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4 JANUARY 21, 2016 METROWEEKLY.COM

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFRandy Shulman

ART DIRECTORTodd Franson

MANAGING EDITORRhuaridh Marr

SENIOR EDITORJohn Riley

CONTRIBUTING EDITORDoug Rule

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERSWard Morrison, Julian Vankim

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORSScott G. Brooks, Christopher Cunetto

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGordon Ashenhurst, Sean Bugg, Connor J. Hogan,

Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield

WEBMASTERDavid Uy

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTJulian Vankim

SALES & MARKETING

PUBLISHERRandy Shulman

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVERivendell Media Co.

212-242-6863

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dennis Havrilla

PATRON SAINTSir Alan Penrod

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYTodd Franson

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4

JANUARY 21, 2016Volume 22 / Issue 37

NEWS 6 HIDDEN LIVES

by Rhuaridh Marr

10 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FEATURE

14

THE SCENE AT LEATHER WEEKEND

F ROM L EATHER COCKTAILS TO

M R. MAL, WE OFFER VISUAL

STIMULATION FROM THE BEST

L EATHER W EEKEND YET

photography by Ward Morrison

Additional Photography by Todd Franson

OUT ON THE TOWN 24 A G ENTLEMAN ’ S GUIDE TO

LOVE AND M URDER

by Randy Shulman

26 JULIA SCOTTI AT AMP BY STRATHMORE

by Doug Rule

STAGE 29 T HE C RITIC AND T HE R EAL

I NSPECTOR H OUND

by Kate Wingfield

GEARS 31 ELECTRIC WAR

by Rhuaridh Marr

MUSIC 33 DAVID BOWIE’S B LACKSTAR

by Sean Maunier

NIGHTLIFE 35 DARK & TWISTED: THE OFFICIAL MAL

CLOSING PARTY AT THE 9:30 CLUB

photography by

Ward Morrison Additional Photography by Todd Franson

SCENE 43 IMPACT: HOSTED BY THE

HIGHWAYMEN TNT AT MAL

photography by Ward Morrison

46 LAST WORD


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5METROWEEKLY.COM JANUARY 21, 2016


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Hidden LivesGOP candidates are keeping their anti-gay views off the

debate stage — and that’s not a good thing

Republican presidential candidates (L-R) John Kasich, Carly Fiorina, Sen. Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie in Las Vegas, NV. Dec. 15, 2015

IT WOULD BE EASY TO FORGET THAT BEING LESBI-an, gay, bisexual or transgender matters. As broadcasters,

politicians and the public alike gear up for this November’s

presidential elections, it seems that the ever-present prob-lem of “LGBT issues” has largely disappeared from debates.

Last week, both Republicans and Democrats took to stages tooffer their policies, their plans and their attacks on opponents. In

neither instance were LGBT Americans referenced. There were

J O S E P H

S O H M /

S H U T T E R S T O C K . C O M

no lengthy debates about same-sex marriage, no discussions

about transgender people using the restroom of their choice, noveiled remarks to the military’s acceptance of gays. It was a far

cry not only from earlier debates, but from elections past.Just a few months ago, Republican candidates were decry-

ing same-sex marriage and trans bathroom policies. In FoxNews’ August debate, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and then-candidate

Bobby Jindal all confirmed their support for “religious liberty”

L G B T

News Now online at MetroWeekly.comHRC endorses Hillary ClintonTennessee seeks to invalidate gay marriage

by Rhuaridh Marr


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LGBTNews

8

— allowing someone to discriminate against a gay person based

on their religious beliefs. Rick Santorum urged Republicans notto give up the fight against same-sex marriage, while Gov. John

Kasich delivered a more measured response, telling viewersthat he had attended a same-sex wedding. Former Gov. Mike

Huckabee, meanwhile, chose to attack the possibility of trans-

gender servicemembers serving openly in the military. “Themilitary is not a social experiment. The purpose of the military

is to kill people and break things,” the notoriously homophobicFox News contributor railed.

But that was nothing compared to the previous electioncycle. In a 2011 Fox News primary debate, Rick Santorum was

asked a question by Stephen Hill, a gay soldier then serving in

Iraq, who stated that prior to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,he’d had to “lie about who [he] was” in order to serve. Hill want-

ed to know whether the military would recognize his marriage,but Santorum wasn’t interested in addressing that concern.

“I would say any type of sexual activity has absolutely noplace in the military,” Santorum said.

“What would you do with soldiers like Stephen Hill?” mod-erator Megyn Kelly pressed.

“What we are doing is playing social experimentation with

our military right now. That’s tragic. I would just say that goingforward we would reinstitute [DADT] if Rick Santorum was

president,” Santorum responded.But of greater concern was the reaction by the audience.

After Hill’s pre-taped question was played to the candidates,Fox News cut back to the debate to the sound of some audience

members booing. For conservative Republicans, not even Hill’s

status as an active servicemember was enough to respect him —his sexuality trumped everything.

Reach back to 2008 and same-sex marriage was an even hot-ter political topic. As California prepared to vote on Proposition

8 — which would ultimately succeed in halting same-sex mar-riage — gays weren’t far from the presidential candidates’ minds.

During a vice presidential debate, Sarah Palin reiterated thatshe and John McCain did not support marriage equality, and

Joe Biden did the same for he and Barack Obama. “No,” Biden

responded, when asked if he would support marriage equality.“Barack Obama nor I support redefining from a civil side what

constitutes marriage.” It was a response representative of thepolitical climate, when just 39 percent of Americans supported

same-sex marriage, according to Pew Research Center.And as further reminder that same-sex marriage has only

recently won national support from the Democratic Party,

over a decade ago it dominated a 2004 debate for primary can-didates, with John Kerry and John Edwards sparring on the

issue. Neither man supported same-sex marriage, instead favor-ing civil unions, but both took the Republican Party to task for

enshrining a constitutional amendment banning same-sex mar-riage in the party platform for that election. “We have amended

the United States Constitution to end slavery, to give womenthe right to vote — this is clearly nothing but politics,” Edwards

said. In 2012, the Republican Party still had “Preserving and

Protecting Traditional Marriage” as part of the party platform— some state party organizations also included this in their 2014

party platforms.Why take this trip down memory lane? Because the rela-

tive quiet on LGBT issues during the 2016 debates shouldn’tbe put down to an easing of anti-LGBT attitudes from current

presidential candidates, nor should it be confused with the

diminishment of the importance of LGBT issues in national

elections. Indeed, rather than trumpet their homophobia from

the pulpits during debates, Republicans are instead choosingother ways to frame their bigotry — chief among them being

“religious liberty” or “religious freedom,” buzzwords that thereligious right use to discriminate against LGBT people and

oppose pro-equality legislation.In a field of eleven candidates, seven Republicans last week

participated in the “Freedom to Believe” conference, a “reli-

gious freedom” event. Hosting the religious extravaganza was

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a noto-riously homophobic organization, with Perkins himself previ-ously equating gay people with drug addicts, blasting President

Obama’s LGBT nondiscrimination executive order in 2014 asgiving “special treatment to homosexuals, transgenders, and

cross-dressers in the workplace,” and continuing to advocate

for removing the right of gay people to marry. His co-host, RickScarborough, of the Christian organization Vision America,

previously declared he was prepared to be set on fire in the fightagainst same-sex marriage, called AIDS “a homosexual disease,”

and also called it “God’s judgement on a sinful generation.”Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina,

Mike Huckabee, and Rick Santorum shared their thoughts on

religious liberty during the four hour event. In recorded state-ments, each laid out their plans in hope of winning endorse-

ments from the religious right — a segment of the Republicanelectorate no candidate can win a primary without. Bush prom-

ised to be a “strong advocate of religious liberty,” Carson called“secular progressivism” the greatest threat to religious freedom,

while Huckabee promised to ignore the Supreme Court rulingon same-sex marriage. Cruz promised to end “the persecution

of religious liberty” should he be elected, while Rubio said he

would support those called “bigots and haters” for opposingsame-sex marriage. “Freedom to Believe” was a reminder that,

despite their absence from recent debates, LGBT issues are stillvery much in play this election cycle.

Cruz, who is currently celebrating an endorsement from thestaunchly right-wing and anti-gay Eagle Forum, is perhaps the

best example of this. Recent debates have seen Cruz trying tobolster his appeal to voters by touting his foreign policy plans

and combatting Donald Trump’s position at the top of polls. For

voters, those debates would offer no indication of the extent ofCruz’s bigotry — but there’s little doubt that the candidate is as

anti-gay as they come. He has consistently fought against equal-ity. He believes that being gay is a choice, slammed his opponent

in the 2012 race for his senatorial seat for supporting gay prideparades, and if elected would work to overrule the Supreme

Court’s marriage ruling. He told NPR last year that same-sex

marriage would be “front and center” in his 2016 campaign.But then a curious thing happened. According to Politico,

Cruz attended a fundraiser in Manhattan in December wherethe city’s more liberal Republicans quizzed him on his attitudes

towards same-sex marriage. Faced with a less extreme crowdthan at his rallies — and the prospect of several fat cheques to

bolster his campaign efforts — his tone shifted.“Would you say it’s like a top-three priority for you — fight-

ing gay marriage?” a potential donor asked.

“No, Cruz responded. “I would say defending the Constitutionis a top priority…. People of New York may well resolve the mar-

riage question differently than the people of Florida or Texas orOhio.... That’s why we have 50 states — to allow a diversity of

views. And so that is a core commitment.”His shift in tone is remarkable, especially when we fast for-

JANUARY 21, 2016 METROWEEKLY.COM


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ward one month to a rally in Iowa. There, Cruz told an evangeli-

cal crowd that the Supreme Court’s ruling was “fundamentallyillegitimate,” “lawless,” and “will not stand,” according to theChicago Sun Times. Cruz is playing a skillful game, appealing tohis conservative, religious core, while also trying to woo more

moderate Republicans swayed by his policies — but there’s littledoubt as to where his true allegiance lies.

On stage, Cruz, like Marco Rubio, is a slick conservative,

setting forth a vision of a new Republican presidency, one thatdownplays the loud extremism of Trump’s campaign prom-

ises in favor of right-wing, religiously-flavored principles. Butit’s once the cameras are off that LGBT voters need to remem-

ber just how much is at stake in 2016. Where previously wewere a national spectacle, our rights debated for all to see,

now we’re a quiet conversation. As debates shift to national

security, the economy, the battle between left and right, bash-ing gay marriage and trans rights is something reserved for

firing up the Republican base at rallies, campaign stops andchoice appearances.

Whereas it’s easy to assume “Dems good, Republicans bad,”the nuances are much greater — and even less apparent given

the recent lack of public bashing that used to occur on debate

stages. As GOP debates shift to immigration and fighting ISIS,voters — both LGBT and otherwise — need to be aware of the

quieter nature of hatred on display in 2016. As Trump shoutsabout building walls, the more insidious, anti-gay policies of his

opponents are left out of the limelight. When we can’t see on adebate stage what a candidate really thinks, we’re left with one

problem: an anti-LGBT revolution in November that no viewersaw coming. l



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HIV TESTING at Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointmentcall 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointmentneeded. 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.

SMYAL’S REC NIGHT providesa social atmosphere for GLBT andquestioning youth, featuring danceparties, vogue nights, movies andgames. More info, [email protected].

SATURDAY, JAN. 23ADVENTURING outdoors grouphikes 9 moderate miles on thePotomac Heritage Trail in Va. and theC&O Canal Towpath in Md. & D.C.Bring lunch, water, $2 trip fee. Meetat 9:30 a.m. by station attendant’skiosk inside Rosslyn Metro. For moreinformation, Jerry, 703-920-6871.adventuring.org.

BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay vol-unteer organization, volunteers today

for Food & Friends. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.

CHRYSALIS arts & culture group vis-its Baltimore to see the Walters ArtGallery and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Start with brunch at Gertrude’sinside BMA. Carpool at 9 a.m. fromForest Glen Metro Station. More info,contact Craig, 202-462-0535. [email protected].

Join The DC Center for an LGBTASL CLASS for those interested inlearning how to communicate in signlanguage. 1-3 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,Suite 105. For more information, visit

thedccenter.org.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPINSTITUTE for young LBTQ women,13-21, interested in leadership devel-opment. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL YouthCenter, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3163,[email protected].

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

GAY MARRIED MEN’SASSOCIATION (GAMMA) is a con-fidential support group for men whoare gay, bisexual, questioning andwho are married or involved witha woman, that meets on the secondand fourth Fridays of the month inDupont Circle at 7:30 p.m. GAMMAalso offers additional meeting timesand places for men in Northern Virginia and Maryland. For moreinformation: GAMMAinDC.org.

LGB PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUP foradults in Montgomery County offers

a safe space to explore coming outand issues of identity. 10-11:30 a.m.16220 S. Frederick Rd., Suite 512,Gaithersburg, Md. For more informa-tion, visit thedccenter.org.

The DC Center holds its CENTERAGING MONTHLY LUNCH socialfor members of D.C.’s senior com-munity. 12-2 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,Suite 105. For more information, visitthedccenter.org or call 202-682-2245.

WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES, asocial discussion and activity group forLBT women, meets at The DC Centeron the second and fourth Fridays of

each month. Group social activity tofollow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 200014th St. NW, Suite 105. For moreinformation, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). 202-291-4707, andromeda-transculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practicesession at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr.SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21The DC Center hosts its POLYDISCUSSION GROUP for peopleinterested in exploring or talkingabout non-traditional, polyamorous,or non-monogamous relationships, in both the kink and non-kink scenes.

Open to all. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St.NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Takoma AquaticCenter, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9p.m. swimdcac.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-dancing group featuresmainstream through advanced squaredancing at the National City ChristianChurch, 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 happyhour at Sheraton in Reston, 11810Sunrise Valley Drive, second-floor bar, 7-9 p.m. All welcome. dullestri-angles.com.

IDENTITY offers free and confiden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,414 East Diamond Ave., and inTakoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or

Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointmentneeded. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.202-638-0750.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. 202-567-3155or [email protected].

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,3636 Georgia Ave. NW. The group isindependent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

Metro Weekly’s 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 [email protected].

Deadline for inclusion is noon of the Friday before Thursday’s publication.

Questions about the calendar may be directed to the

Metro Weekly office at 202-638-6830 or

the calendar email address.

LGBTCommunityCalendarWEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). 202-291-4707 or andromeda-transculturalhealth.org.

BET MISHPACHAH, founded bymembers of the LGBT community,holds Saturday morning Shabbat services, 10 a.m., followed by Kiddushluncheon. Services in DCJCCCommunity Room, 1529 16th St. NW. betmish.org.

BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, includingothers interested in Brazilian culture,meets. For location/time, email [email protected].

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practicesession at Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr.,SW. 8:30-10 a.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walk-

ing/social club welcomes all levels forexercise in a fun and supportive envi-ronment, socializing afterward. Meet9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for awalk; or 10 a.m. for fun run. dcfront-runners.org.

DC SENTINELS basketball teammeets at Turkey Thicket RecreationCenter, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE, 2-4p.m. For players of all levels, gay orstraight. teamdcbasketball.org.

DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass forLGBT community, family and friends.6:30 p.m., Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria.

All welcome. For more info, visit dig-nitynova.org.

GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discussescritical languages and foreign lan-guages. 7 p.m. Nellie’s, 900 U St. NW.RVSP preferred. [email protected].

IDENTITY offers free and confidentialHIV testing in Takoma Park, 7676New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 12-3 p.m. For appointments otherhours, call 301-422-2398.

SUNDAY, JAN. 24WEEKLY EVENTS

BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressiveand radically inclusive church holdsservices at 11:30 a.m. 2217 Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895, betheldc.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practicesession at Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr.,SW. 9:30-11 a.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DIGNITYUSA offers Roman CatholicMass for the LGBT community. 6p.m., St. Margaret’s Church, 1820Connecticut Ave. NW. All welcome.


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Sign interpreted. For more info, visitdignitynova.org.

FRIENDS MEETING OFWASHINGTON meets for worship,10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW,Quaker House Living Room (next toMeeting House on Decatur Place),2nd floor. Special welcome to lesbiansand gays. Handicapped accessiblefrom Phelps Place gate. Hearing

assistance. quakersdc.org.

HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORTGROUP for gay men living in the DCmetro area. This group will be meet-ing once a month. For information onlocation and time, email to [email protected].

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUALDEVELOPMENT, God-centered newage church & learning center. SundayServices and Workshops event. 5419Sherier Place NW. isd-dc.org.

Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL

TEMPLE – UNITED CHURCH OFCHRIST for an inclusive, loving andprogressive faith community everySunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW,near R in Shaw/L ogan neighborhood.lincolntemple.org.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OFREFORMATION invites all to Sundayworship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare isavailable at both services. WelcomingLGBT people for 25 years. 212 EastCapitol St. NE. reformationdc.org.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITYCHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpreted)and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday Schoolat 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIANCHURCH, inclusive church withGLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor-ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.

RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,a Christ-centered, interracial, wel-coming-and-affirming church, offersservice at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.

ST. STEPHEN AND THEINCARNATION, an “interracial,multi-ethnic Christian Community”offers services in English, 8 a.m. and10:30 a.m., and in Spanish at 5:15 p.m.1525 Newton St. NW. 202-232-0900,saintstephensdc.org.

UNITARIAN CHURCH OFARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcoming-and-affirming congregation, offersservices at 10 a.m. Virginia RainbowUU Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd.uucava.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTCHURCH OF SILVER SPRING invites LGBTQ families and individu-als of all creeds and cultures to jointhe church. Services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.10309 New Hampshire Ave. uucss.org.

UNIVERSALIST NATIONALMEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-ing and inclusive church. GLBTInterweave social/service group

meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 25The DC Center’s CENTER MILITARYWORKING GROUP, dedicated toraising awareness of and supportingLGBT veterans, active duty service-members, their families and allies,meets on the fourth Monday of eachmonth at The DC Center. 7-8:30 p.m.2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. PleaseRSVP to Eric Perez, 202-6872-2245 or

[email protected]

WEEKLY EVENTS

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 927 OhioDr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holdspractice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. GarrisonElementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscan-dals.wordpress.com.

GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. atQuaker House, 2111 Florida Ave. NW.

[email protected].

HIV Testing at WHITMAN-WALKERHEALTH. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY(K.I.) SERVICES, 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free “rapid” HIVtesting and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14thSt. 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, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-

[email protected].


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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 gaymen’s evening affinity group. 3636

Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

WASHINGTON WETSKINS WATERPOLO TEAM practices 7-9 p.m.Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 VanBuren St. NW. Newcomers with atleast basic swimming ability alwayswelcome. Tom, 703-299-0504, [email protected], wetskins.org.

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTHHIV/AIDS Support Group for newlydiagnosed individuals, meets 7 p.m.Registration required. 202-939-7671,[email protected].

TUESDAY, JAN. 26The DC Center’s GENDERQUEER DCsupport and discussion group for peo-ple who identify outside the gender binary meets on the fourth Tuesday ofevery month. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS


ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly

dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle area,6:30 p.m. [email protected], afwash-ington.net.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Takoma AquaticCenter, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9 p.m. swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ walking/social club serving greaterD.C.’s LGBT community and allies

hosts an evening run/walk. dcfront-runners.org.

THE GAY MEN’S HEALTHCOLLABORATIVE offers free HIVtesting and STI screening and treat-ment every Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m.Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health Department, 4480King St. 703-746-4986 or text 571-214-9617. [email protected].

HIV TESTING at Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THEDC CENTER hosts “Packing Party,”where volunteers assemble safe-sexkits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m.,Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW.thedccenter.org.

IDENTITY offers free and confidentialHIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414 EastDiamond Ave., and in Takoma Park,7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointmentsother hours, call Gaithersburg at301-300-9978 or Takoma Park at 301-

422-2398.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY(K.I.) SERVICES, at 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free “rapid” HIVtesting and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointment

needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.202-638-0750.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS—LGBTfocused meeting every Tuesday, 7p.m. St. George’s Episcopal Church,915 Oakland Ave., Arlington, juststeps from Virginia Square Metro. Formore info. call Dick, 703-521-1999.Handicapped accessible. Newcomerswelcome. [email protected].


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SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, [email protected].

SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL,410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. CathyChu, 202-567-3163, [email protected].

US HELPING US hosts a supportgroup for black gay men 40 and older.7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

Whitman-Walker Health’s GAYMEN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS/STD CLINIC opens at 6 p.m., 170114th St. NW. Patients are seen onwalk-in basis. No-cost screening forHIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chla-mydia. Hepatitis and herpes testingavailable for fee. whitman-walker.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27The DC Center hosts a monthly

meeting of its HIV PREVENTIONWORKING GROUP. 6-8 p.m. 200014th St. NW, Suite 105. For moreinformation, visit thedccenter.org.

THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate Bridge. 7:30 p.m.Dignity Center, 721 8th St SE (acrossfrom Marine Barracks). No reserva-tions needed. All welcome. 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.

WEEKLY EVENTS

AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 6:30-6 p.m.,Steam, 17th and R NW. All welcome.For more information, call FaustoFernandez, 703-732-5174.


DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 927 OhioDr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holdspractice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. GarrisonElementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscan-dals.wordpress.com.

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.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

IDENTITY offers free and confiden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414East Diamond Ave. Walk-ins 2-7 p.m.

For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg at 301-300-9978.

JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-gram for job entrants and seekers,meets at The DC Center. 2000 14th St.NW, Suite 105. 6-7:30 p.m. For more

info, www.centercareers.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14thSt. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing.11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite

200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.

PRIME TIMERS OF DC, socialclub for mature gay men, hostsweekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,Windows Bar above Dupont ItalianKitchen, 1637 17th St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316.l


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The Scene at Leather WeekendFrom Leather Cocktails to Mr. MAL, we offer visual stimulation fromthe best Leather Weekend yet

Photography by Ward Morrison // Additional Photography by Todd Franson

WHETHER YOU’RE PARTAKING IN LEATHER COCKTAILS, A HIGH-END FORMAL

event where participants don their finest leather apparel, or watching “pups”

wrestle, sniff and bat around balls in a padded play area. Whether you’re catching

up with friends from distant shores whom you see only once a year, or cheering your favor-

ite at a contest that will produce a triumphant winner. Whether you’re there for the kink or

for the camaraderie, Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend is like no other three-day LGBT event in

Washington, D.C. From the sights (harnesses, furries, septuagenarians wearing little more

than a strap-on) to the smells (a swirl of cigar, a waft of latex, a note of freshly-buffed boot) to

the sounds (boisterous hellos, woofs of approval, the gentle slap of a flogger), it’s a weekend

on full sensory overload.

There is, in fact, so much to take in — from SigMa’s S&M Demos, offering keen insight

to how to deploy an electric toothbrush on places other than your mouth, to the Leather

Marketplace, where international merchants showcase gorgeous handcrafted leather, rubber

and fetish gear — that it can all feel a bit overwhelming.Yet at its core, MAL Weekend is simple

and direct. It’s about the bonds of brother-

hood and sisterhood. It’s about the freedom

to express who you are — no judgement

allowed, only universal acceptance. It’s about

discovery. Exploration. Fun. Most of all, it’s

about the bonds of friendship — those sturdy

and decades old, and those newly-forged from

a passing glance.

Indeed, MAL is a weekend like none other,

one that, like a fine leather harness, only

improves with age.


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The Contest


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23METROWEEKLY.COM JANUARY 21, 2016See hundreds more photos from MAL 2016 at Metroweekly.com as well asexclusive videos and pictures at Instagram.com/metroweekly.

The Contest


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JANUARY 21 - 28, 2016

SPOTLIGHT

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE Alexei Ratmansky’s monumental newstaging of The Sleeping Beauty gets itsD.C. premiere during American BalletTheatre’s annual engagement at theKennedy Center. Featuring the origi-nal choreography by Marius Petipawith additions by Ratmansky, all setto Tchaikovsky’s famous score, a NewYork Times critic called this new stag-ing, with sets and costumes by Tony Award winner Richard Hudson, a“triumph” and “the finest reconstruc-

tion I’ve ever seen of a dance work.”The Kennedy Center Opera HouseOrchestra accompanies a cast ofmore than 250 performers telling the beloved fairy tale of princess Aurora,awakened from a sleeping curse bya prince’s kiss. Performances beginWednesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. To Jan.31. Kennedy Center Opera House.Tickets are $49 to $299. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

ANI DIFRANCOQueer-popular indie-rock pioneer AniDiFranco performs as part of a tourin support of 2014’s Allergic to Water,one of her most intimate and musi-

cally expansive recordings. DiFrancowill be accompanied by bassist ToddSickafoose and drummer TerenceHiggins. Tuesday, Jan. 26. Doors at 7p.m. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. Ticketsare $40. Call 202-265-0930 or visit930.com.

CAMERON ESPOSITOHaving been called “the future ofcomedy” by Jay Leno, the 34-year-old queer comic, known from stintson Chelsea Lately, Drunk History andthe “Ask A Lesbian” video series onBuzzFeed, debuts at the KennedyCenter in a free performance as part ofthe venue’s comedy series. The show

features an opening set from RheaButcher — who is also Esposito’s fian-ce. Friday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. KennedyCenter Terrace Theater. Tickets arefree, distributed in the States Gallerystarting at approximately 5:30 p.m.the day-of. Call 202-467-4600 or visitkennedy-center.org.

EQUUSPeter Shaffer’s Tony-winning taleabout a troubled teenager’s danger-ous obsession with horses is the latestshow to get the Constellation TheatreCompany treatment. Amber McGinnisJackson directs the production witha cast including Michael Kramer,

Kathleen Akerley, Michael Tolaydo,

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Compiled by Doug Rule

J O A N M A R C U S


ON THE SURFACE, THERE’S NOTHING FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG WITH AGentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. The opera-light score by Steven Lutvak is brisk, bouncy,waltzy. The book by Robert L. Freedman, based on the 1949 film in which Alec Guinness

memorably and spectacularly played eight dimwitted members of an upper-crust British clan, is

straightforward, while his lyrics, penned with Lutvak, are cleverly wrought. Director Dark Tresnjak’sstaging is brisk, whimsical, and occasionally borders on the sublime, as with a scene that pays homage

to door-slamming farce. The physical production, centered around an inspired proscenium-within-

a-proscenium set that boasts a smartly utilized video wall by Alexander Dodge, is nothing short of

genius. And the performances, especially John Rapson who takes on the multiple roles a la Guinness

and the clear-voiced Kevin Massey as an errant cousin member who ascends his family tree, aiming

for a Lordship, by offing his relatives one-by-one, are just about as perfect as you could hope for.

With all this in its favor, you’d think A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder would make for asmashing evening at the theater. And yet the only thing smashed are the hopes that your two and a half

hours would be well-spent. The evening washes over you like a tidal wave of meh.

Perhaps it’s the fact that the show was honored with a 2014 Tony for Best Musical. Either it was

a slow year for musicals in 2014, or Broadway’s standards have plummeted severely. Regardless, the

mantle of Tony raises one’s expectations — perhaps unfairly — through the roof of the Eisenhower

Theater, where Gentleman’s Guide ( HHHHH ) runs through January 30.That’s not to say A Gentleman’s Guide is a disaster on the order of Matilda, but it’s questionable

as to whether it’s worth your time or money. Perhaps the show is better suited to a more intimateenvironment — one could see Signature or Arena or even Shakespeare, which recently proved with

Kiss Me, Kate that it can compete in the musical realm, mounting a production that might connectmore directly with an audience — but the real problem is Lutvak’s score. It’s not just underwhelming,

it’s unmemorable. At times it comes off like a bastard spawn of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen

Sondheim, but really it’s just aping Gilbert & Sullivan. Lutvak reaches beyond his grasp and comes up

empty handed.

A great musical should make one rush out and buy the original cast album — or queue it up on

Spotify. That doesn’t happen with Gentleman’s Guide. Instead, amnesia sets in the moment you’rehomeward bound. If a musical — especially one awarded a Tony for its efforts — doesn’t have intensely

great music throughout, does it even make a sound? — Randy Shulman

To Jan. 30 at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $64 to $229.Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Ungentlemanly Dash your high hopes for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder andyou may have a chance at enjoying it


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Laureen E. Smith and Ryan Tumulty.Now to Feb. 14. Source Theatre, 183514th St. NW. Tickets are $35 to $45.Call 202-204-7741 or visit constella-tiontheatre.org.

GABRIEL ANN MAHER, ALICERAWSTHORN: CAN DESIGN BEGENDERLESS?Netherlands-based designer Gabriel Ann Maher and New York Timesdesign critic Alice Rawsthorn speak

at a conversation on the role of genderidentity in design, presented by theNational Museum of Women in the Arts. The conversation will be fol-lowed by a Catalyst cocktail hour inwhich D.C.’s design and LGBT com-munities chime in. Wednesday, Jan.27, at 7 p.m. National Museum ofWomen in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW. Tickets are $25 and includesmuseum admission and the cock-tail hour. Call 202-783-5000 or visitnmwa.org.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH A Broadway powerhouse, the four-foot-eleven Chenoweth made her

Great White Way debut nearly twodecades ago in Kander and Ebb’s Steel Pier. From You’re a Good Man,Charlie Brown to Wicked to On theTwentieth Century, Chenoweth’s starshines brightest when she’s on stage.But she’s a nimble performer whosecareer has successfully traversedevery medium, including TV and film.Her favorite, however, is performingconcerts, such as the Coming HomeTour — which stops at Strathmorenext weekend. “I like concert work, because I love the aspect of a liveaudience and I get to sing songs thatmaybe I wouldn’t normally get todo,” Chenoweth told Metro Weekly

last year. Friday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m.Music Center at Strathmore, 5301Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.Tickets are $58 to $155. Call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.

THE GLASS MENAGERIEThe Southern-fried family drama thatmade Tennessee Williams famous getsexamined anew in a production direct-ed by Mark Ramont, the former pro-gramming director at Ford’s Theatre.Surprisingly, the show marks the firstWilliams play presented at Ford’s.Madeleine Potter, Tom Story, JennaSokolowski and Thomas Keegan starin this iconic memory play. Opens

Friday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. To Feb.21. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW.Tickets are $20 to $52. Call 800-982-2787 or visit fordstheatre.org.

THE NATIONAL BALLETOF CANADA A co-production with the U.K.’s RoyalBallet, this national Canadian ensemble presents the U.S. premiere of TheWinter’s Tale, another internationalhit by choreographer ChristopherWheeldon after 2013’s Alice ’s Adventures in Wonderland . Based onShakespeare’s play, this productionfeatures music by John Talbot, cos-tumes by Rob Crowley and lighting by

C O U R T E S Y O F S T R A T H M O R E


Transcending Comedy Julia Scotti found renewed interest in comedy after

coming out as transgender

R EMEMBER WHEN ELLEN DEGENERES CAME OUT AS A LESBIAN IN 1997?“She took so much crap,” Julia Scotti says. “It almost killed her career.” In fact it

took DeGeneres years to shirk her pariah status and regain her footing in Hollywood.The lesson isn’t just that perseverance pays off but, for Scotti, it’s also a sign that “the

universe works in funny ways.” DeGeneres got her start on the national stage by winning

Showtime’s Funniest Person in America in 1982 — beating out, among others, a comedian

from New Jersey named Rick Scotti.“I’d like to thank her for winning that contest, because if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here

today,” Scotti says. “If I had won that contest and achieved her fame, it would have been

impossible for me to figure out what the hell was wrong with me. By losing, I had to go backto my regular old life and explore these things.”

Two years after DeGeneres came out, Scotti realized she was transgender. By then, shehad given up comedy and become a teacher. “Can you imagine what it would have been

like, coming out as trans in the 1990s? It’s hard enough now.” Back then, there was no social

media, and the Internet was still so new, it was difficult to search, let alone find like-mindedpeople and helpful resources.

But as Scotti became comfortable with her identity, she found a renewed interest incomedy. “One of the reasons I quit back then was because I just felt like the stuff I was

doing was kind of trite,” she says. “I don’t know, I just wasn’t feeling it.” But by 2008, she

felt liberated enough to tell jokes from a place of “total truth and fearlessness. I had no moresecrets, and so I could come out and be who I was for the first time really on stage, and it’s

been wonderful.”Scotti is currently on tour with comedian Kevin Meaney, who came out as gay several

years ago. Both play mostly straight venues and draw mostly straight audiences to theirshows, so they decided to team up for a show they’re calling Big Pants and Hot Flashes. “We

thought it would be a great opportunity to enlighten people, and just make them laugh,”Scotti says. “Teach them that we’re not oddballs — other than the fact that we’re comedi-

ans.” — Doug Rule

Julia Scotti performs with Kevin Meaney on Friday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m., at Amp by Strathmore,

11810 Grand Park Ave., Bethesda. Tickets are $20 to $30. Call 301-581-5100 orvisit ampbystrathmore.com.


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the awkward transition between oldcharacters and new, there’s some-thing undoubtedly exciting aboutthis new trilogy of films. This is StarWars returned, reformed, revitalizedfor a new generation. Every time youlaugh at a reference, every time yousee a familiar face, every time JohnWilliams’ glorious score swells, youcan’t help but get sucked in by it all.Now playing. Area theaters. Visit fan-dango.com. (Rhuaridh Marr)

STAGE

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMRight now, Washingtonians can takein two very different productionsof this hearty Shakespeare comedy.Folger Theatre offers a more tradi-tional approach, one that is sure todelight in the hands of Aaron Posner.Holly Twyford is Bottom and ErinWeaver is Puck as part of a largecast that also includes Megan Graves,Eric Hissom, Caroline Stefanie Clay, Adam Wesley Brown and DesmondBing. Opens in a pay-what-you-can

preview Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m.To March 6. Folger Theatre, 201 EastCapitol St. SE. Tickets are $35 to $75.Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.

AS YOU LIKE ITIn a new staging of the Bard’s cross-dressing, escapist romantic comedy,Wendy Goldberg decided to pres-ent an all-female ensemble. “This400-year-old play is the most gen-der-bending play in Shakespeare’scanon,” she tells Metro Weekly. “Itis an invitation to explore gender andidentity, and the fluidity of gender.”Her all-female approach to the pro-duction by Center Stage is the inverse

of that from Shakespeare’s day, whenall characters, male and female, wereplayed by men and boys. Even today,it’s far more common to see an all-male production of Shakespeare. Runsto Feb. 14. Towson University’s Centerfor the Arts, 1 Fine Arts Dr., Towson,Md. Tickets are $10 to $59. Call 410-986-4000 or visit centerstage.org.

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY Yet another boisterous and unflinch-ingly dark comedy from Stephen AdlyGuirgis, whose play The Motherfuckerwith the Hat received much criticalpraise at Studio Theatre a few yearsago. Between Riverside and Crazy was

the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize forDrama and is focused on an ex-cop whois facing eviction, battling City Hall andstruggling over the recent death of hiswife. To Feb. 28. Studio Theatre, 14th& P Streets NW. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

CHOCOLATE COVERED ANTSThe Anacostia Playhouse partnerswith Maryland’s Restoration Stagefor the world premiere of Steven A. Butler, Jr.’s intense drama about being black and male in modern-day America. Courtney Baker-Oliverdirects the production featuringSuli Myrie, David Lamont Wilson,

Clermon Acklin, Tillmon Figgs,

Natasha Katz. The Kennedy CenterOpera House Orchestra accompa-nies. Remaining performances areThursday, Jan. 21, through Saturday,Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Also Saturday,Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 24, at 1p.m. Kennedy Center Opera House.Tickets are $39 to $149. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

WICKED JEZABELPauline Anson-Dross’ popular lesbian

all-covers party-rock band WickedJezabel has been rocking — as well asraising money for various good causes— all over the region for a decadenow, originally under the name TheOutskirts of Town. This weekend thewomen perform a birthday bash formember Davi Anson-Dross, Pauline’swife. Friday, Jan. 22, at 9 p.m. JV’sRestaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd.,Falls Church. Call 703-241-9504 or visit jvsrestaurant.com

FILM

CAROL

HHHHH

Carol, the sixth feature from ToddHaynes, has the feel of a career pin-nacle, as though every other film inhis canon was building to this master-piece. Based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, the movieis the lesbian equivalent of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. But Carol isarguably more emotionally satisfyingthan Lee’s film, in part because ofthe way Highsmith, herself a clos-eted lesbian, crafted the story of a young shopgirl (Rooney Mara) whofalls in love with an older woman(Cate Blanchett) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Despite thelack of a suspense-driven narrative, iteffortlessly evokes the spirit of AlfredHitchcock; Carol could be a distantcousin to Vertigo. And, unlike so manyfilms these days, Carol takes its time,with Haynes resolutely refusing tohurry things along. Some in the audi-ence might find the approach dull.It’s not. It’s captivating, absorbing,all-encompassing. It’s the way mov-ies used to be made, an instant-bornclassic, with Blanchett and Mara giv-ing the kinds of performances thatOscars are made for. Now playing. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.(Randy Shulman)

STAR WARS:THE FORCE AWAKENS

HHHHH

The seventh film in a series that hasspanned four decades and spawneda near limitless number of spin-offs,merchandise and uber fans, The Force Awakens isn’t original — there’s toomuch history for that to be possible.But it works on several levels. Andfor the most part, the screenplay byLawrence Kasdan, Michael Arndtand J.J. Abrams, who directs, hitsthe right notes, with the grand, oper-atic overtones the series has long beenknown for. For its various foibles and

Wilma Lynn Horton, KandaceForeman, Christopher Ezell, MarquisFair and Charles W. Harris Jr. To Feb.7. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 ShannonPlace SE. Tickets are $35 to $50. Call202-714-0646 or visit restoration-stageinc.com.

FATHER COMES HOMEFROM THE WARSRound House Theatre offers a pro-duction of this explosively powerful

Civil War-era drama from Suzan-Lori Parks ( Topdog/Underdog ),which follows a slave from Texas tothe Confederate battlefield. TimothyDouglas directs this Greek tragedy-inspired trilogy with a cast includ-ing Ian Anthony Coleman, KenYattaRogers, Craig Wallace, JaBen Earlyand A. Stori Ayers. Opens in a pay-what-you-can preview Wednesday,Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. To Feb. 21. RoundHouse Theatre, 4545 East-WestHighway, Bethesda. Tickets are $50 to$60. Call 240-644-1100 or visit round-housetheatre.org.

GEORGIE: THE LIFE AND DEATH

OF GEORGE ROSEHelen Hayes Award-winning actorEd Dixon (Signature Theatre’s Sunset Boulevard ) wrote and stars in thistribute to his friend and mentor, aTony Award-winning character actor( My Fair Lady ) who was a bon vivantwith a flair for the dramatic and theeccentric. Eric Schaeffer directs theSignature Theatre production of thishuman tale about art, personal con-nections and the struggles of life anddeath. To Feb. 7. Signature Theatre,4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.Tickets are $25 to $45. Call 703-820-9771 or visit signature-theatre.org.

LOVE IN THE TIME OF HIVDenim Theatre presents an origi-nal play by Kieyontaye D. Johnson-Carter, a powerful drama set inpresent-day D.C. and focused on twolong-term couples — one straight,one gay — struggling to cope withlife and love, secrets and status, in atime when being “safe” just isn’t safeenough. Opens Thursday, Jan. 21, at8 p.m. Runs to Jan. 25. Anacostia ArtsCenter, 1231 Good Hope Road SE.Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 202-631-6291 or visit anacostiaartscenter.com.

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILENow that Bright Star has wrapped its

pre-Broadway Kennedy Center run,Keegan Theatre offers a production ofanother work by comedian/composerSteve Martin which previously ran OffBroadway. Picasso at the Lapin Agileis a slightly absurd look at the famousSpanish painter’s life — and that of Albert Einstein’s too — before theychanged the world through their work.Chris Stezin directs a cast includ-ing Matthew Keenan, Bradley FosterSmith, Allison Leigh Corke, Kevin Adams, Michael Innocenti, Sherri S.Herren and Jessica Power. To Feb. 13.Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW.Tickets are $40. Call 703-892-0202 or visit keegantheatre.com.

METROWEEKLY.COM JANUARY 21, 2016

SHAKE LOOSE A full-length revue celebrating 15 yearsof Metro Stage’s homegrown musi-cal writing team, Thomas W. JonesII, William Knowles and WilliamHubbard, whose output celebratesthe music born from gospel as createdor popularized by African-Americanicons. Lori Williams, AnthonyManough, Roz White and RayshunLamarr perform in this “musicalnight of blues, moods and icons.”

Opens in a pay-what-you-can previewThursday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. To March6. MetroStage, 1201 North Royal St., Alexandria. Tickets are $55 to $60. Call800-494-8497 or visit metrostage.org.

STONE TAPE PARTYD.C.-based, female-driven theatercompany Nu Sass Productions offersDanny Rovin’s play, which won BestComedy and Best Show Overall atCapital Fringe 2014. Angela Kay Pirkodirects an all-female cast in a quick-witted tribute to the post-college strug-gles — from hedonism to misanthropy— of the Millennial Generation. BrianaManente leads a cast also including

Ariana Almajan, Jill Tighe and CaseyLeffue. Opens Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7p.m. Runs to Feb. 7. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are$20 to $30. Call 202-399-7993 or visitnusass.com.

SWEAT Arena Stage offers a world-premiereproduction, co-commissioned with theOregon Shakespeare Festival, of a newgripping tale about loss, redemption andredefinition in a new era from PulitzerPrize winner Lynn Nottage ( Ruined ).Kate Whoriskey directs this co-com-mission with the Oregon ShakespeareFestival and featuring among its cast

local actors Johanna Day, KimberlyScott, Tramell Tillman and Jack Willis.Now to Feb. 21. Kreeger Theater in theMead Center for American Theater,1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIGTwenty-two years after its Broadwaydebut and 10 years after its award-winning playwright’s untimelydeath, Theater J presents The Sisters Rosensweig by Wendy Wasserstein.Kasi Campbell directs this heartfeltcomedy about three very differentsiblings, reunited for one remarkable,revealing weekend, and portrayed

by the sharp team of Susan Lynskey,Susan Rome and Kimberly Schraf. Josh Adams, Edward Christian, MichaelRussotto, James Whalen and CarolineWolfson round out the cast. Now inpreviews. To Feb. 21. The Aaron andCecile Goldman Theater, Washington,D.C.’s Jewish Community Center, 152916th St. NW. Call 202-777-3210 or visittheaterj.org.

MUSIC

CHAD HOOPES WITH DAVID FUNGWashington Performing Arts pres-ents a performance by violin virtuoso


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Center Concert Hall to performDvorak’s beautiful, breathtakingCello Concerto in B Minor. Led byEschenbach, this NSO program alsoincluding Brahms’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor plus the first NSOperformances of Christopher Rouse’s Phaethon. Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.,and Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan.23, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center ConcertHall. Tickets are $15 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

RAUL MALOThe Birchmere offers a solo show by the Cuban singer who fronts theMavericks, the improbable, Grammy-winning country band from Miami.Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. TheBirchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

VERONNEAUD.C.-based acoustic group offers jazzfrom around the world, from swingto samba to gypsy. And as it gainsin popularity, the group increasinglytravels the world, presenting its spin

on global grooves perfect to take inwhile sipping cocktails. Monday, Jan.25, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Blues Alley,1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are$20, plus $12 minimum purchase. Call202-337-4141 or visit bluesalley.com.

DANCE

COMPANY EGenerations: Poland is an elegant, elo-quent program celebrating four gener-ations of Polish contemporary chore-ography and classical music from thislocal company in a co-presentationwith the Embassy of the Republic ofPoland. The Washington Performing Arts’ Children of the Gospel Choirwill join the heralded eight-memberCompany E in a special performanceof the late Pola Nirenska’s Holocaust-themed Dirge as well as the premiereof a new work set to Henryk Gorecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs by thecompany’s Paul Gordon Emerson.The Saturday evening performancewill celebrate winners of the 2016Pola Nirenska Award — DeborahRiley, Douglas E. Yeuell and EricaRebollar — which is administered byWashington Performing Arts. Friday,Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m.Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.

Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

MARYLAND MASTI 10 An annual intercollegiate competitionheld at the University of Maryland,Maryland Masti aims to spread aware-ness of the traditional folk dancecultures of the West Indian state ofGujarat, as well as to provide an outletfor current students to express theirpassion for such dance. Saturday, Jan.23, at 7 p.m. The Kay Theatre in theClarice at the University of Maryland,University Boulevard and Stadium

Chad Hoopes, who has already rackedup various competition wins, madeprestigious orchestral and festivaldebuts and been appointed to a three- year residency in a Lincoln CenterChamber Music Society program witha track record for grooming futurechamber music stars. All that despitethe fact that he’s only 20 years old.The rising star is joined by Australianpianist David Fung for a program ofworks by Dvorak, Prokofiev, Ravel and

Franck. Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m.Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.Tickets are $40. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

CHOPTEETHThe Washington Post has called this12-piece band “a storming pow-erhouse of big-band African funk...smart, tight and relentlessly driv-ing.” Chopteeth has already won anumber of Washington Area Music Associat ion Awards — otherwiseknown as Wammies, including the Artist of the Year accolade in 2008. And now the Afrobeat-driven groupreturns to Strathmore’s cabaret venue

after a summer debut. Saturday, Jan.23, at 8 p.m. Amp by Strathmore, 11810Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda.Tickets are $20 to $30. Call 301-581-5100 or visit ampbystrathmore.com.

FOLGER CONSORT“The Wonder of Will: Early and NewMusic Celebrating Shakespeare” isthe name of this year’s concert seriesat the National Cathedral in the400th year since the Bard’s death.Instrumentalists Arcadia Viols will join the consort as will the 12-member vocal group Stile Antico, offeringthe Washington premiere of Gentle Sleep, a commissioned piece based on

texts from Henry IV by acclaimed gaycontemporary composer Nico Muhly.Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan.23, at 8 p.m. Washington NationalCathedral, Massachusetts andWisconsin Avenues NW. Tickets are$30 to $60. Call 202-544-7077 or visitfolger.edu.

MIAMI HORROR Although named after the Florida city,this indie-electronica band hails from Australia and now calls Los Angeleshome. The resulting music is a melt-ing pot reflecting all three locales: Aslightly hazy, sunny, trippy, uptemposound. After debuting in its space last

year, U Street Music Hall presentsthis four-piece at the 9:30 Club insupport of their eclectic new record All Possible Futures. Sunday, Jan. 24.Doors at 10 p.m. 9:30 Club, 815 V St.NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

NATIONAL SYMPHONYORCHESTRA A few weeks before embarking ona European tour with the NSO andoutgoing music director ChristophEschenbach, young cellist DanielMuller-Schott takes to the Kennedy

Drive. College Park. Tickets are $18.Call 301-405-ARTS or visit theclarice.umd.edu.

COMEDY

WASHINGTON IMPROV THEATER:ROAD SHOW!D.C.’s leading company for longformimprov — such as that popularized by the Upright Citizens Brigade andSecond City — offers a “Wintry Mix,”a series of vignettes featuring differentensembles, with each plot developedon-the-fly, spurred by a single audi-ence suggestion. To Feb. 13. District ofColumbia Arts Center (DCAC), 243818th St. NW. Tickets are $12 in advance,or $15 at the door. Call 202-462-7833 or visit washingtonimprov.org.

GALLERIES

A COLLECTOR’S VISION:WASHINGTONIANA COLLECTIONIn addition to incorporating the

Textile Museum, the recently openedGeorge Washington UniversityMuseum also houses the Albert H.Small Washingtoniana Collection.The exhibition A Collector’s Visionserves as a perfect introduction tothe collection, featuring maps andprints, rare letters, photographs anddrawings documenting the historyof Washington, D.C. and donated bySmall in 2011. Ongoing. The GeorgeWashington University Museum, 70121st St. NW. Call 202-994-5200 or visit museum.gwu.edu.

COLBY CALDWELL: HOW TOSURVIVE YOUR OWN DEATHLogan Circle’s Hemphill Fine Arts presents an exhibition by this Ashev ille , N.C.-based CorcoranGallery of Art alum, based on a seriesof accidentally corrupted images thathave taken on a new life of their ownas a result. Runs through March 5.Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW.Call 202-234-5601 or visit hemphill-finearts.com.

EYE POP: THE CELEBRITY GAZEMany never publicly displayed por-traits of 53 luminaries at the top intheir fields is the focus of this exhibi-tion at the National Portrait Gallery.Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Katy Perry,Sonia Sotomayor, Michelle Obama,Serena Williams and Kobe Bryant areamong the works, ranging from draw-ings to sculpture, paintings to videoportraits, and all recent additions tothe museum’s collection. ThroughJuly 10. National Portrait Gallery, 8thand F Streets. NW. Call 202-633-8300or visit npg.si.edu.

PATHMAKERS: WOMEN IN ART,CRAFT AND DESIGNThe National Museum of Women inthe Arts presents an exhibition illu-minating the vital contributions that


women made to post-war, mid-20thcentury visual culture and their use ofcraft materials to explore concepts ofmodernism. Although painting, sculp-ture and architecture were dominated by men a half-century ago, womenhad considerable impact in the fieldsof textiles, ceramics and metals. Ruth Asawa, Sheila Hicks and Eva Zeiselare just a few of the women from theera celebrated in this exhibition, orga-nized by New York’s Museum of Arts

and Design, which also shines the lighton some pathmaking contemporaryfemale artists and designers, including Anne Wilson, Vivian Beer and HellaJongerius. Through Feb. 28. NationalMuseum of Women in the Arts, 1250New York Ave NW. Admission is $10.Call 202-783-5000 or visit nmwa.org

ABOVE AND BEYOND

F*CK BRUNCH! DRAG LUNCH You can find drag queens serving andsashaying at brunches around town, but there’s only one place to find dragkings on a Sunday afternoon — and

they don’t do “brunch.” (Or they don’tcall it brunch, anyway.) Next weekend,drag king entity Pretty Boi Drag, led byChris Jay and former DC King PrettyRik E, presents a lunch show at DupontCircle’s Bier Baron Tavern, whichincludes exclusive “beermosas” anditems from the venue’s new menu, plustunes from DJ Deedub — and of coursean interactive show with performances by kings including Namii and Jasfer.Sunday, Jan. 24, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.Bier Baron Tavern, 1523 22nd St. NW.Tickets are $15 for the show, or $25 forthe lunch and show. Call 202-293-1887or visit prettyboidrag.com.

LA-TI-DORegie Cabico and Don Mike Mendoza’sLa-Ti-Do variety show is neither kara-oke nor cabaret. The show featureshigher-quality singing than most kara-oke, often from local musical theateractors performing on their night off.Cabico and co-host Mendoza alsoselect storytellers who offer spoken-word poetry and comedy. Now heldat Bistro Bistro in Dupont Circle,La-Ti-Do celebrates its fourth anniver-sary with a show and party on Monday,Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. Bistro Bistro, 1727Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets are $15,or only $10 if you eat dinner at the res-taurant beforehand. Call 202-328-1640

or visit latidodc.wix.com/latidodc.

LEVITYThis month in its Logan Fringe ArtSpace, Capital Fringe inaugurates amonthly variety show featuring come-dians and musicians from D.C. StraightSmoked Meats offers classic comfortfood and smoked cuisine for purchasealong with wine. Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7p.m. Trinidad Theatre at Capital Fringe,1358 Florida Ave. NE. Tickets are $20in advance, or $25 at the door. Call 202-733-6321 or visit capitalfringe.org. l


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Critical ConditionThe Shakespeare mounts an evening ofgiggles and frolics that serves as a reminder

that a clever wit is always timeless.

THERE’S SOMETHING A BIT COMICAL ABOUT

reviewing the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s dou-ble-bill of Richard Sheridan’s The Critic and Tom

Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound ( HHHHH ),plays that satirize not only the conventions of theater, but those

who critique it. How does one get stuck in without sounding

exactly like one of the characters being so cleverly parodied?Still, needs must when the devil drives.

Delivered as two one-act plays, Critic and Hound are like aninteresting, improbable couple — each one very different but

both very fun to be with. Sheridan’s is the extrovert, a rambunc-tious, talky 18th century farce, while Stoppard’s works at the

lower, more cynical temperatures of a mid-20th century class-conscious England.

The evening starts with the antique antics of The Critic,

which, despite the luxuriously clever wit (and the cheeky

bounce delivered by Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation), is thedecidedly sillier of the two. When theater critics Mr. Dangle

and Mr. Sneer discover that Mr. Puff, a journalistic gadflymaking a living off shamelessly sponsored content, has writ-

ten a play, they offer to critique a rehearsal. As Puff tries toput his somewhat recalcitrant actors through the paces of his

stultifyingly stiff tragic-comedy, Sneer continuously interrupts

with sabotaging advice. He soon has Puff dancing throughhoops until a finale in which there is no telling who will get

the last word: Sneer, Puff, the actors or Scenic Designer JamesNoone’s charmingly inventive sets.

If there is something of the puppet theater about this play-within-a-play, with its bright and simple sets and Murell

Horton’s intricately-colored costumes, director Michael Kahn

deliciously subverts it with a sense of joyous unpredictability.If it is a puppet theatre, it is an unruly one, and that’s how we

like it. Of course, The Critic is not the easiest play to keep alight,since once it settles into the call-and-answer routine of the play

rehearsal, the farce largely overtakes the wit, but Kahn stokes itin all the right places.

What really makes The Critic spin is Robert Stanton’s Puff.Graceful, gangly, and broiling with agitated affectation, this is a

foppish Puff to savor. Not only does Stanton have the smoothest,

most impeccable comic timing, he can deliver it little or large.

by KATE WINGFIELD

stage

SCOTTSUCHMAN


30/48


One minute he might explode in a ridiculous flourish of a bowand the next he will be just as funny with the merest furrow of a

brow. It is his facility with Sheridan’s language that brings such

joy; the words swoop and dive like flocks of boundless happybirds. Add a seriously intuitive feel for the cadence and rhythms

of a British accent and it’s the whole package.Although Stanton decidedly steals the show, other standouts

are Robert Dorfman, who gives his Sneer a pleasing kind ofabruptness, the kind of rapid fire reminiscent of an old forties

movie. It complements the mood well, if occasionally getting lostin the fray. Naomi Jacobson is memorably scathing as the long-

suffering Mrs. Dangle.

One intermission later and the mood is completely different,as is the angle, with Stoppard’s take on the play-within-a play

theme including a view of not just a gloomily-lit stage but a fewchoice theater seats behind it. Stoppard’s play is as much about

the critics reviewing it as the play itself.As two seasoned second-stringers settle in to half-heartedly

await the play’s start, it quickly becomes clear that they are

preoccupied with far more than the arts. As the play begins, acampy take on an Agatha Christie-style whodunit, it seems like

business as usual until emotions run high and all manner of linesand realities are crossed. There will be no spoilers here, but suf-

fice it to say, Stoppard is as devious as he is funny — though it’s adarker, more contemporary vein than Sheridan’s.

Displaying extraordinary versatility, Robert Stanton returnsas the amusingly repressed critic, Moon. Sporting heavy-rimmed

National Health Service glasses and hunched in inoffensive

blazer, the transformation is so complete Stanton looks as ifhe’s lost a foot in height. Moon is of England’s middling classes

— just educated and worldly enough to know what he’s missing

and Stanton gives his man the perfect undercurrent of quietlydisgruntled energy. As events unfold, it is Moon’s bafflement

that carries the humor and the tenor of Stoppard’s grand design.

The whodunit, meanwhile, giggle-worthy in its absurdlymannered style, plays foil to the critics, and thanks to the

ensemble who carry it off, truly delivers. Naomi Jacobson givesher housekeeper, Mrs. Drudge, the ideal deadpan and her comic

timing is pitch-perfect. As Major Magnus, Hugh Nees is suitablygung-ho and he nails the accent with flair. As the young Felicity

Cunningham carrying off her tennis whites and evening dresslike she was born to it, Sandra Struthers keeps it feisty but nicely

honed. Playing counterpoint as the mature and brittle Cynthia

Muldoon, Charity Jones is slinky, cool and compelling, whileJohn Catron is an appropriately arch Simon Gascoyne.

As the slightly crazed Inspector Hound, Robert Dorfmanis almost in his element but is thwarted by an accent that flips

between semi-Northern and semi-posh. Either would haveworked, but not both. John Ahlin has similar difficulties and

it dampens the repartee of his critic Birdboot with Moon.

Interestingly, because accent (whether or not it should) deliversso much social and cultural data, Ahlin’s amorphous efforts also

make his man a tad harder to grasp.But it’s a minor quibble in a precision piece that director

Kahn delivers with seamless dexterity and nothing short of élan.Indeed, between Critic and Hound , this is an evening of giggles

and frolics. It’s a delicious reminder that a clever wit is timeless.l

The Critic and The Real Inspector Hound run to Feb. 4 at

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Landsburgh Theatre, 450 7thSt. NW. Tickets are $44 to $118. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shake-

spearetheatre.org.


31/48


Electric WarTesla and GM are trading insults as the war over electric cars heats up

THERE’S A WAR BREWING AMONG AMERICA’Sautomakers. One one side, the old guard: General

Motors. A symbol of American manufacturing, itspans continents, market segments and brands,

encompassing sedans, supercars, SUVs and more. The GreatRecession threatened to kill it, but GM clawed back with agovernment bailout and a renewed interest in quality and com-

petitiveness — a brief detour into cars that could kill their driversnotwithstanding.

On the other side, the young upstart: Tesla Motors. Teslarepresents everything that’s good about American ingenuity.

In Silicon Valley, an underdog focused on the future decided to

take on the establishment with an original idea, that an electriccar could be luxurious, sporty, and get the same mileage as a gas

engine. With just two cars — the Model S sedan and Model XSUV — Tesla isn’t threatening GM’s sales dominance any time

soon, but that hasn’t stopped both manufacturers from gettinginto the trenches and picking up arms.

Tension between both companies has been brewing for

months. Tesla has long been embroiled in a fight with dealer-ships across the country, who resent Tesla’s model of direct

sales — rather than utilize franchised dealer networks, Teslaowns and operates its own stores, where customers can order

their own Tesla and have it delivered to their home. By remov-ing dealers from the equation, it starved them of any access to

Tesla’s profit margins. Tesla instead offers no-haggle pricing

and fixed monthly rentals — apart from local taxes, you’ll pay thesame in New York as you do in New Mexico.

That infuriated dealers so much that, in several states acrossthe nation, they’ve moved to block Tesla from selling its vehicles,

unless they capitulate to the dealership model. In New Jersey,state lawmakers voted to ban Tesla’s direct sales model in 2014.

Tesla accused the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailersof foul play, saying dealers were hostile to selling electric cars as

“gasoline vehicles represent virtually all their revenue,” accord-

ing to Tesla’s appeal to the state Supreme Court. Gov. Christieeventually signed a new law last year which granted Tesla the

ability to sell its cars to customers in its New Jersey stores —previously, they were directed to Tesla’s website.

In Texas, Tesla crashed headfirst into the state’s dealer-ship lobby. In May last year, both the House and Senate failed

to vote on legislation that would have allowed Tesla to sell its

cars directly to consumers. Tesla argued that the dealers were

by RHUARIDH MARR

PHOTOCREDIT

Continues on page 33

gears


32/48


Self-Requiem

David Bowie produced the magnificent Blackstar knowing

it would be his final album

THERE WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING OTHER-

worldly about David Bowie. Whether appear-ing before us as a pop star, an alien fallen to

earth, or sharing a stage with Trent Reznor, he

consistently set himself above and apart in any way he could. Blackstar ( HHHHH ), his twenty-fifth and final studio album,

is yet another reinvention, staking out new ground even as itmarks the end of a decades-long career. What his producer Tony

Visconti called a “parting gift” to fans is surreal, haunting, and assurprising as anything that came before it.

We now know that Bowie had been dealing with terminal

cancer for the past 18 months, and produced Blackstar knowingthat it would be his final album. The news of his death Sunday

night lends the album a sense of finality that few noticed upon itsrelease just two days before. See, for instance, the opening lines

of the third track, “Lazarus”: “Look up here, I’m in heaven/I’ve

got scars that can’t be seen.” Before Bowie’s death, these lyr-ics might have seemed a poetic meditation on mortality in the

abstract. Cryptic, but in the way we had come to expect fromBowie. Now, their autobiographical nature is more clear. The

mortality he reflects on as he sings “I’m dying to fool them, againand again” in “Dollar Days” is his own.

What is striking about Blackstar is its relative shortness —seven tracks in 40 minutes. Bowie’s slow, groaning vocals and

the melancholic instrumentation put the multi-part title track

somewhere between mellow and haunting. This dissonant open-ing sets the mood for the rest of the album. From here, noth-

ing will be particularly clear or straightforward. Although thesecond half is more melodic than the opening, Bowie interrupts

the tune more than once as he calls out in a distorted voice, “I’m

music

by SEAN MAUNIER


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a Blackstar!” The effectiveness of the discordance is slightlydampened by this repetition. At first it is surprising and some-

what unsettling, but as the phrase “I’m a Blackstar” repeats, the

effect is dulled somewhat, and it becomes routine as it continuesto loop. Eventually, the tune fades away into a laundry list of

what he is not: “not a flash in the pan,” “not a film star,” “not aporn star,” but rather a “star’s star,” a Blackstar.

The second track seems to function mainly as a bridgebetween the sweeping “Blackstar” and the tense and lyrical

“Lazarus.” Even so, “‘Tis a Pity She Was a Whore” holds itsown with energetic drumming and a free-wheeling saxophone.

Sandwiched between these two songs, the second track is sparse

and easily glossed over, although it is aimlessly gleeful enough toremain interesting.

“Lazarus” is tense and dark, and reflects on fame and mor-tality in the same breath. There is more autobiography in this

song than the others, as he sings about being “So high it makesmy brain whirl.” “Lazarus,” of course, takes its name from the

man raised from the dead in the Gospel of St. John, though

we’re left to speculate on what, if anything, is being raisedfrom the dead here.

The instrumentation on “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)”could be taken for a jazz cover of the opening to a 1970s detec-

tive show. Yet underneath the funky guitars is an echoey andatmospheric synth that carries the angst of the rest of the album

and eventually comes into the foreground. It is followed by“Girl loves Me,” an incoherent, half-shouted recounting of a

week. The aimless angst of these two songs quickly gives way

to the gentle ballad “Dollar Days,” in which Bowie seems tomake peace with what he’s done, and may never do again. But

if “Dollar Days” is a conclusion, the seventh and final track, “ICan’t Give Everything Away,” is an epilogue. Carried by a gently

welling synthesizer, the lyrics “Saying no but meaning yes/Thisis all I ever meant/That’s the message that I sent” could very

well be a reflection on everything that came before it. Not just

the previous album, but his entire body of work. Bowie, after all,

was never in the habit of giving everything away. Blackstar is not an easy album. The songs’ melodies are cha-otic and discordant, their lyrics, enigmatic and often inscrutable.

We’re left to guess at their meaning, if indeed there is any to befound — or to just enjoy the chaos. But then again, Bowie never

sought to make his work straightforward, even at his most acces-sible. Blackstar lacks the sci-fi glam of Ziggy Stardust, or the easy

charm of Hunky Dory. By now it is a cliche to compare Bowie

to a chameleon, or a phoenix, but there is something to it. Afterall, his most consistent quality was always his urge to constantly

reinvent himself. And what was striking about his transforma-tions is how organic they always appeared, coming from within

Bowie himself, born out of an intense, deeply artistic curiosity.We were never shown a mask — we always got the real thing.

David Bowie has long been an icon for many. Not the sort of

icon that signifies cheap, passing fame, but rather an icon in thefullest, most devotional sense of the word. His compulsion to

constantly reinvent and his sheer, unabashed strangeness havebeen and will continue to be a source of inspiration for other

artists and musicians, and a point of identification for those ofus who have felt, as he sings on this album’s title track, “born

the wrong way ‘round.” Certainly, throughout his career and hismany self-reinventions, he has provoked inspiration, reverence,

and bewilderment — sometimes all three at once. David Bowie

the man has now left us, but David Bowie the artist is immortal.And in Blackstar, we have been given a final gift that is every bit

as iconic as the Starman himself. l

pressuring lawmakers to maintain the effective ban on Tesla’ssales model, dealers responded that they were protecting fam-

ily-owned businesses and keeping customers’ interests at heart,

according to Bloomberg Business.“They are thwarting the will of the people,” said Diarmuid

O’Connell, vice president of business development for Tesla.“That [the legislation] doesn’t even get a fair hearing — much

less a vote — is to me very odd and disturbing.”“It’s kind of a joke to think that somebody’s going to come in

here and ride in on a horse that doesn’t use gasoline and changethe world,” said Red McCombs, who owns the eponymous

dealer network. “They’re going to have to play by the same rules

that the competition plays by.”It’s that argument over competition that has Tesla and GM

swapping veiled insults. This month, GM took the wraps off theChevrolet Bolt, a small, low-cost EV with over 200 miles of elec-

tric range. It was a big moment for the company, an evolution ofthe earlier Volt plug-in hybrid, and a bold declaration of GM’s

manufacturing might — Tesla has been promising a cheaper

EV for the masses, the fabled Model 3, but thus far has failed toshowcase anything. For GM to usurp the electric car darling was

a big moment for the company, not least because Tesla’s origi-nal electric Roadster force the automaker to kickstart the Volt

project. When the Volt project was in its infancy, way back in2007, GM’s vice chairman, Bob Lutz, labelled Tesla as the reason

for GM finally taking electrification seriously. “If some Silicon Valley start-up can solve this equation, no one is going to tell me

anymore that it’s unfeasible,” he told Newsweek.

Not satisfied with beating Tesla to the cheap, longer rangeelectric car market, GM’s CEO Mary Barra stuck the knife in and

twisted the blade while unveiling the Bolt.“Unlike some EV customers, Bolt customers don’t have to

drive to another state to buy or service an EV,” she said, accord-ing to AutoBlog. That was a direct reference to Tesla’s direct

sales woes. In Arizona, Connecticut, Michigan, Texas and West

Virginia, Tesla isn’t just banned from selling its cars, it can’t even

service them, Tesla’s O’Connell told the Detroit News. For GM,who campaigned against Maryland’s law last year that grantedTesla permission to sell its vehicles in the state, it was rather cal-

lous to joke about Tesla’s sales problems given GM and its dealernetworks have actively participated in causing them.

Initially, Tesla’s response was tepid. “Commitments fromtraditional car makers to build electric vehicles advance Tesla’s

mission to accelerate the advent of sustainable transportation,”

read a statement following Barra’s comments. But at a FederalTrade Commission workshop this week on dealer laws, Tesla’s

general counsel Todd Maron went a little further, leaving nodoubt that GM is to blame for the trouble facing their direct

sales model.“Our opposition comes from two groups, primarily from

dealer groups and secondarily from General Motors,” he said.

Maron then argued that “[GM’s] interest here is purely competi-tive. They are actually touting their ability to block us from sell-

ing directly and the fact that our customers can’t buy our cars aseasy as theirs.”

“With respect to General Motors, their position boils downto this: Because they voluntarily chose generations ago to use

a certain business model, [the company feels] everyone thatcomes after should be required as a matter of law to use the same

model,” Maron continued. “That’s code for ‘Tesla is able to sell

the product to consumers for a lower price than we’re able tothrough the franchise system.’”

Shots definitely fired. l

Continued from page 31


34/4834 JANUARY 21, 2016 METROWEEKLY.COM


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NIGHT

LIFE

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THURS., 01.21.16

9 1/2

Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on anydrink, 5-9pm • MultipleTVs showing movies,shows, sports • Expandedcraft beer selection •Music videos featuringDJ Wess

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Happy Hour: $6 CallMartini, $3 Miller Lite,$4 Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm •Open Day for StonewallDarts, 6-10pm • $3 RailDrinks, 10pm-midnight,$5 Red Bull, Gatoradeand Frozen Virgin Drinks• Locker Room ThursdayNights • DJs Sean Morrisand MadScience �

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