Nightlife Highlights: U-Sleaze, DC Rawhides, and JR’s Madonna tribute

Our picks of the best in nightlife in D.C. this week!

By Doug Rule on August 9, 2018 @ruleonwriting

U-SLEAZE

Over a year ago Steve “Lemz” Lemmerman launched what has become a popular first-Thursday party on the cozy dance floor at Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights. Lemz now offers U-Sleaze, headlined by Bouffant Bouffant and Mark Louque of the New Orleans DJ collective known as Trax Only. Lemz and Keenan Orr will set the mood as opening DJs with an eclectic musical mix focused on dark disco throwbacks and disco-inspired dance tracks. Jane Saw will do her usual Sleaze duty as show host. Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10 p.m. U Street Music Hall, 1115A U St. NW. Tickets are $5, or $10 after midnight. Call 202-588-1880 or visit ustreetmusichall.com.

ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS: DC RAWHIDES

This Saturday, Aug. 11, Southwest’s large, two-story LGBTQ entertainment complex swings open its doors two hours early for a different kind of dancer than its late-night stock in trade upstairs. 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 intermediate style known as “Soaking Wet.” The evening continues with open dancing to DC Rawhides DJ Chris Allen 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. At 1824 Half St. SW. Cover is $5 until 9 p.m.; $10 after. Visit ziegfelds.com.

JR.’S: MADONNA – A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

Perhaps you’ve heard that a certain gay-popular diva is turning the big 6-0 next week. JR.’s is jumping the gun two days ahead of the actual birthday, presenting an all-Madonna video and music extravaganza led by veteran DJ Jason Royce. The tribute, featuring $5 Skyy Cocktails and $4 Miller Lite bottles, comes as part of Royce’s Flashback retro-pop/disco party, which was originally launched at Cobalt way back in the day, when Madonna was just entering her midlife motherhood era. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at JR.’s, 1519 17th St. NW. Call 202-328-0090 or visit facebook.com/JRsBarDC.

THE BIG BOARD

LGBTQ residents of the H Street Corridor — and their admirers all around — flock to this neighborhood watering hole on a bi-monthly basis, when they turn it gay, at least for the night, every other hump day. A first and third Wednesdays affair, the next round features Natasha Sebastiani and Taste, with music by Alex DB, and drinks including $2 specialty shots and $5 draft and rail offerings until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, starting at 9 p.m. The Big Board, 421 H St. NE. No cover. Call 202-543-3630 or visit thebigboarddc.com.