Mid City DC Magazine – August 2023

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn Walking Tour

Pierre L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the National Mall envisioned a grand “public walk.” By 1900, that plan had been stymied and ignored. The far-reaching and critically influential McMillan Plan of 1902 reinterpreted the ceremonial core of the city, and much of what we see on the Mall today reflects that proposal.

On Saturday, Aug. 12; 8:30 to 11 a.m.; Friday, Aug. 18. 8:30 to 11 a.m. or Sunday, Aug. 27, 9:30 a.m. to noon, enjoy a morning walking tour and discover the Mall’s history, design, and architecture, from its earliest incarnation to the latest developments. Learn what happened to the museum park, the railroad station and its tracks, and why the Mall does not align with compass directions. $70. Tour meets outside the Smithsonian Metro, Mall Exit. No infants, children, or pets. smithsonianassociates.org.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Nat’s Park

“The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen is known for his lyrics and energetic concerts, with performances that can last more than four hours. Beginning in 1973, he has released 21 studio albums which include such iconic songs such as Born to Run, Streets of Philadelphia, Thunder Road, Badlands, and Blinded by the Light. The Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert, originally scheduled for Aug. 28 at Nationals Park, has been rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. All tickets for the original show will be valid. $49 to $299+. Local parking starts at $65. mlb.com/nationals/tickets/events.

Maryland Seafood Festival

This year on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (each day), the Maryland Seafood Festival is coming to Annapolis City Dock and Susan Campbell Park for the first time. The Festival hosts many seafood vendors, local shopping, live entertainment, chef’s demonstrations, oyster tastings, a fantastic beverage selection with lots of local craft beer and kids activities. The Crab Soup Cook-off will again occur on-site on Saturday and tickets are available in advance. $20 for adult general admission, 12 and under, free. Parking at the Naval Academy Stadium is $10 and includes a free shuttle to the festival. Festival organizers also encourage you to wander around downtown Annapolis and take advantage of the many attractions within walking distance. abceventsinc. com/maryland-seafood-festival.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, April 14, 2016. Photo: Alan Karchmer

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Capitol Hill Art Walk

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the Capitol Hill Art League are sponsoring an Art Walk on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 (rain or shine). Local artists and artisans will display their work in their own micro-galleries, in Capitol Hill home-studios, on porches or in yards from noon to 5 p.m. Most will have work for sale. For an evolving list of artists and locations, visit chrs.org/art-walk-2023. Find samples of the work on display and for sale at chrs.org/art-walk-2023-samples. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, serves as an art space and community center. Visitors to the Art Walk are invited to use their restrooms. chrs.org.

Blade Runner “The Final Cut” at AFI

Los Angeles, 2019, is a squalid, sprawling metropolis, overdeveloped and overpopulated. Harrison Ford is Rick Deckard, a detective on the “blade runner” unit, charged with hunting down and “retiring” replicants—humanlike androids created to toil on off-world colonies. His latest assignment: six Nexus 6 models who have mutinied and returned to Earth to take action against their creators at the Tyrell Corporation. The acclaimed soundtrack, which memorably combines classical melodic composition with futuristic electronic synthesizers, is by the acclaimed Greek composer Vangelis. Ridley Scott directed. Rated R. The screening is part of AFI’s Night at the Movies: A Look Back. Showtimes are Aug. 19 to 24. Tickets are $13; seniors, military and students, $11. The AFI Silver Theatre is at 8633 Colesville Rd. in the heart of the new downtown Silver Spring—accessible by Metro. afisilver.afi.com.

Washington Restaurant Week (summer edition)

Washington Restaurant Week, Aug. 29 to Sept. 3, is DC’s biannual celebration of its dining scene. Diners can enjoy Restaurant Week specials on premises or choose from a variety of to-go options. Participating restaurants have made it easy to discern options, which include delivery, outdoor dining, take-out and cocktail or wine pairings. Multi-course lunch and brunch menus will be available both in-person and to-go at $25 per person. Restaurants will also offer dinner menus at $40 and $55 per person, providing multiple price point options. Cocktail or wine pairings are also available a la carte or on premises. Read more at ramw.org/restaurantweek.

Photo: Karine Semple

Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull

The 2023 Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull to benefit Special Olympics of Virginia is on Saturday, Sept. 9 (rain or shine). The Plane Pull is both an intense competition and a lively festival. While the plane pull is the main event, the festival features a variety of activities and entertainment, including food vendors, live music, and games for all ages. It is a free event to attend. Parking with bus transportation from the parking lot to the event is also free of charge. Donate to Special Olympics Virginia through some of the many activities onsite. Event gates open at 10:30 a.m. with the Plane Pull event beginning at 11 a.m. Gates will close at 3:30 p.m. to new attendees and the event will end at 4 p.m. specialolympicsva.org/plane-pull.

Cellphone: Unseen Connections

(What does your cellphone mean to you?)

In Cellphone: Unseen Connections at the Natural History Museum, through more than 750 objects from around the world, multimedia installations, an interactive group chat, and a graphic novel spanning three gallery walls, explore the unseen personal, cultural, and technological connections your cellphone makes easier. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Evita at the STC

Director Sammi Cannold helms this groundbreaking revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning rock opera. This production is the story of Eva Perón’s meteoric rise from poverty in the rural village of Los Toldos in the Pampas to First Lady of Argentina--brought to life with breathtaking heart and spectacle. Tickets start at $35. Evita is at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, from Sept. 5 to Oct. 8. shakespearetheatre.org.

DC Jazzfest at The Wharf

The 19th Annual DC JazzFest takes place on Sept. 2 and 3, from 2 to 10 p.m., both days over Labor Day weekend, on The Wharf’s District Pier. This blockbuster weekend event features two outdoor stages and a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and stunning views. Here’s The Wharf lineup: Sept. 2, Charles Lloyd; Terri Lyn Carrington; Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble; Julieta Eugenio Trio; Veronneau; Etienne Charles; Chase Elodia’s Perennials: Sept. 3, Kenny Garrett; Samara Joy; Dave Holland Trio; Big Chief Donald Harrison; Vinny Valentino Group; Mark G. Meadows; Birckhead. For the complete JazzFest around-town lineup, visit dcjazzfest.org/lineup. wharfdc.com.

Photo: Jati Lindsay

Shereen Pimentel and the cast of Evita at the American Repertory Theater. (Nile Scott Studios)

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

“Moulin Rouge” at the KC

Through Sept. 24, enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and—above all—love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical—it is a state of mind. $45 to $169. Recommended for ages 12 and up. kenedy-center.org.

Rupaul’s Drag Race “Werq the World” at MGM National Harbor

Perception is not reality. Asia O’Hara, Daya Betty, Jorgeous, Kandy Muse, Naomi Smalls, Plastique and select finalists from Season 15 are unknowingly trapped in the Netwerq. On Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m., free your mind this summer at the world’s largest drag production. Uploaded by Voss Events in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV. Line-up subject to change. $55 to $138. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

DuPont Brass. Originally composed of five music majors from Howard University raising money for tuition playing at local Metro stations, DC-based DuPont Brass has since grown to a nine-piece ensemble consisting of brass, a rhythm section, and vocalists.

Musical Crossroads at the NMAAHC

Musical Crossroads tells the story of African American music from the arrival of the first Africans to the present day. In exploring how the intermingling of musical and cultural traditions, styles and beliefs, brought forth new modes of American musical expression, the exhibition expands the definition of African American music to include African American music-makers in all genres and styles. More importantly, in a land where racism and oppression existed as a continuing battle to be fought against and won, it shows how African American music provided a voice for liberty, justice and social change. In the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate African American music as a vibrant living art form that has been a vehicle of cultural survival and creative expression. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is at 1400 Constitution Ave. SW. nmaahc.si.edu.

The car is part of Berry’s personal fleet of Cadillacs and was driven during the filming of Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, a 1987 documentary that chronicles two 1986 concerts.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest

On Saturday, Sept. 9, 1 to 7 p.m., the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts are bringing an exciting lineup to one of the community’s most popular free outdoor music festivals: Galactic, featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, with additional performances from Pedrito Martínez Group, Oh He Dead, and DuPont Brass. Join them at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd., for an afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, community table experiences, and more. Registration is not required but encouraged. rosslynva. org/do/jazz-fest-2023.

Monumental Travesties (Abraham Lincoln’s head is missing.)

Chance, a Black performance artist, has surreptitiously removed Lincoln’s head from the Emancipation Memorial— a Capitol Hill statue of Lincoln standing over a formerly enslaved man—and now it’s in his white liberal neighbor Adam’s shrubbery. This act of protest unleashes an absurdist chain of events when Adam knocks on Chance’s door, leading the two men and Chance’s wife, Brenda, down a path that questions how the symbols of our past impact our present. With sharp humor, hijinks, and a palpable love for DC, Helen Hayes Award-winning playwright Psalmayene 24’s searing new comedy explores race, memory, and the often-privileged act of forgetting. $42 to $70. Mosaic’s Monumental Travesties is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Sept. 7 to Oct. 1. mosaictheater.org.

Arlington County Fair

The Arlington County Fair, Aug. 16 to 20, is one of the largest free events on the East Coast. In recent years, attendance has reached over 84,000 as people come from Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro region to enjoy competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. Each year Thomas Jefferson Community Center is transformed into a special place with something for everyone to see. Although admission is free, there is a cost for some activities. The fair is open on Aug. 16 and 17 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, 2 to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Arlington County Fair the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second St., South, in Arlington. arlingtoncountyfair.us.

Shakti at Wolftrap

Iris DeMent at The Birchmere

The twice-Grammy-nominated Iris DeMent is a singersongwriter and musician. Her musical style includes elements of folk, country and gospel. Her most recent albums are The Trackless Woods, and Workin’ on a World (2023). Iris DeMent is at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. $45. birchmere.com.

Shakti, the revolutionary ensemble co-founded by British guitarist John McLaughlin and master Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain, continues to defy musical and cultural boundaries with their 50th anniversary tour. The quintet’s seamless hybrid of Eastern and Western musical traditions is created through the dazzling, telepathic interplay of McLaughlin, Hussain, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram. On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. (gates at 6 p.m.), Grammy award-winning banjo visionary Béla Fleck hits the stage first to heat up the night. $35. wolftrap.org.

Photo: Bob Sweeney

Photo: Dasha Brown

We offer an immersion program in French and Spanish, with a dual focus on academic excellence and community service.

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The Bridges of Madison County at Signature

After marrying an American soldier to escape Italy at the end of World War II, Francesca builds herself a home in Iowa, raising two children and settling into a steady but unremarkable routine. Then one day, she meets Robert, a charismatic photographer, who awakens her passion and changes her life forever. With a gorgeous Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown and a moving book by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman, The Bridges of Madison County is a ravishing story about the choices we make for love. The Bridges of Madison County is at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA, from Aug. 8 to Sept. 17. sigtheatre.org.

The Joy of African Movement at the African Art Museum

On the rst three Saturdays of August and September, 9 to 10 a.m. (doors at 8:30 a.m.), shape up at African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW on Saturday mornings using a variety of ancient and contemporary African practices. Recharge mentally and physically as you work out with Afro-Brazilian movements, contemporary West African dance, and kemetic yoga and meditation. Each discipline is to be practiced in three-week increments. Participants should bring their exercise equipment (e.g., yoga mats). The Joy of African Movement is for ages 16+. Free registration is at africa.si.edu.

Anacostia Jazz Hop Returns

The Anacostia Business Improvement District partners with 202Creates and DC JazzFest on Sept. 1, noon to 8 p.m., for the Anacostia Jazz Hop at several locations in Historic Anacostia. All events are free and open to the public. In celebration of the 19th Annual DC JazzFest, the Jazz Hop will be held in the Art to Go-Go Anacostia Arts & Culture District. Enjoy popup outdoor jazz cafes with live jazz, visual artists, and the opportunity to have tasty bites from up-and-coming chefs and caterers. The event kicks off at noon at the Big Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE, for opening remarks and live performances. Concurrently, the Jazz Hop will begin at six locations within the Anacostia BID: NSC Café Jazz, 2007 MLK Ave. SE; BIG Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE; Busboys and Poets, 2004 MLK Ave. SE; Check-It Enterprises, 1920 MLK Ave. SE; Martha's Out tters, 2204 MLK Ave. SE, and the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. Featured performers include The Brass-A-Holics, The JoGo Project, Joe Felero Band, Yussah Ashad, The Experience Band & Show and The Lexi T Experience. For more information, visit anacostiabid.org/2023-jazz-hop.

Beau Young Prince at Union Stage

Fresh off a Def Jam deal with over 300 million worldwide streams, a Grammy nomination, a double platinum record, and a long list of video game and lm placements, DC native Beau Young Prince is back with “Groovy Baby 3: Summer’s Ending” As always, BYP experiences include some of the city’s most magnetic rising talents. Get ready for a night lled with high energy and music discovery as Beau Young Prince provides the setting for one groovy night. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). unionstage.com.

Bel la Dona Band.

Photo: Jeremy Reaves

For some time now, my dining companion Peter had been in the mood for Turkish food. Therefore, we finally got around to revisiting Ottoman Taverna, 425 I St. NW, in Mount Vernon Triangle.

Ottoman was even better than we remembered. As before, we descended a staircase lined with the traditional blue and white glass “evil eye” motifs, to the handsomely appointed dining area. Festooned with gleaming hanging copper pans, the display kitchen is equally eye-catching.

We find the cuisine similar to Greek and other Mediterranean cooking styles, but with more variety. Turkey is known for mezze, which might include sigara boregi (feta, onions and parsley wrapped in filo dough), falafel or dolma (ricestuffed grape leaves). Since we couldn’t decide what to order, our Turkish-born server, Ata, suggested the cold mezze platter, a half dozen exotically delicious dips: hummus, baba ghanoush, beet flavored yogurt, atom (yogurt, celery and sundried chilis), and ezme (sundried tomato paste with garlic and Turkish spices). We couldn’t finish it, so we took leftovers home.

For our entrée, we shared the traditional Turkish/Middle Eastern favorite: doner kebab, thinly sliced beef served with rice and a salad, piled atop pita bread. Other menu options are chicken kebabs, moussaka (regular and vegetarian), ground beef

Insatiable

by Celeste McCall

kofte, chargrilled salmon and cauliflower stew.

Besides a lineup of raki—the potent Turkish beverage twice-distilled from grapes--there’s a cocktail list including a Bosphorus martini, raki colada and Moscow mule. The wine selection encompasses “bubbles,” a Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc and a red Turkish blend. I sipped an Italian Pinot Grigio, while Peter quaffed refreshing apple/pine-

apple juice.

Lunch for two came to $85, including tip. Service was excellent.

For hours and more information visit www.ottomantaverna.com.

Ben’s Expands

Ben’s Chili Bowl, the culinary icon at 1213 U St. NW, is in the news again. The 65-year-old landmark, which survived the 1968 riots and gentrification, is expanding far beyond the Beltway. Beloved for chili-smothered half smokes and celebrity clients including Barack Obama and Muhammad

Ali, Ben’s has spawned several local offshoots. Now, it plans franchises along the US East Coast and— eventually—out West.

In the Atlas District, you’ll find a Ben’s offshoot at 1001 H St. NE (on the corner), and in Shaw at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW (only open during events). For updates and more information, visit www.benschilibowl.com.

Shaw Veggie Spinoff

Having just copped the James Beard Award for Best Chef in America, Rob Rubba’s plant-centric Oyster Oyster in Shaw has spawned a casual spinoff. You’ll find Oyster Garage at 1440 Eighth St. NW, next door to the parent restaurant. Unlike Oyster Oyster, which requires reservations far in advance, Oyster Garage welcomes walk-ins. The colorful space is appointed with vintage pinball machines, oyster mushroom murals and skateboarding videos.

In Mount Vernon Triangle, Ottoman Taverna charms guests with its brightly decorated dining room.

Ottoman Taverna’s handsome display kitchen is festooned with gleaming copper pans.

A half dozen exotically delicious dips are displayed with bread and spoons for tasting.

The legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl, now with spinoffs, plans franchises on the East coast and out West.

G G ROOFING

Chef Rubba’s Oyster Garage menu might include roasted mushrooms, eggplant schnitzel, squash blossom bread with marigold butter, as well as non-vegetarian options like oysters on the half shell and pizza. Beers and wines are all sustainable. For hours and more information, visit www.oysteroysterdc.com.

Coming next summer….

Clyde’s, the nationally known restaurant group, is opening Cordelia Fishbar at 550 Morse St. NE, in the Union Market neighborhood. Seating 250, the 10,000 square-foot restaurant will showcase chargrilled seafood dishes and an abundant raw bar. For updates, visit www.clydes.com.

Market Watch

e other day, after viewing “Oppenheimer” at the nearby Angelika Pop-Up theater, we wandered into Union Market. ere we discovered Dan Dan Boy by Chinese Street Market DC. Inspired by traditional Chinese street food, the zesty noodle shop dispenses assorted freshly made noodles, including spicy sour glass noodles, shrimp wonton egg noodle soup, 13-spice stir-fried noodles and more. Open daily, Union Market is at 1309 Fifth St. NE. For more information, visit www.unionmarketdc.com.

Bier Hier and BBQ

Here’s something fun: e Mount Vernon Triangle FreshFarm Market, 499 I St. NW, features a Biergarten every second Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the garden will highlight a rotating selection of local brewskis. For more information, visit www.freshfarm.org.

And…nearby, 2Fifty is bringing its barbecue to Mount Vernon Triangle. Don’t rush over there right away; the signature brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and house-made sausages area not arriving until next year. You’ll nd the smoky spino at 414 K St. NW. ere’s a 2Fifty BBQ at Union Market, and another in Riverdale Park, Maryland. For updates and more information, visit www.2 ftybbq.com.

Coming up:

Summer Restaurant Week 2023, August 28-September 3. For this special promotion, numerous Washington area restaurants o er

multi-course course lunch and brunch menus for just $25 per person. Dinners go for $40 and $55 per person. (Cocktail and wine pairings are also available.)

For a list of participating restaurants, menus, reservations and other information, visit www.ramw.org.

RAMMY Winners

“ ere’s a food revolution in our city; the restaurant scene is in overdrive,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. e occasion was the 41st annual RAMMY Awards gala July 9 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Shaw. “With 80 new restaurants, we are creating more and more business opportunities,” she added. “Congratulations.”

Delivering a gracious acceptance speech was Kevin Tien, named Chef of the Year. “I’ve been cooking in DC since 2018,” said Tien, who helmed the kitchen at the District Wharf’s recently departed Moon Rabbit. “I’m proud to be cooking in this city…supported by my sta and my community.” Tien is also cofounder of Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate.

Other RAMMY winners in Capital Community News neighborhoods: New Restaurant of the Year: Causa/Amazonia (Shaw/Blagden Alley);

Cocktail Program: Service Bar (Shaw/U Street NW);

Best Beer Program: Shelter @ e Roost

Introducing Mayor Bowser was RAMW president/CEO Shawn Townsend.

(Capitol Hill);

Rising Culinary Star: Marcelle Afram (Shababi Palestinian Rotisserie Chicken, Atlas District);

Favorite Fast Bites: RASA (Navy Yard);

Best Bar: Exiles (U Street NW);

Employee of the Year: Nabil Moussa (Le Diplomate, Logan Circle);

Pastry Chef of the Year: Teresa Velazquez, Baked and Wired/A Baked Joint (Mount Vernon Triangle);

Restaurateur of the Year: Rose Previte (Compass Rose, Maydan, Logan Circle);

John C. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award: Michael Curtin of DC Central Kitchen, which combats hunger and poverty through job creation and training. e non-pro t organization recently relocated to the former US Coast Guard headquarters in the Buzzard Point neighborhood in Southwest.

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, e RAMMYS honor the accomplishments and hard work of the region’s restaurant and food service community. For more information, visit www.ramw.org.

Introducing Mayor Bowser was RAMW president/ CEO Shawn Townsend.

Business Briefs

by Sarah Payne

and sorbet full time. Dolci Gelati, as the business is known, quickly expanded into four storefronts across the DMV, including a Shaw location at 1420 Eight St. NW in 2014. His confections are also sold at local restaurants, the National Zoo and the National Gallery of Art. He plans a fifth store in Pentagon City.

While seafood-based gelato proved a bridge too far, the Dolci Gelati team has developed 450 unique flavors, including a smoked gelato. Customer feedback, he stated, drives much of this innovation. For example, after repeated requests, the company now produces a vegan line. Crafted with oat milk and coconut oil as a balancing fat, it has a similar consistency to their traditional product. In addition, his culinary team has also created a variety of artisanal Italian desserts, like cannoli, tiramisu, bomboloni (an Italian style donut) and a double chocolate mousse.

Dellaccio’s success has not gone unnoticed. The Associazione Italiana Gelatieri named him a Gelato Ambassador during Sigep, the largest international artisan gelato fair in the world.

450 Reasons to Enjoy Dolci Gelati

Decadent cold desserts are not Gianluigi Dellaccio’s only claim to fame. The owner of Dolci Gelati is a former Italian water polo champion who credits his athletic life as the foundation for his later culinary success.

“Water polo’s not only good for your body, but it’s good also for your mind and work ethic,” Dellaccio.

After retiring from the pool, Dellaccio studied the culinary arts in Milan, Italy. Coming to the United States, Dellaccio worked with notable Chef Roberto Donna at Galileo in Dupont Circle. There, he crafted unique gelato flavors. Participating in the Iron Chef competition, he created gelato out of all sorts of mystery ingredients. Scallops, however, stumped him. “It was too fishy,” Dellaccio remembered, laughing.

In 2006, Dellaccio stepped away from restaurants to manufacture gelato

Gianluigi Delaccio is the chef-owner of Dolci Gelati in Shaw. Photo: Scott Suchman, Courtesy Dolci Gelati

Brian Leonard co-owns Shaw’s Lost and Found Bar. Photo: Rachael Levitin, Courtesy Lost and Found.

When not whipping up new gelato avors, Dellaccio can be found in the pool, playing and coaching water polo.

Dolci Gelati is open Tuesday through ursday, 2 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m. Visit dolcigelati. net for more information.

Good Neighbors Meet at Lost and Found

With a back door leading to Shaw’s famed Blagden Alley, Lost and Found, 1240 9th St. NW, is known for its specialty cocktails. e establishment is separated into two front and alley bars. Both serve high-end mixed drinks, as well as local and international brews. Be on the lookout for private label whiskeys.

Owners Brian Leonard, Hilarey Leonard and Geo Dawson are veterans of the hospitality industry. Brian Leonard began as a bartender in college. He was determined to “learn everything he could” about mixology before opening his own establishment. Collaboration with key connoisseurs expanded his repertoire.

“I’m always discussing with customers new things that I’ve found or that they have found,” Leonard explained. “I get tips on new breweries that are opening and we have also become a big place for other people in the industry to hang out.”

Opening among the plethora of restaurants in Blagden Alley proved a challenge. How would Lost and Found stand out from its neighbors? Leonard decided his venture would be a “neighborhood bar.” O ering only a limited snack menu, the bar encourages patrons to order take out from its nearby neighboring fullservice establishments. e pizza from nearby All Purpose, Leonard said, is particularly popular fare.

Lost and Found is open Monday through ursday, 4 p.m. to 2

a.m., Friday, 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Every Monday, join neighbors and test your knowledge at the weekly trivia night at 8 p.m. Happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit lostandfounddc.com for more information.

Relax With a New Do at Inizio

Discover an oasis of rest and relaxation in the midst of Shaw’s bustle. Inizio Hair Salon, 641 Florida Ave. NW, offers makeovers, haircuts, styling and specialty treatments in a relaxing, spalike environment.

Inizio was founded in 2015 by Jayson Bonetti.

Bitten by a passion for hair styling, Bonetti bailed out of the finance industry to attend cosmetology school at the age of 30. His partner Elena Gioacchini joined him in 2022. She had worked as a hairstylist, salon manager and educator.

In addition to standard cut, color, extension and styling services, the salon offers a variety of spalike services and treatments for the hair and scalp. Patrons can ask for a steam treatment to rehydrate hair and mitigate damaged hair. The salon’s shampoo chairs, which can recline flat, are equipped with massage settings.

The salon is “intimate,” customers say. They appreciate the stylists’ attentive care for their needs.

Bonelli values the vibrance of his salon’s envi-

rons. “There is so much life going on, there are restaurants, bars, nightclubs, new buildings and a lot of really big excitement,” he enthused.

“The area is so diverse,” Gioacchini explained. “I feel like we are also diverse as individual stylists and it’s what we like to do, too.”

Inizio is open Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit iniziodc.com to book an appointment and for more information.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Elena Gioacchini and Jayson Bonetti are the co-owners of Inizio Salon in Shaw. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

cepting the RAMMY. Spangler and Hartley had to take the stage again when Service Bar, their bar on U Street won the award for Cocktail Program of the Year.

Shaw Restaurants Win Grants

RAMMY Awards Returns to Shaw

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington held their annual awards show, the RAMMYS, at the Washington Convention Center on Sunday, July 9. It was the 41st year for the event, but the first under the association’s new Executive Director Shawn Townsend, formerly the District’s Director for Nightlife and Culture. This year’s celebration was marked by the absence of complaints about recovery from the struggles of the pandemic era. Now, everyone looked forward to new heights for the District’s already strong hospitality industry. All the presenters, made up of local newscasters joined by Townsend’s wife, MSNBC network star Simone SandersTownsend, spoke on how fortunate we are to be able to take advantage of a world-class restaurant city.

There were 14 Shaw restaurants and service workers nominated for RAMMY awards this year and two winners. Blagden Alley’s Causa/Amazonia won the coveted award for New Restaurant of the Year, with owners Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley along with the rest of their team ac-

Not only are Shaw restaurants widely regarded for their work, they are starting to garner grants to encourage their development. FishScale, the noted seafood sandwich shop on Florida Avenue, just won a $40,000 grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grant is from the Trust’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants Program, which helps small restaurant owners navigate supply chain issues, staffing shortages, inflation and other crises so that their legacies can continue. FishScale was one of 25 restaurants in the country to receive this grant. Down the street, Stop Smak’n got a $10,000 grant from the Feed the Soul Foundation, a group dedicated to providing resources to culinary industry entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.

Five Shaw restaurants have received grants from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

from their NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program. The grant program, supported by the Grub Hub Community Fund, intends to provide vital assistance for LGBT+ owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food and other eating establishments. The Shaw restaurants receiving NGLCC grants include BKK Thai Cookshop, Electric Cool-Aid, the Little Gay Pub, Shaw’s Tavern and Uproar.

Still Drinking in Shaw

While Shaw has a reputation for high class eating, it also has one for high class drinking. This reputation was burnished recently when Wine Enthusiast magazine placed the Pop Fizz Bar (2108 Vermont Avenue NW), the latest establishment from Brent Kroll, proprietor of Maxwell Park, on its list of the top 50 New American Wine Bars in the country. The New American Wine Bar combines elevated drinking with high class edibles, which Pop Fizz does by specializing in sparkling alcohol beverages with Detroit-style pizza, fried food items “because fried food and sparkling is always the right pairing,” along with caviar and seasonal dishes.

Death and Company, the famed New York innovators of cocktail craft, have opened up their DC outpost in the former Columbia Room space in Blagden Alley. While the interior has been extensively redone, the much-admired ceramic mural was retained. Rob Rubba has also just opened his Oyster Garage, a more laid-back spot next to his award-winning fine dining establishment Oyster Oyster. The 15-seat space will continue the plant-based theme of the restaurant next door, offering pizza, oysters and sustainably produced wine and beers.

Finally, there are two new bars coming to Shaw. Shakers has moved into 2014 Ninth Street NW, while Rush is taking over the space at 1923 Ninth Street NW. Both bars are dedicated to serving the LGBT+ community.

Art Continues in Shaw

Art activations continue through the summer in Shaw. The Shaw First Friday Art Walks, sponsored by the Howard

The Causa/Amazonia restaurant team accept the RAMMY Award for New Restaurant of the Year. Photo: Pleasant Mann.

Line dancing led by Fit DC at the Shaw First Friday Art Walk.

Photo: Alexander Padro, Courtesy of Shaw Main Streets

eater, bring art exhibitions, music, dancing and food to the 600 block of T Street on the rst Friday evening of every month. Muralist Lisa Marie alhammer, creator of the internationally known “Love” mural, has just completed a new work in Blagden Alley, adding to the DC Alley Museum collection. And Events DC will be showing the Disney movie “Turning Red” on the Carnegie Library lawn on ursday, August 17, with favorite movie snacks and light fare, fun activities and a live DJ. e event is free, but you should register for tickets at the Events DC website.

Sranda Watkins

Elected to ANC 2G

ANC 2G met ursday evening, August 3 to hold a special election to ll the currently vacant seat of ANC 2G03. e Board of Elections had recognized three eligible candidates for the seat, and the ANC sent a post card to all the registered voters in the ANC 2G03 single member district informing them of the special election.

e opening of the meeting at the Watha T. Daniel Branch Library started with the passage by the commission of a resolution, suggesting that ANC special elections be entirely under the purview of the Board of Elections. e current

rules have the Board of Elections declaring ANC vacancies and candidates but has the Ofce of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) conduct the actual special election during a four-hour plus commission meeting.

At 3:30 p.m., the election opened and voting started. A constant stream of voters came through the library until voting was closed at 7:30 p.m. After the votes were counted, Sranda Watkins was declared the winner by the OANC. ANC 2G immediately passed a resolution to the Board of Elections to declare the vacancy lled and that Sranda Watkins is now the new ANC 2G03 commissioner. Ms. Watkins was sworn into o ce the next morning by Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto.

Full-Service Landscape Design

Lisa Marie Thalhammer completes a new mural in Blagden Alley. Photo: Alexander Padro, Courtesy of Shaw Main Streets.

Shaw’s Tavern owners Frank Wilson and Rob Heim with their grant check from the National LBGT Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Shaw’s Tavern.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B held its meeting for July on ursday evening, July 6, 2023.

e commissioners present were Sabel Harris (1B08, Chair), Larry Handerhan (1B01, Vice Chair), Jamie Sycamore (1B03), Santiago Lakatos (1B04, Treasurer), Alan Kensek (1B05), Ashleigh Fields (1B07) and Tucker Jones (1B09, Secretary).

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation (ABR) Committee

Prince Hall Masons, 1000 U Street NW. Request for a new license. e establishment had previously held a license that was allowed to lapse. e venue is a members-only establishment, seating 500, with a total occupancy of 800 people standing that will hold private events. e committee voted to protest the application at its meeting.

A question came up about the reason to protest. e protest will allow the discussion of plans to provide security and restrict noise. ere was also a question about a news article presented to the commission about a shooting at the venue in 1987. A neighborhood resident called in to say that the Prince Hall Masons had been a problem for years. She said that the building was not soundproofed and characterized the Mason’s past management of the venue as “a disaster.” A motion to protest the license application failed by a vote of 2-3-1.

In explaining her “no” vote, Commissioner Harris expressed the opinion that an incident in 1987 was too far in the past to be relevant and that there is no ABCA record of past bad behavior. Commissioner Fields noted that she had found a 2008 settlement agreement between ANC 1B and the Prince Hall Masons that indicated that they could work together on safety issues.

Déjà Vu Lounge, 2020 Ninth Street NW. A transfer of a license from an establishment on H Street. e license has an entertainment endorsement. A committee member argued that the license transfer should be protested on the basis of an overconcentration of liquor licenses in the area. Commissioner Kensek was concerned that pro-

ANC 1B

by Pleasant Mann

tests of licenses based on overconcentration could be inequitable, similar to the use of redlining in the past. A question arose if overconcentration of liquor licenses had been used as a rationale before. Commissioner Harris said that it had been used in a number of previous instances. A motion to protest the license transfer did not pass.

Rush, 1923 Ninth Street NW. New license that is applying for an indoor entertainment endorsement and outdoor seating. e license had to be discussed now since the ANC might not meet in August, which would not allow them to meet the deadline for a protest. A motion to protest the license was challenged by Commissioner Harris. She asked that the motion specify the reasons for protest since some past protests were dismissed by ABCA for rationale. A modi ed motion to protest passed 4-0-2.

Public Safety and Community Engagement Committee

Commissioner Fields started by noting that Mayor Bowser has issued a Safer, Stronger Amendment to District laws to remove restrictions on pretrial incarceration of people accused of violent crimes. It is being reviewed by the DC Council. ere have been 125 homicides so far this year. ere may be a District-wide meeting of ANCs on public safety.

Lieutenant Monahan of the ird Police District said that there has been an increase in all categories of crime. Over the past month, there was a homicide on Seventh Street that was closed the same day with an arrest. ere is a big concern about people being robbed coming out of late-night establishments. e police are trying to reduce the use of stolen vehicles to commit crimes. e most recorded property crime is theft from autos.

Transportation Committee

e Transportation Committee presented three resolutions for the commission to approve. e rst resolution, which was developed with other ANCs, called for the District to establish stronger consequences for dangerous drivers. e second resolution asked that the speed of scooters in the

District be limited to 10 miles per hour. e third advocated that higher education funds that the District expects to get from the federal infrastructure bill should be devoted to automated tra c enforcement in school zones. All three resolutions were approved by the commission.

ANC 1B Vacancy

e ANC seat for ANC 1B06 is currently vacant. e vacancy has already been announced in the District Register. Commissioner Harris suggests that everyone try to encourage people in the area to seek the position. Potential candidates can contact the Board of Elections for more information about running for the seat.

ANC 1B Meeting Dates

ere were two issues with the ANC’s next meeting dates. First, was the issue of holding an August meeting. Due to a lack of activity, most ANCs do not meet in August. ANC 1B did meet last August, but it might not need to have an August meeting this year.

Commissioner Jones mentioned that the Zoning committee had a case that would go to the Historic Preservation Review Board before the September ANC meeting. Commissioner Harris said that the project was in her single member district and that they may have a way of commenting on it.

A motion was made to have the ANC recess in August, although they would meet if an important issue came up. e motion passed unanimously.

A second issue was the date for the September ANC meeting. Some thought that their planned meeting date on the rst ursday of the month was too soon after Labor Day. A motion was made to move the September meeting date to the second ursday of the month, September 14. e motion passed 6-0-1.

ANC 1B will hold its next meeting on ursday, September 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc1b.org for more information. ◆

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for July on ursday evening, July 13, 2023. e meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Anthony “Tony” Brown (2G01, Treasurer), Steven McCarty (2G04, Secretary), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle P. Nigro (2G06, Vice Chair) were in attendance. e position for ANC 2G03 is currently vacant.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee (ABC)

1547 Seventh Street, Ambar Shaw. Commissioner Padro announced that the commission had completed a settlement agreement with Ambar Shaw. e agreement includes speci cs on the opening of windows and the retractable roof and the timing of deliveries. Trash pickup is restricted from 9:00 p.m. to 8 a.m.

e ANC 2G seat for Ambar’s single member district is currently vacant, so Padro made a motion to accept the settlement agreement with Ambar and withdraw the ANC’s protest of its license renewal and entertainment endorsement application. e motion was approved unanimously.

Foster House Apartments

Commissioner Brown introduced a resolution on the redevelopment of the Foster House Apartments, which is in his single member district. He characterized the current redevelopment of the building as being mired in controversy. Brown explained that the apartments were built by New Bethel Baptist Church after the 1968 riots to provide a ordable housing for Shaw. Reverend Dexter Nutall, the pastor of New Bethel church, explained further that as the building and its systems outlived their useful life, they looked to redevelop the property to preserve its role as a source of a ordable housing in the neighborhood.

Some of the tenants sued to block the development. en the DC O ce of the Attorney General sued to put the building under receivership. It is currently under four receivership orders. New Bethel would still like to develop the building, which would provide a mixture of market rate and

ANC 2G

by Pleasant Mann

a ordable units to the community.

Commissioner Nigro noted the number of lawsuits involving the building. She asked how many residents are still in the building; answer: 34. Nigro wondered if an ANC resolution would help the situation. She said she needed to have more information about the matter.

After Brown read the text of the resolution, he concluded that the commission was not ready to act on the matter. He decided to table the resolution until the September ANC meeting.

Shaw Community Center

A resolution was introduced to support the inclusion of the Shaw Community Center in the redevelopment plans for Lincoln Temple. Sudi West, Executive Director of the center, explained that it was founded 33 years ago to provide support services to Shaw neighborhood residents. It currently serves about 200 families.

e center wanted a resolution to show the ANCs support for keeping the Shaw Community Center at the Lincoln Temple building. Since the church closed, the United Church of Christ has aimed to redevelop the property. However, the center has not been informed of what the plans for the development are, or if they will include the Shaw Community Center. ere are no alternate suitable spaces for the center within walking distance of their current location.

Commissioner Brown read the resolution supporting keeping the Shaw Community Center at Lincoln Temple. e resolution passed 4-0-1.

Resolutions on Parking and Noise

Commissioner McCarty developed two resolutions on issues that a ected his single member district, as well as other areas, that he wanted the commission to pass. To start, he noted that there was a lot of illegal parking in the alleyways. His rst resolution urges the Department of Public Works to enforce current rules prohibiting parking in District alleys. e second resolution wants the District to address the issue of noise from deliveries. McCarty’s resolution would ask the Council Committee on Public Works and Operations to add deliveries to the District’s Noise Control Act. Both resolutions passed unanimously.

ANC 2G Special Election

Commissioner Padro announced that the Special Election to ll the ANC 2G03 seat would take place on ursday, August 3. It will be a hybrid ANC meeting with a physical presence at the Shaw library, as well as allowing some commissioners to participate remotely. e election will start at 3:30 p.m. e commission will stay in session until after the election closes at 7:30 p.m. ere must be at least two ANC 2G commissioners physically present in the room during the election.

When the voting closes, the OANC will count the votes and declare a winner. en ANC 2G has to pass a resolution to the Board of Elections, informing the board who the winner is and that the seat is no longer vacant. e winner of the election must be sworn into o ce by the Ward 2 councilmember before they can take the seat.

Commissioner Berry asked exactly where the special election would take place. Padro said it would be in Meeting Room One of the Watha T. Daniel Library. He mentioned that he tried to get the Kennedy Recreation Center as a venue, but they said they could not accommodate the commission. Commissioner Nigro asked why the vote had to start at 3:30. Padro said that the rules for special elections had changed, and that voting had to be conducted for four hours. Berry asked if there would be a notice of the special election on the ANC website. Padro answered that in addition to the website posting, the ANC would mail out post card notices of the election to all registered voters in ANC 2G03.

Transportation Committee Chair

e vacancy left by Alex Lopez, ANC 2G03, meant that the position of Transportation Committee Chair was also open. Commissioner Berry volunteered to take on the position. A motion to make Berry chair of the Transportation Committee passed unanimously.

e next meeting of ANC 2G will be a special meeting scheduled for ursday, August 3. e meeting will start at 3:00 p.m., at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library. Plans are to hold this meeting as a hybrid physical/virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

WABA Senior Block Party

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association invites seniors 55 and older to a block party on Saturday, Sept. 9, noon to 2 p.m. at Dupont Circle. WABA is celebrating DC’s senior community and facilitating a conversation about traffic safety when walking, biking, and driving. Throughout the program, you will have a chance to hear from transportation professionals and community leaders. This is an informal and free event. There will be food, music, drinks, trivia, a speaker agenda, and a shaded seating area. Read more at waba.org/ blog/2023/06/senior-block-party.

Washington Stage Guild Announces 2023-2024 Season

The Supreme Court: A Preview of the New Term

Every first Monday of October the Supreme Court’s justices begin hearing and deliberating the country’s most important—and often most controversial— legal cases. Each term the court hears cases that have the potential to reshape American law on topics including race, elections, education, religious protections, and other areas. And it’s important for engaged citizens to understand the role that the Supreme Court plays in our lives and how its decisions impact us. On Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., join Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of Berkeley Law and one of the nation’s foremost Constitutional scholars, as he previews the critical issues raised in some of the cases the court will take up. This Smithsonian Associates online program is presented on Zoom. $25. smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/supreme-court.

The Washington Stage Guild has announced that the plays to be produced in its 2023-2024 Season will feature two area premieres and one world premiere by female playwrights along with one by the company’s playwright of choice, GB Shaw. An Unbuilt Life by Elizabeth DeSchryver, Dorothy’s Dictionary by E.M. Lewis, and The Victorian Ladies’ Detective Collective by Patricia Milton join Arms and the Man by GB Shaw for 2023-24 productions directed by Steven Carpenter, Laura Giannarelli, Morgan Duncan, and Michael Rothhaar respectively. Performances begin Sept. 28 at the Washington Stage Guild’s home, The Undercroft Theatre in the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. stageguild.org.

Summer Blood Drive

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, 4 to 8 p.m., help replenish the blood supply in the DC metro area. It’s safe,

easy, confidential, and extremely rewarding. The EDCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW, partners with Inova Blood Services to bring skilled technicians and topof-the-line equipment. Register at edcjcc.org/calendar/summer-blood-drive.

“Life with the Afterlife” at Sixth & I

On Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of “Kindred Spirits” and “Ghost Hunters,” Amy Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations.

Bruni shares her unique approach to interacting with the spirits of the dead and those who encounter them. By the end of the night, you will question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death. $45. 600 I St. NW. sixthandi.org.

Take 5: Jazz at AAM with Ebban and Ephraim Dorsey

On Thursday, Aug. 17, 5 to 7 p.m., celebrate a uniquely American art form with Take 5: Jazz at SAAM, a series of free, live performances in Smithsonian American Art Museum’s airy Kogod Courtyard, Eighth and G streets. NW. This month features siblings Ebban and Ephraim Dorsey from Baltimore, who have been playing music since they were 10 and 11, respectively. Both Ebban and Ephraim are composers and bandleaders; Ebban is an alto saxophonist while Ephraim is a tenor saxophonist. Attendees can also enjoy playing board games and refreshments are available for purchase from the Courtyard Café. americanart.si.edu.

“Dave Thomas Circle” Transformation Kicks Off

On July 19, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the District Department of Transportation, the NoMA BID and community members kicked off the transformation of “Dave Thomas Circle.” This long-awaited infrastructure project will significantly improve the Florida Avenue and New York Avenue NE intersection. Once completed, the project will provide better safety for all who travel through the corridor and create new public spaces for residents and visitors. The construction phase for the infrastructure project has begun and will continue through December 2024. Once complete, the redesigned intersection will realign and add two-way

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA,

Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Homebuyers Info Sessions are Back at DCHFA Register at bit.ly/dcopendoors

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.

Visit

traffic to First Street NE; restore two-way traffic on Florida Avenue NE; include protected bicycle lanes; and include three new public park spaces. To learn more, visit floridaavene-intersection.ddot.dc.gov.

Bano de Luna (Bathing in Moonlight) at GALA

From Sept. 7 to Oct. 1, enter a world where love’s forbidden allure leads to a relationship between Father Monroe, a devout Catholic priest, and a beguiling Havana pianist from his parish. This spellbinding drama explores the depths of passion, moral conflict, and sacrifice. Will they choose faith or surrender to the irresistible pull of their heartstrings? $25 to $38.

GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galaheatre.org.

Folger Shakespeare Theatre Announces 2023-2024 Season

The Folger Theatre has announced its 2023-2024 season.

“The Winter’s Tale” is from Oct. 24 to Dec. 3. “The Reading Room New Play Festival” is from Jan. 25 to 28. Conversations with scholars, artists, and critics will be hosted between readings as well as moderated discussions with the playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and audience members following each staged reading. “Where We Belong” is from

H Street Festival Applications Open

The 18th H Street Festival is on Saturday Sept. 16. There are many ways to join organizers in celebrating the vibe on the H Street NE Corridor. H Street Festival is famed for its performance line ups across 15 staging areas, incredible food choices, the mile-long shopping experience and the countless patios H Street businesses host. H Street businesses always come through with fantastic promotions and offerings on festival day. Volunteers also needed. Visit hstreetfestival.org/participate.

Feb. 15 to March 10. In 2015, Mohegan theatermaker Madeline Sayet travels to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, where she finds a country that refuses to acknowledge its ongoing role in colonialism, just as the Brexit vote threatens to further dis-

The Free Words Prison Project

The Free Words Prison collects books by hosting book drives all across DC and collects money to buy the most requested books. Cecilia Lapetina, a high school student at Duke Ellington, started Free Words Prison by sending books to incarcerated people in 2020. In the past two years, Free Words Prison has raised over $7,000 and collected thousands of books. They ship over 100 books monthly to facilities all over the US. Their goal is to empower and rehabilitate people through reading, in turn decreasing the isolation of the prison system and stimulating individual growth and positive change. They try to foster a love of reading behind bars, encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-empowerment. Many book requests come from prisoners with little or no access to adequate prison libraries or educational programs. Free Words Prison is a community-based direct-action response to that problem. Volunteers are crucial for their organization and opportunities are available in-person or virtual. Read more at cecilialapetina123.wixsite.com/my-site-1.

engage the UK from the wider world. “Metamorphoses” is from May 7 to June 16. Ovid’s classic tales come to astonishing life in Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation where gods and mortals experience love, loss, and transformation. folger.edu.

Dead Man’s Run Registration Open

This year, the Dead Man’s Run 5k at Congressional Cemetery is on Saturday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. As the funeral bell tolls, runners bound around the cemetery and continue out onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and fun. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best individual and teams. Dogs and strollers are allowed in the race, however, for safety reasons, they are required to start at the back of the group. Registration is $35. All proceeds support the cemetery’s nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. congressionalcemetery.org.

Dinner Under the Stars at the Arboretum

Friends of the National Arboretum invite you to join them at Dinner Under the Stars on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the National Arboretum’s Ellipse Meadow and a tented dinner in view of the Capitol Columns.

Nat’s Announce 2024 Season Schedule

e Washington Nationals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, has announced their 2024 schedule. e 2024 season will start with an Opening Day matchup on the road against the Cincinnati Reds on ursday, March 28. Opening Day 2024 will mark the second time the Nationals open the season in Cincinnati and the rst time since Opening Day 2018. e Nationals will open their 2024 home slate on Monday, April 1, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington’s initial homestand will feature three games against the Pirates before a three-game weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies. e Nationals will host 13 homestands and 13 weekend series during the 2024 season.

Spend a wonderful fall evening with colleagues, business leaders, and government representatives. e Dinner is a fantastic way to mix and mingle-senior sta and o cials from Capitol Hill and the Administration will be invited, however attendance cannot be guaranteed. By attending the Dinner, you support FONA’s work supporting and promoting the National Arboretum. As its primary 501 (c)

(3) nonpro t partner, they complement the National Arboretum’s work by ensuring its research and gardens are a resource for DC residents and tourists from around the world. ey also invite visitors of all ages to form deep and mindful relationships with nature through education programs, recreation programs, and events. fona. org/dinner.

Army Band Concerts at the Capitol

In the waning days of summer, you can enjoy US Army Band Concerts while watching the glorious sunset over the National Mall on the steps of the west side of the Capitol. All concerts are free and at 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule, Friday, Aug. 11, Music of the American Landscape; Friday, Aug. 18, The Heart and Soul of Country Roads; Thursday, Aug. 24, The Brass Quintet; and Friday, Aug. 25, A Star Spangled Spectacular. At this time of night, there’s parking near the Botanic Garden. usarmyband.com.

Free Rooftop Bingo at Union Market’s Hi-Lawn

On Wednesdays at 7 p.m., through October, join DC Fray and Hi-Lawn for free, in-person bingo. DC Fray and Union Market will provide the host, the bingo materials, and the awesome prizes for you to win. Your ticket comes with 6-8 rounds of bingo with a prize for each round and an evening of fun outside on the rooftop of HiLawn. Register at unionmarketdc.com.

Mount Vernon’s George Washington Patriot Run

The DC Bike Ride

On Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 8 a.m., enjoy DC on car-free streets. The 2023 ride consists of 20-miles of DC roadways, crossing the Potomac River towards Virginia before returning to the District. Make quick stops along the route to enjoy local music and food to keep you energized along the way. The Start Line is at West Potomac Park, near the MLK Memorial at 121 West Basin Dr. SW. The Finish Festival with live entertainment, fun activities and food trucks is between the Capitol and the Mall. Event proceeds benefit community partners working towards safer streets for all and growing our bicycle community. $190. dcbikeride.com.

The Eighth Annual George Washington Patriot Run is on Sunday, Sept. 10. The run features a 10-miler which starts at 7:15 a.m. and a 5k which starts at 7:30 a.m. The racecourse includes both lanes of a five-mile stretch of the George Washington Parkway from the GW Parkway Circle to W. Boulevard Drive. You cross the finish line with George Washington’s mansion in view. The Finish Festival offers music, food and beverage concessions, and a free beer for each runner. No kids’ run this year. Ten miler is $62 through Aug. 20; 5k is $50 through Aug. 20. mountvernon.org.

Non-native Invasive Species Removal at RFK Meadows

The NPS Invasive Plant Management Team hosts a non-native invasive plant removal event on the second Saturday of

each month at RFK Meadows. Meet at the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park at 575 Oklahoma Ave. NE, along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This is a volunteer effort to help rescue green spaces from non-native invasive species through the hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. During the events, participants will learn how to identify and control several non-native invasive plants threatening our natural communities. Please wear sturdy shoes, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. All supplies will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to participate. No registration required. nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/calendar.

Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo

This year, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture continues its tradition of presenting one of the largest art shows in the region in the Park’s historic Spanish Ballroom over Labor Day weekend. The annual Labor Day Art Show will be held from Sept. 2 to 4, noon to 6 p.m. (all days). A 52-year tradition, the exhibition includes artwork in a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, textiles, furniture, and works on paper. Artists from the Park and around the region participate in the annual exhibi-

Anacostia Jazz Hop Returns

The Anacostia Business Improvement District partners with 202Creates and DC JazzFest on Friday, Sept. 1, noon to 8 p.m., for the Anacostia Jazz Hop at several locations in Historic Anacostia. All events are free and open to the public. In celebration of the 19th Annual DC JazzFest, the Jazz Hop will be held in the Art to Go-Go Anacostia Arts & Culture District. Attendees to Historic Anacostia’s flourishing arts district will be treated to the neighborhood’s charm, music, and arts offerings at various creative hubs—from dynamic jazz performances at the Anacostia Arts Center to artistic expressions and exhibits at Busboys and Poets. In addition, everyone will delight in the Popup outdoor jazz cafes with live jazz, visual artists, and the opportunity to have tasty bites from up-and-coming chefs and caterers. The event kicks off at noon at the Big Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE for opening remarks and live performances. Concurrently, the Jazz Hop, a variety of dynamic performances, will begin at six locations within the Anacostia BID: NSC Café Jazz, 2007 MLK Ave. SE; BIG Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE; Busboys and Poets, 2004 MLK Ave. SE; Check-It Enterprises, 1920 MLK Ave. SE; Martha’s Outfitters, 2204 MLK Ave. SE) and the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. This year, there will be new PopUp cafe venues throughout the business corridor. Some of the featured performers are The Brass-A-Holics, The JoGo Project, Joe Felero Band, Yussah Ashad, The Experience Band & Show and The Lexi T Experience. anacostiabid.org/2023-jazz-hop.

tion, and thousands of visitors are expected over the three-day weekend. glenechopark.org/LDAS.

Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity in Housing

In Washington DC, discrimination in the housing market on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity is prohibited. Sexual harassment by

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.

a housing provider or employees of a management company is also considered a fair housing violation. If you believe a landlord or housing provider is discriminating against you based on any of these factors, contact Housing Counseling Services at 202-667-7706 to learn more about your fair housing rights and to get free assistance filing a fair housing complaint. housingetc.org. u

Bel la Dona Band. Photo: Jeremy Reaves

Photos: Alexander M. Padro