The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation – the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization – and prominent food writer David Hagedorn announce the return of Chefs for Equality on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the National Building Museum. Now in its 10th year, the evening of extraordinary food, drink, and entertainment, in addition to live and silent auctions, supports the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work and its fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
“At Chefs for Equality, over 150 of Washington D.C.’s greatest chefs, bakers and mixologists create spectacular food and drinks in the name of full LGBTQ+ equality. This year’s theme, Plate of Emergency, calls attention to the state of emergency that the Human Rights Campaign has officially declared because of intensified attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and non-binary people. The chef community stands at the ready to turn up the heat and fight even harder to protect and promote equality,” said David Hagedorn.
“It is so exciting to have DC’s top culinary and mixology talents come together in support of HRC Foundation’s work,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “LGBTQ+ Americans are navigating a national state of emergency, facing an all out assault on our basic rights. From access to necessary health care to feeling safe and supported at work and in our communities, anti-LGBTQ+ extremists are working to limit our freedoms and push us back into the closet. We need to fight back with full force against these injustices and continue to support impactful initiatives that expand equity and equality for all.”
As they have since the event’s inception in 2012, Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral + Event Design will transform the Chefs for Equality venue into a wonderland that will feature 40 savory tasting stations and 20 crafted cocktail bars headed by renowned chefs and mixologists from the Greater D.C. area. The jewels of the Chefs for Equality crown are the 13 personal chef tables — each decorated to the hilt with a unique theme and providing an opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal in the middle of the action. The DMV area’s top pastry chefs prepare stunning show-piece cakes that will adorn the museum, and guests can sample these delectable pastries towards the end of the evening before heading out with a curated limited-edition goody bag chock-full of culinary goodies. In addition to impressive fare, live and silent auctions are also held.
New additions this year:
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Speed Diner meets Drag Brunch – An interactive entertainment experience where guests can purchase a time slot for a seat at the diner where they’ll enjoy brunch-inspired bites, a specialty cocktail, and an exclusive drag performance curated by Crazy Aunt Helen’s.
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Queerlada Shop – A cafe in the middle of the action featuring Latin-inspired savory dishes, pastries and libations curated by the popular D.C.-based Colada Shop Cuban Cafe & Bar.
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Private Upper Tier Champagne & Caviar Lounge – This exclusive Chefs for Equality activation, on the second floor of the Building Museum, features select restaurant partners, Champagne, caviar, lounge seating and more.
All proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work for LGBTQ+ equality. The HRC Foundation works to educate the public and provides training and model policies that alter the fundamental nature of the institutions governing the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.
Tickets for Chefs for Equality can be purchased at hrc.im/ChefsTickets. The full list of participating chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and mixologists can be found at ChefsForEquality.org.
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
Capital Food Fight returns to The Anthem on Thursday, November 9th for the 19th installment of DC Central Kitchen’s raucous night of fighting hunger. Tickets to this year’s event, presented by Instacart, at capitalfoodfight.org.
First hosted in 2004 by DC Central Kitchen’s long-time volunteer and Board Chair Emeritus José Andrés, Capital Food Fight has long been the must-attend event of food lovers, TV stars, and philanthropists alike. Executive Chef & Co-Owner of Money Muscle BBQ/All Set/Fryer’s Roadside Ed Reavis, Chef Rachel Bindel of 101 Hospitality Group (Michele’s, Gravitas, Bakers Daughter), Executive Chef of dLeña Carlos Camacho, and Estuary’s Chef de Cuisine Ria Montes join a storied list of notable chefs who have faced off in head-to-head culinary challenge on the main stage featuring a spotlighted ingredient. Each dish will be judged by a panel of culinary icons, including Top Chef’s lead judge, restaurateur, and James Beard award-winning chef Tom Colicchio; restaurateur, Iron Chef America champion, and star of truTV’s Fast Foodies Justin Sutherland, retired Washington Nationals All-Star Ryan Zimmerman, and more!
Celebrity chef and DC-based restaurateur, Spike Mendelsohn, Chef Andrés, and local media personality Tommy McFly return as the evening’s hosts and emcee, respectively, to keep things rocking from the main stage with one of DC’s most in-demand performers, DJ Neekola, on the decks all night long as attendees feast on delicious bites from more than 80 of the DMV’s best restaurants.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.capitalfoodfight.org General admission tickets are $325, with VIP access going for $550. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the second floor with balcony seating and full open bar. All proceeds from the event, including donations and silent auction, go to support DC Central Kitchen’s award-winning solutions to hunger and poverty in Washington, DC, from providing culinary job training to serving scratch-cooked school meals to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables at deep discounts to small corner stores across city.
Special thanks to the 2023 Capital Food Fight Presenting Sponsor, Instacart, along with Showcase Sponsors CoBank, Lineage Logistics, and Wegmans, which will also be stocking this year’s on-stage pantry. The battling chefs will be highlighting special ingredients provided by Wegmans, Keany Produce, and AUI Fine Foods. Further appreciation goes to our Executive Chef Sponsors Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clark Construction, RTX, Wells Fargo, Vox Media, and Appliances A Better Way (ABW), and Sous Chef Sponsors Bank of America, DoorDash and Geico. For a full list of 2023 sponsors and information on remaining availability, please visit capitalfoodfight.org/sponsors.
Capital Food Fight is a 21 and older event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.capitalfoodfight.org
Frederick J. Fisher Lecture | Ann Lowe: American Couturier
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:30-8 p.m. (Lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, will share story of fashion designer Ann Lowe, known as the creative mind and skilled hand who created gowns that graced some of America’s most influential women.
This program is the eleventh annual lecture honoring the legacy of Hillwood’s former executive director, Frederick J. Fisher.
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
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.
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.
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.)
The 40th Helen Hayes Awards will take place on Monday, May 20, 2024 at The Anthem, on the District Wharf, with a celebratory party to follow. Esteemed Washington theatre artists Felicia Curry, Rayanne Gonzales, Maria Rizzo, and Tom Story will host an evening showcasing the vibrant and diverse community of professional theatre artists in the Washington region. They will be joined by an ensemble of DC-based performers, including Quadry Brown, Carolyn Burke, Victoria Gomez, Sarah Anne Sillers, and Wood Van Meter.
Tickets for the event are $75 for general admission seats and $350 for a seated dinner. Information on all tickets and sponsorships is available here.
“The contributions of DC-area theatre makers extend far beyond the stage. The Helen Hayes Awards recognize the impact theatre has on our region, country, and globe. Shared experience, understanding, empathy, and insight are some of the ways that theatre changes us and makes us better citizens,” said Amy Austin, Theatre Washington President and CEO. “This is a night to celebrate the expansive creative local industry professionals who create and produce plays and musicals on stages seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
The event will recognize work from 151 eligible productions presented in the 2023 calendar year, with nominations made in 41 categories. Productions under consideration in 2023 included 44 musicals, 107 plays, and 36 world premieres.
The 2024 Helen Hayes Tribute will honor Peter Marks, former Theater Critic at the Washington Post. Marks stepped down in late 2023 after serving in this role for 21 years. This award recognizes Marks’ decades of knowledgeable and thoughtful writing about the DC-area, national, and international theatre landscape. He offered nuanced theatre criticism and reporting and he contributed immensely to the recognition of the artistic vibrancy of our region.
Named for actor Helen Hayes – a Washington native and legendary First Lady of the American Theatre – the Helen Hayes Awards has honored excellence in professional theatre throughout the Washington region, now celebrating forty years. Nominations are grouped in “Helen” or “Hayes” cohorts, depending on the number of Equity members involved in the production.
