Whitman-Walker 50th Anniversary Gala
Thursday, November 9
6:00-10:00 pm
Salamander Washington DC
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Whitman-Walker, a leader in LGBTQ health, research, education and policy with special expertise in HIV care, will host its 50 th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, November 9 th at the Salamander Washington, DC. The “Fabulous Cocktail” Event will run from 6:00-10:00 pm, and feature special guests: Tim Gunn (Author, Critic and TV Personality) and DJ Tryfe (Celebrity DJ).
As of 2023, Whitman-Walker has been part of the fabric of Washington DC and nationally for 50 years – as a first responder and care-provider for those living with HIV; a leader in LGBTQ care and advocacy; a research center working to discover breakthroughs in HIV treatment; and one of DC’s most trusted partners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all people are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal opportunity to health and
wellbeing.
Within the nation’s capital area, Whitman-Walker provides stigma-free care to anyone who walks through their doors. Just last month, they opened the Max Robinson Center in Southeast Washington DC, a brand-new state-of-the-art building on the campus of Saint Elizabeths East in the Congress Heights neighborhood, transforming healthcare and community research in the District of Columbia. This year’s event fundraising goal is to raise $550,000 in which funds will support Whitman-Walker’s care and research programming. Gala Details: Special guests Tim Gunn (Author, Critic and TV Personality) and DJ Tryfe (Celebrity DJ), along with cocktails, great food, surprises, storytelling, live auction and music. Gilead Science, Inc. will also be recognized for their $2 million commitment to the new Max Robinson Center with a special Community Philanthropy Award. LINK
Symposium: Transformation with Patients Leading in Healthcare – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
EmPOWER Ball: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
November 11, 2023
International nonprofit organization Tigerlily Foundation, known for its advocacy to empower women diagnosed with breast cancer between ages of 15-45 announces a two-part event to celebrate and gather patients, providers, and supporters for a day of awareness, education and to raise funds. The Tigerlily BEACON Symposium will discuss equity and improvements in the healthcare industry and highlight what nirvana looks like for patient-centric care in the real world by bringing patient advocates, health systems, providers and science together to co-create better solutions today. To commence the day of discussion, the Tigerlily’s annual EmPOWER Ball returns for the first time since the pandemic. The evening ceremony will be emceed by News 4 Anchor, Shawn Yancy and following a number of evening activities fundraising, entertainment and other recognitions for award recipients.
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Centennial Gala
This black-tie affair will celebrate 100 years of promoting and developing the growth of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic, the barriers broken by visionaries rooted and cultivated in the region and will raise funds to bring the benefits of the lifelong sport of tennis to EVERY community in the region shaping the next generation of the sport.
The Gala will include a silent and live auction, as well as a paddle raise donation segment, the induction of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Centennial Hall of Fame and music and dancing from The Moonlighter’s, DC’s own renowned Motown dance band.
Where: National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
When: December 1, 2023
6 – 11 p.m.
Who: Pam Shriver, former professional tennis player and current tennis broadcaster, will serve as Emcee for the evening.
The USTA Mid-Atlantic 2023 Hall of Fame Class – Eight outstanding individuals,
Including professional tennis superstar Frances Tiafoe, who have made a significant
Impact growing the game of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic.
About USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation:
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about USTA’s impact in the Mid-Atlantic and how USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation creates community, character, and well-being.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2–3, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
National Mall
Make your holiday shopping special and support more than 30 award-winning Indigenous artists. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and enjoy the museum’s annual Native Art Market.
This weekend event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional arts and contemporary Native creativity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
Enjoy an electrifying performance by QVLN playing his own brand of dynamic world music on his blue violin. Throughout the day, DJ Sunny Z soundtracks your shopping spree.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2–3, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
National Mall
Make your holiday shopping special and support more than 30 award-winning Indigenous artists. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and enjoy the museum’s annual Native Art Market.
This weekend event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional arts and contemporary Native creativity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
Enjoy an electrifying performance by QVLN playing his own brand of dynamic world music on his blue violin. Throughout the day, DJ Sunny Z soundtracks your shopping spree.
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.
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.
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 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.
