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CONTENTS

AUGUST 23, 2018 Volume 25 Issue 17

14 WIFELY DEVOTION
Glenn Close and Christian Slater on The Wife, as
well as the controversy surrounding Hollywood and
the transgender community.

By Randy Shulman

DAVE PERRUZZA’S
HOME RUN
In a city desperate for more LGBTQ spaces, the
former manager of JR.’s stepped up to the plate.
With Pitchers and A League of Her Own, he’s
knocked it out of the park.
24
35
Interview by John Riley
Photography by Todd Franson

DIVINE DIVA
subhed, subhed subhed subhed subhed subhed
subhed subhed subhed subhed subhed

By Craig Seymour

SPOTLIGHT: ROMEO & JULIET p.9 OUT ON THE TOWN p.13


WIFELY DEVOTION: GLENN CLOSE AND CHRISTIAN SLATER p.14
ALMOND JOY: CONSTELLATION’S NICK MARTIN p.16 COMMUNITY p.21
COVER STORY: DAVE PERRUZZA’S HOME RUN p.24 FEATURE: A NEW LEAGUE p.30
FILM: HARD PAINT p.33 MUSIC: DIVINE DIVA p.35 NIGHTLIFE p.37 SCENE: PEACH PIT p.37
LISTINGS p.38 SCENE: ORCHID p.44 LAST WORD p.46

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994


Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Online Editor at metroweekly.com Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley
Contributing Editors André Hereford, Doug Rule Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks
Contributing Writers Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Bailey Vogt, 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 Hubert “Tex” Hendricks Cover Photography Todd Franson

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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© 2018 Jansi LLC.

6 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Spotlight
TONY POWELL

Sam Lilja as Romeo and Danaya Esperanza as Juliet

Romeo & Juliet


O
NE OF THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS FOR Paul, who recently directed the musical smash Camelot
me is doing a play about teenage suicide in a moment for the theater, feels summer is the perfect season to stage
where suicide is a huge part of the national conver- Romeo & Juliet. “The play takes place in the summer,” he says.
sation,” says Alan Paul. “It’s been so important to me in the “If it took place in the winter, none of the action would have
production to not glamorize suicide in any way.” happened because Romeo wouldn’t have been hanging out
Paul, the 33-year-old Associate Artistic Director of The with all his friends outside and all these fights wouldn’t have
Shakespeare Theatre Company, is discussing the tragic ele- broken out.”
ments of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo The Free For All is critical to the theater’s mission, says
& Juliet, a production he originally directed in 2016 and is Paul. “I think we all feel that we have something we want to
remounting for the company’s annual “Free For All.” give back to the community,” he says. “What happens in the
“They feel that [suicide] is the only way out,” he continues, Free for All is that a lot of people who might not be able to
addressing the well-known fate of the two young lovers. “The come to the theater because of the ticket price are able to see
play wouldn’t have the kind of power it has if these two young a production as good as the one that people paid full price for
people didn’t take their lives. It goes back to the conversation a few years ago.... It’s just a great way to get people into the
we’re all having this summer when you look at Kate Spade and theater who really want to be there. The audience has waited in
Anthony Bourdain and people who took their lives. From an out- line, worked really hard to get those seats, and they are excited
side perspective, they seem okay, but in their own minds they felt to be there. You can feel the energy. The audience feels it, the
quite different. It’s even more magnified for a teenager.” cast feels it. It’s a very special thing for me.” —Randy Shulman

Romeo & Juliet runs to Sept. 2 at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW. Tickets are free, distributed through a daily
online lottery as well as in-person on a first-come, first-serve basis two hours before each day’s curtain.
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org/ffa.

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 9


Spotlight
SCOTTY AND THE SECRET
HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD
Filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer relates the true story of
the man whose gas station on Hollywood Boulevard
COURTESY OF GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT

doubled as a rendezvous spot for his friends and


actors and actresses on the down-low. Based on
Scotty Bowers’ 2012 tell-all bestseller Full Service,
the documentary is said to be “full of jaw-dropping
reveals,” with eye-opening tales about icons rang-
ing from Cary Grant to Spencer Tracy, Katharine
Hepburn to Ava Gardner. Now playing. Landmark’s
E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-
7672 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

JOURNEY TO YUKI’S WORLD


As a child, Yuki Hiyama suffered a brain
injury that left her speechless. Yet the devel-
opment also inspired her to express herself
through drawing and painting full of color
and texture. Touchstone Gallery presents
the first D.C. exhibition of the 40-year-old
Japanese artist and examples of her art-
works, full of color and texture, in a variety of
media, from oil to colored pencil, watercolor
to pen, even sand. A percentage of proceeds
of artwork sales will go to the Yukien School
for children with disabilities in Hiroshima,
Japan. Now to Aug. 31. Touchstone Gallery,
901 New York Ave. NW Call 202-347-2787 or
visit touchstonegallery.com.

CYRUS CHESTNUT
“The best jazz pianist of his generation,” Time music critic Josh
Tyrangiel has said about about Baltimore’s versatile virtuoso Chestnut,
who two decades ago portrayed a Count Basie-inspired pianist in Robert
Altman’s film Kansas City. He returns to D.C.’s leading jazz venue for a
CYRUSCHESTNUT.NET

long-weekend run of shows to help close out the summer. Thursday,


Aug. 23, through Sunday, Aug. 26, at 8 and 10 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073
Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $30 to $35, plus $12 minimum pur-
chase. Call 202-337-4141 or visit bluesalley.com.

10 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NICK WILSON
Out On The Town

NEW ORDER
Five years ago, this seminal synth-pop/dance-rock band from Manchester performed under the stars at Merriweather a
captivating concert that was in many ways a showcase for bassist Tom Chapman, two years after replacing quintessential
original Peter Hook. If anything, the band’s return should be even more of an all-out, four-on-the-floor dance party, which
kicks off with DJ Whitney Fierce reprising her role from the last Merriweather date. Next week’s debut at the Anthem is
also New Order’s first chance to truly showcase its post-Hook style and sound for local fans, chiefly by performing select
dancefloor-primed tracks from the group’s remarkable 2015 set Music Complete. More than a return to form, this tour-de-
force studio album saw the band venturing beyond the dance-rock path it pioneered, taking playful and satisfying excur-
sions to campy disco (“Tutti Frutti”) as well as deep house (“Plastic,” “Unlearn This Hatred”). Tuesday, Aug. 28. Doors at
6:30 p.m. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. Tickets are $55 to $95. Call 202-888-0020 or visit theanthemdc.com.

Compiled by Doug Rule the opportunity to see the seminal the biblical story of Cain and Abel, METRIC: DREAMS SO REAL
film on the largest possible screen.” loosely based on the John Steinbeck This meticulously conceived and
The Smithsonian offers two screen- novel of the same name. As such, constructed feature-length con-
FILM ings per evening starting Thursday, legendary filmmaker Elia Kazan cert documentary focuses on the
Aug. 23, at 7 and 9:55 p.m. To Aug. gave Dean his first starring vehicle Toronto-based synth-pop/rock
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY 29. Independence Ave at 6th St. — and the 1955 drama also ended up quartet Metric, led by singer-song-
Two prominent local arts orga- SW. Tickets are $13.50 to $15. Call the only one the actor actually got writer Emily Haines, stadium-filling
nizations are screening Stanley 202-633-2214 or visit si.edu/imax. to see, released mere months before rock stars in Canada. Filmmakers
Kubrick’s 1968 visionary saga in a Meanwhile, the AFI Silver Theatre his death. (Both Rebel Without A T. Edward Martin and Jeff Rogers
nod to its 50th anniversary. A bril- offers its week-long run of the sci-fi Cause and Giant were released post- exhaustively captured a 2016 con-
liant meditation on man, machine, odyssey as part of a two-month- humously.) East of Eden, also star- cert at Vancouver’s Thunderbird
and the mysterious universe, long series honoring the late, great ring Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Arena through the use of a whop-
2001 features a script by Kubrick filmmaker. Screenings start Friday, Richard Davalos, and Burl Ives, ping 26 4K cameras. Intended as a
and Arthur C. Clarke, as well as Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m. To Aug. 30. returns to the big screen as part stunning recreation of the concert,
Oscar-winning special effects by 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. of Landmark’s West End Cinema Dreams So Real screens once next
pioneer Douglas Trumbull (Close Tickets are $15 general admission. Capital Classics series. Wednesday, week at the AFI per its “Canada
Encounters of the Third Kind). You’ll Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/ Aug. 30, at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m., Now” series of films, presented in
be able to appreciate every detail, Silver. 2301 M St. NW. Happy hour from a partnership with the Embassy of
up close and immersive, on the six- 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to Canada. Friday, Aug. 24, at 7:20 p.m.
stories-tall screens of the Lockheed EAST OF EDEN $12.50. Call 202-534-1907 or visit AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville
Martin IMAX Theater at the Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, landmarktheatres.com. Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $13.
National Air and Space Museum, and Paul Newman all lost out to Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/
with screenings billed as the “first James Dean to play the central Silver.
time ever that moviegoers will have drifter in this cinematic retelling of

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 13


PAPILLON
Charlie Hunnam stands in for Steve
McQueen in this remake of the 1973
original, itself based on the 1969
autobiography by French convict
Henri Charrière, which details his
imprisonment and escape from a
penal colony in French Guiana.
Unfortunately, Michael Noer’s film
doesn’t seem to bring anything new
to the table, rendering it all a bit
pointless. Opens Friday, Aug. 24.
Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672
or visit landmarktheatres.com.
(Rhuaridh Marr)

SCREEN QUEEN:
THE LIVING END
Joshua Vogelsong, aka drag per-
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

former/punk rocker Donna Slash,


has launched a weekly queer film
series at the 35-seat, living-room
cozy Suns Cinema in Mount
Pleasant. Screening Monday,
Aug. 27, starting at 8 p.m., is The
Living End, often described as a
“gay Thelma and Louise” written

WIFELY DEVOTION
and directed by Gregg Araki, whom
Vogelsong calls “one of my favor-
ite directors.” The 1992 dramedy,
he continues, “was a really shock-
ing movie when it came out, part
Glenn Close and Christian Slater on The Wife, as well as the controversy of the New Queer Cinema move-
surrounding Hollywood and the transgender community. ment. It had a very unapologetic
view of HIV and the way that they

W
handled that subject.” Patrons can
HEN SPEAKING WITH GLENN CLOSE, WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T MAKE THE enjoy snacks, including fresh offer-
mistake of calling Albert Nobbs a lesbian. “Albert wasn’t a lesbian,” she says, under- ings from Suns’ vintage popcorn
machine, as well as drinks from the
standably annoyed. “Grethe Cammermeyer was a lesbian. Albert didn’t know what she full-service bar, which will remain
was.” Close, nominated for an Oscar for her astonishing turn in 2012’s Albert Nobbs and an Emmy- open afterwards to encourage
winner for her portrayal of Cammermeyer in the 1995 television movie Serving in Silence, was in post-show discussion. 3107 Mount
Pleasant St. NW. Tickets are $5.
Washington with Christian Slater for a special screening of The Wife. Visit sunscinema.com.
Critics are already hailing Close’s portrayal of the steely, long-suffering Joan Castleman, who
dutifully stands in the shadow of her legendary novelist husband, Joe, as a sure bet come Oscar THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS
nomination time. The film, directed with a deliberate dramatic simmer by Björn Runge, unfurls at Twenty years after Family Guy
crossed Sesame Street with
the Nobel Prize ceremony, where unsavory proddings by a journalist, played with slippery unctu- Homicide: Life on the Street (por-
ousness by Slater, bring the story to overboiling point. traying Bert as a hard-drinking
“I think women give up a lot for men,” says Close of the relationship between Joan and Joe. detective and Ernie as his lover),
The Happytime Murders is here to
“The thing is, there has to be a balance, right? There has to be some sort of a balance. This is about flesh that idea out to feature length.
a relationship that’s become terribly unbalanced and yet, somebody has been fulfilled. Set in a world where puppets live
“One of my favorite scenes was when we arrive in Stockholm and I’m just holding the coat in alongside humans as second-class
the background,” she continues. “I’ve been around men who make women feel invisible, and it’s citizens, Muppets puppeteer Bill
Barretta plays private eye Phil
not a nice place to be in.” Phillips, a disgraced former cop try-
In conversation with Close and Slater, the topic moves away from The Wife and onto one of ing to track down a serial killer who
Hollywood’s more pressing issues of the day — outcry from memebers of the LGBTQ community is murdering the cast of ’80s TV
show The Happytime Gang. Melissa
that Hollywood should only cast transgender actors in transgender roles. Slater, who recently McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks, Maya
played gay in King Cobra, as the porn director who gave Brent Corrigan his start, weighs in first. Rudolph, Joel McHale, and Leslie
“Of course, you want to give everybody an opportunity,” says Slater. “But the whole point of David Baker all star, and it’s being
[being an actor] is to be able to immerse yourself in somebody else’s life and then wear the clothes directed by Brian Henson — son of
puppet genius Jim Henson. Opens
of that person. It’s to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. But I understand the Friday, Aug. 24. Area theaters. Visit
conflict and the need for the real people to be playing these roles — I get it. It is something that we fandango.com (RM)
need to figure out. I don’t think we’re at the answer yet.”
VENUS
“I think it’s really limiting to say, ‘You can only play who you are,’” echoes Close. “That goes A trans woman’s life is thrown for
against what it means to be a creative artist. But one way that would help is to have directors and another, wholly unexpected loop
producers make a real effort to find people, to have [more transgender actors audition], because when a 14-year-old boy, seeking to
you have to find the best person. And if the best person doesn’t happen to be transgender, that’s connect with his biological father,
shows up on her doorstep proclaim-
the nature of the business.” —Randy Shulman ing to be her son. Eisha Marjara’s
gender-shifting, heartwarming
The Wife opens Friday, August 24, at Landmark’s E Street and Bethesda Row cinemas, and the comedy focuses on the immediate
aftermath of this bombshell devel-
AMC Shirlington 7, Angelika Mosaic, and Cinema Arts in Fairfax. opment and the multi-faceted fam-

14 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


ily dynamics and drama at play,
including the involvement of the
parents and cisgender lover of lead
character Sid (Debargo Sanyal).
Part of the “Canada Now” series.
Monday, Aug. 27, at 7:05 p.m. AFI
Silver Theatre, 633 Colesville Road,
Silver Spring. Tickets are $13. Call
301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/
Silver.

STAGE
IN THE CLOSET
Rainbow Theatre Project opens its
sixth season with its first full pro-
duction of a new play — a joint
world premiere with Cleveland’s
Convergence-Continuum. A meta-
physical comedy from Siegmund
Fuchs, a native of Cleveland who
lives and works in D.C. as a lawyer
for the U.S. Department of Justice,
In The Closet follows an 18-year-old
boy guided by three older gay men
acting as his “fairy godmothers” to
DJ COREY

help find a way out of the closet.


The company’s H. Lee Gable directs
a cast featuring Tim Caggiano,
Zachary Dittami, Christopher

ALMOND JOY
Janson, and Patrick Joy. To Sept.
15. District of Columbia Arts Center
(DCAC), 2438 18th St. NW. Tickets
are $35. Call 202-462-7833 or visit
Nick Martin cracks open the nutty farce Melancholy Play rainbowtheatreproject.org.

for Constellation Theatre. KENNEDY CENTER’S PAGE-TO-


STAGE NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

S
More than 60 D.C.-area theater
ARAH RUHL’S MELANCHOLY PLAY: A CONTEMPORARY FARCE companies offer free readings,
is nutty by design. “I’m sure the show sounds really odd,” says Nick workshops, open rehearsals, and
Martin. “But the theme of it is everyone coming together to save Francis, previews of developing plays and
musicals as part of this 17th annu-
a character who turns into an almond.”
al event over Labor Day weekend.
Martin, who directed the current production at Constellation Theatre, calls LGBTQ highlights among the full
Ruhl’s 2002 work “a perfect over-the-top exploration of what melancholy is. At day of offerings on Saturday, Sept. 1
the end of the day, it’s just a lovely little play about people coming together to include I’ve Been A Woman, Jordan
Ealey’s time-traveling play follow-
take care of the ones that they love.... Hopefully you walk out with a renewed ing two souls reincarnated in black
sense of optimism and hope about the human connection.” women’s bodies in three distinct
Last fall, Martin recommended the play for the company’s upcoming season, time periods; Glimmer/Jellyfish
Summer, a reading of two plays by
without any expectation he would actually get the chance to direct it. “I was
Darcy Parker Bruce and Natalie
asked specifically for any smaller-cast comedies that I thought might be a good Ann Valentine focused on what pre-
fit for Constellation,” he says. I’ve loved Melancholy Play for a very long time, senting organization Bridge Club
so I brought that to the table.” calls “young, queer, heart-wander-
ers” looking for “whatever magic
Ultimately, the stars aligned for the 27-year-old Virginia native to step up there is beneath the water”; The
and take the show’s helm. He’s in charge of just five actors, plus cellist Kate Springfield Boys, Anthony E. Gallo’s
Rears Burgman. Billie Krishawn leads the cast as Tilly, a beautifully sad char- two-act dramedy about the close
relationships between Abraham
acter whom everyone falls for — some, such as lesbian Francis, to the point of
Lincoln, his closest friend Joshua
becoming an almond, or “so small that you could curl up into the palm of your Fry Speed, and law partner Billy
lover’s hand.” Herndon; Life Lines, a collection
As it happens, Martin directed Krishawn in the starring role of a commis- of theatrical works written, per-
formed, and directed by black
sioned production at this year’s Capital Fringe. Inspired by Greek mythology, LGBTQ artists; Montgomery, a
Stephen Spotswood’s Andromeda Breaks was “vaguely Southern Gothic and blues/rock musical by Britt Bonney
very full of tension and very little language and just big, bold, magical story- set in Alabama during the birth
of the civil rights movement; A
telling.”
Butterfly’s Eyes, a series of short
Krishawn, he notes, went from that production “to this roller coaster of scenes and monologues by partici-
broad emotional exploration and really specific physical comedy. I’m convinced pants in GALA’s Paso Nuevo Youth
she can do anything.” —Doug Rule Performance Group touching on
their experiences with love, racism,
coming out, bullying, self-esteem,
and immigration; Unprotected Sex,
Melancholy Play runs to Sept. 2 at the Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. an edgy collection of short plays
Tickets are $19 to $45. Call 202-204-7741 or visit constellationtheatre.org. about contemporary black LGBTQ

16 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


life written and directed by Alan Church St. NW. Tickets are $45 CHRIS ISAAK and 9th Streets NW. Call 202-289-
Sharpe. Meanwhile, highlights to $55. Call 202-265-3768 or visit The “Wicked Game” singer-song- 3360 or visit nga.gov.
from Monday, Sept. 3, include keegantheatre.com. writing hunk returns to the
Small House, No Secrets, a com- Birchmere for two concerts offer- LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY JR.
ing out musical by Jody Nusholtz THE COLOR PURPLE ing a delightful romp through his Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. won
and Sonia Rutstein (of disappear HHHHH repertoire, including a selection America’s Got Talent seven years
fear); Saints, Debra Buonaccorsi Time hasn’t dimmed the bril- of the timeless, classic-sounding ago by singing his heart out a la
and Steve McWilliams’ unconven- liance or urgency of Alice Walker’s mournful rockers from his most Susan Boyle. Touted as the “Soul of
tional look at faith and religion, told Pulitzer Prize-winning The Color recent studio affair, 2015’s strong, Sinatra,” the West Virginia-native
with music, comedy, and burlesque Purple. In the era of #MeToo and strings-supported First Comes The paid tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes by rein-
and directed by Rick Hammerly; “Nevertheless, she persisted,” Miss Night. Isaak will no doubt also high- terpreting standards popularized by
Abomination, a drama about queer Celie’s voice, and the voices of those light some of his captivating covers Frank Sinatra on his debut album
yeshiva graduates written by women beside her, should be heard of Sun Records classics as heard on That’s Life, released in 2011. He’ll
Nicole Cox and directed by Jose among the chorus — after all, they 2011’s Beyond The Sun — from “Ring do the same this weekend at an
Carrasquillo; and Tunnel Vision, helped give birth to that chorus. of Fire” to “Great Balls of Fire” outdoor concert in Reston, the sea-
a gritty, emotional play about sex That legacy resonates throughout to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” son finale of the Pavilion’s “Taste
trafficking by Dan Goldman. For the musical, which streamlines Sunday, Aug. 26, and Monday, Aug. of the Town” series,” that will also
a complete schedule, visit kenne- Celie’s early 20th-century saga 27, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 salute “the Magic of Motown.”
dy-center.org. of triumph over misogyny and Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Guests are welcome to bring lawn
abuse into a set of rousing songs Tickets are $95. Call 703-549-7500 chairs or picnic blankets, but the
MARIE AND ROSETTA with music and lyrics by Brenda or visit birchmere.com or chrisi- venue advises: “alcohol is permitted
Mosaic Theater Company launch- Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen saak.com. at restaurants only.” Saturday, Aug.
es its fourth season with George Bray. To Aug. 26. Kennedy Center 25, at 7:30 p.m. The Pavilion at the
Brant’s empowering play with Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are CREATIVE CAULDRON CABARET Reston Town Center, 11900 Market
songs highlighting the talents of $69 to $149. Call 202-467-4600 or The Virginia-based theater com- St. Call 703-579-6720 or visit res-
Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, visit kennedy-center.org. (AH) pany Creative Cauldron continues tontowncenter.com.
two under-appreciated black music its 9th annual months-long sum-
legends. Sandra L. Holloway directs mer cabaret series at ArtSpace Falls LEELA JAMES
a production starring Helen Hayes MUSIC Church with: “Electric Lady” by Several years ago this gritty, big-
Award-winning actress Roz White Ines Nassara, the Helen Hayes- voiced R&B singer released Loving
(Studio Theatre’s Bessie’s Blues) BEACH HOUSE nominated actress who this spring You More...In The Spirit of Etta
as Tharpe, the queer black woman Like much of their music, the played Dorothy in The Wiz at James. Certainly if any contempo-
who all but invented rock ‘n’ roll, Baltimore-based dream-pop duo’s Ford’s, performing on Friday, Aug. rary singer most conjures thoughts
while Ayana Reed takes on the role success has been a slow build. And 24, at 8 p.m., and “A Mixtape for of the late Etta, it’s the same-sur-
of Tharpe’s young protege Knight. 7, Beach House’s newest album, is Heroines,” a celebration in song of named — though unrelated — Leela.
Music direction comes from e’Mar- the culmination of years of precisely some of literature’s most treasured The 35-year-old Los Angeles native
cus Harper-Short. In previews. refining technique, doubling down women by Catherine Purcell, on deserves to be more popular, but
Opens Monday, Aug. 27. To Sept. again and again on a now unmis- Saturday, Aug. 25, at 8 p.m. 410 as it is she’s one of R&B’s best-kept
30. The Lang Theatre in the Atlas takable sound and aesthetic and South Maple Ave. Tickets are $18 secrets. James tours in support of
Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. striving to perfect it. The synths, to $22 per show, or $55 for a table last year’s Did It For Love. Saturday,
NE. Tickets are $50 to $68. Call soft guitars, and Victoria Legrand’s for two with wine and $110 for four Aug. 25, at 7 and 10 p.m. Bethesda
202-399-7993 or visit mosaicthe- haunting voice make it impossible with wine. Call 703-436-9948 or Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719
ater.org. to mistake this for anything other visit creativecauldron.org. Wisconsin Ave. Tickets are $65.50
than her band with Alex Scally. to $75, plus $20 minimum purchase
PASSION Beach House’s soundscapes have GAVIN DEGRAW, per person. Call 240-330-4500 or
Natascia Diaz ignites the fiery love always been dreamy, escapist fanta- PHILLIP PHILLIPS visit bethesdabluesjazz.com.
triangle at the heart of this Tony- sies, but with 7, the duo has also put Two sunny contemporary pop art-
winning musical opening the sea- forth a hopeful message of rebirth, a ists will share the stage at Wolf LOCKN’ FESTIVAL
son at Signature Theatre. Director simple perfection rising out of dark- Trap to perform their solo hits — Dead & Company is the chief
Matthew Gardiner has cast the ness and chaos. Beach House sup- including “I Don’t Want to Be,” draw as main headline act on both
ever-dazzling Diaz (Signature’s ports the stellar five-star album on which was the theme song to the nights — Saturday, Aug. 25, and
West Side Story) in the role of tour with fellow Sub Pop labelmate CW’s One Tree Hill, and “Not Over Sunday, Aug. 26 — at this jam
Fosca, whose infatuation with Papercuts, the “soft indie pop” four- You,” in the case of the 41-year-old band and folk/rock festival outside
Giorgio, played by Claybourne piece founded and fronted by Jason DeGraw; and “Home,” the best-sell- Charlottesville, Va., that also fea-
Elder (Sunday in the Park with Robert Quever. Saturday, Aug. 25. ing coronation song from American tures Tedeschi Trucks Band in the
George), threatens to upend the Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Anthem, Idol, which the 27-year-old Phillips lineup both nights and welcomes
captain’s world. Steffanie Leigh, 901 Wharf St. SW. Tickets are $38 won in 2012. Friday, Aug. 31, at 8 Sheryl Crow and Blues Traveler on
Will Gartshore, Rayanne Gonzales, to $55. Call 202-888-0020 or visit p.m. The Filene Center, 1551 Trap the final day. Lockn’ is a four-day
and Bobby Smith are among the theanthemdc.com. (Sean Maunier) Road, Vienna. Tickets are $30 to affair, kicking off Thursday, Aug.
large cast in Signature’s newest pro- $60. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit 23, with Umphrey’s McGee and
duction of the Stephen Sondheim CHAISE LOUNGE wolftrap.org. Lettuce on the Main Stage, plus
and James Lapine musical, whose Something of a local version of the Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at the
rich score will be grandly brought hip retro-lounge act Pink Martini, JAZZ IN THE GARDEN: secondary Relix Stage. Meanwhile,
to life with a full orchestra led by Chaise Lounge is five of D.C.’s lead- SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE Widespread Panic, George Clinton
Jon Kalbfleisch. Now to Sept. 23. ing jazz musicians who together The National Gallery of Art offers & P-Funk, Toots and the Maytals,
Max Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., perform sparkling arrangements of free outdoor concerts immediate- Moon Taxi, and Turkuaz are among
Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visit standards plus new, original swing- ly after work on Fridays over the the acts set for Friday, Aug. 24.
sigtheatre.org. ing tunes that sound as if recorded a summer. Bands offering a range of Among other acts on tap over the
half-century ago. Featuring the soft, jazz styles, from swing to Latin to weekend, there’s Foundation of
THE BRIDGES luminous vocals of Marilyn Older, ska, perform amidst the museum’s Funk, Matisyahu, Keller & The
OF MADISON COUNTY the party jazz group, touted on NPR collection of large-scale sculptur- Keels, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong,
Kurt Boehm directs and choreo- and a frequent draw at the Kennedy al works while patrons enjoy food Big Something, The Suffers, and
graphs the Keegan Theatre pro- Center, makes its debut at D.C.’s and drink, including beer, wine, Spafford. Infinity Downs & Oak
duction of this recent Broadway newest concert venue, where fine and sangria, from Pavilion Cafe and Ridge Farm, Arrington, Va. Single-
musical adaptation by Jason Robert music meets fine wine. Wednesday, outdoor grill. The 2018 series con- day tickets are $69 to $139, while
Brown with a book by Marsha Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. City Winery DC, cludes with the funk and boogaloo a 3-Day Weekend Pass costs $279
Norman. Susan Derry and Dan 1350 Okie St. NE. Tickets are $18 band Speakers of the House, on and a 4-Day Festival Pass is $319.
Felton star. Now to Sept. 2. The to $28. Call 202-250-2531 or visit Aug. 24, performing from 5 to 8:30 Visit locknfestival.com for a full
Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 citywinery.com. p.m. Sculpture Garden, between 7th schedule.

18 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NIKKA COSTA
Despite her deep industry connec-
tions as the daughter of a revered
music producer — not to mention
the goddaughter of Frank Sinatra
— Costa is another soul-pop artist
woefully underappreciated in the
mainstream. Costa’s supple alto
voice and savvy, fun and funky
blues-informed rock sound is unde-
niably appealing, if given a proper
hearing. Costa tours in support of
Nikka & Strings, Underneath and
in Between, including her covers

PHOTO COURTESY INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON


of Prince’s “Nothing Compares
2 U” and Lena Horne’s “Stormy
Weather.” Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 8
p.m. City Winery DC, 1350 Okie
St. NE. Tickets are $22 to $32;
for $60 more, “The Nikka Costa
Experience” offers a Meet & Greet,
photo, autographed set list, and spe-
cial merch item. Call 202-250-2531
or visit citywinery.com.

SHEILA E.
Sheila Escovedo came to fame more
than three decades ago as Prince’s
drummer, songwriter, musical
director, and paramour. In recent THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON: INNSTOCK
years, Sheila E. has toured through The region’s most celebrated high-end dining destination, located roughly 90 minutes
the area with her electrifying solo
show featuring her Latin-flavored south of D.C., turned 40 years old earlier this year, but has been keeping the celebration
soul/pop hits (“The Glamorous going with a few key events throughout the year. The penultimate celebratory event
Life,” “Love Bizarre”) as well as the- happens Labor Day Sunday, Sept. 2, with a daylong culinary food and music festival that
hits-that-should-have-been — with
a focus on songs from 2013’s Icon.
is open to the public. Patrick O’Connell, the complex’s co-founder and patron chef, has
Her first studio album in 13 years, invited more than 20 former employees and chefs to come back to make a signature dish
Icon fully displays the artist’s skill as part of a “culinary family reunion,” complemented by the participation of premiere
at songcraft and prowess in per- Virginia winemakers and brewmasters, live bands, bonfires, hot air balloon rides, “roam-
cussion, even the vocal kind known
as beatboxing, per the impressive, ing impersonators,” and a grand finale fireworks display. Tickets are $250, or $1,500 for a
all-vocal track “Don’t Make Me VIP Package for 2 including access and additional complimentary food and beverages in
(Bring My Timbales Out).” Her the Inn’s Tavern Ballroom as well as VIP seating and parking. Call 540-675-3800 or visit
timbales will definitely be out and
used to full effect in her return to
theinnat40.com/innstock.
the Howard Theatre next weekend.
Saturday, Aug. 25, at 8 p.m. 620 T St.
NW. Tickets are $49.50 to $79.50,
Steve Coll, Jennifer Egan, Dave Tickets are $15. Visit dupontunder- playful New York studio whose
plus $10 minimum per person for
Eggers, Jeffrey Eugenides, Doris ground.org. work straddles the divide between
all tables. Call 202-588-5595 or visit
Kearns Goodwin, Robert Hass, art and architecture, Fun House
thehowardtheatre.com.
Tayari Jones, Joe Meacham, ALCHEMY: DANNY GREEN & includes a sequence of interactive
Celeste Ng, Annie Proulx, Amy Tan, KATHERINE PLOURDE rooms featuring new as well as sev-
THE SWEETBACK SISTERS and Luis Alberto Urrea. Saturday, Green, a local mosaic artist, and eral environments and objects the
Vocalists Emily Miller and Zara
Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Plourde, a New York-based painter, organization has become known
Bode are the centerpiece of this
Walter E. Washington Convention team up this weekend for a special for. Presented inside the museum
Brooklyn-based band that blends
Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. Call 202- art show celebrating the magical as well as outside on the grounds,
Americana with lovely hints of
249-3000 or visit loc.gov/bookfest. and mystical power of nature. The the series also sees the return of
jazz and ragtime. The Sweetback
artists will display new works as Hill Country Backyard Barbecue,
Sisters, supported by powerhouse
well as share details about their cre- serving food and drink and pre-
musicians, perform a free special
outdoor concert to conclude the
MUSEUMS ative processes as part of a reception senting additional activities and live
at the Potter’s House, the recent- performances from the West Lawn
free Live from the Lawn weekly
summer series outside the Mansion & GALLERIES ly renovated, nearly 60-year-old on Wednesdays through Sundays.
nonprofit venue in Adams Morgan To Sept. 3. 401 F St. NW. Tickets are
at Strathmore. Wednesday, Aug. 29,
20/20: DOUBLE VISION that serves as a cafe, bookstore, and $16, or free for museum members.
at 7 p.m. Gudelsky Gazebo, 10701
In partnership with the Corcoran community space. Sunday, Aug. 26, Call 202-272-2448 or visit nbm.org.
Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.
School of Design, Dupont from 3 to 5 p.m. 1658 Columbia
Tickets are free. Call 301-581-5100
Underground presents an eye-open- Road NW. Call 202-232-5483 or ILLUMINATE
or visit strathmore.org.
ing collection of video artwork that visit pottershousedc.org. The Target Gallery in Alexandria’s
challenges what and how we see. A Torpedo Factory Art Center pres-
READINGS play on the both the literal and met- FUN HOUSE
This year’s offering in the National
ents a special glow-in-the-dark
exhibition, for which it will turn
aphorical notion of visual acuity and
NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL clarity, 20/20 features work from Building Museum’s imaginative off its lights to put the focus on
This year’s annual Library of Corcoran alumni and area artists Summer Block Party series of tem- exhibited artwork, artificially illu-
Congress event features more than with ties to the school, including porary structures inside its historic minated in various ways — some
100 best-selling authors and illus- Larry Cook, Maps Glover, Alexis Great Hall is a freestanding struc- by video, some by light installa-
trators participating in this year’s Gomez, Pamela Hadley, and Jason ture that recalls and re-imagines tion and sculpture, some by black
festival, including Madeleine Zimmerman. To Aug. 28. Dupont the idea of the traditional home. light. Emily Smith of Richmond’s
Albright, Isabel Allende, Kai Bird, Underground, 1500 19th St. NW. Designed by Snarkitecture, the 1708 Gallery served as juror for

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 19


FOOD & DRINK
BREWERS ON THE BLOCK
Gina Chersevani, one of D.C.’s
longtime leading mixologists, hosts
this fifth annual event at Buffalo
& Bergen’s outdoor beer garden in
Union Market as a Spotlight event of
DC Beer Week (see separate entry).
Guests can get unlimited pours in a
souvenir tasting glass from nearly
PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

40 participating area craft brew-


ers, with representatives on hand
in a “Meet The Neighbors”-themed
event. The lineup includes popular
DMV breweries, including 3 Stars,
Atlas, Blue Jacket, the Brewer’s
Art, DC Brau, Denizens, Evolution,
Manor Hill, and Port City, cider-
ies, from D.C.’s own Anxo to Bold
Rock from Virginia, and Jack’s from
Pennsylvania, and meaderies such
as Baltimore’s gluten-free Charm
City Meadworks. Saturday, Aug. 25,
from 6 to 9 p.m. Suburbia, 1309 5th
St. NW. Tickets are $55, or $75 for
VIP including entrance at 5 p.m.
with exclusive food and reserved
MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL seating. Call 202-543-2549 or visit
5thbrewersblock.eventbrite.com.
Guided by an overarching historical storyline that changes annually, the Maryland
Renaissance Festival, now in its 42nd year, offers a little something for everyone, whether DC BEER WEEK
your primary motive is to take in the performances — over 200 professionals engaged in When this promotion was launched
10 years ago, there weren’t any
everything from jousting to comedic sword-fighting to parodies of Shakespeare — or shop breweries based in D.C. — just a
for early holiday gifts from a collection of amazing artisans. Or maybe you just want to dedicated crew of craft beer afi-
gnaw on a turkey leg, steak on a stake, or cheesecake on a stick. Opens Saturday, Aug. 25. cionados with a dream. Now there
are a dozen breweries in D.C.
Themed events in 2018 include a Celtic Celebration the weekend of Sept. 16, performanc- proper and the whole region has
es by U.K. vocal ensemble Mediaeval Baebes throughout the weekend of Sept. 23, Pirate seen an explosion in the craft. DC
Weekend Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, and Shakespeare Weekend Oct. 7 and Oct. 8. RennFest Beer Week has grown by leaps and
runs weekends to Oct. 21. Located at 1821 Crownsville Road, in Annapolis, Md. Tickets are bounds, with more than 50 events
taking place over the course of a
$19 to $26 for a single-day adult ticket, with multi-day passes also available, or a Season week. Remaining events include:
Pass for $150. Call 800-296-7304 or visit rennfest.com. Port City’s “Super Fun Party” at
Cotton & Reed, a local beer and
spirits collaboration featuring spe-
cialty beer cocktails, on Friday,
the exhibition, selecting works by POP: RECALL al experience. Abstract sculpture, Aug. 24; a guided tour of three D.C.
11 artists, including D.C.’s Joana Paintings and sculptures reminis- flags, bodies, and text factor into breweries organized by City Brew
Stillwell, Baltimore’s Sarah Clough cent of popsicles, ice creams, and Delafkaran’s current exhibition Tours DC on Saturday, Aug. 25; and
and Karen Lemmert, Alexandria’s other frozen treats from childhood in the Dupont Circle gallery long Brewers on the Block outside Union
Andreas Schenkel and Art Vidrine, are the focus of a solo exhibition by a known as Hillyer Art Space, tucked Market on Sunday, Aug. 25. Runs to
Mount Rainier’s Steve Wanna, and nostalgia-steeped pop culture artist in the winding alley that runs Sunday, Aug. 26. Visit dcbeerweek.
Potomac’s Michael West. To Sept. who teaches at the Corcoran School behind the Phillips Collection. Now net for a full schedule of events.
2. 105 North Union St. Alexandria. of the Arts and Design and American to Sept. 2. IA&A at Hillyer, 9 Hillyer
Free. Call 703-838-4565 or visit tor- University. Corey Oberndorfer’s Court NW. Call 202-338-0325 or TABERNA DEL ALABARDERO:
pedofactory.org. works are set up in the window visit athillyer.org. CHILLED SUMMER SOUPS
displays of the experimental Metro Summer isn’t ideal soup season —
LINA ALATTAR: Micro Gallery in Arlington that, THE GREAT MYSTERY unless you’re talking gazpacho and
SERENITY AND CHAOS among other things, bills itself as “a Baltimore’s American Visionary other cold varieties popularized in
All August, this Northern Virginia- 24/7 viewing space” — with exhib- Art Museum is letting its curios- Spain. In that case, now through
based abstract painter is the fea- ited works visible at night via the ity run wild in its 21st year-long Labor Day, D.C.’s oldest tradition-
tured artist at the Gallery at the gallery’s interior spotlights. Founded exhibition curated by founder and al Spanish restaurant offers five
Wharf, which Maryland-based art- by and adjacent to the studio of visu- director Rebecca Hoffberger. Partly varieties, rotating them by week-
ist/educator Martha Spak opened al artist Barbara Januszkiewicz, inspired by Albert Einstein, who day: from Monday with Gazpacho
last year as a showcase for local the gallery further styles itself as a once referred to the concept of life Andaluz, the traditional toma-
artists on rotating exhibit. On shared space nurturing a community as “the Great Mystery,” the show to-based soup with cucumbers and
display are richly colored and of emerging artists and curators. To celebrates mysteries big and small, red and green peppers, to Friday’s
multi-textured paintings, abstract Aug. 24. Metro Micro Gallery, 3409 the ultimate source of artistic cre- Salmorejo Cordobés, a tomato and
in nature yet revealing a complex, Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Visit metro- ativity, scientific inquiry and social bread puree with Serrano ham and
yet intuitive symmetry. Reception is microgallery.com. progress. On display are works by hard-boiled egg. Garlic and almond
Saturday, Aug. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. 44 visionary artists, research sci- soup with grapes, carrot and orange
Exhibit runs to Aug. 29. Martha REX DELAFKARAN: TENDER BITS entists, astronauts, mystics and soup with orange, and tomato and
Spak Gallery, 40 District Square The relationship between cultural philosophers. To Sept. 2. American watermelon soup round out the
SW. Visit martha-spak-gallery-at- practices and desire is the under- Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key midday options. All soups are $13.
the-wharf.com. lying theme of works by this queer Highway. Baltimore. Tickets are 1776 I St. NW. Call 202-429-2200 or
Iranian-American female artist, $15.95 for regular daily admission. visit alabardero.com. l
guided in part by her own person- Call 410-244-1900 or visit avam.org.

20 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Community
THURSDAY, August 23 MONDAY, August 27
IDENTITY offers free and own dish to share. 12-2 p.m.
The DC ANTI-VIOLENCE confidential HIV testing at 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. AGLA hosts its monthly
PROJECT, a group dedicated two separate locations. Walk- For more information, visit PUBLIC BOARD MEETING
to combating anti-LGBT hate ins accepted from 2-6 p.m., thedccenter.org or call 202- at Freddie’s Beach Bar. Learn
crimes, holds its monthly meet- by appointment for all other 682-2245. about upcoming projects and
ing at The DC Center. 7-8:30 hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., volunteer initiatives, and find
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES ways to get involved with the
105. For more information, visit New Hampshire Ave., Suite (AND THIRTIES), a social organization. 7-8:30 p.m. 555
thedccenter.org. 411, Takoma Park, Md. To set discussion and activity group 23rd St. S., Arlington, Va. For
up an appointment or for more for queer women, meets at The more info, email info@agla.org.
Weekly Events information, call Gaithersburg, DC Center on the second and
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park, fourth Friday of each month. WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA 301-422-2398. Group social activity to follow
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 2000 ANDROMEDA
offers free HIV testing and HIV METROHEALTH CENTER 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
services (by appointment). 9 offers free, rapid HIV testing. more information, visit thedc- offers free HIV testing and HIV
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center, Appointment needed. 1012 14th center.org. services (by appointment). 9
1400 Decatur St. NW. To St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
arrange an appointment, call an appointment, call 202-638- SATURDAY, August 25 1400 Decatur St. NW. To
202-291-4707, or visit androm- 0750. arrange an appointment, call
edatransculturalhealth.org. ADVENTURING outdoors 202-291-4707, or visit androm-
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, group takes a very strenuous edatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice 3-5 p.m., by appointment and 13-mile hike with 2300 feet of
session at Takoma Aquatic walk-in, for youth 21 and elevation gain to a spectacular DC AQUATICS CLUB holds
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van younger. Youth Center, 410 7th peak on Great North Mountain, a practice session at Dunbar
Buren St. NW. For more infor- St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test- on the Virginia/West Virginia Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101
mation, visit swimdcac.org. ing@smyal.org. border. Suitable only for expe- N St. NW. For more informa-
rienced hikers in good aerobic tion, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS run- STI TESTING at Whitman- shape. Bring plenty of bever-
ning/walking/social club Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30 ages, lunch, sturdy boots, bug HIV TESTING at Whitman-
welcomes runners of all ability p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525 spray, sunscreen, about $20 for Walker Health. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at
levels for exercise in a fun and 14th St. NW and the Max fees, and money for dinner on 1525 14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12
supportive environment, with Robinson Center, 2301 Martin the way home. Carpool at 8:30 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. at the Max
socializing afterward. Route Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. a.m. from East Falls Church Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr.
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at Testing is intended for those Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Return Ave. SE. For an appointment
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. without symptoms. For an after dark. For more informa- call 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
For more information, visit appointment call 202-745-7000 tion, contact Joe, 202-276-5521, man-walker.org.
dcfrontrunners.org. or visit whitman-walker.org. or visit adventuring.org.
KARING WITH
DC LAMBDA SQUARES, D.C.’s US HELPING US hosts a Join The DC Center as it vol- INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.)
gay and lesbian square-dancing Narcotics Anonymous Meeting. unteers for FOOD & FRIENDS, SERVICES, 3333 Duke St.,
group, features mainstream The group is independent of packing meals and groceries for Alexandria, offers free “rapid”
through advanced square UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 people living with serious ail- HIV testing and counseling, 9
dancing at the National City Georgia Ave. NW. For more ments. 10 a.m.-noon. 219 Riggs a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
Christian Church. Please dress information, call 202-446-1100. Rd. NE. Near the Fort Totten
casually. 7-9:30 p.m. 5 Thomas Metro. For a ride from the METROHEALTH CENTER
Circle NW. 202-930-1058, WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Metro, call the Food & Friends offers free, rapid HIV testing.
dclambdasquares.org. INSTITUTE for young LBTQ shuttle at 202-669-6437. For No appointment needed. 11
women, 13-21, interested in more information, visit thedc- a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th St. NW,
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds leadership development. 5-6:30 center.org or foodandfriends. Suite 700. For more informa-
practice. The team is always p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410 org. tion, call 202-638-0750.
looking for new members. 7th St. SE. For more informa-
All welcome. 7-9 p.m. Harry tion, call 202-567-3163, or email NOVASALUD offers free
catherine.chu@smyal.org.
SUNDAY, August 26 HIV testing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N.
Thomas Recreation Center,
1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For more 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
Join AGLA for its
information, visit scandalsrfc. FRIDAY, August 24 GAYBORHOOD NIGHT
Appointments: 703-789-4467.
org or dcscandals@gmail.com.
DINNER at Freddie’s Beach SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
GAMMA is a confidential, vol- Bar. Meet fellow LGBTQ peo-
THE DULLES TRIANGLES untary, peer-support group 3-5 p.m., by appointment and
ple from the area, AGLA board walk-in, for youth 21 and
Northern Virginia social for men who are gay, bisexual, members, and dine together younger. Youth Center, 410 7th
group meets for happy hour at questioning and who are now (on separate checks). The social St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-
Sheraton in Reston. All wel- or who have been in a relation- will also serve as a collection ing@smyal.org.
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise ship with a woman. 7:30-9:30 drive for A-SPAN, a homeless
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. p.m. Luther Place Memorial advocacy organization, and STI TESTING at Whitman-
For more information, visit Church, 1226 Vermont Ave the Arlington Food Assistance Walker Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
dullestriangles.com. NW. GAMMA meetings are Center. Bring along women’s at both 1525 14th St. NW and
also held in Vienna, Va., and in bras and panties for A-SPAN
HIV TESTING at Whitman- Frederick, Md. For more infor- the Max Robinson Center, 2301
or unused nonperishable food Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.
Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 mation, visit gammaindc.org. items for AFAC. 6 p.m. 555 SE. Testing is intended for
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525
23rd St. S., Arlington, Va. For those without symptoms. For
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12 The DC Center holds its more info, email info@agla.org. an appointment call 202-745-
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max CENTER AGING MONTHLY
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. LUNCH social for members 7000 or visit whitman-walker.
Ave. SE. For an appointment of D.C.’s senior community. org.
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- Lunch is potluck — bring your
man-walker.org.

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 21


The DC Center hosts COFFEE George’s Episcopal Church, 915
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT Oakland Ave., Arlington, just steps
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000 from Virginia Square Metro. For
14th St. NW. For more information, more info. call Dick, 703-521-
call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc- 1999. Handicapped accessible.
center.org. Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
men’s evening affinity group for Whitman-Walker Health holds its
GBT black men. Light refreshments weekly GAY MEN’S HEALTH AND
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100. are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon-
WASHINGTON WETSKINS orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9 and herpes testing available for fee.
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should
swimming ability always welcome. arrive early to ensure a spot. 1525
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van 14th St. NW. For more information,
Buren St. NW. For more informa- visit whitman-walker.org.
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit WEDNESDAY, August 29
wetskins.org.
The TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social
HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Bridge at the Dignity Center, across
for newly diagnosed individuals, from the Marine Barracks. No
meets 7 p.m. Registration required. partner needed. 7:30 p.m. 721 8th
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit- St. SE. Call 301-345-1571 for more
man-walker.org. information.

TUESDAY, August 28 Weekly Events

GENDERQUEER DC, a support and AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-


discussion group for people who versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
identify outside the gender binary, Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
meets at The DC Center on the come. For more information, call
fourth Tuesday of every month. Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
7-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
thedccenter.org. holds a practice session at Dunbar
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
Weekly Events St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
session at Takoma Aquatic Center. FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW. group for LGBT people looking
For more information, visit swim- to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
dcac.org. holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
walking/social club welcomes run- mation, visit thedccenter.org.
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environment, HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH
with socializing afterward. Route offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m. and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.
at Union Station. For more informa- Washington St., Alexandria. 703-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org. 549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac- JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-


tice. The team is always looking gram for job entrants and seekers,
for new members. All welcome. meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
7-9 p.m. Harry Thomas Recreation p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For For more info, centercareers.org.
more information, visit scandalsrfc.
org or dcscandals@gmail.com. NOVASALUD offers free HIV
testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N.
THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
COLLABORATIVE offers free Appointments: 703-789-4467.
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday. WASHINGTON WETSKINS
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
Department, 4480 King St. 703- swimming ability always welcome.
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617. Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
james.leslie@inova.org. Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
holds an LGBT-focused meet- wetskins.org. l
ing every Tuesday, 7 p.m. at St.

22 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Dave Per r uzza’s
Home Ru n from the street.
Perruzza is visibly proud of A League of Her Own, his effort
In a city desperate for more LGBTQ spaces, to create a much-needed space for queer women, who have
the former manager of JR.’s stepped up to the lacked a permanent nightlife space since the closing of Phase
plate. With Pitchers and A League of Her Own, One a few years ago and Hung Jury before that.
he’s knocked it out of the park. “I think it’s disgusting that we’re the nation’s capital and
there’s no bar for lesbians,” he says. “When I told people [about
A League of her Own], they were like, ‘What, are you nuts?
Interview by John Riley That could be such a cute little gay bar. You should make it like
a dungeon-ish bar.’ I said, ‘No, I want to make a bar for queer
Photography by Todd Franson women.’ They said, ‘It’s never going to work.’ I was like, ‘I know
it’s going to work. I’ve been at JR.’s, I’ve seen that women have

O
no place to go.’”
Jo McDaniel, ALOHO’s manager, says Perruzza has wel-
VER THE PAST TWO DECADES, DAVE comed feedback from the community and has provided her
Perruzza carved out a niche for himself in autonomy so that the space can grow and flourish.
the LGBTQ community as the public face “It’s pretty great working with Dave,” McDaniel says. “I felt
of one of the city’s longest-running night- that from the start, my voice was important. I just dig that he
life spots, JR.’s Bar and Grill. Still, as much likes my face to be around Pitchers as well. He likes people to
as he loved being the general manager of know about downstairs, how welcome women are throughout
JR.’s, he regretted not being able to have this space.”
the final say over how the bar was run. “Dave goes a mile a minute, he never rests,” says Perruzza’s
“The first 15 years at JR.’s were amazing,” says the youthful husband, Richard Paules, who temporarily put aside his own
43-year-old. “Over the last five years, the landscape has changed landscaping business to help renovate Pitcher’s. “He is the hard-
a lot. I held on, thinking maybe [owner Eric Little] will sell me est working person I have ever known. When he gets something
the bar.” in his head that he wants to accomplish, he does it. Everyone
The offer never came. One night, a mutual acquaintance told loves him. I love him. And I really admire him, greatly.”
Perruzza that his father had a bar in Adams Morgan and was Raised in a typically rambunctious Italian family in
seeking a manager. Perruzza checked it out and immediately fell Westchester, New York, Perruzza is unapologetically blunt,
in love. “The first time I saw this place, I thought, ‘This is amaz- which has left him with some enemies, who frequently malign
ing,” he recalls. “This is a gorgeous space. It needs a lot of love, him on social media. Yet, anyone who genuinely knows Perruzza,
and it smells really bad, but it’s got a lot of potential.’” comes to quickly realize that he is a people pleaser with a pro-
Perruzza agreed to take it on but only as an owner. And verbial heart of gold. Funny, outspoken, and a deeply warm
so, the buildings that once housed Adams Morgan mainstays person, with an entrenched caring of his friends, patrons, and
Spaghetti Garden, Brass Monkey, Roxanne Restaurant, and community, he’s one of what was called, in an era gone by, “the
Peyote Karaoke Cafe, begat Pitchers, an LGBTQ sports bar, good guys.”
which opened in June, and A League of Her Own, a lesbian and
queer sports bar that caters primarily to female-bodied individ-
uals, which opened earlier in August. METRO WEEKLY: Let’s start by talking about your childhood.
Two months in, Pitchers is home run, with the bases loaded. DAVE PERRUZZA: I grew up in Mahopac, New York, a little town
On weeknights, there’s a steady hum of business from early eve- outside of New York City in Westchester County. I grew up a
ning until closing. And on weekends, you can barely push your young, confused gay boy with nobody in town that was gay or
way through the crowds. Downstairs, patrons enjoy food from a like me. My mom’s Sicilian, my dad was from Rome. So I’m half
simple yet excellent menu that includes a kick-ass burger, gar- Sicilian, technically. I say I get my bitchiness from the Sicilian
den-fresh salads, pizza, and all manner of finger foods. part and my easygoingness from the Roman part.
On the upper floor, you’d be hard pressed not to be amused We were middle class. My dad worked two jobs. He was a
by the bannisters fashioned from unfinished Louisville sluggers. musician and wedding singer on weekends, and did construc-
There are two patios, a gaming room, a multitude of TV screens, tion during the week. My mom was a hairdresser. I have two
some showing sporting events, others designated for video wonderful sisters — can you put wonderful in capitals? [Laughs.]
games — a particular love of Perruzza’s. Last week, Pitchers I’m the youngest. We had a crazy Italian upbringing — pasta five
opened its final element, a sizable dance floor complete with a days a week and stuff like that. Just a good, loud Italian family.
corner DJ booth. Downstairs resides A League of Her Own, a MW: When did you come out to your parents?
cozy and notably beautiful space that boasts its own entryway PERRUZZA: My sister came out to them for me. I’m on the phone

24 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 25
with my mother and she said, “Your sister came over and she JR.’s has probably the most generous cus-
talked to us.” I’m like, “Oh yeah? What did she say?” She’s like, tomers. Whenever we did something like
“Well, you tell me.” And I said, “Well, I’m not gonna incriminate a benefit or sold Jell-O shots, the custom-
myself. What did she say?” She said, “She told us you’re gay. Is ers were always generous — I think that’s
that true?” And I said, “Well, yeah.” a testament to the people who go there.
MW: What prevented you from telling your parents? The High Heel Races over the years were
PERRUZZA: Distance. I was in Hawaii and they were in New always memorable. I’d sit back at the end
York and it’s never an easy thing to do. I mean, I was going to do of the night and look out at 50,000 people
it because I just needed to. I was sick of the lying. along 17th Street and think, “I did this.”
MW: Why do you think your sister outed you? MW: This will be your last year running the
PERRUZZA: Because she knew I was sick of hiding it. I’ve talked High Heel Race. Do you feel it’s going to be
to her about it, and she told me, “I knew you were gay because awkward working with JR.’s on that?
my friend saw you on the dance floor when we were all dancing. PERRUZZA: I really didn’t work with JR.’s
You started snapping your fingers like that.” I said, “Not all gay on it last time. Just because I ran JR.’s
people snap their fingers.” doesn’t mean JR.’s did anything for it. It’s
MW: You mention the Navy. a community event at this point. Yeah,
PERRUZZA: I was never book smart, and I couldn’t focus on any- JR.’s will always be a sponsor because they
thing, so I thought, “If I go to college, I’m going to be miserable. should be, but it’s a community event and
Let me join the Navy.” My boot camp was in Great Lakes, which that’s why I agreed to do it one more time.
they called “Great Mistakes.” Then I went to my A School in San MW: One of the other iconic things at JR.’s
Diego, and from there I was stationed in Pearl Harbor for four that you’re credited with growing is the
years. Easter bonnet contest. Are you going to try
MW: You were in the military at the time “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to do that at Pitchers?
first came into effect. PERRUZZA: No, I’m not going to do any-
PERRUZZA: Right. When I joined, the recruiter took a black thing that competes with JR.’s. When I
marker and crossed out “Are you a homosexual?” He said, “Can’t used to run JR.’s, it used to piss me off
ask you that question anymore.” And I thought, “Well, thank when I would do trivia night and then
God.” another bar did trivia night on the same
MW: Would you have told the truth if they’d asked? night. Every time we did something, some-
PERRUZZA: No. I wouldn’t have got the job otherwise, and for me body would do the same thing on the same
I’d always planned on going in the Navy. night.
MW: What was it like living under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”? MW: So you’re going to start your own tra-
PERRUZZA: For me it was fine. The gay people that I knew had ditions here.
their pink triangles on their cars, the rainbow stickers, because PERRUZZA: Yes. I want to get the whole bar
this was Hawaii, so no one cared. Now, there were some witch open and then that’s when we’re going to
hunts in Hawaii that were going on that had been publicized. But start looking at things we can do. I want to
I’ve always kept my professional life professional, and I wouldn’t start Drag Queen Olympics. They did it in
talk about my social life. I wouldn’t let people know I was gay. I Amsterdam and I thought it was a brilliant
would show up to work, I did what I had to do, and I went home. idea. So I’m just gonna find a date for the
My personal life was my personal life in the Navy. When I went park in Adams Morgan and we’re going to
home, I was me. do Drag Queen Olympics.
MW: How did you end up at JR.’s? MW: What does Drag Olympics entail?
PERRUZZA: I did four years in the Navy, and my best friend, Dave PERRUZZA: You just find a bunch of sports, like pole vault, hur-
DeSeve, moved to D.C. I came to visit, and I fell in love with tling, whatever you normally do, but do it in drag. It’s going be
D.C. Actually, I fell in love with JR.’s when I first came here. I a lot of fun.
wasn’t 21, but I went in there and was having cocktails all the MW: What made you start thinking about leaving JR.’s to open
time. They’re very strict about carding under 21 now, but those your own place?
were the Marion Barry days. No one gave a shit. You could go PERRUZZA: A lot of it was stress. I don’t really stress out, but it
anywhere back then and drink in any bar under 21. No one cared. was just more irritation of having to deal with nonsense. Every
Anyway, Dave knew Eric Little and Eric needed a coat check time something bad happened with the company, I was the fall
guy. I started coat check at JR.’s on December 2, 1997. guy. It kind of sucked and it made my life a little miserable the
MW: How did it evolve from there? last five years.
PERRUZZA: When I first started working at JR.’s was when Eric MW: Did people think you were the owner?
had first bought it. So I started helping, because he extended PERRUZZA: Everyone thought I was the owner. I mean, every-
the upper part out and then we added a back bar, so I was really one thought I was the owner of Level One. So when Level One
handy. I’m like my dad. If I see something I can build it if I need closed, people were talking trash about me. Every time some-
to. I don’t need instructions. So I helped do all our renovations thing bad would happen, people would talk trash about me.
at JR.’s and Eric saw that and was appreciative. He made me a They thought I owned Cobalt, too. But I didn’t. If I had owned
barback right away because another position opened up. From it, I would have done things differently, but I’m not an owner. I
there, I became a bartender, then a manager, then the general never had any partnership in it. I never had any stake in it. The
manager. only thing I did was run it.
MW: What is your fondest memory of JR.’s? MW: You were very visible though.
PERRUZZA: The memories with the staff and customers. I think PERRUZZA: I was, and it’s funny, I get shit from everybody and

26 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


everyone says all this stuff about me, but they don’t realize the MW: Why do you think there’s such hostility directed at you?
reason I’m so visible is because I’ve never said no to a charity. PERRUZZA: I think that people feel like we’re here to serve them
I’ve actually used JR.’s and its popularity as a platform. For the and nothing but them. And I agree it’s the service industry, but
last 20 years, I’ve never said no to a charity, except for Gays for part of me knows you can’t make everybody happy. When I
Trump. I did deny them a party at JR.’s and there’s a bad Yelp opened up Pitchers, everyone said, “Oh, he’s opening up a het-
review on the JR.’s page about me being an asshole for not allow- eronormative, masculine, testosterone-driven bar because it’s
ing the Gays for Trump, so that’s a true fact. But that’s the only a sports bar.” And I’m like, “Can you just wait until it’s open so
thing I’ve ever said no to. you can see what I’m doing, instead of just bashing me before it
Another criticism I got on Yelp was everyone says I hate even opens?”
women. I don’t hate women — I actually love women. But peo- MW: Do you think you’ve made enemies in D.C.?
ple read that on the Yelp reviews. And I always say, “Well, did PERRUZZA: Yeah, and I’ll be honest, I don’t give a shit about mak-
you look at the dates?” The dates of those reviews coincide with ing enemies. I’m here to run a bar. I follow the rules of ABRA. I
Sundays. I’d kick a lot of people out on Sundays, because it’s have a liquor license, and we can’t allow dancing in this building
brunch and after they start bottomless mimosas I have to deal in some spots, per my liquor license. That’s why I had to wait
with nothing but drunk straight girls. That was a problem, and to open up the floor for people to dance on, and when I stick to
the first thing they’d do was go home and write a Yelp review those rules, I’m not going to be popular with people. But people
about “the manager at JR.’s hating on me because I’m a girl.” It forget — you’re one person bitching at me for something, but
has nothing to do with your gender. It had to do with the fact I’m keeping the other 250 people that are in the bar safe. Your
that you’re drunk. I got shit from everyone about everything at actions can disrupt all the other actions.
JR.’s. I could have given Mother Teresa a kidney, and they’d be Let’s take a bachelorette party. I’ve been working a bar for 20
like, “Why didn’t Perruzza give her the other kidney? It’s a better years. The minute a bachelorette party comes walking through
kidney.” I can’t win. that front door, the mood in that whole room changes immedi-

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 27


kicking the other friend out, and the friends end up
being the problem more than the person that’s been
drinking.
MW: Some people will say, isn’t that the point of a bar,
to let people go out and get drunk?
PERRUZZA: No. The point of a bar is to meet friends
and have a good time. You don’t have to go to a bar
to get drunk. For me, people that go to a bar to get
drunk have a problem. Go to a bar and have fun.
There’s no reason for you to take that one extra
drink. That $5 is not worth it to me as a bar owner.
I’ve told my staff, “If you wanna pay all my legal fees
if I have any problem, then you’re more welcome to.
But I’d rather lose $3 on a bottle of water than gain
$5 by getting somebody drunk.”
MW: What’s interesting about the bachelorette party
who complained to PoPville is that you received a lot
of feedback from gay men who rallied behind you.
ately. Gay people look at a bachelorette party and all we do is PERRUZZA: Right, they did, because look what happened to
remember that “You used to come in our bars all the time when Town. You couldn’t go to a drag show there. I want to have drag
we couldn’t even get married, and you’re still coming to our bars. here, but all I’m going to do is attract the straight girls. It has
Yeah, we can get married, but we still get shit for it.” So when taken over every bar that does drag, and it’s kind of sad.
gay people see bachelorette parties, the first thing that goes on We haven’t actually had the problem of the straight girls
in their head is “Ugh.” And it really disrupts business, so I don’t coming in here that much. I mean, we have a few and I think it’s
allow them. because this place was around for 38 years, and it used to be the
I got a lot of shit on PoPville about it recently, but I don’t care. Brass Monkey, and used to be an old stomping ground for a lot
I’m not gonna let you come into my establishment where people of straight girls. But it hasn’t been a problem.
feel safe, and disrupt the way people feel. I want everybody to When people come in, we make sure
feel comfortable, and bachelorette parties are essentially a bar they know it’s a gay bar. And we had
crawl for people saying, “Hey, this is my last night to be a mess,” to do this in the beginning because
and they look at gay people like we’re some kind of zoo. We’re we’d have people go up and say some-
props in their whole bridal party crap. thing derogatory because it was no lon-
Even on PoPville, the people who complained stumbled out ger Brass Monkey. People have asked,
of a car. Yeah, it was raining. Who gives a shit if it’s raining? It’s “Why do you have a sign that says ‘This
not my problem it’s raining. You came here drunk. I’m not letting is a gay bar?’” Because someone will
drunk people in. There’s plenty of gorgeous gay men I haven’t let go in, go upstairs and say, “Oh this is a
in because they’ve been drunk. We have a very strict policy about fucking gay bar,” or something like that.
letting drunk people in. I’m not gonna have somebody say that
MW: Is there a legal issue regarding discrimination if you turn out loud around my customers, because
away straight people? that doesn’t make them feel good and
PERRUZZA: I’m not turning away straight people, I’m turning then they’ll walk out. So I put up a sign
away a group. In my voluntary agreement, I’m not allowed to that says, “This is a gay bar.”
have bar crawls in, and technically a bachelorette party is a bar MW: Has social media made your life
crawl. better or worse?
MW: What can happen to your ABRA license if you violate the PERRUZZA: I think social media’s the devil. I think it’s great for
terms of your agreement, or if you over-serve somebody, or they advertising and for pushing stuff out for charity. I’ve made a
get hurt on your watch? shit ton of money for different charities through social media.
PERRUZZA: I have to make sure that they don’t fall down the InstaGram’s great. You just take pictures of your clientele and
stairs. I have make sure that they don’t go pee in the urinal and what’s going on at the bar. Facebook’s great because we let peo-
knock their head on it. The minute we have to call the police or ple know what’s going up. But I don’t have a Twitter account
an ambulance for anything, they have to file a report with ABRA. for Pitchers. People ask me why, and it’s because Twitter is just
Then ABRA has to talk to us. Then we have to show them all our a way for people to be mean. People can express their opinions
cameras, and then if they feel like we need to go in front of the a lot easier from behind a keyboard now. Half the people will
board, then we have to go in front of the board. come and ask me for things and then turn around and talk shit
I can judge somebody right away by how much they’ve had about me behind my back. People can bash you as much as they
to drink. My staff all knows — and you can talk to anybody that’s want and feel free to do it now because they don’t have to look at
ever worked for me — do not get your customers drunk. I don’t you in the face when they do it.
think that you’re doing a favor to the customers, and I think that All the “justice warriors” that are out now, you’re not doing
they’ll thank you in the morning if you give them a water. any justice. They think they’re doing so great by talking shit
I’m pretty up front with people. I’ll tell them, “You know about me or other people, but the people they’re talking shit
you’ve had too much.” We’re pretty nice about it. We haven’t had about are the ones that do the most for the community. If you
a lot of problems here. I think people when they’re drunk know really want to do something, do what I do. Go volunteer at a
they’re drunk. I think their friends get more pissed off that we’re homeless shelter. Go raise money. Use your 110,000 Twitter

28 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


followers for good.
MW: How important is Yelp in promoting your business?
PERRUZZA: I actually got in an argument with the woman
from Yelp. She goes, “We’d like you to set up your account.”
I’m asking, “Why would I want to set up an account with
you?” And she’ll say, “What are you talking about? It
helps...” And I’m saying, “Does it? Because you guys don’t
have a filter for dyke, cunt, fat, and several other things
that people have called my employees — and I’ve only been
open for a month and a half.”
We cut off a straight guy, and he was drunk, and because
Jo [McDaniel] was serving him, he calls her a “dyke cunt.”
So he goes on Yelp and he puts that on there. Then, the
bachelorette party that we wouldn’t allow in who wrote
the PoPville article insulted my doorman, saying there’s
no way he’s gay because gay guys are cute and this guy was
fat and gross. They put that on Yelp. So I told the woman
from Yelp, “Why the hell would I wanna deal with Yelp at Maybe people need to stop asking young, white gay guys,
all when you let this shit go on there and ruin how my staff feels “Hey do we need gay bars?” Because when they go to a straight
about themselves because they read your shitty Yelp reviews.” bar, people don’t know that they’re gay. And that’s the problem
So social media’s the devil. with society right now. People forget about transgender people
MW: Why did you decide to open a sports bar? or lesbians. We’re the first lesbian bar in so long, because people
PERRUZZA: Because I can’t tell you the amount of times, every- forget about everybody else in our community and it’s sad. My
where I go people say, “Gay people don’t watch sports.” Gay peo- goal is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
ple love sports. And I will have sports on TV — we’ll have football The way I want to run this bar is like you’re in this little town
and stuff — but my goal for Pitchers is for it to be more like a in Minnesota and there’s one gay bar. You have lesbians, gays,
community center. I like to say we’re D.C.’s version of Sidetrack transgender — no matter what, you’ve all gotta go to one bar
in Chicago. I always wanted a bar like because that’s the only bar you have. That’s what small town gay
Sidetrack, where if you don’t wanna living’s like. City living’s not like that because there’s so many
dance, you don’t have to dance. If options. This whole bar is for everybody. I think I heard some-
you’re an introvert, you can play video body on a blog say, “What, does he think that lesbians don’t like
games. If you want to relax outside, patios? That he’s gonna put us in the lower level...” No, you can
you have two patios to hang out, but if go to the patio. You can go anywhere you want in the building.
you like sports you can watch sports. You can go to the restaurant. You can go to the dance bar. I just
If you watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, we want you to have fun.
can put RuPaul’s Drag Race on for you. With this bar, I feel like I’ve achieved what I want and I’ve
MW: Did you ever consider Nellie’s, that been very happy with the success so far. I feel what I did here
you’d be competing with them for cus- was really, really good and I think it is needed. People come up
tomers? to me and say, “I’ve never to a bar with this diversity in my life.”
PERRUZZA: No, I didn’t. That might That’s the best compliment you could give me. I want everyone
sound cruel, but my goal is to be dif- in this bar. I don’t care what you identify as — I want everybody
ferent from Nellie’s. The minute I saw in this bar. Pitchers is for everyone. l
this space, I saw everything I wanted
to do. So I wasn’t worried about competing with Nellie’s or being Pitchers is located at 2317 18th St. NW. For more information, visit
like Nellie’s because I knew I was going to be completely differ- pitchersbardc.com or check out their daily listings in this maga-
ent. If people are on that side of town and they want to go to a zine’s Nightlife section.
sports bar, they’ve got one there. There could be a sports
bar on every street.
MW: There’s always a danger of a bar becoming something
that the owner doesn’t envision. How important is it to
you that Pitchers maintain itself as an LGBTQ bar?
PERRUZZA: It is one hundred percent important to me.
People say that you don’t need safe spaces, but I will
keep this bar a gay bar for the people that wanna feel
safe in a space. And honest to God, I think too often
people say, “Oh, well, we don’t need gay bars anymore.”
But when they ask people that, it’s young, white gay
guys. It’s never the transgender person that does not feel
comfortable going to a straight bar. It’s never the lesbian
that identifies as something else that does not feel com-
fortable going to a straight bar. And there are some very
flamboyant gay men that don’t feel comfortable going to
straight bars.

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 29


A New League METRO WEEKLY: It’s been a while since there’s been a full-time
bar for lesbian or queer women in the city. How hungry has the
community been for its own bar?
Safe, welcoming, and diverse: ALOHO General
JO MCDANIEL: Incredibly hungry. I think there was a large
Manager Jo McDaniel has crafted the perfect amount of our community who did not have a daytime casual
cocktail for Pitchers’ companion bar. place to go, that felt safe.
MW: What do queer women in D.C. want from a bar?
Interview by John Riley MCDANIEL: What I’m finding is that queer women don’t want to
be told what to do. They don’t want to be told what to wear, they

W
don’t want to be told what the theme is. They just want to have
Photography by Todd Franson a space they can come into and do whatever they want. They
want to know that they have a safe space at 6:30 on a Wednesday
night. I think that’s what we’ve been lacking, the ability to cater
to all ages of queer women. The more grown-up lesbians and
queer women aren’t going to come out to a 10 p.m. party once a
month. They want to be able to have friends in town and go out
for drinks earlier, or have something that doesn’t feel so much
like a club.
MW: There’s been some criticism of A League of Her Own’s space,
such as “They’re relegating us to the downstairs. They’re making
us go through a separate entrance.”
MCDANIEL: I fight against that all the time. The ground level was
chosen because it has a separate entrance, and because there is a
marginalized group of queer D.C. that does not feel safe in what
would stereotypically be a gay men’s bar. I’ve had a couple of
customers who specifically waited for A League of Her Own to
open, because they felt safer in spaces where there aren’t a large
group of cis men. I had one customer in particular who told me
WHEN JO MCDANIEL FIRST MET DAVID PERRUZZA, IT she followed us on social media because the fact that we had a
was at a rally to support D.C.’s bid for the 2022 Gay Games. As separate entrance made her feel safe. At some point, she may feel
an employee of Cobalt, the sister bar of JR.’s, she knew Perruzza safe enough to move throughout the building, but that is why
by name, but had never spent time with him. Earlier this year, Dave chose that location with a separate entrance and a separate
Perruzza approached McDaniel about becoming full-time man- security guard, for that percentage of the population in queer
ager of A League of Her Own, the queer women’s bar that he D.C. who have had bad experiences and do feel safer in that way.
planned to open on the lower level of Pitchers MW: How successful do you think you have been in making people
For McDaniel, a veteran bartender who’s worked at Apex, of diverse orientations and gender identities feel welcome?
Phase One of Dupont Circle, Freddie’s Beach Bar, and Cobalt MCDANIEL: I really want to make sure we’re labeling ALOHO as
since the early 2000s, Perruzza’s vision for A League of Her not just a lesbian bar, but a lesbian and queer bar. I want to make
Own matched what McDaniel saw as a need within D.C.’s queer sure that we include our pansexual brothers and sisters, and
female community for their own safe space. She agreed to come non-binary or genderfluid people, and make sure they recognize
on board as the new bar’s manager. that this is their space. That’s why the first line on the sign at the
McDaniel says A League of Her Own’s casual atmosphere, as staircase leading to ALOHO says, “This is a space for people who
well as the ability to access parts of Pitchers, such as the mezza- have not found their space anywhere else.”
nine-level dance floor, via internal stairwells, allows patrons to MW: Have you had any hostile encounters that you’ve had to deal
pick and choose their own unique experience. with since opening?
“I’m seeing some of the most adorable date nights happen MCDANIEL: There has been some negative catcalling on the street
over our video games,” she says. “And then, on Sunday, I had that some of our patrons have experienced, and that has been
these two gorgeous girls sitting at a table over by the windows addressed with MPD. The weeks before ALOHO opened, I was
in ALOHO, holding hands across the table, while another two or bartending at Pitchers and had an experience where someone
three groups were at the bar.” posted a negative Yelp review where I got called a “dyke cunt.”
While she praises the party promoters that stepped in to hold It was this guy who I just wouldn’t serve told me I was discrim-
pop-up events at straight bars following Phase One’s closing, she inating against him because he had an Ole Miss shirt on. I was
notes a lot of women are looking for a casual atmosphere where like, “No, I just said you could have some water and come back
they can grab a drink after work, without having to worry about in 20 minutes.”
getting dolled up. She hopes both Pitchers and A League of Her MW: How did it feel to be called a “dyke cunt”?
Own can provide that space for those people. MCDANIEL: I have been a bartender for 13 years. I have dealt with
“Especially for feminine presenting queer women, and every level of horrible drunk you can, so I have a pretty thick skin
non-binary people, having a space that they can come into where when I’m behind the bar. So that didn’t really affect me so much.
their presentation isn’t questioned is all they’re really looking What bothered me was the number of people from my community
for. Straight bars can’t offer that.” who were here that he could possibly have said something to next.

30 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 31
MW: Do you think A League of Her Own is going to resonate with I find that with bachelorette parties, there’s a mob mentality
its audience? involved, there’s too much booze involved, and it’s intrusive to
MCDANIEL: I would like to think so. I’m getting a lot of feedback a space, a vibe we’re trying to create, an energy we’re trying to
from groups that want to hold fundraisers, and the one thing we create of safety across the board. If a group of four guys come
are going to do that we will host, that will be an ALOHO event, is into Pitchers and are having a nice chat on Friday at 8 p.m., and
an open mic night. There’s a big queer music scene in D.C., and this wild bunch with sashes and penis straws comes in making
there’s some incredible talent, and that’s something that we have a spectacle of themselves, they’re asking everyone to just shift
the space for, because the space we’re in was once a karaoke bar. their attention, and I feel like that’s intrusive. That’s not what
However, we’re not going to do karaoke here — Dave is adamant this space is meant to be. There are bars for that. There are spac-
about not doing karaoke. es specifically for that. This is not that kind of place. Anybody
MW: Dave got characterized as anti-female after a PoPville article gets too loud, too drunk, too raucous, queer or straight, bach-
about turning away a bachelorette party. What’s your take on elorette party or whatever, we’re not gonna have that because
that? that’s not what we’re trying to do here. So making out on the
MCDANIEL: The PoPville article about the bachelorette party dance floor? Golden. Loud and drunk and raucous? That’s not
generated 700 comments in three hours. I fell into a hole reading what we’re here for.
all of that. It can spiral out of control. I think it’s so fascinating MW: Do you have any other special or recurring events planned in
that so many people form opinions without ever having had the coming months?
a conversation directly with someone. And what I really find MCDANIEL: On Thursdays we’re going to start doing a craft cock-
interesting is that there are people like, “Well, [Dave] hasn’t tail night. And our weekend nights have been really awesome.
addressed this.” Why would he go on social media and address What I’m really loving is that people are coming to us, or leaving
something? If you want to have a meeting with him, he literally from us to go to other women’s parties. Parties that are monthly,
is in this building at all times. or just on the weekends, or also to XX+. I had a group come in,
I worked at Freddie’s for a long time, so I understand bache- they’re like, “Yeah, we were just at XX+ and now we’re coming
lorette parties, and this is the problem for me with bachelorette here.” I think the fact that we have options now is blowing the
parties, and large groups of straight people who come into this mind of our older community. Our younger community is like,
space: A bachelorette party is meant to be raucous. That’s the “Yeah, we knew this was coming.” And those of us in our 30s are
goal, is to get very drunk and very loud. A bachelorette party like, “We did not, but good for us!” l
is almost never meant to be respectful. So coming into a space
that was designated to be safe for queer people, and being very A League of Her Own is located at 2317 18th St. NW. For more
straight and very drunk and very loud takes up a lot of space — information, visit facebook.com/alohodc or follow the bar on
and there’s a lot of touching, because gay men are “safe” to touch. Twitter at @alohoDC. l

32 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Movies

ences and earnings, decides to confront

Work of Art
Boy25 — real name Leo. It’s here that Hard
Paint, which meanders through its first
20 minutes or so, kicks things up a gear.
Bruno Fernandes is a revelation as Leo.
Hard Paint is a vivid, beautiful exploration of a troubled, He is the antithesis of Pedro — unreserved,
isolated mind. By Rhuaridh Marr unashamedly erotic, in touch with his
body, and a free-spirited performer. Pedro

S
witnesses this firsthand when he leaves
LOW-BURNING, EMOTIONAL, AND UNASHAMEDLY EROTIC, HARD PAINT the webcam room, instructing Pedro not
( ) — or Tinta Bruta in its native Brazilian Portuguese — at times feels to give anything away for free to the wait-
more like an art installation than a film. Through pulsating techno music, spare ing audience. Then the lights go out, the
dialogue, and the expressions of its lead actor, it weaves a story that, while narratively music kicks in, and we return to see Leo in
speaking lasts around a month, feels both intensely compact and also unendingly long. his full glory.
As viewers we watch, unsure of its motives, while being treated to some of the most While highlighting neon paint with
sumptuous visuals ever witnessed in queer cinema. As an experience, it polarizes — like black lights isn’t anything new, Reolon
the best art always does — leaving an uncertainty as to whether 118 minutes of exposure and Matzembacher’s use of the visual in
was entirely worth it. Hard Paint is masterful. As music pulsates
At its core, Hard Paint, from Brazilian writer-director team Marcio Reolon and in the background, Leo writhes and con-
Filipe Matzembacher (Seashore), is the story of a troubled young adult who shuns the torts, swathing his body in paint in a way
real world in favor of performing on a webcam for internet strangers. Pedro, played far more sensual than Pedro’s reserved
with waifish, semi-androgynous intensity by Shico Menegat, is introduced at a court nature will allow. It is perhaps the film’s
hearing for some unknown act of violence. Ushered home by his sister, this shy, awk- standout scene — and there are more than
ward man, with his long hair and blank face, transforms into NeonBoy, a webcam star a few — and an eye-opening moment for
who attracts his audience by painting his body in neon paints made gloriously lumines- both Pedro and the audience.
cent by the black lights placed next to his laptop. Hard Paint’s narrative opens up as
Pedro’s already isolated world quickly crumbles when his sister moves away for Pedro and Leo quickly become dual per-
a new job, leaving him completely alone. She urges that he leave the house for five formers, and Leo gradually draws Pedro
minutes a day, moments that give glimpses into Pedro’s psyche as every glance from out of his shell. While their burgeon-
a stranger, every sideways look, every unknown face leering from a window is given ing feelings for one another could have
added menace, or implied disapproval. Whether it’s truly real or merely imagined, reduced the film to sentimental nothing-
we don’t know, but it’s enough to send Pedro scuttling back inside to the safety of his ness, Reolon and Matzembacher instead
internet bubble. use the romance to lend sympathy and
That is until he learns that another webcam performer, Boy25, has stolen his depth to Pedro. We learn why he was
act, and is similarly painting himself on camera Pedro, faced with decreased audi- in court, his history of homophobia, the

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 33


with a pulsating, heartbeat-like rhythm, empha-
sizes the paranoia and fear in Pedro’s head when
he’s outside or in danger. At home, when not per-
forming, his world is near-silent.
Where the film stumbles is its length. At just
under two hours, Hard Paint struggles to justify its
running time. While Reolon and Matzembacher
keep tight control of each scene, whether frenetic
dance parties or quiet conversations or neon sex,
the pacing is so languid — particularly during the
first act — that some might switch off. While it
could be argued that this unhurried pace makes
Leo’s arrival and impact on Pedro all the more
effective, there’s still at least twenty minutes of
reason why he feels everyone is watching, judging, waiting to editing that could be done to improve things.
attack him. Leo pulls Pedro into his world of art and dance and And while Pedro’s story, including a late film appearance
socializing, but there remains a creeping dread that Pedro’s own from his grandmother — played beautifully and sorrowfully by
insecurities, his self-made isolation, will quickly return. Sandra Dani — who seems similarly lost and alone, is compelling,
Hard Paint pulls no punches in its storytelling, charting the film’s conclusion is a jarring juxtaposition to everything that
Pedro’s attempts to navigate three very distinct emotional trau- comes before. It’s a powerful visual, and a wonderful, freeing
mas, as his illusion of control slips from grasp. A third act twist moment for Pedro, but nothing about his life, his isolating exis-
further yanks the rug from under his feet — an attempt to recruit tence, his frequent and crushing disappointments, suggests that
another performer, with Pedro establishing himself as the domi- it would happen.
nant partner, quickly devolves into a fight for his life. Despite its flaws, Hard Paint is a notable new entry in the
Throughout, Menegat gives a natural, effective performance, queer film canon. Whether for its powerful imagery and bold
and his chemistry with the scene-stealing Fernandes — includ- eroticism, or the quiet tale of a shattered individual trying des-
ing one explicit and lengthy sex scene — is palpable. And while perately to hold onto a bubble of security that’s already burst, it
Hard Paint predominantly uses techno music, an original score, makes for engaging viewing. l

Reel Affirmations Xtra screens Hard Paint on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW.
For tickets and more information, visit reelaffirmations.org.

34 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Music

he joined forces with teenage keyboardist

Divine Diva
Billy Preston, who would score solo hits
and play with the Rolling Stones in the
’70s. Together with the Angelic Choir,
they recorded the faith-in-troubled-times
Aretha Franklin’s gospel roots were partly shaped by the gays anthem “Peace Be Still,” which sold nearly
and lesbians in her life. By Craig Seymour a million copies.
For Aretha, Cleveland was, as she

I
expressed in a statement upon his death
N THE DAYS SINCE ARETHA FRANKLIN, THE QUEEN OF SOUL, PASSED — in 1991, “my earliest musical influence
or, as the “saints” say was “called home” — there have been numerous obituaries and musical mentor.” A twenty-something
crediting the power of her music to her gospel foundation. The New York Times Cleveland, after being hired as Minister of
wrote that she “brought the righteous fervor of gospel music to secular songs. And The Music at her Rev. C.L. Franklin’s church,
Washington Post asserted that Aretha explored “the sweet spot between sultry rhythm moved in with the Franklin family. Aretha,
and blues and the explosive gospel she’d grown up singing in her pastor father’s Baptist who was in her teens, would sit with
church.” Cleveland side-by-side at the piano work-
There has also been a lot attention given to her role as a lesbian and gay ally. She ing on choral arrangements. In 1972,
organized a concert to raise money for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in 1993. And, more when Aretha decided to do a live gospel
recently, in 2011, she played wedding singer at the marriage ceremony of a male cou- recording, she chose Cleveland to over-
ple. But what few, if any, have done in praising this preternaturally talented musician see the proceedings. The resulting album,
and longtime LGBTQ advocate is explore how the two are linked, to show how fun- Amazing Grace, became one of the most
damental lesbians and gay men are to shaping the gospel aesthetic that is the basis of celebrated and best selling gospel albums
Franklin’s soul. of all time.
Music historian Anthony Heilbut writes: “During what I’ve defined as gospel’s In addition to Cleveland, there were
golden age (1945-1960), most of the male gospel stars were gay.” The one who had the two women — who sometimes engaged in
most impact on Aretha’s sound was Rev. James Cleveland. A prodigy of sorts, Cleveland same-sex relationships — who were just as
became a boy soprano in the Pilgrim Baptist Church choir directed by “Father of crucial to Aretha’s development. Gospel
Gospel” Thomas A. Dorsey. Once Cleveland’s voice went from clear and high to grav- singer Clara Ward, known for her shiny
elly and low, he moved to L.A. and developed a style where he would almost narrate metallic gowns and elephantine bouffants,
a song while a choir sang behind him. Cleveland became particularly successful when “found safety in several sexual relation-

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 35


ships with woman,” according to former deals with the pain of giv-
her sister Willa. But she was also ing love that is unaccepted, and
the girlfriend of Aretha’s father. the latter addresses a particular
With her sharp, dynamic sing- kind of loneliness that can occur
ing and bouncy piano playing, once you face — and possibly
Clara became a musical advisor announce — a truth about your-
to Aretha. She also stepped in as a self. As Aretha sings: “So much
maternal figure since Aretha lost that I know/That I need some-
her own mother when she was a body so.”
child. In the wake of Aretha’s pass-
Ward had a shaping effect on ing, it is central that we praise the
the young woman’s manners and way she gave voice to the gospel
style. She taught Aretha to eat a impulse, the bringing together of
chicken leg by taking petite bites. people under a common purpose.
And her eye-catching idiosyncrat- She bore witness to our tremen-
ic fashions were a lifelong influ- dous struggles — as individuals,
ence on Aretha. Even the way romantic partners, family mem-
Aretha famously dropped her bers, and citizens — and provided
minks on stage was modeled after hope that if everything doesn’t
Clara doing the same at the funer- immediately turn out right, at
al of Aretha’s aunt. least it can get better. But amidst
But no doubt the closest queer the lionization of this musical
person to Aretha was her younger sister Carolyn, who preferred icon, it is also important that we don’t lose track of the specifics
the company of women. Carolyn, also a singer and a songwriter, of her story, the gay men and women who shepherded Aretha on
penned two of Aretha’s biggest hits, “Ain’t No Way” and “Angel,” her journey, who were responsible for, to riff on a gospel tune,
both of which can be seen as reflecting a queer sensibility. The how she got over. l

Longtime music critic Craig Seymour is the author of the biography Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross,
the memoir All I Could Bare: My Life in the Strip Clubs of Gay Washington, D.C., and the novel Who’s Your Daddy.
His archived music writing can be found at RandBeing.com. Follow him on Twitter at @craigspoplife.

36 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NightLife

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 37


Scene Peach Pit at DC 9 - Saturday, August 18 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... SHAW’S TAVERN Friday, Pig Pen, 10pm-close • SHAW’S TAVERN


Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 No Cover Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, August 24 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR $5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Thursday, • Shirtless Thursday,
10-11pm • Men in
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas 9 1/2 Open 3pm • Beat the Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
August 23 Underwear Drink Free,
and Select Appetizers • All
You Can Eat Ribs, 5-10pm,
Open at 5pm • Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
Clock Happy Hour — $2
(5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4
and Select Appetizers
12-12:30am • DJs
$24.95 • $4 Corona and 5-9pm • Friday Night (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer, TRADE
9 1/2 BacK2bACk
Heineken all night • Paint Videos, 9:30pm • Rotating $15 • Weekend Kickoff Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Nite, Second Floor, 7pm DJs • Expanded craft beer Dance Party, with Nellie’s Happy Hour: Any drink
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
selection • No Cover DJs spinning bubbly pop normally served in a cock-
TVs showing movies, Beat the Clock Happy Hour
TRADE music all night tail glass served in a huge
shows, sports • Expanded — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Doors open 5pm • Huge A LEAGUE OF HER OWN glass for the same price,
craft beer selection • $4 (7-8pm) • $15 Buckets
Happy Hour: Any drink 2319 18th St. NW NUMBER NINE 5-10pm • Beer and wine
Music videos featuring of Beer all night • Sports
normally served in a cock- Doors open, 5pm-3am • Open 5pm • Happy Hour: only $4 • Otter Happy
DJ Wess Leagues Night
tail glass served in a huge Happy Hour: $2 off every- 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm Hour, 5-11pm
glass for the same price, thing until 9pm • Video • No Cover • Friday Night
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN NUMBER NINE
5-10pm • Beer and wine Games • Live televised Piano with Chris, 7:30pm ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
2319 18th St. NW Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
only $4 sports Men of Secrets, 9pm •
Doors open, 5pm-2am • drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
PITCHERS Guest dancers • Rotating
Happy Hour: $2 off every-
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR 2317 18th St. NW DJs • Kristina Kelly’s Diva
thing until 9pm • Video PITCHERS
All male, nude dancers • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Open 5pm-3am • Happy Fev-ah Drag Show • Doors
Games • Live televised 2317 18th St. NW
Open Dancers Audition • Karaoke, 9pm Hour: $2 off everything at 9pm, Shows at 11:30pm
sports Open 5pm-2am • Happy
Urban House Music by DJ until 9pm • Video Games and 1:45am • DJ Don T. in
Hour: $2 off everything
Tim-e • 9pm • Cover 21+ GREEN LANTERN • Foosball • Live televised Ziegfeld’s • Cover 21+
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR until 9pm • Video Games
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $3 sports • Full dining menu
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • • Foosball • Live televised
Rail and Domestic • Free till 9pm • Special Late
Karaoke, 9pm sports • Full dining menu
Pizza, 7-9pm • $5 Svedka, Night menu till 2am • Visit
till 9pm • Special Late
all flavors all night long pitchersbardc.com
GREEN LANTERN Night menu till 11pm •
• DJ JerrBear presents
Happy Hour, 4-9pm Visit pitchersbardc.com

38 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


CHRISTOPHER CUNETTO
NIGHTLIFE HIGHTLIGHTS
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS: DC RAWHIDES
This Saturday, Aug. 25, Southwest’s mammoth, two-story LGBTQ enter-
tainment complex swings open its doors two hours early for a different kind
of dancer than its sexy late-night stock in trade upstairs. The occasion is the
second Country dancing event this month sponsored by the DC Rawhides.
Starting at 7 p.m. on the Ziegfeld’s level, any and all are welcome for an
Saturday, GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5
hour-long session of lessons in two-step, west coast swing, and line danc-
August 25 Bacardi, all flavors, all ing, including the beginner line dance “Mucara Walk,” as taught by Cullen
night long • JOX: The Ruff. The evening continues with open dancing to DJ Pam until 10:50 p.m.,
9 1/2 GL Underwear Party,
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 9pm-close • Featuring
an hour before Ella and her Ladies take to their regular perch accompanied
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut DJs C-Dubz and Chaim • by DJ Don T. Upstairs, meanwhile, you’ll find the usual fine assortment of
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, $5 Cover (includes clothes nude go-go dancers, featuring music by DJ tim-e. Ziegfeld’s/Secrets is at
9pm-close • Expanded check)
craft beer selection • 1824 Half St. SW. Cover is $5 until 9 p.m. and $10 after. Visit ziegfelds.com.
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
No Cover
Drag Brunch, hosted
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
by Chanel Devereaux, ONE HIT WONDERS W/DJ DARRYL STRICKLAND
2319 18th St. NW
10:30am-12:30pm and One of gay D.C.’s longest-serving DJs presents the first in a series of
1-3pm • Tickets on sale
Doors open, 2pm-3am •
at nelliessportsbar.com evenings paying tribute to the many pop acts who managed to crack into
Video Games • Live tele-
vised sports
• House Rail Drinks, Zing the Top 40 of Billboard’s Hot 100 pop chart, but only with one song — one
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
and done, no matter how many other times they might have tried (nor how
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Saturday Breakfast Buffet, 11am-3am • Buckets of many other hits they might have had everywhere but here), including Soft
10am-3pm • $14.99 with Beer, $15 • Guest DJs Cell’s “Tainted Love,” Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” and La Roux’s
one glass of champagne
or coffee, soda or juice • NUMBER NINE “Bulletproof.” Friday, Aug. 24, at 9 p.m. JR.’s Bar and Grill is at 1519 17th
Additional champagne $2 Doors open 2pm • Happy St. NW. Call 202-328-0090 or visit jrsbar-dc.com.
per glass • World Tavern Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
Poker Tournament, 1-3pm 2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5
• Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close CTRL: QWERTY
Freddie’s Follies Drag • Jawbreaker: Music After four years at Town, organizers of the monthly queer dance party
Show, hosted by Miss of the ‘90s and 2000s,
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm featuring DJs BacK2bACk,
CTRL launch a more intimate edition at Trade incorporating favorite themes
• Karaoke, 10pm-close 9:30pm and new twists. In addition to the return of resident DJs Adam Koussari,
Dvonne, and Jeff Prior spinning more mainstream electro/EDM-focused
tunes than your average gay party, CTRL: QWERTY hosts queer drag
shows, queer giveaways, “and as much dancing as we can fit inside.”
Saturday, Aug. 25, starting at 10 p.m. Trade is at 1410 14th St. NW. Call
202-986-1094 or visit facebook.com/tradebardc.

TASTE: 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY


Earlier this summer, Shaw’s hip Italian restaurant Al Crostino rebranded its
second floor XX+, which it calls a “queer womxn’s lounge/bar advocating
inclusivity, diversity, and community.” Over Labor Day, the venue plays
host to the two-year anniversary of Taste, a monthly queer women’s take-
over party organized by promoter Natasha Sebastiani. A live drummer and
DJ Salamander will be on hand for a party including food and drink specials
and a pool table. Saturday, Sept. 1, starting at 10 p.m. XX+ is at 1926 9th
St. NW. Cover is $5 with Eventbrite, or $10 at the door Call 202-797-0523
or visit facebook.com/xxcrostino. l

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 39


PITCHERS ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS $4 Smirnoff and Domestic 11am-1am • Buckets of Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
2317 18th St. NW Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am Cans • Video Games • Beer, $15 • Guest DJs and Select Appetizers Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Open Noon-3am • Video • Guest dancers • Ladies Live televised sports • Dinner-n-Drag, with Singles Night • Half-Priced
Games • Foosball • Live of Illusion Drag Show NUMBER NINE Miss Kristina Kelly, 8pm Pasta Dishes • Poker Night
televised sports • Full with host Ella Fitzgerald FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on • For reservations, email — 7pm and 9pm games •
dining menu till 9pm • • Doors at 9pm, Shows Champagne Brunch Buffet, any drink, 2-9pm • $5 shawsdinnerdragshow@ Karaoke, 9pm
Special Late Night menu at 11:30pm and 1:45am 10am-3pm • $24.99 with Absolut and $5 Bulleit gmail.com
till 2am • Visit pitchers- • DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s four glasses of champagne Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop GREEN LANTERN
bardc.com • DJ Steve Henderson in or mimosas, 1 Bloody Goes the World with Wes TRADE Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
Secrets • Cover 21+ Mary, or coffee, soda or Della Volla at 9:30pm • Doors open 2pm • Huge $3 rail cocktails and
SHAW’S TAVERN juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm No Cover Happy Hour: Any drink domestic beers all night
Brunch with $15 • Gayborhood Night Piano normally served in a cock- long • Singing with the
Bottomless Mimosas, Bar, 5-8pm • Karaoke, PITCHERS tail glass served in a huge Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke
10am-3pm • Happy Hour,
5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite,
Sunday, 9pm-close 2317 18th St. NW
Open Noon-2am • $4
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
Night with the Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence,
$4 Blue Moon, $5 House August 26 GREEN LANTERN Smirnoff, includes flavored, only $4 9:30pm-close
Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $4 Coors Light or $4 Miller
Half-Priced Pizzas and 9 1/2 Karaoke with Kevin down- Lites, 2-9pm • Video NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Select Appetizers Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any stairs, 9:30pm-close Games • Foosball • Live Beat the Clock Happy Hour
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut televised sports • Full din- Monday, — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
TRADE NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR ing menu till 9pm • Visit $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Doors open 2pm • Huge
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon,
9pm-close • Multiple TVs Drag Brunch, hosted pitchersbardc.com August 27 Beer, $15 • Half-Priced
Happy Hour: Any drink showing movies, shows, by Chanel Devereaux, Burgers • Paint Nite, 7pm
normally served in a cock- 10:30am-12:30pm and SHAW’S TAVERN 9 1/2 • PokerFace Poker, 8pm •
sports • Expanded craft
tail glass served in a huge 1-3pm • Tickets on sale Brunch with Bottomless Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Dart Boards • Ping Pong
beer selection • No Cover
glass for the same price, at nelliessportsbar.com Mimosas, 10am-3pm • drink, 5-9pm • Multiple Madness, featuring 2 Ping-
2-10pm • Beer and wine • House Rail Drinks, Zing Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 TVs showing movies, Pong Tables
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
only $4 Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, shows, sports • Expanded
2319 18th St. NW
Beer and Mimosas, $4, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail craft beer selection •
Doors open, 2pm-12am •
No Cover

40 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 41
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Tuesday, GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection •
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night,
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover August 28 • $3 rail cocktails and Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, No Cover 8-10pm • Prizes include
domestic beers all night $5 House Wines, $5 Rail bar tabs and tickets to
SHAW’S TAVERN 9 1/2 long Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas A LEAGUE OF HER OWN shows at the 9:30 Club •
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any and Select Appetizers • 2319 18th St. NW $15 Buckets of Beer for
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, drink, 5-9pm • Multiple NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Half-Priced Burgers and Doors open, 5pm-12am • SmartAss Teams only •
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail TVs showing movies, Beat the Clock Happy Hour Pizzas all night with $5 Happy Hour: $2 off every- Absolutely Snatched Drag
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas shows, sports • Expanded — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), House Wines and $5 Sam thing until 9pm • Video Show, hosted by Brooklyn
and Select Appetizers • craft beer selection • $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Adams Games • Live televised Heights, 9pm • Tickets
Shaw ’Nuff Trivia, with No Cover Beer $15 • Drag Bingo sports available at nelliessports-
Jeremy, 7:30pm with Sasha Adams and TRADE bar.com
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Brooklyn Heights, 7-9pm • Doors open 5pm • Huge FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
TRADE 2319 18th St. NW Karaoke, 9pm-close Happy Hour: Any drink Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6 NUMBER NINE
Doors open 5pm • Huge Doors open, 5pm-12am • normally served in a cock- Burgers • Beach Blanket Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Happy Hour: Any drink Happy Hour: $2 off every- NUMBER NINE tail glass served in a huge Drag Bingo Night, hosted drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
normally served in a cock- thing until 9pm • Video Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any glass for the same price, by Ms. Regina Jozet
tail glass served in a huge Games • Live televised drink, 5-9pm • No Cover 5-10pm • Beer and wine Adams, 8pm • Bingo prizes PITCHERS
glass for the same price, sports only $4 • Karaoke, 10pm-1am 2317 18th St. NW
5-10pm • Beer and wine PITCHERS Doors open, 5pm-12am
only $4 FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR 2317 18th St. NW GREEN LANTERN • Happy Hour: $2 off
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco
Tuesday • Poker Night —
Open 5pm-12am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
Wednesday, Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm •
Bear Yoga with Greg Leo,
everything until 9pm •
Video Games • Foosball
7pm and 9pm games • until 9pm • Video Games August 29 6:30-7:30pm • $10 per • Live televised sports •
Karaoke, 9pm • Foosball • Live televised class • $3 rail cocktails Full dining menu till 9pm
sports • Full dining menu 9 1/2 and domestic beers all • Special Late Night menu
till 9pm • Special Late Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any night long till 11pm • Visit pitchers-
Night menu till 11pm • drink, 5-9pm • Multiple bardc.com
Visit pitchersbardc.com TVs showing movies,

42 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Playlist

DJ CHORD

1. In My Feelings
Drake

2. Instruction
Jax Jones ft. Demi Lavato

3. I Like It (Kue Remix)


Cardi B

4. Mi Gente (Moska Remix)


J Balvin

5. Creepin’
CID

6. Boom
Tiesto
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Thursday, GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 7. Cola (Franky Rizardo Remix)
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, August 30 • Shirtless Thursday, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Camephat
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail 10-11pm • Men in $5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas 9 1/2 Underwear Drink Free, Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 12-12:30am • DJs and Select Appetizers 8. We Get High from the Music
Piano Bar and Karaoke drink, 5-9pm • Multiple BacK2bACk • All-You-Can-Eat Ribs, Mark Knight
with Jill, 8pm TVs showing movies, $24.95, 5-10pm • $4
shows, sports • Expanded NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Heineken and Corona
TRADE craft beer selection • Beat the Clock Happy Hour all night 9. Wolves (Jason Jani Bootleg)
Doors open 5pm • Huge Music videos featuring — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), Selena Gomez ft. Marshmello
Happy Hour: Any drink DJ Wess $4 (7-8pm) • $15 Buckets TRADE
normally served in a cock- of Beer all night • Sports Doors open 5pm • Huge
tail glass served in a huge A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Leagues Night Happy Hour: Any drink 10. Free
glass for the same price, 2319 18th St. NW normally served in a cock-
5-10pm • Beer and wine Doors open, 5pm-2am • NUMBER NINE tail glass served in a huge
Third Party
only $4 • Women’s Crush Happy Hour: $2 off every- Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any glass for the same price,
Wednesday, 5-10pm thing until 9pm • Video drink, 5-9pm • No Cover 5-10pm • Beer and wine Chord Bezerra is the resident DJ
Games • Live televised only $4
sports PITCHERS at Number 9 (1435 P Street NW).
2317 18th St. NW ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS He also spins at the Electric
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Doors open, 5pm-2am All male, nude dancers •
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Rainbow at Capo Deli and the
• Happy Hour: $2 off Open Dancers Audition
Karaoke, 9pm everything until 9pm • • Urban House Music by Thirsty party at Number 9. Follow
Video Games • Foosball DJ Tim-e • 9pm • Cover him on Twitter at @djchordb and
• Live televised sports • 21+ l
Full dining menu till 9pm
on Instagram at @chorduroy80.
• Special Late Night menu
till 1am • Visit pitchers- Listen to this playlist at
bardc.com
MetroWeekly.com.

AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 43


Scene The Orchid - Saturday, August 18 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

44 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 45
LastWord.
People say the queerest things

“All people’s rights are being violated in Russia,


not just LGBT people’s.”
— MAXIM NEVEROV, a 16-year-old Russian teenager and the first minor to be charged under the country’s homophobic anti-gay
propaganda law, speaking to Reuters about his prosecution. Neverov is appealing a fine he received after sharing photos of partially
nude men on his social media. “I believe LGBT are just people, so there is no reason to fight for LGBT rights separately from everyone
else’s,” he said.

“His absence will be felt in our hearts


and throughout our business.

— BOB GREENBLATT, chairman of NBC Entertainment, in a statement announcing the death of Craig Zadan, who died aged 69 following
complications from shoulder replacement surgery. Zadan produced several notable films, including Chicago, Footloose and
Hairspray, and together with producing partner Neil Meron produced a number of Oscars broadcasts. “On behalf of his life partner,
Elwood Hopkins, and his producing partner, Neil Meron, we are stunned that [he] was taken away so suddenly,” Greenblatt said.

“I wasn’t questioning the validity of anyone’s personal struggles, but


bringing it up right before you ‘lip sync for your life’
was strategic…
in my opinion.

— BIANCA DEL RIO, speaking to Hornet about the controversy over a joke she told at Montreal Pride about Drag Race season 10 star
Blair St. Clair, who revealed on the show that she had been raped. Montreal Pride distanced itself from Del Rio’s comments after she
joked about the amount of crying on season 10, and of St. Clair specifically said, “You notice she wasn’t raped until she was in the
bottom two? Think about that, bitch — that’s fucking strategy.”

“Anyone who did not fit a precise mold —


broadly speaking, straight, cisgender,
white and male
— was targeted for mistreatment.

— San Francisco police officer BRENDAN MANNIX, in a lawsuit accusing other officers of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and
retaliation due to his sexual orientation. Mannix accuses officers of making comments about his appearance and weight, including
calling him “queer.” After filing an official complaint, Mannix says that the sergeant who dealt with the case
dismissed or omitted his claims, and the case was subsequently closed.

“We know of the abuse that children suffered both physical and sexual.
I’m now talking about the mental and emotional
torture of children
which we may have overlooked.

— Former Irish President MARY MCALEESE, speaking at Trinity College in Dublin about the sexual abuse scandals plaguing the Catholic
Church worldwide. McAleese said that the church should be held accountable for its attitudes towards LGBTQ rights and its approach
to dealing with abuse. “I think in the past we presumed they would do everything right,” said McAleese. “We now know, of course,
that was a dangerous, dangerous presumption behind which dreadful appalling things happened to children.”

46 AUGUST 23, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

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