Brightest Young Things

This weekend, I decided to go to as many parties as possible.

Since we all know that the weekend actually starts on Thursday, I began my weekend with the Affinity Lab & their Last Hurah in Adams Morgan. Very sad to see this place go, but it means a brighter more exciting future for the Affinity Lab on U st.

Friday, my roommate baked cookies and hosted a holiday sweater party. A few spiced and spiked ciders later and I really did not want to leave.

But instead, I changed out of my sweater and into a suit in record time, so that I wouldn't be late for a party that included the amenities of five star Hors D'oeurves and an open bar till close. Getting drunk in a tie has a strange satisfaction, and when you don't have to fly half way across the country for your cousin's wedding, it makes it all the better.

After that I headed to DC9 for the return of the Liberation Dance Party. The roofdeck wasn't open, so in my mind, DC9 has yet to be fully liberated.

From there, American Ice Co. is my new hangout. Practically across the street from 9:30 club, I don't know why I haven't been here yet (probably because it only opened on Thursday-ed). With a heated outdoor patio and PBR tall boys, this attracted good peoples to continue what needs to be done on Friday night at 2:30am, drinkin and smokin and chillin. after the after party is usually another after party, but I didn't stay long because I wanted to call it a night before I called it the morning.

Saturday was a busy day, including a 2.5 hr skateboard lesson to a nine year old and forgetting to eat breakfast until 3pm. But after those things were done, I had the courage and pleasure to see the gayest choir I could have tried to imagine. Expecting a drag burlesque show, I was pleasantly surprised by a full Christmas ensemble reminiscent of a PBS special. The soothing Christmas carol made me forget the flamboyant nature of the affair.

I met up with Matthew Hemerlein and Seaton Smith at the intermission to grab a drink. I couldn't decide if I wanted my coke with makers mark or not, at 4pm I figured it might be a little early to drink. The bartender made a ridiculous suggestion that I get a double, and, thinking about the second act that was in store, I said "Why not". I do not recommend this decision, but then again, I do not entirely regret it.

The second act was a modern and flamboyantly gay interpretation of the Nutcracker, and elicited laughs, cheers, and whistles from an audience that was ecstatic to see skimpy costumes backdropped by a talented choir. Part of this excitement could have been due to the mid-show emergency announcement that "Don't Ask Don't Tell"; had officially been repealed by the Senate. Or it could have been the double shots the bartender was suggesting, or it could have been and auditorium packed with gay men, probably all of the above. The show received a resounding standing ovation and the audience could congratulate, hug, and kiss the performers after the show.

Post-nap lethargy combined with the cold and dark outside made going out on Saturday night that much more difficult. A friend offered me a ride to Rock and Roll hotel, and not having been in months, I concurred.

DJ Smudge, a good friend and noteworthy DJ, spun a set with more musical diversity than my itunes on shuffle, and every song came perfectly after the last. I don't know how he decides what song should come next, but it was just the right about of everything I could have asked for.
His set was directly followed by a double decker gay party: Mixtape downstairs, Annie upstairs.

I wondered why or how I had been so gay the entire day. The Senate certainly gave gays perfect time to come together and celebrate, the christmas spirit had them all gay and jolly. And somehow, I was there to partake every step along the way.

After Rock and Roll hotel I made my way to my favorite part of the weekend: the Columbia Heights house party. With music by one hemisphere of Blue Brain and a heavy handed bartender, the party was a great success. We drank, danced, laughed with friends.... and of course took photos. Another great weekend, I reflected, as I walked home at 4 am....

Previously in I Heart DC:

• 5/16: D.C. NEWS YOU CAN (MAYBE) USE...
• 5/16: Photos: Dance In The Circle @ Dupont Circle
• 5/15: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 5/14: D.C. NEWS YOU CAN (MAYBE) USE...
• 5/11: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 5/10: D.C. NEWS YOU CAN (MAYBE) USE...
• 5/9: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 5/8: D.C. NEWS YOU CAN (MAYBE) USE...
• 5/7: DC News You Can (Maybe) Use
• 5/4: D.C. NEWS YOU CAN (MAYBE) USE...