January 2012 Archives

A multi-genre but roots-centered supergroup featuring D.C.-area musicians from the Billy Coulter Band, the Junkyard Saints, Alexandria Kleztet and Western Bob, The Natty Beaux will stir the crowds at the new Hamilton club into a frenzy. Expect to hear toe-tapping renditions of familiar tunes from Ray Charles, Elvis Pressley, Nat King Cole and Jerry Lee Lewis. Thursday, Feb. 2. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-787-1000 or visit thehamiltondc.com.

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Landmark's E Street Cinema presents a screening of Opera on Film: 3 Superstars in Berlin, a taped performance at Berlin's massive Waldbuhne amphitheater featuring three of the opera world's biggest stars: Soprano Anna Netrebko, her baritone husband Erwin Schrott and tenor Jonas Kaufman. The opera's greatest hits program, with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the singers, includes selections from Bernstein's West Side Story, Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Gounod's Faust and Puccini's Manon Lescaut. Thursday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

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In a work commissioned by Ford's Theatre, playwright Richard Hellesen explores the two documented encounters between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln during a period of national crisis. As Lincoln searches for a way to end slavery in the summers of 1863 and 1864, Douglass's rhetoric and conviction challenges the president to envision a post-emancipation world. Together, the men imagine not only a unified nation but a society that brings truth to the Declaration of Independence's assertion that "all men are created equal." Jennifer L. Nelson directs the production starring David Selby as Lincoln. To Feb. 12. Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Tickets are $15 to $45. Call 800-982-2787 or visit fordstheatre.org.

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The Washington Performing Arts Society presents a concert with celebrated pianist Simone Dinnerstein. The program includes Schumann, Bach, Brahms and Chopin. Tonight, Sunday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets are $45 to $85. Call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.

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The rock legend and his band return in March with the act's 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, and it's said to live up the title, with Springsteen at his angriest over the woeful state of economic justice in America today. A month after the set's release, he'll stop at the Verizon Center, and tickets go on sale this Saturday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. for the Sunday, April 1 show. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. Tickets are $71 to $101. Call 202-628-3200 or visit verizoncenter.com.

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Local drag phenom Special Agent Galactica, a.k.a. the "pink-haired diva," performs with her live band, the Escape Pods, led by musical director Captain Satellite, and featuring two new members of the crew, dubbed the Comettes. "The Last of the Secret Agents" is an all-new show in which the motley crew sings and spins through a hodgepodge of songs by Pat Benatar, Queen, Alan Menkin, B.B. King, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake, Etta James, Oscar Hammerstein, even an original from Johnson himself. It's billed as "the only show of its kind in the Washington, D.C. area," and it's hard to argue that. Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. Black Fox Lounge, 1723 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-483-1723 or visit blackfoxlounge.com.

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The DCJCC's GLBT Outreach and Engagement entity wants to play matchmaker with its special speed-dating fundraising event next weekend. But this isn't your speed-dating of old. No, GLOE's matchmakers will pair LGBT Jews with similar interests or desires, as long as they register for the schmoozing event in advance. Door prizes, silent auction items and sweets will also be on hand at the fundraiser, hosted by drag yenta Silvia Sparkelstein. Advanced registration required, with a deadline of Sunday, Jan. 29, for the event Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Hotel Palomar. Tickets are $24 to $36. Visit washingtondcjcc.org/gloe.

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The former lead singer of 1980s new-wave band 'Til Tuesday ("Voices Carry"), Aimee Mann gained further recognition as a solo artist for her work on the Magnolia soundtrack a decade ago. But the famously moody singer-songwriter, who grew up outside Richmond, Va., has shown herself to be in an uncharacteristically playful mood of late. Her most recent album, 2008's impressive @#%&*! Smilers, offered blazing electric guitars but also lush and light horn and string instrumentation, with a rich tapestry of complex sound and emotion. She's said to have just completed the recording of a new album. Perhaps she'll preview selections on tour? Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $49.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

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Among the nominees for Academy Awards announced this morning are several who were nominated for playing characters from across the spectrum of LGBT identity, including two Best Actress nominees: Glenn Close for for her role as Albert Nobbs in Albert Nobbs and Rooney Mara for her role as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

The duo will, however, be facing an uphill battle for the Oscar, facing off against The Irony Lady's Meryl Streep, My Week With Marilyn's Michelle Williams and The Help's Viola Davis.

In the supporting categories, Janet McTeer was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Albert Nobbs and Christopher Plummer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners.

Also of note: Madonna's W.E. was nominated for Outstanding Costume Design.

Read all the nominees here.

The Oscar winners will be announced on ABC on Feb. 26.

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After seeing Donald Margulies's stunning Time Stands Still, now at Studio Theatre, you just might walk away contemplating changes in your own life. Chiefly about two war correspondents struggling to make sense of a wild world and their places in it, the play will likely cut any thinking person to the core. Margulies explores moral and ethical issues surrounding what humans do -- and don't do -- for others on a daily basis, and how they at least attempt to justify it all. Director Susan Fenichell has clearly worked hard with the show's four marvelous actors (Holly Twyford, Greg McFadden, Laura C. Harris, Dan Illian), as well as her sharp artistic team to create a measured tone and pace throughout the show. It never lags, and the plot's many small explosive devices reverberate long after they go off. To Feb. 12. Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets NW. Tickets are $35 to $60. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

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A co-founder of the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra among other jazz ensembles, saxophonist Brad Linde brings his eponymous sextet to Hamilton Live, the new performance space owned by Clyde's Restaurant Group in the old Garfinkel's Department Store, and more recently, Borders. Sunday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-787-1000 or visit thehamiltondc.com.

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After helping kick off the National Symphony Orchestra's season last fall, the classical music superstar Joshua Bell returns to the Kennedy Center for a Washington Performing Arts Society concert. Pianist Sam Haywood accompanies the virtuoso violinist in a program of Mendelssohn, Brahms, Ravel, Ysaye and Gershwin. A presentation of WPAS. Monday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $45 to $115. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

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A natural storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor and spontaneity, Cheryl Wheeler performs many songs in concert that haven't even been recorded on one of her engaging folk-based pop albums. Saturday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $29.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com. Also Sunday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis. Tickets are $31. Call 410-268-4545 or visit ramsheadonstage.com.

Read our interview with Wheeler here.

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Local silk-screen artist Glenn Fry's "unrestrained urges" is meant to be "an homage to vintage gay porn magazines." Though tame by today's porn standards -- largely suggestive rather than explicitly sexual -- half a century and another era ago, they were considered pornographic. Fry's art was mostly created from photo shoots with live models re-creating vintage images. The installation traces the early evolution of gay porn, before video and the Internet made it easier to come by. On display through Feb. 18. Vitruvian Gallery, 734 7th St. SE, 2nd Floor. Visit vitruviangallery.com.

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A more thoroughly Latin-flavored Black Eyed Peas, the Los Angeles-based Ozomatli may actually be even more fun and festive. And then there is its advanced level of prestige: Ozomatli has been designated an official U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassador, representing L.A. and a melting-pot U.S. to the world. The 14-piece orchestra Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band, inspired by Fela Kuti's Afrobeat sound, opens. Saturday, Jan. 21. Doors at 9 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

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It's become so difficult to get tickets to Arena Stage's production of the Tony-winning Red, the theater has already extended the run an extra week -- and it hasn't even opened yet. A co-production with Chicago's Goodman Theatre, Red stars Edward Gero as the brilliant and passionate painter Mark Rothko facing the biggest challenge of his career. Robert Falls directs. Opens tonight, Friday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m., but as of press time no tickets are available until Thursday, Jan. 26. Extended to March 11. Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

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Ford's Theatre has cancelled preview performances of Necessary Sacrifices. The following dates are affected: Jan. 20-24. Ticket exchanges are available and an updated performance schedule will be announced.

From the Ford's press release:

Due to a private health matter, David Emerson Toney has withdrawn from the cast of the Ford's Theatre Society production of Necessary Sacrifices. Ford's Theatre is currently searching for a replacement actor to play the role of Frederick Douglass. In order to allow sufficient rehearsal time for the new cast member, Ford's Theatre has canceled four preview performances between January 20 and January 24. A revised performance schedule will be announced soon.

Patrons with tickets to the canceled performances have the opportunity to exchange their tickets for another performance of Necessary Sacrifices through February 12, 2012. Patrons who are unable to exchange may donate the value of their tickets to Ford's Theatre Society or request a refund.

Patrons interested in exchanges or refunds should continue reading.

The Alden Theatre in McLean, Va., hosts the all male dance company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo tonight and tomorrow, Jan. 18 and 19. The impossibly graceful "ballerinas" combine highly skilled displays en pointe and a working knowledge of the classical Russian ballet tradition with a wicked sense of humor and comic timing. The troupe takes on the sacred traditions of ballet and deflates them with razor sharp wit. At the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. Tickets are $45 ($35 for those in the MCC Tax District). Call 703-790-0123 or visit mcleancenter.org/alden/guestartist.asp for more info.

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The In Series opens the year with an opera/zarzuela double bill: Samuel Barber's 10-minute pocket-opera A Hand of Bridge, which features two couples playing cards and sharing their inner thoughts; and Barbieri's light opera The Little Barber of Lavapies, featuring romantic intrigue and uproarious hijinks. Closes this Sunday, Jan. 22. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $40. Call 202-204-7760 or visit inseries.org.

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It's become so difficult to get tickets to Arena Stage's production of the Tony-winning play Red, the theater has already extended its run an extra week -- and it hasn't even opened yet. A co-production with Chicago's Goodman Theatre, Arena's Red stars Edward Gero as the brilliant and passionate painter Mark Rothko facing the biggest challenge of his career. Robert Falls directs. Opens Friday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m., but as of press time no tickets are available until Thursday, Jan. 26. Extended to March 11. Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

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Big Cats: Vanishing Icons is a photography exhibition showcasing the grandeur and plight of the world's endangered big cat species -- lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, clouded leopards and mountain lions. All are victims of conflicts with humans and habitat loss or degradation. On display through April 8. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. Free. Call 202-857-7588 or visit ngmuseum.org.

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The video for DEV's "Dancing Shoes" just premiered online. The track comes from DEV's debut album The Night the Sun Came Up, which will be released on March 27, 2012. Check out the video below.

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The queer local dance-rock trio Glitterlust, which includes adorable gay bear Mikey Torres on vocals and keyboards, Liz Wooley on backing vocals and guitar and Chris Roudiez on bass, made quite an impression performing at last August's one-year anniversary of Bear Happy Hour at Town when the band was joined by a bear plushie. This weekend, the band performs with other local queer music acts at Phase 1. Question is: Will the plushie perform too? Sunday, Jan. 15, at 9 p.m. Phase 1, 525 8th St. SE. Cover is $8. Call 202-544-6831 or visit phase1dc.com.

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After getting her start on the national circuit with shows on BET, including her own show Holla, Sheryl Underwood has gone on to feature on shows such as HBO's Politically Incorrect and All-Star Def Comedy Jam. She touts herself as a "sexually progressive, God-fearing, staunch, black Republican woman" -- so, you know, enough humorous incongruences to appeal to a wide spectrum. Friday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-296-7008 or visit dcimprov.com.

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Ellen Dempsey directs the mordant comedy Little Murders, set in the peak of '60s violence and insanity, written by political and social satirist/cartoonist Jules Feiffer. The play later became a 1971 film. Opens tonight, Friday, Jan. 13, at 8 p.m. To Feb. 11. American Century Theater -- Gunston Theater II, 2700 South Lang St. Arlington. Tickets are $30 to $35. Call 703-998-4555 or visit americancentury.org.

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In partnership with the Alliance Francaise, Artisphere presents Belo, a 31-year-old Haitian singer-songwriter, whose socially conscious songs document the hardships in his homeland. Belo's music mixes jazz, world, rock, reggae and Afro-Haitian and has become popular in France since the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Saturday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Tickets are $20. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.

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Pariah is the finest coming-of-age movie to find its way into theaters in years. The story, or at least a portion of it, is inspired by writer and director Dee Rees's own. But Pariah is not autobiographical, and it's the better for it. Under the protective umbrella of fiction, Rees explores all sorts of conflict removed from her own life -- domestic violence, especially. And that's the brilliance of Pariah; it turns a gay-friendly movie into a story about identity. Anyone who had difficult teenage years -- which, let's face it, means everybody -- can relate to Alike (Adepero Oduye), can see a reflection of themselves in her wet, sad eyes. Rees balances Oduye's careful act with gorgeous camerawork, shooting behind corners and framing characters between everyday props to ground each scene in an urban reality. And when coupled with the cast's stellar acting, Pariah delivers that message with such unrelenting clarity that it's hard not to be impressed. Now playing. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or visit landmarktheatres.com. (Chris Heller)

Read the full review here.

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In "Ballet 360 -- What Ballet Does Best II: Exotic Dreams," dance critic Alexandra Tomalonis uses video of well-known ballets to explore the craft of making a ballet -- in particular, ballets such as Scheherazade and La Bayadere in which dreams come to life on stage. Tomalonis teaches ballet history, art history and aesthetics at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in D.C. Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $15. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

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The In Series opens the year with an opera/zarzuela double bill: Samuel Barber’s 10-minute pocket-opera A Hand of Bridge, which features two couples playing cards and sharing their inner thoughts; and Barbieri's light opera The Little Barber of Lavapies, featuring romantic intrigue and uproarious hijinks Weekends to Jan. 22. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $40. Call 202-204-7760 or visit inseries.org.

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The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with dramatic readings of speeches and poetry, all on the au courant theme of protest. Carlos Parada, Kim Roberts and Dan Vera are among poets who will discuss the significance of protest in their own work and the poetry of others for this free, family-friendly event. Monday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. Folger Haskell Center, 301 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets are free. Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.

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The Smithsonian National Museum of American History's exhibit on the gay pioneer Frank Kameny, who died in October, includes protest signs donated by Kameny, and the Kameny Papers Project. Closes this Monday, Jan. 16. Artifact Walls section, 2nd Floor Center, Mall Entrance to the National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Call 202-633-1000 or visit americanhistory.si.edu.

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Hannu Lintu conducts the orchestra and violinist Leila Josefowicz, who has "exceptional technical aplomb and nuance," according to the Baltimore Sun, in a program including Mackey's "Beautiful Passing" and five orchestrations of Debussy's "Preludes by Matthews." Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to $85. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

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Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson -- the two B's in ABBA -- have given their stamp of approval to the show put on by The Music of ABBA, featuring original ABBA supporting musicians and costumes by ABBA's clothing designer Owe Sandstrom. Since ABBA has turned down million-dollar offers to regroup, this is about the next best thing. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis. Tickets are $39.50. Call 410-268-4545 or visit ramsheadonstage.com.

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"Beer activist" Chris O'Brien, author of Fermenting Revolution: How to Drink Beer and Save the World, leads a "tutored tasting" of beers that have been brewed in ways that support their surrounding communities and the environment. Beers on tap include offerings from DC Brau Brewing Company, Flying Dog Brewery, Port City Brewing and Chocolate City Beer. Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 600 I St. NW. Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 day-of. Call 202-408-3100 or visit sixthandi.org.

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We like the trance-like build of Youth Lagoon's new video, "July," from their album The Year of Hibernation. Worth checking out.

Youth Lagoon will appear over the next few months at the following venues:

01/16: The Reef, Boise

01/19: Neumos, Seattle

01/20: Biltmore, Vancouver

01/21: Doug Fir, Portland

3/10: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City

3/11: Larimer Lounge, Denver

3/12: Jackpot Music Hall, Lawrence

3/18: Fitzgerald's, Houston

3/19: One Eyed Jacks, New Orleans

3/20: Club Downunder, Tallahassee

3/21: The Social, Orlando

3/22: Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta

3/23: Cat's Cradle, Carrboro

3/24: Rock N Roll Hotel, Washington DC

3/26: Union Transfer, Philadelphia

3/27: Bowery Ballroom, New York

3/28: Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn

3/29: Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge

3/30: La Sala Rossa, Montreal

3/31: Lee's Palace, Toronto

4/02: Radio Radio, Indianapolis

4/03: Firebird, St. Louis

4/04: Metro, Chicago

4/05: Turner Hall, Milwaukee

4/08: Indie O Fest, Mexico City

4/11: Porter's Pub @ UCSD, San Diego

4/12: Troubadour, Los Angeles

4/13: The Independent, San Francisco

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Roger Rosenblatt's Kayak Morning: Reflections on Love, Grief and Small Boats is a sequel to the memoir Making Toast, offering moving but unsentimental lessons in facing loss. Thursday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202-364-1919 or visit politics-prose.com.

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"Weaving Abstraction: Kuba Textiles and the Woven Art of Central Africa" is the first exhibit in the U.S. to showcase the artistic inventiveness and graphic power of Kuba ceremonial dance skirts within a wide-ranging survey of Kuba design. The Kuba kingdom emerged in the early 17th century in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through Feb. 12, 2012. The Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. Suggested donation of $5. Call 202-667-0441 or visit textilemuseum.org.

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For the December edition of its popular monthly gay comedy show at the Riot Act Comedy club, Gaylarious presents Jim David, a veteran of The Tonight Show. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 8:30 p.m. Riot Act Comedy Theater, 801 E St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-697-4900 or visit riotactcomedy.com.

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Jack Everly conducts the BSO SuperPops in S'Wonderful, a tribute to the George and Ira Gershwin songbook. Pianist Stewart Goodyear joins to perform "Rhapsody in Blue," and Broadway vocalist Judy McLane interprets standards, including "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Someone To Watch Over Me." Thursday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Also Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 8, at 3 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets are $28 to $88. Call 410-783-8000 or visit bsomusic.org.

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As crowd-pleasing as Broadway comes, Jersey Boys, which just may be the most successful jukebox musical in history, proves that the Four Seasons was no fluke. The doo-wop pop quartet from a half-century ago created hits including "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like A Man," "December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." The show -- which won four Tonys in 2006, including Best Musical -- is still on Broadway and has been touring now for five years. It concludes its run at the National Theatre this weekend, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets are $36.50 to $121.50. Call 202-628-6161 or visit nationaltheatre.org.

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