PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE - Cannes Film Festival Kick-off

PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE

Friday, May 18, 2012 

7:00PM - Midnight

Join us as we bring the glamorous sunset of the French Riviera to Beacon Sky Bar, one of the best hidden treasures in DC.  Celebrate with us the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival and watch exclusive video footage of the opening night.  The ambiance, views, delicious cocktails, complimentary savory appetizers and latest French House beats from DJ TiNiN, DJ Choukry and DJ FoTiFo will make for an unforgettable night. 

 

Proceeds from the event will benefit Art Soiree's programming.  Art Soiree is a low-profit limited liability company that uses its for-profit efficiencies to achieve socially beneficial goals and support local arts and charitable organizations.  The organization operates primarily on the energy of volunteers, artists and the generosity of those who come to the show. Art Soiree received profit is used directly to run its events, web site and other arts-related activities. Every donation received, whether from individual contributors, registration fees or sponsors, is vital to the organization. 

 

Come and enjoy the evening of great ambiance in the company of internationally minded, socially established, and artistically inclined strata of Washingtonians. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

TICKETS: $15 online only 

Dress code: Fashionable cocktail attire 

 

See Photos from 2011 - PALME D'OR ROOFTOP SOIREE

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150181037856700.304666.138673616699&type=3

Beacon Sky Bar
1615 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington DC

Dumbarton House Seersucker and White Dress Garden Soiree

The International Club of DC is hosting yet another one of their lovely events.  Each spring and summer, they host Soirees at the Dumbarton House, a historic mansion in Georgetown, where young professionals gather for live music and entertainment.

I've attended in the past and would highly recommend you try it out for yourself.  It's makes a great date or grab some friends and make an evening out of it.


My advice is to bring a collapsible lawn chair or a blanket as seating is extremely limited and it's nice to just sit outside on the lawn and listen to the music.

See below for all of the details of this week's event.

Georgetown Dumbarton House Seersucker and White Dress Garden Soiree
Friday, May 04, 2012
7:00 PM
Attire: Seer sucker or white requested

Celebrate warm summer days ahead with chic cocktail attire in either seersucker or white!

We cordially request the pleasure of your company at the Historic Dumbarton House Museum and Gardens to experience a night of sophisticated jazz, elegant fashion, and dancing under the stars as we celebrate the warm summer days to come! Your night begins with a jazz performance, as you meet other ICDC members and stroll around the gardens, and culminates in a night of dancing under the stars and in the elegant ballroom to our live orchestra.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover and explore one of Georgetown's most historic mansions as you make new friends. Come on your own or invite friends for a spring evening of music and dancing to the sounds of our jazz ensemble!  Wine and sumptuous crepes will be available for purchase. Very few tickets are left so reserve your tickets early!

Our last garden soiree at Dumbarton House sold out in advance and we expect this event to be very popular and sell out. Please reserve your tickets soon!

Tickets
Tickets are $25 for a limited time and $35 afterwards.
Reserve your tickets online: http://www.internationalclubdc.com

Dumbarton House 
2715 Q Street NW 
Washington, DC 20007
http://dumbartonhouse.org

Things to Do: Cultural Cocktails (2/2 & 2/21)

For the past few years, I've been an avid supporter of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Last year, I became a member of the museum and their special interest group the 1869 Society, a group dedicated to young professionals who are interested in the arts.

The 1869 Society hosts a number of events but my favorite is Artini, an annual event that's typically held in February/March. This year's event will be held on March 31st. They typically feature 10-12 local bartenders who will each create one specialty drink based on inspiration from a painting currently on exhibition at the Corcoran. The 4-hour event is attended by young patrons of the arts and local socialites alike.

Ladies, this is your chance to wear that cute new cocktail dress and fellas can wear their best dark suit, tuxes aren't needed. There will be tons of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts, plus an ample supply of drinks. As always there will be a great DJ spinning all of the latest music, which makes for a lively evening after sampling each of the drinks.

At the end of the night, one of the bartenders is selected as having the winning Artini. I've never figured out if they actually win anything other than the prestige but it's a great event and the proceeds go towards the Corcoran ArtReach program.

Tickets are not yet available for Artini but for more information and to view photos from the 2011 event, visit http://www.corcoran.org/artini/

Cultural Cocktails -
February 2, 2012 or February 21, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Cost: Members - FREE, General Admission - $20

For more information and to RSVP for the 2/2 Event: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/1869culturalcocktails02022012
For more information and to RSVP for the 2/21 Event: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/1869culturalcocktails02212012

Things to Do: 1K Wine Walk

Just came across a weekend event called the 1K Wine & Beer Walk and had to share. Unfortunately, I'll be away on a ski trip for the wine walk, so please have a glass, or two, in my honor. Cheers! See below for more information.

1K Wine & Beer Walk

January 14 & 15 (Wine) - $40
January 21 & 22 (Beer) - $35

Calling all athletes and couch-potatoes alike! Cross the start line into the shops of Crystal City and rest your weary legs periodically at our hydration stations along the race course- but you won’t find any sports drinks or bananas here- just beer and wine! With 30 + beers & wines to choose from before the finish line, spend your Saturday or Sunday walking with friends along the indoor, shops of Crystal City.

Choose heats starting every half hour from 2:00 to 5:30 PM and make your way through the race course in the Shops at Crystal City with your 20 tasting tickets while snacking on cheese, bread and more to keep those muscles working. Best part, each racer receives a1K Race Tee Shirt! Remember...no running please

To learn more about this event and to purchase your tickets, click here.
***Note several of the times are already sold out so if you're interested, you should act fast.

Crystal City Shops
http://thecrystalcityshops.com/

Things to Do: FREE Play Two Gents --> Sunday 1/8

Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were as great as mine.

If you don't have anything planned this weekend, you should take a trip to see The Shakespeare Theatre Company's newest play, The Two Gents of Verona. They are hosting 2 open rehearsals, which of course means they're FREE. The play is scheduled to run January 17 - March 4, 2012, but this is your chance to see it before everyone else, plus it's free.

Here's a brief description of the play, "...Directed by PJ Paparelli, a bold staging of Shakespeare’s classic play of excess, young love and shape-shifting selves." Sounds interesting, right?

For more information about the play visit:
http://tinyurl.com/savvy0106b

The Two Gentlemen of Verona - Open Rehearsal
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Seatings: 2:30PM & 3:50PM
Cost: FREE (seating is first come, first served)

Lansburgh Theatre
450 7th Street NW
Washington, DC
202.547.1122

Things to Do: Shakespeare Theatre's 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Just passing along some information...

Join the STC for its second Young Prose Night of the season on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 7:30PM! See a performance of the romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, and mingle at a preshow reception sponsored by On Tap Magazine and Blue Moon beer.

About the show: Everyone can see that Beatrice and Benedick are meant for each other except Beatrice and Benedick. Hero and Claudio, themselves newly betrothed, conspire to trick them into announcing their feelings and falling for each other. Meanwhile, a bitter and troublesome Don John schemes to destroy Claudio and Hero’s engagement by besmirching Hero’s honor.

Tickets: $20 for those 35 years of age and younger for the pre-show party on 12/14 and $15 for other nights.

To purchase tickets, call 202.547.1122 or visit http://ShakespeareTheatre.org and use promo code 'PROSE'.

Sidney Harman Hall
610 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.547.1122

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

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: 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!!!

Things to Do: The Phillips Collection August 2011

I went to the Phillips Collection for Phillips After 5 for the first time last month, see my post on it here. Usually, it only occurs the first Thursday of every month but during the month of August they are doing it, and doing it big, every Thursday all month long. See below for a listing of the upcoming Phillips After 5 events, all equally exciting.

Migrations
August 18, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
Critically acclaimed D.C.-based dance company Step Afrika! reprises two 15-minute excerpts from its performance series The Migration: Reflection on Jacob Lawrence. Find your own inspiration in Lawrence's The Migration Series during gallery talks about his artistic process. All evening enjoy global jazz by Project Natale and a rum tasting by Dan Searing.

Food Truck Fiesta
August 25, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
The Phillips, FoodTruckFiesta.com, and Hillyer Art Space team up to bring you a delicious and unforgettable evening. D.C. food truck favorites, including Red Hook Lobster Pound and DC Empanadas, line the streets around the museum. Go on an art scavenger hunt to be eligible for a drawing with great prizes and food truck coupons. A tequila tasting, jazz by Mark Marella, and gallery talks on Left Behind: Selected Gifts from the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection round out the evening.

Evening in Moscow
September 1, 2011
5:00 – 8:30PM
Celebrate Kandinsky’s native Russia with Eastern European music from the Alexandria Kleztet, gallery talks on Moscow's influence on Kandinsky, and Russian-inspired food and cash bar. Take a break in the auditorium, where oscar-nominated short films in animation will be screened throughout the evening. Enter the raffle for a chance to win tickets and all-access passes to the DC Shorts Film Festival.

Admission: $12; free for members. Cash bar.
RSVPs are required: http://tinyurl.com/savvypaf

The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.387.2151
http://www.phillipscollection.org

Things to Do: Riot Act Comedy Theater

Last week, I was scrolling through my timeline and came across a contest for free tickets for a new comedy club called Riot Act that was opening up in DC. I entered to win and was notified a few days later that I'd gotten tickets for their pre-opening night on Wednesday, August 10. Unfortunately, I already had plans by then so I couldn't make it.

Fast forward to the next day, one of my new favorite websites, Venga, had a promotion where they were giving out 50 tickets per day for Riot Act's opening weekend. So I decided to try my luck again. Since I also shared the promotion via Facebook and Twitter I ended up receiving a second tickets for the Saturday 10:30pm performance.

We got there early because you never know what the parking situation is going to look like in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter area, but fortunately we lucked out. The Riot Act Comedy Theater is located at the corner of 8th and E Streets NW.

When we walked in we were warmly greeted by all of the staff and were handed our tickets. They had a bustling bar on the main level with plenty of hi-tops and stools for seating but we decided to head downstairs to check out the showroom to stake our claim to some seats.

There was another bar downstairs that was way less crowded but since we could order in the showroom we decided to just take a seat while they were so plentiful. A host showed us to our table which was on the second row in front of the stage. There was one to the left of the stage but I know how comedians are, so I didn't want to take a chance at getting dragged into the act.

As soon as we were seated our waitress came over, introduced herself and was there to serve us. Our drinks came within 5 minutes and the pulled pork sliders I ordered arrives within 10. How's that for speedy service!

By 10:25 all of the seats were filled, even the other 2 seats at our table. I didn't mind sharing a table because it was a comedy show not some intimate, romantic dinner.

The show began around 10:35 and there were 3 performances, each one equally inappropriate but I love that kind of humor so I laughed the entire time. It started with an MC, Jimmy Meritt, who was absolutely hilarious. Up next was John Betz, Jr who was equally as funny. He even took time out at the end to hawk his comedy DVD that he happily proclaimed "I made myself."

The headliner, Charles Fleischer, came on around 11:30. We he first walked out I didn't know what to expect. He was older and kind of strange looking but after 5 minutes I caught onto his style. During his 45 minute performance, he picked on the 12 people who were seated in the front row, just as I suspected would happen. By the end of the performance he made his way to a keyboard that was on stage and effortlessly made a song out of what each of his "victims" did for a living. He rounded out the performance by also playing the harmonica. I truly was not ready!

Something worth noting, unlike other comedy clubs in the area they didn't require a minimum purchase, so there weren't any people there harassing you throughout the entire show to buy something. So glad they don't operate like that.

Overall, I was impressed with Riot Act. The venue is centrally located, the staff was warm and inviting, the food and drinks were tasty. Usually opening weekends are a little shaky but not at Riot Act. Everyone was professional and on-point. What more could you ask for?

Promotion Alert: When you buy a Riot Act t-shirt, you will get in free for their Tuesday night, Open Mic performances. Not bad!

Some of their upcoming acts include: Todd Rex, Dick Gregory (yes the Dick Gregory), Michael Brooks, and Paul Mooney. For a complete listing and more information, check out their website http://www.riotactcomedy.com/.

I'll definitely be back. Hope to see you there!

Riot Act Comedy
801 E. Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.697.4900
Twitter: @riotactcomedy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/riotactdc

Things to Do: Swing Dancing with Champagne & Cupcakes

On Friday, July 22, join the International Club of DC at Georgetown's Dumbarton House for Swing Dancing with Champagne and Cupcakes.

SWING INTO THE PAST - First ever swing dance night at Dumbarton House! Join us at Dumbarton house in Georgetown for an evening of jazz and swing dancing! Whether you come on your own or with friends this is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends while enjoying live music.

I've been to the Dumbarton House and it's a beautiful and historic home located in the heart of Georgetown. The lawn is expansive and it's a great place to just sit on the lawn and chat with friends or on a date while you enjoy the scenery, music and cocktails. My advice, bring a blanket or chairs if you don't like sitting on the grass.

It's only $12, but trust me it's well worth it. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.

Dumbarton House
2715 Q Street Northwest
Washington D.C., DC 20007
202.337.2288
www.dumbartonhouse.org

Things to Do: Phillips After 5

So I've been planning on going to a Phillips After 5 event for over a year now. Recently, I came across a posting about it on Yelp! and decided I'd share it with others, in the event that you've never heard about it. I'm hoping to make an appearance there soon.

Phillips After 5 is a cultural event comprised of art, music, food and libations (cash bar) and is held the first Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:00PM at The Phillips Collection, a small, modern art museum located in Dupont Circle.

Schedule for July 7th
Staged Reading of Six Degrees of Separation (6:30PM)
In John Guare's award-winning play, a con artist wins his way into the home of New York art dealers and dines in the shadow of their two-sided painting by Wassily Kandinsky. Alan Paul, associate director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, directs.

Gallery Talk (6:00PM & 7:00PM)
Kandinsky's Experimental Process: Creating at least 15 preparatory studies for Painting with White Border, Kandinsky experimented with orientation and composition while moving freely among media such as pen, watercolor, and oil.

Tasting (5:00 - 8:30PM)
Sample a variety of beer paired with Top Chef DC Carla Hall's cookies!

Admission: $12; free for members. Cash bar.
RSVPs are required: http://tinyurl.com/savvypaf

The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.387.2151
http://www.phillipscollection.org

Things to Do: Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL

Today, I was looking at LivingSocial's deal for an event called Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL. I'd never heard of it so I decided to take a moment to familiarize myself with it. It's an event held in three locations in Maryland that combines two of my loves, wine and food. The first event will be held in Frederick, MD on July 9.

Today's LivingSocial deal offers over 50% off of the cost of the wine tasting, it's only $7. Get your deal before it expires here.

Below is more information from the Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL website...

Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL Frederick

Join us for a pairing of the best of what the Frederick region has to offer. Browse local produce from regional farmers and enjoy cooking demonstrations -- all the while learning which local wines to pair with local fare.

Ticket Options

Entry into the Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL events is free; attendees can shop the market and enjoy chef cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

For $15, attendees can purchase a TASTING PASS and receive a stemless sampling glass and samples of Maryland Wine. (<-- this is today's LivingSocial deal)

For $25, attendees can purchase a FOOD & WINE PAIRING PASS and receive a stemless sampling glass, samples of Maryland wine, a six bottle carrier (for wine & produce!) and pairings of local ingredients and local wines.

Learn more

Cheers!

Things to Do: Helen Hayes & Ristorante I Ricchi

Just passing this on...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 7:00-10:00PM
Ristorante I Ricchi, 1220 19th Street, NW

A beautiful summer night on the outdoor piazza at I Ricchi - one of DC's premiere restaurants serving authentic Tuscan and regional Italian cuisine. A sophisticated selection of delicious wines and complimentary hors d'oeuvres to be savored.

A special summer menu in signature I Ricchi style (available for purchase).

Pianist Glenn Pearson setting the scene with his sensational song stylings. All in support of the year round audience building programs and services of the Helen Hayes Awards.

Complimentary Valet service will be provided.
Wine will be sold by the glass at the outdoor wine bar.

Free glass of prosecco! Sign up at I Ricchi to receive a free glass of prosecco upon arrival, as well as other special offers and discounts as part of I Ricchi's VIP Customer Rewards Club.

20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Helen Hayes Awards.

http://www.helenhayes.org

Things to Do: Jazz in the Garden 2011

It's that time of the year again and I'm so excited, I can barely contain myself. This Friday, kicks off the start of the 11th Annual season of Jazz in the Garden hosted by the National Gallery of Art.

This weekly event will begin May 27 and run through September 9, and last from 5:00 - 8:30PM each and every Friday throughout the summer. It's the perfect time to grab a date or even find a group of friends. Pack your picnic basket, bring a blanket and enjoy an evening in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Gardens. If you'd prefer, you can purchase food and alcohol (wine and sangria) there. My advice is to get there early so you can get a seat in the shade with a view of the performance. And if you didn't know this event is FREE!!!

For more information, http://www.nga.gov/programs/jazz/

For a complete listing of upcoming performances, see below.

Origem (Brazilian jazz)
May 27

DC Jazz Festival presents Mark Prince (progressive jazz)
June 3

Deanna Bogart ("blusion," blues fusion)
June 10

John Lee (guitar fusion jazz/rock)
June 17

Sheila Ross (jazz vocalist)
June 24

Rumba Club (Latin jazz/salsa)
July 1

Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet (vocal ensemble)
July 8

Con Candela (Cuban jazz)
July 15

Elikeh (Afro-funk from Togo)
July 22

Incendio (acoustic Latin guitar world fusion jazz)
July 29

Alan Wonneberger and Company (double drummers)
August 5

Chuck Redd (jazz vibraphonist)
August 12

Alex Brown (jazz pianist)
August 19

Bill Burke (8-string tap-style guitarist) and Bruce Ewan (blues band)
August 26

Bruno Nasta (jazz violinist) and The U.S. Naval Academy Band—The Next Wave (jazz ensemble)
September 2

The Greg Hatza ORGANization (Hammond B-3 organ)
September 9

Things to Do: Golden Triangle Summer Concerts

It's that time of the year again!!!

Come down to Farragut Square Park in the Golden Triangle area of DC for their FREE summer concert series every Wednesday in the month of June from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

Grab a blanket and dinner from your favorite Golden Triangle restaurant (there are usually tons of offers from local merchants that coincide with this weekly event, will post as soon as they are available) Relax in the park while enjoying some of the most popular local music talent in Washington DC.

Concert Schedule
June 1: Jah Works (reggae)
June 8: Sin Miedo (salsa)
June 15: Monster Band (funk, pop, dance)
June 22: Cazhmiere (top-40, dance)
June 29: Sam O & JFC (caribbean)

Hope to see you there! For more information, click here.

Things to Do: West End Cinema

I'm a movie buff but over the last couple of years, between work and other activities I haven't been able to go to the movies as much as I used to. I'll catch a movie here and there at one of the many film festivals held in the area and go see one of the new releases every once in a while but it's not like how it used to be.

During the month of February, Living Social offered a promotion called Flirt Fest during the week of Valentine's Day. One of the offers, was tickets for 2 to the new West End Cinema. I figured this was my chance to try out a new theatre and check out what new films were out there.

I decided to check the place out on a Friday evening with a friend. There were several indie films and documentaries playing but we ended up seeing The Fighter. We bought our tickets from an animated gentleman who told us they had the best popcorn in the city. I typically don't order popcorn but I figured why not. They also had bar that served a nice selection of cocktails along with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Since it was cold that evening, we both ordered hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream. What could be better?

We walked into our theatre as soon as we were told we could enter and took a seat right in the middle. It was definitely cozy in there. I would guess the theater could hold 30-40 people at best. Although I'd been to other theatres that screen the same types of movies, I'd never been in a theatre so small. The whole time I kept commenting on how cute it was. I definitely felt like I was watching the movie is someone's private home theatre, not that anythings wrong with that, in fact it added to the charm.

I'd have to say the best part was how clean the place was and how friendly the staff were. For such a small theatre they have an ample amount of movie available. Also, their website is incredibly easy to use. You can view the descriptions, check out trailers and purchase tickets online. West End Cinema is definitely a hidden gem, can't wait to catch another movie there.

West End Cinema
2301 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-419-3456
http://www.westendcinema.com/