ONGOING: Every SUN eve, Kirtan Chanting at OM Yoga Studio in Greenbelt, MD, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Saw this on the Washington Area Spiritual Network calendar: www.wasn.net

Sunday eves - Kirtan Chanting with Vamadeva: Note that this event is accessible by car only.

Kirtan with Vamadeva and Friends happens every Sunday from 5:00-6:30 pm. Suggested donation is $10. Greenbelt OM Yoga Studio at 133 Centerway Greenbelt, MD. No experience necessary. All chants are easy to learn. Led by Vamadeva who has led chanting for over 30 years, in the styles of Krishna Das, Dave Stringer and Jai Uttal. 772-240-5714 www.vamadevakirtan.com

For info on the studio and for directions, visit their website: http://www.greenbeltom.com/ Best reached by car since the buses from Greenbelt metro don't run on Sundays.

PAST: SUN, JAN 6th an eve of Kirtan Chanting at OM Yoga Studio Greenbelt, MD, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Found this one on the Washington Area Spiritual Network calendar: www.wasn.net

Sun, January 6 - Kirtan Chanting with Vamadeva

Kirtan with Vamadeva and Friends Every Sunday 5:00-6:30 pm By Donation, Suggested $10 at Greenbelt OM Yoga Studio Greenbelt Om, 133 Centerway Greenbelt, MD 301.220.0084 Welcome to the divine heart of Chanting! Join us for a warm and joyus experience into the heart of divine singing and devotional chant! Your voice is your beautiful divine gift. No experience necessary. All chants are easy to learn. Led by Vamadeva who has led chanting for over 30 years, in the styles of Krishna Das, Dave Stringer and Jai Uttal. 772-240-5714 www.vamadevakirtan.com

http://www.greenbeltom.com/

From Metro rail, take the Green Line to the Greenbelt Station. Several Metrobus lines go near Roosevelt Center (but not on Sundays). You can find the bus schedule by visiting Metro's RideGuide. The nearest bus stop is at the corner of Southway and Crescent Road. From there, walk to the shopping center, which is about 200 yards away.

PAST: TUES, JAN 1st Free Film Screenings at the Black Cat "Holiday Hangover" Party, 8:00pm

The Black Cat is hosting a "Holiday Hangover" Party on Tuesday, January 1st beginning at 8:00pm. There will be free films playing, music documentaries and other films, in the backstage space. The Black Cat is closest to the U St metro, located on 14th St at 1811 14th St, between S and T St. Call 202-667-7960 for more or visit www.blackcatdc.com

PAST: DEC 31st, Free Yoga and Pilates Classes at Willow Street Yoga in MD

I came across this notice in Pathways Magazine. You should call or go online to get the complete details. Takoma Park and downtown Silver Spring locations of Willow Street Yoga will be offering free yoga and pilates classes. Call 301-270-8038 or visit www.willowstreetyoga.com for schedule.

PAST: DEC 31st, Sacred Circle Books hosts a Psychic Fair and Open House in Old Town Alexandria, VA, 7:00 - 10:00

Tonight from 7:00 - 10:00, Sacred Circle Books in Old Town will hold a Psychic Fair and the bookstore will be open as well so you can browse through. Refreshments will be provided. Eight different readers/ healers will be on site for 15 minute mini-sessions on a walk in basis and will offer sessions for $20 each. Aside from Oneness Place, Sacred Circle Books is the only other metro accessible bookstore with new age and healing books. They usually close at 7:00 so here is your chance to check them out in the eve. Aside from books, they also sell crystals, pendulums, and other neat gift items. They are located on King St just a short walk from King St metro at 919 King St. You can also reach them by phone at 703-299-9309 or visit them at http://www.sacredcirclebooks.com/

PAST: DEC 31st, New Year's Eve Meditation, an option for those of you who may be feeling more reflective this eve, 10:00pm - 2008!

I just found out yesterday that there is going to be a New Year's Eve Meditation Sitting from 10:00pm - midnight or so at the Buddhist Vihara center on 16th St. You can arrive and depart anytime, so you don't need to stay til midnight if you have other plans. The address is 5017 16th St, NW, between Gallatin and Farragut St, just south of Carter Barron.

You can get there by car or by bus easily with the S2 or S4 busline that runs up and down 16th St from downtown to Silver Spring. Get off at Farragut ST or Colorado Ave. Bus costs 1.25 and you can get a free transfer so you can ride back for free. You can also metro and transfer to the bus for 35 cents and still get a transfer for the ride back. Rides home may also be arranged if you stay til the end.

Donations will be accepted. All meditation traditions welcome. Mats and cushions will be available. This will be a silent meditation with a group of people in a meditation hall. Seated and walking meditation areas. Questions, email Madison at meditationdc@gmail.com and include the word meditation in the subject or call 202-588-9144.

PAST: ART: Free Seminars offered on TUES, JAN 8th & THURS, JAN 10th at the Washington Studio School

The Open House at the Washington Studio School was held this past Sunday, but you can still check out two free seminars this coming Tues, Jan 8th and Thurs the 10th. Call 202-234-3030 for details and times. The Washington Studio School winter session runs Jan 13 - April 5th if you are interested in enrolling for a class. They are located at 2129 S St, NW and offer painting, drawing and sculpture classes. For more details, check out their website below.

www.washingtonstudioschool.org

PAST: Free Intro Yoga Classes now 'til Jan 3rd at Unity Woods Yoga Center!

Free Introductory Yoga Classes now through Janurary 3rd at Unity Woods Yoga Center. Locations in Bethesda, MD, Woodley Park, Tenleytown and Arlington, VA. Call 301-656-8992 or check their website for more details.

www.unitywoods.com

ONGOING: Free Introductory Class in TM,Transcendental Meditation, every SAT at 1:00pm in Bethesda, MD

I just learned that they give free Intro Presentations every Saturday at 1:00pm in Bethesda! TM has been around a long time and is practiced by many people all over the world. I saw David Lynch, yes the film maker, speak about the benefits of TM at AU a few years back with some of the scientists from the movie "What the Bleep" and you can learn more about Transcendental Meditation at the Bethesda Peace Palace, located at 5420 Edson Lane in North Bethesda. I've not been there yet so I am not sure if it is accessible by metro. You can check metro website to see if they have buses that go out there. To learn more, you can call 301-770-5690 or 888-LEARN TM. You can also visit their website of course.

www.tm.org

PAST: Free Yoga Classes Dec 31 - Jan 6th at Willow Street Yoga! Locations in Takoma Park, MD & Silver Spring, MD

Check it out! Free yoga classes at Willow Street Yoga all week, Dec 31st - Jan 6th! Winter classes start on Jan 7th so this is a teaser to get you to check out their classes and anusara yoga. Willow Street Yoga has two metro accessible locations in MD. One in Silver Spring at 8561 Fenton, close to the Whole Foods, and one in Takoma Park at 6930 Carrol Ave. You can call 301-270-8038 or go online to learn more:

www.willowstreetyoga.com

PAST: this FRI, DEC 28th, Free Clubbing at "Wasteland" with DJ Medusa and DJ Strange, doors open at 10:00pm

My long time friends JJ and Chris DJ at this event and you can check them out at their new location, which is best reached by car, at 1103 Bladensburg Road, NE for WASTELAND, this Friday, December 28th! Doors open at 10:00pm. Free admission all night long. 21 and up. For more info on DJ Medusa and DJ Strange and the kind of music they spin, check out their website below.

http://www.medusapromotions.com

ONGOING: places to let it all go and just beeee

ok well ultimately for me, it would be ideal to escape to a spa and get a 2 hour massage every day but since I can not afford this, I have been slinking around town looking for places that are relaxing and bring good energy! Here are some thoughts

The botanical gardens are honestly such a lovely haven in the middle of the city....complete with benches and a meditation room, you can really let everything go here and the smells and sounds are just so lovely too.

Following the same theme, the national arboretum is an exquisite, much underappreciated oasis, with japanese gardens, a bonsai room, fish ponds and a surrealistic-looking columns from the original capitol stoically situated in the middle of a field. Sitting there at dusk was a sublime experience..

I just discovered the zen courtyard at the Portrait Gallery. WOW! This is amazing and just 2 blocks from my work so I'll be there often....covered by a huge glass canopy, this calming, light-filled and peaceful courtyard comes complete with a water fountain embedded into the floors, plenty of plant life and huge seating areas to rest and chill on....

(this list will continue stay tuned!)

- michele

PAST: Pay What You Can Night, WED JAN 16th at Woolly Mamouth: The K of D

About the Show:
Woolly’s newest company member Kimberly Gilbert (Martha, Josie & the Chinese Elvis) brings an entire town to vivid life in this riveting supernatural fable. After a reckless driver kills her twin brother, young Charlotte McGraw becomes a fascination to others when it appears she has received an eerie power from his dying kiss. Gilbert delivers a dazzling tour de force performance in this world premiere.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN night is Weds Jan 16th 8pm. Go early to get tickets!

k of d

-michele

Kimberly is actually a friend of mine who I have known for quite a while through the neighborhood coffee shop and I am so excited that she is part of Woolly now, one of my favorite venues in town! I saw her there in the Chinese Elvis and she was super. She was performing out of the area for a while and she's back in town now. I'm really psyched to see her perform in this new show and definitely plan to be there! - Amy

ONGOING: MON Nights at the National Theater

Must add this too! Excellent events at bargain prices: FREE! Every Monday night!

National Theater Mondays

ONGOING: SAT mornings at the National Theater

During a recent outing to the National Theater to see SPAMALOT, I found out that they have a wide variety of free shows on Saturday mornings in the Helen Hayes gallery. Really fun and off the wall stuff like yo yo experts, carnival acts and vaudeville (how fun!) Every Saturday morning.

check it out

national theater saturdays

-michele

Happy Holidays!

Not much going on these days in the way of free events, just lots of holiday cheer! Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday and a fabulous New Year! I'll keep you posted when things start up again!

Ways to keep warm: Check out these local coffee shops with high-quality espresso drinks, good coffee.... and free wi-fi!

If you are just looking for somewhere to chill with a really good cup of coffee and some wi-fi, you can head to:

Murky in Eastern Market, small place so seating may be tricky, I think they have wireless there but you may want to check. They make fabulous espresso drinks using counter-culture coffee!

Tryst in Adams Morgan, lounge atmosphere, great food, counter culture coffee also, free wi-fi on weekdays only.

Mayorga in Columbia Heights, local coffee roaster, really nice ambiance, wi-fi every day, really delicious and string espresso from their own label. One of my faves!

Busboys and Poets in the U St Area, great space, ambiance, wi-fi everyday, coffee is not my fave but it is fair trade. Bookstore, lounge, restaurant and performance space, one of a kind!

Baked and Wired in Georgetown, just down the street from Barnes and Noble, not sure about wi-fi but they make really fabulous espresso drinks there, using counter culture coffee of course! They recently expanded so they have seating available and are now open on weekends as well.

Open City in Woodley Park, sister of Tryst, also with wireless access and the same counter culture brand coffee, but less ambiance there.

Circa in Dupont, wi-fi and even french press coffee if you like. Not sure about hours for wireless.

In Chinatown, I am sad to say that there are no real coffee shops, though there is now a super cool place you can go for a stunning atmosphere, coffee and free wireless... the new glass enclosed courtyard at the art museum! Though plugging your laptop in there may prove challenging, it is certainly worth checking out.

Update: new spot I just discovered, the "zen lounge" juice bar, cafe and espresso bar at Mint Fitness at the bottom of Adams Morgan one block north of 18th and U St. Comfy space with free wireless. You don't need to be a member to head to the cafe, though you'll likely want to purchase something.

If you don't have a laptop, here are some suggestions:

Free, short term, Kramerbooks in Dupont on Conn Ave at Q St. MLK Library or any public library, free. By GWU, At 21st and Penn, there is a store and cafe called Pangea and they have some internet stations with free access in their cafe. Check for store hours before heading there.

For paid internet access, there are stations at the International Youth Hostel on 11th between NY and Mass, though you may need to show ID at the front desk. In Cleveland Park, Foster Brothers Coffee right next to the metro has stations you can pay to use, also in Dupont, the Newsroom has stations you can pay to use as well, they are on Conn at Florida.

That covers a good section of town for now. See the previous wi-fi posts for links with complete lists!

Highlights from previous ONGOING posts

Here are just a few reminders for some of the ongoing posts which you can refer to for complete details:

The Annual Downtown "Holiday Market" in Chinatown is open through Dec 23rd from noon - 8:00 daily. Across from the Verizon Center metro exit and the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery between 7th and 8th on F St, NW. Free to visit, but much more fun if you go to shop!

Ice Skating on the Mall at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden! The rink is open 'til 9:00pm most nights and ‘til 11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays! Cafe on site open 'til 7:00 most nights and 9:00 Friday and Saturday. Admission to the rink is $7.00. Open winter only, through March 9th.

The Insight Meditation Community of Washington offers a Buddhist based meditation class on Sunday eves from 6:00 - 7:30 at All Souls Unitarian Church in DC at 16th and Harvard and on Wednesday eves in MD at the River Rd Unitarian Church. If you are interested in learning meditation, this this a great group. Classes are free but donations are always appreciated.

Of course, the Free Millenium Stage Concerts at the Kennedy Center, Everyday from 6:00 - 7:00! See their website for list of performances.

Free concerts at the Library of Congress on Fridays nights! Tickets are required. Details in previous post, including a link to their calendar.

Free concerts at the National Gallery of Art every Sunday night at 6:30! World class performances for free. See their website for a complete calendar. Link in previous post.

Learn Qigong/ Tai Chi on Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00 or Sunday evenings from 5:00 - 6:00. Donation based. Saturday morning class is led by Nate and Sunday eve is led by Ken, prior to the meditation class led by IMCW at All Souls Unitarian Church, 16th and Harvard. Note that the Saturday morning class will not be held during the summer months.

You can also see lots of great art as well so be sure to type in the keyword Art to see those. Open-mic and poetry events are also listed, even some comedy nights. Museums of note such as the DEA Museum and the Apothecary Museum are also little known attractions in the area. You can find half price tickets through TicketPlace as well and many theaters have pay-what-you-can deals for new shows prior to opening weekend. Of course, there are all of the Smithsonian Museums that you all know about as well, open daily and always free.

Well, it's that time of year now...

Looks like there's not a whole lot of free stuff going on this week with the holidays coming up. If I come across anything, I'll be sure to post it. You can always check the ongoing events and reminders as well. There are some interesting of note mentions as well. Just use the search box at the top left or scroll through November to see most of those postings. Things will probably be pretty slow this week and next but as soon as they pick up, you can be sure I'll let you all know! Happy Holidays!

UPDATE: The wireless list gets bigger! New links w/lists added to "Where to wi-fi?" post!

I've found two great links that I've added to the post from December 1st on "Where to wi-fi"and it appears that there are LOTS of places in DC to get FREE WIRELESS. I was very excited to see these lists already made, but you can feel free to send comments about any of the places if you like and send them my way. I'd also suggest that you go online to the specific website or call the location just to confirm hours or any rules that they may have. I noticed some places are bars or downtown cafes that may only be open certain hours. Some also may have policies, for instance, Tryst shuts down their connection all weekend, so best to check before you head out. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Holidays... Just a short note to say hello! Hope you're all staying warm!

So, you may have noticed that there aren't too many events going on now with all of the holiday madness these last weeks in December, but I promise to post some of the interesting things that I do come across. In the meantime, I didn't want you all to think that I was slacking on the blog!

Now that you're here... I invite you to take the chance to really look at ALL of the cool stuff already posted up here. Two main places to check are the OF NOTE posts and the ONGOING posts. You can always search with a key word (such as museum or art or open mic) or the day of the week, abbreviated, as well. I think there are something like 50 plus posts in the ongoing category so you can search that and make some notes on events of interest. You can also use the envelope icon to email yourself or your friends any of the postings you see here.

Ideas for this weekend: It's supposed to be cold this weekend but you can still check out The Holiday Market Downtown on F St just across from the Verizon Center exit at Gallery Place. They have crafts, live music and food... and heat lamps too! You can also check out the American Art Museum when you are there and warm up in the atrium and at the cafe. Posts about both are up here you can refer to them for complete info. There are also many ongoing art exhibits you can check out this weekend and some neat eco-friendly stores you may want to visit for more unique holiday gifts. I'll post up more events soon! Just wanted to say hello so you all didn't think I forgot about you!

Tips on How to Search events on this blog!

Please use the Search Box on the top left corner to best utilize the info on this blog or scroll.

To find an event happening on a specific day, just type in the abbreviated day of the week: MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT or SUN and you can also include the date and month: 8th, 9th, 10th, etc... and ONGOING or UPCOMING if you like. Months are abbreviated as well so for December you would type DEC.

UPCOMING are special events that are coming up
ONGOING are mostly monthly or weekly events that recur
PAST is posted in front of an event after it has occurred

OF NOTE: are items of interest, not free usually but worth a mention
REMINDER: Is an event that has already been posted earlier on but is being reposted

Sometimes there will be other titles such as NEW space or spot or something about a new place I discovered. There is also a "Where to wi-fi" post that you may want to look at or add too!

To contact us, you can send a comment (which are reviewed before posting) or you can email us directly at freeindcblog@gmail.com Hope you enjoy!

OF NOTE: Gift Ideas: You can buy original Artwork directly from talented Local Artists!

Just wanted to post up links to my friends who are artists in this town, holiday season and all... you never know who may be up for supporting some local talent while decorating some empty walls!

Michele de la Menardiere, my blogmate here on Free in DC! She's the one who helped make this blog into a reality thanks to a bottle of wine and some great conversation! See her art at:

Michele de la Menardiere
http://www.delamenardiere.com/

Another Libra like Michele, you can view John Grunwell's work at VASTU now or online at:

John Grunwell
http://mahajohn.com/splash.html

My dear friend Brad Ulreich has really great Art for Guys with this collection of digital graphic collage called "New Beat from Brain" small pieces are available on etsy or via email for just $30. Large prints can be custom selected and printed in 3 x 3 or 4 x 4 prints. Neat Stuff!

Brad Ulreich
http://www.newbeatfrombrain.com/

Joel Traylor of JETgallery has unique pieces that are hard to describe. A friend bought me one of his prints years ago as a gift from Art-O-Matic and since then, Joel and I have become friends. You can see his work at:

Joel Traylor
http://www.jetgallery.com/

Matt Sesow... well, too much to say about Matt here so just check out the post I have about his show currently on display at Aroma or simply click on his website:

Matt Sesow
http://www.sesow.com/

Dana Ellyn... same goes for Dana... also see the post about her show with Matt at Aroma or visit her website at:

Dana Ellyn
http://www.danaellyn.com/

Marina Reiter is a painter who I met not too long ago through Michele. I have seen her work at various galleries and shows in town and its worth checking out. Her work can be viewed at:

Marina Reiter
http://www.marinareiter.com/

OF NOTE: Gift Ideas: Jewelery with a story! Check out these hand crafted, eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind pieces designed by local artists

For funky, fresh, vintage, punk rock, and customized one-of- a-kind pieces:

You have got to check out the work of Jodi Bloom, based in Takoma Park, MD. Jodi is an incredibly brilliant jewelery designer with an eye for detail and a love of crafting unique items ... she also happens to be super cool woman and a dear friend of mine. Her stuff includes lots of "found objects" which she integrates into her one-of-a-kind works of art. Styles vary from pop to princess to rock star and then some. Jodi often uses vintage beads and pieces in her work, reusing them in new works and giving these old charms a new life! Check out her site, So-Charmed, for great gift ideas for "punks and princesses" of all ages!
http://www.so-charmed.com/collections/index.php


This one is for earthy gals and yogis who like to make simple elegant statements:

My friend Victoria just started her online shop on etsy making earthy jewlery, you can see her work here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5301640


For the woman who wants to stand out in a crowd with a necklace and a simple black dress!

Todd and Jen are some crazy party people in this town, and old friends of mine. I was so excited to learn of Todd's new talent as a designer of unique necklaces. These jewelery designs are unlike anything you have ever seen! They are really large works of wearable art that demand your attention using gems and precious stones... best see in person of course, but you can have a look online at: http://www.codadesign.org/

OF NOTE: Gift Ideas: Give "Green" for the Holidays! Unique Eco-Friendly, Fair-Trade & Green Home Stores you can check out in the area!

Want to give a gift that you feel good about this holiday season? Give Green! Not green as in dollars but green as in eco-friendly gifts and artwares that are innovative, environmentally conscious and most often unique, hand crafted items! Help support these local businesses and artists from around the world while you are at it and keep the Earth in mind this year when you shop!

In the city, you can check out quite a few great gift spots now!

Hoopla, in Adams Morgan
mostly eco-friendly artwares from around the world. On 18th St in Adams Morgan, formerly located on 8th St near Eastern Market. Great fair trade art and gift items here!
http://hoopladc.com/index.cfm

Pangea, downtown by GWU
mostly eco-friendly artwares from around the world. On Penn Ave at 21st.
This is a great space with a cafe and large gift shop featuring fair-trade and eco-freindly items from around the world. I put up an earlier post about their open house on December 8th.
http://www.pangeamarket.com/servlet/StoreFront

The National Building Museum, Judiciary Square
home to one of the best gift shops in the city! I love this place!
They carry a lot of recycled and crafty items made into purses, wallets etc... really unique gift ideas! Before the other stores opened this was the place to shop! The museum is free and really nice as well, and there is a firehook coffee shop there as well. Judiciary Square Metro, 4th & F.
http://mivasecure.abac.com/nbmorg/merchant.mvc and homepage http://www.nbm.org/

Greater Goods, U St
mostly home repair and some gift items, at 1626 U St, NW, 16th and U St.
http://www.greatergoods.com/

Eco-Green Living, Dupont Circle near the Whole Foods
mostly home repair and some gift items, at the corner of 15th and Chruch St.
http://www.eco-greenliving.com/

In Marlyand

The Culture Shop, Takoma Park
when you exit the metro go to the right, under the overpass, the store is tucked back right there just a few steps away! mostly crafts, clothing and gifts items from around the world. Fair-trade.
http://www.cultureshop.com/index.php

Oneness Place, Silver Spring
just a few blocks from the metro north on Wayne Avenue
They just opened Dec 8th so check it out, mostly books and some nice gift ideas as well
http://www.onenessplace.com/

DC based online business:

Eco-Artware.com is run by a woman who lives in DC. Check out her selection of unique eco-friendly gifts for men and women at www.eco-artware.com

OF NOTE: Gift Ideas: Unique Gifts Available at these Alternative Healing & Metaphyiscal Shops / Bookstores! Metro accessible in VA and MD

These two stores are the only ones of their kind that are accessible by public transit! If you are looking for unique, alternative, spiritual or metaphysical books or gifts, I'd suggest you check them out!

Sacred Circle Books in Old Town Alexandria
just a few blocks from the King St Metro at 919 King St
http://www.sacredcirclebooks.com/

Oneness Place in Silver Spring, MD
just opened, a few blocks north of metro at 962 Wayne Ave
http://www.onenessplace.com/

ONGOING: ART: "Color Fields" on display at VASTU beginning on WED, DEC 12th Featuring local artist, John Grunwell!

John Grunwell's "Color Fields" opens on Wed, December 12th at VASTU, 1829 14th St NW, between S and T Streets. John also happens to be a good friend of mine and in addition to the more structured "Color Fields" works which will be featured, he also creates all kinds of interesting and trippy art that is one of a kind. Please click the link at the bottom of the post to see, and read, more about him and his art.


In his first true 'commercial venture,' ten color fields pieces will be featured for two months at Vastu, a great contemporary furniture/interior design business near U Street NW. Five are 36' x48' and five are 24' x 36'. They represent a new thematic style for me, and are directly inspired by the color fields of Gene Davis of the 1960's Washington Color School movement. There is no official opening planned for this event but the works will be on display beginning on December 12th through the latter half of February.

http://mahajohn.com/splash.html

PAST: Art and Poetry, Screening of "Password Project" at the Goethe-Institut on 7th St, TUES, DEC 11th, 6:30pm, Free

Password Project: International Poetry & Art Unite Online

Screening and Reading on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 pm at the Goethe-Institut Washington, 812 Seventh Street, NW, just a few blocks from the Gallery Place - Chinatown Metro. The event will be in German and English and is Free. Please RSVP (202) 289-1200 ext. 162 or via email at info@washington.goethe.org

The Password Project was conceived by writers and visual artists in Graz, Austria, a recent European Cultural Capital, as a unique means of uniting visual and verbal creativity on a digital canvas through the internet. These nearly forty artists represent more than a dozen nations who exchange inspirations.

The results are a collaboration that reaches across the lines that define nations and seeks a common human voice and a common desire to create beauty through artistic cooperation and celebration, and you can view more online at: http://www.password.or.at/

The Goethe-Institut Washington in cooperation with The Austrian Cultural Forum is pleased to host an exhibition of the Password Project. In this unusual event, works of graphic art are projected on a screen in the Goethe-Institut’s theater and the poems they inspired are read by participating poets Daniel Thomas Moran of the US and Austria’s Walter Hölbling and Gabriele Pötscher. Artists Feng Lei (China) and Ruth Mateus Berr (Austria) are also expected to be present to speak about their artworks.

Other exhibitions have occurred in Austria, Colombia, and Mexico and most recently in Beijing in October 2007.

RSVP to 202-289-1200 ext. 162

Complete details at: http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/en2648075.htm

PAST: Holiday Gift & Arts Show at Shiloh Baptist Church, 9th & P St, NW this SAT, DEC 15th, 10:00am - 6:00pm

My dear friend Ria left her job as a lawyer and started her own business recently, sharing her story and her message. She has created a super cute product line for women. She is working the holiday fairs this season and will finally be at a Metro accessible location in DC, so I encourage you to check her out this Saturday if you can! Lots of other artists will be there as well. Ria's "i-love-me" collection has great gift items for women and promotes self-nurturing and love. Read more about Ria and her product line at www.ilovemecollection.com

The 2007 17th ANNUAL BZB HOLIDAY BLACK GIFT& ART SHOWS will be held at the Shiloh Family Lief Center, located at 1510 9th Street, NW, at 9th & P Streets. The fair will be from 10:00am - 6:00pm on Saturday, DECEMBER 15th. Close to the Mt. Vernon, Convention Center Metro station on the green or yellow line. Also accessible by the Circulator bus.

PAST: MUSIC: Organ Performance, THURS, DEC 13th, Thomas Circle Church, 12:15pm, Free

Oliver Wolcott performs on the organ as part of this Thursday lunch time concert series at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW (see prior post about this series) on Thursday, December 13th at 12:15pm, Free.

PAST: CONCERT Piano Performance, Ivan Hic at the Phillips Collection, this SUN, DEC 9th, 4:00pm, Free, with cost of Admission

Pianist Ivan Hic performs this Sunday, December 9th, at 4:00pm at the Phillips Collection Music Room. Free concert. The Phillips is located at 1600 21st St, NW, close to the Dupont Metro Station, Q St exit. More info, call 202-287-2151 or visit http://www.phillipscollection.org/

The City Paper originally listed this as a free event but I just confirmed that it is only free with the cost of admission to the museum, which is $12 for students and seniors and $14 regular admission. Rainy day outside so it may be worth it for some folks. Buy a ticket, get a concert free! Call (202) 387-2151 for more info if you like.

PAST: POETRY: Emily Dickinson Tribute at the Folger, MON, DEC 10th, 7:30

Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute with Pulitzer prize winning poet Richard Howard. This Monday, December 10th at 7:30* at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St, SE. Metro to Capitol South. More info, call 202-544-7077 or go to http://www.folger.edu/

*The City Paper lists this event as a Free event but the website says it's $12 so my assumption is that it will cost $12 to get in and you may want to call to confirm.

Emily Dickinson was one of my favorite poets I first discovered so I'll go ahead and post this one anyway!

PAST: Poetry Reading this SUN night, DEC 9th, at Iota in Clarendon featuring local poet, Sarah Browning, 6:00pm, Free

Local Poet Sarah Browning will read from and sign copies of her newest book of poetry, Whiskey in the Garden of Eden this Sunday, December 9th at 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Iota Club and Cafe in Arlington, VA. This event is free and will also feature the work of Rosemary Winslow, who will read from her book, Green Bodies. Open mic to follow I believe. Iota is Metro accessible, just a few blocks from Clarendon. More info at http://www.iotaclubandcafe.com/

PAST: Jenna Speaks! (not Jenna Jameson... Jenna Bush!) BOOK TALK & Signing, THURS, DEC 13th, at Borders, 14th & F St, NW, 12:30pm

Update on this one...

Well... Jenna DIDN'T SPEAK! What a disappointment. It turns out that this was a book signing only, no pictures, no personalizations either. I wanted to at least have a look at the book, but I couldn't find it anywhere on display. When I asked about it, the guy told me that they had put them behind the counter and pulled them from the shelves. You couldn't see Jenna either, they had her tucked behind columns and shelves in the back corner, all you could see were the peering eyes of secret service and Borders employees. Kind of gave me the creeps to be honest. I made a complaint that they didn't say "signing only" and left, headed in the direction of Barnes and Noble.

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Jenna Bush will read and sign copies of her book, "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope" on Thursday, December 13th at 12:30pm at the Borders downtown at 14th and F St, NW.

Perhaps Jenna is different, I think to myself. I really do want to believe that she truly cares about suffering in this world! "Oh, Jenna, is it possible that you really care!" Tell me it is so. Well, unfortunately for her, it may take a little more than writing a book to prove it, but at least one Bush is trying to do some good in the world. I heard that when she was overseas working with the poor in other countries she was simply known as "Ms. Jenna!" If that is, in fact true, I can only imagine what a relief that must have been for her to not be known as one of the twins and the daughter of Bush on top of it! I am curious about this one. I admit it. I want to hear what she has to say and I am sure that this will be a lively event considering that it is going to be in the heart of DC and just a few blocks from that big white house. I have a feeling that many of you out there may be curious enough to do the same. Note the talk starts at 12:30, which means you will likely need a longer lunch break. I imagine arriving early would be a good idea for this one, security will probably be there.

PAST: MON, DEC 10th at 6:30pm, Caroline Kennedy will be signing copies of "A Family Christmas" at Politics and Prose

Politics and Prose is located at 5015 Connecticut Ave, NW and is best reached by car or bus. Info below is from their website: http://www.politics-prose.com/

Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.
CAROLINE KENNEDY
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS (Hyperion, $26.95)
Signing Only
Caroline Kennedy will only be signing copies of A Family Christmas. No backlist. No memorabilia. No photos.

PAST: CONCERT, Jazz Concert at the Corcoran Gallery, The Larry Eanet Trio, WED, DEC 19th at 12:30pm, Free

"Jazz at the Corcoran" features The Larry Eanet Trio on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 12:30pm for a Free lunchtime concert that will be held in the Frances and Armand Hammer Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets not required. http://www.corcoran.org

PAST: Gallery Talk THURS, DEC 13th 7:00pm for Annie Leibovitz Exhibit at the Corcoran, Included with cost of Admission

Personal Stories, Public Pictures: Perspectives Gallery Talk
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 7:00pm
Talk is complimentary, included in the Admission cost to the exhibit, $14 general, $10 for students

It is sometimes easy to forget that world-famous photographers take other, more private pictures with the same vision and skill. Join Katherine Bussard, assistant curator of photography at the Art Institute of Chicago, for a guided tour of Annie Leibovitz’s photographs, both personal and public.
Special tickets are not required for this event.

Please see prior post about this exhibit for complete details or visit http://www.corcoran.org

PAST: Corcoran College Art Sale! This SAT, DEC 8th from 10:00am - 3:00pm

Off the Walls
Annual College Art Sale
Saturday, December 08, 2007 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Corcoran College of Art + Design’s annual art sale, Off the Walls, will feature fine arts, jewelry, and ceramics made by Corcoran students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Find the perfect holiday gifts created by Corcoran students, alumni, faculty, and staff—small to large; delicate to industrial; inexpensive to priceless; simple to sublime. All sales will directly benefit the artists and the Corcoran’s Student Activities Programming Board. For further information, please call (202) 639-1801.

http://www.corcoran.org

PAST: DANCE, THURS, DEC 13th, "Furia Flemenca" Gypsy and Modern Flamenco Dance at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 6:00pm, Free

Furia Flamenca will perform a program of traditional gypsy and modern flamenco dance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Thursday, December 13th at 6:00pm, Free. See the link below for a list of free performances daily at 6:00pm!

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/

PAST: CONCERT, Bethesda Chamber Singers perform this SAT, DEC 8th at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, 7:30pm, Free

Bethesda Chamber Singers free concert this Saturday, December 8th at 7:30pm at the UU Church in Bethesda, MD. Best reached by car, at 9601 Cedar Lane. Nearest Metro is Friendship Heights.

PAST: "Decadent December" at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, THURS, DEC 13th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

DECADENT DECEMBER, features chocolate refreshments, shopping, and a gallery talk. Thursday, December 13th at 6:00pm, Free. Open til 9:00pm every Thursday 'til December 20th. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is in Old Town, right on the waterfront at the bottom of King Street. The address is 105 N. Union St, Alexandria, VA.

www.torpedofactory.org

PAST: "Holiday Market" in Chinatown DEC 7th - DEC 23rd, Noon - 8:00pm Daily! Local Artists, Live Music, Great Gift Ideas!

Satisfy your Gift needs at the 2007
Downtown Holiday Market
Dec 7 - 23

Noon to 8:00pm Daily
F St. between 7th & 8th NW

The Downtown DC BID and Diverse Markets Management will once again bring a unique seasonal shopping experience to the heart of downtown.

For 17 exciting days from Noon to 8:00 pm, the sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 8th in front of the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture will be transformed into a marketplace of local artisans selling a diverse array of goods including: art, crafts, jewelry, textiles, photography, pottery, clothing, prepared food and other high quality gift items. (Including my friend Joel Traylor, of JETGalley http://www.jetgallery.com/ and a new friend, Chris Waters, who sells chopsticks and sushi ware from Japan) See the website for a complete list of exhibitors! http://dhm.reiel.com/dhm/

Enjoy live entertainment and refreshing food and beverages while you shop! (I was there this eve and there was some fabulous music playing! So good, I decided to skip my yoga class just to hang out there... and I was sure to grab some hot cocoa and candied nuts when I was there as well!)

Directly across the street from the GalleryPlace-Chinatown Metro stop, the Verizon Center exit, and among the bustling 7th Street Gallery Place corridor, the market is opposite the Hotel Monaco, the Spy Museum, and many upscale restaurants, just outside of the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery. If you want to check out the museum as well, they're open daily 'til 7:00.

PAST: FRI, DEC 7th, New Post! Event at Eco-Green 7:00 - 9:30, also Art and Music events at Smith Farm and MOCA this eve!

Just got this comment about an event tonight at Eco-Green Living, just off of 15th between P and Q! Sounds like fun. Close to the Whole Foods on P St. It's a great store as well.

In a similar vein, Eco-Green Living (DC's unique home and design store) is hosting a free event this Friday night (December 7th), 7-9:30. There'll be a chocolate tasting, mini-facials and hand-massages, wine & beer, and snacks -- all free! Plus, you'll get to meet and mingle with staff from the Environmental Working Group. We're a fun bunch, I promise. Details at http://www.ewg.org/dcparty

Two other events to consider tonight which I've already posted:

Art Opening at MOCA, in Georgetown

Art Gallery Open House and Music at Smith Farm Center, live Jazz Guitar, located 1632 U St, 5:30 - 8:30.

NOTE: To view all ONGOING events that are posted you need to use the Search Box or Scroll through November Archives

There is a lot of information on this site now so I decided that it would be best to not repost ONGOING events each month, lest you lose track of the cool, one-time events that are UPCOMING so you will now need to use the search box on the top left or refer to the November Archives for all ONGOING activities, which are usually daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly. When using the search box, you can also make your search easier by adding a keyword of interest, such as POETRY or CONCERT, to the word ONGOING. You can also search with the day of the week that you are interested in, such as WED or SAT, but be sure to use the abbreviated form of the day when searching and include the word ONGOING in the search. Hope this helps! Enjoy!

PAST: SAT, DEC 8th, 1:00 - 3:00pm "Party at PANGEA" at 21st & Penn! Stop by this Fair Trade Eco-Friendly Store & Cafe, Andean Music & Free Coffee

Did you know that the DC area is home to some of the best eco-friendly craft shops? I'll have to do another post about those but for now I just wanted to pass along to invite to check out Pangea if you haven't been there yet. It's a great way to support great causes and to find unique gifts for the difficult to shop for folks on your list... or for yourself!

You can stop by Pangea's Open House this Saturday, December 8th, and receive 15% off all merchandise... including brand new products from Guatemala, Kenya, and South Africa, complimentary coffee and panini samples. The Open House is an all day celebration from 9:00am - 7:00pm. They'll even have Live Andean music from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Pangea is located at 2121 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, near GWU campus, close to Farragut West Metro or Foggy Bottom Metro. In addition to being a retail store, Pangea also serves pre-made sushi and sandwiches, fair trade coffee from green mountain and other treats. They also happen to be a secret spot for internet, and you don't even have to bring your own computer. Just be respectful if others are waiting to go online. Please visit their website to learn more about their mission and the people behind the products.

Pangea Market http://www.pangeamarket.com/servlet/StoreFront

You can also read about the store on the IFC website at: http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/gbo.nsf/Content/PANGEA

PAST: Happy Chanukah! Free Events this FRI and SAT at Sixth & I Synagogue

CELEBRATE CHANUKAH WITH MESORAH DC
SHABBAT SERVICES
Friday, December 7 at 6:45 pm
Saturday, December 8 at 9:30 am
Traditional, easy to follow service for young professionals. For more information or to RSVP, please email Rabbi Edelstein at rabbie@mesorahdc.org

CHANUKAH FAMILY CONCERT
Saturday, December 8 at 3:00 pm
We welcome you and your family to a lively, interactive celebration of Chanukah! Singer/songwriter Lisa Baydush will lead you in your favorite Chanukah tunes as we light the fifth candle on the menorah. Traditional Chanukah foods will be served, and children will be able to create a craft project to bring home. This event is free. Please RSVP by e-mail to Aaron Weintraub aweintraub@sixthandi.org

For more information please visit http://sixthandi.org/

OF NOTE: New Eco-Friendly Store in DC! Check out Greater Goods at 16th & U St!

Check out Greater Goods, a brand new Eco-Friendly Store open at 16th and U St. Lots of energy saving items for your home! Help support the environment and this new local spot, owned and operated by an acquaintance of mine! Store hours are Mon-Sat 11-8 and Sun 11-6. 1626 U St, NW.

http://www.greatergoods.com/index.html

PAST: TUES DEC 4th "Pecha Kucha Night" in Georgetown and Drumming Workshop/Jam Session at ECAC

Two events that occur monthly are happening tonight! You can Get your Drum on with the Rhythm Workers Union, featuring Kristen Arant and some other folks I know, for their monthly Drumming Workshop and Jam Session at the ECAC at 7th & Euclid, near Howard University or...

You can head into Georgetown to check out the second installment of DC's "Pecha Kucha Night" that my friend Ricardo is organizing and talk Architecture and Design.

See prior posts on these events for complete details.

PAST: "Art Buzz" this Thursday will feature Michele de la Menardiere! DEC 6th, Adams Morgan, 1801 Belmont 6:30 - 9:30pm

Come check out the artwork of my blog mate Michele this Thursday night in Adams Morgan at "Art Buzz" with the DC Collaborative at 1801 Belmont from 6:30 - 9:30 and you'll have a chance to say hello to us both! You can see complete event details at: http://www.dccollaborative.org/

Please visit Michele's site as well to read more about her and her work, pictured here! http://www.delamenardiere.com

PAST: This SAT, DEC 8th, 1:00 - 6:00 Holiday Spa & Gift Trunk Show at Be You Bi Yu Wellness Center & Spa in Bethesda, MD

I just found out about this event from my dear friend Ria, who is participating at this show on Saturday. She'll be showing her "i-love-me" collection which you can read about here: http://www.ilovemecollection.com/ The space is in Bethesda, MD. I haven't been there yet but it sounds like a neat space with some cool events going on, a few of which I have already posted! Below is the invite from their website.

Be You Bi Yu's Second Annual Holiday Spa Party and Gift Trunk Show this Saturday, December 8th from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

We are honored to celebrate our second annual holiday party and trunk show. Join local artisans and designers as they show unique gifts that express the heart from Ria Moore Benedict, Kaushika Patel, Rosemary Reed and Mary Kearns, Ph.D. along with our own celebration of the Holidays with aura biofeedback pictures, medical astrology readings on our new SCIO program with Margy Abbott, one issue clearings, mini makeovers, BioGenesis, Crystal Bowls and other fun things to do along with food and drink. If you RSVP by email to hyun@beyouspa.com by Dec. 6th, you will receive $20 Be You Bucks to spend on services for that day. This is a great way to find out about some of our services ala carte for $20 or try them all.

Be You Bi Yu Wellness Center & Spa is located in the Wyngate Medical Park at 5602 Shields Drive in Bethesda, MD. Note: This location is best reached by car though buses do go nearby.

http://www.beyouspa.com/events.html

PAST: An eve of Native Flute, Poetry & Drumming, WED, DEC 12th in Bethsesda, MD, 7:00 - 8:30pm, suggested donation, $15

From the Be You By Yu website: An evening of Flute, Poetry and Drumming!

Drum Circle: Loving the Earth

Wednesday, December 12th

7:00 - 8:30pm

Join our drum circle lead by Stream Tomas Ohrstrom and drum to deepen your loving attunement to our planet. Listen to poetry and Native American flute. Stream is a well-known inspiring, inclusive and respectful leader of drum circles. He is also a flute player and poet. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided; but bring your own if you have one. All are welcome. No drumming experience necessary. A $15 donation is suggested.

Be You Bi Yu Wellness Center & Spa
Wyngate Medical Park 5602 Shields Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 493-4911

Note: This location is not metro accessible
Though there are buses that run there

http://www.beyouspa.com/events.html

PAST: More Crystal Bowls (seems to be a theme this week) at Be You Bi Yu Wellness Center & Spa in Bethesda, MD, WED DEC 5th, 6:30 - 8:00pm, Free

Crystal Bowl Healing Night

Wednesday, December 5th

6:30ish - 8:00+

We are back with our first Wednesday of the month open healing night with our chakra set of crystal bowls. We encourage the community to experience the healing tones for relaxation, meditation, and inner voyage. This open and free event is equally fun and inspriring for the first timer or regular attendee. All who attend may play the bowls and attune; individual sessions are included as time allows.

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Be You Bi Yu Wellness Center & Spa
Wyngate Medical Park, 5602 Shields Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 493-4911

Note: This location is best reached by car. Not close to a specific metro, though there are buses that run right by there.

http://www.beyouspa.com/events.html

PAST: FRI, DEC 21st: Restore your spirit at the "Winter Solstice: A Celebration of Darkness" in Silver Spring, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Friday, December 21, 2007 7:00 - 9:00 pm at The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine, 8830 Cameron Ct. Suite 501 in Silver Spring, MD

Restore your spirit with a celebration of the dark, the quiet, and the stillness of winter. Bring something positive to share about restoration, quiet, darkness, rest, stillness, cold, peace. Your contribution can be words, song, music, dance, art, photography, food, group activities….use your imagination! Enjoy snacks and hot apple cider, warm companionship, and a multi-faceted celebration of the dark. To reserve your space, please RSVP by calling 301-565-2700 or send an email to SpectrumCenterStaff@yahoo.com

http://www.healingspectrum.com/directions.html

Walking Directions from the Silver Spring Metro Station: Walk north on Colesville Road (past McDonald's). Crossover Georgia Avenue and Fenton Avenue. Turn left onto Spring Street. Walk one block and turn right onto Cameron Street, which ends in a cul-de-sac. We are located in the Cameron Medical Building at 8830 Cameron Street on the left side of the circle.

PAST: "Calling all Bikers in DC!" Washington Area Bicyclists Association's Holiday Party will be on THURS, DEC 13th, 5:00 - 9:00pm

Join the board and staff of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association from 5-9pm on Thursday, December 13th as we celebrate the close of another successful year of bringing better bicycling in the Washington region. Food and drinks will be provided, (possibly Karaoke). The party will take place at the WABA office at 1803 Connecticut Ave NW on the 3rd floor, just three blocks north of the Dupont Circle Metro stop. Ample bike parking is available. Please RSVP to jenn@waba.org

www.waba.org

PAST: “Conflict Improv” using Non-Violent Communication techniques, TUES DEC 18th at 7:00pm at Cleveland Park Library, Free

Learn about NVC with an evening of "Conflict Improv" on Tuesday, December 18th from 7:00pm - 8:45pm, at the Cleveland Park Library, 2 blocks from Cleveland Park Metro at 3310 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Conflict Improv is inspired by the teachings of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg on Non-Violent Communication, or NVC. No prior NVC experience necessary, just an open mind and a willingness to learn and have some fun! This evening will be facilitated by Mark Thomas and Iness F. Love, NVC enthusiasts and supporters. You can read more about NVC at www.capitolnvc.org

Please RSVP by email to Inessa at dcnvc@hotmail.com or call Mark at 301-801-1293.

Quote from invite: "If you want to decrease your anger or despair and want to increase your joy, compassion and wisdom, please come and play with us. We anticipate this will be a fun evening in which learning, laughter and community will help us to come together and celebrate our shared humanity. Join us for an improvisational evening with Jackal and Giraffe (puppets) and human actors which will role-play our real-life situations. BYOC - Bring your own conflicts -small, medium or large - so we can experiment with different ways of approaching difficult situations. We find conflicts endlessly instructive, heart-breaking, and amusing, and we are confident you will too."

PAST: ART Featuring Local Artists Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow at Aroma in Cleveland Park, show runs thru Jan

The opening has past, but the show goes on... through January!

Below is the invitation I received in an email from Dana.

Opening party for "Under the Influence" A 2-person exhibit of Dana Ellyn & Matt Sesow at Aroma.

"Under the Influence" is a most important show for me for several reasons. First, it's an exhibit with my nearest and dearest Matt Sesow. Second, Aroma is the place where Matt and I met 6 years ago. And, "Under the Influence" is the perfect moniker on several levels. There' s the obvious reference to drinking but, on a deeper level, it refers to the influence that Matt and I have had on each other as painters. We'll be exhibiting about 10 paintings each which will hang at Aroma throughout the months of December and January. We'll be exhibiting about 10 paintings each which will hang at Aroma throughout the months of December and January.

Note about Aroma: Aroma is a bar, so you must be 21 years or older, it is also a Smoking bar, which means cigarettes and cigars are allowed. This is one of the only places in DC that earned its exemption from the smoking ban. Now that it's getting colder out, the smokers are filing in and I'd suggest getting there early to check out the artwork, and stick around for a drink if you like. Place opens at 6:00 and usually gets busy after 8:30pm. Also, there is a Smoke Free lounge area in the back that you should view as well, more art there, and comfy seating! Aroma is located just one block from the Cleveland Park Metro at 3417 Connecticut Ave, NW.

www.mattsesow.com
www.danaellyn.com

PAST: TUES DEC 4th, "Pecha Kucha" Presentations by Architects in Georgetown, 8:00pm, suggested donation $5

TUESDAY, December 4th, Pecha Kucha Night returns for it's second installment! This event is organized by my friend Ricardo and will be held at 3101 K St NW (Georgetown) at 8pm, $5 suggested donation at the door. Those interested in architecture and design will enjoy this event.

Pecha Kucha Night, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham ( Klein Dytham architecture), was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Pecha Kucha (which is Japanese for the sound of conversation) has tapped into a demand for a forum in which creative work can be easily and informally shown, without having to rent a gallery or chat up a magazine editor. This is a demand that seems to be global - as Pecha Kucha Night, without any pushing, has spread virally to over 80 cities across the world.

Each designer/ presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each - giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.

http://www.pecha-kucha.org/washington-dc/RSVP: rsvp@capitolpechakucha.org

PAST: NEW SPACE! Grand Opening this SAT DEC 8th - SUN DEC 9th, Bookstore and Healing Space, Oneness Place, in Silver Spring, MD

New space is opening in Silver Spring, with a full schedule of special events all weekend! Detailed schedule below.

Oneness Place is at 962 Wayne Avenue, walking distance from the Silver Spring Metro. From the parking lot, veer right and walk up Wayne Ave, Discovery building will be on the left if you are on Wayne. Sounds like a neat space and I am excited to check it out.

Join the free celebration this Saturday and Sunday from10:00am - 9:00pm

http://www.onenessplace.com/

Schedule for Saturday, Dec 8th

11:00am Jay Kuzminsky Founder of Crystal Sounds: Will Perform with the Crystal Healing Bowls.

12:00 -3:00pm Private Sound Healings Available

4:00pm Sacred Fire Agnihotra Ceremony Lead by Jay Kuzminsky: Vedic Fire Ceremony to Purify The Atmosphere With the Element Of Fire.

5:00pm Mike Blongiewicz, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Vegan Raw Food Vibrant Health & Longivity Lecture & Healthy Delicious Smoothies www.glowingfromwithin.com

6:00 pm Nazeeha Howard, BA, RMT, HAP, BARA Music Therapist: Will Lead US In Sound Healing Meditation Playing Zither Harp

6:30 to 8:30pm Private Sound Healings Available http://mysite.verizon.net/vze86esr

7:00pm Milagros Phillips, Founder, Sound of Light: Teaching sound healing in the US and Europe for 17 years will lead us in a Sound Healing session.

Schedule for Sunday, Dec 9th

1:00-2:00pm Rev. Jay Speights , author of " Harmonious Day" A Self-Leading Spiritual Approach for Reaching Your Highest Perfection – Talk & Book Signing

1:00-3:00pm Milagros Phillips, Founder, Sound of Light : Teaching sound healing in the US and Europe for 17 years Private sessions in the small room, Sound bath, sound massage using voice, bowls and varies instruments

3:00- 4:00pm Larry Chang "Wisdom For The Soul" & "Wisdom For The Soul for Black Folk": Talk & Book Signing

4:00 to 6:00pm Private Readings with Wisdom For The Soul Cards www.wisdomforthesoul.org

5:45- 6:00 pm Nisa Montie, founder of Nisa Nature Adventures & Nature Healing Songs will channel a sacred song for the group

6:00- 7:30 Nisa will give personal intuitive songs/readings www.earthchildinspire.com

PAST: Art Opening at MOCA, this FRI DEC 7th in Georgetown, 6:00-9:00, Free

This Friday, December 7th, Art Opening at MOCA DC -- Group Show Opening Reception from 6pm till 9pm. Our friend Marina Reiter is an abstract painter who is exploring sculpture as well. She will be showing a new sculpture piece at MOCA DC and you are invited to the opening reception. MOCA is located in Canal Square at 1054 31st St, NW, in the heart of Georgetown. Look for the walkway leading into Canal Square off of M St. The exhibit is open through December 29th. More about Marina and her work at: http://www.marinareiter.com/bio_and_statement.html

REMINDER: ART EXHIBIT: Must See! Who knew that AU had such an AMAZING Art Museum!

I for sure, had no idea that American University was home to one of the most impressive and cutting edge art museums in the city! I was there for the opening of the Abu Ghraib exhibt/ poetry reading and discovered this amazing show displaying the works of Irving Norman, Dark Metropolis. It was too much to take in the gallery in one visit so I will be sure to come back. There is also a show on the first floor on featuring the works of female artists entitled Claiming Space: Some American Feminist Originators.

The second floor really blew me away. It features the crazy, creepy, cool and intricately detailed work of visionary artists Irving Norman (reminds me of the works at the Amercian Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore which is one of my favorite museums in the world). For more on Irving Norman: Dark Metropolis, second floor exhibit:
http://www.american.edu/cas/katzen/museum/2007nov_norman.cfm

For info on the Fernando Botero: Abu Ghraib, third floor exhibit:
http://www.american.edu/cas/katzen/museum/2007nov_botero.cfm

American University Katzen Museum hours are from 11:00am - 4:00pm, Tues – Sunday. Admission is free. Best to drive there but you can also take the Red Line Metro to Tenleytown and wait for the free AU shuttle which runs every 15 minutes. Let the driver know that you want to get out at the Katzen Center, which is at the intersection of Nebraska and Mass. See website for special talks and events around these exhibits as well. Parking is free for evening events. Phone: 202-885-1300

REMINDER: Link: Cultural Tourism DC is a super online resource, check out their website and calendar for more great events!

GREAT LINK! Cultural Toursim DC is a great link for all kinds of events!!!

Cultural Tourism DC has a great website and there is LOTS of stuff posted here! Not sorted by Free but you can scroll through! It is worth checking out!

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/calendar2532/calendar.htm

ONGOING: Pay-What-You-Can shows are available at most area Theatres, including Woolly Mammoth, best to plan in advance!

I know Woolly Mammoth offers pay what you can tickets the first 2 days of all their performances, and I believe many other area theatres do as well. Love the off-beat works that Woolly puts on and I always leave feeling highly entertained! Check the lineup to mark your calendars now: www.woollymammoth.net/performances/index.php

NEW GALLERY: ART WHINO, the Areas Hippest new Art Gallery, in Alexandria, VA

Art Whino is the area's hippest new gallery! It opened in mid-October and feels more like NYC or LA than VA for sure. Lots of talent in this place and the space itself is fantastic and way bigger than any other gallery in the area. Well worth teh trip out of DC to VA in my opinion. The gallery is located at 717 N. Saint Asaph St in Alexandria, VA. It's closest to the Braddock Road Metro station, but still about five blocks walk so it is best reached by car.

Note that the Gallery Hours at the moment are: Sat Noon-6pm| Sun, Noon-6pm.

The largest commercial Fine Arts Gallery in the greater DC region, Art Whino’s mission is to bring to the DC area a large body of work from innovators worldwide of the current new art movement otherwise labeled Pop-Surrealism, Lowbrow, and Urban Contemporary. By bringing works from around the world to one place it allows the gallery patrons to experience the many movements of art as presented by these innovative artists. Work on display includes the often hard to acquire work of established artists and new work from emerging talents. The displayed work comes from the major metropolitan centers around the world including New York, Los Angeles, New Zealand, Denmark, Paris, London, Canada, and Rio.

To read more, visit: www.artwhino.com

NEW SPOT! The Amazing New Atrium at the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery is Open! Indoor Zen Space & Cafe, open 'til 7:00 every day!

The highly anticipated and long awaited Courtyard inside the museum is finally open! The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard is a must see in my book!

I was there the day before Thanksgiving to check it out and the other eve for a talk, after which there was a reception in the courtyard, and it is marvelous. The space has an undulating glass ceiling and a water skrim on the floor and all of the other details make this space beautiful.... a perfect meeting spot after work or whenever, open year round until 7:00pm inside of the Museum. Protected from the elements now, this former courtyard has been transformed into something glorious that is really exciting if you ask me! Depending on what time of day or eve you go adn what kind of weather is outside, the light coming through the ceiling interacts with the space to create a different feeling each time you are there.

As if the space weren't enough of a reason to go, this is a quiet space (on weekdays at least so far) with plenty of tables and seating, and cafe on site where you can grab food and wine 'til 6:30. The biggest surprise though, which I think is still a bit of a secret still since the Post didn't mention it, is the free public wi-fi! I thought I'd try just for fun and there it was! As if I didn't already love the Smithsonians, now I love them even more! This is a glorious space and I'm sure I'll be spending a bunch of free time down there myself!

Conveniently located in the heart of Chinatown between MLK Library and the Verizon Center, above the Gallery Place Metro Station between 7th and 9th, F and G St. To read more about the museum, see the post from November 12th. The Smithsonian American Art Museum ad Portrait Gallery is open 11:30 am - 7 pm daily. Admission, of course, is Free! Click the link below to see and read more.

http://americanart.si.edu/reynolds_center/index.cfm

http://americanart.si.edu/museum_info/index.cfm

YEAR ROUND: Farm Fresh Food! Eastern Market and Dupont Circle Farmer's Markets are open all year long! Weekend hours.

There are two farmer's markets that will stay open throughout the year even though most of the farmer's markets will be ending this weekend or sometime in November. Here is the info so you can get yummy organic food, usually directly from the farmers who grow the food year round!

Dupont Circle North, on 20th between Q St and Mass Ave, NW
Every Sunday from 9:00-1:00pm
Metro Red line to Dupont Circle North

Eastern Market, on 7th St, SE between Penn and North Carolina Ave.
Eastern Market is a fabulous Farmer's Market, Flea Market and Artist Venue
Every Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm
Metro Blue or Orange Line to Eastern Market

If you go to Eastern Market, be sure to check out Murky Coffee for the some of the best espresso in town, carrying counter culture coffee! Also of note, Marvelous Market's Bionic Museli with fruit, yogurt and granola for a yummy breakfast under five bucks.

OF NOTE: TicketPlace sells 1/2 Price Tickets! Box Office is at 7th & D St, NW and is Open Tues -Friday, 11:00 - 6:00 & Sat, 10:00 - 5:00

Did you know that you can often purchase half price tickets to many of the best shows in town at the TicketPlace box office?! Usually the tickets are for same day performances. The box office is open Tuesday- Friday from 11:00am - 6:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Tickets for Sunday and Monday are sold on Saturday when available. Tickets available for area Concerts, Theater, Dance, Lectures and More.

TicketPlace is conveniently located right on 7th St, just a block north of the Navy Archives Metro station and a few blocks south of Chinatown Metro at 407 D St, NW.

Please NOTE the following TicketPlace Policies: TicketPlace ONLY ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Visa and Debit Cards accepted. No cash, travelers or personal checks. You also MUST have a PHOTO I.D. with you when you come for pick up. A service charge of 12% of the full ticket price is added to all half price tickets.

TicketPlace is a service of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. For information, call 202-TIC-KETS (202-842-5387) or visit www.cultural-alliance.org/tickets.

To PURCHASE tickets online, go to www.ticketplace.org

PAST: OF NOTE: EXHIBIT Annie Leibovitz and Ansel Adams both showing at the Corcoran! Open ‘til 9:00pm on Thursdays. Admission $14, Students $10

So, the Corcoran is one of the “not free” museums in town but it is oh, so worth visiting! I saw the Andy Warhol show there not too long ago and will certainly head over to check out the latest exhibits which feature two of my favorite photographers, Annie Leibovotz and Ansel Adams. You could even consider this a buy-one-get-one since either of these artists would be worth the price of admission! Admission to the special exhibits at the museum is regularly $14.00. Students with ID, $10.00.

Annie Leibovitz’s exhibit featuring works from 1990-2005 runs through January 13^th, 2008 and Ansel Adams’ exhibit features over 125 of his photographs and runs through January 27^th. The Gallery is only open late on Thursday nights, ‘til 9:00pm. Regular hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm every day except Tuesday, when they are closed.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located on 17^th Street a few blocks south of Pennsylvania Avenue at 500 17^th St, NW. The closest metro is Farragut West but it’s still a bit of a walk from there.

http://www.corcoran.org/visit/index.htm

Please consult their website to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, which may be worth it if you plan to go more than a few times a year. For some people, like my brother, who happens to be a photographer and visits often, a membership may be the best way to go.

PAST: Meet us at ART BUZZ!!! this THURS, DEC 6th from 6:30 - 9:30pm, 1801 Belmont in the heart of Adams Morgan!

ART BUZZ!!! is this Thursday in the heart of Adams Morgan at 1801 Belmont Ave, 6:30 -9:30pm.

Two Super Reasons to attend: Michele is one of the featured artists AND it's my Birthday so we'll both be there along with some of our friends and you'll also have a chance to check out Michele's art in person! More info at: http://www.dccollaborative.org/

NOTE: To view all ONGOING events that are posted you need to use the Search Box or Scroll through November Archives

There is a lot of information on this site now so I decided that it would be best to not repost ONGOING events each month, lest you lose track of the cool, one-time events that are UPCOMING so you will now need to use the search box on the top left or refer to the November Archives for all ONGOING activities, which are usually daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly. When using the search box, you can also make your search easier by adding a keyword of interest, such as POETRY or CONCERT, to the word ONGOING. You can also search with the day of the week that you are interested in, such as WED or SAT, but be sure to use the abbreviated form of the day when searching and include the word ONGOING in the search. Hope this helps! Enjoy!

Tips on how to Best Use this Blog: FreeinDC!

TIPS ON HOW TO BEST USE THIS BLOG:

Please take advantage of the search feature at the top left to best use this blog. There are categories in front of almost every post which you can use to search:

UPCOMING are special events that are coming up
ONGOING are mostly monthly or weekly events that recur
PAST is posted in front of an event after it has occurred

If you want to search for ONGOING events that recur on a certain DAY of the week, it is best to type in both words, ongoing and Mon, or whatever day of the week that you want to look at. This is the easiest way to see everything that may be happening.

Occasionally you will see a post with OF NOTE in front of it:
Of Note events are posted here but may cost more than ten dollars, and there is usually an explanation included to explain why it is on the blog.

When you see a REMINDER: It is an event that has already been posted earlier on but is being reposted to remind you about it and you can always refer to the original post as well using a key word from the event. Some reminders are also about links that are useful references.

The other thing you can do is just search by the type of event it is, such as: EXHIBIT, TALK, ART, POETRY, OPEN MIC, CONCERT, etc... words that are often used in the title of the post.

You can also search by DATE or DAY of the week using the date, such as 28, or day, such as MON or TUES (I usually abbreviate the days like that to save space).

Sometimes there will simply be the word NEW as in new gallery, new art show, etc... so that is also a good word to search. You can be creative and search any word you like of course!

The EASIEST way to see the blog is also to simply SCROLL through the blog itself. There are 15 posts per page, or to use the index on the RIGHT SIDE of the screen. This is often the easiest way to see the posts but it can be rather crowded at times.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can email Specific EVENT DETAILS by clicking the ENVELOPE ICON below that post! It will send the title of the post along with a direct link to that post. Please take advantage of this feature to pass info along!

All ONGOING and UPCOMING posts from the previous month are copied into new posts for the new month so that you don't have to click on the previous months for any upcoming or ongoing info.

You can use the COMMENT box to contact me directly or to share info with others. I moderate it before I decide whether to post it so you can also use that as a way to contact me with questions or feedback, or as a way to let me know about events. I can't promise that I'll post it, but I will certainly do so if I feel that it fits the theme of this blog.

You can also use the comment box as a way CONTACT US and give us your feedback on the blog as well! You can comment about a specific post if you have info or an experience to share . Please note if you want it to be posted on the blog or if it just for me to read. If you prefer, you can send an email to myself or Michele at freeindcblog@gmail.com, though I don't check that as often as the blog itself.

Hope you are enjoying FREEinDC! We're pretty new on the scene so please spread the word to your friends, especially those who are artists, students and thinkers or without full time jobs, anyone new to town or tourists visiting the area.

Thanks for checking out our blog!

Amy and Michele

ONGOING: Where to Wi-Fi? Looking for your input!

Where do you go for your free wireless? I'm looking for your input on this one!

Please use the COMMENT feature to send me info so I can add it to the list. I am looking to compile a good list of coffee shops, bars, and other spots where you can get online for Free. Please send info about the spot as well as a link if possible. So far, I've got Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, U St and Chinatown pretty much covered but please let me know if I've left anything out. Thanks!

I'll post complete details, but the list so far will include:

Columbia Heights: Mayorga Coffee, Sticky Fingers Bakery and Columbia Heights Coffee, Wonderland Ballroom

U St: Busboys and Poets, Mocha Hut and 14U I believe also, not sure about Love Cafe

Adams Morgan: Tryst, Crumbs and Coffee, Potter's House and Chief Ike's

Chinatown: MLK Library and the new public space at the National American Art Museum

Eastern Market: Murky

Arlington, VA: Murky in Clarendon

Silver Spring, MD: Mayorga on Georgia Ave

Plus: Your PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Note: All of these locations are metro accessible, just a few blocks from metro, except for Tryst in Adams Morgan and Mayorga in Silver Spring, which are best reached or a ten -fifteen minute walk from nearest metro

UPDATE: DEC 14th: I just came across these two links on wireless spots in DC so you can check them out as well for a more comprehensive list! Please feel free to send comments about the spots I did not list above if you have been there, it'd be helpful to get a sense of what kind of place it is, whether they serve food, what kind of environment it is, etc... Thanks!

http://dc.about.com/od/shopping/a/Wifi.htm

http://www.wififreespot.com/dc.html

PAST: SAT DEC 8th, 2:00-4,:00, Free This sounds Interesting! Crystal Bowl & Vocal Performance along with Art Opening

"Spirituality as Art" at the Potter's House in Adams Morgan, 1658 Columbia Rd, opening and musical performance on Saturday, Dec 8th from 2:00 - 4:00, Free. Art Opening of "Milagros" along with Crystal Bowls and Vocal performance. Crystal bowls are often used for healing because of the tone and vibration that they emit so this should be an interesting experience if you attend!

PAST: FRI DEC 7th, MUSIC & ART! Smith Farm Gallery is open late again! Performance by Jazz guitarist Dan Leonard, 1632 U St , 5:30 - 8:00pm

Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts is open late again in December. This gives you a chance to check out the Curious Stories Exhibit in the eve if you weren't able to make it to the opening on November 2nd. You can read more about this exhibit in the earlier post about the opening. The gallery is normally only open 9-5 M-F when most people are at work so I encourage you to stop by and take in some jazz as well! www.smithfarm.com

If you do stop by, you'll also have a chance to check out Greater Goods, the brand new eco-friendly shop that just opened! They're at 1626 U and open 'til 8:00pm. http://www.greatergoods.com/

PAST: THEATRE, Free Events this MON DEC 3rd, 7:00pm and this THURS DEC 6th, 1:00pm at the Signature Theatre in VA

FREE Events this week at Signature Theatre in Shirlington, VA*

Mon, Dec 3rd, 7:00 - 8:00, From Page to Stage
Talk about The Art of Cabaret, Free

Thurs, Dec 6th, 1:00 - 2:00, Brown Bag Lunch
with singing Diva Jane Pesci-Townsend, Free

More details are listed below or you can click the link: http://www.signature-theatre.org/

The Signature Theatre is located in the Shirlington Center near the new library and Busboys and Poets new VA location! I'd encourage you to stop by Busboys for dinner or just to check it out if you head over to Signature for any of these events.

* This location is not metro accessible so you must have a car to get here.

From Page to Stage: Monday, December 3rd from 7:00 - 8:00pm, The Art of Caberet with Eleasha Gamble and Stephen Gregory Smith, Free. This event will be held at the new Shirlington library which is just below Signature Theatre at 4200 Campbell Avenue. Discussion on Cabaret with two regular performers on the Signature Stage. They will discuss the creative process behind their popular cabaret, Ebony & Ivory, and also take questions from the audience.

Brown Bag Thursday: A Diva for All Seasons: Jane Pesci-Townsend, Lunch with Jane from 1:00-2:00 on December 6th in the Mead Lobby, Free. Join Jane for lunch in the lobby on December 6th as she discusses her longtime career as one of DC's theater divas! She'll be performing is December Divas Cabaret this season.

PAST: SAT DEC 1st, Gallery Talk for visionary artist, Irving Norman! 4:00pm at American University Katzen Museum

Free Gallery Talk for Irving Norman Exhibit "Dark Metropolis" showing now at American University at 4:00 today, Sat, Dec 1st! See post with pic from the November archives for more details and directions. This art is a must see in my book!

ONGOING: Get some Green in your Life! Visit the National Arboretum before it gets too cold! Free

The weather is getting colder, but the arboretum is still open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Dec 25th and Admission is Free!

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum was featured on WETA's new show, "Unusual Attractions" and that part of the Arboretum closes earlier than the rest so be sure to visit first. They are only open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Also a great family and date spot I am sure!

United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-1958
Tel: 202-245-2726 Fax: 202-245-4575
http://www.usna.usda.gov/

Not the easiest spot to get to by public transportation, but I hear it is a great place to bike and also to visit. It's right on NY Ave as you are headed toward 95 on Rte 50. Closest metro is Union Station and then you can bike or take a taxi or perhaps a bus even. Check metro's website.

OF NOTE: Rx ain't the same as it used to be! Check out Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria! $4.00

I just learned about the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria! I can't wait to check out this old apothecary shop and museum which has some offbeat items still on hand.

The museum is located at 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Admission to the museum is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids 11-17, under 11, free. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours area Wednesday to Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm. For more info: http://oha.alexandriava.gov/apothecary/ap-py-visit.html

Getting there by Metro: You can take the yellow or blue line to King Street station. From there, you can take the Dash Bus to King and North Fairfax Streets or walk, though it's about a mile away so probably best to take the bus. Call (703) 370-DASH for bus schedules and information, or check the schedules posted at the station. If you want to walk, cross the parking lot and turn right, one half block to King Street. Turn right (east) on King Street and walk about down hill about 1 mile South Fairfax Street. Turn right, and the museum will be on your right.

"UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS" in DC, New TV Series on WETA

Check out this new show on WETA, public television! It's channel 26 on my TV. I found out about a few cool spots in the metro area that I am going to post. Exciting to learn of this series. Hope you'll check it out. "Unusual Attractions" premiered Nov 29th. See website for more info and air times in your area.

http://weta.org/tv/guide.php#series

OF NOTE: Just learned about this Drug Related Museum located in the DEA building in Pentagon City, VA! Free, Open Tues- Friday only, 10:00-4:00

I just found out that there is a drug related museum inside of the DEA building and apparently, they have been doing a good job keep this place a secret, even from locals like me! I just found out about it through a new show on WETA called Unusual Attractions that aired last night. I'll put up a separate post about with a link as well to that site. This museum sounds great!

So why haven't I been there yet? A few likely reasons:

1) The museum is in VA and it also happens to be across from the largest metro accessible shopping mall and shopping area, Pentagon City, so lord knows that I wasn't looking for a museum. When I go to Pentagon City it is usually at night and when I go, I go to shop!

2) The main issue, I think, is that locals who have day jobs can't get there and they are closed on the weekends! The museum is inside of the DEA building and they are only open during business hours, from 10:00-4:00, and they are closed on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Best to plan ahead, or a long lunch break, if you want to check out this space!

http://www.deamuseum.org/museum_geninfo.html

The DEA Museum and Visitors Center is located at 700 Army Navy Drive in Arlington, Virginia. The Museum is located directly across the street from the Pentagon City Mall at the corner of Army Navy Drive and Hayes Street. The Museum is also easily accessible from the Pentagon City Metro Station, one block south of the Museum on Hayes Street. Street parking in the area is limited. Paid parking is available at the Pentagon City Mall parking garage.

Here is the official quote from their website: "The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum and Visitors Center is to educate the American public on the history of drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in the United States through engaging and state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive stations and educational outreach programs."