April 17, 2023 – April 24, 2023
Super excited that the weather is warming up and there are more fun and exciting things to do and see. DC and the surrounding areas have so many things to see and do! This week I am most excited to add a weekly highlight of my Event of the Week which I am kicking off with the upcoming 37th Annual Washington, DC International Film Festival. If you haven’t heard about it you should definitely check it out – 65 films from 30 countries screened over 12 days!! Here are the deets! It was hard to choose with Black Women in Food Summit and DC Planner Con also this week so they get an honorable mention and are included below!!
Event Of The Week: The 37th Annual Washington, DC International Film Festival
What: Filmfest DC, a festival of stories – 65 films • 30 countries • 12 days • 1 amazing film festival. Movies are made to be watched on big screens with other audience members watching with us. The Covid pandemic drove us indoors, where we avoided gatherings and sat on our couches watching movies on our televisions or computer screens. Under certain circumstances watching movies at home is understandable, but that’s not what inspired the creation of film festivals. That’s not our mission. Film festivals involve people coming together for celebration, appreciation, and discovery. This year’s Filmfest DC is an in-person event. Filmfest DC’s program of new films from around the globe will delight, enlighten, and entertain you. Premieres, comedies, thrillers, dramas, social justice documentaries, and new films by Washington filmmakers will transport you. We thank the expert team who mounted this year’s FIlmfest DC. We hope you are reminded why film matters.
Where: All film screenings will take place at Landmark’s E Street Cinema, unless otherwise noted.
When: April 19 – 30
Tickets: https://www.filmfestdc.org/tickets.cfm
Doing
Holocaust Remembrance Day: Voices of History, Lessons for Today
What: On Yom HaShoah, communities around the world gather to remember the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of other innocent people from a variety of ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds. At a Holocaust Remembrance Day service, join together in music, prayer, and a candle lighting ceremony to commemorate those who perished. Hear from a Holocaust survivor, 3GDC President AJ Siegel, and other members of the 3G community.
Where: Sixth & I (In-Person and Virtual) |600 I St NW Washington, DC 20001
When: Apr 17, 2023 | 7pm | Doors open @6:30pm
Tickets: Free https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holocaust-remembrance-day-voices-of-history-lessons-for-today-tickets-590327414187
The Capital Punishment Debate
What: Profs and Pints DC presents: “The Capital Punishment Debate,” a look the movement to abolish the death penalty and new calls to keep it in place, with Jason D. Fabrikant, who teaches courses on the death penalty as a senior professorial lecturer at American University’s department of justice, law and criminology. The death penalty has been applied in the United States primarily for “worst of the worst” killers since the colonial period. Now, at a time when a growing number of states have reduced or ended their use of it, crimes such as the recent murder of Idaho college students have given rise to calls for its continued imposition.
Where: Little Penn Coffeehouse 801 E St NW Washington, DC 20004
When: Apr 17, 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Tickets: https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/execution/dates/Apr-17-2023_at_0600PM
Tight Five Pub Spelling Bee
What: Enter to compete in the Tight Five Pub Spelling Bee 3rd Tuesday of Every Month . $50, $30, and $15 Bar Tabs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place. Each monthly winner secures a spot in the Tight Five Pub Spelling Spectacular to be held in June 2023
Where: Tight Five Pub 2471 18th Street NW Washington, DC 20009
When: Apr 18, 2023
Tickets: Free https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tight-five-pub-spelling-bee-tickets-378406101837?utm_source=pocket_reader
Trivia Under the Stars
What: From sports and pop culture to geography and politics, we’ll test your knowledge of it all outdoors in the heart of NOMA at Wunder Garten. Form teams up to seven people. Coming solo? Sit at our mix & match table to meet new people and share your brainpower.
Where: Wunder Garten 1101 1st Street NE Washington, DC 20002
When: Apr 18, 2023 | 7pm
Tickets: $15 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-under-the-stars-tickets-594717535157
Artist Talk & Community Conversation
What: Power & Peace, Peace & Power Artists: Elmer Calata, Rose Jaffe, Khánh H. Lê, Timoteo Murphy & Maps Glover, Aiyah Sibay, and Vanessa Villarreal. All are welcome.
Where: Gallery Y @ YMCA Anthony Bowen 1325 W Street NW Washington, DC 20009
When: Apr 19, 2023 | 6pm – 8pm
Tickets: Free Reserve a spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-community-conversation-tickets-604079577277
Profs & Pints DC: Evangelical Revelations
What: Profs & Pints DC presents: “Evangelical Revelations,” an in-depth look at our nation’s evangelical Christians at home and abroad, with Melani McAlister, professor of American Studies and International affairs at George Washington University and author of The Kingdom of God Has No Borders: A Global History of American Evangelicals. “White American evangelicals” have been everywhere in the news, most recently in the context of being described as supporters of Trump and opponents of Critical Race Theory. But their motivations, values, and politics often are poorly understood. And the simplifying term “evangelical” obscures a tremendous amount of diversity in terms of politics, culture, and specific religious niches. The story gets even more complicated when you look abroad, where US evangelicals have connected with believers in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Where: Little Penn Coffeehouse 801 E St NW Washington, DC 20004
When: Apr 19, 2023 | 6pm- – 8pm
Tickets: https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/evangelicals/dates/Apr-19-2023_at_0600PM
Bikes & Bow Ties
What: Meet us at Port City Brewing Company for this year’s Bikes & Bow Ties event! We’re gearing up for a fun night of fantastic food, bike-themed activities, and beer from the brewery. Relax under sparkling lights at picnic tables while catching up with old friends, check out a few of our youth’s hard-earned bikes, and help us raise funds for Phoenix Bikes through our paddle raise. Funds raised during our paddle raise and ticket sales will go to making sure that our youth programs stay 100% free. Opt for a VIP ticket to take your night to the next level by enjoying a private VIP reception and beer tasting. In case of rain, we’ll be moving the festivities indoors to the large Port City production room where high ceilings, open garage doors and fans will help keep things COVID-friendly.
Where: Port City Brewing Company 3950 Wheeler Ave Alexandria, VA 22304
When: Apr 20, 2023 | 7pm – 9pm
Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bikesandbowties2023tickets/event/bbt
Extended happy hour at Hook Hall in support of WEC!
What: Washington English Center (WEC) provides affordable English-language instruction and workforce development programs to adult immigrants using volunteers. Join us a Hook Hall on April 20 for happy hour, to learn more about the WEC, volunteering opportunities, or to play trivia! A $15 donation at the door will get you access to an extended happy hour until 8 pm. $4 Hook lager $5 house wine $5 rail spirits
Where: Hook Hall 3400 Georgia Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20010
When: Apr 20, 2023 | 5pm – 8pm
Tickets: On Sale Apr 20 @12am https://www.eventbrite.com/e/extended-happy-hour-at-hook-hall-in-support-of-wec-tickets-615657627537
Noble (g)Asses: A Burlesque and Variety Tribute to the Periodic Table
What: Because you can’t spell “periodic table” without EROTIC… (just go with it, okay?) Beaver and Buttstuff return to bring you a burlesque and variety celebration of heavenly halogens, alluring alkali metals, and of course, noble (g)asses! Ask your lab partner out already (they’re TOTALLY into you) and come join us in the basement of the Science Building (aka the Bier Baron Cellar Stage) for a night of thrilling and possibly-educational entertainment guaranteed to get your Bunsens burnin’! Or whatever other sciencey euphemism you’d prefer!
Where: DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern 1523 22nd Street Northwest Washington, DC 20037
When: Apr 21, 2023 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Tickets: $15 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noble-gasses-a-burlesque-and-variety-tribute-to-the-periodic-table-tickets-594738327347
Live Comedy Showcase Starring Blaire Postman
What: Comedian, quirky genius and generally loud person, Blaire Postman, is known for her explosive, fast paced delivery and comedy – often spanning unusual topics. Blaire’s performs on established NYC alt shows & venues (i.e. “Butter Boy” at Littlefield, “Good God” at Union Hall) & clubs (QED, NYCC, The Stand). She headlines indie clubs & theaters, such as Comedy Corner Underground (Minneapolis, MN), Dead Crow Comedy (NC), Motorhouse (Baltimore), Arlington Drafthouse (Arlington, VA), The Sparrow (Charleston, SC), DC Comedy Loft (DC) and many more; and has featured for dozens of national headliners at nearly as many name brand clubs across the country (see ADHDComedy.com for more details).
Where: Crystal City Sports Pub (3rd Floor Lounge) 529 23rd Street South Arlington, VA 22202
When: Apr 21, 2023 | 8pm – 10pm
Tickets: $15 – $20 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-comedy-showcase-starring-blaire-postman-tickets-590148378687
BroccoliCon
What: BroccoliCon is a free career expo for minority college students of four and two year institutions, young professionals and individuals seeking fresh job opportunities. Attracting some of the brightest minds from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, BroccoliCon will generate new opportunities, sharpen existing skills, stimulate networks, and arm candidates with the tools necessary to positively affect both culture and communities. The event will feature an array of workshops, hiring sessions, and career development resources meant to empower young people of color to make a positive impact on both culture and communities.
Where: 1100 Oak Dr SE, Washington, DC 20032, USA
When: Fri, Apr 21 at 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Tickets: Free – https://broccolicon.com/
Black Women in Food Summit
What: The Black Women in Food Summit provides a space for Black women across the food and beverage industry to connect, learn, and find opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Where: Eaton DC – 1201 K Street Northwest Washington, DC
When: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Tickets: https://bwifsummit2023.splashthat.com/
Earth Day Watts Branch Cleanup
What: Please register to celebrate Earth Day 2023 with the Sierra Club DC Chapter and Anacostia Riverkeeper for one or both activities: a trash cleanup along Watts Branch in Kenilworth Park, organized by the Clean Water Committee engaging cleanup volunteers and park visitors to play “bottle bill bingo” and learn the benefits of beverage container deposit-return laws and how they work. No prior experience needed! Organized by the Zero Waste Committee
Where: Kenilworth Park, 1500 Deane Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, USA
When: Apr 22, 2023 | 8:30am – 12pm
Tickets: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002NwyaAAC
DC Planner Journal Con
What: The 1st annual yearly convention, where planner and journal enthusiasts from all over the country come together, have fun and celebrate all things planner and journal. Scrap Booking, the dazzle of ink pens, designer stationary, with amazing workshops, games, activities, guest speakers and music provided by DJ CandiKrush! Come be apart of the fun!
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, April 22nd, 2023
Tickets: Sold Out For This Year – https://dcplannerjournalcon.com/
Green Talks and Talents: An Earth Day exchange and Brunch
What: Everyone has something to bring to the climate movement–no matter how big or small. This Earth Day, show off your sustainability tips, skills, and talents with DC EcoWomen and Citizens’ Climate Lobby! Whether you want to share how you compost, demonstrate a bike repair, present on your passion for climate communication, do climate comedy, or anything else, we are excited to hear from you.
Where: Teaism Penn Quarter 400 8th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20004
When: Apr 22, 2023 | 11am – 12pm
Tickets: Free Reserve a spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-talk-and-talents-an-earth-day-exchange-and-brunch-tickets-582174127487
Profs & Pints DC: Where Health and Well-Being Grow
What: Profs and Pints DC presents: “Where Health and Well-Being Grow,” a primer on how to find or create gardens and landscapes that nurture mind and body, with Naomi A. Sachs, assistant professor of plant science and landscape architecture at the University of Maryland and founding director of the Therapeutic Landscapes Network. Many of us know intuitively that being outside in nature is good for us. What’s less well-known is that there exists a substantial amount of research on what outdoor settings benefit us in specific ways, and it has given rise to gardens and landscapes designed to be “healing,” “restorative,” or “therapeutic.” Landscape architects are applying it in designing the settings of schools, healthcare facilities, and offices. It is even influencing the planning of cities, and just about anyone can apply such knowledge in planning urban escapes or deciding what to grow in a yard or on their balcony.
Where: Metrobar 640 Rhode Island Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
When: Apr 23, 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Tickets: $14 https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/healinggardens/dates/Apr-23-2023_at_0630PM
Painting with Color
What: This two-week series will explore the way color can be used as an expressive tool in painting. By understanding the color wheel and principles of color harmony, we can bring out colors in the environment around us and make them more powerful. Two versions of the same painting can have completely different personalities depending on which colors we choose to emphasize. How can we learn how to use color in a more conscious and expressive way? The first session of the class will be a live painting demo by Annelisa, and the second week we will all paint together and put what we’ve learned into practice. During the second week, we will work from a setup of plants and interesting objects that will provide creative inspiration for our pieces; feel free to bring anything you’d like to add to the arrangement!n
Where: 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
When: Apr 23, 2023 | 1pm – 4pm
Tickets: $30 – $100 https://withfriends.co/event/15960076#%E2%AD%90
Reading
Author: Zain E. Asher
Title: Where The Children Take Us
Description: In this spellbinding memoir, popular CNN anchor Zain E. Asher pays tribute to her mother’s strength and determination to raise four successful children in the shadow of tragedy. Awaiting the return of her husband and young son from a road trip, Obiajulu Ejiofor receives shattering news. There’s been a fatal car crash, and one of them is dead. In Where the Children Take Us, Obiajulu’s daughter, Zain E. Asher, tells the story of her mother’s harrowing fight to raise four children as a widowed immigrant in South London. There is tragedy in this tale, but it is not a tragedy. Drawing on tough-love parenting strategies, Obiajulu teaches her sons and daughters to overcome the daily pressures of poverty, crime and prejudice and much more. With her relentless support, the children exceed all expectations becoming a CNN anchor, an Oscar-nominated actor Asher’s older brother Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) a medical doctor, and a thriving entrepreneur.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: Apr 11, 2023
Author: Layla Mohamed and Bibi Bakare-Yusuf
Title: Outriders Africa: Essays on Exploration and Return
Description: It is Spring 2020, and 10 writers of African heritage, travelling in pairs, set out on journeys across Africa. It is a strange time to be travelling, and the shifting state of the world is reflected in temperature checks at borders, hand sanitizer outside churches, and truncated journeys. Against this backdrop, their travels take them from the tourist beaches of Madagascar and Comoros to the Rastafarian town of Shashamane in Ethiopia, and from questions of renaming amongst the flora and fauna of Cape Town to learning to walk in circles and embrace sensuality in The Gambia. Through essays, travel diaries, letters and poetry, Outriders Africa is an evocative and enthralling exploration of forgotten family histories, reckoning with grief (both personal and historical), and what it truly means to return.
Publisher: Cassava Republic Press
Release Date: Apr 18, 2023
Author: Leesa Cross-Smith
Title: Half-Brown Rose : A novel
Description: An irresistible story of a woman remaking her life after her husband’s betrayal leads to a year of travel, art, and passion in Paris, from the award-winning author of This Close to Okay. Vincent, having grown up as the privileged daughter of artists, has a lovely life in many ways. At forty-four, she enjoys strolling the streets of Paris and teaching at the modern art museum; she has a vibrant group of friends; and she’s even caught the eye of a young, charismatic man named Loup. But Vincent is also in Paris to escape a painful betrayal: her husband, Cillian, has published a bestselling book divulging secrets about their marriage and his own past, hinting that when he was a teenager, he may have had a child with a young woman back in Dublin before he moved to California and never returned.
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Release Date: Apr 18, 2023
Author: Niobia Bryant
Title: Madam X
Description: Billionaire celebrity clients, anything-goes erotic nights, seductive betrayals Desdemona Dean couldn’t wait to leave the high-end prostitution game behind. Now settled down with the only man she’s ever loved, Desi is getting the chances her shattered childhood denied her and making her life truly her own. Until a basketball superstar publicly credits Madam X’s unmatched sexual services for his astonishing career. Add an anonymous tip to the police and suddenly Desi is in the center of a social and tabloid media firestorm. Knowing others’ secret desires has always kept Desi safe and hiding her own wrenching past is the only protection she could ever trust. But her lies are taking her relationship apart piece by piece, keeping her only seconds ahead of the police and exposing her to a malicious blackmailer determined to destroy her for good
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Release Date: Apr 25, 2023
Author: Taj McCoy
Title: Zora Books Her Happy Ever After : A novel
Description: A heart-pounding, curvy romance about an indie bookstore owner who finds herself in a love triangle when she meets the author she’s had a crush on for years…and his best friend.
Zora has committed every inch of her life to establishing her thriving DC bookstore, making it into a pillar of the community, and she just hasn’t had time for romance. But when a mystery author she’s been crushing on for years agrees to have an event at her store, she starts to rethink her priorities. Lawrence is every bit as charming as she imagined, even if his understanding of his own books seems just a bit shallow. When he asks her out after his reading, she’s almost elated enough to forget about the grumpy guy who sat next to her making snide comments all evening. Apparently the grouch is Lawrence’s best friend, Reid, but she can’t imagine what kind of friendship that must be. They couldn’t be more different.
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Release Date: Apr 25, 2023
Eating
“A Night At The Winery” w/ Sommelier Raquel Ortega + Brewer-Clifton Winery (MON, 4/17) After a successful first session, Imperfecto is hosting their second “A Night At The Winery” Chef’s Table dinner with Sommelier Raquel Ortega and wine from Brewer-Clifton Winery in the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Guests will be graced with the presence of winemaker Greg Brewer, Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 Winemaker of the Year. He has dedicated his life to this region with geological and climatic uniqueness. Guests will taste some of his most exclusive wines only available at this intimate private dinner with Greg. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. Tickets here.
Lutèce: Dessert takeover from 3x JBF finalist + author, Natasha Pickowicz (THURS, 4/20) Lutèce is welcoming VIP baker, Natasha Pickowicz, into their kitchen for one night only on Thursday, 4/20 for a dessert takeover and a celebration of her new cookbook, “More Than Cake.” Natasha is an impressive 3x James Beard Finalist as well as an advocate in the ties between baking and social justice. Her new cookbook features fresh recipes that are uncomplicated, drawing on the author’s Chinese and Californian heritage, and Lutece will get a sneak peak. Natasha will be in town from April 20 -23rd and is open to media opp. Reserve normally on Tock.
Quadrant: Live Music w/ Martha Psyko, an Ecuadorian violinist (FRI, 4/21) Quadrant and the Seven Restaurant Group team are welcoming celeb violinist, Marthaa Psyko, into their performance lounge on Friday, April 21st starting at 8:30 pm. Martha is an Ecuadorian violinist that represents the force between the classic and the modern. She is currently one of the most popular violinists in Latin America, supported by the success of her YouTube channels that have over 400 clips in different styles, ranging from Rock, electronic, Latin American and Pop. Martha has more than 800,000 subscribers and has an impressive 135 million views. Guests can expect a signature cocktail menu and wine, apps like shrimp cocktail and oysters, and lots of dancing! Tickets here.
BRESCA: Advanced Sommelier Karl Kuhn joins the Bresca Somm team for one night only! (THURS, 4/27) On Thursday, April 27th, Advanced Sommelier and Head of Hospitality, Karl Kuhn from world-class Virginia vineyard RDV will team up with Bresca Lead Sommelier Kendrick Lindsey to curate two tiers of wine pairings to complement Chef Ryan Ratino’s Tasting Menu ($158 pp). Both will feature five wines, including one dessert offering (Regular Pairing: $148 pp, mostly local, Virginia wines & Karl’s Reserve Pairing: $240 pp, featuring harder to find and premium options).
Lapop: Kramer Books + Author Mike Albo head to Lapop for a reading + $6 cocktails! (THURS, 4/27) Lapop, the hidden cocktail lounge + vinyl bar beneath Lapis, is partnering with Kramer Books for a monthly reading series with the first event taking place on Thursday, April 27. The author of Another Dimension of Us, Mike Albo, will be in attendance for a live reading. Guests can purchase Albo’s book on site or ahead of time through Kramers. Lapop will serve specialty cocktails ($6) for the evening inspired by the book, in addition to their regular craft cocktail menu. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the reading beginning at 7 p.m. Details on how to purchase tickets to come.
New taco of the month! Taco de Alambre! Head Tortillera and Partner, Yesi Neri-Diaz, has done it again with Las Gemelas’s new taco of the month: The Taco de Alambre. This taco features beef, bacon, peppers, onions, and Susie’s new salsa verde. Available all month long, and best enjoyed when it’s sunny and the Las Gemelas team opens their garage door wall onto their patio!
Dog friendly patio + new Hawaiian burger of the month! Ghostburger is feeling tropical and ready to embrace the warmth with their new burger of the month, the “Hawaiian Burger.” This burger features grilled pineapple, BBQ glazed spam, chipotle mayo, red onion, & cilantro. They also make their own veggie patties in house. Best enjoyed on their large, covered outdoor patio that is open to pups
Weekend Happy Hour is here! Deals start at 11am! Weekend happy hour is here! From 11am to 6pm, enjoy $10 margaritas and palomas, and $11 old fashioned. Best enjoyed on their outdoor patio with brunch dishes like Corn Pancakes or Huevos Divorciados, apps like their Chips & Caviar and new salsa verde (that “tastes like home” to recipe creator, Susie), and dinner favorites like the Al Pastor Tellini and Little Carrots.
Lapis: Iftar menu throughout the month of Ramadan & 20% donation to women and children in Afghanistan Break the fast at Lapis, where the Afghan-run restaurant will offer a vegan/vegetarian menu and a meat menu for Iftar which will start on Friday (3/24). All of their meat is Halal across the restaurant as well as this special menu. 20% of their Iftar dinner menu proceeds goes towards helping women and children back in Afghanistan throughout the month of Ramadan.
Watching
Title: The Blacklist
Genre: Crime-Drama
Release Date: Sept 23, 2013
Where to Stream: Netflix
Title: Resident Evil
Genre: Action
Release Date: July 14, 2022
Where to Stream: Netflix
Title: Tiny Beautiful Things
Genre: Self-Help Book
Release Date: Apr 7, 2023
Where to Stream: Hulu
Title: The Good Mothers
Genre: Crime Drama
Release Date: Feb 21, 2023
Where to Stream: Hulu
Title: DuckTales
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: March 15, 2021
Where to Stream: Disney+
Title: The Wire
Genre: Crime
Release Date: June 2, 2002 – March 9, 2008
Where to Stream: HBOmax
Title: Fringe
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: Sept 9, 2008 – Jan 18, 2013
Where to Stream: HBOmax
Title: White House Down
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Where to Stream: Apple TV
Title: The Corner
Genre: Drama
Release Date: Apr 16, 2000
Where to Stream: Apple TV
