The Krewe of Pyros presents the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 2024 entertainment line-up is FIYAH featuring Carl Thomas, DJ Mannie Fresh, Be’la Dona Band and DJ Polo 504.
The Events DC Super Lounge will feature four-time GRAMMY nominated recording artist Raheem DeVaughn.
This event supports the Krewe of Pyros Foundation’s Pipeline Scholarship Program.
Formal attire required for entry: Tuxedo and Floor Length Gowns
This is a 3-day event and your ticket purchase includes:
- The Captain’s Welcome Party – Friday, January 26th at Throw Social
- The 8th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – Saturday, January 27th
- The President’s Thank You Party – Sunday, January 28th at Zebbie’s Garden
At the Ball you will enjoy an open bar, live entertainment, and a delicious three-course meal! NOTE: When purchasing your tickets, you will be required to select your choice of entrée. You will also have an opportunity to enter any food allergies. The Menu:
- Entrée Choice 1: Roasted Chicken and Shrimp, with Tomato Etouffee, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Winter Squash, and Baby CarrotsEntrée Choice 2: Braised Beef Short Rib, with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Collard Greens
- Entrée Choice 3: (Vegan) Chickpea Cake, with Warm Salad of Brussels, Broccoli, and Peas with Harissa and Mint Chutney
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has announced its 2024 family festival commemorating Lunar New Year, a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. The event takes place Feb. 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
This year’s Lunar New Year festival will celebrate the year of the dragon. It will consist of performances, talks, tours, hands-on activities and more. The full schedule is available online. The museum also offers many resources to learn about Lunar New Year on its website such as virtual tours of related collections, lesson plans and webinars.
About Lunar New Year
Commonly known as the Spring Festival in China, Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions. The Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is the highlight that kicks off the holiday, a feast with a spread of symbolic dishes, such as a whole fish representing abundance, that bring good luck and fortune. The 15th and final day of the holiday is the Lantern Festival, during which people have tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, and children carry lanterns around the neighborhood at night to mark the end of the celebration.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the year of the dragon. Different regions across Asia celebrate Lunar New Year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders do not observe the Chinese/lunar zodiac.
Hong Kong-inspired Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley is once again celebrating Lunar New Year (year of the Dragon) from February 9 through February 18. Tiger Fork will serve of a special a la carte menu of symbolic Cantonese dishes for both dine-in and takeout, each representing a specific virtue to bring good luck for the coming year. And during dinner service on two Saturdays, February 10 & 17, the festive restaurant will host traditional Lion Dancers, performing ceremonies to bring prosperity and good fortune in 2024.
In addition to most of Tiger Fork’s regular menu offerings, Executive Chef Simon Lam has created several dish specials, each designed to bring good luck in the New Year (traditional examples include dumplings symbolizing wealth, noodles for long life, and fish bringing surplus). Available either a la carte (ranging from $9-$35) or as a tasting menu for two ($136), dishes include:
Pork Dumplings (wealth)
Napa cabbage, edamame puree, herb oil
Jian Diu (togetherness)
fried glutinous rice sesame balls
Yu Sheng (prosperity)
noodles, seasonal vegetables, sea urchin, fish roe
Yu (abundance)
steamed whole fish, soy fish broth, aromatic herbs
Year of the Dragon (luck)
battered lobster, soy gravy, pan fried egg noodles
Throughout the celebration, dine-in guests will receive a traditional red envelope with their checks. During Lunar New Year, bright red envelopes are traditionally gifted to friends and family. Guests can fill them with money, gifted to symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.
And traditional Chinese lion dancers from Tai Yim Kung Fu will perform on several nights during dinner service (Sat. February 10 at 7:30pm, and Sat. February 17 at 5pm and 7pm) for guests in the dining room and just outside the restaurant in historic Blagden Alley — a customary ceremony which signifies prosperity, luck and good fortune.
Tiger Fork’s Lunar New Year specials will all be available for dine-in, and some for takeout/delivery.
WHEN: Food Specials: Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 18 (food specials)
Lion Dancing: Saturday, February 10 (7:30pm) and Saturday, February 17 (5pm, 7pm)
WHERE: Tiger Fork
922 N Street NW
Hong Kong-inspired Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley is once again celebrating Lunar New Year (year of the Dragon) from February 9 through February 18. Tiger Fork will serve of a special a la carte menu of symbolic Cantonese dishes for both dine-in and takeout, each representing a specific virtue to bring good luck for the coming year. And during dinner service on two Saturdays, February 10 & 17, the festive restaurant will host traditional Lion Dancers, performing ceremonies to bring prosperity and good fortune in 2024.
In addition to most of Tiger Fork’s regular menu offerings, Executive Chef Simon Lam has created several dish specials, each designed to bring good luck in the New Year (traditional examples include dumplings symbolizing wealth, noodles for long life, and fish bringing surplus). Available either a la carte (ranging from $9-$35) or as a tasting menu for two ($136), dishes include:
Pork Dumplings (wealth)
Napa cabbage, edamame puree, herb oil
Jian Diu (togetherness)
fried glutinous rice sesame balls
Yu Sheng (prosperity)
noodles, seasonal vegetables, sea urchin, fish roe
Yu (abundance)
steamed whole fish, soy fish broth, aromatic herbs
Year of the Dragon (luck)
battered lobster, soy gravy, pan fried egg noodles
Throughout the celebration, dine-in guests will receive a traditional red envelope with their checks. During Lunar New Year, bright red envelopes are traditionally gifted to friends and family. Guests can fill them with money, gifted to symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.
And traditional Chinese lion dancers from Tai Yim Kung Fu will perform on several nights during dinner service (Sat. February 10 at 7:30pm, and Sat. February 17 at 5pm and 7pm) for guests in the dining room and just outside the restaurant in historic Blagden Alley — a customary ceremony which signifies prosperity, luck and good fortune.
Tiger Fork’s Lunar New Year specials will all be available for dine-in, and some for takeout/delivery.
WHEN: Food Specials: Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 18 (food specials)
Lion Dancing: Saturday, February 10 (7:30pm) and Saturday, February 17 (5pm, 7pm)
WHERE: Tiger Fork
922 N Street NW
On Saturday, February 24, 2024, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic will host its annual Wish Ball at the elegantly restored Waldorf Astoria, Washington, D.C. This annual event, which attracts more than 650 guests each year, raises awareness & funds for life-changing wishes for local children in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland region who are battling critical illnesses. Founded in 1983, the Mid-Atlantic chapter has granted over 11,000 since its inception. Wish kids face any number of critical illnesses such as cancer, pediatric AIDS, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Duchene’s muscular dystrophy, kidney and heart disease. Every year, 450 local children are expected to receive a diagnosis that makes them eligible for a wish, and no child is turned away. For every wish granted, at least one more local child is waiting.
Join for a fun and inspirational night of great food and wine, entertainment by Lucy Black Gold, live & silent auctions, and inspirational wish stories. Tickets are priced at $500 per person with sponsorship packages ranging in price from $5,000 to $50,000. Tickets & sponsorship packages are available for purchase at About Wish Ball (wishballmidatlantic.org)
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 12 Midnight.
WHERE: The Waldorf Astoria, Washington, D.C. is located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Room reservations for Wish Ball attendees can be made here.
WHO: Co-Chairs for 2024 Wish Ball: Katherine & Benjamin Berman and Sophie & Stephen LaMontagne, Georgetown Cupcake and Laura Szlavin Niamien & Joel Niamien, Wish Parents, Szinc Consulting LLC | Walton Enterprises
Honoring Peter Shields & Ace Werner
The 8th Annual National Cannabis Festival returns to The Festival Grounds at RFK Campus on April 19 & 20 headlined by Wu-Tang Clan with Redman and Thundercat.
In addition to the concert, NCF ticket holders can explore sweet and savory eats, check out the epic Exhibitor Fair featuring more than 100 brands, enjoy demos, comedy, panel discussions, eating contests, and more in the Education Pavilions, visit sponsor activations and grab swag site-wide, all while checking out the talent rocking out the main stage on both days.
The 8th Annual National Cannabis Festival returns to The Festival Grounds at RFK Campus on April 19 & 20 headlined by Wu-Tang Clan with Redman and Thundercat.
In addition to the concert, NCF ticket holders can explore sweet and savory eats, check out the epic Exhibitor Fair featuring more than 100 brands, enjoy demos, comedy, panel discussions, eating contests, and more in the Education Pavilions, visit sponsor activations and grab swag site-wide, all while checking out the talent rocking out the main stage on both days.
You are invited for a special evening with David Baldacci, New York Times Best-Selling Author for a literary conversation on his new book, A Calamity of Souls, followed by a reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne, and book signing.
David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers.
His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television.
Along with his wife, David is also the cofounder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs in the United States.
David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law. David and his family live in Virginia.
(Books will be available for purchase and are not included in ticket price.)
Joseph de Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges — Sonata for Two Violins No. 1 in B flat Major
Felix Mendelssohn — Violin Concerto in E Minor Op.64
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” Op.73
The Artists
Violinist Leonid Sushansky, celebrated for his “gorgeous tone” and “passionate intensity” by The Washington Post and The New York Times, made his Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2005 and has performed globally with orchestras, and as a recitalist, and chamber musician. He has garnered acclaim for performances with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Chamber Orchestra.
Carlos César Rodríguez, hailed for his brilliance and versatility, is renowned as a virtuoso pianist excelling in Hispanic and Spanish repertoire as well as Mozart and romantic works. Rodríguez continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his exceptional performances and leadership in music education.
Najin Kim, Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Washington National Opera Orchestra/ Kennedy Center Opera House, previously served as Associate Concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Kim’s distinguished career includes performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center.
Hanbing Jia, Assistant Concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and section first violinist in both the National Philharmonic and the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, has performed extensively across the US, Europe, and China. Jia holds a Master of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.
Uri Wassertzug, a versatile violist, has performed globally with chamber music ensembles and as a guest artist, notably in New Zealand and Alaska. A member of the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, he frequently serves as Guest Principal Violist with the National Philharmonic.
Steven Honigberg is a member of the National Symphony Orchestra. He has showcased his talent in recitals in Washington DC, New York, and across the US. He has appeared as a soloist with esteemed orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.
