PAST: ART: This month at Hillyer, June exhibit features works by local artist J.J. McCracken, Australian artist Marley Dawson and Spanish artist Santiago Rios throughout the month of June, Free

June Show on view at Hillyer
Free
throughout the month of June
Please contact the gallery directly for exact days and hours 202.338.0680 or info@artsandartists.org

In June, Hillyer presents installations by Australian artist, Marley Dawson, mix media works by Spanish artist, Santiago Rios, and installation/performance art by J.J. McCracken (image pictured ). Click here to read about these artists' works.

Hillyer
9 Hillyer Ct, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, Hillyer is in the alley between the two Phillips Collection buildings, turn right

PAST: ART: "Terminators" on view at Transformer features artists from Norway based Arts Collective No Place in their first DC exhibit! SAT, May 11th - SAT, June 22nd, Free

"Terminators" on view at Transformer

Free

Saturday, May 11th - Saturday, June 22nd

Partnering with Oslo, Norway based arts collective No Place, Transformer presents Terminators, an exhibition of works in a variety of disciplines by Norwegian artists Jørgen van Eijk, Ole Martin Lund Bø, Donkey and Punch, Sebastian Helling, and Henrik Pask in their first DC exhibition. Read more.Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12:00pm - 6:00pm  and by appointment.

Transformer
1404 P St NW
Metro: McPherson Sq or U St and take the Circulator bus along 14th St to RI Ave/ P St or walk from Dupont Circle

PAST: MUSIC: "Luce Unplugged" Community Showcase Curated by the Washington City Paper! FRI, May 31st from 6:00pm - 8:30pm, All ages, Free

American Hearts

Luce Unplugged Community Showcase

Curated by the Washington City Paper!

Friday, May 31st

6:00pm - 8:30pm

All ages, Free

Check out @wcp_arts @wcp curated Music: @Lyriciss, America Hearts... Read more here. 

Luce Foundation Center

Same building as SAAM/ NPG

8th & G St, NW 

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown 

PAST: ART: In Rockville, MD "A Grand Obsession" features works by Local Sculptor Michael Enn Sirvet and Four others at Gallery just over a mile from the Twinbrook Metro this FRI, June 7th - THURS, June 27th, Free

"A Grand Obsession" on view at Gallery in Rockville, MD near the Twinbrook Metro
Free
Friday, June 7th - Thursday, June 27th

Featuring works by Michael Enn Sirvet, Francie Hester, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Betsy Stewart and Eve Stockton will be featured.  The gallery is part of the Capital Arts Network, located at 12276 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852. Michael Enn Sirvet's work can also be seen in the DC Metro area at Adlon Design in Georgetown and at Reyes+Davis Independent Exhibitions.

Capital Arts Network - Gallery
12276 Wilkins Ave - Rockville, MD
Metro: Twinbrook and take a bus, taxi or walk.... just over a mile, see google map from metro

PAST: PERFORMANCE: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Mayor Gray and others at the Lincoln Theatre on U St this THURS, May 30th, Performances from Kollaboration DC alumni and friends from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Free, RSVP recommended

Mayor Gray's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Lincoln Theatre on U St
Thursday, May 30th

7:00pm - 8:30pm, doors 6:00pm 

Free, RSVP here to ensure your seat!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout May, OAPIA will be hosting many events to commemorate the significant achievements of AAPIs in American history. For a complete listing of events,click here.

This Thursday night, join Mayor Gray for an evening of DC's best performances presented by Kollaboration DC, the Mayor's Community Service Awards, networking opportunities, and more! The evening will feature performances by Kollaboration DC alum and friends - a winners showcase! This event is organized in partnership with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and Kollaboration DC.

Performers include:

SNRG (Hip Hop Duo) - Some Never Really Get...
DTMG (Band) - Dave Tauler Music Group
Chip Han (Beatboxer) - Winner of Kollaboration DC 2010
Lumi Bustamante (Singer) Winner of Kollaboration DC 2011
G. Yamazawa, Jr. (Spoken Word) - Winner of Kollaboration DC 2012
Jonathan C. Chen (Violinist) - Honorable Mention Finalist for Kollaboration DC 2012

Lincoln Theatre1215 U St NW 

Metro: U St 

PAST: ARTISTS TALK & CLOSING: "Domesticated" Recent Paintings by Dana Ellyn & Matt Sesow at Art Enables Off Rhode Gallery, Closing and Talk this THURS, May 30th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, On view SAT, May 11th - THURS May 30th, Free

Artists Talk and Closing Party
"Domesticated" Recent Paintings by Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow
at Art Enables Off Rhode Gallery
Thursday, May 30th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
On view Saturday, May 11th - Thursday, May 30th

From the invite: "Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow have created an exhibition focusing on their definition "domestication". The DC artist power-couple who met in 2001 and married at the height of a historic snow storm in 2010, have created a series of paintings that celebrate their philosophy on life, art, and being married."

More about the artists (who also happen to be friends of mine, love these guys!) "Sesow's popular animal creatures and icons are an expected interpretation of his work, as are Ellyn's familiar creations that celebrate her vegetarian lifestyle and respect for animal rights. "Domesticated" takes an unexpected turn with the artist's interpretation of marriage. They live and create paintings separately throughout their creative week. Sesow in Adams Morgan while Ellyn is downtown in her subsidized artist housing at Mather Studios. Their living situation is non-traditional; however, it works, and perhaps the only way married artists can continue to create is separately. Additionally, marriage has somewhat 'domesticated' the reckless animal spirit of Sesow, making him more focused and able to create a concentrated body of work - with spurts of primitive behavior (oftentimes alone during long creative sessions from his Adams Morgan studio). Whereas Ellyn's "domestication" has given her the confidence of commitment, process, and much needed "quiet time". Ellyn's paintings come from long periods of quiet and study, where she is able to carefully plan the composition, and execution of her work. Together the duo of Sesow and Ellyn are eclectic, unexpected, non-traditional, but unmistakably "domesticated", at least according to their definition."

Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables
2204 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Avenue and catch a bus (82, 84, 86 or T18) 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: JAZZ: The Ian Dylan Quartet plays live at the Takoma Station Tavern right by the Metro this THURS, May 30th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Free

Ian Dylan Quartet at the Takoma Station Tavern

Thursday, May 30th
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Free

Thursday Night Early Evening Jazz with the Ian Dylan Quartet at Takoma Station Tavern, right near the Takoma metro. Musicians: Ian-drums, Dan Griffen-bass, Kim Reynolds-organ, Glenn Wiser-Guitar, Franklin Wade-Trumpet and flugle horn. Learn more about Ian, who I happen to know personally, on his website here, which doesn't mention that he is blind by the way. Enjoy the music if you're able to attend!

Takoma Station Tavern
6914 4th St NW
Metro: Takoma, short walk, about .3 miles (see map)

PAST: ART: Closing Party for this Month's "Art Crimes" Show entitled "The Gun Show!" at The Dunes this THURS, May 30th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm, On view from FRI, May 3rd - THURS, May 30th, Free

Closing Party 

for "The Gun Show!" on view at The Dunes

Thursday, May 30th
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Free

"In the midst of the current gun debate, opinions once widely polarized seem to be nearing agreement on reasonable gun laws. The Gun Show assembles DC area artist's views on guns, from all perspectives - including the reach of their various impacts on society, family, and pop culture - in this month long exhibition. Artists include: Ismael Carrillo, Anna U. Davis, Dana Ellyn, Anson Holzer, Ishim, Paul Mangano, Sandy Miller, Matt Sesow, Dafna Steinberg, Andrew Wodzianski and Yanina Angelini-Young.

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: MUSIC + DANCE: Kriya Collective hosts Basement Bollywood at Tropicalia on U St on THURS, May 30th, Music and Dance Lesson 7:00pm, Indian Dance Party at 10:00pm, $5, 21+

Basement Bollywood hosted by Kriya Collective at Tropicalia

Thursday, MAY 30th
7:00pm Live Music and Dance Lesson 

10:00pm Party

$5, 21+ 

Basement Bollywood is not only about Indian or South Asian culture or Indian/South Asian people- it's about celebrating diversity and the unique, powerful fusion of music and dance.

Enjoy live music, drum circles, belly/Indian dance, tropical cocktails, and some of DC's most innovative DJs/producers playing the best in electronic, Bhangra, and house to keep you on your toes. The interactive portion of the event will allow interested members to learn Indian dance prior to the live show and music.

Tropicalia

2001 14th St - entrance is on U St

enter using stairs below Subway

Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus along 14th to U St 

PAST: TALK: Learn more about the History of Hemp at this Free Talk organized with Knowledge Commons DC! Above the Bike Shop in Adams Morgan THURS, May 30th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free, Please RSVP

Learn more about Hemp History at this free KCDC Talk with Ben Droz
Thursday, May 30th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free, please RSVP to ensure your space

Industrial hemp has been grown throughout history for a variety of uses. However, there was a sharp decline in the early 20th century following drug hysteria that linked industrial hemp to its cousin, marijuana. Learn about hemp’s storied past and its many uses in the run-up to Hemp History Week (June 3-9). We’ll discuss the crop’s environmental and economic benefits, as well as its current legal status.

About the presenter: Ben Droz, a photographer and qualified hemp expert, is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of hemp politics and science. He has worked as a lobbyist for industrial hemp farming for more than four years, including for the organization Vote Hemp.
Above the Bike Shop
above City Bikes in Adams Morgan
2501 Champlain St. NW
Access to this location requires climbing a flew flights of stairs

PAST: MUSIC: The Arlington Concert Band Summer Kickoff Concert at Washington-Lee High near the Ballston Metro this THURS, May 30th at 7:30pm, All ages, Free

Arlington Concert Band Summer Kickoff Concert
Thursday, May 30th
7:30pm
All ages, Free

Come on out for the Arlington Concert Band Summer Kickoff Concert this Thursday! The band features a wind and percussion ensemble made up over 50 local volunteer musicians who are passionate about bringing music to the Arlington, VA community. All of their concerts are all free and family friendly.

Washington-Lee High School Auditorium
1301 N Stafford St - Arlington, VA
Metro: Ballston, walk about 4 blocks, see walking map

PAST: Party with "The H Street Housewives" from the upcoming Fringe Festival Comedy at The Queen Vic on H St NE this WED, May 29th from 7:30pm - 9:30pm, RSVP requested, by donation, $10 suggested

Party with the H Street Housewives at The Queen Vic

Wednesday, May 29th

7:30pm - 9:30pm

RSVP requested, by donation, $10 suggested

 "Four housewives. One reunion. DC's hippest neighborhood just got real." Come out to the Queen Vic on H St NE to hang out with the cast of H Street Housewives and have a chance to win tickets to see the show! The comedy premieres on July 14th at the 2013 Capital Fringe Festival, tickets for the show available June 17th.

The Queen Vic

1206 H St NE

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown and take the X2 bus from along H St to 12th & H NE or take a short taxi from Union Station

PAST: MUSIC: Native American DJ Crew from Canada - A Tribe Called Red - performs at Tropicalia on U St on WED, May 29th, doors 8:00pm, $10, 21+

Native American DJ crew from Canada - A Tribe Called Red - comes to Tropicalia on U St
Wednesday, May 29th
8:00pm doors
$10, 21+

A Tribe Called Red is an all Native American DJ crew from Ottawa Canada that remixes traditional Pow Wow music with contemporary club sounds. Special guest DJs from  Maracuyeah DC will also be spinning.

Tropicalia
14th & U St NW
enter on U St, downstairs below Subway
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U

PAST: MUSIC: Glow Sessions at The Heurich House Garden just south of Dupont Circle this WED, May 29th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, $10

Glow Sessions at The Heurich House Garden

Wednesday, May 29th

7:00pm - 9:00pm

$10, buy tickets here with additional $1.54 fee

(Not sure if they'll be selling tickets on site, feel free to post on the facebook invite to ask)

"It's time for another Glow Sessions! With this local music series, we're shining a light on DC's emerging musical talents. This time, we welcome Misun!" 

"The Heurich House, where the concert will be held, is one of the most intact Victorian houses in the country and a special piece of DC history. Built by one of the country's first brewers and maintained as a museum, the house is a unique and enchanting venue for this musical series. The concert will take place in the museum's urban garden. Bring a picnic!"

Christian Heurich House Museum

1307 New Hampshire Ave NW

just south of Dupont Circle

Metro: Dupont Circle, south exit

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free events in DC this SUN, May 19th from the Local events App, Gravy!

Here are some Highlights for Free events this Week from the new hyper local, Free App - Gravy!

List of events organized by date and time
Free, and in DC, unless otherwise noted

Gravy is new events app for iPhone and Android that helps you find events nearby!

You can also save events and select to have them saved directly to your own personal calendar on your iPhone (personally love that option) and if you want to search by what you are in the mood for you can search by five Categories - Whatever, Lively, Classy, Brainy and Playtime - and currently trending events. Best of all, the App is free and you can download it here! They've also introduced new "channels" - such as Live Music, Free & Discounted, Happy Hours, Family Friendly, Around the Corner and more - which can help you to tap into specific types of things going on around you. You can find them in your MyStuff section. Select free events this week listed below.

Sunday, May 19th

Late Afternoon - Film at the DC JCC - 16th & Q
ITVS Community Cinema Cafe presents "The Revolutionary Optimists" 

3:00pm - 5:00pm

RSVP on eventbrite to ensure your spot
Free screening of the "The Revolutionary" a film by Nicole Newnham and Maren Grainger-Monsen. "Children in the slums of Calcutta are starting a revolution. Called to action by visionary former attorney Amlan Ganguly, the 'Daredevils' have already made radical health and sanitation improvements in one of the city's poorest slums-- awakening a neglected populace to the real possibility of change." Read more and view trailer here. 

Washington DCJCC

corner of 16th & Q St NW
Metro: Dupont Circle or take the 16th St S2 or S4 bus right to Q

Evening - Live Music at Wonderland - Columbia Heights

Yellow Tie Guy and Friends and Wonderland Ballroom

8:00pm - 11:30pm or so

21+

Yellow Tie Guy and friends. Find links to the artists on eventbrite.

Wonderland Ballroom

corner of 11th & Kenyon

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north one block on 14th, right on Kenyon and walk a few blocks to Kenyon

Have an iPhone or Android? Get the Gravy App is available for Free here!

PAST: FILM: See this Film if you can, Incredibly Eye Opening! Learn how GMOs and other toxic chemicals used in our food production impact Animals, Our Planet and Our Health, "Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives" Screens on TUES, May 28th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at BloomBars in Columbia Heights, All ages, by donation

BloomScreen presents a second screening of  "Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives"

Tuesday, May 28th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
All ages, $10 suggested donation, give as you can

BloomScreen hosts another screening (I saw it last week and it was incredibly eye opening) a "must see" educational film about GMOs and other toxic chemicals used in today's farming industry  "Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives" (2012, 85 min), by Jeffrey M. Smith. This film will be screened the Tuesday following the March Against Monsanto, which will take place in DC on Saturday, May 25th at 2:00pm. Screening will be followed by a discussion with Emilianne Slaydon of GMO Free DC.

About the film: "When the US government ignored repeated warnings by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented proportions. Never-before-seen-evidence points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the US population. Monsanto’s strong arm tactics, the FDA’s fraudulent policies, and how the USDA ignores a growing health emergency are also laid bare. This sometimes shocking film may change your diet and accelerate the consumer tipping point against GMO foods."

This screening takes place as part of the BloomScreen Indie Film Series which screens independent and foreign films every Tuesday night at BloomBars. Screenings are followed by a Q&A and discussion with filmmakers and other experts. Join their group on Meetup.com - The DC Bloomscreen Film Club - Film + Discussion / Every Week! if you want to stay in the loop with more advance noticed. By the way, BloomBars is always looking for volunteers to help out with this event and other events so if you have free time to help out, please contact Jonathan Branch at jonathan@bloombars.com.

BloomBars
3222 11th St, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block to Kenyon and turn right, left on 11th. BloomBars is just past Wonderland Ballroom.

PAST: THEATER: Final Pay-What-You-Can-Performance of "Stupid F***ing Bird" at Woolly Mammoth, World Premiere for this one! TUES, May 28th from 8:00pm - 10:30pm, Tickets on sale 6:00pm, PWYC, Cash or check only, Max 2 per person

Pay-What-You-Can Preview of  "Stupid F***ing Bird" at Woolly Mammoth
Tuesday, May 28th
8:00pm - 10:30pm, tickets* on sale 6:00pm
Pay-What-You-Can/ by donation
Line forms early, sales start 6:00pm

World Premiere of new show by Aaron Posner. The concept for this one was adapted in a way from "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov. Directed by Howard Shalwitz.

About the show: "An aspiring young theatre director named Conrad struggles to get out from under the shadow of his mother Emma, a famous actress. Meanwhile, his young muse Nina falls for Emma’s lover Doyle, and everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be. In this contemporary and irreverent riff on Chekhov’s The Seagull, Aaron Posner transforms the famous "subtext" of the classic play into exuberant scenes and songs."

*Tickets are sold at the Woolly the evening of the show, two hours prior to showtime. Two per person, cash or check only. Arrive early to get in line. Tickets to the PWYC nights tend to go fast, though you might have an easier time getting in for the Monday show since it's Memorial Day.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
641 D St, NW
Metro: Gallery Place or Archives - Navy Memorial

PAST: BOOK TALK: Alice Walker returns to Busboys and Poets 14th & V St to discuss two of her latest works this TUES, May 28th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, All ages, Free

Busboys and Poets presents Alice Walker: "The World Will Follow Joy"
Tuesday, May 28th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Free, food and drinks available for purchase

Busboys and Poets is pleased to welcome back Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and poet, Alice Walker for an intimate discussion of her two latest works, "The Cushion in the Road: Meditation and Wandering as the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm's Way" and "The World Will Follow Joy: Turning Madness into Flowers (New Poems)." She'll be speaking in the main restaurant area.

Busboys and Poets
14 & V St NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, Woodley-McPherson route, right to 14th & U St

PAST: POETRY SLAM: Tonight! The Beltway Poetry Slam hosts a Newbie Slam open to those who have never slammed at a Beltway event! TUES, May 28th at The Fridge, 8:00pm - 10:00pm, 7:30pm doors and sign-up, All ages, $5

The Beltway Poetry Slam hosts a Newbie Slam featuring No, Regrets!
Hosted by Shelly Bell
Tuesday, May 28th
8:00pm - 10:00pm, doors and sign-up 7:30pm
All ages, $5, cash at the door

"Calling all new poets and veterans alike! If you have never slammed at the Beltway Poetry Slam before, this is the night for you. We are welcoming ONLY those who have not yet slammed at Beltway to get on stage and show us what they got. And it gets better--- your amazing guest judges will be the members of the 2013 Beltway Poetry Slam Team! We are so excited to bring this amazing night back for the third year--- dont miss it! POETS-- Please bring two original pieces that can each be performed in 3 minutes or less w/out the use of props or costumes." Read more about the No Regrets Tour, featuring at this one.

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

PAST: STAGED READING: The Folger Shakespeare Library presents a Free Staged Reading of "The Robben Island Bible" on MON, June 3rd at 7:00pm, RSVP recommended

Staged Reading of The Robben Island Bible at the
Folger Shakespeare Library
Monday, June 3rd
7:00pm

Free, RSVP recommended to ensure your space

Written and directed by Matthew Hahn, this staged reading stars Emmy Award winner Andre deShields, Nasser Faris, Nehal Joshi, KenYatta Rogers, and David Schalkwyk. Book signing to follow the reading.

The play is presented in association with the upcoming Folger Exhibition: A Book Behind Bars: The Robben Island Shakespeare, on view through September 29th at the Folger Shakespeare Library and with the release of Hamlet's Dream: Something Something by David Schalkwyk.

About: Political prisoners at South Africa's Robben Island in the 1970s signed their names next to Shakespeare passages that spoke to them. Hahn's 2008 interviews with many of them are juxtaposed with Shakespeare's words in a play that explores how life imitates art. Nelson Mandela signed his name next to a section from Julius Caesar in a copy of Shakespeare's Complete Works on December 16, 1977.

Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol Street, SE

Metro: Capitol South

PAST: MEMORIAL DAY: "Home for the Holidays" at Rockville Town Square in MD commemorates Memorial Day with Parade and Activities MON, May 27th, 9:00am - 12:00pm or so, Free

"Home for the Holidays" at Rockville Town Square - Celebrating 25 Years!

Family Friendly Celebration this Weekend 

Over 30 bands perform + Memorial Day Events Saturday, May 25th - Monday, May 27th

Free

Memorial Day schedule below:

Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day

69th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Rockville Concert Band and Chorus

9:00am
The City of Rockville supported all-volunteer band, directed by John Saint Amour, and the Rockville Community Chorus will perform a musical tribute to America before and during the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Memorial Day Ceremony
9:30am
The ceremony in the plaza at Rockville Town Square includes music by the Rockville Concert Band and the Rockville Chorus, the traditional wreath laying led by American Legion Post 86, and a 21-gun salute and presentation of colors by American Legion Post 86 Color Guard and Rockville City Police Department Honor Guard.

69th Memorial Day Parade
View parade map.
10:30am
Following the ceremony, the 69th Memorial Day parade kicks off from Martins Lane and North Washington Street, turning left onto Beall Avenue, turning right onto Maryland Avenue through Rockville Town Center and then making a left on East Montgomery Avenue. The parade has something for everyone with drill teams, marching bands, community groups, military units,
multi-cultural groups and more!

Rockville Town Center

a short walk from the metro, see directions here
Metro: Please Note: The Rockville Metro station will be closed. "Free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Shady Grove and Twinbrook. Shady Grove and Rockville stations will be closed. Riders using shuttle bus service from Shady Grove should allow about 20 minutes of additional travel time. Those boarding at Rockville should allow about 10 minutes of additional travel time."

PAST: ART: "InterGrowth" solo exhibit by Melanie Kehoss at Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle, FRI, May 3rd - FRI, May 31st, Free

InterGrowth: Solo Exhibit at Hillyer in Dupont
Free
On view Friday, May 3rd - Friday, May 31st

Featuring paper-cut works by Melanie Kehoss exploring how cultures and traditions grow and merge.

Open: M 12-5pm T-F 12-6pm Sat 12-5pm

Hillyer Art Space
9 Hillyer Court NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: MEMORIAL DAY:The Annual Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol features the National Sympony Orchestra and others this SUN, May 26th from 8:00pm - 9:30pm, Gates open at 5:00pm, Free

National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol!
featuring The National Symphony Orchestra and others

Sunday, May 26th
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Gates 5:00pm
Free

"This annual program will be co-hosted for the eighth year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (“CSI: New York”), two acclaimed actors dedicated to supporting veterans and troops in active service. They will be joined by an all-star line-up including: distinguished American leader Gen. Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.) and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly." You may bring a picnic and a blanket but please refrain from bringing alcohol as there will be a security check. The show will also be aired live on PBS. 

US Capitol, West Lawn
Note: The public will not be admitted to the West Lawn of the Capitol beginning at 5:00pm. Checkpoints will be set up for search of bags and parcels. Guests will be required to enter through a metal detector. The gates are located at the Southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. More details can be found on the U.S. Capitol Police's website in the Press Room.
Metro: Capitol South or Union Station

PAST: FILM: Community Cinema Screening of "The Revolutionary Optimists" About Children in the Slums of Calcutta called into Action! Screening will be at Busboys and Poets 14th & V St this SUN, May 26th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Free

Community Cinema Screening of "The Revolutionary Optimists"

Sunday, May 26th

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Free

Free screening of the "The Revolutionary" a film by Nicole Newnham and Maren Grainger-Monsen. "Children in the slums of Calcutta are starting a revolution. Called to action by visionary former attorney Amlan Ganguly, the 'Daredevils' have already made radical health and sanitation improvements in one of the city's poorest slums-- awakening a neglected populace to the real possibility of change."

About the film: "Amlan Ganguly empowers children to become activists and educators, with powerful results.Using street theater, puppetry, and dance as their weapons, the children in Calcutta's slums have cut their neighborhoods' malaria and diarrhea rates in half, and turned former garbage dumps into playing fields. Now, pushing at the limits of optimism, Amlan is attempting to take his work into the brickfields outside Calcutta, where spend their days making and carrying bricks using methods unchanged by centuries. The Revolutionary Optimists proposes a workable solution to intractable problems associated with poverty, including preventable diseases and ineffectual governance. Ganguly's story suggests that education and child empowerment are crucial keys to lifting entire societies out of hopelessness."

About the series: "A free monthly screening series, Community Cinema features films from the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens. In over 65 cities nationwide, screenings are followed by lively panel discussions that bring together citizens, organizations and public television stations to encourage dialogue and action around important and timely social issues. Community Cinema [DC] hosts screenings each month (from October to June) at Busboys and Poets and the Washington DC Jewish Community Center. You can watch documentaries from the Independent Lens series on WHUT-TV, our community partner station, and WETA."

Busboys and Poets
14th & V St NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, Woodley-McPherson route, right to 14th & U

PAST: DJ PARTY: Memorial Day Weekend "Le Social Sundays" with DJs Mathias and Skim in the Outdoor Beer Garden at Chez Billy, Special guest Stereo Faith SUN, May 26th, 3:00pm - 8:00pm, Free, Rain or Shine, 21+

"Le Social Sundays" at Chez Billy with  DJs Mathias and Skim in the Outdoor Beer Garden at Chez Billy and special guest Stereo Faith 
Sunday, May 26th 
3:00pm - 8:00pm 
Free, Rain or Shine, 21+ 

Memorial Day Weekend Party this Sunday. Enjoy music from resident DJs Mathias, & SKIM, who will be playing jams from every genre including: indie, classic house, moombahton, 80s/90s/current pop, new & old school hip-hop, funk, soul, r&b, go-go, disco, reggae, rock, UK dance, and more. Music starts at 3pm outside in the beer garden, and goes til 8:00pm. Special guest this week will be: Stereo Faith.

Chez Billy  
3815 Georgia Ave NW 
Metro: Georgia Ave-Petworth, Chez Billy is exactly one block from the metro, north on Georgia, on the right

PAST: PARTY: Memorial Day Weekend event "Textuality" combines DJ's, Big Screens and Texting at Comet Ping Pong SUN, May 26th from 9:30pm - 2:00am, Free, 21+

Textuality at Comet
Memorial Day Weekend
Sunday, May 26th
9:30pm - 2:00am
Free, 21+

"Come to a night of texting and partying at Comet Ping Pong. Send anonymous texts to big screens, receive secret missions through your phone, and dance the night away to spectacular music and light shows. Free drinks for completing special missions. Music ranging from pop to disco to house to indie-pop." Read more on the invite.

Comet Ping Pong
5037 Connecticut Ave, NW
Metro: Tenleytown, and walk about 15 minutes north on Nebraska Ave to Connecticut and Nebraska (see walking map). You can also take the L2 bus from Van Ness or north along Connecticut 

PAST: SING-ALONG: Family Friendly Musical Sing-Along in Bethesda, MD "The Great American Movie Musical Sing-Along!" features Musical Numbers from Classic Films at NBUMC on Old Georgetown Rd this SAT, May 25th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, All ages, by donation

The Great American Movie Musical Sing-Along! In Bethesda, MD
Musical Numbers from Classic Films
Saturday, May 25th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
All ages, by donation, $5 - $10 suggested

"Join Pallas Theatre Collective under the stars for The Great American Movie Musical Sing-along on Saturday, May 25th at 8:00pm at North Bethesda UMC! Please bring picnic blankets and camp chairs to the church lawn where scenes from your favorite classic movie musicals will be shown on a big outdoor screen. There will be have hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks for sale starting at 8:00pm and will start the film when the sun goes down at 8:30pm. In the event of rain, the event will move indoors to Johnson Hall."

North Bethesda United Methodist Church
10100 Old Georgetown Rd - Bethesda, MD (map)
Metro: Grosvenor and take a bus or taxi, about 2 miles from the metro

PAST: ART: "Signs and Seasons" and "In My Nature" both on view at the Washington Printmakers Gallery in he Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring WED, May 1st - SUN, May 26th, Free

Art by Margaret Adams Parker

Signs and Seasons and In My Nature on view at WPG
Free
Wednesday, May 1st - Sunday, May 26th

Margaret Adams Parker's May solo exhibition, Signs and Seasons is on view along with In My Nature by
Pennsylvania-based landscape print artist Robin Gibson.

Washington Printmakers Gallery - Silver Spring, MD
in the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center

8230 Georgia Avenue, 2nd Floor
Metro: Silver Spring, walking distance from the metro 

PAST: ART: International Show curated by Astrotwitch …with love and care, at The Fridge from SAT, May 4th - SUN, May 26th, Free

International Show curated by Astrotwitch …with love and care, at The Fridge

Free
On view Saturday, May 4th - Sunday, May 26th

This international group show, curated by DC-based artist Astrotwitch, features seven artists - from places as far as Sao Paulo and Berlin - known for creating hand-painted posters to put up on the street. Artists: N.O Bonzo and Circle Face (Portland, OR); MAR! (Los Angeles, CA); Galo (Sao Paulo, Brazil); Alaniz (Berlin, Germany); and DECOY and Astrotwitch (DC). Read more here.
The Fridge
516 1/2 8th St SE
Metro: Eastern Market, turn right onto 8th and walk down about a block and a half, left into alley right after you pass Belga Cafe, across from matchbox 

PAST: ART: "Cherry Blossoms in Spring Time" at the Washington DC Economic Partnership near 15th & F St NW from WED, March 20th - FRI, May 26th, Open MON - FRI from 9:00am - 5:00pm, Free

''Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin'' by Michela Mansuino

"Cherry Blossoms in Spring Time"
Free

On view Wednesday, March 20th - Friday, May 31st

Zenith Gallery presents "Cherry Blossoms in Spring Time," a group show featuring Bradley Stevens, Michela Mansuino, Ken Girardini, Jim Magner, and Phil Hazard. 

Open Monday - Friday  9:00am - 5:00pm.

Washington DC Economic Partnership
1495 F St NW

Metro: Metro Center

PAST: ART: "Beauty and the Waste" at Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA from SAT, April 6th - SUN, May 26th, Free

Artwork from Beauty and the Waste 

Beauty and the Waste at Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA

Free
Saturday, April 6th- Sunday, May 26th
Open 10:00am - 6:00pm daily, 'til 9:00pm on Thursdays

This one sounds neat! Thanks to CultureCapital.com for this listing. "In collaboration with the Target Gallery's "Trash Talk" exhibition, and in celebration of Earth Day, "Beauty and the Waste" is an all-media exhibit featuring work by Torpedo Factory artists made from the commonly recycled materials of glass, plastic, paper and metal.

Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory
105 N. Union St
Old Town Waterfront in Alexandria, VA
Metro: King Street and take the free trolley to the waterfront or you can take any bus that runs along King St toward the water

PAST: ART: "Color, Line, Light: French Drawings, Watercolors, and Pastels from Delacroix to Signac" at the NGA West Building SUN, Jan 27th - SUN, May 26th, Free

Edgar Degas, Two Women Ironing,
c. 1885, National Gallery of Art,
Washington,  Dyke Collection

New Exhibit at the National Gallery of Art West Building

Color, Line, Light: French Drawings, Watercolors, and Pastels from Delacroix to Signac
Free

Sunday, January 27th - Sunday, May 26th

"James T. Dyke is one of the most astute American collectors of 19th- and 20th-century French works on paper. About 100 drawings and watercolors from the Dyke collection..." read more. 

National Gallery of Art 

West Building, Main Floor

7th & Constitution Ave, NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial, closest to the West Building

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, May 25th 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, May 25th  

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: THEATER: WSC Avant Bard Final Pay-What-You-Can Matinee for Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land" will be on SAT, May 25th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, by donation

WSC Avant Bard presents "No Man's Land" by Harold Pinter
Final Pay-What-You-Can Saturday Matinee for this show
Saturday, May 25th
2:00pm - 4:00pm
by donation, buy online to ensure your seat
Post-show discussion to follow

WSC Avant Bard is offering pay-what-you-can Saturday matinee performances of Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land." An acting vehicle of depth and resonance, "No Man's Land" features a fallen poet and his drunken dispute with a mysterious stranger over success, adventures and romantic conquests. A stellar cast features former WSC artistic directors Christopher Henley and Brian Hemmingsen, as well as audience favorites Frank Britton and Bruce Alan Rauscher. New Artistic Director Tom Prewitt directs the show.

Theatre on the Run
3700 S. Four Mile Drive - Arlington, VA
Metro: Ballston, take the 23A bus toward Crystal City departing at 1:35pm to Four Mile Run Dr. & S. Shirlington Rd, 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr. will be on your left.

PAST: FESTIVAL: Celebrate Hawaii Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian this SAT, May 25th from 12:00pm - 3:30pm Thanks to CultureCapital.com for this one! Free

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 on the customized  "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. Remaining Free events below are organized by start time. Be sure to click through for more details!

Free activities are a little lighter than usual this week due to Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 25th

Afternoon - Festival Celebrating Hawaii - NMAI on The Mall 

Celebrate Hawai’i Festival at NMAI

Two performance times

12:00pm & 3:30pm

Join Halau O 'Aulani in exploring the excitement of navigating and moving the Hawaiian culture across the Pacific through the hula, storytelling, demonstrations, a talk on navigation, foods of the islands, and hands-on activities.

National Museum of the American Indian

Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW

Metro: Federal Center SW or L'Enfant Plaza

PAST: RACE: Time for another SurviveDC! Race through the Streets of DC this SAT, May 25th Meet at Dupont Circle Fountain at 7:00pm, Free, Please RSVP

SurviveDC - Race through the Streets of DC!
Saturday, May 25th
7:00pm - 1:00am
All ages, Free, RSVP here

View more info on the facebook invite

"Survive DC is a race through the streets of Washington, D.C. Now in its seventh year, SurviveDC will be featured in a documentary by Los Angeles filmmaker, Aviv Rubinstien. For one night, drop your relations, your work and leisure activities and all your usual motives for movement and action. Let yourself be drawn by the attractions of the chase and the encounters you find there. The new mission awaits players on May 25, 2013 at 7:00pm. Meet us at the Dupont Circle fountain this year!"

Dupont Circle Fountain
Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: THEATER: Pay-What-You-Can Preview of "Clementine in the Lower 9" by Forum Theatre at the Round House Theatre in Silver Spring SAT, May 25th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, by donation

"Clementine in the Lower 9" Pay-What-You-Can Previews 
Saturday, May 25th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
by donation, PWYC, doors will open at 7:00pm

Check out a preview performance of Forum Theatre's production of Clementine in the Lower 9. This will be the area premiere for the play, written by Dan Dietz and directed by Derek Goldman. "When Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans, Clementine’s family scattered to the winds. Nine months later, they are reunited and anxious to rebuild -- but a new storm is brewing. Her husband has arrived from Houston with a strange young girl, who just may be a prophet, and the ghosts of those lost are awakening. Set to the jazz and blues of the Lower Ninth Ward, this modern retelling of Agamemnon delves into the agony and hope that come after the storm."

Forum Theatre 
at Round House Theatre - Silver Spring
8641 Colesville Rd
Metro: Silver Spring, walk north on Colesville about two blocks, just next door to the AFI, or take the S2 or S4 bus from along 16th St to the final stop on Wayne Ave

PAST: ARTS GRANT INFO: The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities hosts FY 2014 Grants Kickoff event at the Lincoln Theatre on U St this THURS, May 23rd from 10:00am - 11:30am, Free, RSVP Requested

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities hosts FY 2014 Grants Kickoff at the Lincoln Theatre on U St
Thursday, May 23rd
10:00am - 11:30am
Free, RSVP Requested

Lincoln Theatre

1215 U St NW

Metro: U St

PAST: MEDITATION: "Meditation for Spiritual Awareness" on THURS, May 23rd as part of this month's "Spring into Meditation" Series at the Palisades Library near MacArthur Blvd & V St, NW on THURS, May 23rd with Science of Spirituality DC from 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Free

"Spring into Meditation" A Three-Part Series on Thursday nights facilitated by David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC - Themes vary each week! Remaining events below

Attend any or all, Free

Save the date for the final session!

Meditation for Spiritual Awareness

Thursday, May 23rd

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Free

Learn simple and easy technique to help you find peace and joy this spring with meditation. David Newcomb of Science of Spirituality DC will teach meditation to enrich your life -- personally, professionally, and spiritually. He has been teaching meditation for more than 30 years both in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Science of Spirituality offers free meditation workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the DC area. Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with them on facebook and twitter as well @SOS_WashDC

Palisades Library

4901 V St NW (map) right near MacArthur Blvd and V St NW
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access

PAST: ART LECTURE: Philippa Hughes Lecture "Performance Art: What is it?" Part of the 22nd Annual Rooms with a View Lecture Series at the Artisphere THURS, May 23rd from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free, RSVP Required

Philippa Hughes Lecture "Performance Art: What is it?" Part of the 22nd Annual Rooms with a View Lecture Series
Thursday, May 23rd

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free, RSVP Required to RSVP@rosslynva.org

Join Philippa Hughes, Chief Contrarian of the Pink Line Project, and 3 artists, for a look behind the scenes of SuperNOVA, the DC area's first performance art festival. (9pm party June 8th  $15)

Artisphere
Black Box Theatre

1101 Wilson Blvd 

Metro: Rosslyn, exit metro, turn right to get to Wilson, make a left and walk down about a block or so, look for the domed building on the left side of the street.

PAST: COMEDY: Free Comedy Show with Silver City at RFD in Chinatown THURS, May 23rd at 8:00pm, 21+

Silver City Comedy Show
Thursday May 23rd

8:00pm, please arrive earlier to ensure entry

Free, Compliments of District Comedy, 21+ 

Silver City Productions presents a special free show at RFD featuring an all-star line up of comedians: Simone Shif, Mariya Alexander, Gabe Zucker, Mike James, Ahmed Huidobro, Stavros Halkias and Drey Tobin Dailey. Hosted By Martin Amini.

RFD

810 7th St NW

Metro: Galley Pl - Chinatown

PAST: MEDITATION: In Arlington, VA "Meditation for Healthy Living" with Karin Silverman this WED, May 22nd from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Arlington Central Library in VA, Free

Learn more about "Meditation for Healthy Living" with Karin Silverman at the Arlington Central Library in VA

Wednesday, May 22nd
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Karin Silverman, of Science of Spirituality DC chapter, will be coming to the newly renovated Mt. Pleasant Library to lead an interactive talk about how meditation can help you to live a more ease filled and balanced life. Karin, a long-time meditator and licensed massage therapist, will share simple and effective meditation techniques during this free workshop. All are welcome. No meditation experience is necessary.


Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with SOS DC on facebook and @SOS_WashDC on twitter.

Arlington Central Library
1015 N. Quincy St - Arlington VA 

Metro: Virginia Sq or Ballston, just about a five minute walk from either metro station, see map 

PAST: FORUM: Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, MD hosts a Community Forum on Gun Violence this WED, May 22nd from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

A Community Forum on Gun Violence
Wednesday, May 22nd
7:00pm - 9:00pm, doors 6:00pm
Free

Hear from three experts about why gun violence continues to plague our community and what we can do about it. Rev. Graylan Hagler Senior Pastor, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, DC, and long-time activist and leader for racial, social, and economic justice. Col. Douglas Holland Chief of Police, Hyattsville, MD James Atwood Chair, Heeding God's Call of Greater Washington Author, America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose Sponsored by the Washington Community Scholars' Center of Eastern Mennonite University and the Anabaptist Peace Center.

Busboys and Poets - MD
5331 Baltimore Ave - Hyattsville, MD (map)
Metro: West Hyattsville and take a bus, about 1.7 miles, see metro trip-planner for best bus access