District Fray Magazine // August 2023

D.C.’S CREATIVE PLAYGROUND

back-to-school mode: unique coworking spots, experience-based classes + more kayaking101

30 locals remixing the work-life-play balance

your D.C. mural map

fall bar forecast: 5 new spots to try

Virginia getaways

flower power: farms, workshops + events

RUNNE R + DJ MATT GREEN

ON THE COVER Subjects

Eric Dolgas, Matt Green +

Kimberly Kong

Photographer

Birch Thomas Location

“E$ Was Here” mural by Eric “E$” Dolgas, located on the Metropolitan Branch Trail

EDITORIAL STAFF

Robert Kinsler

Publisher + CEO

Monica Alford

Editor-in-Chief + Director of Media

Nicole Schaller

Deputy Editor

Claire Smalley

Creative Director

Nicole Bennett + Sally Rafidi

Editorial designers

Jamie McCrary + Abi Newhouse

Contributing editors

Writers

Annie Agnone, Heather Bien, Trent Johnson, Colleen Kennedy, Priya Konings, Keith Loria, Nevin Martell, Jamie McCrary, Myles Mellor, Travis Mitchell, Paige Mueller, Abi Newhouse, Jackson Sinnenberg, Andrew J. Williams III

Photographers + Illustrators

Ben Droz Photography, Kimchi

Photography, Scott Suchman

UNITED FRAY

Martin Espinoza President

Brittany Rheault COO

Quentin Shank

Sales Manager

Tom Roth

Key Account Manager

Lauren Gay + Saige Elise Jackson Account Executives

L TO R. Birch Thomas, Monica Alford, Eric “E$” Dolgas, Kimberly Kong, Matt Green, Nicole Schalller + Julian Thomas. Photo by Birch Thomas.

D.C.’S CREATIVE PLAYGROUND. I feel like this happens to most of us every year, but I’m in total disbelief that August is here and summer is almost over. The past eight months have been a constant whirlwind of packed print issues, thriving digital content, thoughtfully curated experiences and successful events bringing our community together. I may be a broken record, but I can’t reiterate enough how 2023 feels like D.C.’s year. We are hungry for connection, eager to hustle and have no signs of slowing down any time soon.

This energy was palpable at our last two events, Art Out Loud and How D.C. Moves. In both cases, I felt like we were finally able to craft the experience we had been dreaming of for years to bring people together and highlight so many up-and-coming artists, musicians, curators and other talented entrepreneurs. Community building is at the core of everything we do, and it really showed through our summer parties.

Art Out Loud was our first official Capital Pride event with 600+ locals kicking off Pride weekend with us at Selina Union Market & Cowork, where we took over three floors for an epic party featuring 30+ makers, artists, performers, DJs, emcees and activations. The resounding feedback we received from attendees was not only did we throw a rad party, but we also created an inclusive space for the entire LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate — and bambi’s rooftop garden disco ball performance 100% stole the show (IYKYK).

How D.C. Moves was perfectly timed with the opening of metrobar’s Metro car-turned-bar. We created a movementbased experience from start to finish for hundreds of

attendees including roller skating and skateboarding activations, live painting of murals and 20+ District Fray Magazine boxes (keep your eyes peeled for where these pop up around the city!), an impromptu dance party with endless beats from DJs Jerome Baker III and Quartermaine, plus tarot reading, a pop-up vintage clothing market and a disco ballthemed photo activation.

Our August issue draws inspiration from our curated events, where we highlight different pockets of the city’s creative community. We combined the themes of “Back to School” and “How We Work + Play” to create a through line: “D.C.’s Creative Playground.” This month, we are focused on how the city with the most hustle is filled with talented locals who’ve found a way to either turn their passion into their profession or balance doing what they love with what pays the bills in the most impressive of ways.

The takeaway? This is the year of the multihyphenate. We are all carving out our own niche and discovering new ways to collaborate, and we’re still having fun while doing it. Our cover concept says it all: Where else would a muralist, runner by day and DJ by night, and digital marketer-meets-foodie all be in their element at the exact same moment? We hope you enjoy delving into this issue to read about all the ways D.C. is a rapidly growing force to be reckoned with, and home to endless experiences and an insane amount of talent.

MONICA ALFORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Libby Rasmussen + Monica Alford at How D.C. Moves, inside metrobar’s Metro car-turned-bar. Photo by Ben Droz Photography.

HOW D.C. MOVES. On June 29, we welcomed locals to our summer party with exclusive first access to metrobar’s Metro car-turned-bar. Attendees were invited to get a tarot reading, peruse a pop-up vintage clothing shop, check out a live mural activation, and interact with local artists as they live painted 25 of District Fray’s news boxes. DJs Jerome Baker III and Quartermaine kept the beats up all night long while everyone enjoyed roller skating activations from Chocolate City Skate, The Link Up DC and other local skaters, and skateboarding activations from Zootania

Bros. Photos by Ben Droz Photography and Kimchi Photography.

RADAR

Casa Kantuta Co-Owner Carla Sanchez. Photo by Mack Ordaya.

Off the Clock

with Carla Sanchez

WORDS BY HEATHER BIEN

Running the first Bolivian cocktail bar in the country (yes, the entire country) is a full-time job, but Carla Sanchez does it in addition to heading SCDC The Agency, a full-service social media agency specializing in local hospitality and BIPOC clients.

Inspired by her grandmother, who Sanchez describes as, “the party animal of the family. Every birthday and occasion was like New Years,” she started Casa Kantuta to bring Bolivia’s rich culture to D.C.

It’s a passion project started by Sanchez and her brother, Juan Sanchez. Their grandmother’s signature drink guided the menu.

“Signani with orange juice and ice,” Sanchez says. “That was her cocktail. It has a flowery, fresh scent, and previously, you couldn’t find it in D.C.”

Sanchez’s talent for storytelling is apparent as she describes the community effort it took to build Casa Kantuta. Bolivian friends and family from across the area pitched in decor and art, helping her create a space that would transport and educate guests.

Five nights a week, Sanchez is working at Casa Kantuta, but in her other hours, she’s dedicated to capturing content for her clients. After first starting her blog, Spicy Candy DC, in 2009, Sanchez transitioned to running SCDC The Agency four years ago. Now, she focuses on social media management, content creation and influencer campaigns for clients that include El Tamarindo and GlowRx Skincare.

Sanchez blends her day job with running Casa Kantuta daily.

“The bar has become the number one place I do client work when I’m not at home,” she says.

Sanchez often gets to the bar at 2 p.m. to meet with the beverage director, then jumps back into work. She finds herself at the bar with herlaptop in hand as happy hour sets in, and she encourages others to do the same.

“It’s not ruining the ambiance at all to wrap up the workday while enjoying happy hour.”

The coming months are full of planning upcoming events like singani tastings, live music and collaborations with Bolivian artists, but Sanchez still finds time to get out and explore the food and bar scene that inspired her to start Casa Kantuta. We asked her where she finds herself grabbing coffee, settling in for happy hour and where she goes when she’s out in the suburbs.

Before a Shift

I stay very local with my favorite spots — anywhere I can walk and anywhere close to the bar. Jolt ’N Bolt in Dupont Circle is my office away from home. I’ve been coming here since I moved

to the area, and they know my order. I’ll walk in and they have my iced latte waiting. They’ve become family to me.

After a Shift

I love Colada Shop’s rooftop because I can hold meetings with clients, do work and then transition to happy hour. Plus, I can bring my 10-month-old puppy, Canela. I also work from El Tamarindo a lot, and I stop by Taqueria Al Lado at least twice a week for their tacos. I’m always at Vagabond , which opened last year on 18th Street and has a great brunch scene. Code Red is good for appetizers and chill vibes, and The Green Zone is down the street from the bar. I’ll stop by for cocktails and small apps for happy hour. Jane Jane is another favorite for their cocktails and service.

The Rare Night Off

It’s nice to get away to the suburbs and spend time with my family in Springfield, Virginia. My dad does the most wonderful Bolivian barbecue (one day, when Casa Kantuna has a full kitchen, he’d love to cook there). I might pick up Bolivian snacks at La Cochabambinita while I’m there. And, if I can find the time to log off for a full 48 hours, I like to get away and experience the vibe of a different city nearby, like Baltimore or Richmond.

Follow Sanchez’s ventures at scdctheagency.com and on Instagram @scdctheagency and @spicycandydc.

Casa Kantuta: 2309 18th St. NW, DC; casakantuta.com // @casakantuta

Code Red: 2440 18th St. NW, DC; codereddc.com // @codereddc

Colada Shop: Multiple locations; coladashop.com // @coladashop

El Tamarindo: 1785 Florida Ave. NW, DC; eltamarindodc.com // @eltamarindodc

Green Zone: 2226 18th St. NW, DC; thegreenzonedc.com // @thegreenzonedc

Jane Jane: 1705 14th St. NW, DC; janejanedc.com // @janejanedc

Jolt ’N Bolt: 1918 18th St. NW, DC; joltnboltcoffee.com

La Cochabambinita: 6653 Little River Tpke. Annandale, VA; lacochabambina.weebly.com

Taquiera Al Lado: 1790 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; taqueriaallado.com // @taquierallado

Vagabond: 1836 18th St. NW, DC; vagabonddc.com // @dcvagabond

Calendar

Where to soak up the final days of summer

WORDS BY PAIGE H. MULLER

Summer isn’t over quite yet. August might be the last month of the season, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy it across the DMV. To help you make the most of these final summer days, we’ve compiled a jam-packed roundup of the best things to do in the area.

8.1

CULTURE UNMUTED: A ONE ACT PLAY AT ADAMS MORGAN COMMUNITY CENTER

Inspired by the Don’t Mute DC movement, this production explores the tensions between gentrification and what was once Chocolate City as a young go-go artist prepares for

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION TOUR AT JIFFY LUBE LIVE

You *wish* your high school reunion was going to be like this. “Drop It Like It’s Hot” as rap legends Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Wiz Khalifa and Too Short roll into the DMV like “It’s Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” $35+. 6 p.m. 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; livenation.com // @livenation

8.1-8.13

DISCO FEVER AT SIGNATURE THEATRE

It’s like Studio 54 all over again. The music of Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross, The Bee Gees and more comes alive in a cabaret-style show featuring classic hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Last Dance,” “I Will Survive” and “We Are Family.” $45. Times vary. 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; sigtheatre.org // @sigtheatre

Jon Batiste at DC Jazz Fest. Photo by Jati Lindsay.

Modern Residences

8.1-8.27

FUN HOME AT STUDIO THEATRE

Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, the Tony-winning musical tells her story about childhood and family secrets through pivotal moments in her life. $60+. Times vary. 1501 14th St. NW, DC; studiotheatre.org // @studiotheatre

8.1-8.31

DRUNK SHAKESPEARE AT SAGE THEATRE

Shots, shots, shots! You’ve never experienced Shakespeare quite like this. Watch a classically-trained actor take shots of whiskey and attempt to perform a role in a Shakespeare play as the rest of the cast tries to carry on. $39+. Times vary. 1100 13th St. NW, DC; drunkshakespeare.com // @drunkshakespeare

8.2-8.31

WEDNESDAY MUSICAL TRIVIA AT WUNDER GARTEN

If you love music and trivia, put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. Free. 6:30 p.m. 1101 First St. NE, DC; wundergartendc.com // @wundergartendc

8.3

LIVE! AT THE LIBRARY: BACHATA CLASS AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

With music charts heating up with bachata tunes from the

and learn the moves to this popular Latin dance. Free. 6:30 p.m. 10 1st St. SE, DC; loc.gov // @librarycongress

8.3

PHILLIPS AFTER 5 AT THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION

Inspired by the current exhibit of Frank Stewart’s music photographs, DC Jazz Festival takes over and transforms the art gallery into a jazz club with live music. BBQ, island fare, rum punch and brews for sale. $20. 5 p.m. 1600 21st St. NW, DC; phillipscollection.org // @phillipscollection

SUMMER ON THE PLAZA SERIES: SKATE NIGHT AT TYSONS CORNER

Whizzing around on roller skates isn’t just the stuff sixth grade birthday party dreams are made of. Get your skates on and get ready to roll with DC Fray and Tysons Corner. Free. 6 p.m. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd. Tysons, VA; dcfray.com // @dcfray

8.3-8.5

ZAINAB JOHNSON AT THE COMEDY LOFT

Hailed by Variety as a Top 10 Comic to Watch, the rising star tells jokes from a unique point of view growing up as one of 13 siblings in a Muslim family. $20+. Times vary. 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

Crystal City Sports Pub, open every day of the year, is a fantastic sports bar where you can catch all the games. Renowned for serving the finest crab cakes in town, they also host exciting weekly events like poker nights and open mic comedy nights.

8.4

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT NGA SCULPTURE GARDEN

It’s the last call of the summer for the uber-popular concert series with an evening of homegrown music and inventive takes on country, rock and pop classics as performed by the Seldom Scene. Unlike years past, you’ll need to enter a lottery to win a chance to attend. Free. 6 p.m. National Mall between 7th + 9th Streets NW, DC; nga.gov // @ngadc

SAM SMITH: GLORIA TOUR AT CAPITAL ONE ARENA

Yaas! Calling it “an unapologetically gay cabaret and homage to Madonna,” the “Unholy” singer brings their Gloria tour to the District. Two tickets, please and thank you. $76+. 8 p.m. 601 F St. NW, DC; capitalonearena.com // @capitalonearena

8.4-8.5

ROY WOOD JR. AT DC IMPROV

The potential future host of the “Daily Show” makes a triumphant return to D.C. after his stint throwing zingers at Joe Biden, Clarence Thomas and Tucker Carlson at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. $39+. Times vary. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

8.5

DC JOLLOF FESTIVAL AT HALF STREET FAIRGROUNDS

Bring your appetite for a taste of West Africa and vote to crown the winner of the head-to-head “Jollof Wars” battle that

pits each country against each other for culinary supremacy. $25+. 2 p.m. 1201 Half St. SE; jolloffestival.com // @jolloffestival

WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL AT NATIONAL HARBOR

Enjoy food trucks, music and the stunning views of thousands of lanterns reflecting on the water at night. $26.98+. 5:30 p.m. 802 National Harbor Blvd. Oxon Hill, MD; waterlanternfestival.com // @waterlanternfestival

8.5-8.6

BEYONCE RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR AT FEDEX FIELD America’s biggest pop star hasn’t hit the road in seven years. Don’t miss your chance to catch her performing new music like “Cuff It” alongside old favorites like “Crazy in Love,” “Irreplaceable” and “Halo.” $250+. 7 p.m. 1600 FedEx Way Landover, MD; commanders.com // @fedexfield

8.5 + 8.12

LISTEN LIVE AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL

Bring a blanket and experience an iconic evening as the U.S. Army Band plays on the east steps of the Lincoln Memorial while the sun sets. Free. 8 p.m. 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW, DC; usarmyband.com // @usarmyband

DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 10/31/2023. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months

8.7

P!NK: SUMMER CARNIVAL AT NATS PARK

“Dance Again” on the largest tour of P!Nk’s career and “Raise Your Glass” to Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Grouplove and KidCutUp who join the lineup. $45+. 6:30 p.m. 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; mlb.com/nationals // @nationals

8.8

DEATH CAFE AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY

Drink tea, eat cake and discuss death in a historic cemetery. But not in a morbid way. Free. 6 p.m. 1801 E St. SE, DC; congressionalcemetery.org // @congcemetery

DINING IN THE DARK AT AMBAR CLARENDON

Taste and touch your way through a delicious lunch or dinner, one dish at a time. While blindfolded. $90. Times vary. 2901 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; feverup.com // @fever_us

MONTHLY TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES WITH DC FRAY AT ALETHIA TANNER PARK

With a sound reminiscent of Miranda Lambert or Tyler Childers, country singer Darcy Dawn delivers a live, acoustic performance. Free. 6:30 p.m. 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, DC; nomabid.org // @noma.bid

8.9

ROCK THE DOCK SUMMER CONCERT AT THE WHARF

The waterfront will be rockin’ with the chill riddim of local reggae band Nkula. Grab a snack and an ice cold beer and enjoy the summer vibes. Free. 7 p.m. 970 Wharf St. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc

8.10-8.12

“CARRIE: THE MUSICAL” AT ATLAS THEATRE

If you thought your prom was bad … One of the worst prom nights ever gets the musical treatment in this revamped version of the infamous 1988 production about a young woman with telekinetic powers. $10+. Times vary. 1333 H St. NE, DC; atlasarts.org // @atlaspacdc

8.10-8.13

CABARET: ’80S ROCK AT THE OLNEY THEATRE CENTER

Relive the decade of big hair, big riffs and big voices with live performances of unforgettable songs from pop to hair metal and indies. Whether you were born in the ’80s, are a fan of ’80s music or just stuck in the ’80s, you’ll be singing along and playing air guitar. $15+. 8 p.m. 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. Olney, MD; olneytheatre.org // @olneytheatre

Beer Garden & Haus has been awarded the title of Best Neighborhood Bar and Best Beer Selection, showcasing their commitment to quality. They take pride in serving locally sourced, grass-fed meats from their in-house butcher shop. Being the original beer garden, they’ve laid the foundation with craft beer, live local music, and a lively neighborhood dining atmosphere, with a special focus on BBQ.

Located in the heart of Arlington, VA, McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant delights patrons with its authentic Irish fare, weekly Irish music events, and daily specials on both food and drinks.

8.10-8.19

PITCHFORK DISNEY AT CAPITOL HILL ARTS WORKSHOP  Philip Ridley’s chocolate-coated, post-apocalyptic fairy tale returns to D.C. after 30 years in an immersive production that finds two siblings alone in their dead parents’ apartment, eating nothing but chocolate and sleeping pills for 10 years. One day, an interloper appears and things start to go very wrong. $25. 8 p.m. 545 7th St. SE, DC; chaw.org // chawindc

8.10 + 8.24

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY: LATE NIGHT AT NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM

For a real-life version of “Night at the Museum” (minus the animals coming to life), stay up late and experience the summer installation “Look Here” and exhibitions like “Brick City” while grooving to the go-go sounds of TOB. Free. 6:30 p.m. 401 F St. NW, DC; nbm.org // @nationalbuildingmuseum

8.11

MYSTERIA: A CIRCUS MURDER MYSTERY AT CRAZY AUNT HELENS

It’s “Clue” meets “The Greatest Showman” as you try to solve a murder in the middle of a whirling, twirling, juggling,

acrobatics show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. $20. 7 p.m. 713 8th St. SE, DC; crazyaunthelens.com // @crazyaunthelens

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCING AT THE WHARF

Show off your smooth salsa moves and toast to the weekend with cocktails al fresco. Live music and professional dances will help you groove to the beat. Free. 7 p.m. 760 Maine Ave. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc

8.12

HIP-HOP BLOCK PARTY AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE

Dig out your chains, kangol hats and Adidas for a day-long festival celebrating 50 years of hip-hop history, culture and influence. Features live performances from local and national artists and activities. Free. 10:30 a.m. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; nmaahc.si.edu // @nmaahc

NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL AT DC CONVENTION CENTER

From true crime to YA, this bibliophile presented by the Library of Congress offers more than 75 author presentations, book signings and good, old-fashioned book love. Free. 9 a.m. 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW; loc.gov // @librarycongress

DC POLO SOCIETY SUMMER SERIES

Our restaurant and bar offers authentic German-American food and delicious beer. With long communal tables and 20 TVs throughout, Bronson provides our guests with a traditional German feel. This is the perfect setting to spend time with family and friends.

Joi n D C P ol o Society, D C Fra y an d C on gressiona l P ol o C lu b fo r ou r sun-soaked, S unday polo series wher e trad it io n an d modern fu n collide. Daycation t o C on gressiona l Pol o C lu b for p ol o , yard games, signature cocktails , food truck s an d th em ed activ it ies . Friends, fam il ie s and (leashed) dog s are welcome.

8.12-8.13

MOONRISE FESTIVAL AT PIMLICO RACE COURSE

Baltimore’s longest running EDM festival is back for its eighth year with more than 50 artists including Above & Beyond, Alison Wonderland, Dillon Francis and Griz. It’s gonna be out of this world. $165+. Times vary. 5201 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD; moonrisefestival.com // @moonrisefest

8.13

PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC FEATURING GEORGE CLINTON AT LINCOLN THEATRE

The mothership has landed. Booty-rockin’, super-freaky, soul-funk tricksters, Parliament Funkadelic, with their space commander and supreme executive of funk George Clinton, bring their glittery mayhem to U Street. $95. 8 p.m. 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc

8.16

YOGA + BEER AT FAIR WINDS BREWING CO.

Practice your downward drinking dog in this hour-long vinyasa class, then toast to the good life with a craft beer. $25. 6:30 p.m. 7000 Newington Rd. Lorton, VA; eatyogadrink.com // @eatyogadrink

8.16-8.20

ARLINGTON COUNTY FAIR AT THOMAS JEFFERSON COMMUNITY CENTER

Take a bite of the best of Arlington, one fried Oreo at a time. Cheer on pie-eating contestants gobbling dessert hands-free or the yogis perfecting their downward-facing goat. Listen to local tunes in the entertainment tent or let loose at the foam party in the kids’ court. Remember, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s about how you ride the midway. Free. Times vary. 3501 Second St. South Arlington, VA; arlingtoncountyfair.us // @arlingtoncofair

8.17

DJ NIGHTS AT NO GOODBYES AT LINE HOTEL

Celebrate Friday eve with a feel-good DJ set under the golden glow streaming in from the former church windows. Free. 7 p.m. 1770 Euclid St. NW, DC; thelinehotel.com // @thelinehotel

SUMMER MOVIES SERIES AT CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Pull up some lawn for a screening of Disney’s “Turning Red.” Bonus: Enjoy movie snacks and light fare, a DJ and fun activities. Free. 6:30 p.m. 801 K St. NW, DC; eventsdc.com // @eventsdc

TAKE FIVE: JAZZ AT SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM SAAM’s airy Kogod Courtyard is the place to be as saxophonists Ebban and Ephraim Dorsey perform while you unwind, play board games and enjoy refreshments. Free. 5 p.m. 8th + G Streets NW, DC; si.edu // @americanart

8.18-8.29

NATIONALS VS. PHILLIES AT NATIONALS PARK

Play ball! The boys of summer meet for a three game homestand as their rivalry plays out in the nation’s capitol. $18+. Times vary. 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; nats.com // @nationals

8.19

BEAU YOUNG PRINCE PRESENTS “GROOVY BABY” AT UNION STAGE

With a Def Jam deal, Grammy nomination, double platinum record and long list of movie and video game placements, BYP — one of D.C.’s brightest young hip-hop stars — is coming home. He’ll be accompanied by a squad of talented local musicians and DJs, featuring the likes of Chaz French, Lord Francis, Pinky Tha Rapper and Innanet James. $15. 7 p.m. 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

CITYFESTDC AT CULTURE HOUSE

Head to this historic church-turned-colorful art space and see a different side of the District away from the politics and talking heads. Experience all the city has to offer with food, art and shopping from local artisans. Plus, you’ll see murals painted on the spot and enjoy music from Dre Thompson, Jhoan and DJ Skeem. $20+. 12 p.m. 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; cityfestdc.com // @cityfest_dc

COCKTAILS + CHARCUTERIE CLASS AT UNION MARKET

Step up your charcuterie game. Make cocktails that pair well with cheeses and accoutrements and design your own Instagram-worthy board. Cheers to that! $130. 3 p.m. 325 Morse St. NE, DC; shopemadeindc.com // @shopmadeindc

LEAVE IT ON THE BOARD AT HONFLEUR GALLERY

Get shredded as 12 artists compete in this skateboard design competition meets art show mashup curated by D.C. artist Luis Del Vall. Free. 7 p.m. 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; honfleurgallerydc.com // @honfleurgallery

8.19-9.16

SWEAT

AT KEEGAN THEATRE

Work is hard enough, so what happens to a group of work friends when layoffs and picket lines threaten the thing that holds them together? $50. Times vary. 1742 Church St. NW, DC; keegantheatre.com // @keegan_theatre

8.20

SESSIONS AT ART OF NOIZE

Join in or just hang out at this an open mic jam session for instrumentalists, vocalists, MCs, spoken word artists, dancers — anyone willing to share their art. Participants will perform alongside a DJ or live music. Emceed by WPFW and Eaton Radio host Aphrosoul. $10+ 6 p.m. 821 Upshur St. (Rear) NW, DC; artofnoize.com // @artofnoize

“The whole team was FANTASTIC. Very quick, helpful, clear in explaining what they were doing and the next steps and with a ready smile and laugh. They made the entire process as painless as possible and I would use them again in a heartbeat.” — Julia B.

YOGA IN REFLECTION AT NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most mindful of them all? Unwind in an all-levels yoga session surrounded by the giant mirrored pieces of the Look Here art installation, followed by a relaxing sound bath. $30. 9 a.m. 401 F St. NW, DC; bethawolfe.com // @bethawolfe

8.21

“I WISH I HAD STAYED” EP RELEASE SHOW AT SONGBYRD

The latest indie emo endeavor of D.C.-based songwriter Landon Philip headlines in support of their new EP. The bill includes eight-piece party rock group Professor Goldstein and Nicole Lepre performing acoustic pop-punk music with a bit of a folk feel. $15+. 7 p.m. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrd.com // @songbyrddc

8.23

IMPROV FOR ALL! WORKSHOP AT PALISADES LIBRARY

If you’ve ever gone to an improv show and thought “I could do that,” now is your chance to prove it. Free. 6 p.m. 4901 V St. NW, DC; witdc.org // @washingtonimprovtheater

8.26

AROUND THE WORLD CULTURAL FOOD FESTIVAL AT ORONOCO BAY PARK

Come hungry and experience food that’s not only delicious but is also a reflection of culture and identity. Expect the best

dishes from around the world, entertainment from diverse countries, plus shopping from ethnic artisans with the beauty of the Potomac as your backdrop. Free. 11 a.m. 100 Madison St. Alexandria, VA; aroundtheworldfestival.com

DC MARGARITA MARCH AT PEARL WAREHOUSE

Sip your way through a margarita-tasting tour at some of DC’s best bars and restaurants, all while enjoying waterfront views at the Wharf. $39+. 12 p.m. 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; margaritamarch.com // @pearlstreelive

DISTRITO MUSIC FEST AT UNION STAGE

Bailemos! Dust off your dancing shoes and show off your moves at this celebration of Latin American music featuring Sonòsfera, Nayas, Pekeke Project, Los Novios De Martita, Bongo District, QuinTango and Outerloop. $35+. 4 p.m. 740 Water St. SW, DC; distritomusicfest.com // @distritomusicfest

8.26-10.22

As You Are exists to hold and cultivate a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Café by day, bar and dance lounge by night, As You Are welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons, from all walks of life, and allies in a versatile haven for queer expression and connection.

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE

FESTIVAL AT ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND

Leave the 21st century behind when you enter Revel Grove, the fictional 16th century English village spread over 27 acres where you’ll browse the work of more than 140 artisans, watch a rousing jousting match, catch a glimpse of authentic musical and theatrical performances, and dig in to hearty eats fit for royalty. $21+. Times vary. 1821 Crownsville Rd. Annapolis, MD; rennfest.com // @mdrennfest

Grand Central serves delicious classic American favorites year-round for dinner Monday through Sunday. We also offer sports betting. Please visit our website for more details.

8.27

D.C. MONUMENTS KAYAK TOUR AT COLUMBIA ISLAND MARINA

Visiting the city’s monuments and memorials is probably old news at this point. See them with fresh eyes from the cockpit of a kayak while gliding along on the Potomac River. $125+. Times vary. George Washington Memorial Pkwy. Arlington, VA; rei.com // @rei

8.28

8.29

BEGINNER

ROLLER SKATING LESSONS AT ANACOSTIA PARK ROLLER

SKATING PAVILION

Roller skating, if there were ever any doubt, is cool again. Learn the basics — like standing up — and let the good times roll. $12. 6 p.m. 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE; thelinkupdc.com // @thelinkupdc

8.30

BOYS WORLD AT JAMMIN’ JAVA

BRUCE

SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND AT NATS PARK

The Boss and his legendary band will have folks “Dancing in the Dark” with a high-energy 28 song set, including favorites like “Born to Run,” “Prove it All Night” and “Wrecking Ball.” $49+. 7:30 p.m. 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; mlb.com // @nationals

WHISKEY OF THE WORLD AT THE YARDS

No passport required for this whiskey tour around the world. The master class includes three drinks and light nibbles. $99. Times vary. 1346 4th St. SE, DC; troublebirddc.com // @troublebirddc

There’s “No Time to Be a Sad Bitch” as TikTok’s favorite girl group hits the road in support of their EP, featuring the earworm “me, my girls & i.” $20+. 7:30 p.m. 227 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA; jamminjava.com // @jamminjava

8.30-9.3

DC JAZZFEST AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

There’s no place better than Duke Ellington’s hometown for this annual tribute to all things jazz. Taking place across several neighborhoods, the five-day event wraps up on Labor Day weekend with water views, local restaurants and performances from renowned jazz artists, including Grammywinning musicians and groups. Some of this year’s lineup includes Gregory Porter, Samara Joy, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble and lots more. $20+. Times and locations vary. DC; dcjazzfest.org // @dcjazzfest

Dew Drop Inn - Voted DC’s Best Bar By Your Mom Since 2015

Hamilton’s Bar and Grill has great drink specials, fantastic comfort food and top notch service. Come check out our ALL-DAY Friday happy hour with $2 PBRs and High Lifes and you’ll see why we’ve been a Capitol Hill institution since 2006.

Film Picks

WORDS BY TRENT JOHNSON

August is a strange time for movies. The month typically marks the end of the summer blockbuster and brings a slight lull before all the Oscar-bait releases arrive in late fall and early winter. Luckily, the D.C. area has no shortage of theaters offering doses of nostalgia in the form of classic showings. Celebrate films of yesteryear this month while we wait for the dramatic, occasionally selfserious award season fodder.

8.8

“REAR WINDOW”

AT LANDMARK E STREET CINEMA

Let’s travel back to a time when horror movies were devoid of gore for gore’s sake and operated with the intention of scaring the audience through a patient, unsettling story. Arguably Alfred Hitchcock’s most suspenseful

trouble holding your attention with its twists, turns and frequent misdirection. $7. 4 p.m. + 7 p.m. 555 11th St. NW, DC; landmarktheatres.com // @estreetcinema

8.12-8.13

“2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY”

AT AFI SILVER SPRING

As a person whose first viewing of this Stanley Kubrick masterpiece took place at the AFI Silver Spring, I offer only one word of advice: “Go.” One of the most ahead-of-its-time films, Kubrick displayed masterful directing as he engrossed audiences with both a breathtaking galactic visual experience and a moody, introspective, selfcontained story, which grapples with the very basic questions confronting humanity. Bonus: This particular showing has an intermission, which

8.13 + 8.16

“ENTER THE DRAGON”

AT AMC HOFFMAN

Bruce Lee’s posthumous legacy is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated. The martial artist turned stuntman turned actor is largely credited for bringing combat-centric films to the Western mainstream and “Enter the Dragon” was intended to represent his coronation as a Hollywood star. Unfortunately, Lee died one month before the film’s release. The film achieved monumental success, and now on its 50th anniversary, it is often lauded as the greatest martial arts film ever made. With a genre-bending plot, incorporating both Blaxploitation and spy elements throughout, the film is unanimously admired by cinephiles and action junkies alike. $15.50. 4 p.m. +

I Will Follow

Adulting is hard, and despite this seemingly trite cliche, denying the inherent truth is impossible. However, just because something can at times feel hauntingly tricky, there are shining diamonds lying in the roughs that surround us waiting to be found. This month’s “I Will Follow” includes podcasts and an Instagram account that help capture a wide scope of what it means to “adult.”

“ON BEING”

Ranging from philosophical to practical to theoretical, this podcast hosted by journalist Krista Tippett is one that truly encompasses all facets of the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Recently, the podcast has hosted guests such as actor Nick Offerman, super producer Rick Rubin and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, with each offering personal vignettes and perspective on how they view life

and community. Listeners may find inspiration, practical advice or perhaps more queries as the show typically prompts introspection into our own human condition. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow them on Instagram @onbeing.

“PLAIN ENGLISH WITH DEREK THOMPSON”

Renowned for his work in The Atlantic, journalist, author and DMV native Derek Thompson does his best to explain some of the more complicated topics related to news and life on this podcast. Thompson hosts riveting guests weekly — from experts on productivity to dieticians and nutritionists to economists — to help navigate his burning questions and hypotheses and educate the audience. The shows are typically about an hour, but the pacing is impeccable and the fullness of each conversation

will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow them on TikTok @plainenglish_.

@SARCASM_ONLY

With more than 16 million followers on Instagram, it’s likely you (yes, you reading this now) are already a subscriber to this bevy of memes. The ethos of the account is bluntly stated in the handle, and while there’s no shortage of memes and shit posts on the internet depicting how life can be downright silly, this page acts as a de facto curator, sifting through endless white tiles with black text in search of ones that best point out life’s absurdity. While it’s important to be serious about adulting, it’s also important to step back and laugh at it, too. Follow them on Instagram @sarcasm_only.

WORDS BY TRENT JOHNSON

(pool lounge)

cplrosslyn

Enjoy Continental’s half-priced game rates until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our beer garden is dog and family-friendly (under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; valid ID required to purchase alcohol).

Dacha Beer Garden has been a neighborhood xture in Washington DC since 2013, a Bavarian concept adapted for an American palette, combining the charm of a classic German beer garden with a modern American bar. Dacha o ers a comfortable atmosphere for families, friends, and pets alike with amazing cocktails, delicious Bavarian-inspired food, and an unrivaled world-class beer program.

L TO R. Matt Green, Kimberly Kong + Eric “E$“ Dolgas.

WELCOME TO D.C.'S CREATIVE PLAYGROUND

An artist, a content creator and a runner find themselves on the same trail. No, this is not a setup for a punchline but rather the way local entrepreneurs find themselves interacting while pursuing multiple interests outside the normal 9 to 5. Eric “E$” Dolgas, Kimberly Kong and Matt Green are three multihyphenates who turned passions into thriving careers and now find joy in their everyday work. Through their ventures, each strives to build community in our city and create spaces where people can connect and do what they love.

PHOTOS BY BIRCH THOMAS

ARTIST + MISCHIEF-MAKER

ERIC “E$” DOLGAS

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD

Eric “E$” Dolgas doesn’t like being told what to do. The Fairfax, Virginia-based artist is a self-described mischiefmaker who says he was the class clown as a kid. He’d do almost anything for a laugh and didn’t care about getting in trouble. His mischief icon?

“My grandma told me this story about how she and her best friend used to go to high school football games, and they would sit on the other side where the opposing team was and just talk shit. I thought that was so funny.”

Dolgas says being surrounded by OG mischief-makers like his grandmother and uncle reminds him not to take things so seriously, and sometimes pushing boundaries and breaking the rules can be fun. This carries over into his art, which always has elements of playfulness and occasionally includes inside jokes only he and some friends will get.

“A lot of the time, I create content that’s not mainstream but is hilarious. I know 16 people are going to laugh at it and that’s all I really need. I don’t care about the rules so much and I don’t do well with figures of authority. When there’s a natural clash like that, you’re more apt to get into a little bit of mischief. That’s where my sweet spot is.”

A True Believer

The illustrator, painter, muralist and animator didn’t become immersed in the D.C. area art scene until 2017, when he participated in Artomatic, a massive art show in Crystal City, Virginia. With the sale of some pieces came a serious confidence boost, and later that year, he cold called and successfully pitched a commercial to Spike Jonze on Viceland’s Vice TV. The artist was filmed while working on one of his signature black-and-white pieces featuring Sharpie lines on canvas, aptly named “Sharpie Masterpieces.”

While Dolgas is not interested in having his artistic style labeled or put into any kind of box, he says the black-andwhite works are his classic E$ style at this point in his career. They’re often packed tight with a rotating cast of characters featured regularly in his work, giving them a bit of a “Where’s Waldo?” vibe, if Waldo were into non sequitur humor and niche cultural references.

“I sometimes tell people, ‘It’s like a puzzle I don’t know the ending to.’ It’s fun to see how other people describe them. It’s all about crisp line work and eye movement. The goal is to give viewers a lot to look at, and over time, they should find things they missed before so it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s definitely my original style, which means a lot to me.”

The Viceland opportunity opened some important doors for Dolgas, including visibility among other D.C. artists. But when prolific muralist Tom Pipkin invited him to participate in a Petworth art show featuring other stalwarts of the city’s creative scene in 2018, he knew he had hit his stride. The more shows he participated in, the bigger his community became.

“I think the benefit of living somewhere your whole life is the connections you already have. By good fortune, [the art shows] ended up being these door-opening experiences. It’s hard to make friends when it’s not authentic. I was naturally becoming friends with artists who I have respect for.”

He is always paying it forward, connecting like-minded locals in the creative community when he sees a potential collaboration or genuine benefit to the introduction. He recalls

No Kings Collective Co-Founder Peter Chang saying to him, “You’re a true believer,” to which he replied, “Yeah, I want everybody to be successful in art.”

Dolgas is constantly plugging his artist friends, gushing about how talented they are and what they do with their chosen medium that’s so unique.

“I became friends with Sarah Jamison because I saw her art and it floored me. I had such an emotional reaction to it. I was like, ‘Can we please be friends?’ That’s the beauty of art. Everybody has different styles. You can get into this community but also get into a subgenre of this community, and then those are your people. It’s beautiful.”

E$ Was Here

Dolgas was laser-focused on two major artistic goals for a long time: painting a mural in the DC Walls Festival and participating in live paint battle Secret Walls. And last year, he checked both opportunities off his bucket list. His “E$ Was Here” mural, also the cover backdrop of our August issue, is a temporary fixture along the Metropolitan Branch Trail near Alethia Tanner Park. In some ways, it’s the current pièce de résistance of his black-and-white works, and he couldn’t be prouder of it — or his Secret Walls win. So what’s next?

“I felt more productive when I was chasing DC Walls and Secret Walls. [Now, I’m focused on] how I can explore and evolve my style and figure out new interests in art that will bring me the next opportunity. I want bigger mural opportunities because I think murals are my happy spot.”

With so many muralists vying for the same real estate in the city, Dolgas is expanding his reach and putting out feelers in Northern Virginia, specifically Fairfax, where there are no established muralists — yet. In the meantime, he’s spending more time animating and toying with the idea of writing a coffee table-style book inspired by the funny thoughts that pop into his head that would be even funnier if accompanied by his illustrations. He also includes his work in thoughtfully curated art shows, occasionally participates in live painting activations and always shows up to support his friends in creative spaces.

For Dolgas, the bottom line is to only make time and hold space for authentic opportunities and people, which means being selective about the road he wants to travel.

“I’d love to make mainstream income, but I don’t want the mainstream lifestyle. It’s more fun from this perspective. You can pick your flavors.”

He is extremely intentional about each connection he makes, whether it leads to a community collaboration, upcoming show or new addition to his chosen artist family.

“If you’re coming to me from a blazer-and-tie perspective, you’re probably not going to laugh at the jokes I put in my art, so it doesn’t make sense for us to have a relationship. I’d rather carve this out as an independent artist, work with the people I want to work with and create my own destiny.”

Visit emoneyoriginals.com to buy an E$ original, follow Dolgas on Instagram @theedollarsign and keep your eyes peeled for five District Fray Magazine boxes out in the wild, custom painted by our favorite mischief-maker.

KIMBERLY KONG

WORDS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

Kimberly Kong is not an influencer. It’s the one label she balks at during our conversation about multihyphenates and where she falls on the creative spectrum.

“There are a lot of negative connotations associated with the word influencer,” Kong says. “I have a lot of great colleagues in that field who are respectable and legitimate, but there are a couple of bad apples — like in any field — that shine a negative light on what influencers do.”

Kong’s Instagram feed is a tapestry of selfies, personal snapshots and stunning food and cocktail photography. But after amassing more than a hundred thousand followers, there can be pressure to fit into an artistic box.

Listening to Kong, though, there is a sense that she works to maintain ownership over the narrative of her creative and career evolution.

Kong is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Juilliard and Peabody Institute graduate with a Doctorate in Musical Arts, Piano Performance and Musicology. She’s also a former Strathmore Artist in Residence — academic proof of her versatility.

Growing up, she had her hands in many jars. She trained to become a world-class pianist; studied alongside her father, a world champion martial artist; and found a love for food that would prepare Kong for her second life.

As founder and CEO of Nom Digital, a marketing agency for food and hospitality, Kong helps brands grow and invigorates their digital footprint through content creation and social media management. She also publishes a regular stream of content through Nomtastic Foods, her blog and social media platforms.

If nothing else, Kong isn’t afraid to pivot. Trading sheet music for staging sheet cake photoshoots was an outgrowth of her past experiences and interests.

Blurred Lines

Kong understands how indispensable composite parts are to a whole, especially to crafting an authentic story, including her own.

“I spent a lot of time perfecting my craft and art,” Kong says. “I see a lot of parallels between what I experienced as a musician and the restaurant industry. It’s provided a lot of insight into what goes into creating effective content to help perpetuate [a client’s] story.”

As a pianist trained since 5 years old, she knows every key, note and hour spent perfecting a line of music is important.

As a digital marketer and content creator, she grasps the nuances of angles, orientation, lighting, negative space, voice, tone, virality and the demands of creative direction.

And as a bonafide foodie and walking compendium of local restaurants, she understands the ingredients, flavors and processes behind designing food and drink recipes that are equally delicious, complex and transportive.

Kong’s blending of passion and purpose is the blessing and curse of being a modern multihyphenate. There’s always something to conceptualize, create and tweak, and no clear line in the sand separating business hours from leisure.

She admits, without reservation, she’s not the best person to ask about conventional work-life balance.

“There isn’t great balance [in my life], and I’m okay with

that,” Kong says. “Work and personal are intertwined. Capturing content I’m really excited about is something I would do in my free time because I love it.”

Kong’s also aware of the negative perceptions associated with glamorizing workaholism and grinding hard.

She deflects any assertion that her modus operandi should be a point of contention. For Kong, her agency and the freedom to build a marketing empire and food-centric lifestyle on her own terms is what matters the most.

“That’s what I’m passionate about,” she says. “And that’s how I want to spend my time.”

The Juice Is Worth the Squeeze

The “grind” of maintaining 30 clients stretching across the DMV and beyond — from mom and pop shops to Michelinstarred restaurants — feeds Kong’s creative soul. The work supporting many of D.C.’s emerging chefs, mixologists and establishments is never done. She and a tight-knit team of five spend their days sharpening their skills as marketing chameleons, producing eye-catching food porn.

“Everybody has a unique brand voice or aesthetic they’re going for,” Kong says. “It’s exciting for the team to figure out how to represent each person or client best. Our voices can’t come through; we want the chefs, the dishes or their ethos to shine.”

While Kong admits she could have easily followed an alternate path and filled out her portfolio with large corporate clients, it wouldn’t align with her entrepreneurial integrity.

“It’s not [always] about money,” Kong says. “It’s more about the passion and the story behind it. [My clients] are rooted in D.C. I wanted to use Nom Digital to help amplify those voices and focus on small business owners and community.”

The Myth of D.C.

Kong amplifies small business owners, lifts up the culinary and beverage scene and frequents local restaurants as an act of resistance against “blanket statements” made about D.C. — like one saying it’s a soulless, “one-dimensional city.”

“D.C. is this mecca of culture, from fashion to food to the arts,” Kong says. “It’s an incredible place. You see so many ethnicities and backgrounds colliding. Food is a huge passion for me; endless options and different kinds of cuisines are available here. And it’s ever-changing; new restaurants pop up every other day.”

Kong says the city is flourishing as a world-class destination and she lives to explore it, often alongside her beau Deke Dunne, the bar and creative director at Allegory, before diving back into work.

Kong admits that most of her money goes to food and drink.

“I spend the day shooting food and getting to film all these incredible figures in our D.C. community doing what they excel at, and then in the evening I go eat some more.”

Learn more about Kimberly Kong at bykimberlykong.com and follow her on Instagram @bykimberlykong.

Check out Nomtastic Foods at nomtasticfoods.net and on Instgram @nomtasticbaltimore and @nomtasticdc. Check out Nom Digital on Instagram @nom_digital.

RUNNER + DJ

MATT GREEN

“I’m just interested in many different things,” Matt Green says of his identity as a multihyphenate.

His dizzying professional scorecard — fine artist, graphic designer, government 9-to-5er, entrepreneur, motorcycle enthusiast and DJ — points to a rare, almost visionary ability to morph passion and dreams into work.

Green, a DMV native, is a self-described “child of the world.” He has an insatiable drive to expend creative energy that shapes how he moves through the world and his community.

His non-negotiable: purpose is foundational to everything he touches.

Reluctant Artist

Green began cultivating his fine art chops in high school, launching a clothing line of tees featuring original sketches. In college, his interests shifted to painting portraits.

Even then, he was keen to set creative boundaries; his painting became (and remains) a sacred space.

“It was the thing I kept for myself because I did everything else for other folks,” Green says. “I didn’t want to be a professional artist. [When people would say], ‘I want to commission you to do a painting or a mural,’ I wouldn’t charge because I didn’t want that to be another service I provided.”

Instead, a love of fine art eventually transformed into an exploration of the full panorama of design careers.

“I saw there’s a whole world I didn’t know about when it came to graphic design, web design and illustration — where I could channel the things I would do in fine art [into a digital space].”

Green’s day job is visual information specialist for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission where, among many things, he communicates and presents design concepts.

He occasionally dips his toe into painting when inspired to gift an original work of art to friends.

“[I make it clear] this is something special that I’m sharing with you, not something I’m trying to make money off of,” Green says.

District Running Collective

The District Running Collective (DRC) is among Green’s proudest ventures. What started 10 years ago as an alternative to meeting people at networking events and happy hours is now a powerful vehicle for promoting wellness, culture and community.

“We combined two worlds through fitness,” Green says.

He and his co-founders had an aha moment when they realized most participants shared a common background: They were HBCU graduates.

DRC, whose motto is “redefining our possible every single day,” organically built a rich community of Black runners that exploded into events and eventually weekly runs in 2014, inspiring an entire movement.

“It was something we thought D.C. needed,” Green says. “I think we were right because it sparked this community fitness-driven industry.”

Today, DRC counts Baltimore-based global sportswear powerhouse Under Armour among its collaborators and partners. Under Armour has been its lead sponsor for six years and counting, elevating the profile and reach of DRC.

Green notes while all are and always will be welcome at

DRC, their very existence shatters the myth that a runner is a “40-year-old skinny white male with little running shorts.”

Green, a Black man with locs, tattoos and a beard, says it’s vital for people like him to see themselves represented in spaces they haven’t always felt included. DRC inspired others to start similar crews in other major cities and empowered them to learn from missteps.

“We’re providing a different narrative around what it means to move,” Green says.

The Birth of Mars

“I had an interest in music,” Green says. “I would go to different parties and respected the [DJs] in the industry; those guys are professionals. But I never thought I would be the one at the party playing the music.”

The Covid-19 pandemic was a strange time.

As a prolonged period of mass disruption to everyday life, many craved a return to normalcy. Green fell on the other end of the spectrum and used the pandemic as a creativity incubator.

Alongside learning to build motorcycles, DJing emerged as an unexpected diversion and unique chance to be schooled in the basics of the craft by seasoned local DJ and friend Jerome Baker III. The hobby soon developed into a legitimate side hustle and extension of his brand.

Green initially resisted becoming a club DJ. But after six months of spinning privately, he felt the urge to step into the spotlight.

“I got to the point that I was ready for people to hear my music,” Green says. “I’m doing all this practicing and I want to perform in front of people.”

Green would soon get the chance to showcase (and get vindication) for his hard-won skills.

Months earlier, Baker and fellow DJ Mathias Broohm launched Darling Nikki, an open format set party that captivates crowds with a mashup of music genres, often spanning decades.

They eventually invited Green to open. That was the night Mars, Green’s alter ego, was born. He’s been spinning on the scene ever since.

Green describes those early days of DJing as “two worlds colliding” when people in his community would relieve the stress of the pandemic by going outside to bars or running.

“It was pretty seamless for me,” Green says. “I’m DJing at night, then I’m running in the mornings and the evenings during the week.”

He notes the same people supporting DRC became the loudest advocates of his music.

“[My passions] all exist within one another, from a personal and professional [standpoint], because I always enjoy what I’m doing. I don’t have to do any of these extra businesses because I’m making enough money to live from my career. I don’t have to take on things that I don’t want to and that’s the beauty of it.”

Learn more about District Running Collective at districtrunningcollective.com and follow them on Instagram @districtrunningcollective. Follow Matt Green’s many ventures on Instagram @marsgreen.

WORDS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

CAFRITZ FOUNDATION

CHILDREN'S FE STIVAL

EVENT SERIES

4TH SATURDAY, JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER

1-3 P.M. // THE MODERN AT ART PLACE

Join DC Fray + the Cafritz Foundation for our Children’s Festival Event Series for some free, community-centered fun!

JUNE 24FIELD DAY

JULY 22CARNIVAL

AUGUST 26BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

SEPTEMBER 23 HARRY POTTER

MOVIE AT THE MODERN

https://bit.ly/cafritzchildrensfest

EAT

Estuary’s soft-shell crabs. Photo by Scott Suchman.

3 END-OF-SUMMER VIRGINIA GETAWAYS

We put together a mini-guide to Virginia bed and breakfasts worth the trip to scratch your travel itch one last time before fall.

WORDS BY PRIYA KONINGS

To spice up the late summer days and get out of the city, try the ultimate experience in leisure: a stay at one of Virginia’s many enchanting bed and breakfasts. We put together a list of three options — one closer to D.C. and two deeper into the countryside — and scouted out where to eat and what to do nearby.

The Inn at Stinson Vineyards

Located just outside Charlottesville in Crozet, Virginia, this inn sits in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The inn is

charming and elegant, offering huge windows with vineyard views, a spacious dining room, a gorgeous patio with a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a saltwater pool, a cozy sunroom and complimentary sodas, coffee and tea.

BREAKFAST

The inn offers dishes like yogurt parfaits with seasonal fruit, avocado toast adorned with microgreens and flaky chocolate croissants, all included in your stay. Grab a seat on the patio and take in the view while enjoying your breakfast.

LUNCH

Stop by The Dairy Market, a food hall about a 20-minute drive from the inn. The food hall offers all kinds of dining options, from wood-fired pizza to Latin American street food, Mediterranean cuisine, burgers, dim sum and ice cream. Check out their calendar to find out more about events like live music, weekend drag brunches and trivia nights.

DINNER

The inn offers dinner to guests Monday through Friday, with a wine cellar tasing menu option. The chef’s supper is served family-style and includes fresh bread, salads, pastas and whimsical desserts like old-school ice cream sundaes. Wine from Stinson Vineyards is always available and in abundance.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Taste all the wine. Stinson Vineyards hosts an indoor/ outdoor tasting room with wines available by the bottle, glass or flight. Every Thursday evening in the summer they have live music. At King Family Vineyards, you’ll find a spacious tasting room and plenty of outdoor seating where you can partake in a sampling of the various wines the venue offers. You can bring in your own food for a picnic or grab something from one of the visiting food trucks.

Grab a beer at Starr Hill Brewery. Just minutes from the inn, this brewery is locally-owned and the first of six locations. Their beers are delicious and varied; we recommend the Northern Lights IPA.

Hike Sugar Hollow. This trail is a stunning five-mile hike close to the inn, offering plenty of vegetation, a few river crossings and wildlife views.

The 1804 Inn & Cottages

This historic inn sits on the grounds of Barboursville Winery, where the 19th Governor of Virginia, James Barbour, resided. It includes three sophisticated suites and inviting terraces for lounging. In addition to the inn, there are cottages with fireplaces and glass-enclosed patios for a more private stay. All guests receive fruit, cheese and a bottle of Barboursville wine upon arrival.

BREAKFAST

If you stay at one of the cottages, a small breakfast with coffee, fruit, yogurt and hot breakfast items like an egg casserole are provided. Guests residing at the inn are treated to a larger, more luxurious breakfast with dishes like homemade quiche.

LUNCH + DINNER

Onsite restaurant Palladio offers a sublime dining experience. Enjoy dishes like sweet corn soup, an heirloom tomato and peach salad, cacio e pepe, risotto and stuffed poblano peppers. Dessert is downright dreamy, with options like strawberry shortcake and flourless chocolate cake. Don’t skip the cheese course, especially if you opt for the wine pairing.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Tour Monticello. Thomas Jefferson’s primary plantation is nearby and worth a visit. There are several different tour options, including an archaeology tour, a gardens tour and a

slavery tour which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people kept at the plantation.

Check out Library 1821. Home to historic documents such as the letter appointing James Barbour to Secretary of War by the then President John Quincy Adams, Library 1821 is also a tasting room where you can sample Barboursville Vineyard wines, including their famous Octagon wine, which was served by the British Embassy at their celebration of Prince William’s wedding.

L’Auberge Provençale

French-themed L’Auberge Provençale has 11 chic, colorful rooms and three more at the villa, which is down the road and includes a heated swimming pool. Located in Northern Virginia, L’Auberge Provençale is about an hour and a half from D.C. and right next to Shenandoah National Park.

BREAKFAST

Be prepared for some serious deliciousness with dishes like homemade crepes topped with sweet strawberries, perfectly cooked omelets, crunchy hashbrowns and more.

LUNCH

Khukuri Nepali Cuisine. This Indian and Nepali restaurant is less than 15 minutes from the inn and offers dishes like momo (Nepali dumplings), chili paneer, samosas and more. Red Truck Bakery. About a 25-minute drive from the inn, this famous bakery’s apple pie is can’t be beat, and you will want to purchase an entire triple chocolate bundt cake to take home.

L’Auberge Provençale. The inn will pack you a picnic complete with a cheeseboard, sandwiches and even a blanket if you want to take something to enjoy on a hike.

DINNER

The restaurant at the inn, La Tabla Provençale, offers an a la carte bistro menu with more casual options, a prix-fixe menu and a chef’s six-course tasting menu. Vegetarians can be accommodated, and the wine pairing is a must.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Take a class. The inn offers cooking and foraging classes. Check out local Civil War battlefields. Nearby battlefields include Cedar Creek Kernstown, Antietam and Manassas. Do something outdoors. Take advantage of Shenandoah National Park’s endless hiking trails. Or try biking, horseback riding or rock climbing.

Get a massage. In-room massages can be arranged by the inn.

The 1804 Inn & Cottages: 17655 Winery Rd. Barboursville, VA; bbvwine.com // @barboursvillevineyards

The Inn at Stinson Vineyards: 4746 Sugar Hollow Rd. Crozet, VA; innatstinsonvineyards.com // @innatstinsonvineyards

L’Auberge Provençale: 13630 Lord Fairfax Hwy. White Post, VA; laubergeprovencale.com // @laubergeprovencale

The Inn at Stinson Vineyards. Photo courtesy of location.

Hard Crushing on Soft Shells

WORDS BY NEVIN MARTELL | PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

“I love crabs, but they’re a lot of work,” Ria Montes says.

Rather than dealing with the mallet, cracker and pick, the chef de cuisine of Estuary in the Conrad hotel prefers to dive into no-disassembly-required soft-shell crabs instead.

“I always tell people to think of it as a crunchy crab with all the flavor and zero effort,” she says.

For the uninitiated, a soft shell is a blue crab that molted its shells, temporarily leaving it with a new, tender shell underneath. For a brief window, that parchment paper-thin carapace is completely edible. Chefs love to deep fry or sauté them, bolstering their crackly texture while preserving the sweet, sea-kissed meat hiding inside.

For Montes, the arrival of soft shells in late April or the beginning of May means spring is in full swing. In keeping with the restaurant’s regionally focused ethos, she waits until she can source them from the Chesapeake, even though soft shells harvested in Southern states and elsewhere are available earlier in the year. The crabs show up at the restaurant still alive, packed in glistening wet seaweed. Then comes the hard part.

“I feel really bad for all the cooks who have little to no experience, because I have to show them how to clean the soft shells,” she says. “I tell them to say a little prayer and then just get it over with. Basically, you cut the face off first with kitchen scissors and that kills them. Then you lift the top shell and remove the gills.”

She’s always thinking of new ways to prepare the beloved crustaceans. For this season, she’s envisioning a play on Chinese salt and pepper shrimp. The crabs get a quick brine in salt, sugar and Shaoxing rice wine before they’re dusted with cornmeal, flash fried, seasoned with more salt and pepper and served with crab fried rice. She calls it a “crab extravaganza.”

No matter what you call it, the dish is a jubilant celebration of spring in the Mid-Atlantic and the beauty of the Bay.

Learn more about Montes and some of her featured dishes on Instagram @ria_paz.

Estuary: 950 New York Ave. NW, DC; estuarydc.com // @estuaryconraddc

8 Crabby Spots to Visit

With soft shell season hitting hard, make a point to stop by these eight clawesome spots.

1310 KITCHEN & BAR

Chef Jenn Crovato lets ingredients speak for themselves in her local-centric, seasonally minded dishes, like her simply sautéed soft shell paired with summery corn and tomato salad.

1310 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; 1310kitchendc.com // @1310kitchenandbar

ALL SET RESTAURANT & BAR

Meet the BLTSS: a brioche bun packed with pecan-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, tempura fried soft shell and a slathering of Old Bay tartar sauce, plus a side of Old Bay dusted fries.

8630 Fenton St. Silver Spring, MD; allsetrestaurant.com // @allsetdtss

FIGHT CLUB

Available in limited numbers daily, their habit-forming, chicken-fried soft-shell crab sandwich on a sesame seed bun comes topped with brown butter tartar sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickles.

633 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; fightclubdc.com // @fightclubdc

HAIKAN

Stop by for Señor Fukushima — the fun-vibes-only wafu Mexican pop-up running daily through the summer — to indulge in golden fried soft shell nestled in Veracruz sauce crafted from stewed tomatoes, olives and capers.

805 V St. NW, DC; haikandc.com // @haikandc

JIWA SINGAPURA

Singapore’s iconic chili crab dish is reimagined as deep fried soft shell with spicy-sweet-sour tomato-centric sauce and puffy mantou buns.

1702 Galleria at Tysons, McLean, VA; jiwasingapura.com // @jiwasingapura

MODENA

Cornmeal crusted soft shell from executive chef Benjamin Lambert is surrounded by umami galore: fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, slips of pancetta, black olive tapenade and unctuous, crabboosted tonnato sauce.

1199 H St. NW, DC; modenadc.com // @modenadc

NINA MAY

Soaked in seasoned buttermilk, dredged in cornmeal and flour and fried golden, soft-shell crab prepared by executive chef Colin McClimans arrives with a lemony, caper punctuated celeriac slaw and a drizzling of smokey, spicy chili oil.

1337 11th St. NW, DC; ninamaydc.com // @ninamay_dc

THE POINT

Tempura battered and flash fried, this delicately crispy soft shell gets a lift from charred scallions, cilantro and tonguetingling chili sauce.

2100 2nd St. SW, DC; thepointdc.com // @thepointdc

DRINK

Josephine bubbly. Photo by Rey Lopez for Leading DC.

3 New Spots to Imbibe in the DMV

WORDS BY HEATHER BIEN

From the new kid on the U Street LGBTQIA+ bar scene to the D.C. expansion of a New York cocktail lounge, we picked three just-opened bars in the DMV that should be high on your list to check out during the dwindling days of summer.

Death & Co

What to order: Trust the bartender’s recommendation

Why they opened in the District: In their words, the vibrant, creative, ambitious and endlessly welcoming D.C. food and beverage scene put D.C. at the top of the list when they decided to expand outside of New York.

The full rundown: Death & Co’s relationship with their new space — the former Columbia Room — goes back a decade: Derek Brown of the Columbia Room hosted Death & Co’s book launch party at the bar in 2014. And, in January 2022, Brown handed the keys over to Death & Co to open a D.C. outpost of their storied cocktail bar. The space remains as inviting and mesmerizing as it was throughout Columbia Room’s reign, and

guests will still find themselves in a hidden world within the bar’s multiple indoor and outdoor areas. But not everything remains the same. Death & Co has brought their own luxe spin into the space with art, deep hues and jewel tones, textures and intricate millwork. It’s an experience for the tastebuds and senses.

Bar Jo at Josephine

What to order: Champagne

Back to school: If you love the idea of learning something new in the fall, take a French wine class, hosted every Wednesday at Bar Jo. Classes look at regions from Alsace to the French Alps.

The full rundown: A sparkling cocktail bar? We’ll be there. At Josephine, Old Town’s beloved French brasserie, you’ll find festive bubbles on the third floor of the restaurant every Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. In addition to champagne, their sparkling cocktails will run the gamut from

Death & Co’s Cruisemaster cocktail. Photo by G&L leadership team.

Cue Florence Welch and drink your way through the dog days of summer.

iconic drinks like Hemingway’s Kir Royale, featuring Middleburg cider and distillery Mt Defiance’s cassis, ginger, absinthe and sparkling wine, to delightful new takes on old favorites, like the The Lighter Side of a 75, with French aperitif, lemon and sparkling wine. And you won’t go hungry. Guests can order all of the French classics from Josephine’s menu, including escargot, wagyu steak tartare and pâté de champagne.

Shakers

What to order: Smoky pineapple margarita

The name game: Sitting proudly on the bar is an imperial shaker, which is a quirky and nostalgic cocktail machine that relies on a manual hand crank to mix cocktails. Yes, your cocktails. The full rundown: From the owners of Dirty Goose, Shakers is adding another LGBTQIA+ spot for those

looking to bar hop along U Street. But Shakers’ indoor-outdoor space won’t just serve as a nighttime and weekend establishment. During the week, Shakers is planning to shake up the U Street scene, serving as a venue to host community and family events, from drag queen story hours to family nights to ANC meet-and-greets. There’s a stage for shows, and the space itself can be easily reconfigured to accommodate varied events. But, of course, it’s still a bar, so you can count on this newcomer for rum drinks and classic cocktails flowing all night long.

Bar Jo at Josephine: 109 S Saint Asaph St. Alexandria, VA; josephineoldtown.com // @josephineoldtown

Death & Co: 124 Blagden Alley NW, DC; deathandcompany.com // @deathandcompany

Shakers: 2014 9th St. NW, DC; shakersdc.com // @shakersdc

Fall Forecast: Vesper at The Morrow

What to expect: Everything from go-go to bossa nova sounds

Worth a second visit: The weekend tea service with champagne and lavish food is a good excuse to come back during daylight hours.

The full rundown: Live music and Michelinstarred Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s inventive and indulgent dishes — including splurgeworthy caviar service — are alluring reasons to spend an evening at Vesper, the bar debuting on the 11th floor of the Morrow Hotel. We’re looking forward to dressing up for a night out and sharing hushed secrets over cocktails in an intimate, luxurious space. The vibrant sounds of talented local performers that range from go go to bossa nova will punctuate the lounge-y vibe of the rich space, which is filled with sumptuous design and intoxicating blue details from floor to ceiling.

222 M St. NE, DC; vesperdc.com

Located on the Rooftop at Union Market, Hi-Lawn is one of D.C.’s largest, most expansive rooftops for outdoor dining, drinking and socializing. We’ve got fun events every night of the week, from trivia and bingo nights, to live music and DJs, plus lawn games, picnics, grilled eats, creative cocktails, all with city views.

Book your next private event at the ‘CLUBHOUSE.’ Email us to learn more about what we have to offer and how its free.

MUSIC

Photo by Shervin Lainez.

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD

The indie icon opens up about sonic exploration, her love affair with audiences and the possibility of some deep cuts at her upcoming Wolf Trap show.

Regina Spektor speaks like she sings, with equal parts whimsy and introspection, and an occasional infectious giggle that adds to her subtle charm. When we hop on a call in late July, I find myself slipping into a certain cadence usually reserved for an old friend even though I’m interviewing the indie darling of my generation. The prolific singer-songwriter makes it easy to feel connected to her as she gushes about the constant support of her audience and shares personal anecdotes about performing in D.C. Spektor and her baby grand will take the stage at Wolf Trap on August 3, one of many stops on her solo tour in promotion of the 2022 album “Home, Before and After,” her first release in six years. While she’s excited to share newer songs, the Moscow-born, New York-based artist says to expect favorites from her other seven records and some audiencerequested hidden gems spanning her 25-year career. Read our interview with Spektor to learn why she describes her live show as a love fest, the importance of remaining open to the creative process and the power of rediscovery within her own oeuvre.

Can you call to mind a memorable D.C. experience?

I have a lot of amazing memories here. I’ve had all kinds of magical, special things happen. I got to play at the White House for the Obamas and bring my parents. I got to play at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra, and they played my songs. The last show I played [at Warner Theatre in March] was really beautiful. [Warner] knew my audience. I had been raising money for this charity that helps Ukraine called the Ukraine TrustChain, so they donated a sizable check to the charity in honor of the show, which is special and kind of rare. That was very touching. And then this amazing friend of mine, [former Acting Solicitor General] Neal Katyal, invited me to see a case at the Supreme Court last November, which I had never had the chance to witness before.

I vividly remember hearing you play songs from “Soviet Kitsch” on Merriweather’s side stage in June 2005 and “Begin to Hope” at the Avalon (RIP) in Boston in fall 2006, and both shows are ingrained in my memory. Do any of your live performances in particular stand out to you? That’s the amazing thing about getting to play live shows. It’s such a privilege because each time is like this moment [where] everything goes into the making of that feeling — what the venue is like, what you ate that day, what the audience does. You have no idea what it’s going to be like, and you can’t control it. It’s just that moment, and you’re never going to have that time again. I love the surprise of it. You never get bored. It’s never déjà vu. It’s always new every time. I think having these moments of surprise is so good for all of us.

Tell me about your current tour and what the audience can expect from your upcoming Wolf Trap show. This is a solo tour. It’s going to be me mostly playing the grand piano — we’re actually bringing it from New York — and there’s a little bit of me dabbling around the stage. I was doing some math, and I’ve been writing songs for 26 years. There’s a lot of songs. I’m very excited about the new songs [from “Home, Before and After”]. It feels good as a performer when your new songs are accepted and people are excited about them. I have only experienced that from my audience, so I want to knock on wood because they’re so amazing. What I’ve experienced more than anything is how incredible the people who come to my shows are. They have been inspiring me because they’re such

good people. They’re kind to each other and they’re kind to me, and there’s so much love. It’s just a love fest.

How do you find balance between performing songs your fans have loved for 20+ years and trying out new material?

I reach out before I go on tour and ask people what they want to hear. Sometimes, [their selections] are really surprising to me and I just relearn them even though I’m at the hotel on the day of the show. Because I do have so many songs, a lot of them are not on any record. It’s the audiences who have kept them alive, either by sharing bootlegs or putting them up online or talking about them. So many of those songs just live as little blurry clips from the Internet.

I’m sure the audience flips when you play a deep track. I really try. A couple of the songs I recorded on this last record were probably 20 years old. The audience started requesting them a few years earlier. I revisited the songs and all of a sudden, I fell in love with them. I love that relationship because it feels like a dialogue where [the audience] reframes something for me.

What sonic shifts have you made in recent years?

I’m always deepening my exploration of orchestral music because I come from classical music. My mom was a professor and that was the music I listened to the most as a child and went to hear the most with my family. After coming to New York, any spare money was always spent on going to Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. It’s very precious to me. On this record, we recorded the orchestra remotely; the orchestra was in Macedonia, my producer and arranger were in LA and I was in New York. Actually, the day we began recording the orchestra, there was an earthquake in Macedonia and the power went out and the orchestra went quiet for three hours. They rewired some microphones and then got going [again] because they’re very used to earthquakes. That was a huge learning experience to shift things remotely and had a lot to do with the sonic exploration of this record: allowing myself to have more time with new sounds and keeping my ears really open.

How do you remain true to your roots while also embracing these elements of exploration and openness in your creative process?

There’s a reason why people see bands they loved when they were 20 and sometimes get closed off to new types of music. It takes a certain kind of energy to stay open to new things. That little corner of society that has to force themselves to stay as open as possible to new sounds and colors and textures — it’s in the arts. You can’t just be one of those people that’s like, “Everything was great when I was 17 and now it sucks.” You’re constantly supposed to be somewhere between denying what your actual aesthetic taste is and not succumbing to this kind of, “I’ve done this a million times, and this is how I like it” thing. Because I had to work in such a new way, it was a gift that forced me to be more open. I’m going to try and carry that forward.

Catch Spektor and opener Aimee Mann at Wolf Trap on Thursday, August 3. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Learn more about the singer-songwriter at reginaspektor.com and follow her on Instagram @reginaspektor.

The Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; wolftrap.org // @wolf_trap

6 D.C. MUSIC INSIDERS TO KNOW

WORDS BY JACKSON SINNENBERG

D.C. has some of the most beloved concert venues around and a constant stream of artists from around the country (the world, even) pouring into other spaces. This kind of musical infrastructure is only possible due to the network of locals who make the music happen. There are countless producers, promoters, bookers and other musicians (many of whom are multihyphenates) who make these shows and performances possible. While District Fray has covered some of them at length, there are always more movers and shakers on the scene who we want to spotlight. Here are six you should know.

Shady Rose

Vocalist, Manager + Activist

Vocalist, manager and activist Shady Rose flits in and out of musical circles in multiple roles. They sing and write lyrics for the psychedelic alt-rock group Endlings, manage Wammie award-winning D.C. emcee Riz Tha Great and served as coexecutive director of Girls Rock! DC, which teaches femaleidentifying and nonbinary youth activism and empowerment through rock n’ roll.

Music and performance have been in Rose’s DNA since they were young, whether it was drumming and singing in Ghanaian festivals and celebrations with their mother or playing berimbau at capoeira — a kind of martial art performance in Afro-Brazilian culture — with their father.

As a musician with all kinds of connections across the city, Rose has a few artists they thought people should know.

“Some artists need more love thrown their way: Liability, a psychedelic punk opera duo; Black Folks Don’t Swim?, an incredible group that takes you to outer space. I’m a big fan of Outerloop, post-hardcore-Latin-jazz-rock; The Red Fetish — currently a one-man operation pouring out some postindustrial dirges; Ardamus, a rap artist and emcee with a hell of a spirit; and my pals in Sorge, heavy doom metal with an esoteric spine.”

Follow Shady Rose @mobius.rex and check out their group Endlings @endlings.band.

Dana Murphy Booker + Talent Buyer, Songbyrd Music House + Ottobar

Dana Murphy is a booker and talent buyer for Songbyrd in D.C. and Ottobar in Baltimore. She also books shows at a variety of other venues around the DMV and runs a promo company called Unregistered Nurse Booking to highlight a curated selection of her shows.

She says she respects the D.C. music scene for its wealth of musical talent and creativity.

“There are great things like the Joint Custody newsletter, which I enjoy every time it pops up in my inbox, and Eaton Radio. And all the excellent promoters like Red Brick Presents (run by our assistant booker at Songbyrd, Ray Brown), Valentina Booking Presents, Open Gem Presents and Rediscover Fire. There’s also a lot of camaraderie here. People really support each other.”

At Songbyrd, she tries to take a thoughtful approach while booking artists, striking a balance between shows proven successful and the new and interesting.

“I do a lot of research and genuinely try to listen to everything that pops through my inboxes. It’s important

to me that there’s something for everyone. There’s also an element of knowing when to gamble. It doesn’t always work out, but when you take a chance and a show goes crazy it’s a great feeling.”

Check out Songbyrd at songbyrddc.com and follow them @songbyrddc. Learn more about Ottobar at theottobar.com and follow them @theottobar. Follow Murphy on Instagram @unbooking.

Zach Cutler

Booker, Guitarist + Producer

Guitarist and booker Zach Cutler has been a mainstay of the city’s independent soul, R&B and jazz since he moved to D.C. in 1999. While a constant presence around the city, he’s also been a successful touring musician for the likes of Melanie Fiona. Additionally, he was musical director for the iconic vocal R&B band The Impressions, where he takes on the guitar parts of the late and great Curtis Mayfield. He also books for venues around the city — notably St. Vincent Wine, a hotbed for young jazz musicians.

“As a booker and curator, I try to work with venues to provide a platform for local musicians who honor the city’s rich musical history — helping them highlight more jazz, funk and hip-hop,” Cutler says. “As the city expands with bigger businesses in increasingly gentrified neighborhoods, I want to keep D.C. funky, weird and flavorful like it was when I first started playing here 25 years ago.”

He’s watched the city change socially and economically over the years.

“I think we all need to continue investing our energy in the scene by realizing our worth and keeping this city great,” he says. “We are preserving the soul of this city by having local musicians who can make a living creating art that honors D.C.’s powerful musical history.”

Learn more about Cutler @zacharycutler and @dcsoulsounds.

Nistha Raj Violinist + Founder, District of Raga

Violinist, booker and organizer Nistha Raj has been providing a space to celebrate South Asian performing arts in D.C. for years now. The founder of the volunteer-run presenting organization District of Raga, Raj has helped carve out a notable space for South Asian singers, dancers and musicians to perform on some of the largest and most respected stages in the area, like Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center and Strathmore.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, you could find her cultivating a regular performance space and community at Bossa Bistro and Lounge in Adams Morgan, which often featured some of the top emerging South Asian artists from around the country in an intimate setting.

While it is not a specific condition for D.C. musicians, Raj thinks taking on so many different roles in the community is the way most make ends meet.

“It’s a hustle, and I think most musicians have to be multihyphenates in order to make it work,” she says.

Still, Raj loves most “the power to connect through music, express emotions and create beauty. [To] be a part of something bigger.”

Learn more about District of Raga at districtofraga.com and @districtofraga. Check out Raj at nistharaj.com and @nistharaj.

FROM TOP. Shady Rose. Photo by Aysha S // @ayshasphoto. Zach Cutler. Photo by Nick Moreland.

MUSIC

Herb Scott

Saxophonist + Founder // Executive Director, Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation

Herb Scott is a saxophonist, bandleader, festival producer and advocate for jazz in the District. As the executive director and founder of Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, Scott is on the front lines of pushing policymaking in City Hall and Congress to pass legislation that supports jazz musicians, venues and education in D.C. He also hosts the weekly Capitol Hill jazz jam at Mr. Henry’s and throws the annual Hillfest, a live music festival and professional conference for working musicians, when he’s not showing off his sharp chops on his saxophone at gigs around town.

Scott will tell you the jazz scene is strong here with a rich history — successfully producing Grammy winners, nationally-recognized artists, music directors, producers and more — but thinks D.C. could do more to cultivate a musical climate that keeps top-flight talent here. Though Scott says D.C. has its strengths, too.

“The city has committed to more performances in diverse venues like rooftops, parks, restaurants, festivals and series,” he says. “Musicians are working a lot if they are capable and choose to do so.”

Learn more about Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation at capitolhilljazzfoundation.org and @capitolhilljazzfoundation. Follow Scott @herbscottmusic.

Rockin' at The Ridge

Layne Garrett

Guitarist + Program Director, Rhizome

Layne Garrett plays guitar and other objects in the experimental improvised duo Weed Tree, as well as guitar with the new wave-y trio Drawn on top of serving as the program director at Rhizome. The space is one of the most important homes for experimental, underground and noncommercial music in the DMV region. Garrett helps book shows featuring musicians from up and down I-95 as well as icons of the avant-garde in classical and jazz like members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians or musician David Murray.

Garrett says he’s excited about the number of younger musicians who are creating new and interesting works, especially across styles.

“There are young people with a lot of energy, interdisciplinary collaborations,” he says. “It makes me excited when new people come out to see weird shit they might not know much about, and I feel like that is happening more at Rhizome lately. The number of people making amazing, singular mind-blowing music right now is kind of hard to fathom.”

Learn more about Rhizome at rhizomedc.org and follow them @rhizome_dc.

CULTURE

Empowering the Diner Founder Erica Christian, District Fray EIC Monica Alford + Disco Mary Collective Creator Maria Bastasch. Photo by Ben Droz Photography.

Walk With Us

Your on-foot guide to D.C.’s outdoor murals in NoMa + beyond.

WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER

Whether you’re a tourist or someone who has lived in the District for decades, there is always a new mural to explore. From realism to abstract, historical figures to futuristic superheroes, our city walls provide blank canvasses for artists to let their creativity roam free. Thanks to the DC Walls Festival’s annual addition of murals, NoMa has become a hotspot for new mural sightings. Enlisting the help of local artists Ashley Jay Williams, E$, Nia Keturah Calhoun, Nate Mann and Nicole Bourgea, as well as NoMa BID President and CEO Maura Brophy, we created a Northeast mural walking guide based on their recommendations — plus sprinkled in beloved NoMa spots to refuel and recharge at during the excursion. Here are their curated picks and why they are must visits.

1.UNTITLED BY EMILY DING

Located in a parking lot, this breathtaking mural is worth the visit with an emblazoned, hyperrealistic tiger charging toward another serene tiger staring you down. Follow Ding @_emilyding.

22 K St. NE

2.LAOS IN TOWN

250 K St. NE; @laosintown

3.RED BEAR BREWING COMPANY

209 M St. NE; @redbearbrewing

4.ANDY’S PIZZA

51 M St. NE; @andyspizza

5.“STILL IN MY BLUE PERIOD” BY EMMANUEL JARUS

Emotive and pensive, this multiple story mural depicts a person sitting with their arms and two additional phantom arms hugging themselves, all washed in a blue palette. Follow Jarus @youngjarus.

40 Patterson St. NE

6.“MI CUERPO, MI DECISIÓN” BY LAUREN YS

In honor of a woman’s right to choose, the L.A.-based artist painted this mesmerizing mural of a person encircled by two mythical cat-like beasts using a color palette reminiscent of Lisa Frank art. Follow Lauren YS @squilicker.

N St. NE

7.“RETURN OF THE SHAOLIN PENCIL’ BY ANIEKAN UDOFIA

An updated version of the saying “The pen is mightier than the sword,” the mural depicts a Black feminine presenting person in a power stance with a pencil in each fist, reminiscent of a comic book superhero’s nunchucks. Known for the Ben’s Chili Bowl mural and countless more throughout the city, Udofia is highly respected for his portraiture and was one of the most frequently recommended artists by his contemporaries on this tour. Follow Udofia @aniekanreloaded.

75 New York Ave. NE

8.“PUB & THE PEOPLE MURAL” BY NICOLE BOURGEA +MAS PAZ

Above the Pub & The People’s sign, two local artists merged their distinct styles into one black-and-white mural, with Bourgea’s realistic painting of two dogs jumping through Mas Paz’s abstract designs. Follow Bourgea @nicolebourgea and Paz @maspaz.

1648 North Capitol St. NW

9.LOST GENERATION

327 S St. NE; @lostgenbrewing

10.“BLACK THANG” BY NONTSIKELELO MUTITI // ADRIENNE GAITHER

Large scale Black hair and beauty products adorned with names of real brands celebrate Black self-care on the Stable Arts façade facing the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The orange and black color palette create a unique approach to an otherwise pop-art concept. Follow Mutiti @nontsimutiti and Gaither @rockyyoadrienne.

336 Randolph Pl. NE

11.“WE CONTAIN MULTITUDES” BY AMANDA PHINGBODHIPAKKIYA WITH HEISING-SIMONS FOUNDATION + CULTURAL DC PROJECT

Dedicated to women in STEM, the bold color-blocked painting depicts two women surrounded by a splattering of fragmented material, signifying the building blocks of protons and neutrons that make up life. Follow Phingbodhipakkiya @alonglastname.

1501 Harry Thomas Way NE

12.“E$ WAS HERE” BY E$

Marking the first mural for the artist in the city, the monochrome illustration is jam-packed with original and beloved cartoon characters. D.C. Easter egg references are peppered throughout, leaving the viewer always wanting to return to find something new. Follow E$ @theedollarsign.

227 Harry Thomas Way NE

13.“WHEN FEELINGS GET OVER” BY MURO

If you are a fan of Matisse, Muro’s massive D.C. mural next to Alethia Tanner Park is for you. Follow Muro @mur0ne.

227 Harry Thomas Way NE

14.UNTITLED BY NATE MANN

If you are familiar with D.C. artists, it’s easy to spot Nate Mann’s work due to his signature aesthetic that creates cascading wave like pattern designs. Set on a creamsicle sunset backdrop, his intricate black line pattern work for this mural creates a delightful contrast and a perfect Instagram photo opp. Follow Mann @natemannart.

227 Harry Thomas Way NE

15.“LATIN AMERICAN FEMALE IDENTITY” BY MARIELA AJRAS

Tucked on the exterior side of La Cosecha facing Maman, the mural explores the Latin female identity with identical women inverted in front of a serape design. Follow Ajras @marie_ajras.

1280 4th St. NE

16.PLUMA

391 Morse St. NE; @plumabybluebird

17.CROOKED RUN BREWERY

550 Morse St. NE Suite #120; @crookedrunfermentation

18.“BGV X NIKE: ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS A BOXING MATCH” BY “BMIKE” ODUMS

While Union Market District is known for new murals popping up frequently, this mural on the side of the market itself has become a staple and features local Black women entrepreneurs

set in a boxing ring, ready for their next fight — and win. Follow Odums @bmike2c.

1309 5th St. NE

19.THE CREAMERY

1309 5th St. NE; @the_creamery_at_union_market

20.“QUEER” BY ASHLEY JAYE WILLIAMS

Completed earlier this summer inside Selina Hotel, the mural illustrates the artist’s journey to finding her identity through two vignettes, including an anthropomorphic dragon fruit

staring into a teeth-adorned mirror and a self-portrait of Williams with her head covered by a lampshade. Follow Williams @ashleyjayewilliams.

411 New York Ave. NE

21.“EGRET SALMON HONEY

BEE” BY MAS PAZ

Another fellow artist favorite, the abstract artist incorporates nature into his stained glasslike thick black outline designs. For this piece, the Colombian D.C.-based artist was inspired by salmon and bees — fitting for the mural’s location on the side

of Ivy City Smokehouse, which is known for smoked salmon products, including candied salmon (hence the honey). Follow Paz @maspaz.

1356 Okie St. NE

With so many notable murals in the city, the artists’ recommendations expanded well beyond the NoMa neighborhood. Visit districtfray.com for their full list of favorites throughout the District.

ART OUT LOUD. Our first official Capital Pride event celebrated LGBTQIA+ artists, makers and allies in D.C. who are thriving, collaborating and strengthening inclusive communities. On June 3, 600+ locals joined us at Selina Union Market & Cowork to check out three floors of live activations from headlining artists Ashley Jaye Williams, Nia Keturah Calhoun and Lisa Marie Thalhammer; dance party sets from Les the DJ and DJs Alex Love and Farrah Flosscett; a stacked makers’ market curated by Femme Fatale; and a show-stopping rooftop performance from haus of bambi. Plus, craft cocktails from Disco Mary Collective, bites from Chef Christian Irabien, live entertainment from emcees Maps Glover and MUNDY, body painting, body piercing, tarot reading, and much more. Photos by Ben Droz Photography.

LIFE

MUNDY. Photo by Mariah Miranda.

MULTIHYPHENATES REMIXING THE WORK-LIFE-PLAY BALANCE IN D.C.

INTERVIEWS COMPILED BY COLLEEN KENNEDY + ABI NEWHOUSE

This month, we’re highlighting the ways D.C. is constantly doing more. Each of these multihyphenates made their passions into careers and continue to encourage creativity and community in the city. From restaurants to lifestyle brands to creative hubs, these locals give more of themselves to the DMV so the rest of us can thrive. Check out how they balance work and life, and the greater impact of their professional pursuits on the nation’s capital.

KABIR AMIR + SWATI BOSE OWNERS + SOMMELIERS, FLIGHT WINE BAR

After big career switches, Amir and Bose opened Flight Wine Bar in 2014 and have since earned James Beard nominations for outstanding wine program in 2020 and 2023.

How was it pursuing a dream while navigating the risks? What advice would you give to those going through the same transition?

Scary, but worthwhile. Both our lives didn’t go as planned when we were young, so because of those experiences we are both acutely aware that life can be unpredictable. We feel we must make the most of what we have. We believe before you take any step, thorough research and preparation is required. Gaining as much experience and education in the field or relevant fields is highly recommended. If you are working with a partner, making sure you are compatible at every step is important. We were lucky, but we also work hard at making sure this partnership works. We make a lot of compromises in our personal and business life to make sure the partnership stays healthy.

Where do you go when you want to treat yourselves?

The two of us have long days because we do caregiving and run a restaurant. So, getting out is tough. Swati takes breaks by bringing her laptop to Chloe, Estuary at the Conrad and Boqueria at Penn Quarter to get in a couple of hours of work. When the two of us are able to step out, we go to Nostos in Tysons, Albi or Primrose. We are super service-focused, and that guides us.

How has the wine scene changed in D.C. since you opened?

The wine scene has changed fairly dramatically in the last 10 years. Guests are willing to explore and try a lot — from not selling a single glass of our skin contact Georgian wine in 2014 to our skin contact flight being a top seller in 2023; and from our Bodega glasses getting stares to people now wanting to know where they can buy them. It challenges us to stay dynamic. The city now has a lot more wine-focused places as well, which sparks interest in wine and gives guests more choices.

Look out for announcements as Flight comes up on their 10th anniversary at flightdc.com and follow them on Instagram @flightwinebardc. Flight Wine Bar: 777 6th St. NW, DC

FROM TOP. Kabir Amir + Swati Bose. Photos by Scott Suchman.

TERRY BITAR

ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST + ARCHITECT, BITARCHITECTS

Bitar works toward equity at her architecture firm and through her charity.

What do you love about architecture in D.C., and how do you add to its aesthetic?

I appreciate the orderly nature of D.C.’s architecture, characterized by clean lines and adherence to grids. The city’s design demonstrates a focus on human-centric principles, considering the scale and comfort of its people. The architecture in D.C. fosters a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, allowing people to feel at ease. I hold great respect for what already exists. I am committed to ensuring the enduring power of D.C.’s architectural heritage remains alive for future generations to appreciate.

How do you get away from work?

One of my favorite ways to unwind is wearing sweatpants and taking walks around the streets of D.C. But I also love dressing up and trying out different restaurants, discovering new flavors and experiences that offer a break from my daily routine. I have a passion for traveling and exploring architecture across nations. Some places I’ve visited are Jordan, UAE, Qatar, France, the UK, Pakistan and Egypt.

What are some causes in D.C. you support throughout the year?

Coming from Lebanon, I am passionate about advocating for my country and dispelling negative perceptions by showcasing its beauty and uniqueness. Through my charity foundation, I work toward empowering those in need, believing that everyone deserves a fair chance in life. As an architect, I support young architects and the architectural society by sponsoring events and offering guidance whenever possible. I also contribute to various other causes such as the opera, ballet and initiatives related to other countries. It’s important to me to help others and recognize that my success wouldn’t have been possible without the support I received.

Stay tuned for the opening of Bitarchitects’ new office and the American Institute of Architecture Students Grassroot Conference. Visit bitarchitectsllc.com and follow Bitar on Instagram @terrybitar.

Photo by Sarah Marcella.

DONCEL BROWN

FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GENERATION TYPO

Brown creates clothing pieces that transcend generational differences. Your career in fashion has skyrocketed within a short period of time. What design and business ethos do you want to carry with you into these new realms?

I’ve learned so much on this journey and continue to learn every day. Some of the philosophies I continue to live by are, “Say yes and then figure it out” and, “It takes a team.” Saying yes to as many opportunities as I can, even when I’m not sure I’m able to do them, has had a direct positive impact on my journey. This not only allows me to grow at a rate I didn’t think possible, but also opens up new doors. Although I had no official training in the fashion space, saying yes to doing a fashion show just three months into the brand’s life was one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions I made. “It takes a team” is as simple as that; it truly takes a team to build something amazing.

When it’s literally your job to be creative, what do you do to unwind?

I love finding speakeasies throughout the city. There’s something about a hidden entrance that really gets to me. I also love the fact that it feels as if you’re stepping into a whole different world in some of them.

How does living in D.C. inspire you?

I pull a lot of my creative inspiration from the city. I like to go to public areas and just look at what people are wearing and how styles can be combined. This also inspires me to bring more awareness to the creative talents in D.C. I can’t help but appreciate how the different cultures blend together. I truly believe it’s the only place in the world where you can get that much diversity in one city.

Keep up with Generation Typo at generationtypo.com and follow them on Instagram @generationtypo for the upcoming launch of their first Accessories Capsule.

Photo by Phelan Marc.

DIEGLO

PAINTER, CLOTHING DESIGNER + CREATIVE

Dieglo’s work is undeniably his, with graffiti-like characters and lettering — after you see it, you’ll know it anywhere.

What was the process like turning your passion into full-time work?

It took a really long time for it to be so consistent. It was also hard because when I was starting off, no one had anything good to say about being an artist, like the title was tainted or something. But being a full-time artist has changed my creative process 100% — it’s a job now, like a real grown-up job. It’s mainly different now because I have to treat it with the same amount of respect as I would any job: Clocking in on time, meeting deadlines, having stock available, meeting customer service needs. So, it’s not as raw and reckless as it was when I started.

What do you do to disconnect from your art and recharge?

Honestly, I don’t. Art is what makes me happy. I’m lowkey very emotional, and I feel like I always have to be creating to deal with my days. But I disconnect and recharge by picking up other projects when I’m overwhelmed.

What aspects of D.C. do you take with you as you split time between different cities?

I grew up with community, so I like to take that welcoming feeling with me everywhere I go. Not everyone is as nice about it, but I also don’t let people step on me thanks to growing up in the DMV.

This year, look out for Dieglo’s new merch that looks like “If IKEA, Polo RL and Build-A-Bear were put in a blender with some Dieglo.” Learn more about Dieglo at dieglo.com and follow him on Instagram @dieglostudios.

ROB LEE

FOUNDER, PODCASTER, CURATOR + CULTURE GUY

The host of the podcast “The Truth in This Art” has interviewed more than 600 members of the Baltimore and D.C. creative community since launching in 2019.

After 600 episodes, what is the best advice you’ve gleaned for up-and-coming artists?

My advice, inspired by the wisdom shared by educator, podcaster and documentarian Aaron Henkin and echoed by countless creatives, is this: Trust in yourself, believe in your unique voice and stay committed to your artistic vision. Embrace the journey of discovery, follow your passions and let your authentic expression shine through. It is by staying true to yourself that you will forge your own path and make a lasting impact in the world of art and creativity.

How do you select your interviewees?

I follow my intuition and seek out guests who truly ignite my curiosity. I’m constantly on the look out for individuals who make me pause and wonder, “How do they do that?”

It’s this genuine sense of fascination that drives the heart of my podcast. Being a cultural curator and podcaster from

Baltimore, I started “The Truth in This Art” as a response to the prevailing narrative that my beloved city is somehow “bad.” I wanted to challenge that narrative and present a more authentic and well-rounded perspective. That’s why I engage in conversations with a diverse range of guests, including artists, community leaders and individuals who contribute to the vibrant culture of Baltimore.

What do you do in your down time?

I have a great appreciation for stand-up comedy, live music and indulging in delicious food. When I visit D.C., I make sure to stop by Eaton Radio, one of my regular spots for podcast recording. Along the way, I can’t resist dropping by Tatte to savor their mouthwatering kouign-amann pastries and enjoy a cup of their exceptional coffee. In Baltimore, I love to spend my time in the Station North Arts District, particularly at Foraged Eatery.

The next season of “The Truth in This Art” podcast launches spring 2024. Listen to all episodes on major streaming platforms and at thetruthinthisart.com and follow the podcast on Instagram @thetruthinthisart.

MUNDY

SINGER, COMPOSER, PERFORMANCE ARTIST + PRODUCER MUNDY creates ethereal music, and their work has deep roots in the District.

What was the creative process behind your new album?

“Future Nature” is inspired by that head in the clouds, feet on the ground feeling. Sounds of the past, like old school funk

and go-go, ’90s house and vogue. Mix that with sounds of the future, unhinged synth and spaced-out sonic landscapes. It’s inspired by the strength and resilience of nature and of people, and holding onto hope that inspires in these wild times. Now more than ever, I think people need hope. The process has been long but intentionally meticulous. This being our first full album, we wanted it to feel right before release. We know there is no such thing as perfect when it comes to music or any art, but it’s easy to fall into the pursuit of perfection for sure. It didn’t have to be perfect, just right. But now the work begins of really getting it out into the world and having people hear it. So, it’s like, “Yay. Ok, let’s get to work.”

What is your top go-to place when you need to get away from work?

Well it’s funny, my go-to get away is also where I would work, as in performing: DC9. It was always a safe space for me growing up when I needed a place to go out and not feel othered. They always have awesome bands playing and do an incredible job supporting local musicians. Plus, their rooftop is the best.

How has D.C. changed throughout your life, and what keeps you here?

D.C. has changed rapidly and dramatically. Some areas are truly unrecognizable. D.C. has a certain supercharged energy unlike anywhere else. Things happen in extremes here, sometimes things that affect the world. It is the personification of that past and future clash that is part of the inspiration for my music. No other city feels quite like it.

Download “Future Nature” now and follow @mundymusik on Instagram for updates on new music videos,

events and shows.

LEFT PAGE, FROM TOP. Dieglo Handed. Photo by Amal Handley. Rob Lee. Photo by Schaun Champion. THIS PAGE. MUNDY. Photo by Ben Droz Photography.

ADRIANA MENDOZA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, FEMME FATALE DC

Mendoza created a hub for womxn and nonbinary creatives, entrepreneurs and organizers to connect and create together.

How has Femme Fatale morphed since opening a brick-and-mortar? We’ve always been a pop-up. That has always been our model of activating spaces. We had these ideas, but [they] could never be achieved because we were always getting ready for the next popup. But now we have been in Cleveland Park since 2021 and were able to purchase the building recently. So that means it’s Black, Latina and queer-owned — the first in Cleveland Park. There’s finally stability to begin activating the larger ideas we’ve had for Femme Fatale, like becoming a formal incubator for entrepreneurs and creatives, and thinking about how we can expand our offerings. We’ve planted the seeds years ago. Now we get to harvest what we’ve sowed.

Where do you go for inspiration?

One of my favorite places is Meridian Hill Park on Sundays when the drum circle is there. It’s a reminder of what it really means to be human, the best version of humankind. I like to put myself into spaces to remind myself what it looks like when people express themselves. Their walls are down and they’re vulnerable. They’re being the best version of themselves because they don’t have restrictions. That is what I have always envisioned when people gather at our events.

What is your favorite memory of gathering womxn in D.C.?

I cannot pick one, but there is an underlying energy that threads us together. We’re talking about thousands of events [and] gatherings over six years. I love that people who gather in our space feel welcomed. If two people come by themselves, they can find each other and start talking. I often feel like an outsider, and I don’t like feeling that way. I want to create spaces that allow you to be yourself and be vulnerable. Join Femme Fatale at Black Cat on September 23 for a preloved market full of fashion and style. Go to femmefataledc.com and follow on Instagram @femmefataledc. Femme Fatale DC: 3409 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC

Photo by Briget Heidmous.

AARON MYERS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Along with his work at CAH, Myers is a jazz musician, arts and culture leader, advocate, educator and activist.

How does your experience as a jazz musician, educator and activist inform your role as executive director of the DC Commission of Arts and Humanities?

Both as chief advocate and critic over the years with the challenges that the agency faces, I have learned through my music. I have gained tenacity through my activism and patience from education to steer the agency in the right direction and ensure [things are] done in an equitable and fair way.

What advice do you have for artists who may be searching for funding and grant opportunities? Easy answer. First, go to the website. Second, do not wait until the last minute to apply. Last, call or email with any questions. My personal contact information is on the website.

What do you love about D.C. and where do you unwind? What I love about D.C. is the Blackness and how someone who looks like me is encouraged, inspired and supported. If I am not working or creating art in some way, I am at the spa trying to refill my cup or at Mr. Henry’s. I miss the Black Fox Lounge, but I enjoy JoJo’s, Pie Shop, Blue’s Alley and Black Cat for music.

Meet Myers at Lincoln Theatre on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and 50 years of Home Rule Music Festival. For all CAH opportunities, jobs (they’re hiring now) and initiatives, visit dcarts.dc.gov and follow them on Instagram @thedcarts.

RAYCEEN PENDARVIS

EVENT HOST, SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE + LIFELONG WASHINGTONIAN

Rayceen Pendarvis, the high priestess of love, the queen of the shameless plug, the empress of pride, the goddess of D.C., has been at the forefront of almost every modern social and civil rights movement in our nation’s capital.

We saw you present at the Woolly Mammoth gala earlier this year. What are your ties to local theatre? I’ve been a dramaturg and I once had a small role in a play, so I understand and appreciate the hard work of those involved. I’ve particularly enjoyed having had the opportunity to host many talk backs at several D.C. theaters and chatting with actors, directors and playwrights. Music is particularly important to me because it is such a dynamic art form. I was a member of a vocal trio in the early 1990s, so I know the challenges of being creative and how treacherous the industry can be. I have great respect for those who persevere. Not only have I had some memorable backstage conversations at various venues, but I have had the honor of introducing several singers as a special emcee. I was particularly touched when singers Melba Moore and Chandra Currelly asked me to welcome them to the stage at Blues Alley when they each had shows there.

FROM TOP. Aaron Myers. Photo courtesy of subject. Rayceen Pendarvis.

Photo by David Claypool Photography.

What do you do outside of work to keep ideas fresh and stay connected?

I enjoy reading, watching film classics, listening to music, and attending concerts, plays and community events. My love of books is something passed on to me by my late mother. I’ve had the opportunity to interview some fantastic authors and poets over the years, including Jericho Brown, not long before he won the Pulitzer Prize. Sometimes I knew them before they were published. I’m so happy for them when they receive their accolades, including George M. Johnson, who I knew as a community advocate in D.C. before the success of “All Boys Aren’t Blue.” I’ve also cherished the times I’ve hosted events at DC Public Library. D.C. has an outstanding library system.

Why is D.C. the place for you?

D.C. is my hometown. I’ve lived here all my life and I plan on staying here. If the theatre, music and literature aren’t reasons enough, I love D.C. as my roots, my foundation and my community. This year, Pendarvis was honored at Woolly Mammoth’s gala before its upcoming season, which is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices and stories that confront today’s world in surprising ways. Follow on Instagram @rayceenpendarvis.

JAMIE SABAT

MANIFESTATION MENTOR, CONSCIOUS PARENTING COACH + FOUNDER OF HIGH VIBE WOMEN

Sabat created High Vibe Women as a space for DMV women to connect, network and create together.

What’s the story behind High Vibe Women?

High Vibe Women sprung out of my coaching business. Many of my clients, all female entrepreneurs, were asking me to introduce them to each other. The idea came to me in the shower — “I’m going to start a wellness community for women to network.” The High Vibe Women network is slightly different from other business communities — we are focused on spiritual wellness. We do activities like cacao ceremonies, sound healing and zero-proof happy hours. Our conversations are deep. You might know one of the members’ sun sign before you know what they do for a living.

Photo by Tyrone Johnson.

When you’re not busy facilitating and creating community, what do you do for your own self-care?

When I have more time in the morning, I spend it in selfhypnosis, meditating, journaling and reading. I love a long walk in nature. My neighborhood, Mount Rainier, has many paths and bike trails that I enjoy. I’m also a big biohacker, so I enjoy infrared, ice baths and saunas. I love going to Balian Springs, Eaton Hotel and Capital Cryo to zone out.

What D.C. spots help fill your cup?

As a single mom and entrepreneur, I don’t spend much time going out. If I have a Sunday afternoon free, I will head to Sunday Love for the wellness event and then tear up the dance floor. When I’m feeling nostalgic, I’ll head to the Bishop’s Garden to meditate at my high school, National Cathedral School. The Hillwood Estates, The Reach at the Kennedy Center and Dumbarton Oaks are others I enjoy for a chill day. Sabat will be hosting a series of wellness events to fundraise for the High Vibe House, a Healing + Wellness Center in the DMV, which will include coworking spots, a curated wellness calendar of events and cold plunges and barrel saunas. Learn more at distillandexpress.com and follow her @distillandexpress.

ANNA SHAH

COFOUNDER, POP! LLC

Shah started POP!, a student-run thrift store at George Washington University to reduce fast fashion on campuses, and it quickly blossomed into an online shop with national reach.

You’ve built an amazing brand focused on fashion sustainability on university campuses. What’s next for the business post-graduation?

We are so proud of the impact on GW’s campus but refuse to stop here. In September 2022, we launched our e-commerce business to provide access to affordable and curated secondhand fashion to students nationwide. Post-graduation, we plan to partner with universities for sourcing in order to close the fashion loop on college campuses.

How do you balance your studies with the business, your social life and everything else going on?

I study international business with minors in sustainability and German. I balance my life by setting my top three priorities for the day and working my way through them one by one. No matter how busy I am, I try to include self-care in my priorities list, because to be successful you need to stay sane.

In what way does D.C. play in your work? How will you carry that forward as the business grows and develops? When I first moved to D.C., I found myself in a sustainable fashion desert. I lacked access to affordable and sustainable fashion nearby. This was the original reason we started POP! LLC: to become an oasis, specifically for college students susceptible to fast fashion. Upon solving this problem, we gained community-wide support from the Textile Museum, the DC Sustainable Fashion Collective, The Rounds and more, which was critical to our growth.

Learn more about POP! LLC at popthriftstore.com and follow them on Instagram @popthriftstore.

Anna Shah. Photo by Maya Levine.

TYLER STOE

PARTNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR + EVENT PRODUCER, LEGACY DC

Stoe works to make Legacy DC — a cannabis dispensary, clothing store and art space — a place to foster community.

Why is making art more accessible a priority for you?

As a rebellious teenager in Western Massachusetts, I observed an exploding graffiti scene before “street art” became a household term. It was all about the letter work for me. I was enamored with the big, colorful, bold shapes and names that would appear along bus routes and city blocks. Fast-forward 25 years, and this curiosity fueled my dedication toward resolving the overlooked talent in style writing amidst the celebrated and monetized simplistic street art. Today’s recognized street art owes its existence to graffiti roots. That’s been my constant inspiration to make this authentic form of art more appreciated and accessible by all.

When you have time off, where do you go to relax?

D.C. is home to some amazing museums and galleries, and it’s not hard to fill a day getting lost in art. The Hirshhorn is one of my favorite spaces in the city and a place of peace and creativity for me. My family and I go there often, and I’m grateful to be able to share these important experiences and resources with my daughter during such formative years.

How does Legacy DC make space for community?

Legacy DC, built on the ethos of music, art, cannabis and community, provides a platform for subcultures often sidelined. We actively combat stigma, offering opportunities to unconventional creatives through collaborations, our clothing line and Legacy Sessions, a music studio and podcast space. It’s truly the cultural hub I dreamed of in my youth.

Legacy DC will host Joint Effort: A Live Comedy Show on August 30; Showtime at Legacy, a hip-hop and R&B show, on August 31; and Meat and Greet, a community cookout, on August 27. Visit thelegacydc.com and follow on Instagram at @legacygallerydc.

Legacy DC: 1937 14th St. NW, DC

CAREY TANG

CO-OWNER + MANAGING DIRECTOR, ELLIE BIRD + ROOSTER & OWL

After hosting successful pop-ups, Tang opened Rooster & Owl in 2019 and then sister restaurant Ellie Bird early this year.

Running a business with a life partner is not for the faint of heart. How do you make it work?

Part of Rooster & Owl’s origin story is the years we spent on opposite schedules. Back in the day, [my husband] Yuan was in hospitality, so he was the night owl while I worked a desk job, a.k.a. the rooster. Now that we work together, it is definitely a balancing act to manage two teams and restaurants plus a growing family. There’s a lot of compromise and effort to navigate working so closely with your spouse, like setting boundaries and relearning how to communicate and support each other in both spheres. We mess up and are human, but we’re united in the same goals. We recognize the contributions and strengths of the other, knowing we understand that effort and the importance of it more than anyone else.

FROM TOP. Tyler Stoe. Photo by Lafayette Barnes IV. Carey + Yuan Tang. Photo by Jennifer Chase.

What do you do to get time for yourselves and disconnect from the restaurants?

Being able to step away on a day off and have intentional family time and personal time is so key. Although we’re not always successful, we try to encourage and enable that for one another. Our kids and our restaurants are very young, so we know we’re in a season not conducive to down time. When we are able to carve some time out, we love going out to eat together.

What’s been the difference between the restaurant scene in D.C. and Falls Church?

We are Falls Church natives, and we both had our first jobs in hospitality in the area. There is something extremely nostalgic about “coming home” and opening a concept here in our hometown. Both communities are pretty diverse. We did intentionally make Ellie Bird a bit more family friendly, hoping that the same parents bringing their kids for brunch at Ellie Bird might treat themselves to a date night at Rooster & Owl in the city.

Ellie Bird recently rolled out weekend brunches. There’s something happening every night at Rooster & Owl and the menu rotates seasonally. To learn more, visit roosterowl.com and elliebirdva.com. Follow on Instagram @roosterandowl + @elliebirdva.

ARIANA TOKES

FOUNDER, YANA CREATIVES

Tokes created the YANA Creativity and Wellness Center to provide the D.C. area with access to information on cannabis and offer alternative ways to practice mental and social wellness.

You’re applying a new ethos around the plant medicine world and its branding. Why is that important to you? How the majority of society views taking pharmaceutical drugs versus plant medicine is still so backwards. We have ample scientific research that validates the benefits of cannabis, but so many people still hide that they consume it. It is proven to stop seizures, reduce anxiety and depression and cure physical pain, yet highly addictive pharmaceutical drugs are more socially acceptable and considered safer to use than a plant. Cannabis is going through a prohibition, and I want to play a small part in instilling cultural change. Right now, you can go to a bar and legally drink so much that you can kill yourself. But if you smoke too much weed and have the best night of sleep ever, that’s federally illegal? A major reason cannabis is still stigmatized is because the information is banned from distribution on major social media platforms. I left my private equity career to use my professional experience in building tech startups to support a product I am truly aligned with. I wanted to use my skills for something that can support people.

What do you do to get away from work and unwind? I love to go on hikes with my husky, Miso, and interact with nature. It helps ground me and settle all my constant thoughts. I have ADHD and cannabis, mushrooms and meditation help me combat the side effects and unwind my mind.

What is your favorite D.C. experience for you and your community?

There are so many beautiful parks to have cute picnics with friends. Meridian Hill Park has a beautiful view of the Washington Monument and there are always people playing music and dancing outside.

Tokes is looking for local artists to showcase their work on Yana Creatives’ products. To learn more, visit yanacast.com, follow them on Instagram @yana.creatives and follow Tokes @ari_tokes.

Photo by Brandon Ogden.

PAUL TORRES

SOCCER ENTREPRENEUR + FOUNDER, NEXT STAR SOCCER

Torres founded soccer training company Next Star Soccer with a service-minded purpose: helping people grow into the best versions of themselves.

Why were you inspired to start Next Star Soccer in D.C.?

After playing at the University of Maryland and professionally overseas for six years, I felt it was the most natural path to return to the game after getting involved briefly in commercial real estate. After my playing career, it just felt right to step away and then find myself involved in the game in some capacity. I’m fascinated by human potential and interested in the underdog story. I feel like I’m in the position to help people develop on and off the field.

Why is being club-neutral important to your ethos?

The end goal of Next Star is to develop powerful human beings. Soccer, like any sport, is a way for people to express themselves and develop life skills. Even thinking about some of the stories of players I’ve worked with gives me goosebumps. Players like Ted Ku Dipietro scoring winning goals in the 98th minute for DC United are the moments that make the whole experience worth it. Griffin Yow, currently playing in Belgium, one of the top five leagues in Europe; Andi Sullivan, co-captain of the Washington Spirit and starting midfielder for USWNT; Christian Fletcher, high schooler on the DC United first team and Aaron Heard on the under 17 USNMT. Helping people is what this program is about.

Any hot takes about D.C. teams? I don’t know much about other sports, but should start watching more. I went to a Caps game recently and thought that was really fun. The fighting made my night and I think all sports could do with a little one-on-one boxing.

How else do you give back to D.C.? I sometimes cook for and feed the homeless with the School of Life Ashram on Sundays. I also will be partnering with Howard University to provide free soccer training once a

Photo by Hugo Menguy.

week for kids in the D.C. area who can’t afford extra training or club soccer. I also love being a partner in some of the hottest hospitality concepts in the city like the Seven Reasons Group. We are excited to continue to expand with concepts in D.C. and Surreal Park in Crystal City Amazon Hq2. Chicken + Whiskey is thriving with an expansion into Clarendon, giving me an excuse to explore Northern Virginia more. Learn more at nextstarsoccer.com and follow on Instagram @nextstarsoccer.

TERRENCE WHITE

FOUNDER OF MONKO

White created MONKO, a lifestyle brand and community around cannabis.

What made you want to create a lifestyle brand through cannabis?

I’ve always been captivated by the potential of cannabis to enhance our lives. Cannabis can elevate our senses, inspire our creativity and foster a sense of well-being. That holistic appeal led us to create a lifestyle brand around cannabis that exudes style, sophistication and a touch of indulgence. Our customers want to be part of a brand that encapsulates that complete experience.

How do you get away from work?

Quality time with loved ones is essential. I cherish those moments that remind me of what truly matters.

What about D.C. makes it the perfect space for your endeavors?

It’s a city that embraces diversity, forward-thinking ideas and cultural enrichment. The city’s progressive attitude and passion for wellness aligns perfectly with our brand ethos. D.C.’s dynamic cannabis market allows us to connect with a broad audience that appreciates everyday luxuries. We’re thrilled to participate in this vibrant tapestry, elevating the cannabis culture in the nation’s capital.

Check out Monko at The Garden 003, a rooftop cannabis experience and BLOSSOM, a cannabis, music, art, fashion, advocacy and culture event. Visit monko.co and follow on Instagram @monkodc.

MONKO: 444 K St. NW, DC

Photo by Immanuel Powell.

LILLY CROWN WILDER OWNER, RELUME

Crown Wilder offers a creative space for the community at Relume, a vintage and handmade goods shop.

How has your business grown from a passion project to a brick-and-mortar space?

In the fall of 2020, I was working in the nonprofit sector, but the job didn’t allow me to be creative. I used my skills from being a lifelong crafter and coming from a family of craftsmen and entrepreneurs and started to play around with designing products that use second-hand materials. My first product (painted denim) didn’t get much traction but a few months later, I began making candles in teacups and other repurposed vessels, which is one of our bestselling products to this day. I started going to pop-up markets, which is how I scaled the business enough to leave my full-time job. I’m so excited about taking this leap. It’s an opportunity to grow the business in countless ways, but I’m most excited to become part of a community. We are thrilled to call Capitol Hill our home.

When you shut the doors for the day, where are you headed to unwind and disconnect from work?

I’m a closet introvert, so my house is very much my sanctuary. An ideal post-work evening includes making homemade margaritas with my partner and running around in the backyard with our puppy. My schedule doesn’t allow for too much downtime these days, so the little moments of quiet are what I cherish the most.

Why do you think having a designated creative space is important for D.C.?

D.C. is always go, go, go. It’s sometimes a stressful place. I created Relume for an escape, a place where people can create, play and have fun. I’ve noticed that it’s a great way to make new friends, too. When people are connecting over making something, they tend to break past the traditional happy hour, small talk-type conversation. The typical “So what do you do?” question doesn’t even come up.

Learn more about upcoming workshops and events at relume.co and follow them on Instagram @relume_co.

Relume: 760 C St. SE, DC

MELISSA SCHOLES YOUNG

AUTHOR, EDITOR + PROFESSOR

Along with teaching writing at American University, Scholes Young also edits Grace & Gravity, a literary magazine dedicated to the voices of D.C.’s women.

What’s new for Grace & Gravity?

“Grace in Love” is the 10th volume of the Grace & Gravity anthology series. It features fiction and nonfiction stories about heartbreak, romance, desire, self-love, family bonds and more. In the past 20 years, the project has published nine volumes of more than 300 local women writers. The project was founded by Richard Peabody and I’ve been honored to edit the project for the past five years. With grants provided by the Humanities Truck and the Maryland State Arts Council,

FROM TOP. Lilly Crown Wilder + Melissa Scholes Young. Photos courtesy of subjects.

the Grace & Gravity project is like a food truck for feminist publishing.

Where do you find inspiration in D.C. and as a writer –and why?

I spend my time at local independent bookstores. I’ve attended 10 book launches this summer, so I’m working my way through that stack. If I’m not in D.C., I’m at the Porches, a writing residency in Norwood, Virginia run by the poet Trudy Hale, or I’m in a studio at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. I also teach and do manuscript consultations every summer at the Tennants Cove Writers Workshop in New Brunswick, Canada. Wherever I am, I have a book and my journal. I’m always writing.

How has the literary community in D.C. helped your work?

D.C. is where I’ve built my literary career. I moved here more than a decade ago, and I spent my early days in town attending readings, meeting writers at workshops, learning

about the literary community and strolling art galleries. It’s an incredibly vibrant city of art, and our local is national. It fills me up to be in a place where important conversations are happening on and off the page.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on three projects: my third novel, a memoir, and a screenplay to adapt my first novel, “Flood.” My second novel, “The Hive,” is optioned by Sony Entertainment so that’s an ongoing project, too. As an editor, we launched “Grace in Love” last May, so we’re promoting the contributors and planning fall events. Next year is our 20th anniversary of the project, and we’re having a huge party. As a professor, I’m working on my fall syllabus and directing the undergraduate creative writing program, so much of my summer is spent hiring, scheduling, mentoring and in meetings.

“Grace in Love” is available exclusively through Politics & Prose. Learn more about Scholes Young at melissascholesyoung.com and follow her on Instagram @melissascholesyoung.

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THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL

WORDS BY JAMIE MCCRARY

Sara Oliveri, a life coach driven by the principles of positive psychology, has built her career around empowering others to thrive. The D.C.-based coach helps individuals and couples cultivate positive and productive mindsets to create more joyful lives. As we shift from summer to work-and-school mode, Oliveri weighs in with her tips for creating balance and sustaining that summertime joy year-round.

Intentionally Create Balance

American society’s struggle with work-life balance isn’t just a mindset issue. Our education and workforce systems are structured in a way that tends to breed an all-or-nothing approach.

For example, many high school and university courses don’t require graded assignments or exams until the final several weeks of class. Then, students take an extended winter or summer break where they typically don’t engage in their studies at all.

“This creates an imbalance that gets deep into our psyche at a young age: suffer, joy, suffer, joy,” Oliveri says. “So, we end up associating summer with relaxation and vacation, then dread returning to work because it represents the end of joy.”

Oliveri says the solution is to intentionally create balance. If you tend to associate summertime with fun and relaxation, try identifying which parts you love the most and make a plan for how to integrate them into your life year-round.

This could include giving yourself permission to enjoy lunch on a patio, exercising outside or going camping for a weekend.

“Think about what lights you up,” Oliveri says, “and how you can get some of this goodness during fall or winter. Fun doesn’t have to die when summer is over.”

Focus On What You Can Control

Many people associate returning to school or work with a loss of control over their time. People tend to perceive their bosses or teachers as dictators of their schedules.

To regain a sense of agency, Oliveri suggests practicing positive psychology exercises, which can help people refocus on the parts of life they can control.

The “What Would Make Today Great” exercise from “The Five Minute Journal,” a daily gratitude and reflection journal for mindfulness, is one of her favorites.

The exercise asks people to brainstorm three things that would make their day better. The only catch is their list items must be things within their control.

This might include picking up their favorite coffee, going for a short run or even sleeping in for just five minutes.

“No matter how busy someone is, this is a great exercise for feeling like you have influence over what happens in your life,” Oliveri says. “This can be a game changer in terms of overall satisfaction.”

Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is especially important during transitions. People tend to jump into a busy schedule without fully considering how to sustain it long-term.

Starting at a slower, more conservative pace can help sustain a more balanced and fulfilling work and school schedule.

“As a society, we need to be more intentional about balance from the beginning,” Oliveri says, “not just when we begin to feel unbalanced.”

This is even more important when dealing with difficult personal situations, such as the death of a loved one or a breakup. Many also tend to use work as a coping mechanism, which can lead to neglecting their feelings.

Maintaining specific parameters around work allows people to reserve enough emotional energy to tend to their situation.

“Boundaries help give us bandwidth to navigate things in a healthy way,” Oliveri says. “Emotional multi-tasking is the source of a lot of mental health problems. It’s not possible to experience two different feelings in a meaningful way simultaneously.”

Cultivate Optimism

Current research shows optimism is the single most important factor in maintaining happiness and resiliency. This can be a powerful tool in shifting our mindsets from vacation to work.

From finding balance to cultivating optimism, we caught up with a local expert about how to stay positive and embrace productivity post-summer in D.C.

Oliveri warns that people tend to succumb into several psychological pitfalls that dampen their optimism, though. She recommends people stay attuned to the following:

Don’t blame yourself.

Optimists recognize that when things go wrong, much of the situation isn’t their fault. Oliveri suggests asking yourself questions like, “What factors contributing to this outcome were out of my control?” This might include a difficult boss, the learning curve for a new subject or even our social conditioning around work.

“This mindset helps people feel less defeated and like it’s not personal,” she says. “It also encourages them to continue trying.”

Avoid pervasiveness.

Pervasiveness is the tendency to see everything as bad when one thing goes wrong. Oliveri suggests practicing exercises like “What Would Make Today Great” that encourage you to look at things in a more nuanced way. What

things, even if small, are going well? And what has gone well in the past?

Stay aware of cognitive distortions.

Pay attention to the stories you’re telling yourself about the facts. Is what you’re telling yourself really true, or is it a negative assumption?

“Tricks like this can help us not blow something out of proportion,” Oliveri says.

Oliveri’s ultimate advice: Create the life you love. Life should be joyful and fulfilling year-round — not just during summer vacation. Try to understand what you value about both summertime and work, then shape a life that embraces both.

“It’s important we give ourselves permission to imagine lives that feel fulfilling every day,” she says. “You deserve to find joy.”

Oliveri is a D.C.-based life coach and speaker driven by the science of positive psychology and optimism. Learn more at saraoliveri.com and follow her on Instagram @thismiraculouslife.

Tools for Managing Your Mindset

INSPIRED READS

“The Five-Minute Journal” by Intelligent Change

“Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab

“The Rumination Cure” (pp. 1923 on cognitive distortions) by Louisa Jewell

“THIS MIRACULOUS LIFE”

PODCAST PICKS

“How to Overcome Chronic Burnout and Reconnect with Self Worth” (Ep. 17)

“How to Use Your Core Values to Make Choices” (Ep. 38)

“How to Tap into the Science of Optimism” (Ep. 43 + Ep. 44)

10 Creative Spots to Work Remotely in the DMV

Inspiration can be tough to spark while working or studying at home. Alone. For the fourth day in a row. Escape the seclusion of your home office with these 10 local creative spots for coworking. From bohemian vibes to stately, historic buildings, our top work-or-study picks might just offer the antidote you need to revitalize your working style.

WORDS BY JAMIE MCCRARY

ALKŌVA

If you’re an avid yogi looking to fuse the tranquility of practice with work, Georgetown’s ALKŌVA could be your spot. This coworking-wellness center offers a creative respite with daily yoga classes and Zen-inspired work stations. Choose from two membership options: unlimited yoga with a shared community workspace, or a private office with a meditation room, snack bar, shower and more. Membership required. 1510 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; alkovayoga.com // @alkovayoga

ALX Community

This dog-friendly community offers much more than just co-working. ALX hosts a regular TALX series featuring a range of industry experts, volunteer events and member exclusive happy hours, all geared to grow your network. Relish a view of the Potomac at ALX’s waterfront location or take in the city skyline at its rooftop Atrium location, both in Old Town, Alexandria. Membership required. 201 N Union St. #110 + 277 S Washington St. Alexandria, VA; alxcommunity.com // @alx_community

Big Bear Café

Big Bear’s got that cozy, garden cafe vibe perfect for sowing inspiration and focus for your workday. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and coffeeshop fare on its vine-entangled, herb garden patio, or settle inside for a spot surrounded by exposed brick and classic wood panels. Extend your stay into evening for one of Big Bear’s community events, like local comedy and music performances. Free+. 1700 1st St. NW, DC; bigbearcafe-dc.com // @bigbearcafe

Busboys and Poets

Craving more of a bohemian vibe? This artsy community hub offers coworking

spots at nine different locations around the DMV. The cafe is also a bookshop stacked with social justice and political reads and presents weekly lit-based programs, including weekly open-mic poetry nights and a visiting author series. Free+. Multiple locations; busboysandpoets.com // @busboysandpoets

Cowork Cafe at Three Whistles

Pair the comforts of a coffeehouse with the rigor of an office environment at Cowork Cafe in Clarendon. Located at Three Whistles, an all-day, Europeanstyle cafe, this work spot includes access to reserved tables and office amenities, as well as 20% off all coffee and bites. Burn ‘til evening and join one of Three Whistles’ weekly socials, like its community swing dancing classes. New locations on U Street and in Fairfax are slated to open soon. Membership required. 2719 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; coworkcafe.com; threewhistles.com // @three.whistles

DC Public Libraries

What better place to study than a building dedicated to disseminating knowledge itself? Post up at one of DC Public Library’s 26 locations around the city and soak up its academic atmosphere. Expand your studies with one of the library’s thousands of books, or peruse its online learning resources, including Libby for eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines; or JSTOR for academic journals. Free. Multiple locations; dclibrary.org // @dcpubliclibrary

Emissary

This dog-friendly coffeeshop-cafe-bar (pups are welcome inside and out) mixes multiple vibes for both the industrious and the relaxed. Grab a table or couch and fuel your work with one of the cafe’s signature Counter Culture Coffee drinks. If you’re there past 4 p.m., indulge in happy hour with

$28 bottles of wine, available until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Free+. 2032 P St. NW, DC + 1726 20th St. NW, DC; emissarydc.com // @emissary_dc

The HIVE

As one of the only coworking spaces East of the River, The HIVE offers an inclusive community where D.C.-based entrepreneurs can collaborate and grow. Members, a majority of whom are women and BIPOC, receive unlimited access to the center’s business workshops and networking events — as well as 24/7 access to the building, meeting spaces and mail services. The HIVE is located in the lower level of the Anacostia Arts Center. Membership required. 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; thedchive.com // @thehive2.0

Kaldi’s Social

House

This Silver Spring and Clarendon-based gathering spot has everything you need to super power your work sesh. The cafe offers niche and nourishing breakfasts, like shakshuka skillets and lemon ricotta hotcakes, as well as full lunch and dinner options. Nab a table to nosh while you work or settle into one of cafe’s more casual couches. Be sure to try a craft coffee, cocktail or beer while there. Free+. 918 Silver Spring Ave. Silver Spring, MD + 3100 10th St. N Arlington, VA; kaldissocial.com // @kaldissocialhouse + @kaldissocialarlington

Library of Congress

Take advantage of the stateliest study spot in D.C. at the Library of Congress. Its historic main reading room features large, wooden semi-circle tables with lots of light and space to spread out. Visitors can dig into the library’s hundreds of books, periodicals and articles. Free timed entry passes are required; the library is closed on Mondays. 101 Independence Ave. SE, DC; loc.gov //@librarycongress

PLAY

Acre Flowers arrangement. Photo by Tyler Grigsby Photography.

10 Experience-Based Classes You

Didn’t Know You Needed

This August, get into back-to-school mode and channel your inner lifelong learner with our top picks for eclectic classes and workshops around the DMV.

WORDS BY ANNIE AGNONE

There’s a word in Swedish for the feeling just before you embark on a journey — that special mix of excitement, anxiety and anticipation. Your heart beats fast. You feel a little sick. You can’t sleep. And you can’t wait to get started. It’s called “resfeber.”

There’s currently no one word in the English language for the particular physical and emotional cocktail the impending school year elicits — that first day of school feeling — but resfeber might be a near-perfect analog. Learning is itself a journey: a step into an experience from which we will emerge changed in ways we can’t predict and aren’t always ready for. Even if your days as a traditional student are behind you, there’s no reason you can’t still feel some educational resfeber from time to time. And, luckily for you, the DMV is flush with opportunities to learn, both in-person and online. In honor of back-to-school season, here’s a primer to some of what the area has to offer: from puppetry and bonsai care to mushroom identification and dancing in heels. See you in class, nerds.

Mycology for Secret Scientists

As the saying goes, “There are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old bold mushroom hunters.” If you’re having trouble reading between the lines: Bold mushroom hunters tend to die. Gain the skills you need to grow into a cautious, living and breathing mushroom hunter with these August adventures. For more frequent mushroom walks, events and learning opportunities, we recommend becoming a member of The Mycological Association of Washington at mawdc.org.

8.3

GROW YOUR OWN MUSHROOM CLASS AT PLNTR

Grab a front-row seat to the absolute wonder of watching mushrooms grow. PLNTR partners with Myrodex Mushrooms for this crash course in mushroom identification and at-home cultivation. Participants can expect to leave with a grow kit they can use to flex their new skills outside of class. In a more flowery mood? Sign up for Sips & Stems on September 9 for all things orchids — and a complimentary mimosa, of course. $38. 5:30 p.m. 1825 18th St. NW, DC; plntr.co // @plntrdc

8.12

FORAGING WITH A FIELD GUIDE WITH EL MCFARLAND AT FOX

HAVEN FARM & LEARNING CENTER

Anyone who’s anyone can tell an amanita from a bolete. Join a guided mushroom walk to learn the fundamentals of foraging. Take note: The date of this foray may be adjusted

to take advantage of recent rainfall as mushrooms are highly responsive to changing weather conditions. (Hungry for more homesteading skills? Also at Fox Haven this August: foraging your own gin, carving wooden spoons and a honey tasting and beehive tour.) $45. 10 a.m. 3630 Poffenberger Rd. Jefferson, MD; foxhavenfarm.org // @foxhavenfarmretreatcenter

8.11-8.13

WEST VIRGINIA MUSHROOM CLUB ANNUAL FORAY AT BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK

Ready to dive deep into mycelium? We’re talking three days of all things mushrooms: walks, talks, workshops, tastings, art, vendors and more. Add-on workshops fill quickly so don’t wait to reserve your spot. $45+. Various times. 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd. Davis, WV; wvmushroomclub.net

Arts + Crafts, But Make It Smol

These two classes from Smithsonian Associates remind us that big things come in small packages — and sometimes those packages are pretty freaking adorable.

8.9-8.23

BUILD A TINY INTERIOR WITH SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES

Look, I don’t know why miniatures are having a moment. All I know is that I can’t stop watching videos of tiny perfect kitchens cooking up perfectly tiny perfect replicas of perfect meals. Guided by an expert, imagine an interior space, design all the details and use mixed media to make it a tiny reality. Three sessions meeting weekly on Zoom. $165+. 6 p.m. smithsonianassociates.org // @smithsonianassociates

8.23

BONSAI: SMALL WONDERS WITH SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES

U.S. National Arboretum Bonsai Curator Michael James and Ann McClellan, author of “Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty,” talk shop. Hear stories about tiny trees in the arboretum’s collection and learn a bit about how to get started caring for your own. Takes place over Zoom. $25+. 12 p.m. smithsonianassociates.org // @smithsonianassociates

For the Theatre Kids

There’s still time to be discovered.

8.1-8.29

BEGINNING IMPROV AT DC IMPROV

Improv is often taught in corporate environments as it helps build confidence, teamwork and creative thinking. But why should suits have all the fun? Designed to benefit beginners

and experienced improvisers alike, build skills and have fun playing with your teammates, this class includes five sessions on Tuesdays starting August 1. $295. 7 p.m. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

8.5

PUPPET LAB AT RHIZOME DC

Puppets get a bad rap for being creepy. But honestly? Takes one to know one. This monthly lab is open to puppet theatre artists of all levels, from puppetry pros to the puppet curious. Present or hive-mind a work in progress, hone puppet manipulation skills and build community. Held the first Saturday of every month (online version held the second Saturday of every month). Free with RSVP, $8 suggested donation. 10 a.m. 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc

8.11

HEELS DANCE CLASSES AT DANCE PLACE

Nothing screams kween quite like strutting across the floor in a great set of heels. Busting a move in heels? That’s next level. Taught by Daché Green, this recurring Friday evening class focuses on building confidence dancing in heels. Dancers from all levels and backgrounds welcome, though experience dancing in their choice of heels is encouraged. $17. 6:30 p.m. 3225 8th St. NE, DC; danceplace.org // @danceplacedc

Beyond Angsty Poetry + College Essays

JK. Angsty poetry for life.

8.10-8.24

EXPLORING NEW SUNS: ORIGINAL SPECULATIVE FICTION BY PEOPLE OF COLOR Hosted by Chevy Chase’s independent bookstore mainstay Politics and Prose and facilitated by DMV-based author Tara Campbell, this live online class features lectures as well as discussions with guest authors. Takes place on three Thursdays starting August 10 and will be recorded. $110. 6 p.m. politics-prose.com // @politicsprose

8.13

LET’S WRITE A NOVEL: HOW TO START WITH AUTHOR E. J. WENSTROM AT SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY

If you’re looking for writing accountability and community without the hefty price tag, the D.C. library system has you covered. Free with RSVP. 2 p.m. 403 7th St. SE, DC; dclibrary.org // @dcpubliclibrary

Level Up Your D.C. Kayaking Game

WORDS BY ABI NEWHOUSE

Growing up in Utah, I had access to rivers all around me — the Bear, the Snake, the Green. Weekends involved packing up tubes and kayaks, driving through canyons and seeking optimal entry points near whitewater rapids. Moving East, I found kayaking logistics tricky despite living close to the Potomac, a large and varied river that offers just as much fun as the ones I grew up with.

Here in D.C., you’ll see kayaks all over the Potomac, from the whitewater at Great Falls to the steady flow outside the Kennedy Center. But if, like me, you’re not quite sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re into a calm ride or ready to brave a few rapids, D.C. has plenty of options for beginners.

Jill Douglas, regional program coordinator for REI’s MidAtlantic region, suggests experimenting with what’s available before buying your own gear.

“Our kayak rental center is great,” Douglas says of REI’s new rental center in National Harbor. “We have sit-on tops, we have stand-up paddleboards. We have tours you can go on where you can actually see what it’s like to be on these boats.”

Driving over any bridge in D.C., you’ll most likely see people on open hard-top kayaks. But there are also kayaks with skirts (the stretchy fabric that prevents water from entering the boat — useful for those who take on the largest of rapids), inflatable kayaks and origami kayaks that can be folded into a little box for easy storage. Each is used for a different type of river current.

While sections of the river vary, kayaking equipment and water rules remain constant. Life vests, hydration and sunblock are a must, and a dry bag will help you keep valuables safe and contained.

“What’s really key is a dry bag with air,” Douglas says. “You keep air in it so if you drop it, it floats instead of sinks.”

As for water rules? Be wary of your surroundings.

Look out for other watercraft in the Potomac — yachts and motorboats and tour boats — that create currents you should be prepared to take on. Check the weather before you head out, too; wind affects the resistance you’ll experience on routes and it’s not wise to be on the water during thunderstorms.

“It’s all tidal influence, right?” Douglas says. “The Potomac is in Chesapeake Bay. So, look for when there’s low tide and high tide and how that affects certain routes.”

Rivers ebb and flow, literally. The lower the water, the closer you are to rocks.

While out in higher current areas, watch for anything blocking your path that could either tip or rip your ride. Most of these safety concerns are covered in classes at REI and other kayak centers throughout D.C., like Calleva, Potomac Paddlesports and Canoe Cruisers Association.

As for day trips, Douglas recommends learning more about water trails in the area.

“You can canoe from lake to lake by creeks,” Douglas says. “If a creek is too low, you can throw the canoe on your shoulders and hike through the woods in the creek to get to the next lake. There are docks where you can set up tents along the way.”

Too hardcore for now? Check out Mallows Bay instead.

“It’s this graveyard of labor ships,” Douglas says. “It’s pretty neat to see and learn about the history of [how this whole area developed].”

Douglas also recommends the upper Potomac near Great Falls. You can use the canals to create a loop by riding some whitewater, then taking the calmer canal back to where you began.

“You can do overnight, you can sea kayak, you can day paddle or do some whitewater paddling right here in the city,” Douglas says. “I think that’s so amazing.”

Douglas has lived all over the country — from Alaska to Tennessee — and still finds places in D.C. that feel inspiring. She stumbled across a canal while paddling through Georgetown after moving here about a month ago.

“I’ve done that tour twice now, and I’m just in awe,” she says. “I don’t feel like I’m in D.C. when I paddle through that canal.”

No matter what area you want to explore — the calm, the canal, the creek, the crazy — Douglas says to just try it all. Experiment with different boats, utilize resources in the area and decide what recreational style is best for you.

“It doesn’t have to be pure athletics,” Douglas says. “You can just go out and go birdwatching. You can go camping or fishing. There’s a lot more to do than just paddle a lot of miles.”

Calleva: 13015 Rileys Lock Rd. Poolesville, MD; 8328 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA; calleva.org // @callevaoutdoors

Canoe Cruisers Association: canoecruisers.org

Potomac Paddlesports: potomacpaddlesports.com // @potomacpaddlesports

REI Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals: 168 National Plaza, Suite 2A, Oxon Hill, MD; rei.com/rentals // @rei

Routes + Recs for Your Summer Explorations

Ready to dive into DMV area waters? Kyle Kraft-Culkin, general manager at the Thompson Boat Center in D.C., offers the following routes for your consideration.

BOATING

IN D.C.

“You can immerse yourself in nature at Fletcher’s Cove or take in views of monuments at Thompson Boat Center. Kayaking rentals from one of our many locations is the best way to get your feet wet into paddling.”

POTOMAC RIVER LAUNCH POINTS

“Have your own kayak? Try Riley’s Lock at Seneca Creek, the Monocacy Boat Ramp or Point of Rocks Boat Ramp. These offer the opportunity to paddle along the Potomac in areas with more flatwater.”

ANACOSTIA RIVER LAUNCH POINTS

“Explore the Anacostia via

Bladensburg Waterfront Park or the Anacostia Park Boat Ramp.”

HEAD OUT OF THE CITY

“The birdwatching at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is unmatched. Other local favorites include Clopper Lake at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Jug Bay on the Patuxent River in Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia.”

FOR WHITER WATERS

“Check out Harpers Ferry. They have guided ducky tours on moving water, rafting trips, tubing and just about anything else water related.”

LET US SHOW YOU THE REAL D.C.

Illustration by korkeng.

From new restaurants to local shows to everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Check out our events calendar to connect with the greater D.C. community and keep a pulse on what’s happening around the city.

Flower Power in the District

From visits to vibrant flower farms to creative end-of-summer workshops, we’ve got you covered.

The most conspicuous sign that winter is over in the DMV might be the flowers. Floral-rich with a long blooming season, we bask for months in spring and summer’s visual and olfactory (and, yes, histamine-triggering) gifts: the fleeting cacophony of cherry blossoms, sprays of forsythia and delicate crocuses giving way to daffodils, tulips, hydrangeas and roses.

The first week of August marks summer’s official midpoint. And with the relief that comes with the first whisper of cooler days ahead, you may also find yourself panicking that the season’s sensory bounty will soon be behind us. But if you’ve got a case of the summer scaries, we’ve got the cure: Soak it up. It’s only August; some of the DMV’s best flowers are just getting started.

“Flowers are a scientifically proven mood booster, and local flowers especially are a way to embrace the present and really

be absorbed in time and place,” says Amber Flack, owner and CEO of Little Acre Flowers, the only D.C. floral shop boasting 100% locally-sourced blooms.

Flack notes that this time of year, the area is rich with fieldgrown showstoppers like dahlias, sunflowers and zinnias, as well as a host of floaty wildflowers like rudbeckia, cosmos and gomphrena.

As summer’s swansong takes root, consider this your guide to the places and experiences that will help you make the most of the flowers that define the season — and make some memories (and maybe even some crafts) to last you until next year.

This month, see flowers in new ways with workshops and events for budding gardeners, floral designers and crafters.

WORDS BY ANNIE AGNONE

8.3

PRESSED FLOWER FRAME WORKSHOP WITH WILDRY AT THE MAKERY AT RELUME

Desperately trying to squeeze the last bit of life from summer in hopes it will last forever? There’s a craft for that. Join the folks at Wildry for a crash course in pressing and framing flowers, hosted by The Makery at Relume. Wildry specializes in one-of-a-kind floral art with a local and sustainable bent: They primarily source materials from secondhand and vintage purveyors and their flowers are grown and dried in the D.C. area. Learn more about Wildry at wildry.co or follow them on Instagram @wildry.co. $46. 5:30 p.m. 760 C St. SE, DC; relume.co // @relume_co; @themakerydc

8.8

DAHLIA DREAMS AT PETAL’S EDGE FLORAL DESIGN

Few flowers scream late summer like dahlias. Fun fact: This showstopper of a bloom is not only visually pleasing, it boasts peppery, completely edible petals and tuberous roots to boot. In this workshop, learn the basics of floral design and craft your own arrangement featuring this gorgeous and multifaceted garden darling. All flowers and materials are provided, and Petal’s Edge is accessible by Metro with parking available nearby. For those looking to go deeper into floral design, check out their one-on-one mentorship opportunities. $150. 7 p.m. 1105 Oronoco St. Alexandria, VA; shoppetalsedge.com // @shoppetalsedge

8.22

DESERT TERRARIUMS AT REWILD SHAW

Terrariums are the place where seriously skilled crafting meets utter whimsy. Build the tiny desert ecosystem of your dreams to gaze upon all winter long. $50. 7 p.m. 1924 8th St. NW, DC; rewilddc.com // @rewilddc

8.26

GARDEN-INSPIRED BOUQUETS WITH FLOWERS X FLORES AT SHOP MADE IN DC - UNION MARKET

Shop Made in DC is no stranger to flower-inspired classes, from sip-and-paints focused on peonies and tropical florals, to indigo dying to making DIY eucalyptus. Keep an eye on their class calendar for more, including natural soap making, hosted by White Lily Shoppe on August 3, if you’re hankering to sprinkle flower petals into something you will then rub all over your body. Private classes for groups of five or more can be arranged. $100. 3 p.m. 325 Morse St. NE, DC; shopmadeindc.com // @shopmadeindc

Bouquets for Days

From flower shops boasting sustainable, locally sourced blooms to day trip-worthy flower farms, the DMV is flush with spots to get your latesummer flower fix.

BONA TERRA

This native plant nursery puts our collective recycling skills on blast by growing plants in reused containers with soil made from composted invasive plants and fertilizer made from invasive fish. Visits by appointment only.

391 Friendship Rd. Friendship, MD; bonaterradc.com // @bonaterradc

BLK FLWR MRKT

A community-oriented mobile floral shop and studio hosting regular in-person pop-ups and non-traditional floral design workshops. blackflowermarket.com // @blkflwrmrkt

DEEP ROOTS FARM

Sign up for the fall CSA at this Black and woman-owned holistic farm and be sure to add on fresh flowers.

15105 Mt Calvert Rd. Upper Marlboro, MD; deeprootsfarm.us // @deeprootsfarm

FLOWERS X FLORES

Flowers x Flores is a farm and floral design studio using regenerative growing practices on an urban lot in Hyattsville, Maryland.  flowersxflores.com // @flowersxflores

LEE’S FLOWER + CARD SHOP INC.

First opened in 1945, Lee’s is the oldest Black-owned flower shop in D.C.

1026 U St. NW, DC; leesflowerandcard.com // @leesflowersdc

LITTLE ACRE FLOWERS

In an industry notorious for its environmental impact, Little Acre offers 100% locally sourced arrangements wrapped in sustainable materials. (Check out their subscription options, too.)

2004 17th St. NW, DC; littleacreflowers.com // @littleacreflowers

WOLLAM GARDENS

An 11-acre farm and wedding venue 60 miles west of the District, Wollam Gardens is home to an impressive array of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs. Spend a day picnicking, wandering the grounds and cutting your own bouquet. CSA options available.

5167 Jeffersonton Rd. Jeffersonton, VA; wollamgardens.com // @wollamgardens

Photo courtesy of Little Acre Flowers.

8.26-8.27

ANNUAL BEGONIA SHOW AND SALE AT GREEN SPRING GARDENS

The Potomac branch of the American Begonia Society sponsors this annual show, featuring a wide variety of this colorful perennial (including tropical and subtropical species) to keep the garden party going inside all year long. (Not for nothing: Green Spring Gardens is itself worth a visit in any season. Consider going in the fall or winter when the witch hazel collection is in bloom.) Free. Various times. 4603 Green Spring Rd. Alexandria, VA; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring

8.27

INDIGO & SHIBORI 101 AT RHIZOME DC

Set in Rhizome’s multipurpose backyard, this afternoon class covers making an indigo vat, the basics of dying and an introduction to shibori (Japanese tie-dye). All materials are provided, and participants will receive one bandana each to dye and are welcome to bring additional items from home. $15–$25. 1 p.m. 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc

Flower IRL

Local gardens and parks will be popping off this month. Take some selfies, learn a little something about horticulture and regional ecology, and bask in the D.C. area’s wonderland of flowers while you still can.

KENILWORTH PARK & AQUATIC GARDENS

The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival wrapped in midJuly, but both blooms are still going strong. Kenilworth is the only National Park Service site dedicated to aquatic plants and a haven for nature lovers within city limits, with ranger-led programming and special events throughout the year. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, DC; nps.gov/keaq // @kenilworthnps

MCKEE-BESHERS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Every spring, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants fields of sunflowers that will become a vital food source for mourning doves, honey bees and other species of wildlife — but not before serving as a backdrop for a lot of social media content. Dove hunting generally begins in early September, so enjoy while you safely can. And no picking the flowers — they’re the doves’ food, you monster. 18600 River Rd. Poolesville, MD; dnr.maryland.gov

POLLINATOR GARDEN AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

There’s important work happening year-round in this Smithsonian garden, specially designed with continuous flowering and insect sheltering in mind. Visit in early August — when blooming reaches its peak and pollinators are the most active — and in fall to catch buzzing pollinators storing up for hibernation and monarchs and hummingbirds migrating south. 850 Madison Dr. NW, DC; gardens.si.edu // @smithsoniangardens

Tickets On Sale Now!

September 17

Roxanne

FUN

R. Designer Quintell Williams-Carter, artist Cindy Blackman Santana + DC Jazz Festival CEO + President Sunny Sumter. Photo courtesy of the DC Jazz Festival.

DC Jazz Festival’s Sunny Sumter on Arts Leadership, New Experiences +the Next Gen of Music Lovers

The local arts leader shares what to expect from this year’s DC Jazz Festival and her thoughts on the thriving artist community in the District.

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD

Five minutes with Sunny Sumter is more than enough time to learn she’s an unwavering advocate for D.C. artists. While her role as president and CEO of DC Jazz Festival could be an allconsuming focus, she is making a much broader impact on the city’s creative ecosystem. From carving out more employment opportunities for musicians and helping them develop an entrepreneurial mindset to encouraging local leaders that it’s never too late to pursue a career in arts administration, Sumter is committed to the continued growth and success of the District’s arts community. With the 19th annual DC Jazz Festival just one month away, from August 30 to September 3, we sat down with the community builder to learn more about this year’s stacked lineup of 100 performances spanning

dozens of venues around the city. Read on for Sumter’s short list of reasons why the festival is a can’t-miss event, continuing education and business acumen are crucial for our artists, and jazz music is alive and well in the District.

District Fray: What component of this year’s festival feels most exciting to you?

Sunny Sumter: I’m really pumped that we have an all-star lineup in jazz. When we first announced our lineup, we got so many emails from around the world with people saying, “Oh my god.” For the jazz aficionado, this is like the crème de la crème of festivals with Gregory Porter, Samara Joy, Big Chief Donald Harrison out of New Orleans, Arturo O’Farrill and the

Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, Terri Lyne Carrington — I could go on and on. My sweet spot is always trying to introduce this music to folks who don’t really listen to it. For the casual fan, it’s just great because they have so much to choose from.

What activations, interactive experiences and other unique opportunities do festivalgoers have to look forward to?

At The Wharf, we will have our special Meet the Artists tent where patrons can come and really have an up-close view of our artists. It’s a much more intimate conversation people want to have these days when they’re thinking about experiences. Disney is coming on board to create an experience in our Fun Zone at Transit Stage, which is really exciting. We will also have a mini-golf experience. High West Whiskey was a big hit last year, and we’re bringing them back. They’re coming up with a Louis Armstrong cocktail. But the festival is not just at The Wharf. It’s happening all around the city. The Anacostia Jazz Hop is going to be fantastic. Why?

Because it’s going to be New Orleans second line meets D.C. go-go. It’s going to be a party with the Brass-A-Holics and the JoGo Project on Friday, September 1. And then there’s the Generations Project at Arena Stage, which is an opportunity for people to listen to emerging artists and some of our masters of the music. It’s four generations in one show, which is going to be really cool.

Why do you think D.C. audiences have such a strong connection with this genre?

DC Jazz Festival in its 19 years has become one of the top jazz festivals in the world, and I think a lot of it has to do with [the fact that] it’s D.C.’s premier jazz festival. This is a cosmopolitan city. It’s an international city. It’s got a global network and jazz is now a global brand. Folks are coming to Jazz Fest not necessarily because of the music. They’re coming for the experience.

How do you think the demographic of local jazz lovers has changed over the years?

When I was a student at Howard University, the demographic was white men between the ages of 45 and 70. That has changed. Our demographic is now 50/50 [between] men and women. Women are coming out to hear jazz music. Black people, Hispanic, Asian — all people from all walks of life are coming to hear jazz now, which was not the case 20 years ago. Our younger audiences are starting to say, “Whoa, I want to go check that out.” Not just our festival, but the Free Jazz Vision Festival in New York, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival in California — we’re starting to see this young demographic say, “This sounds like the experience I’m looking for.” We know young people are looking for experiences. As jazz festivals, we’re giving them that now. I’m starting to see this really nice rise in young people coming out. It’s great.

I know it’s a full-time job to put together this massive event annually, but what does the rest of your year look like being at the helm of this organization? You’re right. It does take an entire year to plan such a grand, enormous festival. But we do take time off to do year-round programming. We are settling into our home at Arena Stage at the Mead Center, and we’re looking forward to building

out a year-round program here. The idea is to create more employment opportunities for our jazz artists and to invite D.C. public and charter schools into Arena to learn more about this great art form, because they are tomorrow’s jazz fans. And then we have the embassy series with over 40 embassy partners [including] Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Cuba, Switzerland and France. The other piece is we really want to educate our artists so they become better entrepreneurs. One of the things we learned from the pandemic is how ill-equipped our musicians are to weather most storms. Musicians are small business owners, too. We put together a nice workshop panel for them to really own their art and understand how to be more entrepreneurial. We’re going to do that year-round in partnership with Kevin Eubanks. As we think about DC Jazz Festival as a year-round offering, we want to support our artists, our community and the art form of jazz.

As a local arts and culture leader, you must sit on many boards and support a plethora of creative programs. Are there a few that stand out to you?

There are certain organizations it’s important to be part of so our jazz musicians realize they are creative makers beyond the jazz world. I just joined the board for the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA), a national organization that allows agents, artist, managers and presenters to all come together and talk best practices to make sure there’s equity and fairness. I’m going to start an outreach campaign [for NAPAMA] in D.C. In 2019, I became a fellow of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management [at the University of Maryland]. It brings together arts leaders from around the world, and it’s really like getting a master’s degree in arts management. It’s exceptional and I’ve grown leaps and bounds [from the festival’s executive director to CEO]. I want our arts leaders, especially those with smaller institutions or who don’t have the funds to get an advanced degree, to know about this [fellowship] and apply, because it will not only help them personally and professionally but also help their organizations.

What advice would you give young professionals interested in supporting the city’s thriving creative community full-time?

There’s been an exodus of good arts administrators postpandemic. You can be just as impactful and make a good salary working as an arts administrator, and we need good people. I always say, “Let your passion drive you.” Even if you are working a full-time gig somewhere else, you can start as a professional volunteer or part-time to support an art you love. You can reach out to the organizations you care about and say, “Hey, do you need any help?” Art institutions need professionals who have the mentality of a for-profit entity. We need people who have that skill set. I would encourage you to reach out to that dance company or small museum and say, “Hey, I’ve got this skill set. Can I help?” It just goes a long way, and I’ve seen it work really well.

Don’t miss the 19th annual DC Jazz Festival from Wednesday, August 30 to Sunday, September 3 featuring 100 concerts in more than 30 venues across the city. Learn more at dcjazzfest.org and follow on Instagram @dcjazzfest.

Members Only with David Schlank

WORDS BY KEITH LORIA

We are grateful for the people who make District Fray possible, so we’re highlighting them in our Members Only series.

This month, we visit with David Schlank, owner of Falls Church-based CD Cellar, which started in a basement in 1992 and has grown to become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest record stores. Schlank speaks about CD Cellar’s longevity, D.C.’s music scene and his vinyl collection.

District Fray: How would you characterize the music landscape in the D.C. region?

Schlank: The D.C. music landscape is one of the most diverse in the country and it’s always growing. I swear I learn about a new band or DJ or performer every day. It’s wonderfully overwhelming. On any given day, one can catch a hardcore band, an ambient techno DJ, a Latino rapper, a Jewish country singer, a jazz quintet, experimental noise — I could go on and on. There is literally something for everyone.

What is unique about your shop?

Much like D.C.’s music scene, we offer something for everyone, and we have a staff that can speak knowledgeably and authoritatively about nearly every genre we stock. We’ve got a whole room dedicated to jazz and classical music, [and] records and CDs at all price points for all manner of listeners and collectors — including a wide selection of audiophile-quality CDs and vinyl records. Some of those are just mind-blowing.

What is the story of the business and your interst in it?

My business partner Dave Giese opened the shop in 1992 with a few other folks who had worked at, owned and managed record stores. I came on in the summer of 1994 while in college. Working in a record store was pretty much all I ever wanted to do, despite telling my parents at the time, “Don’t worry, this isn’t a career. It’s just for now.” Since I was in elementary school, I’ve spent all my time and money at the record store.

What’s the secret to being successful in a world where so much music is available digitally?

People need the hands-on experience and the sense of community we have provided. Also, there’s no reason you can’t own or collect physical media and stream. We also cater to those who have never used an online music service and probably never will.

Tell me about your personal CD and vinyl collection. One would think that I have a large, world-class collection, but I don’t. It’s fairly simple, even though it spans all genres. Having worked at and owned a record store for so long, I feel like the store’s stock is my collection. I’m not really much of a collector except for a few groups from my late high school and college years who put out special and limited edition releases. I honestly put my customers first and would rather make them happy. I’d rather listen and learn than hoard.

What is some of your favorite music to play?

At home, it’s mostly jazz, electronic and classical. Anything that’s kind of easy and breezy. Debussy, Ravel, Fauré. Pharoah Sanders, Coltrane, Mose Allison. In the car or at the shop, I like something with higher energy that swings or grooves or has big riffs. It really depends on my mood. I’ve played Orville Peck so much that I’m pretty sure my coworkers never want to hear him ever again.

Outside hobbies or interests. Reading, plants, niche perfumes and colognes, new flavors, sensory deprivation tanks, any dance nights my friends DJ, beer. Your neighborhood. Downtown Silver Spring. Go-to cuisine. Mediterranean/sushi/delicatessen. Goal for 2023. Gain patience and lose weight.

CD Cellar: 105 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA; cdcellarva.com // @cdcellarva

FRAYLIFE MEMBER PERK. Become a member today for free tickets to DC Jazz Festival on August 30 to September 3, plus discounts to other events around the city and more.

Players’ Club with Lindsay Nguyen

WORDS BY KEITH LORIA

We love our DC Fray players, so we’re highlighting them in our Players’ Club series.

Growing up in Arlington, Lindsay Nguyen fell in love with the Washington, D.C. region at a young age, buoyed by a lot of free field trips to the District and being so close to the Vietnamese mecca on the East Coast, the Eden Center.

“I’ve spent the majority of my life in the NoVA area,” she says. “I went off to James Madison University (JMU) and eventually made my way back here a few years after graduating.”

And one of her favorite things to do since returning is getting involved in DC Fray’s social sports leagues. We caught up with Nguyen to talk volleyball, career paths and surprising flexible facts.

District Fray: What is your history with DC Fray’s social sports?

Nguyen: I’m not currently playing this season, but rather hosting two volleyball leagues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In the past, I’ve played in a couple of Arlington and Alexandria volleyball leagues with my team, Wetter the Setter.

What do you like about being involved in these sports?

It’s such a great stress reliever after a long day of work. I also love spending time with my friends doing something other than just drinking.

You went to JMU for college. What brought you back to D.C.?

I wanted to be closer to my boyfriend (now fiancé), family and friends. I was driving back and forth from Harrisonburg to Arlington almost every weekend for about a year.

What do you do for a living?

I am an energy project coordinator for a government contractor.

How would you characterize your job responsibilities?

We’re tasked with supporting one of the military branches with a focus on energy security. Basically, lots of meetings. On average, I probably spend 75% of my day in meetings.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the D.C. area?

The variety of great food. I can find almost any cuisine throughout the DMV. As a bonus, I love that we have a

height restriction on buildings. The city doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as NYC.

What other hobbies or activities are you involved in?

I enjoy spending time with my dog (my boyfriend and I try to take him everywhere) and going to local BTS events. Besides volleyball, I’m a pretty low-key person. My fiancé and I host BBQs at our house, but if I’m going out to meet friends it’s most likely in Alexandria or Arlington.

What’s something about you people would be surprised to learn?

I can touch my toes to my head, starting on my stomach and bending backwards.

Your neighborhood. Alexandria. Go-to cuisine. Vietnamese. 2023 goal. Spend more time outdoors. If my tan lines are any indication, I’d say it’s going well.

To learn more about Nguyen, follow her on Twitter @luvlinds2.

Photo courtesy of subject.

FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN. Join one of DC Fray’s social sports leagues this season to make friends, build community and have fun.

FALL INTO

CREATED BY MYLES MELLOR

It’s that time of year: School is almost back in session and even adults feel that energy — the itch to try something new. The clues in this month’s crossword circle back to our August articles filled with ideas for what to try next, intel on D.C. trailblazers’ newest ventures and how to get in the work-lifeplay balance mindset (emphasis on the play).

June 2 - August 25 // 6-8 p.m.

Modern at Art Place

FRIDAYS AT

Fort Totten

A Free Concert Series

Join DC Fray + The Modern for live music, food trucks, games and community vibes this summer.

A Great Today Begins at The Morrow

Located just steps from the bustling NoMa district, The Morrow Hotel was designed by a collection of award-winning architectural design firms. Our chic, brasserie-style restaurant, Le Clou, offers an exceptional dining experience from Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli while our celebrated bar, Upstairs at The Morrow, pulses with energy and unparalleled city views. Whether you’re a D.C. local or just planning a visit, there’s always something happening at The Morrow Hotel.