UPCOMING & ONGOING: TRIVIA: "Trivia Night" at Tonic in Foggy Bottom every MON at 8:30pm and Tonic in Mt Pleasant every WED night at 8:00pm, Free

Trivia Night at Tonic in Foggy Bottom

every Monday night!
8:30pm - 11:00pm

Free

Tonic Foggy Bottom
2036 G St, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom

"Think your smarter than the average bear?? Put your money where your mouth is and come to TRIVIA. Teams of 2-6 compete in all areas of knowledge to win both bragging rights and a $50 Tonic gift card. Trivia starts at 8pm, but we suggest you come a little early to secure your spot! Specials include: - $3 Miller High Life's and $4 drafts (draft choice subject to change)"

Trivia Night at Tonic in Mt Pleasant
every Wednesday night!

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Free

Tonic

3155 Mt Pleasant St

Metro: Columbia Heights or take the 42 or 43 bus from Conn Ave or Dupont Circle to Mt Pleasant

UPCOMING & ONGOING: TRIVIA: Monday Night Trivia at Wonderland in Columbia Heights every MON night starting at 7:30pm, 21+ Free

Monday Night Trivia Night at Wonderland

7:30pm

features prizes and drink specials
21+, Free

Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Calling all Coffee and Espresso Fans! Free Coffee Cuppings every FRI at Counter Culture's Training Center, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Free

Coffee Cupping with Counter Culture at their Adams Morgan Training Center every Friday morning!

10:00am - 12:00pm

Free

Every Friday at the Counter Culture Coffee Training Center in Adams Morgan. Tryst and Counter Culture invite you to free coffee cuppings every Friday in Adams Morgan. P.S. Counter Culture Coffee is delicious. I am a huge fan of all of their espresso blends I've had so far!

Counter Culture Coffee Training Center

1836 Columbia Road, NW (above the old DWR)

Metro: Woodley Park or Columbia Heights and take the Circulator bus to 18th St/ Adams Mill or walk from Woodley. You can also take the 42 bus from Dupont Circle toward Mt Pleasant to 18th St.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Monthly: Live Band Karaoke at Chief Ike's in Adams Morgan every third WED of the month from 8:00pm - 11:00pm, Free, 21+

Live Band Karaoke at Chief Ike's
every third Wednesday of the month
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Free, 21+

Live Band Karaoke brought to you by Northeast Corridor, the band. Sing On Stage with a live cover band! Over 100 hit songs to choose from. Get more details and check out the song list here!


Chief Ike's Mambo Room
1725 Columbia Road, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights or Woodly Park and take the Circulator bus, it's about a 15 minute walk from Columbia Heights. You can also take the 42 bus from Dupont or Conn Ave downtown toward Mt Pleasant and get off at Ontario Rd

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: At Politics & Prose Coffeehouse every FRI night 7:30pm - 10:00pm, Free!

Open Mic at Modern Times Coffeehouse at Politics and Prose Bookstore

Every Friday night!

7:30pm - 10:00pm

Free

Sign up at 7:30 at the counter in the coffeehouse. Free to watch and play. Please note, there are no mics.

Modern Times Coffeehouseinside of Politics & Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave, NW

Metro: Van Ness and take the L2 bus or walk uphill for a bit

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: King Street Bluegrass plays live at Telegraph Station every THURS, 7:30pm - 10:30pm, by donation, 21+

King Street Bluegrass Live at Telegraph Station

every Thursday night

7:30pm - 10:30pm

Free, donations welcome

King Street Bluegrass plays at Telegraph Station every Thursday night to help raise money for the Cat Tails Inc. Rescue group. Even a small donation helps.

Telegraph Station

5735 Telegraph Road

Alexandria, VA
Metro: Huntington and take a short taxi or bus ride

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Free Community Yoga Classes every SUN at Quiet Mind Yoga in Columbia Heights 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Quiet Mind Yoga Community Classes
Every Sunday *except during holidays and teacher training*

Please be sure to confirm first on their website

4:00pm - 5:00pm

(possibly 12:00pm - 1:15pm as well)

Free!

Each Sunday Quiet Mind Yoga generously hosts a Free Community Yoga Class and a chance for you to check out their eco-friendly studio and mingle with your neighbors!

Quiet Mind Yoga Studio
3423 14^th St, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St a few blocks, studio is on the right

UPCOMING & ONGOING: JAZZ: Jazz Night at Westminster Church every FRI night in Southwest by the Waterfront Metro from 6:00pm - 9:00pm, $5, under 16 free!

Jazz Night at Westminster Church

in Southwest by the Waterfront Metro

every Friday night!

6:00pm - 9:00pm

All ages

$5, free for those under 16

Jazz Night every Friday night at Westminster Church just a block or so from the Waterfront Metro station in SW. See the full schedule of performances here. Food and beverages are available for purchase from 5:30pm to 8:45pm. For those driving, parking is also available in the church lot, neighboring commercial garages, or on the street.

Westminster Church

400 I Street, SW

Metro: Waterfront

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Meditation & Vegetarian Dinner at Seekers Church in Takoma hosted by SOS DC Every SUN except the 1st one 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

SOS DC hosts Meditation Satsang - followed by a free vegetarian meal

every Sunday except the 1st Sunday of the month

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

Enjoy a free meditation with the folks from Science of Spirituality and a free vegetarian meal afterwards. Every Sunday of the month, except for the 1st one.

Contacts if you have questions: Karin 301.649.7670 or David 202.258.507 Email: DCInfo@sos.org

Seekers Church

(Note: please use back entrance)

276 Carroll Street, NW (map)

Metro: Takoma, walk about a block, across the street on Carroll

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Live Jazz at Tryst in Adams Morgan! MON, TUES & WED Nights, Free

Live Jazz at Tryst in Adams Morgan
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
8:00pm - 10:00pm

Free

Monday Nights

The Will Rast Trio

Tuesday Nights

The Peter Adelman Quartet

Wednesday Nights

Love Some Thing Jazz Trio

Tryst2459 18th St, NW
Metro: Woodley Park or Columbia Heights
Take the Circulator bus to 18th St & Adams Mill

UPCOMING & ONGOING: KARAOKE: "Kostume Karaoke" at Solly's every 2nd & 4th WED and at Little Miss Whiskey's every 1st & 3rd 8:00pm - 1:30am, 21+, Free

Kostume Karaoke at Solly's

every 2nd and 4th Wednesday

8:00pm - 1:30am
Free, 21+

Some people come for the karaoke, some come for the costumes, some come for both... and a whole lot of silliness as well! Costumes provided on site and you must be in costume if you want to take the mic. You can learn more about Kostume Karaoke on their facebook group here.

Kostume Karaoke happens every Wednesday Night! 


2nd & 4th Wednesday at Solly's on U St 


1st & 3rd Wednesday at Little Miss Whiskey's on H St, NE

Solly's Tavern

11th & U St

Metro: U St, African American Civil War Memorial exit

UPCOMING & ONGOING: You can Walk the Labyrinth at The National Cathedral again! Every last TUES of the month from 6:00pm - 8:45pm, Free

Very happy to see that this event is back up and running now that the Cathedral has been reopened! This monthly event is super if you're looking for something a bit more contemplative.

Walk the Laybrinth at the National Cathedral

an evening of contemplative practice on
the last Tuesday of every month

6:00pm - 8:45pm

Free

Walk the Labyrinth and listen to live music every last Tuesday of the month at The National Cathedral. Includes a Special Program from 7:30pm - 8:30pm each month.

Washington National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Wisconsin & Mass Ave basically

Metro: Dupont Circle and bus along Mass Ave or take the metro to Tenleytown and then take any of the 30 line buses south along Wisconsin Ave. The buses along Wisconsin Ave run more frequently than the crosstown ones so when I go I usually go this way or I wait for the 96 line to McLean Gardens (also doesn't run frequently but takes you right to the Cathedral) from the Woodley Park metro to the intersection of Woodley Rd and Connecticut. 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Open Mic Night at IOTA in Clarendon, VA every 2nd SUN of the month, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free

Poetry Open Mic at Iota

every 2nd Sunday of the month

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free

"The IOTA Poetry Series is held each second Sunday of the month from 6pm to 8pm and is hosted by poet Miles David Moore. Unless otherwise noted, open readings follow readings by featured artists. Free admission. Poets are encouraged to attend the IOTA Poetry Series and sign up for the open reading."

IOTA Club & Cafe

2832 Wilson Blvd
Metro: Clarendon, just a few blocks

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MEDITATION: IMCW meets every SUN at All Souls 16th & Harvard near Columbia Heights & Adams Morgan, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, by donation

Insight Meditation every Sunday Night at All Souls on 16th St

6:00pm - 7:30pm

dhana, donation, based, $10 suggested, no one turned away 
Hosted by IMCW

Note that the Second Sunday of the month is a shorter meditation followed by a vegetarian potluck

"Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute guided meditation, 45-minute dharma talk, and then discussion. Newcomers to meditation and long time practitioners are welcome to attend our classes in metro D.C. No registration is necessary. Chairs are always provided or you may bring your sitting gear."

This evening meditation is usually led by Hugh Byrne, Klia Bassing or Vicki Goodman. Sometimes Ken Yamaguchi-Clark will lead a tai chi or movement exercise as well. You can check out all of their bios here.

All Souls Unitarian

in the Eaton Room, 2nd floor

16th and Harvard St, NW, enter on Harvard between 15th & 16th

Metro: Columbia Heights or take S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to Harvard

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: "Hill Country Live" brings the Spirit of Austin's Music Scene to DC every TUES - SAT nights, Most Shows are Free!

Enjoy the Musical flavors of Texas on 7th St, NW

"Hill Country Live" brings the spirit of Austin's music scene to DC

Most of the shows downstairs in the Boot Bar are free!

"Hill Country Live" showcases American Roots Music found in Texas and beyond its borders - artists who play with heart and soul are welcome, no matter where they are from. Styles you don't find in many other venues in the DC area include: Honky-Tonk, Western Swing, Rockabilly, Roots Rock, Alternative Country, Blues and Americana.

Hill Country has a BBQ market on the main floor, while the Boot Bar downstairs serves as a performance venue Tuesday through Saturday nights. Live band karaoke on Wednesday nights too. Shows are all free unless there is a cover noted. See schedule here.

Hill Country - in the Boot Bar

410 7th St, NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial or Gallery Pl - Chinatown

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Live Band Karaoke with Northeast Corridor at Chief Ike's this WED, Dec 21st - and every 3rd WED of the month - 8:00pm - 11:00pm, Free, 21+

Live Band Karaoke with Northeast Corridor

every third Wednesday of the month at Chief Ikes

8:00pm - 11:00pm

Free, 21+

Northeast Corridor plays Live Band Karaoke party every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Chief Ike's in Adams Morgan! Choose from over 100 hit songs! They provide the lyrics, the grooves, and the background singers. You rock the Mic! Invite your friends and arrive early to get the song of your choice.

Chief Ike's Mambo Room
1725 Columbia Rd, NW - in Adams Morgan

Metro: You can take the 42 or 43 bus there from Conn Ave downtown or Dupont, get off at the stop by the Safeway, Ontario Rd. You can also take the Circulator bus from Woodley Park metro to the same stop or you can take the Circulator from Columbia Rd and 14th St from Columbia Heights Metro, or walk about 15 minutes.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Free Lunchtime Performances every WED in Chinatown as part of "Happenings at the Harman" 12:00pm - 1:00pm

"Happenings at the Harman"
Performances every Wednesday
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Free

"Happenings at the Harman" is a performance series that takes place at Harman Hall every Wednesday from noon - 1:00pm. The series brings the community up close and personal with the performers and performances at the Harman Center for the Arts as well as throughout the metro-D.C. community. Performances are free, arrive early to grab a good seat!  Learn more and view schedule here!

Sidney Harman Hall

610 F St, NW

Metro: Gallery Place - Chinatown, Arena exit

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Monthly "Poetry in Bloom" Writing Group every fourth WED of the month from 6:00pm - 7:00pm, by donation

Monthly "Poetry in Bloom" Writing Group

Wednesday, February 22nd
6:00pm - 7:00pm

by donation, $5 - $10 suggested

Tonight, Bloombars will be having their monthly "Poetry in Bloom" Writing Group upstairs in the Gallery, hosted by Joseph LMS Green. No experience necessary-- just paper and pen. You'll have a chance to "plant the seeds for new poetry by free-writing using writing prompts, sharing your work, and getting some practice reading aloud. BloomBars is a safe and encouraging space so don’t be shy, give it a try!" Guest instructor: Joseph LMS Green will lead the first three workshops in 2012, on Jan 25, Feb 22nd and March 28th. You can reaad more about him on the invite. 

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW

next to Wonderland at Kenyon

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk up 14th a block, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th 

UPCOMING & ONGOING: The Harikaraoke Band & Gong Show at Wonderland this TUES, Jan 24th - and every TUES night - from 9:00pm - 12:00am, Free, 21+

The Harikaraoke Band & Gong Show
every Tuesday night
9:00pm - 12:00am
Free, 21+

The Harikaraoke Band & Gong Show with Live Karaoke Band, every Tuesday night at Wonderland Ballroom.


The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St, NW (map)
Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MEDITATION: Relax... Learn to Meditate

Learn to Meditate! Here are some locations where you can meditate for Free in DC.

IMCW
Sunday nights in Columbia Heights, All Souls
Wednesday nights at River Road, MD

The Shambhala Center
Cleveland Park

Art of Living
15th St, Columbia Heights

Science of Spirituality
Takoma Park

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: *Sparkle* queer-friendly open mic at Busboys and Poets 5th & K every fourth WED of the month from 9:00pm - 11:00pm, $5

*Sparkle* queer-friendly open mic
Wednesday, February 22nd

every fourth Wednesday

9:00pm - 11:00pm

$5 


*Sparkle* is a monthly queer-friendly poetry reading and *open mic* hosted by local poets and spoken word artists Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou.  If you want to sign up for the open mic, please arrive at 8:50pm. The slots are 3-4 minutes long and *all styles* - poets, singers, storytellers, comedians, musicians - are welcome to perform! Pictured,  Jessica Genia Simon. 

Wristbands/tickets are $5 and are sold all day in the Global Exchange store beginning at 11:00m, 'til they are sold out. Limit of 4 wristbands per person. Cash only. No Refunds.

Busboys and Poets

5th & K St, NW

Metro: Take the Circulator bus to 5th & Mass or walk from Gallery Place or Mt Vernon Sq Metro.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: JAZZ: Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra performs every MON night, 8:00pm - 11:00pm, All ages, $7

Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra

every Monday night

8:00pm - 11:00pm

All ages, $7

Bohemian Caverns

11th & U St, NW

Metro: U St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: JAZZ: "Take Five!" Live Jazz every Third THURS of the month in the Kogod Courtyard at SAAM/ NPG from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Free

"Take Five!" Live Jazz at SAAM/ NPG 
every Third Thursday of the month!

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Free

Take Five! takes place in the Kogod Courtyard, one of the architectural marvels of DC and one of my personal favorite places! It's huge, high-ceilings and open space look up to the sky through an undulating glass canopy. Note: This museum is located in Chinatown, not on The Mall.

Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery -Kogod Courtyard

Between 7th & 9th St, F & G St, NW
Metro: Gallery Place - Chinatown

UPCOMING & ONGOING: IMPROV: Washington Improv Theater puts on Harold Night at Source Theatre TUES, Dec 27th and every TUES night at 10:00pm, Free

Check out some Improv at WIT's Harold Night

every Tuesday night at Source Theatre

10:00pm, doors at 9:45pm
Free!

Washington Improv Theater (WIT) puts on Harold Night every Tuesday night at Source. Each week is a demonstration, celebration, and experiment in the world-famous improv longform, Harold. It starts with an audience suggestion and explores whatever themes emerge through a series of scenes. Stories are made up on the spot and characters intended to delight, and always a good time. Harold Night has been running in DC every Tuesday since March 18, 2010. Come down to Source and check them out, every Tuesday night.

Source Theatre
1835 14th St, NW
Metro: U St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Website Development: Free Drupal Trainings every month on the 1st and 2nd TUES of the month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

2 free Drupal trainings a month
1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

Note: This class will be offered once a month starting in December and will be at a new location as well. I'm awaiting information about new location - will update post when I have the new info. Of course, you can check their website as well for updates.

Free Drupal trainings are offered on the second Tuesday evenings of each month. No need to make a reservation: Just show up at the door with your laptop and your Drupal ambitions (or problems). The free trainings cover a range of topics designed to gently bring you or your staff into the world of Drupal. Unique classes are offered for designers, content managers, and developers. Each topic is chosen to be beneficial to the widest audience possible.

Learn more and view a list of free Drupal trainings.

Questions, call 202.325.0505 and ask for DC Drupal Training

Location: TBA

UPCOMING & ONGOING: WORKOUT: Free Intro to Capoeira Classes every MON night on U St from 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Free Capoeira Classes at Center on U St

every Monday night

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Free

Saw a poster hanging at Tryst, though the free class isn't listed on their website so you may want to call or email them first to confirm, (202) 628-0095 or ucac.dc[at]gmail.com.

The Universal Capoeira Angola Center

1351 U St, NW

Metro: U St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: "The Garden" Open Mic for Music, Poetry, Storytelling, Dance... every MON night at Bloombars in Columbia Heights from 9:00pm - 11:00pm, 8:30pm sign up, All ages, by donation

"The Garden" Open Mic night at BloomBars

every Monday night

9:00pm - 11:00pm

sign up starts at 8:30pm

All ages, by donation $5 - $10 suggested

sign up starts at 8:30pm

This Open Mic is open to all styles - poetry, music, comedy, story telling, dance... and is hosted by Jonathan B. Tucker and Gowri K. Doors. Sign up starts at 8:30pm, show starts at 9:00pm.

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW
at Kenyon, next to Wonderland
Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Here's a List of Regular Classes and Events at BloomBars!

Regular Weekly Events at BloomBars

Sundays:

Capoeira: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Drumming Classes: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Seed the Sound: 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Mondays:

Poetry in the Morning 7:30 am – 8:15 am Belly Dance – Danza del Vientre: 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm The Garden: Open Mic: 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Tuesdays:

BloomScreen Indie Film Night: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Thursdays:

Samba Class: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Improv Comedy Night: Every Other Thursday at 8:15 pm – 9:00 pm

Saturdays:

Capoeira: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Bachata Classes: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Monthly Events at BloomBars

Jazz to Mother Earth Cipherstock Open Jam Mind Power Freestlye Jam StoryTime for BabyBloomers Meditation Classes High School Open Mic Sunrise Cinema Tap Dance Workshops

BloomBars (see full calendar)

3222 11th St, NW (at Kenyon)

Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MEDITATION: Dharma Talk & Meditation every THURS night at the Shambhala Center in Cleveland Park 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

Thursday Night Meditation followed by Dharma Talk
at the Shambhala Center in Cleveland Park
every Thursday night

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free, Donations appreciated

Schedule:
7:00pm –7:45pm Meditation practice and instruction

7:45pm -8:00pm Tea and refreshments
8:00pm Dharma Talk and Open Discussion

Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge for talk, meditation session or instruction. If you are new to the Center, meditation instruction is available at 7pm. After the meditation there will be a Dharma Talk and Open Discussion led by a senior student or teacher where you'll have a chance to explore and discuss various topics, from Buddhism, to meditation and the world of our daily lives at the Shambhala Center in Cleveland Park.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Washington, DC

3520 Connecticut Ave, NW

Metro: Cleveland Park, super close to the metro

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Open Drum Circle on Capitol Hill, every 1st and 3rd TUES from 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Free

Rhythm Workers Union Open Drum Circle
every 1st and 3rd Tuesday
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Free

The Rhythm Workers Union meets twide a month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays nights at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church for an open drum circle and jam, with some African, Latin, Middle Eastern and other rhythms from around the world.

Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
4th and Independence Ave, SE
Metro: Capitol South

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: "Spit Dat" every THURS at the ECAC, 8:45pm - 11:30pm, $1

"Spit Dat" Open Mic Event at the ECAC
Every Thursday Night
8:45pm – 11:30pm
All ages, just $1

Droopy the Broke Baller and Mister Mysterious Dwayne B present "Spit Dat" weekly open mic event every Thursday night at the ECAC!).

Note: From the description: "There is no age restriction for our "Spit Dat" open mic event. We welcome all open-minded and respectful audiences. However, if you plan to bring youths through the event, please realize that we do not censor our artists and therefore your children [and, for that matter, you] may be exposed to content of an "explicit" nature."

Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC)
733 Euclid St, NW (right near Georgia Ave)
Metro: Shaw - Howard University and take a bus north on Georgia Ave

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Contact Improv Jam every SUN on Capitol Hill, 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Donation $5 - $10 suggested

Contact Improv Sunday Afternoon Jam
every Sunday afternoon
2:00pm - 5:00pm
$5 to $10 donation

Every Sunday of the month, you are invited to a contact improv jam! Best to arrive on the early end if you are new so you can get acquainted with the jam, and jamming in general! All donations support the church's community outreach program.

Read more here!

Please note: As part of the insurance coverage that our hosts require, every sunday jam participants are asked to sign a liability release/waiver which you can print and sign if it's your first time (they should also have some at the door).

St. James/St. Monica Church parrish hall, Capital Hill
222 8th St. NE (map, walking from Union Station)
Metro: Union Station, it's about a 15 minute walk from there

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Free Salsa Classes! MON Nights at Lima Lounge, 9:00pm, 21+

Free Salsa Classes at Lima Lounge
Every Monday Night (starting Jan 11th)
9:00pm
21+, Free

Note: I suggest that you call or go online to confirm this event is still occurring.

Open bar for ladies 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Free Salsa lessons taught by Stuck on Salsa
Beginners 9:00pm, Intermediate - 9:45
Dance party 10:30pm on
Bemba spins Latin rhythms with a splash of hip hop, reggae and house

Lima Lounge
1401 K St, NW
Metro: McPherson Square

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Big Boy Little Band performs at the Zoo Bar every first SAT of the month at 10:00pm, Free

Big Boy Little Band performs at the Zoo Bar

Saturday, July 2nd

and every first Saturday of the month

10:00pm

Free

If you like R&B and Blues you might want to check out Big Boy Little Band. They perform live every first Saturday.

Zoo Bar

3000 Connecticut Ave, NW

Metro: Walk about 15 minutes or so, across the bridge, from Cleveland Park or take the L2 or L4 bus on Connecticut Ave

UPCOMING & ONGOING: JAZZ: Live Jazz every WED at Georgia Brown's from 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Free

Live Jazz at Georgia Brown's
every Wednesday night
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Free

You can sit at the bar and have a drink or enjoy the some live jazz over dinner.


Disclaimer: I didn't see an image to use from their website so I found this one through google images. Please note that it's not a pic of the actual band that will be playing.


Georgia Brown's
950 15th St, NW
between K and I Streets
Metro: McPherson Sq or take any bus along 14th or 16th to K and walk a block or so

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: "Blue Monday Blues" every MON Night at Westminster Church by the Waterfront Metro, 6:00pm - 9:00pm, $5

Blue Monday Blues

every Monday night

6:00pm - 9:00pm

$5 cover

kids 16 and under Free

view schedule here

Blue Monday Blues brings together great local blues players for an evening of down-home blues. Over 100 people usually attend this exciting event. Food and beverages available for purchase from SW Catering Company, featuring Southern and Mediterranean cuisine, from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. View pics on flickr here.

Westminster Church

400 I St, SW (map and directions here)

Metro: Waterfront, seems to be a short walk from the metro

For those with cars, parking is available in the church lot or on the street.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Monthly "Community Sing" with Ysaye Barnwell at Levine School Campuses -usually WED or THURS eve mid-month- $5

Monthly Community Sing with Ysaye Barnwell

usually mid-month on a Wed or Thurs 

7:00pm - 9:00pm
$5

This is one of the best kept secrets in the event realm in this town if you ask me. You can take an amazing vocal workshop with Ysaye Barnwell of the vocal group "Sweet Honey in the Rock" for just five bucks! No prior singing experience is required and no need to even have a super voice, just a desire to sing! She covers a great musical range of styles and forms that I couldn't possibly capture in this post, and I encourage you, and that includes men, to check it out if you can. Just watching Ysaye lead this group is worth the price of admission!

Below is the 2012 schedule! All of the events are at the Northwest DC Campus unless otherwise noted.

Save the dates for the upcoming sings:

Wednesday, February 15th

Thursday, March 15th

Wednesday, April 18th

Wednesday, May 9th

Wednesday, June 13th
Levine School of Music
2801 Upton St, NW
Metro: Van Ness and walk about 10-15 minutes

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: Poetry Event at Busboys and Poets 14th & V St, every TUES Night! 9:00pm - 11:00pm, All ages, $4

Tuesday Night Open Mic at Busboys!

every Tuesday night

9:00pm - 11:00pm

All ages, $4 per person*


Open Mic Night at Busboys every Tuesday night, different feature each week. Description from their site "For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. --- $4/person.

* Wristbands for Tuesday night open mic at 14th & V are sold all day in the Bookstore beginning at 10:00am until sold out. Limit of 4 wristbands per person. Cash only. Sorry, No Refunds." This Open Mic has become pretty popular and tends to sell out early in the eve. Best to get there earlier in the day to pick up wristbands, I've seen it sold out before 6pm before. If you're not sure if there are tickets available, I suggest you call first.

Busboys and Poets
14th & V St, NW
Metro: U St

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Improv Night at BloomBars with Third Beat and others every 2nd & 4th THURS of the month, 8:15pm - 9:00pm, All ages, by donation

Improv Night at BloomBars with Third Beat Improv

Thursday, December 22nd

and every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month

8:15 pm - 9:00pm

Short show, please arrive before 8:15pm

All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

Third Beat Improv is dedicated to celebrating the funny things that happen when people show humanity on stage. Improv night happens at BloomBars every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. "At our performances, you might see Disney characters on break, our version of Nordstrom hell, or a father and son on a fishing trip."

Photo: Subsidized Corn

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW (at Kenyon)

Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Comedy Night: At Tonic GWU Campus on the first TUES of every month, Free

Comedy Night at Tonic Foggy Bottom - at Quigley's GWU Campus

the first Tuesday of every month

9:00pm - 11:00pm

Free

Tonic at Quigley'son GWU Campus
2036 G St, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Youth Open Mic SAT, August 20th and every 3rd SAT of the month at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St, NW, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, $4

Youth Open Mic at Busboys

every 3rd Saturday of the month

5:00pm - 7:00pm

$4, cash at the door

This monthly youth-focused and youth-led series is held every 3rd Saturday. Young people (under 20) are encouraged to come share their poetry, music, rap, acting, or other appropriate skills. Doors and open mic list open at 4:30pm. Email slam@splitthisrock.org for more info.

Busboys and Poets

5th & K St, NW

Metro: between Gallery Pl and Mt Vernon Sq or you can take the Circulator bus to 5th & Mass.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA: Here's a Great List of Free & Low Cost Community Yoga Classes in DC!

Free & Low Cost Community Yoga Classes in DC!

Below is a list of some of the more popular studios that offer free, donation-based, and reduced price yoga classes as part of their weekly schedules. This list has been copied from Welcome OM DC.

Disclaimer from their site: This list is by no means comprehensive! Please let us know about any omitted studios! Studios are listed alphabetically. To add on to that, if you know of any other studios or places where you can find free yoga classes, please post a comment here or on Free in DC's facebook page or email me to let me know!

Also note please that this list was last confirmed about a year ago, on July 23rd, 2010 so please check to make sure these offers are still valid by clicking through the links.

Boundless Yoga
One Pose at a Time Classes, Sundays 2:15pm - 3:45pm, $10. Details here.

Circle Yoga
Saturday Sangha Day, free classes at 12:30pm. Details here.

Down Dog Yoga
Community class on Fridays at 4:00pm that are $10 for a drop in and $6 for students. Details here.

Flow Yoga Center
Donation-based (pay-what-you-can) classes every Saturday at 1:30pm to benefit charities dedicated to making yoga and wellness services accessible to individuals in need. Details here.

Lululemon Athletica
Five DC metro area locations, and a location in Annapolis, all offering free Sunday yoga classes. Lululemon Athletica also offers Free yoga in the park, in Dupont Circle south, every Wednesday at 6:30pm, from May through August. Details for Logan Circle Store and Georgetown Store.

Quiet Mind Yoga
Free community classes at this eco-friendly studio in Columbia Heights every Sunday, except on holiday weekends and during teacher training, from 4:00pm - 5:00pm, supporting recent Yoga Works teacher training graduates. Please confirm first on their website. Details here.

Stroga

Pay-what-you-can 1.5 hr yoga class every Saturday morning from 10:15am - 11:45am, benefits the Capital Area Food Bank. Details here.

Studio Serenity
$10 yoga classes every day of the week at locations in either Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan and offers free classes for members who bring friends to class. Details here. They also offer a $10 for 10 consecutive days for newcomers, details here.

Tranquil Space
Donation-based “on-the-go” 60 min class on Tuesdays at 8:30pm. Proceeds to Tranquil Space Foundation. Details here.

Unity Woods
$5 Community class on Fridays, 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Bethesda, MD location only. Details here.

Willow Street Yoga
Free Community Class every Saturday from 12:00pm- 1:00pm at the Takoma Park location. Details here.

Yoga Chai
Weekly $5 Friday Lunch special, 12:30pm - 1:30pm. They also have a super introductory special of $10 for 10 consecutive days of classes. Details here.

Yoga District
All classes are always $10 at this studio’s various locations! Details here.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: YOGA: Donation based Sri Yoga class in Adams Morgan at The Festival Center, most THURS nights at 6:30pm, Donation based

Donation based Sri Yoga Class in Adams Morgan

every Thursday night

6:30pm - 8:00pm

by donation

Sri Yoga is a donation based yoga practice held at the Festival Center in Adams Morgan  most Thursdays nights.  It i s designed to be an "ease full, peace full practice that uses full yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation." Please arrive 10 minutes early with an empty stomach. All donations benefit a charity of the teacher's choice.

This class is a slower paced one that allows you to hold poses for a little and is more meditative than others I have been to, which I like. Also good forbeginners and those just getting back into their practice.

Note: Best way to stay in the loop about these classes - join or check the Sri Yoga facebook page.

The Festival Center (pictured)

1640 Columbia Rd, NW (map)

Metro: Columbia Heights is closest, about a twelve minute walk or so, or you take the Circulator bus from Woodley Park or Columbia Heights to Ontario Rd and walk a block and a half . The closest access is by bus, take the 42 or 43 bus from downtown along Connecticut Avenue or Dupont Circle to Mozart Place, which is right in front of the building.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: DANCE: Belly Dancing Classes at BloomBars on Monday Nights 6:30pm - 7:30pm, $10 suggested donation

Belly Dancing Classes at BloomBars

every Monday Night

6:30pm - 7:30pm
by donation, suggested $10

No experience necessary. Learn to belly dance with Marta Vizueta Bohorquez. "A nurturing and demanding instructor, Marta approaches teaching from a holistic perspective, emphasizing technique, stylization, and musical interpretation. With a clear historical and cultural foundation, she invites more advanced students to fuse their own styles, where appropriate, allowing for the exploration of each one's unique voice."

Note: facebook invite says the class is from 6:45pm - 7:45pm but the BloomBars calendar says it is from 6:30pm - 7:30pm so I figured I'd post the earlier time just in case.

Wear: Comfortable, yoga type pant and top, not too baggy as she'll want to see your body to determine correct posture, etc. Bring a water bottle, yoga mat, and finger cymbals, if you own a pair.

BloomBars
3222 11th St, NW
near Kenyon next to Wonderland
Metro: Columbia Heights

UPCOMING & ONGOING: MUSIC: Open Mic for Musicians at IOTA in Clarendon, VA every WED night, 8:00pm - 12:30am, Free

Open Mic for Musicians at IOTA in Clarendon
every Wednesday night

Two sign-ups: 7:30pm and 10:00pm

Show is from 8:00pm - 12:30am

Free

"Bring your own instruments. Bring your fans and friends." PA system provided. No drum kits. Acoustic music is the most common genre. Hosted by Todd and James of Brother Shamus. From 9:30pm - 10:00pm there is a featured musician, often Todd and/or James.

IOTA Club & Cafe

2832 Wilson Blvd
Metro: Clarendon, just a few blocks

UPCOMING & ONGOING: The National Museum of Women in the Arts offers free "Community Days" every 1st SUN of the month, Admission is Free

Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts for Free!

and the first Sunday of every month!

12:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

Community Days are held on the first Sunday of every month. Regular admission to the museum is $10, $8 for students and those 65+, 18 and under free.

When you are there, be sure to check out the gift shop. They sell lots of nice wearable art and items made from recycled materials. Aside from the gift shop at the Building Museum, this may be my favorite one in town. I got one of my favorite fabric necklaces there last time I visited.

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave, NW
Metro: Metro Center, us the 13th St exit and up two blocks to NY Ave

UPCOMING & ONGOING: Relax, Dance, Drum, People Watch.... Every SUN in Malcolm X/ Meridian Hill Park, Free, Afternoon- Dark

Every Sunday this park is packed with an amazing diverse group of folks sun bathing, hanging out, dancing, and drumming. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, head down to the hilly part near the fountain closer to W St, there is also a flatter area at the bottom where you can hang out. The National Park Police recently requested that the drum circle acquire a permit to gather in the park on Sundays, which they have been doing for many years now, but those who participate say that this is a gathering of all kinds of people who just show up and not a formal gathering/ festival or event. I imagine they will continue to drum every Sunday regardless.

Meridian Hill/ Malcolm X Park
Between 16th St & 14th St, NW
Top of the park is at Euclid St, bottom is at W St
Metro: Columbia Heights or U St and walk or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St

PAST: ART: "Bushmen Dreams" at Parish Gallery in Georgetown features works by Printmaker Percy Matin, FRI, Oct 21st - FRI, Nov 18th

“Bushmen Dreams” on view at the Parish Gallery in Georgetown
Works by Print maker Percy Martin
Free
Friday, October 21st – Friday, November 18th

Read more about the gallery and the show here.

Parish Gallery
1054 31st St, NW
in Canal Square
Metro: Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom and take the Circulator bus to Georgetown, you'll need to walk over from Wisconsin and M St if you take the Union Station – Georgetown line along K St or Pennsylvania Avenue, the Dupont Route goes along M St.

PAST: ART: Gallery Plan b features Paintings by Delna Dastur & Photos by Kermit Berg WED, Oct 19th - SUN, Nov, 20th, Free

Now on view at Gallery Plan b Paintings by Delna Dastur & Photos by Kermit Berg

Free

Wednesday, October 19th - Sunday, November 20th

"Influenced by the brilliance of colors that surrounded her as a child in India, the paintings of Delna Dastur are complex in color and subject matter combined with the intensity of commitment from the artist. Kermit Berg will be presenting his portfolio of images entitled "Tokyo Night Office." These photos (shot before the recent, devastating earthquakes) are multi-layered and show an interesting perspective of what normally might be a non-descript visual."

“Tokyo Night Office” – Kermit Berg and “Encroachment” – Delna Dastur

Gallery Plan b

1530 14th St, NW - at Q St

Metro: Dupont Circle or U St and walk or take the Circulator bus to RI Ave/ P St from McPherson Sq or down 14th St from U St

PAST: Festival of Lights Art + Craft Fair 40th Anniversary this Weekend in Greenbelt, MD this SAT, Dec 3rd & SUN, Dec 4th, Free

Festival of Lights Art + Craft Fair 40th Anniversary!
at the Greenbelt Community Center
Saturday, December 3rd & Sunday, December 4th
Free

"Fabulous and funky! Featuring juried professional artists and crafters selling their own, handmade wares." See vendor list. Though this isn't the most public transit friendly location (see map), I figure folks with kids who live in Maryland might be interested in checking this one out and would likely have a car.

Saturday, December 3rd
Art + Craft Fair
10:00am - 5:00pm

Also on Saturday, Take Craft Project from 1:00pm - 3:00pm and Live World Music with Harp 46 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

Sunday, December 4th
Art + Craft Fair Open
11:00am - 4:00pm

Also on Sunday, Wreath Making Workshop from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Live Klezmer Music with The Alexandria Kleztet from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and Artists' Studio Open House and Holiday Sale from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

Greenbelt Community Center

15 Crescent Rd - Greenbelt, MD
Metro: Greenbelt and take a taxi or see if there is a bus that'll get you there.

PAST: ART: Annual Small Works Exhibit" and "What Art to Wear" at The Art League in Old Town, Alexandria, Now - MON, Dec 5th, Free

Last Chance to see the "Annual Small Works Exhibit" at The Art League in Old Town, Alexandria
Free
On view Wednesday, November 9th - Monday, December 5th

This annual Small Works exhibit features some of the best works by Art League members in all media, packs a lot of talent into one gallery. Works are restricted in size but not in subject matter, skill, or wow factor. The pieces in this exhibit, popular with holiday gift-givers and arts appreciators, were selected by by Jordan Faye Block. Pictured: ''Haley'' by Wendy Donahoe.

Also, Last Chance to see "What Art to Wear"
Free
On view Wednesday, November 9th - Monday, December 5th


Wearable art, also known as "art to wear," refers to individually designed pieces of hand-made clothing or jewelry or other adornments created as fine or expressive art. Not all garments created as wearable art must be made from traditional fibers or fabrics, and not all such artworks need to be intended for ordinary, practical use. This juried exhibit may feature art made with clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of these.

The Art League

105 North Union St - Alexandria, VA

Metro: King St and take the free trolley down to the Waterfront or take any bus down King St