Brubeck Bros. Quartet: a Tribute to Dad at the Hamilton
• June 17, 2013

When you see that the Brubeck Brothers Quartet is playing as a big part of the Jazz at the Hamilton Live series as the D.C. Jazz Festival nears its end Friday night, you don’t necessarily think of Dan Brubeck on drums, or Chris Brubeck on bass and trombone, or their compatriots Mike DeMicco on guitar and Chuck Lamb on piano.

You think about what they’re doing which is a concert called “A Tribute to Dave Brubeck,” and you think about that guy who isn’t there but surely is. That would be Chris and Dan’s father and dad, mentor and influence, Dave Brubeck, the jazz composer and player and one of the most original American musicians and jazz players ever in a field stuffed to full glory with originals.

“It’s about my dad, sure. It’s a tribute, sure, but it’s about all of us—our memories, the influence and the love, so yeah, there’s a lot going on,” said Chris Brubeck, something of an iconoclast and multitasker and multi-talented guy who can seamlessly float in and out of rock and roll, pop, jazz, and classical music in his composing and playing, and talking. He is also the man behind and in front of the group, Triple Play, which delves into rock and blues and some straight ahead jazz, as jazz people would have it.

In “Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play Live at Arthur Zankel Music Center with Joel Brown and Peter Madcat Ruth,” a concert album recorded in 2011, you can hear the son’s eclectic tastes and his roaring, soaring trombone on such songs as “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” “Rollin’ and Tumblin’,” a bluesy ripper by Hambone Willie Newburn or Chris’s “Mighty Mrs. Hippy” and Fat’s Waller’s “Black and Blue.” Wonders of wonders, though, you can hear dad, Dave Brubeck, making a guest appearance on “St. Louis Blues” and his trademark Paul Desmond number “Take Five,” so that you get a sense of father and son merging, not for the first time, but for the last time. It’s the last known recorded performance by Dave Brubeck, coincidentally.

Coincidentally, it’s also Father’s Day two days after the concert at the Hamilton. Brubeck senior was a lifetime achievement honoree at the D.C. Jazz Festival.

“You know almost all of us, all the sons, are or were in the business at one time or another, and we played with him many times over the years,” Chris Brubeck said. “We, and I know I did, learned a lot from him, and one of the things was to respect, enjoy and play all kinds of music.”

That’s very evident if you check out YouTube and find a kind of shared talk between Chris and his father on the occasion of collaborating on writing a symphonic composition on a PBS documentary on the great American photographer Ansel Adams. “Yeah, that’s something, isn’t, it?” Chris said. “I saw a lot of similarities between dad and Adams. They were American types, they grew up in somewhat the same kind of area, big mountains, big stretches of land. Dad was taking classical musical lessons when grandpa decided to be a rancher. So, dad instead was something of a cowboy, but he played on weekends in a band.”

This is not the place to go into a biography of the grand master that Dave Brubeck was. This is about a family, two families, the kind of life lived by Brubeck, which was not a life you could call typically a jazz life. The jazz legends lived large and lived dramatically— Bird, the Duke, Ella, Billie, Miles, Dizzy, Bud Powell and so on, lives lived on the edges of disaster. That wasn’t Brubeck. As much as he traveled and played, he was always a phone call, a thought, a voice or a possible distance away from his source and reason.

“There’s sometimes this idea that dad wasn’t, I don’t know, really jazz enough, that he was too intellectual or something which isn’t true at all,” Brubeck said. “He was a giant, but he lived his own life. He revered all these men and women—witness ‘The Duke,’ which he wrote and he loved playing with people. He was a collaborationist. He felt that classical music and jazz were all part of the same stream, that you could find things in both that led you to the other. I think I got that from him.”

The young Brubeck lived a bit of the rock-and-roll life in California. Chris had his own group(s). That’s still there, but he played and travelled with his father.

“It’s still hard to believe he’s not here,” he said. “I mean, it just happened last December. I was traveling. We didn’t know that he was in trouble. I heard about it, while I was away. Everybody, all of miss him not being here.”

Fathers and sons on a Friday night in Washington, jazz all around. For sure, you can hear it—that familiar lead in to “Take Five,” like musical hipsters sauntering down the streets. That’s when you will expect to see him and know that he’ll be there anyway. Old music legends may die, but their music never fades away—especially, when you have his two boys giving and playing a tribute to the old man.

Weekend Round Up June 13, 2013
•

6th Annual Truck Touch

June 15th, 2013 at 09:00 AM

The DC Department of Public Works host their 6th annual Truck Touch at RFK Stadium (Lot 7). Government agencies will demonstrate how vehicles operate to repair the city, then afterwards Mayor Gray’s summer kick-off event will take place on Lot 6. Good fun for all ages.

Address

RFK Stadium Festival Grouds; 2400 East Capitol Street SE

9th Annual 2013 Pink Ribbon Polo Classic

June 16th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | $20 in adavnce, $25 at the gate | Event Website

This year’s Pink Ribbon Polo Classic will be held on Sunday, June 16th with all proceeds supporting breast
cancer programs at the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and the Every Woman’s Life Screening
Program.

Address

King Family Vineyards; Crozet, Virginia

Concerts in the Park Father’s Day Reggae Fest

June 16th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | FREE | Event Website

Take part in the 11th annual Georgetown Concerts in the Park this 2013 season. The Father’s Day Concert is the second of three scheduled events. Treat Dad to an evening Reggae Fest in Volta Park.

Address

Volta Park Recreation Center and Pool; 1555 34th St NW

Stamp Stampede

June 18th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Event Website

Join Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s at Union Station West Porch as he gives away stamped dollar bills to promote an amendment to get corporate money out of politics. Anyone else can stamp their dollars and every stamp is a free Ben & Jerry’s cone. Every stamped bill reaches an average of 875 people.

Address

Union Station West Porch; 50 Massachusetts Ave NW

Miniature Masterworks – Small Works of Art

June 19th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | Free | art@liveanartfullife.com | Tel: 540-253-9797 | Event Website

June 19 – July 7, All Day Celebration Saturday June 22, Opening Reception 5 – 8 PM, “Miniature Masterworks” Small Works of Art. A celebration of small paintings, sculpture and artisan works! Miniature Masterworks brings you affordability and fun! Regional artists and artisans! Gem sized art for those nook and cranny spaces, with paintings limited to 108 square inches or less (think 9” X 12” max). Evening wine reception with Delaplane Cellars on June 22!

Address

Live An Artful Life Gallery; 6474 Main Street; The Plains, VA 20198

Social Safeway is the Greenest Grocer in Town
• June 12, 2013

The Georgetown Social Safeway is now Washington’s first LEED-certified grocery store, as announced last Friday, May 6, during a celebration marking the store’s first anniversary. When the store opened last year at 1855 Wisconsin Avenue NW, officials promised that not only would the store provide a friendlier shopping setting for customers, but it would also have a friendlier impact on the environment by virtue of being the Eastern Division’s greenest store to date. Now, that promise becomes reality.

The Georgetown store – one of 15 operated in the District by the company – will commemorate the opening with a week of activities and amusement that includes cooking demos by area chefs, wine and cheese tastings, and a Spring Floral Festival outside on the grounds. Friday’s official LEED Certification announcement will include city and community leaders, Safeway Eastern Division management and representatives from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Afterwards, events will include a moon bounce, along with costumed characters, sampling and more, leading into a bustling weekend of fun pursuits.

The 71,067-square-foot Georgetown store, which operates 24 hours a day, was designed to promote the character and historic nature of its upper Georgetown neighborhood, maintaining the open, inviting atmosphere that resulted in people dubbing it the “Social” Safeway. But going much further than that, the store was designed and built to be the first LEED-certified grocery store in the District, and Safeway’s second LEED-certified store nationwide (the other being located in Santa Cruz, CA).

LEED (which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across the most significant environmental metrics – energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Safeway has built and plans to maintain this store to LEED specifications.

Georgetown Observer, December 15, 2010
•

 

-C&O Canal News

In appreciation of his service as the C&O Canal Trust’s first Chairman of the Board of Directors, Roy Sewall was presented with a replica of the iconic National Park Service “flat hat.” Sewall, who recently completed his second term as chairman, is resigning, being replaced by David Cushwa of Hagerstown.

Sewall helped guide the Trust through its early formative years. Sewall helped guide the Trust through its early formative years. Says Matthew Logan, President of the Trust, “Roy provided a steady hand and a clear understanding of what it takes to build an organization that will be of service to the park for years to come. His contributions to our success have been immense.” Sewall remains on the Board of Directors and can be regularly found on the towpath with his ever-present camera.

It is also of note that the C&O Canal Trust is worth considering for any year-end donations, which goes to fund programs such as Canal Quarters and C&O Canal Pride Days. With growing calls to reduce the national debt, the C&O Canal National Historical Park is in particular need of the support of those who use the park. One can also become a Friend of the Canal by volunteering time and donating services to the canal. To make a tax-deductible donation or find out about volunteer and other opportunities, go to www.CanalTrust.org.

CAG Implements new Public Safety Initiative

The Citizens Association of Georgetown has implemented a new Public Safety Initiative that aims to greatly improve the security of the neighborhood. The initiative includes: extra police officers to patrol residential streets on the weekends (called a “reimbursable detail because we pay the police department for these officers); patrol cars with the CAG logo and flashing lights for the CAG private guards; special GPS-equipped telephones to enable better communication between the guards and the police and better tracking of guard performance; a reinvigorated block captain program; and strong advocacy with the Metropolitan Police Department and elected officials that resulted in more police resources earmarked for Georgetown.

CAG is urging the neighborhood to join other residents in supporting the initiative by making donations. All donors will receive a CAG Public Safety window sticker and special information about the program, including the guards’ cell phone numbers. Go to www.CAGtown.org for more information or to donate.

Metro Assault Leaves Passengers Questioning Protocol

TBD has reported that, on the night of Tuesday, December 7, an elderly man was assaulted by a group of rowdy teenagers on the metro. As the Red Line train came to a halt at the Union Station stop, one of the teens turned and threw a gallon jug of Arizona Iced Tea, from which he’d been sipping, into the older gentleman’s face. While the kids exited the train celebrating, onlookers attempted to help the victim, who was covered in tea and bleeding from his nose.

However, matters only became worse as the man’s fellow passengers attempted to use the train’s emergency call box to report the assault. Convinced that the passengers were pressing the button unnecessarily, the train operator warned them to quit fooling around.

At the next stop, an employee the passengers managed to flag down claimed there was nothing he could do. Only at the next station did the metro employees appear sympathetic, admitting that the train operator had handled the situation poorly.

According to an eyewitness report, Metro Transit Police officers were able to tend to the victim at the Takoma Park stop, the train itself not allowed to stop for any reason. Proper protocol dictates that train operators report the incident and await further instructions from MTP. Only, in this case, passengers were doubtful the train operator had followed procedure. Lending credence to this claim — a metro spokesman had no knowledge of the incident.

Vince Gray Attends “One City”

Mayor-elect Vince Gray attended Washington National Cathedral’s Sunday Forum on December 12. The forum took place at 10:10 a.m. in the Cathedral nave. Lasting approximately 50 minutes, the forum featured an interview with Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III and was followed by a Q&A for those in attendance, as well as an online audience. Lloyd and Gray tackled the topic of uniting D.C., in light of Gray’s recent electoral victory.

Washington National Cathedral’s Sunday Forum series explores the convergence of faith and public life and, this year in particular, has placed emphasis on civility in the realm of public discourse. December 12’s forum, “One City,” was free and open to the public. A webcast is available at www.nationalcathedral.org.

Georgetown Observer, November 16, 2011
•

The Final Bell? Zoning Hearing on G.U. Campus Plan, Nov. 17

The punch counter-punch continues between the university and the town, as groups prepare for the final zoning meeting Nov. 17 on Georgetown University’s 2010-2020 Campus Plan.

Agreeing with Georgetown and Burleith residents’ group, Georgetown’s advisory neighborhood commission last week fired a final volley against Georgetown University’s future development plans with its ANC 2E Supplemental Submission for the D.C. Zoning Commission (Z.C. Case No. 10-32), “G.U.’s Campus Plan, as Amended, Still Does Not Adequately Address the Objectionable Conditions in the Neighboring Community.”

The ANC began: “ANC 2E agrees with the comments submitted by the Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) and the Burleith Citizens Association (BCA) in response to G.U.’s rebuttal materials and new initiatives. The overwhelming objectionable impact of the university’s proposed plan on the neighboring community is that it would keep in place a very large number of off-campus transient student group houses and all the problems they bring. G.U.’s grudging, small-scale responses to community concerns throughout this case have been disappointing. . . . GU has come back with no commitment to additional on-campus or satellite housing beyond the token number of beds conditionally offered in its March 31 filing. Instead, G.U. offers essentially more of the same policies and practices that have failed for the past 20 years.”

The ANC also outlined the following in its 46-page submission: “G.U.’s Campus Plan, as amended, still does not adequately address the objectionable conditions in the neighboring community; G.U.’s rules for on-campus vs. off-campus partying encourage off-campus partying; G.U.’s campus density (students per acre) compares very unfavorably with its peer universities; the Zoning Commission is authorized to require the university to obtain prior approval before acquiring further real estate in zip code 20007; unremedied existing objectionable conditions are legitimate grounds for ordering relief in a campus plan case; providing university housing on campus or in a satellite location for G.U.’s undergraduates is the only remedy that will adequately mitigate G.U.’s objectionable impacts on the community . . .”

Citing an Oct. 23 editorial in the Washington Post that appeared to favor Georgetown’s efforts and most of its campus plan, the university’s president, John J. DeGioia, sent out an email letter to supporters:

“Georgetown’s campus plan offers modest, targeted growth opportunities that will meet our strategic needs for the next decade . . . Last week, the Washington Post editorial page wrote about our plan, recognizing the important economic contribution that Georgetown and other higher education institutions make to our city. As the largest private employer in Washington, Georgetown paid approximately $175 million in wages and salaries to D.C. employees last year and spent $86 million on the purchase of goods and services in the District. We are proud that 40 percent of our 9,800 employees are D.C. residents. . . .

“We’ve heard the concerns of our neighbors, and we have responded by investing in a number of successful initiatives. In August, we started a new M Street Shuttle, moving more than 9,300 students so far between campus and M Street on weekend nights. We have collected more than 120 tons of trash from neighborhood streets on new, twice-daily trash patrols. And we have increased our partnership with D.C. police, funding seven officers in the neighborhood on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to help keep our neighborhoods safe. The 2010-2020 campus plan and our investments in our surrounding neighborhoods will allow us to continue to attract and educate the very best students.”

The university is touting its website for the neighborhood: neighborhood.georgetown.edu. The site also debuted “Rocky’s Report,” a weekly public safety message from the Office of Public Safety for the Georgetown neighborhood. University spokesperson Stacy Kerr said it is posted by Georgetown Chief of Police Rocco Del Monaco to connect with residents. “Rocky will separate fact from fiction, set the record straight and give a report directly from the folks who are in the neighborhoods responding to concerns and proactively working to keep us safe,” she said.

The Zoning Commission hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m., One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street N.W.

Forum: Find Ways to Let Small Businesses Flourish

A wide-ranging forum at the City Tavern Club Nov. 9, put on by the Georgetown Business Association and the Georgetown Business Improvement District, was led by GBA’s Janine Schoonover who introduced the panelists and asked submitted questions of each: Karen Ohri, Georgetown Floorcoverings; At-large Councilman Vincent Orange; Michael Fitzgerald, Bank of Georgetown; lawyer Joel Bennett; Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans; Charles McGrath, MRP Realty, Washington Harbour; 2E Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Bill Starrels; and John Hays, owner of The Phoenix.

Among the highlights: advocating for small businesses and making government regulations and programs more responsive to small businesses. Orange stressed D.C.’s business development efforts, including the Streetscape Survival Fund. Ohri recalled how becoming a D.C. Certified Business Enterprise had saved her company, allowing it to compete against bigger businesses. Evans said that $120 million has been put into Georgetown over the past 10 years and reminded the audience of the exploding manhole covers in 2000. Everyone agreed how much progress has been made and how Georgetown is in fine shape. It was the issue of maintaining what works and making it better. McGrath echoed such sentiments as his company wants to take the Washington Harbour complex to a Class A level, he said. Hays, who said living and working in Georgetown “make it a wonderful place,” later suggested that Wisconsin Avenue be closed on Sunday once a month to be used as a pedestrian mall. (Hmm, nice idea, but sounds impractical what with bus routes and all.)

Other ideas touched on: better mentoring, planning and capitalization for businesses — along with studying other successful commercial corridors. At the end of the panel discussion, a few in the audience stood up to their opinions of business matters: Sharon Hays of the Phoenix touted the shops up Wisconsin Avenue, not just those on M Street; Sara Mohktari of Tari brought up the tension between preservation and development and obstacles for her businesses, adding that she “would not invest in Georgetown again.” One last Georgetown Park tenant, Rush Hour Printing, lamented the end of the shop’s lease and asked aloud how it might survive in Georgetown – underlining to all how the unneighborly and non-communicative Vornado Realty Trust, owner of Georgetown Park, would not understand such an open business forum, discussing issues only doors from its entrance on M Street.

D.C. to Receive $6M for Georgetown Library Fire

Stunned lunchtime on-lookers at Wisconsin Avenue and R Street who witnessed the April 30, 2007, fire of the Georgetown Public Library have been grateful for the library’s rebirth. They can now be pleased that the District will receive $6 million from that day’s construction contractor after a lawsuit settlement; nearly $18 million has been spent by the city to rebuild the library. A worker’s “mechanical heat device” accidentally started the blaze which began in the top floor, according to investigators, causing its cupola and roof to collapse.

The library’s unique historical items of Georgetown – the Peabody Collection – were saved by water from the fire hoses but needed to be frozen quickly to prevent mold and begin the restoration process. The Peabody Room has been restored but needs $125,000 to finish the job.

To help out, visit this Saturday’s Georgetown Library Book Sale, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – art and children’s books, DVDs as well as autographed and rare books. The Friends of the Georgetown Library are running the sales tables.

Evans Challenger Drops Out

“I made some mistakes in trying to wage a campaign, but I don’t consider it a mistake that I tried. After six weeks of intense effort, I decided I just wasn’t ready to mount the kind of campaign it would take to win,” said Fiona Greig, a Democratic candidate for the Ward 2 council seat long held by Jack Evans, as she dropped out of the race last week and also claimed intimidation from her opponents. The D.C. primary will be held April 3, 2012.

To read Greig’s official statement, go to Fiona2012.org/Statement
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Weekend Round Up June 6, 2013
• June 10, 2013

Alex’s Lemonade Stand

June 7th, 2013 at 11:00 AM

The Westin Georgetown will host its 3rd Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand as part of the National Lemonade Days weekend.

Lemonade Days is a three-day event held every June. Proceeds benefit childhood cancer research.

The stand will be at the corner of 24th and M St., NW, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address

2350 M St., NW

Friends of Volta Park Cocktail Party Fundraiser

June 7 at 7 p.m. | 125 | friends@voltapark.org | Tel: 202-258-4732 | Event Website

This annual event brings Georgetowners together to raise funds for the landscape and maintenance of Volta Park. FOVP is in partnership with DC Department of Parks and Recreation; together they maintain the beautful park. Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation Prep. $125 individual ticket; $200 for two, walk-ins welcome

Address

Georgetown Visitation Prep, 1524 35th St., NW

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy 6th Annual Affairs of State Gala & Fundraiser

June 7 at 8 p.m. | $69-80 | shelly.zhao@ypfp.org | Event Website

Kick-off summer with YPFP! This year’s event will feature music from DJ Neekola, a silent auction, casino room, open bar, complimentary cigar rolling and much more! For more information please visit: https://ypfp.org/event/6th-annual-affairs-state-gala-and-fundraiser-6.

Address

City Tavern Club, 3206 M St., NW

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F St., NW

Casbah Belly Dance Theater by Saffron Dance

June 8 at 5 p.m. | $30 – $35 | info@saffrondance.com | Tel: 703-2762355 | Event Website

Join Saffron Dance for its spring dance theatre production: Casbah. More than 90 dancers will perform a full spectrum of classical, modern, fusion, folkloric and tribal belly dance set in the elegance of the Gonda Theatre. Casbah will feature spectacular choreographies by Saffron’s Resident Dance Companies and performance companies as well as Saffron faculty soloists.

Two shows available: 5 p.m and 8 p.m.

$30 by June 2. $35 after June 2.

Address

Gonda Theater, Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center, 37th & O Streets, NW

Old Fashioned Picnic for IEF

June 8 at 2 p.m. | $70 per person, $150 for family | cbaerveldt@iefusa.org | Tel: 1-240-290-0263 ext 118 | Event Website

Kick off Summer with IEF for an Old Fashioned Picnic. Coming up Saturday, June 8, from 2 to 5 pm, the picnic will be held at the beautiful farm of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Pilkerton outside of Potomac, Maryland. Listen to the foot tapping music of King Street Bluegrass while enjoying hearty picnic fare. There will be hay rides and games for the children. Bring the whole family. Support the sight saving programs of the IEF with your reservation or sponsorship.

Address

Dr. and Mrs. A. Raymond Pilkerton, 15111 River Road, Potomac, Md.

For the Birds

June 9 at 1:30 p.m. | $10-15 | [Event Website] (http://www.nbm.org/)

Learn about reusing unwanted materials and making a difference in your neighborhood. Bring recyclable containers or use what the museum has collected to create unique objects.

GBA Yoga in the Park

June 12 at 06 p.m. | Free | info@­gtownbu­siness.­com | [Event Website](http://www.gtownbusiness.com/)

Every Wednesday through the month of June, join the Georgetown Business Association for Yoga in the Park at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Instruction provided by Down Dog Power Yoga teachers. Serendipity3 will be giving out complimentary Frrrozen Hot Chocolate drink cards to attendees.

Address

Georgetown Waterfront Park, 3100 K St., NW

Weekend Round Up May 30, 2013
• June 6, 2013

20th Annual Taste of Georgetown

June 1st, 2013 at 11:00 AM | $5: One Tasting Ticket $20: Five Tasting Tickets | Event Website

The 20th Annual Taste of Georgetown showcases the spectacular cuisine of over thirty of Washington, D.C.’s finest restaurants, highlighting Georgetown’s culinary personalities and featuring nearly sixty delectable dishes to sample. The Taste of Georgetown has become the premier food and wine festival of D.C. and benefits Georgetown Ministry Center’s (GMC) services supporting the homeless.

Address

Georgetown; Wisconsin & M ST NW

8DC Restaurants Hate Cancer

June 1st, 2013 at 03:00 PM | $20 | littleowe@gmail.com | Tel: 202-253-3838 | Event Website

Amazing food and beverage specials at the restaurants listed below. Event starts at the Greenbrier Upper Lobby where you will receive a bracelet.

Participating Restaurants:

Bobby Van’s, 809 15th St NW; BLT Steak, 1625 I St NW; Blackfinn, 1620 I St NW; The Woodward Table, 1426 H St NW; P.J. Clarke’s, 1600 K St NW

All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which funds research for a cure for blood cancers and new cancer medications, patient services and financial assistance.

Address

Greenbrier Upper Lobby; 1427 H Street NW

20th Annual Stonewall Regatta – Crew Race on Anacostia River

June 2nd, 2013 at 08:30 AM | 0 | nniehammel@gmail.com | Tel: 202 544 0914 | Event Website

Join us for the 20th Annual Stonewall Regatta and watch teams from across the globe battle it out on “DC’s other’ river”, the Anacostia.

What’s not to love? Fast paced races, cheering crowds, food trucks, music, and sunshine! The event is free to all (no admission).

Interested in helping out at the event? We love volunteers! Email volunteers@stonewallregatta.org

Address

1900 M St SE, Washington DC 20003

Join us at the boathouse, where you get the best view of the finish line and the pre- and post-race action (along with concessions and restrooms). To get a full few of the complete race, we recommend the Anacostia Trail pedestrian bridge or across the river at Anacostia Park.

ANC 2E monthly meeting

June 3rd, 2013 at 06:30 PM

6:30pm — at Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place, main building, Heritage Room, second floor.

Address

Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place, main building, Heritage Room, second floor.

GBA Presents: Yoga In Park

June 5th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | FREE | Tel: 202 640 1279 | Event Website

Free yoga every Wednesday in June at 6PM at The Waterfront Park in Georgetown. Classes will take place (weather permitting) on June 6th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.

There will be giveaways at each class for dining, spas and yoga.

Address

Waterfront in Georgetown (in front of Georgetown Floor Coverings, 3233 K ST NW)

Weekend Round Up May 23, 2013
• May 28, 2013

Potomac River Waterfowl Show Dinner and Reception

May 24th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | $50 | gretchen@cfsomd.com | Tel: 301-885-0108 | Event Website

All exhibits open at 6 p.m.; Mingle with acclaimed artists from the region as they show off their fine art photography, wildfowl carvings, hand carved decoys, oil paintings, beach glass jewelry, reclaimed birdhouses, miscellaneous wood carvings, sculptures, antique and collectible decoys, driftwood sculptures and more. Bring your decoys in from home and get free decoy appraisals and identifications. See antique display of decoys, water fowling artifacts, and more.

Address

St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds; 42455 Fairgrounds Rd; Leonardtown, MD 20650

Rolling Thunder, Veteran Author Readings and Wreath-Layings

May 25th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | Event Website

Rolling Thunder Rolls onto Pennsylvania Avenue! Rolling Thunder National’s commemorative wreath-laying with guest speaker Active Duty Marine Captain Martha McPhee. The Pickering (Ohio) High School Band will perform before and after the ceremony. Monday, May 27- 10:00 a.m. Fleet Reserve Association wreath-laying. 1:00 p.m. Naval District Washington wreath-laying with US Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard with guest speaker Rear Admiral (Ret.) Deborah Loewer. 2:00 p.m.

Address

United States Navy Memorial- Naval Heritage Center; 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Celebrate Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia

May 25th, 2013 at 04:00 PM | In advance, $20 for adults, $10 for ages 13-18, free for children ages 12 and under. | Event Website](http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/343837)

Kyrgyz Children’s Future is pleased to announce this fundraising event on Memorial Day Weekend.

This will include:

Dancers from the Silk Road Dance Company

Kyrgyz musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz instruments

Kyrgyz fashion designer showing her unique collection (invited — not confirmed)

A slideshow to showcase the beauty, history, and life in Kyrgyzstan

Light refreshments prepared by visiting Kyrgyz chef

Address

Saint Mark’s Presbyterian Church; 10701 Old Georgetown Road; North Bethesda, MD, 20852

Washington Sound Museum at BloomBars

May 25th, 2013 at 07:00 PM | Tel: 202-567-7713 | Event Website](http://www.bloombars.com/)

Washington Sound Museum is a cross-cultural collaborative music experience, a monthly intimate celebration of music and beverage, in partnership with Christlez Bacon & BloomBars. The purpose of the event is to introduce audiences to a variety of musical genres while bringing them together each month through collaboration. At 7pm, prior to the performance, patrons can enjoy a tea reception on the upper level of Bloombars.

Address

BloomBars; 3222 11th Street NW

Memorial Day Concert

May 26th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | $20, under 18 admitted free | musicinmlean@gmail.com | Tel: 202 244 7191 | [Event Website](http://www.nationalmenschorus.org/)

Memorial Day weekend provides the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces. The National Men’s Chorus, founded in 1999, will be led by Artistic Director Thomas Beveridge in a rousing program of patriotic music in honor of those who have served.

Address

Saint Luke Catholic Church; 7001 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101

Right Time, Right Place for Memorial Day Reflections
•

I went to the National Memorial Parade and got there a little late. So, I missed a few things.

I missed seeing Redskins quarterback and super-celebrity Robert Griffin III, who was honorary grand marshal of the parade and thrilled his fans. One woman said Griffin was the reason she came to the parade. I didn’t see parade grand marshal J.R. Martinez, the motivational speaker and Iraq veteran who was wounded there. I missed television star of “CSI: New York” and movie star of Lieutenant Dan fame in “Forrest Gump” Gary Sinise. I didn’t get to hear former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks belt out one tune.

But I did get to see George Washington, hailing a cab outside the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Who wouldn’t pick him up? A man walking behind me said: “You don’t see that every day.”

Griffin and Lieutenant Dan and Hicks and all those guys got big cheers on Memorial Day. But on Memorial Day, people remember. The people gathered in different places in the city over the long weekend, signaling the beginning of summer, and didn’t forget why, what and who they remembered. They cheered the loudest for the guys driving jeeps from World War II, or waving white-haired and sunny on a cloudy day, the real veterans, and those marching them, the women dressed like red-lipsticked nurses, or the Nam vets hanging from Hueys, and the men and kids dressed up in the red and blues of the Revolutionary War or carrying the banners that identified the next group from just about every engagement, battle or wars fought by members of our armed services. Operation Desert Storm, armed forces in Lebanon, the Civil War, the Korean War, Iraq and Afghanistan and children and youngster came marching at the end of Constitution Avenue bearing giant photographs of soldiers from the wars, fighting or fallen.

Up and down the avenue, you saw visitors, and locals, people from the surrounding conclaves of Maryland and Virginia, tourists from oversees, young parents with their baby-carrying carriages, the hot dogs, the dads, the kids on top of shoulders and the little dark-haired girl waving a flag at every group and everybody from the sidelines.

They heard all the anthems, the John Philip Sousa songs, the over-theres—and those caissons keep rolling our eyes have seen the glory—off we go into the wild blue yonder—from the halls of Montezuma—anchors aweigh—and heard the cadence of the three striper marching alongside the company of men marching to a different tune: “your left, your left, your right, your left”.

People will tell you that the marines, the army guys, the sailors, the flyers, the artillerymen, the slogging infantry, the musket holders and cavalry men fought for this thing and that thing and that cause and that reason, for freedom and liberty and the union, and that this would never happen again and always would. This is true, but other things are, too. I’ve never fired a shot in anger although I’ve worn the uniform for three years. A British poet thought he had it summed up: “Theirs [is] not to reason why, theirs [is] but to do or die.”

Maybe. I think they fought and died for country which means among many things all those people gathered on the avenue cheering them as they, or facsimiles thereof, marched by beaming among the flags, the heavy armored vehicle tires, the martial sounds and looked at pretty faces and beautiful faces of families. Wars are about neighborhoods and towns as much as reasons—or, rather, they’re the reason. They fought next to each other, for unit and home and country as well as what they believed in and dreamed about.

What I saw was a guy from Lebanon—isn’t that in Ohio, somebody asked and it is, but not that one—who raised his sons here in Maryland but still had family in that country whose capital Beirut was once called the Paris of the Middle East, and which is squarely within sounds of guns and rockets flying overhead or next door. I saw a man with a flag in his hat, and couples clutching each other, watching the marchers intently.

They cheered the bands from everywhere here and out there, the tubas shining without sunlight, the cheerleaders and twirlers, the baton throwers and drummers and the boys in the big hats from places American: kids from Beaverton, Oregon; Hillsborough, North Carolina; Schenectady, New York; Bayonne, New Jersey; Cache, Oklahoma; Ford Wayne, Indiana; Farmington, Missouri; Huntsville, Alabama; and Hope, Arkansas, where Bill Clinton grew up more or less.

They commemorated the 70th anniversary of World War II, the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Tattooed riders with white beards roared by, rolling thunderously.

A high school kid heard a high school band tune up to “Louie, Louie” and asked if that was an army song. I said, “Nope, that was a high school song. A rock and roll song.”

I didn’t see J.R., Gary, RG III or Taylor.

But resting at the World War II Memorial, I saw a man in a black jacket walking lightly with a cane, his white hair visible from a distance. I met Herman Zeitchik, the 89-year-old Army veteran who had landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and went all the way up France and Luxembourg and Belgium in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany and came out the other side at the end of World War II.

He told stories: “I was in Patton’s army, artillery, and I was at the Bulge in the Huertgen Forest.” Somebody talked about the German 88s, a fearsome artillery that bludgeoned American GIs. “Don’t mention that number to me,” he said. He was clear eyed. “I’m Jewish, but we couldn’t be identified as such, in case we got captured by our dog tags.” He showed us his dog tags. Zeitchik helped to liberate a concentration camp at the end. He recently was at the Holocaust Commemoration at the Holocaust Museum. He was awarded the Chevalier French Legion of Honor. “In France, and in Belgium and Luxembourg, they just treated us like kings and heroes.” He described General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the son of the American president, marching visibly on the beach at Utah. “People thought he would get killed,” he said. Roosevelt died of a heart attack, later in the war.

He wore his medals, his rifleman badge, his hat, he looked not like a survivor but like someone who had done honorable service in the greatest of all the wars. Now, he was telling stories and answering questions and shaking hands with another army man who had served in Cairo during the war.

They were making memories on Memorial Day, all the things worth remembering and keeping alive and passing on. Beyond “Louie, Louie.” We gotta go.

Weekend Round Up May 16, 2013
• May 23, 2013

Capital Collections Estate Auction

May 17th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Free | info@weschlers.com | Tel: 202-628-1281 | Event Website

Capital Collections Estate Auctions are held approximately six times a year and combine American & European furniture & decorations, Asian works of art, jewelry, coins & watches, paintings, prints, drawings & sculpture and 20th century decorative arts. The auctions are held on Fridays and are available for exhibit the Saturday prior to the sale through Thursday.

An illustrated catalogue accompanies each sale and is available for purchase and online viewing at www.weschlers.com

Address

909 E Street NW

Concert for Life

May 17th, 2013 at 08:00 PM | $25.00 | carderdp@aol.com | Tel: 703-915-1889 | Event Website](http://www.concertforlife.org/)

The 20th Concert for Life AIDS benefit will be held at 8:00 PM on Friday, May 17, at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. This year’s theme will be “Looking Back, Living Forward.”

100% of the proceeds from this all-volunteer, non-sectarian concert will go to beneficiary organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.concertforlife.org – Concert $25, Concert/Reception $75.

Address

Foundry United Methodist Church; 1500 16th Street NW

DC Shorts Laughs – Short Comedy Films and Stand-Up Comedy All in One Night

May 17th, 2013 at 07:00 PM | $15-$25 | lgross@scottcircle.com | Tel: 202-393-4266 | [Event Website](http://laughs.dcshorts.com/)

Summer is so close – so get ready for the giddy times ahead with some of the DC Short’s favorite comedy films – and live performances by the area’s top stand-up comedians from the famed Funniest Feds competition.

Address

U.S. Navy Memorial Heritage Center – Burke Theater, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; Washington, DC 20001

Coldwell Banker & Operation Paws for Homes to Host a Pet Adoption Event

May 18th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | mnute@cbmove.com | Tel: 202-333-6100 | [Event Website](http://w.ophrescue.com/#ld)

OPH anticipates bringing a wide variety of dog breeds and ages… even puppies. Visit OPH’s “Adoptable Dogs” section on their website www.ophrescue.org . During our last three events a total of over 35 dogs were placed in their forever homes. With your help we can make this event even more successful.
We hope that you will come to our meet and greet with the pets and visit with volunteers from Operation Paws for Homes and a group of Coldwell Banker’s very own pet friendly agents.
Address

Georgetown Washington Harbour, 3000 K Street, NW, Suite 101

Music on the Lawn – Whitsunday

May 19th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Free | office@gracedc.org | Tel: 202-333-7100 | Event Website](http://gracedc.org/news/upcoming.php)

Local musicians Herman Burney and Marshall Keys will be entertaining us with their bluesy jazz! Please join us and feel free to bring a picnic lunch. We’ll also have cake and festive drinks to help celebrate Whitsunday, which is considered to the birthday of the church.

Address

Grace Episcopal Church, Georgetown; 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Seven Hills Wine Dinner at Blue Duck Tavern

May 20th, 2013 at 07:30 PM | $145, plus tax & gratuity | marvina.williams@hyatt.com | Tel: 2024196755 | Event Website](http://www.blueducktavern.com/gallery/blueduck/index.html?icamp=blueducktavernredirect)

Join Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault & Chef de Cuisine John Melfi for an intimate, four-course dinner with Erik McLaughlin of Seven Hills Winery, one of the pioneering wineries in Washington State.

Wines to be poured include:

Seven Hills Riesling

Seven Hills Merlot

Seven Hills Cabernet

Plus, two single-varietal library selections

Address

Blue Duck Tavern; 1201 24th Street NW