Events/Things To Do

      Washington, DC 20016

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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A maestro, a yogi, and an orchestra walk into a tunnel. There’s no punchline, just an amazing and unique one-night experience awaiting fans of live music and yoga on Sunday, Oct. 21^st, as the American Pops Orchestra and yogi Michael Peterson will host their first Music and Mindfulness practice and concert at Dupont Underground.

Here’s what to expect:

Will there really be a live orchestra at a yoga class?

Yes — the American Pops Orchestra is versatile and nimble in size and musical stylings. To fit the space and vibe of this event, APO Founder and Musical Director Luke Frazier will conduct and play piano along with the Pops’ Chamber Ensemble: four cellos and one percussionist. APO’s principal percussionist Jeremy Yaddaw co-wrote the original score of an interwoven soundscape of classic Broadway melodies arranged in an eastern meditative style. Playing this music live in Dupont Underground lends an acoustic sound similar to a cathedral or the Paris catacombs.

What’s it like to do yoga in Dupont Underground?

Instructor Michael Peterson will guide participants on a journey through mindfulness and flexibility as the orchestra plays. This practice is open to all, no matter their level of ability. At last year’s event, there were people doing yoga for the first time and some simply sitting to enjoy the music and meditation without being physically engaged. Seating will be available for those seeking a calming experience.

Dupont Underground is a 15,000 square foot space that can accommodate up to 250 people for this event. Previous shows have sold out, and tickets are available here. Water, tea, juice and other snacks will be available for purchase, and participants should bring their own mats and towels. It is advisable to dress in layers to keep warm during the relaxation part of the session. The session will last 75 minutes.

How did this collaboration happen?

Frazier began practicing yoga a few years ago and was instantly enamored with the focus, strength and meditation yoga brings.

“As I spent more time doing yoga, I also spent more time thinking about how live music would enhance the experience,” says Frazier. “So I decided to combine these two loves into something different and exciting that allows us to explore the parallels between yoga and live music in real time.”

Before finding his calling as a yoga teacher, Michael Peterson studied dance and theater, and even played the drums.

“Sometimes in yoga we get so focused on technique, we don’t really let it be a fun and creative process,” says Peterson. “The atmosphere of a yoga class is so central to the practice, and live music has a way of creating a more artistic and creative atmosphere that rejuvenates the soul. It’s this communal experience where we all come together to create and experience something that only happens right in that moment.”

The practice on October 21 is the first in a series. The other practices will take place at Dupont Underground on April 13 and May 8, 2019 at 6pm.

On Wednesday, November 7^th, America Abroad Media (AAM) will recognize Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first female filmmaker in Saudi Arabia, along with writer and producer Wahid Hamed and director Marwan Hamed for their commitment to purpose driven content at their annual awards dinner. The sixth annual event will also recognize two documentaries highlighting the Kurdish fight against ISIS Peshmerga and The Battle of Mosul, directed by Bernard Henri Lévy.

The annual awards dinner brings together policy makers, diplomats and the Hollywood creative community to honor the people and organizations who exemplify the power of media to inform, inspire and positively impact society. Past honorees include H.R.H. Princess Rym Ali of Jordan, actress Hend Sabry, award-winning directors Kathryn Bigelow and Paul Greengrass,Showtime’s critically acclaimed series, Homeland, and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan.

WHO: America Abroad Media Founder & President Aaron Lobel, Co-Chairs Former Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, General Michael V. Hayden, Former Chairman of MGM Studios and Paramount Pictures Frank Mancuso, Sr., Former Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) CEOCharles H. Rivkin and former Michigan representative The Honorable Mike Rogers and honorees including Haifaa Al-Mansour, Wahid Hamed, Marwan Hamed and Bernard Henry Lévy.Members of AAM’s Hollywood-Middle East Initiative including Bill Macdonald, writer and executive producer, Rome and Rough Riders, Mark Goffman, writer and producer, The West Wing and Sleepy Hollow, Jessica Mecklenburg, writer and producer, Stranger Things and Gypsy and more will also be in attendance. 

WHAT: The evening will include photo-ops with honorees and other VIPs in attendance

WHEN: Wednesday, November 7^th, 2018 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

 HOW: Please e-mail Thomas Walter at twalter@mww.com to attend.

On Wednesday, November 7^th, America Abroad Media (AAM) will recognize Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first female filmmaker in Saudi Arabia, along with writer and producer Wahid Hamed and director Marwan Hamed for their commitment to purpose driven content at their annual awards dinner. The sixth annual event will also recognize two documentaries highlighting the Kurdish fight against ISISPeshmerga and The Battle of Mosul, directed by Bernard Henri Lévy.

The annual awards dinner brings together policy makers, diplomats and the Hollywood creative community to honor the people and organizations who exemplify the power of media to inform, inspire and positively impact society. Past honorees include H.R.H. Princess Rym Ali of Jordan, actress Hend Sabry, award-winning directors Kathryn Bigelow and Paul Greengrass, Showtime’s critically acclaimed series,Homeland, and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan.

WHO: America Abroad Media Founder & President Aaron Lobel, Co-Chairs Former Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, General Michael V. Hayden, Former Chairman of MGM Studios and Paramount Pictures Frank Mancuso, Sr., Former Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) CEO Charles H. Rivkin and former Michigan representative The Honorable Mike Rogers and honorees including Haifaa Al-Mansour, Wahid Hamed, Marwan Hamed and Bernard Henry Lévy. Members of AAM’s Hollywood-Middle East Initiative including Bill Macdonald, writer and executive producer, Rome and Rough Riders, Mark Goffman, writer and producer, The West Wing and Sleepy Hollow, Jessica Mecklenburg, writer and producer, Stranger Things and Gypsy and more will also be in attendance.

WHAT: The evening will include photo-ops with honorees and other VIPs in attendance

WHEN: Wednesday, November 7^th, 2018 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

HOW: Please e-mail Thomas Walter at twalter@mww.com to attend.

WHO: Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP)

WHAT: YPFP’s Affairs of State Awards Gala and Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, November 10 at 8PM

WHERE: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

WHY: YPFP is bursting bubbles and broadening minds at this year’s Annual Affairs of State Awards Gala and Fundraiser, where hundreds of DC’s young professionals will mix and mingle at the hottest foreign policy event of the year. Two awards will be presented to outstanding leaders in foreign policy. This year’s gala is also part of the ongoing “Burst Your Bubble” initiative that challenges traditional approaches to foreign policy conversations. YPFP is hosting events that bring diverse topics, people, and places to the foreign policy space.

ABOUT YPFP

YPFP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to building the leaders the world needs. Headquartered in Washington, DC with locations in New York City, Brussels, and London, the YPFP network consists of 20,000 rising leaders from 80 countries across the globe.

Washington Business Hall of Fame founders Junior Achievement
of Greater Washington, the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Washingtonian
announced the 2018 Hall of Fame laureates. Since 1988, the Washington Business Hall of Fame
has recognized the professional and philanthropic contributions of outstanding business leaders in
our region who have made Greater Washington the city that it is today. The annual gala benefits
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and its innovative financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship K-12 programs that inspire the next generation of leaders to navigate their path to the American Dream.

This year’s laureates are:
José Andrés
Chef/Owner, ThinkFoodGroup & minibar by José Andrés

Donald A. Brown, Joseph B. Gildenhorn, and Benjamin R. Jacobs
Founding Partners, The JBG Companies

Mark D. Ein
Founder & CEO, Venturehouse Group, LLC

Dr. Sachiko Kuno
Founder & Chair, Halcyon

“This year’s laureates are an example of what’s possible from our region’s business leaders,” said
Ed Grenier, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “Their passion for
excellence and steadfast commitment to this community is an inspiration to all of us and a lesson in leadership for Greater Washington’s future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”

Washington Business Hall of Fame laureates have shaped the regional landscape of Greater
Washington and consistently demonstrated outstanding business accomplishments, visionary
leadership, integrity and strong core values, and, passionate community engagement. Following a
call for nominations from the general public, final selections are made by a nomination committee
led by representatives of the three founding organizations. More than 100 remarkable laureates
have been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1988. A full list is available at www.myJA.org/halloffame/laureates.

The laureates will be honored at a black-tie gala and awards ceremony, chaired by Grant Thornton
Partner in Charge, Markets, Industries, and Clients – Atlantic Coast Region, Richard P. LaFleur on
Wednesday, November 28 at the National Building Museum. At this year’s gala, more than 1,200
business and civic leaders will come together to honor this year’s laureates and raise more than
$1.4 million to support Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s K-12 programs and their work to inspire over 66,000 students in our region annually to be financially capable, tenacious, and
equipped with the tools to manage risk effectively, solve problems creatively, and welcome
opportunity in an increasingly complex modern economy. The gala is presented by Capital One and
Grant Thornton.

To reserve a table and for event details, please visit
www.WashingtonBusinessHallofFame.org.

When: Saturday, December 1, 6 to 8pm

Where: Soulex Float Spa, 1010 Massachussettes Avenue, NW

What: Celebrate the holiday season than with an evening of meditation, mindfulness, and creativity. In partnership with Mental Health America (MHA), SOULEX float spa is excited to host a DIY Bath Salts Charity Workshop.  The evening will open with a discussion lead by a representative from Mental Health America. Then we will guide you through a brief meditation to set your mind into a state of calm. The remainder of our evening will be dedicated to creativity. We will provide all the attendees with a portion of bath salt and a myriad of dried herbs, florals, and essential oils to infuse into your very own take-home bath salts.  Proceeds will go to help Mental Health America on their mission to spread mental health awareness and aid across the country. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Mental Health America.  Attendees will be able to purchase promotional pricing on float packages that evening in which 30% of the total sales will be donated to Mental Health America.

How: Tickets are $10 available here

Avoid letting winter wreak havoc on your skin, and head to Aura Spa. The popular day spa is hosting a Winter Wonderland Mixer at its U Street location, promising an evening of pampering on Wednesday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at1612 U St NW, Washington, D.C. Complimentary cranberry mimosas and holiday themed desserts will be served throughout the evening.

Guests are invited to sample various spa products and enjoy a refreshing night with free chair massages and skin analyses by expert Aura Spa estheticians. Aura Spa and Bang Salon swag bags will be provided, and attendees who pre-book spa services at the event will receive 15 percent off. All GM Collin skincare and retail products will be 25 percent off. Guests will also be entered into a raffle to win an assortment of Aura Spa products. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com, and for more information on Aura Spa, visit www.auraspa.net. 

WHO:            Aura Spa – U Street

WHAT:         Winter Wonderland Mixer

                        Complimentary Cranberry Mimosas & Festive Desserts

                        Complimentary Skin Analyses & Chair Massages

                        15 percent off all spa services when pre-booked at the event

WHEN:         Wednesday, December 5th

                        6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Aura Spa – U Street

                        1612 U St NW

                        Washington, DC 20005

RSVP:           Guests may RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com 

Hanukkah Latke Brunch / eat.YOGA.drink. @ City Tap Dupont – Sunday, December 9

Visit City Tap Dupont on December 9 for a special Hanukkah iteration of their weekend brunch, featuring platters of latkes served with sour cream and applesauce for $8 as well as featured beers from Shmaltz Brewing. Stick around after grabbing an early brunch for a 12pm eat.YOGA.drink. instructor-led vinyasa class in City Tap Dupont’s private room. Tickets are $20 and include the class, small bites afterward, and an alcoholic drink of your choice. Make reservations for brunch and purchase tickets to the eat.YOGA.drink. class at www.citytap.com/location/dupont/.

Let your cocktails and your yoga practice flow this holiday season with VIDA Fitness. On Tuesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., VIDA Fitness will host a public Chaturanga & Cocktails event at District Distilling to benefit Thrive DC – a local nonprofit dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness in DC. For the first hour of the night, VIDA instructor Alexandra Chili will lead a yoga flow. After the yoga session, guests will try skinny versions of District Distillery cocktails, as well as a special VIDA cocktail menu that features health-conscience beverages. The money raised that night will benefit Thrive DC, who can provide much-needed clothing and supplies to DC’s homeless community. To reserve your place at VIDA’s Chaturanga & Cocktails, make at least a $5 donation to Thrive DC by visiting http://www.thrivedc.org/vidayoga.

WHO:              VIDA Fitness, District Distillery & Thrive DC

WHAT:             Chaturanga & Cocktails

                        VIDA Instructor Alexandra Chili will lead yoga flow

                        Sample healthy cocktail samples and special VIDA cocktail menu

$5 dollar or greater donation to Thrive DC holds your spot and benefits those in need

Please bring your own mat

Reserve your spot here: http://www.thrivedc.org/vidayoga

WHEN:           Tuesday, December 11

                        6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:          District Distillery

                        1414 U Street NW

                        Washington, DC 20009