Brightest Young Things

First of all a massive apology to anyone who was turned away at the door last Thursday. We really didn't anticipate selling out the large Gibson Showroom Space, and we didn't want all the latecomers to have to stand against the walls. Even with the cut-off, there were people in every nook and cranny of the long dark room--behind the stage, sitting on the floor, peering in the windows from the dusky rooftop deck--and we also apologize to anyone who didn't get a seat.

That said, given the quality of wonderfulness of the show: You're Welcome.

• Seaton Smith opened with a heartwarming poop joke.
• Aaron Thompson sung gritty and keening americana tunes with help from the Hemerleinian Host and other friends.
• Sheldon Scott (of SpeakeasyDC) told a professional story about his childhood that shocked us with hilarious honesty and bewondered us with eloquent language.
• Seaton gave away some shots of Smirnoff in an absurd and competitive burst of 90s nostalgia.
• Michael Foody dropped some quirky intellectual comedy bombs on us.
• Janel and Anthony wove intricate patterns of cello and guitar tapestry.
• Then Seaton took us down the long and disturbingly funny rabbithole into his comedic sensibility by way of his relationship history.
• And finally, after Matthew Himself sung us some of his sweet chamber lullabies,
• a grand prize was raffled off: a number chosen randomly and a winner brought to stage to receive the bounty. Thus the night closed as a brave young man named Niko graciously accepted a free pass to every BYT event all summer long (including more Families Hemerlein and all the Pool Parties [including the Cowboy one this Saturday!]) as well as a much more coveted prize: a holistic and increasingly sensuous backrub from Seaton as Matthew sang Kiss From A Rose to them, the audience, and the stars who bent low to peer in the windows, as bemused and delighted as the rest of us.

Thanks to all the folks at Gibson, to the performers and volunteers, and thanks to the lovely audience for coming out. See you next month!

First some pre-show Happy Hour pics from fab interns Jessica and Aineki:

And finally some more Black and White clicks from Christopher Poole: