Mid City DC Magazine – October 2024

Washington Ballet’s when WE take ight. Page 12.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

20th Annual Fuego Flamenco Festival at GALA

This year, GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, celebrates Flamenco in an expanded threeweek Flamenco Festival – Nov. 7 to 23. Ser. Rana, Nov. 7 to 10, is a foreteller, an experience that transforms the art of movement and sets dance free. The original music of the show and the minimalist esthetic of dance create a close connection between artist and audience, uncovering deep emotions. Lo Mejor de Edwin, Nov. 15 to 17, is a retrospective of powerful works choreographed by visionary Salvadoran artist Edwin Aparicio in honor of the 20-year celebration of the festival he co-founded. In Intimate Friends of Flamenco, Nov. 22 and 23, Marc and Ana, friends since their years as teens and university classmates, reminisce and enjoy the music that has been a part of their lives since childhood and continues to resonate with them today. Each show’s tickets are $50; $35 for seniors and military. The festival pass is $115. galatheatre.org.

Basquiat × Banksy at the Hirshhorn

Basquiat × Banksy is an exhibition at the Hirshhorn, Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, through Oct. 26, 2025, of two major paintings, one by Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988) and the other by Banksy (anonymous; b. near Bristol, England). Placed in dialogue, Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (1982) and Banksy’s response, Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search (2018) reveal throughlines among street art, contemporary art, and the popular imagination. The exhibition also includes 20 small works on paper and wood that were made by Basquiat between 1979 and 1985 and demonstrate the artist’s deep familiarity with art history, his use of language, and his signature motifs, such as skulls and crowns. The film Downtown 81 (shot in 1980–1981 and released in 2000), a send-up of the denizens of Manhattan’s ’80s avant-garde that stars Basquiat as a struggling artist named “Jean,” is also on view. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988), Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump, 1982. Acrylic, crayon, and spray paint on canvas. Private collection. © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.

Sonia Franco.

Photo: Alberto Centella

ATRS

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Babbitt at STC

Meet George F. Babbitt: real estate broker, father of two, a ne, upstanding, middle-class American everyman. Seeking meaning to his humdrum existence, Babbitt Played by Matthew Boderick) plunges headlong into the most spectacular rebellion of his life (using the guest towel) and unwittingly turns the world around him upside down. Prepare to be amazed by this exhilarating adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’s satirical masterpiece. At Shakespeare Theater Company’s Harmon Hall,610 F St. NW, through Nov. 3. Tickets start at $35. shakespearetheatre.org.

Mosaic’s The Art of Care at the Atlas

Sting 3.0 at MGM National Harbor

As a solo musician and a member of the Police, Sting has received 17 Grammy Awards: he won Song of the Year for “Every Breath You Take”, three Brit Awards, including Best British Male Artist in 1994 and Outstanding Contribution in 2002, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and four nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. In 2019, he received a BMI Award for “Every Breath You Take” becoming the most-played song in radio history. Sting 3.0 is at MGM National Harbor on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Tickets are $157 to $612 (with dynamic pricing). mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo at SAAM

Pictures of Belonging at the American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets, NW, from Nov. 15 to Aug. 17, 2025, is an unprecedented examination of three trailblazing gures. By tracing their artistic development before, during, and after the mass incarceration and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II, the exhibition offers a nuanced view of how these women continued to explore and experiment with new artistic expression throughout their lives. Created during tumultuous decades in modern US history, their paintings, along with their stories of resilience, remind us of art’s power in the face of adversity and challenge. americanart.si.edu.

LEFT: Miki Hayakawa, One Afternoon, ca. 1935, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 in., New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, Gift of Preston McCrossen in memory of his wife, the artist, 1954, 520.23P

One of the most profound experiences we all share is how we care for, and are cared for by, others. The Art of Care is an innovative world premiere theatrical event exploring this common thread of our humanity at a time in our world when care often feels in short supply. Featuring an ensemble of all-star DC performers sharing from their own deeply personal experiences, this uplifting and interactive genre-breaking devised play combines movement, music, and multimedia with the insights of caregivers, medical professionals, policymakers, and everyday citizens, and courageously invites us all into the performers’ own vulnerable personal worlds while deepening our understanding of our own. Tickets are $42 to $70. Mosaic’s The Art of Care is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 24. mosaictheater.org.

Are you a positive, nurturing, and child-centered individual who loves working with young children? Do you thrive in an engaging, fun, and supportive environment? Polite Piggy’s is looking for positive, nurturing, and child-centered team members to join our expanding programs in Capitol Hill and Southwest DC, working with children ages 3-14.

Role Overview:

As a Childcare Facilitator, you’ll supervise children, assist with homework, lead fun activities, and maintain a safe, positive environment.

Hours:

Before School: 7 am - 8:30 am Afterschool: 3 pm -

What We Offer:

• Fun and family-oriented work environment

• Low adult-to-student ratio

• 401(K), paid leave, and training

• Employee Discounts and Wages On Demand

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED

• 1+ years of childcare experience

• Must pass background checks

• Authorized to work in the U.S.

• Positive, reliable, and teamoriented

Romeo and Juliet at the Folger Folger Theatre opens its 2024-25 season with William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by award-winning director and producer Raymond O. Caldwell, on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, through Nov. 10. Framed within the Folger Shakespeare Library’s timely seasonal theme of Whose Democracy?, an exploration of political power and civic participation, this staging situates the world’s most famous romantic tragedy in a politically fraught, slightly ctionalized version of Washington DC. In a nod to our current election cycle, Caldwell’s fresh interpretation of star-crossed lovers marries the “uncivil strife” of Shakespeare’s Verona and the polarized political landscape of our nation’s capital. Tickets are $20 to $84 with discounts for patrons under 35, students, seniors, members and family of the military, educators, and groups. folger.edu/whats-on/ romeo-and-juliet/.

Pottery on the Hill

Pottery on the Hill is on the weekend of Nov. 17 to 19, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. It celebrates functional pottery that which can be regularly used, such as dinnerware, drinkware, vases, platters, and more by top ceramic artists from across the country. Avid ceramics fans will love the chance to talk with the potters in a casual, fun environment and continue to grow their collections. This is also a great opportunity to get a jump start on shopping for the holidays, giving the special people in your life a one-of-a-kind gift. This year, they welcome ten new potters: Christina Bendo, Danielle Carelock, Guillermo Cuéllar, Andrea Denniston, Seth Gutovsky, Matt Kelleher, Shoko Teruyama, Doug Peltzman, David Young, and Junko Young. Free admission. Friday preview, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $40; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free, and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. hillcenterdc.org/partner/pottery-on-the-hill.

The Magnetic Fields (69 Love Songs) at the Lincoln

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile at Arena

In Ken Ludwig’s thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, Hercule Poirot becomes entangled in a web of deceit and desire aboard a cruise ship on the Nile River. When a murder occurs among the passengers, Poirot springs into action to unmask a killer who could strike again at any moment. Death on the Nile is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 29. Tickets are $59 to $99. arenastage.org.

The Magnetic Fields are an American band founded and led by Stephin Merritt, the group’s primary songwriter, producer, and vocalist, as well as frequent multi-instrumentalist. The band released their debut single 100,000 Fire ies in 1991. The single was typical of the band’s earlier career, characterized by synthesized instrumentation by Merritt. The band’s best-known work is the 1999 three-volume concept album 69 Love Songs. The Magnetic Fields will reprise 69 Love Songs on Oct. 17 to 20 at the Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $49.50 to $79.50. thelincolndc.com.

Vase Grouping by Julie Wiggins

The Washington Ballet’s when WE take flight when WE take flight, from Oct. 24 to 27, at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, features three varied works that highlight the dynamic range of The Washington Ballet company dancers. Stravinsky Violin Concerto is a work that is faithful to Balanchine’s immortal neoclassical style. It is a masterpiece of symmetry that encompasses two of Balanchine’s most ingenious and unique pas de deux. 18 + 1 is a celebration of dance. In a display of humor and electric choreography, the movement merges with the playful rhythms found in Pérez Prado’s mambo music. The program concludes with Murmuration--a deeply spiritual and kinetically thrilling work that is inspired by the beautiful flight patterns of starling birds. Tickets are $25 to $100. warnertheatredc.com.

All

the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain at STC

Dubbed “The villain of Broadway” Tony Award-nominee and Grammy Award-winner Patrick Page has never shied away from exploring his dark side. He now turns to the twisted motivations and hidden humanity at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest villains. Moving swiftly through the canon, Page illuminates Shakespeare’s evolving conception of evil by delving into more than a dozen of his most wicked creations, offering a thrilling masterclass on the most terrifying subject of them all: human nature. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theater from Dec. 6 to 29. Tickets are $35 to $119. shakespearetheatre.org.

Woman in Black at Keegan

A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the specter of a Woman in Black engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds… Woman in Black (back by popular demand) is at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from Oct. 12 to Nov. 17. Tickets are $44 to $54. keegantheatre.com.

The ’70 Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography at the NGA

The 1970s was a decade of uncertainty in the United States. Americans witnessed soaring inflation, energy crises, and the Watergate scandal, as well as protests about pressing issues such as the Vietnam War, women’s rights, gay liberation, and the environment. The country’s profound upheaval formed the backdrop for a revolution in documentary photography. Activism and a growing awareness and acceptance of diversity opened the field to underrepresented voices. Featuring some 100 works by more than 80 artists, from Oct. 6 to April 6, 2025, The ʼ70s Lens examines how photographers reinvented documentary practice during this radical shift in American life. nga.gov.

Helen Levitt. New York, 1972, dye imbibition print. image: 23.5 x 36 cm (9 1/4 x 14 3/16 in.) sheet: 30.2 x 42.9 cm (11 7/8 x 16 7/8 in.). National Gallery of Art, Patrons’ Permanent Fund © Film Documents LLC, courtesy Zander Galerie, Cologne

Turkish Festival 2024 (Turkiye Calling)

Over the years the Turkish Festival has become the premier event for the Turkish American Recreational and Cultural Organization (TURCO) and a much-anticipated tradition for Washingtonians. Since 2008, the festival has hosted more than 20,000 visitors every year. It is seen by many as one of the best cultural events in the city and it is noted for its culinary delights, and a variety of live Turkish music and folk dance performances. Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., in front of the US Capitol Building on Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Sixth streets, NW. Free admission. turkishfestival.org.

US National Oyster Festival

The US National Oyster Festival in Leonardtown, MD, is on Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rain or shine). Enjoy live entertainment, cook-offs, shucking contests, tastings and vendors. Single day tickets are $15; weekend passes are $25; kids 12 and under are free. Leonardtown is about 55 miles from DC. usoysterfest.com.

Chiarina’s Celebrated Piano Trios (Dvořák & Farrenc)

On Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m., at St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE, the virtuosity and charm of 19th-century composer Louise Farrenc--a figure whose music has risen from obscurity into the limelight in recent years--shine in the opening half of this program. Dvořák’s F-minor trio encapsulates the lyricism, vigor, and drama that make the Czech Romantic giant so revered. Superb chamber musicians Catherine Cho (violin) and Marcy Rosen (cello) join Chiarina artistic director Efi Hackmey in this afternoon performance. Tickets are $30, plus fee; $35 at door; and free for ages 18 and under. chiarina.org.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert

In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert audiences will see the film presented on a huge HD screen, accompanied by a range of musicians and instrumentalists performing music from the film’s score and soundtrack live to picture. This will include an orchestra, a scratch DJ on turntables, percussion and electronic instruments. The score for the film was created by Emmy-winning and Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated composer, Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on movies such as Ferrari, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Oceans 8. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on Nov. 8 and 9. Tickets start at $25. BroadwayAtTheNational.com.

Hip Hop, Vinyl, and Vintage Delights at Anacostia Arts Center

On Sunday, Oct. 27, noon to 5 p.m., join DJ RBI for an afternoon of live performances, exciting finds from local small businesses, and cultural exploration at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Marion Barry Ave. SE. Orange Crate Convention is the perfect post church/ brunch/whatever you did Saturday night stop. Come and buy vinyl, art, and mixtapes from DC’s thriving hip hop and rap community. anacostiaartscenter.com.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC: Postcards

On Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 (ASL), 5 and 8 p.m., at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, soloists from the Gay Men’s Chorus will share hilarious and heart-warming stories and songs about the travel adventures they’ve had and hope to have! Songs include “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “London Calling,” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Tickets are $43.50 for seniors or $48. gmcw.org/postcards.

IN Series’ Rigoletto (Opera that speaks. Theater that sings.)

Voted as audience choice for IN Series’ 2019-20 season, this circus version of Rigoletto, complete with a circus band and bawdy new text by Bari Biern, became a victim of COVID-19, but before that, victim to 19th-century censors that found its exploration of the misdeeds of the powerful too dangerous for the public eye. The production will finally roar to life on the stage, from Dec. 7 to 15, at the Goldman Theater DCJCC and the Baltimore Theatre Project. At once darkly devilish, toe-tappingly infectious, and horrifically funny, Verdi’s masterpiece is made intimate, in-your-face, and inescapably enjoyable under the big top. Tickets are $35 to $72.

Dates at the Goldman Theater, 1529 16th St. NW, are Dec. 7 and 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 8 and 15 at 2:30 p.m. inseries.org.

Shaw’s Shorts at Washington Stage Guild

From Nov. 21 to Dec. 15, get a fresh look at three of GB Shaw’s most delicious one-act plays, first produced by Stage Guild in 2007. In O’Flaherty VC, the winner of the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery is confronted by his Irish-to-the-core Catholic mother, incensed to discover he’s been fighting for the British. In the imaginative The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, Will Shakespeare goes to the palace to meet his Dark Lady to whom he addressed sonnets of love, only to find Her Majesty the Queen instead—followed by the Dark Lady herself who lambasts them both. Plus, The Interlude at the Playhouse, a comic curtain-raiser in which a nervous theater owner must give a big speech at a gala opening, but his wife may have to save the day. Tickets are $50 and 60. All performances are at The Undercroft Theatre, in the ground level of the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. stageguild.org.

LEFT: George Bernard Shaw taking a sun bath cure at Madeira.

Courtesy of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.

Insatiable

More Than Steak

As summer slipped into fall, Peter and I decided to revisit some restaurant favorites. We started with brunch at St. Anselm, the acclaimed six-year-old steakhouse at 1250 Fifth St. NE, in the bustling Union Market district. St. Anselm’s interior is richly furnished, with intimate dining nooks, artifacts and a jumbo American ag, all with a cozy steakhouse feel. A huge bearskin dominates the restroom entrance. St. Anselm is quite spacious, seating about 150, our helpful server Lauren told us. We opted to sit outside, taking advantage of summer’s waning days.

I started with a Bloody Mary, concocted with the bartender’s house mix. I requested “easy on the ice,” and they complied. Simple presentation, garnished with a single celery stick. e extensive beverage

lineup also encompasses various martinis, “zero proof” drinks, beer and an amazing wine list.

Our appetizer of four tarragonscented deviled eggs was generously crowned with chunks of lump bluecrab meat and garnished with colorful, edible red sorrel leaves. e quartet was well worth $17.

After considering avocado toast or an omelet, I settled on simple steak and eggs. After all, St. Anselm is known for its topnotch beef. e lunch-sized cut was perfectly cooked medium rare, fork tender. I hardly needed my steak knife. e dish came with two disc-shaped potato pancakes ‒ like latkes ‒ and a pair of nice runny eggs.

Peter chose the bodega sandwich, a montage of bacon, scrambled eggs and cheese snuggled inside a roll and wrapped in foil. Bodega sandwiches are popular breakfast choices in New York.

Some St. Anselm brunch items also appear at dinner, which showcases “monster” prawns, butcher’s steak with garlic butter, New York strip with au poivre sauce, axe-handle ribeye, lamb leg steak with pepper relish, charred bobo chicken (served in a pot with chilis), assorted sides.

Lunch for two came to $95, including tax and a generous tip. Not cheap, but high-quality ingredients are simply and expertly prepared. St. Anselm is open daily. For hours and more information, visit www.stanselmdc.com.

Feeling Ducky

In Logan Circle, Neighborhood Restaurant Group has rebranded the former Birch & Barley space at 1337 14th St. NW. Now a Southern-style enterprise, its new name is Mallard. e moniker refers to chef Hamilton Johnson’s father,

whose hobby is carving duck decoys. (Although Birch & Barley folded last summer, Churchkey remains upstairs; its kitchen is still under Johnson’s domain.)

Feathered artifacts and other objets d‘art adorn Mallard’s redecorated dining area.

From Mallard’s small plates brunch menu we sampled the oddly named poached duck egg. Presented on a lovely blue and white patterned plate, the dish seemed more like duck Benedict. e shredded bird and sliced mushrooms were combined with the egg, which rested on potato hash. e result was delicious and satisfying. Another starter is the buttermilk deep-fried oysters. Garnished with fresh herbs, the plump bivalves delivered avor and crunch.

Among dinner entrees are spicy duck breast and leg with autumn squash, shrimp and grits topped with smoked pork, blue cat sh with poached oysters,

St. Anselm’s kitchen showcases a perennial favorite, steak and eggs, a hearty, brunch option.

St. Anselm, the acclaimed steakhouse in the Union Market district, sports an appealing, cozy ambience.

seared sea scallops with dandelion greens. The poultry is sourced from La Belle Farms in the Catskills.

Presiding over Mallard’s handsome bar is beverage director Greg Engert, who pours artisan beers and sustainable wines, plus snazzy cocktails including spicy Mallard (Bloody) Marys served in duckfestooned glassware. Lunch for two came to a reasonable $50, before tip. Service was excellent. For Mallard hours and more information, visit www.mallarddc.com.

Coming Soon ...

In NoMa, at 550 Morse St. NE, look for Cordelia Fishbar, the umpteenth offspring of Clyde’s Restaurant Group. Don’t rush over there right away: the 250-seat seafood spinoff is not expected until later this fall. You’ll find it on the ground floor of a luxury apartment building developed by LCOR. The name Cordelia refers to a Celtic word for “daughter of the sea.” For updates, visit www.cordeliadc.com.

New on U

The bustling U Street corridor welcomes Yalla, 1355 U St. NW. Perched on a rooftop, this Middle Eastern newcomer offers familystyle dishes in a festive, convivial atmosphere. “In Arab countries, sharing plates is a way of life,” chef Marcel Chehaieb told Eater DC. Yalla is Arabic for “Let’s go.”

Spreads are divided into four categories: cold, hot, grilled and sweet. Chehaieb concocts three kinds of hummus: classic; Beirute with tomato, cilantro and parsley; and rich duck confit inspired by a Lebanese creation. Among other crowd pleasers are assorted skewers (swordfish, chicken, beef), phyllowrapped sweet-and-sour shrimp and sheep feta-mozzarella and beet

kibbeh, a vegan version of the traditional Lebanese meat kibbeh.

Desserts include baklava and ice cream. e latter comes in such Middle Eastern avors as cardamom, co ee and apricot. Yalla’s elegant decor matches the exotic cuisine, with lush greenery, sparkling lights and arched doorways. e handsome, mosaic-lined bar is lined with glass-blown lanterns. Cocktails are inspired by herbs, spices, syrups, fruits and other Middle Eastern ingredients, Chehaieb told Eater DC. For hours and more information, visit www.yallabyspace.com.

I Scream ...

Gone

Bar Spero, chef Johnny Spero’s upscale seafood restaurant in the Capitol Crossing complex at 250 Massachusetts Ave. NW, has closed.

Adios for Now!

In October, Peter and I are headed for a warm, historic (and delicious!) Mediterranean cruise, so we will not provide Insatiable in November. See you in December! ◆

In Logan Circle, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has opened its umpteenth o shoot at 1415 14th St. NW. Part of a nationwide chain, the company started out in a yellow truck in New York City 16 years ago. Visit www.vanleeuwenicecream.com. And Slipstream Cafe is moving from its original 14th Street digs to the renovated Studio eatre at 1501 14th St. NW.

In Logan Circle, Mallard – replacing Birch & Barley – dispenses updated Southern cuisine in a convivial setting.

At Mallard, a melange of duck leg and eggs provides an innovative, avorful midday repast.

THANKS

Funders & Sponsors for Making this Year’s Festival Possible

FUNDERS

SPONSORS

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor. ©2024 Shaw Main Streets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sp o tli ght on Shaw

by Madi Koesler

Nellie’s Sports Bar

From Friday night football to Saturday morning mimosas, Nellie’s Sports Bar is a versatile space with something for everyone. Especially in recent years, Nellie’s has worked to rebuild community, and its drag brunches are a prime example of this.

Every night at Nellie’s looks different, and so does the clientele. The bar’s many events such as trivia, poker and the iconic drag brunch draw a variety of people. A night at Nellie’s can be playing a board game with friends or doing Jell-O shots while cheering for drag queens. Doug Schantz, owner of Nellie’s, is proud of creating this diverse space where anyone can come and have a fun time.

Schantz named the bar in their

honor of his great-grandmother and her mother, both named Nellie, when it opened in 2007. Schantz grew up in Emporia, Kansas, hearing stories about Nellie from his Aunt Bertha, Nellie’s sister. Their Victorian social lives and parties fascinated him.

“For many years, I always thought that Victorian ladies were all named Nellie,” Schantz said. “And then from there, I thought this is such a fun name to just bring back.”

The bar’s most successful events are the drag brunches every Saturday and Sunday. Frequently selling out, they consist of a two-hour show hosted by one of Nellie’s longtime hosts, Sapphire Blue or Deja Diamond.

Guests are treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet and one mimosa or Bloody Mary on the house. The two hosts even have specialty cocktails named the Sapphire Motorcycle and Deja Diamond for those looking for something unique after their mimosas. The best part of the event is the second hour, where performances by the hosts electrify the bar.

“It’s just two hours of forgetting about anything else but having a lot of fun in the moment,” Schantz said.

More information on Nellie’s and its weekly events can be found at www.nelliessportsbar.com under the Events tab. Nellie’s is offering MidCity DC readers 20% off the drag brunch when using code MIDCITY2024 at checkout. Let us know what you think of the event!

Gramophone

For those who loved partying with DJs in frat basements, Gramophone is the sophisticated older sibling to those house party vibes.

Located on Florida Avenue in Shaw, Gramophone is the place to go for your second round of drinks. The bar menu is built like a set

Doug Schantz owns Nellie’s Sports Bar in Shaw.

Photo: Alexander Padro, Shaw Main Streets

Nellie’s drag brunches are the bar’s most popular events.

Photo: Nellie’s Sports Bar

Xavier Reed, known as Xav, during his “Black Techno Matters” set at Gramophone around 1 a.m. on Sept. 29. Photo: Madi Koesler

list, with cocktails organized by alcoholic strength in tiers labeled Opener, Headliner and Closer. Trust this ranking because the drinks are definitely strong.

Bathed in red light, the twofloor lounge offers plenty of room to dance, near the DJ booths, and spaces to sit and chat. Three DJs perform each night with sets ranging from disco to techno. Musicians and DJs who regularly play at the bar said they felt welcomed and enjoyed the opportunity to play at a local space. Owner Nick Sanati curates DJs from the DMV area, with the occasional special guest performer from New York City or Miami.

Before opening Gramophone in 2023, Sanati bought the former apartment building and demoed the space himself. His love for Gramophone is clear. The lounge is full of special details, even the chairs. As you sit in the red chairs in the red light, you can look out the windows onto Florida Avenue. Sanati found the chairs while in Texas and spent over $1,000 to drive them back in a U-Haul because he knew they were right for the space.

Making Gramophone a fun community is one of Sanati’s priorities. He is often found at the lounge enjoying the music and chatting with guests.

As Gramophone nears its second anniversary, Sanati hopes the space can build on its community of live music and DJ lovers. Visit www.gramophonedc.com and follow @Gramophone_DC on Instagram for updates and performance information.

Madi Koesler is a new photojournalist and reporter for MidCity DC and the HillRag. She can be contacted at madikoesler@gmail.com or on Instagram @madikoesler. u

A Look at the At-Large Race

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

On Nov. 5, voters in the District will select two candidates to represent them as at-large members on DC Council.

Four candidates are on the ballot. ese include two incumbent Councilmembers: Christina Henderson (independent), and Robert White, Jr. (Democrat). Also on the ballot are Rob Simmons (Republican) and Darryl Moch (Statehood Green); Mr. Simmons and Mr. Moch did not respond to multiple queries in time for publication.

Christina Henderson www.christinahenderson.org

Born in New York, Christina Henderson worked for At-Large Councilmember David Grosso and US Senator Chuck Schumer before her successful run for DC Council in 2020. She considers DC her rst permanent home and currently lives in Petworth with her spouse and two children.

Henderson believes that a zip code should not determine opportunity for success. She has focused on improving access to health care with a particular focus on maternal health outcomes, championing and funding the Maternal Health/Resources Act legislating that DC Medicaid and Alliance programs cover doula services. As Chair of the DC Council Committee on Health, she has overseen the construction of the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center and works to improve access to health care east of the river beyond the emergency room, such as psychologists, dentists, ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Henderson also chairs the Regional Transportation Planning committee. e highest number of tra c fatalities have happened in wards 7 and 8, she said. She has been trying to move the committee to take action less focused on enforce-

ment and more on ways to change the infrastructure around places like schools, recreation centers, libraries and senior centers. To address concerns at the Ofce of Uni ed Communications (OUC), which answers 911 calls, Henderson introduced the Retired Fire ghter and Police O cer Redeployment Emergency Amendment Act permitting re ghters and police o cers to be rehired at OUC as 911 call takers and dispatchers without impacting pension bene ts.

Henderson says kids aged 11 to 13 often think they are too old to go to DPR activities, but are too young to work; she has engaged with the Department of Employment Services (DOES) to come up with programming to keep those young people engaged in a productive manner.

Robert White, Jr. www.reelectrobertwhite.com

Robert White, Jr. is a fth generation Washingtonian who grew up in a singleparent family. He now lives in Ward 4 with his wife and two daughters. First elected in 2016,

White says that his history of limited means informs his policies on housing and public safety. White is now Chair of the Committee on Housing, where he wants to focus on improving access to and availability of a ordable housing. As a youth, when his family struggled with housing, someone always had a couch for them. But when people lack that support network, he said, the government must step in. Everyone from DC should be able to stay in DC, but White said working class families like his, including his father, have now been priced out of DC.

H is working to hold the O ce of United Communications to account to ensure that 911 calls are answered correctly and quickly and that the crime lab

Independent At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson is running for reelection.

Photo: Courtesy Reelect Christina Henderson

provides support to detectives and prosecutors.

White says DC is at a crossroads. e city needs to address the root causes of crime by protecting SNAP bene ts and ending the housing voucher backlog. He believes there is an opportunity to transform downtown, the engine of the District’s economy, working with private-public partnerships to retro t vacant o ce space into residential

units. is will activate communities and invigorate downtown businesses. He has proposed DC create a unied art district to attract more visitors and make DC into an arts and entertainment hub.

White said he has worked to increase the quality of education. If he is re-elected, he wants to increase vocational opportunities with trade unions and promote nancial literacy programs in the schools. ◆

Incumbent At-Large Councilmember Robert White, Jr. is running for reelection.

Photo: Courtesy Reelect Robert White

How to Vote in the 2024 General Elections

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The 2024 General Election is Nov. 5. Unlike the June primaries, all eligible District voters can vote in this election, including for candidates selected by each political party as well as those running as independents.

On the Ballot Voters will select DC Councilmembers for Ward 2, 4, 7 and 8, as well as the members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) for those wards. All residents will cast their ballots for the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) to represent their particular Single Member District (SMD).

Votes will also be cast in the citywide races: two at-large seats on DC Council, at-large member of the SBOE; Delegate to the House of Representatives, US Senator, US Representative, US President.

Also on the ballot is Initiative 83, The Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative. A “yes” vote for Initiative 83 would support the creation of a modified open primary allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections, and establishing a rankedchoice voting system for District elections starting in 2026. DC Code indicates that if approved by a majority of voters it would automatically become law. However, initiatives have been invalidated by Congress and less frequently by DC Council. The latter voted to repeal the first tipped wage ballot measure, Initiative 77, in 2018.

Who Can Vote?

As of May 5, 2024, all residents over 18 who have lived in DC for 30 days can register to vote in local elections, provided they are not reg-

istered to vote or claim residence in another country. It does not matter how they entered the US. This year, noncitizen residents can vote for councilmembers (at-large and in ward of residence) but cannot vote in federal elections.

A registered voter will not need any particular identification to vote, except at same-day voter registration, when proof of residence will be required. That can include a DC-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or REAL ID), a government check or paycheck, a bank statement, a current utility bill, a lease or any official document that includes the voter’s name and current District address.

Those who are incarcerated, regardless of the offense, can vote. If they are under court supervision or residing at a halfway house after release, they can vote. Residents who received a mailed absentee ballot, and were released from incarceration before it arrived, may vote at any voting center during early voting or at any voting center on Election Day. Upon release, they should contact the DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) to make any updates to their mailing address.

Where to Vote

DCBOE will begin mailing ballots to voters on Sept. 30. Voters can mail them back immediately and track them online (https://votedc.ballottrax.net/voter/), but they must be postmarked by Nov. 5 and received by Nov. 15.

Alternatively, ballot drop boxes are set to open Oct. 11 and will accept ballots until 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 5. Early voting takes place in person between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at any of 25 vote centers. 75 centers will be open on election day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You may cast a vote as long as you are in line by 8 p.m.

Voters can go to any voting center. A full list of early and day-of-voting centers is at https://www.dcboe. org/voters/find-out-where-to-vote/ vote-center-locator-tool.

DCBOE usually posts results for mail and early in-person voting shortly after polling places close on Election Day, followed by the day-of results. But nothing is official until results are certified, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 2. Find out more about the 2024 General Election by visiting www.dcboe.org/ Elections/2024-Elections. u

A ballot dropbox at Payne Elementary School. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN

Ranked Choice Voting is on the Ballot Initiative 83 Explained

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Not sure what Initiative 83 is or what it would mean? Unclear on the pros and cons of the the Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative? It’s on the ballot during the Nov. 5 General Election and if it is approved by a majority of voters, it would automatically become law. Here’s your chance to learn more about it.

A “yes” vote for Initiative 83 would support the creation of a modi ed open primary allowing una liated voters to participate in primary elections. It also establishes a ranked-choice voting (RCV) system for District electoral races with three or more candidates starting in 2026. Ranked choice voting is currently used for state races in Maine, Alaska and Nevada.

is is a particularly salient issue in races for the DC Council’s at-large seats, which typically have a long list of candidates. Incumbent at-large candidate Christina Henderson was rst elected in 2020. at year, 23 candidates ran for the two open seats in the General Election; only one was the Democratic nominee).

Henderson, an Initiative 83 supporter, won with 15 percent of the vote; Democratic nominee Robert White won with just under 26 percent. at means that at least 74 percent of voters wanted someone else —hardly a case of “majority rules.”

“We want to hold politicians accountable, make them work harder for our votes,” said Lisa D.T. Rice, who proposed the initiative and is founder of Make All Votes Count DC (makeallvotescountdc). “ e combination of letting independents vote in our taxpayer funded primaries

and implementing ranked choice voting in primaries and general elections combined will do that.”

In ranked-choice voting, voters will choose one candidate; or they can rank up to ve candidates in order of preference, where #1 is their most preferred. If candidate X is selected as #1 by a majority of voters, they win. But if not, the candidate who got the least number of #1 votes is eliminated and the count moves to another round. e process is repeated with each subsequent round until a candidate wins more than 50 percent of the total votes.

Voters in DC’s at-large election elect two members simultaneously; so the rst two candidates to exceed 50 percent of the total votes are elected.

Both political parties oppose the measure, arguing that it will dilute parties and violate their right to freedom of association. Advocates argue that similar arguments were used to segregate country clubs and golf clubs. ey point out that voters can switch party a liation up to 21 days before a primary election; the measure simply moves the deadline to the day of the primary.

Right now, they say, District taxpayers are paying for a primary process that they are excluded from. at’s particularly salient in DC where the winner of the Democratic primary very often goes on to win the General Election.

Opponents also argue that the bill doesn’t achieve its own electoral goals. At a Sept. 23 panel on I-83, Deirdre Brown, Chair of Vote No on I-83 (www.voteno83.com), the political action committee founded to oppose the measure, argued that since candidates and the votes for them are gradu-

ally eliminated via RCV, the winner might not have a majority of the total votes cast. But Rice says that while a candidate is eliminated in each round, all votes are counted in the running total.

Brown also argued out that the math behind the RCV system could confuse voters, pointing to data showing that Black, Hispanic and lowincome voters are most likely to have their ballots discarded. If voters don’t understand the system that selects their representatives, she said, it could undermine trust in the electoral process.

Rice says this is a disingenuous argument. “I nd it insulting,” she said, “and, you know, not nice to imply that because I am Black or because I live east of the river, that I don’t know how to rank things.”

Proponents argue that the ranking of choices is something people do all the time in their daily lives. At that Sept. 23 panel, Philip Pannell of Make All Votes Count pointed out that parents rank school choices in the DC School Lottery; those applying for public housing rank where they want to live in the application.

DC Code indicates that if the voters approve I-83, it becomes law. But it is only the rst hurdle: initiatives have been invalidated by Congress and less frequently by DC Council. e latter voted to repeal the rst tipped wage ballot measure, Initiative 77, in 2018. Even if the measure stands as law, DC Council will still need to fund the bill. ◆

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Department of Justice Comes to Shaw in Fight against Redlining

To commemorate the third anniversary of the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and US Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew M. Graves conducted a walking tour on Sept. 30 along the historic U Street corridor. Walking the corridor highlighted the roots of the department’s fair lending enforcement efforts and continued commitment to fight for equal opportunity for all people and communities impacted by redlining.

Clarke and Graves met with three of the oldest Black-owned businesses currently operating in DC ‒ Industrial Bank, Lee’s Flower and Card Shop and Ben’s Chili Bowl ‒to discuss how access to credit and financial services impacts the neighborhood. Leaders reflected on the local Black community’s rich history of entrepreneurship and contributions to the local economy despite historic redlining.

“Industrial Bank’s relationship with Lee’s Flower and Card Shop and Ben’s Chili Bowl shows how businesses can thrive when banks provide access to lending,” said Graves. “The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with our partners at the Civil Rights Division, are committed to holding accountable those banks that are not providing equal access to lending.”

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop Wins $10,000

Grant

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop Inc., a Black-woman-owned florist, has been awarded $10,000 from Intuit QuickBooks on behalf of its Small Business Council. The grant was bestowed on “Good Morning America 3,” where Nic Cober, founder of the BOW Collective, and Stacie Lee Banks, president and co-owner of the floral shop, were featured. Banks is a member of the BOW Collective, an organization and sisterhood of the nation’s top 1% of small business owners. The grant will

“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant,” said Banks. “This gift will allow us to expand our resources and pour into our current and future employees the benefits that they deserve.”

Suite Nation to Revitalize Blighted Former CVS site

If you have looked at the former CVS on the west side of the 1900 block of Seventh Street NW and wondered when someone was going to do something with it, wonder no more. Howard University, the owner of the property, has given Suite Nation the assignment of quickly revitalizing the site.

be used for staffing and employment development.

Ian Callender, proprietor of Suite Nation, has a long history of restoring neglected properties and converting them into art centers, starting with Blind Whino, which involved converting a vacant church into a significant cultural center in Southwest Washington. He has moved on to a number of other projects, such as the Arena Arts Social Club and Sandlot Georgetown, where he has transformed vacant and unused spaces into vital artistic hubs for the public. He won a Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in the Creative Industries in recognition of his work.

Starting in 2025, lenders will be required to collect and report on the racial demographics of small business loans provided by financial institutions.

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop was founded in 1945 by Banks’ grandparents, William and Winnifred Lee, during the height of the Jim Crow era, and has thrived since, passing down to three generations. Today, Banks, alongside sister and coowner Kristie Lee Jones, struggle to find skilled florists, which limits time off for the co-owners.

Suite Nation envisions converting the 7,000 square feet available at the CVS site to an indoor/outdoor community activation and events space with a shipping container bar. The outdoor space will provide a community meeting place for major events such as Howard Homecoming and Shaw’s Art All Night. The CVS building will

B. Doyle Mitchell, president of Industrial Bank, discusses community financing with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and US Attorney Matthew M. Graves. Courtesy: The Department of Justice

be renovated to serve as an art gallery and event space. Work has started on the revitalization of the site. Suite Nation plans to consult regularly with the Shaw community as the project progresses.

Shaw Main Streets’ Clean + Safe Team Goes Electric anks to an earmark from the DC Council, Shaw Main Streets’ Clean + Safe Team, which collects trash, abates gra ti and maintains treeboxes along Seventh, Ninth and 11th streets in central Shaw, will be retiring the team’s gas-guzzling 2008 Ford F-150 and replacing it with a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup. e Clean Team is funded and overseen by the city’s Department of Small and Local Business Development.

“We’re grateful to the council and especially Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto

for helping us ‘walk the talk’ and make Shaw and DC a greener, cleaner place,” said Alexander Padro, executive director of Shaw Main Streets, the neighborhood’s commercial revitalization and historic preservation nonpro t. “We have been spending thousands of dollars every year maintaining a nearly two-decadeold gasoline-fueled truck, not to mention spewing greenhouse gases. Now we can demonstrate how DSLBD’s clean teams can help contribute to a more sustainable DC.” e truck is used daily to collect and transport bagged trash to Department of Public Works transfer stations and to move personnel and equipment throughout the team’s service areas. Watch for the new onyx black, four-door pickup with white Shaw Main Streets logo on the road, working to keep the commercial corridors of Shaw clean. ◆

The Shaw Clean + Safe Team acquired a new, environmentally friendly electric pickup truck. Photo: Alexander Padro, courtesy of Shaw Main Streets

Thurst Lounge Draws Complaints

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B held its meeting virtually on Sept. 5, 2024. e commissioners attending the meeting were Sabel Harris (1B08, chair), Larry Handerhan (1B01, vice chair), Frank Chauvin (1B02), Jamie Sycamore (1B03), Santiago Lakatos (1B04, treasurer), Alan Kensek (1B05), Miguel Trindade Deramo (1B06), Ashleigh Fields (1B07) and Tucker Jones (1B09).

e principals of urst Lounge at 2204 14th St NW briefed the commission on their business operations. Neighbors have complained of noise coming from the establishment. e lounge was the only Black LGBT bar in the District, with a clientele that was more mature than what is found at U Street bars, owners stated.

Commissioner Kensek reported receiving seven complaints about noise since February. A neighbor complained of being woken up at night along with her daughter whenever music was played on the roof lounge. In one instance, she walked into the lounge and asked to have the music turned down, but was ignored, she said. Owners asked the resident to leave her contact information in the Zoom chat so that they could directly contact her about the incident.

Additional sound proo ng has been installed and the retractable roof is programed to automatically close if the sound level rises and speakers have been redirected, owners stated. After discussion, commissioners concluded there was no objective standard for unacceptable noise.

ANC 1B

by Pleasant Mann

Chair Harris advised owners to confer with neighbors. Commissioner Sycamore suggested holding a community meeting, noting that the site’s previous establishment also had sound issues. Vice Chair Handerhan mentioned that an analogous issue in his district had been successfully resolved. Were owners willing to enter into a settlement agreement? Commissioner Chauvin asked. ey would want to see what provisions the ANC would like to have in the agreement, owners replied.

Cannabis and Alcohol Matters

e commission’s Alcohol and Cannabis Committee had voted to protest the application from Bunker at 2001 14th St. NW for a substantial change to its license. Chair Harris questioned the necessity of a protest, pointing out the establishment was below ground level. Commission Fields concurred. A neighbor living a block and a half away from the business asked to have the commission protest, said Commissioner Chauvin. e motion to protest the requested change failed.

Crank Corner at 1915 B, 7th St NW has applied for a medical cannabis dispensary license. Previously, the commission had voted to protest the license, but continue discussions with the proprietor. Commissioner Fields failed to see the point of further discussion, since talks had gone on for over 30 days. e Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABCA Board) had already scheduled a formal mediation session, with a protest hearing two weeks later, she stated.

e commission voted not to protest a liquor license for the Greek Spot at 2017 11th St. NW.

Other Matters

Commissioner Chauvin briefed the commission on a meeting of the T Street Task Force. Director of Mayor’s O ce of Nightlife and Culture Salah Czapary would no longer be chairing the group, he announced. e mayor’s o ce maybe distancing itself from a group dedicated to addressing the problems of the area, Chauvin opined. Chauvin requested a motion authorizing both he and Vice Chair Handerhan to represent it on the taskforce. e commission tabled the motion.

Howard University Hospital to brief the commission on its application for a zoning map amendment, stated Vice Chair Handerhan. e hospital has been in discussions with the LeDroit Park Neighborhood Association about the matter. Frequent changes to the hospital’s plans have prevented it from giving details about the project, Handerhan added. Chair Harris advised keeping ANC 1E appraised of the hospital’s plans. e commission approved a request by the Public Safety and Community Engagement Committee requests for $80 to support a community yoga class and $150 to support the LeDroit Park block party.

ANC 1B will hold its next meeting virtually on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.anc1b.org for more information. ◆

Plans for the Vacant Lot at Seventh & P NW Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting on Sept. 5, 2024, virtually. Rachelle Nigro (2G06, chair), Anthony “Tony” Brown (2G01, treasurer), Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Sranda Watkins (2G03, secretary), Steven McCarty (2G04, vice chair) and Sheena Berry (2G05) were in attendance.

A representative of Trammel Crow briefed the commission on the rm’s plan to build a residential building with 223 residential with ground oor retail and below grade parking on a vacant lot at the northeast corner of Seventh and P Streets NW. 29 of the residences would be a ordable. e building has been fully designed and permitted. However, the project is being held up by the current nancial environment, the representative stated.

Does Trammel Crow’s property extend to the area on P Street where a number of men have been hanging out? Chair Nigro asked. e men were congregating on public space, the Trammel Crow representative replied. However, when construction on the building starts, the fencing should enclose that area. What would need to happen nancially before the project could start? asked Commissioner Padro. If interest rates continue to decline, building could start in the rst or second quarter of 2025. Completion of the project would take less than two years, the representative said.

1613 Fifth St. NW.

e owners of 1613 Fifth St. have led an application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) requesting zoning relief to allow the construction of a rear addition. e new structure would increase lot occupancy to 70 percent and add a third

ANC 2G

by Pleasant Mann

story that would require removal of an architectural rooftop element.

Some of the neighbors to the project had raised concerns, stated Chair Nigro. e neighbors’ concerns could probably be resolved after talking to the owner, but that they wanted the ANC to postpone any action on the matter until then, a resident stated. e architect for the project objected. e Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) hearing was scheduled for September 25, and that postponing it could delay consideration of the project for months, he said.

Chair Nigro read two emails aloud from residents. Both objected to the current application for zoning relief, calling it deceptive. e owners implied the structure involved had improvements that were actually not done yet, the messages stated, requesting ANC defer any decision. e owners could take the project to the BZA without a vote from the ANC, Nigro stated.

Commissioner Watkins expressed her discomfort with an immediate vote. Commissioner Padro agreed. It would be preferable to postpone the hearing, since formal ANC support for relief would be given great weight in the decision of the BZA, he said. e commission voted unanimously to table the matter.

More Development

e commission voted to support the approval of a project at 431 M St. NW under review by the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). e new building will host 14 units with parking in the rear. One of them a ordable. e building’s historic portion would gain a new addition in the rear, which requires HPRB approval. e project does not require zoning relief. e commission supported the project unanimously.

e commission also supported plans to add a two-story addition to a historic property at 1424

10th Street NW, which requires HPRB approval. Commissioner Padro characterized the addition as modest. e commission supported the project unanimously.

e BZA will decide on Oct. 9 whether to award the Department of General Services (DGS) a special zoning exception to allow it to move the District’s Central Cellblock to 501 New York Ave. NW, Chair Nigro announced. e commission previously voted against the special exception. Nigro also asked if she could get ANC funds to pay for posters supporting the campaign against the cellblock move. Commissioner Padro suggested that she check with the O ce of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) to see if this was an allowable expense. e commission unanimously approved the purchase of posters totaling no more than $1,500, subject to OANC approval.

Other Matters

e commission voted to support:

• a medical cannabis dispensary license for VDC at 1015 ½ Seventh St. NW, which is part of Viola, a national medical marijuana brand with ve retail shops, as well as approving a settlement agreement;

• a substantial change to the alcohol license of Jake’s Tavern at 1606 Seventh St. NW to add an endorsement for games of skill to allow video games with cash prizes;

• a settlement agreement with cannabis manufacturer Mota Medical at 902 M St. NW that forbids any alley deliveries.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. virtually. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

Fences Fall at the Adams Morgan Plaza

On Sept. 27, supporters of Adams Morgan Plaza, 18th Street and Columbia Road NW, in collaboration with Jubilee Housing, celebrated the reopening of the historic plaza at 18th Street and Columbia Road NW. e event marks a signi cant victory for the Adams Morgan community, as the plaza, enclosed by fences since March 2022, is again accessible to the public. e removal of the fences is a big win in the nearly eightyear campaign led by volunteer community activists to preserve this vital public space at the heart of Adams Morgan.

DC Holiday Market to Open in Dupont Circle

is year’s holiday market returns with a new name and location. Diverse Markets Management, in partnership with the Dupont Circle BID, will host the holiday market, changing its name from Downtown to DC Holiday Market. At a new location, in the 1500 block of 19th Street NW, the DC Holiday Market opens Friday, Nov. 22, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 15. Located one block from the Dupont Circle Metro, it is open every day, except anksgiving, from noon until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. www.dcholidaymarket.net

Some Downtown Blue, Orange and Silver Line Metro Stations to Close for Maintenance

Beginning Dec. 20, Metro is altering train service and closing some downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver line stations as part of a major construction project. Free shuttle buses will replace trains during the 11-day project. Work will be completed in two phases. From Dec. 20 to 26, Farragut West, McPherson Square and the lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver) at Metro Center will be closed. From Dec. 27 to 30, Farragut West, McPherson Square, lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver) at Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian and lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver) at L’Enfant Plaza will be closed. Stations will reopen Dec. 31. www.wmata.com

National Archives to Add 19th Amendment to Permanent Display

In March 2026, the National Archives will add the 19th Amendment, which removed restrictions for women to vote, to the permanent display of the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. New encasements will be added to permanently house the 19th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. ese additions to the Rotunda will be celebrated as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. www.declaration250.gov

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership i city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia Visit www.DCHFA.org

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

“Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise” at the Botanic Garden

A new exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden showcases the ferocious side of the bright and beautiful plant world. “Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise” opened to the public on Sept. 27, in the Conservatory East Gallery. Most plants are relatively harmless, but beware of unique features plants have evolved to defend themselves against herbivores, infection and plant competitors. The USBG is free of charge and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with expanded hours for outdoor gardens; closed Dec. 25. Programs connected to the exhibit’s themes are offered throughout its run. Find upcoming programs and plan your visit at www.usbg.gov.

UnShushed!

Film Festival at MLK Library

The UnShushed! Film Festival is a festival for fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic and Afrofuturism films by Black women and emerging filmmakers, offering genre films with Black women protagonists like “Dead Head” by Gina Powers, starring T’Keyah Crystal Keymah. It takes place on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Attend-

ees can expect a conversation and Q&A with filmmakers and actors, a discussion about accessibility and films, short films and a feature film. www.filmfreeway.com/UnShushedFilmFestival-1

MLK Library Queer Book Club

Queer Book Club is a small but enthusiastic community that meets monthly to discuss queerthemed books spanning numerous genres. This month, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 10 a.m., they will meet in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s beautiful rooftop garden. In case of rain, join them in room 401-D. You’ll have a spooky time discussing “It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror” by Joe Vallese, Carmen Maria Machado et al. www.dclibrary.libnet.info/event/11894305

Submit an Exhibition

The DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW, is the only institution in the greater Washington area solely dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline. It offers artists accessible opportunities to exhibit in the heart of the nation’s capital. Following historic renovations, the DC Arts Center is seeking applications for solo and group exhibitions. www.dcartscenter.org

Improv for All! Workshop at MLK Library

On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., join the DC Public Library in partnership with the Washington Improv Theater for an introductory workshop designed to share the ideas and spirit of improv. This free, in-person workshop at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, will last approximately 90 minutes. www.dclibrary.org

Legends Alive! Magic by Josiah Emery

On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Dupont Underground, step into a world where history and magic collide. Join Josiah on an extraordinary journey as he brings to life the feats of legendary figures from the past. Witness recreations of seemingly impossible historical events, performed live and in person. Prepare to question your reality and embrace the possibility that these tales might just be true. $20 to $30. www.dupontunderground.org

Washington International Horse Show

The Washington International Horse Show brings together horses and riders from across the country and around the world for seven days of top jumper, hunter and equitation competition, equestrian entertainment and community and charity events. The 66th WIHS is Monday to Sunday, Oct. 21 to 27, at the Show Place Arena at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Daytime admission is free. Tickets are on sale for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at www.wish.org/tickets.

Carnivorous sundew.

Presidential Election Night at Wunder Garten

Come to presidential election night at Wunder Garten, 1101 First St. NE, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 5:00 to 11:30 p.m., for a night filled with excitement, anticipation and community spirit. www.wundergartendc.com

Reframing Care: Mindfulness + Art at The Phillips Collection

Creative aging is the centerpiece of The Phillips Collection’s art and wellness programs, reflecting founder Duncan Phillips’ belief in the impact that art can have on our well-being. Partnering with local organizations, creative aging

programs bring life-enhancing experiences through the arts to older adults living with memory loss.

Reframing Care: Mindfulness + Art is at The Phillips Collection, Sant Building, Lower Level 2 Galleries, 1600 21st St. NW, from Oct. 30 to Jan. 29. www.phillipscollection.org

CHANGING HANDS

Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

Republican presidential ticket, 1864, showing a campaign banner for Abraham Lincoln and running mate Andrew Johnson. A drawn curtain reveals bust portraits of the two candidates in roundels framed with oak leaves.

Shaw Holds Its Thirteenth Art All Night

by Pleasant Mann

The 13th annual Art All Night Shaw festival was held on Saturday evening, Sept. 28, presented by Shaw Main Streets. is year, the festival o ered a traditional mix of visual art exhibitions and live performances at venues that spanned from K Street all the way up to Florida Avenue. e center of Art All Night Shaw was the Welcome Center and the Shaw Art Market located outdoors on the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street NW, on the south side of Mount Vernon Square. Over 30 visual artists set up stands on the street to o er their work. Activities for festival visitors included a Do-It-Yourself Paint Party led by artists Sydney Bu alow and Shiloh Coleman, and a Paper Collage Workshop led by artist Le’Chaun Linthicum. ere were also performances on the street by the ever-popular Batala Drummers, who led a parade around the Carnegie Library. ere was a street activation by performance artist Shanna Lim, while Jennifer Stephens brought her Bubbles and Fire show to another year of Shaw Art All Night, including her popular displays of pyrotechnics.

Above K Street, Events DC sponsored Once on is Island, a large Caribbeanthemed activation around the Carnegie Library on the west lawn, with performances that included the DC Casineros Cuban Dancers, Christylez Bacon and the Steelpan Band, with a large crowd dancing and swaying to the beats. Other entertainment on the library lawn included a CineMAS Caribbean short lm festival, Caribbean re dancers and face painting. Children were treated to the Calaloo Kids Corner, a Foamboree and a Pirates of the Caribbean Moon Bounce. ere was even a canine-friendly area labeled Who Let the Dawgs Out.

On the 600 block of T Street, the Right Proper Brewing Company sponsored an activation with its Black Beer Garden, featuring the products of DMV African American brewers. Arts and crafts vendors sold goods on the street. e Hung Tao Choi Mei Leadership Institute did a dragon dance down the street with a LED-illuminated dragon. While musicians played in front of the How-

Hung

Tao Choy Mei’s LED-illuminated dragon came to life in front of the Howard Theatre.

Photo: Alexander Padro, Shaw Main Streets

Baldona presented a fashion show at Wanda’s on 7th during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Alexander Padro, Shaw Main Streets

Christylez Bacon was one of the headliners on Events DC’s Once on This Island stage.

Photo: Victoria Pickering, Shaw Main Streets

Fire performers brought the heat during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Events DC

Hundreds of children of all ages enjoyed painting under the stars at the Shaw Art Market. Photo: Alexander Padro, Shaw Main Streets

Jennifer Stephens’ popular Fire & Bubbles show wowed onlookers at the Shaw Art Market.

Photo: Miki Jourdan, Shaw Main Streets

ard eatre, the ever-popular C3W Wrestling crew mesmerized a crowd of professional wrestling fans across the street.

Around the corner, Wanda’s on 7th hair salon exhibited the art of Sydney Bu alow and the photographs of Shiloh Coleman, accompanied by DJ KandiCrush. e highlight of the night at Wanda’s was a full- edged fashion show put on by the House of Baldona. An enthusiastic crowd cheered every selection modeled. e Mark at the old Wonder Bread Factory building on S Street hosted a combination of painting displays, art vendors and interactive art. ere were also live music performances by Oh She Dead and the Uncalled 4 Band. e Passenger, on Seventh Street, was packed for a Global Fusion Dance Party, including DJ Gee Lane, who was own in from Barcelona by the Spanish Embassy for the event.

e Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library had a program developed by the Shaw Community Center. e youth-friendly events included a discussion panel of center participants and work on a community mural led by center resident artist Gregory Windley. ere was also face painting, a truck with arcade games, a moon bounce and a dragon dance performance by Hung Tao Choi Mei.

Other Shaw businesses participated in Art All Night. Lee’s Flower and Card Shop held free workshops where visitors could learn how to make their own oral crowns to wear during the festival. Beau ai held another session of Postcards All Night, where customers could make their own postcards.

e Foundry Galley held an interactive art demonstration, as did Electric Cool-Aid. e Pop Fizz Bar had a jazz session.

e night was topped o by the LGBTQIA+ showcase curated by Team Rayceen at the DC Housing Finance Agency. After a set of storytelling and poetry performances, there came the Midnight Mini Ball. A packed crowd cheered on their favorites competing in categories such as Best Dressed Spectator, Best Bitch Queen Face and Best Runway Model (American or European). Winners were selected by a panel of local LGBT celebrities. Every winner got a trophy and a goodie bag.

Shaw Main Streets, which rst presented Art All Night in 2011, received funding for the festival from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s DC Main Streets program and Events DC. Many partners helped present the festival through in-kind support.

Kids frolicked in the foam during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Miki Jourdan, Shaw Main Streets

The Batala Washington drummers led the #LoveShaw parade around Mount Vernon Square during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Pleasant Mann

The DC Casineros Dance Company brought a Cuban vibe to the Carnegie Library entrance plaza during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Events DC

The Midnight Mini Ball was a highlight of Team Rayceen’s LGBTQIA+ showcase at the DC Housing Finance Agency. Photo: Pleasant Mann

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop hosted a ower crown workshop during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo: Pleasant Mann

Performance artist Shanna Lim and collaborators presented Always, a mobile interactive activation.

Photo: Miki Jourdan, Shaw Main Streets

Kids & Family

Hilloween at Eastern Market

On Friday, Oct. 25, 5 to 7:30 p.m., get ready for a spine-tingling adventure at Hilloween, the ultimate community event that delivers extraspooky thrills and shriek-inducing excitement for families and kids of all ages. Enjoy pumpkin carving, Zumba, a dance party with DJ and much more. hilloweendc.com.

Find a Nearby Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch or Hayride

Find pumpkin patches, pick-yourown pumpkin farms, hayrides and corn mazes in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia at pumpkinpatchesandmore. org. e site claims to have the world’s best pumpkin pie and pie crust recipes as well. It also has home canning, preserving, drying and freezing directions. Most pumpkin patches and corn mazes open by mid-September; some earlier. In winter, you’ll nd cut-your-own Christmas tree farms at pickyourownchristmastree.org.

Día de los Muertos Family Day at SAAM

On Saturday, Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets NW. Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Corazon Folklorico, a mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of di erent Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba. Face painting and hands-on craft activities. Round out the day by exploring the museum’s collection with their Día de los Muertos-themed scavenger hunt. Free; no registration required. americanart.si.edu.

Uncle Devin at the KC

On Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., go on a magical journey through the Land of Percussion to see and hear di erent percussion instruments with DCbased musician Uncle Devin. rough this interactive musical experience, kids and their families will discover the history of percussion and move to the beat of funky drums, Go-Go, and more. General admission is $22. kennedy-center.org.

Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum; photo by Norwood Photography.

Boo at the Zoo (always sells out)

Boo at the Zoo, the National Zoo’s beloved family-friendly event, is back Oct. 18, 19 and 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Grab your best costume and enjoy the season’s festivities while stopping at 30 trick-or-treat stations. Plus, feast your eyes on the Zoo’s amazing animals as they interact with jacko’-lanterns and other spellbinding Halloween-themed enrichment. Outside the animal exhibits, enjoy spooky scenes of frolicking skeletons and other fantastic creatures haunting the Zoo’s main walkway. Tickets include special after-hours access for animal viewing at the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House and Reptile Discovery Center, plus a souvenir tote bag for gathering up goodies from trick-or-treat stations around the Zoo. Admission is $35; and $30 for parking. nationalzoo.si.edu.

Boo at the Zoo returns Oct. 18, 19 and 20 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park

On Thursday, Oct. 24 (rain date, Friday, Oct. 25), 4 to 8 p.m., join the NoMa Business Improvement District at Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, for free, fall fun for the whole family. Monsters. Inc. movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Other activities include a free pick-your-own pumpkin patch, costume contests for people and dogs, live music, face painting and food truck onsite. nomabid.org/pumpkinpalooza.

The Big Build at the National Building Museum

NPG Teen Portrait Competition Announced

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has announced its 2025 Teen Portrait Competition, which is open to students between the ages of 13 and 17 residing in the US and its territories. Teens are invited to submit original digital photography to this national competition hosted by the Portrait Gallery’s Teen Museum Council. Artwork by the winners for each of the two age groups (13–15 and 16–17) will be displayed near the museum’s upcoming The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today exhibition. Opening May 3, 2025, The Outwin 2025 showcases portraits from artists ages 18 and older selected from the museum’s triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. The teens’ winning portraits, alongside those that receive honorable mentions, will be viewable online. There is no fee to enter the teen competition and submissions are limited to one per person. Work must be submitted via email to NPG-TeenPortraitCompetition@si.edu by Dec. 23. npg.si.edu/learn/teens/teen-portrait-competition.

Capital City Symphony: Inspire Family Concert

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all ages are invited to National Building Museum’s The Big Build, a free hands-on festival exploring a wide variety of unique, interactive activities with roofers, plumbers, home remodelers, construction workers, carpenters, designers, and artisans. The Big Build celebrates the world we design and build and fills the Museum’s Great Hall with interactive booths including a nail driving contest and a structural engineering station with an earthquake simulation to discover how buildings can be built to be more stable. Everyone will be using real tools and you can even climb inside construction equipment in the outdoor Petting Zoo. The Tech Room will have augmented reality demonstrations, VR experiences, and other immersive digital activities to engage older children and teens. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2:30 and 5 p.m., at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, join CCS for a musical adventure. Based on Mo Willems’ beloved book, composer Jessie Montgomery’s “Because” tells the tale of a curious girl who discovers the magic of music through the power of community. As the stage comes to life with narration, colorful illustrations, and a full orchestra, the playful melodies of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony mingle with Montgomery’s original music as the girl moves from exploration to discovery. Prepare to be surprised, laugh along--and maybe find your own inspiration at their Instrument Petting Zoo. Tickets are