Dec
12
Wed
“We Choose to Go to the Moon” Performance @ Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Dec 12 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

WHAT:          “We Choose to Go to the Moon” performance

WHEN:          Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 15, 18

                        6:30–7:30 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

                        Eighth and G streets N.W.

 

WHO:             Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

The National Portrait Gallery will present “We Choose to Go to the Moon,” a performance by the museum’s resident Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s “One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey” exhibition, which notably displays a portrait of the Apollo 8 astronauts, the performance reflects on America’s idealism around the space race, the mystery of the cosmos and the fragility of life.

“We Choose to Go to the Moon” was created in collaboration with NASA and includes sound bites from leading scientists and astronauts in addition to selections of pop culture music including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” The title of the dance refers to a line from the 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy about the national effort to land a man on the moon. This work was recently performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Dec
13
Thu
Spiggle Professional Luncheon & Workshop Series  @ Carr Workplaces Rosslyn
Dec 13 @ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

What

Ready to leave the corporate grind to hang a shingle, but have no idea how? Have you been fired or laid off and want to negotiate a severance and use the money to open your own business? Come out to the Spiggle Professional Luncheon & Workshop Series where this month we’ll be talking about how to leave your corporate gig, voluntarily or not, and start the business that you’ve always dreamed of. 

Who

Speakers:

  • Tom Spiggle is founder of the Spiggle Law Firm where he focuses on workplace law, helping protect the rights of clients facing pregnancy and caregiver discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination in the workplace. In his practice, he also defends individuals subject to federal investigation and prosecution.

  • Michael W. Skerritt is a partner with Klewans & Skerritt, P.C. His main area of practice include business formation, business law and transactions for all types of businesses, including dental and medical practices. He focuses on the entire business life cycle, from formation to dissolution, and offers clients a business-like, goal-oriented approach to their matters.

Where

Carr Workplaces Rosslyn
Lincoln Boardroom
1001 19th Street North, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22209

When

Thursday, December 13
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Agenda

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Networking and lunch

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Tom Spiggle on negotiating a severance agreement

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Michael Skerritt on how to set up a business including a private practice and LLC

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Q&A and opportunity to talk one-on-one with the speakers

RSVP 
The event is free and open to the public, but limited seating is available. RSVP to reserve your spot by December 10.
https://www.spigglelaw.com/event/how-to-go-from-layoff-to-launching-your-own-business 

Dec
15
Sat
“We Choose to Go to the Moon” Performance @ Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Dec 15 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

WHAT:          “We Choose to Go to the Moon” performance

WHEN:          Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 15, 18

                        6:30–7:30 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

                        Eighth and G streets N.W.

 

WHO:             Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

The National Portrait Gallery will present “We Choose to Go to the Moon,” a performance by the museum’s resident Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s “One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey” exhibition, which notably displays a portrait of the Apollo 8 astronauts, the performance reflects on America’s idealism around the space race, the mystery of the cosmos and the fragility of life.

“We Choose to Go to the Moon” was created in collaboration with NASA and includes sound bites from leading scientists and astronauts in addition to selections of pop culture music including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” The title of the dance refers to a line from the 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy about the national effort to land a man on the moon. This work was recently performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Dec
18
Tue
“We Choose to Go to the Moon” Performance @ Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Dec 18 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

WHAT:          “We Choose to Go to the Moon” performance

WHEN:          Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 15, 18

                        6:30–7:30 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

                        Eighth and G streets N.W.

 

WHO:             Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

The National Portrait Gallery will present “We Choose to Go to the Moon,” a performance by the museum’s resident Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s “One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey” exhibition, which notably displays a portrait of the Apollo 8 astronauts, the performance reflects on America’s idealism around the space race, the mystery of the cosmos and the fragility of life.

“We Choose to Go to the Moon” was created in collaboration with NASA and includes sound bites from leading scientists and astronauts in addition to selections of pop culture music including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” The title of the dance refers to a line from the 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy about the national effort to land a man on the moon. This work was recently performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Dec
19
Wed
Mezcal Under the Mistletoe @ The Royal
Dec 19 @ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
The Royal is giving Washingtonians a reason to dig out their ugliest holiday sweaters and drink more mezcal this season. The LeDroit Park neighborhood spot is teaming up with El Silencio Mezcal for “Mezcal Under the Mistletoe” — a festive holiday cocktail and ugly sweater party complete creative mezcal cocktails from Bar Manager Jake Kenny, seasonal holiday eats from Chef Cable Smith, sensory mezcal tastings, an epic Ugly Sweater Contest with exciting boozy prizes, ‘under-the-mistletoe’ Polaroid photo ops, holiday gift bags, games, holiday movies and more, on Wednesday, December 19 from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30pm, when guests will be welcomed with a warming coconut + mezcal-spiked Toddy and bite of pork belly “pastrami” and the opportunity to be led through an educational, sensory El Silencio Mezcal tasting by brand representative Torrence Swain.
The evening continues with three mezcal-infused courses paired with three cocktails, a mezcal + coffee toast, plus holiday gift bags, mezcal tastings, live Polaroid photo ops, fun games (such as Rabbit “Hunting” where guests can wine prizes by spotting Silencio rabbits throughout the bar) and holiday movies on the projector.
Bites from Chef Cable Smith include:
  • Pork Belly Pastrami with citrus mezcal bbq + pickles
  • Grilled Shrimp Taco with mezcal morita chile salsa, avocado + lime
  • Mezcal Honey/Lime Grilled Partridge with grilled onion, brussels sprouts + pumpkin mole
  • Coffee/Mezcal Cured Short Rib with creamed yucca, ancho chile + pickles
Cocktails and beverages from bar manager Jake Kenny include:
  • Welcome Toddy: El Silencio Joven, Hine Cognac, coconut, pimento, lemon
  • Manzana Highball: El Silencio Espadin, apple cider, ginger, “Mango-stura” bitters
  • Alebrije’s Milk Punch: El Silencio Espadin, Leblon Cachaca, carrot, lemon, cane sugar, leche con yerba
  • Manifest Content: El Silencio Espadin, Joseph Magnus Bourbon, grilled figs, cane sugar, cigar bitters
  • Digestif Toast: El Silencio Joven + Counter Culture Coffee
Tickets for “Mezcal Under the Mistletoe” are $60 (inclusive of tax and gratuity) and can be purchased at www.mezcalunderthemistletoe.eventbrite.com. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.
WHO:        Royal
Bar Manager Jake Kenny
Chef Cable Smith
Mezcal El Silencio
WHEN:     Wednesday, December 19, 2018
             6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE:    Royal
501 Florida Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dec
21
Fri
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at National Wheel @ Capitol Wheel Flight Deck
Dec 21 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

What would Christmas be without the traditional Ugly Sweater Christmas Party! Join The Capital Wheel as they celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Friday, December 21 at The Flight Deck from 6-9 p.m. Guests who show off their ugliest Christmas sweater get their first drink compliments of Flight Deck, plus discounted Capital Wheel tickets and drink specials all evening.

Couples who ride The Capital Wheel in one of the lucky 12 gondolas with mistletoe hanging inside can snap a picture of themselves and post on social media to @CapitalWheel with #MistletoeMoment for the chance to win a VIP Date Night in the new year. Contest ends January 1, 2019.

Dec
24
Mon
MATZOBALL @ Decades
Dec 24 @ 10:00 PM – Dec 25 @ 2:00 AM

For those who are Jewish and single, there’s only one place they will want to be this December 24, 2018 – at the MATZOBALL powered by JSwipe. The event, which will be held in cities around the country, is in its 32nd year, and will be the bash that those looking to have fun and meet other singles will want to attend. It’s a party each year that thousands of people attend, with many of them finding themselves getting lucky in love. The event is sponsored by JSwipe, the #1 Jewish dating app around the world. From hooking up and having fun to finding their soul mate, MATZOBALL has been the catalyst that has helped many Jewish singles find each other.

“This is one of the most important events each year in the Jewish community if you are single,” explains Andrew Rudnick, from Mazel Events, LLC and founder of the MATZOBALL. “People know that they will not only have a great time, but there is a good chance it will be the place where a new relationship gets started. This event is literally the birthplace of many happy families, and we’re proud of that.”

Since the first MATZOBALL was held in 1987, there have been over 400,000 people attending the mega party. It’s a party that got its start when Rudnick convinced a bar owner to keep the place open for him and some friends one Christmas Eve. After meeting his future wife at that party and seeing the fun that everyone had, it became a tradition. The tradition stuck around, grew beyond what anyone would have thought possible, and has become a tradition in the Jewish singles community. However, it’s not all just Jewish who attend: MATZOBALL parties are the annual Christmas Eve party of the year! The majority of attendees are Jewish, though more and more, the flood gates have opened with singles of all backgrounds showing up.

This year, the MATZOBALL will be held in select cities on December 24, 2018, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Attendees must be 21 to attend.

“If you are at least 21, Jewish, and single, you will not want to miss attending a MATZOBALL party,” added Rudnick. “It’s the kind of event you will be talking about for years to come. You may even be telling your kids about how it’s where you and your spouse first met. It’s that significant. Get your tickets early, because they will sell out, and you don’t want to be left out.”

JSwipe, who is the title sponsor of the event, has over 1 million users. Their app, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices, makes it easy to swipe left or right on Jewish singles nearby. Those swiping will receive a match when both parties swipe right. Their site reports that they are responsible for thousands of love stories, engagements, and babies. JSwipe’s mission is to bring Jewish singles together and create meaningful relationships.

In addition to general admission tickets, many venues offer upgrades, including a fast pass to move you to the front of the admission line. Some parties are also offering group table packages, which include multiple tickets for admission, alcohol, VIP lines, and more. For complete city information, ticket options and pricing, to purchase tickets, or to join the VIP list, visit the website at: https://matzoball.org.

Dec
31
Mon
Fairmont’s Pop & Bop NYE Celebration @ Fairmont Washington, DC
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 PM – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 AM

Ring in the New Year at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s Pop & Bop celebration. On Monday, December 31st, from 8:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., the hotel’s stunning lobby will be buzzing with friends old and new. The outdoor courtyard will also be alluring with holiday lights, fire pits and heaters to keep partygoers toasty and warm.

Specially priced Thiénot champagne will be popped and available by the glass or bottle along with bubbly champagne cocktails. Fairmont’s signature cheese, charcuterie and seafood stations, including Chesapeake Bay oysters, is priced at $35 dollars with unlimited access.  The Lobby Bar’s à la carte menu will also be available.

Dancing and bopping begins at 9:00 p.m., as Dom Petrellese’s five-piece band returns with a vocalist performing disco, pop and R&B. A free champagne toast will pop at midnight and; party favors will be distributed to all – creating a popping and bopping New Year’s celebration.

There is no cover charge or minimum spend for Fairmont’s Pop & Bop New Year’s Eve celebration.  Reservations are required through Eventbrite at:   https://fairmontwashington.eventbrite.com

Jan
8
Tue
FGIDC Holiday Party @ Private Home
Jan 8 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Fashion Group International’s annual Holiday Party will be hosted at the home of Regional Director Kim Elleen Atkins

Jan
20
Sun
Step Afrika 25th Anniversary @ Music Center at Strathmore
Jan 20 @ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Step Afrika! launches its 25th anniversary at the Music Center at Strathmore with a retrospective of the Company’s best-loved works on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 5 p.m. The performance continues Strathmore’s rich collaboration with Step Afrika!, started in 2014, to celebrate step by showcasing some of the art form’s best Step Afrika! Step Xplosion 4_image by Jim Saah for web.jpgperformers annually on its hallmark Music Center stage. The performance includes selected works from Step Afrika!’s history, including Wade,Passing 25, and Nxt/Stp: Hip Hop. The wide range of work demonstrates the versatility of step, connecting it to hip hop, African American spirituals, and South African traditional and contemporary dance forms. Dem Raider Boyz Step Squad of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Prince George’s County will open the show; the troupe achieved national notoriety on NBC’s reality-competition show World of Dance in 2018. For more information call (301) 581-5100 or visitwww.strathmore.org.

Step Afrika! was founded in 1994 as the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. It now ranks as one of the top African American dance companies in the United States. The Company blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, African traditional dance, and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms. Performances traditionally integrate song, storytelling, humor, and audience participation.

In 2019, Step Afrika! will launch its first tour in Ukraine and will return to South Africa in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the historic election of President Nelson Mandela. Step Afrika! has performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, headlining their Presidential Black History Month Reception, and is also featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in the world’s first stepping interactive—a video installation where patrons can learn the basics of step straight from Step Afrika! instructors. They also brought a step showcase to New York’s famed theater district for the first time, with a three-week, sold-out engagement at the New Victory Theater.