Half-Virtual Arts Round Up, July 2, 2020
By • July 2, 2020 0 865
Remember cultural life B.Z. (Before Zoom)? Some — but far from all — organizations are putting a toe in the water reopening-wise. For details, click on the headings below.
Kreeger Museum: Zoom Conversation
On July 2 at 5 p.m., Kreeger Museum Curator Danielle O’Steen will engage in a virtual conversation with multimedia artist Melvin Nesbitt Jr., a member of the Eckington studio complex called Stable, focusing on his work and on “Children Playing,” a 1934 painting by Max Beckmann in the museum’s collection. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration, which is free.
Society of the Cincinnati: Streamed Concert
Also on July 2, at 6:30 p.m., the Society of the Cincinnati, established in 1783, will celebrate the Second of July — the day the Continental Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee’s resolution “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States” — with a free live-streamed concert on period instruments. In costume, David and Ginger Hildebrand will perform ballads, marches and woman-inspired songs of the 18th century.
National Archives: July 4 Celebration Online
The National Archives will hold an online celebration of the 244th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, the event will offer a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs. Former CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien will emcee a patriotic reading ceremony. Registration is free, but required.
‘A Capitol Fourth’: Pre-Taped Performances, Live Fireworks
John Stamos and Vanessa Williams will co-host the 40th anniversary presentation of “A Capitol Fourth,” a star-spangled birthday party for the nation. Broadcast on PBS on July 4 from 8 to 9:30 p.m., the show — featuring highlights from prior years and tributes to front-line workers, Black heroes and wounded warriors — will also be available on the PBS website, NPR stations, Facebook and YouTube. Yolanda Adams, Trace Adkins, Renée Fleming, John Fogerty, Patti LaBelle, the Temptations and others will give pre-taped performances, as will National Symphony Orchestra musicians directed by Jack Everly. Cameras stationed around the city will capture the evening’s fireworks display live.
Dumbarton House, the Federal-period historic house museum at 2715 Q St. NW, will reopen to the public on July 7 for self-guided tours — with the wearing of face coverings indoors and social distancing — at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily (closed Mondays). Timed tickets are required. The suggested donation is $10, cash not accepted. Admission is free for children, students, members and health care workers. A VIP outdoor introduction by curatorial staff ($15) and virtual group tours ($5 per person for groups of eight or more) are also available.
As part of Strathmore’s free series of virtual art talks, Francisco Rosario, whose work was seen in the exhibition “Timeber,” will speak about all things woodshop and welding on July 10 at 1 p.m. for kids and at 5 p.m. for adults. Participants via Zoom can ask questions in real time. Registration closes an hour before the start of each session.
The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, Virginia, will reopen on a limited-capacity basis with an appearance by the Billy Price Charm City Rhythm Band on July 10. Price was the lead vocalist on two albums by blues guitarist Roy Buchanan. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Attendees must wear face masks when not at their seats. Tickets, available at the box office only (either in advance or on the night of the show), are $15 plus a $5.50 tax/facility fee, a $5 COVID fee and a $25 food and beverage minimum. Shows will continue on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bridge Street Books: 4 in the Store
Founded on June 27, 1980, by the late Philip Levy, Bridge Street Books has been in operation longer than any other D.C. independent. It is now open with capacity restrictions: four customers in the store at a time, with face masks and six-foot social distancing. Hours are Sunday to Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Books can also be ordered online, with curbside pickup and evening deliveries in Georgetown “and environs” available.
Thompson Boat Center: By Reservation Only
Boating in DC is currently operating at Thompson Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, by reservation only, allowing a limited number of guests to pre-pay and reserve a single kayak, a double kayak, a stand-up paddleboard or a rowing scull. Waivers must be filled out in advance. Boaters, who should arrive ready to paddle, are required to wear a face mask on the dock and during launch, staying six feet apart while waiting to be launched. Staff members will wear face masks at all times and (to the extent practical) maintain social distancing during launch. Hourly rates are $16 to $22. Boaters with their own equipment can self-launch by reservation for $5.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens: Grounds Open
The grounds of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, reopened to the public on June 22. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lilies and lotuses are blooming, but all buildings (including the restrooms) are closed and no vending services are available. New pedestrian patterns are in place to maximize social distancing. Visitors are asked to consider wearing a face covering; areas where safe distancing cannot be maintained, such as the boardwalk, are closed.
