OF NOTE: Visit CultureCapital.com and the Free in DC Inside-Out Page for more Free Events!

This is when I usually post my weekly highlights post for free events found on CultureCapital.com, however this week is one of the quietest weeks every year in DC - similar to the last week in December - when it comes to events. People are out of town, kids are heading back to school and it's Labor Day Weekend. 

I've posted all of the free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com already in individual posts, with most events being at the National Gallery of Art and at The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. 

Please take some time to explore the CultureCapital.com site. It is a wonderful resource provided by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. You can also find lots more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized Inside-Out page on their site designed especially for fans of Free in DC! It's a great specialized resource for fans of this site. 

PAST: DANCE: Joy of Motion Dance Center presents their 2nd Annual Seniors in Motion Concert at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H St, NE on TUES, April 30th at 11:00am, Free

Joy of Motion Dance Center presents Seniors in Motion Concert
Tuesday, April 30th
11:00am - 12:00pm
Free
General admission, to reserve your ticket in advance please call 202.399.6764 x163
view and share the facebook invite here

Joy of Motion Dance Center - at Atlas presents their 2nd annual Seniors in Motion Concert featuring Erika Thimey Dance Company, Jazzemotion, Young At Heart and performances from partner senior centers Fonteneau, Model Cities and Holy Cross, choreographed by JOMDC faculty member Tyrone Murray. Special guest performances from JOMDC resident adult tap company Tappenstance and JOMDC resident arts partner El Teatro de Danza Contemporanea de El Salvador!

If you have questions about the Seniors in Motion Outreach Program, please contact Quynn Johnson, Program Manager for Education and Outreach, at outreach@joyofmotion.org.

Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street, NE
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown and catch the X2 bus that runs along H St or taxi from Union Station about a mile or so

PAST: LAUNCH EVENT: The new group "Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Business People & Other Humans" invites you to attend their first event! Featuring the Fojol Bros, Founder of Sweetgreen and others at The Dunes in Columbia Heights on TUES, April 30th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Free, donations appreciated

The new group Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Business People & Other Humans invites you to attend their first event! "wear bright colors if you can" with the Fojol Bros and others!
Tuesday, April 30th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Free, donations appreciated
Note: You'll need to join the meetup group to RSVP

"This group is for those interested in the DC community and beyond who desire to meet other like-minded people, building companies, brewing with ideas of all kind and looking to collaborate. This group is not for the shy. Come one, come all. Let's make this an awesome Meetup. Spread the word."  For this event: The Fojol Bros are encouraging folks to wear bright colors. Merlindia will appear out of the sky and serve up "curry & happiness."

Agenda for the eve:

7:00pm - 7:30pm   Connect, have a social relaxer or not:
7:30pm - 7:40pm   Brief Intro
7:45pm - 8:00pm   Speaker: Millennial Trains Project's CEO Patrick Dowd
8:05pm - 8:20pm   Speaker: The Capitol Forum's CEO Teddy Downey

8:25pm - 8:40pm   Speaker: Sweetgreen's Founder Jonathan Neman
8:40pm-9pm (and on). Connect the dots

9:00pm til the cows come home: DJ Josef makes music and takes you to the next level.

More about the speakers and their projects:

Patrick Dowd: A Georgetown University Grad and Fulbright Scholar in India, Patrick produced a documentary on informal sector e-waste recycling and helped lead a circumnavigation of India by rail that inspired him to bring the Millennial Trains Project to America.


Teddy Downey: Teddy seeks to inform investors, policy makers, and everyday citizens on how federal legislative and regulatory policy affects markets and competition.

Jonathan Neman: Sweetgreen is a place where you can food that's both healthy for you and aligned with your values.

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk just a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is above The Getaway, go up one flight of stairs.

PAST: POETRY SLAM: It's Time for The Beltway Poetry Slam Semifinals, Hear the Top 12 Poets of the Season perform! TUES, April 30th at The Fridge, near Eastern Market, 8:00pm - 10:00pm, All ages, $5, cash at the door

The Beltway Poetry Slam Semifinals!
Hosted by Shelly Bell
Tuesday, April 30th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
All ages, $5, cash at the door

Come see the top 12 poets from the season bring their strongest work & fiercest performances for a chance to be one of the 8 poets competing in our Grand Slam on May 14th (details on grand slam coming SOON!) All poets are sharing their work in hope of representing DC at the National Poetry Slam in Boston!

The poets competing in no particular order are: Adele Hampton, Ayanna Gallant, Brandi Hargette, Clint Smith
Danielle Reed, Eka, Natalie Illum, Pages Matam, Robalu Gibson, Spencer Retelle, Tolonda Henderson and Twain Dooley.

Note: This is a closed slam for those who qualified this season. The next open slam is May 28th.

The Fridge
516 1/2 8th St SE
through alleyway, across from matchbox
Metro: Eastern Market, turn right on 8th St SE and walk down a block and a half or so, on the left

OF NOTE: Want to see more events? Check out Free in DC on facebook and twitter! Some events are posted there that are not on the site

Did you know that Free in DC is on facebook?
Just search for "Free in DC" or click here!

Since lots of my content comes from facebook and I don't always have time to craft individual posts on this site for every event I come across (especially when I am traveling, as I am most weekends this summer), I often link to events on facebook through facebook and I usually link to and post events happening that day or the next day or two through facebook as well so that might be helpful for some of you. You can become a fan on facebook to get updates through your feed and you can also go directly to the page to view the info - even if you aren't on facebook - at facebook.com/FreeinDC

If you are on twitter, you can also follow me there at @FreeinDCBlog. Posting on twitter is not as consistent as facebook, but I do post quite a bit there as well.

PAST: OPEN STUDIOS: Time for the Spring Open Studios at the Jackson Art Center in Georgetown! SUN, April 28th, 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

Spring Open Studios at Jackson Art Center in Georgetown
Sunday, April 28th
12:00pm - 5:00pm
All ages, Free

Jackson Art Center, in the heart of Georgetown, is home to over 40 local artists. With works ranging from contemporary to classical, this more under the radar artist community opens its doors biannually to the public.

Come on out and explore this old Victorian Schoolhouse filled with artists young and old! Guests can enjoy complimentary light refreshments and live music while visiting the studios of artists. View works on paper, canvas and fabric, in oil, acrylic, pencil, and pastel, as well as photography, sculpture, ceramics and more. Be sure to swing by my friend Emma O'Rourke's studio and say hi to local potter Eileen Egan as well. Can't make it to the Spring Open House? Save the date for the Fall Open House on November 17th.

Jackson Art Center in Georgetown
3050 R St, NW (see map)
across from Montrose Park, a few blocks from Wisconisn
Metro: Bus access only, see metro trip-planner for best bus access from wherever you are coming from.best options. You can take the Georgetown - Union Station Circulator bus to Wisconsin Ave stop closest to R St from K St, get off Farragut West or Farragut North. Circulator bus is only $1 and 50 cents if you have a smartrip card and take metro first. You can also take any of the 30 lines buses, except for the 38B, from Farragut West or Foggy Bottom, or catch the cross town bus, or walk just over a mile, from Dupont Circle.

PAST: COCKTAILS + MUSIC: Enjoy an early eve Cocktail Preview from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at The Dunes followed by Instrumental Band from Chicago, Marbon Jazz Band from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, by donation, $5 - $10 suggested, 21+

Summer Cocktail Preview & Jazz: Frankie Jones and Marbin Band Live
Sunday, April 28th
5:30pm - 10:00pm
by donation, $5 - $10 suggested, 21+
5:30pm - 8:00pm cocktails. band starts 8:00pm

Come spend a relaxing Sunday at The Dunes as Frankie Jones, GM of The Gibson and 2013 Artini Winner, gives us a sneak peak into the cocktails and spirits that likely will highlight Summer '13. Right after the class, enjoy a "rousing performance by international touring sensation Marbin Jazz Band," an instrumental rock band based in Chicago, IL featuring Israeli-American guitarist Dani Rabin and Israeli saxophonist Danny Markovitch.

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Pl, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St about 4 blocks, past Park, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is just above The Getaway, you'll see a glass tour, take the stairs up to the top

PAST: YOGA + MEDITATION: "Yoga and Meditation for Spiritual, Mental, Emotional Physical Health and Peace" with Debbie Bennett, Founder of Heal Me Yoga, organized with Science of Spirituality DC Chapter at the Georgetown Library this SAT, April 27th from 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Free

"Yoga and Meditation for Spiritual, Mental, Emotional Physical Health and Peace" organized with Science of Spirituality DC at the Georgetown Library

Saturday, April 27th  

1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free, Please bring your own yoga mat! 

Debbie Bennett, Founder of Heal Me Yoga located in Bowling Green, VA, will lead this free workshop on Saturday afternoon at the Georgetown Library. This event is organized with the Science of Spirituality DC Chapter.

You can see a list of upcoming free events in DC, MD and VA from May - August 2013 on the SOS brochure here. Learn more about Science of Spirituality and additional free meditation workshops they offer. You can also read more about the Jyoti Meditation style on their local website and connect with SOS MidAtlantic on facebook and @SOS_WashDC on twitter.

About the workshop facilitator: Debbie Bennett has been a certified Yoga instructor since 1985. She is certified in the Integral Yoga method and Jyoti meditation and has studied in America and India with master teachers of Sant Mat, known as the Science of Spirituality in the west.  Debbie began her study of the human body as a classical ballet dancer. She danced for 20 years and studied yoga to help prevent injuries and manage the demanding nature of her dancing career. Debbie states, “I started teaching yoga to help me relax and recharge from a very demanding dance schedule. It worked for me. I really could feel the benefit of this ancient healing art."  She teaches the classical style of yoga which focuses on healing the tension – blocking off the energy flow – in the system caused by stress to bring the body back to optimal health and well-being.

Georgetown Library
3260 R St, NW - at Wisconsin & R St
Metro: best to take the Georgetown - Union Station Circulator bus to Wisconsin Ave stop closest to R St from K St, get off Farragut West or Farragut North. Circulator bus is only $1 and 50 cents if you have a smartrip card and take metro first. You can also catch any of the 30 lines buses, except for the 38B, or the cross town buses that run along Q St from Dupont Circle. See metro trip-planner for best bus access.

PAST: ART: Highlights for Art Events this in SE, NE and select parts of MD - Weekend Round Up, Guest Post from East City Art for SAT, April 27th, Free

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Banquet of Art Edition

Saturday, April 27th

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at Eastern Market

9:00am - 4:00pm
Also on Sunday, same time!
It’s hard to believe that it has already been four years since CHAW started its first student ceramic show at Eastern Market. This is the perfect opportunity to buy that early mother’s day gift. Sale continues on Sunday.  

225 Seventh St SE
Metro: Eastern Market

Brentwood Arts Exchange & 39th Street Gallery

5:00pm start time

Graduating BFA students from the Corcoran’s class of 2013 will show a series of works in a variety and medium.  Several performances will take place beginning at 5:30pm, and a short fill will begin at 5pm sharp.

The Brentwood Arts Exchange & 39th Street Gallery
3901 Rhode Island Ave (route 1), Brentwood, MD
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro

FLEX at Pop-Up Space in NE

7:00pm - 10:00pm
For one night only, artists Michael Dax Iacavone, Jonathan Monaghan (who created a small sculpture of an eagle shown on the Colbert Report), Calder Brannock and Billie Friebele will present a group show of various media that is independently curated.

Pop-Up Space

1600 Maryland Ave NE

Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art.  You can get more information about East City Art on Facebook  by follow them on Twitter or click here to sign up for their newsletter.

PAST: GARDEN FAIR: Annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale organized by Friends of the National Arboretum! SAT, April 27th from 9:00am - 4:00pm, Free, Plants available for Purchase

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA)’s Annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale! This Friday & Saturday at the U.S. National Arboretum
Free to attend, Plants available for purchase

Friday, April 26th
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Saturday, April 27th
9:00am - 4:00pm

"Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a plant novice or just looking to spruce up your apartment balcony, each year, the National Arboretum’s top plant experts are on site to provide skilled advice and ensure customers walk away with the plants best suited for their individual gardening interests. FONA’s garden fair is more than just a plant sale, open to solo enthusiasts and families alike. Stop by to catch a performance by the Washington Revels or nibble from an array of popular D.C. food trucks. Also, don’t forget to wander into the heart of the Arboretum to catch a glimpse of the stunning collection of seasonal plants in full bloom." Learn more about the Garden Fair here.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave, NE

(directions from their website)

Metro: Note this location is not accessible by metro, however there are multiple bus lines that will get you close from the metro, see metro trip-planner for best bus access, or you can bike, or splurge on a taxi or car2go. Union Station, NoMa and Stadium Armory Metro stations are all close to 2 miles from the Arboretum.

PAST: WORKSHOP: Are you a Poet or Prose Writer? Interested in Publishing your Work? Join Brittany Fonte for a Writing and Publishing Workshop at BloomBars! SAT, April 27th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, All ages, by donation, $10 requested

Prose Poetry & Publishing Workshop with Brittany Fonte at BloomBars

Saturday, April 27th

12:00pm - 2:00pm

All ages, $10 donation requested

"Brittany Fonte will discuss the how-to’s of writing prose poetry and monologues, as well as finding a publishing home for these poems. We will begin by reading some successful prose poems, then work together to write our own, share them aloud, and review publishing sites and submission sites."

Brittany Fonte holds an MFA in Creative Writing, Fiction; she teaches writing, fiction, and poetry at the university level. Her first collection, Buddha in My Belly, is now out. Her prose poetry and fiction have been published in many journals and magazines, and she was nominated for "Best of the Web" in 2011. You can read more about her on the facebook invite here. 

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

PAST: DAY PARTY: "Aqua Boogie:The Blue & White Day Party" at Liv on U St this SAT, April 27th from 3:00pm - 8:00pm, Free

AQUA BOOGIE The Blue & White Day Party
Saturday, April 27th

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Free

From the invite: "Team 10 Productions presents "Aqua Boogie: The Blue & White Day Party" at Liv on U St. Kick off the spring with DJ One Luv... & Torrence Swain... and the rest of the fam in your flyest blue & white gear. DJ One Luv is spinning the funkiest, freshest, flyest classic sounds 70's, 80's, 90's R&B, Funk, Reggae, Hip-Hop, House & more We are going back to the house party days! 1920 DC Will be in the house raising funds (50% of proceeds) as we continue the fight to keep real hip hop in DC."

Liv Nightclub DC
2001 11th St, NW - at U St 

Metro: U St

PAST: LIVE TALK SHOW: "You, Me, Them, Everybody Live!" will be On a Big Screen at Artispehre in Rosslyn this SAT, April 27th! 8:00pm - 10:30pm, $10

You, Me, Them, Everybody Live! On a Big Screen!
Saturday, April 27th

8:00pm - 10:30pm
$10 buy tickets
View, share and RSVP on facebook invite

Watch a three minute video about this show here!

This one sounds like a fun and eclectic eve!  Burlesque Performer, Undertaker Cori Dials. Performances from SM Shrake, Stephanie Hasz, Haywood Turnipseed Jr, Sara Armour, Adam Friedland, Andrew Bucket and Jenn Tisdale, Black Hills. Videos and short films from Bellflur, Charlie Deets, Daniel Knox, Lisa Markuson, Joe McAdam, Roomrunner, Ugly Purple Sweater.House band sounds from Ian Graham. Art by Ned Drummond. Interview with The Nation sports editor Dave Zirin.

You, Me, Them, Everybody Live! On A Big Screen!  is "a talk show being filmed with cameras for people to see with eyes on screens" Hosted by Brandon Wetherbee. Announcer Jamel Johnson.

 "Talk Show In Front Of A Big Screen. Short Films On A Big Screen. Videos On A Big Screen. Comedy In Front Of A Big Screen."  

Artisphere
1101 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA

Metro: Rosslyn, walk to the right when you exit the metro, turn left on Wilson, Artisphere is the domed building on the left side of the street about a block or so down.

PAST: POETRY: Michael Gushue shares his Poetry at Wohlfarth Gallery in Brookeland SAT, April 27th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Free

Michael Gushue - Poetry at Wohlfarth Gallery
Saturday, April 27th

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Free

DC poet Michael Gushue runs the micro-press Beothuk Books and is co-founder of Poetry Mutual/Vrzhu Press. His work has appeared online and in print, most recently in Gargoyle and online at Anomalous Press. His previous chapbooks are “Gathering Down Women,” from Pudding House Press and “Conrad” from Souvenir Spoon Books. He lives in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. He will be celebrating his latest collection, Pachinko Mouth, which will be available at the reading.

The reading will take place at Wohlfarth Gallery, in NE's Brookland neighborhood, which I hear is an awesome place to hear poetry. It's small, mellow, there will be some food and drink, and apparently, a nice deck to hang out on afterward. 

Wohlfarth Gallery
3418 9th Street, NE
Metro: Brookland - CUA

PAST: MUSIC + TEA: It's time for another edition of Washington Sound Museum at BloomBars - XX edition features Harpist Lily Neill and Progresisve Hip-Hop Artist Christylez Bacon! SAT, April 27th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, Teatime from 7:00pm - 8:00pm, All ages, by donation, $15 requested, please give as you can

WASHINGTON SOUND MUSEUM XX
with Christylez Bacon and Harpist Lily Neill
Saturday, October 27th

7:00pm - 10:00pm

7:00pm teatime, 8:00pm show

All ages, by donation, $15 suggested
BloomBars is always by donation and no one is turned away due to lack of funds. 

Please donate as you are able as the proceeds support the space. 

Progressive Hip-Hop meets World Music generes over tea! April's edition features Christylez Bacon, Progressive Hip-Hop Artist and Harpist Lily Neill!

Washington Sound Museum is a cross-cultural collaborative music experience, a monthly intimate celebration of music and beverage, in partnership with Christylez Bacon & BloomBars. The purpose of the event is to introduce audiences to a variety of musical genres while bringing them together each month through collaboration. Prior to the performance, patrons can enjoy a tea reception on the upper level at Bloombar. Each month, a different tea will be featured along with a presentation that gives a brief history of the tea and some little known facts and trivia.


Bloombars
3222 11th St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk up 14th to Kenyon and turn right, left on 11th

PAST: TRUNK SHOW: DC Trunk Show! Handmade Jewelry and Clothing SAT, April 27th at Harman Hall in Chinatown from 10:00am - 6:00pm, Free

DC Trunk Show! Handmade Jewelry and Clothing

Final Day of 3 day events is Saturday, April 27th

10:00am - 6:00pm

Free

dcTrunk is an invitational trunk show and sale of wearables and jewelry, run by artists for the benefit of artists and collectors. Twelve accomplished craft artists will exhibit their latest jewelry and garments in an intimate trunk show. See a list of participating artists and learn more here and on facebook here.

Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall 

610 F St, NW

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, Arena exit, across the street to the left. 

PAST: POETRY: ***UPDATE: This event has been CANCELED*** National Poetry Writing Month Retrospective Reading, featuring local poets who participated in the 30 Poems in 30 Days Challenge, at BloomBars in Columbia Heights on THURS, May 2nd from 8:30pm - 10:30pm, $5 donation requested

NaPoWriMo Retrospective Reading

Thursday, May 2nd

8:30pm - 10:30pm

$5 donation requested

**Update: Tuesday, April 30th at 2:00pm
Sorry to share that this event has been canceled **

In celebration of National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) and the "30 poems in 30 days" challenge, this reading will feature local poets sharing poems written during NaPoWriMo.

Organized by Jon Barrows, the coordinator of BloomBars' NaPoWriMo celebration and founder of the Small is Beautiful Poetry Workshop, based in the Petworth neighborhood.

BloomBars 

3222 11th St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north one block on 14th St and turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

PAST: MUSIC + TEA: It's another edition of Washington Sound Museum at BloomBars - XV edition features Ranjani Prabhakar and Christylez Bacon SAT, Oct 27th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, Teatime from 7:00pm - 8:00pm, All ages, by donation

WASHINGTON SOUND MUSEUM XV (feat. Ranjani Prabhakar)
Saturday, April 27th

7:00pm - 10:00pm

7:00pm teatime, 8:00pm show

All ages, by donation, $15 suggested
BloomBars is always by donation and no one is turned away due to lack of funds. 

Please donate as you are able as the proceeds support the space. 

Progressive Hip-Hop meet South-Indian Classical music (Carnatic music) over Chai tea! Featuring: Christylez Bacon, Progressive Hip-Hop Artist and Ranjani Prabhakar, Carnatic Classical Vocalist

Washington Sound Museum is a cross-cultural collaborative music experience, a monthly intimate celebration of music and beverage, in partnership with Christylez Bacon & BloomBars. The purpose of the event is to introduce audiences to a variety of musical genres while bringing them together each month through collaboration. At 7:00pm, prior to the performance, patrons can enjoy a tea reception on the upper level of the Bloombar’s building. Each month, a different tea will be featured along with a presentation that gives a brief history of the tea and some little known facts and trivia.

Bloombars
3222 11th St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk up 14th to Kenyon and turn right, left on 11th

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free Poetry Reading in Bethesda + Art Talk at NGA + Concert with Japanese Instruments at UMD + Marine Band Concert at NVCC all starting at 2:00pm + Intergenerational Poetry Slam at Busboys Hyattsville at 5:00pm, SUN, April 28th, All events are Free, Thanks to CultureCapital.com!

Here's a list of more free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com, a super online resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington that covers the metro area's vibrant arts community!  Find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. Free events below are organized by start time. Be sure to click through for more details.

Sunday, April 28th

Afternoon - Poetry Reading - Bethesda, MD

Poetry Reading with Zara Raab and Davi Walders
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Visiting poet Zara Raab reads from Swinning the Eel. She will be joined by Davi Walders, who reads from Women Against Tyranny: Poems of Resistance During the Holocaust. The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing.
The Writer's Center
4508 Walsh Street
Metro: Bethesda, elevator exit is closest, turn left on Walsh and The Writer's Center is on the right side

Afternoon - Art Talk - NGA East Building
The Sixty-Second A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts: 
Better Futures: Exhibitions between Reform and Avant-Garde
2:00pm
Barry Bergdoll, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, and professor, Columbia University.

National Gallery of Art

East Building Concourse, Auditorium
4th & Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Judiciary Sq, closest to the East Building

Afternoon - Spring Concert with the Koto and Japanese Instruments at UMD - College Park, MD
UMD Japanese Koto Ensemble and Washington Toho Koto Society: Springtime in Japan
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Enjoy the sounds of quiet beauty and rustic simplicity of the 13-string, six-foot-long koto, accompanied on some occasions by the shakuhachi (end-blown bamboo flute) and shamisen (three-string, banjo-like instrument). In the first part of the concert, it is as if you are admiring the cherry blossoms on a calm spring day. In the second part, there are musical representations of the flute and drum in a Japanese festival celebrating spring. Learn more about the Washington Toho Koto Society.

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Stadium Drive on the campus of UMD - College Park, MD
Metro: College Park and take a bus or taxi

Afternoon - Family Friendly Interactive Concert with the Marine Band at NVCC - Alexandria, VA
Young People’s Concert 2013: Sound Off!
2:00pm - 4:00pm
"Join the Marine Band for a concert that considers a world without any music at all (gulp!) and then re-builds sound from the ground up, exploring piece-by-piece the most important ingredients of the musical mixture, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. Family participation is essential for this special performance as the Marine Band provides the live soundtrack for improvised skits and spontaneous artwork created by members of the audience during the show."Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall

at NoVa Community College
3001 North Beauregard St - Alexandria, VA
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro

Early Evening - Poetry Slam at Busboys and Poets - Hyattsville, MD
Intergenerational Poetry Slam!
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Join Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center for a night of Spoken Word Poetry. Youth and seniors will perform autobiographical Spoken Word Poetry at Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville Why this event? Typically seniors and teens, who live in the same community, have little opportunity to work and create together.
Busboys and Poets - Hyattsville, MD
5331 Baltimore Avenue
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro. You can take the green line metro to Prince George's Plaza, College Park or West Hyattsville and take a bus or from PG or WH, you can take a short taxi ride, about $7. I think there is also a bus that goes from Rhode Island Avenue metro on the red line though that may be a longer trip.

PAST: TALK & DISCUSSION: "Governing the Global Drug Wars" at IPS on 16th St near M St this THURS, April 25th from 3:00pm - 4:30pm, Free

"Governing the Global Drug Wars"

Thursday, April 25th

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Free

"Since 1909 the international community has worked to eradicate the use of certain narcotics. A century on, the efforts are widely acknowledged to have failed, and worse, have spurred black market violence and human rights abuses. How did this drug control system arise, why has it proven so durable in the face of failure, and is there hope for reform? These are the questions the recent London School of Economics IDEAS 'Governing the Global Drug Wars' report addresses."

Join IPS' Drug Policy Project for a Washington DC report launch and discussion about the Governing The Global Drug Wars report with report editor John Collins of London School of Economics and drug policy expert Coletta Youngers of Washington Office on Latin America.  An audience discussion about the international drug control system, moderated by IPS Fellow and director of the Drug Policy Project, Sanho Tree, will follow.

IPS Conference Room
1112 16th St NW, Suite 600

between L and M St

Metro: Farragut North or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to M St 

PAST: HAPPY HOUR + PANEL: The final "Humanitini" of this series - Organized by the Humanities Council of Washington, DC - will be a Panel Discussion on the Redskins name and logo on WED, April 3rd at 6:30pm, at 876 Cafe, Jamaican Restaurant, near UDC and the Van Ness Metro, Free

The Humanities Council of Washington, DC hosts another Humanitini Series, this time at 876 Cafe in Van Ness, right by the metro. Three Wednesday Night Happy Hour Panel Discussions will be held Wednesday, March 20th - Wednesday, April 3rd. The conversation will begin around 6:30pm, but you might want to come early to grab a seat, a drink, and some appetizers. 10% of the evening's proceeds go to support the Humanities Council!

The Humanities Council serves as a catalyst for the preservation of DC history and culture, providing DC residents with free workshops and events in addition to educational and leadership training to youth, multiple grant programs, and an online Digital Museum for DC! You can stay connected with the Humanities Council on facebook and @HumanitiesDC on twitter and learn about additional upcoming events on their website event page.

Final event of this series:

Wednesday, April 3rd

Humanitini: The Washington Redskins - Are you offended, or do you defend it?
6:30pm

RSVP requested on eventbrite
A recent Smithsonian symposium and a flurry of Washington Post articles have reignited the debate over the Washington Redskins historic name and logo. Is it tradition or is it racism? No matter which point of view you support, join in on the discussion by engaging a panel of experts as we discuss the issue at this lively and enlightening mixer.

876 Cafe - a Jamaican Cafe
(apparently 876 is the area code for Jamaica)
4221-B Connecticut Ave, NW

Metro: Van Ness, just one block from the metro

PAST: MEDITATION + SPECIAL GUEST! BloomBars is Honored to present a Special Meditation and Talk with "The Gandhi of Sri Lanka" Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne! WED, May 1st from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Please arrive early to settle in as the Meditation is scheduled to start at 7:00pm, All ages, by donation

"The Gandhi of Sri Lanka" Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne
Special Guest at BloomBars Wednesday Meditation - this one is a really special event!
Wednesday, May 1st
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Free, donations appreciated
Please Note: BloomBars is an intimate, small space so please arrive early to ensure your seat and please RSVP on the facebook invite so they can estimate as best as possible how many people to expect for this special occasion.

The Wednesday Night Meditation Group at BloomBars is delighted to have Nobel Prize nominee Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne - known as "The Gandhi of Sri Lanka" - coming this Wednesday night to lead a guided meditation and short talk, followed by a discussion. Please arrive early as the guided meditation is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm and will last for about 20 minutes. It will be followed by a short talk on the theme of "meditation as the inner service and service as the outer meditation" followed by a Q&A, snacks and socializing.

Even at 84 years old, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne is actively traveling and delivering the message of Gandhi just as he did while he was in 20's. He's in the U.S. now giving talks at Harvard University, Princeton University, Brandeis University and the World Bank... and BloomBars!

Almost completely unknown outside of Sri Lanka,  Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka. A true peace advocate, he walks in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama in an effort to rally ordinary citizens to see the spiritual wisdom of looking beyond their own salvation to help ensure the salvation of others. Dr. Ariyaratne won the Gandhi Peace Prize in 1996, the Niwano Peace Prize, the King Beaudoin Award and many other international honors for his work in peace making and village development. You can read more about him on the invite and on Wikipedia.

You can learn more about the regular Wednesday night meditation group here. 

BloomBars
3222 11th St, NW
next door to Wonderland, near Kenyon St
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block to Kenyon, turn right, take a left on 11th

PAST: GALLERY TALK: Lunchtime Gallery Talk at the National Gallery of Art East Building "Works in Progress" Series on "The Art of Wealth: The Huntingtons in the Gilded Age" MON, April 29th at 12:10pm and 1:10pm, Free

Lunchtime Gallery Talk at the National Gallery of Art East Building Works in Progress: The Art of Wealth: The Huntingtons in the Gilded Age
Monday, April 29th

12:10pm and 1:10pm
Free

This lunchtime series highlights new research by Gallery staff, interns, fellows, and special guests. The 30-minute talks are followed by question-and-answer periods. Shelley N. Bennett, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.

National Gallery of Art
East Building Concourse, Small Auditorium

4th & Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Judiciary Sq, closest to the East Building

PAST: WALKING TOURS: American Scandal Walking Tour with DC Walkabout on SAT, April 20th at 1:30pm, Free, Tips Appreciated, Advance RSVP Required

DC Walkabout is a unique, theme-based, tip-based walking tour group in DC with a passion for DC history! Whether you live here or are visiting town, these tours will show you a side of DC you don't often get to see.
Thursday, April 11th - Saturday, April 13th listed below
See additional tour dates and reserve your tours here!

American Scandal Walking Tour
Saturday, April 20th

1:30pm

Free, tips welcome, rain or shine

Adults only (Rated R for Ridiculous)

Note: On break end of April, back on Friday, May 3rd

A humorous tour of indiscretions and high jinks...from the horrifying to the hilarious.
Meet at Lafayette Park, corner of 16th &  H St, NW (map) across from the Hay Adams Hotel
Metro: McPherson Sq or take the S2 or S4 bus down 16th St. When you show up, look for the guide with the DC Walkabout shirt and a safari hat on.

Follow DC Walkabout on facebook and @DCWalkabout twitter Questions: 202.421.4053 or email info@dcwalkabout.com.

PAST: SYMPOSIUM + LITERARY FESTIVAL: The Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice's Annual Spring Symposium and Literary Festival at Georgetown University continues with events WED, April 3rd from 11:00am - 9:00pm on the theme of "America from the Outside: How the World Sees US" Free and Open to the Public

Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice's Annual Spring Symposium and Literary Festival at Georgetown University
"America from the Outside: How the World Sees US"
Tuesday, April 2nd & Wednesday, April 3rd
Free
See complete schedule of events here!

Wednesday, April 3rd - all day events!
11:00am - 9:00pm

The Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice at Georgetown University presents their annual Spring Symposium and Literary Festival will take place at Georgetown University this Tuesday and Wednesday on the theme of  "America from the Outside: How the World Sees US."  The symposium and festival will explore and question the perception of the United States and its various cultures both within and without its borders by looking at poetry, photography, film, journalism, and literature that questions what “America” means as a concept, country, and culture.

The list of participants - which includes Naomi Ayala, Wafaa Bilal, Heidi Ewing, Dinaw Mengestu, Trevor Paglen, Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis, and Abdourahman Waberi - looks really impressive!  

Remaining highlights include:

Closing event with Chris Hedges " Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt"

Wednesday, April 3rd

7:00pm - 9:00pm, doors 6:30pm

Free and Open to the public, no tickets needed
Introduction and discussion led by Barbara Feinman Todd, Journalism director and Co-Director of the Pearl Project. A tribute to Medea Benjamin and Code Pink will open the evening. A reception and book signing will follow in Fisher Colloquium. Event will take place in Lohrfink Auditorium.

Georgetown University 
3700 O St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, and catch the Georgetown University shuttle bus from Mass Ave at 20th

PAST: MUSICAL THEATRE: La-Ti-Do presents "Honesty" an evening of songs with DonMike Mendoza and guests this FRI, May 3rd at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont Circle from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, 6:00pm doors, $10, 21+

DonMike Mendoza, co-founder of La-Ti-Do

La-Ti-Do Exclusive: "Honesty" by DonMike Mendoza
Friday, May 3rd
6:30pm - 8:00pm show, 6:00pm doors
$10, $5 for non-performing LTD Alumni, 21+

A La-Ti-Do exclusive this Friday night! This time, their co-host and co-creator, nominee for 2012 Best Local Male Actor, Don Michael Mendoza, will take you on a tour of his favorite songs from Monday's La-Ti-Do shows. Guests include singer/songwriter Tara Trinity and Singer/Actor Nora Palka! Hosted by: Regie Cabico. Accompanist: Zack Ford Guest Performers: Tara Trinity and Nora Palka.
Black Fox Lounge
1723 Connecticut Avenue NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, Q St north exit, walk north a few blocks, on the right side of the street

PAST: PERFORMANCE: Kevin Sandbloom presents "Soul Troubadour" a One Man Show with Music, Spoken Word, Sound Effects and more at BloomBars this FRI, May 3rd from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

Kevin Sandbloom - Soul Troubadour A one man Show with Music, Spoken Word, Sound Effects and more at BloomBars in Columbia Heights

Friday, May 3rd
8:00pm - 10:00pm
All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

A One Man Presentation by Kevin Sandbloom with songs, stories, spoken word & sound effects. This unique entertainment experience/ experiment is part theatre, part concert. Sandbloom expands on  influencing factors in his life and his music. This is the  first installment of what will most likely be a show that tours the country and evolves into another  avenue for Kevin to express his art and views. Social and  political commentary are strong subject matter.

BloomBars

3222 11th St NW 

Metro: Columbia Heights, north on 14th, right on Kenyon, left on 11th, next to Wonderland Ballroom

PAST: POETRY + EXHIBIT TOUR: "Poetic Likeness" Family Day includes an Exhibit Tour, Poetry Writing Workshops and an Open Mic at the National Portrait Gallery along with the DC Youth Slam Team and Split this Rock SAT, April 6th from 11:00am - 3:00pm, All ages, Free

Poetic Likeness Family Day at the National Portrait Gallery
Saturday, April 6th

11:00am - 3:00pm

All ages, Free

Come out the National Portrait Gallery in Chinatown this Saturday to join the DC Youth Slam Team for a fun-filled day of family-friendly poetry activities and performances in honor of National Poetry Month.

Celebrate National Poetry Month with the museum and DC-based poetry group Split This Rock. Take a curator-led tour of Poetic Likeness: Modern American Poets, listen to the DC Youth Slam perform, participate in mini-poetry workshops, and join in a short “open mic” poetry session for children.

Schedule of events:
11:30am - 12:30pm

Tour the Poetic Likeness Exhibit with Expert Guide
12:30pm - 2:00pm

Poetry writing workshops based on the exhibit, led by DC Youth Slam Team teaching artists
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Open Mic Performance

National Portrait Gallery

(attached to the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

8th & G St, NW

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown

PAST: STORYTELLING: "Into the Wild" a special themed Storytelling Night at Patagonia in Georgetown, in partnership with SpeakeasyDC and the Rock Creek Conservancy this THURS, May 2nd from 8:00pm - 9:30pm, All ages, Free, donations appreciatied

SpeakeasyDC in partnership with Patagonia in Georgetown and the Rock Creek Conservancy, present "Into the Wild" a themed storytelling night!

Thursday, May 2nd

8:00pm - 9:30pm

All ages, Free

Donations are appreciated, $10 suggested, online or at the door, to benefit the Rock Creek Conservancy

Enjoy true stories of outdoor adventure while munching on snacks provided by Sprinkles cupcakes, Baked and Wired and Whole Foods. 

Patagonia DC - Georgetown 

1048 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or Rosslyn and take the Circulator bus to the stop closest to Wisconsin and M St, NW.

PAST: PERFORMANCE: Final Pay-What-You-Can Preview for Wit's End Puppets' "The Amazing and Marvelous Cabinets of Kismet" Wordless Experimental Puppetry Production at Mead Theatre Lab in Chinatown THURS, April 25th at 8:00pm, All ages, by donation

"The Amazing and Marvelous Cabinets of Kismet"
Final Preview Show
Thursday, April 25th
8:00pm
All ages, by donation/ Pay-What-You-Can
Regular tickets $15 adult, $10 students and seniors

Show runs Friday, April 26th - Sunday, May 19th

Wit's End Puppets present "The Amazing and Marvelous Cabinets of Kismet," a wordless experimental puppetry production, as part of CulturalDC's Mead Theatre Lab Program. The story follows Kismet, who lives contentedly in a world of cabinets and drawers. But when a dark force destroys his home, he must escape to a strange, new environment.

Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint 
916 G St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, take the 9th & G St exit

PAST: POETRY SLAM: The Corpus Collective, Georgetown University's Slam Team, presents "The Inaugural" a Showcase of Performance Poetry at GU on THURS, April 25th from 9:00pm - 11:00pm, Free

Georgetown University's Slam Team, The Corpus Collective, presents "The Inaugural"
Thursday, April 25th
9:00pm - 11:00pm
Free

Georgetown University's poetry slam team The Corpus Collective presents "The Inaugural", a showcase of performance poetry. The eve will feature poets from the Corpus Collective as well as performers from the Georgetown community and DC area. Enjoy "a night of good poetry and good people, and get familiar with the poets of The Corpus Collective."

Georgetown University
Lohrfink Auditorium, Hariri Building
37th & O St., NW
Metro: Rosslyn or Dupont Circle Take the Red Line to Dupont and walk over to Mass Ave at the corner of 20th or take the Orange/Blue Line to Rosslyn and catch the GUTS free shuttle to campus.

PAST: JEWELRY SHOW: Trunk Show featuring Jewelry by Mignon Faget at the National Museum of Women in the Arts continues on THURS, April 25th from 10:00am - 5:00pm + Meet the Artist from 11:00am - 3:00pm, Free

Bamboo Collection from Mignon Faget

Trunk Show: Mignon Faget at the National Museum of Women in the Arts Museum Shop
Thursday, April 25th - Final Day

10:00am - 5:00pm

Meet the artist! Mignon Faget will be on-site from
11:00am - 3:00pm

Free, admission applies only if you want to see the museum

"Explore NMWA's exclusive trunk show and sale featuring Mignon Faget jewelry. There will be a wide selection of jewelry from Mignon Faget for sale along with professional expertise to assist you. The artist's jewelry is derived from natural and architectural forms found in her native New Orleans environment." 

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW

Metro: Metro Center or take the S2 or S4 bus, which runs along 16th St, to the intersection of 13th & New York Ave, NW

PAST: ARTISTS TALK: Art Enables hosts a talk inspired by "Art on and from the Street" at their Off-Rhode Studio! Featuring Peter Krsko from Albus Cavus, Heather Bouley from ScrapDC and Artist Reynaldo Quinn WED, April 24th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free

"Art on and from the street" at  Art Enables
Wednesday, April 24th

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free

RSVP requested to bbaldwin@art-enables.org

"Street artists and graffiti artists use found spaces around the areas they live, while artists who work with found objects tend to take items found from the streets where they live. Join Peter Krsko from Albus Cavus, Heather Bouley from ScrapDC and artist Reynaldo Quinn (currently on exhibit at the Off-Rhode studio) from 6:30pm - 7:30pm as they discuss their process and what it's like to be inspired by their environment in the creation of their work."

Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables
2204 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Avenue and catch a bus that runs along Rhode Island Ave to the stop closest to 22nd St NE, see metro trip-planner for access, it's about 1.6 miles from the metro, see map,

PAST: PATIO PARTY: Spring Patio Launch at the W Hotel's J&G Steakhouse, Complimentary Bites and Food and Drink Specials, WED, April 24th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm, 21+

Raising the 'Steaks,' J&G Steakhouse Spring Patio Party!
Wednesday, April 24th
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Free, complimentary bites served, 21+
view and share facebook invite
Food and drink specials also available for purchase

Nestled at W, a Washington D.C. Hotel, J&G Steakhouse kicks off the outdoor dining season with a Spring Patio Launch tonight from 6-9pm! Listed as Washingtonian Magazine's "100 Very Best Restaurants 2013" and named by Food & Wine as one of "America's Best Outdoor Dining Destinations,"

The J&G Steakhouse patio season opening allows guests to sample complimentary spring bites from the new seasonal menu by Chef Philipee Reininger, including Spicy Tuna Tartar, Jumbo Lump Crabcake, Seared Flank Steak Salad and spring cocktails from J&G’s new happy-hour menu for only $5.15, such as the Cherry Yuzu Rickey, Ginger Margarita, and the Lychee Raspberry Bellini. Guests will also receive a chance to win a "dinner for two" in the #jgpatioparty Instagram contest and bid on hot-ticket items at the silent auction.

W Hotel's J&G Steakhouse
515 15th St, NW - south of F St at Pennsylvania
Metro: Metro Center or McPherson Sq

PAST: WORKSHOP: Free "Theatre of the Oppressed" Workshop at the Peace House! SUN, April 14th, 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Free, donations welcome

Theatre of the Oppressed Workshop
presented by the DC Free School at the Peace House

Saturday, April 13th & Sunday, April 14th
2:00pm - 5:00pm

Free, donations welcome
You're welcome to attend one or both days!

From the invite: "Augusto Boal, a Brazilian theatre practitioner from Sao Paulo, created the Theatre of the Oppressed, which is a form of theatre that seeks to facilitate dialogue and discussion about issues of social inequality. Through the use of various techniques, such as Forum theatre, the workshop is designed to bring about a debate/ discussion about any social justice issue that the group, as a collective, decides to undertake. The workshop will begin with basic warm up games and exercises and then we will start discussing what kind of topics we would like to select for our theatrical discussion. "

"The theatre of the oppressed allows groups of individuals to openly debate and discuss various solutions, or ideas of improvement, to situations that directly affect their lives. Please join us at the Peacehouse for a day of social commentary using theatre as a tool for fun and interactive discussion!" Note, there will be two workshops, and you are welcome to attend one, or both.

The Peace House
1233 12th St NW, W between M and N

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq or take the Circulator bus along 14th St to RI Ave/ P St and walk over.

PAST: MARKET: Grand Opening of the MEETMarket at 15th & P St, NW this SAT, April 6th from 11:00am - 5:00pm, Free

DC MEETMarket Opens

Saturday, April 6th

11:00am - 5:00pm 

Free 

DC MEET Market celebrates their grand opening this Saturday at 15th & P St, NW with over 40 local vendors -  including amazing designers, artisans, local shops & businesses - and food vendors! The DC MEETMarket will be held on the first Saturday of every month in the heart of Logan Circle.

St. Luke's parking lot

1514 15th St, NW - at P St

Metro: McPherson Sq or U St and take the Circulator bus along 14th St to RI Ave/ P St or walk from Dupont Circle. You can also catch the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to P St. 

PAST: AUTHOR TALK: Organizer and Author Stewart Acuff talks about his book " "Playing Bigger Than You Are: A Life in Organizing" at Busboys and Poets 14th & V St on THURS, May 2nd from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Free

Author Talk & Book Signing with Stewart Acuff 

"Playing Bigger Than You Are: A Life in Organizing"

Thursday, May 2nd

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Free

On the heels of May Day (International Workers' Day, May 1st) join Institute for Policy Studies, Teaching for Change book store, and Busboys and Poets for this fitting discussion and book signing with veteran organizer and author Stewart Acuff. 

Playing Bigger Than You Are: A Life in Organizing is Stewart Acuff’s story of his 30-year life in organizing. Be it organizing citizens for stop signs at a busy intersection in Memphis, successfully working to unionize the Atlanta Olympics, or guiding the nationwide organizing program of the AFL-CIO, we get a rare insight into the day-to-day struggles of an organizer. Read more about the author here.

Busboys and Poets
14th & V St, NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus (Woodley Park - 14th St - McPherson Sq line) to 14th & U

PAST: MUSIC: Local Band Ugly Purple Sweater plays at Heaven and Hell in Adams Morgan along with Prypyat & Katie$ Money THURS, May 2nd from 8:00pm - 11:00pm, $8

Local Band Ugly Purple Sweater plays in Adams Morgan with Prypyat & Katie$ Money
Thursday, May 2nd
8:00pm - 11:00pm or so

$8, buy tickets here for an additional small fee
No mention of any age restrictions, if you are under 21 you may want to check with them first

"Ugly Purple Sweater is a indie-pop-folk group based in DC. Founded by Sam McCormally (vocals, guitar, & more) and Rachel Lord (vocals, banjo, melodica, & more) in 2008, the band now includes Will McKindley-Ward on electric guitar, Rishi Chakrabarty on bass, and Mike Tasevoli on drums. Ugly Purple Sweater mixes mesmerizing guitar and banjo (and a bunch of other instruments) with beautiful soaring vocal melodies and dulcet harmonies." (I happen to know these guys, hope you'll come out to support them!) 

Also playing this eve: Prypyat features Duncan Webster (Hammer No More the Fingers) and Leah Gibson (Lost in the Trees), from Durham/Chapel Hill and Katie'$ Money featuring Andy Hopper and Matthew Gunn Park, from Brooklyn, NY. "Equal parts Brooklyn and Silverlake, Park and Hopper find their influences amongst the pop sensibilities of Depeche Mode and The Cure, as the well as the garage mentality of The Replacements, Violent Femmes and Ween."

Indie Adams Morgan - Venue 

a.k.a,. Heaven and Hell 

2325 18th St NW - near Belmont

Metro: Woodley Park or Columbia Heights and take the Circulator bus to the Adams Mill stop, closest to 18th & Columbia, and walk down Columbia or take the 42 bus to Belmont or 18th St and walk down

PAST: FILM: BloomBars and TransAfrica Commemorate Freedom Day in South Africa with a presentation of "The Creators: South Africa Through the Eyes of Its Artists" this TUES, April 30th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Discussion to follow, All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

BloomScreen and TransAfrica present: The Creators

Tuesday, April 30th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
All ages, by donation, $10 suggested
Popcorn and refreshments provided

BloomBars and TransAfrica commemorate Freedom Day in South Africa (April 27th) with a presentation of "The Creators: South Africa Through the Eyes of Its Artists" (view trailer, 2012, 89 min) by Laura Gamse.

This film explores the chaotic reality of modern day South Africa through the work of artists. The film will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Laura Gamse and with Mwiza Munthali, the Public Outreach Director of TransAfrica.

About the film: Apartheid's legacy left marks of injustice throughout South African society. While the young generation still struggles with violence and poverty, some have chosen a creative way to express their feelings. These "creators" use the strongest weapon they have in their hands: their art. The film profiles contemporary artists Faith47 (street art), Warongx (afro-blues), Emile (hip-hop), Sweat.X (performance art), Blaq Pearl (spoken word) and Mthetho (opera).

This film presentation was made possible thanks to our collaboration with TransAfrica – the oldest and largest African American human rights and social justice advocacy organization. Proceeds will benefit both TransAfrica and BloomBars. Your support of TransAfrica will help give voice to millions of people in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Your gifts to BloomBars support our work in the community.

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

PAST: VARIETY SHOW: "Who in the Whatnow?" at Beats Venue near the Convention Center - Crowd Participating Encouraged - FRI, April 26th from 8:30pm - 10:30pm, $10, 18+

A Variety Show: "Who in the Whatnow?" #3 
at Beats Venue near the Convention Center
Friday, April 26th
8:30pm - 10:30pm
$10,  18+
view and share facebook invite

"Combining stand-up, sketch, improv, game show, and generally foolish elements, “Who in the Whatnow?” is DC’s most unique variety show series. Shows usually last about 90 minutes and are heavy on crowd participation, for which of course there are prizes from the infamous SWAG BOX. "

"The April 26th lineup includes an improv trial, musical comedy act, audience member roast, a live podcast, and two comedians recapping the news in comedic fashion."

Beats Venue - Backroom, to the right
in the Old Dominion Brewhouse
1219 9th St, NW
Metro: Mt Vernon - Convention Center, just a block from the metro on 9th St

PAST: COMEDY + MUSIC + ART: The Dunes hosts "Spring Bling" a Monthly Comedy Show hosted by Andrew Bucket & Jenn Tisdale, with Guest Comedians and Musical feature, experimental cellist Wytold + See the "Art Crimes - Gregg Deal and Joseph Orzal" exhibit! FRI, April 19th, 8:00pm - 11:00pm, doors 7:00pm, by donation, $5 suggested

"Spring Bling" Comedy Show at The Dunes with Musical Guest Wytold

Friday, April 19th
8:00pm - 11:00pm show, 7:00pm doors
by donation, $5 suggested
The space will remain open for hanging out after the show, bar available on site for those 21+

"A monthly comedy show to tickle your Schadenfreud. Please join your hosts Jenn Tisdale and Andrew Bucket for an evening of delightful humor and most excellent music!" Plus, see the current exhibit

"Art Crimes - Gregg Deal and Joseph Orzal".

Comics: Andrew Bucket, Jenn Tisdale, Kat Timpf, Tyler Richardson, Jamel Johnson and Bill Metzger

Lineup: 8:00pm Act I, 9:00pm Intermission, 9:30pm Act II, 10:00pm Musical guest Wytold.

Local cellist Wytold experiments with finger-picking and percussive bowing. You'll likely get to see him perform on his electric, body-less cello (pictured to the right). Wytold was recently named as an 2013 Artist Fellow of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St past Park to Meridian Pl, turn left, look for glass door with stairs, The Dunes is up the stairs, above The Getaway.