Amazing Deals via Groupon

So it seems Groupon is branching out from it's usual daily deals for local products and services and is now offering online deals for miscellaneous products such as big screen TVs and exercise equipment. Check out some of the deals below.


AeroPilates Premier 299 Reformer or AeroPilates Pro XP 556 Reformer for $249

Learn more:
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3974614-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/gg-stamina-products





32" Panasonic 1080p LED HDTV ($440) or TV and Home Theater System ($665)

Learn more:
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3974614-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/gg-altec-lansing-octiv-duo

Things to Do: Gentleman Jack ART, BEATS+LYRICS

Sad that I'll be missing this event this year because I've gone for the last 2 years and had a great time. Since, I won't be there I hope you can go in my absence. Have fun for me! Make sure to RSVP using the link provided below and get there early to ensure your admittance!

Another bit of advice, ladies wear comfortable shoes because there's no seating and after dancing (after a few Gentleman Jack cocktails trust me you'll be dancing) your feet will need a break.

Gentleman Jack presents ART, BEATS + LYRICS

Not to be missed, the event of the year - free drinks, live music, hot DJs, street art, beautiful people in the most beautiful location in Washington, D.C.

Art and music were once the voice of the people. It was an underground movement driven by the need for expression. Somewhere along the way, art became available only to the elite and music profited only the few. At that point artist lost control of their creation.

Gentleman Jack's Art, Beats + Lyrics is taking it back. Exploring Hip Hop and highlighting urban art forms expressed through photography, graffiti, paintings, multimedia, DJing and live music.

FREE with RSVP. EARLY ARRIVAL SUGGESTED.

Friday October 7, 2011
7:00PM - 12:00AM
21 & UP

Andrew W Mellon Auditorium
301 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20240
http://www.mellonauditorium.com

RSVP at http://www.gentlemanjackabl.com

Things to Do: Africa Underground "No Boundaries"

Just came across this and had to share. Looks interesting...

National Museum of African Art Launches Third Installment of Africa Underground- "No Boundaries"

Africa Underground is back with an evening of delights at the National Museum of African Art, Friday, September 30, from 7 to 11 p.m. Coming on the heels of a hugely successful second installment of African Underground in May, this edition will also see the museum's doors held open after hours, giving revelers the chance to enjoy refreshments, dance, and experience the museum's exhibitions, ambiance and performances from around the continent.

The first and second Africa Undergrounds sold out in days, and this installment will include several exciting new elements including entertainment by the bands 'Sahel' and 'Eme & Heteru', fashions by world renowned designer Korto Momolou, with 'Afrobeat' face painting by lunchbox theory and music spun by DJ Underdog throughout the night.

The Sahel, a stretch of land between African desert and rainforest, is an ancient symbol of trade and travel where people from various continents have throughout time exchanged goods, ideas and cultures. Like the Sahel much of the worlds contemporary dance music is a product of distinct African roots with middle eastern and European influences; blended colors of culture on the canvas of African rhythms. SAHEL are a band of musicians from diverse backgrounds who believe in honoring multicultural evolution by performing currently relevant music like Zouk, Mbalax, Saba Reggae and Salsa. SAHEL is inspired by tradition and dedication to the progress of music that moves the world.

Eme & Heteru are a band lead by singer/songwriter, Eme Awa who have been part of the Washington, D.C. live music scene for the past ten years. They combine the rich styles, melodies and rhythms from East, South and West Africa in addition to Reggae to create their unique sound, a combination of Afrobeat and reggae music Eme Awa calls "AfroRoots Music." He has had four Wammie nominations and will also play music from Central Nigeria to compliment the museum's exhibition Central Nigeria Unmasked."

Cost: $25
Advance online purchase only, one free drink with ticket purchase
Must be 21 to be admitted (IDs will be checked at the door).

For more information:
visit: http://africa.si.edu/underground/
email: africanartevents@si.edu
phone: 202.633.4651

Things to Do: FELA! at the Shakespeare Theatre

Last week I had the privilege of attending the opening week of FELA! in DC. It had been nearly two years since I'd first heard of the Broadway musical surrounding the life and music of Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. I'd planned on seeing it with some friends but we somehow never got around to making the short trek to NYC to see it.

Fast forward to earlier in the spring, I saw an announcement that FELA! would be traveling to DC and I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. FELA! will be running through October 9 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall.

We arrived about 15 minutes before the show and were immediately seated in the first row of the mezzanine. I typically prefer orchestra seating but that was all that was left at the time plus I got the seats at a significant discount, and they offered an amazing view of the vibrant set so I was pleased.

The show started slightly after 8:00 at which time we were greeted by a group of performers walking through the theatre. It was their intention to give the impression we had been teleported back in time to the Shrine nightclub in Nigeria when Fela was a musical icon.

From that moment on, everyone was captivated by the actor who portrayed Fela Kuti as well as the entire cast, from the band to the signing and dancing performers. My friend and I were amazed at some of their dances and how they remained energetic throughout the entire 2.5 hour performance. I don't want to give up too much about the lively performance but I'll say there was quite a bit of audience participation and everyone had a chance interact with the performers.

I highly recommend that everyone, over the age of 18 (there were some mature parts) go see FELA!. It was such an amazing experience! Honestly, I can't remember the last time I felt so energized after seeing a theatrical performance. Make sure you go out and see it and let me know what you think!

Special Offer: Purchase tickets online or by phone and use code 'FELATHANKS' to save 10%. For more information, visit: http://www.shakespearetheatre.org

DC Central Kitchen Stuff the Bus Campaign

DC Central Kitchen is looking for people to join them in their mission to "Stuff the Bus".  From September 17-30, they will have a classic 1975 Ford school bus parked in various locations around DC where they will be collecting donations of nonperishable food.  

If you don't have time to track the bus down, you can also buy from their bus' virtual farmers market. One Hundred percent (100%) of the food and proceeds will be given to DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen that provides home-made meals to thousands of local at-risk individuals while offering culinary job training to once homeless and hungry adults.  

Their goal is to collect 5,000 pounds of food, but they can't do it without our support. Several local celebrities are supporting this worthy cause including: Ryan Zimmerman, Darrell Green, Mike Isabella, Spike Mendelsohn, Cokie Roberts, Ed Henry, Jonathan Karl, Mary Beth Albright, Geoff Tracy and Jose Andres. 

To learn more about DC Central Kitchen and their mission, visit www.stuffthebus.com for additional details, bus schedule, and celebrity photos.

Things to do: Stomp Out Sickle Cell Walk

Just received the following about a walk this weekend, please see below...

We've started the countdown before the Stomp Out Sickle Cell Walk, which will be on Saturday, September 17! We look forward to seeing you if you've already registered. If not, please REGISTER NOW! Online registration will end on Thursday, September 15 at 11:59 PM. We strongly encourage online registration, although onsite registration will be available.

Remember, the SOS Walk/Run will take place on September 17, 8 AM at Freedom Plaza in downtown DC, near the White House. We will walk down famous Pennsylvania Ave in a certified 5K route which will return us to the Plaza to end. We'll have entertainment, prizes, and information tables at Freedom Plaza, along with a blood drive hosted by Children's National Medical Center and registration for organ and bone marrow donation.

Please come out and make your voice heard! Join us as we walk on this historic and well-visited corridor to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and our need for a cure.

All of the details are at www.soswalk.org. Register for $20 per person, and ask others to make a donation. You also have the opportunity to sponsor a walker and memorialize your loved ones on a custom-made sign (deadline Wednesday, Sept 15).

We can't make a difference without you, so please register today! If you have any questions, please contact us at info@soswalk.org.

Learn more: www.soswalk.org
 

Things to Do: Getting To Your Happy HOUR - Tues. 9/13

Join Divas MPH on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 from 6:30-9:00PM at SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar for the Getting To Your Happy HOUR!

RSVP by Monday, September 12th and receive a FREE Getting To Your Happy Kit! 
Click here to register for this FREE event: http://bit.ly/gethappyhour

See below for more information about Divas MPH...

Blues & Birthday Cake
A Labor of Love, Divas, MPH Turns Two!

Two years, 09.09.09, our baby, Divas, MPH (Making our People Healthier) arrived into this world to help women achieve and maintain total health and wellness – mind, body, and spirit.  Born out of a passion for public health and changing the communities in which live, Divas, MPH made a commitment on this day to develop and deliver innovative programming to address the health needs of women in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, Atlanta, Georgia, and globally through the use of social media.

The launch event for Divas, MPH was held on September 9, 2009, during Infant Mortality Awareness Month honoring film producer, attorney, and author Tonya Lewis Lee for her work as the national spokeswoman for the “A Healthy Baby Begins with You” Campaign funded by the Office of Minority Health. Divas, MPH hosted a screening for “Crisis in the Cribs,” a documentary produced for the campaign and directed by Mrs. Lee.  Over 150 young men and women, public health professionals, and members of the medical community attended the event.  The response to the event was overwhelming and clearly demonstrated a community need for the type of women’s health & wellness programming we were looking to provide.

Since that day, Divas, MPH has been working tirelessly to provide innovative programs to educate, empower, and mobilize women to create healthy communities.


Learn more about Divas MPH, here.

SOVA Espresso & Wine Bar

1359 H Street Northeast
Washington D.C., DC 20002

202.397.3080

Things to Do: Puccini's Tosca - Kennedy Center Opera

Do you like opera and are you between the ages of 18-35?  If so, you should check out Puccini's Tosca at the Kennedy Center, it runs from September 10-24 in the Opera House. See below for more information as well as a special deal I came across.

A little about the performance...Floria Tosca, a beautiful opera diva, tries to save her lover's life by giving herself to the dreaded chief of police, Baron Scarpia. The situation turns deadly, and even Scarpia's murder may not stop his diabolical plan. One of the most popular operas in the repertoire, Puccini's Tosca has attracted thousands of new fans with its timeless and thrilling arias, including "Vissi d'arte," "E lucevan le stelle," and "Recondita armonia." The touching emotion of Puccini's music goes straight to the heart and pulls the listener into its world. Listen to an audio preview of Tosca that highlights the sheer beauty of Puccini's lyrical gift.

Tosca's irresistible combination of passion, tenderness, pathos, and despair is brought to life on stage by Patricia Racette, Alan Held, and Frank Porretta, with Plácido Domingo conducting.**

**DEAL ALERT**
Save up to 68% on Orchestra Seats. 

A limited number of $35, $50, and $75 Generation O tickets are now available for performances on September 12, 14, and 23. Tickets regularly up to $300. Purchase now— GenO seats will sell out quickly! (If you're not familiar with Generation O, it's Washington National Opera's program for students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35!)

Purchase tickets online or mention code "132176" when calling the Box Office @ 202.467.4600.

Things to Do: Fundraiser for the Lung Cancer Alliance

 

While I usually don't post events outside of the Washington, DC area or the DMV, I was recently forwarded information about a fundraiser that will occur in Baltimore next week.  See more information below, I hope you can support this worthy event.

Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant Presents:
"HELLO BEAUTIFUL!"
beautiful people. beautiful cuisine. a beautiful cause.

OFFICIAL FUNDRAISER FOR LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE

Thursday, September 15, 2011
6:00 - 9:00 PMA Social Mixer for Radio/TV Personality
APRIL WATTS
And the Beautiful People of BaltimoreCiao Bella means "Hello Beautiful" in Italian. At Ciao Bella Reasaurant, everyone and everything is beautiful. That includes you!

Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant
236 S High Street Little Italy
Baltimore, MD
ENJOY LIVE JAZZ w/ DEANDREY HOWARD TRIO

Hors D'oeuvres :: Sensational Entrees :: Wine Selections
Valet Parking Available

Hosted by April Watts, Tony Gambino, & Ego Marketing LLC (Amber Chapman and Alisa Reese).

Suggested Donation: $5 (not required).
Ciao Bella will donate 20% of its profits from the evening to Lung Cancer Alliance.

Things to Do: 1869 Society Cultural Cocktails

I'm a member of the Corcoran's 1869 Society and wanted to share this upcoming event...

Kick off the fall with an evening of culture and cocktails... and clues! Go on a scavenger hunt through the galleries, where you'll discover the Corcoran's internationally-recognized collection and the special exhibition Chris Martin: Painting Big. Take a break and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres while mingling amidst three 26-foot-tall canvases Martin created specifically for the Corcoran's grand atrium.

Completed scavenger hunt questionnaires will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to NOW at Night, a fundraiser for the Corcoran's contemporary art program on Friday, October 21. Get your tickets early at a special rate of $100; prices increase September 19. For more information, visit www.corcoran.org/nowatnight.

Thursday, September 15
6:30 - 8:30PM
1869 Society Members: FREE
Non-1869 Society Members: $20

To register for Cultural Cocktails, please click here or call 202.639.1770.

FREE tickets to The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center to give away free tickets!!! In celebration of its 40th birthday, the Kennedy Center in Washington is giving away free tickets to every performance taking place in the 2011-2012 season and is starting an effort to reach more young people (18-30), military families and community organizations.

Beginning Thursday, September 1st at 10AM., people can enter online to win a pair of tickets to a performance. In total, more than 1,200 free tickets will be distributed from a random drawing after the entry period closes on September 19th.

The ticket giveaway serves as the beginning of the center's MyTix program. It will offer discounted, complimentary and last-minute tickets to select performances. MyTix members also will receive ticket alerts and discounts on food and drinks. Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein funded the program to broaden the center's audience.

To learn more and for your chance to win free tickets visit: http://www.kennedy-center.org/kc40

Thing to Do: From the Bay, For the Bay

Just came across this and wanted to share. I'm a seafood lover, but then again I grew up in Maryland so that's a give in. If you can go out this week to support this worthy cause please do.

Bay, For the Bay Dine Out
October 2-9, 2011

From October 2-9, participating restaurants will be featuring fresh, locally caught Maryland Seafood. Each of the participating restaurants is donating $1 for every Maryland seafood dinner that is sold during this week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

To see a listing of participating restaurants, click here.

P.S. I highly recommend Acadiana, Dino, Smith Commons, and Oceanaire, they are all participating!!!