Nightlife Highlights: August 23-29, 2018 — DC Rawhides, One Hit Wonders, CTRL, Taste at XX+
Our picks of the best in nightlife in D.C. this week!
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS: DC RAWHIDES
This Saturday, Aug. 25, Southwest’s mammoth, two-story LGBTQ entertainment complex swings open its doors two hours early for a different kind of dancer than its sexy late-night stock in trade upstairs. The occasion is the second Country dancing event this month sponsored by the DC Rawhides. Starting at 7 p.m. on the Ziegfeld’s level, any and all are welcome for an hour-long session of lessons in two-step, west coast swing, and line dancing, including the beginner line dance “Mucara Walk,” as taught by Cullen Ruff. The evening continues with open dancing to DJ Pam until 10:50 p.m., an hour before Ella and her Ladies take to their regular perch accompanied by DJ Don T. Upstairs, meanwhile, you’ll find the usual fine assortment of nude go-go dancers, featuring music by DJ tim-e. Ziegfeld’s/Secrets is at 1824 Half St. SW. Cover is $5 until 9 p.m. and $10 after. Visit ziegfelds.com.
ONE HIT WONDERS W/DJ DARRYL STRICKLAND
One of gay D.C.’s longest-serving DJs presents the first in a series of evenings paying tribute to the many pop acts who managed to crack into the Top 40 of Billboard‘s Hot 100 pop chart, but only with one song — one and done, no matter how many other times they might have tried (nor how many other hits they might have had everywhere but here), including Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” and La Roux’s “Bulletproof.” Friday, Aug. 24, at 9 p.m. JR.’s Bar and Grill is at 1519 17th St. NW. Call 202-328-0090 or visit jrsbar-dc.com.
CTRL: QWERTY
After four years at Town, organizers of the monthly queer dance party CTRL launch a more intimate edition at Trade incorporating favorite themes and new twists. In addition to the return of resident DJs Adam Koussari, Dvonne, and Jeff Prior spinning more mainstream electro/EDM-focused tunes than your average gay party, CTRL: QWERTY hosts queer drag shows, queer giveaways, “and as much dancing as we can fit inside.” Saturday, Aug. 25, starting at 10 p.m. Trade is at 1410 14th St. NW. Call 202-986-1094 or visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
TASTE: 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Earlier this summer, Shaw’s hip Italian restaurant Al Crostino rebranded its second floor XX+, which it calls a “queer womxn’s lounge/bar advocating inclusivity, diversity, and community.” Over Labor Day, the venue plays host to the two-year anniversary of Taste, a monthly queer women’s takeover party organized by promoter Natasha Sebastiani. A live drummer and DJ Salamander will be on hand for a party including food and drink specials and a pool table. Saturday, Sept. 1, starting at 10 p.m. XX+ is at 1926 9th St. NW. Cover is $5 with Eventbrite, or $10 at the door Call 202-797-0523 or visit facebook.com/xxcrostino.
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