a&e features
Moments with Michelle Branch
After white-hot, early ‘00s run, ‘anti-Britney’ Branch returns with new album, new tour and new perspective on life
Michelle Branch says the pop music industry is working with outdated business models that aren’t fair to artists. (Photo courtesy Verve Label Group)
Michelle Branch
Friday, Aug. 4
8 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V St., N.W.
930.com
$58-70
In 14 years, Michelle Branch went from making radio hits to people wondering, “Whatever happened to Michelle Branch?”
Branch came out with her first hit single “Everywhere” from her debut album “The Spirit Room” in 2001 at 18 years old. Known as the “Anti-Britney,” along with fellow alternative-pop queens Avril Lavigne and Vanessa Carlton, Branch’s angsty lyrics and guitar playing were the opposite of Spears’ bubblegum pop sound. Her music videos for “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted” and “Goodbye to You” propelled her to a frequent spot on the “TRL” Top 10.
Her next album “Hotel Paper” produced the hit single, “Are You Happy Now?,” a “You Outta Know” by Alanis Morissette for the early ‘00s generation that received plenty of radio airplay. She also collaborated with big-name artists such as Sheryl Crow. She even won a Grammy for her work with Santana on “The Game of Love” in 2003.
Then silence.
Branch married her bass player Teddy Landau and gave birth to their now-11-year-old daughter, Owen. Branch delved into country with her band the Wreckers, with musician Jessica Harp in 2005. After the duo disbanded, Branch found herself caught in a cycle of creating content that her label wouldn’t let her release. In 2015, the singer’s personal life also hit a rough patch when she divorced Landau.
Now finally free of her contract, Branch has released her first album since 2003, “Hopeless Romantic,” on a new label, Verve Records. The edgy, alternative sound is back but at 33 years old, Branch is no longer the angsty teen she was. This is also her first collaboration with the Black Keys’ drummer, Patrick Carney. Carney started as her music partner and went on to become her fiancé; the couple got engaged in July.
Her first solo tour in years stops by 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on Friday, Aug 4 for a sold-out performance.
Branch chatted with the Washington Blade right before a sound check about where she’s been these last 14 years, how much the music scene has changed and what it’s actually like being Carlton’s doppelgänger.
WASHINGTON BLADE: Since your 2003 album “Hotel Paper” you seemed to disappear from the mainstream as a solo artist. But behind the scenes you were battling your label. What were some of the label issues you were having post-“Hotel Paper”?
MICHELLE BRANCH: Well, post-“Hotel Paper” I actually first started a band called the Wreckers. It was like a country side project of mine. We were doing really successful. We had a Grammy nomination, a number one song, we went platinum and we were on tour. So everything was going great up until about 2007. That’s when the Wreckers broke up. That’s when it started getting complicated. I followed up the Wreckers with a solo country record. I had been writing a bunch of Wreckers material but then we broke up so I just decided to record it myself. That’s when I started getting problems. I had the president of that label tell me, “You’re not country enough to do this album by yourself.” So I took the record to L.A. and they said, “No, this isn’t pop enough. It’s too country for us.” So that record got shelved. I watched like four label presidents get fired while I was there. I basically ended up being a victim of corporate restructuring. I ended up turning in a full country album and then I followed it up with a full pop record that got shelved as well. They wouldn’t let me out of my contract. So I finally got out of my contract in 2014 and that’s when I started writing this record.
BLADE: On your new album “Hopeless Romantic” you collaborated with Patrick Carney of the Black Keys. How did that come about?
BRANCH: Patrick and I met at a Grammy party. But he was on my list of people to ask about producing. I wanted to find someone with more of a rock background and I liked another band that he produced called Tennis that I loved. And I walked into the party and saw him on the other side of the room and was like “Oh, this is perfect. I can actually go ask him myself.” So, we started talking and he was like, “Where have you been? What have you been up to? I love your voice. You should be making music.” When I told him what I’d been through at the record label he immediately was like, “I want to help. Send me music.” And that’s how it started.
BLADE: Even though you switched labels and had a new collaborator in Patrick did you fear this music wouldn’t see the light of day like your other material?
BRANCH: Once I signed with the new label and started recording, it all felt great. Between the records and getting off my record label there were moments. Like when I was on Warner Brothers I thought, “OK, maybe I’m never, ever going to get a record out again.” But once I switched labels it just felt completely different. There was a totally different energy.
BLADE: Prince used to say record contracts are like slavery and that he would tell young artists not to sign. Would you give the same advice?
BRANCH: Yeah. I mean I just think the record business is a dying business. So many of these huge companies are just following old, dinosaur methods of doing things and ultimately it’s all because of wanting to make money and the artists suffer. So I would definitely encourage younger artists to be as independent as possible.
BLADE: The way music is consumed now is so different from when you first hit the scene. You tweeted the other day you noticed how people had their cell phones out at your concerts now versus the last time you toured. Do you think people have lost the ability to be fully present at shows?
BRANCH: I don’t think everyone has. Fellow concert-goers get annoyed too. I had so many people comment back saying, “Yeah I was at that show and it was so annoying. I couldn’t see because someone’s phone was in my face.” I feel like there’s a certain time and place where you should be present. The whole point of live music is to actually see it, feel it and be a part of it. It’s a collaborative effort. The audience is just as much part of a show as whoever is on stage. If you want to film the whole thing you might as well just go watch YouTube videos of the show and not be at the show. It’s not at every show but just the last few shows I’ve noticed it and it bummed me out. I think that there’s definitely a time and a place for technology.
BLADE: You and Vanessa Carlton debuted around the same time and were always compared. Did it ever annoy you?
BRANCH: Not at all. She’s amazing. I think the only thing that gets annoying is that still to this day people are like, “Oh my god, will you please play that song ‘A Thousand Miles’”? I’m like, “That’s not me.” But she’s great. She gets it just as much as I do so we’ve just gotten used to being each other’s doppelgänger.
BLADE: You’ve shown your support for the Tegan and Sara Foundation. Why is it important for you to be an LGBT ally?
BRANCH: It’s so important because human equality, human rights, should be for everybody. It shouldn’t be for just one type of person. Love is love. There’s a line from one of the songs on my album called “Heartbreak Now.” It says, “You can’t help who you love” and I truly believe it. I think it’s completely preposterous to discriminate against someone based on who they love or how they identify. It’s completely a human rights issue to me.
BLADE: So what’s next?
BRANCH: More music. I was just talking with Patrick that the minute this tour gets done we’re going to go home and start recording a new record. My goal now that I’m free is to just make as much music as possible and be able to play shows whenever I can.
Michelle Branch says the pop music industry is working with outdated business models that aren’t fair to artists. (Photo courtesy Verve Label Group)
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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