Monday, May 20, 2013

UPCOMING: MEDITATION: Tonight! Live or Work near Foggy Bottom, Georgetown or K St? "Spring into Meditation" with a Free Workshop at the West End Library 24th & L St NW on MON, May 20th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Led by David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC

"Spring into Meditation" Monday nights near Foggy Bottom
Mondays, May 6th, 13th & 20th
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free
Feel free to attend any or all of the three sessions offered this month!

The fianl meditation workshop in this series will be held on
Monday, May 20th
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Learn simple and easy technique to help you find peace and joy this spring with meditation. David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC will teach meditation to enrich your life -- personally, professionally, and spiritually. He has been teaching meditation for more than 30 years both in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Science of Spirituality offers free meditation workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the DC area. Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with them on facebook and twitter as well @SOS_WashDC

West End Neighborhood Library
1101 24th St NW at the corner of L St
Metro: Foggy Bottom

UPCOMING: CONNECTION EVE: Tonight! New Culture Intro and Exploration of Ecstatic Flow this MON, May 20th from 7:30pm - 10:00pm in Arlington, VA

New Culture Intro and Exploration of Ecstatic Flow
Led by Sarah Taub and Michael Rios at
Chrysalis Community in Arlington, VA
Monday, May 20th
7:30pm -10:00pm
Free, donations welcome
RVSP requested on facebook or by email va@cfnc.us
Questions, feel free to email or call  703-534-2298

Explore the energy of flow and learn more about New Culture with Michael and Sarah and other NC folks!
7:15pm: Feel free to arrive
7:30pm: New Culture intro for newcomers
8:00pm: Ecstatic Flow - discussion, whole-group activities, one-on-one conversations
10:00pm: Informal connection time

My friends with New Culture are hosting an intro eve this Monday night in Arlington to explore flow and how to create more of it in our lives and in community. They'll be mixing conversation with dynamic activities that help bring out the wisdom and experiences of everyone in the group. They'll also be giving a short into on New Culture at the beginning of the evening, sharing some core perspectives such as radical acceptance and being "at choice." People will have an opportunity to share about their experiences of ecstatic flow and there will also be some short, fun exercises that will help people access a state of flow and share that experience with the group, plus some time for one-on-one conversations. Everyone is always free to participate or not, as they desire. They'll also talk about how flow can be supported by a bunch of attitudes (such as curiosity, transparency, compassion, good boundaries, non-attachment, personal power and responsibility) to create a way of relating that many of us think is sustainable, healthy, and reasonably drama-free. The evening's workshop will start at 7:30 and go for a couple of hours, and then folks are welcome to hang out, sing and make music, etc.

According to Wikipedia, Flow is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.

Proposed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the positive psychology concept has been widely referenced across a variety of fields. According to Csikszentmihalyi, to be caught in the ennui of depression or the agitation of anxiety is to be barred from flow. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task although flow is also described (below) as a deep focus on nothing but the activity – not even oneself or one's emotions. Buzz terms for this or similar mental states include: to be in the moment, present, in the zone, on a roll, wired in, in the groove, on fire, in tune, centered, or singularly focused.

Chyrsalis Community in Arlington, VA
N Arlington Mill just off of Wilson Blvd - email or call for exact address
Metro: This location is just under 2 miles from the Ballston Metro, located close to Seven Corners as well, just off of Wilson Blvd. You can catch a bus from the Ballston metro that runs along Wilson to N Arlington Mill Drive or call Micheal and Sarah to see if someone might be able to pick you up at the Metro. It's also not too far if you want to hop a cab and someone can easily drop you back at the metro. For the exact address, directions, or to see about a ride from the metro, email va@cfnc.us or call  703-534-2298. 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: CABARET: Tonight! Weekly: La-Ti-Do Weekly Musical Theater Cabaret & Spoken Word Series at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont every MON night from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, doors 7:50pm, $10, 21+

La-Ti-Do Musical Theater Cabaret and Spoken Word Series at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont
every Monday night - artists vary each week
8:00pm - 10:00pm, doors 7:50pm 
$10 general
$5 for non-performing LTD Alumni, 21+
Note: Best to arrive early to get a seat as the place is small

Monday, May 20th
"La-Ti-Do Belts Your Face Off with Liberated Muse"

Guest performers this week: Liberated Muse, Kelsea Edgerly, Kate Duffy and John Fritz, Anne Marie Wilson, Nick DuPre, Joelle Thomas plus the storytelling stylings of Dan Sullivan,and Bay area poet Marlo Custodio.

DC's first spoken word/musical theater cabaret series, La-Ti-Do, takes place every Monday night in the cozy lower level piano lounge at the Black Fox in Dupont. 

The show is usually hosted by La-Ti-Do founders DonMike Mendoza and Regie Cabico, with accompanist Jonathan Tuzman. A really great, intimate evening of high quality musical entertainment and spoken word every week!  
‎1723 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, take the Q St exit and walk a few blocks north on Conn, it's on the right side of the street.

UPCOMING: MEDITATION: This one in Arlington, VA, "Meditation for Healthy Living" with Karin Silverman this WED, May 22nd from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Arlington Central Library in VA. Free


Learn more about "Meditation for Healthy Living" with Karin Silverman at the Arlington Central Library in VA
Wednesday, May 22nd
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Karin Silverman, of Science of Spirituality DC chapter, will be coming to the newly renovated Mt. Pleasant Library to lead an interactive talk about how meditation can help you to live a more ease filled and balanced life. Karin, a long-time meditator and licensed massage therapist, will share simple and effective meditation techniques during this free workshop. All are welcome. No meditation experience is necessary.


Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with SOS DC on facebook and @SOS_WashDC on twitter.

Arlington Central Library
1015 N. Quincy St - Arlington VA 
Metro: Virginia Sq or Ballston, just about a five minute walk from either metro station, see map 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: Tonight! Weekly: "The Garden" Open Mic is Open to All Styles and All Ages every MON night at Bloombars in Columbia Heights, 9:00pm - 11:00pm, 8:30pm sign up, All ages, by donation, $7 suggested

"The Garden" Weekly Variety Open Mic and feature at BloomBars
Hosted by Gowri K. along with a guest co-host
every Monday night
9:00pm - 11:00pm, sign up 8:30pm
All ages, by donation, $7 suggested
Please give as you can, no one turned away due to lack of funds

All ages, All Styles Open Mic! All are welcome to perform... Poetry, music, comedy, story telling, dance, whatever you got! Please keep in mind when deciding what to share that BloomBars is an all ages venue.

Monday, May 20th
This week features Dappho The Flow-er and guest co-host Heather Nadolny

Dappho the Flow-Er is not only a singer, bassist, and composer, she is a host, promoter, audio engineer, poet, and educator. She is a member of the acoustic folk soul duo 'SolRose', the all female Rock & Soul band 'The CooLots', and is a solo artist currently working on her first EP. Her influences include Sonia Sanchez, Jewel, Nikki Giovani, N.E.R.D., The Police, and Me'Shell N'Degeocello.

Heather Nadolny is a singer, actress, writer, and storyteller and a regular performer and guest co-host at LaTiDo, DC's premiere musical theatre cabaret and spoken word series. She has also appeared at Bloombars, Busboys and Poets, Speakeasy, Story League, B Spot DC, with the Washington Revels at the National Cathedral, and for the Gay Men's Chorus Board of Trustees.
3222 11th St, NW
at Kenyon, next to Wonderland
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk one block north on 14th, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Tonight! Weekly: "Blue Monday Blues" every MON night at Westminster Church by the Waterfront Metro, 6:00pm - 9:00pm, $5

every Monday night
6:00pm - 9:00pm
All ages, $5, free for those 16 and under
view schedule here

Monday, May 20th
Big Joe & the Dynaflows
Featuring Big Joe Maher, drums, vocals, Bill Heid, organ, vocals, Robert Fromn, guitar and Jerry Queene, sax.

"Blue Monday Blues" brings together great local blues players for an evening of down-home blues. Over 100 people usually attend this exciting event. Food and beverages available for purchase from SW Catering Company, featuring Southern and Mediterranean cuisine, from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. View pics on flickr here.

400 I St, SW (map and directions here)
Metro: Waterfront, seems to be a short walk from the metro
For those with cars, parking is available in the church lot or on the street.

UPCOMING: PERFORMANCE: Tonight! Drums along the Potomac - A Global Go-Go Fantasia as part of the Daily Free Performance Series at the Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, every day from 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Free

Performances every night!
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Free

Free performances every night at 6:00pm. Can't make it in person? Stream the show live online, or watch it anytime after on the online archives! Click the links for more info about the show!


Monday, May 20th
DRUMS ALONG THE POTOMAC–A Global Go-Go Fantasia
Collaborative ensemble with NY-based experimental Jazz group Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber and DC -based Go-Go players who will be bringing a new polyrhythmic beat. Followed by post-show discussion with WPFW's Bobby Hill. 

Remaining Performances this month:
May 21 Austin Goodwin, Robbie Moore, & Ida Saki
May 22 Tim Callobre
May 23 Tzveta Kassabova & Raja “Feather” Kelly
May 24 Emmet Cohen Jazz Trio
May 25 Conrad Tao, Sirena Huang, & Anna Litvinenko
May 26 Kate Davis, Gabe Schnider, & Noah Kellman
May 27 Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
May 28 Ilda Maria
May 29 Kyrenia Opera
May 30 Tamaki Kawakubo and Friends
May 31 Ryo Yanagitani

The Kennedy Center - Millennium Stage
2700 F St, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free Kennedy Center shuttle that runs every ten minutes or so 

UPCOMING: MEDITATION: "Meditation for Spiritual Awareness" on THURS, May 23rd as part of this month's "Spring into Meditation" Series at the Palisades Library near MacArthur Blvd & V St, NW on THURS, May 23rd with Science of Spirituality DC from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Free

"Spring into Meditation" A Three-Part Series on Thursday nights facilitated by David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC - Themes vary each week! Remaining events below
Attend any or all, Free

Save the date for the final session!

Meditation for Spiritual Awareness
Thursday, May 23rd
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Learn simple and easy technique to help you find peace and joy this spring with meditation. David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC will teach meditation to enrich your life -- personally, professionally, and spiritually. He has been teaching meditation for more than 30 years both in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Science of Spirituality offers free meditation workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the DC area. Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with them on facebook and twitter as well @SOS_WashDC


Palisades Library
4901 V St NW (map) right near MacArthur Blvd and V St NW
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access

Sunday, May 19, 2013

UPCOMING & ONGOING: PERFORMANCE: Weekly: Congressional Chorus performs on WED, May 22nd as part of the "Happenings at the Harman" Weekly Lunchtime Performance Series WED from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at Shakespeare Theatre's Harman Hall in Chinatown, Free



Free Performances on Wednesdays as part of "Happenings at the Harman"
every Wednesday at noon + New Monthly Happy Hour Shows
at Shakespeare Theatre's Sidney Harman Hall in Chinatown

"Happenings lunchtime performances...Bring your lunch and we will bring your shot of culture!" Check out one of  DC's best Free Performance Series every Wednesday at noon and every second Wednesday at happy hour! Performances are usually somewhere between 30 minutes and 50 minutes, sometimes with an opportunity for the audience to chat with the performers afterwards. For lunchtime performances, feel free to bring your lunch along to the show!

New this season, free monthly happy hour performances in addition to the weekly lunchtime ones. Super convenient location, across the street, to the left, from the Gallery Pl Metro, Arena exit at 7th & F St. Stay connected with STC on facebook!

Save the date for these Happenings in May! 

Wednesday, May 22nd
Congressional Chorus
Celebrating the spirit, diversity and power of American choral music has been the mission of the Congressional Chorus since its founding in 1987.

Note: No Happenings on Wednesday, May 29th due to the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend 

Monthly "Happenings Happy Hour" - usually on 1st or 2nd Wednesday - Final one of the season:

Wednesday, June 12th
Forum Theater, downstairs
610 F St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, just across the street, to the left from the arena exit

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Weekly: Lunchtime Concert Series at The Church of the Epiphany, right near Metro Center, every TUES from 12:10pm - 1:00pm, Free, donations appreciated

The Tuesday Concert Series at the Church of the Epiphany 
lunchtime concerts every Tuesday
12:10pm - 1:00pm
Free, all 
donations go to the musicians 

view schedule of performances 

Love this series even more now in their renovated space! The pic in this post is from before the renovations but it captures some of the beauty of the space. If you work near metro center, or are able to get there on a Tuesday at noon, you should totally check it out!

Final concerts this month before going on summer break:

Tuesday, May 21st
Richard Spotts, organ, playing music from L’Orgue 
Mystique by Charles Tournemire (1870-1939). Tournemire  was organist of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris and a prolific composer and an improviser extraordinaire. L’Orgue Mystique was his magnum opus, a two-hundred-fifty-three movement cycle of liturgical pieces based upon over three-hundred Gregorian Chants.

Tuesday, May 28th
Pulse Chamber Music, a virtuoso group known for their imaginative and exciting programs, exploring works utilizing clarinet, violin, viola, piano, recorders, baroque violin, and harpsichord.

"A Washington DC tradition described by the Washingtonian as a "hidden gem," the Noontime Cantata Series at Church of the Epiphany in downtown DC provides respite from the busy workday and the stress of city life." Each month, on the first Tuesday, the Washington Bach Consort performs a cantata and an organ piece, introduced by J. Reilly Lewis and performed by orchestra, chorus and soloists.
1317 G St, NW
Metro: Metro Center

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA: Free Lunchtime Yoga Class every TUES, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm with Heather Ferris at the Watha T. Daniel/ Shaw Library, beginners welcome, Free, Please bring your own mat

Yoga with Heather Ferris
every Tuesday
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Free, please bring a mat

Join Heather Ferris, yoga teacher/therapist, and Shaw resident, for a traditional yoga class every Tuesday afternoon. She'll cover some basics on asanas, meditation, breathing, Omkar chanting and much more. No yoga experience needed. Classes are for those 18+ and are limited to 20 people. Please arrive a little early to ensure a spot.

Watha T. Daniel/ Shaw Library
1630 7th St NW
at 7th & Rhode Island Ave near R St
Metro: Shaw

UPCOMING: DISCUSSION: The DC Science Cafe presents Neuroscientist Robert Provine, who'll talk about his book "Curious Behavior! Yawning, Laughing, Hiccupping and Beyond" this TUES, May 21st at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St NW from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Free

DC Science Cafe: “Curious Behavior! Yawing, Laughing, Hiccupping and Beyond” with Author Robert Provine at Busboys and Poets 5th & K
Tuesday, May 21st
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Free

DC Science Cafe presents a talk with Robert Provine a scientist, teacher, and consummate communicator, and author of "Curious Behavior! Yawning, Laughing, Hiccupping and Beyond." He'll lead a discussion that is sure to be as memorable as it is revealing about what makes you you. His book will be available for purchase at Busboys and Poets Books.

"Neuroscientist Robert Provine boldly goes where other scientists seldom tread—in search of yawns, laughs, hiccups, coughs, sneezes, and other lowly, undignified human behaviors. His investigations, which he describes as “sidewalk neuroscience” to stress his reliance on simple observations of daily life, reveal how these instinctive acts bear the imprint of our evolutionary origins and can be uniquely valuable tools for understanding how the human brain works. His latest award-winning book, from which the title of this café event was stolen, has been receiving rave reviews."

5th & K St, NW 
Metro: Mt Vernon Sq or Gallery Pl or take the Circulator to stop closest to 5th & Mass 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: Monthly: GPI - Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency - Monthly Open Mic Night is back at Bossa in Adams Morgan this TUES, May 21st, and every third TUES of the month, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages, Free + Followed by The Akoma Drummers, 9:30pm - 11:45pm

Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency Open Mic Night
Upstairs at Bossa in Adams Morgan
every third Tuesday of the month!
7:00pm - 9:00pm 
All ages, Free

Followed by the Akoma Drummers Downstairs
9:30pm - 11:45pm
Free

Tuesday, May 21st
GPI is back at Bossa!

Love poetry and open mics? Check out DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency at their monthly open mic night at Bossa in Adams Morgan. A great, diverse group, one of my favorite open mics! Read your own poetry or feel free to read other people's poetry that you love. 



The open mic will be upstairs from 7:00pm - 9:00pm with the DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency, followed by the boisterous West African rhythms of the Akoma Drummers starting at 9:30pm downstairs!

Bossa
2463 18th St, NW
Metro: Woodley Park or Columbia Heights and take the Circulator bus to Adams Mill/ 18th St or take the 42 or 43 bus from Connecticut Ave or Dupont Circle toward Mt Pleasant and get off at 18th & Columbia Rd.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA & PILATES: "Pilates in the Park" Free Yogalates and Vinyasa Yoga Mat-based Classes in Farragut Square every Tuesday from TUES, April 23rd - TUES, June 25th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm Thanks to Golden Triangle BID, Please BYO Yoga Mat

"Pilates in the Park" is back in Farragut Square!
Free Weekly Yogalates & Yoga classes outside
Tuesdays, April 23rd - June 25th
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Free
Please bring your own mat

The Golden Triangle BID hosts free Pilates classes in Farragut Square Park every Tuesday. Instruction will be provided by certified teachers from Yoga District (which, by the way, only charges $10 for all drop-in classes at their studios throughout DC!). Classes will be rotating between Vinyasa Yoga and Yogalates (a mat-based blend of Yoga and Pilates) and are a great way to relax, unwind after work and enjoy the fresh air. In case of inclement weather, please refer to the Golden Triangle BID site, any changes to the schedule or last minute cancellations due to weather will be noted there and on twitter ‏@GoldenTriDC.

Remaining Yogalates Classes:
Tuesday: May 21st & 28th  
Tuesday: June 11th & 25th

Remaining Vinyasa Yoga Classes:
June 4th & 18th 

Farragut Square
between 17th & Connecticut Ave and I St and K St NW 
Metro: Farragut North or Farragut West 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: Weekly: Poetry Open Mic at Busboys and Poets 14th & V St, Hosts vary each Week, every TUES night, 9:00pm - 11:00pm, All ages, $5

Chris August features on Tuesday, April 23rd
Tuesday Night Open Mic Poetry at Busboys and Poets
every Tuesday night
9:00pm - 11:00pm
Open mic sign up starts at 8:30pm
$5, available online or at the door if seats are still available

Open Mic Night every Tuesday night, usually with a new feature and host. "Expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week." Seating is on a  first come, first seated basis, no saved seats allowed.

14th & V St, NW
Metro: U St

UPCOMING: BOOK TALK & FILM CLIPS: Political Economist, Historian and Author Gar Alperovitz discusses his new book "What Then Must We Do?" and shows clips from his new film "The Next American Revolution" at Busboys and Poets 14th & V St NW this TUES, May 21st from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Free

Author Gar Alperovitz comes to Busboys and Poets 14th & V
Tuesday, May 21st
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Free

Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore welcomes political economist and historian Gar Alperovitz to discuss and sign his new book, "What Then Must We Do? Straight Talk about the Next American Revolution" and show excerpts from his new film, "The Next American Revolution." Alperovitz will lead a discussion on how we can organize for a new economy, from the neighborhood level to the national. Copies of the film and the book will be available for sale and signing.

About the Author: Gar Alperovitz, Lionel R. Bauman Professor of Political Economy at the University of Maryland, is cofounder of the Democracy Collaborative. He is a former fellow of the Institute of Politics at Harvard and of King's College at Cambridge University, where he received his PhD in political economy. He has served as a legislative director in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and as a special assistant in the Department of State. Earlier he was president of the Center for Community Economic Development, Codirector of The Cambridge Institute, and president of the Center for the Study of Public Policy.

Busboys and Poets
14th & V St NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, Woodley Park / McPherson Sq route, along 14th St to U St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: IMPROV: Weekly: Washington Improv Theater puts on Harold Night at Source Theatre on 14th St, near T St every TUES night from 10:00pm - 11:00pm, Free

every Tuesday night
10:00pm - 11:00pm
Free
Seating 9:45pm, show starts at 10:00pm

Washington Improv Theater (WIT) puts on Harold Night every Tuesday night at Source. Each week is a demonstration, celebration, and experiment in the world-famous improv longform, Harold. It starts with an audience suggestion and explores whatever themes emerge through a series of scenes. Stories are made up on the spot and characters intended to delight, and always a good time. Harold Night has been running in DC every Tuesday since March 18, 2010. Come down to Source and check them out, every Tuesday night.


Source Theatre
1835 14th St, NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U or any bus along 14th St to T St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA: Weekly: "Yoga Share" in Columbia Heights, Yoga Class for Yogis and Yoga Professionals, benefits FAIR Girls, every TUES night from 7:15pm - 9:00pm, by donation, RSVP please to ensure your space


Yoga Share donation based Yoga Class
every Tuesday night
7:15pm - 9:00pm
Note: class starts at 7:30pm
by donation, RSVP please as the space is small
Join the Yoga Share facebook group to RSVP

"Every Tuesday, the Yoga Share group hosts a yoga share for yoga teachers and yoga enthusiasts. Different from a yoga class, a yoga share has rotating teachers who volunteer to teach. This group is meant to be a bonding and sharing space for yogis and yoga professionals."  Please bring your own yoga mat as they only have two extras.

Hang out with yogi tea after! Love offering optional, benefiting FAIR Girls trafficking victims.

The Bridge House
2827 11th St, NW, between Harvard and Girard
Metro: Columbia Heights and walk, or you can take the 64 bus or any 14th St bus. Also any 14th St bus is close by.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Monthly: *Sparkle* Queer-friendly Open Mic at Busboys and Poets 5th & K features Judson Lewis, Co-Producer of The Encyclopedia Show this WED, May 22nd! Monthly event every fourth WED from 9:00pm - 10:40pm, 8:40pm sign-up, All ages, $5

*SPARKLE* Monthly Queer Open Mic for all! at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St, NW
every fourth Wednesday
9:00pm - 10:40pm, sign-up 8:40pm
All ages, $5, you can buy tickets online
if tickets are available, you can also get them at the door

Wednesday, May 22nd

May edition features Judson Lewis

*Sparkle*Open Mic Poetry is a queer-friendly and focused reading series that has featured an array of LGBT-dedicated poets. All are welcome! Maximum of 15 slots for spoken word and acoustic or acapella musicians (no CD playback please) during the open mic.  4+ minutes, which is basically 2 short poems or 1 long one, not to exceed 5 minutes.

About this month's featured artist:  Judson Lewis is a poet, performance artist, and Co-Producer of The Encyclopedia Show DC. Possessing impeccable charm and humor, he has performed in various Universities, performance festivals, coffee shops, summer camps, and street corners. He also suffers from being too sexy (sorry ladies turns out he’s gay). Known for variety, his work ranges from poems like Chick-Fi-Gay: The Quest for The Forbidden Chicken to the performance art (parody) of Iselle Skyhug HeHe. He has earned an MA in Performance Studies from Eastern Michigan and a BA in English from George Mason. Judson also teaches public speaking at Northern Virginia Community College.

5th & K St, NW
Metro: Take the Circulator bus to 5th & Mass or walk from Gallery Place or Mt Vernon Sq Metro.


UPCOMING: STORYTELLING: Monthly: StoryLeague is back at Busboys and Poets 14th & V this WED, May 22nd for their Monthly Story Contest, this Month on the Theme of "Gossip" 9:00pm - 10:30pm, $10 plus small fee online

Story League hosts Story Contest DC: May Edition on the Theme of "Gossip"
Wednesday, May 22nd
9:00pm - 10:30pm
$10, buy tix online for small service fee, see note
Note also, food and drink available for purchase at Busboys

This month there will be10 five-minute stories (instead of 7 seven-minute ones). The winner will be announced at the end of the night and will receive $100 cash as a prize. The audience will also select its favorite! Winners will go on to compete for $250 in Tournament later in the year.

Note: this event usually sells out completely and though the ticket is $10 there is a $1.34 service fee when you buy your ticket online, it's better to buy online if you want to be sure to get in.

Please Note: Seating cannot be guaranteed for any ticket holder after 9:10pm and this event always fills out. If you want to try to get in the night of, please arrive early to get your name on the list. The line forms around 8:30pm and doors open at 8:45pm

Busboys and Poets
14th & V St, NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, McPherson Sq - Woodley Park line that runs along 14th St to U St.

UPCOMING: HAPPY HOUR BENEFIT: It's time for HIPS May Happy Hour this TUES, May 21st from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Mad Momos, north of Columbia Heights, 21+

HIPS May Happy Hour!6:00pm - 8:00pm
No cover, donations welcome, 21+
Drinks available for purchase, a portion of the proceeds go to HIPS

Join  HIPS this Tuesday at Mad Momos in the northern part of Columbia Heights for libations, chatter, and sexy raffles.

HIPS’ mission is to assist female, male, and transgender individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Utilizing a harm reduction model, HIPS’ programs strive to address the impact that HIV/AIDS, STIs, discrimination, poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals engaging in sex work. Learn more about the work that HIPS does on their website here!

Mad Momos
3605 14th St, NW - just south of Spring Rd
Metro: Columbia Heights and/or Petworth, it's about 9 blocks from either. You can also take any of the 50 lines buses north along 14th St closer.

UPCOMING: ARTISTS TALK & CLOSING PARTY: This THURS, May 30th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm for "Domesticated" Recent Paintings by Dana Ellyn & Matt Sesow at Art Enables Off Rhode Gallery, On view SAT, May 11th - THURS May 30th, Free



Artists Talk and Closing Party
"Domesticated" Recent Paintings by Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow
at Art Enables Off Rhode Gallery
Thursday, May 30th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
On view Saturday, May 11th - Thursday, May 30th

From the invite: "Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow have created an exhibition focusing on their definition "domestication". The DC artist power-couple who met in 2001 and married at the height of a historic snow storm in 2010, have created a series of paintings that celebrate their philosophy on life, art, and being married."

More about the artists (who also happen to be friends of mine, love these guys!) "Sesow's popular animal creatures and icons are an expected interpretation of his work, as are Ellyn's familiar creations that celebrate her vegetarian lifestyle and respect for animal rights. "Domesticated" takes an unexpected turn with the artist's interpretation of marriage. They live and create paintings separately throughout their creative week. Sesow in Adams Morgan while Ellyn is downtown in her subsidized artist housing at Mather Studios. Their living situation is non-traditional; however, it works, and perhaps the only way married artists can continue to create is separately. Additionally, marriage has somewhat 'domesticated' the reckless animal spirit of Sesow, making him more focused and able to create a concentrated body of work - with spurts of primitive behavior (oftentimes alone during long creative sessions from his Adams Morgan studio). Whereas Ellyn's "domestication" has given her the confidence of commitment, process, and much needed "quiet time". Ellyn's paintings come from long periods of quiet and study, where she is able to carefully plan the composition, and execution of her work. Together the duo of Sesow and Ellyn are eclectic, unexpected, non-traditional, but unmistakably "domesticated", at least according to their definition."

Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables
2204 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Avenue and catch a bus that runs along Rhode Island Ave to the stop closest to 22nd St NE, see metro trip-planner for access, it's about 1.6 miles from the metro, see map,

UPCOMING: MUSIC: Lunchtime Concerts at the National Gallery of Art! Pianist and Soprano perform on WED, May 22nd & National Gallery of Art Chamber Players perform on WED, May 29th from 12:10pm - 1:00pm, Free

Lunchtime Concerts at the National Gallery of Art
select Wednesday afternoons
12:10pm - 1:00pm
Free

Remaining concerts this month:


Wednesday, May 22nd
West Building Main Floor, West Garden Court

Wednesday, May 29th
Note: this one will be in the East Building Concourse, Auditorium


National Gallery of Art
West Building, 7th & Constitution Ave, NW 
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial, closest to the West Building

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! This Month's "Art Crimes" Show at The Dunes features lots of great DC Artists! Closing Party for "The Gun Show!" will be on THURS, May 30th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, On view from FRI, May 3rd - THURS, May 30th, Free

"The Gun Show!" on view at The Dunes
Free
Friday, May 3rd - Thursday, May 30th

"In the midst of the current gun debate, opinions once widely polarized seem to be nearing agreement on reasonable gun laws. The Gun Show assembles DC area artist's views on guns, from all perspectives - including the reach of their various impacts on society, family, and pop culture - in this month long exhibition. Artists include: Ismael Carrillo, Anna U. Davis, Dana Ellyn, Anson Holzer, Ishim, Paul Mangano, Sandy Miller, Matt Sesow, Dafna Steinberg, Andrew Wodzianski and Yanina Angelini-Young.

Save the Date! Closing Party 
Thursday, May 30th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Free

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk just a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is above The Getaway, go up one flight of stairs.

UPCOMING: THEATER: WSC Avant Bard Final Pay-What-You-Can Matinees for Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land" will be on SAT, May 25th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, by donation

WSC Avant Bard presents "No Man's Land" by Harold Pinter
Final Pay-What-You-Can Saturday Matinee for this show
Saturday, May 25th
2:00pm - 4:00pm
by donation, buy online to ensure your seat
Post-show discussion to follow

WSC Avant Bard is offering pay-what-you-can Saturday matinee performances of Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land." An acting vehicle of depth and resonance, "No Man's Land" features a fallen poet and his drunken dispute with a mysterious stranger over success, adventures and romantic conquests. A stellar cast features former WSC artistic directors Christopher Henley and Brian Hemmingsen, as well as audience favorites Frank Britton and Bruce Alan Rauscher. New Artistic Director Tom Prewitt directs the show.

Theatre on the Run
3700 S. Four Mile Drive - Arlington, VA
Metro: Ballston, take the 23A bus toward Crystal City departing at 1:35pm to Four Mile Run Dr. & S. Shirlington Rd, 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr. will be on your left.

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! International Show curated by Astrotwitch …with love and care, at The Fridge from SAT, May 4th - SUN, May 26th, Free


International Show curated by Astrotwitch …with love and care, at The Fridge
Free
On view Saturday, May 4th - Sunday, May 26th

This international group show, curated by DC-based artist Astrotwitch, features seven artists - from places as far as Sao Paulo and Berlin - known for creating hand-painted posters to put up on the street. Artists: N.O Bonzo and Circle Face (Portland, OR); MAR! (Los Angeles, CA); Galo (Sao Paulo, Brazil); Alaniz (Berlin, Germany); and DECOY and Astrotwitch (DC). Read more here.
The Fridge
516 1/2 8th St SE
Metro: Eastern Market, turn right onto 8th and walk down about a block and a half, left into alley right after you pass Belga Cafe, across from matchbox 

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! "InterGrowth" solo exhibit by Melanie Kehoss at Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle, FRI, May 3rd - FRI, May 31st, Free

InterGrowth: Solo Exhibit at Hillyer in Dupont
Free
On view Friday, May 3rd - Friday, May 31st

Featuring paper-cut works by Melanie Kehoss exploring how cultures and traditions grow and merge.

Open: M 12-5pm T-F 12-6pm Sat 12-5pm

Hillyer Art Space
9 Hillyer Court NW
Metro: Dupont Circle

ON VIEW: Last Chance! "Color, Line, Light: French Drawings, Watercolors, and Pastels from Delacroix to Signac" at the NGA West Building SUN, Jan 27th - SUN, May 26th, Free


Edgar Degas, Two Women Ironing,
c. 1885, National Gallery of Art,
Washington,  Dyke Collection
New Exhibit at the National Gallery of Art West Building
Sunday, January 27th - Sunday, May 26th

"James T. Dyke is one of the most astute American collectors of 19th- and 20th-century French works on paper. About 100 drawings and watercolors from the Dyke collection..." read more

West Building, Main Floor
7th & Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial, closest to the West Building

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! "ki-momo" at Mad Momos in Columbia Heights, FRI, March 29th - TUES, May 21st, Free

"ki-momo" on view at Mad Momos
Free
Friday, March 29th - Tuesday, May 21st

Mad Momos restaurant, beer deck and lounge on 14th St, on the northern end of Columbia Heights, hosts a show featuring works by DC-area photographer, Andrea Reisenfeld. "This series of kimono images blends the sensibility of an ancient art form and the free-for-all expression of the 70's, interpreted through today's technology of the iPhone." Not sure how long it will be on view for, assuming at least one month.

Mad Momos 
3605 14th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights and walk north on 14th St, past Park, toward Spring St

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! Two More Exhibitions On View in DC, MD and VA through May, Free

Artwork from Beauty and the Waste 
Highlights Post for Exhibitions on view from CultureCapital.com
Free
Organized by the end date
Please click through for exhibit and location info
See Metro trip-planner for best metro and bus access

Window on Weimar at Robert Brown Gallery in Upper Georgetown
Saturday, April 6th - Friday, May 24th

Beauty and the Waste at Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA
Saturday, April 6th- Sunday, May 26th

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! "People and Places: Four Distinct Views" at the Arts Club of Washington featuring works by Dana Ellyn and Three Other Artists! FRI, May 3rd - SAT, June 1st, Free

"People and Places: Four Distinct Views" on view at the Arts Club of Washington
Free
On view Friday, May 3rd - Saturday, June 1st

The Arts Club May show features works by four artists - Dana Ellyn, Oenone Hammersley, Juan E. Hernandez Gonzalez and Paul Reuther - in the Monroe and MacFeely Galleries. Curated by Pat Moore, Chair, Arts Club of Washington Exhibition Committee.

Dana Ellyn - D.C. artist Dana Ellyn documents the political, social and cultural events of the day with the humor of a satirist, the mind of an informed citizen and the color and brush strokes of an engaging artist who is serious about her work. Ellyn's unique view of religion has made her bring her own torment upon herself; insults, damnations and death threats. And, with her political work, she is story-teller, a modern day town crier, documenting current events.

Oenone Hammersley - Best known for her rainforest and wildlife paintings, Oenone has spent the last three years working on this collection of semi-abstract oil paintings on canvas titled Magnificent Trees. Read more.

Juan E. Hernandez Gonzalez - This body of work depicts people working in the streets, markets and neighborhoods of Tegucigalpa, Honduras created from memory. Read more.

Paul Reuther - The pictures in this exhibition were completed between 2009-2012. During this time Paul was artist-in-residence at New Pacific Studio in Kaiparoro, New Zealand and Arte Studio Ginestrelle in Assisi, Italy. Read more.

Save the date! "A Conversation with the Artists"
Wednesday, May 15th
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Free

Arts Club of Washington
2017 I St, NW
Metro: Farragut West, 18th St exit, or Foggy Bottom

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! Two Exhibits this Month! "Signs and Seasons" and "In My Nature" On View at the Washington Printmakers Gallery in he Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring WED, May 1st - SUN, May 26th, Free

Art by Margaret Adams Parker
Signs and Seasons and In My Nature on view at WPG
Free
Wednesday, May 1st - Sunday, May 26th

Margaret Adams Parker's May solo exhibition, Signs and Seasons is on view along with In My Nature by
Pennsylvania-based landscape print artist Robin Gibson.

Washington Printmakers Gallery - Silver Spring, MD
in the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center
8230 Georgia Avenue, 2nd Floor
Metro: Silver Spring, walking distance from the metro 

ON VIEW: ART: Last Chance! Gian Garofalo's "Ain't That America..." at Long View Gallery near the Convention Center THURS, May 2nd - SUN, June 2nd, Free


Gian Garofalo's "Ain't That America..." at Long View Gallery
Free
Thursday, May 2nd -  Sunday, June 2nd

This exhibit marks Chicago-based artist Garofalo’s first solo show at Long View Gallery and in Washington, D.C.

Gian Garofalo  is a visual artist who explores color and technique through the application of resin and pigments. Inspired by several contemporary artists, including Gene Davis of the Washington Color School, Garofalo meticulously applies resin to panel, creating stripes that slowly gravitate to the base, ultimately punctuating the work with intriguingly suspended paint droplets.

"In this exhibit Garofalo presents a new body of work employing his distinctive yet familiar style. Ain’t That America… presents a vibrant medley of Garofalo’s resin drip paintings composed in varied color palettes. Executed in a wide range of shapes and sizes, the artist continues to explore this finicky yet rewarding medium. A selection of pieces will feature pop culture artifacts, some still relevant, others lost and forgotten. Physically incorporating these elements into the work acts as a rebirth of sorts, transporting the viewer to the relevant time. The pieces in Ain’t That America… were inspired by childhood, fatherhood, and contemporary culture. This is a body of work intended to incorporate humor, wonder, irony and a decided bit of seriousness."

Long View Gallery
1234 9th St NW
between M and N St
Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center, keep left on M and right on 9th and cross the street

Saturday, May 18, 2013

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA + JUICE: **Back at a new, later time starting on SAT, May 25th!** Weekly: "Yoga. Juice. Om." Anusara Inspired Yoga Class + Fresh Squeezed Juice Bar at The Dunes, a unique Arts space in Columbia Heights every SAT, now from 12:00pm - 2:30pm or so, always by donation! $5-$10 suggested for Yoga, $5 suggested for Juice

Yoga. Juice. Om.  Saturday Mornings at The Dunes
Donation-based Yoga Class + Fresh Squeezed Juices
now every Saturday at a later time!
12:00pm -2:30pm or so (used to start 10:00am)
All ages, by donation*
$5 - $10 suggested for yoga, $5 suggested for juice bar, no one turned away, please give as you are able

Now at a later time! Saturdays at The Dunes, you can treat yourself to a fabulous, fun donation-based anusara (inspired) yoga class guided by Mallory Hemerlein. Stick around after the class if you like for fresh fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies made with love by your hostess, Lisa Markuson. Start your Saturday with some good vibes with some good people and get a little stretching and exercise in. Great class to enjoy with friends.

If you want to come just for yoga that's cool, if you want to come just for the juice, that's cool too. Please bring your own yoga mat for the class.

*Please note that the suggested donations are just recommendations to help cover the cost of renting the space and the juice supplies. If you are strapped for cash, you are still welcome to come and join, no one will be turned away. Of course, if you have a little extra to give, that's super too! Donations exceeding the costs will all be going to cool local charities cause that's the hip thing to do with profits/karma. Beginners and skeptics welcome.

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk just a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is above The Getaway, go up one flight of stairs.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Weekly: Sunday Night Concert Series at the National Gallery of Art, SUN, May 26th will be a 4:00pm due to the Memorial Day Holiday and will feature Pianist Gabrielius Alekna in the West Building Lecture Hall, Concerts every SUN night, usually from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Free

Vlach Quartet Prague  play on Mother's Day
The Sunday Night Concert Series at the NGA
every Sunday night in the West Building, unless otherwise noted
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Free
Please note: You must arrive before 6:30pm to get in. Late entry and reentry is not permitted.
Gabrielius Alekna, pianist
Sunday, May 26th 
Note: Earlier time and different location due to Memorial Day Weekend 
4:00pm
West Building Ground Floor, Lecture Hall

The next concert will be:
Inscape Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, June 2nd
6:30pm
Note: this one will be in the East Building Concourse, Auditorium
Note: The West Building Main Floor, West Garden Court, where the concerts are usually held, is a beautiful space, however almost all of the seats have an obstructed, or very minimal view. If you want a seat with a view, best to arrive early to get in line.

Usually in the West Building, Main Floor, West Garden Court
6th & Constitution Ave, NW entrance
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial or Judiciary Sq

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OUTDOOR CONCERTS: Reggae Band John Stone performs on THURS, May 23rd as part of the Thursday Evening Summer Concert Series in Bethesda! Every Thursday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, THURS, May 2nd - THURS, July 25th, Free

Free Thursday Night Summer Concert Series in Bethesda
Thursday nights from May 2nd - July 25th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
Note: No concert on Thursday, July 4th

The next concert will be:
Tuesday, May 23rd
Reggae Band - John Stone

"With warm summer weather approaching, patrons will be able to delight in weekly outdoor concerts in downtown Bethesda. This series, produced by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, will feature free Thursday evening concerts during May, June, and July. The concerts offer a diverse range of music including rock, funk, jazz, swing, and reggae." See the schedule of artists performing!

Save the Date for this one!
Thursday, May 30th
The lovely local singer/songwriter, and my friend, Flo Anito plays her own unique blend of pop and jazz.

corner of Woodmont & Norfolk Avenues.
Metro: Bethesda

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Monthly: Open Mic Night! Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency Open Mic at Coffy Cafe in Columbia Heights! Next one will be on THURS, May 30th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages, Free


Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency Monthly Open Mic at Coffy Cafe in Columbia Heights
Thursday, May 30th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
All ages, Free

Recommend this one! New monthly event in Columbia Heights. GPI Open Mic will be hosted by Shahid Buttar at Coffy Cafe, one of my favorite new coffee shops in DC to work from. They also have really good espresso, coffee, teas, and crepes. GPI is a great Open Mic with a great group of folks I have known for many years. Good stuff.

Coffy Cafe
3110 14th St, NW
at 14th & Park Rd, across from Tivoli
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk one and a half blocks north on 14th, left side of the street.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

UPCOMING: WALKING TOURS: DC Walkabout offers Three Free Walking Tours, Tips Appreciated + Two New Audio Tours on the Lincoln Assassination & Haunted History, $5 each, RSVP Required for Walking Tours


DC Walkabout is a local, indie, theme-based, tour group in DC! 
Free, tips welcome, rain or shine 
RSVP Required - Reserve here!


Whether you live here or are visiting town, DC Walkabout tours will show you a side of DC you don't often get to see! There are three walking tours available this month: American Scandal, The Big Five Memorials and Capitol Hill.  You can stay connected to DC Walkabout on facebook and follow them @DCWalkabout on twitter. Questions: 202.421.4053 or info@dcwalkabout.com.  

New! Take tours on your own time! Two brand new Audio Tours are now available for just $5. These new tours offer lots of great info along with music and sound effects to set the mood.

Lincoln Assassination - Audio Tour
Available Anytime! Just $5
includes the MP3 tour file and a tour map
"The night of April 14th 1865 changed American History forever. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth as part of a vast conspiracy plot. See with your own eyes and hear with your own ears as the greatest crime in American history plays out, complete with music and sound effects."

Haunted History - Audio Tour
Available Anytime! Just $5
"As hard as politicians fight to get to Washington, is it surprising that some are reluctant to leave? By day, the 7-acre Lafayette Square seems friendly enough. By night, the visage shifts, and spookiness surrounds. The backdrop to the White House, this is the hubbub of the haunted. Put on your headphones and tune in to the powerful paranormal history of America's capital city."

American Scandal - Walking Tour
Adults only (Rated R for Ridiculous)
A humorous tour of indiscretions and high jinks...from the horrifying to the hilarious.
Meet at Lafayette Park, corner of 16th &  H St, NW (map) across from the Hay Adams Hotel
Metro: McPherson Sq or take the S2 or S4 bus down 16th St. When you show up, look for the guide with the DC Walkabout shirt and a safari hat on.

Big Five Memorials - Walking Tour
See the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. Walk around the Tidal Basin as you visit the memorials to these great American figures.
Meet at center of field on road side of Jefferson Memorial (1 East Basin Dr, SW)
Metro: Smithsonian is the closest station, still about 1 mile walk (see map)

Capitol Hill - Walking Tour
Major Sights include the Capitol Building, Ulysses S Grant Memorial, Supreme Court, Library of Congress and Union Station. You'll also have a chance to take in the grand structures of the Legislative and Judicial branches of government, see the Neptune Fountain, and gaze across the National Mall.
Meet at corner of 3rd & Pennsylvania Ave, NW near the Grant Memorial (see map)
Metro: Judiciary Square