CONTENTS

JUNE 29, 2017 Volume 24 Issue 9

12 LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Euan Morton is no stranger to taking on oversized leading
roles, and now his son seems poised
to follow in dads footsteps

21
By Doug Rule

CLIMB EVERY
(FAKE) MOUNTAIN
Stonewall Climbing offers a chance to socialize
while pushing your physical limits

By John Riley

24 ALPINE RHAPSODY
Nicholas Rodriguez takes on the iconic role
of Captain von Trapp in a sumptuous new
touring production of the Sound of Music
at the Kennedy Center

Interview by Doug Rule

Featuring Exclusive Photographs of the cast by Julian Vankim

SPOTLIGHT: A CAPITOL FOURTH p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.10

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: EUAN MORTON p.12 PIONEERS: ROZ WHITE p.14
THE FEED p.17 SCENE: AWESOME CON p.19 COMMUNITY: STONEWALL CLIMBING p.21
COVER STORY: ALPINE RHAPSODY p.24 NIGHTLIFE p.37 SCENE: TOWNS PRIDE NIGHT p.37
LISTINGS p.39 SCENE: GREEN LANTERNS AWESOME CON AFTER-PARTY p.44
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 Theodore Bikel Cover Photography Julian Vankim

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Metro Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. All such submissions are subject to
editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metro Weekly is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their
agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization.
2017 Jansi LLC.

4 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
COURTESY OF CAPITAL CONCERTS-KEITH LAMOND VIA SHUTTERSTOCK

A Capitol Fourth:
John Stamos, Beach Boys, Four Tops

I
TS NOT SOMETHING YOULL WANT TO DO EVERY YEAR
theres far too many tourists but everyone should expe-
rience the National Symphony Orchestras A Capitol Fourth
concert at least once, or even twice. Jack Everly leads the NSO in
a performance of American favorites and classical masterworks,
while several military bands will add to the patriotic spirit, a cele-
bration of the countrys 241st birthday. (Damn, were getting old.)
The 37th annual show, broadcast on PBS, features John
Stamos doubling as show host and drummer with the Beach
Boys with Mark McGrath adding vocal harmonies. Also per-
forming, The Four Tops and Sam Moore, the Blues Brothers, led
by actor Dan Aykroyd and accompanied by the Sacred Hearts
band, gospel great Yolanda Adams, country stars Trace Adkins
and Kellie Pickler, The Voice Season 12 winner Chris Blue, and
Broadway starlet Laura Osnes.
Disney Channel star Sofia Carson kicks off the festivities
with the national anthem, and the NSO concludes it with
Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture as the soundtrack to what orga-
nizers tout as the biggest, most distinctive fireworks display in
the nation.

Tuesday, July 4, at 8 p.m. West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Free. Call 202-467-4600
or visit kennedy-center.org/nso for more information.

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 7

 Spotlight
DO THE RIGHT THING
Spike Lees joint from 1989 is still a bit too hot for some but at least
everyone can keep cool when it screens as part of the summer movie
series at U Streets historic Lincoln Theatre. Do The Right Thing, which
introduced the world to both Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez, has
been held up by the AFI, Variety and the New York Times as one of
the greatest films of all time. And yet, because of its forthright exam-
ination of persistent racial tensions that stoke violence, its also one
of The 25 Most Controversial Movies Ever, says Entertainment
Weekly. Its worth adding that Public Enemys Fight The Power,
the hip-hop classic that was written for the movie as its theme song,
also registers every bit as timely and provocative today as back then.
Wednesday, July 5. Doors at 7 p.m. 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $10.
Call 202-888-0050 or visit thelincolndc.com.

MY FAIR LADY
The Lerner and Loewe classic, adapted from
Georges Bernard Shaw and Gabriel Pascals film
Pygmalion. Alan Souza directs a massive cast
including Danny Bernardy, Brittany Campbell,
Ian Anthony Coleman, Warren Freeman, Chris
Genebach, Christina Kidd, Alex Kidder, Julia
Klavans, Ashleigh King, Valerie Leonard, Benjamin
Lurye, Jimmy Mavrikes, Christopher Mueller and
Todd Scofield. To July 23. Olney Theatre Center,
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md. Call
301-924-3400 or visit olneytheatre.org.

STAN BAROUH
SMITHSONIAN
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
For its 50th anniversary, the annual festival on the mall
explores American identity and creativity. Highlights
include a view into the ever-evolving field of Circus
Arts via daily performances in a Big Top tent, a circus
school in the Arts and Industries Building and hands-on
activities for visitors; the more politically charged On
The Move program, in which hip-hop artists, mural-
ists and poetry slam artists, among others, will discuss
themes of immigration and migration from new and
diverse perspectives, and a series of evening concerts
and dance parties starting at 5:30 p.m. with perform-
ers including BeauSoleil, Los Texmaniacs, the Chuck
Brown Band and Los Pleneros de la 21. Runs through
Sunday, July 9. The National Mall, between 7th and
12th Streets NW. Call 202-633-1000 or festival.si.edu
for event details and schedule.

8 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
ERIC FELTEN
JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Some of the Washington areas finest musi-
cians perform in this ensemble, led by its
namesake trombonist and singer, whose
voice has been compared to Michael Buble
and Harry Connick Jr. The focus of its two
upcoming shows is The Big Band Sound
of WWII. Monday, July 3, at 8 and 10
p.m. Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Tickets are $27.50, plus $5 fee and $12 min-
imum purchase. Call 202-337-4141 or visit
bluesalley.com.

...DIVIDED WE STAND
The Kennedy Center welcomes back famed comedy
troupe The Second City for an update to last years pop-
ular Almost Accurate Guide to America. The comedians
Angela Alise, Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Katie Kershaw,
Chucho Perez and Ross Taylor have cooked up a new
irreverent, mocking look at America, from the red states
to the blue states to our orange head of state. The run
is the first offering in Julys second annual District of
Comedy Festival. To Aug. 13. Kennedy Center Theater
Lab. Tickets are $49 to $69. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.

TERESA CASTRACANE
HIVE
Based in Chicago, the architecture firm Studio Gang
designed this years summer installation in the Great Hall.
Soaring to the uppermost reaches of the museum, Hive is
built entirely of 2,700 wound paper tubes, a construction
material that is recyclable, lightweight and renewable.
Varying in size, the tubes are interlocked to create three
dynamic, domed chambers, each offering different sound,
light, scale and human interaction. Opens Tuesday, July 4. A
Spotlight on Design talk with Studio Gangs founding prin-
cipal Jeanne Gang is Thursday, July 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
On display through Sept. 4. National Building Museum, 401
F St. NW. Tickets, including admission to all other museum
STUDIO GANG

exhibitions, are $13 to $16, and $20 for the Spotlight on

Design talk. Call 202-272-2448 or visit nbm.org.

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 9

TERESA WOOD

Out On The Town

BROKEN GLASS
Theater J teamed up with historians from the U.S. Holocaust Museum for a rare staging of this gripping, psychological
drama by Arthur Miller set in Brooklyn during the Kristallnacht in 1938. Images from American newspapers of the era are
projected directly onto the set, showing Americans reactions to the Holocaust. Aaron Posner directs a stellar cast Lise
Bruneau, Kimberly Gilbert, Gregory Linington, Paul Morella, Michele Osherow and Stephen Patrick Martin relating
Millers tale of a woman who suddenly, mysteriously becomes paralyzed from the waist down, and her husband, a self-de-
nying Jew, struggling to understand why and confront his fears, assumptions and anguish. To July 9, with historians-led
discussions after the Sunday matinees July 2 and July 9. The Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529
16th St. NW. Call 202-777-3210 or visit theaterj.org.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN
The NoMa BID offers an outdoor
screening series with the quintes-
sential Washington theme: Power,
Politics & Popcorn. Next up: Alan
J. Pakulas film based on a book
by the Washington Posts Carl
Bernstein and Bob Woodward,
documenting their work in uncov-
ering the Watergate scandal that
led to Nixons resignation. Robert
Redford is Woodward and Dustin
Hoffman is Bernstein in the
acclaimed political thriller that
Rotten Tomatoes sums up as a taut,
solidly acted paean to the benefits
of a free press and the dangers of
unchecked power. Its as timely
now in the alternative-facts Trump
Era as its ever been. The screening
starts at sunset on Wednesday, July
5. Grounds open at 7 p.m. NoMa
Junction at Storey Park, 1005 1st St.
NE. Visit nomabid.org.
COMING TO AMERICA
Eddie Murphy plays an African
prince who travels to the U.S. with
his aide/sidekick Arsenio Hall in
search of romance. In the end, John
Landis 1988 film was only moder-
ately funny. Yet it was a huge hit at
the box office, and 30 years later stu-
dio executives seem to think it may
still have legs: Paramount Pictures
announced in April that it has green-
lighted development of a sequel.
The film screens at Union Markets
monthly warm weather Drive-In
Series. You dont have to have a car
to take it all in just grab a viewing
spot in the free picnic area. Food
and beer are available, delivered to
you or your car window by the DC
Rollergirls. Friday, July 7. Gates at
6 p.m., with the movie starting at
sunset around 8:15 p.m. In the
parking lot at Union Market, 1305
5th St. NE. Free for walk-ups or $10
per car. Call 800-680-9095 or visit
unionmarketdc.com.
MOONLIGHT
In advance of its production of
Tarell Alvin McCraneys Wig Out,
Studio Theatre, in partnership with
Reel Affirmations, offers a free
screening of this years Oscar win-
ner for Best Picture. Barry Jenkinss
coming-of-age drama was based on
McCraneys semi-autobiographical
play In Moonlight Black Boys Look
Blue. Saturday, July 1, at 7 p.m.,
with an after-screening discussion.
Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets
NW. Free. Call 202-332-3300 or
visit studiotheatre.org.
MULHOLLAND DR.
The allure, mystique and danger
of Hollywood is the general theme
of this surrealistic film noir from
2001. In many ways it can be con-
sidered the culmination of filmmak-
er David Lynchs oeuvre, revisiting
his signature themes of identity,
desire and dream logic. A cryptic
narrative leaves the film open to
different interpretations. A 4K res-
toration screens as part of a Lynch
retrospective. Friday, June 30,
and Saturday, July 1, at 9:15 p.m.,
Sunday, July 2, and Monday, July
3, and Thursday, July 6, at 6:45 p.m.
AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville
Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $13.
Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/
Silver.
STAGE
DISNEYS THE LITTLE MERMAID
Based on the 1989 animated classic
which is based on the 1837 Hans

10 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY


JOAN MARCUS
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Euan Morton is no stranger to taking on oversized
leading roles, and now his son seems poised
to follow in dads footsteps
E
UAN MORTON FEELS LUCKY TO BE STARRING
in the national touring production of Hedwig and the
Angry Inch. Its in the zeitgeist, isnt it? This question of
gender, where gender belongs in our society and on this earth,
Morton says. Hedwig does not want be tolerated, she wants to
Christian Andersen fairy tale the
musical version of The Little Mermaid
features additional songs by compos-
er Alan Menken, plus a book by Doug
Wright. The show makes its way
to Wolf Trap after stops at Kansas
Citys similarly outdoor Starlight
Theatre and Pittsburghs Benedum
Center, home of the Pittsburgh Civic
Light Opera. Thursday, June 29,
through Sunday, July 2, at 8 p.m.
Also Saturday, July 1, at 2 p.m. The
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551
Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $25
to $85. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit
wolftrap.org.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim
Rices rock opera about Jesus
gets a sleek, modern makeover
12 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY
in a Signature Theatre production
helmed by Joe Calarco and star-
ring Nicholas Edwards. The cast
includes Signature standouts
Natascia Diaz as Mary, Sherri L.
Edelen as King Herod, and Bobby
Smith as Pontius Pilate. Extended
to July 9. Signature Theatre, 4200
Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703-
820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org.
THE SCHOOL FOR LIES
Michael Kahn helms David
Ives adaptation of Molires Le
Misanthrope, in an update of the
aristocratic, ruthless French sat-
ire. Gregory Wooddell plays Frank,
whose barbed truth-telling wreaks
havoc in a world of pompous suit-
ors and extravagant ladies, until
rumors ricochet and alternative
be accepted as equal and the same, even in her difference.
John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trasks musical about a
twice-jilted transgender singer has its dark and angry moments,
but I think its a joyful tale, I think its a story of love, Morton
says. I think its something thats really important to be taking
around the U.S. right now,...reminding people of how we are the
same even in our differences.
Fifteen years ago, the Scottish actor garnered acclaim for por-
traying Boy George in the musical Taboo, in both Londons West
End and on Broadway. They both have a peacock aspect to their
personality, especially in what they wear and the paint on their
faces, he says. But for me thats really where the similarity
ends. Georges story is a very different tale from [Hedwigs], as is
Georges emotional journey.
A familiar face on the D.C. theater scene, Morton won a
Helen Hayes Award in 2012 for his work in Fords Theatres
Parade, and starred in Signature Theatres heralded 2010 revival
of Chess. Rumors about a transfer to Broadway of that show,
featuring music by ABBAs Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus,
never came to fruition.
Its too bad, he says. I dont really know what happened.
From what I hear, Tim Rice was not happy using Richard
Nelsons book, and wouldnt allow it to go any further. [While
thats] all supposition and rumor, it wouldnt surprise me,
because ego is the darkest thing about this industry.... Sometimes
it stops good art from being done. Im almost 40 now, so Im
pretty aware of when Im failing and Im pretty aware of when
Im successful in controlling ego, I mean. I hope the same for
my son.
Mortons son, Iain Armitage, is currently preparing to play
the lead in CBSs Big Bang Theory spinoff, Young Sheldon.
I could tell you the Ryan ONeal version, which is, Im bril-
liant, and he got it from me! Morton laughs when asked the
secret to his sons success. But sometimes the universe points at
a person and says, Im going to give you a voice. One in a million.
And it happened to Ian.
Morton hopes his son will keep everything in perspective.
The thing I hope my son is able to navigate [is] the ego that will
be thrust upon him from others, he says. Those who wish to
ride his coattails, those who wish to be better than him, those
who are jealous, those who want to use him. Doug Rule
Hedwig and the Angry Inch runs to Sunday, July 2, in the
Kennedy Centers Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $59 to $159.
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
facts become reality. To July 9.
Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW.
MUSIC
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shake-
ALL THINGS GO FALL CLASSIC
spearetheatre.org.
After a year at Yards Park, All
Things Go announced last week that
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG
the annual indie-pop festival will
AND UNAFRAID
return to its smaller, original venue,
In the early 1970s, a quiet bed and
Union Market. But make no mis-
breakfast becomes one of the few
take, the Fall Classic is bigger than
spots where victims of domestic
ever, expanding in its fourth year
violence can seek refuge in Sarah
from a single Saturday outing with
Treems play. Marie Sproul directs
eight or so bands to a full, three-
Sheri S. Herren as BNB owner
day weekend featuring 26 acts. The
Agnes, with Kaylynn Creighton her
New York-based nu-disco/elec-
college-bound daughter and Jenna
tro-pop duo and festival mainstay
Berk a runaway Mary Anne. To July
The Knocks help kick things off
8. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St.
Friday, Oct. 6, along with headliner
NW. Tickets are $35 to $45. Call
Galantis, the sharp Swedish elec-
202-265-3768 or visit keeganthe-
tronic/dance duo. Rising Atlanta
atre.com.
rapper Young Thug leads a hip-
hop-heavy nine-act bill the next
day, also including Norwegian alt-
R&B producer Cashmere Cat. If you
can only go for one day, though, it
should be Sunday, Oct. 8, when the
festival showcases three top-draw
acts: Foster The People, Bleachers
and Betty Who. Single-day tickets
currently available per day for
$64 general admission or $150 for
VIP will soon be hard to come by,
at least for Sunday. A three-day pass
costs $154, or $250 for VIP includ-
ing quick entry, premium viewing
areas, a dedicated cash bar, and fes-
tival swag. Union Market, 1309 5th
St. NE. Call 888-512-7469 or visit
allthingsgofallclassic.com.
ART GARFUNKEL
The legendary folk artists In Close-
Up tour features standards from
the Simon & Garfunkel repertoire,
selections from his own solo work,
plus cuts from his favorite songwrit-
ers, an eclectic mix that includes
Jimmy Webb, Randy Newman
and George Gershwin. Hes also
expected to share stories from
his forthcoming autobiography,
What Is It All But Luminous: Notes
from an Underground Man, due in
September. Saturday, July 8, at 8
p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
Tickets are $39 to $99. Call 202-457-
4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
IDINA MENZEL
As if this Broadway belter and
longtime, prominent fundraiser for
LGBTQ causes needs any intro-
duction. Fans of Menzels work in
everything from Rent to Wicked
to Disneys Frozen need no per-
suading to get their tickets. Sunday,
July 9, at 8 p.m. Theater at MGM
National Harbor, 7100 Harborview
Ave., Oxon Hill, Md. Tickets, which
include a copy of her latest studio
album, idina., are $66.36 to $136.37.
Call 800-745-3000 or visit mgmna-
tionalharbor.com.
NATALIE MERCHANT
The former lead singer of folk/rock
act 10,000 Maniacs offers an eve-
ning focused on her 3 Decades
of Song. It will naturally show-
case her solo output, starting with
1995s Tigerlily and hits Carnival,
Wonder and Jealousy. (Signatures La Cage Aux Folles),
Thursday, July 6, at 8 p.m. The
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551
Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $30
to $75. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or
visit wolftrap.org.
OCEANS QUARTET
Vocalist Lisa Moscatiello and com-
poser/arranger Jennifer Cutting
lead this local act, touted as where
ancient ballads meet cutting-edge
electronics and where the bagpipes
meet the Beatles. Virginias Alden
Theatre invites Oceans Quartet to
perform as part of its free Summer
Sundays concert series. Sunday,
July 2, at 5 p.m. The gazebo of the
McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley
Madison Blvd. Free. Call 703-790-
0123 or visit aldentheatre.org.
SERENADE! WASHINGTON D.C.
CHORAL FESTIVAL
Classical Movements showcases
choirs from around the world in
free performances at prestigious
venues throughout the region
through this annual festival. The
organization has partnered with the
Kennedy Center for an expanded
week-long iteration to celebrate the
100th birthday of President John
F. Kennedy and his artistic and
cultural legacy. Select youth and
adult choirs from the U.S., Canada,
and countries that have benefited
from the Peace Corps, an entity
that Kennedy established, perform
collaborative concerts of newly
commissioned works and partici-
pate in shared workshops as well
as in community outreach projects.
Different choirs perform every
night at 6 p.m. on the Millennium
Stage, and also at eight venues
throughout the region, including
Virginias Castleton Festival and
Baltimores Patterson Park, both
on Sunday, July 2. On July 3, at
6 p.m., Serenade culminates in a
mass finale in the Concert Hall,
where Joshua Habermann of the
Dallas Symphony Chorus and Santa
Fe Desert Chorale will conduct
12 ensembles, including Spains
Escolania de Montserrat, Latvian
Voices, Chinas Shanghai No. 3
Girls High School Concert Band,
Maines Pihcintu, a Refugee Girls
Chorus, and Le Cantanti di Chicago.
Tickets are free, but reserved seats
are required for the finale, distrib-
uted two per person on a first-come,
first-serve basis beginning at 4:30
p.m. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
classicalmovements.com.
SIGNATURES SIZZLIN SUMMER
NIGHTS CABARET SERIES
Signatures annual cabaret series
features regulars known from
Signature productions including
Will Gartshore, Nova Y. Payton,
Kevin McAllister, Roz White,
and Sam Ludwig, plus the Gay
Mens Chorus of Washington and
UrbanArias. Also in this years line-
up: Liam Forde (Studios Hand to
God), David Landstrom (Signatures
Jesus Christ Superstar), Matthew
Schleigh and Jessica Lauren Ball
Robbie Schaefer of indie band
Eddie from Ohio, Bob McDonald
and a team of four mothers-to-be:
Erin Driscoll, Jamie Eacker, Bayla
Whitten and Rachel Zampelli.
Meanwhile, Driscoll once again
kicks things off with her sixth solo
cabaret, Everything Changes,
on Wednesday, July 5, at 8 p.m.
The series runs to Saturday, July
22, concluding with the popu-
lar series finale Revenge of the
Understudies. The Ark at 4200
Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets
are $35 per show, or $175 for an
All-Access Pass. Call 703-820-9771
or visit sigtheatre.org.
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 13
 times take for granted.
White pays tribute to five persevering predecessors in a new
cabaret presented as part of Signature Theatres annual Sizzlin
Summer series. Resist: A Revolutionary Cabaret highlights
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Alberta Hunter, Abbey Lincoln, Roberta
Flack, and Nina Simone. I basically become each woman as Im
telling their story, and give you a little insight into their thinking
during the time of their heyday.
Over the past decade, White has done just that, often at
Alexandrias MetroStage. In 2008, she co-wrote and starred
in that theaters superb Pearl Bailey...By Request. All of these
women endured great hardships, she says, [and] each one was
revolutionary in the music industry as well as just in pop culture
in general. Tharpe, for instance, was basically kicked out of
PHOTO COURTESY OF SIGNATURE THEATRE

the church because she played the guitar and rock-and-roll,

and Lincoln rejected being a sex symbol by wearing Afrocentric
clothing and covering up more, to make people really listen to
her music.
Whites cabaret will also touch on progress made over the
last century. I want to show how women in the industry had
to go from an image being imposed on us to taking control and
empowering ourselves and creating our own image, says White,
adding that its a general lesson that the newer generation could
stand to learn.
Weve got to teach younger people how to fight and how

PIONEERS
Roz White pays tribute to five legendary female
performers in her new Signature cabaret
to resist. Its not about throwing things and burning things and
destroying things, its about building. Its also not relying on
social media and technology to provide answers.
Somebody doing a live feed [from] their living room saying,
Black Lives Matter is a huge difference [from the] effort that
went into these women being able to have a voice. We didnt
have the technology. It was a lot more work, a lot more legwork,

I
VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH ON GREAT
women in music, says Roz White. And what they had to
deal with, as far as the industry was concerned, was only one
small piece of it. Around them, their world was literally crashing
and burning because of peoples hatred. And so, to still be able
to sing, and to still be able to make people laugh or evoke happy
emotion or hope, is a power I think we possess that we some-
a lot more resist. We had to push through. --Doug Rule
Roz Whites Resist: A Revolutionary Cabaret is Saturday, July
8, at 9 p.m., in Signature Theatres The Ark, 4200 Campbell Ave.,
Arlington. Tickets are $35, or $175 for an All-Access Pass to the
Series, which starts Wednesday, July 5, and runs to Sunday, July
22. Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org for a full schedule.

READINGS ROGER D. STONE: THE LIVES OF

DAVID COLE: RULES FOR
RESISTANCE
Subtitled Advice from around the
Globe for the Age of Trump, this
primer from the legal director of
the American Civil Liberties Union
draws on the experience and col-
lective wisdom of people who
have lived under autocratic lead-
ers with a particular focus on
Vladimir Putin. The book includes
essays from Masha Gessen, Ai
Weiwei, George Soros and Nadya
Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot,
among others, and summarizes
common themes, from the selective
application of the law and use of
libel laws to attack critics, to the
gutting of nonpartisan institutions
and other democracy protecting
entities, including the free press.
Sunday, July 9, at 3 p.m. Politics
and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave.
NW. Call 202-364-1919 or visit poli-
tics-prose.com.
DILLON RIPLEY
Ripley was, as this books subti-
tle spells out, Natural Scientist,
Wartime Spy and Pioneering Leader
of the Smithsonian Institution. At
the helm from 1964 to 1985, Ripley
helped expand the Smithsonian,
which is now the worlds largest
museum, education and research
complex. Stone, a former Time cor-
respondent, includes his personal
recollections and also draws on
interviews with Ripley and fam-
ily documents. Saturday, July 8,
at 1 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015
Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202-
364-1919 or visit politics-prose.com.
EXHIBITS
AI WEIWEI: TRACE
Chinas most famous and provoca-
tive international artist returns to
the Hirshhorn with his newest proj-
ect, centered on the themes of free-
dom and expression. The massive
installation spans 700 feet around
the entirety of the museums sec-
ond-floor galleries and features 176
portraits, each made of thousands
of plastic LEGO bricks, of individ-
uals whom he considers activists,
prisoners of conscience or advo-
cates of free speech. An accompa-
nying graphic wallpaper spans the
gallerys entire outer wall, trans-
forming symbols of surveillance
equipment into an intricate design.
The seriousness of the subject con-
trasts with the playfulness of the
material, creating a dichotomy that
characterizes the artists philoso-
phy. Now to Jan. 1, 2018. Hirshhorn
Museum and Sculpture Garden,
Independence Avenue and Seventh
Street SW. Call 202-633-1000 or
visit hirshhorn.si.edu.
GARY ANTHES: SILENT LIGHT
Works by three artists are on display
at Duponts Studio Gallery, including
abstract works by Thierry Guillemin
and Suzanne Goldberg. Yet its pho-
tographs by Anthes from New Yorks
Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital and
the Ansonia Copper Brass factory
that are likely to have the most last-
ing impression. The hospital and fac-
tory are now silent and abandoned
and revealed by pale light stream-
ing through broken windows and
missing doors. The evocative photo-
graphs are meant as a tribute to the
brave patients and dedicated staff
at the hospital, and to the tireless
metal workers, the artist says in a
statement. First Friday reception is
July 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Runs to July
15. Studio Gallery, 2108 R St. NW.
Call 202-232-8734 or visit studiogal-
lerydc.com.
LOGAN FRINGE ARTS SPACE:
HOME
Works from regional, national
and international artists explor-
ing the making of and search for
the concept of home and the
need to preserve space for those
less fortunate or otherwise dis-
placed. Sheldon Scott curated this
exhibition featuring video, paint-

14 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 ABOVE & BEYOND
JULY 4TH AT THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The home of Americas founding
documents will be open extend-
ed hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the
entire week of July 4th through
July 6th, but the museum offers
special programming on Americas
birthday. The day commences
at 10 a.m. with a Declaration of
Independence Reading Ceremony
hosted by Allison Seymour of Fox
5 News and featuring remarks by
Archivist of the United States David
S. Ferriero and Laura W. Murphy,
a civil liberties leader and descen-
dant of Declaration signer Philip
Livingston, reenactors portraying
historical characters, and perfor-
mances by Caleb Green and the Fife
and Drum Corps and the presen-
tation of colors by the Continental
EBRU YILDIZ

Color Guard. All of that is followed

by the National Independence
Day Parade at 11:45 a.m., plus a
day full of hands-on activities and
THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART reenactors in the Boeing Learning
Center. Other activities scheduled
Soft-spoken singer and guitarist Kip Berman named his indie-pop band after an unpub- for the week are Global Spirits:
lished childrens story of the same title that a friend of his wrote. They stop in D.C. two American Cocktails on Thursday,
months before the scheduled release of their fourth album, The Echo of Pleasure. Its a safe June 29 (see separate entry), and
a reading of Frederick Douglass
bet the set will be full of the kind of melodic, atmospheric tunes drenched in reverb as essay The Meaning of July 4th for
previous output from the shoegaze-stylized group. Saturday, July 1. Doors at 7 p.m. Rock the Negro on Monday, July 3, at
and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Tickets are $17 in advance or $19 day-of show. Call 202- 1 p.m. The schedule for live music
on the Archives steps includes: the
388-ROCK or visit rockandrollhoteldc.com. United States Army Old Guard Fife
and Drum Corps on Friday, June
30, at 12 p.m., Batala Washington
ing, sculpture and performance Dearden offers a full menu of hot ist-free, all-access, party-time take- Saturday, July 1, at 1 p.m., the
works from artists Madison Bolls, dogs, from kosher to veggie to masa over of the National Museum of Singing Capital Chorus Sunday,
Anne Bouie, Anne-Sophie Coiffet, corn, which can be washed down American History. The primary July 2, at 12 p.m., GottaSwing
Kyrae Cowan, Jacqueline Hoysted, with concoctions from bartender occasion is to celebrate Americas Monday, July 3, at 5 p.m., and
Ashley Janae, Tsedaye Makonnen, Sarah Rosner including a red, white birthday, but it also doubles as a Brass Connection Tuesday, July 4,
Helina Metaferia, Britt Sankofa and and blue sangria (made with white party honoring the the JFK cen- at 9 and 11 a.m. Also there will
Stephanie Williams. Opening recep- wine, cherries and blueberries), and tennial. Megan James, the vocal- be free tastings of American
tion is Thursday, June 29, at 7 p.m. frozen whiskey Cokes. Throughout ist of the Canadian electronic duo Heritage-company chocolate near
On display through July 30. Logan July, including Tuesday, July 4, Purity Ring, plays DJ for the event the Archives Store Saturday, July
Fringe Arts Space, 1358 Florida Ave. starting at 5 p.m. 1430 Rhode Island which includes open bar on Skyy 1, and Sunday, July 2, until 4 p.m.
NE. Tickets are $20 to $25. Call 202- Ave. NW. Call 202-742-3100 or visit Vodka, Wild Turkey Bourbon and Constitution Avenue between 7th
737-7230 or visit capitalfringe.org. masonandrook.com. Appleton Estate Rum cocktails and 9th Streets NW. NW. Call 202-
compliments of Cafe Saint-Ex and 357-5000 or visit archivesjuly4.org.
RED, WHITE & BREW WINE AND
FOOD AND DRINK BEER FESTIVAL
lite bites from restaurants includ-
ing Awkpie, Sospeso, Highline RXR SPARKLE QUEER OPEN MIC
More than 100 local beer and wine and Franklin Hall. There will also The first Sunday of every month
CITY TAP PENN QUARTER: purveyors will be on hand in three- be short TED-style talks courtesy the 14th and V location of Busboys
BEERBQ BATTLE hour sessions at this two-day out- of the Washington Post, including & Poets hosts a reading series fea-
Now in its fourth year, this competi- door festival, complete with live Claire Jerry on JFK: A New Speaker turing LGBTQ-identified poets.
tion pits City Tap against three area music and food trucks. Sessions are for a New Generation, Shannon Sparkle is yet another local show-
breweries 3 Stars, Evolution and Saturday, July 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Perich, JFK Through the Lens of case created by Regie Cabico, the
Hardywood Park to see which and 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 2, 1 Richard Avedon, Peter Manseau, slam poet also responsible for
outfit produces the best barbecue to 4 p.m. Navy Yard, 1300 1st St. SE. Fear of a Catholic President, and Capturing Fire, the annual LGBTQ
as voted on by guests. Tuesday, July General session tickets, including Steve Olikara, Passing the Torch spoken word and poetry festival
4, from noon to 5 p.m. at 901 9th unlimited full pours of beer, cider to a New Generation of Americans. presented by the DC Center, as
Street NW. Tickets are $20 includ- and sangria, a customizable tasting And on the outdoor terrace, there well as the regular cabaret/come-
ing coleslaw and potato salad, flight and commemorative mug, are will be a face painter, caricature dy/poetry variety show La-Ti-Do.
paired with $5 select draft beers $50 plus fees. VIP packages are $89 artist, a scavenger hunt and roam- He hosts Sparkle with fellow poet
from participating breweries. Call for Wine Lovers and $75 for Craft ing performers plus, of course, a Danielle Evennou. Sunday, July
202-644-9433 or visit pennquarter. Beer Connoisseurs. Visit rwbrew- photobooth and Instagram print- 2, at 8 p.m. Langston Room, 2021
citytap.com. fest.com er. In addition, the gift shop will 14th St. NW. Cover is $5. Call 202-
be open. Saturday, July 1, from 387-POET or visit busboysandpo-
MASON & ROOK ROOFTOP:
AMERICAN-THEMED POP-UP NIGHTLIFE 7 to 11 p.m. National Museum of
American History, 14th St. and
ets.com. l
Radiator, the floor level restau- Constitution Ave. NW. Tickets are
rant at Kimptons Logan Circle WE THE PARTY PEOPLE AT $45 to $65. Call 202-633-1000 or
hotel, formerly the Helix, is tak- AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM visit eventbrite.com.
ing over the scenic rooftop with Local promoter Brightest Young
a patriotic pop-up. Chef Jonathan Things hosts an exclusive tour-

16 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 theFeed
SILENCE ISNT GOLDEN
Trump criticized over HIV strategy on National HIV Testing Day By John Riley
P
RESIDENT TRUMP HAS COME UNDER FIRE
following his release of a statement recognizing June
27 as National HIV Testing Day. Critics slammed
him for a lack of action on HIV, policies that could compro-
mise access to lifesaving treatment, and his omission of the
risk the virus poses to LGBTQ communities.
In the statement, Trump encouraged people to get test-
ed in order to know their status. Noting that 1.1 million peo-
ple in America are living with HIV, and that 15 percent do
not yet know their status, Trump said the key to interrupt-
ing the chain of transmission is a simple, routine HIV test.
Thanks to concerted efforts to diagnose and treat more
and more people, Americans living with HIV today are liv-
ing longer, healthier lives than ever before, the president
said. My Administration is determined to build upon these
improvements and continue supporting domestic and glob-
al health programs that prioritize testing and treatment for
HIV/AIDS.
Trumps remarks on HIV his first since taking
office come after six members of the Presidential
Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS resigned in protest of
the administrations lack of strategy to fight HIV, as well
as its refusal to consult with experts to craft policy that
would reduce barriers to accessing prevention methods
or antiretrovirals.
As advocates for people living with HIV, we have
dedicated our lives to combating this disease and no lon-
ger feel we can do so effectively within the confines of an
advisory body to a president who simply does not care, the
six wrote in a joint letter published in Newsweek magazine.
Scott Schoettes, one of the six former advisors, who
serves as HIV Project Director and counsel at Lambda
Legal, said in a statement that he was glad the resignations
had prompted the president to at least address the issue of
HIV. However, he remained concerned about the effects
that Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare would have
on communities affected by HIV.
The health care reform bill needs to be radically
BABY STEPS
SCOTUS says Arkansas must list same-sex parents on childrens birth certificates By John Riley
I
N A 6-3 DECISION, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
has overturned an Arkansas ruling that barred same-
sex married couples from being listed as parents on
their childrens birth certificates.
The case, Pavan v. Smith, was brought by two lesbian
overhauled to address the needs of people living with or
at higher risk for HIV. If we are going to get a handle on
the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Republicans must restore
Essential Health Benefits, maintain Medicaid expansion,
and continue funding the important sexual health and
prevention services provided by Planned Parenthood,
Schoettes said.
But I have such little faith that this Administration is
going to make a genuine attempt to address the needs of
people living with HIV, I am ready to bypass the President
and appeal directly to the Senators working on this bill, he
continued. Now that the Senate bill has been issued and
the vote delayed moderate Senators need to sit down
with HIV advocates to understand the consequences of
this bill for people living with HIV, for communities affect-
ed by HIV, and for the countrys ability to combat the HIV/
AIDS epidemic that rages on within various communities
and geographic areas.
GLAAD, which has criticized the president on a multi-
tude of issues, took to Twitter to register their disapproval.
@realdonaldtrump fails to include LGBTQ people in his
statement for #HIVTestingDay. Were not really surprised
at this point, GLAAD tweeted.
The Human Rights Campaign, which has already gone
on record opposing the Republican health care reform
bill, also pointed out the devastating effect it could have
on communities affected by HIV, including the LGBTQ
community.
Because of the ACA, thousands of low-income people
living with HIV have been able to obtain health insurance
through the Medicaid expansion. This critical coverage
ensures that people living with HIV have access to the
lifesaving treatments, HRC wrote in a blog post explain-
ing its opposition to the Senate bill, which is currently
awaiting a vote. The so-called Better Care Reconciliation
Act proposes drastic changes to Medicaid and it will strip
many of these people, and the most vulnerable among us,
of essential health care coverage. l
couples who had sued over the exclusion of the non-bio-
logical mother from the childs birth certificate.
The Arkansas Department of Health claimed that only
the birth mother was listed because the state has an inter-
est in recording a childs biological heritage. That reason-
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 17
 theFeed
ing was upheld by the Arkansas Supreme Court.
But the U.S. Supreme Court rejected that, pointing out that
Arkansas has a presumption of parentage statute whereby a
male married to the mother of a child is legally considered to
be the father of that child, even if he has no biological ties to it.
Echoing the court below, the State defends its birth cer-
tificate law on the ground that being named on a childs birth
certificate is not a benefit that attends marriage. Instead, the
State insists, a birth certificate is simply a device for recording
biological parentage regardless of whether the childs parents
are married. But Arkansas law makes birth certificates about
more than just genetics, the majority opinion reads.
The State uses those certificates to give married parents
a form of legal recognition that is not available to unmarried
parents. Having made that choice, Arkansas may not, consistent
with Obergefell, deny married same-sex couples that recogni-
tion.
LGBTQ advocates celebrated the decision, declaring victory
for same-sex couples who wish to be legally recognized as their
childrens parents.
We are grateful to the Court for sending a clear message that
it will not tolerate attempts to flout the Courts clear holding
in Obergefell that married same-sex couples must be given the
full panoply of protections tied to marriage under state law,
Catherine Sakimura, family law director of the National Center
for Lesbian Rights, who represented the couples.
Todays decision means that millions of married same-sex
couples across the country can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing
that this type of blatant discrimination against their families will
not stand. Marriage equality is settled law and protects same-sex
parents and their children from discrimination. l

18 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Scene
Awesome Con at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Saturday, June 17 Photography by Tom Donohue
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 19

20 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

THURSDAY, June 29
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 practice
session at Takoma Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
ning/walking/social club
welcomes runners 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 23rd & P Streets NW.
BRYAN YAMASAKI
For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay
and lesbian square-dancing
group features mainstream
through advanced square
dancing at the National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-
dasquares.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
practice. 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 infor-
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
dcscandals@gmail.com.
The DULLES TRIANGLES
Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at
Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
For more information, visit
dullestriangles.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-
Walker Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at
1525 14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical
Center, 1701 14th St. NW, and 8
a.m-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave.
SE. For an appointment call
202-745-7000 or visit whit-
man-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and
confidential 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
Community
411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
up an appointment 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 test-
ing@smyal.org.
Us Helping Us hosts a
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
MEETING. The group is inde-
pendent 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
leadership development. 5-6:30
p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
7th St. SE. For more informa-
CLIMB EVERY (FAKE) MOUNTAIN
tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
catherine.chu@smyal.org.
Stonewall Climbing offers a chance to socialize FRIDAY, June 30
while pushing your physical limits Weekly Events
C
BET MISHPACHAH, founded
LIMBING IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SOCIAL by members of the LGBT com-
sports, says Bryan Yamasaki. It can be very physically munity, holds Friday evening
demanding. For a lot of people, their initial reaction is I Shabbat services in the DC
cant do this. And then, with enough encouragement from our team Jewish Community Centers
Community Room. 8 p.m. 1529
members, they find they actually can do it.
16th St. NW. For more informa-
Yamasaki, the league commissioner of Stonewall Climbing, is
tion, visit betmish.org.
eagerly seeking new recruits for the fall season, where participants
will practice bouldering, a form of climbing without utilizing ropes DC AQUATICS CLUB holds
or harnesses. Held indoors, teams scale 10- to 15-feet walls, steady- a practice session at Howard
ing themselves on footholds of varying size and shape as they try to University. 6:30-8 p.m. Burr
reach the top. Gymnasium, 2400 6th St. NW.
For more information, visit
Some of those walls are cut and dry, where you just climb them
swimdcac.org.
like a ladder, says Yamasaki, who won a gold and a silver in climb-
ing events at the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland. Others require PROJECT STRIPES hosts
more technique and strength and skill and dexterity in order to get LGBT-affirming social group
to the next move. for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419
To attract newer members, the league has instituted a handicap Columbia Road NW. Contact
scoring system that allows novices to compete on an even playing Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-
dc.org.
field with experienced veterans. But the league is primarily a place
to support others as they improve their climbing skills throughout
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides
the 10-week long season. a social atmosphere for LGBT
Yamasaki is hopeful participants will grow to love and appreci- and questioning youth, featur-
ate the sport as much as he does. For me, its the intrigue, he says. ing dance parties, vogue nights,
Its putting a giant puzzle together, solving one giant problem. The movies and games. For more
reward is finishing it. --John Riley info, email catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
Stonewall Climbing meets Tuesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. beginning in
September at Earth Treks Crystal City, 1235 S. Clark St., Arlington,
SATURDAY, July 1
Va. Registration for bouldering season begins on July 24 ADVENTURING outdoors
and closes on Aug. 7. For more information, visit group hikes 6.4 moderate miles
stonewallclimbing.leagueapps.com. with 1000 feet of elevation
gain to second highest peak
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 21
 in Shenandoah National Park.
Bring plenty of beverages, lunch,
bug spray, sunscreen, about $20
for fees, and funds for dinner and
blackberry ice cream afterwards.
No pets allowed. Carpool at 9 a.m.
from Kiss & Ride lot of East Falls
Church Metro Station. For more
info, contact Craig, 202-462-0535
or visit adventuring.org.
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. 12-1:30
p.m. The DC Center, 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more informa-
tion, visit thedccenter.org.
SUNDAY, July 2
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group
lunches in Alexandria, Va., and
then visits historical museums
in honor of Independence Day
Weekend. All welcome. Meet at
11:30 a.m. inside King Street Metro
by station attendants kiosk. For
more info, contact Craig, 202-
462-0535 or email craighowell1@
verizon.net.
Weekly Events
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300
Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
allsoulsdc.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
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 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.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
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
22 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY
DC metro area. This group will be
meeting once a month. For infor-
mation on location and time, visit
H2gether.com.
Join LINCOLN
CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
an inclusive, loving and progressive
faith community every Sunday. 11
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
ntemple.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, July 3
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 holds a
practice session at Dunbar Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
NW. For more information, email
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. For more information,
call 202-682-2245 or visit 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.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
HIV/AIDS Support Group for
newly diagnosed individuals,
meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
man-walker.org.
TUESDAY, July 4
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
ADVENTURING outdoors group
strolls 5 easy miles at Great Falls,
Md., for 8th Annual Independence
Day Hike. Bring beverages, lunch,
bug spray, sunscreen and a few
dollars for fees. Return by mid-af-
ternoon. Meet at 11 a.m. at top
of east escalator at Tenleytown
Metro to form carpool, or at 11:45
a.m. in front of the Great Falls
Tavern Visitor Center at the end of
MacArthur Boulevard. For more
information, Jeff, 301-775-9660 or
visit adventuring.org.
The DC Center hosts a meeting
of HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
GROUP FOR GAY AND BI MEN.
6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit
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.
WEDNESDAY, July 5
BOOKMEN DC, an informal mens
gay-literature group, discusses
Gay Directors, Gay Films: Pedro
Aldomovar, Terence Davies,
Todd Haynes, Gus Van Sant, John
Waters by Emanuel Levy. 7:30
p.m. Tenleytown Library, 4450
Wisconsin Ave. NW. All welcome.
bookmendc.blogspot.com
THE TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
BRIDGE CLUB will meet for
Social Bridge. 7:30 p.m. Dignity
Center, 721 8th St., S.E. (across
from Marine Barracks). No partner
needed. 301-345-1571 for more
information.
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.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at 1525
14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at the
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center,
1701 14th St. NW, and 8 a.m-5 p.m.
at the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE. For an appoint-
ment call 202-745-7000 or visit
whitman-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confiden-
tial HIV testing at its Gaithersburg
location. Walk-ins accepted from
2-7 p.m., by appointment for all
other hours. 414 East Diamond
Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. To set up
an appointment or for more infor-
mation, call 301-300-9978.
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.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers
free, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-
ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012
14th St. NW, Suite 700. For more
information, call 202-638-0750.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV
testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N.
15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
Appointments: 703-789-4467.
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.
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 23
Alpine
Rhapsody
Nicholas Rodriguez takes on the iconic role of Captain von Trapp in a sumptuous
new touring production of The Sound of Music at the Kennedy Center.

Looks. Charm. Smarts. Talent.
Interview by Doug Rule
One could say Nicholas Rodriguez has it all.
Arena Stage artistic director Molly Smith clearly gleaned on these attributes when casting
the handsome actor to helm two of her biggest, most groundbreaking Rodgers and Hammerstein
revivals of the past several years Oklahoma! and Carousel. The former snagged Rodriguez a
Helen Hayes Award in 2010 for Best Actor.
And now, Rodriguez adds yet another Rodgers and Hammerstein notch to his belt: The Sound
of Music, arguably one of the most popular musicals in history. But even if youve seen the 1963
movie, starring Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp, count-
less times, youve truly not fully experienced The Sound of Music until youve seen it live.
The movie glossed over the Nazis and the Third Reich, says Rodriguez, noting that the
current North American tour, directed by Tony-winning legend Jack OBrien (Hairspray),
reinstates No Way to Stop It from the original 1959 production, a song that alludes to amoral
political compromising as the German threat pervades Austria. Our production goes a little
deeper.
I feel like this story about standing up for your convictions, about creating your own fam-
ily, whatever that family dynamic is resonates within our community, says the 40-year-old
Austin, Texas native. Also the idea that we need to take care of our communities whether
theyre the families that were born into, or the families that we create.
To that end, Rodriguez supports SMYAL whenever he can, as a donor and a fundraiser. Im
passionate about helping bi, gay, lesbian and transgender youth, he says. Its very important to
me to be able to talk about those kinds of things with our community.
Rodriguez relishes the ability to act as a role model for LGBTQ youth, showing that its pos-
sible to be out, proud and successful, or, as he says with a laugh, playing leading man roles and
kissing the girl every night.
Im so privileged to be playing Captain von Trapp, he says, concluding an hour-long con-
versation deep within the inner-labyrinth of the Kennedy Centers rehearsal rooms. This is a
man who absolutely stands up for his convictions, no matter what the opposition is saying. And
thats something that we find in our community that we have to do all the time.

Nicholas Rodriguez and the cast of The Sound of Music photographed by Julian Vankim
at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, June 22.

24 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Nicholas Rodriguez
as Captain von Trapp
Charlotte Maltby as Maria
METRO WEEKLY: Once again, youre playing the lead in a Rodgers
& Hammerstein musical. Are you drawn to them in particular, or
is it just by chance?
NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ: This is my third Rodgers & Hammerstein
in D.C., and actually the eighth Rodgers & Hammerstein show
that Ive done I love it. It just fits my soul, it fits my voice.
And a lot of it has been nontraditional. I got to play Curly in
Oklahoma!
MW: On that note, youre playing a part that traditionally has gone
to white actors.
RODRIGUEZ: Never did I ever assume that they would hire a
Latino Captain von Trapp. When I got the call, casting director
Rachel Hoffman said, Jack OBrien, the director, wants you
to come in for this. I was literally on the beach in Vieques,
Puerto Rico, browner than I have ever
been in a long time. Hmm, okay. Ill
go in to play an Austrian Navy cap-
tain. Sure, why not? Ive just been This production
digs deep into
really, really blessed. And both Jack
and Molly [Smith, Artistic Director
of Arena Stage] dont get hung up on
the color of skin. They want the best
person for the job. I think race plays
the sociopolitical
a very important part in theater when
its a story about race, but these arent.
aspects of the
These are just good stories.
MW: Do you think there are roles that time.... If ever
wouldnt work because of your race?
RODRIGUEZ: I think it depends on the there was a time
directors vision and the concept. In
our production, we have two people
of color in principal roles, myself and
to be telling
Melody Betts, who plays the Mother
Abbess, and both of us werent in the
a story about
original production. We replaced
Caucasian actors. It was just the best family, and
person for the job. And thats what I
love about this particular production about standing
it doesnt matter. I think the only
person that it really mattered to was
me. I was the one who was in my head
up for your own
about it.
MW: It clearly was inspired casting. And
principles against
youre surrounded by a great cast.
RODRIGUEZ: One thing Im super proud
a difficult regime,
about this production is that it digs
deep into the sociopolitical aspects of this is the time
the time. As opposed to just going for
the hits and being cutesy. I mean this is to do it.
some important shit thats going down.
And its easy to gloss over that for the
sake of just keeping it light and fami-
ly-friendly. Its one thing both Jack and Molly, my two mentors,
have in common. They always say, Why are we doing this piece
of theater now? And if ever there was a time to be telling a
story about family, and about standing up for your own princi-
ples against a difficult regime, this is the time to do it. So, Im
so excited that I get to stand on stage at the Kennedy Center in
Washington, D.C., sing Edelweiss and end with the line, Bless
my homeland forever. Its something I take a lot of pride in.
MW: Its distressing to see the Nazi flags drop down as the backdrop
for the 11th-hour talent competition.
RODRIGUEZ: Yeah. Its very raw. We dont gloss over it.
MW: Do you ever have people wanting to sing along in the audi-
ence?
RODRIGUEZ: Ive heard that it happens, but in the houses that
weve played in, I never hear it. People tell me afterwards, All
the kids next to me were singing. Its not loud enough to where
any of us can hear it, so I say, Live your life. Let your freak flag
fly. As long as theres not a little bouncing dot above my head,
Im good with it. Do your thing.
MW: During intermission, many of the kids were singing Do-Re-
Mi. Growing up with The Sound of Music, did you ever think
maybe one day...?
RODRIGUEZ: Never. Theres a certain handful of shows that I
thought, Never would I ever. There are certain shows that just
lend themselves to traditional casting, and I always thought this
was one of them. [The Von Trapps]
are real people. Theres no way theyre
gonna cast me. Plus, I just thought of
Captain von Trapp as so old because
I first saw the movie when I was six
or seven, and he was just this old,
stern white dude. That was my second
thought when they called me. One,
Im brown, and two, I aint that old!
And then I realized that Christopher
Plummer was 34 when he shot that
film. He just seemed old because we
were young. I turned 40 the week
that I opened in the show in Hershey,
Pennsylvania, in March. So it was a
really great rite of passage for me. To
go from playing Tarzan [on Broadway
in 2007] and then having seven kids,
kind of skipping my 30s altogether. I
went from playing mid-20s to 40. So
it was just kind of like, Okay, well if
I have to turn 40, at least Im in this
fabulous national tour with awesome
people.
MW: How much longer have you got
with the show?
RODRIGUEZ: Were here for three more
weeks, and then we go to Cleveland
for one week. And then I cry in my
pillow because its over. Its so fun.
I dont know the last time I was in
a company that was this loving and
nurturing and by company I mean
cast, crew, musicians. We hang out
all the time. Theres no us and them
division.
Obviously the kids, they dont hang
out with us at night, but we do stuff
together. I took the kids all to a baseball game last week. And
they all travel with a parent or chaperone, but even then
amongst themselves this is very rare they all hang out
together, by choice. They dont have to. Most shows, the kids
get really competitive. These kids are just super-tight, and their
families are tight.
MW: That comes across watching the show.
RODRIGUEZ: Does it? Ive heard that from a couple of people, and
its such a huge compliment. The one thing I have a hard time
with, personally, is when I do the blowing of the whistle and
they step forward, its hard for me as Nicholas not to beam with
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27
pride at the kids. I love the kids so much, so being the stern dad
in the top of the show I find that doesnt get easier.
MW: What were your own parents like? Did they encourage you
to sing?
RODRIGUEZ: My father was a high school baseball and football
coach, and my mothers a radiological technologist, and I have
a younger brother. I went to the high school where my dad was
the coach, and I didnt play football I played basketball and
tennis but he had to get there so early for football practice
in the morning, and the only thing that met before school that
wasnt football was the show choir. He said, Well, go try that
out. You can sing. You sing in church.
And I did and I loved it and I got bit by
the bug. And then my choir director
introduced me to the theater teacher,
People tell me,
and the rest is history. I started taking
voice lessons. All the kids
MW: Given you went to church, how was
your coming out?
RODRIGUEZ: I didnt struggle with it
next to me were
a lot. It took me a while to figure it
out. I came out late in my early 20s.
singing. Its not
Once I knew I was gay, I was ready to
tell people. But telling my parents was loud enough to
definitely hard. You just dont want to
disappoint them. And their reaction
wasnt the best, but it was not awful
where any of us
either Ive heard much worse. And
theyve since come completely around.
can hear it, so I
It took a solid, awkward year or so.
They had just all these fears that built say, Live your life.
up because they didnt really know
anything about it, but now, its great. Let your freak flag
They couldnt be more loving and sup-
portive and nurturing.
MW: Was your family particularly reli-
fly. As long as
gious?
RODRIGUEZ: I was baptized Catholic theres not a little
bouncing dot
and did first communion Catholic, but
then confirmed Methodist, so I guess
I grew up both. I dont practice either
now. I love the tradition, and I love so
many of the teachings. But I definitely
above my head,
do not consider myself religious in any
form. When I was in grad school, one Im good with it.
of my main jobs was singing at var-
ious churches so everything from
Episcopalian to Christian Scientist, Ive sat through it, Ive sung
through it. I was basically religious-for-hire. And I got to learn a
lot. And one of the main things that stuck with me was just how
divisive it could be. And that part really, really bums me out.
MW: Did the struggle to accept LGBTQ people contribute to your
distaste for religion?
RODRIGUEZ: Well, the Methodist church that I did go to was very
open and accepting. My pastor went on a hunger strike to allow
gay people into the Methodist church. Its a sad story, but he
killed himself in protest over gay rights. So I knew gay people my
whole life, and we had gay people in our church my whole life.
So it was more about other things. It was about watching various
religions fight with each other more than on just the gay issue.
Women serving as bishops, just so many things. I got so disap-
pointed with all the thou shalt nots as opposed to, what about
just practicing kindness?
28 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY
MW: Did you study performing arts in college?
RODRIGUEZ: I went to college for classical music. I got my bach-
elors and my masters at the University of Texas in voice, and
then I did a semester at the Mozarteum in Salzburg where
everything is The Sound of Music studying Mozart. And then
came back, moved to the city. I pretty much knew the whole
time that I wasnt gonna have a career in classical music, even
though Ive done a few operas and some chamber stuff I just
wanted that training.
MW: Have you ever wanted to teach others how to perform?
RODRIGUEZ: I was a junior high teacher between undergrad
and grad school and I love teach-
ing. My dads a teacher, my grand-
mothers a teacher. Ive taught master
classes all over the country and for
the Broadway Dreams Foundation
and American University, Catholic
University. Maybe someday Ill end up
teaching somewhere, but I wont do it
in lieu of performing.
MW: With this show, you have a bunch
of kids that you get to teach and mentor.
RODRIGUEZ: Oh, my gosh. I freaking
love it. Well, they teach me, are you
kidding? But no, its great. I also get
to be a pseudo-dad a little bit. Its fun.
MW: Have you thought about having
children?
RODRIGUEZ: My partner and I talk
about it. Theres a selflessness to being
a parent that I dont have right now,
but who knows down the line. I was
the artistic director of the Broadway
Dreams Foundation for four years,
and traveling the country and working
with young people all the time made
me think maybe one day Ill be a foster
parent. Being a parent doesnt mean
having a baby. Ive had so many teen-
agers in my life that call me dad and
that call me for support whether its
emotional, financial, coming out. So I
can definitely see opening up my home
in the future, in that aspect.
MW: Did you have a mentor growing up?
You mentioned being around gay people
pretty much all your life.
RODRIGUEZ: I remember being aware of it in high school. I did
my first professional show in 1994. I was a senior in high school
and I auditioned for a local equity production of She Loves Me.
I played Arpad, a 16-year-old bike delivery messenger, and it
was all of these professional actors. And the guy I played oppo-
site was gay, and I knew him and his partner, who was another
famous actor in town named Joe York. And I just looked up to
them because Joe was the leading man in town and he was gor-
geous and sang beautifully, and they had been together for 10
years at the time, so thats when I started realizing that you can
be healthy, productive members of society as gay people. So I got
to meet their circle of friends, who to this day are some of my
best friends. They come see everything that I do. Whenever Im
in town we get together. We would get together every Sunday
and watch Queer as Folk and make pasta and eat, this group of
bears and me. And never was there pressure about coming out or
 I was just starting to get around to doing it myself. And then I
reached out to PS Classics, I would love any advice that you
have, and I sent them a link to a couple of my things. And
they responded, If youre willing, well produce it and put it
on our label.
Its all about things that were firsts in my life, first kiss, first
heartbreak, first Broadway show. I worked with an amazing
combo jazz pianist David Budway, Ron Afif on guitar, Donald
Edwards on drums and Neal Caine, who is Harry Connicks bass
player. And we just created these arrangements, and it was all
things that I had just been wanting to do for so long, my interpre-
tations of all of these different songs everything from a gospel
jazz version of Oh, What a Beautiful Morning to a sexy cover of
Dolly Partons Jolene.. All covers except for my very first song,
Sometimes. A friend of mine wrote a poem and I set it to music,
and its one of my favorites on the album.
MW: You mentioned Love! Valour! Compassion!, and I wanted
to ask you about playing gay roles. Would you like to do more of
them?
RODRIGUEZ: I like doing good work. My character on One Life
to Live was gay, and that was huge for me. I was already out, but
I remember at the time having to face the decision of being out
in the press, and unfortunately not everybody does it. One of the
first interviews I did while on One Life to Live, [the reporter]
said, Well, as one of only two openly gay actors in daytime
thats how they started the question. And I thought, Who is
the other one? Because I know at least six gay guys on my show.
But I dont want to out anybody. And at the time the other out
person was Scott Evans, who is Chris Evans brother, Captain
America. Hes a wonderful actor and good friend.
The reason I bring that up is that I never thought I would

Paige Silvester as Leisl

being gay. They just let me be. And then when I did finally come
out, of course they said, Oh yeah, we knew, but we knew youd
figure it out in your time.
MW: Is it a matter of time before you become a bear then?
RODRIGUEZ: Im Mexican and Native American. I have like
seven hairs. We could name them. [Laughs.] Gays, theyre
always, Why do you shave your chest? Bro, I dont shave. This
is natural. Half-breed.
MW: Your partner Matt Lenz is the Associate Director on this pro-
duction. How did you meet?
RODRIGUEZ: We met in Austin, actually. I had just finished
the tour of Jesus Christ, Superstar and I was home singing for
a wedding. And I ran into the artistic director of my home
theater, the ZACH Theatre in Austin. What are you doing in
town? Do you want to do Love! Valour! Compassion!? We lost
our Ramone. Come to the theater and meet our director. And
thats when I met Matt. We didnt get together right at the time,
not until the play was over, but thats where we met. And I just
thought he was awesome. Hes an incredible director, one of
the nicest human beings on the planet. Weve been together 14
years now. We live in Manhattan and we have a house upstate
in Forestburgh.
MW: Is it a rare thing, getting to work together?
RODRIGUEZ: Yeah. I think in 14 years we mightve worked
together five times, maybe six. Its fun, but its its own set of
challenges.
MW: What motivated you with The First Time, your debut studio
album, which PS Classics released last year?
RODRIGUEZ: Its something I had as a life goal, to record, and Austin Colby as Rolf

30 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

be the person marching in the front of the pride parade. I just
thought that was gonna be somebody elses thing. But once I
was faced with the issue, there was no question: I had to tell
the truth. And what that opened up on the show being a role
model in that way, was huge to me. It changed my life big time.
If it ever stopped me from getting something because of bias,
who cares? My life is so good now, and it means way more to me
to be a leading man playing leading man roles, kissing the girl
every night, and letting some gay kid know, I could do that, too.
I dont have to be put in this little box. And I can play gay roles,
too. Who cares? Just be yourself and be good at it.
MW: How is kissing Maria every night?
RODRIGUEZ: Its great. I mean, who doesnt like to kiss? Ive had
some pretty exciting kiss scenes in my career, especially here
in D.C. Theres no hiding in the round at Arena Stage. If youre
gonna kiss, you better go for it. But Jack had a very specific thing
that he wanted in Sound of Music, and we had a lengthy conver-
sation about it. He really wanted there to be that sense of inno-
cence Im not kissing her, shes not kissing me, we arrive at it
together. My observation was, it may be her first kiss, but hes got
seven kids. They came from somewhere. So its just this fun little
dance of, are we on the same page? It needs to feel like a first
kiss, but then at a certain point, this man has done it a few times
before. And look at those kids ages. They all happened bing,
bang, boom. So you know the Captain has a healthy sex drive
and hes been waiting a little while for this, so he goes in hard.
MW: Youre proud to be playing a character who stands up for his
convictions. Would you describe yourself as a political person?
RODRIGUEZ: Whos not in these times? You have to be. The
continues on page 34
JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31
 Merwin Foard as Max Detweiler

32 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Teri Hansen as Elsa Schraeder

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 33


continued from page 31
older I get, the more I get involved. But definitely this last elec-
tion made me more political and made me pay attention to other
state races around the country that I hadnt been paying atten-
tion to. I was always a cause person gay rights, gay marriage,
gun control. I sang at the National March for Gun Control here
in D.C. after Sandy Hook, but it wasnt until this awful election
that I had to actually get involved and speak up. Its the first
time in my adult life that Ive found myself actively donating to
campaign after campaign.
Im usually a keep-the-peace kind of person or a middle-of-
the-road kind of person, and if we dont agree about politics, I
just choose not to talk about it. This time I continued to talk, no
matter who it was. Im from Texas. I have a lot of Republican
friends and this, to me, was not a Republican/Democratic issue.
Were living in crazy times right now. And I still dont shy away
34 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Citln Burke
as Mother Abbess
from having the conversation. I would rather be very clear
about what I believe in and what I will tolerate. Whereas before
I found myself being more, lets just agree to disagree. No.
Theres no agreeing in that right now.
MW: Its certainly a crazy time to be in D.C.
RODRIGUEZ: Im excited to be here. I love that this community in
D.C. not just the theater community, but the gay community
has just been so welcoming. And I cant wait to come back. Its
my home away from home. l
The Sound of Music runs to July 16 in the Kennedy Center Opera
House. Tickets are $49 to $169. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kenne-
dy-center.org.
For more information on the album The First Time visit thenick-
rod.com.
NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 37

 Scene
Cobalt- Saturday, June 24
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... GREEN LANTERN TRADE BALTIMORE EAGLE GREEN LANTERN

Happy Hour, 4-9pm 1410 14th St. NW Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Ladies Drink Free Power Doors open 5pm Huge liquors, beers and wines up Smirnoff, all flavors, all
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless Happy Hour: Any drink to 50% off Bearlesque night long
Thursday, Beige Hip-Hop Dance Party
in the Nest, featuring DJ
Thursday, 10-11pm normally served in a cock- Show in the Nest, 10pm
June 29 Waterzz, 10pm-close
Men in Underwear Drink
Free, 12-12:30am DJs
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
Cover $12.50 per person
Baltimore Bear Fridays in
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
thebaltimoreeagle.com
BacK2bACk 5-10pm Beer and wine the Code Bar Elyx Vodka Dancing Beat the Clock
9 1/2
only $4 and Any Red Bull Flavor for Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any COBALT/30 DEGREES
NELLIES SPORTS BAR $7 all day long thebalti- $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
drink, 5-9pm Multiple Happy Hour: $6 Top
Beat the Clock Happy Hour ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS moreeagle.com Buckets of Beer $15
TVs showing movies, Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 Bud
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), All male, nude dancers
shows, sports Expanded Light, 4-9pm Locker
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of DJ 9pm Cover 21+ COBALT/30 DEGREES NUMBER NINE
craft beer selection Room Thursday Nights,
Beer $15 Drag Bingo All You Can Drink Happy Open 5pm Happy Hour:
Music videos featuring 10pm-close $3 Rail
Hour $15 Rail and 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
DJ Wess Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5
Red Bull and Frozen Virgin
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Friday, Domestic, $21 Call &
Imports, 6-9pm Fancy
No Cover Friday Night
Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
BALTIMORE EAGLE Drinks DJs Sean Morris
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, and MadScience Best
drink, 5-9pm No Cover June 30 Ass Fridays, 10pm $6
Grey Goose all night SHAWS TAVERN
all liquors, beers and Package Contest at mid-
SHAWS TAVERN 9 1/2 Two 30-minute open bars Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
wines up to 50% off night, hosted by BaNaka &
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Open at 5pm Happy featuring Grey Goose, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$3 Well Drinks All Night Kristina Kelly $200 Cash
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 11-11:30pm and 1-1:30am $5 Rails and House Wines
Underwear Night, Prize Doors open 10pm,
$5 Rails and House Wines 5-9pm Friday Night DJ MadScience & Half-Priced Pizzas
9pm-2am For men in 21+ $5 Cover or free
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4 Videos, 9:30pm Rotating upstairs DJ Keenan Orr
underwear, all well drinks with college ID
Heineken and Coronas, DJs Expanded craft beer downstairs $10 cover
$2 from 9pm-12am ONLY
5pm-close selection No Cover 10pm-close 21+
Best Underwear Contest at FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Midnight Code enforced Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
in Code Bar after 9pm Karaoke, 8pm
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
House and Top 40 DJ in
Karaoke, 8pm
the Tavern, 9pm-close

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39

 TOWN
Patio open 6pm DC Bear
Saturday,
Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm July 1
$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
Miss Tatianna, Shi-Queeta- craft beer selection
Lee, Riley Knoxx and No Cover
BaNaka New music
night, featuring music from BALTIMORE EAGLE
Jennifer Hudson, Majesty, $5 Drinks all day Leather
and Kirstin DJ Wess and Fetish Saturdays, Code
upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk Bar, 8pm-2am Code
downstairs following the enforced after 9pm in
show GoGo Boys after the Code Bar Backspin,
11pm Doors open at featuring DJ Vince
10pm For those 21 and Christopher, in the Nest,
over, $12 For those 10pm-2am $5 Cover
18-20, $15 Club: 18+ thebaltimoreeagle.com
Patio: 21+
COBALT/30 DEGREES
TRADE Drag Yourself to Brunch at
Doors open 5pm Huge Level One, 11am-2pm and
Happy Hour: Any drink 2-4pm Featuring Kristina
normally served in a cock- Kelly and the Ladies of
tail glass served in a huge Illusion Bottomless
glass for the same price, Mimosas and Bloody
5-10pm Beer and wine Marys Happy Hour:
only $4 Tops Down $6 Top Shelf,
Bottoms Up $3 Rail, $3 Bud
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Light, 4-9pm Latin Night,
Men of Secrets, 9pm 10pm-close Doors open
Guest dancers Ladies 10pm $5 Cover 21+
of Illusion Drag Show
Doors at 9pm, Shows at FREDDIES BEACH BAR
11:30pm and 1:30am Drag Queen Broadway
DJ Don T. in Secrets Brunch, 10am-3pm
Cover 21+ Starring Freddies
Broadway Babes Crazy
Hour, 4-7pm Freddies
Follies Drag Show, hosted

40 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

by Miss Destiny B. Childs,
8-10pm Karaoke,
6:30pm, Lessons 7-8pm,
Open dance 8-10:30pm
Sunday, NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted by
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
10pm-close Doors open 10pm DJ Joe July 2 Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm 12-10pm Beer and wine $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
Ross of Richs in Houston $20 Brunch Buffet only $4 Independence 4-9pm Monday Nights
GREEN LANTERN upstairs, 11pm-close DJ 9 1/2 House Rail Drinks, Zing Day Weekend Sunday Tea, A Drag, featuring Miss
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5 Wess downstairs Drag Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie 2pm Featuring Wess the Kristina Kelly Doors open
Bacardi, all flavors, all Show starts at 10:30pm drink, 2-9pm Multiple Beer and Mimosas, $4, DJ, Jesse Jackson and at 10pm Showtime at
night long REWIND: Hosted by Lena Lett and TVs showing movies, 11am-close Buckets of Lemz Performance by 11:30pm Doors open at
Request Line, an 80s featuring Tatianna, Shi- shows, sports Expanded Beer, $15 KC B. Yonce Hosted by 10pm No Cover 21+
and 90s Dance Party, Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx craft beer selection HellNo Kitty
9pm-close Featuring and BaNaka Cover $15 No Cover NUMBER NINE FELT BAR & LOUNGE
DJ Darryl Strickland from 10pm-midnight and Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS @MGM National Harbor
No Cover $12 after midnight 21+ BALTIMORE EAGLE any drink, 2-9pm Pop All male, nude dancers Boom Independence Party,
T-Dance Sundays, 4-9pm Goes the World with Wes Decades of Dance DJ 10pm-3am DJ Sedrick
NELLIES SPORTS BAR TRADE Buy a cup for $5 and fill Della Volla at 9:30pm Tim-e in Secrets Doors $20 Visit darylwilsonDC.
Guest DJs Zing Zang Doors open 12pm Huge it with any Absolut Flavor No Cover 9pm Cover 21+ com
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, Happy Hour: Any drink and Mixer for $3 each time
House Rail Drinks and normally served in a cock- (excluding energy drink ROCK HARD SUNDAYS FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Buckets of Beer, $15
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
mixers) thebaltimoreea-
gle.com
@The House Nightclub
3530 Georgia Ave. NW
Monday, Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Singles Night Karaoke,
12-10pm Beer and wine Diverse group of all July 3 8pm
NUMBER NINE only $4 COBALT/30 DEGREES male, all nude dancers
Doors open 2pm Happy Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Nonstop on three stages, 9 1/2 GREEN LANTERN
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, 9:30pm-close Intimate Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour all night
2-9pm $5 Absolut and Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am 4-9pm $4 Stoli, Stoli setting Doors open 9pm drink, 5-9pm Multiple long Singing with the
$5 Bulleit Bourbon Time Guest dancers Ladies Flavors and Bud Light $12 Cover For reserva- TVs showing movies, Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke
Machine and Power Hour, of Illusion Drag Show all night Homowood tions, call 202-487-6646 shows, sports Expanded Night with the Sisters
with DJ Jack Rayburn, with host Ella Fitzgerald Karaoke, hosted by Robert rockharddc.com craft beer selection of Perpetual Indulgence,
9:30pm Doors at 9pm, Shows Bise, 10pm-close No Cover 9:30pm-close
at 11:30pm and 1:30am SHAWS TAVERN
SHAWS TAVERN DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds FREDDIES BEACH BAR Brunch with Bottomless BALTIMORE EAGLE NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Brunch with Bottomless DJ Steve Henderson in Champagne Brunch Mimosas, 10am-3pm Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all Beat the Clock Happy Hour
Mimosas, 10am-3pm Secrets Cover 21+ Buffet, 10am-3pm Crazy Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli liquors, beers and wines up $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 Hour, 4-7pm Karaoke, Specials with DJ, 3:30pm to 50% off Micro Brew $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, 8pm-1am Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 Draft/Bottle Mondays Beer $15 Texas Holdem
$5 Rails and House Wines Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $4 all day SIN: Service Poker, 8pm Dart Boards
& Half-Priced Pizzas GREEN LANTERN $5 Rails and House Wines Industry Night, 11pm-2am
Happy Hour, 4-9pm & Half-Priced Pizzas First Well Drink or NUMBER NINE
TOWN Bears Can Party, upstairs, Domestic Beer Free 10% Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
DC Rawhides host Town 6-10pm Featuring DJ TRADE off your Food Order all day drink, 5-9pm No Cover
& Country: Two-Step, Line Jeff Eletto Open Mic Doors open 12pm Huge thebaltimoreeagle.com
Dancing, Waltz and West Night Karaoke with Kevin, Happy Hour: Any drink
Coast Swing, $5 Cover to downstairs, 9:30pm-close normally served in a cock-
stay all night Doors open

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 41

 SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Wednesday,
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, July 5
$5 Rails and House Wines
and Half-Priced Pizzas 9 1/2
Trivia with Jeremy, 7:30pm Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TRADE TVs showing movies,
Doors open 5pm Huge shows, sports Expanded
Happy Hour: Any drink craft beer selection
normally served in a No Cover
cocktail glass served in a
huge glass for the same BALTIMORE EAGLE
price, 5-10pm Patio open Happy Hour, 5-9pm,
until 11pm Beer and all liquors, beers and
wine only $4 Summer wines up to 50% off
LEWKout, 9pm Music Domestic Bottles are $3
by Ed Bailey and Aaron all day Fetlife: The Next
Riggins Performances Generation, 8pm thebal-
by Jane Saw, Pussy timoreeagle.com
Noir, Salvadora Dali, and
Jaxknife Complex COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
$3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
Tuesday, 4-9pm $4 Stoli and Stoli
Flavors and Miller Lite
July 4 all night Wednesday
Night Karaoke, hosted
9 1/2 by India Larelle Houston,
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 10pm-close No Cover
drink, 5-9pm Multiple 21+
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded FREDDIES BEACH BAR
craft beer selection Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $6
No Cover Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
BALTIMORE EAGLE Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all Bingo prizes Karaoke,
liquors, beers and wines 10pm-1am
up to 50% off Well
Bomb Shots $4 all Day GREEN LANTERN
thebaltimoreeagle.com Happy Hour all night
long, 4pm-close Bear
COBALT/30 DEGREES Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30-
Happy Hour all night: $6 7:30pm $10 per class
Top Shelf, $3 Rail, $3
Bud Light SIN Service NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Industry Night, 10pm-close SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
and 9pm Prizes include
FREDDIES BEACH BAR bar tabs and tickets to
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm shows at the 9:30 Club
Karaoke, 8pm $15 Buckets of Beer for
SmartAss Teams only
GREEN LANTERN Bring a new team member
Happy Hour all night long, and each get a free $10
4pm-close Dinner

NELLIES SPORTS BAR NUMBER NINE

Beat the Clock Happy Hour Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), drink, 5-9pm No Cover
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Karaoke and SHAWS TAVERN
Drag Bingo Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
NUMBER NINE $5 Rails and House Wines
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any and Half-Priced Pizzas
drink, 5-9pm No Cover Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm
After 9pm, $3 Absolut,
Bulleit & Stella TRADE
Doors open 5pm Huge
SHAWS TAVERN Happy Hour: Any drink
Half-Priced Burgers and normally served in a cock-
Pizzas, 5-10pm $5 House tail glass served in a huge
Wines and $5 Sam Adams glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
TRADE only $4 l
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

42 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 43
 Scene
AwesomeCon After-Party at Green Lantern - Saturday, June 17
Photography by Tom Donohue
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

44 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY

JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY 45
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

We are proud that the club has become the destination for nights where our community has
celebrated the high of marriage equality and
mourned the low of Pulse nightclub.
TOWN NIGHTCLUB, in a statement announcing that D.C.s largest LBGTQ club will be closing on July 1st, 2018. We are most proud
to be the place many people first felt comfortable being who they are and the place many in our community
felt the most safe expressing themselves, the statement continues.

For anyone whos had to hide who they are.

Ive got your back.
An excerpt from a viral Facebook post by an anonymous straight NYC POLICE OFFICER, celebrating Pride and offering a list of rea-
sons as to why he chose to work at NYCs Pride weekend. As well as posting a photo wearing a t-shirt saying I may be straight but
I dont hate, he wrote: Ill be out there working at Pridefest today wearing this shirt under my uniform for a lot of reasons. For
my step brother. For my priest. For my aunts who died before they could be legally married. For every call I went
to where someone got kicked out of their house or whos [sic] family just didnt understand.

I had a terrible divorce

and I fled from that situation.

Figure skater JOHNNY WEIR, speaking on Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry about his 2014 divorce from Victor Voronov.
Voronov accused Weir at the time of biting him, marrying him for a reality show, and having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Theres so little that people actually know about that period of my life It was a very difficult time for me
to sit and not stick up for myself and not say anything, Weird said.

I dont want top surgery anymore.

Im pretty happy with my body.
Trans teen JAZZ JENNINGS, speaking in the season premiere of her reality show I Am Jazz. Her doctor responds by saying,
This is the happiest Ive seen you. You seem more comfortable in your own skin now than you have since
Ive known you, and thats really, really great.

This case is about a same-sex couple

and baked goods,
but its implications are far reaching.

Lambda Legal Senior Counsel JENNIFER C. PIZER, in a statement responding to news that the Supreme Court will hear the case
of a Colorado bakery that refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in 2014. Should the court rule
in the bakerys favor, it could impact nondiscrimination laws nationwide.

46 JUNE 29, 2017 METROWEEKLY