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: 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: FotoWeek DC

It's almost that time again for FotoWeekDC. This annual, week-long event began in 2008 as a way for DC photographers, both professionals and amateurs, to showcase their work. This year's event event will be held November 5-12, with a launch party on the 4th. (see below for more info)

This year's "FotoWeek Hub" will be located at 1800 L Street NW (where the old Border's was at the corner of 18th & L Street NW). I actually walked by this morning and saw them setting up, can't wait to check it. Another exciting part about FotoWeekDC is it's FREE! Just one of the many perks of living in the Washington, DC area.

Here's more information about the event taken from their website.
With over 50,000 square feet of space, FotoWeek Central will host 14 individual photography exhibitions. Four additional satellite locations include FotoSpace, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, George Washington University, and the Pepco Edison Place Art Gallery. Additionally, many FotoWeekDC partners will have events in conjunction with the festival, listed on our FotoWeekDC Schedule of Events.

Expect to see the very best in photojournalism, commercial photography and art photography. All Exhibitions are free and open to the public. Continue to visit our website as additional exhibitions, programs, pop-up events, and partners are being added daily!

For more information, visit: http://www.fotoweekdc.org/index.php

FotoWeek Launch Party - Friday, November 4, 2011
The Festival begins at 5 pm at FotoWeek Central with the exclusive preview opening of this year’s exciting exhibitions. At 8:30pm, we’ll move to the Corcoran Gallery of Art as the celebration continues with FatBack DJs and monumental projections. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at both venues. It’s a Two-for-One evening with a DOUBLE party not to be missed. One ticket provides entry to both AMAZING EVENTS to mingle with DC’s photo luminaries. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/savvy1102b

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

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

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

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: 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

Step Afrika! Partners with The Phillips Collection to Celebrate Legendary Artist Jacob Lawrence

For Immediate Release
#

Step Afrika! Partners with The Phillips Collection to Celebrate Legendary Artist Jacob Lawrence

The visual and performing arts come together to produce an innovative collaboration centered around Lawrence's The Migration Series

STEP AFRIKA! is partnering with The Phillips Collection to give birth to a new artistic experience inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s epic masterpiece The Migration Series. In an innovative collaboration between the visual and performing arts, Step Afrika!—Washington’s highly celebrated dance company and the Nation’s Capital first and only Cultural Ambassador—draws inspiration from Lawrence’s iconic series on view at the Phillips and its role as a center for its study and display. The dynamic new performance, featuring jazz, vocals, drums, dance, and visual imagery, premieres at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on June 15–26, 2011.

To Phillips Director Dorothy Kosinski, the project’s synergy is palpable: “This year we celebrate 90 years of creative innovation at The Phillips Collection. What better time to deepen our engagement with Lawrence by contributing to an endeavor that bridges artistic disciplines, builds community, and connects us to a partner as inspiring and cutting-edge as Step Afrika!.”

Step Afrika’s! new collaboration with The Phillips Collection will première during Step Afrika!’s Home Performance Series 2011 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center beginning June 15th thru June 26th. Step Afrika! will perform excerpts from the piece at The Phillips Collection on August 18 as part of the museum’s popular after hours series Phillips After 5. Deemed “a virtuosic performance” by Washington Post Pulitzer-winner Sarah Kaufman, the award winning dance company will unveil new stepping choreography chronicling the historic journey from South to North in the United States, emulating several panels of Lawrence’s legendary The Migration Series.

“The Phillips Collection has invested substantial resources in educating teachers and students alike, encouraging and bringing about a heightened awareness of the Great Migration of African-Americans and its significant place in America’s history, “ says C. Brian Williams, founder and Executive Director of Step Afrika!. “ Coupled with our own research into the dance and music of the late 1800’s along with the countless stories of Southern migrants, Step Afrika! will produce a performance unlike any other in our 17 year history. It is an absolute must see for lovers of dance, art, history and culture.”

A recipient of the Mayor's Arts Award for "Outstanding Contribution to Arts in Education" and "Innovation in the Arts", Step Afrika! has been repeatedly recognized as one of the region’s most exciting arts organizations, also receiving a feature in Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of Greater Washington's “Best Small Charities.”

For tickets, call the Atlas box office at 202.399.7993 (press “2”) or purchase on line at www.stepafrika.org.

Things to Do: Philips After 5

On Thursday, May 5 from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM, The Phillips Collection and Washington National Opera (WNO) will partner to celebrate a Roman Holiday as part of La Dolce DC, a city-wide celebration of all things Italian.

Join them at the Phillips' for the May installment of their monthly event, featuring live music, cocktails, intriguing artwork, and more. Explore Philip Guston, Roma, and let WNO's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists serenade you with excerpts from Don Pasquale, plus get a preview of this spring's hottest Italian fashions and taste some of DC's delicious and decadent Italian favorites.

Reserve today – These events sell out every month!

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

Things to Do: Red Bull International DJ competition

Just received this event from a friend and had to pass it on.

On Tuesday, May 3 from 8:00PM - 11:00PM, the international DJ competition Red Bull Thre3Style is coming to the Nation’s Capital to test the skills of the top party DJ’s. In the ultimate battle scenario, nine DJ’s will take turns stepping up to the tables to determine who can rock the dance floor the hardest combining three different music genres in 15 minutes.

Competing in the night’s party are DJ JAHSONIC, CAM JUS, DJ PRICE, JEROME BAKER III, DJ 2-TONE JONES, DJ CUZZIN B, DJ PETEY C (winner of Red Bull Thre3Style Pittsburgh) plus the winning DJ’s from Red Bull Thre3Style Boston and Brooklyn.

The winner of Red Bull Thre3Style will take home a $1,000 prize check and the top two finalists will get a chance to compete in the US national finals in Las Vegas.

Hosting the night's festivities will be rapper and famed emcee Akrobatik of the hip hop collective The Perceptionists. Special performance by Rich Medina.

The best part is admission is FREE!!! Open to those 18+ years and older.

U Street Music Hall
1115A U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.588.1880
www.redbullusa.com/thre3style

Things to Do: National Geographic Events in April

Just came across a few upcoming events at the National Geographic Building. In addition to having numerous events, they have traveling photographic exhibitions that are completely FREE to peruse. They also have a cafe with outdoor seating for you to enjoy the warmer months.

Frances Mayes: Every Day in Tuscany April 12 -- Frances Mayes, best-selling author of Under the Tuscan Sun, has recently published Every Day in Tuscany, about her renovation of a 13th-century house in the mountains above Cortona. Enjoy her Italian memoirs as she converses with National Geographic Traveler editor Don George. The event will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a reception featuring recipes from Every Day in Tuscany.

Here On Earth, National Geographic April 20 --Tim Flannery, internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer, and conservationist, has discovered more than 30 mammal species and earned the title Australian of the Year 2007. He wrote the best-selling book The Weather Makers. His new book Here On Earth offers the message of hope that we are equipped more than ever to improve our relationship with the planet on which our biological, economic, and cultural futures depend. Co-sponsored with the Embassy of Australia.

Melali: The Drifter Sessions. Live Music Event April 30 --Join us for a look at the exhilarating and pioneering surf film Castles in the Sky, followed by a conversation with legendary surfer Rob Machado, filmmaker Taylor Steele, and composer Jon Swift about the intimate relationship between surf films and music. Then dive into another Steele/Machado collaboration, Melali: The Drifter Sessions, which will be accompanied by live music by the Melali Sessions Band.

Creativity Through Quilting April 30 --Discover your creativity at this free quilting event, with influences of traditional African American quilting that can be traced back hundreds of years, many believe quilts were used to guide freedom-seeking slaves to safety on the Underground Railroad. Participants will learn how to create traditional fabric block pattern design, a quilt symbol that’s been used on the Underground Railroad.

Learn more: http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/locations/center/grosvenor-auditorium/

National Geographic
1600 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.857.7700

Things to Do: Tudor Place (Georgetown)

Last week, during the Cherry Blossom festival a friend of mine told me about an event, Bubbly and Blossoms, being held at a historic home called Tudor Place. I did a little research to see what this place was all about and decided to go see for myself.

We arrived at Tudor Place on a Thursday evening for the event and were warmly greeted by some of the home's volunteers. The admission price was $10 for nonmembers and included unlimited cherry mimosas, in honor of Cherry Blossom season, several different types of beer and wines, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. We were only expecting the cherry mimosas so the snacks were a welcomed surprise.

Shortly after, we took our bubbly and ventured outside through the home's gardens to make our way to the main house. The gardens were beautiful and they even had a few Cherry Blossom trees in bloom. I couldn't help but imagine it to be the perfect setting for a spring wedding.

Once inside the main house, everyone was incredibly friendly and each of the volunteers knew the ins and outs about the history of the house, the furnishings, and the former owners. I learned some intriguing facts about the house namely that it was built for the granddaughter of Martha Washington (as in the wife of the 1st President of the United States) and several notable from the history books had been guests there. Another interesting thing is the furnishings inside of the house were all actual pieces acquired by the homes' past owners, not replicas like many of the other historic homes you visit these days. For more on the history, click here.

Tudor Place hosts events frequently which are open to the general public along with house tours. You can also rent it out for meetings, children's birthday parties, picnics, private teas and of course weddings. The pricing is incredibly reasonable. Some of their upcoming events include Yoga in the Gardens (Fridays at 10AM May-September), Mother's Day Tea, Fourth of July Ice Cream Social, plus many more, to see a listing of upcoming events click here.

I'm definitely planning on going back in June for their next Tudor Night event, see below for more information.

Tudor Nights: Bellinis in the Garden Thursday, June 2 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the abundance of nature in the Tudor Place gardens! Nestled through the formal north gardens are lemon, fig, and pear trees. Wander through the grounds while sipping the featured cocktail, fruit Bellinis.

Tudor Place Historic Home and Gardens 1644 31st Street NW Washington, DC 20007 202.965.0400 http://www.tudorplace.org/

Things to Do: Gentleman Jack Art, Beats + Lyrics

Let me just begin by saying I'm not a huge fan of Jack Daniels but I went to their Gentleman Jack Art, Beats + Lyrics Urban Art Exhibition last year and had a great time. I’d been to your typical wine and hard liquor tastings that happen frequently in the Washington, DC area but this event is so much different. The Art, Beats + Lyrics event truly lives up to its name.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 7:00PM – midnight at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avenue. They feature paintings, photography, and mixed media pieces of artwork created by urban designers. Last year, there was also a DJ as well as a few musical performers and dancers. Additionally, you were given the opportunity to try out Gentleman Jack in a number of cocktails or straight-up along with plenty of heavy hors d’oeuvres. The best part of this event is that it is completely FREE!!! Space is limited, register today! Hope to see you there!

For more information, visit http://www.gentlemanjackabl.com/

Gentleman Jack Art, Beats + Lyrics Urban Art Exhibition Andrew Mellon Auditorium 1301 Constitution Avenue Washington, DC

Save-The-Date: NEA Hosts Opera Honors

As a member of Generation O, a program for young adults ages 18-35 who are interested in opera, from time to time I receive special offers to attend free Opera events.  It's FREE to join Generation O, for more information click here.

Join them on October 22 as the National Endowment for the Arts hosts the Opera Honors Awards Ceremony & Concert at the Kennedy Center.  Tickets are FREE and will include tribute performances by opera greats.  Read more below.

National Endowment for the Arts

NEA Opera Honors Awards Ceremony & Concert

Friday, October 22, 2010

Kennedy Center Opera House

6:15 PM — A conversation with the honorees

7:30 PM — Awards Ceremony & Concert

Reserve your FREE tickets online today!

Tickets are now available for the NEA Opera Honors Awards Ceremony & Concert. Don't miss your chance to honor opera legends Martina Arroyo, David DiChiera, Philip Glass and Eve Queler as they receive their NEA Opera Honors in a FREE awards ceremony and concert.

Artists performing in tribute to each honoree include Richard Croft, Leah Partridge, Marian Pop and Dolora Zajick, all performing with the Washington National Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Philippe Auguin. Jazz musician and composer Paquito d'Rivera, and arts leaders Brett Batterson, Sarah Billinghurst, and Ira Siff will present the awards. Stunning testimonial video tributes round out the evening, featuring career retrospectives and interviews with some of opera's leading personalities.

Reserve your FREE seats today at www.dc-opera.org, or call WNO Audience Services at 202.295.2400 or toll-free at 800.US.OPERA. Phones open at 10:00 AM. Limit four (4) tickets per person. Seating is reserved, and complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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