Spotlight http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/ The Arts. Served daily. en Copyright 2012 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:06:54 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Bye June dedicates music video to Maryland's Gov. Martin O'Malley

The Maryland-based Bye June honored Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley with a music video in support of same-sex marriage. "[We] applaud you for your leadership in support of same-sex marriage," the band wrote in a letter to O'Malley. "In honor of the bill you are sponsoring our band released a music video."

The video to the track "Shades of Purple," from the band's album My Life is an Independent Film, tells the story of a pair of swans in love. Shunned by society, the swans find acceptance through protest -- "Swan Pride."

Bye June collaborated with world-renowned shadowgrapher Sati Achath to produce what they believe is the world's first music video based on hand shadows. The result is truly remarkable and breathtaking.

The band has also started an online community on Facebook called The Swan Pride Movement.

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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/bye-june-dedicates-music-video.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/bye-june-dedicates-music-video.html Bye June Martin O'Malley Maryland Same-Sex Marriage Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:06:54 -0500 Outtakes: Janet McTeer on Daniel Radcliffe and her first gay friend Janet McTeer by Robert Ascroft

In this week's cover story, featuring interviews with Glenn Close and Janet McTeer, the stars of Albert Nobbs, there were a few nice moments with McTeer that, sadly, landed on the cutting-room floor. One of them dealt with McTeer's work on the new film The Woman in Black, a thriller starring Daniel Radcliffe and releasing today into theaters nationwide. She told Metro Weekly:

"I really don't have a ton to do in [Woman in Black]. I play Ciaran Hinds's wife. Ciaran and I have worked together many times and all we do is laugh from start to finish. And Daniel Radcliffe, of course, was just delightful, I have to say. Absolutely delightful. Somehow, I appear to be the only English actor who wasn't in a Harry Potter movies -- I don't know how that happened.
"Daniel and I hadn't met before and it was so lovely to watch a young actor transitioning from all of those things he did as a kid to now being a young adult doing young adult kind of roles. And he's so clever. He's a very, very intelligent young man and such a nice man for somebody who has gone through that whole uber-uber fame at such a very young age. I think that's quite tough on the kids during their developing years. He just turned out this incredibly hard-working, very concentrated, absolutely charming young man. I thought he was delightful."

I also asked McTeer a question I frequently pose to straight actors I interview: "Do you remember the first time a gay person came out to you?" Her response:

"I remember the first person who came out to me who I knew was gay and other people didn't inasmuch as I guessed that they were gay. I was about 19, I think. And I remember saying to this person, 'You've really got to stop pretending that you're something that you're not. Why are you doing that? You have every right to be who you are. It doesn't matter. 'I said, 'Your parents will get over it.' I don't really remember. It must have been before I went to college. I honestly don't remember. I suppose the thing is, inherently, it's never made no nevermind to me. I've never quite understood why anyone had a problem with it. But then I do slightly live in my own world."

Read the full Janet McTeer interview here.

Photo by Robert Ashcroft

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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/outtakes-janet-mcteer-on-danie.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/outtakes-janet-mcteer-on-danie.html Film Albert Nobbs Film Glenn Close Janet McTeer The Woman in Black Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:51:46 -0500 Suzanne Westenhoefer returns to The Birchmere

Suzanne Westenhoefer may not have been the first openly gay comic -- her friend Kate Clinton beat her to that punch -- but she did help pave the way for the many we're blessed with today. She returns to the Birchmere for an annual stop, where she's sure to talk about her budding career as a web and film actor. Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $45. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/suzanne-westenhoefer-returns-t.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/suzanne-westenhoefer-returns-t.html Kate Clinton Suzanne Westenhoefer The Birchmere Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500 The Margaret Jenkins Dance Company at Smith Center "Light Moves" is a collaborative piece, co-commissioned by the Clarice Smith Center, from choreographer Margaret Jenkins working with media artist Naomie Kremer, composer Paul Dresher and poet Michael Palmer. Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center's Ina and Jack Kay Theatre, University of Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive. College Park. Tickets are $35. Call 301-405-ARTS or visit claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.

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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/the-margaret-jenkins-dance-com.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/02/the-margaret-jenkins-dance-com.html Dance Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0500 The Natty Beaux at The Hamilton 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/the-natty-beaux-at-the-hamilto.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/the-natty-beaux-at-the-hamilto.html Music The Hamilton Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:17:01 -0500 With 3 You Get Amazing Opera

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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/with-3-you-get-amazing-opera.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/with-3-you-get-amazing-opera.html Film Music Anna Netrebko Erwin Schrott Jonas Kaufman Landmark Cinemas Opera Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:05:00 -0500 Ford's Theatre brings together two historical icons 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/fords-theatre-brings-together.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/fords-theatre-brings-together.html Stage Abraham Lincoln Ford's Theatre Frederick Douglass Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:57:42 -0500 Simone Dinnerstein, tonight at Strathmore 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.

]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/simone-dinnerstein-tonight-at.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/simone-dinnerstein-tonight-at.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:51:19 -0500 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/bruce-springsteen-and-the-e-st.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/bruce-springsteen-and-the-e-st.html Music Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:50:00 -0500 Special Agent Galactica 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/special-agent-galactica.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/special-agent-galactica.html Music Stage Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:50:30 -0500 GLOE's LGBT Jewish Speed Dating - Registration Closing! 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.

]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/gloes-lgbt-jewish-speed-dating.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/gloes-lgbt-jewish-speed-dating.html Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:46:55 -0500 Aimee Mann at The Birchmere

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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/aimee-mann-at-the-birchmere-1.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/aimee-mann-at-the-birchmere-1.html Aimee Mann Birchmere Magnolia Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:45:54 -0500 Close, Mara Among Best Actress Oscar Nominees; Plummer, McTeer Get Supporting Nods Screen shot 2012-01-24 at 9.25.18 AM.pngAmong 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/close-mara-among-best-actress.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/close-mara-among-best-actress.html Academy Award Albert Nobbs Glenn Close Janet McTeer Meryl Streep My Week with Marilyn Rooney Mara Viola Davis Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:30:48 -0500 Time Stands Still at the Studio 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/time-stands-still-at-the-studi.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/time-stands-still-at-the-studi.html Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:00:43 -0500 The Brad Linde Sextet at Hamilton Live 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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]]> http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/the-brad-linde-sextet-at-hamil.html http://www.metroweekly.com/spotlight/2012/01/the-brad-linde-sextet-at-hamil.html Music Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:30:00 -0500