Check our roundup of Martin Luther King Jr.Day events happening this weekend and through Monday. Other highlights this weekend include a queer theater play/musical, comedy shows, an art show opening, and glitter burlesque.

Lighten up the January gloom with a variety show or a comedy showcase (both are free!) at Jai Thai this weekend. Breezy Time Variety Hour on Thursday features a line up of drag, music comedy, videos, stand-up and sketch. Punchline Friday (yes, it’s on Friday) offers your classic comedy show with straight up stand up.

Opening and closing this weekend at Gay City is Gender Tender: Sync or Swim, a queer music/dance/drag/theater performance. “Real life couple Will Courtney and Syniva Whitney and crew challenge the sincerity of family based sitcoms and romatic comedies while wondering what it means to be a family in real life.” Performances are Thursday through Sunday.

Also opening on Thursday at Erickson Theatre is Strawberry Theatre Workshop’s production of The Normal Heart. Strawberry Theatre Workshop is one of three theater companies which will move into the 12th Avenue Arts Building later this year.

Three new exhibitions open on Friday at Gage Academy of Art. The Steele Gallery features selected works by Benjamin Vierling, who primarily uses a 15th century mixed media technique.The Entry Gallery features work by Seattle printmaker Charles Spitzak plus still life works by Gage teaching artists. Artist reception 6 – 8pm.

The Academy of Burlesque kicks off their 2014 programming on Saturday with Glitter and Mischief, starring Jo “Boobs” Weldon and supported (heh) by Academy alumni. Sparkle and glam starts at 7:30 in the West Hall of the Oddfellows Building.

Are you having an event on Capitol Hill? Add it to the CHS Calendar.

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