in a rush to get where theyre going, but
stopping entirely is out of the question.
Though their debut was a strong
record on its own, Plural almost does
Mondo it a disservice by making it seem
more like a practice round. Electric
Guests growth since 2012 is readily
apparent. One notable difference the
absence of production by electronica
veteran Danger Mouse, whose pres-
ence was unmistakable on Mondo and probably did much to
influence their sound and direction early on. Plural was written
and produced entirely by Taccone and Compton, and in taking
control of the process for themselves, they have refined their
sound, stripping it of some of its initial overbearing production
and making it more distinctly their own. One readily apparent
advantage of the lighter hand they take to production is that it
Plural is available on most streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple, and is available for purchase at Amazon.com
Electric Guest appears on Wednesday, March 8 at U Street Music Hall, 1115A U St. NW. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Call 202-588-1880 or visit ustreetmusichall.com.
36 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY
allows Taccones vocals to shine. His
falsetto, ubiquitous on the first album,
is used more selectively in favour of his
natural voice, which itself is decidedly
more confident. Autotune occasionally
makes an appearance, but its use is sim-
ilarly restrained and purposeful. They
have learned to economize, and Plural
is better off for it.
The bright, easy optimism of the
album belies the personal and creative
difficulties surrounding its release.
Plural, in its final state, only came about
after Electric Guest scrapped months of
previous work they deemed unsatisfac-
tory. Taccone had long planned a fol-
low-up to Mondo, but by all accounts,
and even the pairs own admission,
their nearly-complete album was
enough of a clunker to be discarded entirely and send them back
into the studio. What was undoubtedly a tough decision has
paid off. The album is thoughtfully made, with tracks that hold
together well and that merit multiple listens. It can only help
that Electric Guest has learned sooner than some of their peers
that a follow-up they can be proud of is better than half-hearted
work turned out under pressure. l
NightLife
Photography by
Ward Morrison

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 37

 Scene
Team DCs Annual Fashion Show and Model Search at Town
Saturday, February 25 Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... GREEN LANTERN TRADE COBALT/30 DEGREES FREDDIES BEACH BAR

Happy Hour, 4-9pm Doors open 5pm Huge All You Can Drink Happy Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Ladies Drink Free Power Happy Hour: Any drink Hour $15 Rail and Karaoke, 8pm
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless normally served in a cock- Domestic, $21 Call &
Thursday, night, hosted by BaNaka &
Kristina Kelly $200 Cash
Thursday, 10-11pm DJs tail glass served in a huge Imports, 6-9pm Swap GREEN LANTERN
March 2 Prize Doors open 10pm,
BacK2bACk glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
Sex Theatre Performance
by Monumental Theatre
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Smirnoff, all flavors, all
21+ $5 Cover or free
NELLIES SPORTS BAR only $4 Group Freaky Fridays, night long Otter Den DC
9 1/2 with college ID
Beat the Clock Happy Hour 10pm $6 Grey Goose presents Otter Crossing,
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS all night Two 30-min- 9pm-close $5 Cover
drink, 5-9pm Multiple DC EAGLE
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of All male, nude dancers ute open bars featuring after 10pm
TVs showing movies, Doors open at 8pm Strip
Beer $15 Drag Bingo DJ 9pm Cover 21+ Grey Goose, 11-11:30pm
shows, sports Expanded Down Thursdays Happy
and 1-1:30am DJ NELLIES SPORTS BAR
craft beer selection Hour Shirtless guys
NUMBER NINE MadScience upstairs DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Music videos featuring drink $2 off all drinks,
DJ Wess 8-10pm Jock or under-
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
Friday, DJ Keenan Orr downstairs
$10 cover 10pm-close
Dancing Beat the Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
wear gets $2 off all drinks,
COBALT/30 DEGREES 10pm-2am Free Shot of
March 3 21+ $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
SHAWS TAVERN Buckets of Beer $15
Happy Hour: Tops Down $6 Captain Morgan Cannon
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 9 1/2 DC EAGLE
Top Shelf, Bottoms Up $3 Blast while supplies last
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Open at 5pm Happy Doors open at 8pm NUMBER NINE
Rail, $3 Bud Light, 4-9pm No Cover 21+
$5 Rails and House Wines Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour, 8-10pm Open 5pm Happy Hour:
Stonewall Darts After-
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4 drink, 5-9pm Friday $2 off everything Mr. 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
Party, 6-10pm Locker FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Heineken and Coronas, Night Videos with DJ Leatherman of Color 2017 No Cover Friday Night
Room Thursday Nights, Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
5pm-close Justin Morse, 9:30pm Kai Anderson on Club Bar, Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
10pm-close $3 Rail Karaoke, 8pm
Expanded craft beer selec- 9pm-2am Daryl Wilson
Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5 SHAWS TAVERN
tion No Cover Productions presents First
Red Bull and Frozen Virgin Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Fridays Reloaded in the
Drinks DJs Sean Morris Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
Exile, 10:30pm-4am $10
and MadScience Best $5 Rails and House Wines
Cover 21+
Package Contest at mid- & Half-Priced Pizzas
Tableside Magic, 8pm

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39

 TOWN
Patio open 6pm DC Bear
Saturday,
Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm March 4
$3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud
Bottles Free Pizza, 7pm 9 1/2
No cover before 9:30pm Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
21+ Drag Show starts drink, 2-9pm $5 Absolut
at 10:30pm Hosted by & Titos, $3 Miller Lite
Lena Lett and featuring after 9pm Expanded craft
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee, beer selection No Cover
Riley Knoxx and BaNaka Music videos featuring
DJ Wess upstairs, DJs various DJs
BacK2bACk downstairs fol-
lowing the show GoGo COBALT/30 DEGREES
Boys after 11pm Doors Drag Yourself to Brunch at
open at 10pm For those Level One, 11am-2pm and
21 and over, $12 For 2-4pm Featuring Kristina
those 18-20, $15 Club: Kelly and the Ladies of
18+ Patio: 21+ Illusion Bottomless
Mimosas and Bloody
TRADE Marys Happy Hour:
Doors open 5pm Huge Tops Down $6 Top Shelf,
Happy Hour: Any drink Bottoms Up $3 Rail, $3
normally served in a cock- Bud Light, 4-9pm Rumba
tail glass served in a huge Latina: Latin Dance Party,
glass for the same price, 10pm-close Doors open
5-10pm Beer and wine 10pm $5 Cover 21+
only $4
DC EAGLE
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Doors open 8pm Happy
Men of Secrets, 9pm Hour, $2 off all drinks,
Guest dancers Ladies 8-10pm C.O.M.M.A.N.D.
of Illusion Drag Show MC from Baltimore hosts
Doors at 9pm, Shows at Club Bar, 9pm-2am Cigar
11:30pm and 1:30am Social sponsored by The
DJ Don T. in Secrets DC Eagle, Joe Whitaker,
Cover 21+ and HotCigarMen.com,
8-10pm Joe Whitaker
& ManUPP present DILF

40 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Stop Light Party men, SHAWS TAVERN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Eagle Pizza Party (no ghost SHAWS TAVERN COBALT/30 DEGREES
music, drink, and so much Brunch with Bottomless Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am peppers) Free slice of Brunch with Bottomless Happy Hour: Tops Down $6
more 21+ Mimosas, 10am-3pm Guest dancers Ladies pizza with each drink while Mimosas, 10am-3pm Top Shelf, Bottoms Up $3
Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 of Illusion Drag Show supplies last Stars of the Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, 4-9pm
FREDDIES BEACH BAR Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, with host Ella Fitzgerald Center Drag Show, hosted Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Monday Nights A Drag,
Drag Queen Broadway $5 Rails and House Wines Doors at 9pm, Shows by Lace Love McCray, $5 Rails and House Wines featuring Kristina Kelly
Brunch, 10am-3pm & Half-Priced Pizzas at 11:30pm and 1:30am 7-11pm in the Exile $10 & Half-Priced Pizzas Doors open at 10pm
Starring Freddies DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds Cover 21+ Showtime at 11:30pm
Broadway Babes Crazy TOWN DJ Steve Henderson in TRADE $3 Skyy Cocktails, $8 Skyy
Hour, 4-7pm Freddies DC Rawhides host Town Secrets Cover 21+ FREDDIES BEACH BAR Doors open 2pm Huge and Red Bull $8 Long
Follies Drag Show, hosted & Country: Two-Step, Line Champagne Brunch Buffet, Happy Hour: Any drink Islands No Cover, 18+
by Miss Destiny B. Childs, Dancing, Waltz and West 10am-3pm Crazy Hour, normally served in a cock-
8-10pm Karaoke,
10pm-close
Coast Swing, $5 Cover to
stay all night Doors open
Sunday, 4-7pm Freddies Zodiac
Contest, hosted by Regina
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
DC EAGLE
Doors open at 8pm
6:30pm, Lessons 7-8pm, March 5 Jozet Adams, 8pm 2-10pm Beer and wine Happy Hour, 8-10pm $2
GREEN LANTERN Open dance 8-10:30pm Karaoke, 10pm-1am only $4 off everything Endless
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5 Doors open 9pm CRACK 9 1/2 Happy Hour prices to any-
Bacardi, all flavors, all Dance Party and Stage Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any GREEN LANTERN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS one in a DC Eagle T-Shirt
night long JOX: The Show, 9:30pm DJs Kris drink, 2-9pm Multiple Happy Hour, 4-9pm All male, nude dancers Monday Madness: Free
GL Underwear Party, Sutton and Aaron Riggins TVs showing movies, Mamas Trailer Park Decades of Dance DJ Pool All Night and Day
featuring DJ David Merrill, upstairs Music and video shows, sports Expanded Karaoke downstairs, Tim-e in Secrets Doors $1 Bud and Bud Light
9pm-close $5 Cover by DJ Wess downstairs craft beer selection 9:30pm-close 9pm Cover 21+ Draughts all night No
(includes clothes check) Cover $12 21+ No Cover Cover 21+
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Guest DJs Zing Zang
TRADE
Doors open 2pm Huge
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: Tops Down $6
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
Monday, FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, Happy Hour: Any drink Top Shelf, Bottoms Up $3 $20 Brunch Buffet March 6 Singles Night Karaoke,
House Rail Drinks and normally served in a cock- Rail, $3 Bud Light, 4-9pm House Rail Drinks, Zing 8pm
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm tail glass served in a huge Homowood Karaoke, Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie 9 1/2
Buckets of Beer, $15 glass for the same price, hosted by Robert Bise, Beer and Mimosas, $4, Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any GREEN LANTERN
2-10pm Beer and wine 10pm-close 21+ 11am-close Buckets of drink, 5-9pm Multiple Happy Hour all night long
NUMBER NINE only $4 Beer, $15 TVs showing movies, Open Mic Night Karaoke
Doors open 2pm DC EAGLE shows, sports Expanded with Kevin, 9:30pm-close
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on Doors open at 12pm NUMBER NINE craft beer selection
any drink, 2-9pm $5 Happy Hour, 12-6 pm Pop Goes the World with No Cover
Absolut and $5 Bulleit $2 off everything $2 Bud Wes Della Volla at 9:30pm
Bourbon Time Machine, and Bud Light Draughts all Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
featuring DJ Jack Rayburn, day and night The DC any drink, 2-9pm No
9:30pm-close Cover

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 41

 JR.S
Showtunes Songs &
Tuesday, NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Wednesday, NELLIES SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
Thursday,
Singalongs, 9pm-close March 7 drink, 5-9pm No Cover March 8 and 9pm Prizes include March 9
DJ James $3 Draft Pints, After 9pm, $3 Absolut, bar tabs and tickets to
8pm-midnight 9 1/2 Bulleit & Stella 9 1/2 shows at the 9:30 Club 9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any $15 Buckets of Beer for Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
NELLIES SPORTS BAR drink, 5-9pm Multiple SHAWS TAVERN drink, 5-9pm Multiple SmartAss Teams only drink, 5-9pm Multiple
Beat the Clock Happy Hour TVs showing movies, Half-Priced Burgers and TVs showing movies, Bring a new team member TVs showing movies,
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), shows, sports Expanded Pizzas $5 House Wines shows, sports Expanded and each get a free $10 shows, sports Expanded
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of craft beer selection and $5 Sam Adams craft beer selection Dinner craft beer selection
Beer $15 Texas Holdem No Cover No Cover Music videos featuring
Poker, 8pm Dart Boards TRADE NUMBER NINE DJ Wess
COBALT/30 DEGREES Doors open 5pm Huge COBALT/30 DEGREES Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
NUMBER NINE DJ Honey Happy Hour: Happy Hour: Any drink Happy Hour: Tops Down $6 drink, 5-9pm No Cover COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Tops Down $6 Top Shelf, normally served in a cock- Top Shelf, Bottoms Up $3 Happy Hour: Tops Down $6
drink, 5-9pm No Cover Bottoms Up $3 Rail, $3 Bud tail glass served in a huge Rail, $3 Bud Light, 4-9pm SHAWS TAVERN Top Shelf, Bottoms Up $3
Light, 4-9pm SIN Service glass for the same price, $4 Stoli and Stoli Flavors Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, 4-9pm
SHAWS TAVERN Industry Night, 10pm-close 5-10pm Beer and wine and Miller Lite all night Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Stonewall Darts After-
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 $1 Rail Drinks all night only $4 Wednesday Night Karaoke, $5 Rails and House Wines Party, 6-10pm Locker
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, hosted by India Larelle and Half-Priced Pizzas Room Thursday Nights,
$5 Rails and House Wines FREDDIES BEACH BAR Houston, 10pm No Cover Piano Bar with Jill, down- 10pm-close $3 Rail
and Half-Priced Pizzas Crazy Hour, 4-7pm 21+ stairs, 8pm Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5
Trivia with Jeremy, 7:30pm Karaoke, 8pm Red Bull and Frozen Virgin
FREDDIES BEACH BAR TRADE Drinks DJs Sean Morris
TRADE GREEN LANTERN Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $6 Doors open 5pm Huge and MadScience Best
Doors open 5pm Huge Happy Hour all night long, Burgers Drag Bingo Happy Hour: Any drink Package Contest at mid-
Happy Hour: Any drink 4pm-close Night, hosted by Ms. normally served in a cock- night, hosted by BaNaka &
normally served in a cock- Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm tail glass served in a huge Kristina Kelly $200 Cash
tail glass served in a huge NELLIES SPORTS BAR Bingo prizes Karaoke, glass for the same price, Prize Doors open 10pm,
glass for the same price, Beat the Clock Happy Hour 10pm-1am 5-10pm Beer and wine 21+ $5 Cover or free
5-10pm Beer and wine $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), only $4 with college ID
only $4 $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of GREEN LANTERN
Beer $15 Karaoke and Happy Hour all night long,
Drag Bingo 4pm-close

42 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY

MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY 43
 DC EAGLE
Doors open at 8pm Strip
Down Thursdays Happy
Hour Shirtless guys
drink $2 off all drinks,
8-10pm Jock or under-
wear gets $2 off all drinks,
10pm-2am Highwaymen
TNT host Hot Jock Contest,
11:30pm prizes valued
at over $250 No Cover
21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Ladies Drink Free Power
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless
Thursday, 10-11pm DJs
BacK2bACk
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Drag Bingo
44 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 Rails and House Wines
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4
Heineken and Coronas,
5pm-close
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
DJ 9pm Cover 21+ l
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

It is time for President Trump to come face to face with the realities of his
anti-immigrant and anti-American policies.
REP. RUBEN KIHUEN (D.-Nev.), speaking to the Los Angeles Times. Kihuen was one of a number of Democratic lawmakers who
invited Muslims, LGBTQ leaders and immigrants as guests to watch President Donald Trumps first Joint Session address. Kihuen
said Trump had to understand that his rhetoric has a real impact on communities across the country.

I had my own suicide attempt.

LAVERNE COX, in a video for Trans Children Deserve Better, opening up about her struggle to accept her gender identity. Cox
tried to take her own life because of shame, because of stigma, because I didnt understand who I was. She shared a message to
trans youth going through similar struggles, saying: I want to let all trans kids out there know that that is their history.
That is who they are. And that they are beautiful and divine.

Except as the union of one man and one woman...

no other union shall be recognised.
An excerpt from Senate Joint Resolution 7, a recently passed resolution in Arkansas, which seeks to define marriage as between
one man and one woman directly contradicting the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling. State Senator Jason Rapert (R),
who authored the resolution, told a local TV station that the silent majority was going to speak again.

Im going to shower across the street,

make sure my change of clothes are around the corner, and Im going to drive take a different
route to the gym.

Former NBA star AMARE STOUDEMIRE, who currently plays in Israel, responding to whether he would have a problem with a gay
teammate in an interview with Israeli site Walla Sport. Others in the clip intimated that they wouldnt have an issue with a gay
teammate. Pressed on his response, Stoudemire, who was fined $50,000 by the NBA in 2012 for using a homophobic slur,
said: I mean, theres always a truth within a joke.

I dont want to give away. But it is

a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.
BILL CONDON, director of the upcoming live action remake of Beauty and the Beast, speaking with Attitude magazine. Condon
suggested that LeFou, manservant to Gaston, will struggle with his sexuality and his feelings for Gaston. LeFou is somebody
who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston, Condon said.

46 MARCH 2, 2017 METROWEEKLY