An unexpected cold snap delayed the launch of this new, standalone ’80s-themed party, created in the mold of Matt Bailer’s massively popular ’90s-focused party Peach Pit (the latest installment of which is this Saturday, Nov. 16, at DC9). Named after the retirement village where the gay-popular TV series The Golden Girls took place, Shady Pines distinguishes itself as a daytime, outdoor kind of party at the venue. “We’re going to try DC9 on the roof from 3 to 7 in the afternoon, so people can do their kind of ‘Sunday Funday’ outdoors thing, and not go too late.” Bailer already knows the most popular song that will get played at the free party — Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Shady Pines debuts this Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. Peach Pit is the night before, starting at 10:30 p.m. DC9 is at 1940 9th St. NW. Call 202-483-5000 or visit www.dcnine.com.
UPROAR’S ONESIE PARTY
Two weeks after Halloween, Uproar is still encouraging patrons to don costumes, even promising a contest, a raffle, and food and drink specials to those who follow suit — as in union suit, or a similar one-piece attire, from kigurumi to basic pajamas or sweatpants. “Let’s Get Comfy!!!” commands the official invitation to the Onesie Party, open to all aged 21 and up, and hosted by DJ StrikeStone! It’s set for this Saturday, Nov. 16, starting at 9 p.m. Uproar is at 639 Florida Ave NW. Call 202-462-4464 or visit www.facebook.com/uproarloungedc.
RUCK THE RUNWAY 3
Members of the Washington Renegades, a gay-inclusive amateur rugby team, will ditch their cleats for heels at the third annual drag affair. The theme is “Dungeons and Drag Queens,” and organizers promise “a new crop of rookies, veterans, and a guest star or two,” all of whom will work the crowd for fundraising dollars dressed as “warrior princesses, evil queens, witches good and bad,” and other characters from fairy tales and the world of fantasy. This year’s event also adds lip sync battles. Saturday, Nov. 16, starting at 8 p.m. At Red Bear Brewing, 209 M St. NE. Call 202-849-6130 or visit www.redbear.beer.
THE BIG BOARD: MARKET CRASH THANKSGIVING
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 music by guest DJ Baronhawk and special performances in which local drag queen Desiree Dik “tells The Story of Thanksgiving in her own twisted way.” Drink specials include $2 specialty shots all night long and $5 draft and rail offerings until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, starting at 9 p.m. The Big Board is at 421 H St. NE. Call 202-543-3630 or visit www.thebigboarddc.com.
GAY/BASH
Over the past couple of years Josh Vogelsong’s monthly alternative drag-focused party has helped spawn a coterie of monthly alternative drag-focused events at Trade, including Pussy Noir’s Sissy That Tuesday and KC B. Yoncé’s Slay My Name. “People show up in looks, everybody comes dressed up,” Vogelsong says about Gay/Bash, the spunkiest of the bunch. At the November bash, shows will come from Alastor, Ana Latour, Pussy Noir, Jane Saw, and, last but not least, Donna Slash, Vogelsong’s other-persona. Jams from the Barber Streisand, with Connor serving as “Stage boy.” Saturday, Nov. 16. Doors at 10 p.m., with shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Trade is at 1410 14th St. NW. Call 202-986-1094 or visit www.facebook.com/gaybashdc.
If you need relief from these stressful and angst-ridden times, you're sure to find something to salve your soul in this section. If you crave a good laugh attack, for starters, look to the "Because They're Funny Comedy Festival," or seek out specific comedians and eccentrics known to get the job done, be it John Waters or Paula Poundstone (both coming to the Birchmere), or Jessica Kirson or Margaret Cho (coming to the Warner), or Leslie Jones, who will be at The Clarice later this winter. To name only five.
Of course, if you'd prefer to get serious and really contemplate and converse about our woeful state of affairs, you'll find plenty of ways to do that, as well. Start by consulting the lineup of noted authors coming to local bookstores and even a certain historic synagogue.
The owners of Pink Pony, a new gay nightclub in Sydney, have apologized and vowed to change the club's name following backlash from the local LGBTQ community.
Kevin Du-Val and Michael Lewis — the owner and manager of the popular gay club Palms — had planned to open their new multi-level venue on Oxford Street, the main drag in Darlinghurst known for its vibrant LGBTQ nightlife, in early December.
But the club's name — which the owners said in a since-deleted social media post was "unashamedly inspired by its namesake song that resonates so profoundly within our community," referring to lesbian singer Chappell Roan's hit "Pink Pony Club" — sparked controversy after they described the type of patrons they hoped to attract, seemingly at the expense of others, according to 9News.
The fall looks primed to be a strong season of concerts by -- and appealing to -- the LGBTQ community. Among the highlights in the category of the well-known, consider Andy Bell (Lincoln), Jane Lynch (Strathmore), Renee Rapp (Merriweather), DOECHII (Anthem), and of course All Things Go (Merriweather). In the category of merely appealing, not gay per se, consider The Queens (Capital One Arena), Deborah Cox (Bethesda Theater), and Judith Hill (The Hamilton).
That barely scratches the surface. There's a lot of new -- or perhaps new to you -- queer artists out there, just waiting for you get into them including Katie Pruitt (Union Station, Rams Head), Rio Romeo (Songbyrd), Aaron Lee Tasjan (Jammin Java), Dixon Dallas (Union Stage).
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
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