Metro Weekly - 12-04-14 - Thea Kano

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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Randy Shulman
DECEMBER 4, 2014
Volume 21 / Issue 31
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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NEWS

Marriage Momentum Continues

by Justin Snow
D.C. Ban Conversion Therapy

for Minors
by John Riley

10
AGLA Announces
Equality Award Winners

by John Riley
SCENE
13
NGLCCs National Dinner

photography by Ward Morrison
16
Community Calendar

SCENE
21
Whitman-Walker Healths
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil

FEATURE
22
Thea Kano
by Doug Rule
OUT ON THE TOWN

28

Megan Hilty
by Doug Rule
STAGE

34

Round House Theatres Nutcraker
GAMES

37

Far Cry 4
HOME

39

Logan Circle House Tour
PETS

41

Healthy Choice
NIGHTLIFE

45

DC Bear Crue at Town
CLUBLIFE

53

Discnoteque at DC9
54
Last Word
by Doug Rule
by Rhuaridh Marr
by John Riley
by Rhuaridh Marr
by Doug Rule
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
LGBT
News
Now online at MetroWeekly.com

Council Repeals Armstrong Amendment
GLOV to Honor Guardians
Marriage Momentum Continues

Victories increase as Supreme Court pressure mounts
by Justin Snow
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
TODD FRANSON
ARRIAGE EQUALITY
continues to secure wins
in district courts as pressure mounts for the U.S.
Supreme Court to address whether states
have the right to prohibit same-sex couples from marrying.
On Nov. 25, shortly before
Thanksgiving, two federal judges found
same-sex marriage bans in southern states
unconstitutional. U.S. District Court
Judge Carlton Reeves ruled Mississippis
same-sex marriage ban violates the Due
Process and Equal Protection Clauses of
the Fourteenth Amendment because it
denies same-sex couples and their children equal dignity under the law and subjects gay and lesbian citizens to secondclass citizenship.
The Fourteenth Amendment operates to remove the blinders of inequality
from our eyes, the ruling states. Though
we cherish our traditional values, they
must give way to constitutional wisdom.
Mississippis traditional beliefs about gay
and lesbian citizens led it to defy that wisdom by taking away fundamental rights
owed to every citizen. It is time to restore
those rights.
Reeves stayed his decision for 14
days to allow the state to appeal to the
5th Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S.
Supreme Court for a longer stay.
Earlier that same day, U.S. District
Court Judge Kristine Baker ruled
Arkansas laws prohibiting same-sex marriage violate the Due Process Clause
and Equal Protection Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution by precluding samesex couples from exercising their fundamental right to marry in Arkansas, by
not recognizing valid same-sex marriages
from other states, and by discriminating
U.S. Supreme Court
on the basis of gender.

Baker stayed her ruling pending
appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The ruling is the second to impact a
state covered by the 8th Circuit. Earlier
in November, a federal judge struck
down Missouris same-sex marriage ban.
In May, a state judge also found the
Arkansas marriage ban unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, both Michigan and
Louisiana have agreed the Supreme Court
should hear cases challenging their respective same-sex marriage bans. Attorneys for
the state of Michigan urged the Supreme
Court to take up a case challenging the
states ban on same-sex marriage in a petition filed Nov. 25. The petition for writ of
certiorari asks the nations highest court to
address the question presented by the case:
Does the Fourteenth Amendment to the
U.S. Constitution preclude the people of a
State from defining marriage as the union
of one man and one woman?
Attorneys for the administration of
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, including Attorney General Bill Schuette and
Solicitor General Aaron Lindstrom, who
are defending the ban, concur with a
petition filed one week prior by plaintiffs
in the case asking the Supreme Court to
hear the case.
Given the importance of the issue
who decides important issues in our
constitutional democracy and the split
among the circuits that allows the citizens
of some States, but not others, to vote on
the definition of marriage, Michigan does
not oppose review by this Court, the
petition states. Instead, it asks this Court
to affirm.
In a 2-1 decision handed down Nov. 6,
the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld
same-sex marriages bans in four states
Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee
breaking with other federal appeals
courts that have considered the issue. The
Supreme Court has been asked to hear all
four cases, although as of Metro Weekly
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
LGBTNews
deadline only Michigan has concurred
with plaintiffs in those cases. Plaintiffs in
a case challenging Louisianas same-sex
marriage ban are asking the Supreme
Court to hear their case before a federal
appeals court has rendered judgement.
Only this Court can resolve these
deep conflicts among the circuits, the
petition states. Certiorari is warranted.
Attorneys for the state of Louisiana
also urged the Supreme Court to take up
a case challenging the states same-sex
marriage ban before a federal appeals
court has rendered judgement in a petition filed Dec. 2.
The petition for writ of certiorari

agrees with plaintiffs in the case that the
Supreme Court should address whether
the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution requires states to license or
recognize same-sex marriages.
This Court alone determines whether the time is ripe to settle this issue
nationally. If it elects to do so now,
Louisiana agrees with petitioners that it
should grant certiorari before judgment
in this case, the petitions states.
In order for the Supreme Court to
consider the Louisiana case, the justices
must agree to bypass the 5th Circuit
Court of Appeals and take up their challenge to the Louisiana ban. Arguments
before the appeals court are scheduled
for early January.
In September, a federal judge upheld
the Louisiana marriage ban as constitutional. On Nov. 20, plaintiffs in the case
asked the Supreme Court to hear the case
before a federal appeals court.
Louisianas case squarely implicates
a spiraling national controversy that has
already nullified the marriage laws of
over twenty States and spawned a fourto-one circuit split, Louisianas attorneys wrote in their Tuesday filing. l
D.C. Bans Conversion

Therapy for Minors
Bill would prohibit use of so-called reparative therapies aimed at ending

unwanted same-sex attraction on youth under 18
by John Riley
HE D.C. COUNCIL ON
Tuesday unanimously passed
a bill that would prohibit the
use on minors of conversion
or reparative therapy, or other sexual
orientation change efforts that seek to
either change sexual orientation or gender identity or eliminate attractions or
feelings toward a person of the same sex
or gender.
By passing the bill, known as the
Conversion Therapy for Minors
Amendment Act, the District joins New
Jersey and California in prohibiting
licensed therapists from practicing such
therapies on those under the age of 18.
Therapists found guilty of carrying out
such practices on minors would be subject to discipline and penalties, including
the potential loss of a license, for failing
to conform to acceptable conduct within
the mental health profession as outlined
by existing District law regulating health
practitioners.
The bill seeks to prevent minors from
being coerced by their parents or guardians into such therapies against their will,
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instead delaying an individuals ability

to make that decision until they are considered a legal adult. It does not prohibit adults from engaging in conversion
or reparative therapy if they so choose,
nor does it prohibit non-licensed therapists or religious leaders from offering
counseling aimed at combatting same-sex
attraction.
Supporters of the bill have emphasized the importance of prohibiting
the practice of conversion therapy on
minors, particularly against their will.
They point out that conversion therapy has been denounced by many mainstream medical and mental health associations, including the American Medical
Association and American Psychological
Association, as well as the District of
Columbia Psychological Association and
the DC Metro chapter of the National
Association of Social Workers.
Opponents of the bill counter that
restricting the ability of licensed therapists to combat unwanted same-sex
attractions will only drive the process
underground, where it is likely that certain untested practices may be utilized by
non-licensed individuals. They also claim
that the bill discriminates against those
who believe their same-sex attraction or
gender dysphoria are unwanted, potentially putting children who wish to enroll
in conversion or reparative therapies at
risk by preventing them from being able
to participate until they are adults.
When the bill was initially considered
by the Councils Committee on Health
during a public hearing in June, opponents of the bill had threatened legal
action if it were to pass, citing thenongoing challenges to the New Jersey
law. However, in September, the 3rd
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld
New Jerseys ban, which had previously
been signed into law by Republican Gov.
Chris Christie. That decision mirrored
a similar ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals in August 2013 that
upheld Californias ban, signed into law
by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC),
the nations largest LGBT civil rights
organization, which worked in partnership with the National Center for Lesbian
Rights (NCLR) to help organize the coalition supporting the bill, issued a press
release celebrating its passage.
No child should be subjected to this
extremely harmful and discredited socalled therapy, Sarah Warbelow, HRCs
legal director, said in a statement. While
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LGBTNews
the LGBT youth in our nations capital will soon be protected once this bill
is signed into law, HRC is committed
to making sure these kinds of protections are secured throughout the entire
nation.
NCLR,
which
launched
the
#BornPerfect media campaign aimed at
protecting youth across the nation from
being subjected to conversion therapy,
also issued its own statement.
Today, the D.C. Council sent a powerful message to LGBT youth and their
families that they are accepted, supported and loved, said Samantha Ames,
NCLR staff attorney and the coordinator of the #BornPerfect campaign. The
Council has used its authority to protect
our most vulnerable youth from danger-
ous and discredited pseudoscience that

tells them who they are is wrong, and
reaffirmed the consensus of every major
medical and mental health organization
that all children are born perfect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity.
In an email to supporters, Richard
J. Rosendall, president of the Gay and
Lesbian Activists Alliance, a local D.C.based LGBT rights organization, thanked
NCLR, HRC and their fellow coalition
partners for their work on the bill, saying the organization was proud to be
part of the coalition pushing for the bills
passage.
Our youth will be that much safer
for our collective effort, and the national
movement to protect minors from these
dangerous practices will get a boost.

Representatives of the Family
Research Council (FRC), an organization
that lobbies on behalf of traditional marriage and opposes efforts to restrict reparative therapies, and the International
Healing Foundation, a Maryland-based
organization that seeks to help people
combat their unwanted same-sex attractions, were not immediately available for
comment. Both were among the groups
who testified against the bill in June.
The bill now heads to Mayor Vincent
Gray (D), a strong ally of the LGBT community, who is expected to sign it into
law. It then must undergo a required
30-day congressional review period, after
which, if it is not challenged by a member
of Congress, it will then go into effect. l
AGLA Names Equality

Award Winners
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington, LGBT-friendly garden club chosen by

unanimous vote
by John Riley
HE ARLINGTON GAY &

Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), a
Virginia-based organization
seeking to improve the lives
of LGBT people and build relationships
with potential allies through social activities, nonpartisan outreach and community service projects, will honor Paul
Ferguson, clerk of the circuit court of
Arlington, and the Four Seasons Garden
Club at its annual holiday party.
The AGLA Equality Awards, which
are given out at the organizations party,
honor one individual and one organization that have worked to improve LGBT
equality in Arlington. Both of this years
recipients were chosen unanimously by
AGLAs board.
Ferguson, receiving the individual
award, was nominated by several individuals for his steadfast support of marriage equality, even when Virginias
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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constitutional ban on same-sex marriage was still active. He became a

fixture of an annual rally, held either
around Valentines Day or in the spring
by People of Faith for Equality in
Virginia (POFEV), calling for the right
of same-sex couples to wed. At the rally,
Ferguson would ask same-sex couples
seeking a marriage license to come forward, apologize that he had to reject
their marriage applications, but promising to keep those applications on file
until the law changed. In October, when
the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a 4th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision
upholding a lower court decision finding the marriage ban unconstitutional,
Fergusons office was able to swiftly and
smoothly transition to offering licenses
to same-sex couples.
The Four Seasons Garden Club, which
is primarily geared toward the LGBT
community but open to all garden enthusiasts, will receive AGLAs Organization
Equality Award. The Four Seasons
Garden Club is being honored for pre-
serving elements of the healing garden at

Arlingtons now-closed Whitman-Walker
Clinic, helping move the healing garden
and labyrinth to Barton Park for public
enjoyment.
I think this years winners really
illustrate the impact that one person or
a group of people can have on the larger
community, AGLAs president, Tiffany
Joslyn, said in a statement. Neither of
the winners is flashy. But their actions
have been personal, and from the heart.
Reading the nominations for Paul
Ferguson, in particular, almost brought
a tear to your eye. What they have both
done has been extra, going beyond their
official capacities to affect peoples lives
in profound ways.
The 2014 AGLA Equality Awards will be
presented at AGLAs annual holiday party
on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Freddies Beach Bar
& Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington,
Va. For more information, visit agla.org
or contact Tiffany Joslyn at president@
agla.org. l
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scene
NGLCCs National
Dinner at the National
Building Museum
Friday, November 21
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with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Photography by
Ward Morrison
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LGBTCommunityCalendar
Metro Weeklys Community Calendar highlights important events in
the D.C.-area LGBT community, from alternative social events to
volunteer opportunities. Event information should be sent by email to
calendar@MetroWeekly.com. Deadline for inclusion is noon
of the Friday before Thursdays publication. Questions about
the calendar may be directed to the Metro Weekly office at
202-638-6830 or the calendar email address.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6 p.m., by

appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
THE AMERICAN MILITARY PARTNER
ASSOCIATION for the National Capital Region
holds its 2014 Toys for Tots Holiday Party. Bring

a drink, a side dish to share and an unwrapped
toy donation. 7803 Arbor Grove Dr. Hanover,
Md. RSVP on Facebook at facebook.com/
events/400920156726599. For more information,
contact Nick Stone, nick@militarypartners.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
WEEKLY EVENTS
GAY DISTRICT, a community-based organization

focused on building an understanding of gay culture, personal identity and civil rights for GBTQQI
men between 18-35, meets on the first and third
Fridays of each month. 8:30-9:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. Group usually goes out for dinner
following the meeting. More info, visit
gaydistrict.org.
CENTER GLOBAL, a group of The DC Center that

provides direct assistance and service to individuals at various stages of the asylum-seeking process,
holds its monthly meeting at The DC Center. 12-2
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The DC Centers TRANSGENDER SUPPORT AND

DISCUSSION GROUP meets on the first Friday
of every month in the Reeves Municipal Building.
7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. Please bring
photo ID. More info, call 202-682-2245 or visit
facebook.com/centertrans.
CENTER MILITARY, a group for LGBT veterans,

military members and their families, hosts a board
game potluck. Feel free to bring your own games.
4-6 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, contact Stephen Stott, stephen.stott@
thedccenter.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
CENTER MILITARY and the UNITED SOLDIERS

AND SAILORS OF AMERICA (USASOA)
MILITARY PARTNERS AND FAMILIES
COALITION host a holiday celebration, complete
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers

free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by
appointment). Call 202-291-4707, or visit andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at

Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW.
7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian squaredancing group features mainstream through
advanced square dancing at the National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m.
Casual dress. 301-257-0517, dclambdasquares.org.
The DULLES TRIANGLES Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at Sheraton in Reston,
11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, second-floor bar, 7-9
p.m. All welcome. dullestriangles.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. The

Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 202-7457000. Visit whitman-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in

Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV

testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by

appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger.
202-567-3155 or testing@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous
Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.
The group is independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE for young
LBTQ women, 13-21, interested in leadership development. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th
St. SE. 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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appointment). 202-291-4707, andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session
at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr. SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visit

swimdcac.org.
GAY DISTRICT holds facilitated discussion for

GBTQ men, 18-35, first and third Fridays. 8:30 p.m.
The DC Center, 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. 202682-2245, gaydistrict.org.
GAY MARRIED MENS ASSOCIATION (GAMMA)
is a peer-support group that meets twice a month
in Dupont Circle, Northern Virginia and Maryland
suburb. 7:30 p.m. Contact for more info on location:
GAMMAinDC.org or GAMMAinDC2@yahoo.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health,
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,

9 a.m.-5 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV

testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-affirming social
group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road

NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a social atmosphere for GLBT and questioning youth, featuring
dance parties, vogue nights, movies and games.
More info, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for Lost Dog & Cat Rescue
Foundation at Falls Church PetSmart and Food &
Friends. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
with a raffle and toy drive. Ugly sweaters recommended. 8 p.m.-12 a.m., Irish Channel Restaurant
and Pub, 500 H St. NW. For more info, Eric Perez,
202-682-2245 or eric.perez@thedccenter.org.
Lets Kick (Aids Survivor Syndrome), a grassroots

community group empowering long term survivors and wounded AIDS warriors, holds an event,
LONGTIME SURVIVORS: DEVELOPING AN
AGENDA FOR SUPPORT AND SUCCESS. 10
a.m.-12 p.m. To be livestreamed at The DC Center.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. Contact David Phillips
at dmp@umd.edu or visit letskickass.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS

appointment). 202-291-4707 or andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the

LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat
services, 10 a.m., followed by Kiddush luncheon.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including others interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/time,
email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr., SW. 8:30-10 a.m. Visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social
club welcomes all levels for exercise in a fun and

supportive environment, socializing afterward.
Meet 9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for a walk; or
10 a.m. for fun run. dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SENTINELS basketball team meets at Turkey
Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE,

2-4 p.m. For players of all levels, gay or straight.
teamdcbasketball.org.
DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass

for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m.,
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For more info, visit
dignitywashington.org.
GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses critical languages and foreign languages. 7 p.m. Nellies, 900 U St.
NW. RVSP preferred. brendandarcy@gmail.com.
Decatur Place), 2nd floor. Special welcome to lesbians and gays. Handicapped accessible from Phelps
Place gate. Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes
GLBT community for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 Old

Telegraph Road, Alexandria. hopeucc.org.
INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT,
God-centered new age church & learning center.

Sunday Services and Workshops event. 5419 Sherier
Place NW. isd-dc.org.
Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for an inclusive,
loving and progressive faith community every
Sunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincolntemple.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF REFORMATION invites
all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is

available at both services. Welcoming LGBT people
for 25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE.
reformationdc.org
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF

NORTHERN VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led by
Rev. Onetta Brooks. Childrens Sunday School, 11

a.m. 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-0930,
mccnova.com.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing

in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite
411. Walk-ins 12-3 p.m. For appointments other
hours, call 301-422-2398.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group visits exhibits
in the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and

the U.S. Botanic Garden. Free, all welcome. Meet
at noon inside the 8th & G Streets NW lobby of the
Old Patent Office Building. Lunch in neighborhood
between exhibitions. Craig, 202-462-0535. craighowell1@verizon.net.
WEEKLY EVENTS
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS MEMORIAL
EPISCOPAL CHURCH celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW.

202-232-4244, allsoulsdc.org.
BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive and radically

inclusive church holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895, betheldc.org.
Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr., SW. 9:30-11 a.m. Visit
swimdcac.org.
DIGNITY WASHINGTON offers Roman Catholic
Mass for the LGBT community. 6 p.m., St.

Margarets Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave. NW. All
welcome. Sign interpreted. For more info, visit dignitywashington.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF

CHRIST welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G
St. NW. firstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON meets for

worship, 10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW, Quaker
House Living Room (next to Meeting House on
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METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C. services
at 9 a.m. (ASL interpreted) and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday School at 11 a.m. 474
Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcoming-and-affirming

congregation, offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444
Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, inclusive church with GLBT fellow-
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING invites LGBTQ
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, a Christ-centered, interracial, welcomingand-affirming church, offers service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330,
riverside-dc.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcoming and inclu-
ship, offers gospel worship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas
Circle NW. 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
families and individuals of all creeds and cultures to join the church. Services
9:15 and 11:15 a.m. 10309 New Hampshire Ave. uucss.org.
sive church. GLBT Interweave social/service group meets monthly. Services at

11 a.m., Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St. NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.
org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE INCARNATION, an interracial, multi-ethnic
Christian Community offers services in English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and in
Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton St. NW. 202-232-0900, saintstephensdc.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
The DC Centers YOUTH WORKING GROUP, a group committed to advocating for and committed to positively imapcting the lives of D.C. area youth,
meets on the second Monday of every month. 6-7:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Michael Brazell teaches BEARS DO YOGA, a program of The DC Center. 6:30
p.m., Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. No cost, newcomers welcome.
202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr.
SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary,

1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave. NW. getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES, 3333 Duke St., Alexandria,
offers free rapid HIV testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment
needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200,
Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155 or
testing@smyal.org.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000 14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.
org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay mens evening affinity group. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS Water Polo Team practices 7-9 p.m. Takoma
Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. Newcomers with at least basic swimming ability always welcome. Tom, 703-299-0504, secretary@wetskins.org,
wetskins.org.
Whitman-Walker Health HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP for newly diagnosed
individuals, meets 7 p.m. Registration required. 202-939-7671, hivsupport@
whitman-walker.org.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.: Elizabeth Taylor Medical

Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202-745-7000. Visit
whitman-walker.org.
18
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
The COMING OUT DISCUSSION GROUP, a peer-facilitated discussion group
of The DC Center that focuses on the experiences related to the coming out process. All welcome. 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
DC BI WOMEN, a group of The DC Center, meets the second Tuesday of each
month in the upstairs room of the Dupont Italian Kitchen Restaurant. 7-9 p.m.
1637 17th St. NW. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
GAY & LESBIAN ACTIVISTS ALLIANCE meets to elect new officers and to
discuss legislative initiatives for 2015. All welcome. 7 p.m., John A. Wilson
Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 120. 202-667-5139. glaa.org.
The LATINO LGBT TASK FORCE holds a meeting at The DC Center to discuss
issues of importance to the Latino and LGBT communities. 3-5 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH COLLABORATIVE offers free HIV/STI screening every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic,
Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. 703-321-2511,
james.leslie@inova.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THE DC CENTER hosts Packing Party,
where volunteers assemble safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m., Green
Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. thedccenter.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414 East
Diamond Ave., and in Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours, call Gaithersburg at 301-3009978 or Takoma Park at 301-422-2398.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES, at 3333 Duke St.,

Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703823-4401.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV testing. Appointment needed.
1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m.,
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUSLGBT focused meeting every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

St. Georges Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland Ave., Arlington, just steps from
Virginia Square Metro. For more info. call Dick, 703-521-1999 or Gretchen, 703307-9517 Handicapped accessible. Newcomers welcome.
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m.
afwash@aol.com, afwashington.net.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@
smyal.org.
and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707, andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Takoma Aquatic Center, 300

Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social club serving greater D.C.s
LGBT community and allies hosts an evening run/walk. dcfrontrunners.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL, 410 7th
St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a support group for black gay men 40 and older. 7-9
p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
19
Whitman-Walker Healths GAY MENS HEALTH AND WELLNESS/STD
CLINIC opens at 6 p.m., 1701 14th St. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis.
No-cost screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis and
herpes testing available for fee. whitman-walker.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr.
SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary,

1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202-745-7000.
Visit whitman-walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m. and 12:05
p.m. All welcome. 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414
East Diamond Ave. Walk-ins 2-7 p.m. For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate Bridge. No reservation

needed. All welcome. 7:30 p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. Call 703-4076540 if you need a partner.
JOB CLUB, a weekly support program for job entrants and seekers, meets
Join the METRO DC PFLAG HOLIDAY CELEBRATION for a special evening

benefiting and celebrating with local artists! 6-8 p.m. Caramel Boutique, 1603
U Street NW. For more information, visit pflagdc.org.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment
RAINBOW RESPONSE COALITION, a collection of individuals and agencies
NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
collaborating to address intimate partner violence against LGBTQ people,

meets on the second Wednesday of each month. 6-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. For more info, visit rainbowresponse.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 7:45 p.m., coveredpatio area of Cosi, 1647 20th St. NW. All welcome. Jamie, 703-892-8567.
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5
p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
20
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
at The DC Center. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. More info,
www.centercareers.org.
needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.
PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social club for mature gay men, hosts weekly happy
hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m., Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637 17th
St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316.
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org. l
scene
Whitman-Walker
Healths World AIDS
Day Candlelight Vigil
Monday, December 1
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Photography by
Ward Morrison
21
Chorus
Girl
Thea Kano ushers in a new, exciting era

as the first female head of the
Gay Mens Chorus of Washington
Interview by Doug Rule
Photography by Julian Vankim
What do you think theyd want with me?

While finishing her doctorate in choral conducting at UCLA,
a gay friend told Thea Kano that the Gay Mens Chorus of
Washington was looking for an assistant director. But as a
straight woman, she wasnt sure if she was the right fit.
Was she ever.
Recalls David Jobin, a former executive director of GMCW,
People often commented during Theas tenure as the Associate
Artistic Director that their favorite moments and songs in a
show were those where Thea was at the podium. Furthermore,
with Kano at the helm, Jobin boasts that GMCWs select vocal
ensemble Rock Creek Singers was hailed as the best moment
and best musicianship at the 2012 conference of the Gay and
Lesbian Association of Choruses, or GALA Choruses.
Naturally, Jobin, who worked with Kano during his four-year
tenure, was thrilled to hear of Kanos selection earlier this year
as GMCWs artistic director. She has a successful career in New
York. I wondered if she would even apply for the job, he says,
referencing the New York Master Chorale, which Kano founded
a decade ago and leads to this day.
Kano, 49, was promoted after a national search that turned up
a strong pool of candidates most of whom were gay men. Were
there any reservations about hiring a straight woman for the job?
Ultimately no, says Chase Maggiano, GMCWs current executive
director. The stock answer, honestly, is weve been spending 34
years fighting for equality. Who are we to turn our backs on that
word right now? It wouldnt be fair to our legacy and our history
as equality fighters. And frankly, it wouldnt be fair to Thea, who
has been a gay rights advocate for most of her life. What we were
looking for was the best person for the job. We found it.
Taking over for Jeff Buhrman, who served as GMCWs
artistic director for 13 years, Kano is the first heterosexual and
first woman to lead the organization. I cant say that I know of
another straight woman conducting a mens chorus but there
certainly could be, says Robin Godfrey, executive director of
GALA. The primary concern of our choruses is artistic excellence, and that means hiring the conductor they feel has the
best chance of taking the chorus where they want to go artistically regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Conducting
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
a gay chorus certainly requires someone who is supportive

of GLBT issues and ready to be an advocate, but straight
supporters can certainly have those qualities. Godfrey adds
that, while the LGBT movement has made incredible strides
toward greater equality in recent years and decades, our
work is far from done, particularly in smaller cities and in
conservative states.
Both Maggiano and Kano along with new assistant conductor Paul Heins are determined to expand GMCWs reach and
national exposure. (The chorus has already grown in size since
Kano came on board in August, expanding by over 60 members.)
As part of a new five-year strategic plan, the chorus will increasingly take its show on the road, particularly to Southern states,
as Kano puts it, to take our music and our message to people
who really want and need to hear it. Next year, GMCW is also
launching a new GenOUT chorus, a choir open to youth in the
area who fall on the full LGBTQA spectrum including straight
allies. Kano is also determined to build on the work of her predecessor to make GMCW not just one of the largest and most
well-regarded gay choruses in the country second only to San
Franciscos Gay Mens Chorus by most measures but to better
position itself as the nations gay mens chorus.
Jobin, who now lives in Ft. Lauderdale and sings with the
Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida, has no doubt Kano is up to
the challenge. With Thea, I think there will be a neck-and-neck
race between San Francisco and Washington, both in terms of
size and artistry, he says. I cant wait to hear the audience
reactions from her first concert. I think it will be amazing.
Dianne Peterson, executive director of The Washington
Chorus, is also eager to see what comes of GMCW under
Kanos leadership. Kano served as an assistant conductor with
Petersons esteemed local institution during her first five years
in D.C. Its been a delight to watch her career blossom in the
last decade, Peterson says. Not only is Thea a fine musician,
but her entrepreneurial drive, innate intelligence and strong
social skills make a winsome combination for success.
GMCW, Peterson concludes, is poised for a new, exciting
era. Its going to be fun to watch!
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
23
METRO WEEKLY: First things first: How would you describe this
years annual holiday show, Rockin The Holidays, which you put
together with writer and director John Moran?
THEA KANO: Its high energy and three-dimensional well have
singers out in the audience. We will have a snowfall or two.
Santa is going to be one of our patrons, sitting out in the house,
and he will have a bag of GMCW swag to give away.
We open with a big gospel number. Well have a lot of traditional, heartstring-pulling holiday carols, and then there will
be some extra surprises along the way, having to do with the
costumes and reveals.
MW: And it all takes place at the Lincoln Theatre, which has recently been upgraded with improvements in the sound and the stage.
MW: Do you remember either the first person that came out to you
as gay, or the first person that you were aware of being LGBT?
KANO: When I was in high school, I danced in West Side Story in a
community theater. I was one of the Jet girls, and my dance partner one of the Shark guys. And as my dance partner, we worked
together for several months. I invited him to go to my prom with
me, because I thought, wouldnt it be cool? Talk about someone
who is a great dancer. Wouldnt it be cool to go to prom, and then
we could cut up the dance floor? I wasnt romantically attracted
at all. I thought it would be really cool, a good time dancing. And
I asked him, and he said to me, You know I like men right? And
I said, Yeah. Right. And he said, Im gay. And I said, Yeah.
What does that have to do with the prom? Oh, no, no! I wasnt
asking you to go on a
date! It was really cute.
MW: So did you two go to
the prom?
KANO: We did! It was
super fun. So there you
go, my first prom date
was a gay man. [Laughs.]
MW: I take it you grew
up performing singing, acting, dancing.
KANO: Yes, musical theater, absolutely. My first
boss was a transgender
woman. This was actually in Santa Cruz. I
grew up in Berkeley, and then in high school we moved down
to Santa Cruz. And I was just working and helping with admin/
computer input were talking now 1980. I remember the printer was Dot Matrix. Were talking like old school. I just remember, I wasnt told formally that she was a transgender woman,
but I just remember how large her hands were. But she had very
beautiful nails, and she was very graceful. And I was talking to
my mom about it. I said, You know what, Ill bet shed be a really
great pianist with those long fingers. Its amazing that her hands
are so large. I wish my hands were large like that. And my mom
said, You know that she was born a man? And I thought, oh,
thats so cool! Again, it was just so natural it wasnt like, well,
you know And again, I credit my parents for really making a
point of raising me to be very open-minded.
MW: As a kid, is conducting what you thought you wanted to do, or
did you actually want to be a Broadway singer?
KANO: I was a pianist first. Well, both piano and ballet at the same
time, at the age of four or five pretty young. I grew up thinking I was either going to be a ballet dancer or a concert pianist.
My mom loves telling this story and embarrassing me at dinner
parties, but when I was really small, I would go into the kitchen
and I would climb up on the counter, using the drawers as steps.
And I would pull a spaghetti stick out of the little canister, and I
would put all my dolls together on the bed and I would conduct
them. No music playing, just me in my room and I would conduct them with a spaghetti stick, if you can picture it. The thing
is, I would create a whole concert scenario where I would stand
at my bedroom door and sell tickets to my imaginary friends and
invite them in. And give the curtain speech. I had a pink canopy
bed, and I put a throw over to create a curtain, and then at show
time I would pull it down and I would conduct the dolls. Im
probably going to regret telling you this story. [Laughs.]
What I dont know is where I learned the idea that conductors hold a stick to conduct. Ive asked my mom over the years,
The real joy is that I am in the heart of

championing gay equality. And I would not
have seen that as a career path. Its just a gift
thats come along with the rest of it. And its
incredibly humbling, and Im so grateful.
KANO: We were at GW Lisner for many years, and its a great
place to be. But the Lincoln Theatre is designed as a concert

hall. I think our audiences are going to hear a different, brighter
sound as a result of that. A place thats acoustically friendly to
what were offering. Its also a very pretty theater, and well
have it all dressed up with garlands and bows to make it feel that
much more festive.
MW: I understand youre a singer yourself. Have you ever sung
with the chorus?
KANO: I do have quite a low range as a female, so I could sing
with them if I really wanted to. But no, particularly when Im
conducting, I dont sing along. In the rehearsal process I do sing
with them, just to demonstrate a phrase here and there.
MW: I know you grew up in the Bay Area. Maybe its a silly question given the locale, but did you also grow up around gay people?
KANO: I did. I grew up Berkeley, but I was in San Francisco a lot. I
have family who live in the city still. And also, I was taking piano
and dance through the San Francisco Conservatory ballet.
So particularly working in dance, I just remember my partners
being gay men. As I was getting into junior high and starting to
do more social things, without mom and dad, my friends and I
would always hop BART and go into the city and particularly at
Halloween, we would spend it in the Castro. And thats where I
just kind of got used to that culture, if you will.
Were talking in the 70s. Both my parents were very much
involved in social justice and equality in the Berkeley area, and
from the get-go raised me to be open-minded to people and their
differences. Both my parents worked at UC-Berkeley in administration. My mother was the alumni director for many years, and
my father worked for the office of the president. And I remember sit-ins and marches. I remember having a fundraiser at my
house as a kid for [Civil Rights leader, politician, and national
social activist] Julian Bond, when he was just barely coming on
the scene in Bay Area.
24
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
and she thinks I saw Arthur Fiedler in the

Boston Pops on PBS, perhaps. So theres
that. But also I really took to piano right
away, and studied it all the way through
college, as a matter of fact. And when I
was a senior in high school and starting
to apply to schools for college, I applied
to both dance and music programs. And
over the years, beyond ballet I also started
some jazz and modern as well. I ended up
going to Arizona State as a piano major,
and I really loved that school, because one
of the things they had to offer was a really
wonderful dance company as well. So I
was able to continue dancing throughout
my college education while I was there as
a music major. Its hard to make a living
on a degree with music, but its more challenging with a degree in dance, so I think
my folks are a little bit relieved.
I have two brothers from my fathers
second marriage, so I am my moms only
child. And as I was telling you that story
about creating a little concert hall in my
own bedroom, I want to say, okay, total
only child syndrome. You know, when
you have nothing but time on your hands,
youve got to be creative with things to
play with.
MW: Thats interesting that you say that.
My dad was married before my mom and
had two daughters, but I was their only
child. And I also did similar things, though
mine was more focused on writing. I created stories and made up people and characters.
KANO: Exactly! You learn to be creative
from an early age. I mean thats also why
I was willing to practice piano as many
hours as I was because half the time I
didnt have anybody to play with. So I just
went ahead and played the piano. So it all
works out. And now as an adult I have the
advantage of having these great brothers
in my life and were very close.
MW: Were your parents artistic or creative
in a similar way?
KANO: Yeah, they both played the piano
a little bit. My great-grandmother was a
concert pianist, so thats probably where
I get the gene from. When I was in high
school, my freshman year, the chorus
there, at Santa Cruz High School, needed
a pianist. I ended up playing for the chorus. And when the director was absent
and they would bring in a substitute who
has no idea what theyre doing in rehearsal I played the piano and kind of raised
my hand and would point to cue. I didnt
really know what I was doing, but I really liked that, directing the rehearsal. So
thats where it was kind of born.
But I still went to college as a piano
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
25
major. I wasnt thinking I was going to be a conductor. And it

was when I took an elective, Introduction to Conducting, as part
of my major, that the professor pulled me aside and said, You
really have something here. Theres a grace about your conducting thats really unusual and very effective. So I attribute all my
years of dance, particularly the grace of ballet I think when
Im conducting, at least from the waist up you can see that I do
have some dance training. I say from the waist up because I try
not to move around too much. Youll see that I still sometimes do
a little dance up there.
ing with an LGBT chorus.

The greatest gift of all of this is not only to combine my
classical background and my dance and my musical theater
background, but the real joy and prize is that I am in the heart
of championing gay equality. And I would not have seen that as
a career path. Its just a gift thats come along with the rest of it.
And its incredibly humbling, and Im so grateful.
MW: Were your parents always pro-gay and supporters of marriage equality, or did they evolve on the topic like so many others
have in the past decade or so?
KANO: They always have,
absolutely. My parents were
with me on a trip I took a couple years ago to Paris where
I pulled together a festival
chorus of many singers from
all around the country. That
particular week, a friend of
mine who sings in GMCW
and his partner were there
to sing with this project, and
they got engaged right there
on Pont Neuf. My father and
I were only steps away. They
were embracing each other
and tearing up. They called
us over and said, Were engaged! I remember my dad put his
hand over his heart, and he put his other hand over the hand,
and he said, That is so beautiful. So yeah, my parents, theres
no other word to describe it but cool. And theyve just always
been so current and so up on theyre just all about equality,
and they just get it.
MW: Have they seen you with the chorus?
KANO: Oh, absolutely. Theyve seen me with the chorus several
times, and will again in December. One set of parents, my father
and my step-mother, will be at one weekend, and my mother
and my step-father will be there the other weekend. Im very
fortunate to have four amazing, very supportive parents, and
I couldnt be here in this career without them cheering me on
from the get-go.
MW: Youve talked about being inspired by and passionate about
the chorus and its mission. Have you had any problems as its new
female leader?
KANO: So far four months in no, absolutely not. The support is overwhelming. It is so wonderful. And I knew it would
be great, but its turned out to be really great. People go out of
their way to offer help, or to ask how Im doing,how I feel things
are going. People often come forward to give their perspective
and advice. Its really great that they dont wait for me to ask for
it, and I really appreciate it. We have an artistic advisory committee, a meeting we hold once a month where anybody in the
membership is invited to come attend an hour and a half meeting, where we talk about programming. And I very much count
on the guys to come in and give me their suggestions, give me
perspective, and help keep me current.
Because, at the end of the day, as hard as I try I am not a gay
man. So its just good to hear their voice. And I always encourage
people to use that expression, to use your voice not just to
sing on stage but to share your experience because our goal is
to present a product to our audience that is current and relevant
to where we are in the equality movement and the social justice
movement, and where gay men are in society today, not just in
Washington but in rural areas. And to give us perspective of
When I was the associate director, I think

they saw me as kind of their sister. Now,
Im definitely mom. And sometimes in
rehearsal Ill say, Why do you make me
work so hard? Mom is tired!
MW: Do you like being called maestro?
KANO: Ah. Sometimes people do. One of the guys in the chorus
always calls me maestra, with an a. But usually just very jokingly,

because Im not that formal. I mean, yes I run a very tight ship
in rehearsal, as anyone will tell you, but its all about having fun.
And not that being called maestro would not be fun, but that
really comes from the classical world especially. In New York,
its not unusual for me to be standing in front of a full orchestra,
and they will call me maestro. Thats part of the culture, if you
will. So they call me that, to my face. I have no idea what they call
me behind my back. [Laughs.]
MW: Was there a light bulb moment when you knew conducting
was for you besides directing your dolls as a kid, of course?
KANO: There were a couple moments. My first semester as a
freshman we sang Mahlers Eighth Symphony, which is a huge,
amazing work. And we were downtown with the Phoenix
Symphony. I had this rehearsal with a huge orchestra, huge
chorus, and just hearing that first downbeat of that piece, it was
kind of like, And then God said you will be in choral music.
What I love about working with the gay mens chorus is it really
represents all of what were talking about here, as far as my having studied music as a serious music queen, as we say. And my
having studied dance, and my having been involved with musical
theater. I also taught musical theater in L.A. for at least 10 years.
It just all brings it together, and thats why it really makes sense.
In the last quarter at UCLA, I applied for many jobs all
around the country. They were all academic jobs. I was on the
phone one night with a friend of mine, Thomas Simpson, who
used to sing and is now an orchestrator for the LA Gay Mens
Chorus, and he asked how my applications were going. And he
said, I heard from a friend of mine that the Gay Mens Chorus of
Washington is looking for an assistant conductor. Do you want
to apply? And I said to him, Well what do you think theyd
want with me? And he was like, What do you mean? Theyre
looking for a good director. Go for it, why not? And the reason I
ask is why would they want me is, I automatically assumed that
[it] has to be a gay man, or that Id have to have experience work26
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
where we were 34 years ago. Next year is our 35th anniversary.

So thats a long way of saying, yes, I get a lot of help from the
family of singers. And I feel very much embraced and accepted,
and Im really humbled by it.
MW: I guess then you dont agree with comments made earlier this
month by the Hollywood actress Rose McGowan, who said gay
men are as misogynistic as straight men, if not worse.
KANO: I dont feel that. I have not experienced that. Obviously
everyones experience is different. All it takes is one experience
and youre going to remember that. Its true that [misogyny in
the gay community] is out there. Im not nave to that. But in a
very large, urban, very progressive community, that helps too.
Between here and New York, Ive got that covered.
MW: So youve found GMCW to be a welcoming community?
KANO: Absolutely, I really have. From day one, eleven years
ago when I joined GMCW on their staff, Ive felt accepted and
embraced. When I was going through this interview process
over the last six months, the national search to find a replacement for Jeff [Buhrman], I put my name in the hat, and thats
when I really stopped to think, Is this community going to be
accepting of a non-gay man on the podium? And obviously well
see how it works out. But Ive just heard from so many people
that they, very humbly, recognize that Im an ally. And I get so
much reward out of using music as a vehicle to make a difference
and to speak up for equality. And not just LGBT equality but just
social justice in general.
MW: What are your intentions over the next five or 10 years with
the chorus?
KANO: Were really growing right now, and were really planning that growth, and how far we can go and what our goals
are. Were just starting our five-year plan right about now. Its
going to involve some aggressive fundraising in the next year or

so. And our goals are threefold: Starting the LGBT youth chorus
GenOUT, the first LGBTQA youth chorus in the Washington
area; Expanding our outreach to go way beyond the beltway,
out to Kentucky and down to Tennessee and the Carolinas,
Mississippi and Alabama to take our music and our message
to people who really want and need to hear it; And to have the
opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center as often as possible, because that is really a national stage.
Looking to the broad future, I would like us to be recognized
as the nations gay mens chorus. To have a national voice. We
are fortunate to be in the capital, so we are kind of seated to have
that opportunity and to sing at many events that get national
exposure, such as when we sang on the steps of the Supreme
Court when DOMA was voted unconstitutional last year.
MW: I understand youve been married before. Do you have kids?
KANO: Yeah, I was married in a previous life. But no, I do not have
kids. Well, I have 200 of them. [Laughs.] Theyll be in tuxedos on
stage next week, youll see them all!
MW: And youll be the proud mom leading them.
KANO: Exactly. And I am so proud. I really am. And its funny that
you said that because I think when I was the associate director,
I think they saw me as kind of their sister, a little bit. Now, Im
definitely mom. And sometimes in rehearsal Ill say, Why do
you make me work so hard? Mom is tired! Im just being cute.
Its a very fun relationship.
The Gay Mens Chorus performs Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.,
Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3
p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $59.
Call 877-435-9849 or visit gmcw.org. l
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
27
DECEMBER 4 - 11, 2014
Compiled by Doug Rule
Christmas
to the Hilty
CURTIS BROWN
Megan Hilty stops by the Kennedy Center

for a Christmas cabaret
VER THE PAST DECADE ACTRESS MEGAN HILTY has

played Glinda in Wicked, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The
Musical and Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but
shes most widely known as the ambitious Ivy Lynn on Smash, the
NBC television series about the making of a new musical.
People kind of see me as playing the mean girl, Hilty says. She
doesnt mind. Im an actor, so if they think that I am that person,
then Ive done my job. And then I would like to turn around and surprise them with other stuff.
That other stuff includes cabaret, which the Washington State
native started doing a couple of years ago at the suggestion of her
manager. The idea made me so nervous because I just didnt think
this was going to be for me, she says. But it turned out I really, really
love it. The second weekend in December, Hilty will stop by the
Kennedy Center to offer her fi rst Christmas cabaret, accompanied by
a three-piece band including her husband Brian Gallagher on guitar.
Weve done some fun new arrangements and some interesting
medleys. Naturally, theyll also perform songs from her Broadway repertoire, as well as last years pop album It Happens
All The Time and, of course, Smash. On that show, according to a New Yorker critic, Hilty made her character feel like a real
Broadway diva: sexy, funny, ambitious, insecure, at once selfi sh and giving. The show, Hilty says, was a chance of a lifetime to
get to do everything Ive ever wanted to do in one job TV and theater, singing and acting. And a great character on top of it.
The concert might even include a song originating from one of musical theaters biggest mean girls or really, mean
woman. My dream role is Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Hilty says, adding with a wink: But Ive got a couple years before I
can play that. Doug Rule

Megan Hilty performs Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.
Tickets are $65. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
SPOTLIGHT
10TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District

and Diverse Markets Management stage this
European-style outdoor holiday market, featuring
more than 150 area vendors selling a diverse range of
art, handicrafts and usable products perfect for gifting (or keeping). Theres also live entertainment and
seasonal food and beverage on tap. Now to Dec. 23,
from noon to 8 p.m. everyday. F between
7th and 9th Streets NW. Free. Visit
downtownholidaymarket.com.
A DRAG SALUTE TO MOTOWN REVUE
Indefatigable local drag sensation Shi-Queeta Lee

and her troupe of illusionists offer another edition
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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of her show A Drag Salute To The Divas, this time

singing, lip-synching and dancing to the songs from
the Motown Era. You know, Diana Ross and the
Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, the Four Tops
and the Temptations yes, thats right, there will
be drag kings and female-to-male performers this
time around. Sunday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. The Howard
Theatre, 620 T St. NW. Tickets are $20 in advance
or $45. Call 202-588-5595 or visit adragsalutetothedivas.com.
ANDREA MCARDLE
The original Annie on Broadway has still got that

voice that carries to the rafters, according to the
New York Times, and this Friday, Dec. 5, shes in
Barbara Cooks Spotlight for a night of cabaret at the
Kennedy Center. Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy
Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $45. Call 202467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
BAD JEWS
HHHHH
In Joshua Harmons acerbic dramedy Bad Jews, none
of the four characters are lovable. They are, in fact,
as the title would have it, all bad, to varying degrees
though only three of the four are Jewish, cousins
reunited for their grandfathers funeral. Bad Jews is a
thoroughly modern, millennial rendition of Fiddler on
the Roof, exploring similar themes about the role of
culture and religion in modern-day life and love.Irene
Sofia Lucio as Daphna and Alex Mandell as Liam
both turn in astonishing performances as the shows
two tentpole monsters, one an Israeli-dreaming
Jewish hardliner, the other a thoroughly assimilated
American atheist. Peace and goodwill between these
two is as impossible to imagine as it is between Israel
and Palestine. To Dec. 21, at Studio Theatre, 14th &
P Streets NW. Tickets are $44 to $88. Call 202-3323300 or visit studiotheatre.org. (Doug Rule)
Holiday Gift Guide
Visit the Holiday Gift Guide Online at metroweekly.com/giftguide
CHERYL WHEELER AND PATTY LARKIN
Two great singer-songwriters team up for a show

that would make an early holiday gift for fans of folk.
A natural storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor
and spontaneity, Cheryl Wheeler performs many
songs in concert that havent even been recorded
on one of her engaging folk-based pop albums. Patty
Larkin, a former Four Bitchin Babe, has been in the
music business for three decades now, still touring in support of her great album 25, featuring 25
love songs reworked with a little all-star help from
friends including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Suzanne
Vega and Bruce Cockburn. Thursday, Dec. 11, at 8
p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis.
Tickets are $29.50. Call 410-268-4545 or visit ramsheadonstage.com.
SEX WITH STRANGERS
HHHHH
Laura Easons Sex with Strangers is an insightful, hilarious look at the state of sex and relationships in todays information-overload Internet Age.
Aaron Posner directs this funny but suspenseful
two-hander, which skillfully advances in drips and
drops, rarely in predictable ways. Holly Twyford
and Luigi Sottile are both captivating and convincing
playing opposite types who are drawn to each other.
Maybe Twyfords smart Olivia should have known
better than to fall for such a promiscuous charmer.
But in Sottiles hands, Ethan isnt a monster. Despite
his outward, online exhibitionism, its hard to know
exactly who he is, or what he wants from Olivia and
their relationship. Lets just say, its complicated.
Closes this Sunday, Dec. 7. Signature Theatre, 4200
Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visit
signature-theatre.org. (Doug Rule)
THE IMITATION GAME
In case you havent heard about it already, this

British drama focuses on Alan Turing, a British
mathematician who aided the British army in cracking Germanys Enigma machine hailed as one of
the most important moves in the war against the
Nazis. Despite his work, Turing was later prosecuted
and chemically castrated for being gay. Benedict
Cumberbatch takes on the role of Turing, with Keira
Knightley as Turings colleague, fiance and confidante Joan Clarke. Morten Tyldums film opens in
D.C. next week, but the AFI Silver Theatre offers a
special screening featuring Major General Buster
Howes of the Royal Marines and the British Defence
Attach. Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. AFI Silver
Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets
are $13. Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.
NATIONAL ZOOS ZOOLIGHTS
Every year, the Smithsonians National Zoo presents

ZooLights, in which 500,000 colorful Christmas
lights illuminate life-sized animal silhouettes, dancing trees, buildings and walkways. All that, plus
select animal houses will be open, displaying nocturnal creatures, including the Small Mammal House,
the Great Ape House and Reptile Discover Center.
To Jan. 26. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave.
NW. Free, courtesy of Pepco. Call 202-633-4800 or
visit nationalzoo.si.edu.
RAFAEL CAMPO:
EMILY DICKINSON BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE
An internal medicine professor at Harvard

University and a creative writer lecturer at Lesley
University, gay poet Rafael Campo toasts a kindred
spirit in bridging the worlds of arts and sciences
in this annual poetry reading in honor of Emily
Dickinson. Dickinsons poetry explored the physical
and the metaphysical, the all-too-mortal body and
the immortal soul. Campo celebrates Dickinsons
birthday as part of the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series
and as the culminating event in a daylong marathon reading of Dickinsons poems at the Library
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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of Congress. After Campos reading, the Suga Chef

serves a rum- and fruit-flavored black cake made
from Dickinsons own recipe. Monday, Dec. 8, at 7:30
p.m. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets
are $15. Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
WITS SEASONAL DISORDER
Washington Improv Theaters annual holiday

extravaganza features shows based on audience
suggestions, showing you the good, the bad and the
ugly of the season all laughs to get you through
this crazy month. Each show is different, but all
offer a grab bag of spontaneous ho-ho-ho-inducing
comedy and long-form improv. This years central
focus is a spoof inspired by the film Love Actually,
rebranded Improv Actually. Weekends to Dec. 27.
Source Theater, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $12 to
$30. Call 202-204-7770 or visit washingtonimprovtheater.com.
FILM
AFIS HOLIDAY CLASSICS: LITTLE WOMEN
Over the next few weeks, the American Film

Institutes Silver Theatre offers 10 Christmas flicks,
both classic and curious, from The Muppet Christmas
Carol to Miracle on 34th Street to ahem the Die
Hard series. But the Holiday Classics series kicks off
this weekend with Little Women, Gillian Armstrongs
1994 adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott book
about the March sisters of Massachusetts, played
by Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Claire Danes and
Kristen Dunst. Friday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m., Sunday,
Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., and
Thursday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633
Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $9 to $12.
Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.
RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE
Next weekend, Landmarks E Street Cinema offers

another round of its monthly Round Midnight
screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with live shadow cast accompaniment by the
Sonic Transducers. This weekends entry into the
weekly midnight movie series is the 2010 Finnish
flick Rare Exports, a haunted holiday tale billed as a
fantastically bizarre polemic on modern-day morality. Jalmari Helanders dark comedy re-imagines
the most classic of all childhood fantasies, presenting Santa Claus as a deranged child snatcher
who is being pursued by a multinational corporation. Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11:59
p.m. Landmarks E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW.
Tickets are $9. Call 202-452-7672 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
WILD
In Wild, Reese Witherspoon returns to her Oscarwinning roots to portray Cheryl Strayed, the woman
who hiked 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail to
heal herself following her mothers death, a heroin
addiction and a divorce. Witherspoon commands
the screen with her performance, which will likely
be enough to fill seats, even if Marc Valles overall
film has received some mixed responses from critics.
Opens Friday, Dec. 5. Area theaters. Visit
fandango.com.
STAGE
A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS CAROL
Kathy Feiningers A Broadway Christmas Carol tells

Dickens classic by altering the lyrics to familiar
Broadway tunes, 30 or so in all, from The Music
Man to Sweeney Todd to Annie. The result is a pretty
gay show, especially with gay Helen Hayes Awardwinning actor Michael Sharp at the helm as direc-
tor and choreographer. This year, Peter Boyer will

take on the bah-humbugging duties, while Sharp
plays The Man Who Isnt Scrooge, Tracey Stephens
plays The Woman Who Isnt Scrooge and Howard
Breitbart is the music director aka The Man
Behind The Piano. I always think of it like the Carol
Burnett Show, Sharp told Metro Weekly a couple
seasons ago. [Three] people playing a million different characters. To Dec. 28. MetroStage, 1201 North
Royal St., Alexandria. Tickets are $50. Call 800-4948497 or visit metrostage.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Fords Theatre remounts its music-filled production of the Dickens classic, adapted by Michael
Wilson and directed by Michael Baron. Edward
Gero returns for his sixth year as Ebenezer Scrooge
in this telling featuring imaginative special effects,
familiar carols and themes of giving back and living with grace. Among other local stage stars in the
cast: Felicia Curry, Bobby Smith, Erin Driscoll, Rick
Hammerly and Stephen F. Schmidt. To Jan. 1. Fords
Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Tickets are $ Call 800-9822787 or visit fordstheatre.org.
AS YOU LIKE IT
Internationally acclaimed Shakespearean director

Michael Attenborough makes his debut in D.C. with
a Shakespeare Theatre Company production of this
frothy Shakespearean comedy, complete with a girl
disguised as a boy and the source for some of the
Bards most famous phrases, from all the worlds
a stage to too much of a good thing. Zoe Waites,
Adina Verson and Derek Smith lead the large cast.
Extended to Dec. 14. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St.
NW. Tickets are $20 to $110. Call 202-547-1122 or
visit shakespearetheatre.org.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The mostly wordless troupe Synetic Theatre presents Ben and Peter Cuniss new, gothic adaptation
of the classic fairytale, illuminating the Beautys
own secrets and the Beasts true nature, bringing
wonder, magic and seduction to the tale. The Cunis
brothers previously developed The Three Musketeers
for Synetic, which earned Ben Cunis the inaugural
Helen Hayes Award for Best Movement. Now to
Jan. 11. Theater at Crystal City, 1800 South Bell St.,
Arlington. Tickets are $45 to $55. Call 800-494-8497
or visit synetictheater.org.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
HHHHH
You may have questioned the relevance of Fiddler
on the Roof as recently as a few years ago when the
last national tour of the show came to town, starring
Harvey Fierstein who, to be fair, was a hoot as
Tevye. But you wont question why Molly Smith has
revived it now. Arena Stages new 50th anniversary
production of the show by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock
and Sheldon Harnick is an out-and-out revelation.
This show, of all shows, seems custom-made for the
in-the-round Fichlander Stage. For starters, peering
down on the huge, 28-person cast, regularly coming
and going in four directions, you get a real sense of
the energy of a village such as Anatevka, the small,
tight-knit Jewish community in Russia portrayed in
the show. Ultimately, its the struggle between tradition and modernity that makesFiddlerstill relevant
today especially when its presented as realistically and universally as it is at Arena Stage.To Jan. 5.
Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Tickets are $50 to $99. Call 202-488-3300 or visit
arenastage.org. (Doug Rule)
FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
Arena Stage presents Clarke Peterss celebration

of the feel-good music of Louis Jordan, whose hits
included Let the Good Times Roll and Is You Is or
Is You Aint My Baby. Robert OHara directs a cast
Holiday Gift Guide
featuring Travis Porchia, Jobari Parker-Namdar, Paris Nix, Sheldon Henry and
Clinton Roane. To Dec. 28. Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Tickets are $51 to $109. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
Nelson T. Eusebio III directs Joe Landrys adaptation of the classic film tale, but
this time geared for radio.
Joseph McGranaghan portrays George Bailey (and Jake Laurents) in this production by Baltimores Center Stage. To Dec. 21. Center Stage, 700 North Calvert
St., Baltimore. Tickets are $19 to $69. Call 410-986-4000 or visit centerstage.org.
JULIUS CAESAR
Specters haunt the stage at Folger Theatre, and these cloaked souls ghosts of
those lost to war lurk in the shadows and stalk the set, like a group of grim
reapers, in Robert Richmonds stunning, mystical production of Julius Caesar.
They faintly chant what must be warnings of further bloodshed to come, but,
just as Caesar ignores his Soothsayers fervent plea Beware the Ides of March,
so the lost souls incantations fall on deaf ears. Its impressive how Richmond,
working with fight director Casey Dean Kaleba, has his attractive actors move
from the lurching lost souls to the multiple slow-motion battle scenes to the
marches and synchronized hand gestures showing group solidarity. Everything
here is stylized in an evocative, even elegant manner, with every detail carefully
thought out, right down to the poppy petals that are regularly tossed out after
each death. After all, since the First World War red poppies have been a symbol
of remembering the war dead. Closes this Sunday, Dec. 7. Folger Shakespeare
Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets are $40 to $75. Call 202-544-7077 or
visit folger.edu. (Doug Rule)
THE GREAT ONE-MAN COMMEDIA EPIC
The Faction of Fools Theatre Company presents its artistic director Matthew R.
Wilsons one-man tour-de-farce, in which he brings to life 12 characters from the
Commedia dellArte tradition with handcrafted masks by Antonio Fava. Wilson
will portray young lovers, squabbling old men, boasting soldiers and dim-witted
servants. Now playing to Dec. 20. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE.
Tickets are $20. Call 800-838-3006 or visit chaw.org or factionoffools.org.
THE NUTCRACKER
There will be no pirouettes at Bethesdas Round House Theatre this season, as

the company premieres its production of a Chicago-born new musical based on
the famous story by E.T.A. Hoffman which also inspired the far more famous
ballet by Tchaikovsky. Joe Calarco directs Round Houses production of this
musical, set in a contemporary American home, written by composer Kevin
ODonnell and writers Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich. Will Gartshore,
Sherri L. Edelen, Mitchell Hbert, Erin Weaver and Lauren Williams star. To
Dec. 28. Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are
$25 to $50. Call 240-644-1100 or visit roundhousetheatre.org.
THE SECOND CITYS NUT-CRACKING HOLIDAY REVUE
Chicagos legendary sketch comedy troupe offers its only holiday show on the
East Coast, with its Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue promising a seasonal blend of
hilarious, original improvised scenes and songs. Intended as an alternative to the
usual holiday traditions, expect riffs on uneven gift exchanges with your clueless
partner and couples therapy with Joseph and Mary. But dont wait: Tickets are
selling fast, and a couple late-night shows are already sold out. Opens Friday,
Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Weekends to Dec. 27. Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, 2903
Columbia Pike, Arlington. Tickets are $31.75. Call 703-486-2345 or visit arlingtondrafthouse.com.
MUSIC
BRAD LINDE ENSEMBLE
This acclaimed local 10-piece chamber ensemble presents A Post-Cool Yule,

offering deconstructed and re-imagined holiday classics for a late-night yuletide
experience. Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $32. Call 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
CHICAGO JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH ALLAN HARRIS, DEE ALEXANDER
Jeff Lindberg directs this veteran big band jazz institution, celebrating its 36th
anniversary and its 25th consecutive year performing as part of the Kennedy
Center Honors with a run of shows on Honors Eve. Expect to hear standards
made famous by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Saturday,
Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are
$32. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
CYMBALS EAT GUITARS
The great name which derives from a Lou Reed quote about the sound of the
Velvet Underground makes this band sound like itd make a lot of racket. And
given that they aim to revive 90s-style indie rock, from Pavement to Weezer to
Sonic Youth, they do. Any titular battle in which a percussion instrument wins
over a guitar is something to root for in my book. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 8:30 p.m.
DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. Tickets are $12 in advance, or $14 at the door. Call 202483-5000 or dcnine.com.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR
The gay smooth saxophonist offers his annual Christmas show co-promoted with
Blues Alley at Strathmore, this year featuring R&B/gospel artist Jonathan Butler,
smooth Sailing 80s pop artist Christopher Cross and Soul Train award-winner
Maysa. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman
Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets are $38 to $85. Call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.
DJ LILES DIVAS DANCE PARTY
DJ lile (nee Erin Myers) has made repeated tweaks to her regular dance party,
the latest touted as a battle of Lady Gaga vs. Madonna vs. Boy Bands. It may
not be much of a contest, but that of course is the point: Its all meant to be a fun
night of diva-focused pop, which is basically catnip to the gays. Friday, Dec. 12.
Doors at 8 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-265-0930
or visit 930.com.
ESTELLE
Ive felt so much love and acceptance, its overwhelming, Estelle told Metro
Weekly in 2012. [And] gay people, its a whole different level. The Grammywinning British soul singer returns to the area as part of only a four-city tour to
preview her new set True Romance, not due until February. If youve ever caught
her previous shows, including the Birchmere in 2012, you know better than to
miss out on An Evening of True Romance with Estelle. Monday, Dec. 15, at 8
p.m. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $45. Call 202-5885595 or visit thehowardtheatre.com.
MOYA BRENNAN
An Irish Christmas has become something of a tradition at the National

Geographic Society, featuring the woman who came to fame as the voice of
the Irish group Clannad. Moya Brennan performs a selection of Irish musical
gems for the season, and the Culking School of Traditional Irish Dance offers a
special performance. Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Gilbert H. Grosvenor
Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. Tickets are $30. Call 202-857-7700 or visit events.
nationalgeographic.com.
MICHELLE RAYMOND BAND
Bassist Dan Shorstein, electric guitarist Giorgio Carvallo and drummer Lance
LaRue supports local lesbian singer/songwriter/guitarist Michelle Raymond in
her namesake band at another free concert at Columbia Heights restaurant/music
venue Acre 121. Friday, Dec. 13, at 10 p.m. Acre 121, 1400 Irving St. NW. Free. Call
202-328-0121 or visit acre121.com.
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE
Cirque de la Symphonies aerial artists, jugglers, strong men and illusionists

bring the magic of the circus back to the Kennedy Center, this time for a holidaythemed show. The NSO Pops conductor Steven Reineke leads the Washington
Master Chorale and the aerial troupe in performances set to Tchaikovskys The
Nutcracker and Duke Ellingtons The Nutcracker Suite along with Ave Maria,
Sleigh Ride, Deck the Halls and music by John Williams. Thursday, Dec. 11,
at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., and Saturady, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to $98. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org. l
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Holiday Gift Guide
stage
Round House Theatres The

Nutcracker isnt a ballet
but a compelling, poignant
contemporary play with music
by DOUG RULE
I
34
TS FUN TO PLAY WITH DOLLS!

Actress Erin Weaver makes that exclamation toward
the end of The Nutcracker, shouting the line in the most
snide way imaginable, making the word dolls two, singDECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
song syllables.
Other lines tossed off throughout this show at Round House
Theatre in Bethesda will delight the little kid inside many a
grownup, especially ones who prefer language thats a little
cheeky. Every self-respecting nutcracker must have a beard,
Uncle Drosselmeyer (Lawrence Redmond) tells Clara, causing
some of us to wink. Its time to put your nuts where your mouth
is! Clara tells this shows real-life nutcracker.
Obviously, The Nutcracker at Round House isnt quite the
same Nutcracker on stages elsewhere around town. Both appeal
to patrons of all ages, but theres little thats sinister about this
production compared with the ballet featuring Tchaikovskys
score. In fact, Round Houses new production isnt a ballet at all.
While the source material for the tale remains the same E.T.A.
Hoffmanns story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Jake
Minton and Phillip Klapperich have concocted a contemporary
play that offers a more compelling and poignant reason for Clara
DANISHA CROSBY
Get Nutcracking
Holiday Gift Guide
to be playing with dolls brought to life.

The tale starts with Claras family preparing to celebrate
Christmas until a soldier comes to the door and literally blows
the tree down, bearing a folded American flag and a sword to
signify that Claras brother Fritz has died at war. Everything
to this point unfolds in almost wordless fashion, as the shows
director and choreographer Joe Calarco has his actors move in
charming but eccentric fashion. Lauren Williamss portrayal of
Clara reads as slightly autistic, which certainly serves to help her
parents as they try to understand what she describes as nighttime adventures with real-life dolls. One of them, of course, is
the Nutcracker, which in Minton and Klapperichs tale becomes
Fritz, Claras brother, a magnetic Vincent Kempski. The writers take great delight in this setup, with clever wordplay about
whats weird and whats real, from magic to shrimp chips. The
toys are talking, Fritz, Clara says to her brother after we first
meet the real-life Monkey (Will Gartshore), Hugo (Evan Casey)
and Phoebe (Weaver). Your big brother is a nutcracker, Clara,
Fritz retorts.
The Nutcracker isnt the first time Erin Weaver all but steals a
show by portraying a wry, exceedingly funny character. Its not
even the first time Weaver has done it at Round House she
did so earlier this year, portraying the droll Deb in the winsome
production of Adam Gwons musical Ordinary Days. Here, as
Phoebe, a pull of her string provokes a series of hilarious sayings,
often perfectly capturing the particular moment from ah-oh
to Im afraid of the dark to Please change my dress.
But its not just Weaver. The whole cast and creative team gets
to ham it up with this show, which is enhanced by Helen Huangs
fantastical costumes and elements of puppetry. Designer Daniel
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
MacLean Wagner also wows with his magic-inducing lights and

projected images, often working in tandem with sound designer
Matthew M. Nielson, such as the brief strobe-lit interlude in
which a fight turns into an all-out rave. Who cares if it only lasts
15 seconds or so? That little bit of stagecraft all by itself is one of
the most entertaining things Ive seen all year.
Did I forget to mention fighting? Well, of course the fights
are stirred up by the shows rats, here played by the same fine
actors who portray the forlorn parents, Mitchell Hebert and
Sherri L. Edelen. I also forgot to mention that this is a musical the shows full title is The Nutracker: A New Holiday
Musical in part because youll likely forget it too. Edelen is
one of Washingtons greatest musical theater actors, but even
she only sings fleetingly here. Kevin ODonnell wrote just nine
full songs, with lyrics by Minton. The music, performed by a
four-man orchestral band, is light and airy, with references to
Tchaikovsky, and mostly just fades into the background and
your memory.
What youll remember instead is the funny dialogue and the
fun the actors have on stage, but also the tears youll no doubt
shed. This Nutcracker is a reminder, especially in our current
state of seemingly eternal wartime, that Christmas isnt usually
as good or ideal as we remember or dream it to be, but there is
still a reason for the season to share time and memories with
loved ones, both present and past.
The Nutcracker: A New Holiday Musical (HHHHH) runs to Dec.
28 at Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda.
Tickets are $10 to $45. Call 240-644-1100 or visit
roundhousetheatre.org. l
games
Bad Trip
An initially underwhelming
experience, Far Cry 4 offers an
almost ridiculous amount of content
by RHUARIDH MARR
UBISOFT
AVE YOU EVER HAD A BAD VACATION?

You know the sort: lost luggage, the hotel cant
fi nd your reservation, the taxi driver takes you on
the scenic route and adds multiples of whatever
the local currency is to the fare, the food is terrible, the tourist
locations are too crowded to enjoy or the weather just refuses to
cooperate. Weve all had experience of a bad trip abroad but
in Far Cry 4, youll experience the worst trip of a lifetime. Which
makes it all the more confusing that its one youll gladly take
again and again.
Far Cry 4, a sequel of sorts to 2012s Far Cry 3 and an almost
carbon copy of that games gameplay and mechanics, drops
players into the control of Ajay Ghale, who has returned to the
fi ctional country of Kyrat nestled between India and Tibet,
apparently to scatter his mothers ashes. Kyrat is a nation in
turmoil, run by Pagan Min, a despotic dictator who rules with
an iron fi st while projecting an image of peaceful democracy to
the outside world. Opposing him are the Golden Path, a rebel
group determined to overthrow Min and return Kyrat to actual,
not falsifi ed, peace. Not your ideal destination for a vacation, but
Ajay feels duty-bound to return his mothers ashes to her home
country. Of course, hes quickly drawn into the civil war tearing
Kyrat apart, and learns that his parents roots in the nation were
more than just bystanders in the war his father founded and
led the Golden Path. Well, itd be a pretty dull game if Ajay got in
and out with minimal fuss, wouldnt it?
As it stands, my fi rst few hours with Far Cry 4 were just that:
pretty dull. And, by a few hours, I mean it was at least twenty
before I actually started to get that just one more mission hook
that so many of its open world peers instill from the start. Its
not something I can quantify, either, as all of the pieces of a great
game are there from the moment you load up the disc.
For starters, Ubisoft Montreal has crafted a beautiful world.
Though its not leaps and bounds better than its predecessor, the
upgrade to current gen consoles hasnt been wasted on Kyrat.
Vast mountain ranges encircle the nation, glistening and shining
in the sun, their snow-capped peaks walling in the terror and
fear of Mins rule. In the valleys and fi elds between mountain
ranges, lush forests, vast lakes and foliage-dense hills cover the
land. Interspersed among the natural beauty are ramshackle villages, crumbling bell towers, grand monasteries and mansions,
centuries-old religious carvings and statues, and numerous other
signs of the humans who call Kyrat home. Sharing their land are
dozens of animals, including tigers, bears, wolves, tapirs, wild
boars, eagles and even honey badgers. Ubisofts vision is grand,
and the world youre given to play in refl ects that.
Still, it just isnt that much fun initially. It doesnt help that
Far Cry 4s story is throwaway at best. Its greatest character,
Pagan Min, is relegated to voiceover status after his bombastic
entry at the start of the campaign. Even here, Troy Bakers voice
acting is gleefully insane, as Min calls Ajay to taunt him and talk
to him between missions, checking in on his attempts to help
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
37
the Golden Path and reminiscing on the days when he knew and
loved Ajays mother. Min is a powerhouse of a character who
sadly spends most of the game locked out of sight in the North
of the country, which is firmly in the hands of Mins soldiers.
That means the majority of your interaction will be with Golden
Path leaders and Kyrats various side characters. Golden Path
missions, which form the main story, are interesting, as you help
this struggling rebel alliance try to overthrow Mins dictatorship. Within the group, a power struggle exists between Sabal
and Amita. The former wants to return the country to its traditional roots, as he idolizes Ajays father and his original methods.
The latter wants to take Kyrat into the modern era, using whatever resources are available in this case, drug production to
fund the rebirth of Kyrat. Players are given the choice of hearing
proposals from both Sabal and Amita before the start of major
missions, with each having differing viewpoints on the best way
to proceed. Theres a real variation here Sabal may ask you to
destroy an opium factory, while Amita will tell you to secure it
for the Golden Path so the money can pay for supplies and medical facilities and I frequently found myself balancing my own
morals as I made my decision.
There is an almost incredible amount of things to see and
do in Kyrat almost to the point of oversaturation. In addition
to the main story missions, there are the side missions I mentioned, tower missions which require you to climb abandoned
bell towers to cut off Mins radio signals and open up the games
map, outpost takeovers which see you ousting government
troops from key locations, fortress takeovers which permanently
remove troops from specific regions, the aforementioned arena
that pits Ajay against waves of enemies, there are races, protection missions, hunting missions, assassinations, bomb defusal
missions, propoganda missions, hostage rescue, and even a
series of missions based on the fictional utopia Shangri-La. Yeah,
theres a lot to do in Kyrat.
And actually, theres more. There are also randomly-generated missions that could involve destroying cargo trucks, killing
enemy couriers, fighting with Golden Path rebels against troops,
small-scale hostage rescues and saving locals and rebels from
animal attacks. Thats not including the vast array of collectibles
in the game, including masks left by a serial killer, spirit bells that
can be spun for karma, propaganda posters to tear down, lost
journals to recover, letters to read and a ridiculous number of loot
crates to open. Are you exhausted yet? Because I sure am. Far Cry
4 crams almost too much into its world, and that need for content
is what makes its opening hours so comparatively dull.
Its easy to breeze through the games campaign in fifteen
hours or so, but youll be punished for not exploring the games
world and doing side missions before tackling the story. Kyrat
runs on money, naturally, and that currency is attained by killing
and searching the bodies of enemies, opening chest and completing missions. In return, youll gain guns and ammo, which
can be used to power through more (and tougher) missions. Of
course, theres also an XP system, with stylish kills and clean
missions rewarding greater XP, which rewards skill points. Skill
points are used to upgrade Ajays abilities, such as increased
health, improved gun control and better melee abilities. In addition to that, theres crafting, which rewards killing and skinning
animals with upgrades to the amount of loot, money, ammo,
explosives and other such items you can carry.
All of this RPG-lite upgrading means that, at first, Ajay is
a flimsy wimp. The opening hours arent much fun as youre
restricted in the guns you can use and the abilities you have to
take down enemies and complete missions. Hunting, especially,
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DECEMBER 4, 2014
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is a cruel joke. Too often the animals you require are nowhere to
be found, and hunting itself feels punishingly unfair as certain
animals have hyperactive senses and will run off after seeing you
coming from what feels like a mile away. Too often I resorted to
just throwing grenades at my prey rather than going for clean
kill with the hunting bow, but of course I was then punished
with a reduced number of animal skins for my lack of patience.
This means that your first few hours will be spent with a limited
amount of ammo, only one or two guns to hold at once (the
maximum is four and makes missions much more flexible as
you can plan for all occasions) and a massively restricted loot
bag that limits the amount of bodies and crates you can plunder
during missions. The game feels like its deliberately holding you
back to force you to play the huge wealth of content available
something you might have done anyway, but enjoyed more with
a large variety of skills from the start.
Regardless, once you get Ajay up to scratch for me, around
twenty hours into the game things really come alive. Theres a
reason Far Cry is so much like the third game, and thats because
everything in that title worked, and here it works just as well.
Gunplay is punishing, with intelligent enemies and well-planned
mission areas, but players are given a wide variety of options with
each mission. Go in guns blazing, sneak through and stealth kill,
or step back and snipe. Heck, take the games mini helicopter and
drop grenades on everyone if you so choose. Theres a flexibility
to the gameplay which rewards all styles. Im not a stealthy player, but even I was able to navigate the games stealthier missions
and feel like a covert-ops badass, thanks to the controls available.
Vehicular control is less solid, but its something Ubisoft remedies with an autodrive function, which lets you set a waypoint
and either soak in Kyrats beautiful surroundings or shoot at army
vehicles through the windows. Youll also get to enjoy the excellent radio soundtrack, which features some pretty biting insults
against Western attitudes to foreign dictatorships and the medias
focus on pop culture instead of real news.
On top of all of this, Far Cry is rich with the moments that
define a game the sort youll talk about with friends or post
about on the internet. Riding an elephant into an enemy compound and using his trunk to throw enemies and vehicles around
feels as awesome as it sounds. Several missions see Ajay under
the influence of drugs, and the way the game toys with light,
color and sound, as well as Ajays own abilities, makes for fantastic experiences. Shangri-La is such a breathtaking area, pitting
Ajay against tribal enemies who explode into blue mist when
they die, with the utopian setting awash in rich reds and oranges,
in stark contrast to the greens and blues of Kyrat. And you have
a white tiger to help you kill people, which feels pretty great.
I had a shaky start with Far Cry 4. The initial powerlessness
and restrictions the game places on you force you to stop what
youre doing and go out and explore Kyrat to earn money and
XP. Once youre there, though, theres a fantastic amount of
things to see and do. Kyrat is bursting at the seams with content
for Ajay to participate in, and the fact that Ubisoft has given so
much without asking for DLC purchases or microtransactions
feels refreshing given the state of so many other similar open
world games Ubisofts other franchises included. Sure, the
main story is a little disappointing and there are those who will
succumb to fatigue long before theyve seen everything Kyrat
has to offer, but for what it is, Far Cry 4 is an astounding achievement in giving you your moneys worth.
Far Cry 4 (HHHHH) is available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and
Xbox 360. l
home
Christensen (standing) and Ochinko
Logans Run
Homeowners in the Logan Circle
neighborhood open their doors to
the public as part of 36th annual
holiday house tour
by JOHN RILEY
photography by TODD FRANSON
BOVE ALL ELSE, TIM CHRISTENSEN IS PRAYing for good weather this Sunday.
Thats the day Christensen, president of the
Logan Circle Community Association, hopes
to rope tourists, art enthusiasts, and history buffs in off the
street and guide them through a number of properties being
showcased as part of the 36th annual Logan Circle Holiday
House Tour.
The December 7 tour, which serves as the sole fundraiser for

the Logan Circle Community Association, the nonprofit organization that focuses on improving public safety and quality-of-life
issues in the bustling, gentrified Logan Circle neighborhood,
often owes its success to meteorological factors beyond its members control.
When the weathers good, well have an excess of 1,000
people take the tour, Christensen says.
With prices ranging from $30 for pre-ordered tickets and
$35 for same-day ticket sales, thats the equivalent of hitting
the jackpot for a community association whose yearly operating
budget is only $30,000 and that only charges its 650 members
$25 in dues.
However, Christensen notes, inclement weather seriously
hampers the tours fundraising ability.
If the weathers lousy, well lose all of our walk-ins, he says.
Nobodys going to come out in a snowstorm or a rainstorm if
they havent already bought a ticket.
Sitting in his 13th Street apartment with his husband, Walter
Ochinko, Christensen says his organization has other ways to
raise a little money, such as selling advertising for programs, or
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
39
through the generosity of patrons and benefactors

who wish to contribute to the association through
tax-deductible donations. But nothing else is as
profitable as the house tour.
Logan Circles history puts it in a unique place
relative to other D.C. neighborhoods, blending
historical Victorian architecture with new-fangled
condominiums, making the house tour a hybrid of
pre-20th century and contemporary 21st century
architectural styles.
I think the tour was initially copied from
40
DECEMBER 4, 2014
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Dupont Circle and Georgetown, Christensen

says. But, over the years, the Logan Circle
neighborhood has evolved incredibly, and
been revitalized, and now a lot of people feel
the Logan Circle House Tour is really the
cutting-edge house tour in town.
Its that history, particularly centering
around Logans decline in the mid-1970s, followed by its rebirth courtesy of the efforts
of groups like the Logan Circle Community
Association (LCCA) and eventual real
estate boom, complete with recognition as
one of the Districts renaissance neighborhoods, that sets the area apart from its
contemporaries.
In the mid-1970s, the place was a shambles, but people from outside the neighborhood were looking at these beautiful
Victorian homes, even though they were all
divided up into row houses and in ruins, and
saw a lot of potential there, and slowly began
to buy up and renovate those properties,
Christensen says.
To be selected for the tour, a house must
meet certain criteria based on a combination
of architecture, interior design, history, or
art. Using his own apartment as an example,
Christensen notes that although his building
is relatively new having opened in 2003
his apartment contains a wide array of contemporary and antique furniture, as well as
collections of various pieces and styles of art.
Were not loaded with mansions in
Logan Circle, Christensen

says. So its hard work putting together the collection of
homes. As long as the homes
meet our standards, we pretty
much accept them. We try, if
we can, not to have a home on
the south part of 11th Street and
another one at the corner of
16th and S, because thats just
a really, really long walk for
people, and not everybody is 35
years old. We often have a lot of
seniors who really enjoy doing
the tour. But this year, our tour
is pretty walkable.
While the tour typically
attracts a more wealthy and
upscale crowd, some of whom
are well-versed in architectural or artistic styles, the LCCA
also advertises in area hotels,
with people from as far away as
Idaho dropping by during their
visit to Washington. But even
with out-of-towners showing up
unexpectedly, the tour has been
highly successful, providing
viewers a glimpse of the owners
ornate abodes while at the same
time calming the nerves of some
who may initially hesitate about
flinging their front doors open
for the public to see.
One of the concerns that
homeowners
sometimes
express is about the security of
their possessions, Christensen
says. I can tell you that in the
36 years weve had the tour,
weve never had a single theft of
anything, even though we carry
a special rider in our insurance
policy in case something like
that ever happens.
And just in case someones
still on the fence, Christensen
adds, theres a sweet reward to
entice tired trekkers to stick it
out until the end of the tour:
a Wassail Reception at Studio
Theatre, where folks can come
in from the cold and enjoy some
food and a hot beverage.
Studio very generously
donates that space to us, says
Christensen. It gives us a good
epicenter for people to start and
end the tour.
The Logan Circle Holiday House Tour will take place this Sunday, Dec. 7,
2014 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 if purchased beforehand, and $35 if purchased on the day of the tour. For more information, or to purchase tickets,
visit logancircle.org. l
pets
Healthy Choice
Pets arent just great to own,
they may also help to improve
your overall health
by RHUARIDH MARR
DIRIMA
E ALL KNOW OWNING A PET CAN BE A

gratifying experience. Sharing our lives and
homes with an animal, one we love, feed, care
for and take numerous photos of, is something
we all should partake in at some point. Whats more, that chocolate lab you love more than some members of your family could
be having added benefits beyond just making it easy to pick up
guys at the dog park he may be extending your life, too.
Yes, your cat, dog, reptile, hamster, snake or any other such
pet may be impacting your overall health in a positive way. Sure,
it can feel slightly undone when they get sick and we stress over
their well-being, but theres an undeniable correlation between

owning a pet and being healthier as a result. As such, weve got
five ways in which owning a pet can improve your quality of life.
1. MOVE, FATTY It may seem obvious, but owning a dog is a sure-
fire way to get more exercise into your day. Dogs, particularly
larger breeds, require a lot of walks to make sure they get the
exercise they need and the human attached to their lead is
going to be attaining their recommended daily exercise goals in
the process. The American Heart Association recommends 150
minutes per week of moderate exercise to reduce chances of
heart disease and stroke, with an easy goal set at thirty minutes
per day, five times per week. Take your dog for a half hour walk
each day which can be split into fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen at night and both you and your pooch will be
healthier and happier in the long run.
2. HEART STRONG Walking a dog isnt the only way to help your
heart. Simply owning a pet has been proven to reduce blood

pressure in owners and increase life expectancy in heart attack
survivors. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial, which
spanned 1,700 patients between 1986 and 1998, found that, of
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
41
those who had survived a heart attack, dog owners had a one
percent chance of dying within a year of their attack, which
contrasted with a 7 percent chance for those who didnt own
a dog. Both the CDC and the National Institute of Health have
conducted studies into the health benefits of pet ownership, and
both found that owners have, on average, lower blood pressures
and lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
3. STRESSING ME OUT Sure, its easy to worry about your pets:
what have they eaten, why are they limping, do they seem less
excited than usual, why dont they want attention today, etc.
Still, as a whole, pets are more likely to reduce stress than cause
it. In 1999, a University of Buffalo study concluded that pets
were a better way to reduce high blood pressure a common
side effect of stress better than ACE inhibitors alone. Karen
Allen, Ph.D., assessed 48 stockbrokers in New York City, all on
lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension. Half of
the participants were told to adopt a dog or cat, with Allen monitoring stress levels and blood pressure in both groups. This
study shows that if you have high blood pressure, a pet is very
good for you when youre under stress, Allen said. Of the 24 petowning stockbrokers, all showed better cardiovascular control
during stressful situations than non-pet owning participants. If
you lead a stressful life and want an easy way to help manage it,
get yourself a pet.
4. FELINE FINE Counter-intuitive as it may seem, owning a
pet can help reduce a variety of ailments, including allergies,
eczema and asthma. University of Wisconsin-Madison pediatrician James E. Gern concluded that having a pet in the house can
reduce a childs chances of developing related allergies by up to
by ??????
42
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
pets
one-third, and that children exposed to animals at an early age

have stronger immune systems overall. It wont be of particular
use to current sufferers, so dont rush out and grab a cat if you
are allergic to them, but its something to consider if youre
bringing a child into your home. As well as making great companions for children, your dog or cat could be setting them up
for a healthier adult life as well.
5. MANS BEST FRIEND If youre socially awkward or lack con-
fidence, it can be difficult getting out and meeting new people.

Humans are social creatures, and interacting with others makes
us feel better and improves our overall mood. Harvard Womens
Health Watch concluded that social connections help relieve
harmful levels of stress, which can harm the hearts arteries,
gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system. If you
struggle with breaking the ice or making new friends, a pet is a
great way to do so. Take your pet to training classes and mingle
with other new owners, or go for a walk in one of the citys
many dog parks and let your pup introduce himself to other
dogs and, subsequently, help you introduce yourself to their
owners. If personal interaction isnt your thing, join one of the
pet-specific social networking sites such as Dogster or Petpop
and set up playdates, make friends and more.
There are numerous ways in which pets can impact your
overall lives, but above all, theyre simply a joy to own. From
the tail-wagging greeting of a dog when you come home after a
long day, or the welcome warmth of a cat stretched across your
lap on a cold evening, pets are an incredible part of the human
experience. That they can also help us stay on this earth that
little bit longer is merely an added bonus to an already amazing
relationship. l
by ??????
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
43
NIGHT
LIFE
LISTINGS
THURS., 12.04.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour, 4pm-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Call
Martini, $3 Miller Lite, $4
Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm $3
Rail Drinks, 10pm-midnight,
$5 Red Bull, Gatorade
and Frozen Virgin Drinks
Locker Room Thursday
Nights DJs Sean Morris
and MadScience Ripped
Hot Body Contest at midnight, hosted by Sasha
J. Adams and BaNaka
$200 Cash Prize Doors
open 10pm, 18+ $5 Cover
under 21 and free with
college ID
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs, $2
JR.s drafts, 8pm to close
Throwback Thursday featuring rock/pop retro hits
NUMBER NINE
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
NELLIES SPORTS BAR

Beat The Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Drag Bingo
METROWEEKLY.COM
45
46
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
scene
Friday, November 28
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Photography by
Ward Morrison
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim-e in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
FRI., 12.05.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
Friday Night Videos with
resident DJ Shea Van Horn
VJ Expanded craft beer
selection No cover
ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm
COBALT/30 DEGREES
All You Can Drink Happy
Hour $15 Rail &
Domestic, $21 Call &
Imports, 6-9pm Guys
Night Out Free Rail
Vodka, 11pm-Midnight, $6
Belvedere Vodka Drinks
all night DJ Keenan Orr

and guest DJs $10 cover
10pm-1am, $5 after 1am
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Wicked Jezebel performs,
8pm $5 Cover
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm DC
Otter Den presents Otter
Crossing Featuring DJ Bil
Todd Doors open 9pm,
$5 Cover after 10pm $5
Smirnoff, All Flavors, All
Night Long $3 Bud, $4
Fireball
JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1, 11pm-midnight Happy Hour: 2-for1, 4-9pm $5 Coronas, $8
Vodka Red Bulls, 9pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR

DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Dancing Beat The Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
over, $5 from 10-11pm and

$10 after 11pm For those
18-20, $12 all night 18+
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour: 2
for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers,
hosted by LaTroya Nicole
Ladies of Illusion with host
Kristina Kelly, 9pm DJ
Steve Henderson in Secrets
DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds
Cover 21+
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and fries,
4-8pm
TOWN
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by Lena
Lett and featuring Miss
Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Epiphany B. Lee
and BaNaka DJ Wess
upstairs, BacK2bACk
downstairs Doors open
at 10pm For those 21 and
TOWN PATIO
Open 6pm 21+
SAT., 12.06.14
9 1/2
$5 Absolut & Titos, $3
Miller Lite after 9pm
Expanded craft beer selection No Cover
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Drag Yourself to Brunch at
Level One, 11am-2pm and
2-4pm Featuring Kristina
Kelly and the Ladies of
Illusion Bottomless
Mimosas and Bloody Marys
Happy Hour: $3 Miller

Lite, $4 Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Rumba Latina by Johny
Vasquez presents Twisted
Xmas with DJ Willie and
DJ MadScience Featuring
Divas de la Rumba: Miss
Reina de Reinas, Sylvanna
Duvel, Jordan Sinclair and
Catalina Martinez Hot
male and female go-go
dancers Special drinks
all night $5 Modello, $5
Corona, $6 Captain Morgan
Cuba Libres, $6 Jose
Cuervo shots and $8 Long
Island Iced Teas 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Diner-style Breakfast
Buffet, 10am-3pm
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Freddies Follies Drag
Show 8pm-10pm, hosted
by Ms. Destiny B. Childs
Karaoke, 10pm-1am
JR.S
$4 Coors, $5 Vodka highballs, $7 Vodka Red Bulls
METROWEEKLY.COM
NELLIES
Guest DJs Zing Zang
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer,
House Rail Drinks and
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Buckets of Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
PHASE 1
Dancing, 9pm-close
PWS SPORTS BAR
Karaoke in the lounge
Charity Bingo with Cash
Prizes 3rd Sat. of Every
Month Half-price cheesesteaks and fries, 4-8pm
TOWN
DJ Hector Fonseca Doors
open 10pm Drag Show
starts at 10:30pm Hosted
by Lena Lett and featuring
Miss Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Epiphany B. Lee and
BaNaka Music and videos by DJ Wess downstairs
Cover $8 from 10-11pm,
$12 after 11pm 21+
DECEMBER 4, 2014
47
TOWN PATIO
Open 10pm 21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm
Guest dancers Ladies
of Illusion with host Ella
Fitzgerald, 9pm DJ Steve
Henderson in Secrets
DJ Joey O in Ziegfelds
Doors 8pm Cover 21+
SUN., 12.07.14
9 1/2
TVs showing movies,
Cover
COBALT/30 DEGREES
$4 Stoli and Miller Lite all
day Homowood Karaoke,
10pm-close
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch Buffet,
10am-3pm Crazy Hour,
4-7pm Karaoke 8pm-1am
48
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
JR.S
Sunday Funday Liquid
Brunch Doors open at
1pm $2 Coors Lights &
$3 Skyy (all flavors), all day
and night
NELLIES
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$20 Brunch Buffet
House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
11am-close Buckets of
Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Pop Goes the World with
Wes Della Volla at 9:30
pm Happy Hour: 2 for
1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Decades of Dance DJ
Tim-e in Secrets Doors
8pm Cover 21+
MON., 12.08.14
9 1/2
Multiple TVs showing
movies, shows, sports
ANNIES
Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Mr. & Miss Cobalt
Pageant: Its Christmas,
9pm-close $3 Skyy
Cocktails, $8 Skyy and Red
Bull No Cover, 18+
FREDDIES
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm
Showtunes Songs &
Singalongs, 9pm-close
DJ Jamez $3 Drafts
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Beer $15 Poker Texas
Holdem, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
TUES., 12.09.14
9 1/2
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
WED., 12.10.14
Vodka ($2 with College I.D./

JRs Team Shirt)
COBALT/30 DEGREES
SIN Industry Night
Half-price Cocktails, 10pmclose
9 1/2
NELLIES SPORTS BAR

$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Half-Price
Burger Night Buckets
of Beer $15 SmartAss
Trivia, 8pm
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
FREDDIES BEACH BAR

Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Underground (Indie Pop/Alt/
Brit Rock), 9pm-close DJ
Wes Della Volla 2-for-1,
all day and night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Beer $15 Karaoke
NUMBER NINE
No Cover Safe Word: A
Gay Spelling Bee, 8-11pm
Prizes to top three
spellers After 9pm, $3
Absolut, Bulleit & Stella
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Karaoke, 10pm-close
$4 Stoli & Flavors and
Miller Lite
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm Drag
Bingo, 8pm Karaoke,
10pm
JR.S
Trivia with MC Jay Ray,
8pm The Queen, 10-11pm
$2 JRs Drafts & $4
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Shirtless Night, 10-11pm,
12-12:30am Military
Night, no cover with
military ID DJ Don T. in
Secrets 9pm Cover 21+
THURS., 12.11.14
9 1/2
TVs showing movies,
Cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour, 4pm-7pm
Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Call
Martini, $3 Miller Lite, $4
Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm $3
Rail Drinks, 10pm-midnight,
$5 Red Bull, Gatorade
and Frozen Virgin Drinks
Locker Room Thursday
Nights DJs Sean Morris
and MadScience Ripped
Hot Body Contest at midnight, hosted by Sasha
J. Adams and BaNaka
$200 Cash Prize Doors
open 10pm, 18+ $5 Cover
under 21 and free with
college ID
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
METROWEEKLY.COM
JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs, $2
JR.s drafts, 8pm to close
Throwback Thursday featuring rock/pop retro hits
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Beer $15 Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim-e in Secrets 9pm
Cover
FRI., 12.12.14
9 1/2
Friday Night Videos with
resident DJ Shea Van Horn
VJ Expanded craft beer
selection No cover
DECEMBER 4, 2014
49
ANNIES
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm
COBALT/30 DEGREES
All You Can Drink Happy
Hour $15 Rail &
Domestic, $21 Call &
Imports, 6-9pm Guys
Night Out Free Rail
Vodka, 11pm-Midnight, $6
Belvedere Vodka Drinks
all night DJ Keenan Orr
and guest DJs $10 cover
10pm-1am, $5 after 1am
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
50
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
FREDDIES BEACH BAR

Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1, 11pm-midnight Happy Hour: 2-for1, 4-9pm $5 Coronas, $8
Vodka Red Bulls, 9pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Dancing Beat The Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15 DJ
Jeff Pryor
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and fries,
4-8pm
TOWN
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by Lena
Lett and featuring Miss
Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Epiphany B. Lee
and BaNaka DJ Wess
upstairs, BacK2bACk
downstairs Doors open
at 10pm For those 21 and
over, $5 from 10-11pm and
$10 after 11pm For those
18-20, $12 all night 18+
TOWN PATIO
Open 6pm 21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers,
hosted by LaTroya Nicole
Ladies of Illusion with host
Kristina Kelly, 9pm DJ
Steve Henderson in Secrets
DJ Joey O in Ziegfelds
Cover 21+ l
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
51
scene
Friday, November 28
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Photography by
Ward Morrison
52
HY ARENT
more people
dancing?
Especially at predominantly straight events,
many clubgoers stand facing the DJ. And everywhere
these days youll find a
good portion of patrons on
the dance floor glued to
their phones.
Its frustrating as a
DJ, because all you really
want to do is make people
dance, says DC9s Bill
Spieler. So Spieler launched
a new party at his club on
the now-trendy 9th Street
that takes inspiration from
venues elsewhere banning
the use of phones notably, a strict no-phones party
in New York Spieler had
visited. They actually have
a specific security guard
that just watches for when

people try to use their
phone, and they ask them
to get off the dance floor.
Dubbed Discnotheque,
Spielers party entices
patrons to check their
phones along with their
coats by waiving the normal $5 cover if they do.
But the party, which
Spieler throws with fellow
DJ Sean Morris, is a throwback in more ways than just
technology. Its also intended to be a house musicfocused party that draws
a mixed crowd. DC9 has
always been known as a
mixed party, Spieler says.
Its not a gay bar, but you
certainly dont feel like you
shouldnt be here if you
are gay. And weve always
had some kind of gay party
going on.
DC9 has not always
been known for house
music its best known as
an indie-rock venue. Im
certainly not as connected
with people that like house
as I would hope to be,
Spieler says. Partnering
with Morris, one of the
promoters behind the gay
party Flashy Sundays at the
nearby Flash Nightclub and
a weekly resident at Cobalt,
is one way in which he
hopes to change that. Hes
also added new lighting and
installed a super-beefy
sound system.
DC9 has not abandoned
its rock roots, but Spieler
hopes to offer more house
going forward. Hes also
talking with other promoters to start new events
at the 11-year-old club. Hes

open to more house-oriented
parties as well as scheduling
more house music acts to
perform live.
Spieler is even considering moving the main floor DJ
booth to be a little bit closer
to the dance floor. Though
of course, such a move risks
people just standing and looking in his direction. I think
its a good thing to have the
DJ booth in the back of the
room, he says. Because
there is nothing to look at.
Youre on the dance floor, and
dance is what you do.
Discnotheque is held every
Friday starting at 10 p.m., at
DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. Cover
is $5, or free with phone
check. Call 202-483-5000 or
visit dcnine.com. l
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
53
With Discnotheque, DC9 aims for more dancing to house music and a whole lot less phone usage
CLUBLIFE BY DOUG RULE
Everybody Dance Now
I can make it official:

Daryl Dixon is actually straight.
Walking Dead creator ROBERT KIRKMAN, speaking on AMCs Talking Dead. Kirkman confirmed that long-running character Daryl Dixon, portrayed by Norman Reedus, will not come out as gay. Kirkman admitted to the character being somewhat
asexual a very introverted character, but that past hints and suggestions that Daryl would come out were no longer the case.
Coming back in our next half of the season we are going to be introducing a very prominent gay character, Kirkman said.
[We make it clear to] any outside bloc that wants to

impose acceptance of homosexuals as a
pre-condition for aid
that we will never accept that conditionality no matter how much aid is involved.
Gambian Foreign Minister BALA GARBA JAHUMPA, speaking in a televised address, as reported by Gambian Affairs. Jahumpa
has rejected dialogue with the European Union or any other nation or organization which seeks better treatment of Gambias
LGBT population as part of discussions on aid provisions. He called homosexuality Satanic and described it as
detrimental to human existence in his speech.
We are working to build a society where every person has access to life-extending care,
regardless of who they are or whom they love.
President BARACK OBAMA, in a statement issued on World AIDS Day. The President called for a renewed focus on combatting HIV/AIDS in communities which are disproportionately affected, including gay and bisexual men, African Americans,
and Hispanics, and reducing the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS which too many individuals continue to bear the burden of.
President Obama also championed his Affordable Care Act which prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage
due to a pre-existing condition, such as HIV/AIDS.
I believe their intention is to

kill the bill by delay.
Canadian Minister of Parliament RANDALL GARRISON, speaking with The Globe and Mail. Mr Garrison tabled Bill C-279,
which would improve legal protections for trans people in Canada, and was passed by the House of Commons in 2013. However,
it has since languished in the countrys Senate, being pushed aside by the Senates Conservative party members
in favor of bills from the Conservative government.
Thats the big thing,

to have their union legally sanctioned.
These couples have already made their commitments to one another.
REV. MICHELLE BUHITE of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., speaking with The State. Reverend Buhites
church offered free wedding ceremonies to all couples on a walk-in basis for one day, following the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of
Appeals decision which struck down the states same-sex marriage ban. Local photographers captured the vows for free
and a local bakery donated cupcakes for the couples and their families.
54
DECEMBER 4, 2014
METROWEEKLY.COM
METROWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 4, 2014
55

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2

SALES & MARKETING

2014 Jansi LLC.

Marriage Momentum Continues

D.C. Ban Conversion Therapy

OUT ON THE TOWN

Round House Theatres Nutcraker

Logan Circle House Tour

DC Bear Crue at Town

photography by Ward Morrison

Now online at MetroWeekly.com

Marriage Momentum Continues

U.S. Supreme Court

on the basis of gender.

The petition for writ of certiorari

D.C. Bans Conversion

Bill would prohibit use of so-called reparative therapies aimed at ending

instead delaying an individuals ability

ous and discredited pseudoscience that

dangerous practices will get a boost.

AGLA Names Equality

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington, LGBT-friendly garden club chosen by

HE ARLINGTON GAY &

constitutional ban on same-sex marriage was still active. He became a

serving elements of the healing garden at

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6 p.m., by

holds its 2014 Toys for Tots Holiday Party. Bring

GAY DISTRICT, a community-based organization

CENTER GLOBAL, a group of The DC Center that

The DC Centers TRANSGENDER SUPPORT AND

CENTER MILITARY, a group for LGBT veterans,

CENTER MILITARY and the UNITED SOLDIERS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. The

in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in

METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session

at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr. SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visit

GAY DISTRICT holds facilitated discussion for

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health,

Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,

METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV

PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-affirming social

group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road

Lets Kick (Aids Survivor Syndrome), a grassroots

free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by

BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the

club welcomes all levels for exercise in a fun and

DC SENTINELS basketball team meets at Turkey

Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE,

DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass

HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes

GLBT community for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 Old

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT,

God-centered new age church & learning center.

Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF REFORMATION invites

all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF