Jun
23
Sat
America Now: Solstice Edition @ Three Museums
Jun 23 @ 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM

Museum visitors can revel in the extra hours of daylight and reflect on American unity with “America Now: Solstice Edition” on Saturday, June 23. This special evening of festivities is a three-museum collaboration between the National Museum of American History, National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. Now in its fourth year, the tri-institutional partnership of “America Now” will coincide for the first time with a full Smithsonian-wide Solstice celebration.

 

“America Now: Solstice Edition” is free to the public and open to general audiences; drinks and food will be available for purchase at each location. More information at AmericaNow.si.edu.

 

Details about the event at the National Portrait Gallery are below and attached.

 

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery

Special programs: 7:30–11:30 p.m.

Galleries open until midnight

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

Eighth and F streets N.W.

 

Continuing the festivities, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery will host an array of activities across art and performance. Guests will be welcomed by an outdoor Community Block Party composed of food trucks, lawn games and craft-making activities with local artists organized in collaboration with Made in DC. They can connect with representatives from the Downtown BID, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, Shakespeare Theater Company and Fresh Farm Farmer’s Market. Visitors can then cool off at a boutique-designed Beer Garden inside the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, have their portraits done by a Washington-based caricature artist and explore the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery’s exhibitions throughout the first floor. “America Now” will conclude with dancing to the sounds of DJ Ayes Cold and a major live concert by Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, and Washington’s own Oddisee.

 

“America Now” is a three-museum collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of American History and Smithsonian American Art Museum. It is made possible by the support of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Family Foundation. The Washington Post is the media sponsor of America Now. This year’s celebration is part of a Smithsonian’s “Solstice Saturday” program done in association with the “By the People Festival,” led by Halcyon. The Smithsonian’s Washington D.C. museums will be open until midnight on June 23 (except for the National Postal Museum). Details are outlined at www.si.edu/SolsticeSaturday.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics @ Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery
Jun 23 @ 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM

The National Portrait Gallery presents a live concert by Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, Washington D.C.’s own Oddisee and DJ Ayes Cold in “America Now: Solstice Edition” this Saturday, June 23. This special evening of festivities is a three-museum collaboration between the National Museum of American History, National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. Now in its fourth year, the tri-institutional partnership of “America Now” will coincide for the first time with a full Smithsonian-wide Solstice celebration.

 

“America Now: Solstice Edition” is free to the public and open to general audiences; drinks and food will be available for purchase at each location. Details are outlined below and at AmericaNow.si.edu.

 

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery

Special programs: 7:30–11:30 p.m.

First floor galleries open until 11:30 p.m.

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

Eighth and F streets N.W.

 

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery will host an array of activities across art and performance. Guests will be welcomed by an outdoor Community Block Party composed of food trucks, lawn games and craft-making activities with local artists organized in collaboration with Made in DC. They can connect with representatives from the Downtown BID, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, Shakespeare Theater Company and Fresh Farm Farmer’s Market. Visitors can then cool off at a boutique-designed Beer Garden inside the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, have their portraits done by a Washington-based caricature artist and explore the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery’s exhibitions throughout the first floor. “America Now” will conclude with dancing to the sounds of DJ Ayes Cold and a major live concert by Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, and Washington’s own Oddisee.

 

“America Now” is a three-museum collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of American History and Smithsonian American Art Museum. It is made possible by the support of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Family Foundation. The Washington Post is the media sponsor of America Now. This year’s celebration is part of a Smithsonian’s “Solstice Saturday” program done in association with the “By the People Festival,” led by Halcyon. Several Smithsonian museums will stay open until midnight on June 23. Details are outlined at www.si.edu/SolsticeSaturday.

Jul
14
Sat
Hillwood French Festival @ Hillwood Museum & Gardens
Jul 14 @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

French Festival

Saturday, July 14, 2018, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Indulge your inner Francophile at this celebration of Bastille Day and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s 18th-century French decorative arts collection.

www.HillwoodMuseum.org 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Jul
28
Sat
Tanabata: The Japanese Star Festival @ Hillwood Museum & Gardens
Jul 28 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tanabata: The Japanese Star Festival

Saturday, July 28, 2018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Celebrate Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, through storytelling, live music, crafts, and more.

www.HillwoodMuseum.org 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

 

Aug
10
Fri
Root Beer Float Day Fundraiser @ The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Aug 10 @ 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, invite locals and guests alike to partake in a Root Beer Float Day fundraiser   on Friday August 10th.   Sales of classic root beer floats will benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital

WHEN: Friday August 10th from 11 am until 10 pm

WHERE:              The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

                             1250 South Hayes Street

                             Arlington, Virginia  22202

                             www.ritzcarlton.com/pentagoncity

Join the fun in fyve lounge as hotel guests, as well as the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City celebrate 35-year Marriott partnership with Children’s Miracle Network by offering a traditional root beer, rich vanilla ice cream, whipped cream with a cherry on top float.

During the week of August 6, participating Marriott International hotels throughout the United States and Canada will host root beer floats fundraising activities with the proceeds going directly to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Root Beer Float Day is a nod to Marriott’s beginnings when company founder, Bill Marriott, Sr., and his wife Alice opened two root beer stands in Washington, D.C., in the 1920s.

Aug
16
Thu
Under 35: Museum Night at Ford’s Theatre @ Ford's Theatre & Museum
Aug 16 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Young professionals ages 21-35 can enjoy after-hours access to Ford’s Theatre and Museum at Under 35: Museum Night on August 16, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Patrons are invited to mix and mingle in the Ford’s Theatre Museum, see historic artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and assassination, and explore the 19th-century theatre where President and Mrs. Lincoln attended performances. Guests will interact with staff members 35 and under who can share information on Ford’s Theatre history and current programming. Each $20 ticket will include two drink vouchers. Beverages provided by On Tap.

This event is part of Generation Abe, a Ford’s Theatre initiative to reach out young adult audiences ages 35 and under. Generation Abe will feature special events that will include behind-the-scenes access to the historic site and social events related to theatrical productions.

Tickets to Under 35: Museum Night

Tickets are $20 and must be reserved in advance. Tickets can be reserved by calling (888) 616-0270 or online at www.fords.org. This event is only for those 21 years or older. A valid ID must be presented to check-in at the Ford’s Theatre lobby (511 Tenth Street NW).

 

Ford’s Theatre Society

Since reopening in 1968, more than a hundred years after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre has celebrated Lincoln’s legacy and explored the American experience through theatre and education. Under the leadership of Director Paul R. Tetreault, Ford’s Theatre has been recognized for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the Tony-nominated Come From Away and the nationally acclaimed Big River to the world premieres of Meet John DoeThe Heavens Are Hung In BlackLiberty SmithNecessary SacrificesThe Widow Lincoln and The Guard, Ford’s Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape. For its accomplishments, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts. For more information, visit www.fords.org.

#GenAbe

Aug
18
Sat
DC Music Rocks Festival @ 9:30 Club
Aug 18 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The 2nd Annual DC Music Rocks Festival is coming to the 9:30 Club on August 18th for a full night of amazing local music. The event brings five of DC’s incredible local bands from various genres together for one awesome night that celebrates “keeping it local.”  

The Festival is hosted by DC Music Rocks, a syndicated FM radio show and podcast in the Washington DC area that “Shines a spotlight on the great songs, artists, and incredible people behind, the DC region’s local music scene.”  

Featured Bands:

Band Genre Recommended If You Like
Kid Brother Rock/Folk/Indie Modest Mouse, Muse, Portugal The Man
Pebble To Pearl R&B/Funk/Pop Prince, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Tina Turner
Fellowcraft Grunge/Blues/Rock Alice In Chains, Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Allthebestkids Hip Hop/Jazz/Indie The Flaming Lips, The Notorious BIG
Black Dog Prowl Hard Rock Soundgarden, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age

Kid Brother will kick off the festival, with a Rock/Folk/Indie vibe much like Modest Mouse or Portugal The Man. Pebble To Pearl will follow with their signature R&B/Funk/Pop sound, which has been compared to Prince, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce or Tina Turner. Next up will be Fellowcraft with their Grunge/Blues/Rock vibe, and they rock like Alice In Chains, the Black Keys, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Switching gears, Allthebestkids will take the stage with their Hip Hop/Jazz/Indie sound that offers a fun sound similar to Notorious BIG or The Flaming Lips.  Putting the finishing touch on the evening with a high energy dose of hard rock will be Black Dog Prowl, who rock with a sound similar to Soundgarden, Nirvana, or Queens of The Stone Age.

The DC Music Rocks Festival is sponsored by Arlington Independent Media, Alchemical Records, and roXplosion, with a portion of the proceeds supporting Girls Rock! DC, a local music education organization for girls age 8-18.

Doors open at 7pm for what will be a fun, rocking spotlight on the local DC music scene.  Follow @dcmusicrocks on social media to stay informed of updates.

August 18, 2018 – 7pm – $15 – All ages welcome #dcmusicrocks930

9:30 Club:  https://www.930.com/event/1693457-dc-music-rocks-festival-washington/

Aug
21
Tue
DC Bar Foundation’s Baseball for Justice @ Nationals Park
Aug 21 @ 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The DC Bar Foundation is partnering with the Washington Nationals to hostBaseball for Justice on August 21st at 5:30 p.m. This is our first year hosting the event and it promises to be a great time in support of access to justice for all DC’s residents.

Baseball for Justice includes a pre-game reception and baseline box seats for $150/ticket. We also have 4 special tickets for $250, which include the opportunity to come down to the field to hold the finish line tape for the legendary Presidents’ Race!

More information about the event is available here. If you have any questions, please contact at events@dcbarfoundation.org.

Aug
23
Thu
Miss DC Send-Off
Aug 23 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Help send Allison Farris off to Atlantic City – purchase your tickets to the Miss America Send Off Party!

Each ticket includes a buffet dinner catered by Tony Cheng’s Restaurant and free wine and beer!

Please join us to celebrate
Miss DC 2018 Allison Farris
as she leaves for the Miss America Competition
and
Judy Mabone as she leaves for the National Miss Sweetheart Competition

DateThursday, August 23
Time6:00-8:00 pm
Location777 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Cost: $40 

Sep
2
Sun
NSO Labor Day Concert @ Capital West Lawn
Sep 2 @ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), led by guest conductor JoAnn Falletta, performs its annual free Labor Day weekend concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Sunday, September 2, at 8:00 p.m. The concert will feature two NSO Principal musicians and former Washington National Opera Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist, Leah Hawkins, as soloists. No tickets are required. Gates open to the public at 3:00 p.m. with an open rehearsal at 3:30 p.m.

The NSO’s Labor Day Weekend Concert has been a NSO tradition since 1979. This year’s program features works by living American composers, including Libby Larsen and Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Americana-themed works, such as Aaron Copland’s Rodeo. Full program details can be found below.

In case of inclement weather, please call the NSO’s Summer Concert Hotline at (202) 416-8114 after 2:30 p.m. on the day of the concert to find out whether the performance will take place at the Capitol, or whether it will move indoors to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. If the concert moves indoors, there will be no open rehearsal.  The concert will be approximately 90 minutes long, with no intermission, at 8 p.m.

Sunday Evening, September 2 at 8:00 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION, NO TICKETS REQUIRED

West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

Rain Location:  Kennedy Center Concert Hall

 

JoAnn Falletta, conductor

Aaron Goldman, NSO Principal Flute

Craig Mulcahy, NSO Principal Trombone

Leah Hawkins, narrator & vocalist

 

John Stafford SMITH “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Adolphus HAILSTORK “Fanfare on Amazing Grace”

Libby LARSEN “Deep Summer Music”

Jonathan Bailey HOLLAND  “Equality”

Leah Hawkins, narrator

Arturo MÁRQUEZ Danzon No. 2

William BOLCOM “Waltz Clogg” from Lyric Concerto for Flute

Aaron Goldman, flute

Aaron COPLAND  Three Dances from Rodeo

Arthur PRYOR “Blue Bells of Scotland”

Craig Mulcahy, trombone

arr. Carmen DRAGON “Shenandoah”

arr. John WILLIAMS “Hooray for Hollywood”

arr. James KESSLER “Service Medley”

arr. Carmen DRAGON “America, the Beautiful”