Nov
5
Sun
National Philharmonic: Universal Longings | Anhelos Universales @ The Music Center at Strathmore
Nov 5 @ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore

Universal Longings | Anhelos Universales
Eugene Rogers, conductor

In partnership with The Washington Chorus

Scott Piper, tenor

Juantomás Martínez Yépez, baritone

 

National Philharmonic and The Washington Chorus join forces for a concert of universal proportions conducted by TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, including the Washington-area premiere of composer James Lee III’s Breaths of Universal Longings. “He’s a composer who has what it takes,” says the Baltimore Sun, and his works have been commissioned, premiered, and performed by prominent symphonies throughout the country.

 

Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez’s Cantata Criolla retells the legend of Faust’s deal with the Devil, set to text from the mythic poem Florentino y El Diablo by Alberto Avelo Torrealbas. As Florentino battles for his soul in a singing contest against El Diablo, his story evolves through the rich textures of Estévez’s music. Spoiler alert: our hero prevails.

 

Program:

James Lee III, Breaths of Universal Longings

Antonio Estévez, Cantata Criolla

Nov
24
Fri
The Outrun Gravity Games @ Boro Park
Nov 24 @ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

The Outrun Gravity Games are coming to The Boro on Black Friday, the perfect chance to work off the Thanksgiving feast with friends and family, and much more fun than a Turkey Trot!

The OG Coaches will lead teams through a series of challenges testing your knowledge, teamwork, balance and coordination skills.

No need to worry about forming a team beforehand – Outrun Gravity will handle all of the logistics. The challenges are inclusive and welcoming for participants of all levels; just bring a water bottle and get ready for 90 minutes of fun, camaraderie and friendly competition!

WHEN: Friday, November 24th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Boro Park (8350 Broad Street, Tysons, VA 22102)

Dec
16
Sat
NatPhil Annual Messiah Performance @ The Music Center at Strathmore
Dec 16 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents its annual Messiah performances, conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski for the first time at Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The holiday program features four outstanding singers—soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams—and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, all of whom are returning to share the stage with the NatPhil Orchestra. Continuing a tradition established last year, a portion of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will be donated to the 2nd Century Project to aid in the restoration of the neighboring Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.

NatPhil’s Messiah takes place on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore and on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.

While Messiah has been a holiday tradition at NatPhil for many seasons, this year’s performances are being reimagined by Maestro Gajewski. The novel rendering envisioned by him will include simple staging in which the soloists move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell stories contained within the oratorio.

NatPhil’s Messiah performances will again feature educational and community engagement activities. The Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry return to perform pre-concert sets on December 16 and 17. These sets are free to enjoy and will begin one hour prior to the Messiah performances in Strathmore’s lobby area. Also in the lobby, patrons will find a learning table with resources from the Library of Congress to continue discussions and reflection around Handel’s link to the slave economy.

In the spirit of the season, NatPhil is committed to using the success of this program to give back. As such, the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland will receive a portion of the proceeds from the two performances at Strathmore. The historic church, which has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, was nearly destroyed by a flood in 2019 and victim of a burglary in 2022. Several partners in Montgomery County, including NatPhil, are supporting ongoing efforts to repair and safeguard the building.

 

Full Concert Details:

 

Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore

Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall

Handel’s Messiah

Piotr Gajewski, conductor

            with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society

Aundi Marie Moore, soprano

Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano

Norman Shankle, tenor

Jorell Williams, baritone

National Philharmonic presents a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering of Handel’s Messiah, reimagined by Maestro Piotr Gajewski to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.

This season, NatPhil reenvisions Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski, who takes over conducting duties for this annual NatPhil presentation. The four outstanding soloists will move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell the story of the Messiah. 

NatPhil acknowledges the recent discovery of Handel’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is dedicated to continuing the conversation around the performance of his works. A portion of ticket sales revenue will be dedicated to benefiting African American charities in our community.

Program:

George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (with intermission)

 

Ticket Information

Tickets ($19–$109) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.

Dec
17
Sun
NatPhil Annual Messiah Performance @ Music Center at Strathmore
Dec 17 @ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents its annual Messiah performances, conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski for the first time at Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The holiday program features four outstanding singers—soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams—and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, all of whom are returning to share the stage with the NatPhil Orchestra. Continuing a tradition established last year, a portion of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will be donated to the 2nd Century Project to aid in the restoration of the neighboring Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.

NatPhil’s Messiah takes place on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore and on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.

While Messiah has been a holiday tradition at NatPhil for many seasons, this year’s performances are being reimagined by Maestro Gajewski. The novel rendering envisioned by him will include simple staging in which the soloists move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell stories contained within the oratorio.

NatPhil’s Messiah performances will again feature educational and community engagement activities. The Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry return to perform pre-concert sets on December 16 and 17. These sets are free to enjoy and will begin one hour prior to the Messiah performances in Strathmore’s lobby area. Also in the lobby, patrons will find a learning table with resources from the Library of Congress to continue discussions and reflection around Handel’s link to the slave economy.

In the spirit of the season, NatPhil is committed to using the success of this program to give back. As such, the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland will receive a portion of the proceeds from the two performances at Strathmore. The historic church, which has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, was nearly destroyed by a flood in 2019 and victim of a burglary in 2022. Several partners in Montgomery County, including NatPhil, are supporting ongoing efforts to repair and safeguard the building.

 

Full Concert Details:

 

Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore

Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall

Handel’s Messiah

Piotr Gajewski, conductor

            with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society

Aundi Marie Moore, soprano

Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano

Norman Shankle, tenor

Jorell Williams, baritone

National Philharmonic presents a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering of Handel’s Messiah, reimagined by Maestro Piotr Gajewski to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.

This season, NatPhil reenvisions Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski, who takes over conducting duties for this annual NatPhil presentation. The four outstanding soloists will move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell the story of the Messiah. 

NatPhil acknowledges the recent discovery of Handel’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is dedicated to continuing the conversation around the performance of his works. A portion of ticket sales revenue will be dedicated to benefiting African American charities in our community.

Program:

George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (with intermission)

 

Ticket Information

Tickets ($19–$109) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.

Dec
31
Sun
Kennedy Center News Years Eve with Gregory Porter @ Kennedy Center
Dec 31 @ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces Grammy Award®–winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter—who today announced the release of his first-ever holiday album, Christmas Wish—will play a special concert at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023, at 8 p.m.

The concert will feature Porter’s longtime pianist Chip Crawford on piano, Emmanuel Harrold on drums and percussion, Gregoire Maret on harmonica, Jahmal Nichols on bass, Ondre Pivec on Hammond organ, Tivon Pennicott on flute, soprano saxophone, and tenor saxphone.

Christmas Wish is a loving tribute to Porter’s favorite time of year—and to great songwriters, singers, and interpreters including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. In addition to this list of world class names, Porter himself has added to the Christmas songbook with three original tracks, soon to be favorites for the festive season, including the first single “Everything’s Not Lost” which is out now.

Backed by his long-time band and produced by repeat collaborator Troy Miller, the album features inspired interpretations of carols, standards, and soulful sixties deep-cuts including “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes,” Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas,” and Frank Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?,” which features a special guest appearance by Grammy®–winning vocalist Samara Joy.

The theme of sharing and caring at Christmas, and the sense of renewal and revival that comes when the year draws to a close, is all here in Porter’s most personal contribution – his trio of new, self-penned songs, “Christmas Wish,” “Heart For Christmas,” and “Everything’s Not Lost,” an elegant piano ballad that is Porter’s persuasive plea to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. “I’m always thinking of balance” he explains. “That has been instilled in me and it keeps coming up in a lot of my music. At your highest, at your greatest, at your most pleasant time, don’t forget about other people who are suffering.

The album, which also includes orchestral contributions from the Kingdom Orchestra, was recorded between Sear Sound Studio in New York City and London’s Crossways Studio and Abbey Road Studios.

Feb
11
Sun
Rumble Boxing “Love Yourself Open House” @ Rumble Boxing DC area locations
Feb 11 all-day

Rumble will host a “Love Yourself Open House“ on Sunday, February 11 offering  free classes, giveaways, samples from wellness lifestyle partners and a chance to meet the owners.  Box and Flow,  a new specialty class combining the classic 45 minute Rumble class with 30 minutes of yoga will be offered at 1pm.  First-timers will enjoy their first class on Rumble and can continue their fitness journey with  a 24% discount on their first month membership  and special offers on class packs.

Established in 2017, Rumble delivers 45-minute, 10-round, full-body strength and conditioning workouts centered around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Originating in the heart of Chelsea, New York City, Rumble has expanded to numerous cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Find more information about Rumble Boxing DC here , Rumble Boxing Ashburn here, Rumble Boxing Falls Church here, Rumble Boxing Courthouse here and Rumble Boxing Philadelphia here.

Mar
16
Sat
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington D.C.
Mar 16 @ 7:45 AM – 1:00 PM
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington D.C. once again returns to the nation’s capital this Saturday, March 16, 2024. Runners from around the globe will experience an eclectic running tour that gets them close to some of the country’s most iconic monuments including the White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and more.
Registration for both races is still open by visiting the Health & Fitness Expo. Offering distances for everyone, including a half marathon and 5K, this event combines live music and entertainment with a scenic run through the District. For the second consecutive year, the improved course starts on Constitution Ave and takes participants over the Potomac River on the Arlington Memorial Bridge, through Judiciary Square, and finishes with amazing views of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument as runners cross the finish line on Pennsylvania Avenue. Finishers will celebrate along the National Mall, rocking out to even more live music.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is the official benefiting charity partner of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series and has been named title partner of the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington D.C. event. To learn more and to become a St. Jude Hero, visit www.stjude.org.
Saturday, March 16 – Race Day
·       7:45 a.m. – 5K Start – 4th St. NW & Pennsylvania Ave. NW
·       8:00 a.m. – Half Marathon Start – Constitution Ave. & 14th Street NW
*All times listed are in EDT
Course:
The half marathon course will take participants over the Potomac River on the Arlington Memorial Bridge and finish with amazing views of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument as they cross the finish line on Pennsylvania Avenue. Finishers will be able to celebrate with family and friends right along the National Mall at the Finish Line Festival.
The 5K course will see participants starting with a view of the Washington Monument and finishing right in front of the Capitol Building on Pennsylvania Avenue as they traverse the streets of Washington D.C.
For full course details, visit Course Overviews.
Road Closures:
Race day road closures may be found by visiting, Road Closures
Apr
19
Fri
National Cannabis Festival @ RFK Stadium Grounds
Apr 19 all-day

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.

Apr
20
Sat
National Cannabis Festival @ RFK Stadium Grounds
Apr 20 all-day

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.

May
4
Sat
Run for the Roses @ Lulu's Wine Garden
May 4 @ 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

For the second year in a row, Lulu’s Winegarden is celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby (also known as the “Run for the Roses”) with a pink wine-fueled viewing party – “Run for the Rosés.” On Saturday, May 4 from 3-7pm, the U Street wine bar will offer $40 rosé bottles, rosé magnums, frozen mint juleps, and will air “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on its five outdoor and indoor TVs with sound.

The U Street wine garden recently expanded its rosé program for the spring, and will offer all eight of its rosés by the bottle at just $40 for the afternoon. And groups can share large-format RUMOR Rosé magnums at special pricing. There’s a pink wine for every palate, ranging from several classic Provence rosés, a slightly effervescent Txakoli rosés, a unique Greek rosé made with the native Agiorgitiko grape, and even a fun Mexican rosé of Grenache.

For those who can’t watch the Derby without a little Kentucky bourbon, Lulu’s will offer bourbon specials and the bar’s frozen cocktail machines will dispense Mint Julep Slushies.

Lulu’s will air the big race with sound on its five outdoor and indoor TVs.

The party is free to attend with food and drinks sold a la carte.

WHO:              Lulu’s Winegarden

WHEN:            Saturday, May 4, 2024

3-7pm

WHERE:           Lulu’s Winegarden

1940 11th Street NW

Washington, DC 20001