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.”
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce that Broadway legend Maurice Hines will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and international touring artist and global humanitarian Mary McBride will headline the 2018 Arena Stage Gala honoring Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW). As previously announced, the Gala features the presentation of the third annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and will recognize Jessica Stafford Davis as an Emerging Leader. The Gala is helmed by event chairs and Arena Stage Trustees Lavern Chatman and Maggie FitzPatrick.
Maurice Hines, an actor, director, singer and choreographer, returns to Arena Stage to emcee the 2018, and will perform a couple of numbers. At Arena, he has performed in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, Sophisticated Ladies and Guys and Dolls. Launching his career at the age of five, his Broadway credits include Eubie!, Bring Back Birdie with Chita Rivera and Donald O’Connor, Sophisticated Ladies, conceived/directed/
Singer Mary McBride and her band have performed in more than 30 countries, taking audiences on a roller coaster ride with their fiery blend of blues, gospel, country and old school rock ’n roll. The Washington Post described her voice as a “rugged, force-of-nature voice [that] unpacks the old spiritual like some distant relative of gospel legend Marion Williams.” McBride is also the Founder of The Home Tour, which brings high energy, high impact, live shows to audiences where they least expect it, including orphanages in Pakistan, disability centers in Vietnam, senior centers on the Estonian-Russian border and women’s prisons in Albania. CNN acknowledged McBride’s contribution to the global community: “McBride is on a mission. She is performing and touching hearts, reaching out and connecting people through music.” A native Washingtonian, she recently sang the National Anthem at Nationals Park. She appeared on both the soundtrack and in the film, Brokeback Mountain; released four albums; and has been profiled by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
“I launched the Home Tour as a way to reinforce the fact that people, no matter who they are or where they are living, have a right to live music, and to be surrounded by art,” McBride says. “I am honored to be performing in my hometown in Washington at Arena Stage, which, through its tremendous performances and generous spirit, makes every single person who walks through its doors feel instantly at home.”
“I am thrilled to honor Mayor Bowser at the Gala,” says Newburger Schwartz. “She exemplifies the best qualities of leadership in the ways she has brought disparate groups of citizens together to move our city forward. From her groundbreaking work that has given new life to the Southwest Waterfront, to her thoughtful policies that produce better schools and housing for our children and their families, she has created the vibrant community that is Washington today and it is my pleasure to present her with this award.”
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Mayor Muriel Bowser, in recognition of her unparalleled commitment to and support of the arts throughout Washington, D.C. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016, and Arlene Kogod in 2017, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents. In addition, Jessica Stafford Davis will be honored as an Emerging Leader in recognition of her passion and entrepreneurial support of the arts. Davis is the founder and CEO of The Agora Culture, a multi-cultural arts platform that connects emerging and well-known artists with collectors.
All proceeds from the evening support Arena Stage’s award-winning artistic and community engagement programs.
Space is limited.
Event Schedule
Thursday, May 10, 2018
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner
Individual Tickets
Dinner Ticket – $1,000
Young Professional Ticket (35 or under) – $300
For additional event details visit arenastage.org/donate/special-
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the third annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as well as recognize Jessica Stafford Davis as an Emerging Leader at the 2018 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala is helmed by event chairs and Arena Stage Trustees Lavern Chatman and Maggie FitzPatrick, and will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW).
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Mayor Muriel Bowser, in recognition of her unparalleled commitment to and support of the arts throughout Washington, D.C. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016, and Arlene Kogod in 2017, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents. In addition, Jessica Stafford Davis will be honored as an Emerging Leader in recognition of her passion and entrepreneurial support of the arts. Davis is the founder and CEO of The Agora Culture, a multi-cultural arts platform that connects emerging and well-known artists with collectors.
All proceeds from the evening support Arena Stage’s award-winning artistic and community engagement programs.
Space is limited. Performers to be announced at a later date.
Event Schedule
Thursday, May 10, 2018
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and one night only performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner
Individual Tickets
Dinner Ticket – $1,000
Young Professional Ticket (35 or under) – $300
For additional event details visit arenastage.org/donate/special-
The British Embassy will open its gates to the public for our 11th annual Open House Day on Saturday 12 May. Media are invited to cover the event, which offers visitors a rare look inside the Embassy as well as other unique activities celebrating British culture.
The Open House Day is special this year, as it is exactly one week before the Royal Wedding. During the event, visitors will be able to congratulate Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle on their upcoming wedding by creating a card and placing it in the mailbox to be sent to Kensington Palace.
During Open House Day, visitors will get a rare look inside the embassy and access to the Ambassador’s Residence and Gardens, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family. The Residence ballroom will be set up as it would be prepared for a State Dinner with Her Majesty the Queen.
Other highlights of the day include:
- Special appearances by the Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Eagles Drumline and Eagles mascot, SWOOP, ahead of their NFL game in London
- A fleet of British luxury vehicles from Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus and Rolls-Royce
- British food and drink, including whiskey and wine
- Performances from Shakespearian players and the British International School of Washington
- A tennis serve cage to see how fast you can serve at the Residence tennis court
- Displays of the most iconic British scenery for selfies
We Will Survive Cancer Non-Profit Organization Requests The Pleasure of Your Company for The 5th Annual “Celebration Of Life” Black Tie Gala Honoring Steven Gaffney, Saturday The 12th of May Two Thousand And Eighteen At Half Past Six In The Evening At The Prestigious National Press Club Ballroom in Washington DC.
Details
6:30-7:30 Cocktail Hour (Live Classical Music) (Meet Steven Gaffney)
7:45:-9:00 3 Course Dinner (Location: Ballroom) With Live Entertainment (Jazz and Contemporary Music with Stephen Czarkowski and Neil Brown)
9:00- 11:00 Desserts and Awards Program
Steven Gaffney is We Will Survive Cancer’s 2018 “Celebration of Life” honoree and will be presented the Don’t Waste My Canceraward at the National Press Club. Steven is a leading expert on honest, interpersonal communication, with a focus on performance and change success. A prolific writer on an array of professional and self-improvement topics. Steven’s books include: Just Be Honest, Honesty Sells, Honesty Works and Be A Change Champion. Steven had a bout with cancer in 2009 and he is subsequently cancer free since. His response to his shocking diagnosis and the ensuing treatment regimen was to “keep the right perspective and appreciate life.” His outlook clearly reflects the spirit of hope that is the essence of We Will Survive Cancer. In honoring Steven Gaffney, we celebrate his life and work and offer an inspirational message from which we all will benefit.
Presented by Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Potomac, MD—the epicenter for Serbian culture in and around Washington, DC—the three-day festival has something for everyone, including traditional Serbian dishes, beverages, dance and music performances, gifts and boutique items and family-friendly activities. In addition, admission and parking are free, an indoor setup has been arranged in case of inclement weather and all a la carte food item proceeds benefit Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church.
Entertainment Schedule:
On Saturday, May 19th, from 11:00AM to 12:30PM, devout dumpling lovers and fans of Q by Peter Chang (4500 East West Highway #100, Bethesda, MD 20814; www.QbyPeterChang.com; (240) 800-3722; IG @q_by_peter_chang_) will have the opportunity to learn how to make some of the celebrated Chinese restaurant’s signature dumplings at ‘Pinched’ – a hands-on dumpling making and cooking class led by legendary husband and wife chef duo Peter Chang and Lisa Chang. This class will serve as the first in-house cooking class to take place at Q by Peter Chang, but the team has plans to continue creating and offering additional interactive culinary classes and events in the coming months with the hopes of further educating fans on the beauty, history, and diversity behind authentic Chinese cuisine.
Priced at $40 per person, this hands-on dumpling experience is open to all ages and will begin with a 10-15 minute demonstration by Chefs Peter and Lisa Chang focusing on the techniques behind dough making and wrapping. The class will proceed providing participants with 20-30 minutes for the hands-on portion inviting attendees to make their own dumplings followed by the cooking of their dumplings handled on-site by restaurant staff, and a 30-40 minute seated lunch experience. An assortment of both meat and vegetarian dumpling fillings will be available for all class participants to choose from.
“This is an exciting and engaging way for myself, my wife Chef Lisa Chang, and the team at Q by Peter Chang to interact more with our wonderful customers and community and to help educate them as much as possible on the beauty of authentic Chinese cuisine”, said celebrated Chef and restaurateur Peter Chang. “Following ‘Pinched’, we have plans to offer many more unique and interactive classes and events in the coming months to our devoted friends and fans, especially those that have yet to experience Q by Peter Chang. As our flagship restaurant, we hope to use this space as a way to truly unite Chinese food lovers and educate them on the diversity of our versatile cuisine.:
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (240) 800-3722 or emailing info@qbypeterchang.com.
Presented by Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Potomac, MD—the epicenter for Serbian culture in and around Washington, DC—the three-day festival has something for everyone, including traditional Serbian dishes, beverages, dance and music performances, gifts and boutique items and family-friendly activities. In addition, admission and parking are free, an indoor setup has been arranged in case of inclement weather and all a la carte food item proceeds benefit Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church.
Entertainment Schedule:
Presented by Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Potomac, MD—the epicenter for Serbian culture in and around Washington, DC—the three-day festival has something for everyone, including traditional Serbian dishes, beverages, dance and music performances, gifts and boutique items and family-friendly activities. In addition, admission and parking are free, an indoor setup has been arranged in case of inclement weather and all a la carte food item proceeds benefit Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church.
Entertainment Schedule:
SMITHSONIAN at 8 presents Invoke Your Pride: A Night at the African Art Museum
WHEN: Friday, June 1, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for VIP ticket-holders)
WHERE: National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC
Kick-off the annual Capital Pride Festival at this exclusive after-hours event at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. Get special access to spectacular exhibitions, including Jim Chuchu’s stunning Invocations, and enjoy curators’ talks, music, dancing, cocktails, and more.
In his deeply personal and visually mesmerizing videos Invocation: The Severance of Ties and Invocation: Release, versatile Nairobi-based artist Jim Chuchu draws on the language of rituals and the divine imagery of world religions to commemorate his journey to self-definition as an adult and as a gay man, while envisioning a more inclusive African future.
Chuchu’s torso creates powerful graphic patterns as it spins, splits, multiplies, and morphs to the track of house beats composed by the artist. A singer, songwriter, and music producer, Chuchu has created a special playlist for the event.
General admission $30
VIP admission $50
At the door (if available):
General Admission $35
VIP Admission $60
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.org
