Mid City DC Magazine – February 2025 by Capital Community News

Photo: Andrew Lightman

Ar S ingRR

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist at the NGA

One of the de ning artists of the 20th century, Elizabeth Catlett addressed the injustices she witnessed and experienced in America and Mexico through her bold prints and dynamic sculptures. From March 9 to July 6, see more than 150 of her creations in this exhibition, including rarely seen paintings and drawings at the National Gallery of Art. Trace the career of this cultural force—from her roots in Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York to the remarkable body of work she made during some 60 years in Mexico. In striving to make art for the people, Catlett put social justice at the very center of her work. nga.gov.

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line at the Phillips

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line reappraises the work of Art Nouveau pioneer Alphonse Mucha (b. 1860, Ivan ice, Moravia, Austrian Empire; d. 1939, Prague, Czechoslovakia) and explores his impact on graphic art since the 1960s. This exhibition provides an opportunity to survey the development of Mucha’s style, and to explore how his art was rediscovered by later generations of artists. Mucha was a key in uence on Psychedelic Art of the 1960s–70s, as well as on a wide range of visual culture from the late 20th century to today, exempli ed by American comics, Japanese manga, and street murals. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Feb. 22 to May 18. Adult admission is $20; seniors, $15; students and educators, $10. phillipscollection.org.

ABOVE: Elizabeth Catlett, J. K. Fine Art Editions Co., Joseph Kleineman, Maureen Turci, Links Together, 1996, lithograph on wove Arches paper, Purchased as the Gift of Art Information Volunteers in Honor of Dianne Stephens, 2021.63.1

Alphonse Mucha Rêverie 1897–98 Color lithograph 72.7 x 55.2 cm. Collection of the Mucha Trust

SpringArts RR

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Kunene and the King at Shakespeare

A celebrated classical actor has just been given a career-defining role as King Lear and a life-changing diagnosis—and Lunga Kunene (John Kani) has been charged with his care. As Jack Morris (Edward Gero) confronts his mortality, two men brought together by necessity discover the unifying power of Shakespeare a quarter century after the fall of apartheid. Written and performed by Tony-winner John Kani (Black Panther, The Island, Sizwe Banzi is Dead), Edward Gero (The Lehman Trilogy) joins in the play’s US premiere. Tickets start at $35. Kunene and the King is at STC’s Klein Theater, 450 Seventh St. NW, from Feb. 16 to March 16. shakespearetheatre.org.

District Winter Beer Fest at Union Market

On Saturday, Feb. 22, noon to 9 p.m., try the best beer in town, all under the same roof: Specially curated seasonal beers, with a soundtrack provided by live entertainment at Dock5 inside Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE. This is a fun environment for beer lovers & friends with a limited ticket capacity. There are two sessions—noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $49. districtbeerfest.com.

Laurel Canyon: Golden Songs of Los Angeles 1966-’72 at the Birchmere

The legendary music scene found in Los Angeles and its neighboring magic-struck neighborhood, Laurel Canyon, are the focus of this show. It celebrates the musical brilliance of more than a dozen legendary bands and performers who lived and made their music in and around LA. On Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., at the Birchmere, Laurel Canyon: Golden Songs of Los Angeles 1966-72 features the music of: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, The Monkees, Spirit, The Byrds, The Doors, Carole King, Sonny & Cher, The Eagles, and more. $39.50. The Birchmere is at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA. birchmere.com.

A Room in the Castle at the Folger

How does a woman survive the court of Denmark? A Room in the Castle finds Ophelia, her handmaid, and Queen Gertrude on the other end of a wild prince’s antics and realizing just how dangerous life in this castle has become. As Ophelia withstands Hamlet’s assaults and insults, Gertrude comes to see how far gone her son truly is. What is she willing to risk to save Ophelia and herself if it means turning against her problematic child? A meditation on women helping women and what responsibility generations of feminists have to one another, A Room in the Castle rebrands the stories of the women of Shakespeare’s Hamlet into a drama with music and defiant hope for the future. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE, from March 4 to April 6. Tickets are $20 to $84. Folger.edu.

2019 Laurel Canyon Artist Activity in iconic photo of America’s Top Model, CariDee English. Shot by Canyon resident, photographer Victoria Smith.

Dr. John Kani is Lunga Kunene

Kronborg at night from Elsinore Harbour.

Sat. Feb, 1 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Tues. Feb, 4 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Wed. Feb, 19 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

SpringArts RR

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Story, Movement and Sound at the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival

The Atlas Performing Arts Center’s INTERSECTION Festival is a month-long celebration of innovative and inspiring performances, running from Feb. 15 through March 16. Enjoy performances of story, movement, and sound over five weekends. Now in its 16th year, the festival transforms the H Street Corridor into a hub for artistic expression, inviting audiences of all ages to engage with a diverse lineup of performances in the genres of story, movement, and sound. Tickets are $25 to $32. Festival three and five performance passes are available also. atlasarts.org/intersections2025.

Dom Flemons at Rams Head On Stage

Dom Flemons is known as “The American Songster” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music. Flemons is a folk musician, Black country artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, slam poet, podcaster, cultural commentator, influencer, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. Over the past 25 years, he has received major awards, gained world-wide media recognition and has become one of the most influential and highly decorated voices in American roots music. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis MD, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 plus tax and fees for this 21+ performance. ramsheadonstage.com.

Dom Flemons demonstrates the pipes at the 2019 Philadelphia Folk Festival.

Dropkick Murphys at The Anthem

Dropkick Murphys are Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally. Their discography includes four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts along with 2005’s Certified-Gold The Warrior’s Code featuring the double platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” Dropkick Murphys, The Menzingers and Teenage Bottlerocket are at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., doors at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 to $95. theanthemdc.com.

PR firm “Rize” faces accusations of ableism, unleashing a whirlwind of spin, changing narratives, and PC-culture. Enter Ross, a blind influencer with his star on the rise, who is ready to profit off the guilt of non-disabled, anxious people. Will Rize and Ross come out on top, or will they get derailed by the sh**storm? Fron March 6 to 30, multi-award winning and disability-led theatre company FlawBored delivers a scathing satire on the monetization of identity politics, the guilt of non-disabled people, and what it costs to do the right thing. All performances are audio-described, relaxed and have captioning available. Tickets are $60 to $82. Woolly Mammoth is at 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net.

Liberated Muse performs at the Festival on March 2, 5 p.m.

SpringArts RR

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Imo Nse Imeh: Monuments to Our Skies at the NAS

During the summer of 2020—amid the pandemic, lockdowns, and widespread displays of racially motivated violence that appeared on screens across the United States—artist Imo Nse Imeh was deeply engaged with questions of faith, trust, belief, and redemption, particularly in the context of Black communities. Monuments to Our Skies is the result. Each canvas in this series offers a unique combination of material and form. At the National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, through July 1. Government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport is required for entry. cpnas.org.

RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up at KC

On Wednesday, March 5, 8 p.m., join the Kennedy Center for RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up, a special comedy event in celebration of Women’s History Month and featuring an allfemale lineup. Leading performers from across the comedic landscape come together to celebrate women in the arts through laughter. After sold-out performances in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024 RIOT! has become a national platform for female artists to embrace creative risk and emphasize their perspective in our rapidly evolving culture. Tickets price range is $33 to $68. kennedy-center.org.

Shucked: A New Musical Comedy at the National

SHUCKED is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Feb. 25 to March 2. And nobody knows funny like economists. This corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater. SHUCKED is recommended for ages ten and older+. It contains adult themes, moments of adult language and a harvest of corny innuendo. Tickets start at $62. broadwayatthenational.com.

Mother Tongue Film Festival: Singing Back the Buffalo

The Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives. Celebrate the Festival’s tenth anniversary with ten days of free programming: in person in Washington, DC, from Thursday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 23 and online February 24 to March 1. The festival spotlights new feature-length films, short film programs and other forms of digital storytelling, Q&A sessions with directors and a filmmakers roundtable discussion. Films featured over the decade of the Festival will also be screened. Learn more on the festival’s website at mothertongue.si.edi.

Danielle Wade as Maizy and Erick Pinnick as Granpa in Shucked. Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

SpringArts RR

Insatiable

Winging it

With the Super Bowl coming up and later, college basketball’s “March Madness,” party menus turn to beer, guacamole, tortilla chips, zesty chili and—naturally, spicy chicken wings. Here are just a few lastminute suggestions. Most have multiple TV screens for following the football action. Moreover, many places offer carryout and delivery for home celebrations. Again, these are just a few options: lots of lip-smacking wings are flapping around out there.

It was like St. Patrick’s Day at Whitlow’s, 901 U St. NW, in Shaw. We arrived ready for wings. The place was packed, as a festive crowd was

by Celeste McCall

cheering the Washington Commanders, who were facing the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC Championship.

Our trio found high top spots on the second floor (there’s also a third level). Along with the tasty $5 Bloody Mary, I chose the football special, 10 smoked wings for $10. Seasonings are cooked with the wings; I chose lemon pepper and mumbo sauce. Both were finger-licking good and messy, but that was half the fun.

Whitlow’s serves its wings with local history. Founded by David Whitlow in 1946, the original Whitlow’s was located downtown at 11th and E Streets NW. (A scene from the flick “Broadcast News” was filmed here.) After a quarter century, the watering hole moved across the river to Arlington, only to return to DC a few years ago to its present digs. For more information, visit www. whitlows.com.

American Ice Company, 917 V St. NW (lower level) is a favorite Shaw watering hole. Besides his signature brisket, barbecue maestro Adam Campbell turns out mouthwatering smoked wings. Guests catch the smoky aroma—emanating from the huge smoker outside-- even before they step through the door. Ensconced in a former ice making plant, American Ice Company is downhome yet hip, with a lively bar where patrons quaff beer while catching football and basketball on two TVs.

Seated in a rustic booth, we ordered a glass of Austrian white wine Gruner Veltliner and a Pacifico beer. But we were here mainly for wings, and I went for traditional Buffalo style (you can also get black pepper) with bleu cheese dressing and carrot and celery sticks. Delightfully yummy and extremely messy. Nothing fancy here; food arrives on paper plates, napkins (we used a lot of them!) are also paper. For more information, visit www.amicodc.com.

In Bloomingdale, Boundary Stone, 116 Rhode Island Ave. NW, drapes its wings in your choice of honey hot sauce, whiskey barbecue, or garlic habanero, served with homemade bleu cheese dressing.

Vegetarian seitan versions cost $1 more. For more information, visit www.boundarystonedc.com.

Ghostburger, 1250 Ninth St. NW, is another Shaw favorite. The burger-and-cheesesteak bar also produces mean chicken wings. The jumbo wings might be draped with spicy, buttery Fresno chili sauce, and served with a side of tangy ranch dressing. Another option is a basket of honey mustard chicken tenders, escorted by “crinkle” fries. For more information, visit www.ghostburgerdc.com.

Shaw’s Oohh’s & Aahh’s, 1005 U St. NW is better known for its satisfying soul food, including meatloaf and shrimp-and-grits. However, the kitchen offers wings as appetizers or entrees (the latter arrives with two sides). The lightly breaded, fried wings or drumsticks are finished with “traditional” Buffalo sauce, teriyaki, lemon pepper, or barbecue sauce. The latter is similar to Washington’s own mumbo sauce. For more information, visit www.oohhsnaahhs.com.

Stoney’s, 1433 P St. NW, located near Logan Circle, might be best known for “gourmet” burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, but its crisp and spicy chicken wings are another favorite. Choose from traditional Buffalo style or fiery Sriracha/honey lime. For more information or to place orders, visit www.stoneysonp.com.

Logan Lowdown

Sushi reigns around Logan Circle. A fishy new-

Whitlow’s serves local history and festivity with its wings, especially on big game days.

Served with carrot sticks, Whitlow’s spicy wings are cooked with various seasonings, and served with plenty of napkins.

Popular Shaw watering hole American Ice Company features smoked wings and a lively bar scene.

comer is Raw Omakase DC, 1326 14th St. NW. You’ll find it perched above sister restaurant Takara 14. The third-floor sushi tasting room is the creation of chef Johnny Yi, a 16year sushi-making veteran who also honchos Takara 14 downstairs. To dine here, you must plan ahead: the counter has only eight seats, and the restaurant only accepts two reservations each evening.

Yi works his magic with ingredients which once swam or slithered off Japan’s coast. The flopping fresh creatures were then purchased from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market.

Not surprisingly, Raw Omakase DC is a special occasion destination. The first seating (6-7:30 p.m.) presents 15 courses for $125; the second seating goes from 8:15-10 p.m., featuring 18 courses for $150. Diners can opt for curated wine and sake pairings.

Yi is no stranger to the local dining scene; he sharpened his knife skills at Michelinstarred Nakazawa in Washington, and at Masa Takayama in New York City. He unveiled Takara 14 in 2021 with Bangkok-born owner Jenistar Ruksirisopha. For more information or reservations (essential!), visit www.rawomakasedc.com.

Teed Off

Nearby, The Muni, a sprawling, golf-themed restaurant/pub/game room, has teed off at 1400 14th St. NW. You’ll find the sporty newbie on the second floor—atop the Players Club—of the Mai Place apartment complex. Thanks to high-tech simulators, guests can “play” at world famous golf courses like St. Andrews in Scotland and San Diego’s Torrey Pines. While

“golfing” or trying other games, guests can also sip country club-style cocktails and beer, while noshing on “no frills fare” including chicken tenders, Fairway fries, or pizzas. For more information, visit www.playersclubdc.com.

And…

And coming soon if not already open to Logan Circle is Elmina, 2208 14th St. NW, at the former site of Seven Reasons. Food Network’s Top Chef finalist Eric Adjepong will showcase a modern twist on traditional West African cuisine, including his native Ghanaian. Dishes might encompass fufu and kelewele (spicy fried plantains), cassava fried noodles and egusi (West African seeds similar to pumpkin) hummus. Dishes may be ordered a la carte or as part of a tasting menu. Cocktails are flavored with mango, hibiscus, soursop and passion fruit. For more information and updates, visit www.elminarestaurant.com.

Darting in Shaw

Here’s something fun in Shaw. Flight Club has landed at 641 New York Ave. NW. Part of State of Play Hospitality chain with outposts world-wide, Flight Club invites guests to hone their dart-throwing skills while sipping cocktails and nibbling on lobster elote (Mexican street corn) dip, flatbreads and mini-beef barbacoa tacos. For more details, visit https:// flightclubdartsusa.com/washington/dc

Adios for now!

As always, Peter and I are heading for the sunny (we hope) climes of Southwest Florida. Fortunately, our little condo, badly damaged by last fall’s back-to-back hurricanes, has been repaired. So, we will not be submitting Insatiable in March. See you in April! u

At Muni, a hopeful player tees off, assisted by a realistic, high-tech simulator. You can also toss some darts.

Muni, a golf-themed newcomer, offers customers tasty tidbits, cocktails and a chance to practice golf.

SpringArts

Sp o tli ght on Shaw

by Andrew Lightman

PCausa/Amazonia

eru conjures up “Inca” and “Machu Picchu.” Most Americans think of this coastal nation’s cuisine as consisting of fast casual roast chicken or piquant ceviche. If pressed, they might recall their first pisco sour. But culturally, the nation—and its cuisine—are influenced by Japan, Spain, the Inca and indigenous peoples.

With the aid of the founders of the celebrated Service Bar, Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler, Peruvian native Chef Carlos Delgado created Causa/Amazonia in 2022, a multi-storied dining experience located in historic Blagden Alley that brings all the complexities of Peruvian cuisine to the District. Amazonia and Causa are two distinct restaurants that share

one kitchen and one chef. In Peruvian Spanish, “causa” means friend. Walking in, diners enter a light filled interior designed with a sleek modern sensibility. One can sit at simple Midcentury Modern tables or at a bar that lines the restaurant’s signature fish market. Walking upstairs to Amazonia, diners enter an intimate, colorful room warmly furnished in dark leather and aquamarine seating, with a gorgeous mural as a backdrop. Warm wood compliments a darkly painted industrial ceiling, punctuated with basket lamps. The real treat is on the

of José Andrés. In 2023, his restaurants earned a Michelin star, a Rammy for New Restaurant of the Year and the number one spot in the Washington Post’s Spring Dining Guide.

At Causa/Amazonia, Chef Delgado’s carefully crafted menu blends the traditional and modern elements of Peruvian cuisine. At Causa, Chef Delgado offers a prix-fixe tasting menu that runs $175 per person. It may be complimented by a wine pairing designed by Hartley, the restaurant’s beverage director. The journey involves six courses featuring fresh fish

roof terrace, where diners sit under succulent hanging plants that also decorate the walls.

Enough about the visual feast. On to the repast!

Beginning at age four, Chef Delgado learned his craft at his grandmother’s side in Callao, Lima, where he was raised. At 16, he immigrated to the United States to pursue a culinary career. He earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award four times for his work at China Chilcano, where he labored under the watchful tutelage

and seafood. The fish is displayed on ice in Causa’s extensive “fish market” which spans the first floor. All the fruits of the sea are sustainable and carefully sourced.

Uniquely at Causa, Chef Delgado prepares fish three ways. His ceviche is served with a classic leche de tigre, red onion, sweet potato, yuyo (Peruvian seaweed), choclo (large Peruvian soft corn kernels), and cancha (crunchy corn kernels). His tiradito is thinly sliced fish on a flat plate, garnished with pearl red onion, cilantro and olive oil with ají amarillo

At Amazonia, seafood is the start. At the center are scallops. Nikkei ceviche is on the left. An anticucho platter sits on the right. A lo pobre rounds out the bottom. Photo: Rey Lopez.

Chef and Partner Carlos Delgado (right) and Chef Alez Lazo (left).

Photo: Rey Lopez.

Amazonia’s colorful interior. Photo: Rey Lopez.

leche de tigre. Tiradito is cut slightly thinner than sashimi. Lastly, honoring Peru’s Japanese influence, Chef Delgado offers sliced sashimi plated and garnished with sweet drop peppers, kizami wasabi, and served with a side of yuzu/soy ponzu.

Upstairs at Amazonia, the a la carte menu is

SOST

In Amharic, “sost” means three. In this case, it means three siblings, three concepts, all located in a historic building.

On the first floor, a modern café welcomes patrons during the day, converting into a swanky evening bar. A variety of caffeinated beverages, including premium espresso, the classic flat white and delicious teas grace the menu. The coffee is carefully sourced and prepared using the latest Italian machinery. The setting is intimate, with subdued lighting and walls lined with displayed vinyl. There are both tables and bar seating.

divided into snacks, anticucheria, hot and cold. Again, seafood is the star. The snacks include preparations of sea urchin, plantains, nigiri and scallops. Second up are anticucheria. These are charcoal skewers of fish and meats, marinated with cumin, chicha de jora, oregano, soy sauce, red wine vinegar complimented by huacatay aioli and rocoto sauce. The cold offerings incorporate various ceviches, as well as preparations of octopus, hearts of palm with avocado and potatoes with aji amarillo and cheese.

Last, but not least, Causa and Amazonia claim to have the largest selection of pisco in the United States and perhaps the world, curated by Hartley. Pisco is a grape-based Peruvian brandy, employing eight different grapes grown in the country’s five regions. The description of this pisco “library” runs more than 13 pages.

Causa/Amazonia is located at 920 Blagden Alley, NW. Amazonia reservations must be made a month in advance. Causa offers two seatings a night. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month. www.causadc.com.

Accessed through a cleverly disguised door, a basement speakeasy, known as the “Vinyl

event and dance space. The third floor features a beautiful outdoor patio graced with a rooftop herb garden.

All four floors are designed to host events, live music and dancing.

SOST is the brainchild of 39-year old entrepreneur Siem Abebe and his two siblings, Izzy and Mariam. Abebe started his career as a biochemist, managing clinical trials. Handy by nature, he renovated his own home and then another, eventually becoming a licensed contractor and developer. He drew on all those skills in the design of SOST, which required underpinning a historic structure and digging out a crawl space to create a finished basement.

SOST’s menu was created by Executive Chef D’Angelo Mobley, known for his work at La Jambe. Its Italian offerings of gramigna, lasagna and spallina pastas betray Abebe’s Eritrean roots. His Ethiopian influences can be seen in the delicious berbere wing appetizer and in the berbere braised chicken served with jollof rice and Haitian slaw. The cocktail menu is also extensive.

Room,” provides an intimate atmosphere for vinyl enthusiasts. The music is a carefully curated selection, featuring the sounds of the African diaspora.

On the second floor, a “resto-lounge” provides a place for a delicious evening repast. The menu is inspired by the Black and African Diaspora, reimagining classics with a modern twist. Once the dinner hour is over at 10 p.m., it transforms into an

While Abebe hopes to make SOST a destination for members of the international African Diaspora, all are welcome to enjoy its all day, all night vibe.

SOST is located at 1901 Ninth St. NW. Visit www.sostdc. com for more details, including their vinyl events. u

SOST’s elegant Sky Lounge. Photo: Courtesy SOST.

SOST’s Ethiopian roots celebrated in its dinner serving style. Photo: Courtesy SOST.

Siblings Izzy, Mariam and Siem Abebe own SOST. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

SpringArts

BLACK HISTORY CALENDAR

The Sweet Home Café at the NMAAHC. The Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, celebrates Black History Month with a special series of Chef’s Tables, showcasing a menu from award-winning chefs every Friday. In addition, the Sweet Home Café’s Market Table showcases products from local African American community partners throughout the month. For more details, visit nmaahc. si.edu/visit/sweet-home-cafe.

The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibition Tours. On Saturdays, 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon and 5 to 6 p.m., through March 1, at the MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, these tours offer an immersive look at the reality of travel for African Americans in mid-century America and how the annual guide served as an indispensable resource for the nation’s rising African American middle class and evidence of a vibrant business class. dclibrary.org.

Black History Revealed: Getting Started with African American Genealogy. Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Uncover your ancestral roots in this all-day, interactive genealogy workshop at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, as part of the DC Public Library’s “Our City, Our Stories” program series and to celebrate Black History Month. dclibrary.org.

Black History Month at Miracle Theatre. Feb. 13, Just Mercy; Feb. 19, Flow; Feb. 27, Glory. Miracle Theatre is at 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

For the Love of Go-Go: Backyard Band and Black Alley. Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with two of Go-Go’s finest, Backyard Band and Black Alley, with For the Love of Go-Go in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Come with your significant other, your friends, or solo and bask in the glow of love as you sing and dance to your favorite songs and celebrate the power of Go-Go music. $34 to $75. kennedycenter.org.

The Charles Covington Jazz Trio with vocalist Sandy Crawford on the KC Millennium Stage. Feb. 14, 6 p.m. This presentation with Kennedy Center Jazz Pianist-inResidence Charles Covington includes an opening with a Negro Spiritual and a dramatic reading of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman,” followed by interpretations of American classical (jazz) music. Free tickets. kennedy-center.org.

Great Migrations: A People on The Move. Feb. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. This film which explores the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society is screened at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. From the waves of Black Americans to the North—and back South—over the last century to the growing number of immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean today, the film shows how movement is a defining feature of the Black experience. anacostia.si.edu.

Thematic Tours: African American Voices at the National Cathedral. Feb. 15 and 22, 11 a.m. Celebrate notable African Americans who have made significant contributions

Heroes of Civil Rights Tours of the US Capitol. Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. What do Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Charles Sumner have in common? They all fought for an end to slavery and the equality and freedom of all Americans. Hear about their extraordinary lives and how they shaped the path from slavery to civil rights. The tour includes Emancipation Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. visitthecapitol.gov.

in theology, human rights, social justice, civil rights, education, and the welfare of other human beings as depicted in the sculptures, stained glass windows, and needlepoint throughout the National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral.org.

“Universe of Freedom Making” by Daniel Minter, 2024. Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World. Through June 8. This exhibition is a dynamic mix of history, art, and media, In Slavery’s Wake makes connections between Black freedom-makers across time and invites visitors into a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. This multilingual exhibition experience features 100 objects, 250 images, and 10 multi-media interactives and films. NMAAHC, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. nmaahc.si.edu.

Author Talk: The Overground Railroad with Candacy Taylor. Feb. 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join the MLK Library for an enlightening author talk with Candacy Taylor as she discusses her New York Times Notable Book, Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

Artist Talk and Collage Workshop “we can go wherever we please”. Feb. 16, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Join local artist Jamila Zahra Felton at the MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, as she discusses her process creating a series of mixed-media collages for DC Public Library’s exhibition The Green Book in DC: “A Particular Place for Particular People.” dclibrary.org.

Historically Speaking: Tricia Hersey: We Will Rest! Feb. 18; 7 to 8 p.m. Tricia Hersey, New York Times bestselling author and The Nap Ministry founder, will give an immersive reading from her new book, We Will Rest! The Art of Escape in the NMAAHC Oprah Winfrey Theater. Inspired by vintage hymnals, prayer books, and abolitionist pamphlets, We

Will Rest! is a thoughtful collection of meditations and poetry with storytelling and powerful original art. Free; registration required at nmaahc.si.edu.

Colors of Freedom: Painting on Canvas. Feb. 22, noon to 2 p.m. Join the Anacostia Community Museum. 1901 Fort Pl. SE, for an afternoon of art, history, and creativity as you celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black heroes through the power of painting. Celebrate Black History Month with a creative and inspiring painting workshop led by DC artist Rain Young. anacostia.si.edu.

The Trouble of Color: Author Lecture with Martha S. Jones at Mount Vernon. March 13, 7 p.m. The Trouble of Color is a fascinating examination of the most fundamental matters of identity, belonging, and family. Martha S. Jones grew up feeling her Black identity was obvious to all who saw her. But weeks into college, a Black Studies classmate challenged Jones’s right to speak. Suspicious of the color of her skin and the texture of her hair, he confronted her with a question that inspired a lifetime of introspection: “Who do you think you are?” $60. mountvernon.org.

Book Talk: Black Broadway in DC. March 15, noon to 2 p.m. Join Briana A. Thomas, journalist, historian, and author of the book Black Broadway in Washington, DC, at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, as she takes us through the history and impact of the Black Broadway mecca in DC. anacostia.si.edu. u

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Shaw Restaurants Get Respect

There were two announcements in January that illustrated Shaw’s position in the restaurant world. Washingtonian magazine came out with its annual list of the 100 Very Best Restaurants in the DMV, while the prestigious James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for its 2025 national awards for excellence in the hospitality industry. Both of them made clear that Shaw is still a major restaurant destination.

Causa, the celebrated Peruvian restaurant in Blagden Alley, leads the list of Shaw establishments on the Washingtonian list, taking the No. 7 spot. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne’s Petite Cerise (No. 19) and The Dabney (No. 22) are next on the list, with Eric Ziebold’s Metier (No. 32) and Kinship (No. 49) following. Shaw’s plant-based restaurants Mita (No. 51) and Oyster Oyster (No. 55) made the list. All Purpose (No. 69) and Nina May (No. 81) also got Washingtonian’s approval. Finally, sandwich and cocktail bar Your Only Friends just made the final cut (No. 100).

A number of Shaw restaurants got top nomi-

nations for the James Beard Awards. The Dabney is up for the Outstanding Restaurant award, while plant-based Mita is nominated for the Best New Restaurant in the nation. Causa’s Carlos Delgado is also nominated by the Beard foundation this year for the Best Chef in the Mid Atlantic region.

Gilded Heart Salon Holds Ribbon Cutting

The Gilded Heart Salon at 1426 Ninth Street NW, held its grand opening ribbon cutting on January 26, although they had been open for business since the fall. The spacious salon with a Baroque design esthetic offers an extensive set of hair and beauty services, along with available cocktails, a back patio and rooftop. Salon owners and stylists Roberto Alarcon, Ryan Thrasher and Leanne Anderson welcomed guest of honor Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, along with representatives from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development and Shaw Main Streets to cut the ribbon.

There have been a number of other new businesses opening in Shaw recently. The Ugly Duck-

ling, a new cocktail bar with a terroir-driven selection of wines, started operations on the corner of Seventh and Q Streets in December. Sost, the number three in Amharic, has just opened up at 1901 Ninth Street NW. Intended as a place to get together, it has three parts: a resto-lounge, a vinyl room and a hybrid café. Also, the Corinto Gallery, located at the Station U and O apartment building at 1707 7th Street NW, will feature artwork by owner Josue Martinez and others, along with a coffee service, in February.

Shaw Wins Preservation Awards

When the 2024 District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation were announced on the evening of January 28, a Shaw building was one of the winners. The Adora, at 1827 Wiltberger Street NW won an award for Design and Construction. The award to Michael Graves Architects was given for their work combining the landmark Holzbeierlein Bakery building with new construction to revitalize the area. The bakery, built in 1891, dates back to the era when the neighborhood was the center of bread production for the city. Now the combined building boasts nine high-end residential units, commercial offices and ground floor retail.

Shaw architect Ronnie McGhee also won the Historic Preservation Review Board Chair’s Award for his work restoring the LeDroit Park home of civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell. The Howard University professor had been known for his

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego joins the Gilded Heart Salon ribbon cutting. Photo: Pleasant Mann

The Adora: winner of 2025 DC Historic Preservation Award.

Photo courtesy of Michael Graves Architects

preservation work dating back to his renovation of the Black Broadway-era Whitelaw Hotel.

Malcolm X Subject of Shaw African American History Event

Shaw Main Streets will hold its commemoration of African American History Month on Saturday, February 22 at Shiloh Baptist Church’s Henry C. Gregory III Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth Street NW at 1:00 p.m. e program will cover the life of Malcolm X (1925-1965), from the perspective of Shaw resident Peter Bailey. Bailey joined Malcom X after he left the Nation of Islam and is a founder of the activist’s Organization of Afro-American Unity. He has lectured extensively on his experiences with Malcolm X and wrote a book, “Witnessing Brother Malcolm X: the Master Teacher.” Bailey will share reminiscences of the slain civil rights leader and read from his book. e program is free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required.

Woodson Tour Returns

Shaw Main Streets will also recognize Black History Month by once again o ering its popular walking tour entitled “Dr. Woodson’s Neighborhood” on Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m. Presented by the organization’s executive director, Shaw historian Alexander Padro, the 90-minute tour allows participants to see today’s Shaw though the eyes of Carter G, Woodson (1875-1950), the acknowledged father of Black history. Woodson lived and worked in central Shaw for decades, and many of the places he knew, and his contemporaries, like Mary McLeod Bethune and A. Philip Randolph, lived and worked in are still standing. e tour, which starts at 1538 Ninth Street NW, where Wodson lived and worked, is free, and no reservations or tickets are required. ◆

Shaw Main Streets

Bowser, Mayor.

LightHouse DC Furnishing Homes for those in Need

by Sarah Payne

When the family left their home in the morning, there were only the very basic furnishings in their apartment. A bed for everyone, a table, only two chairs, no lamps, a small couch. After hours of furniture assembly, decorating and organizing, a group of hard-working volunteers steps out and a family returns to a beautiful space worthy of an HGTVstyle makeover. A real home.

LightHouse DC (1726 7th St. NW) transforms empty rooms into completely furnished living spaces free of charge. Their main focus is providing free furniture to fill in the blanks when a previously homeless family moves into an apartment. But they also have Welcome Home Days where a team of volunteers works for a day on a complete transformation. The organization’s services include building, moving and design.

Turning Houses into Homes

While attending George Washington University, Lighthouse DC co-founder and Director of Operations, Jingwen Sun, discovered a “critical gap” facing individuals and families transitioning from homelessness in the District; many of them were still sleeping on the floor. In 2017 he started Lighthouse DC.

When individuals are provided with a housing unit, Sun said, furnishings and other resources are often not included. As these residents worked to get back on their feet they needed to do so without bare necessities. “It’s another hurdle that people have to jump through, and [they need to do it] without a good night of sleep or any furniture,” Sun said. “An empty space is not really a home, and, without a good night of sleep, it can really impact the next day.”

The purchase, transportation, assembly and design of the home furnishing process can also be cost prohibitive for transitioning residents. Sun says it’s “the things we really don’t think about” that tend to have the greatest impact on clients. Dressers to store clothes, lamps for reading and couches for common spaces are often overlooked. When families have their basic human needs met,

Sun said, it allows them to rest well and do well next day.

Furnishing a Future

The home furnishing program provides home goods and furniture at no cost to families. Chief Program Officer, Shelley Carter, said exclusive, “narrow” focus on furnishing alone allows the organization’s outreach to operate at its maximum level of efficiency. It all starts with donations of new or gently used furniture, including mattresses, bed frames, lamps and wall art, from the community. These donations are carefully collected, sorted and organized in a

warehouse where they await the perfect match.

Working alongside more than 50 nonprofit and government organizations including A Wider Circle, Pathways to Housing, American Red Cross and the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), the organization identifies families and individuals who have housing but lack the furniture to make their new home comfortably livable. These partnerships streamline their operations so the entirety of LightHouse’s resources can be allocated to the furnishing needs of their clients.

Each client’s needs are carefully assessed to ensure that the right pieces from the warehouse are selected to transform the space. Financial donations are utilized to supplement community donations and purchase unique furniture items such as bunk beds for their clients.

LightHouse doesn’t stop there; the team then handles all logistics by delivering, assembling and installing the furniture directly to the client’s home eliminating the burden of transportation and the cost of moving trucks.

The team also remains available to the client long after the delivery, ensuring that if additional needs arise, Lighthouse will provide. “When they need more furniture for whatever reason, we will serve them again,” Sun said.

Empty to Empowered

The LightHouse impact is far-reaching. Beyond providing supplemental home furnishings, the organization also offers a “Welcome Home Day” moving and design service where volunteers work together to assemble furniture and design the space.

Everything from linens to kitchen supplies are included, and the day culminates with a big reveal. “Truly from top to bottom, we make it a home for the family,” Carter said. Volunteers also have the opportunity to meet with the clients and help bring their unique design vision to life with furniture perfectly tailored to their needs.

“They’re getting a complete rebrand of their place and they feel much more comfortable in the space,” Nick Bolger said, reflecting on his experience volunteering at a Welcome Home Day event.

The impact of single day transformation, Bolger said, was surprising. His client had some basic necessities like a mattress, but lacked bed sheets and decorations. After meeting the client, he spent the day with a group of coworkers assembling additional furniture, hanging art on the walls and decorating the space to tailor the space to the client’s wants and needs.

“The icing on the cake is that you really see firsthand how much that’s impacting their lives,” Bolger said.

Visit lighthousedc.org to learn more and find ways to get involved with upcoming projects and donation efforts.

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

Volunteers add the finishing touches to a home. Photo courtesy of LightHouse DC.

ANC 2G Commission Addresses Safety at Seventh and Q Streets

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for January on ursday evening, January 9, 2025. e meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Rachelle Nigro (2G06) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Howard Garrett (2G01), Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Nicole Shea (2G03), Steven McCarty (2G04) and Sheena Berry (2G05) were in attendance.

Election of Officers

e rst order of business was to elect new o cers for the commission for the year. Steven McCarty was elected Chair, Howard Garrett Vice Chair, Nicole Shea became Secretary and Rachelle Nigro was elected Treasurer. Commissioner McCarty asked outgoing Chair Nigro to continue to conduct the January meeting.

Third Police District

ird Police District Commander Michael Pulliam joined the meeting to discuss public safety issues. He said that he could not provide current crime statistics since everyone in the District had been deployed to address the needs of the count of the electoral vote on Capitol Hill and the President Carter funeral. ere were a couple of robberies near the Convention Center. Commissioner Nigro said that the area needed a foot patrol. Pulliam said that given the situation, there would be a burglary beat established in the area. Commissioner Garrett noted that there was a shooting at Seventh and Rhode Island Avenue in December, along with some problems near the Channing Phillips Apartments. He asked whether a crime camera could be installed there.

Seventh and Q Street Improvements

Representatives from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) came back to the com-

by Pleasant Mann

mission after their proposals for improving safety at the intersection of Seventh and Q Streets NW presented at the December meeting were not well received. e commission had asked DDOT to provide additional time for public comment and to come back to get the ANC’s approval in January.

As requested, DDOT represented their “quick build” proposal. It called for removing parking spaces on the west side of Q Street, creating a wider bu er between vehicles and bicyclists, and improving sightlines for drivers there. e plans also call for constructing bump outs at the curbs to reduce pedestrian crossing distances. ey also mentioned that WMATA was going to remove a bus stop on Seventh Street as part of their Better Bus project that could be used for a loading zone for businesses. Plans were to implement the revised proposal for the intersection in the spring.

When asked about the actual danger at the intersection, DDOT noted that there had been 27 crashes there over the past ve years. A question was asked regarding plans to convert the bike lane on Q Street into a protected bike lane. e response was that there were no current plans to install protected bike lanes on Q or R Streets.

A motion was made to support the “quick build” proposal for Seventh and Q. An amendment was made that the plan had to include a commercial loading zone. Commissioner Berry mentioned that the proposal had been rejected by the Transportation Committee. e commission approved the “quick build” for the intersection in a vote of 5 yeas, 1 nay, 0 abstentions.

Central Cell Block, 501 New York Avenue NW

Representatives of the Department of General Services came to present the schedule for the construction at 501 New York Avenue NW of

the controversial new Central Cellblock for the Department of Corrections to replace the District’s cellblock in the Daly Building during its renovation. ey said that work would take about 14 months, expressing the hope that the project would be completed by the spring of 2026. However, they are waiting on receiving an order from the Board of Zoning Adjustment before they can start construction.

Hotbox, 1703 Sixth Street NW Request for a medical marijuana retail license. Commissioner Shea said that she has talked to the owner of Hotbox and he was willing to ask for an extension of the deadline to protest the license so that they could properly review the issue and work on a settlement agreement. Shea said that the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) told her that she would have to be designated the point of contact for the case in her request for an extension of the protest date. Commissioner Padro suggested that the commission make two motions, one to request an extension from ABCA and designate Shea as point of contact, with a second motion to table consideration of the Hotbox license. e motion to request an extension of the deadline to protest the Hotbox license to February 28 passed unanimously, as did the motion for the commission to table consideration of the license.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on ursday, March 13. e meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

Washington, DC: Center Stage for America’s 250th in 2026

In 2026, as the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the milestone will be celebrated on stages across America. But nowhere will the celebration be more spectacular than in the nation’s capital. Washington, DCwill serve as center stage for America’s grand national celebration. Destination DC and a growing list of more than 70 participating organizations from the local tourism and hospitality community announced plans for a year-round celebration in 2026 on the National Mall and throughout the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. A new website, DC250. us, serves as a central source of information for potential visitors.

Get Your Tenants Rights Questions

Answered

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) will be at Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW, and will provide tenants with resources and materials to help them understand their rights, including information on rent control, tenant associations, rent increases,

TOPA, and the Tenant Bill of Rights. dclibrary.org.

Visit the DC History Center

Founded in 1894, the DC History Center—formerly known as the Historical Society of Washington, DC—deepens the understanding of the District’s past to connect, empower, and inspire. As the only community-based nonprofit focused on

DC’s history, the institution’s vision is to reach into all eight wards to preserve and elevate the stories of Washington’s diverse people, neighborhoods, and institutions. The Center is a library and museum that includes the Kiplinger Research Library, three galleries, and a museum store. Located in the historic Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square, 801 K St. NW, the DC History Center is free to visit. The exhibits are open on Thursday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. downtowndc.org/go/dchistory-center.

Nights at the Roundtable: Ending Homelessness

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., join the EDCJCC at the Capital Jewish Museum, 575 Third St. NW, to hear from expert panelists on the topic of homelessness in the DC area. Learn about the roots of the problem, misconceptions and the path forward. Then join group discussions together and make laundry kits to donate to neighbors in need. edcjcc.org.

Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon and 5k Registration Open

Discover the District like never before and immerse yourself in a thriving cultural hub when you run the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington DC. Get ready to experience a musical running tour that gets you up close to iconic monuments. The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC half marathon and 5k is on March 15. Half marathon is $145; 5k is $78. Read more and register at runrocknroll.com/washington-dc.

Battle of Hampton 1775 Land and Sea Revolutionary War Reenactment Virginia Va. encampment.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

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

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.

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

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

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

www.DCHFA.org

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

DC Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics DC. Participants jump into a swimming pool erected on the boardwalk at the Capitol Riverfront. All funds raised by Plungers help Special Olympics DC provide year-round sports, health, and education programs to over 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the District, always at no cost to them and their families. The DC Polar Plunge is on Saturday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about registering and/ or donating at dcpolarplunge.org.

Wordplay Wednesday: Valentine’s Edition

On Feb. 12, 5 p.m., celebrate love and language in style at Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW (entrance on K Street) with a special Valentine’s-themed Wordplay Wednesday. Enjoy an evening of word-based games, puzzles, and interactive activities designed to spark connection and creativity. Indulge in sweet treats and sip on Valentine’s-inspired drinks, beer, and wine from their pop-up bar provided by Immigrant Food. $15. planetwordmuseum.org.

Help Shape DC Public Library’s New Behavior Guidelines

DC Public Library is in the process of updating its Rules of Behavior to better reflect our community’s needs, in line with the library’s core purpose and values. They want community input. DC Public Library is connecting with customers via a survey, focus groups and pop-up interviews at neighborhood libraries. Feedback from all stakeholders will be reviewed and considered alongside nationwide best

practices and targeted community needs to build the new behavior guidelines. Complete the survey at dclibrary.org/help-shape-dc-public-librarysnew-behavior-guidelines.

Small Biz Assist at MLK Library

On Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., small business owners can come to MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, for support. The DC Department of Small and Local Business offers one-on-one meeting times for DC-based entrepreneurs and businesses to learn more about their programs, connect with additional services in the District, and develop a business. DCbased businesses, residents, and businesses considering expansion into DC are eligible to meet with an Innovation & Equitable Development advisor. In addition to covering all the information they know; the staff will refer you to external services as needed. See the assistance descriptions at dclibrary.libnet.info/event/12128904 for one-on-one meetings with a DSLBD team member and use the scheduling link. For general questions about this support, contact Inno.ED@dc.gov.

DC Teachers’ Night: An Environmental Education Evening

On Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., join the US Botanic Garden Conservatory for the 18th annual DC Teachers’ Night. Connect with DC area environmental education organizations and find ways to get your students learning about the natural world and how to bring the environment into the classroom. Learn from a community about field trip experiences, professional development opportunities, and resources. Free admission; registration is required at usbg.swoogo.com/ DCTN2025. Light refreshments. Certificates of Participation are available for PDUs. usbg.gov.

Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5k

On Sunday, March 23, enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during Friends of the National Arboretum’s Flowering 5K. This run or walk takes you past garden collections, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. A professional race announcer will call out runners as they cross the finish line and music will get you in the groove before and after the event. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6’ non-retractable leash. Registration pricing is $40 to $55. Kids under 13 are free. T-shirts are available while supplies last. fona.org/events_programs.

Art Enables Free Saturday Workshops

Art Enables is an Art Gallery and Vocational Arts program dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities to make, market, and earn income from their original and compelling artwork. In addition to earning income from art sales, artists build the skills, relationships, and experience necessary for a successful career in the arts. They offer their artists the creative space, materials, and marketing support they need to develop and succeed as professionals. Monthly, on select Saturdays, drop-by Art Enables, 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE, for a free, family-friendly art workshop any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All materials and refreshments provided. Upcoming Saturday Workshops are Feb. 22, March 15, April 12, May 17 and June 28. art-enables.org. u

The entrance greenhouse to the US Botanic Garden.

Photo: Beth Haubach

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.

Kids & Family

Animationland at the National Children’s Museum

Calling all budding stop-motion animators, directors and sound art-ists. Animationland is at the National Children’s Museum, 1300 Penn-sylvania Ave. NW, through May 11. Guests are introduced to Tracey the pencil dog and her cast of fantastical friends as they make their way through the colorful and immersive environments of the exhibit, learn-ing animation techniques along the way. This exhibit seeks to educate young learners about how art and science intersect in the making of an-imation. The exhibit focuses on the basics of the animation process in-cluding a sketching studio, a sound effects booth, and the opportunity to plan and star in a stop-motion production. Recommended for ages 6-11. Tickets are $18.95 for adults and children one and older. national-childrensmuseum.org.

Presidential Family Fun Day at the NPG

On Saturday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate Presidents’ Day at the National Portrait Gallery’s yearly festival for all ages. Whether you want to learn about US presidents through guided tours of the muse-um’s “America’s Presidents” exhibition, story times, or art-making and writing activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Free but registration encouraged. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and F streets NW. americaspresidents.si.edu.

Our seventh president (1829-1837), Andrew Jackson’s life was colored by struggle, conflict, and aggression. The orphan of impover-ished immigrants, he was the only American president to have been a prisoner of war or to have killed a man in a duel.

Heure Du Conte: Bilingual Fun in French and English at Shaw Library

On the first Friday of every month, 10:30 to 11 a.m., the Shaw library, 630 Seventh St. NW, invites children from birth to five, accompanied by an adult, to enter into a world of fun and make-believe. Through sto-ries, songs and movement, children will be able to discover the joy of reading and savor the flavor of language. If you would like to visit with a school, childcare or camp group, call ahead at 202-727-1288 to make arrangements. dclibrary.org.

Observe the Sun at Air and Space

On Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting, be-come an astronomer and observe the sun safely with a filtered tele-scope. Come to the corner of Seventh Street and Independence Av- enue, near the silver Delta Solar sculpture, to view a variety of features on the sun. Knowledgeable staff will be there to answer questions and guide observing. Written and touchable explanatory materials are available for learners of all types. airandspace.si.edu.

First Saturdays at the NGA

On the rst Saturday of every month, nd kids activities in the National Gallery of Art’s East Building atrium. Here’s the schedule: Storytime, 10 to 11 a.m.; Kids’ Play Space, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Pop-Up Library, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Face Painting, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sketching Lab, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Drop-In Artmaking, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. nga.gov.

Music. Mr. Rob is a performer and music edu-cator specializing in early childhood music education. He uses his per-formance experience to create highly engaging and interactive experi-ences. Family Fun Day also includes an Instrument Petting Zoo led by the Capitol City Symphony and craft stations for creative little ones. Admission is free. Family Fun Day is supported by the Capitol Hill Com-munity Foundation. atlasarts.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Capital City Symphony

Observe the Sun at Air and Space

On Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting, be-come an astronomer and observe the sun safely with a filtered tele-scope. Come to the corner of Seventh Street and Independence Avenue, near the silver Delta Solar sculpture, to view a variety of features on the sun. Knowledgeable staff will be there to answer questions and guide observing. Written and touchable explanatory materials are available for learners of all types. airandspace.si.edu.

Callaloo Kids at Discov-

ery

Theater on the Mall

On Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 18 to 21, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., join a celebration of African Diaspora culture filled with puppetry, drumming, and storytelling. Performed by the CFA Repertory Theatre, this family-friendly show follows the adventures of Winston, Marisol, and Zoe as they discover the magical folklore of the Caribbean. It is recommended for ages three to seven. $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets are on sale now. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Toddler Story Time @ La Cosecha

On the first Thursday of every month, 10:30 to 11 a.m., young children and their parents or caregivers are invited to a monthly story time at La Cosecha, 1280 Fourth St. NE, courtesy of NE Library. Story time meets in the Balcon area on the second floor. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. dclibrary.org.

King Bullfrog Happy Hour at Hill Center

On Friday, Feb. 7, 5 to 7 p.m., bring the family to Hill Center, 921 Penn-

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

On Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., bring the whole fami-ly to the Kennedy Center Family Theater to enjoy smart, crafty lyrics with irresistibly fresh pop beats. Performing in Spanish and English, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band is on the pulse of all things kids’ music, creating indie sounds rooted in whimsical imagination. $25. Most enjoyed by ages five and older. Following the 1:30 p.m. perfor-mance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team. kennedy-center.org.

Free Admission to Mount Vernon on President’s Day

On Monday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the first president of the United States at his beloved home. Admission is free for Presidents Day. (Washington’s actual birthday was Feb. 11, 1731.) Tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival; a limited number of tickets are available. Entry to the Mansion is by guided tour only and requires a Mansion tour ticket. The New Room, Servants’ Hall, and Kitchen are open. All other rooms are off-view due to preservation work. mountvernon.org.

sylvania Ave. SE, to enjoy a Friday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages. This concert will be outdoors, perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. King Bullfrog is a rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids and grownups. With their musical stories, amusing wordplay, and close attention to all of their audiences, King Bullfrog is a sensation. Beer, wine, cheese and pizza will be for sale. Adult tickets are $7; kids, $14. hillcenterdc.org.

Advancing Adolescent Literacy at Planet Word

On Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., join Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW, and The Reading League–DC for a practical and instructive talk with Dr. Jade Wexler, a leading researcher and expert in adolescent literacy. You’ll learn evidence-based strategies to improve reading comprehen-sion in middle and high school classrooms and hear practical insights from Dr. Wexler’s groundbreaking work on PACT (Promoting Adoles-cents’ Comprehension of Text) Plus. Free admission. planetwordmuse-um.org.

Chess Girls DC

The mission of Chess Girls DC is to build the confidence of Girls using Chess as a tool. Chess teaches persistence. The Chess Girls DC program develops a solid foundation of chess knowledge taught in a way that every maneuver becomes a way to practice effective thinking. Chess Girls DC 501c3 Nonprofit Organization was launched in response to sci-entific evidence that self-confidence plays a tremendous role in a girl’s approach to course work that requires higher level thinking skills. Chess teaches focus and strategic thinking used to successfully tackle college examinations. Read more at chessempowersgirls.org.

Family Pottery Painting: Create Your Own Seder Plate

On Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m., get ready for a creative adven-ture at the ED-

CJCC. Join Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW, and All Fired Up’s mobile studio to design and paint beautiful seder plates to celebrate Passover. They’ll provide everything you need, and you’ll be able to pick up your finished plate at the EDCJCC in about four weeks, in time for your Passover table. $38 per family. edcjcc.org.

NSO Family Concert: Earth to Space

On Sunday, March 30, 1 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, ex-plore the vastness of space with music inspired by the planets, stars, and beyond. In anticipation of the upcoming voyage of Artemis II, the National Symphony Orchestra celebrates the discoveries and beauty of space through music and images. Tickets are $25 to $28. kennedy-center-org.

Art in the A.M. at SAAM

Inspire early childhood creativity with SAAM during Art in the A.M. Children ages up to five years and their caregivers are invited to the museum before hours to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. During this program, participants will play an art detective game as they enjoy the modern and contemporary art galleries at SAAM. Partic-ipants will then assemble their own mixed-media collage art-works. Space is limited and registration is required. Art in the A.M. is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets NW, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m. Free. Get tickets at america-nart.si.edu/events/art-am-february-11-2025.

The Other Children of the Sun (A mystical realm of Navajo legend.)

This tale of a Navajo creation legend unfolds not on earth, but in the house of the Sun, where the lesser-known siblings of the Hero Twins re-side. These celestial children set forth on a journey to slay monsters—and find their own place in creation. This whimsical superhero adven-ture follows the journey of celes -

Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis. Photo: Carson Sargent

The Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a re-al-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at bird-count.org. Anyone can take part in the GBBC, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world. This year the annual Great Backyard Bird Count is Friday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 17. birdcount.org.

tial siblings. Writer and co-director Rhiana Yazzie and co-director Steven Paul Judd offer a funny and thought-provoking world premiere play that challenges us to look at heroism through a new lens. $25. At the Kennedy Center Family Thea-ter from Feb. 22 to March 9, best suited for ages seven and older. Eve-ryone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. kennedy-center.org.

Hello, Museo - A Bilingual English/Spanish program

Join educators from the National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, every other Tuesday for a bilingual program featuring music, sto-ries, crafts, and gallery exploration. Designed for children aged two to five and their caregivers, but all are welcome. Free. No registration re-quired. postalmuseum.si.edu.

NMAAHC Kids Story Time: The Way Champs Play

On Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., cele-

brate Black History Month with a National Museum of African American History and Culture Kids Story Time. You’ll learn about history-making Olympians, enjoy an interactive story, The Way Champs Play by tennis champion Naomi Osaka, play games, and celebrate your own accomplishments with a gold medal craft. NMAAHC Kids Story Time is for ages four to eight and adult caregivers. Free but registration is required. nmaahc.si.edu/events

National

Zoo Webcams

See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biolo-gy Institute. The Giant Panda Cam launched on Jan. 24 when the bears made their public debut. nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams.

Presidents Day at The Wharf

Ice Rink

On Monday, Feb. 17, noon to 5 p.m., The Wharf Ice Rink, which is usual-ly closed on Mondays, is open

Imagination Stage presents Paper Dreams

This charming and dreamy dancebased performance imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket. Together they discover what imaginative ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper–can mistakes inspire our greatest ideas? Because the show is non-verbal, it can be enjoyed by people speaking all languages and of any age. DC Theatre Arts called Paper Dreams “an enchanting production that…educates and entertains and sparks inquiry into the creative pro-cess for young and old alike.” Imagination Stage presents (non verbal) Paper Dreams at the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival, 1333 H St. NE, on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Tickets are $20.25. atlasarts.org.

to skaters. The city’s only overwater rink is on Transit Pier outside The Anthem. Adult (12+) admission with skate rental is $25; $19, without skate rental. Twelve and under admission is $20 with skate rental and $15 without. wharfdc.com/wharf-ice-rink.

Joyful ABC Activity Booklets from the NMAAHC

The Joyful ABC Activity Booklet series invites caregivers and educators to support children’s positive identity development while also growing their language and literacy skills with activities, museum objects, and new words. Learn more about the series and download all their availa-ble activity booklets for early learners ages three to five and infants and toddlers. nmaahc.si.edu/learn/early-childhood/joyful-abc-activity-books/joyful-abcactivity-booklet-series.

CHART YOUR COURSE TO EXCELLENCE

Apply today for School Year 2023-2024. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org

#ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back! Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection

WHY PAUL PCS FOR 5-12 GRADE?

• Tier 1 High School and a 2022 Bold Performance School for the Middle School

• Guaranteed seat for Paul 8th grade families into 9th grade at Paul IHS

• SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College Assistance

• Over 20 competitive middle school, junior varsity, and varsity athletic teams

• Free daily breakfast and lunch

• Extended day after school programs including tae kwon do, cooking club, dance, and tutoring

• Wraparound services, counseling, and student support resources for families with IEPs

COME JOIN US AT THE HOWARD THEATRE FOR A NIGHT OF DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINKS AT EAT.DRINK.SHAW. 2025: SAVOR THE FLAVOR. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and have a great time with friends and family. Get ready to savor the flavor!

Shaw is home to over 100 of DC’s finest restaurants and bars, drawing foodies and cocktail lovers from around the world. Eat.Drink.Shaw. is an in-person food and beverage showcase event at the historic Howard Theatre, with ticket holders enjoying complimentary food and beverage items from 20+ participating restaurants and bars for two-and-onehalf hours on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 7-9:30 PM

Enjoy unlimited food or beverage items from all participating restaurants and bars during the event. Ticket holders get to meet our chefs, mixologists and brewers. The estimated value of the food and beverages offered is $300.

BUY TICKETS TODAY AND SAVE $75.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

THE HOWARD THEATER 620 T STREET, NW

Full price tickets are $100. But the first 100 tickets will be sold at $25 each, so ORDER TODAY AND SAVE! Proceeds support Shaw Main Streets’ economic revitalization and historic preservation activities in central Shaw. Tickets include complimentary valet parking at the Howard Theatre, provided by U Street Parking.