"Free in DC" Free and low-cost things to do in DC!: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

PAST: ART: “Life. Color. Kenya." A Photographic Journey by Seth Rubin, TUES, May 24th - SUN, June 26th, Free

A Photographic Journey by Seth Rubin

Free

Tuesday, May 24th - Sunday, June 26th

“In January 2010, photographer Seth Rubin joined the NGO International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering (ICROSS) for six weeks in Kenya.” An exhibit of his photographs opens on Thursday with a reception and a meet-and-greet with the artist.

DC Jewish Community Center

Ina and Jack Kay Community Hall

1529 16th St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle and walk over to 16th St or take any S line bus along 16th St to 16th & Q

Monday, May 30, 2011

PAST: ART Ventures on H returns to H St, NE this THURS, June 30th from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, Free

You can read more about the event on East City Art.

The complete schedule for ARTvenures - including all participants for the art walk and dine around - can be found here!

Metro: Union Station and walk or you can take the X2 bus from Chinatown along H St. You can also take any of the 90 lines buses from U St to 8th & H St, NE.

PAST: ART: "Art Every Day" interactive public art project at the Artisphere and Pentagon City Mall June 1st - THURS, June 30th, Free

Artisphere and artist Linda Hesh launch

"Art Every Day" an interactive public art project

Wednesday, June 1st - Thursday, June 30th

Free

Art Every Day invites you to be part of an open, ongoing conversation on what art means to you in your daily life. Visit Artisphere and the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall to see site-specific Art Every Day pieces —including two word-murals at Artisphere and installations on 62 tables in Pentagon City’s Food Court— and pick up your own Art Every Day decal to begin your art project.

Every day throughout June you read what Art Every Day means to community and artistic leaders and media personalities.

Learn more about how you can be a part of the Art Every Day project.

Artisphere

1101 Wilson Blvd

Metro: Rosslyn

Pentagon City Mall

Metro: Pentagon City

Sunday, May 29, 2011

PAST: Another Free Happy Hour with WTD at Old Dominion 2 Free Beers with RSVP, 21+ this THURS, June 30th, 7:00pm + Great $7 Deal on 45min Cruise!

It's time for another Happy Hour with What's the Deal!

This week you can get two free beers and meet the brewer at Old Dominion Brewhouse

Thursday, June 30th

Starts at 7:00pm

Two free drinks with RSVP, 21+

Join WTD at Old Dominion Brewhouse this Thursday night starting at 7:00pm and get a free 8oz pour of the Firkin (tapped keg beer) plus a free Dominion draft of your choice! You'll also have a chance to 'Meet the Brewer' from Old Dominion Brewing Co, Walter Trifari, who will be on hand to showcase some great brews including ODB's Limited Release Dominion Double D IPA, Beach House Pils and the first cask ever tapped at ODBH. Stick around and enjoy $3 20oz beers, Firkin tapping, glassware giveaways, a drawing for a Dominion VIP brewery tour plus one night hotel stay at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. They also have skee ball there, and apparently the United Skee Ball League has started meeting at ODB on Thursday nights now too.

Old Dominion Brewhouse
1219 9th St, NW (just north of M St, see map)

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center

Why Free in DC recommends WTD (What's The Deal):

What's the Deal DC is a locally owned and operated site that offers "deals" specifically in the DC metro area.

Unlike other sites which only run 1 deal per day, WTD also has multiple deals running all of the time.

They also give you more time to purchase your deal - usually about a week or so (which is great if you are waiting for your check for instance)... AND

In alignment with Free in DC's event listings - they always are sure to havegreat deals for $10 or less on their site!

You can view all of their current offers here!

Free in DC Pick for Best Deal of the Week!

This one looks like fun!

Enjoy the views of DC from the water! Get 50% off a 45-minute

Cruise of the Potomac from Capitol River Cruises

Pay just $7 instead of $14

Enjoy breathtaking views of our nation’s capitol with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise of the Potomac. Discover spectacular views of Washington aboard Nightingale II, Georgetown's only hourly sightseeing cruise. Sights include the Kennedy Center, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Key Bridge, and more. Tour includes historical narration to teach you about the sights you’re seeing. May buy unlimited vouchers; one voucher per person per visit. Must call on the day you wish to cruise the daily schedule; event is first come, first serve. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Expires October 4, 2011.

Capitol River Cruises
3000 K St, NW - Georgetown Harbor
(across Riverside Grille on the dock)

PAST: ART: "ZARTiculation, 33rd Anniversary Show" at Chevy Chase Pavillion, Now - SUN, July 3rd, Free

ZARTiculation, 33rd Anniversary Show

On view Now - Sunday, July 3rd
Presented by Zenith The Gallery

Free

For three+ decades, Zenith Gallery has contributed to Washington's art scene, offering a dynamic array of sculpture, painting, three-dimensional mixed media, neon, ceramic, tapestry and photography. And, in this show, ZARTiculation, the gallery will present its trademark mix of artworks by more than 40 artists, many who have been with the gallery since its early beginning.

Pictured: The Clown by Davis Morton

Zenith Gallery at Chevy Chase Pavilion
5335 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Metro: Friendship Heights

PAST: ART: "The Gravitational Pull of Memory'' at The Art League Now - TUES, July 5th, Free

Ann Zahn's ''The Gravitational Pull of Memory'' on view at The Art League in Old Town Alexandria

Thursday June 9th - Tuesday, July 5th
Free

Note: The Art League and Torpedo Factory will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of the holiday.

"Veteran printmaker and world traveler Ann Zahn creates intricate linoleum cuts and lithographs full of depth and vibrancy that serve as a visual record of her life experiences. These prints evoke all of the senses – not just the visual. Using deeply personal symbols and expressive colors, Zahn's prints preserve the memories that, like the force of gravity, "keep us grounded." A solo exhibition of these works will be featured in The Art League Gallery from June 9th – July 5th."

The Art League
105 North Union Street
Alexandria, VA

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

PAST: KIDS: DANCE: "City Dance and Music with Milkshake" at Children's Theatre at Wolf Trap TUES, June 28th - SAT, July 2nd, $8

City Dance and Music with Milkshake
Kids event at Wolf Trap
Tuesday, June 28th - Saturday, July 2nd
10:00am performances

"Mysteries unfold in a modern dance journey to the Amazon with City Dance Conservatory, then shake, rock, and roll to high-energy music with Milkshake!"

Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap

1551 Trap Road

Vienna, VA

Metro: There is a bus from West Falls Church I believe, see metro trip planner for access

PAST: FILM: "Silent Among Us" Screening Now - FRI, July 1st at the Artisphere's Bijou Theatre, Free

Film on view at the Artisphere

Silent Among Us by Dana Levy

Monday, May 16th - Friday, July 1st

Free

"Filmed in a Natural History Museum in northern Israel, 100 white doves fly amongst cabinets of stuffed birds and other animals."

I believe this is a continual screening that loops and replays, contact Artisphere if you have questions about the screening times.

Artisphere

Bijou Theatre

1101 Wilson Blvd

Metro: Rosslyn

Saturday, May 28, 2011

PAST: ART: "Shift" - presented by VSA - at the Kennedy Center FRI, June 3rd - THURS, June 30th, Free

"Shift: An International Juried Exhibition" on view at the Kennedy Center

Friday, June 3rd - Thursday, June 30th

Free

VSA - The International Organization on Arts and Disability presents Shift, an exhibition exploring the moments that alter a person's life, at the Terrace Gallery of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VSA invited artists living with disabilities to share moments when a shift in their landscape occurred. From the personal to the professional, their stories are told through a range of media in this international juried exhibition.

The Kennedy Center

2700 F St, NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free Kennedy Center shuttle

PAST: KIDS: Hobey Ford and Robbie Schaefer at Wold Trap Children's Theatre in-the-Woods TUES, July 5th - SAT, July 9th, $8

Kids event at Wolf Trap

Hobey Ford and Robbie Schaefer

Tuesday, July 5th - Saturday, July 9th
10:00am performances

Explore the enchanting world of Hobey Ford's "Foamies" followed by full-swing silliness with Robbie Schaefer!

Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap

1551 Trap Road

Vienna, VA

Metro: There is a bus from West Falls Church I believe, see metro trip planner for access

PAST: Free Events this week from CultureCapital.com! WED, June 29th -SUN, July 3rd

Below is a list of additional FREE events this week from CultureCapital. Culture Capital is a program of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, a nonprofit organization serving Metro DC’s arts & culture community and the public for over 30 years.

Please c
lick through for complete details about the event and location details!

Wednesday, June 29th

Lecture

Topics in Modern Art: Abstract Painting and Sculpture in America: Minimalism and Conceptualism

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Explore facets of modern and contemporary art with lecturer Sally Shelburne.

National Gallery of Art

East Building Concourse, Auditorium

Metro: Judiciary Sq or Archives - Navy Memorial

Outdoor Concert

Summer Outdoor Concert Series: Rafi Malkiel

7:00pm

Composer, trombonist and euphonium player Rafi Malkiel, from Israel, has delighted audiences around the world. He brings a jazz sound infused with Klezmer, Latin and Caribbean influences - perfect for a sultry summer night.

Strathmore grounds

Metro: Grosvenor

Panel Discussion

The 1959 Kitchen Debate

7:00pm

Hear "eyewitness accounts" of events surrounding one of the key moments of the Cold War - the July 24, 1959 impromptu debate between then Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khruschev at the U.S. National Exhibition at Sokolniki Park in Moscow.

National Archives

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Music

National Symphony Orchestra: 2011-2012 Season Preview Concert
8:00pm*

Compositions by Haydn, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and many others, and a preview of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna with works by Bartók, Dvorák, and Strauss.

*Note: Though this performance is free, tickets are required. An in-person ticket giveaway will be held on the day of the performance beginning at 6:00pm in the Hall of Nations.

The Kennedy Center

Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free shuttle

Thursday, June 30th

Music

UMD School of Music: NOI New Lights Concert

8:00pm

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Metro: College Park and take a taxi or the free UM shuttle 104 to campus

Friday, July 1st

Music

UMD School of Music: NOI Philharmonic Open Rehearsal III
9:30am

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Metro: College Park and take a taxi or the free UM shuttle 104 to campus

Sunday, July 3rd

Music

Summer Camp Concert

Presented by DC Youth Orchestra Program

6:00pm

DCYOP Campers perform in the auditorium at Eastern High School.

Eastern High School

Metro: Stadium Armory

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PAST: ART: "Artomatic Takes Flight" Special Exhibit at Reagan National Airport Terminal A March 1st - June 30th, Free

"Artomatic Takes Flight" at Reagan National Airport
March 1st - June 30th

Free

The exhibit showcases an un-juried selection of work by 81 artists in Washington DC's creative community.

Artists featured in Artomatic Takes Flight are past participants of Washington, DC's signature Artomatic arts event. Art work for the exhibit was submitted by artists on a first-come, first-serve basis, from a group of over 1500 Artomatic artists in Washington DC's creative community.

National Airport Terminal A

Metro: Reagan National Airport, follow signs to shuttle bus for Terminal A (it runs like every 6 min or something)

Friday, May 27, 2011

PAST: Enjoy DC History? The Humanities Council hosts a DC Community Heritage Project Symposium this TUES, June 28th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Free

DC Community Heritage Project Symposium

Tuesday, June 28th
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Free - RSVP Requested online - or by phone or email

RSVP: 202-387-8391 programs@wdchumanities.org

Please click image to view larger

Do you love local history? Are you enjoy meeting others who share you love of DC history... even if it's a little morbid? This year’s Community Heritage Symposium - organized by the Humanities Council of DC - is all about “making connections,” giving local history buffs to connect with each other and connect with the past. At sessions, historians will share non-traditional ways to discover the hidden heritages of communities -- starting out with the secrets buried in graveyards. Read more about the event here.

Deanwood Recreation Center and Library

1350 49th St, NE
between N Nash St & N Quarles St
Metro: just across the street from the Deanwood Metro station.

PAST: POETRY: "In Your Ear: Avant Garde Poetry" every third SUN of the month at the DCAC, 3:00pm, $5

In Your Ear: Avant Garde Party

every third Sunday of the month

September - May (they break in the summer)

3:00pm

$5, free for DCAC members

Enjoy alternative, avant garde, experimental, innovative and/or non-mainstream poetry from DC and around the country. For info on the readers visit DCPoetry.com.

DCAC

2438 18th St, NW

Metro: Woodley Park or Columbia Heights and walk or take the Circulator bus there. You can also take the 42 bus from Dupont to 18th & Columbia.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

PAST: ART: Guest Post from East City Art: Weekend Round Up for events on the East side of DC! FRI, June 24th & SAT, June 25th, Free

Weekend East City Event Round Up:

Around the World in an Evening Edition

Friday, June 24th

Opening for new show at Studio H

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

This Friday at Studio H, do not miss the opening of Impressions of Uzbekistan by Dutch Painter Ronald Kleijer. Kleijer’s work focuses on capturing daily life in the fabled cities of the Silk Road in his adopted home of Uzbekistan. This will be Kleijer’s first exhibition in the United States. To learn more about the artist, his work and the places that inspire him, click here .

Studio H

408 H St, NE second floor

Metro: Union Station (a few blocks walk)

Saturday, June 25th

Art Opening at the Adobe Design Center and Showroom

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Free

The H Street design showroom will host the opening of Images of Dignity a series of pen and ink, oil on linen and acrylic works by Al Burts focusing on figurative work. Burts is a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Georgetown and received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. He currently resides in Woodbridge, VA.

Adobe Design Center and Showroom

654 H St, NE

Metro: Union Station

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art. You can get more information about East City Art on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Monday, May 23, 2011

PAST: "Unknown Pleasures" Happy Hour Rooftop Pool Party this SAT, June 25th at the Donovan House Hotel from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

"Unknown Pleasures" Happy Hour Rooftop Pool Party

at the Donovan House Hotel

Saturday, June 25th

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

View and share facebook invite

Enjoy a South Beach-esque afternoon escape in DC with a DJ set by 'Unknown Pleasures' curator Chris Price! Bring your friends, your suits and your sunglasses!

Donovan House Hotel

ADC - Above DC

1155 14th St, NW

south of M St on Thomas Circle

Metro: McPherson Square

PAST: ART: Closing Reception features new works! Brandon Hill's "ChickenVille" at Lamont Bishop Gallery FRI, June 24th 6:00pm - 10:30pm, Free

"Even More Chicken"

Closing Reception for Brandon Hill's "ChickenVille"

Friday, June 24th

6:00pm - 10:30pm
Free
View and share facebook invite

The closing will contain new works, the original exhibition and also a brief Art Talk and Q&A from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

Lamont Bishop Gallery
1314 9th St, NW

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center

PAST: It's another WTD Happy Hour, this THURS, June 23rd at Asia Nine from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free Skyy Vodka Martini with RSVP, 21+

It's time for another WTD Happy Hour!

This week you can get a free Skyy Vodka Martini at Asia Nine

Thursday, June 23rd

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Two free drinks with RSVP, 21+

Get a free Skyy Vodka Martini when you RSVP and stick around after for $4 beers, $5 flavored Smirnoff (peach and mango) and Skyy Vodka (ginger, passion fruit and pineapple) and $5 glasses of wine.

Asia Nine

915 E St, NW

Metro: Close to Gallery Place and Metro Center

Why Free in DC recommends WTD (What's The Deal):

What's the Deal DC is a locally owned and operated site that offers "deals" specifically in the DC metro area.

Unlike other sites which only run 1 deal per day, WTD also has multiple deals running all of the time.

They also give you more time to purchase your deal - usually about a week or so (which is great if you are waiting for your check for instance)... AND

In alignment with Free in DC's event listings - they always are sure to havegreat deals for $10 or less on their site!

You can view all of their current offers here!

Free in DC Pick for Best Deal of the Week ($10 or less of course)

$10 for $20 worth of Tea Leaves and Spices

Click link above to learn more and buy in!

The Spice & Tea Exchange, located in the heart of Georgetown at 1069 Wisconsin Ave, NW, offers a wide range of gourmet black, green, white, and herbal teas as well as a large selection of spices from around the world.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

PAST: MUSIC: Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series in Farragut Square every WED throughout June from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Free

Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series

after work in Farragut Square Park

every Wednesdays through June

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Free

Unwind in the park after work and check out some local DC area bands every Wednesday in Farragut Square Park throughout the month of June.

Final Performance:

Wednesday, June 29th

Sam O & JFC (Caribbean)

Farragut Square Park

Connecticut Ave & K St, NW

Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North

PAST: An Evening with Former First Lady Laura Bush at the National Archives this THURS, June 23rd, 7:00pm, Arrive early for seating, Free

An Evening with Former First Lady Laura Bush
Thursday, June 23rd

7:00pm
Free, see note below

The National Archives presents a very special conversation between former First Lady Laura Bush and Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero. "Mrs. Bush will discuss her role with the George W. Bush Institute, and her involvement in the planning of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Administered by the National Archives, the nation's thirteenth presidential library will house the official records of the Presidency of George W. Bush and the museum will tell the story of the President and First Lady's leadership."

NOTE: Due to the popularity of this program, seating will be very limited. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations will be accepted. Free tickets will be distributed at the National Archives Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue beginning 60 minutes prior to the start time. You must be present to receive a ticket. Theater doors will open 30 minutes prior to start time. The saving of seats is strictly prohibited.

Pictured: Laura Bush. Photo by Shealah Craighead, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library

National Archives
between 7th & 9th Streets

on Constitution Avenue, NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

PAST: "Wedding Crashers" screens at Lou's, new bar in Columbia Heights next WED, June 29th at 8:00pm, Free

Free movie night at Lou's the newest bar in Columbia Heights!

"Wedding Crashers"
Wednesday, June 29th

8:00pm

Saturday, May 21, 2011

PAST: FILM: Ratatouille screens along with short film Johnny Appleseed at National Archives SAT, June 25th at noon, Free

Short film Johnny Appleseed followed by feature film, Ratatouille

Film Screening at the National Archives

Saturday, June 25th

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Free

Winner of the 2008 Oscar® for Best Animated Feature Film, Ratatouille (111 minutes) tells the story of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great Parisian chef. Johnny Appleseed, a 1948 short from Walt Disney Productions, will be shown first (19 minutes).

National Archives

William G. McGowan Theater

between 7th and 9th Streets

on Constitution Avenue, NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

PAST: ART: "Cuttings from a Winter Garden" at the Washington Printmakers Gallery Now - SUN, June 26th, Free

On view at WPG "Cuttings from a Winter Garden"
Now - Sunday, June 26th
Free

New woodcuts on various subject matter by artist/printmaker Max-Karl Wiinkler. Pictured: ''Self Portrait of the Artist without Eye Patch'' by Max-Karl Winkler

Washington Printmakers Gallery
8230 Georgia Avenue, 2nd Floor
at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center

in Silver Spring, MD

Metro: Silver Spring

PAST: Free Arts & Culture Events this Week from CultureCapital.com! WED, June 22nd - SUN, June 26th, Free

Wednesday, June 22nd

Author Lecture

Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, and the American Story by Howard Means
12:00pm
Author and editor Howard Means discusses his book on John Chapman, alias Johnny Appleseed.

National Archives

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Lecture

Topics in Modern Art: Abstract Painting and Sculpture in Europe:

Dada and Surrealism
12:00pm - 1:30pm

Explore facets of modern and contemporary art with Sally Shelburne, lecturer.

National Gallery of Art

East Building Concourse, Auditorium

Metro: Judiciary Square (closer to East Bldg)

Art Opening - Meet the Artists

The Spirit of Wood: Sculpture by Katie Dell Kaufman and Lynda Smith-Bugge
5:30pm - 8:00pm

Eleven Eleven Sculpture Space

1111 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Metro: Metro Center

Outdoor Concert

Summer Outdoor Concert Series: Labrassbanda

7:00pm

Southern German band LaBrassBanda takes inspiration from the world of music. Trumpet, tuba and trombone come together to recreate everything from ska to oom-pah-pah, with Mexican mariachi, Tyrolese polka, and more.

Strathmore

Metro: Grosvenor - Strathmore

Thursday, June 23rd

Music + Presentations - Open House

Arts and the Healthy Brain: An Open House

7:00pm - 8:30pm

RSVP encouraged

Live music and hands-on activities will demonstrate how music and visual art help keep your brain healthy and strong. Strathmore Artists in Residence, pop-folk duo The Sweater Set perform + brief presentations from brain health experts.

Strathmore Mansion

Metro: Grosvenor - Strathmore

Music - 14th Anniversary Show!

Millennium Stage 14th Anniversary Show

featuring OK Go and Pomplamoose
6:00pm

Free concert with OK Go, the defiantly do-it-yourself polymath band who has been called "trailblazing" byBillboard and "human catnip" by This American Life host Ira Glass.

The Kennedy Center

Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free shuttle

Lecture

What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? with Curator Alice Kamps
12:00pm

Hear some surprising discoveries made while researching food records for the exhibit "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?"

National Archives

Jefferson Room

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Friday, June 24th

UMD School of Music NOI Philharmonic Open Rehearsal II
9:30am

Hear the NOI Philharmonic as they rehearse for this week's concert.

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center