July 17, 2023 – July 24, 2023
This weekend was Broccoli City Festival, one of my favorite local events!! While I always have a good time at a festival, unfortunatly, not everyone was so lucky. So later this week I will be dropping at How To Festival Guide to help folks increase their chances of having a great experience (Spoiler Alert, When it’s over 90 degrees, water is your bestie!!). While I can definitely acknowledge that there was room for improvement with Broccoli City this year, I will also continue to support this Black founded festival that continues to support and love on DC.
Doing
2023 MLS All-Star Week
What: Major League Soccer brings the best of world class soccer, esports, music and interactive experiences to the nation’s capital. See MLS All-Stars face off against Arsenal in the Skills Challenge at Audi Field, watch Wale and Chad “Ochocino” Johnson compete in the eMLS Challenge at The Wharf or get ready for the big game with Kehlani and DJ Pee Wee at The Anthem.
Where: Audi Field and The Wharf
When: July 15–19
Tickets: https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2023/
Free Late Night Stand-Up Comedy Show Washington Dc U Street (Shark Week)
What: REMINDER: EVENT IS 21+ NO UNDERAGE GUYS AND GHOULS! BABY THERE’S A SHARK IN THE WATER! Come pre-game Shark Week with Stage Fright — boasting a shark-tastic FREE comedy show full of swimmin’, winnin’, and CHAOS (RAWR)! At Stage Fright, comics conquer their stage fright by spinning the “Chaos Wheel,” providing them a sinister twist on their set — whether that be an interpretive dance, an army of audience hecklers, or a dip into the depths of the “funky bucket.” Part open-mic, part show, all freakin’ FRIGHTENING (and funny).
Where: 1340 U Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
When: Jul 17, 2023 | 9:45pm
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-late-night-stand-up-comedy-show-washington-dc-u-street-shark-week-tickets-675439095517?aff=730dc
Keys, Wallet, Phone, Dignity
What: Sheldon Scott is a visual performing artist and current Global Head of Purpose at Eaton Workshop. His upcoming performance, July 14-23, Keys, Wallet, Phone, Dignity features the story of a recent travel experience that turned into a need for him to relearn lessons of trust and healing, with the hopes of inspiring the audience to do the same. He uniquely intertwines his identity, experiences, and mental health expertise into his artworks. The story includes a man who takes an epic trip fueled by sex drive and self-awareness. The journey is a life-long revelation of the radical essential needs of mind, body, and spirit. And finding himself on new shores that shift with age. Tickets are available for $15.
Where: Squirt – 1st Floor – 1050 Thomas Jefferson
When: July 21st at 7:45pm, July 22nd at 12:45pm, July 23rd at 4:00pm
Tickets: https://capitalfringe.org/events/keys-wallet-phone-dignity/
Profs & Pints DC: Slavery and the American Revolution
What: Profs and Pints DC presents: “Slavery and the American Revolution,” a look at the explosive question of whether our nation’s fight for independence arose from a desire to preserve human bondage, with Richard Bell, professor of history at the University of Maryland at College Park and scholar of the revolutionary period.
Where: 801 E St NW Washington, DC 20004
When: Jul 17, 2023 | 6 – 8:30pm
Tickets: https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/1619/dates/Jul-17-2023_at_0600PM
Balance (Elliot/Malis) and No Trick Pony (Bormet/Settles/Butler)
What: Balance is a collaborative duo between saxophonist Marcus Elliot and pianist Michael Malis. Called “among the most compelling Detroit jazz musicians of their generation,” Elliot and Malis’ “intuitive improvisations” stand on the threshold of composed and improvised music. Their 2022 sophomore album, Conjure, was called “one of the best contemporary jazz records to come out of Detroit in quite some time” (Hour Detroit Magazine.) In 2017, they released their eponymous debut record, which was praised by the Detroit Metro Times as “contemporary jazz of the highest order, a benchmark for where the genre can go.”
Where: 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
When: Jul 18, 2023 | 7pm
Tickets: https://withfriends.co/event/16411744
Profs & Pints DC: Unbuilt Washington—The City That Never Was
What: Profs and Pints DC presents: “Unbuilt Washington—The City That Never Was,” with Martin Moeller, adjunct lecturer at the University of Miami, editor of Architecture DC magazine, and author of the fourth, fifth, and sixth editions of the AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington, DC.
Where: 801 E St NW Washington, DC 20004
When: Jul 18, 2023 | 6 – 8:30pm
Tickets: https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/unbuilt/details
2023 U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. National Conference
What: This event is three days of intensive training and inspiration for Black chamber leaders and entrepreneurs on the latest proven strategies for chamber growth, business expansion, and community leadership. Featuring networking opportunities, workshops, and evening receptions, this conference is the perfect opportunity for attendees to gain access to valuable expertise and engage in peer-to-peer learning about business trends, practices, and issues. Whether you’re a seasoned chamber leader or a rising entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this chance to connect with other Black business professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of Black entrepreneurship. Join us for this exciting event and take your business to the next level!
Where: Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC,
When: July 19-21, 2023
Tickets: https://www.usbcconference.com/event-details-registration/2023-usbc-national-conference
Hello Alice & Friends | Small Business Meet-Up: Washington D.C.
What: Entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C., join us for a free in-person event! The event will be your chance to network and share knowledge with fellow small business owners, members of Team Hello Alice, and influential small business supporters in your community while enjoying summer sips and treats. Hello Alice President and Co-founder Elizabeth Gore will be on hand to offer advice, answer your questions, and share about new tools that can improve your business’s health. You’ll also hear from Team Hello Alice and our partners about the exciting resources and commitments in place to support you while networking with fellow dreamers and thought leaders who want to see you win in 2023! Space is limited. Guests who RSVP will receive further event specifics via email.
Where: Salt & Sundry, Logan Circle: 1625 14th St NW, Washington, DC
When: Wed, Jul 19, 2023 • 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm ET • In Person
Tickets: https://helloalice.com/events/hello-alice-friends-small-business-meet-up-d-c/?utm_source=Newsletter_Inclusions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Event_DC_Meet_Up_Pre
LIVE! Concert Series On The Plaza
What: From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. From July 10 through September 15, noon – 1:00pm on Wilson Plaza, join us for free lunchtime performances featuring the area’s most talented entertainers. Enjoy a variety of musical flavors, such as Brazilian Jazz, bluegrass folk, reggae, rock, country, pop rock and more. There is plenty of outdoor seating, so take the Metro, grab lunch and spend the afternoon grooving.
Where: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw Washington, DC 20004
When: Jul 19, 2023
Tickets: https://rrbitc.com/live-concert-series-on-the-plaza/
Amir Nasseri – Erin Murphy Snedecor – Kimia Hesabi – Wesley Hornpetrie
What: Join us for a night of works for strings, featuring pieces by Gubaidulina, Mazzoli, Mellits, Montgomery, and more! We are saying a musical farewell to our dear friend and collaborator, violinist Amir Nasseri, as he embarks on a new journey in San Diego! This program features extremes of trio and duo composition, from the complex soundscapes of Gubaidulina’s first string trio to the driving rock rhythms of Marc Mellits’ Tapas, to original compositions by the performers themselves. Within this performance we hope to showcase repertoire that we love with the people we love to play with.
Where: 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
When: Jul 19, 2023 | 7pm
Tickets: https://withfriends.co/event/16421075
Summer Groovefest: “Divas” – Celebrating iconic female superstars of the ’90s.
What: Summer Groovefest with The American Pops Orchestra is back at CityCenter this July with three nights of music on The Plaza. Prepare to dance to chart-topping hits from Motown, Divas, and Disco. These concerts are free of charge and open to the public. The concerts will happen every Thursday evening from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so make sure you arrive early to grab a spot. Join CityCenterDC for a memorable musical experience with these themed performances.
Where: CityCenterDC: 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
When: Thursday, July 20th, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free, https://www.citycenterdc.com/events/2023/07/american-pops-orchestra/
Social Housing | Socialist Night School
What: Come learn about the housing problem, why public housing is an essential policy to address it, what the Green New Deal for DC campaign is all about, and how to get involved in the fight.
Where: 4200 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 US
When: Jul 20, 2023 | 6:30 – 8:30pm
Tickets: https://actionnetwork.org/events/social-housing-socialist-night-school/
Profs & Pints DC: What the Bill of Rights Got Wrong
What: Profs and Pints DC presents: “What the Bill of Rights Got Wrong,” with Marvin Overby, professor of political science and director of Penn State’s School of Public Affairs. Most Americans are familiar with the Bill of Rights, but few understand the complicated and fascinating history of those amendments to the U.S. Constitution or how they were worded in a way that initially caused them to have little impact on the lives of most citizens.
Where: 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, DC 20003
When: Jul 20, 2023 | 6 – 8:30pm
Tickets: https://profsandpints.ticketleap.com/amendments/details
Creative Mornings: Treasure with Maya Oren
What: Maya Ojalvo Oren is a creative director, cinematographer, photographer, and writer. She is the founder of MOJALVO, a brand experience consultancy, and writes On Holiday, a newsletter exploring intentional and intuitive living. Her work has taken her worldwide to produce creative content for food, hospitality, travel, and lifestyle brands. Maya is a first-generation American who grew up between South Florida and Connecticut. Having half Israeli and half Trinidadian heritage led her to develop a keen interest in celebrating culture and a passion for keeping traditions alive. Maya has directed the brand experience and programming at The LINE Hotel in Adam’s Morgan for the last year and a half. Her work has focused on developing creative and wellness-focused programming for the community and hotel guests. Maya is also a wellness and new-age practitioner with teaching certifications for both Vinyasa and Kundalini yoga. She has taught visioning and meditation workshops incorporating breathwork and journaling and meditative movement gatherings that encourage participants to move with freedom.
Where: Sixth & I – 600 I St. NW, Washington, DC, DC United States 20001
When: Jul 21, 2023, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Tickets: https://creativemornings.com/talks/treasure-with-maya-oren?fbclid=PAAaaZB0ftW6MheFfJlwCdOEEc_gAhnHk4jmOqYSJCJoyaMrb-ogbXz9Gf9D8_aem_AX7wcfYggLhdEEmeHmY4UvBc3j_FC0zxmPWiPITMtY-QtEeMqBSaras56RiEJy-rQ9M
Summer Sounds at Chevy Chase Lake
What: Bring your friends and family, pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of local artists as they perform a variety of genres from jazz to rock and everything in between. With a beautiful outdoor setting, delicious treats, and great company, this is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Where: 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
When: Jul 21, 2023
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-sounds-at-chevy-chase-lake-tickets-654838959957?utm_source=pocket_reader
Interstellar Funk, Djoser, Jackson Ryland, Samantha Francesca
What: $15 at the door, This is a 21+ event
Where: 2007 14th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20009, United States
When: Jul 21, 2023 | 9pm
Tickets: https://dice.fm/event/dqbx6-interstellar-funk-djoser-jackson-ryland-samantha-francesca-21st-jul-the-owl-room-washington-tickets
Summer Jazz Celebration
What: Join us to gather in the Sculpture Garden and enjoy an afternoon of live music for our second annual Summer Jazz Celebration, with performances by Sara Zhu and Fiesta Mojo Band featuring Fran Vielma. In collaboration with Elijah Jamal Balbed, The Kreeger Museum is honored and thrilled to present Jazz at The Kreeger, a series that furthers our mission to share music across the city. Now in its third year, this series supports and spotlights the wealth of musical talent in our metropolitan area.
Where: 2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007
When: Jul 22, 2023 | 2 – 5pm
Tickets: https://www.kreegermuseum.org/programs/summerjazzcelebration2023
(D)rafts and (C)rafts
What: Grab unlimited tastes from craft beverage producers while exploring locally made artisan goods such as ceramicists, woodworkers, printmakers, jewelers, and more. Stop by the craft station to express your creativity or visit the Guild info booth to learn about their work and how to get involved.
Where: 1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002
When: Jul 22, 2023 | 12 – 4pm
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drafts-and-crafts-tickets-649035772467
Classic English Tea with Globetrotter Marianne Tshihamba
What: In this interactive cooking class, Marianne Tshihamba serves dishes inspired by her travels. Take your taste buds on a tour of Britain! Marianne will walk guests through this British classic, updated for today’s tastes. As an added bonus, participants will learn how to cure salmon! This class is perfect for new chefs and old pros as well as anyone who has been binge-watching Bridgerton……
Where: 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 United States
When: Jun 23, 2023 | 11am – 2pm
Tickets: https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/classic-english-tea-with-globetrotter-marianne-tshihamba-july/
The R&B Club Presents: An R&B City Washington DC
What: Simply put, there is no R&B Club without Washington, D.C. It’s not only our birthplace; it’s our home. That’s what makes this next event deeply personal. For July’s meeting, we’re paying homage to the history of R&B in the Nation’s Capital aka Chocolate City (and really the entire DMV). There’s a deep and beautiful lineage here and we can’t wait to retrace the history and evolution of the city’s R&B scene. If you need a who’s who of who we have to cover, how’s this sound? Names like Amii Stewart, Johnny Gill, Ginuwine, Mya, Amerie, J. Holiday, modern day mainstays like Ari Lennox, Brent Faiyaz and Kali Uchis — and of course the city’s R&B North Star in Marvin Gaye.
Where: 540 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
When: Jul 23, 2023 | 12pm
Tickets: https://dice.fm/partner/songbyrd-llc-dba-songbyrd-music-house/event/23lom-the-rb-club-presents-an-rb-city-washington-dc-23rd-jul-songbyrd-washington-dc-tickets
Reading
Author: Joshunda Sanders
Title: Women of the Post : A Novel
Description: Inspired by true events, Women of the Post brings to life the heroines who proudly served in the all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps in WWII, finding purpose in their mission and lifelong friendship. Set in 1944 New York City, the story revolves around Judy Washington, a woman tired of working at the Bronx Slave Market and dreaming of a bigger life. With her husband fighting overseas, Judy takes the opportunity to join the Women’s Army Corps, which offers a steady paycheck and the chance to see the world. During training, Judy forms fast friendships with Stacy, Bernadette, and Mary Alyce, all women from different backgrounds. Under the leadership of Second Officer Charity Adams, they are assigned to sort over one million pieces of mail in England, becoming the only unit of Black women to serve overseas during WWII.
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Release Date: Jul 18, 2023
Author: Mary Monroe
Title: Mama Ruby
Description: Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she’s fifteen, Ruby has a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Release Date: Jul 25, 2023
Author: Alyssa Cove
Title: An Unconditional Freedom: An Epic Love Story of the Civil War
Description: When the Union Army occupies the Florida home of Cuban Janeta Sanchez, daughter of an enslaved woman and the plantation owner who married her, her family’s wealth does not protect her father from being imprisoned. Under duress and blaming herself for the arrest, Janeta agrees to infiltrate a group called the Loyal League as a double agent—and unexpectedly finds a cause truly worth the sacrifice.
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Release Date: Jul 25, 2023
Author: Terrance Hayes
Title: Watch Your Language: Visual and Literary Reflections on a Century of American Poetry
Description: Over the last twenty-five years, Terrance Hayes has become one of our most exciting and innovative poets. He has also emerged as a perceptive and groundbreaking chronicler of contemporary poetry, with critical work appearing in publications ranging from Boston Review to The Baffler. His 2018 book on the poet Etheridge Knight, To Float in the Space Between, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism.
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release Date: Jul 25, 2023
Author: Remi Adeleke
Title: Chameleon: A Black Box Thriller
Description: From filmmaker, memoirist, and former Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke, on the heels of his featured roles in the box office film Plane and in Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, comes the first installment in the pulse-pounding Black Box Thriller series, featuring Nigerian-born and New York-raised Kali Kent and the top-secret Black Box program—perfect for readers of Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Brad Taylor.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: Jul 25, 2023
Eating
Greenheart Juice Shop, the Virginia-based health food chain specializing in cold-pressed juices and other healthy offerings, is set to open a new location this summer at Ballston Exchange (4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203) , a mixed-use campus in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood featuring retail and office space. Greenheart will provide high-quality, nutritious food selections, such as cold-pressed juices, cashew milk, and packaged salads and snacks. In addition to made-to-order superfood smoothies and açaí bowls, Greenheart Juice Shop will bring new offerings to the Ballston Exchange location, including a variety of sweet and savory toasts.
Bistro Du Jour: Celebrate Bastille Day with LTO offers and Parisian vibes – Stop by the Wharf on Bastille Day during breakfast, lunch, or dinner to get a little slice of Paris right in our nation’s capital. The Bistro Du Jour team will have specials for one day only where you can celebrate the national day of France with a glass of champagne and your favorite french dish.
Spain Wine Bar: Snack on tapas and sip on rooftop cocktails during your next summer escape – Check out one of Ocean City’s hottest rooftop restaurants, Spain Wine Bar, on your next visit to the beach this summer! The Spanish tapas-style restaurant serves up a variety of traditional dishes like mussels with chorizo and paella, as well as a classic sangria or unique summer cocktails like the “El Fuerte” with habanero tequila or the “Alhambra” with pomegranate, aperol and orange blossom. Their waterfront rooftop boasts some of the best views in Ocean City all summer long.
Waterfront Hotel (Baltimore, MD): Exclusive Lee Brice concert! (WED, 7/19) – Atlas Restaurant Group is hosting an exclusive concert with award-winning country singer Lee Brice on 7/19 at 7PM at the Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore. Enjoy signature cocktails and American inspired fare at the historic, multi-level space located in the heart of Fells Point as you enjoy the concert.
BRESCA: Summer of Love collab: How wine and love intertwine (THURS, 7/20) – Join the Bresca team for another incredible wine collab- this time with Terres Blanches Wine Importer to celebrate the “Summer of Love” by showcasing wines made by famous French husband and wife winemaking couples. Bresca Lead Sommelier Kendrick Lindsey will be joined by award-winning sommelier Vanessa Cominsky and Local Importer Cason Love. Enjoy crémant from Les Hautes Terres in the Limoux and Loire Valley Chenin Blanc from Domaine des Sables Verts, all selected to compliment Chef Ryan Ratino’’s french-inspired menu (Summer of Love Pairing: $132, Summer of Love Reserve Wine pairing: $222). Reserve via TOCK here,
MI VIDA: Find Barbie pink design at all three of the MI VIDA locations – If Barbie needed a restaurant to match her aesthetic in DC, MI VIDA would be a no-brainer. From a hot pink hand-painted exterior on 14th street, to a pink back lit bar, and pink fin entryways, MI VIDA’s hot pink design that translates between all locations is the perfect fit if you are looking for a barbie approved atmosphere.
Wilson Hardware: Sip pink cocktails in true Barbie fashion on Wilson Hardware’s hot pink rooftop – Looking for a spot to channel your inner Barbie? Look no further than Northern Virginia’s “Best Rooftop” bar, Wilson Hardware! Their hot pink rooftop decked out in floral decor will transport you to Barbie Land as you sip on their signature pink drinks like the “Screw Him” with lychee and hibiscus ($12) or their new “Grapefruit Rose Spritz” made with Ketel One Botanicals and rose syrup ($14).
TheSaga: Celebrate National Tequila Day with a “Fluffy” Margarita at DC’s hottest new spot! – Celebrate National Tequila Day at DC’s hottest new restaurant, TheSaga. Their creative cocktail program features fun tequila drinks like “The Fluffy Margarita” made with Patrón Reposado, hierbas de Galicia, Bonanto, Italicus, white peach, lime, and cloves.
Watching
The Crown
Genre: Drama Series
Release date: Nov 4, 2016 – 2023
Where to Stream: Netflix
Better Call Saul
Genre: Drama
Release Date: Feb 8, 2015
Where to Stream: Netflix
The White Lotus
Genre: Comedy Drama
Release date: Jul 11, 2021 – Present
Where to Stream: Hulu
IB71
Genre: Thriller
Release date: May 12, 2023
Where to Stream: Hulu
Andor
Genre: Tv Series
Release date: Sept 21,2022
Where to Stream: Disney+
Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies
Genre: Short Films
Release date: Nov 12, 2022
Where to Stream: Disney+
Succession
Genre: Comedy Drama
Release date: Jun 3, 2018 – May 23, 2023
Where to Stream: MAX
House of the Dragon
Genre: Drama Tv Series
Release date: Aug 21, 2022
Where to Stream: MAX
Oppenheimer
Genre: Drama/War
Release date: Jul 21, 2023 ( In Theaters )
Where to Stream: Peacock
Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake
Genre: Reality TV Show
Release date: Jul 9, 2023
Where to Stream: Peacock
My Adventures with Superman
Genre: TV Show/Action
Release date: Jul 7, 2023
Where to Stream: AppleTV
Human Footprint
Genre: Tv Show
Release date: Jul 5, 2023
Where to Stream: AppleTV