Things to Do: Gaia at the Corcoran

Being a member of the Corcoran's 1869 Society, a group of young professionals interested in the arts ages 25-42, has many benefits! Not only do you receive complimentary access to the museum and discounts at the cafe and bookstore, but you receive first-hand notice about the numerous events that are hosted at the Corcoran. My favorite annual event is Artini and another great event geared towards the younger crowd is Gaia. The next Gaia event is coming up in November, see below for more information.

Gaia at the Corcoran: A Musical Performance Experience
Saturday, November 19, 2011
7:30 – 11:00 PM

Gaia is a DC-based group of musicians, singers, dancers, and DJs who collectively bring you a transcendent and interactive experience. Actively incorporating the art and architecture of the Corcoran with dance and projections, Gaia invites you into the middle of their performance. It is part concert, part nightclub, part performance art. Odds are you have not seen anything quite like it.

MUSIC
Soul - Tamara Wellons
Trip Hop - Avenue To
Vibe Conductor - DJ Stylus
Congas and Jembe - Tom Pipkin
Flute and Tenor Sax - Kolai

DANCE
Urban Artistry

VIDEO ART
D'Blend - Juan Botero & Lina Almansa

Cost:
Corcoran Members - $30
Non-members - $40
Corcoran Students - $20

For more information, click here.

Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.639.1700
www.corcoran.org

Things to Do: The Phillips Collection Birthday Bash

Just wanted to share this exciting event with you all. The Phillips Collections, is a quaint museum that has found a special place in my heart. In celebration of their 90th Anniversary they are hosting a Birthday Bash on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00AM - 8:00PM. The best part is it's FREE! If you've never been I highly recommend it. See below for more information.

PHILLIPS EXTENDS HOURS AND OFFERS FREE ADMISSION FOR
90TH ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH ON NOVEMBER 5

On the day D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has proclaimed “Phillips Collection Day,” celebrate the museum’s 90th anniversary with a day of free activities, gallery talks, and live music.

Highlights include:

• Free admission to Degas’s Dancers at the Barre: Point and Counterpoint
• Cupcake party favors while supplies last (10 a.m.–noon)
• Hands-on art-making inspired by Will Ryman’s outdoor sculpture of colossal pink roses (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
• Hourly gallery talks on Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party and European Masterworks (11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• “Happy Birthday” sing-along led by on-air talent from ABC7/WJLA-TV (noon)
• Ballet students from the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington D.C. practicing in the Degas exhibition (12:30–3 p.m.)
• Interactive self-guide to the collection by illustrator Elizabeth Graeber
• Musical performances throughout the day, featuring Parisian-inspired accordionist Manny Bobenrieth, The Capital Hearings a cappella group, Teiber Trio, Tommy Cecil Quartet, Yvonne Johnson Trio, and DJ Neville C.
• Cash bar with wine, beer, champagne, and light snacks (4:15–8 p.m.)
  

The Phillips Collection
1600 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-387-2151
http://phillipscollection.org

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