Feb
12
Sun
Burgers and Beats – THE GREY ZONE @ 18th Street Lounge
Feb 12 @ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Made in the District (MITD) will host a special edition of Burgers and Beats – THE GREY ZONE, a pop-up event dedicated to the celebration of burgers and music discovery. The event will be powered byRooam’s socially connected mobile payment app, a seamless, secure and hassle-free payment solution. By downloading the free app, event attendees can quickly pay for food and drinks directly from their smartphones. The attendees can also take advantage of Rooam’s unique “check out” feature that allows instant check out and the quickest way to pay tabs.

 

The event will feature music by guest DJ Brenmar, Austin Millz from Fool’s Gold Records, J. Robb and Smasha. Additionally, the first 100 attendees to arrive will receive a free burger from Shake Shack, and all other attendees will receive a free fries voucher.

 

When & Where:

Burgers + Beats – THE GREY ZONE

Sunday, February 12, 2017, 4 – 8 p.m. ET

Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Cost: $20 + ($2.09 service charge fee)

 

For tickets and more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burgers-and-beats-special-edition-the-grey-zone-tickets-31086062249

 

WHO:

DJ Brenmar, based in New York by way of Chicago, represents a strange musical paradox. In 2015, Brenmar signed with A-Trak’s Brooklyn-based Fool’s Gold Records. Brenmar had an explosive 2016, with a new mix series and a record label under his belt. His music has always sat at an intersection of hip hop and dance music by marrying the gloss of commercial hip hop and r&b with the urban grittiness of underground styles like Chicago Ghetto House, UK Bass and Jersey Club. In 2016, Brenmar released two singles, “She Already Know it” and “Like a Boss” on Fool’s Gold Records. He launched his own music label “High End Times,” which has released records by UniiQU3 and Austin Millz as well as the “Grey Zone” monthly dj mix series, which has been racking up plays on SoundCloud all year.

 

Austin Millz, based in Harlem, New York, has always been passionate about music and the process of creating it. Layering soul samples over hard-hitting drums with riffs on the saxophone and piano, Austin has stacked up an arsenal of beats and has prepared to debut his talents to the world. In February 2012, Millz released his debut solo project, Earned, consisting of 17 instrumental tracks produced over the course of a year. Austin has placed productions with Jim Jones, Maybach Music Group, G.O.O.D. Music, Wale, Troy Ave and Hit-Boy. In late 2016, Millz unleashed his new single “Cyclone” featuring rapper Tungi Ige and revealed his signing to Fool’s Gold Records.

 

Jay Roberts, popularly known as J. Robb has always had a love of music. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, J. Robb discovered FL Studio 9 in 2011 where he began developing his music skills. J. Robb’s single, “Euphoria,” has brought him a wealth of attention in the consumer and industry scenes. His SoundCloud presence alone has garnered him over 200,000,000 listens and has already been featured on outlets such as BBC1xrtra, Soulection, Beats1 Radio, Vice, Earmilk, Nest HQ and more. J. Robb is preparing for his latest project which will release in Spring 2017 and is working on booking more shows. J. Robb is influenced by artists who exude high octane energy in their live performances. He looks up to a wide range of artists from J. Dilla and Madlib to Pharrell Williams.

Feb
17
Fri
Love Thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase @ Silver Spring Civic Building
Feb 17 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Warm up this winter by getting out and attending an event for the ultimate craft beer enthusiast.  In honor of FeBREWary, Maryland Craft Beer Lover’s Month, the Maryland Brewers Association (BAM) presents the inaugural Love Thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase, on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 6- 10 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building (One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910).  From stouts and porters to winter seasonal brews and sours, there will be something for everyone. The event will include tastings from over 20 breweries from across the state as well as live blues music and light fare from Mission BBQ. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face to face with brewers and brewery owners themselves as they pour and discuss brews that they find particularly impressive for the public. The “VIP” Pass is $65.00 and includes a VIP reception from 6-7 pm (featuring small batch, limited editions and cellar beers not available through the Main Event ticket), seasonal tastings from 7-10 pm, and a signature BAM glass.   The “Main Event” Pass is $50.00 and includes seasonal tastings from 7-10 pm and a signature BAM glass. For more information log ontowww.marylandbeer.org or call 410-252-9463.

 

WHAT:                                 Love Thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase, Presented by the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM)

In celebration of FeBREWary; Maryland Craft Beer Lover’s Month

 

WHEN:                                 Friday, February 17, 2017

6-10 pm

 

WHERE:                               Silver Spring Civic Building

One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD

 

TICKETS:                               $65.00 for VIP Passes

$50.00 for Main Event Passes

 

MORE INFO:                       For more information or to purchase tickets, log onto www.marylandbeer.org or call 410-252-9463

Feb
19
Sun
Ladies of the Vine 5 Course Dinner @ 2941 Restaurant
Feb 19 @ 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

On Sunday, February 19th, 2941 (2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042; www.2941.com; (703) 270-1500; @2941Restaurant) is excited to welcome and celebrate some of the most prolific women in the wine world by hosting a one-of-a-kind ‘Ladies of the Vine’ 5-course wine dinner.  Notable women wine importers in attendance on behalf of ‘Ladies of the Vine’ include Christina Thornton of Wine Sellers of Chicago, Katie Dorazio of Dalla Terra Italian Imports, Debra Lewis of Vintage ’59 French Imports, and Lisa Norris of Broadbent Selections.

 

Priced at $159 per person (all-inclusive) and with open seating times available from 4:30PM-9PM, guests will enjoy a stunning 5-course menu by Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel with each course paired with a wine hand selected by a member of Ladies of the Vine and the team at 2941 including Sommelier Ryan Jones. Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting available at 2941’s bar prior to being seated for the wine dinner, and guests will also have the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines featured throughout the seated wine dinner before or after their dining experience.

 

‘Ladies of the Vine’ wine dinner dish highlights include Butter Poached Lobster with lobster emulsion and baby leek paired with Beaumont Family Wines, Hope Marguerite, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa (2014), Fontina Cheese Fondue “Ravioli” with black truffle paired with Chateau Coupe Roses, Cuvee Orience, Minervois AC, Languedoc, France (2011), and a Wood Grilled Roseda Beef with chimichuri sauce paired with Familia Zuccardi, Zeta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina (2012), just to highlight a few dishes. And for a sweet finish, diners will enjoy a quartet dessert tasting featuring tasting-sized desserts including and Olive Oil Cake with quince vanilla whipped ricotta, Pavlova with meringue, pear duo, vanilla ice cream, Passion Fruit Sorbet with a buttermilk biscuit, caramel, and Chocolate Financier with dark chocolate crèmeux, candied walnut. Each dessert will also be paired with a special hand selected wine.

 

Ladies of the Vine showcases a group of notable female wine importers, representing portfolios from around the world, who enjoy each other’s wines as much as each other’s company. Members formed Ladies of the Vine to highlight their diverse range of wines, hosting events to give the attendees a greater experience and an around the world venture with their individual expertise.

 

For reservations or additional information on 2941’s ‘Ladies of the Vine’ wine dinner, please visit www.2941.com or call (703) 270-1500. Reservations and a $25 deposit are required. The cancellation policy is 72 hours in advance.

 

 

‘Ladies of the Vine’ Wine Dinner

5-Course Tasting Menu

 

$159 Per Person (All-Inclusive)

 

 

‘LADIES OF THE VINE’ WINE DINNER: http://www.2941.com/ladies-of-the-vine-dinner-2017.html

 

 

Butter Poached Lobster

lobster emulsion, baby leek

Beaumont Family Wines, Hope Marguerite, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa (2014)

 

~

 

Fontina Cheese Fondue “Ravioli”

black truffle

Chateau Coupe Roses, Cuvee Orience, Minervois AC, Languedoc, France (2011)

 

~

 

Braised Lamb Osso Buco

chick peas, roasted eggplant, caramelized baby carrot

Aia Vecchia, Sor Ugo, Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy (2013)

 

~

 

Wood Grilled Roseda Beef

chimichuri sauce

Familia Zuccardi, Zeta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina (2012)

 

~

 

Quartet of Desserts

tasting size desserts with 1 oz of wine each

 

Olive Oil Cake | quince vanilla whipped ricotta

Marchesi di Gresy, La Serra, Moscato D Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy (2015)

 

Pavlova | meringue, pear duo, vanilla ice cream

Chateau de Caladroy, Muscat de Rivesaltes AC, Languedoc, France (2014)

 

Passion Fruit Sorbet | buttermilk biscuit, caramel

Heinz Eifel, Riesling Beerenauslese QMP, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany (2009)

 

Chocolate Financier | dark chocolate crèmeux, candied walnut

Broadbent, Colheita, Madiera, Portugal (1996)

 

 

Executive Chef, Bertrand Chemel | ​Sous Chef, Filippo Buglisi

Mar
4
Sat
Early Mountain Vineyards Oyster Fest @ Early Mountain Vineyards
Mar 4 @ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Early Mountain Vineyards Hosts Annual Oyster Festival on March 4 & 5

Guests Are Invited to Enjoy Oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Company, Live Music & Early Mountain Vineyard’s Wine

 

What:             The popular Early Mountain Vineyards Oyster Festival will return this spring for a two-day event on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, with live music, Virginia wine, and seafood from the esteemed Rappahannock Oyster Company who will provide their famous oysters on the half shell. Early Mountain’s Executive Chef Ryan Collins will provide a seasonal menu featuring fried chicken and two types of warm chowder. Live music will be provided by The Currys on Saturday and Blake Esse on Sunday. The menu will include:

  • Rappahannock River Oysterswith red wine mignonette, cocktail sauce, lemon, hot sauce

o   Half dozen raw oysters: $10

o   One dozen raw oysters: $20

  • Fried Chicken, fennel remoulade, cornbread

o   Half chicken: $10

o   Whole chicken: $18

  • Corn Chowderwith corn, cream, saffron, potato, green onion, tomato

o   Cup: $8

  • Clam Chowderwith littleneck clams, rock barn bacon, potato, cream, celery

o   Cup: $8

  • Kid’s Peanut Butter & Jelly: $6

 

Admission includes entry to the festival, a glass of Early Mountain wine and a stemless wine glass as a take-home gift. Guests can also order from Early Mountain’s extensive list of Virginia wines – both from their vineyard as well as others that have been hand-selected from the state – available by the glass and bottle. Guests under the age of 21 will receive a free beverage choice of water, soda or juice. Tickets for children age three and under are free.

 

Tickets are required of all visitors that day. All ages are welcome for a family-friendly fun day. Event will take place rain or shine.

 

When:            March 4-5, 12pm-4pm

 

Tickets:         Early Bird: $15.00

EMV Wine Club Members: $12.00

Week of & at the Door*: $20.00 ($15 for Members)

Under 21: $5.00

 

Online tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-spring-oyster-festival-tickets-31542240691?aff=es2  or by calling us at 540.948.9005.

Early Bird ticket sales end Sunday, February 26th at 11:59 p.m.

 

Where:          Early Mountain Vineyards

6109 Wolftown Hood Road

Madison, Virginia 22727

540.948.9005

Mar
5
Sun
Early Mountain Vineyards Oyster Fest @ Early Mountain Vineyards
Mar 5 @ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Early Mountain Vineyards Hosts Annual Oyster Festival on March 4 & 5

Guests Are Invited to Enjoy Oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Company, Live Music & Early Mountain Vineyard’s Wine

 

What:             The popular Early Mountain Vineyards Oyster Festival will return this spring for a two-day event on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, with live music, Virginia wine, and seafood from the esteemed Rappahannock Oyster Company who will provide their famous oysters on the half shell. Early Mountain’s Executive Chef Ryan Collins will provide a seasonal menu featuring fried chicken and two types of warm chowder. Live music will be provided by The Currys on Saturday and Blake Esse on Sunday. The menu will include:

  • Rappahannock River Oysterswith red wine mignonette, cocktail sauce, lemon, hot sauce

o   Half dozen raw oysters: $10

o   One dozen raw oysters: $20

  • Fried Chicken, fennel remoulade, cornbread

o   Half chicken: $10

o   Whole chicken: $18

  • Corn Chowderwith corn, cream, saffron, potato, green onion, tomato

o   Cup: $8

  • Clam Chowderwith littleneck clams, rock barn bacon, potato, cream, celery

o   Cup: $8

  • Kid’s Peanut Butter & Jelly: $6

 

Admission includes entry to the festival, a glass of Early Mountain wine and a stemless wine glass as a take-home gift. Guests can also order from Early Mountain’s extensive list of Virginia wines – both from their vineyard as well as others that have been hand-selected from the state – available by the glass and bottle. Guests under the age of 21 will receive a free beverage choice of water, soda or juice. Tickets for children age three and under are free.

 

Tickets are required of all visitors that day. All ages are welcome for a family-friendly fun day. Event will take place rain or shine.

 

When:            March 4-5, 12pm-4pm

 

Tickets:         Early Bird: $15.00

EMV Wine Club Members: $12.00

Week of & at the Door*: $20.00 ($15 for Members)

Under 21: $5.00

 

Online tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-spring-oyster-festival-tickets-31542240691?aff=es2  or by calling us at 540.948.9005.

Early Bird ticket sales end Sunday, February 26th at 11:59 p.m.

 

Where:          Early Mountain Vineyards

6109 Wolftown Hood Road

Madison, Virginia 22727

540.948.9005

Mar
7
Tue
IHOP National Pancake Day @ Various IHOP
Mar 7 @ 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

On Tuesday, March 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – with select locations participating until 10:00 p.m. – guests can receive a free short stack* of the brand’s world-famous, freshly made buttermilk pancakes at IHOP Restaurants coast to coast. In return, guests are asked to help make a difference by leaving a donation of any size on-check or in-restaurant with all funds going to the charity partners’ local hospital affiliate.

The most anticipated Breakfastarian event of the year, IHOP National Pancake Day is the brand’s signature day of giving and underscores its longstanding commitment to helping families create more moments together. This year, IHOP expects to serve a record-breaking five million pancakes in a single day.

“IHOP and our franchisees are honored to partner with leading non-profit organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children for our National Pancake Day event and help fight serious childhood illnesses” said Darren Rebelez, President, IHOP Restaurants. “Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity. Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities.”

Since launching in 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has become a pop-culture phenomenon with millions of guests and communities helping IHOP and its franchisees raise $24 million to-date for youth health and wellness organizations. All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day stays local and directly helps children in need.

To further amplify IHOP National Pancake Day efforts, the brand has joined with leading global service organization, Kiwanis International, and has inked an agreement that makes the non-profit the official volunteer partner for this year’s event. Thousands of Kiwanis Club and Key Club members, along with local hospital volunteers, are expected to turn out at IHOP restaurants nationwide on event day to support fundraising efforts.

Now through March 7, guests visiting any IHOP restaurant in the U.S. can help reach the ambitious $3.5 million goal by purchasing a “Wall Icon” to publicly pledge support or donate on check. Select IHOP restaurants will be offering a discount coupon that can be used on a future visit with the purchase of a Wall Icon.**

In addition to restaurants throughout the United States, IHOP restaurants in Mexico, Canada and the Philippines will also celebrate National Pancake Day on March 7.  For the fourth consecutive year, funds raised in Canada will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. IHOP locations in Mexico will once again raise money for Asociación Mexicana de Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer (AMANC). And, funds raised by IHOP restaurants in the Philippines will benefit The Kythe Foundation.

For more information on IHOP National Pancake Day, including restaurant hours and charity support by restaurant, and please visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

*Guests can receive one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes at participating IHOP Restaurants nationwide on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 (National Pancake Day) from 7a.m.-7p.m.; some locations hours may vary. Please check with your local IHOP for exact hours of participation. Limit one offer per guest. Dine-in only.

Restaurant Brain Trust Panel @ Matchbox
Mar 7 @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Matchbox Food Group, Centrolina and Noble Chef Hospitality Join Restaurant Brain Trust Panel
Inaugural Event Showcases Notable DC-Area Restauranteurs; Offers Insights into Successful Businesses

Who:Peter D’Amelio, President & CEO, Matchbox Food Group

Amy Brandwein, Chef/Owner, Centrolina Mercato E Osteria
Jack Sosnowski, President & CEO, Noble Chef Hospitality

What: A lively panel discussion featuring notable DC-area restauranteurs who have successfully navigated the bumpy road to their first and  subsequent grand openings, offering candid insights about the challenges, delays and surprises that tested their mettle. Hear their lessons learned, rewards realized and how to create your own personal recipe for success. Remarks by Michael Sternberg, President & CEO, Sternberg Hospitality with Bethany Kazaba, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Neighborhood Retail Group as event moderator.

Where:  Matchbox

1901 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
When: Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Misc: Tickets: Restaurant vendors, $30; Restauranteurs/Restaurant Staff, $15;
Agenda: Registration, 2-2:30 p.m.; Program, 2:30-4:00 p.m.; Cocktails & Light Fare: 4-5:00 p.m.

Media
Contact:  Jessica Scott
Moki Media
E: jessica.scott@mokimedia.com

About Restaurant Brain Trust: Restaurant Brain Trust is a collective effort by several active members of the Greater Washington, DC restaurant community to develop an educational and networking series geared for restaurateurs and their staffs. Our mission is to help local restaurateurs realize their growth plans by equipping them with the educational content and professional contacts that will be integral to their success.

Founding Members:

Elaine Chon-Baker, Mokja Ventures
Bethany Kazaba Scanlon, Neighborhood Retail Group
Trish McHugh, BDO
Jody Ruth, Redstones
Michael Sternberg, Sternberg Hospitality

Mar
16
Thu
History & Hops with Bill Madden @ Heurich House
Mar 16 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Bill Madden will be the inaugural host of a revamped History & Hops series at the Heurich House Museum. On Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 6:30-8:30 pm, the Mad Fox Brewing Company CEO and Executive Brewer will host the Dupont Circle Museum’s monthly beer-themed after-house event, but now with a new twist. Madden kicks off a year of “beer star” hosts that will include industry insiders from throughout the area. During March’s intimate evening, guests will have more personal access to Bill to discuss a variety of beers he has hand-selected. Guests will have the unique opportunity to enhance their local beer knowledge by learning from an expert, while also being able to self-tour the historic Brewmaster’s Castle.

A nationally recognized brewmaster, Bill Madden has operated seven brewpub locations in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. He has also won numerous medals at the Great American Beer Festival® and the Chicago Real Ale Festival. His achievements in the brewing industry speak to his finesse and skill as a brewer. Now it is your chance to learn from this beer insider!

“Even though History & Hops continues to be one of our most popular public events, we wanted to give our guests an even richer experience,” said Heurich House Museum Executive Director Kimberly Bender. “We are excited to introduce them to the best beer minds in DC in an intimate and interactive setting. Christian Heurich would be proud that his home is being used to educate people about his craft.”

Tickets for History & Hops hosted by Bill Madden are $30 per person and include tastings, snacks and self-guided tours of the Heurich House Museum. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://bit.ly/HHMar2017. Guests must be 21 or older. All proceeds benefit the preservation and growth of the Heurich House Museum.

 

Mar
19
Sun
20th Anniversary Millennium Stage Kennedy Center @ Kennedy Center Millenium Stage
Mar 19 @ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces a free celebration of the 20th anniversary of Millennium Stage to thank the audiences, artists, donors, staff, ushers, fellows, and more who have made this one-of-a-kind venture a continued, resounding success. The March 19event, utilizing both the north and south stages, will feature performances by Celtic rock band Scythian and New Orleans funk band Big Sam’s Funky Nation in a massive party overtaking the Center’s Grand Foyer.

Founded in 1997 by former Kennedy Center Board Chair James A. Johnson, the Millennium Stage remains the only venue in the world to offer a free performance every day of the year that is also streamed live on the web, fulfilling the Center’s mission of making the performing arts available to everyone. It has proven to be a perfect representation of the diverse and multifaceted performing arts offered by the Kennedy Center, with such past performers as Gladys Knight, Christoph Eschenbach, Aaron Goldman, Manzari Brothers, Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, India.Arie, Circo Para Todos, Phil Wiggins, Smokey Robinson, and Kailash Kher & Kailasa.

In the past two decades, more than three million audience members from the D.C. area, across the U.S., and around the world have attended a Millennium Stage performance, with countless others experiencing these shows via the live stream. This special event is part of JFKC: A Centennial Celebration of John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Center’s yearlong programming initiative marking the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth and legacy, inspired by five ideals frequently attributed to America’s 35th President:Courage, Freedom, Justice, Service, and Gratitude. JFKC programming continues through the end of 2017.

“All of us at the Kennedy Center are incredibly grateful to our audiences for their enthusiastic support of Millennium Stage. In the past two decades more than 7,000 artists from across the globe have been presented, representing a diverse breadth of genres from established artistic traditions to the latest frontiers of performance,” said Deborah F. Rutter, President of the Kennedy Center. “Jim Johnson had a vision for what accessibility to the arts might look like. What resulted in our beloved Millennium Stage 20 years ago was brilliant and ahead of its time.”

The night will kick-off at 5:00 p.m. with a happy hour in the Grand Foyer, featuring half price beer and house wine. The first 1,000 guests at the happy hour will receive a special commemorative Millennium Stage 20th Anniversary t-shirt. Performances begin at 6:00 p.m. with Scythian, a band that plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European, and Appalachian traditions with a thunderous energy that beckons crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience. Immediately following, at 7:00 p.m., the party will continue with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, a group of world-class musicians that are a driving force of urban funk, melding funk, rock & roll, Hip Hop, and jazz, gluing everything together with a brassy influence. For more information, visit tkc.co/mstage.

Mar
23
Thu
Library of Congress Disco Symposium @ Library of Congress
Mar 23 @ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Library of Congress logo

NEWS from the LIBRARY of CONGRESS
March 23, 2017

Press contact:  Bryonna Head, Office of Communications (202) 707-3073, bhea@loc.gov
Public contact: Concert Line (202) 707-5502
Website: Registration for downloadable images in online press kit
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.   

 

Library to Host Series of Disco Events

Line-up includes Gloria Gaynor, Tim Gunn

The Library of Congress is presenting a series of disco-themed events to celebrate and memorialize the era of the mid-1970s and early 1980s that changed American art, fashion, language and sound. “Bibliodiscotheque” will include two months of programs such as film screenings, lectures and a symposium followed by a disco party featuring Gloria Gaynor.

“The disco era has left a lasting mark on our culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The music, the clothes, those fantastic disco balls – they are a part of Americana that new generations are still discovering and embracing. I am so thrilled to announce these events and the incredible line-up of guests we will have at the Library in the coming months as we celebrate the era of disco and share related items from the Library’s collections.”

Nearly 40 years have passed since the heyday of platform shoes and dazzling disco balls, but disco is recognized as a phenomenon that redefined cultural norms across the United States. “Lest anyone think that disco was an aberrant moment in the ’70’s. Disco culture is inextricable from the history of 20th century fashion,” said Emmy award-winning fashion icon, Tim Gunn. “Its representation in the Library of Congress not only legitimizes the genre, but fully validates it.”

 The Library of Congress holds significant collection materials in various formats that showcase the American disco experience. These items will be on display for the duration of this series. Programming includes screenings of disco-influenced films as well as lectures and panel discussions presented by cultural experts, such as author, producer and fashion icon Tim Gunn, who will present a lecture on the influence of disco fashion followed by a book signing.  The series will conclude with a symposium featuring the disco singing sensation Gloria Gaynor, followed by an evening extravaganza with a live performance.

Gaynor will discuss and sign her new book, “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song.” The book’s title harkens back to her 1978 classic “I Will Survive” which was selected for preservation in 2016 for the National Recording Registry. In “We Will Survive,” Gaynor shares 40 inspirational, true stories about survivors of all kinds — individuals who have found comfort, hope, and courage through the power of that song.

“I am thrilled that the Library of Congress has found my role in American music worthy to be commemorated by the inclusion of my recording of “I Will Survive” in the National Recording Registry,” said Gaynor. “I look forward with great anticipation to my concert at the Library of Congress “Bibliodiscotheque.”

Events are free and open to the public. Free tickets are required for admission to all activities. Tickets will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. on March 30at this website. A limited number of press credentials will also be available for reservation. The deadline to reserve credentials for lectures, the symposium, and the dance party is Friday, April 28. Some of the events will be live-streamed on the Library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/libraryofcongress and its YouTube channel at youtube.com/LibraryOfCongress. All programs will take place at the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., or at its James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., both in Washington, D.C.

The excitement can be followed on Twitter at @librarycongress and #LCDisco.

 

The Library’s programming will include: 

Symposium*

 

Saturday, May 6
1 p.m. (Coolidge Auditorium)
Library of Congress “Bibliodiscotheque” Symposium
Explore the history of disco music, dance and culture in this afternoon symposium that features appearances by Gloria Gaynor, Good Morning America host Robin Roberts, distinguished music scholars Martin Scherzinger and Alice Echols, photographer Bill Bernstein, and Yolanda Baker, the only disco ball maker in the United States. A book-signing will follow.

Presented in association with the Library of Congress Music and Prints & Photographs Divisions, and Veterans History Project, with additional support from The Recording Academy.

 

1 p.m. “The Craft of Making Disco Balls”
Yolanda Baker, Disco Ball Maker, Omega National Products
Toni Lehring, Omega National Products

 

1:30 p.m. “Two Perspectives on Beyoncé’s African Dance References”
Martin Scherzinger, Associate Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University

 

2 p.m. “Disco: The Bill Bernstein Photographs”
Bill Bernstein, Photographer

 

2:30 p.m. “Hot Stuff: Disco and the Remaking of American Culture”
Alice Echols, Barbra Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies and Professor of History and Gender Studies, University of Southern California

 

3 p.m. Panel Discussion
Bill Bernstein, Alice Echols, Martin Scherzinger

 

4 p.m. “Gloria Gaynor on “I Will Survive”
Gloria Gaynor, Vocalist
Robin Roberts, Good Morning America, Interviewer
Keynote interview with Gloria Gaynor, member of The Recording Academy New York Chapter Board of Governors and author of “We Will Survive,” a book of 40 individual “true stories of encouragement, inspiration, and the power of song.”

 

5 p.m. (Whittall Pavilion)
Book-Signing: Gloria Gaynor, Robin Roberts, Bill Bernstein and Alice Echols
Books will be available for purchase at the Library of Congress Gift Shop (Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building) beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 6.

Free, tickets available, visit www.loc.gov/concerts/disco for more information.
*This event will be live streamed.