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6 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
JUNE 5, 2014
Volume 21 / Issue 6
NEWS 8 EFFORTS TO REPEAL MARYLAND
TRANS BILL FALL SHORT
John Riley
10 BANNER RULING
Justin Snow
12 NATIONAL PRIDE
Justin Snow
14 NEW ROOST FOR DC EAGLE
John Riley
16 WESTBORO TO PICKET WILSON H.S.
John Riley
20 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SCENE 29 DC LATINO PRIDES LA PLTICA
Ward Morrison
FEATURES 33 BIANCA DEL RIO
Doug Rule
38 CAPITAL PRIDE EVENT CALENDAR
40 20 YEARS OF METRO WEEKLY
The Capital Pride Crowd Covers
OUT ON THE TOWN 46 ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
Randy Shulman
50 POP OPERA
Doug Rule
54 KALEIDISCOPIC ROCK
Doug Rule
FILM 58 EVIL WOMAN
Rhuaridh Marr
STAGE 60 EXTRA ORDINARY
Doug Rule
GAUGE 62 FAMILY SECRETS
Rhuaridh Marr
HOME 64 SQUEAKY CLEAN
Doug Rule
TECH 66 APPLE ACOLYTES
Rhuaridh Marr
PETS 68 INDOOR PUPPY PLAYGROUND
Doug Rule
NIGHTLIFE 73 GREEN LANTERN
Ward Morrison
SCENE 83 NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Christopher Cunetto
86 LAST WORD
7 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
8 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Efforts to Repeal Maryland
Trans Bill Fall Short
Opponents miss mark for signatures required to force a referendum
Gov. Martin OMalley (D) hands one of the pens used to sign The Fairness for All Marylanders Act
into law on May 15 to the bills chief Senate sponsor, Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery Co.)
at the ofcial signing ceremony
by John Riley
S
UPPORTERS OF LGBT EQUAL-
ity in Maryland are celebrating a
hard-fought victory, after oppo-
nents of a transgender nondis-
crimination bill failed to turn in the req-
uisite number of signatures needed to put
them on the path to placing it on the bal-
lot in hopes of eventually overturning it.
The measure, known as SB 212 or The
Fairness for All Marylanders Act, was
signed into law by Gov. Martin OMalley
(D) on May 15 and is slated to go into ef-
fect on Oct. 1. When it does, it will be il-
legal to discriminate against transgender
people in employment, housing, credit
and access to public accommodations
based on their gender identity or expres-
sion in the 20 counties currently lacking
such protections. Gender-identity dis-
crimination is already prohibited in Bal-
timore City, Baltimore County, Howard
County, Montgomery County, and the
city of Hyattsville.
Opponents had hoped to force the
measure onto the 2014 ballot, in hopes of
overturning it, or, at the very least, forc-
ing supporters of the law to mount a cost-
ly campaign to defend it at the ballot box,
as they did in 2012 following passage of
Marylands marriage equality law. Under
the guidelines set forth by the Maryland
Board of Elections, opponents needed
to collect 55,736 signatures of registered
voters in total, with 18,579 of them or
one-third submitted to the secretary of
state by May 31, and the remaining 37,157
submitted by June 30. The conservative
activists had been trying to build support
for a referendum by using the website
Mdpetitions.com, which exists to make
it easier for people to collect petition
signatures needed to force a referendum
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by helping them ensure their signature
matches the voter registration informa-
tion on le with the state.
The founder and chairman of Mdpeti-
tions.com, Del. Neil Parrott (R-Washing-
ton Co.), said in an email to supporters
that opponents of the measure had col-
lected about 17,500 signatures to repeal it,
falling just over 1,000 signatures short of
their one-third goal. On the Mdpetitions
website, Parrott claimed to have collect-
ed over 6,000 signatures in the last two
days prior to the midnight deadline on
May 31. According to a county-by-county
breakdown posted on the site, opponents
collected the most signatures - 3,688 - in
Washington County, with Anne Arundel
(2,386), Baltimore (2,314), Montgom-
ery (1,989) and Carroll (1,236) counties
rounding out the top ve jurisdictions.
Opponents were only able to collect 326
signatures in Baltimore City, and even
fewer in the nine counties along the states
rural Eastern Shore region. Dorchester
and Somerset counties tied each other for
the least amount of signatures collected,
40 in total.
It is difcult to come this close and
then fall short, and yet we know that it
was only through this effort that people
became aware of the effects of this bill,
Parrott wrote in an open letter to support-
ers. The press certainly was not spread-
ing the word. YOU did that.
Parrott also insisted that the so-called
Bathroom Bill - the derogatory name
given by opponents to The Fairness for
All Marylanders Act - will let men in the
womens bathroom and vise (sic) versa if
they simply claim to feel like the opposite
gender. He also repeated another claim
that opponents have consistently made:
that the bill will have the side effect of
allowing sexual predators to enter bath-
rooms, locker rooms and shower facilities
and do harm to others. Parrott encour-
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Now online at MetroWeekly.com
Consequences for Uganda
Tom Goss Impresses with Wait
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gatherers and we saw rst-hand vot-
ers change their minds and not sign the
mean-spirited petition. While some criti-
cized our approach, we felt an obligation
to the thousands of transgender Mary-
landers and the people who love and sup-
port them do everything in our power to
defend it, not just be quiet and wait to see
what happens.
Evanss comments referenced a dis-
agreement between some supporters
of the transgender rights law as to what
would be the best way to approach sig-
nature gatherers. MCTE had been tout-
ing its Stand for Fairness educational
campaign, which was initiated in April,
prior to OMalleys signature, in order to
defend against scaremongering tactics
employed by or misinformation being
spread by opponents. As a result, MCTE
adopted a much more active stance on
engaging potential signatories to the pe-
tition, asking its supporters to be the co-
alitions eyes and ears and encouraging
some supporters to confront signature
gatherers and registered voters by ex-
plaining what The Fairness for All Mary-
landers Act actually does.
Other supporters, namely those af-
liated with Gender Rights Maryland
(GRMD), another transgender rights
advocacy organization, had criticized
MCTEs approach, pointing to victories
won by GRMD in Baltimore and Howard
counties as evidence that not drawing
attention to the issue and not directly
engaging opponents is the path of least
resistance. In Howard County, opponents
failed to even mount an attempt at repeal,
and in Baltimore County, a repeal attempt
failed to gain the necessary amount of
signatures required for a countywide ref-
erendum.
Its over, Dana Beyer, the executive
aged opponents to work against the re-
election of legislators who voted for the
bill, posting a list of their names on the
website and telling his followers that the
law can be repealed by new lawmakers in
the next legislative session.
Our goal at Mdpetitions.com is to
listen to you and to give you a voice in
your government, Parrot wrote. People
overwhelmingly asked us to petition the
Bathroom Bill, and we did. Most people
did not even know about the bill, let alone
how it will impact our safety and privacy.
However, when people heard about this
issue, the most common response was,
Seriously?...and they were willing to
sign. Our biggest disappointment is that
word spread too slowly to make this rst
deadline.... We are disappointed with
tonights results.... Lets take this frus-
tration and turn it into determination to
take the next step. We want to encourage
everyone to work hard to help elect local
and statewide candidates who will work
hard for common-sense.
But despite Parrotts cheering on of
opponents, the repeal effort had already
faced an uphill battle. Unlike many of the
issues that landed on the ballot in 2012
including a controversial redistricting
plan, a statewide version of the DREAM
Act granting undocumented immigrant
students the right to qualify for in-state
tuition rates at state colleges and uni-
versities, the expansion of gambling, and
marriage equality support for nondis-
crimination protections for transgender
people enjoys overwhelming support
from Maryland residents. According to a
poll by Goucher College from March, 71
percent of Maryland residents support
expanding the states nondiscrimination
laws to include gender identity, while
only 20 percent are opposed. Support
is lopsided among all groups, including
among Republicans, who back expansion
by a 60-27 margin.
Equality Maryland, the group that
spearheaded the Maryland Coalition for
Transgender Equality (MCTE), an organi-
zation comprised of 50 different commu-
nity, civic and religious groups support-
ing the transgender rights bill, released a
statement celebrating the victory.
We nally get to really celebrate this
momentous achievement! said Carrie
Evans, the executive director of Equality
Maryland. Thank you to all of the amaz-
ing volunteers who worked diligently
over the last six weeks to educate voters
on this law. We had supporters across
the state standing right next to petition
director of GRMD, said in a statement.
Trans persons become equal citizens
in Maryland on October 1st, after two
decades of ghting for acceptance. As
we saw after passage of the Baltimore
County bill in 2012, the opposition simply
isnt there, as evidenced by the Goucher
poll showing 71 percent support for the
law. Now we can get to work improving
the lives not only of the trans and gay
communities, but all Marylanders who
deserve their fair share of economic op-
portunity.
Beyer is also a candidate for the Dis-
trict 18 seat in the Maryland Senate, and
is challenging incumbent Sen. Rich Ma-
daleno (D-Montgomery Co.) from the
left, earning the endorsement of organi-
zations like Progressive Neighbors, while
Madaleno, the chief Senate sponsor
of The Fairness for All Marylanders Act,
has been backed by Equality Maryland
PAC. Beyers candidacy, in particular,
rankled some members of the political
establishment and some transgender ac-
tivists afliated with Equality Maryland,
highlighting the existing rift between
MCTE and GRMD.
In a statement put forth by MCTE,
Madaleno said he was nally able to ex-
hale after it was revealed opponents of
the transgender rights law would not be
successful in their push for a referendum.
While it was gratifying to see this law
pass the General Assembly and to watch
the Governor sign it, we all knew that it
was not a done deal until we saw whether
opponents could muster up signatures,
Madaleno said. I am grateful for the
work that Equality Maryland and others
did to help stop people from signing the
petition. The time for attacking princi-
ples of basic fairness for Marylanders has
passed. l
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Banner Ruling
Medicare ban on transition-related medical care overturned
A
LONGSTANDING BAN
that prohibited Medicare
from covering transition-
related medical procedures
for transgender Americans was struck
down Friday by an independent panel
by Justin Snow
within the Department of Health and
Human Services.
The Departmental Appeals Board for
HHS found a 1989 Medicare policy cat-
egorically excluding coverage for what it
called Transsexual Surgery, regardless
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brings Medicare up to speed on modern
medical science.
This decision removes a threshold
barrier to coverage for medical care for
transgender people under Medicare, the
groups said in a statement. It is consis-
tent with the consensus of the medical
and scientic community that access to
gender transition-related care is medical-
ly necessary for many people with gender
dysphoria. The removal of the exclusion
of coverage for surgical care for Medicare
recipients means that individuals will not
automatically have claims of coverage
for gender transition-related surgeries
denied. They should either get coverage
or, at a minimum, receive an individual-
ized review of the medical need for the
specic procedure they seek, just like
anyone seeking coverage for any other
medical treatment.
With the policy invalidated and the
decision not subject to appeal, decisions
about coverage for transition-related
care will now be made on an individual
basis like all other services under Medi-
of a persons individual medical condi-
tions and needs, out of date and unrea-
sonable.
The Board has determined that the
National Coverage Determination (NCD)
denying Medicare coverage of all trans-
sexual surgery as a treatment for trans-
sexualism is not valid under the reason-
ableness standard the Board applies,
the decision states. Since the NCD is no
longer valid, its provisions are no longer
a valid basis for denying claims for Medi-
care coverage of transsexual surgery, and
local coverage determinations (LCDs)
used to adjudicate such claims may not
rely on the provisions of the NCD.
The decision comes in response to an
administrative challenge led last year by
the American Civil Liberties Union, Gay
& Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the
National Center for Lesbian Rights and
civil rights attorney Mary Lou Boelcke
on behalf of Denee Mallon, a transgender
woman and veteran.
According to a joint statement
released by the groups, the decision
care. However, the elimination of the
national rule denying transition-related
surgery does not necessarily mean Medi-
care will cover such costs for all patients.
According to a fact sheet released by the
National Center for Transgender Equal-
ity, the decision simply brings Medicare
into line. Patients must still be approved
for any procedure by their medical pro-
vider, who must accept Medicare cover-
age, and the patient must pay any appli-
cable deductible or copay.
Todays ruling represents the medi-
cal communitys clear understanding that
gender dysphoria is a serious medical
condition, and the government should
not stand in the way when doctors rec-
ommend treatment, National Center for
Transgender Equality Executive Direc-
tor Mara Keisling said in statement.
This ruling comes from an indepen-
dent panel whove studied the science
on transgender healthcare. Today, this
panel ruled that Medicare cannot at-out
exclude medically-supported treatments
for transgender people. l
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
National Pride
Obama proclaims June LGBT Pride Month
P
RESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
declared June Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender
Pride Month in a proclamation
released by the White House Friday and
called on Americans to recommit them-
selves to nishing the work that remains
for achieving full equality.
As progress spreads from State
to State, as justice is delivered in the
courtroom, and as more of our fellow
Americans are treated with dignity and
respect our Nation becomes not only
more accepting, but more equal as well,
Obama stated. I call upon the people of
the United States to eliminate prejudice
everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the
great diversity of the American people.
Ticking off a number of victories for
LGBT-rights, including victories for mar-
riage equality at the Supreme Court last
year, Obama noted that LGBT people still
are not protected from discrimination in
a number of states.
My Administration proudly stands
alongside all those who ght for LGBT
rights. Here at home, we have strength-
ened laws against violence toward LGBT
Americans, taken action to prevent bully-
ing and harassment, and prohibited dis-
crimination in housing and hospitals,
Obama stated. Despite this progress,
LGBT workers in too many States can be
by Justin Snow
President Barack Obama with Staff Secretary Joani Walsh
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Obama reafrmed his commitment
to addressing health disparities within
the LGBT community and continuing
to address HIV/AIDS. He also noted
inequality abroad and issued a call to
nations around the globe to join in
defending the universal human rights of
our LGBT brothers and sisters.
This month, as we mark 45 years
since the patrons of the Stonewall Inn
deed an unjust policy and awakened a
nascent movement, let us honor every
red just because of their sexual orienta-
tion or gender identity; I continue to call
on the Congress to correct this injustice
by passing the Employment Non-Dis-
crimination Act.
Although Obama reiterated his sup-
port for ENDA, he made no mention
of a long called for executive order he
has refused to sign that would prohibit
federal contractors from discrimina-
tion on the basis of sexual orientation
or gender identity.
brave leader who stood up, sat in, and
came out, as well as the allies who sup-
ported them along the way, Obama con-
tinued. Following their example, let each
of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dig-
nity because if hearts and minds con-
tinue to change over time, laws will too.
According to a White House ofcial,
on June 30 Obama will continue the
tradition of hosting a reception at the
White House in celebration of LGBT
Pride Month. l
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
New Roost for DC Eagle
Gay leather/levi bar nalizes purchase of new property in Northeast D.C.,
hopes to open by late summer
T
HE OWNERS OF THE DC EAGLE, THE D.C. AREAS PRIMARY
gay leather/levi bar that was forced to shutter its doors temporarily
in January after its landlord chose to terminate its lease three years
early, say they have nalized their purchase of a new property located
at 3701 Benning Rd. NE.
Eagle co-owner Peter Lloyd tells Metro Weekly that the sale was nalized on
May 27, saying, I signed my life and my afterlife away. And initialed for it.
The bar is waiting for the proper permits needed to clean up and renovate the
space, but is expecting the rst construction renovations to start on Monday, June
9, just after Capital Pride. In the meantime, the bar has been holding occasional
pop-up events, or Eagle-N-Exile events at Capital Fringe on New York Av-
enue NW, just steps away from its old location. Capital Pride weekend will mark
the Eagle-N-Exiles last time at Capital Fringe.
Do you know what the theme is for Capital Pride this year? Lloyd asks.
Building Our Bright Future. Its almost as if they picked us for it. The serendipi-
tous nature of it is amazing. We get to announce our plans for a new place just
in time for Pride.
Lloyd and co-owner, Ted Clements, have been attending various Advisory
Neighborhood Commission (ANC) and Department of Transportation meetings
in order to build better relationships with the surrounding neighborhood. Lloyd
says the ANC in Ward 7 has been very cooperative in working with the Eagle.
I really want to be good neighbors, Lloyd says, adding that the new location
is both accessible via buses, the Minnesota Avenue stop on Metros Orange Line,
and hopefully the new streetcar trolleys, whose tracks extend to Oklahoma
Avenue, about a mile away.
Under the plans for the new space, the rst oor of the building will be dedi-
cated to a restaurant. The second oor will feature a DC Eagle bar and a separate
cigar bar known as Terminal Alley. On the third level, Lloyd plans to have a
dance bar, with a performance space where the Eagle can hold various fundrais-
ers, open mike nights, or can invite local bands or musical talents to play.
The Eagle bar on the second oor will likely open rst, with the restaurant
opening later due to various permitting and inspection obstacles involved with
setting up an eating establishment.
We hope to be open by late summer, he says. Though it may be an Indian
summer. All of our former employees are excited, and we will hire more people
after we open. l
by John Riley
Clements (L) and Lloyd
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be hanging your heads in shame for such
a thing. How incredibly shameful it is
that your parents and teachers wont sim-
ply tell you the truth. You each have a
duty and its very simple: Fear God, and
keep his commandments: for this is the
whole duty of man.
You celebrate and glory in your sin.
You say You cant hide tiger pride? and
youre right, the post continues. You are
incapable of being ashamed of your sin
So Wilson, since your teachers havent
taught you the basic lesson of why God
destroyed Sodom, well help you out. It
has to do with where the word sodomite
came from.
The protest is expected to be short,
lasting from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. outside
the school, before the Westboro members
move on to other protest sites throughout
the District, including in front of the U.S.
science teacher Chris Obermeyer. Last
years event featured poetry readings,
musical performances, booths with lit-
erature and resources featuring several
LGBT community organizations, and was
partly sponsored by some of those orga-
nizations, as well as the Mayors Ofce
for GLBT Affairs. Students also signed
pledges promising to be more respectful
of their LGBT peers.
On its website, Westboro delivered
a screed against the students at Wilson
High School, claiming they celebrate
and glory in sin, and quoting parts of the
Bible.
Wilson High, weve got one simple
question for you Why did God destroy
Sodom? the post reads. You boast of be-
ing the rst public high school in Wash-
ington, DC and perhaps the nation to host
an LGBTQ Pride event when you should
by John Riley
T
HE WESTBORO BAPTIST
Church, a small religious sect
based out of Kansas infamous
for its anti-gay views and pick-
ets of places or events they deem to be
too LGBT-friendly, including military fu-
nerals, has announced that the churchs
members plan to picket outside of Wood-
row Wilson High School, in Northwest
D.C., on June 9.
Wilson was placed in the crosshairs
of the Westboro Baptist Church for its
LGBTQ Pride Day celebration, sched-
uled for June 4. The school held its very
rst Pride Day last year, organized by the
schools Gay-Straight Alliance and cham-
pioned by biology and environmental
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Westboro to Picket
Wilson High School
Kansas anti-gay religious sect objects to schools LGBTQ Pride Day celebration
marketplace
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from her ofce told Metro Weekly that
the councilmember would be attending
the counter-protest.
Openly gay Councilmember David
Catania (I-At-Large), who is also a can-
didate for mayor, issued a statement on
Wednesday regarding Westboros deci-
sion to picket Wilson High.
Earlier this morning I spoke with
Principal Pete Cahall and the faculty
and students of Woodrow Wilson High
School who are organizing the schools
Pride Day celebration to thank them for
standing up for the values of acceptance
and equality that dene the District of
Columbia, Catania said in the statement.
As I told the students, they are reafrm-
ing the Districts legacy of inclusiveness
and respect. This is the city where Mil-
dred and Richard Loving sought refuge
and the freedom to love the person of
their choice when the state of Virginia
barred them from marrying because of
the difference in the color of their skin.
More recently, it is the same city that was
at the forefront of the ght for marriage
equality. Today, I urge all District resi-
dents to stand with the students at Wood-
row Wilson High School in support of
tolerance and respect. l
munity has been overwhelming.
A spokesman for the Mayors Ofce
of GLBT Affairs, which, under Mayor
Vincent Gray (D), helped cosponsor last
years Pride celebration, declined to com-
ment on the matter.
Devin Barrington-Ward, the commu-
nications director for Councilmember
Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who represents
the ward where Wilson is located, said
that Cheh will be out of town on June 9,
but Barrington-Ward will be attending
the counter-protest as a representative of
the ofce.
Councilmember Cheh is so proud of
the students at Wilson High School, who
have decided to show their commitment
to LGBT rights and equality by counter
protesting the members of the Westboro
Baptist Church, Barrington-Ward said in
a statement. By staging this counter pro-
test, the students at Wilson High School
are sending a strong message that Ward
3 and the District of Columbia is no place
for hatred and bigotry.
Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), a can-
didate for mayor who has a number of
constituents on both sides of Rock Creek
Park who attend Wilson, also declined to
comment at this time. But a spokesman
Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol, the White
House, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Their day of action on June 9 follows two
other days, June 7 and June 8, during
which the church will protest or picket at
the Capital Pride Parade, and outside of
various Washington churches, including
the Metropolitan Baptist Church, the Bible
Way Temple, and the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception.
Westboros announcement of their
plans to picket has already sparked
a counter-protest. Students from the
schools Gay-Straight Alliance and Stu-
dent Government Association quickly ini-
tiated the push to hold their own demon-
stration, and began spreading the word via
social media. The students have created a
Facebook group named Westboro Meet
and Greet, which has a guest list that has
grown to more than 900 members.
Obermeyer is excited and proud of his
students for their initiative.
Im really impressed by their organiz-
ing, he says of how rapidly the counter-
protest idea took hold. Hopefully, with
some press coverage, this will encourage
students at other schools to nd their
own ways to create change. And the level
of outreach from the surrounding com-
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
marketplace
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PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-afrming social
group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a social
atmosphere for GLBT and questioning youth,
featuring dance parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. More info, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6 p.m., by
appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155,
testing@smyal.org.
The DC Center hosts monthly meeting of its
TRANS SUPPORT GROUP. 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
ADVENTURING outdoors group heads to Gambrill
State Park, near Frederick, Md., for 10-mile hike.
Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray,
sunscreen, about $10 for fees. Meet at 9 a.m. by the
attendants kiosk inside the Shady Grove Metro
Station. John, 240-654-9897. adventuring.org.
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer
organization, volunteers for Food & Friends and
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at Falls Church
PetSmart. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
RAINBOW HISTORY PROJECT sponsors panel
discussion, Gay Power to Gay People: The Gay
Liberation Front-DC, featuring original GLF-DC
members. 11 a.m. Historical Society of Washington,
810 K St. NW. rainbowhistory.org. info@
rainbowhistory.org
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707 or
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the
LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat
services, 10 a.m., followed by kiddush luncheon.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including others
interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/
time, email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Marie Reed Aquatic Center, 2200 Champlain St.
NW. 8-9:30 a.m. swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social
club welcomes all levels for exercise in a fun and
supportive environment, socializing afterward.
Meet 9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for a walk; or
10 a.m. for fun run. dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SENTINELS basketball team meets at Turkey
Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE,
2-4 p.m. For players of all levels, gay or straight.
teamdcbasketball.org.
US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous
Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.
The group is independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE for young
LBTQ women, 13-21, interested in leadership
development. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
7th St. SE. 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Bet Mishpachah, founded by members of the GLBT
community, holds special Friday night NATIONAL
PRIDE SHABBAT. 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour, 7:30
p.m. service. 600 I St. NW. www.sixthandi.org/
event/national-pride-shabbat.
The DC Centers Center Military group to
participate in 2ND ANNUAL WALTER REED
PRIDE CELEBRATION. Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. More info,
eric.perez@thedccenter.org.
THE DC FRONT RUNNERS are sponsoring their
Second Annual Pride Run. This race sold out
last year and is on track to do so again this year.
7 p.m. Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street
SE. To register and for more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org/#!dcfr-pride-run/c1v6.
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
GAY DISTRICT holds facilitated discussion for
GBTQ men, 18-35, rst and third Fridays. 8:30 p.m.
The DC Center, 1318 U St. NW. 202-682-2245,
gaydistrict.org.
GAY MARRIED MENS ASSOCIATION (GAMMA)
is a peer-support group that meets in Dupont Circle
every second and fourth Friday at 7:30 p.m. gay-
married.com or GAMMAinDC1@yahoo.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health,
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Join the 8TH ANNUAL DC LATINO PRIDE: LA
FIESTA DANCE PARTY. 10 p.m. 2 a.m. Town
Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street NW. More info,
contact Jesus Chavez, jchavez@latinoglbthistory.
org, 202-670-5547. latinoglbthistory.org/
latinopride.
Art and Soul celebrity chef Art Smith hosts
POWERBEAR PARTY FOR EQUALITY to raise
money for HRCs Project One America and The DC
Center. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 415 New Jersey Ave. NW.
For tickets, visit PowerBearParty.eventbrite.com
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services
(by appointment). Call 202-291-4707, or visit
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session
at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 7:30-9 p.m. Visit
swimdcac.org.
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-
dancing group features mainstream through
advanced square dancing at the National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m.
Casual dress. 301-257-0517, dclambdasquares.org.
The DULLES TRIANGLES Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at Sheraton in Reston,
11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, second-oor bar, 7-9
p.m. All welcome. dullestriangles.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. The
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 202-745-
7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by
appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
202-567-3155 or testing@smyal.org.
Metro Weeklys Community Calendar highlights important events in
the D.C.-area LGBT community, from alternative social events to
volunteer opportunities. Event information should be sent by email to
calendar@MetroWeekly.com. Deadline for inclusion is noon
of the Friday before Thursdays publication. Questions about
the calendar may be directed to the Metro Weekly ofce at
202-638-6830 or the calendar email address.
LGBTCommunityCalendar
21 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass
for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m.,
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. dignitynova.org.
GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses critical
languages and foreign languages. 7 p.m. Nellies,
900 U St. NW. RVSP preferred. brendandarcy@
gmail.com.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite
411. Walk-ins 12-3 p.m. For appointments other
hours, call 301-422-2398.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer
organization, volunteers today for DC Central
Kitchen and Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
in Potomac Yards. To participate, visit
burgundycrescent.org.
DISTRICT DODGEBALL, an LGBT friendly non-
prot, focusing on the advancement of female-
identied athletes, hosting an LGBT friendly
dodgeball tournament. The rst tournament in
D.C. to have womens division. Trinity Center,
125 Michigan Ave NE. Register by June 4,
districtdodgeball.com.
SPEAKEASYDC presents the Born This Way:
Stories about Queer Culture in America, an
afternoon of entertaining true stories that showcase
a range of perspectives from the LGBT community
and their allies. 2 p.m. Reston Community Center,
2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA. speakeasydc.com/
events/item/born-this-way.
WEEKLY EVENTS
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS MEMORIAL
EPISCOPAL CHURCH celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW.
202-232-4244, allsoulsdc.org.
22 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW.
9-10:30 a.m. swimdcac.org.
DIGNITY WASHINGTON offers Roman Catholic
Mass for the LGBT community. 6 p.m., St.
Margarets Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave. NW. All
welcome. Sign interpreted. dignitynova.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G
St. NW. rstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON meets for
worship, 10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW, Quaker
House Livin g Room (next to Meeting House on
Decatur Place), 2nd oor. Special welcome to
lesbians and gays. Handicapped accessible from
Phelps Place gate. Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes
GLBT community for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 Old
Telegraph Road, Alexandria. hopeucc.org.
INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT,
God-centered new age church & learning center.
Sunday Services and Workshops event. 5419 Sherier
Place NW. isd-dc.org.
Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for an inclusive,
loving and progressive faith community every
Sunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincolntemple.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF REFORMATION invites
all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is
available at both services. Welcoming LGBT people for
25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF
WASHINGTON, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL
interpreted) and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday School at
11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, inclusive
church with GLBT fellowship, offers gospel worship,
8:30 a.m., and traditional worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas
Circle NW. 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, a Christ-centered,
interracial, welcoming-and-afrming church, offers
service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330,
riverside-dc.org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE INCARNATION, an
interracial, multi-ethnic Christian Community
offers services in English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and
in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton St. NW. 202-
232-0900, saintstephensdc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF ARLINGTON, an
LGBTQ welcoming-and-afrming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia Rainbow UU
Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF
SILVER SPRING invites LGBTQ families and
individuals of all creeds and cultures to join the
church. Services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. 10309 New
Hampshire Ave. uucss.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL MEMORIAL
CHURCH, a welcoming and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group meets monthly.
Services at 11 a.m., Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th
St. NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 9
The DC Center hosts its monthly YOUTH
WORKING GROUP meeting. 6 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, thedccenter.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Michael Brazell teaches BEARS DO YOGA, a
program of The DC Center. 6:30 p.m., Green
Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. No cost, newcomers
welcome. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary, 1200 S St. NW.
dcscandals.wordpress.com.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Quaker House,
2111 Florida Ave. NW. getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES,
3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV
testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. No appointment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012
14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
23
LGBTCommunityCalendar
METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200,
Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155 or testing@
smyal.org.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000 14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay mens evening afnity group. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS Water Polo Team practices 7-9 p.m. Takoma
Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome. Tom, 703-299-0504, secretary@wetskins.
org, wetskins.org.
Whitman-Walker Health HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP for newly diagnosed
individuals, meets 7 p.m. Registration required. 202-939-7671, hivsupport@
whitman-walker.org.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.: Elizabeth Taylor Medical
Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202-745-7000. Visit
whitman-walker.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
DC BI WOMEN hold monthly meeting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dupont
Italian Kitchen in the upstairs room. For more information, contact david@
thedccenter.org
24 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
GAY AND LESBIAN ACTIVISTS ALLIANCE holds monthly meeting. 7 p.m.,
John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 120. 202-667-
5139. glaa.org.
The DC Center hosts monthly meeting of the LATINO LGBT TASK FORCE
from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. thedccenter.org
WEEKLY EVENTS
A COMPANY OF STRANGERS, a theater chorus, meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. A
GLBTA and SATB looking for actors, singers, crew. Open Hearth Foundation,
1502 Massachusetts Ave. SE. Charles, 240-764-5748. ecumenicon.org.
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers free HIV
testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m.
afwash@aol.com, afwashington.net.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Takoma Aquatic Center, 300
Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social club serving greater D.C.s
LGBT community and allies hosts an evening run/walk. dcfrontrunners.org.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH COLLABORATIVE offers free HIV/STI screening
every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic, Alexandria
Health Department, 4480 King St. 703-321-2511, james.leslie@inova.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THE DC CENTER hosts Packing Party,
where volunteers assemble safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m., Green
Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. thedccenter.org.
25 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary, 1200 S St. NW.
dcscandals.wordpress.com.
HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH offers Wednesday
worship 7:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. All welcome.
118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450,
historicchristchurch.org.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave. Walk-
ins 2-7 p.m. For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. No appointment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012
14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 11 a.m.-
2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
Appointments: 703-789-4467.
PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social club for mature gay
men, hosts weekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,
Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637
17th St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.:
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000,
whitman-walker.org. l
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.:
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St.
NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center,
2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-
walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate
Bridge. No reservation needed. All welcome. 7:30
p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. 703-407-6540 if
you need a partner.
RAINBOW RESPONSE COALITION holds monthly
meeting focusing on addressing intimate partner
violence among LGBTQ people. 6 p.m. at the DC
Center, 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more info,
www.rainbowresponse.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets
about 7:45 p.m., covered-patio area of Cosi, 1647
20th St. NW. All welcome. Jamie, 703-892-8567.
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Marie Reed Aquatic Center, 2200 Champlain St.
NW. 8-9:30 p.m. swimdcac.org.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978 or Takoma Park
at 301-422-2398.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES,
at 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV
testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by
appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155,
testing@smyal.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21
meets at SMYAL, 410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy
Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a support group for black
gay men 40 and older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave.
NW. 202-446-1100.
Whitman-Walker Healths GAY MENS HEALTH
AND WELLNESS/STD CLINIC opens at 6 p.m.,
1701 14th St. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis.
No-cost screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and
chlamydia. Hepatitis and herpes testing available
for fee. whitman-walker.org.
26
LGBTCommunityCalendar
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
marketplace
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29 SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE/
scene
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
DC Latino Prides
La Pltica
Thursday, May 29
HRC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
WARD MORRISON
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33 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
Bianca!
An exclusive interview
with recently crowned
winner of RuPauls Drag Race
Bianca del Rio, who brings
her unique style of drag queen
clowning to both Town
and Capital Pride
Interview by Doug Rule
Photography by
Mathu Andersen
34 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
O
N A DAILY BASIS IM NOT A TOTAL BITCH,
laughs Roy Haylock, better known as drag queen Bianca del Rio. I can
actually be nice to people.
Clearly, del Rio has gotten a lot farther being tart rather than sweet.
The recently crowned winner of the sixth season of RuPauls Drag Race,
del Rio has made it her shtick to read people, generating guffaws by
making fun of others faults and aws. But as Don Rickles proved long
ago, a self-styled insult comic only ever gets so far being mean. No one
likes a total bitch, or a bitter queen.
Throughout this years season of Drag Race, del Rio showed glimmers of genuine sweetness
beneath her exaggeratedly painted, sassy exterior. She even won over most of her competi-
tors on the show. Bianca is a sweetheart, says Adore Delano, a 2014 runner-up to the title
of Americas Next Drag Superstar. Delano says that while she rst considered del Rio a
douchebag, she eventually warmed up to her to the point that she now counts del Rio
as one of her best friends and mentors.
A native of Louisiana, born to parents of Cuban and Honduran descent, the
38-year-old Haylock rst developed his clownish drag character Bianca del Rio
nearly two decades ago as an outgrowth of training and work in the theater, par-
ticularly with costuming and makeup. But even nearly a decade of prolic work
on the mean streets of New York City barely prepared del Rio for the intense
learning experience of Drag Race. It was an amazing experiencea lot of work
in a very short period of time, she says. Shes also still getting a handle on the
heightened level of fame the show has accorded her, including a continually grow-
ing roster of fans on Facebook over 70,000 strong.
This is really an overwhelming ride right now, she says. Im grateful.
METRO WEEKLY: Why did you decide to do RuPauls Drag Race at this point in
your career, or why did you wait so long?
BIANCA DEL RIO: I really didnt know if the show was for me, or my type of
humor, or my type of drag performance. I had several friends who had been
on it previously. Im not necessarily a lip-sync queen. I did lip-sync when I
began, early on. And I kind of felt that I might have been too old for the show.
I didnt know if I was what they wanted. So it just took a minute. And after
seeing Jinkx [Monsoon] win last year, and meeting some of the girls, it was
kind of like, you know what? Why not give it a shot, see what the possibili-
ties are?
MW: Your character changed, from season premiere to nale at least through
the miracles of editing. How true to life is that portrayal? Do you feel you really
changed and grew as a person?
DEL RIO: Well, two things happen. Its obvious that everything is going to be
edited. You do 12- to 14-hour days when youre there. And you know that all
of that is not going to make it in the nal cut. It is a competition, but its also a
TV show. So theyre going to use what they feel is worthy. If you cry, its going
to be used. If you throw a temper tantrum, theyre going to use it.
But also, for me, youre rst there with 14 girls. Its a bit overwhelm-
ing. Everyone has their guard up. Everyone thinks, all right, Im in a room
with these bitches, Ive got to do this. And as you go along you get to know
them. And you get to hear more about their stories, and you become friends
with them. So it makes it a little easier to let your guard down. It was more
of a journey for myself. I was experiencing, Wow, I can actually be nice to
people, without the fear or rejection or craziness. It becomes your world for
that time that youre there, so it wasnt so much as to feel that Ive changed, it
was more like letting your guard down and being a lot more relaxed.
MW: Letting your guard down kind of became the theme for portrayals of you
specically. Yet to a large extent drag queens are supposed to be edgy and sassy
and hard. I mean, isnt that how you approach being Bianca in general?
DEL RIO: I dont think theres a rulebook when it comes to drag queens. I know
many drag queens theyre all very different. Everybody does drag for differ-
ent reasons. But in my case, I am an insult comic. I am a ballsy person. Im not
afraid to speak my mind, good or bad. And Ive kind of turned it into my act,
in my show, and what I do. But thats not everybodys route. Some are sing-
ers, some are dancers, some are brilliant lip-sync artists. I think were all just
35 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
different. And I think that when you put
that many people in a room, as gay men
we all come from different places so
I think that that can be a little racy, a little
heightened at times.
MW: But the experience of the show, has it
made you want to be nicer or less mean?
DEL RIO: What I do on stage is what I do
on stage. Its not my identity. Its not
my world. I go up there to make jokes,
and the biggest joke there is, is myself. I
make fun of myself. One of Rus sayings
is, If you cant make fun of yourself,
how the hell are you going to make fun
of somebody else? She says love, but
I say make fun of, because thats what
works for me. But all of that goes in the
same vein you have to know yourself in
order to do anything. And for me, Ive had
18 years of working in bars and doing the-
ater. Ive kind of made this my craft. But
is that who I am as a real person? No. And
its also not everybodys cup of tea. Some
people dont like it. Some people think its
too racy. Some people think its too much.
And all of thats ne. But the great thing
about the show is the platform it gives
you, and also, it gives people a chance to
see that were human beings. The show is
shown in several countries, and a majority
of the people that I talk with on Twitter
or on my fan page are straight people in
middle America, who have never really
met a drag queen, but love the show. And
I think what is great about the show is
that it shows that normal side of you
the humanity. I mean, on a daily basis Im
not a total bitch. [Laughs.] But what I do
on stage is what I do on stage.
MW: Sure, but in the nale you even con-
ceded that at least a couple times over the
course of the show you thought you went a
bit too far.
DEL RIO: I think that when you watch it, as
a human being, you always go, Ewww.
Maybe I shouldnt have said that at that
point. But once again, it was a show.
You dont get that much time to explain
yourself. I do take responsibility for what
Ive said. I always do. Im like, Maybe
I shouldnt have said this. Or maybe I
should have said that in a better way.
There were some heightened moments
with Trinity in the beginning, where my
temper was a little hot. Also my temper
with LaGanja on occasion was hot. But
remember youre seeing 10 minutes of
something that might have been three
hours. So its not like going zero to 100
on a regular basis. Those were just those
moments when I said what I said, and
I cant deny I said it, and theyre going
to use it. And they did. But thats what I
signed up for. I knew exactly what was
going to happen. You go in there, and its
a reality show. Theyre there to make a
show. Youre a part of it, but its a show.
Its entertainment.
MW: Youve been doing drag for 18 years
now. I wanted to get your thoughts about
drags evolution in that time, specically its
explosion in popularity. Why do you think
it is that drag has become more popular
and gayer over just the past decade? It
cant all just be because of the show, can it?
DEL RIO: I think its become more main-
stream, and I do think the show has
brought this to another level. Its had a
huge impact on the world. I know that
sounds really intense in saying the world,
but the messages on Facebook, on Twit-
ter the reaction videos Ive seen at bars
where they were showing the show, it
was like the Super Bowl. It was insane
that that many people I had no idea
that that many people watch it on a daily
basis. I have a fan page, which I did not
have prior to the show right now it is
over 70,000 people. And each day theres
another 300 or 400 people adding to it. So
the show has had a huge impact on drag.
Years ago, you would have to go to a bar
or to a theater to see a drag queen or to
be gay to even know where drag queens
were. So putting it in their living rooms
like this every week, and having people
want to watch it, and having it be as popu-
lar as it is, is really amazing.
And not just show the bitchy, catty
side. You know, its showing all sides
of what we experience and what were
going through on the show. I mean it
doesnt dene every aspect of drag. But
I think that its denitely a beginning, to
humanize us as people. And people see
that we have the same problems, and the
same wants and needs, as heterosexual
people. We all want rights, we all want
boyfriends, and we all want to be happy.
It shows that side of us, which I think has
helped the community in many ways.
And not to mention a majority of these
girls we would have never heard of with-
out the show. No one would have heard of
me on this grand level without the show.
MW: What was it that drew you to drag in
the rst place?
DEL RIO: I came from theater. I started
in theater. In costumes and wigs, Ive
always loved all that. I worked in wigs and
makeup for many years, and I just loved
the idea of creating. I loved that fantasy
world. It wasnt anything sexual. I didnt
feel like I was in my wrong body. It was
never that for me. It was more just artistic
expression. Nothing too personal.
The show
has had
a huge
impact
on drag.
YEARS
AGO, YOU
WOULD
HAVE TO
GO TO A
BAR OR TO
A THEATER
TO SEE
A DRAG
QUEEN
or to be
gay to even
know where
drag queens
were.
36 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
MW: And that is something I really like about your style. Youre clearly
not trying to be a woman.
DEL RIO: Oh god no! No, no, no. And there are people that do that well.
There are some beautiful queens out there. That aint me! And Im
okay with that. I know what I am, Im a clown. And I make jokes. And
I like a heightened clowny look. Its not everybodys cup of tea, but
thats okay. Its what I prefer to do.
MW: Are you able to shut it off your sassy, insult persona as Bianca
when youre not in costume and makeup?
DEL RIO: Yeah, but its still the same thought process. Its not like its
walk into a room and youre on. Its my job, so I do it. And because its
worked for so many years, and on a weekly and daily basis at times
Im doing ve nights a week. But I dont lose myself in it, and its not
necessarily who I am. Its just what theyre paying to see. When Im
with my friends, of course we can read each other and we have snarky
comments. Of course. But as myself I dont walk into a restaurant and
hold court and try to take over. Or say, Dont you know who I am?
Not my thing. Its more or less, you do what you do on stage when
youre paid for it. Its not my show 24/7. Not at all.
MW: Are you recognized often in public, even as a boy?
DEL RIO: Thanks to the show, totally. Eighty percent of the show youre
out of drag. So people get to see you all the time. [Previously] they
couldnt tell till they heard my voice. Because I have one of those ran-
cid voices. [Laughs.] But now its denitely because of the show that
they can clock me. At airports, bars, drugstore, they clock me.
MW: Any standout experiences getting clocked?
DEL RIO: Just recently at the airport, the TSA agent congratulated me.
So that was fun. Cuz you think, Really?!? Its 6 oclock in the morn-
ing. [Laughs.] But she clocked me. She told me she was watching me
on the show, which was very sweet.
MW: When you were a kid growing up in Louisiana, did you dream of
being a performer when you grew up?
DEL RIO: I was never a big dreamer. Ive never really sat back and said
this is what I want to do. I was the fourth of ve kids. I had done
sports karate even. Craziness that people thought I should do. I
didnt like it, I didnt excel at it. And nothing really clicked until I
went into theater. And when I did theater it was denitely my world.
I loved performing.
MW: And your parents encouraged it?
DEL RIO: I think my parents in the beginning were kind of like, Whoa!
Whats going on? But never too negatively. I think they were always
concerned, as parents are for their kids, in what the world was going
to think of them, or what was to come. By no means was I a victim or
hated on, whatever, in my childhood. I wasnt bullied. I just went to
high school. And high school was annoying and people were assholes,
but it was high school. By no means do I feel like I was a victim.
MW: Are you the more outgoing, creative one in your family?
DEL RIO: Oh totally. And always have been. And once again, to your
family, it can be annoying and you can be crazy, but then when you
go into theater and the world, they think, Oh my god, what talent.
You can do so many things. So it was a good balance for me. It kept
me grounded.
MW: Have you always been funny?
DEL RIO: Well, funny is a question youd have to ask an audience. Ive
always had my points of views, and Ive always had my opinions. But I
mean its always been my thought process. I think now in retrospect,
yeah, I was probably always a clown growing up. I think its always
been there.
MW: Was coming out a struggle?
DEL RIO: Not at all. I mean, I was called gay before I was gay. I didnt
even know what that meant. I knew that I was different by just the
way people treated me, but I never sat down with my parents, ever,
and had a discussion about my sexuality or who I was. None of that.
I wasnt bullied.
I just went to
high school. And
HIGH SCHOOL
WAS ANNOYING
AND PEOPLE
WERE ASSHOLES,
BUT IT WAS
HIGH SCHOOL.
By no means do
I feel like I was a
victim.
37 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
Just as my brother didnt sit down and tell them he was hetero-
sexual. It just never happened. I just kind of lived my life, but
there was never that type of discussion. I never felt that I needed
that validation from them.
MW: When did you move to New York?
DEL RIO: I moved to New York nine years ago. I was living in New
Orleans, and Hurricane Katrina happened. I had no sad story
like a lot of other people. I didnt experience destruction or lose
my home at all. I was living and working there. I was working
at a bar [Oz Nightclub] ve days a week for 10 years. And it was
just this moment, because of the water level near my home, we
werent allowed to go back to New Orleans quickly. So I was out
and about for about a month and a half, two months maybe. I
visited friends in Atlanta, and I visited friends in New York. And
I was 30 at the time, and I just felt like, why not make a change?
So I made the transition to move to New York. And when we
were allowed back, I went home and got my stuff.
MW: How often do you go back to New Orleans?
DEL RIO: Three or four times a year. When you live and work in
New York, its hard to take off because its so goddam expensive
here. So I dont vacation for two and three weeks at a time. Im
not a vacation-type gal. But I do go home for holidays to work in
New Orleans. Im there usually Halloween, Mardi Gras, South-
ern Decadence.
MW: While in New Orleans youve appeared in a few stage produc-
tions, including Cabaret and Rent. Do you want to do more theater
in the years to come?
DEL RIO: I never rule anything out. And because of Drag Race,
theres so much interest in everything. Im stretching and doing
things that I never imagined. Im working on a feature lm with
my friend Matt Kugelman that were trying to get made called
Hurricane Bianca. And also writing a new one-woman/one-man
drag cabaret show that I plan to do in the fall.
MW: Hurricane Bianca sounds like it could be a documentary
about your time on Drag Race, but instead I understand its a
feature, a comedic look at the serious issue of continued LGBT
discrimination.
DEL RIO: I think most people dont realize that in 29 states its still
legal to be red for being gay. So this is a comedy about a guy
whos a schoolteacher whos red for being gay. And he decides
to come back and get revenge on the town, dressed up as substi-
tute teacher Bianca del Rio. It happens to be a comedy, but there
are some serious moments.
MW: How far along are you in the process of making Hurricane
Bianca?
DEL RIO: We started fundraising prior to me doing Drag Race,
and now weve started fundraising again, and we hope to shoot
by next summer.
MW: Have you done this kind of thing before using the arts for
social justice activism?
DEL RIO: Not on this level, by any means. This is just something
my friend Matt had written with me in mind, and I loved it and
weve been working on it together for a couple of years now.
MW: What percentage of the time are you Bianca these days?
DEL RIO: Right now its pretty intense. Right now its almost every
day. When I leave on a Thursday, I dont come back until the
next Tuesday. Its pretty tight, but you know Im grateful. Im
grateful that Im able to do this. This came with the territory.
MW: It doesnt seem like youve burnt out on the experience.
DEL RIO: Well, Im not a big complainer. As you could see from
the show, Im not a crybaby either. Ive got a big set of balls. I
can take it. You know, come on. Ive worked for 18 years in this
eld. And Ive had highs and lows. And I have total respect for
the show and the fact that this is a high. Who am I to complain?
Some people would give their eyeteeth to have this opportunity.
So never bitch about it or complain about it.
MW: Have you been able to nd time to have a personal life and
relationship?
DEL RIO: Ive been in two really long relationships. But Ive been
single for seven years, and I wouldnt have it any other way right
now. If something comes along, sure. But Im a workhorse. I
like to work. And I have amazing friends that I see that keep
me grounded and keep my sanity. But with this world its not so
much as what I want, its if I nd someone, are they going to put
up with whats going on? Youre ying everywhere, and youre in
and out of town. So its hard to commit, and I dont like to com-
mit to something unless I can do it properly. But we shall see.
MW: Would you ever want to have kids?
DEL RIO: That I dont know. I think that would depend on the per-
son. Thats a huge responsibility. I have two dogs, and Im strug-
gling with that two longhaired chihuahuas that I rescued,
Samson and Delilah. So kids, I dont know if thats something
that I could even touch on right now. This moment, my brain
couldnt wrap around it.
MW: So in general terms, you have no idea what you might be doing
ve or 10 years from now.
DEL RIO: Oh god! I wouldnt have imagined ve or 10 years ago I
would be on the phone talking to you. Thats the way the world
works. I would never have expected to do this this far. I wouldnt
have expected to do drag as long as I have. Its just kind of all
happened.
MW: I wanted to ask you specically about Adore. I know you two
are great friends now, and youre sort-of her mentor in a way. Do
you mind her calling you her drag mother?
DEL RIO: Ive never been a drag mother and Ive never had one.
But when it comes to Adore, all bets are off! I adore her. Adore
is an amazingly brilliant, talented performer. We got to know
each other really well through the show. Its been a great ride
being friends with her, and I love her to death. Shes extremely
talented. We clicked, which was great. Courtney I had known
prior to the show, and we always clicked. But with Adore, it was
nice, refreshing and a great surprise. Cause I didnt know if Id
have something in common with a 23-year-old at the time. So
its been great to become friends, and when we get to go out of
town and see each other, its amazing. And we laugh our asses
off. So look, anything Adore needs, Im there for her. Shes a
great person. She can call me whatever the hell she wants. Im
very proud of her.
MW: And you two will perform along with Courtney and Darienne
multiple times over Capital Pride weekend. What can we expect?
DEL RIO: Im looking forward to it. I mean, look, the thing is
with me, expect a good time. Im there to make jokes, and
cut-up and laugh with the masses. You may get a number, or
you may just get standup. It varies. But Ill definitely give it
all that Ive got and make it worthwhile. And its a treat that
you get all of us.
Bianca del Rio appears along with Adore Delano, Courtney Act
and Darienne Lake on Saturday, June 7, for a performance down-
stairs during the drag show at 9:30 p.m. and upstairs at 1 a.m. at
Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-
234-TOWN or visit towndc.com.
Del Rio also performs Sunday, June 8, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
on the Capital Pride Festival Stage in the 300 block of Pennsylva-
nia Avenue NW. For more details, visit capitalpride.org. l
38 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014
AARP presents Whos Taking
Care of You? Networking
reception and panel discussion
on issues related to illness and
aging. 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell Gold
+ Bob Williams DC, 1526 14th
St. NW. Free admission. For
more information, facebook.com/
events/1378847159071532
Bozzuto Management Company
presents a rooftop rally at the City
Market at O, located between 7th
and 9th Streets NW. Participants
welcome to use rooftop pool.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Latino GLBT History Project
presents DC Latino Pride: La
Fiesta Dance Party at Town
Danceboutique. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
18+ with ID, $10 cover. For more
information, email David Perez at
sponsor@LatinoGLBTHistory.org, or
visit LatinoGLBTHistory.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014
Bet Mishpachah and GLOE present
the National Erev Pride Shabbat.
Reception 6:30 p.m., service
7:30 p.m. At Sixth & I Historic
Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. Happy
hour $6. Tickets at tickety.com/
purchase/event/562851?utm_
medium=bks.
The DC Front Runners, the local
LGBT running club, host their
annual DC Front Runners Pride
Run 5K race at Congressional
Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, at 7 p.m.
On-site registration available. For
more information, visit
dcfrpriderun.com.
Capital Pride and BYT present the
Blast Off! Ofcial Pride Opening
Party. Dock 5 at Union Market,
1309 5th St. NE. 9 p.m. Tickets
$20 plus fee in advance, $25 plus
fee on day of event. Available at
bytblastoff.eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
Capital Pride and City Paper present
Proud Garden Party: The Ofcial
Pre-Parade Party. 12 p.m. to 4
p.m. at the Secret Garden at O
Street Mansion. O Street between
16th and 17th Streets NW. General
admission, $15, VIP tickets $55.
For tickets, visit
wcp.xorbia.com/proud14.
Rainbow History Project presents
an Historic Gay DC Walking Tour
of Dupont Circle, 2 p.m. to 3:30
p.m. Tour starts across street
from Dupont Circle Metro at Q
and 20th Streets NW. More info,
rainbowhistory.org.
Marriott presents the Capital
Pride Parade, between Dupont
and Logan Circles NW. 4:30 p.m.
to 7:30 p.m. Parade travels 1.5
miles and includes more than 170
contingents marching. More info,
capitalpride.org/parade.
SMYAL presents Queer & Now:
Youth Dance at Capital Pride.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas
CircleNW. Free dancing, food, HIV
testing. For more info, contact ryan.
drab@smyal.org.
Ladies of LURe, Tagg Magazine
and Capital Pride present the
F.U.S.E. Womens Main Event at
Dirty Bar, 1223 Connecticut Ave.
NW. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more
information, visit facebook.com/
events/399931043483326.
MIXTAPE gay dance party at
Howard Theatre, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Featuring DJs Shea Van Horn and
Matt Bailer. For more information,
visit MIXTAPEdc.com
Thunderdome leather and gear
party at Tropicalia, 2001 14th St.
NW. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014
Cherry Fund & Capital Pride
Afterhours party at Tropicalia, 2001
14th St. NW. 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Featuring DJ BennyK. Net proceeds
benet local HIV/AIDS service
community. $35 in advance, $40 at
door. More info, cherryfund.org.
Hot 99.5 presents the 39th annual
Pride Festival. Noon to 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd
and 7th Streets NW. For more info,
capitalpride.org/festival. Pit Pass
$25 and VIP upgrade $75, available
at capitalpride.wufoo.com/forms/
tickets-pit-pass-vip.
Capitol Sunset Closing Party
at the Capitol Main Stage, on
Pennsylvania Avenue between
3rd and 4th Streets NW. 7
p.m. to 9 p.m. Featuring DJ
Tracy Young. For more info,
visit https://facebook.com/
events/724701930881731/?ref=5.
Closing AfterParty at Cobalt.
10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more
information, visit cobaltdc.com.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014
Habitat Humanity of Washington,
DC hosts rst ever Rainbow
Build event. Happy hour reception
benetting Rainbow Build.
5:30 p.m. at MOVA Lounge,
2204 14th St. NW. Visit
dchabitat.org/rainbowbuild.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
Team DC presents 10th anniversary
of Night OUT at the Nationals,
the largest LGBT community
night in professional sports in the
United States. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
at Nationals Park. For information,
tickets, visit teamdc.org/noan. l
CAPITAL PRIDE EVENT CALENDAR
39 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
40 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
I
T HAPPENED BY ACCIDENT.
We had somehow blundered our way onto the
Main Stage at the 1997 Capital Pride festival. As
we looked out over the vast sea of celebrants ll-
ing Pennsylvania Avenue, we thought, That might make
an interesting photo. No one was looking at the camera.
They were lolling, waiting for the next act to arrive.
There was a guy in the foreground downing a bottle of
beer. But the photo made the cover.
And a Metro Weekly tradition was born.
Nearly every year since, Metro Weekly photogra-
phers have taken to the Main Stage to capture the crowd
at Pride at their most exuberant and jubilant. In 2000,
we started priming the crowd, getting them to look our
way and cheer with their hands in the air, a nod to then
Pride Director (and this years Larry Stansbury Award-
winner) Robert Yorks brilliant hands beneath the Capi-
tal logo a logo so iconic, it remains in place today.
So each and every year weve gotten up on stage and
asked the crowd to give us their all. The result has been
12 years of covers that capture the heart, the soul, the
spirit of our community, covers that broadcast to the
world that strength is not only in our numbers, its in our
show of pride. l
THE CAPITAL PRIDE CROWD COVERS
41 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
20
years of
Formerly Metro Arts &Entertainment Weekly, then MW. But never Michaels HomoWeekly. That was someone else.
42 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
43 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
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44 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
45 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
JUNE 5 - 12, 2014
SPOTLIGHT
DAVID SEDARIS
After his typical tour last fall of shows in concert
halls, including Lisner Auditorium, the hilarious gay
author and essayist appears for a far more intimate
stop at Politics and Prose bookstore, still plugging
his latest book Lets Explore Diabetes with Owls. As
you might expect, there are signicant restrictions
here, including no photos and videos, and the focus
is on book signing and you must get a ticket at
the bookstores information desk to enter what will
surely be a long signing line. Monday, June 9, at 7
p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW.
Call 202-364-1919 or visit politics-prose.com.
MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO
As part of its Shakespeare Cinema, Part 1 series
celebrating the 450th anniversary of the birth of
William Shakespeare, the American Film Institutes
Silver Theatre offers screenings of Gus Van Sants
audacious and gay lm adaptation of Shakespeares
Henry IV, setting the action in a male hustlers
demimonde in Portland, Ore. River Phoenix plays
a prostitute in love with rich kid Keanu Reeves in
this 1991 comically poignant favorite, also starring
William Richert as the boys bad-inuence Falstaff
gure. Saturday, June 7, at 10 p.m., Sunday, June 8,
at 9:45 p.m., and Thursday, June 12, at 9:15 p.m. AFI
Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring.
Tickets are $12 general admission. Call 301-495-6720
or visit a.com/Silver.
TREY MCINTYRE PROJECT
Glam-rock band Queen is just the kind of musical
pomp you might expect to serenade the Trey McIntyre
Project in its nal dance performance in D.C., in a
program called Mercury Half-Life. Known over the
past decade as an inventive and bold contemporary
ballet company, intent on broadening dances appeal
by incorporating contemporary music, the company
will shed its dance roots altogether and its live touring
focus later this year. Instead, the project will switch
to projects in lm and the visual arts, from developing
a full-length documentary to publishing a book of
McIntyres writings to creating commissioned work
with large presenters all work that that the gay
namesake started pursuing a few years back. I want
to keep re-examining the way that we get what we
do [out] to people, McIntyre told Metro Weekly in
2011. I just never want to get complacent and start
being repetitive in the kind of work that we do.
Wednesday, June 11, at 8:30 p.m. The Filene Center at
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $10 to
$44. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit wolftrap.org.
WASHINGTON JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
After a hit debut last year, the 15th Annual Washington
Jewish Music Festival reprises The Big Broadway
Sing-Along, where a team of local theater professionals
lead a sing-along to the many songs you know and love
from Jewish Broadway which is as redundant as
saying Gay Broadway. Halley Cohen, director of
the gay outreach program DCJCCs GLOE, developed
the show, set for Tuesday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. Also
returning to this years festival, which launched the
rst day of June, is the 2nd Annual WJMF Day in the
46
Compiled by Doug Rule
N
E
T
F
L
I
X
Women Behind Bars
Orange is the New Blacks newest season is even better than its rst
L
ETS START HERE: IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT SUBSCRIBER OF NET-
ix, join up now and binge on Orange is the New Black, Season 1 (HHHHH),
Jenji Kohans magnicent, wholly engaging series set in a womans prison.
Youll then want to instantly dive into Season 2 (HHHHH), which Netix will
release, in full, on Friday, June 6.
For those who have been breathlessly awaiting the arrival of the new season, rest
assured it does not disappoint, deepening the narrative, changing the landscape by
introducing new frictions, new, potentially dangerous liaisons, and bringing several
side characters to the fore, revealing, in at least one case, a backstory with a startling
twist that alters everything you thought you knew about the character. Kohan clearly
enjoys her reveals.
So much had changed in the nal episode of Season 1 that Season 2 cant help
but move things in new directions. Kohan introduces a menacing new character
Vee (the extraordinary Lorraine Toussaint) whose manipulations threaten the very
infrastructure of life in Litcheld Prison. The gay content has been boosted signi-
cantly and the series adroitly explores the difference between innate homosexual-
ity and the need for basic human contact and compassion in a bleak, inhospitable
environment.
Kohan has softened fan-favorite Crazy Eyes, reducing her from a perceivable
threat to a comic-relief sidekick, but Uzo Adubas performance still remains one
of the most memorable in the series. Yael Stones Lorna gets to sink her teeth into
some genuinely heartwrenching (and creepy) dramatic moments. And the friend-
ship between Poussey (the affecting Samira Wiley) and Taystee (Danielle Brooks)
takes an unexpected turn. Kate Mulgrew is remarkably stirring as the tough-as-nails
Red, now ostracized by the women who once idolized her. And Laverne Cox,
as the transgender Sophia, has a eld day with a sequence where she explains, in
elaborate detail, the workings of the female anatomy to her fellow (and apparently
clueless) inmates.
Yes, Laura Prepons Alex appears to be gone at least for the moment. But heres
the thing about prison: you never quite know when someone might make a return
visit to the slammer. That said, OITNB is one prison youll want to spend your next
13 hours in. Randy Shulman
Available exclusively on Netix. Visit Netix.com.
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
47 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
Shailene Woodley is Hazel, a 16-year-old cancer
patient, who meets and falls in love with 17-year-
old amputee and cancer survivor Augustus (Ansel
Eigort) at a support group for children living with
cancer in Josh Boones The Fault in Our Stars.
This sure-to-be weepy lm also stars Willem Dafoe,
Laura Dern and Mike Birbiglia. Opens Friday, June
6. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
STAGE
CABARET
If you cant make it up to Broadway to see the revival
of the 90s-era revival of the popular Kander &
Ebb original, the queer-identied theater company
Richmond Triangle Players offers its own production
of the show throughout the month of Pride. The
show focuses on the decadent and sexually liberating
era of 1930s Berlin and how the Nazis killed off
the culture and many of its most creative and
forward-thinking leaders, both Jews and gays alike.
Penny Ayn Maas directs and choreographs RTPs
production, staged in an intimate cabaret style. To
June 28. Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont
Ave. Richmond. Tickets are $32 to $35, or $18 for
the preview. Call 804-346-8113 or visit rtriangle.org.
DISNEYS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Wolf Trap plays local host to a national tour of
this hit musical, which debuted 20 years ago on
Broadway. Based on Disneys 1991 animated lm,
Beauty and the Beast features music by composer
Alan Menken, chiey in collaboration with the late
lyricist Howard Ashman, though he worked with
Tim Rice for additional songs on stage. The show
has changed hardly at all in two decades of course
its basic love-conquers-all storyline is the same,
FILM
BALTIMORE QUEER FILM AND MEDIA FESTIVAL
Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan (Will &
Grace) performs his one-man show Fruit Fly: Do Gay
Men Become Their Mothers? on Tuesday, June 10,
and Wednesday, June 11, at 8 p.m. at the Baltimore
Theatre Project. Despite having nothing to do with
lm per se, Jordans show nonetheless serves as the
kickoff to BmoreQFest, a revival of a lm festival
that had gone on hiatus for more than a decade. The
lms start screening on Thursday, June 12, with
an opening night gala at the MICA Brown Center
featuring Charles Vaughns First Period, said to be
a cross between lms from John Waters and John
Hughes. A closing gala Sunday, June 15, also at the
Brown Center, focuses on JC Calianos The 10 Year
Plan, about two gay friends who are nearing a self-
selected deadline to nd love or else get stuck
with each other. In between, more than 40 lms
screen at ve downtown venues. Tickets are $10 per
lm or $100 for a pass, plus $35 for Fruit Fly or $75
for Fruit Fly and a pre-performance reception. Visit
bmorequeer.org for a full festival lineup and more
information.
EDGE OF TOMORROW
Tom Cruise will run a lot, that much we can be sure
of. Doug Limans sci- action lm Edge of Tomorrow
is a bit like Groundhog Day, in that its main character
is stuck in a time loop, forced to repeat each day.
It slightly differs from Bill Murrays comedy in
that Cruise repeats his last day in a battle between
humanity and aliens. Okay, it differs quite a lot. Still,
its a nice, CGI-lled take on the old humanity is
dooooooomed humans vs. aliens premise of many
sci- lms. Opens Friday, June 6. Area theaters. Visit
fandango.com.
Park, an outdoor, free event featuring games and events
and music from the Mama Doni Band, Josh & The
Jamtones and Michael Winograd Klezmer Ensemble,
all set for Sunday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at Francis Field.
Theres also a free sneak preview of comedic actor Mike
Myerss directorial debut Supermensch: The Legend of
Shep Gordon, about the Hollywood legend, on Monday,
June 9, at 7:30 p.m. Other performances include: Israeli
jazz guitarist Yotam Silberstein, on Tuesday, June
10, at 7:30 p.m., at the JCC of Greater Washington
in Rockville; country singer and humorist Kinky
Friedman, Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m.; Yemenite
Israeli vocalist Ravid Kahalani offers a performance
of his new group Yemen Blues on Thursday, June 12,
at 7:30 p.m.; and a closing performance from Israeli
violinist Asi Matathias, accompanied by pianist Eliran
Avni, on Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m. Unless otherwise
noted all events happen at the Washington DCJCC,
1529 16th St. NW. For tickets and more information,
visit wjmf.org.
WILLIE NELSON, ALISON KRAUSS,
KACEY MUSGRAVES
Country legend Willie Nelson enlists one of the
artists, Alison Krauss, who appeared on his release
last year To All The Girls, which featured duets
with most of countrys current leading ladies. And
as if a show with Nelson and classy bluegrass act
Alison Krauss and Union Station wasnt enough
of a destination event, theres also an opening
set from Kacey Musgraves, who was one of the
darlings at this years Grammy Awards, where she
won two top country awards as well as performed
her LGBT-afrming hit Follow Your Arrow. All
arrows point to Merriweather next weekend to catch
this superstar show. Saturday, June 14, at 5 p.m.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent
Parkway, Columbia, Md. Tickets are $45 to $75. Call
800-551-SEAT or visit merriweathermusic.com.
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for combined purchase. Call 202-547-1122 or visit
shakespearetheatre.org. (Kate Wingeld)
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG
The American Century Theater offers a production
of Abby Manns riveting play about the World War
II war crime trials that raises important moral
issues still relevant and controversial today. Joe
Banno directs this rarely produced but critically
praised courtroom drama starring a large cast of
TACT veterans, including Craig Miller, Bruce Alan
Rauscher, Steve Lebens, Mary Beth Luckenbaugh,
Karin Rosnizeck and Christopher Henley of WSC
Avant Bard making his TACT debut in a role played
by Montgomery Clift in the 1961 Oscar-winning lm
version that also starred Judy Garland. To June
28. Gunston Theater Two, 2700 South Lang St.
Arlington. Tickets are $32 to $40. Call 703-998-4555
or visit americancentury.org.
ORDINARY DAYS
Signature Theatres Matthew Gardiner, who must
be the busiest working director all around D.C.,
helms a Round House Theatre production and the
area premiere of up-and-coming gay composer
Adam Gwons musical Ordinary Days. Touted as a
refreshingly honest, funny musical about the difculty
of making real connections in the overwhelming
hubbub and pace of urban life. Erin Weaver, Will
Gartshore, Samule Edgerly and Janine DiVita star.
To June 22. Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West
Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are $35 to $50. Call 240-
644-1100 or visit roundhousetheatre.org.
SMOKEY JOES CAF
One of the earliest and longest-running revues in
Broadway history, Smokey Joes Caf focuses on
the rock and R&B tunes written by Jerry Leiber
and Mike Stoller, from Hound Dog to Stand By
Me. Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage after
One Night with Janis Joplin to direct a new take
on the show, beefed up with a more urban feel
and more relationships and of course the local
vocal repower of Helen Hayes Award winners E.
Faye Butler and Nova Y. Payton. Theyre really so
impeccable that rehearsal is a joy, Tony-winning
LGBT pop singer-songwriter Levi Kreis tells Metro
Weekly, adding that during rehearsals, I literally am
giggling like a child, because I cant believe whats
coming out of their faces! Closes this Sunday, June
8. The Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th
St. SW. Tickets are $50 to $99. Call 202-488-3300 or
visit arenastage.org.
THE PIANO LESSON
Jamil Jude directs an Olney Theatre Center
production of the August Wilson classic The Piano
Lesson, the fourth play in his Century Cycle. Set
in 1930s Pittsburgh, the play revolves around an
African-American family struggling over the sale of
a precious family heirloom. Closes this Sunday, June
8. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring
Road, Olney, Md. Tickets are $43.50 to $63.50. Call
301-924-3400 or visit olneytheatre.org.
THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
Forum Theatre presents a 10th Anniversary
Celebration Production of this darkly comic play
by Stephen Adly Guirgis (The Motherfucker with
the Hat) and directed by John Vreeke. After two
previous sold-out runs, much of the original Forum
cast returns to portray the purgatory trial of Judas,
whos so overwhelmed by guilt that he cannot speak
in his own defense. Lawyers, witnesses, saints, and
even the Devil step up to try the case without him,
debating punishment, redemption and the nature
of free will. Now to June 14. Round House Theatre-
Silver Spring, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring.
Tickets are $20 to $25. Call 240-644-1390 or visit
forumtd.org or roundhousetheatre.org.
Pop Opera
UrbanArias nds winning combination to attract new opera fans
W
HEN I FOUNDED THE COMPANY I WAS LOOKING FOR THINGS
to do that would bring more people into the operatic fold, says Robert
Wood of UrbanArias. Opera is an intimidating and/or prohibitive art
form for many, he deduced, and the chief barriers are performance length, language
and ticket price. So when you do it in English, when you keep it under 90 minutes,
and when you give them excellent artists for a lot less money than they would spend
at the Kennedy Center, Wood says, its a winning combination.
Wood, who regularly conducts for established companies including the San
Francisco Opera and the Minnesota Opera, has found this winning combination
to draw in new audiences for the genre by virtue of the four-year-old, Arlington-
based UrbanArias, which focuses exclusively on producing short, contemporary
operas.
Right now Artisphere hosts the companys double-bill of two short comic
operas by librettist Mark Campbell: Bastianello, based on an Italian folk tale about
a wedding, wasted wine and a world of fools and featuring fun Renaissance-styled
music by John Musto; and Lucrezia, a Machiavellian tale about the limits of life and
love, told in a zarzuela style with Latin ourishes by composer William Bolcom.
Directing both operas is the Shakespeare Theatre Companys Alan Paul, who has
previously credited UrbanArias for helping inspire his recently acquired passion for
opera. And Paul isnt alone.
Weve spawned a lot of interest around the country in doing shorter works,
particularly in alternate, intimate spaces, Wood says, citing recent productions of
UrbanArias-originating work at the Fort Worth Opera and at New Yorks new dar-
ing opera-centered Prototype Festival.
Wood has also grown audiences by venturing beyond traditional venues, even
beyond traditional marketing from offering an annual show at the concert club
IOTA in Arlington, to the occasional guerilla opera approach of crashing the
open-mic at Busboys & Poets by handing out yers for an upcoming production
during an impromptu ve-minute teaser. Every time we do those things we get
new people to come to our shows, Wood says, adding: You really have to put it in
front of them. If you do, they like it. Doug Rule
Bastianello and Lucrezia opens Friday, June 6, at 8 p.m., and runs for ve perfor-
mances this weekend and next at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. Arlington. Tickets
are $25. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com or urbanarias.org.
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
HENRY IV PARTS I AND II
HHHHH
The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents Henry
IV Parts 1 and Part II in repertory, meaning the
plays can be seen on separate nights but still in order
a unique opportunity to follow not only Henrys
history, but also the way in which Shakespeare
darkly and interestingly evolves his characters.
Edward Gero as Henry IV, Stacy Keach as Falstaff
and Matthew Amendt as Hal carry both plays, and
even with a big cast (in which many play multiple
roles across the two productions) and despite an
overarching plot that the uninitiated may nd
obtuse, most will nd the drama unfolding among
the three men eminently accessible. Especially so,
given the strong vision of director Michael Kahn.
Tightly sprung, perfectly pitched and paced, Kahns
productions are the bloody steaks and tannic reds of
the theater: rich, gratifying and offering an energy
that endures long after the evening has ended.
In rep to June 8. Sidney Harman Hall, Harman
Center for the Arts, 610 F St. NW. Tickets are
$20 to $110 for one play, with discounts available
but so to is the way its presented. The original
Broadway creative team, lead by director Rob Roth
and including choreographer Matt West and Tony-
winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, only
made mere tweaks when they regrouped to develop
this touring show. If it aint broke Friday, June 6,
through Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. Also Saturday, June
7, and Sunday, June 8, at 2 p.m. The Filene Center at
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $22
to $80. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit wolftrap.org.
HAPPY DAYS
Scena Theater presents Samuel Becketts darkly
comic classic starring multi-time Helen Hayes
Award winner Nancy Robinette as the happy-go-
lucky Winnie struggling to uncover meaning in her
static, lonely life. Stephen Lorne Williams stars as
Winnies totally aloof husband, who hasnt helped
her existential crisis one bit. Opens Saturday, June
7, at 8 p.m. To July 5. Atlas Performing Arts Center,
1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $35 to $40. Call 202-399-
7993 or visit atlasarts.org or scenatheater.org.
51 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
BRAD PAISLEY
Over a decade ago Brad Paisley, one of contemporary
countrys biggest stars, was hoodwinked into a
relationship with then-closeted singer Cheryl
Wright, who used him as a beard (a wig?) to
deect attention from her sexual orientation and her
true relationship with another woman. In any case,
Paisley has let bygones be bygones, moving on to
more serious and provocative topics. His latest album
Wheelhouse touches on everything from spousal
abuse to Southern provincialism to especially racism
the latter via the track Accidental Racist, which
also jumps on the increasingly popular bandwagon
of merging country with hip-hop, here featuring LL
Cool J. Thursday, June 12, at 5 p.m. Merriweather
Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Columbia, Md. Tickets are $40 to $75. Call 800-551-
SEAT or visit merriweathermusic.com.
CAPITAL JAZZ FEST
Erykah Badu and John Legend perform as part of
a Special Event: Friday Night Soul at the 22nd
Annual Capital Jazz Fest. Yet as ever, all three
days nd soul and funk acts mixed in with the
namesake genre, chiey on the Symphony Woods
Stage: This year including Chaka Khan, Dwele,
Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper, The OJays,
Faith Evans and Peabo Bryson. Still, jazzheads wont
be disappointed, with performances from Dianne
Reeves, Michael Franks, Kem, Rachelle Ferrell and
Keiko Matsui. And then theres the promise of
special surprise guests in a tribute show to George
Duke hosted by Al Jarreau and Stanley Clarke.
Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8. Merriweather Post
Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia,
Md. Tickets are $56.50 to $185. Call 800-551-SEAT
or visit capitaljazz.com.
struggles of a gay man whose acting career is going
nowhere and now his personal life is in shambles
too his boyfriend leaves him and his mother dies
in quick succession. But he does have a boisterous
aunt and an extroverted best friend, who take up the
challenge to cheer him up. Jeremy B. Cohen directs
a cast featuring Forrest McClendon, James Ijames,
Chivas Michael and Stephanie Berry. To June 29.
Center Stage, 700 North Calvert St., Baltimore.
Tickets are $19 to $62. Call 410-986-4000 or visit
centerstage.org.
MUSIC
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Emil de Cou conducts the BSO in a performance
of Max Steiners soundtrack to Casablanca as that
classic movie screens from the stage. Thursday, June
12, and Friday, June 13, at 8 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff
Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore.
Also Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m. Music Center at
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Tickets are $29 to $94. Call 410-783-8000 or visit
bsomusic.org.
BOHEMIAN CAVERNS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Every Monday night the 17-piece jazz orchestra
performs a variety of music from the big band
repertoire including pieces by Duke Ellington,
Count Basie, Billy Strayhorn and Maria Schneider,
plus originals from band members at its namesake
venue. Founded by baritone saxophonist Brad Linde
and club owner Omrao Brown, features some of
D.C.s best jazz musicians, including Linde and
trumpeter Joe Herrera, who co-direct. Performances
at 8 and 10 p.m. every Monday night. Bohemian
Caverns, 2001 11th St. NW. Tickets are $10. Call 202-
299-0800 or visit bohemiancaverns.com.
THREE MEN IN A BOAT
Movement-focused stage company Synetic Theater
is best known for its wordless Silent Shakespeare
series, but its plays are not always text-less. Case in
point: Three Men in A Boat (to say nothing of the dog),
a new play by renowned area theater director Derek
Goldman based on Jerome K. Jeromes century-old
travelogue about three young men suffering from a
severe case of overwork. These three musketeers
set out on a boating trip with a dutiful terrier,
nding misadventures along the way. Tim Getman,
Tom Story, Rob Jansen and Alex Mills star in this
production featuring original choreography by
Synetics Irina Tsikurishvili. Closes this Sunday,
June 8. Theater at Crystal City, 1800 South Bell St.,
Arlington. Tickets are $45 to $55. Call 800-494-8497
or visit synetictheater.org.
TICK, TICKBOOM!
New professional theater company QuackenSteele
Theatre Co. offers as its inaugural production
Tick, TickBoom! from the late Jonathan Larson,
creator of Rent. Adapted after Larsons death by
playwright David Auburn, the musical offers an
autobiographical tale about a man questioning his
decision to be in the performing arts. Based in
Alexandria, QuackenSteele is a company named
after its principals Laura Quackenbush, the producer
of this production, and Lou Steele, the actor who
takes on the lead role in a production also featuring
Madeline Botteri and David Little and directed
by Walter Ware III. Closes this Friday, June 6.
The Lab at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane.
Alexandria. Tickets are $25. Call 703-664-0312 or
visit QuackenSteeleTheatreCo.org.
WILD WITH HAPPY
Center Stage presents this new comedy by
playwright/actor Colman Domingo focused on the
52 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
DAN DEACON
Baltimore-based hipster-y artist Dan Deacon thrives
on experimentation. He primarily creates music
most closely connected to the electronic/pop
realm, but at times hes veered all the way into the
contemporary classical genre as a result of one
such dabbling, work with the quartet So Percussion,
the 32-year-old has already made his debut as a
performer at Carnegie Hall. Deacons experimental
nature has also inspired his development of a
smartphone app that synchronizes with his current
live show which includes a stop at the Howard
Theatre presented by local promoters BYT for
free. Obviously with that kind of experiment in
crowd demand and access, youll need to get there
early. Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. The Howard
Theatre, 620 T St. NW. Tickets are free, but issued
rst come, rst served until venue hits capacity. Call
202-588-5595 or visit thehowardtheatre.com.
DJ LILES DIVAS DANCE PARTY
After repeated tweaks to her popular divas dance
party, DJ lile (nee Erin Myers) now offers a battle
between Madonna vs. ALL The Divas. It may
not be much of a contest, but that of course is the
point: Its all meant to be a fun night of diva-focused
pop, which is basically catnip to the gays. Why, this
round is even offered on the Friday of Capital Pride
weekend to boot. Friday, June 6. Doors at 8 p.m.
Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call
202-265-0930 or visit 930.com. Also visit 930.com/
friends to sign up for the clubs new Friends With
Benets rewards program offering exclusive deals
and discounts on tickets, drinks and merchandise.
FIFTH HARMONY
After opening for Cher Lloyd last year and Demi
Lavato earlier this year, this girl group born in 2012
via X Factor has been too busy touring to nish
work on its long-gestating debut album. Though
thats expected later this year, an actual release
date is still TBD. But these harmonizers Ally
Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane
Hansen, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui
arent letting that keep them sequestered in the
studio. Theyre off touring yet again, now in the
midst of its fourth headlining tour in less than two
years time, dubbed the Fifth Times a Charm Tour.
Wednesday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Fillmore Silver Spring,
8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $33.
Call 301.960.9999 or visit llmoresilverspring.com.
LA ROUX
Chances are, you might be too exhausted after the
weekend run of Capital Pride, or even just too
spent after catching a full day of performances
at the festival. But if not, the Grammy-winning
80s-channeling synth-pop act La Roux, now the
solo project of singer/musician Elly Jackson, offers
a show to keep you up late and singing along to the
2009 hits Bulletproof and In for the Kill as well
as new single Uptight Downtown, drawn from
La Rouxs forthcoming sophomore set Trouble in
Paradise. Sunday, June. 8. Doors at 10 p.m. Nightclub
9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-
0930 or visit 930.com. Also visit 930.com/friends
to sign up for the clubs new Friends With Benets
rewards program offering exclusive deals and
discounts on tickets, drinks and merchandise.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
A critical darling and a songwriters songwriter
of long repute, Williams writes poetic songs and
sings in a raw, hazy voice often coloring outside the
lines. No wonder some have called her the female
Bob Dylan. Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. Rams Head
Live!, 20 Market Place, Baltimore. Tickets are $35.
Call 410-244-1131 or visit ramsheadlive.com.
53 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
54
MELISSA FERRICK
The repeat Capital Pride performer and folk-rock
powerhouse Melissa Ferrick returns to the area
after touring last fall with Ani DiFranco, who guest-
starred on Ferricks stirring 2012 set Still Right
Here, Ferricks rst studio album in ve years. And
she even returns in time for Pride although
shes only getting as close as Annapolis, so this
year shes only Capital Pride-adjacent. Friday, June
6, at 8 p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St.,
Annapolis. Tickets are $25. Call 410-268-4545 or
visit ramsheadonstage.com.
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Christoph Eschenbach leads the NSO in Brahmss
Double Concerto featuring two rising young stars,
violinist Nicola Benedetti and cellist Leonard
Eischenbroich. Also on the program is Tchaikovskys
Pathetique Symphony No. 6. Thursday, June 5, at 7
p.m., and Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at 8
p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $10 to
$85. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL-STARR BAND
Former members of Toto, Santana, Mr. Mister and
Billy Joels band to name names, Steve Lukather,
Gregg Bissonette, Gregg Rolie, Richard Page and
Mark Rivera join this former Beatle plus Todd
Rundgren in an old-timers rock show to show the
kids how its done. Thursday, June 12, at 8 p.m. The
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna.
Tickets are $35 to $65. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit
wolftrap.org.
THE FOUR BITCHIN BABES
Founded by Christine Lavin and counting Patty
Larkin and Julie Gold among its alumnus, this
folky cabaret group returns for an annual show at
the Birchmere, where the band recorded its rst
album. This time around, the funny foursome
Sally Fingerett, Deirdre Flint, Nancy Moran and
Debi Smith offer a show based on its recent
recording Mid Life Vices. Saturday, June 14, at
7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.,
Alexandria. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or
visit birchmere.com or fourbitchinbabes.com.
TIM MCGRAW
Mr. Faith Hill returns for another summer Saturday
night stop at Jiffy Lube Live, with opening acts Kip
Moore and Cassadee Pope on this years Sundown
Heaven Town tour, whose title comes from the
name of what will be McGraws 13th studio album,
not due until September. Saturday, June 14, at 7 p.m.
Jiffy Lube Live, 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Va.
Tickets are $30.25 to $70.25. Call 703-754-6400 or
visit livenation.com.
DANCE
BALLET ADI
Carmina Burana is exactly what it sounds like:
A new ballet from this resident company of the
American Dance Institute set to sections of Carl Orffs
masterpiece. Runqiao Du, Ballet ADIs director, was
inspired by the majestic music, text and context in
which Orff composed the music, and has assembled
the largest cast in his companys history for the
work using neoclassical ballet language and featuring
pianist Glenn Sales and vocal soloists. Friday, June
13, and Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m. American Dance
Institute, 1501 East Jefferson St. Rockville. Tickets are
$33.50. Call 301-984-3003 or visit americandance.org
or christopherkmorgan.com.
DANCEAFRICA, DC 2014
This 27th annual celebration pays tribute to
the vibrancy of African heritage through dance,
music, visual arts, food, clothing and crafts. The
K
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OMETIMES MY MUSIC IS PRETTY NONSENSICAL, AND THATS
probably because Im just attracted to the sounds of the words, says K.
Ishibashi, of the playfully eponymous orchestral-rock act Kishi Bashi.
More often this singing violinist is whimsical, making kaleidoscopic music
just the right side of silly and focused on fun. Did fate mistake us for a pair
of star-crossed lovers? he sings on The Ballad of Mr. Steak. Yes, this jaunty
ELO-styled rocker is an ode to whats for dinner. He brought the 1-2-3, he
brought the four on the oor, Ishibashi sings, and every bite just made him
dance more and more. Last month The Ballad of Mr. Steak was the No. 1
song on the radio in Japan.
But hes not just big in Japan. The Seattle-born, Norfolk, Va.-reared musi-
cian has been a critical and indie-rock darling since his days with the Georgia-
based rock group Of Montreal, not to mention side projects with Regina
Spektor and Sondre Lerche. Several of the bright, soaring tunes on his 2012
solo debut 151a have been the soundtrack for popular commercials, whether
its Microsoft Windows 8 (Bright Whites) or Sonys Xperia Tablet S (It All
Began with a Burst).
As a rstborn Asian son its pretty unusual to nd parents as supportive as
mine have been of their kids going into creative elds, Ishibashi says, pointing
to a misguided detour to study engineering at Cornell University. I actually
unked out, he says. My parents were like, Well you tried. We know how
much you like music. With their blessing, he was off to Bostons renowned
Berklee College of Music, where he studied violin and composition. At some
point, Ishibashi, who lives in Athens, Ga., with his wife and eight-year-old
daughter, would like to work with an orchestra. I feel very connected to clas-
sical music, and it would be the next step.
Right now the focus is on Lighght, his strong new sophomore solo set,
and touring in support of this deeper dip into progressive rock territory. This
weekend sees a return to the 9:30 Club in D.C., one of my base markets. Adds
Ishibashi: The 9:30 Club show is going to be spectacular. Weve got some
extra-special things were doing for that. Doug Rule
Kishi Bashi is Sunday, June 8. Doors at 6 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW.
Tickets are $20. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.
JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Kaleidoscopic Rock
Kishi Bashi comes to the 9:30 Club.
festivals special guests this year are Illstyle
& Peace Productions from Philadelphia, but the
core performances as always come from the many
strong Africa-oriented dance companies that call
D.C. home, including Coyaba Dance Theater, Dance
Place Step Team, KanKouran West African Dance
Co., Sankofa Dance Theater and Soul in Motion. This
years festival also once again includes an African-
style outdoor marketplace set up on the street in
front of lead presenter Dance Place. Vendors sell
food and wares, and various dance groups, most
geared toward children and students, offer free
performances throughout the afternoons of the main
festival days, Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
For more details and ticket information, call 202-
269-1600 or visit www.danceplace.org.
NATIONAL COLLEGE DANCE FESTIVAL 2014
The biennial National College Dance Festival features
three different gala concerts, each performed twice.
And each concert features 10 different dances, or
what you could call dance sampler platters. Theres
this level of enthusiasm with the performers that
is so inspiring, organizer Diana DeFries of the
American College Dance Festival Association told
Metro Weekly in advance of the last iteration. And
the technical level is very high. The dancing is
beautiful. Every other year a panel of experts
selects roughly 30 works from annual regional dance
conferences to premiere at the Kennedy Center
during the festival. The concerts are Thursday, June
5, through Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $25
each. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org
or acdfa.org for more information.
GALLERIES
AN OPENING OF THE FIELD:
JESS, ROBERT DUNCAN
An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert Duncan &
Their Circle is a visual arts and poetry exhibition set
against the backdrop of the love story between two
San Francisco Beat Generation artists: Jess Collins,
known simply as Jess, and Robert Duncan, who
formed their bond in the early 1950s. Jesss collages
and drawings were often published to accompany
Duncans poems and essays, and Duncans writings
and ideas often in turn made their way into Jesss
dense and allusive works. This exhibit looks at
their inuence on fellow Beat Generation artists
as well as their unique position as precursors of
Postmodernism, and includes works by other artists
including Edward Corbett and Lawrence Jordan and
poets Jack Spicer and Michael McClure. Through
Aug. 17. American University Museum at the Katzen
Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Call 202-
885-1300 or visit american.edu/cas/museum.
ASCAP: ONE HUNDRED YEARS AND BEYOND
The Library of Congress offers an exhibition
featuring 45 objects celebrating the work of the
leading organization advocating on behalf of
musical artists. Included in this centennial toast
to the American Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers is the original manuscript of
Henry Mancinis The Pink Panther theme, Paul
Williamss lyrics for The Rainbow Connection,
and the original lyrics, including the many drafts
and revisions, to the Barbra Streisand staple The
Way We Were, written by Alan and Marilyn
Bergman. There are also interactive, audio and
video stations, and the screening of a lm featuring
artists explaining ASCAPs work. Through July 26.
Performing Arts Reading Room Gallery, the Library
of Congresss James Madison Memorial Building,
101 Independence Ave. SE. Call 202-707-8000 or
visit loc.gov/concerts.
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Museum of Art and private collections. Closes this
Sunday, June 8. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave.
NW. Suggested donation is $12. Call 202-686-5807
or visit HillwoodMuseum.org.
PERUVIAN GOLD:
ANCIENT TREASURES UNEARTHED
National Geographic Museum offers a show of gold
and silver artifacts on loan from three Peruvian
institutions, with the focus on a pre-Colombian
headdress called El Tocado. Skilled artisans
created objects, from ceremonial masks to jewelry,
that rival anything produced by the ancient
Egyptians. Through Sept. 14. National Geographic
Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. Tickets are $11. Call 202-
857-7588 or visit ngmuseum.org.
SHAKESPEARES THE THING
As part of its yearlong celebration of what would
have been William Shakespeares 450th birthday,
the Folger Shakespeare Library selects from its vast
collection some great or quirky hits from the 1623
Shakespeare First Folio to a Sanskrit translation of
Hamlet to a Shakespeare board game. Through June
15. Folger Great Hall, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Call
202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
SUITES ART EXHIBIT
Del Ray Artisans presents an all-member and all-
media show of local artists, the title of which is
an acronym: SUITES stands for Scandalous,
Uproarious, Intriguing, Titillating, Entanglements
and Seductions. And the show is billed as one
that could make you laugh, blushor both.
Opening reception is Friday, June 6, from 7 p.m.
to 9 p.m. Exhibit runs to June 29. Del Ray Artisans
in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount
Vernon Ave. Alexandria. Call 703-731-8802 or visit
thedelrayartisans.org.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
BABE RAINBOW: A PRIDE DANCE PARTY
During this years Capital Pride the Black Cat
offers two events in one night: Upstairs, or on the
Mainstage, is an eclectic all-comers mix featuring
music by DJs Dean Sullivan, Tommy Cornelis,
Keenan Orr and Natty Boom, while downstairs, or in
the Backstage, is Rich Morels bear stew Hot Sauce,
which hell spin into a frenzy along with Bil Todd.
Saturday, June 7. Doors at 9:30 p.m. Black Cat, 1811
14th St. NW. Tickets are $10. Call 202-667-4490 or
visit blackcatdc.com.
THE UNION BBQ
U Street Music Hall has put together a solid lineup
of hip musical acts to perform for a daylong festival,
complete with hip local food vendors, in Union
Market, D.C.s recently refurbished hip warehouse
district. Just how hip is hip? Well, it doesnt get much
hipper than Jamie xx of the haunting British alt-rock
duo the xx, but another headliner for the 12-hour
festival is the Baltimore-bred Animal Collective,
whose members Geologist and Deakin will offer a DJ
set. Also on tap: A slew of DJs from U Halls popular
Moombahton Massive party, plus Stereo Faith, Sam
The Man Burns, Chris Nitti, Ozker and U Halls
own Will Eastman and Lisa Frank. Among the food
vendors offering grub: Toki Underground, Mama
Nadas Empanadas, DCity Smokehouse, the Brixton
and El Rey. Saturday, June 14, starting at 12 p.m.
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. Tickets are
$40. Call 800-680-9095 or visit theunionbbq.com or
unionmarketdc.com. l
growth in sequencing technology that helped spark
this medical and scientic revolution. Through
September. National Museum of Natural History,
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Call 202-
633-1000 or visit mnh.si.edu.
MODERN SCULPTURE:
DIALOGUES IN THREE DIMENSIONS
While its galleries are closed for renovation and
expansion, the National Gallery of Art has set up
throughout its East Building a special installation
of modern sculpture from its renowned holdings.
Three times a week the gallery offers a new
60-minute guided tour highlighting these works,
allowing patrons to engage with each other in open-
ended discussion about, in addition to the guide
pointing out connections between, the works on
view, from Alexander Calders monumental mobile
Untitled from 1976 to Andy Goldsworthys decade-
old Roof. The relationship between I.M. Peis East
Building and John Russell Pops West Building will
also be examined. Tuesday, Thursday, and Sundays
at 1:30 p.m. National Gallery of Art East Building
Information Desk, 3rd Street at Constitution Avenue
NW. Call 202-737-4215 or visit nga.gov.
PASSION OF THE EMPRESS:
CATHERINE THE GREATS ART PATRONAGE
In the 18th century Catherine the Great reigned
over a golden age of Russian culture, founding
what would become the State Hermitage Museum
and transforming St. Petersburg into one of
Europes cultural centers. Hillwood Museum
presents Passion of the Empress, which presents
a selection of dazzling, nely crafted decorative
art pieces in gold, silver, porcelain and enamel
from Hillwoods collection as well as other pieces
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Walters
Art Museum, Dumbarton Oaks, the Birmingham
COLLEEN SABO, CHARLES GOLDSTEIN
The Touchstone Gallery presents two very different
exhibitions by abstract artists: Colleen Sabos Avian
Attitudes features paintings and drawings evoking
the many moods of raptors, from owls to hawks
to crows; and Charles Goldsteins Les Chemins de
Memoire (The Paths of Memory) depicts memories of
the abstract expressionist artists family, 84 of whom
perished in the Holocaust. The latter is co-presented
by the French Embassy. Opening reception is Friday,
June 6, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Exhibitions on
view through June 29. Touchstone Gallery, 901
New York Ave. NW Call 202-347-2787 or visit
touchstonegallery.com.
FERMATA: A CELEBRATION OF SOUND
Billed as the venues rst exhibition dedicated
entirely to sound and also the regions largest
and most expansive sound exhibition to date,
Artispheres Fermata is a months-long extravaganza
featuring works by a wide variety of artists,
including composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, NASA
Kepler scientist Lucianne Walkowicz and D.C.s
own Richard Chartier. The works will be displayed
in month-long stages, or movements, ending in a
Coda in collaboration with the Transformer Gallery.
Through Aug. 10. Terrace Gallery at Artisphere, 1101
Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. Call 703-875-1100 or
visit artisphere.com.
GENOME: UNLOCKING LIFES CODE
Thanks to the work of the decade-long, $3
billion Human Genome Project, human society
has gained much greater insight into our bodies
and our health. Scientists have identied genes
that contribute to disease, stoking hope for ways
to treat or eradicate cancer among many other
ailments. This Smithsonian exhibition, which will
soon travel the country, explores the work and
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Evil Woman
Angelina Jolies masterful performance dominates every scene of
an otherwise average film
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ET US TELL AN OLD STORY ANEW
So begins Malecent, Disneys live-action reimag-
ining of Sleeping Beauty, this time told from the
viewpoint of one of the House of Mouses greatest
villains. As it transpires, the lms narrator isnt kidding those
who have watched the 1959 animated may nd very little actu-
ally recognizable in this tale. Indeed, the full line states: Let us
tell an old story anew and see how well you know it. Not well,
it would seem.
Malecent holds particular cache among Disneys most wick-
ed antagonists. The self-proclaimed Mistress of All Evil (at least
in the original lm) curses Princess Aurora to die after being left
off the ofcial invite list to the childs christening. Shrewd, pow-
erful, utterly monstrous, she dominated the animated feature,
her demise at the blade of Prince Philip a metaphorical (and,
sadly, literal) double-edged sword. She was too wicked to live,
too wickedly enjoyable to lose.
This time around, Malecent resides in The Moors, a land
lled with wondrous creatures and magic, bordering a human
kingdom. The Moors are the epitome of paradise, a glowing,
glistening place lled with exotic owers, shimmering lakes and
all manner of curious beings. The human land, by comparison, is
your typical feudal system war, hatred, greed and ambition are
rife and ruinous. The human king covets The Moors, desiring
its mysterious bounty, which causes deep mistrust between the
factions. Malecent, still a child, meets a human boy. The two
quickly strike up a friendship and, over the years, grow closer.
Love blossoms true love, even but as sweet as it is, it quickly
sours. Stefan is human, and as such eventually succumbs to
the greed and desire for power that all humans are apparently
aficted with. Malecent is left alone.
When, then does she curse Aurora? Well, no spoilers, but a
series of events including one particularly disturbing scene
that draws very real comparisons with sexual assault (though
Disneyed to keep younger viewers from getting the message)
cause Malecents heart to harden and set into motion the curse
that forms the core of the lms plot. None of that, however,
particularly matters.
The lms script, penned by Linda Woolverton (Beauty and
the Beast, The Lion King, the lackluster remake of Alice in Won-
derland) is entirely inconsequential. Indeed, it could almost be
described as trite. Aurora, who wasnt the most developed of
characters in the original lm, is given little extra depth here,
though Elle Fanning does her best to make her slightly less
intolerably goggle-eyed than she otherwise would have been.
The three pixies are no longer the caregivers they originally
were here, they are bumbling, immature, underused and some-
what irritating. Though they are entrusted with Aurora, it is
Malecent who ends up taking care of her, from afar, guiding her
towards her 16th birthday and her inevitable spinning-needle
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DiVita and Gartshore
Extra Ordinary
Ordinary Days is the rare musical
that ends before youre
ready to part with it
T
HERE ARE MOMENTS WHEN SINGING ACTRESS
Janine DiVita may remind you of Idina Menzel
from her pretty, pristine soprano voice to even the
way she presents herself as Claire, DiVitas character
in the new Round House Theatre production of Ordinary Days.
There are even similarities that could be teased out between
Adam Gwons musical and Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitts If/Then,
the Tony-nominated new musical Menzel rst offered D.C. the-
atergoers in a pre-Broadway trial last November. But on most
counts, Gwons Ordinary Days, which was a hit Off Broadway
ve years ago and is only now making its D.C. area debut, would
stack up better.
A native of Baltimore, Gwon doesnt confuse us with a convo-
luted plot, and he doesnt get nearly as carried away with over-
wrought music, the way Yorkey and Kitt did. Though you might
wish for sharper melodies or more hooks to hum, Gwons music
in Ordinary Days doesnt veer into needlessly showoff territory.
It always stays on the right side of tunefulness. Gwons story is
easy enough to follow too, presented chiey through lyrics in
this mostly sung-through musical.
Like If/Then, the focus is on the complex experiences of angst
and ennui, energy and opportunity even if just by happen-
stance that comes with living in New York. DiVitas character
Claire is wrestling with a still-new relationship with Jason,
played with gusto by Will Gartshore. Newly cohabiting, Claire
is increasingly annoyed and frustrated by the little things that
Jason says or does. If she were to leave him well, thankfully
this isnt If/Then, and Ordinary Days never gets that burdened by
the hypothetical and existential. A sudden development toward
shows end helps her decide what to do, offering a satisfactory
sense of resolution.
The other twosome in this vignette-style four-character play
is strictly platonic, Warren (a vibrant Samuel Edgerly) and Deb
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ken, battle-hardened, desperate for vengeance and yet, under-
neath it all, still susceptible to raw, honest emotion. Jolies
performance captures all of this, whether battling with herself
as she grows attached to the young Aurora, or destroying those
who seek her head in battle. As we watch her transform over
the lm, from nave fairy, to cold-hearted ruler, to softening
caregiver, to repentant mother-gure, it is Jolie who grounds
the performance, keeps the lm on track and makes it all so
utterly watchable.
So, too, is Sam Riley as Diaval, Malecents loyal servant.
Their back-and-forth offers yet another dynamic to her charac-
ter, though he also suffers from a lack of depth, which is really
Malecents main failing. Malecent dominates every scene,
and those lacking her suffer notably without her presence. Its
as though all effort was given to bring her character fully to life,
with the lms plot and secondary characters added to provide a
reason to watch Angelina Jolies wonderful performance.
Which, I should add, Im totally okay with. Sure, Id have
liked a more emotionally-impactful ending. Yes, I wish the
$180 million budget had been less focused on the lms beauti-
ful visuals and used to craft a better narrative. Certainly, Id
have preferred less child-friendly sequences in favor of meatier
action and dialogue. Of course Id have liked Aurora to be more
eshed out, Prince Philip to be less of a bit part, several gaping
plot holes to have been smoothed over (why did they burn all of
the spinning needles in the castle?) but, as the end credits roll,
you wont be thinking about any of that. Youll look at the person
next to you and say, Damn. Jolie was excellent, wasnt she?
Malecent (HHHHH) is rated PG-13. Now playing at
area theaters. l
(Erin Weaver). Warren is a gay aspiring artist, more optimistic
than he probably should be given that his only job, such as it is, is
as an assistant of sorts to a more established painter. His duties
chiey involve the dehumanizing job of handing out iers about
his boss to passersby on the street and then heading back to
his bosss high-rise apartment with a balcony to watch his cat. A
professional cat-sitter, Deb calls him, after they meet at the Met-
ropolitan Museum of Art. Deb, meanwhile, is starting to doubt
her place in the world, stuck between her past in a dead-end
suburb of a suburb hometown and her present sense of feeling
lost in the bustling big city, working on her graduate dissertation.
Every one of Gwons characters is realistic and relatable,
and all four actors bring them to tting life on stage. Ultimately,
Weaver leaves the strongest impression, making Deb eminently
likeable even in her most jaded and neurotic moments. Weaver
also gets to sing some of the more amusing songs, including the
hilariously pleading Dear Professor Thompson and especially
the springy and frantic Sondheim-esque Calm. However, its
DiVita in true Menzel fashion who gets to sing the shows
biggest anthem, the penultimate Ill Be Here.
Over the past few years, Signature Theatres Matthew Gar-
diner has directed productions on nearly every stage in town,
often with multiple shows running at once. It was savvy on the
part of Round House to hire Gardiner to helm the companys
rst musical production in seven years. Gardiner does his usual
bang-up job in this Round House debut, aided as always by a
dependable team of Signature veterans, from the cast to the
crew, including Misha Kachman on sets and Frank Labovitz on
costumes. William Yanesh serves as musical director, and pro-
vides the only musical accompaniment other than the assorted
sound effects from Eric Shimelonis. Thats right, theres no
orchestra playing in Ordinary Days, which was written with all
music emanating from the piano. In Yaneshs hands, you dont
miss the dramatic orchestral bends and swells nearly as much as
you think you will. It probably helps that the show clocks in at
only 80 minutes. In fact, this is the rare musical that ends before
youre ready to part with it.
Ordinary Days was the show that introduced Gwon on the
New York stage a promising newcomer to our talent-hungry
musical theater, as the New York Times put it in a positive
review but its ofcially the second Gwon show to grace the
D.C. stage. Signature Theatre commissioned and presented the
world premiere of his perky musical The Boy Detective Fails way
back in 2011. With a couple other Gwon musicals starting to
make the rounds, hopefully it wont take another three years to
hear from him here again.

Ordinary Days (HHHHH) runs to June 22 at Round House The-
atre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are $10 to $45.
Call 240-644-1100 or visit roundhousetheatre.org. l
encounter, though she struggles with her growing attachment
to the child. King Stefan (Sharlto Copley) is a villain, intent on
destroying Malecent, and though well-acted, even he cant
keep pace with the driving force of the lm: Angelina Jolie.
Make no mistake, if you go to see Malecent, do so for Jolies
performance as the titular character. She becomes Malecent,
from steely gaze to withering remark, haughty tone to occa-
sionally powerful moments of vulnerability. Jolie, whose trans-
formation is aided signicantly by some masterfully applied
prosthetics, is everything you could want and more. She turns
Malecent into a character of surprising depth. She is heartbro-
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Family Secrets
Audi has looked into its Nazi
affiliations, and the results
are fairly damning
G
erman businesses have a problem. For those
active during the 30s and 40s lucky enough to
have remained in business today, there inevitably
comes a time when one important question must
be asked: what did we do while the Nazis were in power?
For many, its an uncomfortable history lesson on the actions
of their founders during Hitlers regime. Deutsche Bank, one of
the largest nancial institutions in the world, dismissed its Jew-
ish members and loaned the money that paid for the construc-
tion of Auschwitz. Hugo Boss, founder of the designer brand that
carries his name, was a member of the Nazi party who designed
the uniforms worn by Nazi soldiers and Hitler Youth members.
The Quandt family, a majority shareholder in BMW, revealed
that their factories employed an estimated 50,000 slave labor-
ers from concentration camps, while the family proted from
the takeover of Jewish-owned businesses. Ferdinand Porsche,
whose car company now produces some of the worlds most
revered sports cars, helped create the peoples car or Volk-
swagen which later became the Beetle. He reached the rank of
SS-Oberfhrer (senior leader) and used the Volkswagen produc-
tion facilities to manufacture military vehicles for the Nazis.
Several of the above companies commissioned their own
investigations to examine the extent of their involvement in the
Nazi regime, and in 1999 a landmark $5.2 billion settlement fund
was established by the German government and German com-
panies including BMW, Daimler (which owns Mercedes Benz),
Deutsche Bank, Siemens and Volkswagen to compensate those
who were subjected to forced labor under Nazi rule.
Now, its Audis turn to delve into its past. It has released the
ndings of a study into the Nazi afliations of Auto Union, the
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automotive conglomeration which was incorporated into the
Volkswagen family and merged with NSU to form the Audi NSU
Auto Union later shortened to just Audi. Audi also examined
Dr. Richard Bruhn, installed as chairman of the Auto Union, a
merger of four separate manufacturers, in 1932. Unfortunately,
the results of Audis ndings, documented by the manufacturers
lead historian Martin Kukowski and historian Rudolf Boch from
the University of Chemnitz, are pretty damning. There can be
no discussion about the closeness of Auto Union to [the Nazis],
the ndings authors state. They continued, adding that the Auto
Union and Richard Bruhn had been rmly ensnared in the
National Socialist regime.
As chairman of Auto Union, Bruhn oversaw the use of more
than 3,700 forced labor workers, drafted from concentration
camps, while an additional 16,500 forced labor workers not
interred in camps were also used in Auto Unions various facto-
ries. Towards the end of the war, Bruhn demanded even more
forced labor workers, with Auto Union expecting its workforce
to grow to 50,000. The increasing demands of the war effort, and
the realization that Germany was not going to win, prevented
further expansion, but by the end of the war one-third of Auto
Unions workforce was drawn from forced labor.
At Flossenbrg concentration camp, a sub-camp was estab-
lished for Auto Union to use those imprisoned in the camps
as forced labor to help construct tank engines. Unlike Oskar
Schindler, the inspiration for Schindlers List, who used his fac-
tory to shield Jewish workers from concentration camps, Bruhn
and the Auto Union were shown to have moral responsibility
for 4,500 workers killed at Flossenbrg. By comparison, Opel,
another German automaker, operated throughout the duration
of the Third Reich with negligible amounts of forced labor.
Bruhn himself was found to have close ties to the Nazi party.
He was appointed a Wehrwirtschaftsfhrer, a title given to
executives of companies considered important for the produc-
tion of war materials. It also granted permission to circumvent
employment laws with regards workers and employees so as to
ensure production. The Auto Union was considered to be rmly
embedded in the Nazi regime, while Bruhn, who became a mem-
ber of the Nazi Party in 1933, met with Hitler and Albert Speer
during his time as Chairman.
At the end of the war, Auto Union was liquidated and Bruhn
was interned by British forces. He was subjected to denazica-
tion, where he accepted the responsibility for employing prison-
ers of war, but was released and allowed to move to Ingolstadt
the current home of Audi. Bruhn revived the Auto Union group
in 1949, and was later awarded the West Germany Grand Cross
of Merit in 1953 for his work at the company and his service to
the nation. He successfully hid the extent of his collaboration
with the Nazi party until his death in 1964.
The revelations surrounding Bruhn and the Auto Unions
use of forced labor forced Audi and the city of Ingolstadt to
rethink the man branded on various parts of the companys vari-
ous global websites as someone who guided the company with
great competence and enjoyed a high reputation post-war. Im
very shocked by the scale of the involvement of the former Auto
Union leadership in the system of forced and slave labor, said
Audi Works Council Leader Peter Mosch. I was not aware of
the extent. Furthermore, the company was examining all prod-
ucts that bore his name such as the Dr. Richard Bruhn pen-
sion fund. Ingolstadts mayor, Christian Lsel, told Wirtschafts
Woche that the city is considering renaming Bruhnstrae,
named for Bruhn.
For Audi, though, any fears that descendants of those harmed
by Auto Unions policy of using forced labor could sue the com-
pany for restitution will be allayed by its parent company Volk-
swagen Group. As one of the companies that helped establish
the $5.2 billion compensation fund and given Audi was (and
is) a subsidiary of the brand any claims against Audi can be
directed there. In terms of brand reputation, though, it will be of
little compensation to Audi, which hailed Bruhn as the Father
of the Auto Union. As it transpires, our parents can keep even
the darkest of secrets from us. l
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Squeaky Clean
Pro tips for cleaning your house,
picking a hired hand
H
OWS THAT WHOLE SPRING CLEANING
thing working out for you? Did you realize sum-
mer is mere weeks away?
People think of spring cleaning as such a
huge, big thing, and then they put it off and put it off, Sohini
Baliga says. But really, if you break it into little chunks its that
much easier.
Baliga is a consultant with the local cleaning company Maid
to Clean, and her biggest tip for any plan of attack is to clean in
baby steps, a little at a time, as you have time.
There are denitely people who want to set aside a day, do it
all in one go and be done with it, Baliga says. And then there are
the rest of us, who procrastinate and then get distracted or inter-
rupted, feeling overwhelmed, undone. The worst thing you
can do is save it all for one time because then its like climbing a
mountain, agrees Cathy Green, co-owner of UpperCrust Maids.
And then you are just forcing yourself to even get started.
Green suggests you start with the hidden spaces, from closets
to the pantry to the basement. Places where you stuff things
when visitors are coming, she laughs. True spring cleaning is
when you get rid of the hidden stuff. And she means it: When
in doubt, throw it out. If you havent worn that dress in two or
three years, youre not ever going to wear that dress.... Seriously,
get stuff out of your house so you dont become what I call a
pre-hoarder.
At all times, year-round, your cleaning focus should be on the
two most-used rooms in any house. A very clean kitchen and
clean bathroom are the keys to a clean house, Green says. The
home
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rest of the house is easy. She also recommends daily spraying
of or wiping down your shower or bathtub to reduce soap scum.
There are also a few products one should have on hand for
basic housecleaning needs. And no, its not the latest pricey
gee-whiz branded spray, or even bleach. We have this idea,
Baliga says, if it smells like bleach, it smells like clean. Certainly
some things bleach cannot be beat at, but we dont need that
level of clean all the time in our houses. Most of the time, for
everyday cleaning needs, simple vinegar and baking soda will do
more than ne. [Theyre] the two most underestimated natural
chemical-free cleaning products from anyones pantry, Baliga
says. Baking soda is gentler than bleach, and vinegar deodorizes
things, even acts as a natural bug repellant. Combining the two
forms a natural chemical reaction that deodorizes and cleans
out things like your drain. Of course sometimes you need
unnatural chemical reinforcement. If you have a ginormous
clog, concedes Baliga, then yes, you probably need to switch to
something like Drano. But if that happens on a daily basis, you
have other problems.
If you have pets, Green recommends keeping a pet vacuum
in the house, as well as stashing in every room a pet hair roller
brush. Those brushes work like a miracle in catching pet hair,
she says.
Sometimes the cleaning task has just become too daunting,
or it requires time you simply dont have. There are a few basic
things to consider when seeking professional help.
Green, a speech pathologist by training who co-founded
UpperCrust Maids in 2008 after personal frustration in nding
quality professionals, suggests prioritizing information about
insurance when exploring candidates. What type of insurance
do you carry? That should be the No. 1 question, she says. She
stresses that you ask it in an open-ended way so as to hopefully
get an answer with specics. The answer should be workers
comp and liability those are two that they must have. If a
cleaning company doesnt have workers comp insurance, she
explains, any employee who injures herself while in your house
could potentially sue you. People dont realize how dangerous
it is to have someone in their house uninsured, she says, while
conceding uninsured companies clean houses for far less
money. (It should be noted that UpperCrust Maids only works
cleaning houses, not apartments or condos.)
Sohini Baliga of Maid to Clean suggests starting by soliciting
referrals from friends and checking reviews on websites such as
Angies List. Find out what people are saying about a company,
specically regarding how careful they are in going about their
work and how responsive they are to scheduling needs and
adjustments. Maid to Clean is 25 years old and the majority of
our business is, honestly, word of mouth and customer refer-
rals, she says.
You might want to consider how a company cleans too, espe-
cially if environmental responsibility is important to you. Were
green, says Baliga, and we tend to use far fewer chemicals than
you would ordinarily think was involved in the cleaning process,
which is important to some people.
Maid to Clean has ofces in D.C. and Arlington and can be reached
at 202-207-2101 and maidtoclean.com.
UpperCrust Maids is based in Hyattsville, Md., and can be reached
at 301-322-7112 and uppercrustmaids.com. l
66 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Caption
Apple Acolytes
Apple announces subtle yet
significant updates for
OS X and iOS
C
HRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM HAVE JERU-
salem. Islam has Mecca. Apple fans? They have
World Wide Developers Conference. Of all the
great religious pilgrimages, WWDC arguably
ranks as the most newsworthy, and is certainly in contention
for most fanatical. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Apple
devotees eagerly turn toward San Francisco, breath bated as
they wait for Apples evangelical leaders to spill forth their testa-
ments. The path to enlightenment is paved with announcements
for what those in attendance and watching over the Internet can
expect to see on their smartphones, laptops and desktops in the
coming months. When the house of Cupertino opens its doors,
the world listens.
What, then, was in this years sermon? Unsurprisingly, it was
all about OS X and iOS specically, brand new updates to both.
Lets jump in with the former.
OS X, which Apple is keen to tell their eager ock is buck-
ing the current downward trend in the PC market, has been
upgraded: goodbye Mavericks, hello Yosemite. While theres no
sign of Sam, there are a whole heap of new additions and subtle
tweaks, all aimed at helping those tied in to the Apple ecosystem
better manage their lives across their devices.
This time around, Apples focusing on the core UI, which
has received numerous changes with the overall aim of improv-
tech
by RHUARIDH MARR
67 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
ing continuity and usability throughout the OS. Title bars in
windows are now translucent, so users can see documents
scrolling beneath them, while the Finder window will alter its
color temperature to match your desktop wallpaper. The good
ol trashcan has been updated, too. Out goes the mesh design, in
comes a new frosted glass affair. Yosemite enables those who
prefer the darker side of life to switch to dark mode, which
grants dark gray toolbars. The whole OS has been given an iOS
7-style attening sweep. Icons in the dock are now atter, with
the background also attened from its current faux-3D effect.
Its fundamentally still Mac, but should make icons much
easier to discern in use.
Notication Center has also been overhauled, with a users
full schedule now included with notications from other apps.
Apple has included tabs to allow users to sort and minimize the
information on screen, such as calendar and reminders, while
widgets are also now included for more glance-friendly updates
for weather and stocks, as well as a handy calculator, included.
Borrowing from Android, where Googles search bar is omni-
present, Spotlight search will now offer a bar on the desktop
to let users browse without having to click the dedicated icon.
Spotlight itself is now much more integrated, with users able
to browse documents, apps, contact information, appointments
and other contact-specic search results. The inspiration here
is Google Now Spotlight wants to tell you things without you
having to ask: itll have an upcoming appointment waiting to be
seen, let you know movie times for a lm youre interested in, or
even suggest nearby restaurants. Spotlight is also now integrated
into Safari, so users can search their laptop or PC from multiple
access points in the OS.
Yosemite also sees much tighter integration with iOS. One
of the highlighted features is the ability to make and receive
calls and send and receive texts directly from the desktop
something Gmail users have been enjoying for a while now and
which Apple deemed worthy of borrowing from. Simply connect
your iPhone to your computer and Yosemite will offer notica-
tions for incoming calls and texts and let users craft their own
messages and calls without picking up their phone. Its a handy
feature, which has multiple applications: spot a phone number
on a website? Simply click and Yosemite will make the call. No
copy and paste required.
AirDrop has also been updated to now work with iOS, let-
ting iPhone users transfer les between phone and Mac without
cables. This is furthered with a feature titled Handoff: Yosemite
can recognize when users have started a task on their phone
that they may want to complete on the desktop. Start crafting an
email but get sore thumbs? Simply open up a notication prompt
which will appear on the desktop and start typing away on your
keyboard to complete it.
All-in-all, its a nice, if subtle, update that should keep OS
X feeling fresh while further improving its core functionality.
Expect the full Yosemite update to launch for free later this year,
though those desperate to get their hands on it can register for a
beta which will hit compatible computers this summer.
For the vast majority of Apple fans, however, its iOS 8 which
will cause the most excitement. Yes, folks, praise be to Tim
Cook: iOS 8 is here. Now, dont expect the disorienting change
that occurred between versions 6 and 7. This time around its
whats under the hood thats receiving the most attention.
Whats new? Quite a lot, actually.
First up is iOSs notications system. Interactive notica-
tions are now on board, which means you can respond to noti-
cations straight from the pull-down window. Get a Facebook
notication from a friend, but dont want to switch apps to like
it? Pull down and hit Like, then carry on with your business.
Get a text? Respond there and send it off, no need to open Mes-
sages. Widgets will now nd a home in the notication drawer,
too unlike their Android counterparts, Apple doesnt want
them on the homescreen, but your ve-day weather forecast or
sports scores, for example, will appear among app notications
in widget form.
Another Android inuence is Spotlight, which echoes Yosem-
ite by offering Google Now-style search and recommendation
functionality. Users can search for apps, including ones they
havent installed, browse songs in the iTunes store and search
for the usual movie times and pizza place recommendations.
Type in a location? Spotlight will offer direction results. Itll
also offer relevant news items as well. Of course, typing will be
a much easier affair thanks to a new Quicktype keyboard, with
an enhanced prediction algorithm to further nullify those hilari-
ous autocorrect mistakes. No more texting duck, hopefully.
If, like Android and Windows Phone users, youve grown tired
of tapping every key, Apple has nally opened up iOS to allow
third-party keyboards. That means keyboards with much-lauded
swipe functionality, which let you drag your nger across the
relevant keys of a word rather than pecking each individual let-
ter. Just wait until you try it, youll wonder where its been all
your life. (On Android, if you really wanted to know.)
Apple, much like Samsung, is pushing health in this new iter-
ation though one presumes Apples integration will be a little
less slapdash than the Korean giants. Healthkit is, essentially,
a collection station for all of the apps and devices connected to
your phone that track your health data. Utilize Nikes health-
tracking services? Data will appear in Healthkit, letting users
track their tness and activity, while the Mayo Clinic hopes to
obtain real-time health data from patients using the service. If
sharing health data isnt your thing, perhaps family sharing will
tempt you. Family Sharing lets users establish groups of 6 or less
people, sharing a single calendar as well as app and media pur-
chases. Its a boon for parents: if your child wants to buy an app,
theyll have to send you a request before you grant access to your
credit card. No more $600 surprise charges.
A rather small, yet useful, update, iCloud now offers a uni-
ed photo album: take a photo and itll be viewable across any
connected iCloud device. The same applies for any edits applied
to a photo remove those red eyes on your phone and the
changes will be mirrored on your Mac. Lastly, and perhaps in
response to Microsofts newly-launched Cortana voice assistant,
Siri has been given a working over to boost her usefulness. She
now includes music recognition, much like Microsofts service,
though Apple is using a third-party provider (Shazam) to iden-
tify tracks which can then be purchased from iTunes. She
also supports an additional 22 languages and, much like with
Googles OK Google wake-up command, in car mode Siri can
be activated with Hey, Siri to kickstart her capabilities.
For those itching to swipe and tap through the new iOS,
expect it to drop this fall (with a new iPhone in tow, no doubt)
on iPhone 4Ss and higher, the fth-gen iPod touch and iPad 2s
and newer.
So there we go. Another year, another round of fresh scrip-
ture to take away and study. Yosemite gains a atter UI and bet-
ter iPhone and search integration, while iOS gets a host of new
features to keep it on par with rivals. All-in-all, a fairly standard,
surprise-free WWDC. Dont let that stop you from getting rabid
with excitement, however. WWDC may be over, but worship-
ping Apple is a year-round commitment. l
68 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Indoor Puppy
Playground
O
N A RECENT FRIDAY AFTERNOON, NEARLY
a dozen dogs, guided by their owners, were put
through the paces of an indoor obstacle course
in a sunny, storefront space in Rockville. From a
split-level runway to a play tunnel to a bar jump and a hoop, this
weekly agility class at Zoom Room helps increase the condence
and the bond between each owner and her dog.
The trick? Essentially, exhaustion mental, as much or more
than physical.
All those dogs will go home and sleep, and their owners
will have a nice, quiet afternoon, Zoom Rooms Steve Mulder
says immediately after leading the class. Mulder, who runs the
store with his partner, Jean-Louis Marechal, recalls feedback
from one customer who works out of her home that she shares
with two very high-energy border collies: She told me, Steve,
every time I come to your noon class, I know I have a quiet after-
noon and can get work done.
A growing national franchise headquartered in Los Angeles,
Zoom Room, generally speaking, is about boosting and easing
the experience of canine companionship from selling quality,
pets
Rockvilles Zoom Room helps to
boost the experience of canine
companionship, especially with
group dog training
by DOUG RULE
photography by TODD FRANSON
69 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
Abby
Abby is very easy-going. Shes the last out of bed in the morning, shell let you
dress her up, and proudly sports her shredded toys like couture. Shes rarely
pushy, but when she is, she wont be ignored till she gets what she wants!
Todd & Collins 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi
P
e
t

P
i
x
P
e
t

P
i
x
Upload yours at MetroW
eekly.com/pets
eco-friendly treats and toys, to hosting events for breed-specic
Meetup groups and rescue organizations. Customers can also
rent the space for a poochs birthday party, even a Doggy
Disco, complete with a disco ball and laser lights that provide
some lucky pooches with hours of fun.
But the chief focus is in dog training. The approach and vari-
ety go beyond the traditional, according to Mulder, who opened
the Rockville location a little more than a year ago. Most dog
training takes place with just one individual working with the
dog, Mulder explains, whether at the dogs home or during a
week or two of boot camp away from both home and owner.
Mulder (L) and Marechal
70 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM 70 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
At Zoom Room, by contrast, Theres no training thats done,
whether privately or in a group class, without the owners pres-
ent, he says, adding, We dont train dogs. We train people to
train their dogs. As such, each owner-and-dog team can learn
and adapt at its own pace.
Zoom Room offers a wide range of classes, at different levels,
that work for dogs of any and all sizes and breeds. Thats the
real joy of this: Every dog can do this, and every dog owner can
do it, Mulder promises.
The obedience series begins with Basic Manners, which
goes beyond the commands sit, down and stay to include
Leave It, which Mulder explains is for all the people who
struggle walking their dog with chicken bones all over the
place. That includes Mulder and Marechal and the couples
canine companion, Abby.
In fact, Abby, an Australian shepherd mix rescued nearly
three years ago, sparked the couples decision to open the areas
rst Zoom Room. I really fell in love working with her, says
Mulder, who in Zoom Room saw both a business opportunity
and a dramatic career change after more than 20 years as a fed-
eral government lobbyist. I was very burned out. I had very
little personal satisfaction in it anymore.
This is really quite different, Mulder says, about his work
as a small business owner with his partner, but especially as a
certied dog trainer, helping advance the canine cause. Says
Mulder: Every day I see somebody making progress, and thats
really quite satisfying.
Zoom Room Rockville is at 11771 Rockville Pike, Rockville.
Call 301-825-9113 or visit
zoomroomonline.com/rockville-dog-training.html. l
71 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
NIGHT
LIFE
73 METROWEEKLY.COM
t
THURS., 06.05.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour,
4pm-7pm $4 Small
Plates, $4 Stella Artois,
$4 House Wines, $4
Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4
Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Shirtless Men Drink Free,
10-11pm
JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs,
$2 JR.s drafts, 8pm to
close Top Pop Night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
TOWN
La Fiesta Latino Pride
Dance Party Featuring
Lineysha Sparx, Jocelyn
Carrillo, Juanita Dior,
Drag Kings and DJs El
Especialista & Xstasi
Doors open 10pm $10
Cover 18+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
LISTINGS
74 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
EAGLE-N-EXILE
Full Bar, 3 Premium
Draughts Doors 6pm
No Cover Capital Fringe,
607 New York Ave. NW
21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1,
11pm-midnight Happy
Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm $5
Coronas, $8 Vodka Red
Bulls, 9pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Dancing Beat The Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
FRI., 06.06.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm Friday Night
Videos with resident
DJ Shea Van Horn VJ
Expanded craft beer
selection No cover
ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and
fries
TOWN
Pride Party featuring
Andrew Christian and his
models: Murray, Pablo,
Cory and Jake DJ Wess
upstairs, BacK2bACk
downstairs Drag
Show starts at 10:30pm
Hosted by Lena Lett
and featuring Tatianna,
Shi-Queeta-Lee, Jessica
Spaulding Deverreoux and
BaNaka, with underwear
fashion show and special
guest Wendy Ho Doors
open at 10pm For those
21 and over, $5 from
10-11pm and $10 after
11pm For those 18-20,
$10 all night 18+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Ladies of Illusion with
host Kristina Kelly, 9pm
Cover 21+
SAT., 06.07.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm $5 Absolut &
Titos, $3 Miller Lite after
9pm Expanded craft
beer selection No Cover
EAGLE-N-EXILE
Full Bar, 3 Premium
Draughts Doors 6pm
No Cover Capital Fringe,
607 New York Ave. NW
21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Diner Brunch, 10am-3pm
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Freddies Follies Drag
Show 8 pm-10pm,
10pm-1am Karaoke
JR.S
$4 Coors, $5 Vodka
highballs, $7 Vodka Red
Bulls
NELLIES
Guest DJs Zing Zang
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer,
House Rail Drinks and
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Buckets of Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Doors 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
PHASE 1
Dancing, 9pm-close
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Karaoke in the lounge
Charity Bingo with Cash
Prizes 3rd Sat. of Every
Month
TOWN
Meet and Greet with
Bianca del Rio, Darienne
Lake, Adore Delano
and Courtney Act from
RuPauls Drag Race, 7-9pm
Drag Show starts at
9:30pm, Late Show at 1am
Hosted by Lena Lett
and featuring Tatianna,
Shi-Queeta-Lee, Jessica
Spaulding Deverreoux
and BaNaka, featuring
Drag Race contestants
Ed Bailey spins upstairs,
DJ Wess downstairs
Doors open 9pm General
admission tickets $25
21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All nude male dancers,
9pm Ladies of Illusion
with host Ella Fitzgerald,
9pm DJ Steve
Henderson in Secrets DJ
Spyke in Ziegfelds Doors
8pm Cover 21+
75
t
METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
scene
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Shirtless Men Drink Free
Thursday, May 29
Green Lantern
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
WARD MORRISON
SUN., 06.08.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch
Buffet, 10am-3pm Crazy
Hour, 4-7pm Karaoke
8pm-1am
JR.S
Sunday Funday Liquid
Brunch Doors open at
1pm $2 Coors Lights &
$3 Skyy (all favors), all
day and night
NELLIES
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$20 Brunch Buffet
House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
11am-close Buckets of
Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Pop Goes the World with
Wes Della Volla at 9:30
pm Happy Hour: 2 for
1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Sunday Brunch, 11am-3pm
Bottomless Mimosas
$15 per person
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Decades of Dance DJ
Tim-e in Secrets Doors
8pm Cover 21+
MON., 06.09.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports Expanded craft
beer selection No Cover
ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
FREDDIES
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm
Showtunes Songs &
Singalongs, 9pm-close
DJ Jamez $3 Drafts
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Poker Texas Holdem, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
76 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
77 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
78 SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Buzztime Trivia
competition 75 cents off
bottles and drafts
TUES., 06.10.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports Expanded craft
beer selection No Cover
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Underground (Indie Pop/
Alt/Brit Rock), 9pm-close
DJ Wes Della Volla
2-for-1, all day and night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Karaoke
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
75 cents off bottles and
drafts Movie Night
WED., 06.11.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports Expanded craft
beer selection No Cover
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm Drag
Bingo, 8pm Karaoke,
10pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour Prices,
4pm-Close
JR.S
Trivia with MC Jay
Ray, 8pm The Queen,
10-11pm $2 JRs Drafts
& $4 Vodka ($2 with
College I.D./JRs Team
Shirt)
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Half-Price Burger Night
Buckets of Beer $15
SmartAss Trivia, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Free Pool 75 cents off
Bottles and Drafts
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
New Meat Wednesday DJ
Don T 9pm Cover 21+
THURS., 06.12.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour,
4pm-7pm $4 Small
Plates, $4 Stella Artois,
$4 House Wines, $4
Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4
Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Shirtless Men Drink Free,
10-11pm
JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs,
$2 JR.s drafts, 8pm to
close Top Pop Night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+ l
79 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
80 SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE
81 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014
82 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
83 SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE
scene
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Nellies Sports Bar
Saturday, May 31
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
CHRISTOPHER CUNETTO
84 SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE
85 METROWEEKLY.COM JUNE 5, 2014

For years, Meghan McCain has lent her voice and platform to spreading messages of acceptance across party lines. Now,
as the American South and our heartland move closer to LGBT equality, its critical that we continue to
build the bridges that unite us.
GLAAD President SARAH KATE ELLIS, in a statement. Ellis was commenting on news that Senator John McCains daughter
had joined the board of GLAAD.
(GLAAD)

Many people in this position when unrestrained by moral truth, perceive themselves to be above the law....
Indeed, their arrogance makes them appear as if
they think they are God.
SAM ROHRER, president of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network and American Pastors Network, in a statement criticizing U.S.
District Judge John Jones, who ruled in May that Pennsylvanias ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.
(The Patriot-News)

These sterilization requirements run counter to respect for bodily integrity,


self-determination and human dignity, and can cause and perpetuate
discrimination against transgender and intersex persons.
The World Health Organization, in conjunction with UN Women, UN AIDS, the UN Population Fund, the UN Development
Programme, the OHCHR and UNICEF, in a statement and report which calls for an end to
the forced sterilization of transgender and intersex people.
(WHO)

It wasnt just, Lets add sexual orientation and gender identity to the laundry list. It was,
We had to write an ordinance from scratch,
with 14 different categories in our ordinance.

Houston MAYOR ANNISE PARKER, in an interview discussing Houstons anti-discrimination ordinance, which she introduced and
which passed through the City Council last week. Unlike many cities in America, Houston lacked any kind of local ordinance that
dealt with equal rights and discrimination, requiring entirely new legislation to be drafted.
(SiriusXM Progress)

Personally I think
the depiction of gay men in Hollywood is horrible.
Screenwriter ABDI NAZEMIAN, whose work includes Revolution and The Quiet. Nazemian, who is gay, spoke with HuffPost
Live about Hollywoods portrayal of gay men, in particular the need for a homophobic straight man that saves the day and
saves gay men, as happens in Philadelphia and Dallas Buyers Club.
(HuffPost Live)
86 JUNE 5, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM

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