Weekend Roundup

Georgetowner • April 21, 2014

DC International Film Festival 2014

April 17th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | filmfestdc@filmfestdc.org | Tel: 202-274-5782 | Event Website

The Washington, D.C., International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) returns to the nation’s capital for the last time April 17 to 27, 2014, celebrating nearly three decades of bringing award-winning movies to Washington, DC theater-goers.

Address

Opening night at Mazza Gallerie; 5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW

8th Annual DC Walk to End Lupus Now

April 19th, 2014 at 08:00 AM | bwachtel@lupusdmv.org

We will walk down Pennsylvania Ave, NW starting at 12th Street down to the capitol and back. It is approximately 1.5 miles total, but you can turn around at any point and not walk the entire distance. We walk rain or shine! No fees. Registration is required.

Address

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (between 13th and 12th St. NW) Washington, DC

“EGGS-TRAVAGANZA”

April 20th, 2014 at 10:00 AM

To celebrate the spirit of Easter, the award-winning Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown has organized a fun Easter city-wide egg hunt with various golden-colored eggs places around famous landmarks in the DC area. Each golden egg will contain prizes courtesy of Capella D.C.

Address

Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown will post a photo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter the three weekends, leading up to Easter that will provide the public with a hint of the location where the golden egg will be each day.

www.facebook.com/CapellaWashingtonDC.Georgetown

twitter.com/CapellaDC

instagram.com/capelladc

Hill Country Barbecue Market

April 20th, 2014 at 10:00 AM | Free

The Hill Country Easter Bunny will be on-hand throughout the day, and there will also be an Easter egg hunt, open to anyone who would like to participate. There will be eggs and treats–for grown-ups and kids alike–hidden around the restaurant, full of fun & FREE surprises. Hill country will feature its aptly-named Feed Yer Family special all day.

Address

410 7th Street NW

42nd bi-annual Messiah Sing-Along

April 20th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | FREE! | jrlewisoffice@aol.com | Tel: 703-527-8574 | Event Website

For 42 years, Dr. J. Reilly Lewis has provided a bi-annual community Messiah Sing-Along at Christmas and Easter. This is one of the longest running Messiah-Sings in the DC area. On April 20, 2014, Dr. Lewis will lead full orchestra, harpsichord, organ, guest soloists, and the audience in Parts Two and Three of Handel’s Messiah. There is no admission charge for the performance; however, a $20.00 donation is suggested. A reception will follow the evening’s events.

Address

606 N. Irving Street; Arlington, VA 22201

Architecture Week 2014

April 21st, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $10 | shawn@dcpr.com | Tel: 202.347.9403 | Event Website

Architecture Week 2014 — April 21 through May 1 An 11-day festival that spotlights DC’s architectural landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural institutions. Over 20 architecturally-themed building tours, walking tours, book signings, social events, and exhibitions of interest to adults, children, architects, and the public. For details and registration: aiadc.com/ArchitectureWeek

Address

AIA|DC 421 7TH STREET NW

Take an Om Break – Lunch Hour Yoga

April 22nd, 2014 at 12:30 PM | Free | Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | Event Website

Feed Yourself something different on Tuesdays. Join us for ongoing lunch hour yoga at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library. Lunch Hour Yoga will take place on Tuesdays beginning April 8th from 12:30 to 1:30. Our wonderful teachers come from different disciplines but are hoping to bring some health to your mind and body during a busy work week. Please bring your own mat. To RSVP for any or all sessions please email Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov
Yoga teachers are provided by Yoga Activist.

Address

3260 R Street NW

Wally Greeves • April 11, 2014

The last false start to the end of miserably wretched seasonal affectation disorders that have prohibited Washingtonians from golfing may finally be water under the bridge. While Mother Nature’s final green light to swap out the snow shovel for the sand wedge may mean the season is ready for you, are you ready for the season? Consideration of the age-old basics, a little cash, some good karma and a new tuna recipe may be just what you need to break into the seventies this season. So here we go:

Size matters and flash inspires. Have someone industry-knowledgeable confirm you are using the right clubs. It makes a difference. Buy a shiny new bag, sporty new shoes, some Pro V1’s with a picture of your dog on them and replace cadaver-ready golf gloves. Replace the nine iron you cleaned the gutters with, and ditch whatever you were hiding in your golf bag all winter in the garage.

Bust a move. Exercise will ensure a safe couch-to-course transition, and low poundage correlates to low golf scores. Walk, do push-ups, ride to work, do backyard tai chi in your underwear, but do something. Pre-golf movement will spike your moods and help with injury avoidance.

Want birdies, eat bird food. Stop eating poor bratwurst imitations and buffet tacos at the clubhouse. Go to the bulk food section at Whole Foods and design your own nut and berry mix for the season. Google spicy Asian tuna fish on the internet, and finally use that insulated pocket on your bag for something other than warm beer. Have wasabi-flavored almonds for a snack after the seventh hole.

“Wax on, wax off.” Seek out wise and enlightened counsel to design a three-lesson plan that smooths out some rough edges in your game and gives you some direction for practice time. The cost of a few lessons is probably a hundredth of what you spent on the game last season and will pay dividends.

Know a 97 from a 79. The rules of golf read like a 33-part real estate transaction between three generations of four non-NATO participating countries, but there are crib notes available almost everywhere, and you should read them and know them. You do not have to always play by them but you should know how to. When you do shoot a 70s game, it will mean something.

Home on the range, home on the course. You are what you do, so squeeze in meaningful range time. Sequentially practice shots that mirror your favorite golf holes, and spend equal amounts of time on the putting and chipping greens. Sometimes take only two clubs to the range. Putt for quarters. Have the humility and diligence to play a par three course to work on your short game, but make it a competition.

Carrier pigeons are obsolete. Embrace technology and computerize a list of all the people you know that play golf, complete with phone numbers and emails, then send it to every one of them. This says you are open for business. Pulling off the Tuesday afternoon ad-hoc game becomes an easy reality. Having a co-conspirator on the fly will diminish “helpful suggestions” from others about how you spend your valuable free time.
Get out of Dodge. Be a leader and plan a long golf weekend for later in the season. Do it now, get it on the books. Myrtle Beach, Kohler, Bandon Dunes and the U.K. are all a phone call away. A healthy, natural, competitive fear will force you to play enough to pass muster on the trip. Who cares how many people go? You will have fun. That one phone call may turn into your club’s annual event.

Pass it on, pay it forward. Introduce the game of golf to a young person by taking them out to play a round or to hit some at the range. Somebody did it for you. If the idea of footgolf (or any other multi-land use ideas for golf courses) nauseates you, than man up and teach the incoming generation to appreciate the status quo. This advice nugget can be the one on this list that doesn’t even necessarily have to involve golf. Spending an afternoon a week in an old folks’ home cheering people up will put your poor golf shots in perspective.

Crack a book. Read a golf classic by John Updike, Jack Nicklaus or Dr. Alister MacKenzie. If you have attention-span issues, then just replace whatever magazines are in your bathroom with the golf classics organized in “snippets of sense” fashion. Harvey Penick, Hogan and Bob Rotella books are all ideal for ADD golfers, and the haphazard lessons will find a way into your game.

Have a stake in the game. Throw a hundred bucks at a fantasy golf league. Pick one that doesn’t require a statistician’s background to play. This participation will prompt phone calls, emails and wisecracks about the game, making for pleasant white noise during the work week.

Man vs. himself. Go play by yourself once in a while. The same foursome all the time will eventually suffer from “cellmate mentality” issues. One-word jokes, out-of-date bathroom humor and obscure music and movie references might creep into your professional vernacular or domestic conversations. Fun people play golf. Go meet them.

Record outstanding occurrences. A golf diary or journal is not necessary, but if you hit an outstanding shot on a sunny day in a cool place, write it down. An encounter with someone memorable, a treeful of rare birds, mid-fairway solutions to a problem or the end of a midlife crisis may all surface during frequently scheduled four-hour activities – and are worthy of remembrance. Paragraph them on three by five cards, punch holes in them and keep a flip chart of noteworthy thoughts nearby to remind you of the little things that make life worthwhile.

I hope this year’s golfing season brings you much joy, and that the rocks, trees and greens conspire to send your balls bouncing in their intended directions. I hope you remember to tell your spouse and family about the wildlife you saw on the course and the interesting people you met (not just all about which irons went where). I hope to see you as you trudge the happy fairways of destiny. Most of all, I hope you play fast.

Georgetowner •

Fashion For Paws Online Fundraiser, “I will match your contribution! ”

April 3rd, 2014 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

Today begins a 2-day Challenge: Robin Waugh will match donations (up to $5,000) made over the course of the next two days. Fashion for Paws is a nationally acclaimed, one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Please help us make a difference in our community by sponsoring Robin Waugh in the Fashion for Paws® 8th Annual Runway Show. Please visit http://support.washhumane.org/goto/RobinWaugh, then click on either of the bright pink buttons to make a contribution.

Address

All over DC.

7th Annual Penn Quarter on the Block: Cocktail Party and Auction Benefiting StreetWise Partners

April 3rd, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $30 in advance; $40 at the door | savannah@streetwisepartners.org | Tel: 646-705-0028 | Event Website

StreetWise Partners is partnering with Weschler’s Auction House to host an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent and live auctions. 100 percent of the proceeds raised will support our signature Career Ventures program– a unique 3-month program that delivers high-impact 2:1 mentoring and professional development services to motivated low-income individuals in the DC area.

Address

Weschler’s Auction House; 909 E Street NW

JT3 Art Short Film Happy Hour

April 4th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $20-$35 | dtrigg614@gmail.com | Tel: 6098656451 | Event Website

Enjoy short films created by JT3 Art grant recipients, 1 complimentary glass of wine, and appetizers! We will also screen the top 6-second films submitted by young filmmakers ages 16-24 and guests will vote on their favorite. This event benefits the JT3 Art grant program, which provides unrestricted grants to aspiring filmmakers ages 18-34.

Address

City Club of Washington; 555 13th Street, NW

The Pimps of Joytime

April 4th, 2014 at 09:00 PM | $15 | info@gypsysallys.com | Tel: (202) 333 – 7700 | Event Website

Pimps of Joytime’s infectious “Janxta Funk” connects audiences with the funky side of Brooklyn live on the dance floor. Critics from NPR to BBC Radio have come to love their eclectic musicality, and the group is currently on tour with a brand new single and new album to be released later this year.

Address

3401 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

26th Annual Potomac River Clean-Up

April 5th, 2014 at 09:00 AM | volunteers@accokeek.org

This is a great volunteering opportunity for families, service-learning students, as well as Boy/Girl Scout and corporate groups. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; please wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for slippery and wet conditions. All volunteers should check in at the Visitor Center before being directed to a cleanup spot on-site.

Address

3400 Bryan Point; Accokeek, Maryland 20607

GNP’s “Scandal Tours”

April 5th, 2014 at 01:00 PM | $30 | Event Website

Gross National Product, the comedy group that created the “Scandal Tour” is celebrating its 26th year and pushes the satirical pedal to the metal with the latest Scandals, including but not limited to: Ready for Hillary, Secret Service counter assault team “blackout” incident in Amsterstam, Gov. Bob McDonald, Chris Christie and continues with the Obama, IRS, AP, and a special appearance of some “Putinmania” as we Crim-ea a river, as we roll out a new stop at the Russian Embassy.

Address

Old Post Office Pavillon; 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Contemplative Yoga in Nature

April 6th, 2014 at 09:30 AM | Suggested $20 cash donation (40% of the proceeds goes to Oatlands) | dtsumuki@aol.com | Tel: Aimee Eddington at 703-777-3174 | Event Website

Experience the restorative power of classic yoga in nature’s exquisite beauty!

Contemplative Yoga will focus on the essence of Yoga: the complete practice of the Eight-Fold Path in order that we may be more fully awake and engaged in our everyday lives.

Bring yoga mat, water, walking shoes and any props that are helpful to you.

Offered every first Sunday of the month at 9:30am

This specially designed, all accessible Contemplative Yoga practice will take place in the beautiful circa 1810 greenhouse at Oatlands in the winter months. In warm weather, the class is held in the breathtaking garden, or the historic Carriage House in case of rain.

Address

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane; Leesburg, VA 20175

Choral EvenSong

April 6th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | Free | Tel: 202-333-6677

Christ Church of Georgetown continues its Choral Evensong series with the music of Philip Radcliffe, Healey Willan, and Christoph Willibald von Gluck. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, this series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community.

Address

31st and O Streets, N.W

Constellation Dinner

April 7th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $ 175.00 | thegrillroom.dc@capellahotels.com | Tel: 202-617-2424 | Event Website](http://www.thegrillroomdc.com/)

The Constellation Dinner offers the opportunity to learn about the amazing world of astronomy as part of a continuing change of exclusive experiences & perks curated specially for Capella’s guests & Washington, D.C. locals. The evening includes a 3-course dinner & wine pairing in The Grill Room’s private dining room, complimentary use of superb telescope and equipment further enhancing the viewing experience, dessert, and hot beverages on the rooftop.

Address

The Grill Room at Capella Washington DC; 1050 31st Street NW

Gary Tischler • March 13, 2014

I woke up this morning from three nightmares: I dreamt the Russians had sort of invaded the Crimea, that another snow storm had stopped D.C. and the region in its tracks and that the 86th Academy Awards show was still going on.

Two out of three isn’t bad.

Still, even though “12 Years a Slave” had in the end defied the steamrolling “Gravity” by winning the Best Picture Award just before midnight (Eastern Time), which made this one of the longer Oscars shows in recent memory, it sure felt like there was a lot of Oscars after life going on. There was twitter buzz about every little thing. The selfie, twitted by hostess Elleen DeEllen DeGeneres, was priceless as was John Travolta’s big flub-up of introducing Broadway star Idina Menzel (singing “Let It Go” from “Frozen”) as “Adella Dazeem.” But here’s my question: how did we know this is the correct spelling of the fake name?

Menzel, who appeared here at the National Theatre back in September in the pre-Broadway run of “If/Then”, knocked the song—apparently a favorite among pre-adolescent girls who are big fans of “Frozen”—out of the park. You go, Adella. Not only that, but the song won Best Oscar honors.

The Oscars ceremonies, which go way back to the day when Bob Hope was still only middle-aged as host of the black-and-white show, always bring out contradictory feelings. You feel like Tevye watching it. On the one hand, the incense-like whiff of self-congratulation that always seems to engulf these things, on the other hand, those trips down memory lane, which resurrect the still lively corpse of old Hollywood. On the one hand, the acceptance speeches—those that are eloquent and generous, like that of Cate Blanchett, who praised every of her rivals for best actress. On the other hand, the acceptance speeches, like that of director Alfonso Cueron, who won for “Gravity” and failed to acknowledge the existence of other directors, a selfie in the flesh.

Watching the Oscars this year—as opposed to sitting through them last year when Seth McFarlane saw the boobies and Ann Hathaway Fantined the ceremonies—seemed a little weird. The ABC crew covering the red carpet fanfare prelim made you long for Billy Bush, which is saying something, although during the course of watching, I managed to find out that that fringy thing midway down the dresses of Jennifer Lawrence, Blanchett and Amy Adams was a called a peplum, a word that no doubt will haunt me in yet another nightmare, as in “May I ask if that is a peplum you’re wearing?” There’s something sweet and throaty in that word, it sounds like organic chocolate.

This was one of those nights when you gave in to the excesses—there are always excesses—of improbability because to fight it was to worry about Ukraine, the coming snow day, the sub-zero weather after that. Those things were playing in the background, to re-appear on the midnight news or the morning paper, if you could find it in the snowdrift.

So instead, all right, all right, Matthew McConaughey was sitting in the front row with his mother and wife, looking almost angelic in a white tux, practically glowing with expectation, the longish hair perfectly combed, like a schoolboy’s. You thought: “My God, what if he doesn’t win?” Not only that, but he gently shared the spotlight with Kim Novak, who at 81, still looked glamorous like the movie star of yore that she is and seemed perfectly happy to be there, as if inhaling a last gulp of tinsel.

We live during a time when such proceedings are being constantly blogged about, twitted and texted to a fare thee well, in real time, often by anonymous (or not) professional snarkers like Nikki Finke, a Hollywood outsider-insider, who probably wears a perfume called “Cutting Edge 24/7” with a slight dash of “Super Self Absorption.” Jimmy Kimmel, by the bye, skewered those hidden twitterers, then promptly, in true Hollywood fashion, promoted his show.

DeGeneres was playful throughout, wandering among the seats, being insulting, but not too much, changing into at least two tuxedoes, dressing up as Glinda the good witch from “The Wizard of Oz,” ordering out for three or four large pizzas, and distributing them (which probably ran up the clock), generally running the proceedings like a slightly naughty Miss Congeniality.

The cool and the hip in the media did not like the tribute to “The Wizard of Oz,” celebrating its 75th anniversary, with big-voiced mega-star Pink doing a tolerable version of “Over the Rainbow,” with Liza Minelli and the Lufts in the audience. It’s easy to trash this sort of thing. Yet I think you do so at your peril: I remember a young girl and her date watching it a Biograph screening some years ago at the end of which the girl asked her date what he thought. “I thought it kind of dragged,” he said, which prompted this classic reply and end of relationship: “Frank, I don’t think you’ve ever been happy a day in your effing life.” (Almost as good as “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” which was uttered in the same year as “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas any more.”)

But I digress. Here are some highlights:

Thor and Theron (Charlize) handing out an award. Wow. Think of the kids they might have.

Bette Midler, singing, emoting, acting, emotionalizing “Wind Beneath My Wings,” after the traditional recitation — “In Memoriam” — of the departed.

The presence of a true legend and stately gentleman, named Sidney Poitier, obviously frail, but strong of heart, being asked how things were different from when he won an Oscar for “Lilies of the Field.” “Well, for one thing, we didn’t have this,” he said, pointing to the carpet. “So many changes.” And Poitier again, being joined by the amazing grace of Angelina Jolie to present the award for best director. “Please keep doing what you’re doing,” he told the audience of film-makers.

If Jennifer Lawrence became Hollywood’s instant darling last year—and she still is darling—this year’s entry was Lupita Nyong’o, who won the Best Supporting Actress nod for “12 Years a Slave.” Eloquent, poised, beautiful and funny, the Kenya native stole the evening from almost everybody, except perhaps for the fact that her movie won the biggest award of all. She and the movie deserved it. The Oscars—like the snow storm—are finally over, even if the Russians have not left the Crimea.

[See photos below from the DIstrict Council’s Elizabeth Webster. As in previous years, Webster was in Los Angeles over the weekend to visit friends and colleagues and to promote film production jobs in Washington, D.C.] [gallery ids="101659,145066,145071,145075,145062,145080,145087,145084" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • March 3, 2014

Georgetown University Black Student Alliance presents: Battle of the Voices

February 28th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | Event Website

First Annual Washington D.C. Metropolitan Singing Competition. The Competition will feature the best performing vocalist from each participating university, Celebrity Judges & Audience Attendants (with both performance & Business experience) in the music industry, and Much More!

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Address

Gaston Hall; 37th and O St., NW

The Mellish at Mellow Mushroom Adams Morgan!!

February 28th, 2014 at 10:00 PM | $5 | themellishbooking@gmail.com | Tel: (202) 290-2778 | Event Website

This high-energy funk outfit, with its inebriating grooves and mesmerizing electric stage show, is guaranteed to deliver an incredibly wild show every time. Come join them at 10pm at Mellow Mushroom in Adams Morgan for a great night of high-energy music and delicious food and beer!

Address

2436 18th St NW

Open Kitchen’s Cork & Fork

February 28th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $55 | holly.camalier@openkitchen-dcmetro.com | Tel: 7039428148 | Event Website

Grab your friends and watch as our chefs wine and dine you during an interactive Chef’s demonstration of three small plates paired with a tasting of three wines. You’ll get recipes for the dishes served, plus tips and tricks from the Chef for easy entertaining, cooking techniques, wine education, and more!

Menu: Cheese & Wine; Caramelized Onion, Apple, and Cheddar Turnovers

Roasted Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Crostini

Savory Blue Cheese Shortbreads topped with Dates, Honey and Walnuts

Address

7115 Leesburg Pike #107; Falls Church, VA 22043

A Taste of Puglia

March 1st, 2014 at 05:30 PM | 90 | primipiatti@aol.com | Tel: 202-223-3600

An authentic Pugliese dinner, showcasing the tremendous tastes of Puglia, Italy. Many of the ingredients included in the dinner are shipped fresh from Ceglie Messapica, the gastronomic capital of Puglia.

Address

Primi Piatti; 2013 I Street NW

The Yellow Ticket

March 1st, 2014 at 02:30 PM | Tickets available on the website from late January | Tel: (202) 518-9400 | Event Website

Hollywood’s first European superstar Pola Negri was cast in an early social drama, The Yellow Ticket, a tale of a woman who must pose as a prostitute and conceal her Jewish background to pursue an education. Shot partly in occupied Warsaw at the end of the First World War, it was produced by the German UFA studio and released by Paramount. Footage includes rare views of Nalewki, Warsaw’s Jewish district later destroyed by the Nazis.

Address

National Gallery of Art; 401 Constitution Avenue NW

Kids in the Kitchen

March 1st, 2014 at 10:00 AM | FREE | jlwkitk@gmail.com | Event Website

A FREEhealthy living activity fair for kids 3-13!

In addition to having healthy cooking demonstrations with professional chefs, we’ll have fitness class instructors there teaching Zumba, yoga, and more. Think obstacle courses, face painting, and free healthy snacks – all in the name of nutritional literacy!

The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures van will also be conducting FREE dental screenings for kids up to age 12.

Address

YMCA National Capital; 1711 Rhode Island Ave NW

For A Woman

March 2nd, 2014 at 01:00 PM | Tickets available on the website from late January | Tel: (202) 518-9400 | Event Website

DC Premiere: In her mid-thirties, Anne knows practically nothing of her family’s past. After her mother’s death, Anne discovers old photos and letters that convince her to take a closer look at her parents’ past life.

Address

AFI Silver Theatre; 8633 Colesville Road; Silver Spring, MD

Family Concert: The Kennedy String Quartet

March 2nd, 2014 at 04:00 PM | Children Free – Adults: $30.00 each | sam@stjohnsgeorgetown.org | Tel: 202-338-1796 | Event Website

The Georgetown Concert Series, Family Concert
In this lively program for ages 4 and older, a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra engages the audience with musical contrasts, from the technical to the emotional. Enjoy hands-on fun with the musical instrument “petting zoo” which gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they see played on stage.

Address

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown; 3240 O St.NW

Snuggle with the Stars

March 2nd, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $ 25 General Admission $50 VIP | Tel: 202-393-4266 | Event Website

Everyone throws an Oscar party, but only DC Shorts throws an Oscar pajama party. From the red carpet to the final award, DC Shorts aims to recreate the experience of watching from the comfort of your own home – only this home has a 2-story HD screen and serves up delicious foods and fancy drinks.

Address

U.S. Navy Memorial’s Burke Theater; 701 Pennsylvania, NW

Poetry Out Loud – District of Columbia Finals

March 4th, 2014 at 06:30 PM | Event Website

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is pleased to host the 2014 Poetry Out Loud District finals on March 4th at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The competition starts at 6PM and will feature performances by local artists and arts organizations including Split this Rock’s DC Youth Slam Team, DJ RBI with Words, Beats and Life, and Regie Cabico, a local poet and spoken word artist.

Address

Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company; 641 D Street, NW

Jeff Malet • February 20, 2014

Thousands of animal lovers braved the cold weather and construction on the Metro Red Line to greet four-month-old giant panda cub Bao Bao for her first day on public display at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Jan. 18. The giant-panda house, which had been closed to the general public for six months, re-opened for extended hours for the three-day Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend to accommodate the expected 10,000 visitors. They would be allowed only 10 to 15 minutes at a time in front of the baby panda, but many would come back to wait in line for a second or a third look. Although members of the Friends of the National Zoo had already been given preview peeks, this Saturday marked the first time members of the general public would be allowed to view the 18-1/2 pound cub . (When fully grown, female giant pandas weigh in excess of 200 pounds.) Infant pandas sleep quite a bit, up to 20 hours a day, and visitors were warned not to expect too much action from Bao Bao. We were lucky to see the cub wide awake for some exercise with handler Nicole MacCorkle. Bao Bao’s mother, Mei Xiang, was enjoying a meal of bamboo in the adjoining enclosure. The amount of time that visitors will be able to see Bao Bao will vary, depending on how much time the panda spends in her private den. Zookeepers try to allow animals as much free will as possible. Our advice: make this your first stop on your visit to the zoo. If the panda is out of view or asleep, just come back a bit later in the day.

Bao Bao was born August 23, 2013. She was the first giant panda to survive birth at the zoo since 2005. Many watched the event on the Pandacam. Bao Bao, which means “precious” or “treasure,” was formally named 100 days later. More than 123,000 votes were cast on the cub’s new name on Smithsonian.com.

Giant pandas live in a few mountain ranges in central China, in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. They have been classified as endangered in the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species. There are an estimated 1,600 living in the wild and another 300 in zoos and breeding centers around the world, mostly in China. Their diet is almost exclusively bamboo.

View our photos from Bao Bao’s opening day by clicking on the photo icons below.
[gallery ids="101606,147048,147051,147057,147060,147065,147069,147073,147078,147082,147043,147039,147011,147089,147005,147014,147019,147024,147027,147031,147035,147087" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Georgetown Media Group Presents: A Cultural Leadership Breakfast and Book Signing

Jan. 27 at 8 a.m. | $45 | Richard@georgetowner.com | Tel: 202 338 4833 | Event Website](https://georgetowner.com/events/2014/jan/27/georgetown-media-group-presents-a-cultural-leaders/)

Join us for breakfast and a book signing featuring Neil Harris, author of “Capital Culture, J. Carter Brown,” at the historic George Town Club. From 8 to 10 a.m., enjoy breakfast and receive a copy of Capital Culture with each ticket purchase.

Address

The George Town Club, 1530 Wisconsin Ave., NW

Dave Wilson Quartet Returrns to Twins Jazz Club on Jan. 23

Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. | $12 | davewilsonjazzbooking@gmail.com | [Event Website](http://twinsjazz.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=details&id=734:dave-wilson&Itemid=18&page=1)

Pennsylvania-based saxophonist Dave Wilson offers high caliber, compelling music with top-notch, nationally and internationally known personnel known for exciting improvisations, creative compositions and unique arrangements of standards. A Dave Wilson concert is a high-energy, contemporary musical happening that impresses each audience.

Address

Twins Jazz Club, 1344 U St., NW.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show

January 25th, 2014 at 10:30 AM | $10 | brian@gustaferyellowgold.com | Tel: 703.255.1566 | [Event Website](https://jamminjava.com/events/gustafer-yellowgold)

“The show is a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” – The New York Times

Groovy Gustafer Yellowgold is a small, yellow, cone-headed fellow, who came to Earth from the Sun and has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations as he explores his new life in the Minnesota woods. Equal parts pop rock concert and animated storybook, Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a truly different multimedia experience that entrances children and adults alike.

Address

Jammin Java; 227 Maple Ave E; Vienna, VA 22180

The Jazz/Blues Project – The Washington Ballet

January 29th, 2014 at 07:30 PM | $35 – $125 | info@washingtonballet.org | Tel: 202.362.3606 x605 | [Event Website](http://www.washingtonballet.org/)

The iconic music of Etta James and Charlie “Bird” Parker and world-class dance come together in Trey McIntyre’s Blue Until June and Val Caniparoli’s Bird’s Nest. Along with the world premiere of PRISM by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, whose Sueno de Marmol had audiences and critics alike reaching for superlatives last spring and guest appearances by Helen Hayes Award Winner E.Faye Butler and the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, this program promises to be the most exhilarating dance event in town.

Address

The Harman Center, Sidney Harman Hall; 610 F St. NW

Blues Alley Presents: Diane Marino

January 29th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $20 | Tel: (202) 337-4141 | [Event Website](http://www.bluesalleylive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=78AF74DE-B4B4-AF0C-FBB40461C04BF98E)

When you combine an accomplished vocalist, an accomplished pianist, and accomplished arranger all in one individual, you have the dynamic Diane Marino.

Address

Blues Alley; 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Georgetowner • February 18, 2014

Neptune Fine Art: Valentine’s Day Auction Kick-off

February 14th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | Tel: 202-338-0353 | Event Website

Neptune Fine Art and Robert Brown Gallery are excited to host an exhibition and silent auction with a Valentine’s Day kick-off opening reception on Friday, February 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. This special event will feature over 40 prints, drawings and Chinese antiques with opening bids starting at $250.

Address

Neptune Fine Art 1662 33rd St. NW

Robert Brown Gallery 1662 33rd St. NW

Shear Madness

February 14th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $50.00 | info@shearmadness.com | Tel: 202.467.4600 | Event Website

Shear Madness, the wildly popular comedy whodunit, keeps the audience laughing as they try to outwit the suspects and catch the killer. New clues and up to the minute improvisation deliver a different show every night.
It’s a day like any other at the Shear Madness salon, when the lady upstairs gets knocked off. WHOdunit? Join the fun as the audience matches wits with the suspects to catch the killer at this wildly popular comedy whodunit.

Address

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

Presidents Day Beer Fest

February 14th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $40 ($50 at the door) | Jared.Lewis@thetasteofdc.org | Tel: 202-618-3663 | Event Website

Presidents Day weekend, Drink the District will celebrate, by recognizing the accomplishments of young professionals all over DC in a fun & festive environment.

Attendees will receive:

• An opportunity to mingle with other young professionals and leaders in a fun and festive environment.

• Unlimited tasting of over 50+ beers

• Unlimited full pours of 2 select beers (14oz)

• Experience some of DC’s best food trucks

Pre-sale tickets are $40 ($50 at the door)

Address

Dock 5 @ Union Market; 1309 5th St, SE;

Annual Stoplight Stupid Cupid Party

February 14th, 2014 at 10:00 PM | Tel: (202) 403-4343 | Event Website

Night Life Agency will be hosting its Annual Stupid Cupid “Traffic Light” Party at D.C.’s hottest new spot – Catch 15

Admission is free for the first 100 guests from 11 p.m. to midnight and includes a complimentary glow band to represent your status of single or taken. If you’re feeling really frisky, you may want to take advantage of the one-hour open bar from 10:00pm to 11:00pm, where single admission tickets will be $15 and couple admission tickets will be $20.

Address

Catch-15; 1518 K St NW

Valetine’s Pop-Up Dinner at Open Kitchen

February 14th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $60-95/person | holly.camalier@openkitchen-dcmetro.com | Tel: 703-942-8148 | Event Website

Bring your sweetheart to our Pop-Up dinner for Valentine’s Day. We are featuring a 4-course dinner for only $60/person or with a 4-course wine pairing for only $95/person.

Address

7115 Leesburg Pike #107; Falls Church, VA 22043

Vintage Valentine: An Evening with the Washingtons

February 15th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | $15-25 | info@tudorplace.org | Tel: 2029650400 | Event Website

Celebrate our country’s first presidential couple at Tudor Place, whose collections include the largest assemblage of Washington artifacts outside Mt. Vernon. For this special evening program only, George Washington’s 1775 letter to Martha Washington will be on display to the public. After touring, visitors enjoy some of the Washington’s favorite drinks, savories, and sweets in Tudor Place’s enchanting Conservatory.

21+ only please

Address

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden; 1644 31st St NW

SCUBA SOIREE

February 15th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | Free | heather@hautehausagency.com | Tel: (240) 292-9492 | Event Website

Join SPE Dive School as we celebrate our Web site re-launch and thank our past clients with this exclusive networking event! All attendees will get treated to free champagne and small bites from 7 – 7:30 p.m.! Get your chance to win a $150 gift certificate OR a brand new wet suit! Local health and sport bloggers, media, and divers (new and old) will all be in attendance–dive in to this event!

Address

The Huxley, 1730 M Street NW

Living the Dream…Singing the Dream

February 16th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | choralarts@choralarts.org | Tel: 202-244-3669 | Event Website

The Choral Arts Chorus and the WPAS Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel Choirs join together singing music that has given voice to humanitarian causes over the years. Experience this joyful celebration that energizes and uplifts audiences; lift your hands in praise, clap your hands, stomp your feet, and sing along.

Purchase tickets:

Choral Arts – 202.244.3669 | choralarts.org

Kennedy Center – 202.467.4600 | kennedy-center.org

Address

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; 2700 F Street NW

Georgetowner • February 10, 2014

Georgetown Arts 2014 Opening Reception

February 6th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | Free | latiscornia@gmail.com | Tel: 202-337-7313 | Event Website

GEORGETOWN ARTS 2014, the 5th annual art show of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, will showcase artwork by local Georgetown residents and artists who have studios in Georgetown. Media will include oil and watercolor paintings, prints, sculpture and photography. All art will be suitable for viewing by adults and families with children.

Address

House of Sweden; 2900 K Street NW

Tosin CD Release Party at Strathmore

February 7th, 2014 at 08:30 PM | $20 | tosinbeatsbooking@gmail.com | Tel: (301) 581-5100 | Event Website

This Nigerian-born vocalist, drummer, and composer has been making music in the D.C. area for 12 years, lending his musical gift to many artists including Spyro Gyra, Chopteeth, Julie Dexter, Femi Kuti and others. Now on his 4th album as a bandleader, he calls his musical style Afrikan Rhapsody – a mixture of different cross-cultural genres with deep African roots, including afrobeat, Yoruba Rhythms, jazz, and neosoul. Join Tosin as he performs songs from his latest musical effort, Life Begins.

Address

5301 Tuckerman Ln; North Bethesda, MD 20852

Play-Doh Cupcake Party @ Sprinkles

February 8th, 2014 at 10:00 AM | $10 | editor@dctots.com | Event Website

Please join us for a special “Play-Doh Party” at Sprinkles Cupcakes 2nd Floor Party Room on Saturday, February 8. The event is sponsored by the new Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool in Georgetown and will feature Play-Doh Cupcake kits for each child to use and take home as well as delicious mini cupcakes courtesy of Sprinkles. There will be two 45-minute sessions, one at 10am and one at 11am. Advance ticket purchase is required.

Address

3015 M Street, NW

Be My Valentine: Tour and Workshop for Children

February 8th, 2014 at 10:30 AM | $5-10 | info@tudorplace.org | Tel: 2029650400 | Event Website

Children tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day cards from years past. After the tour, children design their own Valentine cards to take home. Historic Valentine’s Day cards from the Tudor Place archive will serve as an inspiration for their creations.
Ages 5+

Address

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden; 1644 31st St NW

Rhino Bar to Host Philip Seymour Hoffman Retrospective

February 9th, 2014 at 11:00 AM | Free | Tel: 202-333-3150 | Event Website

Beginning 11 a.m., Sunday, Rhino Bar — at 33rd and M Streets, NW — will host a movie marathon showing films, featuring the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Address

Rhino Bar; 3295 M St NW

66th Annual “An Affair of the Heart” Luncheon and Fashion Show

February 10th, 2014 at 11:00 AM | $125.00 per person | Roxana.hoveyda@heart.org | Tel: 703-248-1745 | Event Website

The Women’s Board of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region presents the 66th Annual “An Affair of the Heart” Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit heart research and education. DC society will step out to this high-end event hosting over 1000 attendees. Bloomingdale’s will present the Fashion Show which will feature top designer collections along with exclusive pieces from the Spring 2014 collection.

Address

The Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW

Tel’Veh Wine vs. Beer Class & Tasting

February 10th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | 1 Tix for Wine vs. Beer Class & Tasting at $35 / 2 Tix for Wine vs. Beer Class & Tasting at $60 | info@telveh.com | Tel: (202) 758-2929 | Event Website

Hey, wine and beer lovers! This tasting class will introduce you to wine varietals and beer types you’re sure to enjoy. Gain a healthy exposure and better experience with various wines and beers. The class is great for beginners, connoisseurs, friends, date nights, colleagues and more — sign up at the link.

Address

401 Massachusetts Ave., NW