Arts & Entertainment

Arts news in brief: Oct. 7

Stein exhibit opens at Portrait Gallery, Center hosts two weekend events and more

Published

14 years ago

October 6, 2011

Gertrude Stein posing for Jo Davidson in 1922. A tribute to the iconoclastic lesbian poet and art collector opens next weekend at the Portrait Gallery in Washington. (Image courtesy of the Smithsonian)

Stein exhibit opens at Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery has a new exhibit, “Seeing Gertrude Stein: Five Stories” opening Oct. 14.

The exhibit features more than 50 artifacts and 100 works by artists detailing the groundbreaking lesbian writer’s life and work.

Wanda Corn, who is serving as guest curator, and Tirza True Latimar, serving as associate guest curator, have written a book of the same name which analyzes the portraits Stein posed for and more.

The gallery is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Mackey: the ‘Knife’

Lesbian singer/songwriter Jeanne Mackey will be performing “Drop the Knife: A Memoir-in-Song” on Oct. 14 at the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium (7500 Maple Ave.) at 7:30 p.m.

As a young musician, Mackey advocated feminist values and social justice and in this musical she chronicles her search for personal and ancestral healing, exploring the meaning of magic, homeland, curses and death.

There is a suggested donation of $10 to $15.

Center hosts two artists this weekend

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) has two events this weekend.

First up is the Center’s monthly open mic night tonight at 8 p.m. featuring Liz Prescott, a semi-finalist in Capturing Fire, the first national, queer poetry slam. Prescott has also been featured at Busboys & Poets and Bloombars.

The night will be hosted by Mike Brazell and those who wish to participate should sign up by 7:30 p.m.

Then on Saturday, Kimberly Dark, a writer, mother, performer and professor, will be performing “Good Fortune” tonight at 8 p.m. Dark has compiled her own “tarot deck” of 49 large-size art images that correspond to stories. At each performance, an audience member chooses cards from the deck to form the show’s “reading.” The cards’ selection, arrangement, and impromptu interpretation ensure that no two shows will ever be alike. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door.

Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

22 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com