Thursday, April 29, 2010

Capitol Hill Month

This May is officially named Capitol Hill Month by tenured Councilmember Sharon Ambrose, who would like to recognize the true historical significance of Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill remains one of the largest residential neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. which houses numerous historical attractions and upwards of 35,000 residents in two square miles. Join Champs and Capitol Hill BID for the month of May for the following activities on May 1: The Capitol Riverfront BID's Fitness in the Front, Taste of 8th on Barracks Row Main Street and H Street's new First Saturday event. The celebration will continue with an amazing Cinco De Mayo celebration with Wednesday Wine Down on May 5.

Bethesda Row Spring Restaurant Week


Bethesda Row Spring Restaurant Week will begin Monday, April 26th- Sunday, May 2nd. The dining and shopping destination will be hosting $15 prix fixe three course lunches and $30 three course dinners. Participating restaurants include Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, Jaleo and Redwood. Check out opentable.com for more information.

Tibetan Twilight

(April 29; 6:30p.m.-10:30p.m.; $18 advance; $20 at the door; Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; 1050 Independence Ave. S.W.; Washington, DC 20024)
The Tibetan Twilight exhibit entitled “Realm of the Buddha” will be uncovered on April 29th. The exhibit features beautiful artwork of Tibetan Buddhism descent which uses traditional woodblocks to print Buddhist images. The event will also offer cocktails, Asian beats from DJ Chris Linux and more. The price of admission includes a free drink!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Cinco de Mayo!

(May 2, 2010, noon to 6 p.m.; Sylvan Stage on the National Mall near the Washington Monument at 15th St. and Independence Ave.)
The National Cinco de Mayo Festival in Washington, D.C. is an annual celebration which features dancing, live music, workshops, games, food, children’s arts and crafts stations and a number of other activities for the entire family. Be sure and stop by this free festival to celebrate the rich culture and ethnic diversity of Washington D.C.’s Latino community. The sponsors of this year’s D.C. Cinco de Mayo celebration, The Maru Montero Dance Company will be skillfully performing dances to cha-cha, mambo, salsa, tango and folk dancing. Visit www.marumontero.com for more info.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Passport D.C.

(May 1-31, 2010)
Passport D.C is an annually held event which celebrates the vibrant and beautiful variety of international culture that is present in Washington D.C. The event, hosted by Cultural Tourism D.C, features a number of cultural organizations and embassies in D.C. which will hold open houses, performances, exhibits, discussions, and much more. Check out some of the events below or see www.passportdc.org for more information.
Around the World Embassy Tour
(Saturday, May 1, 2010; 10a.m.-4p.m.)
The Around the World Embassy Tour is a collection of various artists, performers, teachers, lecturers, musicians and more from the embassies of Africa, Asia, the Middle East.
Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies' Open House
(Saturday, May 8, 2010; 10a.m.- 4p.m.)
Start off Europe Week right by visiting the Embassies of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Commission which will open their doors to the public for a look in their exciting world.
International Children’s Festival
(The Meridian International Center; Saturday, May 15, 2010; 10a.m.-2p.m.)
The Meridian International Center will be hosting an educational fair which introduces international cultures through food, dress, traditional tales and music in this interactive event.
Asian Heritage Festival
(Saturday, May 22, 2010)

Participating Embassies:
Australia
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Cape Verde
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ethiopia
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Indonesia
Iraq
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Liberia
Malaysia
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Thailand
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Zambia

Monday, April 19, 2010

The Rock Bottom Remainders' Benefit Concert

(Harman Hall; April 20; 8p.m.; The 9:30 Club; April 21; 8:30 p.m.; Sidney Harman Hall; 610 F St. N.W.)
The Rock Bottom Remainders Benefit Concert is a group of amazing bestselling and award winning authors and musicians including the likes of Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Kathi Goldmark, Ridley Pearson and many more. The proceeds will support Haitian relief, World Vision and America’s Promise Alliance which is dedicated to bettering the lives of America’s youth.

Sweetgreen's Sweetlife Festival

(April 24; 2p.m.; Sweetgreen; 1512 Connecticut Ave. N.W.; Washington, DC 20036)
The First Annual Sweetlife Festival is a day long collaboration with Rock the Vote and Earth Day which will feature live musical performances by Hot Chip, The Love Language, U.S. Royalty, Dj Grant Shapiro and a surprise artist. The proceeds from the festival will benefit Farm to School which is an organization promoting healthy farm fared food in cafeterias that is locally and regionally grown. Be sure to visit the Sweetgreen in Dupont Circle for this great cause.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Michelle Obama’s Favorite D.C. Spots


The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine is showcasing First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite spots in Washington, D.C. from museums to eateries and more. Amongst the recommendations are historical attractions like Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s estate), and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home), which are both beautiful and culturally enlightening. Sasha and Malia Obama also enjoy Newseum, a news history museum which encourages visitor participation. Since D.C. is littered with a wide array of museums, they are the perfect location to take the entire family and most of them host monthly activities specially created with children in mind. Foodwise, the Obamas enjoy some of the capital’s finest. A few of the Obama’s favorite D.C. restaurants include contemporary American food joint Blue Duck Tavern, ultra fresh burger joint Good Stuff Eatery, and America’s first certified organic eatery, Restaurant Nora. For more on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine article, check out http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/502489.

Friday, April 2, 2010

D.C. Cherry Blossom Events 2010

National Cherry Blossom Festival
(March 27- April 11, 2010)
Possibly one of the most beautiful festivals in D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival is covered with the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees on the Tidal Basin. This annual tradition, which started with gift of 600 trees to the United States from Japan in 1912, features parades, fireworks, concerts, cultural events, a kite festival and more.

Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party
(April 3, 2010, 11a.m.- 6p.m.; Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland)
The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party event is the first official Maryland celebration of the long-time National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration in Washington, D.C. The festival includes the best in Japanese art, dance, fashion, flowers, music, cultural performances, art exhibits and more. The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party is a new tradition and partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival which hopes to continue as an annual tradition.

Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
(April 10, 2010; 10a.m.)
The Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a huge spectator event each year which opens the Cherry Blossom season in Washington, D.C. Bring out the entire family to see the procession of giant floats, balloons, clowns, horses, musical and celebrity performances and more. This year’s entertainment line-up features American Idol finalist Justin Gaurini, R&B vocalist Deborah Cox and 2010 Miss America Carissa Cameron.

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
(April 10, 2010, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, stretching East to West on Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is a free event happening after The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The event is one of the largest Japanese street parties of the year and features numerous stage performances, drinks and cuisine provided by Asian and Japanese restaurants, cultural exhibits, and vendor booths which cover a span of six blocks.