Apr
14
Sat
Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles @ National Theatre
Apr 14 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

What if the Beatles had reunited 10 years after their break-up? This revamped production of LET IT BE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES answers that question, and brings you the show that you never got to see. While the first half of the theatrical performance is comprised of favorites from the Beatles career, the all new second half imagines a world in which the Beatles re-united. 

LET IT BE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES comes to Washington, D.C.’s National Theatre on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets for the 8:00pm performance on that day sold out within hours after going on sale. Due to popular demand, a second performance has been added on April 14 at 3:00pm. 

Tickets may be purchased at TheNationalDC.com, in person at the National Theatre Box Office (Monday thru Friday from Noon to 6pm), or by calling 800-514-3849. The National Theatre is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in downtown Washington, D.C.

Relive the past from Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road, with favorite hits including “Hard Day’s Night,” “Day Tripper,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Twist and Shout,” “Get Back,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “Strawberry Fields,” and then imagine the reunion that never was.

The end of the Beatles era was not thought to be in sight when the group played their last show on the roof of the Apple Offices in 1969. Imagine what would have been if The Beatles had continued their journey. Travel back to what would have been John Lennon’s 40th Birthday – October 9, 1980. For one night, the Fab Four reunite on stage after a decade apart performing hits like “Back in the USSR,” “Live and Let Die,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “My Sweet Lord,” “Hey Jude,” and many more they had never before performed live, along with other classics.

Seen by more than two million people worldwide, LET IT BE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES made its North American debut in 2015 across the U.S. and Canada. Audiences can now enjoy the new, revamped “part two,” based on the Broadway show praised as “by far the best Beatles show yet” by the New York Times.

The original production established itself as one of the West End’s most popular shows when it opened in London in 2012. Showcasing the music of the world’s most successful rock’n’roll band, it charted The Beatles meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces.

Praise for LET IT BE:

  • “The Beatles are back sending theatre audiences dancing into the aisles” — Reuters, New York
  • “Winning over an Empire full of Liverpudlians (including, last night, John Lennon’s sister Julia) is no mean feat. But one that Let It Be happily achieves” — Liverpool Echo
  • “Fab for all the family” — The Times of London
  • “Pure Beatles magic back on stage” — The Public Reviews, Liverpool
  • “Does everything and more to recreate that magic era” — Manchester’s Finest, Manchester

Apr
21
Sat
Romero Britto Art Pop-Up @ Various
Apr 21 @ 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

An impressive collection by world-renowned artist Romero Britto will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at Wentworth Gallery in    The exhibition presents Saturday, April 21st  2018 with a live Artist Appearance at both Wentworth Gallery Metro DC locations:  Westfield Montgomery Mall  from Noon-3pm and an evening event at Tysons Galleria from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.   The galleries will host this public exhibition, which is complimentary and RSVPs are strongly suggested.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Video Bio for All Platforms:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/zyixy1uuvdsksl2/BrittoLife1.mov?dl=0

With an iconic style that The New York Times described, “exudes warmth, optimism and love,”, Romero Britto is an international artist that uses vibrant, bold and colorful patterns to reflect his optimistic view of the world around him. His playful themes and hard‐edged compositions, combined with his unique talent, unshakable resolve and belief in his art, have granted him worldwide recognition, with exhibition in galleries and museums in over 100 countries and counting. The artist’s pop sensibility has leant itself to collaborations with global brands such as Audi, Bentley, Coca‐Cola, Walt Disney, Evian, Hublot, and Mattel, to name a few. Britto’s work evokes happiness and hope using a visual language all its own and is, simply, relatable to all.

Romero Britto was born in Recife, Brazil in 1963. Self-taught at an early age, he painted on surfaces such as newspapers. In 1983, he traveled to Paris where he was introduced to the work of Matisse and Picasso. He combined influences from cubism with pop, to create a vibrant, iconic style that The New York Times describes, “exudes warmth, optimism and love.”

In 1988, Britto moved to Miami and emerged as an international artist. In the following year, he was selected alongside Andy Warhol and Keith Haring for Absolut Vodka’s “Absolut Art” campaign. Britto’s pop sensibility has since leant itself to many collaborations with such brands as Audi, Bentley, Disney, Technomarine, Evian and FIFA, for whom he created an official poster for the 2010 World Cup.

pop art

päp ˌärt/

noun

noun: pop art

art based on modern popular culture and the mass media, especially as a critical or ironic

comment on traditional fine art values.

 

Photo Caption:  In Love     Sculpture

 Britto considers the role of an artist to be an agent of positive change. He serves as a benefactor, donating time, art and resources to over 250 charitable organizations and several boards such as Best Buddies International, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He was recently named a founding inaugural benefactor of Harvard’s “International Negotiation Program,” by Dr. Daniel Shapiro, in his quest for peaceful conflict resolution.

Britto has also spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and at countless schools and institutions. In early 2011 the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, invited Britto to create the logo for Rede Cegonha, a project to reach over 61 million pre-and post-natal mothers and babies.

WHEN:   Saturday, April 21st  , 2018

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Westfield Montgomery Mall

7101 Democracy Blvd.

Bethesda, Maryland

 

For more information about this event, contact Ms. Holly Hendrickson via e-mail atmontgomery@wentworthgallery.com.  To reach the gallery directly, or to RSVP, call 301.365.3270

 

 

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Wentworth Gallery @ Tysons Galleria

1807 U. International Drive

McLean, Virginia 22102

 

Washington Tennis Ball @ Ritz Carlton
Apr 21 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF)is hosting its annual Tennis Ball on Saturday, April 21 at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. to support underserved DC youth becoming champions on and off the court.

This premiere event will kick off with a VIP Round Robin Tennis Tournament at WTEF’s East Capitol Campus, 200 Stoddert Place, SE and will culminate with an elegant evening of silent and live auctions, dinner and an awards program. This gala supports WTEF’s academic and athletic enrichment programs for youth in need in the District.

Willis Thomas Jr., a founding father of WTEF and the first African-American tennis talent from the DC area, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his life’s work of coaching and mentoring WTEF scholars and building tennis programs in the community. Donald Dell, co-founder of the Washington Tournament now known as the Citi Open, will also receive the Champion of Tennis Award. As the Washington Tournament celebrates its 50thedition this year, the WTEF honors Dell for his contributions to tennis, and his foresight of giving the tournament’s charter to the Foundation to help DC-area children learn to love tennis while excelling in school.

This year’s gala is generously presented by Citi.

 

WHAT:          2018 Tennis Ball

 

WHEN:          April 21, 20186 -10 p.m.

 

WHERE:       Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. – 1150 22ndSt. NW

 

WHO:           Willis Thomas, Jr.

Donald Dell

Apr
25
Wed
Smithsonian Craft Show Preview Night Benefit @ National Building Museum
Apr 25 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
ABOUT THE PREVIEW NIGHT AND SHOW
Preview Night
Wednesday April 25, 6pm-9pm
Meet the artists, enjoy cocktails and a delicious buffet and benefit the Smithsonian (tickets $250).
Show Hours 
Thursday 10:30am-8pm
Friday and Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
(advanced online purchase $17 or $20 at the door)
The Smithsonian Craft Show is organized and presented by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Proceeds support Smithsonian projects that open knowledge, adventure and discovery to the world.
Learn more about the artists, show hours, and daily special events at www.smithsoniancraftshow.org
Apr
26
Thu
Smithsonian Craft Show @ National Building Museum
Apr 26 @ 10:30 AM – Apr 29 @ 5:00 PM
W H A T :
The Smithsonian Women’s Committee presents the 36th annual Smithsonian Craft Show, featuring 120 premier American artists chosen from a pool of approximately 1,000 applicants. For the first time, the show will highlight Asian cultural influence on American crafts.  Many of today’s top U.S. artists creating cutting-edge art are reconnecting American modernism to its roots in Asian culture. The show seeks to engage the public through educational and artistic components that complement the theme “Asian Influence/American Design.”
Craft Show:
Thursday, April 26 – Sunday, April 29, 2018
Thursday 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday/Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Friends Night Out:
Fun, shopping and signature drinks by notable DC mixologists.
Thursday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 

W H E R E :
National Building Museum
Metro Red Line – Judiciary Square Station

 

T I C K E T S :
Daily admission – includes program    $20
Friends Night Out*      $25*
Advance online tickets      $17
Two-day pass      $30
* Cash bar and complimentary appetizers with general admission, or a $25 ticket includes a complimentary cocktail.

 

B A C K G R O U N D :
This nationally recognized event is an opportunity to connect with major craft artists who are leaders in their respective media.  Serious collectors and casual visitors alike will find one-of-a-kind works of art in all price ranges.
The selected works represent 12 media: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood.
Jurors who selected the 2018 artists are: Bruce Helander, independent art critic and writer, curator, artist;  Jane Milosch, Director, Smithsonian Provenance Research Initiative and curator;  Shoji Satake, Asst. Professor in Ceramics, West Virginia University.
The Smithsonian Craft Show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.  Since 1966, the Committee has awarded nearly $12 million in competitive grants funded from proceeds of our craft shows to the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and galleries, nine research facilities, traveling exhibits and the National Zoo.

 

Real Art on a Shoestring @ SR/A La Collection
Apr 26 @ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

20 local artists in a variety of disciplines will be exhibiting over 100 pieces all priced under $750 at “Real Art on a Shoestring” at SR/A La Collection in downtown Bethesda. This notable event aims to show the average consumer that owning original art is not out of their budget.

The opening reception will occur on April 26 from 6:00 – 8:30pm. “Real Art on a Shoestring” will be on display through summer 2018.

SR/A La Collection is the retail gallery arm of SR/A Interior Design, a boutique commercial interior design firm. SR/A showcases a revolving collection of artists and antiques in the 3500 SF gallery space that fronts their office-space in downtown Bethesda. Unlike typical art galleries, SR/A believes art shows best as it would in a person’s home – surrounded by furniture, accessories and antique treasures. As original art has a reputation for being too expensive, for this show SR/A has partnered with 20 local artists to bring the public affordable, yet exquisite pieces – all for $750 or below.

This event plays on the well-known phrase, “on a shoestring,” to prove that creative pieces can be found on a smaller budget. The list of participating artists includes local favorites such as Linda Cafritz, Mark Schwenk, Fabiano Amin, Stefanie Stark, and more!

“I think this show is a great way for people to buy affordable, real works of art from local artists. There are so many different styles, mediums, and artists participating in this show; it’s a great opportunity to see, admire, and add art to your life” – Fabiano Amin, Participating Local Artist

You can catch these remarkable artists and their creations, as well as complimentary food and drinks, on April 26th, 2018 at SR/A La Collection (7020 Wisconsin Ave.)

May
5
Sat
11th Annual Around the World Embassy Tour @ Various
May 5 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 In its 11th year, Cultural Tourism DC will produce the hugely popular Around the World Embassy Tour, part of Passport DC, a month-long celebration of worldwide cultures.

Both visitors and local residents can travel the world in one day, visiting more than 40 embassies to learn about culture, food, fashion and more during the Around the World Embassy Tour open houses. In the past, embassies have treated visitors to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, police dog training, henna art and more.

 

WHEN:            Saturday, May 5

                        All participating embassies will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted

                        Admission is free, but some embassies may ask to see a government-issued ID. There is also a smart phone app and web-based phone app available to help visitors better plan their day. More information:https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/signature-events

WHERE:           Embassies will celebrate their cultures’ food, fashion, arts and artisans, music, and dance by hosting DC residents and visitors inside their embassies. Embassies participating to date include Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Thailand, and Uganda.

HOW:              “So far, we received commitments from more than 40 embassies to open their gates and doors to participate in this year’s Around the World Embassy Tour,” says Steve Shulman, Executive Director, Cultural Tourism DC. “Now in its 11th year, we expect nearly 30,000 people to visit embassies during a single day to learn about countries from across the globe. It is a wonderful, uniquely Washington experience for families, individuals and groups.”

Melrose Georgetown Hotel’s Annual Derby Day Viewing Party @ Jardenea Lounge
May 5 @ 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Guests are invited to experience the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” tradition in Jardenea Lounge on Saturday, May 5, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., offering partygoers and racing enthusiasts an authentic Derby Day program including:

  • A live screening of the Kentucky Derby race
  • Chance to place their bets on this year’s top thoroughbreds at no cover charge
  • Classic derby cocktails including:
    • Mint Juleps
    • Bacon Old Fashioned’s with in-house bacon infused whiskey
Jug & Table Kentucky Derby HH & Watch Party @ Jug & Table
May 5 @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

In celebration of the 144th Kentucky Derby, relaxed Adams Morgan wine bar Jug & Table will be hosting a happy hour watch party from 5:00pm-7:00pm on May 5, 2018. While donning their most fashionable hats and seersucker suits, guests can enjoy 25% off rosé bottles and Distillery Lane Ciderworks Woodberry cider bottles, as well as $7 Kentucky Punch cocktails. Walk-ins to Jug & Table at 2446 18th St NW are welcome, although guests inquiring about seating availability can call 202-232-7663.

Jug & Table

2446 18th Street NW

Washington, DC

www.jugandtable.com

May
7
Mon
Free Reading: The Panties, The Partner and The Profit @ STC's Lansburgh Theatre
May 7 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

As part of its ReDiscovery Reading Series, the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) will stage a free reading of David Ives new play, The Panties, The Partner and The Profit: Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class, on Monday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre. A discussion with David Ives will take place after the reading, providing the audience with the opportunity to learn more about the play before the full production arrives onstage at STC in the 2018–2019 Season.

Following the success of The Liar, The Heir Apparent, The Metromaniacs (currently playing at Red Bull Theater) and last season’s The School for Lies, David Ives gives his “translaptation” treatment to Carl Sternheim’s epic trilogy, Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class—transforming three full-length plays into a single brisk evening filled with panties falling, parents visiting, vast fortunes being made, and other signs of the looming near-apocalypse.

The reading features an impressive cast including: Greg Hildreth, who is currently playing Olaf in Frozenon Broadway; Kelly Hutchinson, recently seen Off-Broadway in The Government Inspector; Helen Cespedes currently in The Age of Innocence at Hartford Stage and, D.C. favorites Michael Glenn, Dorea Schmidt and Gregory Wooddell, who all appeared in David Ives’s The School for Lies at STC last season.

Now in its 25th season, the ReDiscovery Series aims to introduce audiences to new adaptations of great but lesser-known classic plays under consideration for STC’s mainstage seasons, and the readings are often the first step in bringing a new adaptation or an under-produced classic back into the spotlight.

“I’ve taken three full-length plays and condensed them into a single evening, moving early 20th-century German family life into America today, with what I hope is comparable comic and satiric effect,” says David Ives. “My aim is to bring to life on a modern stage the message, if not the warning that Sternheim was shouting from his era, right into our collective ear. We are looking at Sternheim’s comedy anew, through contemporary eyes, so it seems fitting that it should premiere as part of STC’s ReDiscovery Reading Series.”

Sternheim (1878-1942), a successful social satirist, is best known for a series of plays that he titled “From The Heroic Life of the Middle Class.” They tell the story of the Mask family, which moves from lower middle class to middle class to filthy rich over three generations of German society. In Ives new version, the series now begins in Boston in 1950 (“The Panties”), goes on to New York and Wall Street in 1986 (“The Partner”) and brings the Mask family up to date in our own day with the Mask grandchildren now rich in Malibu (“The Profit”).

The reading will be directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul. The main stage production next season will be directed by Artistic Director Michael Kahn, in his final season leading STC.

Audiences wishing to hear Ives’ work can reserve their spot at http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/events/panties-partner-profit-scenes-heroic-life-middle-class/ or call the Box Office at 202.547.1122.

For more information about the ReDiscovery series, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/Rediscovery.