Events/Things To Do

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.

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 Carrots
  Entrée 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

A stylish evening with runways and networking -benefitting a good cause
A night of Fashion and Fundraising with FGIDC – Hosted by Barnette Holston, The DCFashion Fool!

Join us on Thursday, February 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Chicken + Whiskey’s Navy Yard location for a viewing party to watch the 8th Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show. Founded by fashion designer, Frederick Anderson and marketer, Laura Miller, the event unites the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports, healthcare, and media to openly discuss prostate cancer, with an emphasis on racial disparities and underserved communities. 2024 models include Cuba Gooding Jr., Daymond John, Phillip Bloch and more!

With your complimentary beverage in hand, get ready to network with your DMV fashion peers, watch the fashion show broadcasted live from NYC and bid on amazing silent auction items.

Come dressed in your most stylish blue outfit – bonus if it’s a blue jacket – and help us raise awareness and funds to support ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer.

Tickets:

FGI Members: $27
Non-Members: $32
A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer organization.

Tickets include: Viewing party and one drink ticket. Cash bar for additional refreshments.

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