a&e features
‘Comedy is the best medicine’
Ribald as ever, Griffin on Caitlyn, Gaga, the D-list and more
Kathy Griffin says not to fear her show might be toned down just because it’s at the Kennedy Center. She plans to let it rip and give even buttoned-up Washingtonians a ‘belly laugh.’ (Photo courtesy PMK-BNC Entertainment)
Kathy Griffin
‘#LIKEABOSS’ tour
The Kennedy Center
2700 F St., N.W.
Saturday, June 20
8 p.m.
$49-99
Kathy Griffin’s no-holds-barred brand of comedy has catapulted her into stardom with everything from her former reality show “My Life on the D-list,” to her outrageous celebrity-skewering stand-up tours to briefly taking over Joan Rivers’ reign as host of “Fashion Police.”
The notorious comedian and outspoken LGBT rights activist, who opens her 80-city “#LIKEABOSS” tour at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, declined to answer questions about her “Fashion Police” departure in March, having commented on it earlier this year on Twitter and to other outlets. She says that although she was told accommodations would be made for her brand of comedy, once she tried it, she felt uncomfortable critiquing the stars’ red carpet looks. She taped seven episodes and told “The View,” her departure was “no harm, no foul — it just wasn’t the right thing for me.”
But Griffin, 54, still had plenty to talk about. During a phone interview on the road, she discussed her upcoming stand-up show, Caitlyn Jenner and how talking to Lady Gaga in an elevator made her re-think her celebrity status. Her comments have been slightly edited for length.
WASHINGTON BLADE: You’re bringing “#LIKEABOSS” tour to D.C. at the Kennedy Center. What’s the show about?
KATHY GRIFFIN: Well, I named the tour because I realized after doing, and I’m in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for this, 23 stand-up comedy specials, more than any comedian male or female, living or dead, I didn’t want people to think, “Oh I’ve already seen her,” or, “I’ve seen her three years ago.” I want everyone to know it’s all new, new, new. I also want people to know I write all my material and I’m pointing that out because I frankly recently learned a lot of comics don’t even write their own act. Fuck that! Like a boss, I write all my stuff and why wouldn’t I? I mean what better time to come to the iconic Kennedy Center when we are on the verge of the decision coming down about the legalization of gay marriage. It’s all about Caitlyn or Catie as I call her. It’s all about Caitlyn, which is an ever-changing minute-by-minute story. I couldn’t be happier to be in D.C. at this time. The Republican race is getting down right hilarious. The D.C. audiences are notoriously smart and open-minded and that’s all I ask. You thought you knew me but I have some new things to talk about at the Kennedy Center.
BLADE: Why are LGBT rights such an important issue for you?
GRIFFIN: I always say gay audiences are the greatest audiences in the world because there’s nothing I can say that can shock them. There’s nothing I’m going to say out of my potty mouth or that’s too far across the line that a member of the LGBT community has not heard or dealt with. As a woman, I feel that we have a lot to learn from the LGBT community because women you know, we have a lot of ground to cover and a long distance to go as feminists. Frankly, I don’t feel we’re as effective as a women’s movement as the LGBT movement. The LGBTs fucking get together and legislate and march and protest and come together in a way I think is so effective and so moving in the right direction. As a woman, I am often telling my straight female friends, “Look at how the LGBTs are doing it. Come on ladies we need to learn from them.”
I think that’s why I’ve always been immersed in the community and we’ve always worked well together. When I started doing open mic nights, I honestly would prefer to do stand-up in a gay bar than a conventional comedy club. That is what the folks that have been coming to see me all these years they know. Leading up to the Kennedy Center I’m doing Roanoke and Charlottesville and those markets one may not expect them to be quite as liberal as D.C. but the folks coming to those cities know what they’re in for. They see a ticket that says “Kathy Griffin: Like a Boss” and they know I’m not going to be holding a pro-Sarah Palin rally.
I think that is what I have been building and that is what I have been seeing side by side with the community such progress and it’s thoughtful. Its not like the LGBT community has just been hoping for miracles. It’s fucking hard work and I think that’s why the community has been so good to me. I love doing it all and I feel that is another way I identify with the community is like this is a community that realizes they have to work harder and jump higher and that’s my story as well. So that’s why we’ve always been kindred spirits. And we love a good laugh, damn it!
BLADE: Your comedic style is known for being controversial and offensive. How do you feel about comedy and talking about sensitive issues like Caitlyn Jenner?
GRIFFIN: Well first of all what I loved about the then Bruce Jenner interview with Diane Sawyer is the first thing he said to Diane is, “Now Diane, before we start I think it’s important that we keep a sense of humor about this.” I, as a viewer, I was on the road somewhere, and I remember just cheering out loud and saying, “Yes that is essential.” As someone who has done stand-up comedy in AIDS hospices, in Iraq and Afghanistan, that is what I have heard my whole career. People who are in all kinds of situations whether they are having the greatest day of their life, the most challenging day of their life, changing their lives as Caitlyn has done. It’s so interesting, it’s always the first thing out of their mouths to me. They always say, “I want a joke, I want to keep this funny.” It’s so important to keep a sense of humor about everything. Comedy really is the best medicine. There’s always funny in everything.
I had a friend who was in the end stages of cancer and I went to visit her and I thought it was going to be this serious visit and she said, “Oh God, just make fun of me. Just make me laugh.” I know what that meant. It didn’t mean make light of the situation; it meant, I need a laugh. So I really loved that then Bruce Jenner said first out the gate we’ve got to keep our sense of humor. Within the community, I’ve met many, many transgender people that are not in the position of Caitlyn with a lot of money and a Vanity Fair cover. There are many colors to this rainbow. It’s all fair game and there are many, many ways to have a great sense of humor about Caitlyn’s journey and about the community. So I’ll do this the same way I make fun of everything and everybody.
BLADE: Washington is such a hotbed of political activity. It can be very serious and people can take themselves very seriously.
GRIFFIN: Let them even try! Let them even try the minute they walk into that Kennedy Center for the Kathy Griffin show. I would love nothing more than if like even two people walked in thinking they were seeing the symphony and then 20 minutes into my pussy jokes storm out. I’m not above a good walk out. I enjoy them. I’ve experienced several walk-outs, typically more in the red states. They’re not going to be allowed to take themselves seriously that night. I’m not having it.
BLADE: On the other side of that, do you ever find that your humor helps your agenda in support for LGBT rights?
GRIFFIN: Oh my gosh absolutely! My greatest contribution to the community is honestly bringing humor. I’m not saying I’m Larry Kramer, I never did. I’m just saying I’m here to make you laugh. That is my function in the community. That’s my profession, that’s what I do, I’m hard-wired to do that. Whether it’s a talk show or “My Life on the D-List” or hosting an awards show, that is the way that I am able to contribute. When I hold a rally or go canvassing, I’m putting on a little bit more of a different hat. It’s more of a serious hat. But frankly, the best way I can serve the community is to make them laugh. That’s really the message that I’ve heard over and over again from all kinds of people in all kinds of situations, in particular difficult situations. It’s, “Get me through this. Tell me a fucking joke. Tell me about going to see a Bette Midler concert the other night and Barbra Streisand was in the audience and what happened.” I really do believe laughter is a relief, it’s the best medicine and it gets you through things. I believe it. I live it. I’m from a crazy drunken Irish Catholic family and that’s kind of how we dealt with everything. But I also do believe that there is a true cathartic experience to showing up at the Kennedy Center knowing that you’re going to hear some things that are beyond the pale and then leaving with a belly laugh. That’s my job.
BLADE: Are you still “D-list”?
GRIFFIN: I consider myself someone who moves through many lists. I think that honestly everybody does and that’s what I love about the whole concept of A-list, B-list, C-list, D-list. And that’s why I say it with a complete giant tongue in my cheek. I don’t know what list I’m on because it changes minute by minute. When I’m in an elevator, as I was two nights ago, with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett? Fucking A-list right? If I’m driving through Mississippi and I stop at the Waffle House and someone says, “Aren’t you the lady from the TV?” then I go alright maybe that’s not an A-list moment. But I am at the fucking Waffle House what do I fucking expect? That’s why it meant so much to me to win the Emmys and the Grammys because it’s all about the longevity and having fun with it. I didn’t want to stay on the D-list forever. I don’t expect to be on the A-list forever and I’m going to always live somewhere in between.
a&e features
Mr. Henry’s celebrates 60 years of proud inclusivity
Capitol Hill staple remains ‘a caring community’
America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year.
Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 1966 and has never looked back.
Yaffe took over what was then a country western restaurant, renovated the interior to his liking, and created an institution. Yet Yaffe had another goal. As a gay man, “he created Mr. Henry’s to be a place where everyone felt welcome — not easy in 1966 — and he succeeded,” says current owner Mary Quillian.
“Mr. Henry’s has long been a place the LGBTQ community has supported because they felt and still feel welcomed,” says Quillian. Even in the current administration, “the gay community and the diversity-minded community continue to come.”
Since then, Mr. Henry’s has changed hands, opened and closed its second floor, welcomed famed musical acts, and played host to politicians, date nights, breakups, and birthdays. But it still feels like home (and has a note in the National Trust for Historic Preservation) at 601 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.
Its wood-paneled, Victorian-inspired art-filled décor in the downstairs dining room and bar serves American pub fare for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends (and a dog-friendly patio). Upstairs, Mr. Henry’s hosts live jazz performances and special events most nights, continuing a musical tradition that has defined the venue for decades. That upstairs bar has played host to names like Roberta Flack and Woody Allen.
Musician Kevin Cordt said that, “Mr. Henry’s has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I started as a customer, then became a bartender and server, and now I have the good fortune to play trumpet at one of the best live music venues in Washington, D.C.”
Aaron Myers, executive director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, is also a supporter. “Not many cities can sport venues that have consistently served the community in the space of culture for more than 50 years, let alone can brag as the birthplace of culture defining talent.”
From the start, Yaffe promoted a rare yet celebrated combination of locals’ bar and soulful nightlife venue. Mr. Henry’s has attracted a diverse crowd at a time when such spaces were – and perhaps still are – uncommon, a diversity that is credited with helping protect the pub during the 1968 D.C. riots.
Longtime customer Evelyn Branic said, “Mr. Henry’s has been my ‘Cheers’ hangout since my wife and I moved to the Hill in 1987. I’ve experienced many iconic moments meeting politicians, reporters, civic activists, and neighbors engaging in spirited conversations. Whether political, LGBTQ, historians, neighbors, or out-of-towners, everyone could find a special place to be greeted as a friend.”
Its welcoming tables come dabbed with a bit of tea: In 1971, in a moment that has since become part of Capitol Hill lore, Yaffe lost the pub in a poker game to Larry Quillian. The Quillian family, recognizing the special role Mr. Henry’s played in the neighborhood, took over ownership, and committed to preserving its spirit. Today, Larry’s daughter Mary owns the bar, having given it a bit of a facelift for the bar’s 50th birthday, bringing in new tables and some fresh menu items.
For example, the menu has some of those dishes that regulars would riot if they disappeared. The Reuben and the hamburgers, the chili and in-house roasted turkey have never departed the menu. Dishes do evolve, says Quillen: they added wings about two decades ago.
In 2026, the restaurant is hosting monthly ticketed “decades” parties, celebrating each of the 10-year periods the restaurant’s been open, plus there were specials in June for Pride. The official 60th anniversary gala takes place Aug. 29, featuring performers, beverages, timeless favorite foods, swag – and the unveiling of a new cocktail.
Inclusive, eccentric, eclectic, Mr. Henry’s is looking forward to maintaining its centrality to diverse crowds in Capitol Hill. Battling inflation, rising menu prices, changing tastes, and thin margins, Quillian says that Mr. Henry’s has — and will always be — “a caring community for so many different folks. And THAT is why I am committed to keeping us going. Society needs places like Mr. Henry’s, now more than ever.”
a&e features
Television loses a legend, longtime ‘Will & Grace’ director James Burrows
Iconic hitmaker leaves behind a legacy of telling LGBTQ stories
You don’t have to be a pretentious film major to name 10 movie directors. But naming television directors is not that simple. They’re the unsung heroes of your favorite shows, and the late James Burrows was the television director. He passed on June 19, but his DNA runs through television history.
He directed over 1200 episodes of television and over 50 pilots. He co-created “Cheers” and directed many episodes of long-running series like “Friends,” “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Two and a Half Men.” You also may remember him from playing a heightened version of himself on the Lisa Kudrow comedy “The Comeback.”
He has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ community. As recently as last year, he directed the series run of “Mid-Century Modern” starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Linda Lavin. He was also a longtime director of “Will & Grace” and directed every episode of the series revival. He even directed the unaired “Absolutely Fabulous” pilot with Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Johnston, and Zosia Mamet.
Not to mention he’s worked with queer icons throughout history, including Betty White and Stockard Channing on their single-season series, and Jennifer Coolidge in “2 Broke Girls.”
He started his career on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and the first four seasons of “Taxi.”
He continued to work steadily and directed successful pilots that went to series for “Roc,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Wings.” He directed multiple episodes of “Friends,” “Caroline in the City,” and “Frasier.”
This magic continued into the 2000s with him directing the pilots for “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and multiple episodes of “Mike & Molly,” and the entire return series of “Will & Grace.”
What was the secret to his success? He’d enact the “fun clause” in his contract. In his words, “Life is too short to deal with obnoxious leads,” he shared. “So as long as the writing is good and the cast is fun, I’m going to enjoy the experience.”
He had the magic touch, having multiple pilots turned into long-running series. He was nominated for an Emmy 24 times in 26 years and worked consistently until a year before his death.
The secret was the way he brought the cast together. He describes, “it was my job to mold them into an ensemble, and they did round into a group of people who loved each other.”
This earned him 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, including being awarded the inaugural DGA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Television Direction.
In a 2003 interview by the Television Academy, he was asked how he wants to be remembered, and he said, “That every night forever you can tune in somewhere, and there’ll be a show I did.”
He’s survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, seven grandchildren, and the countless people whose careers he launched and the countless viewers he inspired with his television legacy.
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
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