Metro Weekly - 05-22-14 - Rayceen Pendarvis

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4 MAY 22, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
MAY 22, 2014
Volume 21 / Issue 4
NEWS 6 TRANSGENDER MILITARIZED ZONE
Justin Snow
10 OMALLEY SIGNS
TRANSGENDER RIGHTS BILL
John Riley

12 LHP HOSTS DC LATINO PRIDE
John Riley
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 14
SCENE 21 NEXT GENERATION AWARDS
Ward Morrison
FEATURE 25 SPIRITUAL ENGAGEMENT
John Riley
Photography by Julian Vankim
OUT ON THE TOWN 30 SCANDINAVIAN SYMPHONY
Doug Rule
32 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
Randy Shulman
36 FOLLOW HER HEART
Doug Rule
SCENE 39 CHEFS BEST
Ward Morrison
PETS 41 PATIOS UNLEASHED
Zack Rosen
NIGHTLIFE 45 COBALT
Ward Morrison
CLUBLIFE 52 HOLIDAYS ROAD
Doug Rule
54 LAST WORD
Transgender Militarized Zone
Inside the ght for transgender equality in the American military
Chuck Hagel addresses troops
by Justin Snow
E
ARLIER THIS YEAR, A
select group of active duty
members of the military met
at a community center in
Texas. The 30 Americans represented
every branch and component of mili-
tary service. They were members of the
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and
Coast Guard. The vast majority had
been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan
at least once, and many others had mul-
tiple deployments under their belts
some to both countries. A majority were
junior enlisted and junior noncom-
missioned ofcers. But what brought
them together was the same thing that
cloaked their meeting in secrecy: They
are all transgender.
For three days, those 30 servicemem-
bers who under military policy can be
discharged because of their gender iden-
tity heard each others stories. Many of
them had never met another transgender
servicemember before, let alone another
trans person. In some cases, it marked
the rst time they had ever come out to
another person. The meeting was not
just an opportunity to build a network
of support relationships for those forced
to continue to live life in the closet while
serving their country, but also to strat-
egize. The gathering had been organized
by a group of activists with decades of
combined experience working on LGBT
military issues who are seeking to open
the armed forces to transgender service.
To be transgender in the American
military is to live a life of secrets. The
repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT)
in September 2011 brought an end to
nearly two decades of discrimination that
saw more than 13,000 men and women
discharged because of their sexual orien-
tation. Despite that achievement, and a
consensus inside and outside the military
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that repeal has had no negative impact, a
medical regulatory ban remains in place
for those who identity as transgender.
Not only is evidence of transition therapy
grounds for disqualication for potential
recruits, so is openly identifying as trans-
gender. But unlike DADT, the medical
regulatory ban is not a federal statue and
the ability to lift it lies not with lawmak-
ers on Capitol Hill, but leaders at the
Pentagon.
The meeting, many details of which
organizers have asked not be disclosed
for fear participants could be identied,
was born in the aftermath of the collapse
of OutServe-SLDN last summer. It was in
June that the board of the nations larg-
est LGBT military organization ousted
its executive director, Allyson Robinson.
A former Army captain, Robinson had
taken the reins of the organization
in October 2012, making her the rst
transgender person to head a non-trans-
specic national LGBT organization.
Robinsons departure was entangled with
controversy and led the organization to
bleed staff and board members resign-
ing in protest. The nancially struggling
OutServe-SLDN has yet to recover.
In the days and weeks that followed
all of that, there was a group of us that
really felt as though all the work we had
done cant just die. It cant just fall by the
wayside, says Robinson. In fact, post
repeal of DADT, the working assumption
of many LGBT organizations had been
that they would play a supporting role to
OutServe-SLDNs carrying equality in the
military through its nal stages.
We came to this moment where we
looked at one another and said, What
if we just did it? We have the connec-
tions, we have the expertise, Robinson
says. At that time the organization
SPARTA Service Members, Partners,
Allies For Respect and Tolerance For
All was standing itself up and building
itself around the two remaining equal-
ity goals in DoD, which are updating
the regulations on transgender people
serving and securing nondiscrimination
and equal opportunity protections across
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Now online at MetroWeekly.com
Utah marriage ban declared unconstitutional
Chord Bezerras 2014 Summer Pop Off
Transgender Militarized Zone
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LGBTNews
8
with regard to the man with the power
to end the ban, Defense Secretary Chuck
Hagel.
I think the fact that Landons story
was on the front page of Chuck Hagels
morning paper made a difference, says
Robinson. One of the greatest qualica-
tions Hagel brings to the job is he was an
Army sergeant. A sergeants entire job is
to take care of the troops. I think that he
and others see stories like Landons and
they recognize were not doing a very
good job of taking care of these troops.
Indeed, in recent days the move-
ment has taken a quantum leap, says
Keisling. During an interview with ABC
News Martha Raddatz that aired May
11, Hagel said the militarys transgender
ban should be continually reviewed
and stated he is open to such a review.
I go back to the bottom line every
qualied American who wants to serve
our country should have an opportunity
if they t the qualications and can do
it, he said. This is an area that weve
not dened enough.
During a ight en route to Saudi
Arabia a few days later, Hagel expand-
ed upon his remarks, stating that the
Pentagon should continue to evaluate
the ban. Ive not asked for a specic
task force, he said. Ive not asked for
a specic study. I would want to hear
more from individuals who are close to
this issue, know this issue, who I would
value their judgment and their direc-
tion on. And then on May 16, the White
House signaled their support for such a
review. I would certainly point you to
what Secretary Hagel said and we cer-
tainly support his efforts in this area,
White House press secretary Jay Carney
said in response to questions from Metro
Weekly. Such statements illustrate a dra-
matic shift in tone by the Pentagon and
Obama administration on transgender
military service.
This issue has progressed more in
seven days than previously imaginable,
HRC Vice President Fred Sainz said after
Carneys remarks. And I think the fact
that it also appears that these are not
off the cuff remarks made by Secretary
Hagel that clearly his thoughts, his
plan is endorsed by the White House
that shows incredible momentum and
strength for this issue and that is deeply,
deeply meaningful.
The publication of Wilsons story, and
the anticipated publication of more such
stories in the coming months by a docu-
mentary web series titled TransMilitary,
the board. What we realized is we have
a set of resources here that might allow
us to accomplish something if we set our
minds to it.
And so Robinson, along with mili-
tary advocates such as Sue Fulton, Brynn
Tannehill, Zeke Stokes and others, looked
to the successful repeal of DADT for
guidance. We knew from the lead up to
the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell that
gay and lesbian servicemembers coming
together with one another and having
the opportunity to build a network and
to share their stories was a catalyst for
what was eventually a successful effort,
Robinson says. We wanted to do some-
thing similar and so we began planning to
bring together a meeting of transgender
servicemembers.
Organizers went to the transgender
chapter of SPARTA, which boasts more
than 200 actively service transgender
Americans, for members who indicated
they wanted to be at the tip of the
spear in this ght. With logistical and
nancial support from individuals, as
well as organizations like the Human
Rights Campaign, the National Center
for Transgender Equality and the Palm
Center, they were able to bring the meet-
ing together at no personal cost to the
servicemembers.
We were able to let them know what
a campaign of activism would look like if
they were to undertake it, says Stokes,
who previously served as spokesman for
OutServe-SLDN. We really came away
with a core group of people committed
to making this happen. We came away
thinking this is possible.
It was incredibly inspiring and edu-
cational for me, adds Mara Keisling,
executive director of the National Center
for Transgender Equality, who attended
the meeting. To see such a large group of
them together and to hear what open ser-
vice means to them was really inspiring.
Among the military members in atten-
dance was Landon Wilson, a cryptologist
specialist the Navy spent at least half
of a million dollars to train, who also
happens to be transgender. The meet-
ing in Texas was one of the very rst
places that Landon ever told his story
to anyone, recalls Robinson. In March,
Wilson would be discharged after his
gender identity was discovered by super-
visors arranging for his promotion a
story that was recounted on the front
page of The Washington Post last month.
Wilsons story in particular could prove
a pivotal moment in this ght, especially
builds upon growing evidence that the
militarys transgender ban is archaic. An
independent commission led by a former
U.S. surgeon general and retired admiral
concluded in a study released by the
Palm Center last March that there is no
compelling medical rationale for ban-
ning transgender people from serving in
the American military. According to that
report, there are approximately 15,450
transgender personnel currently serving.
The study is one of 11 commissioned by
the Palm Centers Transgender Military
Service Initiative evaluating transgen-
der military service as well as questions
related to readiness, morale, welfare,
personnel requirements and manage-
ment. The initiative was launched in
2013 after a $1.35 million grant from the
Tawani Foundation, which was founded
by Jennifer Pritzker. A retired lieuten-
ant colonel who served 11 years in the
Army and 16 years in the National Guard,
Pritzker became the worlds rst trans-
gender billionaire when she came out
last September.
Many of Americas allies, includ-
ing the United Kingdom, Australia and
Israel, allow transgender military ser-
vice. Moreover, the lifting of the ban
on women in combat in January 2013
has cleared the way forward for the
military to have this conversation, says
Robinson.
President Obama said something
that I like to think was as much forward
thinking as it was for that day: Valor
knows no gender. I think our leaders at
the Pentagon post-Iraq, post-Afghanistan
know thats true. And that as a value
and principle of DoD will help to move
this ball forward, says Robinson. (When
asked if Obama believes the ban on trans-
gender military service should eventu-
ally be lifted, Carney deected back to
Hagels remarks and reiterated their sup-
port for his efforts.)
No review of the ban has yet been
ordered, according to a Pentagon ofcial,
but advocates are taking Hagel up on
his invitation for more information from
those close to this issue. According to
Sainz, HRC is also working with a coali-
tion of groups, including SPARTA, to plot
an effective strategy. Telling the stories
of transgender servicemembers, such as
Landon Wilson, will prove critical as
well, advocates say.
When we began to introduce images
and stories of gay and lesbian military
families into the national conversation
about marriage equality, that conversa-
MAY 22, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
LGBTNews
tion changed in a subtle but critically
important way, says Robinson. For a
certain segment of America seeing gay
and lesbian people wearing the uni-
form of the United States along their
families, hearing their stories of service
and sacrice, made them think not just
about Dont Ask, Dont Tell and mar-
riage equality, it made them think about
gay and lesbian people in a way they
never had before. For a certain segment
of America, seeing Landon and seeing
these other servicemembers that theyll
see over the weeks and months to come, I
think its going to change how they think,
not just about transgender people in the
military, I think its going to change how
they think about transgender people. l
by John Riley
M
ARYLAND GOV. MARTIN
OMalley (D) on Thursday,
May 15 signed into law a
bill prohibiting discrimi-
nation on the basis of gender identity or
expression in the areas of employment,
housing, credit and public accommoda-
tions, extending vital civil rights protec-
tions to transgender Marylanders.
The Fairness for All Marylanders Act,
also known as SB 212, previously passed
the Maryland Senate in March by a 32-15
vote, and passed the House of Delegates,
82-57, later that month. Because similar
protections already exist in Baltimore City,
Baltimore County, Howard County, Mont-
gomery County, and the city of Hyattsville,
which together comprise about half of
the states population, the bill, as signed
into law, simply extends protections to
transgender people living in the states 20
remaining counties. As written, the bill is
scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1.
In statements on his ofces website,
OMalley grouped the transgender rights
bill in with other bills related to the bud-
get and protecting the states wetlands,
saying that all those efforts will ensure
that we continue to make critical prog-
ress toward a better shared future for our
state, and that the transgender bill, in
particular, recognizes the human dignity
of all Marylanders. In 2002, as the mayor
of Baltimore City, OMalley signed similar
legislation into effect to make the city the
rst jurisdiction to protect transgender
individuals from discrimination.
Today, with the signing of the Fair-
ness for All Marylanders Act, were tak-
OMalley Signs
Transgender Rights Bill
Nondiscrimination bill slated to go into effect in October now faces potential repeal referendum
ing a critical step forward in protecting
all Marylanders from discrimination, Lt.
Gov. Anthony Brown said in a statement.
This is important legislation at a time
when more than half of transgender resi-
dents in our state have reported harass-
ment in their community. Id like to thank
and congratulate all of the lawmakers,
advocates, and community leaders who
made this legislation possible, and fought
to ensure that all Marylanders are treated
and protected equally under the law.
Various advocates for transgender
rights praised the signing of the bill into
law, including representatives from Gen-
der Rights Maryland and from the Mary-
land Coalition for Transgender Equal-
ity (MCTE), a collection of more than 50
civic, political, religious or community
groups that advocated on behalf of SB
212s legislative passage.
I applaud the Governor for his com-
pleting the process by which the trans-
gender community has risen to full legal
equality in the state of Maryland, Dana
Beyer, the executive director of Gender
Rights Maryland, said in a statement. He
started this process in 2002 by making
Baltimore City the rst protected jurisdic-
tion; now, following the addition of Mont-
gomery, Howard and Baltimore counties,
Governor OMalley gets to close the circle
for all residents of our state.
We are proud to have worked with the
OMalley-Brown Administration on pass-
ing The Fairness for All Marylanders Act,
Carrie Evans, executive director of MCTE
member Equality Maryland, said in a
statement. We especially want to thank
the Lt. Governor for testifying before the
House Committee this session, and the
Governor for addressing our rally. Their
efforts were effective and helped continue
the momentum for passing this bill.
Equality Marylands political action
committee, Equality Maryland PAC, pre-
viously endorsed Brown in his bid for gov-
ernor over Attorney General Doug Gansler
(D) and out lesbian Del. Heather Mizeur
(D-Montgomery Co.), both of whom sup-
ported the law, and, in Mizeurs case, also
testied in favor of it before the General
Assembly. Equality Maryland PAC also
endorsed Sen. Rich Madaleno, the chief
Senate sponsor of SB 212, in his bid for re-
election. He faces off against Beyer in the
June primary.
Other MCTE members also expressed
enthusiasm for the newly signed law.
Were so incredibly pleased that the
governor is taking the next step to ensure
that all Marylanders, including transgen-
der Marylanders, have the basic protec-
tions that everyone should be afforded,
Sarah Warbelow, legal director at the Hu-
man Rights Campaign (HRC), another
MCTE member, told Metro Weekly.
But opponents of the legislation are
mounting an effort to collect petition sig-
natures from 55,736 registered voters by
the end of June in order to place SB 212
onto the November 2014 ballot in the hope
of overturning the law just a month after
it takes effect. Using Del. Neil Parrotts (R-
Washington Co.) brainchild, MDPetitions.
com, a site that uses information contained
in the states voter database to make it eas-
ier for people to sign their names as they
appear on their voter registration, oppo-
nents are trying to rally support from con-
servative-leaning constituents against the
so-called bathroom bill, the derogatory
name by which opponents refer to SB 212.
Opponents of the law claim that its en-
actment into law will threaten the safety
of women and girls in public restrooms
LGBTNews
by placing them at risk from sexual pred-
ators, whom they say will claim to be
transgender in order to avoid prosecu-
tion. But proponents of the nondiscrimi-
nation law have previously and fre-
quently noted that it does not change
any provisions of criminal law, meaning
that it will still be illegal to commit as-
sault against anyone in a public rest-
room. Supporters have also pushed back
against opponents attempts to dispar-
age transgender individuals by equating
them with criminals and lawbreakers, or
by dismissing them as men in dresses
and claiming that gender nonconformity
is a mental problem.
Still, opponents of the law likely face
a tough battle even if they are successful
in petitioning it to referendum. A poll by
Goucher College showed that 71 percent
of Marylanders said they supported add-
ing gender identity to the list of classes
protected under the states nondiscrimi-
nation laws, while only 20 percent where
opposed.
Jer Welter, the managing attorney at
FreeState Legal, another MCTE coali-
tion member, said his organization was
incredibly proud that the bill was being
signed into law.
Its been a long time coming, to enact
into law fairness for all transgender Mary-
landers in all walks of public life, Welter
said.
When asked about opponents repeal
efforts, Welter said, Del. Parrott has
an uphill climb. Welter also said that
FreeState Legal and others in the coali-
tion were exercising due diligence and
working together to prepare to ght
against any attempt to force the law onto
the ballot. l
LHP Hosts DC Latino Pride
Annual Latino Pride celebration will hold four separate events to mark its
eighth-year anniversary
by John Riley
T
HE LATINO GLBT HISTORY
Project (LHP), in conjunc-
tion with Empodrate of La
Clnica del Pueblo, a member
of the DC Latino Pride Advisory Com-
mittee, will host this years multi-day DC
Latino Pride celebration, which is set to
take place on four different days over a
nearly two-week span. DC Latino Pride
celebrates Latino culture, identity and
contributions to the community and cre-
ates a bilingual space in which Latinos
can celebrate with one another.
The Latino GLBT History Project
is proud to continue in the tradition of
our founder Jose Gutierrez to celebrate
LGBT Latina/o culture and history dur-
ing the Pride season, David Perez, the
president of LHP, said in a statement.
Now in its eighth year, DC Latino Pride
has grown into a multi-day celebration
gathering upwards of 800 LGBT La-
tinas/os and allies. The celebration is
made possible with the support of over
25 community volunteers and 35 non-
prot, government, and corporate spon-
sors and partner organizations.
My colleagues and I are thrilled to
represent La Clnica del Pueblos Empo-
drate Youth Center on the DC Latino
Pride advisory committee, Alexa Rodri-
guez, transgender youth program coor-
dinator at La Clnica del Pueblo, said in
a statement. It is Empodrates second
year of stepping up in this leadership role
to provide staff, volunteers and meeting
space to plan Washingtons most exciting
Latino celebration during Pride season.
The four main events this year will in-
clude a coronation and drag show, a panel
discussion, an interfaith service, and a
dance party.
The rst event, La Coronacion, oc-
curs at Cobalt this Sunday, May 25, from
10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and features the coro-
nation of LHPs 2014-2015 Royal Court
members, selected by a subcommittee
for their help in volunteering for LHP in
some capacity, as well as for their com-
munity service work on behalf of other
LGBT or Latino causes. This years hon-
orees are Gladys Gonzalez, Juan Alvarez,
and Ana Gomez. The event also features
drag performances. A $5 donation is sug-
gested to attend.
The panel discussion takes place on
Thursday, May 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at
the Human Rights Campaign Equality Fo-
rum, at 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, and
focuses on the challenges faced by Latino
LGBT youth and the importance of com-
munity and family support during the
coming out process. The panel is followed
by a reception, a community resource fair,
free HIV testing and an historical exhibit,
Positivamente Latinos, which includes
biographies and photographs of commu-
nity advocates and gatherings and public
health posters aimed at increasing pre-
vention and awareness, and care for those
affected by HIV and AIDS, according to
Esther Hidalgo, vice president of LHP and
co-chair of its Historical Archives com-
mittee. Attendance to the event is free,
but a $5 donation to benet LHPs work
is suggested.
On Saturday, May 31, from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m., the LGBT-afrming Metropoli-
tan Community Church of Washington
DCs Spanish Speaking Ministry, and
Grupo Latino Dignity Washington DC,
the religious support group for Latino
LGBT Catholics, co-hosts an interfaith
service at MCCDC, at 474 Ridge St. NW,
followed by refreshments. All faiths are
welcome to attend.
The nal event, DC Latino Prides of-
cial dance party, take places Thursday,
June 5, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Town
Danceboutique. Featured guests include
host Juanita Dior Lineysha Sparx from
RuPauls Drag Race Season 5, DJ Joe El Es-
pecialista from El Zol 107.9 FM; DJ X Gon-
zalez; Jocelyn Carrillo of Majestic; and DC
Latina Drag Kings and Bio Queens: Sugar
Cane, Dawn McSmiley, Diego El Sabroso,
and Enzo. Tickets costs $10 if purchased in
advance by visiting LHPs website at lati-
noglbthistory.org/tickets.
For more information about DC Latino
Pride, visit latinoglbthistory.org/latino-
pride. Those wishing to become sponsors,
community partners or volunteer may
contact LHP Program Coordinator Jesus
Chavez at JChavez@latinoglbthistory.org
or at 202-670-5547. l
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including others
interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/
time, email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass
for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m.,
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. dignitynova.org.
IDENTITY offers free and 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, MAY 25
ADVENTURING outdoors group hikes 6.4 moderate
miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain in most scenic
part of Shenandoah National Park. Bring plenty of
beverages, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, about $20
for fees, plus money for ice cream stop afterwards.
No dogs allowed. Carpool at 9 a.m. from East Falls
Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Craig, 202-462-0535.
adventuring.org.
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer
organization, volunteers today for the Lost Dog
& Car Rescue Foundation in Potomac Yards. To
participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
8TH ANNUAL DC LATINO PRIDE La Coronacion.
10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Cobalt, 1639 R Street NW. $5 cover,
21+. 202-670-5547.
WEEKLY EVENTS
ALL SOULS MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30 a.m., High Mass at
11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
allsoulsdc.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.
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON meets for
worship, 10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW, Quaker
House Living Room (next to Meeting House on
Decatur Place), 2nd oor. Special welcome to
lesbians and gays. Handicapped accessible from
Phelps Place gate. Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.
INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT,
God-centered new age church & learning center.
Sunday Services and Workshops event. 5419 Sherier
Place NW. isd-dc.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF REFORMATION invites
all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is
available at both services. Welcoming LGBT people for
25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF
WASHINGTON, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL
interpreted) and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday School at
11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, a Christ-centered,
interracial, welcoming-and-afrming church, offers
FRIDAY, MAY 23
WEEKLY EVENTS
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the
GLBT community, holds Friday night Shabbat
services followed by oneg social hour. 8-9:30 p.m.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
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.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-afrming social
group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
NW. 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. catherine.chu@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
CHRYSALIS arts & culture groups visits National
Gallery of Art to see exhibits on Degas/Cassatt
and on windows in paintings by Andrew Wyeth.
Free. Lunch follows. 11 a.m., 6th & Constitution
Avenue NW lobby. Craig, 202-462-0535.
craighowell1@verizon.net.
ADVENTURING outdoors group hikes 12 moderate
but level miles in Cedarville State Forest in
Brandywine, MD. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch,
bug spray, sunscreen, a few dollars for fees. Carpool
at 10 a.m. from Branch Avenue Metro Kiss & Ride
lot. Eric, 240-538-7328. adventuring.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the
LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat
services, 10 a.m., followed by kiddush luncheon.
THURSDAY, MAY 22
WEEKLY EVENTS
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
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
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.
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by
appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
202-567-3155 or testing@smyal.org.
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.
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.
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
service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330,
riverside-dc.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.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL MEMORIAL
CHURCH, a welcoming and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group meets monthly.
Services at 11 a.m., Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th
St. NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, MAY 26
MEMORIAL DAY
TUESDAY, MAY 27
8TH ANNUAL DC LATINO PRIDE VOLUNTEER
MEETING from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at
Empoderate Youth Center, 3055 Mount Pleasant
St. NW. RSVP: Jesus Chavez, JChavez@
LatinoGLBTHistory.org or call 202-670-5547.
WEEKLY EVENTS
A COMPANY OF STRANGERS, a theater chorus,
meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. A GLBTA and SATB looking
for actors, singers, crew. Open Hearth Foundation,
1502 Massachusetts Ave. SE. Charles, 240-764-
5748. ecumenicon.org.
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner in Dupont/
Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m. afwash@aol.com,
afwashington.net.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW.
7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.
marketplace
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.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Marie Reed Aquatic Center, 2200 Champlain St.
NW. 8-9:30 p.m. swimdcac.org.
HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH offers Wednesday
worship 7:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. All welcome.
118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450,
historicchristchurch.org.
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave. Walk-
ins 2-7 p.m. For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.:
9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000,
whitman-walker.org.
PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social club for mature gay
men, hosts weekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,
Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637
17th St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316. l
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.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
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.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate
Bridge. No reservation needed. All welcome. 7:30
p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. Need a partner,
703-407-6540.
WEEKLY EVENTS
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary, 1200 S St. NW.
dcscandals.wordpress.com.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 11 a.m.-
2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
Appointments: 703-789-4467.
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
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.
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.
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.
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978 or Takoma Park
at 301-422-2398.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES,
at 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV
testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by
appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155,
testing@smyal.org.
18
LGBTCommunityCalendar
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The 2014 Next
Generation Awards
Friday, May 16
Beacon Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
WARD MORRISON
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A mainstay at Black Pride for years, the elegant Rayceen Pendarvis finds joy in touching
the hearts and minds of others
Interview by John Riley
Photography by Julian Vankim
Spir tual
Engagement
METRO WEEKLY: If I ask you the question, Who is Rayceen Pendar-
vis? whats your response?
RAYCEEN PENDARVIS: A child of God who cares about my commu-
nity.
MW: And why have you been involved particularly with black
LGBT causes?
PENDARVIS: Well, in order to celebrate all of me, I have to embrace
the part of me that you see, which is a person of color who hap-
pens to be LGBT. But thats not only just me. I think I embrace
all sides of our community LGBT, white, black, Latino, trans
wanting to make a difference for everybody.
MW: How do you personally identify?
PENDARVIS: Im a self-described gender-blender.
MW: When did you rst realize or recognize that you were part of
the LGBT community? Tell me what that was like. How old were
you when you rst knew?
PENDARVIS: Oh, my God. I think you always have an inkling. And
when you nally come to grips with it, and understand who you
are, it frees you. So I think the moment I decided to be free was in
high school. Once I came out, I realized I was free.
I think coming out during the time I have been around for
quite some time, 60s to 70s to 80s to 90s, and the new millen-
nium was a wonderful time. It was a great time for change,
because so many people were ghting for so many causes. And
I think it was a great time coming out. I can only describe it as
liberating.
MW: You say youre a father to ve and a mother to many.
PENDARVIS: Im a father of ve, can you believe that? And a grand-
father of two. And raising children has been one of my greatest
rewards in life.
MW: How old are your children?
PENDARVIS: They range from 14 to 25. And that makes me 29. Its
been a wonderful journey.
MW: Are you
PENDARVIS: Am I married? No. I was never married. Im a widow,
honey. I lost my partner ve years ago. He was the greatest love of
my life David Davis. And having him in my life for 20 years was
a blessing. It allowed me to show our community, and especially
young people, the value of love. And that you can have it, and
youre worthy of it, and you deserve it. My children adored him.
It was a wonderful experience, to have him around, and raising
kids, and then have a second set of children. I helped raise my
brothers children. That was a blessing. And now theyre having
children.
MW: How many nieces and nephews?
PENDARVIS: Another ve. So I had ten. Can you believe that? Yeah.
I took on raising another set. Which took a lot of my time, but it
allowed me to teach them about a lot of things. They watched me
go to rallies, they watched me put together condom kits. I took
them to meetings. I exposed them to so many things about our
community, and taught them the importance of equal rights for
everybody. And thats been a great joy.
MW: Tell me about your immediate family.
PENDARVIS: I have ve brothers, whom I love dearly. We ght,
we fuss, like all families. But I think what I have done, which is
a blessing, is taught them the beauty, the diversity, and the true
celebration of what it is to be gay in America. By exposing them
to so many varieties in our community, such as bisexuality, trans
men, trans women. Having such an eclectic group of friends, and
allowing them to see that our values are no different from yours.
An activist, a writer for SWERV Magazine, a local emcee at various parties and events, the chief organizer of the
LGBT book and movie club Bruhz at Martin Luther King Jr. Library, and the host of the Ask Rayceen Show, a
live monthly talk show at Club Liv that focuses on LGBT issues, the colorful, engaging and amboyant Pendarvis
its from one activity to another, and still nds time to volunteer on the side.
I dont like red tape, Pendarvis says. I dont like the word no. I like the words I can. I will. Let me try. Let me see what I can
do. Words like that make a difference.
During his interview, Pendarvis dishes out advice and shares his views on life with a sweep of his manicured nails and ashes of
humor, sprinkled with references to faith or God. His message when it comes to LGBT activism? Push boundaries, and get out of
comfort zones. Make the effort to reach out to others and engage them on a personal level.
I dont think I would have ever gotten to where I am in life if I didnt reach out to meet people from all walks of life, he says. I
want everybody in my circle. And that was such a wonderful experience because it made my life full and whole.
But Pendarvis, who is hosting this years Black Pride festival on Sunday, May 25, at the Francis-Stevens Campus, is also not one
to hold his tongue, particularly when it comes to serious issues affecting the LGBT community, such as mental health, addiction,
homelessness and other topics routinely considered taboo or that might be uncomfortable to address. And in his frank yet unltered
manner, hes not afraid to take the community to task for what he sees as its shortcomings.
Well talk about HIV, well talk about gay rights, but yet we have an underserved population that is dealing with mental health
issues, which is the stem of a lot of our problems, he says. As activists, we have work to do. As human beings, we have some work to
do. As LGBT members of our community, we have work to do.
Above all, Pendarviss message is one of universal love. Love for family, love for each other, love for God, and an appreciation of
lifes blessings. From hosting a yearly black-and-white affair that not only serves as a birthday celebration for him and four close
friends, but a fundraiser for the Wanda Alston House for LGBT homeless teens to his stories about the joys and pitfalls of parenting
and his air for charming even the most hostile of audiences and bringing them to his side, it is apparent that Pendarvis lives his life
by the Golden Rule.
No matter where we go in life, take a moment to look back and pull someone else up, he says. Whether it is to give them a kind
word, a warm meal, an old coat, or just to sit and have a great conversation. Pulling somebody up. Thats whats important.
y his own admission, Rayceen Pendarvis is
one of a kind.
B
And having wonderful and open conversations.
It didnt used to always be that way: of course, youre going
to have your trials and maybe one or two brothers who may not
understand. But you know what? You may not understand our
life, but youre going to respect it in the end.
MW: Where do you come in the pecking order?
PENDARVIS: Im not the oldest. And Im far from the youngest. Im
the special one. Which has been a blessing.
I had a wonderful, accepting mother, who allowed me to be
who I was, who I am. She always taught me that if you dont
stand for something, youll fall for anything. So I thank God for
my mother.
I thank God for my dad. I wish he wouldve lived to see me
get to this point in my life, but he did
not. But if you have an accepting fam-
ily, an accepting community, it makes
the acceptance and the celebration of
who you are so much better.
MW: Do you think thats whats lacking
for many LGBT youth now, or do you
think its better?
PENDARVIS: Well, the onset of social
media has been an incredible thing.
But it has allowed them not to inter-
act as often as they should, like we in-
teracted. We had to interact, because
all we had was us. So we had to talk
to each other, we had to get out, we
had to celebrate, nd one another.
But now you can get on the Internet
and do everything. So I think on one
hand, the youth of today have a lot
more freedom, or a lot more choices,
to nd one another. But its a down-
side, because it doesnt allow them to
be able to really sit one-on-one and
have conversations. They can text,
they can tweet, but they cant sit down like you and I are sitting
down and having that one-on-one conversation. And that kind of
bothers me.
Its so important to communicate with each other. The art of
communication, the art of sitting down, eye contact, feeling one
another, holding hands, shaking hands, greeting one another in
the way of it is a wonderful thing, it engages us, it allows us to
be human, and celebrates the best part of who we are. Touch is
a wonderful thing. Touch is important. It shows the kindness of
man.
MW: Do you identify as a specic religion?
PENDARVIS: I embrace everyone. I embrace everything and every-
one. However you nd your peace and your center and your joy.
Im very spiritual. But you have to be. You have to be in touch
with all sides of spirit, and who you are, and the God of your un-
derstanding.
MW: When you were a young adult, what was that like for you?
How did you come to nd your peace?
PENDARVIS: With the help of God, family, and great friends, and
great mentors in my life Avis Pendarvis, Tina Teasley, and Ro-
berta Baldwin. Trans women who stood at a time and were really
able to make a big impact on their community. And it just drew
me to them, their light.
But you know what? Thats whats missing in this community
right now. We had a process in coming to who you are. When you
found out who you are, and accepting, discovering your gayness,
it was a process. You had a great gathering of friends. The older
kids looked out for the younger kids. They mentored you, they
walked you through the process, they talked to you, they taught
you about the value, the importance of education, they instilled
in you great work ethic.
And if you had that from home as well, it was an added plus.
And the fact that I had all of that coming from my home life, and
coming out into our community, it was celebrated, it was en-
hanced. It was just a necessity. You could not be gay and be stu-
pid. You had to have a sense of self-worth, of dignity, pride, and
respect for yourself, your community, and all of the above.
MW: Why do you think so many LGBT men and women are reticent
to get involved with younger genera-
tions?
PENDARVIS: Well, I think a lot of
times, we get comfortable in our
own space, and we dont want to
come out of it. And sometimes you
have to meet people where they are.
And sometimes in order to reach
young people, you have to go where
they are. And you have to talk to
them, and not at them. And listen
to them. Young people have a lot to
say, and we have a lot to learn from
them, and they have a lot to learn
from us. And its the fair exchange,
and meeting and respecting each
other, and understanding one an-
other, thats so, so important.
MW: Since you came out, how has the
District changed?
PENDARVIS: I think on one hand, we
are really lucky to be in the District
of Columbia, because in other plac-
es, in smaller communities, they
dont get the celebration of who they are, like we do. You know,
the fact that were in a city, and we can be celebrated, and safe. I
think about rural towns and rural communities that are not ac-
cepting. And at the end of the day, we have so much acceptance
here in the city.
But its a ip-side, now. It is a ip-side. We have so many
rights, but yet, there are still so many things lacking in our com-
munity. Now with gay marriage, domestic partnership I mean,
it took a while to get to that. So its still growing. Its still growing
in leaps and bounds, until one day, hopefully there will be pro-
grams in schools that will teach tolerance.
I host a lot of straight functions. Its been a wonderful expe-
rience, because when I walk in the door, it allows me to ll the
room with love and dispel all of what they thought about us. You
know, because, visually, I am a lot when I walk into a room.
But I have the opportunity, in the time that we meet, to leave
you with something that will make you think positively about our
LGBT community. So every time Im given a microphone, every
time Im allowed to stand on a platform, I will stand in my light,
I will stand in my truth. I will tell people a message of love and a
message of tolerance, mixed with humor. And if I can make you
laugh, I can make you cry. And I think its important. But I can
also make you think.
Every time I leave an arena, and just recently I was speaking at
a straight function, with about 1,000 people in the room, and this
The art of communication,
the art of sitting down,
eye contact, feeling one
another, shaking hands it
celebrates the best part of
who we are.
TOUCH IS A
WONDERFUL
THING. TOUCH
IS IMPORTANT.
IT SHOWS THE
KINDNESS
OF MAN.
woman came up to me. And she said Can I ask you something?
and I said, Sure.
Now I knew where she was going with this by the way she
was looking and her body language was reading. And she said,
Now, when I rst saw you, I was a little taken aback, because I
didnt know if you were a man or woman, and I kept hearing you
speak, and I was even more confused.
And she said, You spoke so many great things in between
your segments. You spoke about love, you spoke about God, you
spoke about family. But you mixed it with humor and told these
wonderful stories. And through it all it just allowed me to think.
I had a vision of all amboyant men
as being these screaming queens,
loud, wrong, amethrowers. But you
showed me that you are spiritual,
youre goal-oriented, youre fami-
ly-oriented, and you just knocked
down all the barriers I had, and all
the things I thought about people.
And thats how you counteract
something.
Ive had conversations with
people that have cussed me out, tell
me I dont mess with, I dont use
your kind, I dont understand it.
Okay, you may not like me, but lets
get over that. What else is new? So
what? Do we have something to do?
Why are you here? Okay, lets get it
done.
And at the end of the day, and
when its all said and done, I think
thats what Im doing every day of my life, one way or another.
And some days its a little hard. Some days you dont want to be
the light. You want to stand in the corner. You dont want to be
seen, but somebody has to be seen. And somebody has to be that
voice.
MW: Well, you talked about the time you were well received. Tell me
about a time youve been received badly at a function?
PENDARVIS: I remember one time. I walked into a room, and they
werent quite getting it. And I just felt like, How am I going to
reach them? So I said a little prayer within, and I just talked
about God. And I just talked about love. And I just told some fun-
ny stories about being a parent, a funny story about growing up,
and found a way to meet them, and reach them right where they
are, and told and I was able to be real. I peeled away my layers,
and I got very real in the room. And then at the end of the day, if
you cant experience any of that, at the rawest form, then youre
not human.
And I found a way to reach them. And I turned around, and I
walked back, and I came back out and I just said, God is good.
And I got the great response, All the time! And it was a room of
all these hip-hop folks.
And we got real and we told stories and I talked about being a
parent, and what it was like being a amboyant parent. And told
stories of PTA meetings and eld trips. And Campre Girls sto-
ries, and Boy Scouts stories. And walking into school, and put-
ting the school on pause. And having my kids say, Oh, God. Here
comes, here comes. And telling those stories of I can walk to the
kids school, and how all their friends just rallied towards me,
just fall around me, just love me, want to come with me and be
with me. And my daughters just like, Oh God. Cant you just stay
at home? Can you pull your hair back? Can you do this? Can you
just be...?
And not being amboyant, I just couldnt see, because its a
part of my persona. So you know, its a part of who I am. So even
being less dramatic, to my kids, is being dramatic to their friends.
And their friends just fall in love with that. You know, kids like
all that.
Id be like, Whats going on, girl? Whats happening? What
you doing with yourself? Thats a cute little outt. Or, You
shouldnt wear that. Thats not your color. Or Thats a little too
tight and a little too low. And the next time you wear that, I want
to see some tights with it. Or I just
want to see a longer skirt. And you
just talk to them and nd ways of
reaching them, and tweaking it with
a little humor, and it makes a big, big
difference. You know, so those have
been funny things. I could tell you a
million stories.
I was telling a story about par-
ents. The amazing strength of moth-
ers and fathers in our community has
been something that really stands in
my mind. Mothers who accept their
children, who buried their children.
Fathers who loved their sons, who
became their daughters. Its amaz-
ing to see the strength of parenting.
That was amazing. And it went be-
yond color lines, it went beyond any
level of wealth. It was just parents,
loving their children. And I thought
that was some of the amazing strength Ive seen throughout this
journey.
Now, of course youve got some parents that aint having it,
aint using it, and at the end of the day, thats so few and far be-
tween. Ive seen some ugly sides of that, but Ive seen so much joy
and strength. Thats outweighed all of the evil, the hate and the
ignorance. And one journey that I have, that has stood out in my
mind, is the wonderful parents in our community, that just love
their children unconditionally.
And when its all said and done, if I die today or tomorrow, I
can say, I came. I saw. I mattered. And I cared. Thats where
Im at. And honey, all the little things along the way? Its just lit-
tle cherry sprinkles on top of the banana split of life. How about
that? And it just kind of makes you feel a little good when you see
yourself, that through this journey amazing friends, amazing
experiences, amazing family, amazing career. All the things that
Ive done in my life. And Im not over yet.
And here I am, 30 years later, still ghting for change, still in
the game, and refuse to give up. Im at a great point in my life, to
see things, doors open for me, that allows me to know that all the
blood, sweat and tears were not in vain. Im very happy where I
am in life.
Every day, I leave my door, and Im like, All right, world, its
showtime!
Rayceen Pendarvis hosts the Black Pride Cultural Arts/Health &
Wellness Festival, Sunday, May 25, at the Francis-Stevens Edu-
cational Campus, 2425 N St. NW, from noon to 6 p.m. For a full
schedule of all the weekends events, workshops and activities, visit
dcblackpride.org. l
I have to embrace the part
of me that you see, a person
of color who happens to
be LGBT. [But] I embrace
all sides of our community
wanting to make a difference
for everybody.
IM A SELF-
DESCRIBED
GENDER-
BLENDER.
MAY 22 - 29, 2014
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Scandinavian Symphony
Finnish group Ragaton joins the NSO to toast ABBA
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ESPITE GROWING UP IN A NORDIC COUNTRY, AHTI PAUNU WASNT RAISED WITH THE MUSIC OF
ABBA. In my home we almost only listened to classical music, the Finland native says. But as it is for so many, it
was love at rst listen. I instantly fell in love with the tunes, Paunu says. I think I had been lacking a lot not know-
ing them before.
Certainly the 38-year-old has now made up for lost music in his youth. For about a decade now his six-member vocal
group Rajaton has regularly performed a symphonic concert in tribute to the Swedish superstars. The a cappella group will
make its debut at the Kennedy Center next weekend in the program The Music of ABBA with the National Symphony
Orchestra Pops, led by Steven Reineke.
I sang once before at the Kennedy Center when I was nine, Paunu says, chuckling at the memory of performing as part
of a childrens choir tour of the U.S. A baritone, Paunu, who also grew up playing cello and piano, helped form Rajaton as an
a cappella group while studying music education in college. We had a dream that we could become the rst professional
vocal group in Finland, and make a living out of it, he says.
Along the way Rajaton the name means boundless in Finnish started performing symphonic tributes to other pop
legends, including the Beatles and Queen. But this ABBA thing we have performed the most all over the world, Paunu says,
whether in Finland or especially Australia they are really fanatic about it [down under].
At the Kennedy Center Rajaton will perform a few of its own original a cappella songs in addition to the ABBA classics.
There is a rock band playing in the middle of the orchestra, so we still have the disco kind of feel all the time, he says. And
patrons are encouraged to sing, even dance, along. Says Paunu: We love people singing with usI would say that especially
towards the end, it is kind of a party. - Doug Rule
Rajaton performs Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m., at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to
$85. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
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SPOTLIGHT
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,
FOLGER THEATRE
Marin Alsop conducts the womens chorus of the
Baltimore Choral Arts Society and the BSO while
Edward Berkeley directs his concert adaptation of
William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream
featuring music by Felix Mendelssohn. Among the
actors breathing life into Shakespeares classic:
Spencer Aste, Katie deBuys, Kate Eastwood Norris,
Marcus Kyd and Cody Nickell. Thursday, May 29, at
8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman
Lane, North Bethesda. Also Friday, May 30, Satur-
day, May 31, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m.
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral
St., Baltimore. Tickets are $29 to $94. Call 410-783-
8000 or visit bsomusic.org.
BOLSHOI BALLET
The ever-popular Bolshoi Ballet from Russia, which
regularly plays sold-out performances at the Ken-
nedy Center, returns with a production of Giselle,
one of the most romantic and visually striking works
in the classical cannon. Staged by Yuri Grigorovich
with music by Adolphe Adam performed by the Ken-
nedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the ballet fea-
tures choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and
Marius Petipa. Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May
24, at 7:30 p.m. Also Saturday, May 24, and Sunday,
May 25, at 1:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace The-
ater. Tickets are $38 for each nights performance.
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
CHRISTOPHER K. MORGAN & ARTISTS
Local gay choreographer Christopher K. Morgan
brings his company to Rockvilles American Dance
Institute, where hes a resident artist, for the season-
closing mixed-repertory program By The Inch. On
the bill are two world premieres, including a new
work for the women of CKM&A, plus a reconstruc-
tion of Morgans signature solo piece The Measure of
a Man 10 years after later. Friday, May 30, and Satur-
day, May 31, at 8 p.m. American Dance Institute, 1501
East Jefferson St. Rockville. Tickets are $33.50. Call
301-984-3003 or visit americandance.org or christo-
pherkmorgan.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 new Smith-
sonian exhibition, which will travel the country
later next year, explores the work and growth in
sequencing technology that helped spark this medi-
cal 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.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
Dianne Wiest, Doc Severinsen, Jennifer Nettles and
Megan Hilty headline this years National Memo-
rial Day Concert on the U.S. Capitol grounds fea-
turing the National Symphony Orchestra as led by
Jack Everly. Among the youngsters on tap at this
PBS-televised concert, now in its 25th year are the
13th American Idol Anthony Kearns, The Voice 2013
Danielle Bradbery and classical crossover prodigy
Jackie Evancho. Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) and
Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) co-host for the ninth
year, and Colin L. Powell also returns for a special
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The new X-Men sets the series back on course
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HERES A QUICK, SIGNIFICANT SHOT IN X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE
Past in which the original Star Trek series is clearly referenced. Its a telling
moment, not just for the audible acknowledgment it gets from the audience,
but for director Bryan Singers obvious admission that his latest movie is borrowing
a major move from the Trek playbook: The time-travel reset, most prominently
used in Star Trek: First Contact. Singer, who directed the rst two X-Men lms but
handed control over to Brett Ratner in 2006 for the disastrous X-Men 3: The Last
Stand, has regained the reigns with gusto and righted his billion-dollar racehorse.
Not so much a reboot as a reset, X-Men: Days of Future Past (HHHHH) cleverly
combines the cast of the original X-Men lms (Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen) with
younger incarnates from 2011s First Class (James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender)
and restores the smart, sheer fun of the series while maintaining its poignancy
and gravitas. In order to save society from a lethal bio-weapon fashioned in the
70s from mutant DNA, fan favorite Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, in splendid form,
both physically and wise-crackery) is sent back in time to prevent a catastrophic
event. While the set-up is simple, the execution is anything but, as the narrative
takes sudden turns in directions you cant possibly see coming. (Hint: Mutants are
a stubborn lot.) Jackman, Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and especially McAvoy
give extraordinary performances that root the requisite blockbuster action in deep,
resonant emotions.
The lm has its impenetrable moments I still have no clue what happened
in the cluttered opening sequence, and its subsequent explanation left me and my
comic book-astute companion in equal states of befuddlement but Singer mostly
keeps tight narrative control over an increasingly complicated plot, showcasing
his directorial gifts in a magnicent climax that shuttles between two timelines
with artistry.
Singer focuses the story on a few key characters, wisely avoiding the temptation
to dump every mutant into the fray. There are several newcomers, however,
including Evan Peters as the lightening fast Quicksilver. Quicksilver gets one major
scene in the lm and its a at-out showstopper. Lets hope Peters, whose droll,
apathetic portrayal marks a stark contrast to every other mutants hyper-intensity,
nds his way back to the X-Men universe. Hes a welcome addition to the X-family.
Randy Shulman
X-Men: Days of Future Past is rated PG-13 and opens Friday at area theaters.
Compiled by Doug Rule
Meeting of the minds: McAvoy and Stewart
tribute to our men and women in uniform. Sunday,
May 25, at 8 p.m. U.S. Capitol Building - West Lawn.
Free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit pbs.org/memorial-
dayconcert.
SHEILA E.
Three decades after her work as a drummer, song-
writer and musical director for Prince, including on
the stupendous Purple Rain soundtrack, which in
turn launched her solo career with The Glamourous
Life, Sheila E is back, preparing a September release
of her autobiography The Beat of My Own Drum. But
right now you can hear her showing off her dexter-
ous skills in all manner of music-making on Icon, her
rst studio album in 13 years offering everything
from wondrous polyrhythmic percussive runs, such
as on rst single Mona Lisa, to Dont Make Me,
an impressive all-vocal track in which Sheila shows
shes a vocal percussionist too that is, a beat-boxer.
Prince even shows up, to sing backing vocals and
play piano on the infectious E Family jam Leader of
the Band. Expect the same kind of lively, engaging
music fusing pop, R&B, funk, jazz and rock when
she drops by the Birchmere. Thursday, May 29, at
7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.,
Alexandria. Tickets are $49.50. Call 703-549-7500 or
visit birchmere.com.
THE LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE
The ever-ambitious, ever-adept Constellation The-
atre Company once again dares to stage a large-scale
classic tale in the intimate Source Theater space.
This time around the companys Allison Arkell
Stockman corrals a typically large ensemble and
her trusty veteran designers to bring to life Tim-
berlake Wertenbakers The Love of the Nightingale,
a theatrical piece originally commissioned by the
U.K.s Royal Shakespeare Company and inspired
by a tale from Ovids Metamorphoses. Constella-
tion staple Megan Dominy stars as Philomele, who
struggles mightily in a dangerous seafaring quest
to reunite with her younger sister Procne (Dorea
Schmidt) in this Greek tragedy about family loyalty
and gender roles. The production includes puppetry
by Don Becker and Erick Brooks and original music
performed live by percussionist Tom Teasley. To
May 25. Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets
are $35 to $45. Call 202-204-7741 or visit constel-
lationtheatre.org.
FILM
BLENDED
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play a man and
a woman who nd themselves stuck together at a
family resort. Dont get stuck seeing Frank Coracis
comedy or at least dont say you werent warned
against the ick that also features Joel McHale,
Kevin Nealon, a whole bunch of Sandlers, even Sha-
quille ONeal in supporting roles. Opens Friday, May
23. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
THE IMMIGRANT
Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard (La
Vie en Rose) stars as a young woman fresh off the
boat from Poland in 1920s New York, where shes
quickly forced into prostitution by Joaquin Phoenix
no, he never gave up acting. In James Grays latest
lm, Cotillards characters only hope becomes Jer-
emy Renner, who plays Phoenixs characters cousin
a stage magician. Naturally we all believe in magic
by movies end. Opens Friday, May 23. Landmarks
Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave. Call
301-652-7273 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
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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 dur-
ing rehearsals, I literally am giggling like a child,
because I cant believe whats coming out of their
faces! To June 8. The Mead Center for American
Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets are $75 to $120. Call
202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
THE THREEPENNY OPERA
HHHHH
Dressed in female drag, Rick Hammerly all but
steals the show as Lucy, arguably the most hope-
lessly deluded lover of Macheath, aka Mack the
Knife, played by the charismatic Mitchell Jarvis in
Signature Theatres new production. The notorious
criminal in Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weills nearly
90-year-old musical farce has got quite the harem
lined up in Londons gritty underworld. And direc-
tor Matthew Gardiner has seen to it that youll love
the women in Signatures production all right, from
the phenomenal Natascia Diaz as Jenny to Signa-
ture staple Donna Migliaccio, who bowls us over in
her typically wonderful way as Pollys domineering
mother Mrs. Peachum. You just cant help but nd
the good in this production: Its strong cast and also
its sharp design team. To June 9. The Max Theatre at
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.
Tickets are $40 to $95. Call 703-820-9771 or visit
signature-theatre.org. (Doug Rule).
TICK, TICKBOOM!
New professional theater company QuackenSteele
Theatre Co. offers as its inaugural production Tick,
TickBoom! from the late Jonathan Larson, creator
Gero as Henry IV, Stacy Keach as Falstaff and Mat-
thew 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 for combined purchase. Call 202-547-1122
or visit shakespearetheatre.org. (Kate Wingeld)
NERO/PSEUDO
WSC Avant Bard presents a world premiere of a glam
rock musical by writer Richard Byrne and composers
Jim Elkington and Jon Langford that takes the his-
torical fall of Rome under Nero as its starting point.
Nero/Pseudo follows a rock and roll Nero imposter
who wins over the emperors fans and becomes a
celebrity. Patrick Pearson directs a cast including
Ryan Alan Jones, Alani Kravitz, Lee Liebeskind,
Brian McDermott, Gillian Shelly and Bradley Foster
Smith. Weekends to June 1. The Shop at Fort Fringe,
607 New York Ave. NW. Tickets are $25 to $35. Call
866-811-4111 or visit wscavantbard.org.
SMOKEY 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
STAGE
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS RIOT
Keegan Theatre, in repertory with Things You
Shouldnt Say Past Midnight (see separate entry),
presents the world premiere of Rosemary Jenkin-
sons latest one-man tour-de-force, this time a bit-
ing comedy about a poor Irishman who dreams of
becoming a professional golfer and practices amid
the nighttime ghts between Protestant and Catholic
youth that still plague Belfast every summer. Just
as with Jenkinsons one-man-plays Basra Boy and
Cuchullain, Keegan taps Abigail Isaac to direct Joss
Sticklin. To June 5. Andrew Keegan Theatre (for-
merly Church Street Theater), 1742 Church St. NW.
Tickets are $30. Call 703-892-0202 or visit keegan-
theatre.com.
ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE
Marylands Rude Mechanicals, whose name derives
from the beloved Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer
Nights Dream, offers a production of Tennessee Wil-
liamss Eccentricities of a Nightingale, about a sensi-
tive, lonely young woman who fears shell remain a
spinster. Ed Starr directs. Closes this Saturday, May
24. Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW.
Tickets are $20. Call 202-315-1310 or visit ashpoint-
dc.org or rudemechanicals.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 his-
tory, but also the way in which Shakespeare darkly
and interestingly evolves his characters. Edward
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of Rent. Adapted after Larsons death by playwright
David Auburn, the musical offers an autobiographi-
cal tale about a man questioning his decision to be in
the performing arts. Based in Alexandria, Quacken-
Steele is a company named after its principals Laura
Quackenbush, the producer of this production, and
Lou Steele, the actor who takes on the lead role in
a production also featuring Madeline Botteri and
David Little and directed by Walter Ware III. Opens
Friday, May 30, at 8 p.m. To June 6. The Lab at Con-
vergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Alexandria. Tickets
are $25. Call 703-664-0312 or visit QuackenSteel-
eTheatreCo.org.
MUSIC
10,000 MANIACS
In a couple months, Natalie Merchant will perform
at Lincoln Theatre. But next weekend the alt-rock
band that gave her her start appears at the Birch-
mere, on tour fronted by Jenn Grinels. The band
tours in support of last years Music from the Motion
Picture, the groups rst new studio set in 14 years,
which featured vocalist Mary Ramsey. Friday, May
23, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon
Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $39.50. Call 703-549-
7500 or visit birchmere.com.
LENA SEIKALY
A former Strathmore Artist-in-Residence, this local
jazz vocalist has won lots of praise in the past few
years, including form Duke Ellingtons biographer
John Hasse, who has touted her as a major league
young talent in jazz. Now Seikaly returns to Blues
Alley in a program paying tribute to classics by the
Duke. Saturday, May 24, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Blues
Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $22, plus
$10 minimum purchase. Call 202-337-4141 or visit
bluesalley.com.
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL
The 19th edition of the Mary Lou Williams Women
in Jazz Festival, named after the late legendary jazz
pianist/composer, features two evenings of per-
formances by some of contemporary jazzs leading
women, including lesbian singer-songwriter Toshi
Reagon, drummer Allison Miller, clarinetist and
saxophone player Anat Cohen and Rene Marie, who
will perform selections from her tribute set Evil
Little Me: A Tribute to Eartha Kitt. Friday, May 23,
and Saturday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Kennedy Center
Terrace Theater. Tickets are $38 for each nights
performance. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-
center.org.
SAM HAYWOOD
The Washington Performing Arts Society presents
this British pianist, a composer and director of the
Solent Music Festival. In recent seasons Haywood
has performed with Joshua Bell at the Kennedy Cen-
ter and Strathmore, but he now makes his U.S. solo
recital debut performing Beethovens Moonlight
Sonata among other works by Chopin, Haydn, Wag-
ner and Liszt. Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. Kennedy
Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $40. Call 202-
467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org or gmcw.org.
DANCE
AMERICAN EMBASSY OF DANCE
For The Love of Tap is the name of a program
commemorating the 25th anniversary of National
Tap Dance Day, featuring Joseph Webb as event host
as well as a performer along with Cartier Williams, a
fellow alum of Broadways Bring In Da Noise, Bring
In Da Funk. Also on tap: Rasta Thomass Bad Boys of
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Brandy Clark is gaining attention for her dark comedy country songs
I
M A LITTLE OLDER THAN MOST PEOPLE WHEN THEY FIRST START
doing it, as far as like coming out as an artist, country singer-songwriter
Brandy Clark says. I thought, Oh, thats just something thats not going to
happen to me.
Over the past few years the thirty-something native of Washington state has
established herself as a preeminent Nashville songwriter. Clark is part of a Music
Row collective writing smarter, more sophisticated songs, many of which have
become major hits from Mamas Broken Heart for Miranda Lambert to Bet-
ter Dig Two for The Band Perry. And if you saw this years Grammy Awards, no
doubt you remember Kacey Musgraves performing Clarks twangy gay-afrming
anthem Follow Your Arrow.
But since last fall Clark has also started gaining attention as a singer and an
artist in her own right, with the release of her tremendous, and tremendously
entertaining, debut album 12 Stories.
Ive never thought my stuff was that far off what country radio was, which
I grew up listening to, she says, but I think it is quite a bit off of what country
radio currently is. All it takes is a glance at the song titles to see how off from
conservative-leaning country Clarks sharp songs are: Illegitimate Children,
The Day She Got Divorced and current single Get High.
I think life is a dark comedy, so to me my songs are kind of dark comedy, a lot
of them, she says. Tough subject matter but really delivered a little bit tongue
in cheek.
Some of those songs are closer to me than others, as far as my own personal
experiences, continues Clark, who sees herself as a storyteller, telling stories
that go beyond just her own experiences. And her own experiences in Nashville,
where she moved at the age of 21, have been good, or at least free of outright
homophobia and discrimination.
Ive been very fortunate in that Ive been working with a lot of other gay
people in the industry and weve all been pretty successful. Doug Rule
Brandy Clark performs Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m., at The Birchmere,
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $20.
Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.
Dance performing Tap Stars: A Dance Revolution, The Jam Project, Capitol Tap,
Tapology, Anna Menendez, Studio Bleu and Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble,
among others. Friday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H
St. NE. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Call 202-399-7993 or visit
atlasarts.org or American embassyofdance.com.
SOLE DEFINED
Focused chiey on various music and dance styles from Africa and Brazil, The
Sole Dened Experiment is the latest production from this local tap dance-fusion
company launched in 2012 as part of Atlass Intersections: A New America Arts
Festival. Co-founded by dancer/choreographers Ryan K. Johnson (Stomp, Step
Afrika) and Quynn Johnson (Cirque du Soleil, Just Tap), Sole Dened presents
global variations on tap dancing as well as other urban and Africa-derived dance
styles in a multidisciplinary fashion, incorporating theater and visuals. Friday,
May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $38.50 in advance or $43.50 at the door. Call 202-399-7993 or visit
atlasarts.org or facebook.com/soledened.
COMEDY
MICHAEL IAN BLACK
I look at myself on TV and [even] my gaydar pings, Michael Ian Black joked in
an interview with Metro Weekly a couple years ago. In fact, the straight comedian,
familiar from work on NBCs Ed, VH1s I Love The series and Comedy Centrals
Stella and Reality Bits Back, has been an afliated member of the gay community
essentially since birth, raised by his mother, who happens to be lesbian. I [always]
related very directly [to the gay rights movement] because it affected my mom, it
affected people that I care about. Tuesday, May 27. Doors at 7 p.m. Nightclub
9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com. Also visit
930.com/friends to sign up for the clubs Friends With Benets rewards program
offering exclusive deals and discounts on tickets, drinks and merchandise. l
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Patios Unleashed
Larrys Lounge and other D.C.
hotspots are ready to
seat your dog
S
OME PEOPLE MAKE A BREAK FOR THE MOUN-
tains when it the mercury rises in Washington, oth-
ers head for the beach. Those who stick around will
nd a city, and many of their favorite watering holes,
going to the dogs. Literally.
Larrys Lounge is neighborhood favorite for its strong drinks,
tasty menu and welcoming vibe. The 18th Street gay bar is popu-
lar with a primary clientele neighborhood men, women and
dogs. The bar had long hosted a perennially popular Yappy
Hour on their spacious patio, but the events great success
and its patrons devotion to their canines has led Larrys new
owners to encourage furry visitors at every hour of the week.
It all comes back to: whats the neighborhood like? says Lar-
rys co-owner Ron Robinson. Our customers can go many places
and I want to keep them here. [Our patio] has bowls everywhere.
I go over and beyond in looking to make dogs more welcome
by offering services for them. I always have doggy treats in my
pocket. All natural. Youve got to look at the healthy side too.
Walking by Larrys in the warm months is a happy sight
indeed. Nestled at the corner of 18th and T, at the hinterlands
pets
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where Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and U Street come togeth-
er abruptly, the laidback bars patio serves as a low-key neigh-
borhood magnet for those who either own dogs or appreciate
their company while drinking.
Robinson himself is a longtime animal lover. He does not
have dogs of his own, as the demands of bar ownership lead
him instead to the rescue of two less-demanding cats. But just
because he devotes all his time to the lounge does not mean his
customers dogs get anything less than the royal treatment.
I just want dogs here, he says. The neighborhood knows
that I live two doors down and that Im here at 9 a.m. with treats
in my pocket. The dogs can come over to me I get down on the
ground and play with them. Were right by [dog-walking rm]
City Dogs and I know the dog walkers. Our customers say Youre
the most friendly bar to have dogs, and youre so sweet to them.
The peaceful, tree-lined streets around Larrys Lounge seem
to house as many dogs as people, reected in some of the areas
other businesses. Ever-crowded Adams Morgan coffee shop
Tryst has a new patio that is dog (but not cigarette) friendly, and
always has a full bowl of water on the ground for those tongue-
lolling summer days.
Hidden gem Hans Pedr Kaffe, on Florida Avenue, has some
of the best Belgian pastries, coffee and savory food in the city.
Those Chimay beers and almond croissants taste great in the
restaurants immaculate interior, but a veteran dog owner wont
feel truly at home without their begging buddy at their feet.
Luckily, Hans Pedr Kaffes shaded patio provides room for two
brunch guests and a weimaraner, and their wait staff are quick
with a water dish and some affectionate pats to the nose.
Just down the street is the hippie coffee shop Pleasant Pops,
which features (among other items) freshly made sandwiches,
43 METROWEEKLY.COM MAY 22, 2014 43 METROWEEKLY.COM MAY 22, 2014
salads and their eponymous frozen delights. The storefront is
anked by a row of picnic tables that actually look lonely if not
attached to at least one smiling dog.
Dog owners know the benets of an outdoor gathering spot
that allows dogs, as most meals are better with a best friend.
Robinson may be a bar-owner as a profession, but animals have
long been his passion.
Im such an animal person because they bring great satisfac-
tion, he says. Theyre comforting. They gravitate towards me,
too. Im great with horses, dogs, cats. I saw a ock of sheep once
out in Pennsylvania and they came running to me.
While that particular animal has yet to make an appearance
at Larrys, Robinson (and his pocket full of treats) has without
question created a true social paradise for dogs and the people
who love them. l

NIGHT
LIFE
45 METROWEEKLY.COM
t
THURS., 05.22.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
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
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour, 1pm-8pm
$4.50 Absolut & Bacardi,
10pm-12am
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
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
LISTINGS
607 New York Ave. NW
21+
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour, downstairs
1pm-8pm, upstairs
3pm-8pm VJ Dina
Valentine DJ Keith
Hoffman 9pm-2am
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., 05.23.14
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+
EAGLE-N-EXILE
Full Bar, 3 Premium
Draughts Doors 6pm
No Cover Capital Fringe,
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
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-
Lee, Jessica Spaulding
Deverreoux and Banaka
Doors open at 10pm For
those 21 and over, $5 from
10-11pm and $10 after
11pm For those 18-20,
$10 all night 18+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Ladies of Illusion with
host Kristina Kelly, 9pm
Cover 21+
SAT., 05.24.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
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+
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour $4.50
Bacardi & Absolut,
10pm-12am VJ Dina
Valentine
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:
No Cover
PHASE 1
Dancing, 9pm-close
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Karaoke in the lounge
Charity Bingo with Cash
Prizes 3rd Sat. of Every
Month
TOWN
Raven from RuPauls Drag
Race dj MiMi Imfurst
spinning upstairs all night
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm DJ Wess
Hosted by Lena Lett
and featuring Tatianna,
Shi-Queeta-Lee, Jessica
Spaulding Deverreoux
and Banaka $8 from
11pm 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+
SUN., 05.25.14
9 1/2
TVs showing movies,
Cover
47
t
METROWEEKLY.COM MAY 22, 2014
scene
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Cobalt
Friday, May 16
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
WARD MORRISON
FIREPLACE
$3 Smirnoff the Night
Away, 8pm-12am VJ
Dina Valentina DJ Keith
Hoffman 8pm-1am
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
TOWN
WTF Presents Dinosaur
Island Luau! Closing
party for National
Volleyball Tournament
Doors 10pm $5 Cover,
21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Decades of Dance DJ
Tim-e in Secrets Doors
8pm Cover 21+
MON., 05.26.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
5-9pm Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports Expanded craft
ANNIES
Martinis
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour all night long
DJ Keith Hoffman,
8pm-12am
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
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Poker Texas Holdem, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Buzztime Trivia
competition 75 cents off
bottles and drafts
TUES., 05.27.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
5-9pm Multiple TVs
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour all day long
downstairs
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
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Karaoke
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
75 cents off bottles and
drafts Movie Night
WED., 05.28.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
5-9pm Multiple TVs
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour, downstairs,
1pm-8pm Hump Day $3
Domestic Beer all night
long
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
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Half-Price Burger Night
Buckets of Beer $15
SmartAss Trivia, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Free Pool 75 cents off
Bottles and Drafts
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
New Meat Wednesday DJ
Don T 9pm Cover 21+
THURS., 05.29.14
9 1/2
TVs showing movies,
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
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour, 1pm-8pm
$4.50 Absolut & Bacardi,
10pm-12am
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
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
FRI., 05.30.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
5-9pm Friday Night
Videos with resident
DJ Shea Van Horn VJ
Expanded craft beer
selection No cover
ANNIES
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
FIREPLACE
Happy Hour, downstairs
1pm-8pm, upstairs
3pm-8pm VJ Dina
Valentine
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
No Cover
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and
fries
TOWN
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-
Lee, Jessica Spaulding
Deverreoux and Banaka
Doors open at 10pm For
those 21 and over, $5 from
11pm For those 18-20,
$10 all night 18+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Ladies of Illusion with
host Kristina Kelly, 9pm
Cover 21+ l
Cox remixed into a Top 5
hit on Billboards dance
chart and made a staple on
gay dance oors in 2004.
Holiday has had a few club
hits since, including Joyful
Sound and Surrender
Me. Shes also become
a regular performer at gay
parties and clubs, including
repeat performances at
D.C.s Cobalt, where she
returns this Friday, May 23.
A native of Los Angeles,
Holiday originally wanted
to be a ballerina. But her
father, Jimmy Holiday, was
a hit songwriter (Put A
Little Love In Your Heart)
and the pull of the family
business was too strong
to resist. When you grow
up with a father like mine,
grooming is probably the
wrong word, says Holiday.
Recently, Holiday has
dabbled in acting, appearing
as the Blues Singer in Del
Shoress The Trials and
Tribulations of a Trailer
Trash Housewife. She
reprised that role for the
2012 movie adaptation of
the play, renamed Blues
for Willadean and starring
Octavia Spencer.
But Holiday is a singer
rst and her chief focus
is on producing a slew of
new music, a double album
featuring roughly 10 new
rock songs and 10 new
dance songs. Its not like
a maxi-single, where its
one song ve, six, seven,
nine different ways, she
explains. Its 10 new
original dance songs. Its
quite an undertaking.
Shes aiming to nish the
set later this year.
A lot of my songs are
about believing in yourself,
Holiday says. Especially
with minorities, any group
thats not part of the
mainstream. Music has
become the key way for her
to give back. I just would
like to continue to create
music that makes people
feel good.
Debby Holiday performs
this Friday, May 23, after 10
p.m., at Cobalt, 1639 R St.
NW. Cover is $10. Call
202-232-4416 or visit
cobaltdc.com.l
I
DIDNT KNOW THERE
was such a thing as
a remix, says Debby
Holiday. I had no idea.
Im a rocker.
The singer-songwriter
laughs as she recounts a
time her friend, Sordid Lives
writer/director Del Shores,
asked if she had a song
that might work for one of
his lms. Listen, I need
a dance song. I know you
do rock, but do you have
anything thats dance? she
recalls him asking. And I
looked through my stuff and
there was this song that my
rock band never wanted to
play because they thought it
was too dance-y.
That song was the
rousing anthem Dive,
which DJ/producer Chris
C
L
U
B
L
I
F
E
B
Y

D
O
U
G

R
U
L
E
Holidays Road
S
52
Musician Debby Holiday dives back into Cobalt, performing another short set of songs
to make people feel good
D
U
F
F
I
M
A
G
E
S
This type of training is an American styled re-education camp for Jones. He will undoubtedly emerge with a new and
enlightened view of homosexuality.
JEFF CROUERE, conservative political commentator and radio host, in a column for the Christian Post. Miami Dolphins star Don
Jones was suspended and required to attend sensitivity training after making homophobic comments about openly gay NFL player
Michael Sam on Twitter. Crouere compared such training to Soviet-era re-education camps and stated that the politically
correct liberals in charge of the NFL are admirers of communism.
(Christian Post)
I think thats a really fun and daring move to put in. I love the idea that
Gobber is Berks resident gay.
DEAN DEBLOIS, openly gay director of upcoming animated lm How to Train Your Dragon 2. DeBlois revealed that Gobber,
voiced by late night host Craig Ferguson, will come out as gay. Speaking with E!, DeBlois stated that Gobbers outing will be subtle:
while watching a husband and wife ght, hell say thats why he never got married, as well as one other reason.
(E!)
Even as the gay rights movement progresses at a faster clip than civil rights movements before it,
there is an overwhelming pressure in the workplace
to hide ones sexual orientation.
CLAIR MILLER, writing in the Sunday New York Times about the lack of out gay chief executives in the nations top 1,000
companies. Miller muses that it is no wonder that closeted employees have difculty advancing at their companies. They report
feeling distracted at work, avoiding certain clients or co-workers, skipping company social events and having
a difcult time nding mentors.
(New York Times)
Most Americans (66%) say it wouldnt matter if

a presidential candidate is gay or lesbian.
The ndings of a survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which asked participants whether they would
support an openly gay or lesbian candidate in a Presidential election. Of the remaining respondents, 27 percent said they would be
less likely to support a gay or lesbian candidate while 5 percent would be more likely to support such a candidate.
(Pew Research Center for the People and the Press)
We recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that

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

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Metro Weekly - 05-22-14 - Rayceen Pendarvis

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2 MAY 22, 2014 METROWEEKLY.

Most Americans (66%) say it wouldnt matter if

We recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that

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