Oct 30, 2009  |  By: Staff & Wire Reports  | COMMENTS     

Janis Ian performs at Wolf Trap

In 1965, singer/songwriter Janis Ian released her first single at age 13. Since then, she has rocked the stage and tackled a number of projects, including writing columns and making contributions to LGBT news magazine the Advocate.

Ian won a Grammy in 1975 for her song “At Seventeen,” and her first single “Society’s Child,” about an interracial couple, stirred up controversy in the turbulent ’60s. She regularly writes science fiction and attends science fiction conventions when her schedule permits. A critic of the Recording Industry Association of America, Ian places many of her most popular songs on her web site, available for free download, as an act of defiance against the organization, which has cracked down on music downloaders. An out lesbian, she has been with her partner Patricia Snyder for 19 years.

On Nov. 7 at 7:30, Ian plays at the Barns at Wolf Trap, located at 1645 Trap Rd. in Vienna, Va. Tickets cost $25. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org or www.janisian.com.

Apex hosts event for Capital Pride

Capital Pride is already gearing up for the 2010 celebrations (June 4 to 13). Apex nightclub has teamed up with the group to put on a benefit party tonight.

Not to be outdone by other gay clubs in the area, Apex is hosting a Halloween party called “Nightmare on P Street.” The event features DJs Randy White and Aaron Riggins. There is a midnight costume contest judged by Mr. and Ms. Capital Pride. Partial proceeds from he event will benefit the Capital Pride Alliance. Apex also hosts a “Tricks and Treats” Halloween party on Saturday.

Apex is located at 1415 22nd St., N.W. The event, which costs $10, runs from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, visit www.capitalpride.org or www.apex-dc.com.

Gay rapper Cazwell performs

Gay rapper Cazwell (Luke Caswell) is not one for subtlety. His songs often contain explicit lyrics and his outfits and performances are flamboyant.

A member of the “Homohop” movement, a sub-genre of hip-hop featuring LGBT artists, Cazwell develops music with electronic and old school hip-hop influences. Cazwell, a Worcester, Mass., native, is strongly associated with the New York City music and party scene. His music videos receive regular airplay on the Logo television network, though “All Over Your Face” was banned due to graphic content. Cazwell has opened for Lady Gaga, who featured him on her single “Just Dance.” He regularly collaborates with transgender performer Amanda Lepore and he participated in the multi-artist “True Colors Tour” in 2007.

Cazwell performs at The New Gay’s “Transformer” Halloween party tonight at 9:30. The concert and party, which cost $5, take place at the Black Cat Backstage, located at 1811 14th St., N.W. For more information, visit www.blackcatdc.com or www.cazwell.com.

Gay craftsman at Washington Craft Show

The 22nd annual Washington Craft Show is back. Running today through Nov. 8, the show features environmentally friendly artists and pieces, such as carved, abandoned skateboards and baskets woven with sweetgrass and bulrush from the South Carolina wetlands.

This year, gay craftsman Jay Rogers showcases his intricate puzzle boxes. The complex creations feature architectural designs and mimicry of famous etchings and art. Two recent pieces channel the works of artist M. C. Escher and 18th century architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi. While Rogers’ pieces are works of art, they also have practical uses, containing drawers and compartments for stashing away items.

The show, located at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Place, N.W.), also features former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who discusses the meanings behind the various brooches she wore and signs her book “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box.” Her speech will be Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Admission to the show is $15, with reduced prices available where applicable. For more information, visit www.jayrogersboxes.com or www.craftsamericashows.com.