Latest News

Georgetowner • August 19, 2015

Blues Alley: Poncho Sanchez

August 14th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | 40 | Tel: (202) 337-4141 | Event Website

Legendary percussionist Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band are performing live from Friday, August 14th through Sunday, August 16th. Inspired by the conga playing of Cuban great Mongo Santamaria, Sanchez honed his skills as a percussionist and broke into the limelight at the age of 23 when he joined vibraphonist Cal Tjader’s famed Latin jazz ensemble in 1975.

Address

Blues Alley; 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Mr. Knick Knack at Market Common Clarendon

August 14th, 2015 at 10:30 AM | 0 | isobel@taapr.com | Tel: 2026258370 | Event Website

Mr. Knick Knack, the DC areas most popular children’s entertainer, will perform weekly songs for the Market Common Clarendon community Friday morning’s beginning August 14 from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM. Please join us on the following dates for child friendly entertainment and sing a longs!

August 14; August 21; August 28; September 4; September 11; September 18; and September 25

Address

Market Common Clarendon; 2700 Clarendon Blvd; Arlington VA 22201

Nakimuli Trunk Show

August 15th, 2015 at 02:00 PM | 0 | info@nubianhueman.com | Tel: 2023943386 | Event Website

Nakimuli end-of-summer trunk show at Nubian Hueman Boutique. The show displays the stunning Black Star / Jump Hi Collection at a 20%-50% discount for RSVP’d patrons. Designer McMillan has adorned celebrities such as Eva Marcille of America’s Next Top Model, Grammy Awards winners Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, Danielle Brooks of Orange Is The New Black, and music artists Jazmine Sullivan and Merrill Garbus of TuneYards. All pieces range in size from small to 3x-large.

Address

Nubian Hueman Boutique Lounge; 1231 Good Hope Rd SE

Dumbarton House: “The Search for Yarrow Mamout”

August 19th, 2015 at 06:30 PM | $15 for members (DCPL and DH/NSCDA); $25 for nom-members | Tel: (202) 783-5144 | Event Website

A Muslim former slave from West Africa, Yarrow Mamout purchased property located at what is now 3324 Dent Place, NW in 1796, where he lived until his death in 1823. Mamout became famous after Charles Wilson Peale painted his portrait in 1819 and for a later portrait painted by James Alexander Simpson in 1822. The search for Yarrow Mamout’s remains stems from an obituary circulated by Peale following Yarrow’s death that suggests he was buried in his backyard.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Yarrow Mamout Archaeology Project Field Director, Mia L. Carey will talk speak at Dumbarton House about the project’s research methods, findings, and more.

Address

Dumbarton House; 2715 Q St. NW

Kelly Byrnes • August 17, 2015

Benetton, the major fashion retailer that expanded across the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s, has now dwindled down to one American store following the sudden and quiet closing of its Washington, D.C., store in Georgetown.

Last week, the store, located on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, was abruptly boarded up with no explanation of its closing. The brand’s name has also been removed from the building’s exterior wall.

Though the Italian-based company still has an international presence—particularly across Europe and South America–the Georgetown closing signals the end of Benetton’s era in the American fashion industry, as its New York City store is now its lone retailer in the country.

The dwindling number of American stores can be attributed to popularity of discount clothiers and the underperforming teen-apparel market. Famous retailers, such as J. Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch, are closing stores. Wet Seal, which used to be across the street from Benetton in Georgetown, has closed most of its stores.

Benetton was a giant of children’s fashion, largely in part to its United Colors of Benetton clothing line. The collection boasts vibrant, colorful pieces and had garnered attention through the use of eye-catching yet somewhat controversial advertising, which aimed to promote social awareness. At its peak, the brand had more than 500 stores in the U.S.

The Georgetown Benetton at 1200 Wisconsin Ave. NW was one of the first to be opened in the U.S. by retail marketing expert Iraklis Karabassis, who brought the popular, hip fashion house to White Flint Mall, its first ever spot in America. Head of IK Retail Group in Georgetown, Karabassis opened more than 100 Benetton stores in the U.S. and Canada. He sold his Benetton operation to the Benetton Group in 2008.

It is rumored that the Japanese retailer Uniqlo, which will open a Tyson’s Corner location next year, could become the next occupant of the three-story space, which once housed the National Bank of Washington.

Kelly Byrnes •

Mayor Muriel Bowser plans to sign the “Sale of Synthetic Drugs Emergency Amendment Act of 2015” into law July 10.

The new legislation will authorize local police and government officials to “take swifter and stronger action against businesses that sell synthetic drugs,” according to a press release from the mayor’s office. The illegal substances, which are known by street names like “Spice,” “K2,” “Kush,” and “Scooby Snax” have had sales traced to gas stations and liquor stores.

The city has experienced a rise in overdoses of various synthetic drugs, and officials fear that the effects of the drugs can lead to a spike in homicides and other violent crimes.

Synthetic drugs appear to have played a part in the July 4 metro stabbing that left one man dead, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Authorities believe the suspect in the attack, 18-year-old Jasper Spires, had synthetic drugs in his system at the time. The drugs can contribute to violent, erratic behavior and an altered mental state of those who consume it.

Bowser will be joined by District Councilmembers and law enforcement officials at the signing.

Robert Devaney •

The iconic sign for the old Georgetown Theater returned to its proper place July 29, as workmen from Jack Stone Signs re-attached the metal structure to the former movie house at Wisconsin Avenue and O Street NW.

The red-letter day for the sign’s relighting is Sept. 23 — literally and actually — as the letters will be aglow in neon-red.

Architect Robert Bell bought the old theater property in October 2013 and is renovating the building at 1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW for retail and residential use. The theater’s neon sign, which display the illuminated word, “GEORGETOWN,” was hauled away last September and re-done at Jack Stone Signs, which originally manufactured it in 1950.

“Restoring the neon Georgetown sign has been a project of mine for seven years,” Bell told the Georgetowner. “It’s extremely satisfying as an architect committed to contextual architecture to help restore this historical building and its iconic neon sign as a vital part of Wisconsin Avenue and Georgetown. This restoration with its new mixed use building and garden will revitalize the heart of historic Georgetown.  More simply, this is fantastic, and I am looking forward to celebrating lighting the neon sign on the equinox, Sept. 23.”  

Architect Robert Bell and his plans for the rejuvenation of the old Georgetown Theater property were the subject of a Jan. 15, 2014, Georgetowner cover story. [gallery ids="102160,132918,132913,132923" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Using DC by the Book — The App

July 30th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | Free | julia.strusienski@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | Event Website

Join the Georgetown Neighborhood Library for a class on using the app element of DC by the Book, a DC Public Library resource designed to connect you with literature set in Washington, D.C.

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library; 3260 R St. NW

Middleburg Summer Sidewalk Sale

July 31st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Tel: 540-687-5152

Middleburg, the quaint historic town in Virginia’s horse country, is cleaning out its closets and storage areas and moving onto the sidewalks, July 31 – Aug. 2, for the 9th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. The sale, sponsored by the Middleburg branch of Union Bank & Trust, the Town of Middleburg, and the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, will be held on Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sun. as posted by shops. Look for balloons outside participating shops and restaurants!

Address

The Town of Middleburg; 12 North Madison Street; Middleburg, VA 20117

Pretty Chic Boutique: Garden Party

July 31st, 2015 | Free | Tel: 202-333-5477| Event Website

From French boutique labels to vintage high-end brands and elegantly modern Turkish jewelry, don’t miss Pretty Chic’s Summer Sale & Garden Party on Friday, July 31st. Wine and cheese will be served while you peruse racks of très chic vintage clothing for only $20. Everything inside is 50% off unless it’s consignment.

Address

1671 Wisconsin Ave. NW

“Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition” Opening

August 1st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Free | Tel: 202-633-2214 | Event Website

“Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition” opens at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Aug. 1. Made up of 20 dynamic displays and immersive experiences, the exhibition focuses five key themes that define flight and space travel represented in five immersive “galleries” – Up, Faster, Higher, Farther, and Smarter. Designed primarily for kids ages 7 – 12, but open to visitors of all ages, the show features a multi-touch timeline, an immersive video experience and interactive simulations and design activities. Sponsored by Boeing, the exhibition will travel to several U.S. cities and international locations.

Address

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; Independence Ave at 6th Street, SW

Tony & Joe’s Seafood: Tacos and Tequila Tuesdays

August 4st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Free | Tel: 202-944-4545 | Event Website

Tuesdays are the new Friday with ‘Taco and Tequila’ Tuesdays at Tony & Joe’s (3000 K St. NW). Back by popular demand, the lunch deal includes two tacos, with your choice of chicken, steak or fish, and a house margarita for $15. Offer is good at the bar only.

Address

Tony & Joe’s Seafood; 3000 K ST NW

Robert Devaney •

A block of Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown will soon be getting it mojo back, according to architect Robert Bell. And, by mojo, we mean the iconic vertical sign — now being re-fitted to be re-lighted — which hung for years on the front facade of what was the Georgetown Theater.

Bell bought the old theater property in October 2013 and is renovating the building at 1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW for retail and residential space. The theater’s neon sign, which used to show the illuminated word, “GEORGETOWN,” was hauled away Sept. 16, 2014, to be re-done at Jack Stone Signs, which originally manufactured it in 1950.

“The target date for rehanging the sign is July 28, high noon,” Bell told the Georgetowner. “The target for turning the neon sign back on is the autumnal equinox, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. I hope to have the new front doors and windows complete and hopefully the canopy for the lighting.”

“The building itself should have all the exterior complete, including the brick garden wall in back in August,” Bell continued. “All of the windows which are solid mahogany have been delivered. So, all is moving ahead full speed.”

Architect Robert Bell and his rejuvenation of the old Georgetown Theater were the subject of a Jan. 15, 2014, Georgetowner cover story.
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Georgetowner •

Club Monaco is on its way to coming back to Georgetown. Four years after the Ralph Lauren-owned retailer left town, Club Monaco will return to 3295 M St. NW, an address which once held Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, which closed Feb. 28 after 18 years. The building for decades held a bar, more or less for college kids, such as Rhino or Winston’s.

The two-level store is aiming to open by early 2016. The new Club Monaco will mark the brand’s return to greater Washington. The company used to have stores in Georgetown and at Pentagon City. Also arriving at the block will be Peet’s Coffee & Tea next door.

Kelly Byrnes •

Joined by law enforcement and other community officials, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the “Sale of Synthetic Drugs Emergency Amendment Act of 2015” into law July 10, in a proactive step to cleanse Washington, D.C., of synthetic marijuana.

The new law allows the Metropolitan Police Department to enforce harsh penalties on businesses found selling the substance and comes on the heels of a dangerous spike in overdoses and links to violent crimes around the city, most recently a fatal stabbing aboard a Metro train.

Authorities are now granted the right to issue businesses caught selling the drugs a $10,000 fine and to be shut down for 96 hours as a first offence. Repeat offenders will be fined $20,000 and shut down for 30 days followed by the revoking of their license.
“The District will not tolerate the selling of these drugs,” Bowser said upon signing the law. “This is very important legislation that will help get synthetic drugs off of shelves of D.C. retailers and off the streets.”

MPD Chief Cathy Lanier praised the efforts made by city government officials to pass the law and added that law enforcement will be vigilant in stopping the sale of synthetic drugs.

“This drug is dangerous not only to those who use it, but everyone around them. The risk is just too high for us not to be aggressive,” Lanier said.

Synthetic drugs are packaged under brand names like “K2,” “Scooby Snax,” ”Spice,” and “Bizzaro,” with dangerous side effects like suicidal or erratic behavior, seizures and even death. The illegal hallucinogens also render users to be aggressive and disorderly. 
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Kelly Byrnes •

The fourth annual Day of Archaeology Festival will dig up both fun and facts at Dumbarton House Saturday, July 18.

Presented by the local non-profit organization Archaeology in the Community, the free event will feature family-friendly activities like face painting, live music and crafts as well as mock-excavations of artifacts.

To bring the festivities to life, the D.C. Historic Preservation Office will be nearby at 3324 Dent Place NW, the site where the current Yarrow Mamout Archaeological Project is underway. The project aims to answer the question of whether the man it’s named for, a freed Muslim slave, is buried on the Georgetown property which he owned following his 1796 emancipation. Mamout is believed to have been born in West Africa in 1736 before being shipped to Annapolis, Md., where he lived as a slave for more than 40 years.

Information sessions will be held at the property throughout the day to teach visitors about the local history behind the site and give them a glimpse into the hands-on archaeological investigation taking place, in addition to volunteer opportunities to help with the dig. The project has been in talks since 2012 and is now closer than ever to discovering the truth behind the local legend.  

The Day of Archaeology Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.