A G AY LO R D H OT E L S ® O R I G I N A L E XP E R I E N C E WALK THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE SCENES IN AN ALL-NEW, MULTI-SENSORY POP-UP
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OPEN NOW THROUGH DEC. 31 ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE POLAR EXPRESS, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s21)
FEATURES
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PAINTING THROUGH ROSECOLORED GLASSES: LEX MARIE
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A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S RESILIENT DINING SCENE
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THE AUDACITY TO DREAM: MUSICIAN ALLISON RUSSELL
34 46 CULTIVATING THE SCENE: TRAP BOB + CHRIS PYRATE
PAINT THE TOWN: D.C.’S MURAL MAP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RADAR
8 December Calendar
LIFE
56 A Love Letter to Trailblazers 60 D.C. Holiday Guide
EAT
18 New Column: Food for Thought
PLAY
70 A Love Letter to Fitness
DRINK
74 Post-Workout Recovery
20 A Love Letter to Cocktails 24 New Column: 202 Proof
FUN
78 RBG Illustration
MUSIC
79 Fold-Out Illustration
26 A Love Letter to Live Music
CULTURE
SEEN
84 Bounce Beat + Beyond Gallery
41 A Love Letter to the Creative Scene 54 New Column: Cue the Lights 80 The Woman Behind The Green Hair Behind the scenes at the December cover shoot. LEFT PAGE, L to R. Trap Bob + Chris Pyrate. THIS PAGE, L TO R. Top row: Pierre Edwards, Pyrate, Monica Alford. Bottom row: Jarell Mique + Trap. Photos by Dusty.
ROBERT KINSLER
Publisher robert@unitedfray.com
MONICA ALFORD
Editor-in-Chief + Director of Media monica@unitedfray.com
ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III
Managing Editor andrew@unitedfray.com
NICOLE SCHALLER
Editorial Assistant nicole@unitedfray.com
JULIA GOLDBERG
Editorial Designer julia@unitedfray.com
TOM ROTH
Key Account Manager tomroth@unitedfray.com
MARTIN ESPINOZA
Senior Director of Events martin@unitedfray.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erin Clancy, Colleen Kennedy, Mike Kim, James Liska, Stefan Lizarzaburu, Joe Marshall, Nevin Martell, Zoe Pierce, Rina Rapuano, Brandt Ricca, Rin Ryan, Alex Thompson CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jamie McCrary CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS + PHOTOGRAPHERS James Coreas, Eric Dolgas, Dusty, Rich Kessler, Kimchi Photography, Scott Suchman, VividDope, Amanda Weisbrod COVER COLLABORATION Subjects + Illustrators: Trap Bob + Chris Pyrate Photographer: Dusty COVER LOCATION 52 O Street Studios
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ONLY IN D.C. I’m going to be honest: This one’s a little emotional for me. In March 2020, we launched District Fray after 21 years as On Tap Magazine. It was a big and bold move, and one I had spent more than a year agonizing over. I wanted everything to be perfect with the rebrand, to show our community we were a voice for the real D.C. Our inaugural issue, “For the Love of D.C.,” featured a front-and-back cover illustration by No Kings Collective’s Brandon Hill, and in many ways, it was our collective love letter to the city. We were slated to host a huge arts party at the end of March at No Kings’ space, Good Fast Cheap, with art activations galore. And then, Covid happened 10 days before we got to celebrate our big debut. Of course, in the scheme of things, this is not important. We survived, taking the approach of acting as barnacles on a ship that clung tightly for as long as we could in the very rocky, ever-changing media landscape made even more uncertain by the pandemic. And now, nearly two years later, we’re bringing back our love letter to the city. This summer, we joined forces with Events DC to launch the “For the Love of D.C.” series: video segments that run parallel with the themes of our magazine in tandem with events to promote everything from our performing arts scene’s triumphant return to the importance of go-go music in the city. For our fourth and final installment, we are introducing “Only in D.C.” Rather than act as an authority on any topic in the city with a “Best Of,” we gave our writers and collaborators the opportunity to call out their favorite people and places in the District right now across all sections of the magazine. It’s by no means comprehensive, but it’s a well-rounded and thoughtfully curated set of lists that we’re quite proud of. On December 11, we invite locals to join us at Culture House DC for our “Only in D.C.” event featuring 25+ artists, a mix of up-and-comers and stalwarts of the creative scene, for a dynamic panel, artist activations and vendor market. We’re getting the gang back together, so to speak, calling on the creative community to share their individual love letters to our city with locals. And within these pages, we feature artists Trap Bob and Chris Pyrate, who worked with me to create a shared vision for this issue. To us, “Only in D.C.” is an embodiment of the tightknit, fiercely loyal and thriving community of artists, creators, curators and advocates behind the cultural renaissance the District is currently experiencing. Only in D.C. can we build something so powerful that keeps pace with a bigger metropolis, but has the intimacy of a city that’s just starting an epic arts movement. All of this is to say, I’m overjoyed to have the opportunity to collaborate with two of the city’s talented artists who double as powerful advocates for the next generation of creatives on an illustrated cover, impactful cover story and meaningful event. And I’m even more thrilled to highlight such a diverse group of individuals making waves in the District for our last issue of the year. Thanks as always to our readers for your continued support. We look forward to reconnecting in 2022. In the meantime, these barnacles are taking a break. Happy holidays! MONICA ALFORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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| DECEMBER 2021
Some of the Fray family at our Brentwood office in late November.
LEX MARIE
PAINTING THROUGH ROSE-COLORED LENSES WORDS BY COLLEEN KENNEDY
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| DECEMBER 2021
Flamingo, Barbie, millennial, pastel, hot pink, bubblegum, fuchsia, ballet slipper. At her first solo exhibition entitled “Remember? Remember” currently on view at Arena Social Arts Club in Capitol Hill, artist Lex Marie highlights the themes and memories of her girlhood by her color palette. “I want my work to look like a woman painted it,” Prince George County-based artist Lex Marie states. “I don’t want there to be a doubt, and the pink erases the male gaze. Pink better enforces the feminine.” The exhibit consists of 15 paintings and two art installations, and in her large-scale self-portraits, varied shades of pink color Marie’s girlhood dresses. A Barbie pink vanity is the backdrop for another childhood selfportrait. Old report cards and school documents printed on pastel pink, light yellow and soft teal paper form the basis of Marie’s graduation gown in one portrait, and halo her head like a cherub in several others. She wears a fuchsia dress and cotton candy-colored bow standing in front of the U.S. flag, hand over her heart, with the words of the “Pledge of Allegiance” scrawled in a childish hand. Collectively, the series appears nostalgic, innocent and quite literally rosy, all bright smiles, good grades and happy moments captured first on film and then in oil. The portraits then may first appear saccharine but are more bittersweet. But they also represent memories that are lost: Marie admits she
DISTRICT DENIZENS | RADAR is too young to remember many of the occasions. Kenmoor Elementary School, where Marie was a promising student and budding artist, no longer exists. Her childhood apartment has been demolished and the mall where her mother worked as a professional photographer, so beautifully capturing her daughter’s joy on camera, is also gone. Marie would research the history of these places lost to gentrification, speaking with her older sisters — who frequently appear in her works — to recover memories of these family photos. “How I was raised, where I was raised, Black history and my history,” Marie explains. “Taking this journey of my childhood that I don’t remember well and that’s lost now. That’s what ‘Remember? Remember’ explores.” While the portraits are realistic, Marie asserts that she has taken liberty with what was once captured in a 5x7 photo and what we see on a 36x48 oil and mixed media canvas. “I don’t ever paint them exactly as they are, but to capture the expression on the face or how I may have felt at the time. There are layers — not only literally because they are often collages — but because of the stories they tell.” Marie usually works on two or three pieces at the same time, and with the extended process of collaging and layering oil paints, it often takes three to four weeks to finish a painting. That’s spending a lot of time with her childhood self, and rendering a small photograph into a work that’s almost a lifesized portrait of herself as a young girl. She sometimes even abandons those self-portraits for a time and returns to them later when she feels she is ready for the memory. Some of those works excluded from “Remember? Remember” as they were unfinished at the time have since appeared at Umbrella, the multi-day arts festival planned by No Kings Collective: a portrait of two young girls sharing a stroller ride, her son sitting atop a green utility box giggling, her self-portrait “At His Daddy’s House” all displayed against a millennial pink sky and bright green grass.
Family Portraits Mid-Pandemic
“When Covid first happened, I started painting my son in costumes because he was the only model I could find,” Marie explains about another series she developed in 2020 with her son Aiden front-and-center. “Dressing him in costumes was an escape, a chance for us to play.” The paintings, unlike the “Remember? Remember” series are depicted in vivid primary and secondary colors: red, greens, yellows and blues. Aiden, now four years old, appears as Woody in a desert-painted bedroom and Buzz Lightyear in a bedroom with twinkling glow-in-the-dark stars in complementary portraits, as well as frequently in a Spiderman costume representing his favorite superhero. In other portraits the familial becomes political: a toddler in diapers wearing a Black Panther mask while clutching the figurine in one hand and making the Black Power fist with his other hand; a haloed boy wearing a “Black Lives Matter” mask and green hoodie in front of a red background; or, wearing a “I Can’t Breathe” mask and red hoodie, clutching at his chest. “A lot of the portraits of him are timely, capturing his joy,” Marie says. “But as 2020 took a turn for the worst, it became a way for me to capture the moment. As Buzz Lightyear, he is reaching up to the stars but a vine is trying to hold him back. The Black Panther portrait was my way of being on the front line for our kids, making him revolutionary, a Black hero when we need one.” Photo by @setitoff.tv.
Frida + Madam Vice President
“Forever? That’s how long I’ve been painting,” Marie shares. In high school, she already knew she wanted to major in art, and after briefly considering graphic design she returned to her vocation. She graduated in 2013 with her Bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of Maryland College Park, then worked as an art consultant and art teacher. She currently runs the social media and arts for the Prince George Parks and Recreation Arts and Culture Department, which affords her stability and the freedom to go to her studio to paint. After giving birth to her son, she was both elated and exhausted, inspired to capture little intimate moments of motherhood in smaller paintings: breastfeeding on the sofa, attempting to pee with a toddler walking into the bathroom and potty training. The series depicts the humorous, exasperating and tender moments between mother and child. But this earlier series is distinctive — the portraits are all-black silhouettes without faces rendered in bright domestic spaces. These are portraits of Marie and Aiden, an infant but also archetypal, depicting any mother and child. “Everything changed with motherhood and I wanted this to be universal,” Marie says. “I wanted the viewer to see themselves. Every mother relates to these themes, these struggles.” Yet, Marie has turned toward realism in her portraits recently, beginning with an uncompromising self-portrait entitled “At His Daddy’s House.” “When I painted myself as an adult, it was a transition in my art and I fell in love with self-portraits, this opportunity to tell my story authentically. Once I painted myself as an adult, I knew it was the next step for my career.” “At His Daddy’s House” depicts Marie lounging nude on an orange sofa, her hair wrapped, enjoying a lazy afternoon of reading. A shaggy petal-colored throw lies under Marie, a soft white pillow props up her head, a vase of flowers blooms on a side table near a cup of tea. Peeking out from under the couch is a reminder of her son: his Spider Man doll. It’s intimate, unguarded, authentic and fearless. “It was my love of Frida Kahlo that allowed me to explore painting faces,” Marie explains (she dons a tattoo of Kahlo on her bicep.) “When I’m looking at five of her self-portraits, it’s like five different women, but it’s always still Frida. This allowed me to have that freedom to capture the essence of the person or the emotion there.” This realization and subsequent self-portrait offered Marie a new approach to depicting faces and especially those of her younger self, her son and her sisters. But Marie’s most well-known portrait in the district may already be in your liquor cabinet. She was commissioned by the woman-owned, crowd-funded Republic Restoratives Distillery to paint the portrait of Vice President Kamala Harris for the distillery’s “Madam” whiskey. Surrounded by a gilded oval frame, Harris wears a pink suit and a string of pearls. She appears in a three quarter profile with a determined expression and the slightest Mona Lisa smile: regal, poised and ready for her new role. “If Madam Vice President needs her portrait painted for the National Gallery, I’m ready.” “Remember? Remember” is on display at Arena Social Arts Club at 507 8th St. SE until January 2. Visit arenasocia.org for gallery hours or follow on Instagram @arenasocialdc. Follow Lex Marie on Instagram at @thelexmarie or visit lexmarie.com. DISTRICT FRAY |
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RADAR | CALENDAR
Don’t let the 35-degree mornings and 4:30 p.m. sunsets get you down — there’s still plenty to do in the District when you’re bundled up. From a film festival at GALA Hispanic Theatre to a guitar pedal construction class, there’s no limit to the kinetic potential of your winter coat-covered fun and festivities. COMPILED BY STEFAN LIZARZABURU + ZOE PIERCE NOTE: All descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.
Now Through 12.31 “ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME”
Inspired by and based on the work and music of superstar Britney Spears, “Once Upon a One More Time” is set to make its world debut at the Shakespeare Theatre Company this November. Follow the story of beloved Disney princesses discovering the lessons of “The Feminine Mystique,” and how they grow to imagine claiming their own happily-everafter. Multiple times and dates. $185+. Sidney Harman Hall at the Shakespeare Theatre Company: 610 F St. NW, DC; shakespearetheatre.org // @shakespeareindc 8
| DECEMBER 2021
12.1-12.5 GALA FILM FEST: LATIN AMERICAN INNOVATION
GALA’s annual film festival highlights seven films from Latin American innovators in the business of filmmaking. Enjoy films from across Latin America — from Peru to Chile to Uruguay. The festival hosts a slew of works from emerging women in filmmaking, whose works focus on a wide variety of issues facing their communities. Various times and dates. $10-$40. GALA Hispanic Theatre: 3333 14th St. NW, DC; galatheatre.org // @teatrogala Allen Stone. Photo by Shervin Lainez.
12.2 BOB DYLAN AT THE ANTHEM
The one and only Bob Dylan is coming to The Anthem touring his new album “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” released in 2020. This is the American songwriting legend’s 39th studio album, and audiences in the District have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear it live. 8 p.m. $65-$165. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc
12.3 AFROPOLITANDC MIXER FOR BLACK PROFESSIONALS
One of the largest cultural mixers for Black professionals in the District, this event will feature networking opportunities, Afrobeats DJs, dance performers, vendors, food and much, much more. 6-11 p.m. Prices vary. Abigail: 1730 M St. NW, DC; afropolitancities.com // @drumpulse
CAAMP AT THE ANTHEM
Caamp, an American folk band from Athens, Ohio, performs at The Anthem. They released two albums and an EP, and have been selling out shows across the country on their tour. 8 p.m. $35-$55. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc
12.4 A CONVERSATION AND SHOWCASE WITH ARTLORDS
Join on Saturday, December 4, 8-10 p.m. for a night celebrating Afghan street art. The event starts with a conversation with Omaid Sharifi, the co-founder of ArtLords, a grassroots collective which has transformed protective blast walls in Kabul into sites of creative experession for nearly a decade. Sharifi will exhibit his artwork, then paint a mural live during a DJ set by Yelda Ali, the founder of Camel Assembly, an international women-only collective of creative leaders. Eaton DC: 1201 K St. NW, DC; eatonworkshop.com // @eatonworkshop
12.4-12.5 AFRO SOCA LOVE : DC BLACK OWNED MARKETPLACE + AFTERPARTY
A marketplace for local Black-owned-businesses is coming to D.C. Afro Soca Love, organizers of Black-owned marketplaces across the continent, are bringing their services to the District. Come by to shop, eat, dance — and if you’ve still got energy to spare, attend the afterparty. 11-3 a.m. Free - $15. Karma: 2221 Adams Pl. NE, DC; dckarma.com; @_karmadc // afrosocalovesupply.com; @afrosocalove
STEVE-O’S BUCKET LIST TOUR
Steve-O, of “Jackass” fame, is coming to the District to perform material from his Bucket List Tour. Now in his forties and wanting to out-do all of his previous work, Steve-O decided to address the “unfinished business” on his bucket list. He’s been filming the most elusive and outlandish stunts he ever dreamt, and is now screening the all-new, unreleased footage exclusively on tour.
It’s a show that’s certainly not to be missed. 7 p.m. $30-$60. Capital Turnaround: 770 M St. SE, DC; capitalturnaround.com // @capturnaround
12.6 MEWITHOUTYOU “BROTHER, SISTER” 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT BLACK CAT
It is no mistake that mewithoutYou have become one of today’s most fascinating experimental rock acts. The last 15 years have borne witness to the Philadelphia five-piece exercising stylistic evolutions and aerial dynamics with humbling dexterity and untamed ambition. They celebrate the 15th anniversary of their groundbreaking record, “Brother, Sister,” at the Black Cat this December. 7:30 p.m. $27+. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc
12.8 ALLEN STONE
Suit up for an evening with Allen Stone at the Lincoln Theatre. Stone is touring in celebration and promotion of his brand-new record, “Apart,” featuring soulful ballads and heart-warming tunes that fans of Stone have come to love. 9 p.m. $35-$135. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc
ALMA WOODSEY THOMAS: BENEATH THE SURFACE
Join a colorful conversation with Gwen Manthey, paintings conservator at Smithsonian American Art Museum, on the Smithsonian’s research into Alma Woodsey Thomas’ artistic process. Learn about the materials and techniques the artist used to create her abstract compositions and vibrant patterns. 1-1:45 p.m. Free. Virtual. nmwa.org // @womeninthearts
QUEER TRIVIA
Come join your favorite trivia mistresses at the Dew Drop Inn (2nd floor) every second Wednesday for your monthly dose of all things nerdy and LGBTQ+. You can play individually or with a team (six people max please). Or come by and meet some new queer friends and start a winning team. 7-9 p.m. Free. Dew Drop Inn: 2801 8th St. NW, DC; dewdropinndc.com // @thedewdropinndc
12.9 SPEED DATING AT HOTEL ZENA
The District Fray and Hotel Zena are teaming up to bring back dating the old-fashioned way — in-person. There will be a host to facilitate the ice-breaking, drinks to take the edge off and tons of people to meet. Put on your best outfit, and get ready to mingle. 6-9 p.m. $19.50. Figleaf Bar and Lounge: 1155 14th St. NW, DC; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zena // @hotelzena
12.10 PAPERJAM ISSUE 3 RELEASE SHOW
Come out to Lost City Bookstore for the release of issue 3 of PaperJam, a D.C. DIY music zine committed to documenting and building music communities in D.C. The event starts with a panel DISTRICT FRAY |
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discussion between representatives from PaperJam Zine, Girls Rock! D.C. and D.C. Zinefest to discuss DIY community building — followed by performances from art punk band BRNDA and queer metal band Spring Silver. 7-10 p.m. $10. Lost City Books: 2467 18th St. NW, DC; lostcitybookstore.com // @lostcitybooks
12.11 DULCÉ SLOAN
Dulcé Sloan is one of the sharpest, fastest rising voices in comedy. She has been a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” since 2017, and continues to leave her mark on the comedy world. 7:30 p.m. $25+. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
ONLY IN DC: “FOR THE LOVE OF D.C.” FINALE
Don’t miss District Fray Magazine’s fourth and final installment of our “For the Love of D.C.” event series in partnership with Events DC. Join us on Saturday, December 11 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Culture House DC for our “Only in D.C.” event highlighting 25 local artists cultivating the scene in the District. We’re celebrating the city’s cultural renaissance by featuring the voices and works of a mix of up-and-coming artists and those who’ve helped pave the way for the next generation of creators. 7 p.m. Free. Culture House DC: 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; districtfray.com // @districtfray
12.12 DIY ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP
A creative, pedal-making workshop from VauxFlores, an audio electronics company based in Ithaca, New York. This workshop will help guitar enthusiasts hand-create their own guitar 10 | DECEMBER 2021
pedal. Participants will be creating “Number 23,” the first pedal VauxFlores ever made in 2011. 12-4 p.m. $150. Rhizome DC: 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org; @rhizome_dc // vauxflores.com; @vauxflores
12.12 + 12.26 A SYNFUL DRAG BRUNCH
An unforgettable drag brunch in the District hosted by Farrah Synclaire and Daltone France. Join as they bring in a cast of the best drag performers in the area as you find additional company with some delicious food and bottomless mimosas. 12 -3 p.m. $20+. The Artemis: 3605 14th St. NW, DC; theartemisdc.com // @theartemisdc
12.14-1.2 “BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL”
Follow the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom — from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Learn about her life, her legacy and how Carole Klein became Carole King. Various times and dates. $49-$149. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
12.15-1.16 “AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS”
A stunning new musical about one of the most famous R&B outfits of all time: The Temptations. Get captivated by the story of how the legendary group became international superstars through song, dance and storytelling. Various times and dates.
CALENDAR | RADAR $45-$175. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
12.16 BAD BLOOD: TAYLOR VS. MILEY
A night of good music, dance and vibes at the Black Cat, hosted by DJ Pharoah Haqq, playfully pitting superstars Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus against one another. Get ready for a night full of bops, bangers — and maybe bad blood. 8 p.m. $11.45. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc
COMEDY AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Comedy as a Second Language is a live, interactive comedy show that features immigrants and first generation comedians. Expect lots of fun with our comics as they share stories and jokes about their lives, families, multiple cultures and relationships with their new homes. 8-9:30 p.m. $10-$15. Busboys and Poets Takoma: 235 Carroll St. NW, DC; busboysandpoets.com // @busboysandpoets
STUDIO THEATRE PRESENTS “FLIGHT”
With their small inheritance stitched into their clothes, two children set off on an epic journey across Europe — orphaned brothers on a desperate odyssey to freedom and safety. Wearing headphones and viewing a handcrafted diorama from a personal booth, audience members are plunged into the brothers’ story of hope and survival, playing out in breathtaking, intimate miniature. Various times and dates. $42. Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC; studiotheatre.org // @studiotheatre
12.16-12.18 DEAN EDWARDS
Dean Edwards is notably recognized for his two-year tenure as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” but he’s also featured in a host of other programs — “Spiderman 3,” “Shrek the Musical” and more. 7-9 p.m. $25. Bier Baron Tavern and Comedy Loft: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; thebierbaron.com // @bierbarondc
12.17 DC FRAY X HOTEL ZENA GAY SPEED DATING
Dating as a queer person in D.C. is hard — and DC Fray and Hotel Zena are here to make it easier. We’re inviting you to close out those dreaded apps, cancel your Friday night plans for JR’s and mingle in the cozy, intimate space that is Figleaf Bar & Lounge. We’ll provide the host, icebreakers and a complimentary dose of liquid courage. After the event, Figleaf Bar will be open with full service to keep the connections rolling. 6 p.m. $19.50. Figleaf Bar and Lounge: 1155 14th St. NW, DC; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zena // @hotelzena
12.18 BREATHE DANCE PROJECT: POINT OF ORIGIN
Point Of Origin is a choreographic installment that explores the interlacing patterns between trauma and kinesthetic response. Through this work, the hosts hope to showcase how the psyche and body responds throughout the cycle of trauma — exploring themes such as anxiety, suffocation, coping mechanisms and healing, all through dance. Various times. $25. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; atlasarts.org // @atlaspacdc
DISABILITY JUSTICE FORUM
As an extension of Dance Place’s ongoing equity and inclusion work for people with disabilities, this virtual series will spotlight artists with disabilities. Log in to learn more about how the arts, disability and justice intersect and overlap. 6-7 p.m. Free. Virtual. danceplace.org // @danceplacedc
FREDERICK DOUGLASS IN CAPITOL HILL WALKING TOUR
Learn about Frederick Douglass as a Washington City editor and correspondent of the New National Era, his relationships with senators, congressmen, supreme court justices, diplomats, generals and suffragists and his admiration of William Shakespeare. Learn more about the history of Frederick Douglass and the Capitol Hill neighborhood from the era of the Civil War to the administration of Gilded Age presidents. 2-3:45 p.m. $15.50-$17.50. Library of Congress: 101 Independence Ave. SE, DC; loc.gov // @librarycongress
PLAYBOI CARTI AT DC ARMORY
The forever-enthralling, raucous rap star Playboi Carti is set to take the stage, perhaps fittingly, at the D.C. Armory. Off the success of his late 2020 release “Whole Lotta Red,” Carti is cementing his legacy as a Gen-Y/Z superstar. 8 p.m. $74+. DC Armory: 2001 E Capitol St. SE, DC; dcevents.com/venue/dc-armory
12.19 HEAR IT ON THE ROOFTOP: DECEMBER SHOWCASE
Emergent Seed hosts a night of performances from local, awardwinning musicians and writers on the WILD DAYS roof. Once the scheduled performers wrap up, an open-mic-meets-jamsession will begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but registering helps. A portion of cash spent at the WILD DAYS goes to Emergent Seed artists. 5-9 p.m. Free. WILD DAYS: 1201 K St. NW, DC; wild-days-dc.com // @wilddaysdc
PINTS AND PILATES
Grab a mat and join us at Astro Lab brewing for a free Pilates mat class. This free class is offered by one of the professional instructors at Club Pilates in Silver Spring. After class, stick around for a pint and get a 10% discount on all of Astro Lab Brewing’s beers. All skill levels welcome, novices encouraged. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Astro Lab Brewing: 8216 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; astrolabbrewing.com // @astrolabbrewing
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RADAR | CALENDAR
12.20
12.31
1.8
COLOR AND SIP AT THREE WHISTLES
RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE AT THE ANTHEM
LEANNE MORGAN: THE BIG PANTY TOUR
Unwind with a date or your friends for an evening of coloring. Join us for a free relaxing evening in a cool casual coffee house in Clarendon. Enjoy your favorite “sips” — espresso, fine teas, wine, beer or desserts, including 24 gelato options. Try the affogato, espresso over gelato. 7 p.m. Free. Three Whistles - Eat Drink Work: 2719 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; three-whistles.com // @three.whistles
12.22 CITY-STATE BREWERY’S WEEKLY STANDUP
Pete Musto of DC Improv, Midnight Gardeners League, Power of Positive Drinking, NY Sketch Fest and more hosts a night of his two loves — beer and comedy. The comedy show will feature a spread of some of the best stand-up comics in the District, as well as some other “weird fun.” 8-9:30 p.m. Free. City-State Brewing: 705 Edgewood St. NE, DC; citystatebrewing.com // @citystatebrewing
Rainbow Kitten Surprise, an alternative rock indie band including vocalist Sam Melo, Darrick “Bozzy” Keller, Ethan Goodpaster, Jess Haney and Charlie Holt, performs at The Anthem. 9 p.m. $64+. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @RKSBandOfficial
1.5 “NINE NIGHT”
Natasha Gordon’s debut play — a popular triumph in its 2018 National Theatre premiere and subsequent West End run — explores the tensions of inhabiting two cultures, the inescapable bonds of family and the many layers of grief. Various times and dates. $55$78. Round House Theatre: 4545 East-West Hwy. Bethesda, MD; roundhousetheatre.org // @roundhousetheatre
After 22 years in comedy, Leanne Morgan is embarking on her 100-city Big Panty Tour across the U.S. Now that her children are grown, Leanne is so grateful to have this opportunity at this time in her life. The stayat-home mother from Tennessee is set to grace the Capital One Hall stage. 4-6 p.m. $45. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd. Tysons, VA; capitalonehall.com // @capitalonehall
1.13 REBECCA BLACK
Rebecca Black is kicking off her “Rebecca Black Was Here” tour at Union Stage this January. This is the first headlining tour by the artist who’s left her early 2010s infamy far behind her — 2021 has been the year that Rebecca Black re-solidified her stamp on pop culture. 8 p.m. $18-$35. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage
12.28-1.1 JOHN OLIVER
On his occasional breaks from television, Oliver returns to his first love of stand-up, performing to sold-out venues around the world. John Oliver is an Emmy and Writer’s Guild award-winning writer, comedian and host of the HBO show “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver. Multiple times and dates. $79.50-$99.50. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter 12 | DECEMBER 2021
L TO R. Kennedy Center’s “Aint Too Proud.” Derrick Baskin, Jawan M Jackson, Jeremy Pope, James Harkness + Ephraim Sykes.
EAT
A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S RESILIENT DINING SCENE 14 | DECEMBER 2021
WORDS BY NEVIN MARTELL | PHOTO BY RICH KESSLER
EAT It’s been a brutal year, but one rich with hope and perseverance. Despite the continued devastation of the pandemic, the D.C. dining scene has begun staging a determined comeback. Not a return to whatever normal used to be — rather, a rebirth. Now is a time where old norms can be thrown out, allowing new ideas to blossom. I’ve been so inspired watching chefs take the lead on social justice causes and restaurateurs opening new ventures in this utterly unpredictable environment. At all levels of the industry, there is a wealth of grit, tenacity and creativity as people continually pivot and adapt. Thank you to everyone who is working hard to keep us fed and elevate our spirits through their hospitality. It isn’t easy, but it is appreciated — and it won’t ever be forgotten.
10 INDUSTRY LEADERS TO KNOW Marcelle Afram
Margaux Riccio
The ex-Maydan chef’s heritage shined brightly at Shababi, an Alexandria pop-up serving West Bank style rotisserie chicken accompanied by clever sides, like pickled cucumbers topped with dukkah-inspired chili crisp and za’atar dusted fries. Next year, D.C. will become home to an expanded version of Shababi combined with a Palestinian diner. Plus, the outspoken trans advocate will debut an online support system for queer Arabs. shababichicken.com // @marcelle_g + @shababichicken
The pioneering chef has a knack for transforming meaty fast-casual favorites into plant-based doppelgangers that lose none of their original charm or craveability. In February, she’ll open the second location of Asian-minded Pow Pow and a permanent location of Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz. After that, she’ll turn her talents to two new concepts: Italian deli Cenzo’s Upper Westside and Tacos Dios. Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz: 1829 M St. NW, DC; bubbiesburgers.com // @bubbiesplantburgers + @margaux_riccio
Chef, Shababi
Chef, Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz
Angel Barreto
Rob Rubba
After rising through the ranks at the Source, Barreto stepped into the spotlight to helm the modern Korean restaurant Anju, helping make it a breakout hit. Deeply knowledgeable, hardworking and big hearted, Barreto’s irresistible dishes include crispy AF fried chicken, over-sized yache wang mandu packed with spicy Impossible meat and an epic ssam board. Anju: 1805 18th St. NW, DC; anjurestaurant.com // @angellbarreto + @anjufrc
A deep commitment to sustainability drives this visionary chef’s veg-forward tasting menu restaurant — from responsible, regional ingredient sourcing and a natural wine list, to compostable takeout packaging and a plant-able menu dotted with flower seeds. In the coming months, the graffitied garage space next door will open, offering a chill hang spot for pinball and oysters on the half shell. Oyster Oyster: 1440 8th St. NW, DC; oysteroysterdc.com // @oysteroysterdc + @robrubba
Chef, Anju
Chef, Oyster Oyster
Will Fung
Carla Sanchez + Juan Sanchez
Over the lockdown, the Tiger Fork and Hei Hei Tiger alumnus created Fat Choi, an interactive take-home hot pot experience. After his breakout success, José Andrés tapped him to lead the kitchen at his vibrant Peruvian-Chinese-Japanese mashup China Chilcano in Penn Quarter. He now oversees the tantalizing cross-cultural menu — from ceviche and dumplings to stir-fry and noodles. China Chilcano: 418 7th St. NW, DC; chinachilcano.com // @chinachilcano
Their colorful pop-up speakeasy Casa Kantuta, which ran July 8 to August 8 out of sPACYcLOUd Lounge, celebrated the siblings’ home country of Bolivia with lots of singani (muscat grape brandy) and salteñas. Decked out with traditional textiles, figurines of Ekoko (the god of good luck and prosperity) and glammy gold accents, the vibey hideaway was a much-needed pandemic oasis. Stay on the lookout for a permanent location this spring. casakantuta.com // @casakantuta
Chef, China Chilcano
Co-founders, Casa Kantuta
Jo McDaniel + Rach “Coach” Pike
Paola Velez
Borrowing its name from the classic Nirvana song, the queerfriendly venture began as a virtual happy hour and trivia session during the lockdown. Now McDaniel and Pike aim to make as you are bar IRL by opening a daytime café/nighttime dance club on Barracks Row sometime in 2022. asyouarebar.com // @asyouarebar, @thejomcdaniel + @theycallmecoach25
After high-profile stints at Kith & Kin and Maydan, as well as cofounding the Bakers Against Racism initiative, the Bronx-born, Dominican-rooted pastry pro has struck out on her own. The new year will bring a second season of her “Food & Wine” online baking series and she’ll be popping up at events around the country. bakersagainstracism.com // @bakersagainstracism + @smallorchids
Founders, as you are bar
Pastry Chef
Ashleigh Pearson
James Wozniuk
An alumna of Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York and Marcel’s, the artist-eyed pastry chef is putting out some of the prettiest sweets in the District. Her dainty Georgetown shop showcases hand-painted bonbons, caramel-filled chocolate bars coronated with edible gold and buttery sablé cookies. They’re almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Petite Soeur: 1332 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; petite-soeur.com //@petitesoeurdc
The Maketto vet’s Malaysian redoubt in Columbia Heights became a Covid-era go-to for diners seeking electric flavors that comfort to the core. Makan’s standouts include hearty beef rendang accented with lemongrass and nutmeg; wide ribbons of Penang street noodles enfolding Chinese sausage nuggets; tender yu choy swimming in yellow bean gravy; and crackly- crisp fried chicken. Makan: 3400 11th St. NW, DC; makanrestaurantdc.com // @jameswozniuk + @makan_dc
Chocolatier, Petite Soeur
Shababi’s Marcelle Afram.
Chef, Makan
DISTRICT FRAY | 15
EAT
10 FOODIE SPOTS TO VISIT Cracked Eggery
Little Food Studio
Daru
Michele’s
It’s never too late for breakfast at this Cleveland Park upstart. Hearty #yolkporn sandwiches — from “the Mayor” (scrambled eggs, sweet and spicy bacon, American cheddar and tangy remoulade) to the “Paulie Cicero” (fried egg, prosciutto, ricotta, sundried tomato, arugula and hot honey) — are complemented by trendy tots, like truffled garlic parm and jalapeño cheddar and draft nitro cold brew from Compass Coffee. 3420 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; crackedeggery.com // @crackedeggery A pair of Rasika vets — chef Suresh Sundas and operations guru Dante Datta — debuted their Indian-ish outpost at the eastern end of H Street corridor this summer. Dishes marry unexpected flavor combinations, such as blue cheese marinated chicken kebabs, za’atar-olive naan and beetroot halwa, while cocktails work in spices from the subcontinent, like turmeric, tamarind and black cardamom. 1451 Maryland Ave. NE, DC; darudc.com // @dantedatta, @daru.dc + @suresh_sundas
Chef Danielle Harris’ cozy Petworth spot has earned a devoted morning following for its flakey sausage rolls and blood orangezested scones studded with balsamic-infused tart cherries. Come lunchtime there’s another line for her sandwiches, including “the Lynne,” packed with hot capicola, gorgonzola cheese, arugula and hot honey that oozes enticingly off the sides. Be warned: Favorites sell out quickly, so go early. 849 Upshur St. NW, DC; littlefoodstudio.com // @chefdmh + @littlefoodstudio Chef Matt Baker of Michelin-starred Gravitas wears his heart on his sleeve at his newest restaurant inside the Eaton hotel. Named in honor of his late mother, the bustling brasserie is a nod to her New Orleans roots, his own time growing up in Houston and his long-standing love of classic French cooking techniques. 1201 K St. NW, DC; michelesdc.com // @chef_mbaker + @micheles.dc
Pogiboy
With a poppy punk rock aesthetic and eye-catching hot pink takeaway boxes, the Takoma doughnuttery is a head-turner. Their vegan sweets are just as attractive and even more delicious. Standouts include the plumped-up Boston cream, tropicalminded mango-coconut and seasonal fritters that will give you all the feels. 6904 4th St. NW, DC; donutrundc.com // @donutrundc
If McDonald’s were a chef-driven Filipino concept, it would be this fast-food stall in D.C.’s The Block. The brainchild of Tom Cunanan (Bad Saint) and Paolo Dungca (Kaliwa), Pogiboy serves burgers forged from tocino (cured pork shoulder laced with brown sugar) and longanisa (sweet sausage), fried chicken perked up with tamarind powder and deep-fried guava-apple hand pie. 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, DC; pogiboydc.com // @paolodungca, @pogiboydc + @tomccunanan
Incheon Restaurant
Rāko Café
Donut Run
After a career on the Hill, Justin Ahn turned to cooking, earning his stripes at Alex McCoy’s Alfie’s. Set in Annandale, his first solo project is Korean-centric but with a cheffy mindset. He selected distinctly un-Asian risotto for the menu, but makes it with dashi and dots it with boiled abalone. 7118 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; incheonrestaurant.com // @incheonva + @justin.s.ahn
L’Ardente
Stop by L’Ardente for glammy Italian with a twist from Unconventional Diner’s David Deshaies. His fun, flavorful dishes are designed to pop on Instagram, including epic 40-layer truffled lasagna, flambeed tiramisu set fire tableside and duck ravioli served in charming web-footed ramekins. The luxe space in East End with towering ceilings and showy accents has plenty of photo ops, too, like a cheeky neon sign beaming, “Please don’t do coke in the bathroom.” 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; lardente.com // @chefdaviddeshaies + @lardentedc
Coffee-obsessed sisters Lisa and Melissa Gerben lead this Arlington sip-stop, highlighting their single-sourced beans. Order a pour over to revel in the details of a roast or go nontrad with a rosemary-ginger or black salt-lavender latte. Not in the mood for caffeination? There’s an enticing menu of natural wines, creative craft cocktails and fun small bites. 2016 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; rakocoffee.com // @anandal1a, @lisa_gerben + @rakocoffee
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery
For those not in-the-know, manoushe is somewhere between pita and pizza. At Z&Z Manoushe Bakery, the griddled-to-order Levantine flatbreads come dressed up with brothers Danny and Johnny Dubbaneh’s beloved za’atar along with other housemade toppings: garlicky toum, tangy labneh and Aleppo-pepper spiked honey. If you want to bring these flavors home, they sell their seasonings and spreads separately. 111 Nelson St. Rockville, MD; zandzdc.com // @zandzdc
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE The pandemic forced on all of us too much screen time and time inside. My escape was heading into the forest on long rambles with Jonathan Till, owner of Heritage Foraging, a corporate chef with Blagden Hospitality Group and my wild food guru. He began educating me on the edible plants ready to be savored by those bold enough to seek them out and wise enough to properly identify them. As we came out of winter, the forests began sporting springy new suits of green finery and we reveled in hunts for ramps and elusive morel mushrooms. 16 | DECEMBER 2021
When summer bloomed, tangy sweet wineberries and golden chanterelles were the objects of our searches. In the fall, we picked delightfully tropical tasting pawpaws and kept our eyes wide open for clusters of hen of the woods mushrooms clinging to the sides of crumbling stumps. No matter what we found — and sometimes our backpacks remained empty — the treks through the quietude of woods were worth it. I was outside; I wasn’t looking at a screen. That peace was priceless.
EAT | FOOD FOR THOUGHT In the hands of most cooks, a knife is simply a knife — an indispensable but ordinary kitchen tool meant to get the job done. But Nobu Yamazaki is no ordinary cook. To the chef and coowner of Michelin-starred Sushi Taro in eastern Dupont, a knife is the most essential element of any Japanese restaurant. “For French cooking, the sauce is essential,” he says. “For Chinese cooking, the fire. For the Japanese restaurant, the top chef’s job is cutting the fish; not cooking, seasoning or other things. Cutting is the most important element in Japanese cuisine.” For that reason, choosing a knife is as personal as Harry Potter choosing a wand, especially when the knife is handmade and therefore one-of-a-kind. “Even if their sizes are the same, each knife feels different,” he says. “It’s nice to be able to pick up and hold it in your hands — to feel that that’s the one.”
Clean Cut Chef Nobu Yamazaki of the famed Sushi Taro opens up about his favorite knife.
WORDS BY RINA RAPUANO | PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN
Behind The Photo Yamazaki’s favorite knife is a carbon steel yanagistyle knife designed to cut fish for sushi and sashimi. He splurged on the pricey blade, which cost upward of $1,000, for his birthday about 15 years ago and says all other knives feel foreign to him now. “Because each chef sharpens their own knife, each knife becomes part of you,” he says. “So even when I use my other chef’s knife — and his knife is as sharp as mine, or even sharper —the tiny bit difference of the angle created by years of daily sharpening is different. And our cutting is so precise. If I use somebody else’s knife, I can’t cut the way I want to.” This particular knife, which Yamazaki bought from a traveling salesman that used to visit his restaurant every year or so, is stored in a wooden sheath adorned with a bright red lobster sporting blue highlights carved and painted by Yamazaki’s friend and mentor, sushi master Masayoshi Kazato. It’s inscribed with Yamazaki’s name and the Japanese characters for “magokoro,” which translates to something along the lines of “with all my heart.” Yamazaki says he heard that Kazato would do these types of inscriptions when asked. Yamazaki took the opportunity to request one while helping Kazato with a lecture in Los Angeles — and says Kazato executed the charming embellishment overnight. Adding a sentimental garnish to his workaday blade guard isn’t the only way Yamazaki shows his knife some love. His reliance on his trusty sidekick means he spends five minutes honing it at the end of each day, making sure it’s perfectly sharp, clean and ready for his next shift. And while perfection is always the ideal, he knows he’s only human. “Each day, there’s always some cut that I feel like is the best cut of the day,” he says. “You try to make the best cut every day but it doesn’t always happen, of course. But when it does, you just feel it.” 18 | DECEMBER 2021
The Meaning of Knife There’s a sense that Yamazaki appreciates the paradox of knives: They are both routine and revered, menial and meaningful. They should be cared for, but perhaps not fetishized. “It’s the same with Japanese ceramics,” he says. “Of course there’s some things you just put on display. But a nice bowl is meant to be used. You have a lot of feeling for it, but it’s still just a tool. I’m not a knife collector — I just have what I need. Some people have hundreds of knives. I have about 10.” Used day in and day out, Yamazaki says a good quality carbon steel knife can last for decades. His still has a lot of life left in it, but he inherited a set of knives from a sushi chef who passed away and the well-worn blade that once looked like his has been honed down to a slender shaft — to the point it looks like an entirely different style of knife. A knife might just be a tool, but the significance and eloquence embodied in this blade is not lost on Yamazaki. “I don’t use it,” he says. “I just look at it. When I first saw it, I almost cried. It’s amazing. From time to time, I have to look at this knife to remind myself what it means to be a chef or what it means to hold a knife.”
A Cut Above Yamazaki says one of the main mistakes non-chefs make with their blades is to assume knives stay sharp on their own without any work. “Maintenance, taking care of the knife is the most important thing,” he says. For those seeking to step up their at-home knife game, Masaya Kitayama — another chef at Sushi Taro — began a knife-sharpening service during the pandemic. Sushi Taro’s site features a link to Kitayama’s service, called TogiMax, and knives can be brought to either the restaurant or a Rockville location. Folks can also arrange for in-home pick-up and drop-off. Kitayama also repairs knives and charges about $10 per knife per sharpening. Business picks up before the holidays, so book him early if you want your blades to be roast-carving ready. Sushi Taro: 1530 17th St. NW, DC; 202-462-8999; sushitaro.com // @sushitarodc Chef Nobu Yamazaki’s favorite knife.
DISTRICT FRAY | 19
DRINK
Allegory’s Princess Johnson.
A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S
COCKTAIL CULTURE WORDS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III PHOTO BY RICH KESSLER
Drinking is an art form and D.C. is no longer hyperfocused on being the little city that could paint a canvas that measures up. Rather, it’s transfixed on elevating an already exceptional cocktail culture. The District’s can’t stop, won’t stop temperament (in all things) is the reason why transplants like me — who aren’t D.C. born, but D.C. bred — root so fiercely for it. Driving the growth of the scene are mixologists and beverage directors attuned to the need to invent well-crafted visionary cocktail recipes — savory, sweet, surprising, shocking and everything in-between — and pair it with curated experiences that speak to the individual tastes of seasoned cocktail aficionados and novices, alike, without being too avant-garde. DISTRICT FRAY | 21
DRINK The act of sipping an expensive, yet satisfying, classic cocktail in a darkened speakeasy or basement of an upscale hotel isn’t going anywhere — it’s simply one option, among many. Gone are the days of sticking to the script. In addition to the influx of riffs on classics proliferating menus, local patrons, more than ever, are encouraged, even pushed, to articulate what speaks to them, even if that “what” is the choice to dial-back or forgo the alcohol all together: enter the low-abv/zero-proof community. There’s an embarrassment of riches. And my love of imbibing in D.C. has only blossomed over the course of 2021. I’ve remembered that nothing compares to the earthy and smoky notes of a good mezcal or scotchforward creation; fallen in love again with the punch delivered by ingredients that add spice and heat: chili powder, habanero, jalapeno — give me all of it; discovered the complexity and added aroma offered by absinthe; and been absolutely giddy about the fun and awe yielded by house-made mixtures and forwardthinking infusions (Rye whiskey washed with duck fat, yep). Among the most memorable drinks I’ve had, Thirsty Crow’s “Pisang Pinang,” its divine banana-infused Manhattan, Mercy
Me’s “South Paw Manhattan,” with caramel smoke, raisin and nutty spice notes or anything on the Allegory, Left Door or Morris American Bar menus have stayed with me. As someone who’s fairly new — nearly five years — to the coffee bandwagon, I’m also surprisingly excited for the rise of espresso martinis and uptick in the use of versatile cold brew ingredients; its earthy, bitter, slightly sweet notes pair well with rum, mezcal or any dark spirit. Of course, anyone who knows me knows I’m a fan of gin. In fact, each year Negroni Week returns to D.C., it conjures up all the familiar feels, reminding me why I love the drink’s simplicity: equal parts gin (or rum, or mezcal, or bourbon), campari and vermouth; it definitely shined this fall. Last, but not least, has been the elevation of dive bars. Once seen as second-class citizens among their bar brethren, they’ve proven that there’s enough creativity to go around. As many spilled onto sidewalks in neighborhoods like Mt. Pleasant with the prevalence of streateries, they gained more notoriety and garnered more appreciation. The final words here are: Long live the underdog.
10 DRINK EXPERTS TO KNOW Maria Bastasch
Mick Perrigo
At the forefront of the zero-proof / low abv movement / curated experience movement is Maria Bastasch. Batasch is a sommelier, philanthropist, educator and the mind behind Disco Mary: a pop-up that makes its home inside of one of the District’s most illustrious cocktail bars, Columbia Room. Disco Mary: 124 Blagden Alley NW, DC; discomary.com // @findingdiscomary + @mariabastasch
Perrigo, formerly of standout local bars Left Door and Columbia Room, is the architect of Hook Hall’s newest endeavor: a personalized cocktail experience. Perrigo is stylish, a maestro behind the bar and described by one Fray writer as the “Babe Ruth” of the D.C. cocktail scene. Hook Hall: 3400 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; hookhall.com // @hookhall_dc + @whiskeyfrisky
Founder, Disco Mary
Dante Datta
Co-owner, Daru
Mixologist, Hook Hall
Kapri Robinson
Co-founder, Chocolate City’s Best
Datta, formerly of Rasika West, Columbia Room and Elle, is a rising star in D.C.’s beverage scene. The co-owner of Daru is known for his use of unusual ingredients and focus on infusing drinks with South Asian flavors. Daru: 1451 Maryland Ave. NE, DC; darudc.com // @dantedatta + @daru.dc
Robinson is the co-founder of Chocolate City’s Best, a trailblazing platform that enables bartenders of color to showcase their immense talents. The initiative offers access to a variety of opportunities, such as competitions, networking events, educational classes, panels and much more. chocolatecitysbest.com // @chocolate.citys.best + @kapri.possible
Andra “A.J.” Johnson
Jean Paul Sabatier
Johnson has achieved near legendary status in her time on the scene. As co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week, partner and bar director at Serenata in the Union Market District’s La Cosecha market, and a staunch and outspoken advocate for diversity, equity and race conversations within the service industry: She’s a powerful force. Serenata: 1280 4th St. NE, DC; serenatadc.com // @dmvbrw, @serenatadc + @whiteplatesblackfaces
A Puerto Rican native and general manager/owner of Jane Jane, one of the newest and coolest kids on- the-block, Sabatier is a seasoned veteran of some of D.C.’s most acclaimed establishments, including Maydan and Compass Rose. He’s a also man that enjoys good food and hospitality. Jane Jane: 1705 14th St. NW, DC; janejanedc.com // @janejanedc + @supergayp
Partner and Bar Director, Serenata
Princess Johnson
Beverage Manager, Allegory
According to Deke Dunne, the esteemed beverage manager and bartender at Allegory, Princess Johnson is poised to make a big splash. Johnson calls herself “your favorite bartender’s bartender, who has mixed drinks about feelings.” Johnson is also the founder of mobile drink company Free Spirited Cocktails. Allegory: 1201 K St. NW #1, DC; allegory-dc.com // @allegory_dc + @yopjay 22 | DECEMBER 2021
Owner, Jane Jane
Laura Silverman
Founder, Booze Free in DC
Silverman is another leading voice driving D.C.’s zero proof/ booze free/sober curious movement. As founder of Booze Free in DC, she combines her love of travel and passion for sobriety and wellness. She’s constantly on the cusp of what’s happening among like-minded makers and residents in the DMV. boozefreeindc.com // @boozefreeindc + @wearesober
Andrea Tateosian
Paul Taylor
Tateosian is the lead bartender at the award-winning Silver Lyan, one of D.C.’s swankiest and ingenious subterranean cocktail bars. Tateosian got her start at the Gibson, an O.G. of the local beverage community. She’s no stranger to fame, previously named one of the area’s top bartenders by the Chilled 100. Silver Lyan: 900 F St. NW, DC; silverlyan.com // @bacchanalaureate + @silverlyan
Taylor, partner and beverage manager at Columbia Room, is the founder of the soon-to-reopen sandwich/beverage concept Your Only Friend. Offering a mouthwatering menu of sandwiches and a curated selection of beers, dips, chips and more, Taylor is sharing his love of unexpected flavors and nostalgia with the masses. youronlyfrienddc.com // @paultaylor703 + @youronlyfrienddc
Lead Bartender, Silver Lyan
Founder, Your Only Friend
10 WATERING HOLES TO VISIT Chacho Spirits
This llama-themed Chacho Distillery has made fast friends in the District since its opening in May 2021. It specializes in aguardiente (roughly translated as “firewater”) liquor, a spirit distilled from sugar cane and mixed with alcohol, water, and anise, a spice that tastes like black licorice. The Columbia-themed establishment is becoming a treasured community hub. 6031 Kansas Ave. NW, DC; chachousa.com // @chacho_usa
Dauphine’s
The New Orleans-themed bar anchored in D.C.’s CityCenter development aims to strike a balance between old and new. Its beverage program offers classics such as the Sazerac and Hurricane, and riffs on other cocktails like martinis. It’s a beautifully designed jewel, replete with plant life. 1110 15th St. NW, DC; dauphinesdc.com // @dauphinesdc
Fitzgerald’s
The new cocktail-centric bar and restaurant is only 80 feet from the famed Exorcist House — but the only thing scary about this location is how satisfying it is. Its 12-seat bar offers both classic and inventive cocktails and a rotation of 10 Japanese whiskies. Need we say more? 1232 36th St. NW, DC; fitzgeraldsdc.com // @fitzgeralds_dc
Hopscotch Bar & Grill
If you’re seeking your new neighborhood bar, look no further. Hopscotch, nestled in the heart of Bloomingdale, is cozy and intimate. It also features a pleasing variety
of beers, strong cocktails and entrees. Even better, it’s open late. We love this place. Our only request: Don’t spread the word to too many people. 1837 1st St. NW, DC; hopscotchbargrill.com //@hopscotchdc
L’Annexe
L’Annexe is a pioneer of sorts in the local scene. The cocktail bar’s innovative, unusual and at times shocking foray into infusions is something to behold. They weave the class of fine restaurants, the hospitality of a dive bar and the chemistry of a science lab into a truly unique tapestry. 2917 M St. NW, DC; lannexe-bar.com // @lannexedc
O.K.B.P.
We’ve been singing the praises of this gem of a cocktail bar since the day it opened. I previously called it the neighborhood speakeasy Mt. Pleasant deserves, and I stand by my assessment. Expect a climb up a single flight of stairs to reveal a cozy space that’s home to some of the warmest, most congenial, talented and nimble bartenders in the city. With a menu that changes every day, you’re always in for a surprise. 3165 Mt Pleasant St. NW, DC; okpbdc.com // @okpbdc
Suns Cinema’s Cocktail Streatery
True to its name, it’s the kind place where you’ll never want to leave before the last call. Tucked in a corner among the towering buildings of D.C.’s exploding Union Market area, this intimate dive has an elevated menu of sandwiches, voodoo chips (yum) and well-crafted cocktails. Cue Semisonic’s iconic “Closing Time.” 1301-A 4th St. NE, DC; lastcallbardc.com // @lastcallbardc
The artsy, hospitable, little theater has a secret: It’s no slouch when it comes to creative cocktails. Known by locals for its DIY model where you can see classic ‘90s favorites like “Jumanji” and “Speed” in what feels like the comfort of your own home, Suns Cinema also makes a mean negroni. Oh, and their streatery is pretty chill, too. 3107 Mt Pleasant St. NW, DC; sunscinema.com // @sunscinema
Mercy Me
Thirsty Crow
Last Call
Mercy Me, indeed. If you’ve been seeking a glimpse into the future of D.C.’s West End corridor, stop here. The “sorta South American café, restaurant and bar,” emerged from the minds behind Timber Pizza and Call Your Mother. It’s a hip coffee/cafe by day and a coveted dinner locale by night. One sip of the south paw manhattan and you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; mercymedc.com // @mercyme.dc
I wouldn’t wish the task of replacing the long-beloved (and now sadly shuttered) Meridian Pint on any establishment. Yet Thirsty Crow more than returns that loving feeling we lost in April of 2019. Attached to the delicious Makan restaurant, its banana-infused Manhattan and Jungle Bird cocktails are must-haves. 3400 11th St. NW, DC; thirstycrowdc.com // @thirstycrowdc
THIS MUST BE THE PLACE One of my favorite imbibing memories is spending Fat Tuesday at Morris American Bar in the times before the pandemic. I’m one to frequent a good cocktail alone — and not because I enjoy drinking by myself, but because these experiences pull me out of my comfort zone. It’s the same reason I spent a week alone in Madrid years ago, eating and drinking my way through the city. What I remember most about that evening is the last-minute decision to go, though I never anticipated how connected I would remain to that moment. And I can’t recall what I enjoyed more: the live piano performance, the cozy atmosphere, the memories of my first and only visit to New Orleans, or the chance to get more acquainted with what’s now among my favorite places to imbibe. More than anything, it reminded me how committed individuals in the beverage and service industry are to genuine hospitality and gave me the feeling of having found a place where I always feel welcomed. DISTRICT FRAY | 23
DRINK | 202 PROOF
A Sojourn To WORDS BY JAMES LISKA
América Del Sur
Introducing 202 Proof, a new recurring series in our magazine that dives deep into the ever-changing, ever-innovating world of D.C. cocktails and mixology. In such a world, things seldom standstill — it seems every month, we’re seeing old familiar spaces reborn with new looks, menus and décor. Homegrown chefs and visionaries are turning shuttered mainstays into new and vibrant concepts, and cocktail entrepreneurs immersed in the science, business and soul of mixology are using their wealth of knowledge to blaze new trails. It’s not enough to have a fancy new space; inspiration and hard-earned experience are required to truly deliver. This column seeks to find those new and persevering bar programs and spotlight them for the community. We’ll also provide a more technical angle to mixology. As a certified bar mixologist through Pernod Ricard, I’m hoping to touch on chemistry, production methods and the way differing ingredients harmonize with one another before they touch your lips. For our first iteration of 202 Proof I traveled to the West End, a part of D.C. long regarded as a food and drink desert where one’s only source for a tipple is high-end wine bars, establishments such as Blue Duck Tavern, and corporate hotel lounges full of lobbyists in boxy suits.
District Distillation Enter Micah Wilder, a famed D.C. mixologist who got his start in San Francisco in the graphic design and visual effects industry. He founded Wilder Brothers with his brother Ari, developing his own bitters, herbal tonics and ginger beer. They moved to D.C. where they’ve developed quite the resume creating cocktail programs for Robert Wiedmaier restaurants (along with D.C. legends such as Dean Myers); managing their own spaces at Fed on 18th Street and Chaplin; and developing the beverage lineup for 14th Street haunts like Black Jack, Pearl Dive Oyster Bar and Zeppelin in Shaw. Not one to stand still, Wilder always wanted to build a hotel bar. He joined up with the team behind Timber Pizza Company and Call Your Mother, Daniela Moreira and Andrew Dana, to create a “sorta South American” spot led by head chef Johanna Hellrigl and chef pâtissier Camila Arango of Union Market’s Pluma. The space, dubbed Mercy Me, is inspired by the founders’ cultural
influences as well as Wilder’s own extensive travels to América del Sur. Wilder’s trips through South America would make Indiana Jones envious. His sojourns to Colombia, Peru and Argentina inspired unexpected connections, like discovering off-the-wall Buenos Aires bars and on-draft vermouth bars like La Fuerza run by hipster Millennials. He also toured Colombia seeking inspiration to combine a tropical, Caribbean vibe with aperitivos, finding unexpected uses for bitter spirits like artichoke Cynar and Italian Amari such as Fernet. All of these elements converge on a meandering yet polished space in the West End: an eclectic combination of leafy greenery, French cabaret furniture, and cabana styling. The bar itself is the centerpiece of the space, a smooth quadrangle of earthy sandstone and rivers of jasper running the length. Everything is purposefully planned yet delightfully organic, and I regret leaving my white linen suit at home.
Mercy Me was launched just before the pandemic. As Wilder and his team pivoted to a social-distancing model, they made a crucial discovery: They could forgo time-consuming cocktail mixing and make the cocktail program prebatched. “Batched’’ or “pre-batched” are terms used to describe cocktails made en masse prior to the day’s service, delivered from a bottle, keg or cooler. While a big part of mixology is fancy bar work and showmanship (trust me, they do that too), the philosophy behind batched drinks is straightforward; Wilder prefers to spotlight the quality of ingredients, the consistency of flavor and the “extras” — garnish and ice — as the main attraction. For Wilder, this was crucial. He wanted his staff to deliver crafted libations properly while also freeing up bar staff to make the garnish right, present the cocktail and discuss ingredients without being too distracted to connect with customers.
Bitters + Barkeeps I’m seated in front of the service bar taking in the lovely aroma of mint from the infusion station when I’m offered an interesting cocktail from Hunter, one of the bartenders. It’s actually a frozen blend of two Caribbean drinks on their menu. Hold the “Margaritaville” jokes because this is serious:
Kick-Ass Colada
Strawberry Guava Daiquiri
Rendered coconut fat Caramelized pineapple A blend of lighter rums ...swirled together with….
Rum (typically light rum is used) Pisco Sake Guava strawberry puree Vanilla Lime …the secret proportions of which become…
24 | DECEMBER 2021
Miami Vice
Kept super-cold and served from one of those movie theatre slushie machines, this blend is refreshing, full of fruit and just a bit tart. Pisco and lime, two ingredients most recognizable to fans of Peruvian cocktails as the base of a pisco sour, add the tartness that I find most welcome. It provides a bit of an “edge” to the usual fruity, sweet presentation of these drinks.
Blending rums is another important element of this cocktail: All rum is essentially fermented and then distilled into sugarcane molasses or juice. However, there’s quite a wide variety of rum — everything from funky Jamaican rums made in pot stills to deep, heavy blackstrap rums to more fruity, light rums. They range from thick and syrupy to light and delicate. Wilder notes viscosity is an important element he considers when blending drinks, and by creating his own precise mix of rums he’s able to prevent the cocktail from being too light, too syrupy or too heavy. And the Miami Vice is actually perfect, retaining some silkiness from the coconut fat with just enough sugar from the rum to complement the salt and keep it balanced. Plus, unlike some actual slushies, you don’t need a spoon for this. The garnish is a slice of dried blood orange, perched on the snowcap of colada. Full disclosure: I had several cocktails and some delicious food from the kitchen and everything was fantastic. But another standout worth noting is a technical masterpiece called a Kitty Claw. It’s a clarified cafe milk punch made in-house. Alcoholic milk punch might sound like an odd innovation, but it’s actually a traditional method dating back to the mid1700s England where it was a popular style for centuries. Queen Victoria herself was quite a fan and employed a royally designated blender to keep Buckingham Palace supplied with the stuff. The Mercy Me team spends three days making the Kitty Claw. To start, they use spent coffee from the Yours Truly lobby, mixed with Ten-One and Ron Zacapa No.23 rum, blanco tequila, chia concentrate, lime juice, kosher salt, crushed Aleppo peppers, and house-made panela sugar — which is then whisked together and left to steep for a minimum of 12 hours. Next, the team warms up whole milk and folds in the steeped mixture, allowing the milk to curdle with the alcoholic compounds. They let it steep for another 12 hours, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve with a commercial-sized coffee filter into a wide, four-quart container. Once completely filtered, which typically takes about 4 to 8 hours, the remaining beverage is transferred to a clean container and served over ice and a dash of expressed orange oil. The result is a sublime, savory concoction which strikes a precise balance of sweet, silky and earthy. You wouldn’t know there’s a ton of booze in there and the acid from the coffee gives the cocktail just enough tang to invite another sip. It’s an experience that truly escapes words — do yourself a favor and try it. I can only imagine how much trial and error and recipe adjustments it took to arrive at the final beverage.
We’ll Take It Neat It’s quite impressive how much is made from scratch, decanted and manipulated using fancy tools. All these cocktails are blended, strained, shaken, mixed, chilled, kegged and nitrogenated for ease of pouring. Despite this effort, Wilder insists that the finishing touches are what makes the cocktail. Cue the showmanship: the presentation of their smoked Manhattan was quite impressive, with a jet-powered bong-looking device pumping smoky goodness to the glass beneath an upturned saucer holding a truffle. Fancy bar work and elegant glassware only go so far, though. At its core, a cocktail program is only as good as the technical expertise of the staff. Wilder and his team have shown they’ve done the research, traveling abroad and returning with ideas perfect for a South American escape in the West End. From the intense amount of effort required to make pre-batched cocktails at scale, to the elegant garnishes and unique recipes, it’s clear Wilder and his team at Mercy Me are true cocktail professionals. I can see Mercy Me becoming a star of the West End and I am excited for what’s next for Wilder — and this space in particular. Mercy Me: 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; 202-828-7762; mercymedc.com // @mercymedc
Miami Vice. Photo by Mariah Miranda // @mariahmirandaphoto.
DISTRICT FRAY | 25
WORDS + PHOTOS BY MIKE KIM
MUSIC
A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S
LIVE MUSIC RESURGENCE
Throughout 2020, a strange feeling permeated my being as I was displaced in the city I love most: D.C. A place once teeming with crowded bars and sold-out concert venues turned dormant, dark. Sure, if you knew where to look you’d find an occasional virtual show, not to mention the year brought some interesting to-go drink and reservation-only experiences. Despite the enthusiasm for these brief moments of entertainment, they still felt foreign and strange. Personally, it was devastating to quarantine at home when there were things to be discovered, memories to be made and eardrums to torment. For nearly an entire year, there were no Friday night plans to see my favorite band(s) play sold-out shows at the iconic 9:30 Club or any chances to linger, well into the night, on DC9’s rooftop bar. There certainly wasn’t enough material to fill out a year-in-review playlist of budding artists, unless you lived on SoundCloud. Despite this struggle the city persevered, holding out for the return of bobbing heads and encores to again beckon the band to exhilarate us with one more song. Mercifully, concerts returned to the District — sort of. While venues are operating at 100 percent capacity, audiences are still wearing masks and carrying vaccine cards — constant reminders of these bizarre times. I’ve found gratitude in the fleeting moments when emotions and nostalgia for what was normal come rushing back. In July 2021, when I stepped into the photo pit for the first time to snap pictures of Japanese Breakfast at The Fillmore Silver Spring, I saw strangers smiling, dancing and singing. Existing in those moments is all that matters, and for many of us, concerts are a powerful escape. They’re where we flee drudgery to get lost in a raucous guitar solo or gripping vocals. Music is essential to who we are and the city’s ecosystem, and we should savor any opportunity to say with pride: “Thank you.” You and Me and You.
10 ARTISTS TO KNOW April + VISTA
This dynamic duo (April George and Matthew Thompson) based in D.C. has an impressive resume, including opening for numerous artists such as Cautious Clay and Little Dragon. When I first saw them at DC9, it was as if I was lost in a dream world conjured by George’s beautiful voice and Thompson’s insane melodies. April + VISTA recently released their second album, “Pit of My Dreams,” and you can also watch live sets from them on YouTube. aprilandvista.com // @aprilandvista
Bartees Strange
Arguably this year’s standout local artist, Bartees Strange’s recent album release party featured throngs of fans at a sold-out who are wildly supportive of his success at a soldout Union Stage show. His critically acclaimed album “Live Forever” expertly blends elements from emo, punk and indie rock genres. barteesstrange.com // @bartees_strange
Bottled Up
This “glamorous” art pop rock band was started by brothers Niko and Rohit Rao along with bandmates Colin Kelly and Mikey Mastrangelo.
Originating from Oakland’s punk scene, Niko came to D.C. with hopes of blending the NoCal sound with his quirky keyboard, raw vocals and love affair with the sounds of the ‘80s. With the recent additions of Jeremy Ray (formerly of Dove Lady) and Chloe Menderson, the band has begun to unlock bigger sounds with epic jam sessions and guitar solos. The group recently signed with Misra Records and is poised for a big 2022. bottledup.bandcamp.com // @bottled_up.exe
Del Florida
Super explosive yet beautiful, Del Florida (fronted by Leela Dawson) is one of the best jam bands in D.C. with a vibrant mix of R&B, jazz and beautiful melodies. fb.com/delfloridababy // @delfloridababy
Frass Green
Frass Green is a surf pop rock band that offers echoes of the Beach Boys and The Strokes. Every time I see these guys perform, there is nothing but joy onstage and in the audience because all of the members (Joe Antoshak, Matt Lachance, Antonio Peluso and Tyler Rippel) really shred. Check out their 2020 EP titled “Death of Pop.” frassgreen.com // @frassgreen DISTRICT FRAY | 27
Oh He Dead
Staples of D.C.’s music scene, Oh He Dead delivers funky rock sounds with the beautiful soulful voice of C.J. Johnson. The five-piece group (including Adam Ashforth, John Daise, Johnson, Alex Salser and Andy Valenti) recently headlined shows at 9:30 Club and sold-out shows in other local spaces. ohhedead.com // @ohhedead
Saad Ashraf
Saad Ashraf is an experienced DJ who spins the unique sounds of underground house music artists like Flying Lotus and Nosaj Thing. In 2018, he founded DMV Deep, an underground music initiative dedicated to “celebrating local community, art and talent.” He also recently created the dance collective Sous La Terre and has hosted DJ sets at DC9 and Flash. fb.com/saadashrafmusic // @_saadashraf
Sunstoney
I first met Eman El Saied as a photographer and had no idea she was such a talented musician. Her immense talent is exemplified 28 | DECEMBER 2021
on her latest EP, “In Your Apartment,” which beautifully blends bedroom pop with R&B. fb.com/sunstoney // @sunstoney
Tosser
When I first met the group (Victor Arce, Ryan Plummer, Zeeshan Shad and Eric Zidar) behind Tosser at their album release party show at Pie Shop, there was nothing but chaos and it remains one of the wildest shows I’ve ever seen at the venue. Tosser is a quartet band that blends indie rock and prog rock. Check out their latest album, “Total Restraint.” tossertheband.bandcamp.com // @tosserband420
You and Me and You
Formed by the trio of Emily Mann, Reed Appleseed and Dani Zessoules, this group of accomplished musicians undertakes a variety of projects in D.C. The band recently played a sold-out show at DC9 with Scorpio — marinating the dancing crowd with Appleseed’s tasty, folky guitar sound and the beautiful harmonies of Mann and Zessoules. fb.com/youplusmeplusyou // @youxmexyou
Saad Ashraf.
10 VENUES TO VISIT 9:30 Club
You can’t talk about D.C.’s music scene without mentioning 9:30 Club. The iconic space represents a tremendous cornerstone for the local music community and has hosted the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Public Enemy, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and countless other chart-toppers and on-the-cusp acts. With concerts coming back, 9:30 Club is a can’t-miss destination. My first show at 9:30 Club was the Youth Lagoon show and I remember how mesmerizing it was to see the venue. 851 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club
The Anthem
The Anthem, the District’s largest concert venue, acts as one of the city’s crown jewels, featuring a grand stage and superb bookings ranging from Billie Eilish, LCD Soundsystem, Leon Bridges, Lizzo to Tame Impala. I still remember the massive crowd jumping up and down with Billie Eilish and seeing confetti fly during the Tame Impala show. 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc
Black Cat
Co-founded by D.C. native Dave Grohl, the Black Cat is a stronghold for local punk bands and a popular stop-off for international, independent and alternative artists. With its dark halls, red and blue lighted stage, vegan food options and rich history, there’s never been a more D.C. (or punk) spot — so says my black eye from that accidental punch during the PUP show. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc
Comet Ping Pong
Hidden behind the warm pizza oven, Comet Ping Pong provides a small, cozy venue for local artists. During my undergraduate years at GWU, it was my favorite venue to see performances from my friends in the aforementioned Bottled Up and Dove Lady. Welcoming artists representing a variety of genres — from indie pop to R&B — the venue reflects the diversity of D.C.’s music community. Plus, their pizza is amazing. 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; cometpingpong.com // @cometpingpong
DC9
Tucked away near the corner of 9th and U Street, DC9 has always showcased up-and-coming bands from across the local music scene and beyond. Its intimate performance venue and popular rooftop bar offers a unique experience for concertgoers, whether locals or visitors. I remember dancing to a sold-out Vundabar show and singing along with members from my favorite local bands. Shows are booked by Alli Vega, who also has standout music project Scorpio, which adds some notable cache to her artist curation. 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club
Pie Shop
For many artists starting in D.C., Pie Shop is a must-play place. Their bookings place a heavy emphasis on punk and heavy metal talents but complement their schedules with memorable indie favorites such as Video Age and Mamalarky. This is the perfect destination for pie and music lovers. 1339 H St. NE, DC; pieshopdc.com // @pieshopdc
The Pocket
Once regarded as the rehearsal studio in D.C., 7DrumCity has expanded and opened their own venue: The Pocket. This small intimate venue showcases local bands and talents, and provides a home for small shows for touring musicians. You’re guaranteed to find some hidden gems here, as The Pocket’s Angelie Bean and Elly Mendelson are eager to see the venue become a staple of D.C.’s indie music scene. 1508 North Capitol St. NW, DC; thepocketdc.com // @thepocket_dc
Showtime Lounge
Located in Bloomingdale, this is one of my favorite dive bars and performance locations in D.C. With a unique community atmosphere, intimate bar area and endless lineup of talented DJs spinning ‘50s music, being here on a cold night is like sonically traveling back in time. Pro tip: Visit on Saturday night when local standout DJ Baby Alcatraz spins. 113 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; twitter.com/Showtime_DC // @showtimebar
Songbyrd Music House
I still remember the basement shows at Songbyrd’s original Adams Morgan location. Whether it’s Big Thief rocking out or Nick Hakim pole dancing, owners Joe Lapan and Alisha Edmonson consistently display a knack for curating great performers. Now relocated to the flourishing Union Market area, with a gorgeous warehouse-style venue and a renewed commitment to bringing fresh new artists to D.C., Songbyrd’s reputation as one of the city’s go-to places for music is more than secure. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc
Union Stage
One of the newest venues in D.C., Union Stage has hosted sold-out shows for popular indie artists Giveon, Arlo Parks, Men I Trust and more. It’s been my favorite venue since concerts returned, with a dream team including marketing director Jake Diamond killing it behind the scenes. I recently went to a sold-out Wolf Alice performance, which featured my first return to moshing since the local music scene awoke from its slumber. 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage
KEEP ON LIVING, MATE Sometimes there’s an inexplicable feeling in the air that you are in for an evening of the unexpected. I was walking to the 9:30 Club to photograph one of my favorite bands, IDLES. Not only was I planning to see a great band, but this particular show was my first time back at the 9:30 Club since the start of the pandemic. True to form, IDLES’ show was pure madness: moshing, guitar shredding and Joe Talbot, the lead singer, screaming his heart (and lungs) out. At one point, I saw a woman crowd surfing to the front before landing safely on the floor, after which she proceeded to hug me. It was one of my good friends, Alli Vega, who’s also an amazing musician. We danced and screamed with IDLES, and when the show was over, we strolled around the corner to another local favorite: DC9. Hanging out at their rooftop bar, we saw a crowd coming in led by none other than the members of IDLES. I never felt so shocked and excited at once. IDLES was there, but one of my favorite photographers ever — Pooneh Ghana — showed up, too. She is famously known for shooting music festivals (ACL, Lollapalooza, Coachella) and famous artists (Cage the Elephant, Glass Animals, Khruangbin) and is my main inspiration for photographing concerts. I spent the whole night with them, talking about music, photography and life in general. I’ll forever hold onto what Talbot said to me that night: “Keep on photographing and keep on living, mate.”
DISTRICT FRAY | 29
MUSIC
30 | DECEMBER 2021
THE AUDACITY TO DREAM Allison Russell on Songs for the Voiceless, Genre-Resistance + Her Wolf Trap Debut In anticipation of The Barns at Wolf Trap’s stacked 2022 season, we spoke with artist Allison Russell about her upcoming performance at the iconic venue.
WORDS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III
It’s been a big year for the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, one of the stalwarts of the DMV’s arts scene. First, the public-private partnership is celebrating its 50th year and triumphant return following 2020. Second, 2021 marks The Barns’ 40th anniversary. In January 1982 the 200-year-old, nearly 400-seat venue embarked on its first season — and its influence has withstood the test of time. Wolf Trap continues to be one of the most popular draws for D.C. area concertgoers of all generations. Each season, with more than 80 performances — spanning Americana, classical, indie, jazz, opera, pop rock and more — the venue hosts a rich variety of music and entertainment’s greatest legends and emerging talent. There are few places in the region where artists can offer such an intimate and unique experience. The combination of architecture, acoustics and purposeful programming creates an avenue for deeper connection with audiences. And this year is no different, as The Barns continues to serve as a space for musicians breaking new creative ground. I had a chance to sit down with one such artist, Allison Russell, who will grace The Barns’ hallowed stage on March 6, 2022. Russell, whose debut album “Outside Child” dropped May 2021, hails from Nashville by way of Canada. She is one of those rising stars who embodies a sound that’s a labyrinth of deep pain, liberation, soul and Americana spirit. It’s the kind of diversity that maintains The Barns as one of the area’s crowning jewels.
THE RESISTANCE OF GENRES From the jump, Allison Russell makes one thing clear: Her life’s work is about liberation, in every sense. As a starting point during interviews, I typically invite musicians to proclaim the elements of their sound and the vibe their lyrics and melodies evoke. This serves the purpose of tearing down the proverbial barrier between the uninitiated — those who are listening with virgin ears — and a musician eager to connect. We are all artists in our own right and there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling powerless. Our artwork is a piece of us and sharing it with the world is one of the most vulnerable rituals we undertake. With this particular question, I extend an olive branch and enter into a pact. I will tell your story, but only if it’s done with authenticity. As I ask my question, the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, poet and activist lays her soul bare on the altar, refusing to feed the machine that might cage her identity into a single box. “It’s essentially a melting pot of music,” Russell responds with the candor of an artist who has clearly contemplated the topic. “I’m drawing from a lot of different influences and inspirations.” She continues, defiantly declaring she’s genreresistant. The term is “deeply rooted in false racist constructs that have been problematic from the start,” DISTRICT FRAY | 31
MUSIC she imparts, suggesting music resists genre at its very core. Reflecting on this idea later, I recall all the songs reimagined by other artists before my sudden awakening: The idea of genre, like race itself, is a social construct. Still, Russell knows for the purposes of this conversation her music must live somewhere on the spectrum, but with a caveat — it must always be on her terms. Her answer reveals the depth of her internal struggle and inclination to cultivate an inclusive perspective of music in order to fully honor it as a living, breathing entity. “If I had to name one [genre], I would say Americana because I think that’s broad enough and refers to all of the diverse influences, including the foundational influences of the Black diaspora, indigenous influences and of course, European influences — all the waves of immigration.” These “diasporas coming-together,” as she labels them, are what influence most modern artists — herself included. She reels off an expansive but by no means comprehensive list of conventional genres from which current and emerging musicians derive their unique sounds. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery and there’s no denying we are all the progeny of those who came before us. I’m pleasantly awestruck by the professorial manner in which she dissects American history. Hungry for more, I ask her to expound on her comments. I want to talk about her music, but I’m also captivated and feeling especially enlightened. Russell explains the idea of genre is a derivative of the introduction of recorded music. Prior to its invention, music was organically manifested in communities. It wasn’t until Ralph Peer, a pioneering businessman in country music, ushered in the era of recorded music that “genre” was born. “[Peer] held the first recording sessions in Bristol, part of which is in Tennessee, part of which is in Virginia, and basically falsely segregated it along color lines because of his own white supremacist leanings,” Russell recounts. Peer then went on to coin the term “race records” to describe music created by Black people and “hillbilly records” to categorize music created by white people. These original classifications have surely continued the practice of denoting anything that detours from mainstream as “underground” or subgenres. “We’re still seeing bizarre categorizations based on color and a devaluing of foundational influences of BIPOC artists in idioms that are seen as white, such as country [or rock ‘n’ roll],” Russell notes. “There’s no Elvis without Sister Rosetta Tharpe — she’s the originator.” I quickly came to see, as I have time and again in recent years, the things we bury deep in our history because they are too complex to face can undermine everything we’ve come to know about our reality. The rawness of Russell’s history lesson is both triggering and freeing. It’s something I couldn’t have anticipated or excluded from this piece, else risk betraying the pact of authentic storytelling I made at the onset. It felt wrong to discuss her music before establishing a shared foundation. Now I was ready to move forward, anxious to learn how this nuanced perspective influences her creativity and activism. Still, I had no clue how closely her personal journey as a woman, activist and artist parallels modern music’s awakening, where cross-genre collaboration (and artists) are the norm. Music today is so much more than notes, verses, choruses and bridges. It’s a battleground, which I learned in my short time with Russell. 32 | DECEMBER 2021
THE [UN]SILOING OF PEOPLE + THINGS Allison Russell describes her childhood as “difficult,” which only scratches the surface. The freedom and fluidity she now embraces as a musician, woman and intellectual sadly are eternally linked to her tumultuous and painful past. “I grew up for several years in foster care,” Russell says. “And then I was adopted by a very white supremacist man from Southern Indiana who emigrated to Canada. He was abusive in all the ways: physically, sexually, psychologically. He was also very tyrannical about music — what he considered worthy and what we were allowed to listen to.” Russell shares the memory of being severely chastised for listening to Loreena McKennitt, a Canadian Celtic artist. She was drawn to McKennitt from a proclivity she inherited from her Scottish grandmother’s musical tastes. Her grandmother knew a number of old record ballads and lullabies, which she heard echoed in McKennitt’s music. “I really gravitated toward her folkloric songs and storytelling…[it’s] an oral tradition that’s been handed down for generations, often by women all over the globe.” Even in her youth, Russell yearned to break free — to be the architect of her own life rather than falling victim to the notion that everything has its place. Instead, she knew then that worlds, cultures and identities collide again and again. Then comes Russell’s deepest cut yet. “I am very leery of segregation and questionable authority figures defining the lines around music and/or people,” Russell says. “I’m not interested in the siloing of people or the siloing of music. Every piece of music I love comes from intermingling. Every human on the planet comes from intermingling, as people discover if they do their DNA testing.” I quickly sense that beneath all the pain expelling from her every word, there’s hope as well. She goes on to describe the need to better connect as a “human family,” if only we can circumvent the seemingly unsurpassable divides. I also soon discover hope in the beautiful mess of her musical biography. Russell was only permitted to listen to Baroque music and Romantic composers, listening to McKennitt in secret. Embracing her nerdier side led her to find inspiration in the most unconventional of places. “I would take poems from the Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume One, which contained a lot of hidden canons, transcribed poems and songs. I would make up melodies, sit down and sing them.” Then, at the age of nine, she found Tracy Chapman. It was one of the most profound moments of her life. “I remember hearing the song ‘Behind the Wall’ and just weeping. I was part of a family that was behind the wall, where abuse was occurring in the home — and domestic violence. The fact that there were others and that this beautiful, queer, Black woman was singing truth so unflinchingly — it was just transformational to hear her.” Russell also unfolds the fact that her adoptive father saw her (and anyone who looked like her) as three-fifths a human being. With this admission, I gained an understanding of what her music, at this stage in her life, must mean to her — which is to say everything. Enter: The events surrounding her 2021 debut solo album “Outside Child.”
FIRST PAGE. Allison Russell. Photo by Marc Baptiste.
A LASTING PARADIGM SHIFT To trace the origins of “Outside Child,” you have to travel back to the summer of 2019 when Russell was on the road with Our Native Daughters: a collaborative effort that includes Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah and Leyla McCalla. The musical group was on tour for an album completed for Smithsonian. Traveling with this cohort of artists was the Smithsonian crew filming a documentary — along with five children between the members of Our Native Daughters. During this period — specifically between July and September 2019 — Russell wrote “Outside Child.” Then a chance opportunity arrived. “I was very fortunate to receive a writing grant and a demogrant from the Canada Council for the Arts,” Russell recalls. “We were all home in Nashville for the [2019] Americana Music Fest. I just got together with some of my closest chosen community of artists and chosen family and we made ‘Outside Child’ in four days.” She leaned on this family of individuals to layer in the album’s harmony vocals, all at her producer’s home. Even then, it took some time for the significance of this accomplishment to dawn on her. “I was still in denial about the fact that I was making a solo record. It became clear once it was done that it was an entire body of work, a specific journey and in fact, an album.” Then life happened. She hit the road again, this time with musical project Birds of Chicago. And when the pandemic hit, they flew home on March 11 from the West Coast and huddled together at a friend’s home in Madison, just outside of Nashville, for 18 months until the world started to open up again. She describes with excruciating detail, her voice shaking, the infamous events of March 25, 2020, and the unexpected circumstances that manifested. For the first time in her life, she felt like people wanted to talk and listen to Black artists. They were returning calls and emails and eager to give individuals like Russell a platform. “The consensus among all of my artist friends who are also Black was that suddenly all of these doors were opening that were brick walls before.” Russell recounts the “come to Jesus” moment many people experienced at the height of the pandemic: a reckoning of their consciousness, wherein they came face to face with the destructive forces of bigotry and white supremacist attitudes that have limited the “goodness in the world.” The artist and her music must now exist in this unfamiliar world and uncharted territory. “It’s been a very strange time, this opening of doors and
possibilities,” she says. “For not just me, but a lot of other brilliant artists who are also women and also Black, who were underrepresented and not in demand before. We are having a moment that I hope becomes more than a moment — a lasting paradigm shift.” Since this moment, Russell has released her 11-track solo album. With titles like “Montreal,” “All of the Women,” “The Runner” and “Little Rebirth,” it feels as if this is the culmination of a journey and the beginning of another. It’s a folksy, deep, reflective and at times emotionally cutting effort. The final track, “Joyful Motherf**kers,” showcases the desire to come to terms with her darkest moments and her earlier tormentors. With lyrics like “Blessing be upon the thief of my childhood/ragged jackal/that loveless coward/oh my father, you were the thief of nothing/I’ll be a child in the garden 10,000 years and counting,” there’s a resilience that shines powerfully through. It is a testament to who Russell is in her depths: a tireless liberator, eager to empower Black women and others who look like her to shine and no longer be voiceless or feel powerless. “My guiding principles in life are harm reduction, antibigotry, pushing back and trying to break these endlessly repeating cycles of intergenerational trauma, abuse and violence.” Russell describes recently curating a set at the Newport Folk Festival as one of the highlights of her career. “It’s one thing to diversify who’s onstage. But even more important is to diversify who is in charge of curating and gatekeeping cultural events.” Russell titled her curatorial turn as “At Once in Future Sounds, Rooted in Revolution.” The focus was on centering Black, BIPOC and queer women and continuing a musical tradition founded in part because of the brilliance of Sister Odetta Holmes and prominent activists like John Lewis, who remarked on folk music’s importance to the Civil Rights Movement. On the surface, it’s just one door opening — but for one Black artist, the shift feels seismic. And perhaps the liberation to come will be as well. Don’t miss Russell’s show at The Barns on March 6. Learn more about her at allisonrussellmusic.com and follow her on Instagram @allisonrussellmusic. For more information about The Barns’ 2022 season, visit wolftrap.org. This holiday season, consider giving show tickets, gift cards or memberships as gifts to loved ones. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; 703-255-1868; wolftrap.org // @wolf_trap
COMING UP AT THE BARNS Ana Popovic on February 4 anapopovic.com // @anapopovicmusic
Bob Mould on March 2 bobmould.com // @bobmouldmusic
Paul Thorn on April 27 paulthorn.com // @paulthornmusic
Amy Helm on February 17 amyhelm.com // @amyhelmmusic
Tom Paxton & The Don Juans on April 13 tompaxton.com // thedonjuans.com
The Quebe Sisters on May 7 quebesisters.com // @quebesisters
Nella on February 18 nellarojas.com // @nellarojasm
Meow Meow on April 20 meowmeowrevolution.com // @meowtopia DISTRICT FRAY | 33
CULTURE
WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD | PHOTOS BY DUSTY
Trap Bob + Chris Pyrate on building the blueprint for D.C.’s creative renaissance
CULTURE “We’ve been waiting to have this conversation.” Tenbeete Solomon, perhaps most recognized under her moniker Trap Bob, stands opposite Chris Pyrate in a sunlit artist studio at 52 O Street on a warm November afternoon as she speaks with intention. “We spend hours talking about the same thing, and there’s always more to talk about.” The recurring topic of fervent discussion for this pair of collaborators, peers, friends and most importantly, confidantes is navigating what it means to be artists in D.C. Our city is in the midst of a creative renaissance that’s only gaining momentum, and Solomon and Pyrate feel a strong sense of responsibility to create opportunities for open dialogue — not only with one another, but among all artists in the District. “This is the Wild Wild West,” Pyrate says. “There’s no blueprint for how you should do this.” We’re congregating in Jarell Mique’s bohemian studio space in Truxton Circle with photographer Omatseye Ajagbawa, known to most as Dusty, and artist Pierre Edwards of Studio Sonic. There’s something about the exposed wood beneath our feet, floor-to-ceiling windows, mismatched furniture with a smattering of quirky décor, and expansive canvas backdrop held up by clothes pins that lends itself perfectly to this conversation. It has the energy of a place where creating happens, and for three hours, we do just that. What we’re creating isn’t a work of art, though. It’s an exchange of ideologies across different mediums about this moment we’re sharing as artists, curators and creative conduits in the District. And for some of us, it’s just old friends catching up. Listening to Edwards shoot the shit with Pyrate and Solomon feels like walking into your ride or die’s house, plopping down on the couch, kicking your feet up and unloading about your day. They’ve circled each other’s orbits socially and artistically for years, and they’re proud of the District’s creative heartbeat. The way they see it, the city’s still very underground. D.C. keeps it authentic. “The people who are known here are actually doing work [and] trying to push it forward, not just trying to be famous by themselves, whereas other cities are oversaturated,” Solomon says. “Why would I want to go and be another artist in L.A.?” They’re in one accord. While expanding their artistic footprint in other cities is crucial to the success of their careers, D.C. remains home. They say a lot of artists don’t understand they can get the same exact outcome they’re gunning for in bigger cities by staying right in the nation’s capital. And unlike many, they’re not annoyed at how tightknit and sometimes bordering on incestuous our creative community can be. “We all know each other,” Edward says. “That’s already out of the way,” Solomon agrees. “And then you just do the work.” Pyrate adds, “I feel like people focus on the negative aspect of the fact that we all know each other, but there’s a big positive to that.” They see a collective respect among local artists who came from the same, or similar, beginnings. Creatives don’t usually come to our city “to come up.” They build their careers here, and often, their roots remain intact. We’re more of a home to creators than climbers, more of an incubator for purpose than accolades. We’re proud of the interconnectedness within our intimate grouping at 52 O Street, the sheer amount of overlap 36 | DECEMBER 2021
in our professional lives that allows us to speak candidly for an afternoon about the creative hub we see the District becoming and the support network we’ve built here. “All we have is the conversations we have,” Solomon says. “We just try to share that as much as we can because we realize artists don’t [always] feel like they can voice how they feel or what they’re going through. It’s healthy to have those conversations with the people you work with.” Only in D.C. are we exploring this uncharted territory together, cultivating a landscape for the future generation of creators. Only in D.C. can two established artists form such an indestructible bond that transcends their individual pursuits and permeates the creative scene. And only in D.C. can the five of us speak without a hidden agenda, without preconceived notions, and without any motivation other than carefully building a platform for who comes next and striving to get more eyes on our city.
The PBR Connection Solomon and Pyrate have only known each other for three years, but to hear them speak, you’d guess their friendship goes back decades. Solomon is about six years into her multidisciplinary career creating animations, illustrations, murals, paintings and whatever else she can get her hands on. And while Pyrate’s years as a professional muralist and designer is nearly double Solomon’s, they speak as peers who are constantly learning from one another. They’re on equal footing in their creative partnership. From a POW! WOW! (now D.C. Walls) mural to an original &pizza box design, their official and unofficial collaborations run the gamut. And often, they’re working individually but in parallel, offering one another advice, feedback and praise along the way. Most recently, they completed murals at Dupont Circle Metro Station; if you stand at the intersection of the two, you can view them side by side in full view. Their fanbase has significant overlap, which comes as no surprise. They have a shared ethos, often raising awareness for social issues and playing the role of activist via their murals and other works. Their aesthetics are complementary, too. No one would blink twice if they saw Pyrate’s signature pastel, shape-shifting flowers and Solomon’s bold color palette, often used in designs celebrating the resilience of Black women, together in one work. And while their robust portfolios include impressive collaborations with national brands and celebrities from Nike and Lupe Fiasco (Pyrate) to BET and Elizabeth Warren’s campaign (Solomon), they remain deeply committed to creating for their city. Like many D.C. connections, they met by chance. In December 2018, Solomon was selected as the winner for Pabst Blue Ribbon’s Art Can Contest and as fate would have it, Pyrate was the new D.C. representative for PBR. The pair met and began teaming up on events and different projects tied to PBR. This coincidence is really key for them, especially Pyrate, because it was a pivotal moment for him in making the decision to return to the District in a more deliberate way. Pyrate was living in Miami and had a residency in New York at the time, but he could tell something was brewing back in D.C. and planned to keep it as home base while the art scene continued to develop. Just a month before they met, a friend of Pyrate’s mentioned Solomon and several other D.C. artists changing the game, and he had made a mental note that he Trap Bob. Illustration by the artist.
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CULTURE wanted to work with them. He was eager to be a part of what his peers in the city were building. “People would always ask me was I from wherever I was at. Like damn, don’t nobody know I’m from D.C. I got to make it more clear. That’s part of the reason I wanted to come back home, too. I just got lucky with this gig and even more lucky that Trap Bob had just won the contest with the same company. So literally, I wanted to get in contact with her but then it became my job to get in contact with her. It was simultaneous.” He drills it down to progression. When he saw things pick up a few years ago, he knew it was time to come home. “I was like, ‘Yo, I’ve got to get back and contribute.’ Even me coming right back and being able to contribute was easy. It was welcoming. People were ready for it. People wanted it. I think the city appreciates art a lot right now, and it wasn’t always like that.” Andrew Heard, the former brand manager of art for PBR and current artistic program director at Liquid Death, has stayed in touch with Pyrate and Solomon since the early days of their friendship. He says they are two of his favorite artists to work with, and he loves to see them collaborate. “When you get two fun, vibrant pop art styles together, good things will result,” Heard says. “Also, whenever you’re around them, it’s just positive vibes all around, so I’m glad to see they have been teaming up more and more.” He’s tracked their work in the District, too, noting their impact on our art scene. “Any time you get two amazing artists on a project, each bringing their own perspective, we all win. [The] last time I was in town and had a chance to meet some locals, I quickly realized how much they mean to fellow D.C. creatives and anyone in the know. D.C. has a unique energy that is infectious, and I feel like they really embody many of the great aspects of the city.” This was Pyrate’s goal, to work with the same local artists over and over to help create a cohesive visual identity for the District. He began partnering with Solomon and a handful of other D.C. artists to make this vision a reality. There’s an excitement when he speaks, because it’s clear that three years later, he thinks our time is now. D.C. is on the map, and the art keeps flowing.
I Am Who I Am While the D.C. pride runs deep for both artists, their view is far from narrow. They know that to give our city a seat at the creative table with bigger metropolises, our artists need to expand their horizons. Solomon notes the importance of bringing people in from the outside who really want to know what’s going on here so they can invest in and advocate for the District, and take what we’re doing creatively back to their cities so local artists can get more recognition. “I think that was something hurting artists and the creative scene here: forgetting there’s more than local,” Solomon says. “Supporting local is important but the support you can add when you get outside of that is what brings a city to become a major scene. You can work from anywhere, but knowing D.C. is where I’m going to do my best work and need to have as my base is going to influence the work I’m doing outside of it.” And even though Solomon hasn’t had quite the extensive experience living and working in other cities as Pyrate, she’s never been seduced by the siren’s call to get lost in a sea of creatives trying to “make it” somewhere else. 38 | DECEMBER 2021
“I stayed here even with people suggesting, ‘Try L.A., try New York,’ because I wouldn’t be inspired the way I am here. The work wouldn’t be as good. This always feels like home. I always miss D.C. when I leave. The appreciation is growing so much. I really think art will save the world and it’s involved in every single thing. I want people to understand that, so I love being able to take on so many different projects.” Her earnestness is infectious, and it’s easy to become impassioned listening to her speak about the intrinsic and allencompassing nature of art as both a practice and an industry. Local entrepreneur and digital marketing consultant Kelcie Glass, a close friend and collaborator of Solomon’s, says the artist has the unique disposition to welcome — and find joy in — all interpretations and opinions of her work. “She uses her work to encourage political and social conversations,” Glass says. “But [she] allows her art to give a lightness that helps us have difficult conversations without being weighed down by some of the trauma that may come with them. As an artist, she is as bright and vibrant as her pieces. She is authentic [and] has a specific style, but that style is always evolving.” Glass and Solomon became attached at the hip in 2018 when their mutual friend Dominique Wells, or DJ Domo, launched GIRLAAA. The women-centric creative collective marked the beginning of a devoted friendship based on mutual understanding and admiration. “As a Black Ethiopian woman who creates work for other Black women, she is helping us continue to see ourselves in a city that is, frankly, erasing us due to extreme gentrification,” Glass says. “Seeing Trap continue to show up in these rooms and show up completely as herself is rewarding for us all.” Solomon’s “I am who I am in any room that I am in” mindset is the type of attitude that will make room for the next generation of artists in the District, Glass adds. “She dresses as herself, speaks as herself and will hit a J in the parking lot before heading in if she feels like it. She will show upcoming artists to never shrink themselves for corporate and large-scale recognition. You can do it all. She will show them who you are is a huge part of the art you create.” This truthfulness as an artist and individual is the cornerstone of what solidified Solomon’s partnership with Pyrate. There has never been a reason to be competitive or individualistic in their mindset. It comes naturally to champion one another, and they appreciate all of the ways in which they complement each other. “He is a super talented, thoughtful artist who doesn’t compromise his style for commercial success,” says Amir Browder of Pyrate’s integrity. “He really has a warmth and great vibe when you see his work. His art makes you feel good and cheerful.” Browder owns art gallery Homme, also located at 52 O Street, featuring the works of underground artists both locally and globally. He met Pyrate in spring 2019 when they worked together on a successful solo exhibition and says it’s amazing to see where he started and where he is headed. “He has really taken his art to another level. His work is meaningful and resonates with local artists and Washingtonians [who] can appreciate his take on street art in D.C. — in addition to really feeling the vibe of and keeping the culture of D.C. in his work. He is making D.C. the hub for amazing artists of all disciplines to get global and national recognition, and to be taken seriously.” Chris Pyrate. Illustration by the artist.
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CULTURE
A Language Everyone Can Understand Pyrate and Solomon believe in the power behind operating as a united front within creative spaces. They’ve been able to change the landscape of a myriad of projects because they understand each other’s perspective, and in many ways, can help vocalize the needs and priorities of their peers based on years of experience carving new paths, setting boundaries along the way, and ultimately, standing up for themselves and their community. “We always look at everything not for us, but for who’s going to come after us,” Solomon says. “I feel like we’ve been in spaces you would never imagine an artist to be in. It’s always surprising to us. It’s hard for younger artists or people trying to get their name out there to understand these things. They just want the opportunity — and we don’t want them to get taken advantage of, either.” Pyrate reflects on his start, remembering what it felt like to be an aspiring artist who saw personal and commercial success as a distant dream and not an impending reality. Many of his peers, and the new wave of up-and-comers, are in that spot now — and he recognizes the struggle. “I think [for] a lot of artists, getting paid something is the first time you really start to see your trajectory a little differently,” he says. “It helps turn on a different side of your brain as an artist.” He encourages all artists to mentally check themselves and acknowledge how important they are. “It doesn’t really matter the level. Everybody has a place. Be diligent. Don’t give up. But also, catch that moment in time when you have to switch gears and become professional — even if it’s a baby step. [Trap and I] aren’t where we are going to end up, but because so many people see this as the spot we’re at, I think it’s important to say, ‘Look, this is how we got here.’” Art is a business, and they’re committed to sharing the teachable moments of their experiences with budding creatives. Solomon stresses taking control of and manipulating your trajectory to avoid ever feeling abused or exploited. “Because of our opportunities, we’ve collected an understanding of what we need to do our best work,” she says. “That’s how I think we always put our best foot forward. It’s understanding we’re being appreciated, and not taken advantage of.” From the outside looking in, their lives might seem like cushy success stories, but Solomon says only a fellow artist can understand what lies beneath the surface. They’re frequently at the point of exhaustion, the hustle is always real and the politics of running your own business — especially as a creative — can be overwhelming. “We’re growing into spaces [where] there’s even less examples to go by. There’s no roadmap, and there’s even less stops to know where you’re going.” The trifecta of mental health, financial security and sense of ownership that Solomon and Pyrate strive for builds the confidence needed to make meaningful art at such a critical time in the D.C.’s arts movement. They touch upon last year’s powerful Black Lives Matter protests in the District, and the historical documentation of the murals, posters and other works they joined forces to create with fellow artists. The pivotal messaging behind their art in support of the Black community will forever transcend time and space, living on through the collaborative efforts of so many locals who banded 40 | DECEMBER 2021
together mid-pandemic to continue to create. “That’s an artist’s job: to share what the people feel and what we see, and create our depiction of that,” Solomon says. “That’s a beautiful power to have, and it takes both sides to understand that. People appreciate the art here. You can really be a part of it, influence things, have those conversations and continue to build it for the future.” Pyrate chimes in, describing the creative community as an ecosystem that in many ways thrives because of the continued interest and patronage of art lovers and newcomers alike. “You get to play a part in a renaissance that’s happening right now.” The universal nature of art is a love language Pyrate and Solomon speak fluently, and through their ability to rely on one another as sounding boards for everything from a challenging project to a quick venting session, they have resounding intentionality in paving the way not only for their peers but for D.C.’s youth. “We need to see examples of ourselves too, especially as Black artists,” Solomon says. “We need to see that in person. It surprises me every time I do talks with kids and they’re starryeyed and can’t believe that exists. They should know they can do anything, especially at that young age. You can go way further than we’ve gone just from having the opportunity [and] those conversations early on.” From where their collaborators stand, the two artists are already making waves in impactful ways. “Both artists are not only talented, but they are amazing individuals,” Heard says. “It’d be tough to find two better role models then Trap Bob and Chris. I feel like any city would benefit from calling them both their own.” Ego really doesn’t seem to enter into the equation for either of them when it comes to their shared desire to see D.C.’s creative scene flourish and develop into something bigger for our city — especially for future artists. “The idea that somebody who is like me could be out there not feeling like they have that opportunity or like they could do more — it terrifies me,” Solomon says. “I want them to know their potential and see the beauty in the world. Art is a language everybody can understand. It brings people together. It communicates. You can’t have a movement, or anything, without art. It’s just the best thing there is.”
Join Trap Bob and Chris Pyrate at Culture House DC on Saturday, December 11 from 7 p.m. to midnight for a celebration of D.C.’s cultural renaissance featuring 25+ local artists cultivating the scene. “Only in D.C.” is a collaboration between the artists, Events DC and our magazine and will include a panel, artist activations and a vendor market. Learn more at districtfray.com/event/only-in-dc. Learn more about Trap Bob and Chris Pyrate at trapbob.com and chrispyrate.com and follow them on Instagram at @trapxbob and @chrispyrate. Culture House DC: 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; culturehousedc.org // @culturehousedc
but, also’s Rex Delafkaran + Nancy Daly.
WORDS BY ERIN CLANCY | PHOTO BY RICH KESSLER
CULTURAL SCENE
A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S
It’s always been easier to tell people I’m “from D.C.” rather than the Northern Virginia suburb of Falls Church. I was raised on field trips to the Smithsonian and infrequently trekked across the Potomac with my friends for birthdays, concerts or afternoon window shopping. I also was the kid who could easily identify towering landmarks for visiting relatives, swelling with pride for my city, with every word. It wasn’t until I began writing for District Fray two months ago, though, that I awakened to the richness of its arts community and the beautiful complexity of the people stewarding its diverse culture. Through learning about these creatives and the spaces they’ve helped cultivate over the past few months, I’ve discovered why they are D.C.’s beating heart: it’s their innate ability to foster connection through a vibrant and constant exchange of art, music, ideas and energy. Venues like Plain Sight DC, an open-air gallery born out of the innumerable closures throughout the pandemic; and people like Brandon Hill and Peter Chang, who put on their second-annual Umbrella Art Show in November, are succeeding in creating spaces for artists and residents to collide in innovative ways. Read on for more of the people and places that help make D.C. a hotbed for creativity.
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20 CREATORS TO KNOW Lindsay Adams
Lindsay Adam is a visual artist living with cerebral palsy whose work focuses on the intersections of self. Her Blackness, womanhood and disability are integral to her art, which purposefully blurs lines, colors and figures to showcase the inextricable link between all facets of her identity. Ultimately, she aims to reclaim Black peace — both for herself and others affected by harmful one-dimensional narratives. lindsay-adams.com // @lindsaybriadams
Nia Keturah Calhoun
Nia Keturah Calhoun is a Maryland-based multidisciplinary artist who specializes in work focusing on the real and imagined connections of Black America. Believing that “ideas are art,” she dreams in a diverse range of styles, with a portfolio of graphic design, lyrical works, animation and more. She’s commissioned for D.C. events and companies such as The Women’s March and Songbyrd, and most recently worked with artist Maggie O’Neill on her highprofile mural “Together.” nias.work // @niaketurah
Peter Chang + Brandon Hill No Kings Collective
Highly regarded in the D.C. arts scene for both their creative talent and kindness, Peter Chang and Brandon Hill have provoked residents’ excitement for arts content and events since 2009. In November, they organized their secondannual Umbrella Art Show, a pop-up fair designed to make art more accessible. Avoiding terms that box their work in, they dub themselves a creative “agency” to illustrate the wide range of resources and projects they engage with. From murals to pop-up installations to event curation, the tireless pair continues to reorientate the local aesthetic. nokingscollective.com // @nokingsdc
Julia Chon // Kimchi Juice
ulia Chon, known as Kimchi Juice, is a young artist well-known around the D.C. area for her endearing animal portraits and paintings depicting her Korean heritage. Aiming to lift up the resilient women of Korea — and specifically those who raised her — her portraits are strongly influenced by “Han,” a Korean concept with an elusive English definition that communicates the sadness and strength born from a tumultuous history. 42 | DECEMBER 2021
As a budding talent in the mural scene, she’s on the heels of prolific artists like Aniekan Udofia and Miss Chelove with her unique style and perspective. @kimchi.juice
Nancy Daly + Rex Delafkaran but, also
Nancy Daly and Rex Delafkaran, the duo behind but, also, are serious about broadening the idea of what a gallery and store space can look like — but they don’t take themselves too seriously. Taking note of the buttoned up aesthetic D.C. is typically known for, they opt for a more laid-back approach that prizes authenticity, above all. This shines through in their work, personalities and commitment to providing helpful services to local artists to help them sharpen their craft. but-also.com // @but____also
Halim A. Flowers
Halim Flowers is motivated by the idea that the weapon of “radical love” is the ultimate antidote to social inequities and he’s making life-affirming art that’s leading the charge in this love revolution. After being tried as an adult at age 16, as an accomplice to a felony murder, and imprisoned for 22 years, Flowers found solace in crafting a personal method of artistic expression. By engaging with mediums such as poetry, spoken word, photography and paintings, Flowers artistically deconstructs the social paradigms of inequality and hatred, and contributes to a local artistic scene motivated by care. halim-flowers.com // @halimflowers
Brittany M. Greene
Brittany M. Greene’s work is a varied portfolio of watercolor, pen and pencil, and digital pieces, which often come back to two main themes: inspiring youth and celebrating Black women. Her art features women and girls in their element, and she hopes that simply depicting and celebrating them as they empowers her viewers — especially young ones — to be themselves. With a degree in bioengineering and a wide range of academic and artistic interests, she aspires to leave a roadmap for others like her eager to take the creative leap — to embrace, challenge and feed their artistic side. brittanymgreene.com // @britt_mgreene
Khadija Jahmila
Khadija Jahmila is a Maryland-born Afro-Caribbean mixed-media artist and entrepreneur. Central to her practice is portraying and celebrating Black women as otherworldly, supported by a wide range of artistic endeavors including her signature surrealist collage style and art prints. Armed with a love for the environment, Jahmila’s work has a strong grounding in sustainable approaches, and her fine art is often created from salvaged goods. khadijajahmila.com // @khadija.jahmila
Sarah Jamison
Sarah Jamison’s work explores authenticity and the human condition through the lens of contemporary digital life. Using traditional fine arts materials, Jamison’s drawings bounce with color and movement within rigid geometrical forms. She aims to capture the uneasy feeling you get scrolling through an endless feed, wanting viewers to take notice of the firm grip technology has on our society — oftentimes using the very medium she warns us about to emphasize this dystopian narrative. sarah-jamison.com // @sarahjanejamison
Rikasso
Rik Holden, known as Rikasso, is a visual artist with a flair for play, encouraging viewers to look at his paintings like a game of “Where’s Waldo.” Aiming to make his art relatable, he employs various themes, characters and colors to reach a diverse range of viewers — hoping they’ll discover a little bit of themselves in his work. @rikasso
Cita Sadeli // Miss Chelove
Cita Sadeli, known as Miss Chelove, is a local art director, designer and muralist recognized for her incredible talent in D.C. and internationally, with murals in places as far flung as Belgium, Pakistan and Colombia. Her vast portfolio reflects her multicultural background, with roots in the tropical mysticism of Java, Indonesia and the go-go, punk and hip-hop influences she absorbed growing up in D.C. Her street art-fueled work aims to tell local stories through a biographical lens, shedding light on narratives about marginalized groups and themes, such as powerful women of color, indigenous cultures, vibrant D.C. subcultures and environmental issues. chelove.com // @misschelove
UPLIFTING COMMUNITY 2021 was a year for rediscovering the District and, in many ways, meeting it for the first time. At District Fray, I’ve had the opportunity to interview local creatives whose products are badges of the arts community’s ability to persevere and succeed despite – or perhaps because of – these challenges. Each offered me interesting insight into what it means to create and cultivate art that uplifts community. One conversation stands out as I think about how I can nurture community in my own life: a chat with local choreographer and artist Britta Joy Peterson who spoke about her installation piece “already there.” What was meant to be a 15-minute interview about the project’s production blossomed into an hour-long
Ania Sinuik
Ania Sinuik is a designer and illustrator whose work focuses on fashion, beauty, feminism and mental health, with strong patterns and bright colors elevating her mostly female subjects. The compelling, vibrant illustrations catch your eye and invite you to see the power of the women she portrays — while daring you to look away. aniasiniuk.com // @ania_sini
Marta Staudinger
Marta Staudinger is an artist and curator whose work focuses on improving the arts ecosystem in D.C. by drawing attention to local artists. In 2015, she founded the Latela Art Gallery, a multipurpose space that serves as a curatorial office and artist studio, which is regularly activated for exhibitions. A torchbearer in advancing contemporary women-led art initiatives, Staudinger launched the GLB Memorial Fund for the Arts and “Women In the Arts” in May and October of 2020 respectively, with an overall goal of supporting and bolstering DMV women artists. martastaudinger.com // @martastaudinger
Studio Sonic
Formally launched in 2020, Studio Sonic is a multidisciplinary creative studio specializing in film production. Co-founders Pierre Edwards and Eliud Arbelo II appreciate the value of hard work, and they use this motivation to fuel their mission of telling unique stories in unexpected and unorthodox ways. Reaching beyond the realm of what’s considered standard for creative studios, Edwards and Arbelo II utilize tools such as graphic design, videography and digital media to bring the story of D.C. to life on a grand scale. studiosonic.co // @studiosonic.co
conversation about the importance of paying attention. Coming out of the interview, I saw Peterson’s vision not only for her installation, but also for the world: one where people from all walks of life can commune and be truly present with each other. What’s amazing about the people and places that make up D.C.’s vibrant arts community is the tremendous dedication they share to its well-being, even if left unarticulated: one that encourages individuals to lead with curiosity and a willingness to show up without judgment in all they do. As 2o21 closes out, this knowledge serves as a timely reminder for us to step into the new year with our eyes open to the people, places and possibilities that surround us.
Emon Surakitkoson
Born in Thailand and emigrating into the U.S. at 19 years old, Emon Surakitkoson has noticed the impact of people’s preconceived notions — and her art challenges these assumptions. In her life, she’s confronting familial expectations of success by harnessing her talent as a visual artist. From recently having her art commissioned for Kimpton Banneker Hotel’s grand opening in July to nabbing a spot at 52 O Street Studios, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a fine artist more embedded in D.C. emonsurakitkoson.com // @emonartdc
Justine Swindell
Justine Swindell is an illustrator whose work crosses mediums and time. Infused with retro vibes and vibrant visual storytelling, her art is as colorful as her perspective. She collaborates with businesses, publications and people to help bring brands and other designs to life, refusing to box her creative talent in. justineswindell.com // @justineswindellart
Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell
Fine artist, art educator and Vice President of Black Artists DC, Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell makes art all about celebrating who you are — and we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate her incredible style, class and the important work she does with the community. As an owner of Terrell Arts DC, a family-based business specializing in fine art, she seeks to create opportunities for D.C. residents to interface with art, and engage in political and social happenings. Interested in the intersection of identity and belonging, her art challenges viewers to include Black stories in American stories. terrellartsdc.com // @zsudayka
Aniekan Udofia
If you’re from the area, you’ve probably heard of Aniekan Udofia — and if you haven’t, you’ve likely seen one of his many vibrant murals on display throughout the District. From the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl mural and the colorful Marvin Gaye portrait to disparate pieces tackling literacy and gun violence, there’s not much ground he hasn’t covered. Whether making a political statement or attempting to highlight the history of D.C., his understanding of storytelling and the human form ensures his works are as much a part of D.C.’s history as the events and people he depicts. aniekanudofia.com // @aniekanreloaded
Charlie Visconage
Painting fun, bright portraits of people and animals, Visconage is a self-taught D.C.-based artist who creates the “silly things [he] wants to see become real.” His art is influenced by an array of American pop culture subjects such as movies, politicians and musicians, and conversations he’s overhead — often eavesdropping on lively bar exchanges. But don’t fret: The possibility of your alcoholinduced ramblings becoming the subject of Visconage’s next piece is a reward you reap for being an active participant in the local culture. visconage.com // @cavisconage
Luther Wright
A visual artist whose work challenges the boundaries of traditional painting. Luther Wright says his style is to “have no style at all.” An artistic explorer, he wants to take his viewers on a journey of discovery. He believes that in meditative states, we’re able to access another facet of reality — and he shares what he sees for all of us who have trouble tapping into our third eye. lutherwrightart.com // @lutherwrightart DISTRICT FRAY | 43
10 SPACES TO VISIT 52 O Street Studios
This four-story warehouse on 52 O Street NW was built in 1914 and has been home to a wide range of artists, designers, musicians and more for over 30 years. Originally converted into artist studios in 1978 by Eric Rudd, the idea was to cultivate an affordable space for Washington-based artists. Today the warehouse continues to support that vision, with its open, flexible spaces offering an artistic safe haven and community for all who enter. 52 O St. NW, DC; fb.com/52Ostreet // @52ostreet
Arena Social Arts Club
Founded in 2019, Arena Social Arts Club is a relatively new multifunctional community space whose mission is to highlight minority artists and curators. The space aims to uplift creators of color and preserves the history and heritage of Black culture in an industry that lacks diversity. And if you’re a prospective participating artist, you can rest assured knowing you’ll retain 100 percent of any sale for original artwork. 507 8th St. SE + 2100 L St. NW, DC; arenasocial.org // @arenasocialdc
Culture House DC
Culture House DC is a functional arts venue for all who seek to encounter the power of art — and want a taste of something a little unorthodox. Providing exhibitions, events, live performances and artist workshops, the venue hopes to cultivate a space for community members to enjoy and learn more about arts culture — and ultimately be moved to make lasting changes within their community. 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; culturehousedc.org // @culturehousedc
Femme Fatale DC
Co-owned by Cee Smith and Adriana Mendoza, Femme Fatale DC was founded in 2016 with the intention of changing the retail game. Offering a diverse range of fun and interesting events such as tarot readings, cocktail classes and open markets, they’re at the forefront of community-event planning. Through cultivating a space where femmealigned and non-binary artists of color can form strong creative and working relationships, Femme Fatale DC takes great strides toward uplfting marginalized
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voices – and making business more fun. 3409 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; femmefataledc.com // @femmefataledc
Foundry Gallery
This local artist-owned gallery has remained dedicated to supporting and showcasing D.C.’s most promising emerging artists since 1971. The space offers an alternative gallery experience through artist talks, workshops, consultations, demonstrations and more. Boasting a rich diversity of original works and artists, you’ll be glad you found the Foundry Gallery for its artistic variety alone. Plus, its high quality art at affordable prices will make you want to stay. 2118 8th St. NW, DC; foundrygallery.org // @foundrygallerydc
Lost Origins Gallery
Lost Origins is an intimate and inviting space that aims to inspire community with art. Through exhibition and events, it presents projects of all mediums based on concept alone. Providing a space for gathering, expression, ideas and culture, it’s a venue that promotes understanding in all its forms – and unlike its name suggests, its brilliance won’t be lost on you. 3110 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, DC; lostorigins.gallery // @lost_origins_gallery
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is a must-see in the D.C. area because of its cogent exhibitions about the nature of our built world, and for its breathtaking architecture that will leave you in awe of its magnitude. Its current exhibit — titled “The Wall/El Muro: What is a Border Wall?” — interrogates the international consequences of an otherwise symbolic idea made real. Creating immersive installations that engage viewers, the museum ultimately hopes to portray the power of the built world to shape lives, communities and our future – and to push us to be thoughtful about the ways we contribute to that world. 401 F St. NW, DC; nbm.org // @nationalbuildingmuseum
Plain Sight
More than a name, Plain Sight is a way of presenting artwork — though it doesn’t take 20/20 vision to see the boundarybreaking work co-founders Teddy Rodger and Allison Nance are providing. Filling a void left by many art space closures
during the pandemic, its open-air, active street view gallery enables a pandemicsafe perusal of local artists’ exhibitions. 3218 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; plainsightdc.com // @plainsightdc
Planet Word
Planet Word, a museum that seeks to inspire and renew a love of words and language, is impressive for its cuttingedge voice-activation exhibits, and for its consistently timely and interesting events. Constantly trying to stay ahead of the curve of language and life, its interactive galleries and exhibits form an immersive experience, which bring words to life in fun ways. 925 13th St. NW, DC; planetwordmuseum.org // @planetworddc
RhizomeDC
Striving to provide a home for nonmainstream local programming, RhizomeDC is a community arts space dedicated to promoting experimentation and creativity in all its forms. The venue hosts an array of programs, such as concerts, workshops, performances, exhibitions, talks and more — all with the goal of supporting creativity in all its forms. Blurring the lines between amateur and professional, teacher and student, RhizomeDC is breaking the mold of traditional instruction models — opting for a truly communal experience. 6950 Maple St NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc
Don’t miss many of the artists and creators featured in this roundup at Culture House DC on Saturday, December 11 from 7 p.m. to midnight for a celebration of D.C.’s cultural renaissance. “Only in D.C.” is a collaboration between the artists, Events DC and our magazine and will include a panel, artist activations and a vendor market. Learn more about this free event at districtfray.com/event/only-in-dc. Culture House DC: 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; culturehousedc.org // @culturehousedc
Paint the Town Must-See D.C. Murals SELECTIONS BY NICOLE SCHALLER | DESIGN BY AMANDA WEISBROD Read on for our curated selection of some of the essential murals D.C. has to offer, as well as some hidden gems and brand-new works. 1
ALMA INDIGENA
By Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez @marka_27 1564 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC
2
DUPONT METRO STATION
By Chris Pyrate @chrispyrate 1525 20th Street. NW, DC
3
FACING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER
By Trap Bob @trapxbob 2452 18th Street. NW, DC
4
BEN’S CHILI BOWL MURAL
By Aniekan Udofia @aniekanreloaded 1213 U Street. NW, DC
5
BOY BLOWING BUBBBLES
By Jay Coleman @jayfcoleman 1110 U Street. NW, DC
6
GO-GO CITY
By Kaliq Crosby @kaliqcustoms Florida Ave. & 7th Street, NW
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7
TOGETHER
By Lisa Marie, Maggie O’Neill, Nia Keturah Calhoun @lisamariestudio, @maggieoartist, @niaketurah, @ashleyjayewilliams 1317 9th Street. NW, DC 8
GRATE PROJECT
By Kelly Towles @kellytowles Blagden Alley. NW, DC
9
GUARDIANS OF FOUR DIRECTIONS
By MissCheLove @misschelove 1155 14th Street. NW, DC
10
PENGUINS
By No Kings Collective @nokingscollective 901 Wharf Street. SW, DC
11
CULTURE HOUSE
By HENSE @hensethename 1564 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC
12
THE BEAUTY OF BUZZARDS POINT
By Kaliq Crosby and Rose Jaffe @kaliqcustoms, @rose_inks 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC
CULTURE
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7 9 8
Ward 1 Ward 2
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Ward 6
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DISTRICT FRAY | 47
CULTURE 13
AVA NOMA MURAL
By James Bullough @james_bullough North Capitol & Pierce Street. NE, DC
14
MI CUERPO, MI DECISIÓN
By Lauren YS (Squid Licker) @squid.licker N Street. NE, DC
20
DOUGLAS COMMONWEALTH
By César Maxit, You Are Loved and BlackLove @csrmxt, @stonebalancerart 1111 25th Street. NW, DC
21
3 FAMOUS WOMEN
By Mimi Ton (Mimi the Muralist) @mimithemuralist 422 15th Street. SE, DC
(between North Capitol & 1st Street.)
15
JASPER 88
By Baghead @baghead 38 N Street. NE, DC
16
I’M DREAMING
By Julia Chon (Kimchi Juice) @kimchi.juice 227 Harry Thomas Way. NE, DC
17
SAGRADA DIVINA
By Ally Grimm @a.l._grime 227 Harry Thomas Way. NE, DC
18
LATIN AMERICAN FEMALE IDENTITY
By Mariela Ajras @marie_ajras 1280 4th Street. NE, DC
19
TURNING NATURAL MURAL
By Versatile Vice @versatilevice Corner of 14th & H Street. NE, DC
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22
WE ARE ANACOSTIA
By Luis Peralta Del Valle @luis202artist Good Hope Road, SE, DC (below the 11th Bridge)
23
LOW RIDER
By Hamilton Glass @hamglass 1710 Good Hope Road. SE, DC
24
THE CROWN ACT
By Candice S. Taylor @eshvion 2004 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, DC
25
MANY VOICES MANY BEATS
By Art B.L.O.C. DC @artblocdc 2420 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, DC
26
NATIONALS PARK
By No King’s Collective @nokingscollective 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC
Ward 5
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Ward 6
Ward 8 NW NE SW SE
DISTRICT FRAY | 49
CULTURE
A Second Glance The Stories Behind D.C.’s Street Art WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER 1
“ALMA INDIGENA”
Strolling down Wisconsin Avenue towards Georgetown, you’ll pass an eye-catching new face on the side of Los Cuates. This three-month-old mural depicts an elder from the Huichol Mexican indigenous group, known as the Wixárika. The artist, Brooklyn-based muralist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez, also incorporated food from multiple Native American cultures as part of the backdrop, such as blue maiz and guajillo peppers. 2
DUPONT METRO STATION MURAL
Dupont’s Metro Station (Connecticut Ave & Q St. NW Entrance/ Exit has been in a suspended state of construction for years, with a large green barrier wall between the subway entrance and bus stop. On the plus side, the green walls serve as a perfect grassy canvas for Chris Pyrate’s signature floral designs, which he painted this October. With the word “Dupont” etched into a pale pink bouquet of blossoming flowers, getting lost in this mural makes waiting for the inevitably delayed bus all the more tolerable. 3
“FACING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER”
This mural resides at Julia’s Empanadas, one of D.C.’s favorite pastry shops located on 18th Street in Adams Morgan. D.C. Artist Trap Bob designed a poignant (and in true Trap fashion) boldly colored illustration for a noble cause. Working with No Kids Hungry this September, Trap completed the mural to shine light on the widespread pandemic hunger struggles and NKH’s campaign to rebuild a better tomorrow for the community. As Trap noted on Instagram about the piece, “Speaking with the families [featured in the campaign] really inspired me to create something unifying and optimistic for our community.” The mural also has a QR code people can scan to learn more about the campaign. 4
BEN’S CHILI BOWL MURAL
If you ever waited in line to enter the Lincoln Theater or made a chili pilgrimage at the end of a night out, then this mural provides nostalgia. Even if you haven’t seen the mural in the alleyway of the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl, the art will still feel familiar, depicting iconic Black figures and artists like the Obamas and Prince, as well as local legends like Chuck Brown and Bruce Johnson. Twelve other luminaries are featured on the mural, which was updated and expanded in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, a well-known D.C. portrait artist who’s created several popular mural masterpieces of historical figures throughout the city including: Frederick Douglass, Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye. Google search refers to Ben’s Chili Mural as a cultural landmark and we could not agree more. 50 | DECEMBER 2021
5
“BOY BLOWING BUBBLES”
Tucked in an alley off U Street is a boy inquisitively blowing bubbles from a wand. DMV artist Jay Coleman’s technicolor mural draws the attention of any passerby who catches a glimpse. 6
“GO-GO CITY”
To mark where #DontMuteDC started, this new mural on the side of Florida Avenue’s Metro PCS honors D.C.’s official music with a boy playing a bucket as a drum — a nod to the wellknown go-go group JunkYard Band, who started making music at a young age with everyday found objects. 7
“TOGETHER”
The newly minted rainbow-centric mural was created by a powerhouse trifecta of D.C. artists to capture the community’s spirit and the District’s historic reputation as a place of protest. In addition to the message and artists, multiple organizations came together to make the mural happen, including Shaw Main Streets and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Public Art Building Communities program. 8
“GRATE PROJECT”
Known for his whimsical characters, Towles does not disappoint with his Blagden Alley mural depicting an odd pair of robbers working to open the same garage door they are painted on with crowbars and matching orange gloves. While there, be sure to be on the lookout for other murals — Blagden Alley is a hub of murals and new ones frequently pop up. 9
“GUARDIANS OF THE FOUR DIRECTIONS”
Breathtaking is the best word to describe this multi-story large mural seen on the side of Hotel Zena facing the side of Thomas Circle, which is hard to miss while walking or driving by. Prominent D.C. muralist Miss Chelove — who impressively completed the mural without any help or assistance during Covid — depicts two ethereal women of color standing with their backs towards each other as they protect their surroundings. 10
“PENGUINS”
Quirky and adorable, these giant realistic penguins from D.C. mural stalwarts No Kings Collective are painted around the garage near The Anthem. As you continue your journey through The Wharf, you might find yourself checking your back several times to see if they’re waddling behind.
11
CULTURE HOUSE
When thinking of a mural, a city wall is the obvious canvas — but Culture House redefines the genre by making their entire building a mural. The abstract, vibrant, geometric designs from nationally renowned artist HENSE properly fits the reimagined former church to now be a House of Art Worship. 12
“THE BEAUTY OF BUZZARDS POINT”
Frederick Douglas, Marvin Gaye and Eleanor Holmes Norton are all depicted throughout this mural that spans Pepco Waterfront Substation. The magnitude of open wall space also allowed for a community engagement opportunity. When completing the mural, Crosby and Jaffe offered 30 locals the opportunity to sign up and help paint for a day, proving that it truly takes a village to raise a masterpiece. With the help of the community, the mural is solidified as a center of pride for the Buzzard Point neighborhood. 13
AVA NOMA MURAL
If you’ve wandered around NoMa, you’ve probably seen this stunning mural due to its sheer size. At first glance, you might be concerned at what appears to be a woman falling from the building, but looking closer (and based on where you’re standing) you see her holding a rope on one side. Down below on the adjacent building are three children holding the other end of the rope with playful grins. Created by D.C.raised James Bullough, who has several murals throughout the city, it captures the human form masterfully with realistic highlights and contouring, all bringing the work to life. 14
“MI CUERPO, MI DECISIÓN”
This mural is one of many that came out of this year’s annual D.C. Walls festival in September, which brought local and international artists together for a week of mural projects around NoMa. L.A.-based artist Lauren YS or “Squid Licker” painted this alluring mural of a person encircled by two mythical cat-like beasts, while using a color palette reminiscent of Lisa Frank art. Well hidden, it might take some effort to find, but is ultimately worthwhile. Lauren YS dedicated the mural to abortion rights by tilting it “Mi Cuerpo, Mi Decisión” or “My body, my choice.” 15
“JASPER 88”
Flying in from Miami, Baghead participated in this year’s D.C. Walls to create a punchy primary color forward mural. With many details woven in the design, the work incorporates abstract shapes and lines to depict a graphic fox that might not be noticeable upon first look. Maggie O’Neill with the “Together” mural. Photo by Birch Thomas.
16
“I’M DREAMING”
Both the mural and its artist are new to the scene, but they’re already making a strong impression in the D.C. arts community. Another addition from the D.C. Walls festival, this mural is located on the art-filled Metropolitan Bike Trail and flanked by NoMa’s Alethia Tanner Park. Three similarly dressed women are serenely depicted as wind blows their hair in different directions, evoking the feeling that you just missed the breeze. Influenced by her Asian heritage, Kimchi Juice’s design was inspired by a poem from the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo about dreaming and longing for someone. 17
“SAGRADA, DIVINA”
Also on the Metropolitan Trail and part of this year’s D.C. Walls roundup is the trippy, captivating mural from former D.C. based artist Ally Grimm, better known as A.l.grime. Her signature black and white fluid line work is mixed with colors and flowers to create a powerful image of a woman with a third eye staring at you as she emerges from the ground. The mural actually emerged at the last minute, as Grimm happened to be in town visiting from Colorado (where she now lives) and reached out to Kelly Towles, who organized the festival. DISTRICT FRAY | 51
CULTURE 18
“LATIN AMERICAN FEMALE IDENTITY”
In only a couple years’ time, La Cosecha has quickly become a D.C. hub for Latinx art and culture. Despite passing by or frequenting La Cosecha, you might not realize a mural is hidden in the back of the building. The piece celebrates Latin American female identity and was painted by renowned Argentinian muralist Mariela Arjas. Symbolism is ripe throughout the work, with a woman painted twice in an identical inversion and a backdrop reminiscent of a serape design. 19
TURNING NATURAL MURAL
The newest mural to grace this list, Versatile Vice completed this mural last month, which takes on a kaleidoscope pattern effect around the facade of the H-Street Juice shop. Adorned with butterflies and a mandala like pattern at the base, this ultraInstagrammable juicery is set to be your next go-to photo backdrop. 20
“DOUGLASS COMMONWEALTH”
As part of the 51st state initiative, Muriel Bowser and the MuralsDC joined forces to enlist local artists to complete 51 murals around the District in the summer of 2020. While statehood remains an elusive goal, we are left with beautiful expressions of love for D.C.’s community and culture throughout the city. One mural that stands out in particular is of a Black man wearing a “Douglass Commonwealth, 51st State” T-shirt in honor of the name Mayor Bowser proposed if D.C. were to become a state. Created by D.C. muralists César Maxit and You Are Loved, the man sports a face mask reading the latter’s namesake as a nod to Covid times, while signing “I love you” with both hands. 21
“3 FAMOUS WOMEN”
This mural made a quiet entrance into D.C.’s mural scene this spring, despite its depiction of three legendary trailblazers who paved paths for women in their fields: Sally Ride, Kamala Harris and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Embellished with colorful triangles, each portrait is also accompanied with poignant quotes about continuing to advance women’s rights from the three featured luminaries. Although its location is obscure — drawn on a private home in a Capitol Hill alleyway — it is worth the stop. 22
“WE ARE ANACOSTIA”
Stretching 200 feet and wrapping around two adjacent street walls, “We Are Anacostia” is a journey through Anacostia’s history including imagery of Anacostia Native Americans, a portrait of young Frederick Douglass (whose estate resides nearby), and a likeness of former D.C. mayor Marion Berry who lived in the neighborhood during his terms. The mural also depicts scenes from the present and future, with a couple protesting for affordable housing and children learning from science experiments. 23
“LOW RIDER”
Retro and eye-catching, this mural on Murphy’s Auto Body brightens the street with its charming car designs. Both the garage and office of Murphy’s are tied together with a continuous red and white checkered flag pattern that serves as the backdrop for both the painted and parked cars around the shop.
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24
“THE CROWN ACT”
The new mural on the side of Anacostia’s Busboys and Poets champions natural beauty, celebrating Black women’s natural hair. Commissioned by Dove, The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” a movement pushing for laws to protect Black people from race-based hair discrimination. On Instagram, Candice S. Taylor noted, “I wanted to create something that Black women can see themselves in, or anyone who loves or cares for Black women, can look at it and see a bit of someone they recognize or a reminder of someone special to them, and reflect on exactly what The CROWN Act means and represents.” 25
“MANY VOICES MANY BEATS”
A team of artists, named Art B.L.O.C. DC, came together to create this mural dedicated to the go-go scene. Classic go-go band flyers dance in between six go-go music legends, including go-go’s “Godfather” Chuck Brown. The jubilant work is reminiscent of a celebratory parade line, and you can almost hear a bounce beat as you walk past it. 26
NATIONALS PARK
To round out the list, our mural tour ends with this piece that was completed by No Kings. This vibrant red, white and blue pop-art style mural incorporates all things ballpark — including, of course, a hotdog. Along with celebrating America’s favorite pastime, the mural exudes D.C pride with “Washington’’ emblazoned front and center, the Nationals insignia as a backdrop, and a mini-Capitol Building surreptitiously tucked in.
CREDITS. 1.“Alma Indigena” by Marka27. Photo by Moss Mitchell. 2. Dupont Metro Station Mural by Chris Pyrate. Photo from twitter.com/dupontcirclebid. 3. “Facing the Future Together” Trap Bob. Photo courtesy of artist. 4. Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural by Aniekan Udofia. Photo by Geoff Livingston. 5. “Boy Blowing Bubbles” Jay Coleman. Photo courtesy of artist. 6. “Go-Go City” by Kaliq Crosby. Photo by Elliot Williams from dcist.com. 7.“Together” by Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Maggie O’Neill, Nia Keturah Calhoun, and assistance from Ashley Jaye Williams. Photo by Birch Thomas. 8. “Grate Project” by Kelly Towles. Photo by MixedMediaDC. 9. “Guardians of the Four Directions” by MISS CHELOVE. Photo courtesy of Hotel Zena. 10. “Penguins” by No Kings. Photo by Luis Gomez from onephotographaday.com. 11. Culture House DC by HENSE. Photo from culturehousedc.org. 12. “The Beauty of Buzzards Point” by Kaliq Crosby and Rose Jaffe. Photo courtesy of artists. 13. Ava NoMa Mural by James Bullough. Photo by Rama Van Pelt. 14. “Mi Cuerpo, Mi Decisión” by Squid Licker/Lauren YS. Photo courtesy of D.C. Walls. 15. “Jasper 88” by BAGHEAD. Photo courtesy of D.C. Walls. 16. “I’m Dreaming” by Kimchi Juice// Julie Chon. Photo courtesy of D.C. Walls. 17. “Sagrada, Divina” by A.L. Grimm. Photo Courtesy of D.C. Walls. 18. “Latin American Female Identity” by Mariela Ajras. Photo from lacosecha.com 19. Turning Natural Mural by Versatile Vice. Photo by Christopher B. Clayton @TheDistrictBloke. 20. “Douglass Commonwealth” Cesar Maxit and You Are Loved. Photo courtesy of artists. 21. “3 Famous Women” by Mimi Ton. Photo from pbcase.com. 22. “We Are Anacostia” by Luis Peralta Del Valle. Photo courtesy of artist. 23. “Low Rider” by Hamilton Glass. Photo from pbcase.com. 24. The CROWN Act by Candice S. Taylor. Photo from wtop.com 25. “Many Voices Many Beats” by ART B.L.O.C. DC. Photo from fb.com 26. Washington Nationals Park Mural by No Kings Collective. Photo courtesy of District Fray Magazine.
WORDS BY JOE MARSHALL Each month, local comedian and actor Joe Marshall sits down with a local artist to pick their brain about all things creative and their role in the D.C. performing arts scene.
A year ago, live comedy in the District seemed all but dead (yes, that includes Zoom comedy shows). The pandemic was in full swing and we all witnessed its grim effects — especially in the entertainment industry, with classic local clubs like Drafthouse Comedy Theater downtown forced to permanently close their doors. But with the help of the vaccine and masks, comedy venues have begun opening their doors once again. However bleak this may sound, the pandemic wasn’t all bad for comedy: It created an opportunity for independent show producers to forge a path clubs couldn’t follow. While comedy clubs were closed due to CDC guidelines, independent producers took their talents to the backyard by hosting outdoor comedy shows that contained all the flair and freedom of a college kickback. There was a coolness to these independent shows — an underground, rebel edge that gave them an extra breath of life. Amongst the trailblazing producers of these shows is Cheverly, Maryland native Mike Kurtz of CryBaby DC. Founded by Brooklyn-based comedians Dekunle Somade and Abe Gatling in 2017, CryBaby originated as a monthly New York comedy showcase and quickly attracted some big-name talent from Comedy Central, MTV and even Netflix. As the brand began to expand in 2018, Somade reached out to his University of Maryland friend, Kurtz, to start a CryBaby in D.C. A savvy local, Kurtz quickly expanded the show’s reach by producing nearly 200 shows at venues including Toki Underground, The Artemis and Wonderland Ballroom, to name a few. CryBaby DC is one of the few independently run shows that 54 | DECEMBER 2021
consistently brings in mainstream talent, such as Daniel Simonsen of Comedy Central and Yedoye Travis of MTV, while still heavily showcasing local comedians. “From the very first CryBaby show I went to in Brooklyn, I knew what the vibes were,” Kurtz says. “It was palpable.” The comedian’s Prince George’s County origins exude throughout the curation of his shows. “Any comedy show is a reflection of the producer, so the vibe of the show is basically just me,” Kurtz says. “I just try to be myself and put out something I would enjoy.” I remember the first time I attended a CryBaby DC show. It was over the summer on the rooftop of the Upper West Side Café in Northwest D.C. As I hopped off the elevator, I could hear the harmonizing vocals of Shelley FKA DRAM and Erykah Badu blaring from the speakers. Kurtz greeted me and checked me in at the door with a smile. I thought to myself, “Who the hell is this white man and what Black man’s Spotify account did he steal to curate this playlist?” Drinks were flowing and smiles were cracking before a joke was even told. It was obvious this wasn’t just a comedy show — it was a vibe. But Kurtz isn’t just responsible for setting the atmosphere of the show. He’s a comedian who performs and often hosts, as well. As the show began, he stepped to the mic with an awkward confidence and lightness about him that was comically reassuring. Comedians are usually analyzed by the audience from the moment
CUE THE LIGHTS | CULTURE they step onto the stage. Whether they know it or not, the audience isn’t necessarily looking for clever writing or hilarious delivery: They’re looking for authenticity. That fiveminute set is a difficult dance between likeability and honesty, and it’s one Kurtz excels at. “I always try to be honest with my material and stay true to myself,” he says. “The biggest thing a lot of comics struggle with is feeling like they have to put on some big performance. But it’s not a performance as much as it is a conversation between you and the audience.” At first glance onstage, Kurtz doesn’t look like the kind of white guy you’d expect to have a Black girlfriend (I can say this because I’m Black). He’s fairly softspoken, unassuming and seemingly deficient of BDE (Black dude energy). But what makes him hilariously powerful is he knows and acknowledges all of this in his act, opening with jokes about how people often underestimate his ability to satisfy his partner. “I start with a concept I think is funny, but I also pay attention to how I feel when I say it,” Kurtz says. “I’m looking to see if the things I say feel natural — if it feels like I’m not faking it. It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, people will think this is funny. Let me say it.’ But if [what I say] isn’t how I actually feel, it comes across as fake and the audience can sense that.” What Kurtz is describing is the process comedians must go through to discover their true comedic voice.
Their original perspective on the world. Comedians need time to discover themselves and it’s been estimated by veteran performers that it can take around seven years. “Confidence in myself took time and experience,” says the 32-year-old comedian, who had a leg up in his self-actualization journey by starting standup at the seasoned age of 29. “Basically, a lot of me f--king up. But I keep going. It’s about being honest with myself and accepting the results even when I’m not comfortable with them.” In a field where it’s easy to get caught up in competition, Kurtz refuses to play the comparison game and is firmly focused on the future of CryBaby DC. “It’s easy to constantly compare yourself and get lost in your head. You can lose yourself that way. You just have to trust in yourself and let it go. Luckily, the D.C. comedy scene is very supportive. I want to support the growth of other comedians with our shows as they expand.” CryBaby DC is currently producing five shows throughout the week: Sundays at The Artemis in Northwest, Tuesdays at The District Sports Bar in Northwest, Wednesdays at Focus Social Club in Northeast, Fridays at Library Tavern in Northwest and Saturdays at the Copacabana in Adams Morgan. Most shows are free, which is great news for all of us who are still ballin’ on that pandemic budget. If you’re looking for good vibes and great laughs served on a plate of authenticity, give CryBaby DC a try. Want to check out some of Kurtz’s comedy or pop up at one of CryBaby DC’s upcoming shows? You can visit crybabydc.com for tickets and follow them on Instagram @crybabydc for show updates. Follow Kurtz on Instagram as well @oh_aiiiight.
LIFE
A LOVE LETTER TO D.C.’S TRAILBLAZERS
One thing is true for every big city: a thriving ecosystem of small businesses, local entrepreneurs and vibrant creators, all hiding in plain sight. When I moved to D.C. in 2018 from a small town in Massachusetts, I had only ever known “local.” My hometown had an ordinance against chain stores; the only exception was one Starbucks staffed within the residents. My family is made up of small business owners, and my mother is a one-woman show of creative entrepreneurship. I grew up spending weekends in her shop, restocking inventory and opening or closing, or dropping off lunches when she worked too hard or long. It’s not easy to own and operate any business that contributes to a unique community. You help prevent capitalist gentrification, bolster people who have lived there for generations, and foster a self-supporting environment where neighbors know and trust each other. Covid-19 changed small businesses across the country. Those who survived took a stance to do so, whether learning how to innovate and create something new, or by doubling down on best-known classics with immense trust in their product. Of all the (many) local businesses and entrepreneurs that exist in the District, here are some of our favorites from this year.
10 MOLD BREAKERS TO KNOW Virginia Blanca Arrisueño
WORDS BY RIN RYAN | PHOTO BY PIERRE EDWARDS
What originally began as a shortterm pop-up selling curated goods grew into a full-time brick and mortar shop owned and led by Virginia Blanca Arrisueño. In addition to a large unique inventory, Steadfast Supply serves as a community incubator, providing event space and support to their brands, local entrepreneurs, influencers and small businesses. They host a variety of discussions, events, workshops and performances with the goal of ameliorating cultural value in the surrounding communities. Steadfast Supply: 301 Tingey St. #120 SE, DC; steadfastsupplydc.com // @virginia_arrisueno + @steadfastsupplyDC
Chord Bezerra
Chord Bezerra loves D.C. and D.C. loves him back. He’s a graphic designer, DJ and founder of District Co-Op — an artist collective that empowers local creators and supports D.C.’s quest for statehood. His brand is inventive, fun and effortlessly positive. He riffs across genres in the DJ booth, keeping audiences (and himself) dancing for endless stretches. Creating is Bezerra’s passion in whatever form it may take — from flag-emblazoned hoodies to strobe lights and beats. districtcoop. threadless.com // @chorduroy80 + @district_coop
Kelanda Dickerson.
Tiara Chameleon
Stylist, creative director and vintage curator Tiara Chameleon knows clothes. With an eye for classic garments, Chameleon seamlessly weaves traditional pieces into on-the-edge fits, integrating aspects of retro class into everything she touches. Her personal style is “cultured sophistication with an edge,” things like menswear blazers belted around the waist and layered with vibrant prints and bold jewelry. @tiarachameleon
Kelanda Dickerson
Kelanda Dickerson’s floral arrangements are bright, bold and imaginative. She incorporates natural movement into each piece, creating the illusion in even the smallest arrangements that her cup floweth over with florals. Even brown fronds and pale dried roses come alive with her practiced touch. Dickerson’s personal Instagram doubles as a business page, interspersing photos of jawdropping flowers with shots of her young children or husband Pierre Edwards, one of the creative minds behind Studio Sonic. @kiiiki
Dionna Dorsey
Dorsey’s brand District of Clothing isn’t just shirts on your back — it’s a lifestyle. DOC encourages “progression, inspiring action and supporting self-love,” featuring DISTRICT FRAY | 57
LIFE bold statements of self-identity as well as fierce support for D.C. statehood. Her “51” brand hat (a reference to D.C. as the 51st continental state) was sported by Mayor Bowser last year. She’s also outfitted BLM D.C. and raised money for World Kitchen’s Covid relief efforts. dionnadorsey.com + districtofclothing.com // @dionnadorsey + @districtofclothing
out of the informal drug market after he discovered his love of skateboarding. His brand “Love Being Street” denounces the stigma of being raised in the streets, while simultaneously helping kids in Southeast stay on the right path. He’s a community educator, skateboard icon and an infectious energy to be around, all in one. @darren_harper
Riah Gonzales-King
Tony Keith Jr.
Riah Gonzales-King’s entrepreneurial spirit and achievement is unmatched. The first trans woman to head the Equality Chamber of Commerce D.C., Gonzales-King is also the founder of Stunner Social, a digital marketing agency. She’s fiercely intelligent and devoted to steering LGBTQ+ businesses toward success via the ECCDC. When District Fray spoke to her last, she told us of her hopes to use her wealth of knowledge to begin mentoring young transgender entrepreneurs. stunnersocial.com // @riahgk + @stunnersocial
Jazmine Moore
Moore is both a chef and entrepreneur. Her business Green Panther Chef is a personal chef service that specializes in cannabis cuisine, whether that be fine dining or good oldfashioned homestyle meals. She’s also a cookbook author, having recently published “More Than a Cannabis Cookbook,” which provides recipes as well as education on the holistic wellness properties of THC and CBD. Moore is a survivor of Crohn’s, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes intense abdominal pain. With her informed approach to cannabis cooking and natural medicine, Moore creates truly unique cuisines. Green Panther Chef: 3000 7th St. NE, DC; greenpantherchef.com // @greenpantherchef
Darren Harper
The self-proclaimed “Obama of Skateboarding,” Darren Harper is a born and raised Southeast native. Harper is open about his childhood and early years dealing drugs, before stepping
Educational Emcee and Hip-Hop Education Leader Tony Keith Jr. doesn’t mince words; he weaves them. As a Black gay poet he spits poetic justice on the politics of AAVE and the possibilities for antiracist education in America. Keith is a D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities fellow, award-winning poet and a guest lecturer at venues ranging from the US State Department and Harvard University to the United African Alliance Community Center in Tanzania. Listening to him speak is a bodily experience, emotive and personal. While his resume is impressive, it takes just one listen to understand he doesn’t need validation from white society to know his worth. Keith’s most recent poem “White Fetishism” was published in early November. tonykeithjr.com // @tonykeithjr
Alan Paul
Nobody knows D.C. theatre quite like Alan Paul. The current associate director of Shakespeare Theatre Company at the historic Sidney Harman Hall, Paul is also an award-winning musical director and documentary filmmaker. His directorial method is innovative and forward-thinking, informed by theatre in the 21st century without losing sight of its origins. He also teaches (and has taught) a bevy of developmental workshops and readings. Shakespeare Theatre at Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; shakespearetheatre.org // @alanpauldirector + @shakespeareinDC
10 VENTURES TO SUPPORT Art of Noize
This Petworth art gallery looks to bridge the gap between D.C.’s venerated museums and vibrant underground arts scene. A multi-purpose studio tucked away in one of Petworth’s alleys, Art of Noize is standalone in its approach to nurturing art in the community. Founder and NoVA native Adrian Ferguson works to shed light on D.C.’s art scene by focusing on local artists — no matter the discipline or background. Their digital calendar lists a host of upcoming events, with the option to book the space as well. 821 Upshur St. Rear#2 NW, DC; artofnoizedmv.com // @artofnoizedmv
Calabash Tea & Tonic
Calabash Tea wants you to decolonize your tongue. Founder Sunyatta Amen is a fifth-generation master herbalist and 58 | DECEMBER 2021
ethnobotanist dedicated to fostering inclusive wellness spaces in gentrified communities, as much of D.C. has become over the past several decades. They have it all, from unique tea blends like the “Teayoncé” to superfood seasonings, coffees, aromatherapy items and hoodies. Calabash also launched their own podcast series “Decolonize Your Dish” under their Calabash University initiative. If you’re someone who is mindful of the things you consume, Sunyatta Amen has a plethora of goodies and knowledge for you. 2701 12th St. NE, DC; calabashtea.com // @calasbashtea
the counterculture movement of the ‘60s. D.C.’s basements rocked out in protest while our streets ushered prim and proper statesmen to Capitol Hill. Though it slowed in the late ’90s, punk returned to D.C. in full force in 2015 and has been steadily gaining traction since. This initiative by D.C. Public Libraries crowdsources punk artifacts from individuals, venues and historians throughout the city, putting all of D.C.’s most hardcore history together in one place. Various locations. dclibrary.org/ punk // @DCpubliclibrary
D.C. Punk Archive
The team at Halcyon is funding social entrepreneurship in the District and acts as an “incubator” for newborn business ventures. Their two fellowship programs offer the most generous aid around: rentfree workspace, stipends, skill-building,
An archive unlike any of D.C.’s many others, D.C. punk archive marries two things that rarely inhabit the same space: punk music and archival research. Punk rock music has thrived in D.C. since
Halcyon
legal support and investor networking. Halcyon also invests in what they call the “social enterprise ecosystem:” impactdriven businesses and social entrepreneurs who are women and/or people of color. 3400 Prospect St. NW, DC; halcyonhouse.org //@halcyoninspires
equitable compensation and conditions for employees. 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; pottershousedc.org // @pottershousedc
Shop Made in DC
You might think L.A. and D.C. don’t have much in common, but Little Face Events is one thing they do. Katie Partlow recently expanded her events business to the District and found her niche building out of the existing marketing industry. Partlow’s events aren’t run-of-the-mill, white snack table and too-loud music types. She crafts imaginative experiences out of each one, including musicians, artists, burlesque and sensory journeys. Her Cannabis Cabaret event was hailed for removing the “stoner bro” facade from marijuana culture and earned her a spot in Rolling Stone. @littleface_events
The name of the game is local artists and Shop Made in DC plays it well. The D.C.-based boutique focuses on investing in community, carrying thousands of handmade goods from 200-plus local creatives. Their SMIDC Corporate program allows buyers to curate gift boxes from the shop inventory, mixing and matching to broaden the spectrum of creators a single purchase can support. If spotlighting artisan work wasn’t enough, SMIDC hosts a broad range of workshops all year round — everything from paint and sips to popups and “yappy hours.” A community creative space in the Georgetown location allows “makers” to produce art in a flexible yet stable studio environment. Various locations. shopmadeindc.com // @shopmadeinDC
The Outrage
Solid State Books
Little Face
Quick question: Where else can you get an AOC action figure, abolitionist sweatpants and support D.C. mutual aid all in one place? Meet The Outrage. On U Street, The Outrage is both an activist hub and a one-stop shop for cute fashion and gifts. Through their inventory, they connect you with the causes you care about and donate with every single purchase. In addition, they’re constantly out and about in the community campaigning for change, participating in protests and leveraging their influence. The back of the shop features a members-only gathering space, with the lowest membership tier fee set at $0 to make sure nobody is held back from joining. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; the-outrage.com // @theoutrageonline
The Potter’s House
Rooted in Adams Morgan since 1960, the Potter’s House is an abolitionist bookstore, coffee shop/cafe and activist meeting space. The shop promotes core values of solidarity, spirituality, social justice and care for the earth. There’s dozens of bookstores in D.C. where you can purchase a paperback telling you why we should be helping our communities, but not many do the work themselves. The Potter’s House gives away an average of 2,000 hot meals to neighbors in need every year, operating a Pay It Forward program in addition to their standard philanthropy. Focused on sustainability, The Potter’s House runs on 100 percent wind power and composts their scraps — all while providing
This black-owned indie neighborhood bookstore graces the sidewalks of H Street with in-house coffee and a vast collection of titles. Solid State acts as a “nexus” for D.C.’s community of readers, writers, students, activists, artists and politicians by engaging each in programming and a specialized literary experience. Solid State has been on the scene since 2017 and has fast become a meeting ground for likeminded book lovers. Virtual book clubs are hosted weekly, as well as author readings and children’s story time. 600F H St. NE, DC; solidstatebooksdc.com // @solidstatedc
Tour of Her Own (TOHO)
Believe them when they tell you there is a lot more to D.C.’s history than those other tours on the National Mall would lead you to believe. Women-owned and operated, A Tour Of Her Own (TOHO) is the first tour company to run tours focusing 100 percent on women in history. Their intersectional informed approach flushes out an existing, overwhelmingly masculine story of life in the capital, weaving stories across the lines of race, class and gender. They offer private tours, memberships and events — or you can choose from their list of signature tours, which include walking experiences focused on everything from early suffragists to LGBTQ+ Washingtonians. atourofherown.com // @atourofherown
PUNK’S NOT DEAD D.C.’s rich history of punk rock is seldom talked about and even more seldom experienced, as it still thrives in neon-lit corners of the city. That’s what makes DC Punk Archive, a DC Public Library initiative to preserve the history and culture of the local punk scene, so vital. The physical collection requires an appointment to see, but the ever-growing digital archives are easily accessible. Recordings, fliers, posters, zines — the archives are like a snapshot of D.C.’s least-known past. When I first moved to D.C., I knew absolutely nobody. I came for college after transferring from my first university, a state school in Virginia where I didn’t quite find the coming-of-age transformation I yearned for. My only solace among miles and miles of the unfamiliar landscape was underground music: DIY and punk shows held in the basements of crumbling townhouses, with bands whose names sounded like satire and whose voices shook the walls. D.C.’s marbled streets bore little resemblance to the Virginia countryside, and punk music was one comforting holdover. The first time it happened, seeing rockers and counterculturists sorting through pages and ages at DC Punk Archive was a strangely emotional experience. I felt like I was seeing the most unexpected thing in the world, and the most predictable. I don’t struggle to adjust to life in the city anymore — no more jumping at the sound of car horns or metro cars or staring too long at monuments. But I do need a little nostalgia every now and then, and I can always find it in the D.C. Punk Archives.
DISTRICT FRAY | 59
SUGAR, SPICE + STYLISH Deck The Halls with District Fray’s Holiday Guide
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPILED BY STEFAN LIZARZABURU + ZOE PIERCE
The holiday season is just around the corner, which means string lights, holding hot drinks in cold hands and more tangible products of end-of-year-cheer. Get in the spirit with marketplaces, wreath-building classes, interactive Christmas movie scenes and much, much more.
ONGOING “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE
Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s beloved radio play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a memorable journey. Various times and dates. $36+. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; fords.org // @fordstheatre 60 | DECEMBER 2021
CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD NATIONAL
Find all your holiday-happenings in one place at the Gaylord National this Christmas. Immerse yourself in their headlining attraction “I Love Christmas Movies,” an interactive exhibition where you can walk through scenes of classic Christmas films, such as “Elf” and “Christmas Vacation.” From “I Love Christmas Movies” to ice bumper cars, to snow tubing to a light show, there’s no lack of variety and options to form unforgettable Christmas memories. Various times and dates. $25-$40. Gaylord National: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com // @gaylordnational
Annual Downtown Holiday Market. Photo from downtowndc.org.
DOWNTOWNDC BID HOLIDAY MARKET
The nationally acclaimed Downtown Holiday Market returns to the nation’s capital for its 17th year. The spacious, open-air market will take place in the eclectic arts and entertainment corridor in Penn Quarter, filling up two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW — steps away from the buzzing Capital One Arena and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. 12-8 p.m. Free. National Portrait Gallery: 801 F St. NW, DC; downtownholidaymarket.com // @downtownholidaymarket
LIGHT YARDS
The Yards, D.C.’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping and relaxing, is continuing its holiday tradition of Light Yards with a family friendly art installation that will last the entire holiday season. The larger-than-life light installation will feature illuminated, 22 feet tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and festooned lights that will cast The Yards’ Sun Deck with beautiful, colored patterns. Various times and dates. Free. The Yards: 1300 First St. SE, DC; theyardsdc.com // @theyardsdc
LUMINOCITY FESTIVAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT ROER’S ZOOFARI
Be ready to enter a world straight out of your wildest dreams as you step into this unforgettably spectacular night of lights in Roer’s Zoofari. Set upon a world lit up with towering sculptures, the immersive outdoor event will be a festive and timed-entry experience for guests of all ages. 4:30-9 p.m. $5+. Roer’s Zoofari: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd. Vienna, VA; roerszoofari.com // @roerszoofari
“THE NUTCRACKER” AT THE WASHINGTON BALLET
This celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. Various times. $64+. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; washingtonballet.org // @thewashingtonballet
TYSONS CORNER CENTER 2021 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
This holiday season, Tysons Corner Center has outlined events and experiences, as well as new store openings — creating a full-on display of magic and wonder for the holiday season. They will also feature a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, events with Santa and much more. Various times, dates and prices. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd. Tysons, VA; tysonscornercenter.com // @shoptysons
NOW THROUGH 12.5 “HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical” broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatergoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical — which now comes to the District. Various times and dates. $50+. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; thenationaldc.com // @broadwaynatdc
NOTE: All descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.
12.1, 12.8 + 12.15 HOLIDAY WREATH BUILDING WITH COCKTAILS
Join Jungle & Loom owner Anna Johnson for an evening of creating your own festive holiday wreath, accompanied by a signature cocktail from mixologist Gina Chersevani. Participants will enjoy a specialty seasonal cocktail prepared by Buffalo and Bergen, and each will be supplied all of the materials and equipment to create a holiday wreath. Techniques for building wreaths will be shared and demonstrated at the start of the workshop. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $60+. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com // @unionmarketdc
12.1 LIGHTEN UP: A CHANUKAH HANG-OUT
On the fourth night of Chanukah, raise a glass to making it through another pandemic year, feast on festive treats and put your dreidel game to the test during our winner-takes-all tournament. If your post-pandemic conversational skills are a little rusty, prompts from Rabbi Aaron and Rabbi Nora will help you skip the small talk and connect with other Sixth & I’ers and the holiday itself in a deeper and more meaningful way. 6 p.m. $12. Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, DC; sixandi.org // @sixthandi
12.2 AN ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS WITH OVER THE RHINE
Fall under the spell of talented husband and wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist as they celebrate over 30 years of expertly crafted Americana tunes and holiday favorites. Over the Rhine is a band “with no sign of fatigue, whose moment has finally arrived” (Rolling Stone). 6:30 p.m. $27. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; wolftrap.org // @wolf_trap
CHANUKAH HAPPY HOUR: BREWS & BEATS
The largest Chanukah happy hour in the D.C. area is taking place at City-State Brewing this year. Come out for specialty drinks, music, Schmaltz Bros food truck with latkes and dinner food, candle lighting, sufganiyot, “A Rugrats Chanukah” movie viewing and more. 6-9 p.m. $5. City-State Brewing: 705 Edgewood St. NE, DC; citystatebrewing.com // @citystatebrewing
FESTIVAL OF LAUGHS
The fifth night of Hanukkah is guaranteed to be a good time. The miraculous Jessica Kirson (Comedy Central, The Tonight Show) and Rachel Feinstein (Comedy Central, HBO) bring their highenergy, unforgettable comedy back to the Improv. Whether you’re a member of the tribe or you just love a good time, join us for this celebration of laughter. 7:30 p.m. $30-$40. DC Improv Comedy Club: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov
MODERN HOLIDAY HOOP WREATHS
This workshop will embrace the holiday decorative spirit by creating beautiful, elegant and simple holiday hoop wreaths. Inspired by the traditional “Scandinavian Hoop Wreath,” the wreaths use a brass hoop and mixed winter greens to create the perfect mix of modern and cozy. 5-7 p.m. $85+. Shop Made In DC Georgetown: 1353 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; shopmadeindc.com // @shopmadeindc DISTRICT FRAY | 61
LIFE
12.2 + 12.19 CLEAR HARMONIES CAROLERS
The Clear Harmonies Carolers perform a mix of traditional carols, modern holiday favorites and a handful of surprising arrangements of well-known songs. Get in the Christmas spirit at Union Market. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com; @unionmarketdc // chcarolers.com + @clearharmonies
12.3-12.5 HEURICH HOUSE MUSEUM’S CHRISTKINDLMARKT
D.C. holiday shoppers can stroll through a festive German-style market featuring dozens of local craftspeople and artisans who will sell their goods during this celebratory holiday event. The market will highlight the historic revival of the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co.’s Senate Beer with tastings, a mini outdoor exhibit and newly released merchandise. Multiple times and dates. $2-$16. Heurich House Museum: 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; heurichhouse.org // @heurichhouse
12.3, 12.10 + 12.17 FRIDAY NIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
Visit Neal Place at Union Market for weekly holiday light shows in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Each night, guests will experience a festive light and music 62 | DECEMBER 2021
show, bringing the holidays to life at Union Market. Guests can also participate in ornament decorating and sip on specialty hot cocktails from Suburbia. All donations from the evening will go to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission. Various times and dates. Free. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com // @unionmarketdc
12.3 “AN AYLER CHRISTMAS” WITH MARS WILLIAMS
Mars Williams, the saxophonist for the famous Psychedelic Furs, and his Albert Ayler cover band are setting out on tour. Albert Ayler was a trailblazing free-jazz saxophonist and composer that left a lasting legacy — and audiences can get a glimpse through “An Ayler Christmas.” Williams and company play Christmas classics, with a distinctly Ayler twist. 7 p.m. $10-$20. Rhizome DC: 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc
12.3 + 12.4 DORRANCE DANCE
Join the decade’s most celebrated tap dance company Dorrance Dance this holiday season for an electric offering of tap dance and live music. The performance spans from bassist and tap dancer interplay, choreography intertwined with music from Thom Yorke and Aphex Twin and much more. 8 p.m. $29-$99. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical.” Photo from broadwayatthenational.com.
12.4 THE DISTRICT’S HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
12.5 BENDELACREME AND JINKX MONSOON
Celebrate the holidays with this iconic D.C. event that features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Get into the spirit as you decorate ornaments, warm up by our fire pit and visit our lighted Christmas tree. Go ice skating and sample winter drinks at our Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden, and bring the whole family to meet Santa and make memories during this annual D.C. tradition. Free. 6-9 p.m. The Wharf: 760 Maine Ave. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc
After a year of doom, gloom and Zoom, the Queens of Christmas have risen from the rubble to unearth your favorite holiday tradition. The wildly successful, internationally acclaimed Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show hits the road once again with its signature whip-smart comedy, brand new songs and a few perennial favorites. 8 p.m. $35-$100. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON HOLIDAY SHOW
It’s Chanukah time — and the JCC of Northern Virginia is bringing the celebration to you. Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and much, much more in celebration of Chanukah. 5-7 p.m. Free. Strawberry Park: 2910 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; mosaicdistrict.com + thej.org // @mosaicdistrict + @pozezjcc
Tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree, snow and much more return to the Lincoln Theatre for “The Holiday Show.” The festive program will include songs like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Boogie Woogie Frosty,” and features performances from the full chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. 8 p.m. $20+ Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; gmcw.org // @gmcwashington
HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY AT MOUNT VERNON
Discover how the holiday season was commemorated in the 18th century through family-friendly activities, including take-home crafts, opportunities to explore the estate and sensory-friendly activities specifically catered for visitors on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory processing disorders. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Various prices. Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. Mt. Vernon, VA; mountvernon.org // @mount_vernon
OLD TOWN MANASSAS CHRISTMAS FAIR AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
A holiday market and craft show housed within beautiful, historic Old Town Manassas. Shop through a multitude of vendors, locallyowned businesses and more. Get your holiday checklist taken care of in one fell swoop with this Christmas fair and craft show. 1-5 p.m. Free. Manassas Museum Lawn: 9101 Prince William St. Manassas, VA; visitmanassas.org
12.4 + 12.5 IN SERIES: A FAIRY QUEEN
This live holiday event blends Shakespeare’s whimsical words with the unforgettable music of Henry Purcell in the style of a classic radio play with live sound effects, featuring local radio personalities as masters of ceremonies. Acclaimed soprano Claron McFadden joins a full baroque orchestra as the clarion voice of a trumpet, adorning this celebration of the winter of our discontent made glorious summer. 7:30 p.m. $35-$59. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; atlasarts.org // @atlaspacdc
MOSAIC HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Mosaic’s Holiday Village returns this year for a fun-filled weekend. Shop for everyone on your gift list from their 65+ talented makers, curated by URBNmarket. Enjoy live music, a beer garden by Caboose, barbecue provided by Muggerz and much more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Mosaic District: 2910 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; mosaicdistrict.com; @mosaicdistrict
COMMUNITY MENORAH LIGHTING WITH JCC OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
MASON SYMPHONY AND CHOIRS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Join for a joyous concert celebration by the Dewberry School of Music as they ring in the holiday season. Showcasing George Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists. 7 p.m. $5-$20. George Mason University Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr. Fairfax, VA; cfa.gmu.edu // @gmu_cfa
SILVER SPRING CHRISTMAS MARKET & HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Start your holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Veterans Plaza’s Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, our vendors have everything you could possibly desire this holiday season. 12-4 p.m. Free. Veterans Plaza: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; silverspringdowntown.com // @dtsilverspring
12.5 + 12.6 WPA HOLIDAY POP-UP
Smithsonian Enterprises and Washington Project for the Arts invite holiday shoppers to a pop-up shop at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Works by more than 20 Washington, D.C.-area artists will be on sale in the Hirshhorn lobby — and will be accompanied by a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra Horn Ensemble. Multiple times and dates. Free. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Independence Ave. and 7th Street SW, DC; hirshhorn.si.edu // @hirshhorn
12.7 “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE”
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in this all-new touring production. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. 7:30 p.m. $39.50+. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd. Tysons, VA; capitalonehall.com // @capitalonehall DISTRICT FRAY | 63
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HOLIDAY MODERN CALLIGRAPHY
Visit Western Market for an evening of great drinks, delicious food and pretty lettering. Whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY bride-to-be or just a crafty individual, this workshop will provide an introduction to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink. We will cover all the basics and get you ready to add those special lettered details to your holiday snail mail and envelopes. Class includes 1.5 hours of instruction and demonstration, our beginner’s calligraphy kit and all the instructor guidance you need. 6-7:30 p.m. $65. Western Market: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #3500, DC; westernmarketdc.com // @westernmarketdc
12.8 UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY CONCERT
The National Symphony Orchestra hosts another edition of their annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert. Led by guest conductor Emil de Cou, this performance is set to feature a slew of the sounds of seasonal favorites — and a few funky sweaters, too. 7:30 p.m. $15-$30. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc
12.9 ARTS CLUB OF WASHINGTON: MAGIC SHOW + DINNER
Join a wide array of some of America’s greatest magicians and experience the “Magic Castle of the East” — a Victorian mansion with private, close-up rooms and impossible mind reading, mystery, comedy and magic right before your eyes. 6-10 p.m. $89. Arts Club of Washington: 2017 “Eye” St. NW, DC; artsclubofwashington.org // @artsclubofwashington
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12.10 + 12.11 A HOLIDAY POPS WITH INGRID MICHAELSON
The NSO’s sparkling holiday celebration returns with carols, sing-alongs and more. The NSO welcomes indie-pop queen Ingrid Michaelson performing her biggest hits and songs from her acclaimed holiday album, “Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs For The Season.” Various times. $29-$109. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
12.10-12.17 “A MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS”
Folger Consort presents an intimate program revisiting its beloved album, “A Medieval Christmas.” The generously resonant nave of St. Mark’s on Capitol Hill provides the ideal acoustical backdrop for harmonious and joyful early music for the Yuletide season. Various times and dates. $20-$50. Folger Shakespeare Library: 201 East Capitol St. SE, DC; folger.edu // @ folgerlibrary
12.10-12.31 “AN IRISH CAROL”
“An Irish Carol” is an homage to Dickens’ classic — told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity. Challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present and faced with the reality of a lonely future — David’s life may change forever. Various times. $50. The Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; keegantheatre.com // @keegan_theatre Santa Crawl DC. Photo from dcsantacrawl.com.
12.11 HOLIDIME
Join Dime a Dozen, American University’s premier gender inclusive a cappella group, for an afternoon of holiday music, current hits, old classics and everything in between. Since its founding in 2000, Dime has been performing a diverse repertoire of music and can’t wait to share it with you. 1-2 p.m. Free. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com; @unionmarketdc // @audimeadozen
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
An unforgettable Christmas marketplace and craft show at John Carlyle Square. Stop by for beautiful decorations, vendors to check off every square on your shopping list and much more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria, VA; thecarlylecommunity.com // @carlylecouncil
DC SANTA CRAWL
Santa Crawl is a Christmas Season crawl. So put on your Santa suit, zip up your Christmas onesies, throw on your ugly sweaters, or lace up your elf costumes and get ready for this seasonal bar crawl. Various times, dates and locations. 2-10 p.m. $25-$40. Dupont Circle: Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcsantacrawl.com
VAN NESS POP-UP MARKET
Shop local this holiday season. Everyone’s favorite pop-up shopping event is back for its sixth year. They will have familyfriendly activities taking place throughout the day, as well as food and drink specials, kids crafting, a raffle and more. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Van Ness Main Street: 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; vannessmainstreet.org // @vannessmainst
12.17 SANTA MOTORCADE AT MOSAIC DISTRICT
Santa has confirmed he will be traveling through District Avenue again this year. The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad will be joining Santa as he spreads his hearty Christmas cheer. Mosaic District: 2910 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; mosaicdistrict.com // @mosaicdistrict
12.17-12.19 CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Various times and dates. $32+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com // @mgmnationalharbor
12.18 + 12.24 A FAMILY CHRISTMAS AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics. Join for a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty and Rudolph. This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages 5 and up. Multiple times and dates. $20+. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
WEST END HOLIDAY MARKET
12.19
12.11 + 12.12
Join Pearl Street Warehouse as they welcome Moonshine Society back to their stage for a Holiday Blues-A-Palooza with special guests The Gabe Stillman Band, Bobby Thompson and Anthony Swampdog Clark. Limited special VIP tickets include a holiday swag bag with gifts from the artists performing and preferred seating selections. 6 p.m. $25+. Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; pearlstreetwarehouse.com // @pearlstreetlive
This is the West End’s first ever holiday market, inside their 10,000-square-foot multi-use facility. Inside, they’ll have 25 local vendors, a wreath making station (tickets sold separately) and seasonal hot cocktails. The event is free and open to the public. 6-10 p.m. Free. Squash on Fire: 2233 M St. NW, DC; squashonfire.com // @squashonfire
HOLIDAY MARKET AT THE VEN
Check out the first inaugural holiday market at the Ven at Embassy Row. Enjoy food, drinks and a day full of shopping at some of D.C.’s most sought-after local vendors during the holiday market. Multiple times and dates. Free. The Ven at Embassy Row: 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; thevenembassyrow.com // @thevenembassyrow
12.15 A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS
After a pandemic-prompted hiatus, Baltimore’s very own king of trash is back on the road with his 25th Annual Christmas Tour and trust us, it’s gonna be filled with Covid-19 jokes. Too soon? Never. 7:30 p.m. $55. The Birchmere Music Hall: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; birchmere.com; @thebirchmere
HOLIDAY BLUES-A-PALOOZA
12.19-12.22 “A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS” AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
Join two-time Grammy winners — the D.C. region’s dynamic Washington Chorus for a festive family holiday concert like none other. “A Candlelight Christmas” features The Washington Chorus (Eugene Rogers, artistic director) with brass, organ and special guests in this spirited 75-minute holiday music experience. Multiple times and dates. $15-$101. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
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12.20-12.22
12.23
THE HIP-HOP NUTCRACKER
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRACHRISTMAS EVE & OTHER STORIES
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the Strathmore. This contemporary dance spectacle is a remixed and reimagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together in a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Features a guest appearance by the timeless, legendary MC Kurtis Blow. 8 p.m. $34-$68. Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; strathmore.org // @strathmorearts
12.22 MURDER ON 34TH STREET AT DC IMPROV
Die Laughing Productions proudly presents the most wonderful murder mystery of the year, “Murder on 34th Street.” This holiday instant classic takes place on Christmas Eve at Macy’s where, unfortunately, all is not calm and all is not bright. It’s beginning to look a lot like murder, and it’s up to you figure out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. 7:30-9 p.m. $25. DC Improv Comedy Club: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com //@dcimprov
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra are coming to the District to play their world-famous debut album, “Christmas Eve & Other Stories.” There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than experiencing Trans-Siberian Orchestra live in concert — with their snowy timbres and Christmas cheer certain to emanate through Capital One Arena that night. 8 p.m. $25+. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd. Tysons, VA; capitalonehall.com // @capitalonehall
12.24 2021 CHRISTMAS EVE 5K & 10K
Come out and enjoy this scenic, flat 5k & 10k in the heart of D.C., offered in partnership with the John P. Mayhugh Foundation. The John P. Mayhugh Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in February 2017 to honor the memory and the legacy of its namesake, John Powell Mayhugh. 7:45 a.m. $30+. Hains Point: 972 Ohio Dr. SW, DC; bishopsevents.com // @bishopseventsllc
Light Yards. Photo from dcist.com.
12.26-1.2 ENCHANT CHRISTMAS
Explore the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and help Santa find eight gifts hidden by the mischievous Eddie the Elf in time for the Christmas delivery. Held at Nationals Park, Enchant Christmas will also feature an ice skating trail, live entertainment, food and drink, a Christmas market and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Various times. $27+. Nationals Park: 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; enchantchristmas.com // @enchantchristmasdc
THE NUTCRACKER AT THE WASHINGTON BALLET
This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. This celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. Various times and dates. $64+. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; washingtonballet.org // @thewashingtonballet
12.30 JOYFUL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
Marvin Louis Sapp is both a pastor and acclaimed American gospel music singer and songwriter who is known for NSO Ugly Sweater Concert. Photo from Kennedy Center.
performing with the group Commissioned, as well as for his solo career. 7:30 p.m. $49+. DAR Constitution Hall: 1776 D St. NW, DC; dar.org/constitution-hall // @eventsdar
12.31 ANDREW MELLON NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
The NYE Gala at Andrew Mellon Auditorium D.C. — D.C.’s premier black tie gala — features the city’s most luxurious venue, top-shelf open bar, free flowing champagne, magnificent ballrooms, 3 separate party spaces, Multiples DJs + genres of music, passed hor d’oeuvre, more Bars, stations and servers than ever before to ensure an unforgettable night of celebration. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. $99+. Andrew W Mellon Auditorium: 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; mellongala.com // @mellongala
GATSBY’S D.C. FIREWORKS NEW YEAR’S EVE YACHT PARTY 2022
This Roaring ‘20s-style shindig aboard luxury yacht Spirit of Washington is all about putting on the ritz this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy D.C.’s fireworks spectacular aboard the ultimate Great Gatsby-inspired party on the water. Flappers and their fellas can shake their tail-feathers to multiple DJs spinning EDM, top 40, Open Format and more at this all-inclusive on-board bash. 9:30 p.m. $199+. Spirit of Washington DC by Hornblower: 580 Water St. SW, DC; vipnightlife.com // @_nightlifedc_ DISTRICT FRAY | 67
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Jumping Into
Cinematic Christmas
Classics At
Gaylord National WORDS BY STEFAN LIZARZABURU
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Christmas is coming to Gaylord National from November 26 to December 31. From interactive Christmas movie scenes to ice bumper cars, there’s guaranteed to be holiday fun for folks of all ages. “It’s truly a Christmas theme park,” says Niko Nickolaou, senior director of special events at Gaylord National. “There’s lots of exciting thrills and experiences. I’m always excited to present and create new things for our guests, because it creates this [everlasting] emotional souvenir.” Nickolaou is especially excited to unveil Gaylord National’s newest Yuletide attraction — an interactive experience entitled “I Love Christmas Movies.” The attraction teleports visitors full-body into scenes from Christmas-time classics, such as “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and more. “You could be in Gimbels [from “Elf”] with Etch A Sketches and Buddy,” Nickolaou explains. “You can go into ‘Christmas Vacation,’ where you’re standing outside the front of the house — where you plug in the lights on the house and ‘Hallelujah’ plays.” The interactive scenes are all about immersion, featuring props, audio and more to plunge visitors into the depths of these unforgettable holiday scenes — creating an experience that stretches far beyond a simple photo-op. “We’re looking to tie signature classic movies to the [Gaylord National] experience, to really get everybody excited about Christmas,” he continues. There’s also a ton of other activities to get into. There’s snow tubing and ice bumper cars for the adventurous types, a Christmas Village housed inside where you can make gingerbread houses and meet Santa — and even a light show to cap off a full day of Christmas joy and spirit. Nickolaou makes two things pretty clear: one, that he adores his job and two, he’s in the business of memory-making.
“Everything we do stems back to creating family, multigenerational memories — something that lasts for a lifetime, that kids can take and pass down from generation to generation. You [can make] a day out of it and create those Christmas memories and emotional souvenirs.” I asked him about what it means to his family to put these kinds of events together — to have him in the business of Christmas memory-making. He laughs and jokingly (half-jokingly?) mentions his kids are his research and development team. “My kids don’t describe my job as, ‘He works for a hotel,’” Nickolauo explains, beaming. “My kids say I deliver Christmas.” “When it comes to Christmas day, you’re able to sit there and see [your kids] open presents, and there’s something you can’t describe,” Nickolauo continues. “There’s this twinkle in their eyes, and that twinkle means everything.” “I always [strive] to see how we can create that twinkle [for] others — whether it seems something incredible like a light show, connecting with films that family members love, or even connecting with Santa. Seeing the kids’ and parents’ faces where [you see] that joy: You know these moments are going to last a lifetime. That’s what I do.” So if you’re on the hunt to make some lifelong holiday memories with loved ones, look no further than Christmas at Gaylord National — there’s bound to be that twinkle wrapped inside.
Gaylord National: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; 301-965-4000; christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com // @gaylordnational
THIS SPREAD FROM LEFT. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” + “The Year Without A Santa Claus.” Photos courtesy Gaylord National.
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WORDS BY BRANDT RICCA | PHOTO BY RICH KESSLER
I’ve lived in Washington, D.C. for a little over 10 years now. To that note, I would consider myself a true Washingtonian. I also like to think I’ve kept my finger on the pulse of fitness throughout my life from lifting sand-filled dumbbells in my bedroom watching the “Wonder Years” in middle school to recently running 100 miles nonstop for charity. What the ongoing pandemic has taught me is we as a community can get creative when we need to: we can push our bodies and our minds. And during Covid-19, we weren’t doing it alone. The only thing constant in life is change — and the instructors and trainers in D.C. adapted to help residents roll with the changes while maintaining their fitness goals. Here’s our shortlist of who to keep an eye on and maybe join for a sweat sesh in the area, and notable playgrounds for all your fitness endeavors.
10 PROS TO KNOW Dontrell Britton // Trell the Trainer CEO + Founder, Twenty3N1
As a formerly incarcerated person, Dontrell Britton turned his struggles into ambition. He grew his fitness business Twenty3N1 by starting a self-described “prison-style bootcamp” that provides released and returning citizens jobs as fitness instructors. Also, he owns local-based food truck Glizzys’ DC, which offers vegan half-smoked sausages and employs at-risk youth. twenty3n1.com // @trellthetrainer
Pablo Brown
Master Personal Trainer, VIDA Fitness
Brown has worked in the fitness industry for 18 years. As a former business owner/partner at various bars and fitness studios in the area, one role has remained consistent: trainer. He tailors himself to what people need with a “one size doesn’t fit all” mentality. Brown brings the energy needed for each facet of fitness: training a mom with pre-natal/post-natal guidance, leading a boot-camp class, or working with an athlete. During Covid, Brown coached people virtually (some who were quarantining in other countries) and outside in parks. vidafitness.com // @doughyfitness + @vidafitnessdc
Gerard Burley // Coach G
Founder, Sweat DC + Cycle Instructor
With a background in sports and theatre, Coach G.’s classes are high energy, a.k.a. “a good time.” He’s the founder of Sweat DC, where he focuses on the power of strength training. The pandemic has D.C. folk even more wound up than usual, so he tries to provide a little levity to life and a place for release. He prioritizes diversity and inclusion across gender, age, ability, sexual orientation and race. Coach G. is also an instructor at SoulCycle, where he likes to give members a space to let go. coachgfitness.com + sweatdc.com // @coachgfitness + @sweatdc
LaMae Caparas
Dance Teacher + Wellness Coach
Caparas moved to Washington, D.C. from NYC shortly after touring as a principal dancer in the Lincoln Center’s “The King and I,” directed by Bartlett Sher. Hungry to stay active and creative during the pandemic, she found herself dancing and choreographing for virtual and socially distanced in-person projects, producing virtual wellness event experiences and teaching virtual private and group dance classes to students as close as D.C. and as far away as the Philippines. She also used the lockdown to get certified as an Ayurveda Wellness Instructor through Chopra Health, which inspires her teachings in movement, dance and embodiment classes. lamaezing.com // @LaMazing
Mona Laviñia Garcia
Endurance Athlete + Trainer
A fitness enthusiast, notable instructor at Rumble in D.C. DC Run Crew’s Shekinah + Frank Tramble.
and Lululemon Ambassador, Garcia has inspired residents to push themselves with what has been a less than desirable time for most. With two of her friends she formed the Northeast Track Club, creating a space for people to push themselves athletically. @monalavinia + @ne_trackclub
DJ Gerrish
Instructor, SoulCycle + Barry’s Bootcamp
Gerrish has been at SoulCycle since 2016 and is a founding instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp in Clarendon. He always provides a high-energy environment in his classes and leads with an ode to current and past pop music, providing a soundtrack of sing-a-longs that sets a fun tone for clients to push themselves. During Covid, he moved to teaching online classes on Instagram and YouTube, while also training privately. barrys.com + soul-cycle.com // @djgerrish + @soulcycle
Chase McKesey
Co-Owner, Sweat DC + Founder, Trophy Body
Within the DMV McKesey leads community health initiatives for the Mayor’s office, MLB and NFL. Most recently, he became co-owner of Sweat DC. McKesey hopes for every client who trains at Sweat DC is to leave each session with more than just a workout. Since access to gyms, equipment and health services was at an all-time low during the pandemic, he began what he calls a “green eggs and ham” training policy, meaning training anywhere with anything. beacons.page/trophybody + trophybodyonline.com // @trophybodypt
Caren Plummer
Founder + Yoga Instructor, cp: yoga
She’s your classic DMV yoga instructor grinding at a desk job during the day. During the pandemic, Plummer saw an opportunity to make an impact: she picked nonprofits each month to raise money for, and got serious about launching her own brand, cp: yoga. Since the IG days (offering sessions during the lockdown), her community of friends, family members and peers have raised close to $10,000 for organizations like SYMAL, Hearts of Empowerment, To Write Love on Her Arms and many more. cpyoga.fitness // @care_plummer
Frank + Shekinah Tramble Co-Founders, DC Run Crew
The Trambles started DC Run Crew as a safe place for people to begin their fitness journeys and mentally train along with their bodies. Since starting, over 3,000 people have joined for runs. During Covid, they got creative and posted virtual workouts to keep the community connected, supported frontline workers with food donations and checked in on people so community was always felt. DC Run Crew is now back in person. The Trambles continue to preach the same message every day: “Tackle a Monday and you are set up for success throughout the week.” dcruncrew.com // @fit_tram + @shekinahasana DISTRICT FRAY | 71
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Timbo Williams
Group Fitness Instructor, Equinox
Williams finds fitness as the best opportunity for escape: facing one’s fears, stress, frustrations, or anxiety and applying it to the workout at hand. Each day he supports and encourages his community through fitness to become more physically and mentally grounded. During Covid, Williams offered fitness tips on social media and led outdoor bootcamp classes. equinox.com + timbowilliams.com // @equinox + @timbowilliams
10 FITNESS PLAYGROUNDS TO VISIT Balance Gym
Balance inspires members to create balance within their lives by demonstrating how fitness can be fun and sustainable. They know there’s more to staying fit than just getting regular exercise. While there, explore their fitness arena which helps you discover your true inner athlete. Various locations; balancegym.com // @balancegym
cp:yoga
cp:yoga was created as a welcoming and open space for all, inspiring people to show up intentionally. Community is at the root of all cp:yoga does; they’ve seen its power to move, change and inspire people to leave this world better than they found it. Online + various locations; cpyoga.fitness // @cpyoga.fitness
Cut Seven
Founded by a married couple, Cut Seven classes focus on different muscle groups each day to achieve complete muscle failure with optimum recovery. Each isolated workout plays into a larger program. At their Logan Circle location, indoor classes require vaccines; those who opted out of the vaccine can attend classes at their outdoor space at 1401 Swann Street. 1101 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; cutseven.com // @cutseven
District Pilates
#Pilatesforthepeople! A boutique Reformer Studio located in the heart of Shaw and Petworth, District Pilates offers private, semi-private and group classes using both Peak Pilates Reformers and Chairs. Classes range from beginner to advanced and can be targeted and tailored based on clients’ needs. Various locations; districtpilatesdc.com // @districtpilates
HARD Training Club
Based in Adams Morgan, HARD Training offers private and group boxing classes. They provide that old-school vibe of a
down-to-earth boxing environment with all the aesthetics. During Covid, HARD Training offered socially distanced, outdoor sessions in Meridian Hill Park. 1726 Kalorama Rd. NW, DC; hardtrainingclub-dc.com // @hiithardtraining
Northeast Track Club
During the pandemic a group of three friends, Carl, Vonks and Mona, formed the Northeast Track Club, bringing together their passions for running and community. Northeast Track Club prioritizes inclusion and motivation, enabling members to pursue self betterment by knowing and pushing your own limits. @ne_trackclub
Rumble Boxing
Rumble’s private boxing studios are decked out with a stockpile of weights and sports performance equipment, including individual aqua bags. Whether you want to clean up your boxing technique, ramp up your fitness routine, work with a Rumble trainer on personalized fitness goals, or get a behindthe-scenes boost before your first class, they’ve got you covered. 2001 M St. Ste. 120, NW, DC; rumbleboxinggym.com // @doyourumble
[solidcore]
Pilates redefined: a 50-minute, full-body workout that utilizes slow and controlled movements, designed to break down muscles to failure so they build back stronger and leaner. It’s an immersive experience under blue neon lights with energizing music, an encouraging coach and a community of people working to create the strongest version of themselves. Various locations; solidcore.co // @solidcore
Sweat DC
Find your sweat in Petworth with Sweat DC, a studio that believes fitness should be fun, inclusive, challenging, and inspirational. Sweat DC was founded on the “come as you are” principle. It combines dope music, top-notch coaching and science-backed workouts with a supportive community geared to help you become confident in your skin. Various locations; sweatdc.com // @sweatdc
VIDA Fitness
A premier fitness space, VIDA offers an array of services to meet every fitness need throughout the city. During the pandemic, they formed the VIDA Fitness Medical Advisory Board to ensure a safe space for members to work out. Various locations; vidafitness.com // @vidafitnessdc
AN ANCHOR TO GROUND ME This past year, like the fitness spaces and coaches listed above, I wanted to get creative as a small business owner and in my athletic goals. To push myself, I took on the task of training for eight months with a coach and utilizing modified CrossFit endurance training. The purpose? To run 100 miles nonstop on October 7 to raise money for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who needed Covid-19 relief funds. Along with the rest of the world, I went through ups and downs in many areas during the pandemic. My most hit area, though, was my mentality. The 100-mile training provided an anchor to ground me and help with my thought processes and routine. I commend the entire fitness industry of Washington, D.C., who roll with the punches and help ground locals physically, mentally, and in many cases spiritually. 72 | DECEMBER 2021
For too long, I was horrendous at maintaining any semblance of a postworkout recovery routine. Was I one of those people who got up from the spin bike as the instructor started the cool-down track, and when the instructor said, “For those leaving early remember to stretch,” would I nod in agreement? Yep, that was me. And no, I didn’t stretch. Did I often leave a vinyasa flow yoga practice as we were entering savasana, arguably the most relaxing aspect of class where you end in a resting and rejuvenating pose? Guilty. Did I use every minute of my lunch break to get in a lifting workout, then rush back to my work area without so much as a quick quad or calf stretch to loosen tight muscles? Me again. Eventually, my muscle soreness became more painful and for longer periods of time, with the surprise bonus of some intense back issues. Throw in months of physical therapy sessions and a few cortisone shots and it all led back to one thing — I was not letting my body properly recover. In fact, I’ve come to learn that recovery is the single most important part of a workout. It keeps muscles loose to prevent cramping and further injuries, and helps accelerate progress. Fitness, nutrition and physiology experts helped break down the importance of recovery and how to get into a simple routine that will have your muscles, posture and overall wellbeing thanking you.
WORDS BY ALEX THOMPSON
EXPERT’S CORNER We caught up with three local pros who gave us their top tips for recovering post-workout: Shakeelah Sutton, exercise physiologist, yoga teacher and founder of the calm/cool collective; Katie Henry, a registered dietician and certified personal trainer; and Amelia McNamara, the owner and founder of A-List Fit. District Fray: Why is it important to allow yourself to recover after a workout? Sutton: Anytime we exercise, we’re putting stress on the body. Although this type of stress is considered eustress, or stress that has a positive outcome, it’s important to allow the body adequate time to heal and recover from the demands placed on it. Many people may think gains happen during workouts, when in reality it’s during the recovery period that muscles are able to adapt and rebuild. Inadequate recovery time can lead to overtraining, performance regression or injury. How does one get into a post-workout routine? McNamara: Pick one thing to change a week or a month and make that into a habit before you add on to something else. Start small: think breathing exercise before bed and commit yourself to staying the extra five minutes to stretch after a
workout. You don’t have to become a recovery mavin and do everything under the sun overnight — make it sustainable. What is a good post-workout recovery routine for beginners? Henry: It does not have to be anything fancy. First off, make sure you cool your body down by either doing five minutes of light cardio or slowly decrease the amount of weight you are lifting if focusing on strength training. Following that, complete around five to 10 minutes of static stretches focusing mostly on the muscles you used (especially if strength training). The rest of the time before your next workout, the most important thing is to keep your body active. This means you should walk around for a few minutes every hour and/or complete a short yoga routine morning or night. If you are experiencing intense soreness from your workout, try completing a few bodyweight
FIRST PAGE. Amelia McNamara. Photo by Carl Maynard. SECOND PAGE FROM LEFT. Shakeelah Sutton + Katie Henry. Photos courtesy of subjects.
DISTRICT FRAY | 75
PLAY | BEGINNER’S GUIDE repetitions of the exercises that caused the soreness in the first place. This will help loosen up those muscles to recover quicker. What role does the mind play in post workout recovery? Sutton: Recovery not only provides reprieve for the body, but for the mind as well. When you experience a stressful event, whether it is due to vigorous exercise or daily life, your sympathetic nervous system ignites the “fight or flight” response which causes physiological changes to occur throughout your body so it can best respond to it. While this is a healthy and necessary function, chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to sleep disturbances, decreased immune function and depression. Incorporating an intentional recovery routine allows the mind an opportunity to relax, thus aiding in the deactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and stress response.
of the biggest things people forget about, especially in the D.C. area, and especially now with everyone working from home 24/7 with a phone nearby. Simple recovery starts with maximizing your sleep and seeing if you are getting the right amount of sleep each night. I also believe in mobility flows, so I do something called animal flow — taking not just an isolated stretch like a hamstring stretch but moving your body through different points of motion as you stretch — active flow stretching, not just sitting static. As far as foam rolling goes, I
tend to see people go overboard with it. They get a neurological response that it feels good to keep doing it. It’s best to foam roll before workouts because it stimulates the blood flow and breaks down fascia in the body. Follow Shakeelah Sutton @cool_shak and learn more about calm/cool collective by visiting calmcool.co or following on Instagram @calmcoolco. Follow Amelia McNamara at @ amelia_r_mcnamara and learn more about A-List Fit by visiting alistfit.co.
TIPS FOR BEGINNING A POST-WORKOUT ROUTINE 1. Keep It Simple. Start with committing to staying an extra five minutes after your workout to do some static stretching and diaphragmatic breathing (in through your nose out through your mouth). 2. Have A Snack Ready. Prep some quick complex carb/protein heavy snacks that you can easily have ready to consume post-workout (handful of nuts and fruit, cheese stick and hardboiled egg, peanut butter on toast with banana).
What are some key things to think about when it comes to post-workout nutrition? Henry: The most important thing is to focus on what you are eating, and the other aspect is when. Post-workout snacks should be mostly lean protein and complex carbohydrates and the key timing is to eat as soon as possible, but definitely within an hour postworkout. That is when the muscle fibers are still broken down so consuming the protein as quickly as possible will speed up the building back up of those fibers. This will look different for everyone, depending on what types of foods you eat, but some ideas are: Small fruit smoothie with nut butter and spinach Hard-boiled egg with fruit on the side Small Greek yogurt bowl with oats and berries Toast with nut butter and banana slices What are some simple actions one can do to recover from an intense workout? McNamara: Sleep is probably one 76 | DECEMBER 2021
3. Don’t Forget Sleep. Maximize the amount of sleep you are getting at night and shut off your phone when you hit the sheets. 4. Listen To Your Body. Adjust your post-workout stretching routine as you need based on how your body is feeling. If you are feeling lower back pain, the culprit could be some tight hamstrings. So ultimately, be sure you are checking in with your body and see what needs attention. Illustration by James Coreas.
FUN
ILLUSTRATION BY E$ 78 | DECEMBER 2021
Follow E$ on Instagram @theedollarsign.
FUN
ILLUSTRATION BY E$
Follow E$ on Instagram @theedollarsign.
IN OTHER WORDS
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE GREEN HAIR
Multidisciplinary artist Ashley Jaye Williams on reinventing her craft
WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER Imagine working at a restaurant with dreams of working in a creative field. Then, a fixture of the art world takes a seat in your section. What would you do? Langston Hughes famously shared his poems with established poet Vachel Lindsay while working as a busboy at Wardman Park Hotel. Ashley Jaye Williams did the same with painter and entrepreneur Maggie O’Neill at a D.C. restaurant — with one caveat. “I was waiting on Maggie and a friend of hers,” Williams recalls. “I actually didn’t know who Maggie was. I was trying to pitch myself more to her friend who worked in advertising becuase I was thinking of getting into advertising design. I was showing them my art portfolio on my phone. I did this for an hour. I didn’t have anything to lose.” In her failed attempt to pitch to O’Neill’s friend, she landed her dream job instead. “The other woman wasn’t interested. She politely declined. O’Neill asked though, ‘Why don’t you come to my studio down the street on Monday and we’ll talk?’” The talk turned into an assistant position for Williams, who helped O’Neill complete painting projects and odd jobs around the studio for two years before venturing into solo work in 2017. Fast forward almost five years later and it’s hard not to stumble upon Williams’ art. Now as a freelance artist, her resume is as vast and diverse as the different mediums she uses, including a recent solo exhibit at Homme Gallery; a section at the widely popular Umbrella art festival last month; illustrating the cover for the iconic Ms. Magazine’s 50th Anniversary; performing an art piece with her husband at Maggie O’Neill’s Disco to the Go-Go exhibit; creating printmaking art on upcycled clothing; painting murals around the city; and working on multiple commissioned projects at once with companies like Google. Simply put, she is constantly reinventing her craft and looking for her 80 | DECEMBER 2021
“The Model Mutiny” performance at Disco DC. Photo courtesy of Ashley Jaye Williams.
IN OTHER WORDS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP. “4 Portraits of 1 Woman,” 2021. Acrylic on canvas. “Braided Lady,” 2020. Arcylic on canvas. “Still Life with Digital Domestic Altar,” 2020. Acrylic on canvas. Artwork by Ashley Jaye Williams.
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IN OTHER WORDS next venture — while simultaneously working on three other projects. When speaking with Williams, you can see the gears turning behind her eyes. She is both a cerebral thinker and a creative spirit, using her talents to make people question and push back on societal norms of sex taboos, race and gender. She also is a champion for local artists and is always ready to sneak in a fellow artist’s name to promote or praise them in conversation. Growing up in a single-mother household, Williams moved to multiple states across the U.S. (Ohio, Georgia and “one of the Dakotas”) before making D.C. her home the past 15 years. She credits her formative years for fueling her passion for activism and catalyzing positive change through art. Whether vibrant art-deco meets psychedelic illustration designs, abstract paintings, or collaborating with husband and fellow artist Anthony Le, Williams’ art is always eye-catching and full of details that expose a deeper narrative. We sat down with Williams to learn more about her tireless work ethic, her artistic goals and the symbolism behind her brilliant green hair. When did you realize you wanted to be an artist? Always. I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to make cartoons. And then when I started reading and learned what illustrators were, I wanted to become one. As I grew up, each time I learned of an artistic job I would want to do it. You have such hustle and dabble in so many types of art mediums (illustration, painting, sculptures and performance art to name a few). What compels you to create with multiple mediums? I think I would get bored if I didn’t. I see my work and everything I do creatively as part of a studio practice. So part of that [mindset] is to fail and learn and try new things and grow and challenge yourself. If something scares me, I do it. There [was a] time when I felt it was a bad quality to do so many things because I should be more focused. But now I see it as definitely a strength. It’s exciting to be scared of something then accomplish it and think, “Whoa, I truly didn’t think that I could do this and I proved to myself I could,” which leads me to wonder, “What else do I think I can’t do that I can do?” Do you think Covid-19 impacted how you view your own art and creative process? Definitely, because before Covid I was just in the hustle of it and my rates were lower. I was having to [do] double to triple [the work of] what I do now. Once I didn’t have any work, I was just freaking out and worried about money and everything. After a certain point I realized I can’t control anything and I could be stressing out all the time, or see it as having time to make my own work. I hadn’t had the luxury to focus on just my personal [non-comissioned] art in years. I was always thinking, “Oh God, what does the client want?” When I didn’t have to appease anybody, I just started doing my own thing and I got such a good response from it. It taught me that if you take six months to get new clients and do your research and pitch, you will get a return. If you don’t have money, it’s really scary. But it’s worth it. After Covid [lockdown] my rates increased and then I decided I only wanted to take projects I wanted. If you keep taking the low-paying projects, you don’t make any room for the bigger projects.
82 | DECEMBER 2021
You are known for your signature green hair and your solo exhibit at Homme is fittingly called “Green Haired Woman.” Was that intentional or did you dye your hair and it became part of your identity by accident? I don’t know why I decided to dye my hair green — I just wanted to. Then I made a deal with someone who had a hair salon to trade a hair appointment for a mural, and I was empowered by it. I had an eating disorder for over a decade. I used to drink water and then weigh myself. I’ve always had bad body dysmorphia; I don’t know if it’ll ever go away and it freaks me out because I’m so visually dependent. When I looked in the mirror before [dying my hair], I had so many ideas about what I should look like that were attached to brown-haired Ashley. I knew what brown-haired Ashley should weigh and what her measurements should be. I have all these standards and all this bullshit for her. But I don’t have the [same standards with] green hair. It’s kind of a wildcard. I haven’t spent my lifetime thinking about what green-haired Ashley should do. It kind of gives me this freedom: It lets people know that I’m weird. It’s a nice disclaimer so if somebody is really uptight, I don’t have to deal with it. It does some natural selection for me. How do you want audiences to view your art? There are all these images of women in art history sitting and looking pretty and docile. And then there are images of women looking lusty — anything that is different [from the male gaze norm] stands out incredibly. There should be more of these types of images. My goal with my subjects is to highlight their strangeness in a way that isn’t necessarily polarizing, [but rather] subtle. [I want people to] accept the strangeness that’s part of them. I’m trying to get away from binary ideas that paint absolutes: People aren’t like that. I want people to embrace their own strangeness from seeing my work. Your artist statement reads, “Typically my work deals with themes of rebellion through otherness, and aims to explore the discord of modern life and technology within the hellish landscape of the systematically racist patriarchy that is America (specifically, from my point of view of as a woman living in the nation’s capital).” Can you provide an example of one of your artworks that embodies this sentiment? I have this one piece that everyone seems to respond to called “Dick Vampire.” The reference image is from a porn still. It’s a woman near a man’s dick. She has vampire teeth and he has teeth marks and his dick is bleeding. There’s blood on her too. I originally thought, “Oh, no one’s going to like this because it’s crass,” but the painting is for every time a guy pushed my head down or tried to pressure me into some shit — I could have just bitten their dick off. Women are powerful and just because someone finds us visually pleasing doesn’t mean that we can’t hurt you. I just wanted that to be a reminder that you should always respect women. How would you characterize D.C.’s arts community? I think it’s definitely a vibrant arts community. Specific wards get funding for the arts and the people highlighted are those from more privileged areas in D.C. I would love if the D.C. art scene kept growing and new voices were highlighted. I love finding artists and working with people who maybe don’t have as much experience as I do, and then helping them figure out stuff I had to learn the hard way. I do wish the D.C. arts
scene was a little more aggressive. For instance, [I love the political street artist Absurdly Well’s aesthetic]. I love how his message hits people and how he makes an impact. I would like to see more work of that nature in D.C. and I would also like to see more performance art.
Artist(s) you are influenced by? A retrospective of Huang Yong Ping’s work in Beijing was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. Aubrey Beardsley has great lines. I also like Monty Montgomery, Juzo Itami, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Harmony Korine, Studio Ghibli, etc. Why has Dolly Parton been a recent muse? A client is a big fan of Dolly Parton and so I was playing around with some images of her, but I am also a big Dolly fan myself. Favorite winter/holiday activity in D.C.? I always love going to Chinatown Express and getting a big bowl of seafood noodle soup when it gets cold out. What’s your go-to art gallery or museum? Homme Gallery and everything Amir Browder does with D.C. and the arts is amazing. I think Culture House and Mehari Sequar Gallery always have great shows too. The Arena Social Club space by Ian Callender opened with a strong show by Lex Marie so I am excited to see what they do next. Literally ANYTHING No Kings Collective puts on is going to be great too. Also Joseph Orzal is opening up an art space in Baltimore and I am excited to see anything he wants to curate and/or create. Night owl or early bird? I like to work late but I don’t like to stay out late to socialize. I wake up around 6 a.m. out of habit/anxiety most days so if I can go to bed at nine or 10 p.m. I am incredibly thrilled. Coffee or tea? I am ashamed to say ice-less cold brew year round. Who would you like to collaborate with that you have not? Chris Pyrate does so many things at once so seamlessly. Yuen Hoang is an amazing painter who I would love to paint a mural with. Nia Keturah Calhoun is also a total visionary. Studio Sonic is one of the most innovative groups in the city, so I am looking for any reason to collaborate with them. Also Tribute and the women behind it; what they do as far as bridging art and fashion is unlike anything else in D.C. Luckily I also have a forever-collaborator in the form of my husband and fellow painter Anthony Le (we share a home studio). Favorite cartoon/animation? I love the movie “Fantastic Planet,” and the soundtrack is superb. Growing up I identified as a Nickelodeon Kid (versus Disney Kids, who sucked), so I was totally in awe of “Rocko’s Modern Life,” “Doug,” Ren & Stimpy,” and “Daria.” I also like anything stop-motion. To see more of Ashley Jaye Williams’ art and learn about her upcoming exhibits, performances and installations, visit ashleyjayewilliams.com or follow her on Instagram at @ashleyjayewilliams.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW
COMMUNITY
EVENTS CALENDAR
Welcome to our hub for discovering exciting new events occurring around the DMV. All of our community events will be submitted by readers and local partners like you who are the heartbeat of D.C. and tapped into the latest cultural happenings. VISIT THE NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Have an event in mind that you want to share? Visit districtfray.com/community-events.
SEEN
BOUNCE BEAT + BEYOND. On November 21, District Fray and Events DC teamed up to celebrate go-go music at Lincoln Theatre, the third installment of our “For the Love of D.C.” event series. The show featured top local go-go bands including New Impressionz, TCB, TOB and The Made Band. Photos by VividDope.
84 | DECEMBER 2021
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