Mid City DC Magazine – February 2026

Art, Economy & Innovation in Anacostia

Art to Go-Go, Washington, DC’s official Arts & Culture District, celebrates its third anniversary this year — marking a powerful moment for creativity-driven economic growth east of the river.

To commemorate this milestone, the Arts & Economic Impact Solutions Summit and Awards will take place on May 13–14, spotlighting the artists, organizations, and leaders shaping Anacostia’s cultural and economic future.

Art to Go-Go was designated as the city’s official Arts & Culture District by Mayor Muriel Bowser in February 2023. Alongside the designation, the Anacostia Business Improvement District received a $3.7 million grant from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). The investment supports cultural institutions, diverse programming, urban beautification, and initiatives that enhance cleanliness and safety — a strong endorsement of Anacostia’s creative economy.

The designation also recognized the leadership of Kristina Noell, Executive Director of the Anacostia BID, whose advocacy and vision helped secure the district’s official status.

Designing a Template for Change

created a replicable model. New districts — including the Soul of the City BID serving Congress Heights and surrounding neighborhoods — are now following its lead.

Creativity as a Tool for Transformation

Artists have always been changemakers. Since its launch, Art to Go-Go has empowered artists and entrepreneurs to strengthen community identity through authentic, hyper-local creativity.

Partnerships such as DPW’s MuralsDC initiative, in collaboration with the Anacostia BID, have resulted in striking new murals by local and international artists — enriching the neighborhood’s visual landscape and honoring its long-standing street art culture.

Creativity also contributes to safer, cleaner neighborhoods. Clean Teams, public art installations, and cultural festivals bring people into shared spaces, fostering stewardship and dialogue. These efforts build social cohesion — a central goal of Art to Go-Go’s annual programming — while propelling local creatives onto larger stages.

during Art All Night last year. For this area, that’s significant.”

Positive trends in local sales, business activity, and weekend engagement signal that the formula is working. Events like the eight-week Jazzy Sundays summer series consistently attract new visitors, while limited-edition Art to Go-Go merchandise — now seen across the city — spreads the district’s identity well beyond Anacostia.

Sometimes, the most meaningful impact is a shift in perception.

“We’re now known for Art to Go-Go — for

Last year, spoken word artist Sir Harvey Fitz made history by producing the first-ever

artists, world-class murals, exciting businesses, and the connection between Anacostia Park and our commercial corridors,” Noell says. “There’s still more work to do.”

“The communities we serve were the catalysts for forming the Arts & Culture District,” Noell explains. “Organically, we are an Arts & Culture District already.”

Over her seven years of leadership, Noell has witnessed Anacostia evolve while remaining rooted in its identity. By using art and culture as drivers of inclusive growth, Art to Go-Go connects Anacostia’s historic legacy with its future — encouraging investment, engagement, and pride.

After more than three years of activations, programming, and steady collaboration by a small but mighty team, Art to Go-Go has

spoken word poetry album set to Go-Go music, following his success at the 2023 Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship. The Arts & Culture District continues to serve as a launchpad for bold creativity and new opportunities for artists locally and internationally.

The Recipe for Success

How do you measure success after three years?

“The increase in foot traffic is undeniable,” Noell says. “We welcomed more than 4,000 people

That work has not gone unnoticed. In January, the Anacostia BID was named Best BID by the Washington Informer in its annual Best of the DMV Awards.

Arts & Economic Impact Solutions Summit and Awards

On May 13–14, Art to Go-Go will celebrate the individuals, organizations, and partnerships fueling Anacostia’s creative ecosystem and economic vitality. Artists from the district will present awards in the following categories:

Award Categories

• Arts & Economic Impact Award

• Creative Placemaking Leader Award

• Youth Arts Champion Award

• Cultural Preservation Advocate Award

• Public-Private Partnership in the Arts Award

• Emerging Cultural Leader Award

• Innovative Arts Program Award

• Arts & Cultural Amplifier Award

• Lifetime Cultural Contribution Award

What’s on Washington

“Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection” at the NMWA

Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection illustrates women artists’ vital role in abstraction, showcasing work by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Drawn entirely from the contemporary art collection of Komal Shah and Gaurav Garg, the exhibition considers historical contributions, formal and material breakthroughs, and intergenerational relationships among women artists over the last eight decades. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, from Feb. 27 to July 26. Open daily, except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults; $13 for 65+, DC resident, student over 21 and military; free for ages 21 and under, visitors with disabilities and SNAP/EBT holders. nmwa.org.

“Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris” at the NGA

In honor of the centennial of her death in 1926, “Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris” celebrates the National Gallery’s unparalleled collection of works by this impressionist master, the only American and one of only three women artists who participated in the movement. Mary Cassatt was among the most radically innovative artists working in Paris in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is widely viewed through an art historical lens as a French artist—she lived in France for most of her life and was deeply immersed in the city’s culture for over four decades. Within France, however, she was and continues to be regarded unequivocally as American. This special installation includes several of Cassatt’s beloved paintings alongside groundbreaking prints and drawings that are rarely on view. West Building of the National Gallery of Art from Feb. 14 to Aug. 30, 2026. nga.gov.

“Big Things for Big Rooms” at the Hirshhorn

Big Things for Big Rooms traces the development of immersive, large-scale artworks since the late 1960s. This presentation of 10 artworks—five on view for the first time at the Museum — is drawn largely from the Hirshhorn’s own collection. Organized in two parts, the exhibition offers a multisensorial investigation of how artists create installation works that expand the boundaries of an artwork and the role of the visitor. The first part introduces the development of “Environments,” expansive installations by pioneering artists such as Dan Flavin, Sam Gilliam, Robert Irwin, Lygia Pape, and Land artist Richard Long. The second half demonstrates how contemporary artists such as Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, Rashid Johnson, and Mika Rottenberg are expanding upon these foundational ideas in different ways, often using everyday materials. Through July 4, 2027. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Mardi Gras on H Street (free and family-friendly)

On Sunday, Feb. 15, noon to 6 p.m., enjoy the second annual Mardi Gras on H Street. Here’s the Main Stage, 1207 H St. NE, lineup: noon, Eastern High School Blue and White Marching Machine and DC Warriors Drumline; noon to 1 p.m., Line Dancing; 12:15 p.m., Drum-off; 2 p.m., US Army Blues Band; 4:30 p.m., Capitol Hillbillies; noon to 4 p.m., moon bounce and face painting. The Atlas lineup: 1:30 p.m., Good Life Theater Puppet Show; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Dracula (family-friendly matinee); 6 p.m., Glade Dance Collective. More music on H Street lineup: 3 to 4 p.m., Line Dancing at AVEC, 901 H St. NE; 4 to 7 p.m., Live Music at Henceforth, 1335 H St. NE; and 4 to 7 p.m., Johnny Graves & Piano at O Street Gallery, 1354 H St. NE.

Le Patin Libre: Murmuration at the KC

From Feb. 17 to 22, at 6:30 p.m.; and Feb. 21 and 22, at 8:30 p.m., experience a winter wonderland with this outdoor production. Le Patin Libre brings its unique blend of dance and skating to an ice rink installed on an outdoor Kennedy Center plaza. In Murmuration, 15 dancers demonstrate the athleticism and artistry of “glide,” taking inspiration from the mysterious phenomenon of bird flocks in undulating flight patterns to craft an exhilarating mix of speed, precision, and fluid choreography. Choreographed by Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, and Samory Ba, this one-hour adventure is an adrenaline rush the whole family will appreciate. $35. kennedy-center.org.

Freedom and Resistance: An Exhibition

Through March 15, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, the DC Public Library presents Freedom and Resistance: An Exhibition Inspired by The 1619 Project. The exhibition features three sections, created in collaboration with the editors of The New York Times Magazine and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and educators from The Pulitzer Center. The three sections are Artworks from "The 1619 Project--A Visual Experience"; Echoes of 1619--Freedom and Resistance in Washington, DC; and Freedom and Resistance--Through the Eyes of DC Youth. dclibrary.org.

“Love Songs of the 15th Century” at the Folger

Performing the sole surviving musical setting of a ballad written by poet Christine de Pisan, author of the early feminist utopia The Book of the City of Ladies, Folger Consort’s February concerts will be an affair to remember. These concerts, Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m., include 15th-century chanson repertoire sung from a woman’s perspective and is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend. Tickets are $20 to $50. The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

“Nick Cave: Mammoth” at SAAM

Nick Cave (b. 1959) is renowned internationally for his work that surreally and seductively combines sculpture, performance, and fashion. Known for the exuberant Soundsuits that he originally created in response to racialized police violence, Cave has long been interested in the intersections of history and identity. In Mammoth, Cave remakes the museum’s galleries into an immersive environment marked by the crafted hides and bones of mammoths, a video projection of the long-dead animals come to life, and hundreds of transformed found objects—from vintage tools to his grandmother’s thimble collection—presented like paleontological specimens on a massive light table. At the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets NW, from Feb. 13 to Jan. 3, 2027. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. americanart.si.edu.

Mardi Gras at the Wharf

On Sunday, Feb. 15, Mardi Gras at the Wharf activities begin at 3 p.m. The Parade starts at 3:30 p.m., with stilt walkers, jugglers, the Mardi Gras king and queen, and fantastic floats from favorite Wharf neighborhood partners. The Parade will also feature special performances and appearances by local sports mascots, DC’s most talented bands and youth performers, and more. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., following the Parade, the celebration continues with a dance party and live music. At 6:30 p.m. the fireworks start with the band playing one final set after the fireworks. wharfdc.com/mardigras.

”Sucker for Love” at the Lincoln “Sucker for Love” is a one-night Valentine’s show where real people share true stories about dating, heartbreak, and everything in between. Expect stories that are funny, raw, awkward, and unexpectedly moving. Whether you’re bringing a date or coming solo, this is not your typical Valentine’s night out. Presented by Story District, “Sucker for Love” is at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW, on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). $45 to $57. thelincolndc.com.

Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2026

(36 performances of story, movement, and sound over five weekends) From Feb. 14 through March 15, the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival, 1333 H St. NE, presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. With a mission to highlight cross-disciplinary collaboration and amplify the voices of artists from all walks of life, the festival continues to be a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s cultural calendar. Ticket prices are $25 to $37, plus fees. Three, four and five performance passes are also available. atlasarts.org/intersections26.

esperanza spalding, 2019.

esperanza spalding at the Birchmere esperanza spalding is trained and initiated in the North American jazz lineage and tradition. Her work interweaves various combinations of instrumental music, improvisation, singing, compo sition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling, teaching, restorative urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA, on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. $96. birchmere.com.

“Two Gentlemen of Killarney” at Gunston

Two Gentlemen of Killarney is a timely immigrant love-comedy with music. Adapted from Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona, the story follows friendsturned-rivals from Ireland to America during the Great Famine, blending Shakespeare’s wit with traditional Irish tunes and delivering a dynamic celebration of love, immigration, and humanity. “Two Gentlemen of Killarney” presented by vant Bard Theatre at the Gunston Arts Center-Theatre 2, 2700 So. Lang St., Arlington, VA, from March 5 to 28. Tickets are $45. All previews and Saturday matinees offer pay-what-you-can tickets. Half-price tickets are available for students and active-duty military. avantbard.org/36th-season.

“Inherit the Wind” at Arena

Based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this electrifying courtroom drama pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think freely. As the town becomes a stage for national attention, personal conviction clashes with public opinion in a trial that transcends its time. This American classic, by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee and a debate that shook the nation, is a searing, deeply human portrait of a country still wrestling with the cost—and courage—of progress. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from Feb. 27 to April 5. Tickets start at $68. arenastage.org.

“On Beckett” at Shakespeare Theatre Company

Tony Award-winning actor and master clown Bill Irwin has spent a lifetime captivated by Samuel Beckett. With little more than a funny hat and a podium, Irwin mines the comedy and tragedy of Beckett’s work—including Waiting for Godot, Texts for Nothing, and more—in a nonstop display of jovial verbal and physical comedy that has become Irwin’s signature. Whether you’re encountering the Nobel Prize winner’s writings for the first time or building on a body of Beckett knowledge, the pure, energizing joy of Irwin’s dynamic showcase is not to be missed. “On Beckett” is at STC’s Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from Feb. 11 to March 15. Tickets start at $43. shakespearetheatre.org.

“Young, Black and Funny” at Union Stage

This show is produced by Jasmine Burton and Benny Nwokebia. A blend of west coast and east coast swagger, Jasmine is best known for her high energy, punchlines, and hilarious infusion of the law and her life experience into her comedy. Born in Washington DC, Benny Nwokebia is half Nigerian half Ethiopian but grew up overseas in Geneva, Switzerland. Most recently he took home second place in the 2023 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He was named runner up in the Magoobys 2022 Comedian of the year competition and was named Winner of the DC Improv’s Comedy Kumite competition. “Young, Black and Funny” is at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 and 10 p.m. General admission seated is $34. unionstagepresents.com.

Chiarina Chamber Players at St. Mark’s

Experience some of the most engaging artistic voices of today with Capitol Hill’s Chiarina Chamber Players—a hybrid chamber music series and performer collective noted in the Washington Post as one of the “most compelling” in town. On Sunday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m., hear Voices of Remembrance and Resilience, featuring Grammy-nominated soprano Laura Strickling, a Chiarina commission and premiere, and compelling works reflecting the darkness of wartime. On Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., Fire and Brilliance showcases award-winning violinist Njioma Grevious in a program featuring the music of Prokofiev, Mendelssohn, and more. Chiarina’s family concert Vivaldi’s Four Seasons rounds out the season on Sunday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. This program is for ages five and up brings to life the story of Vivaldi, his pupils, and his most famous work. Performances are at St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. Tickets are $30; free for ages eighteen and under. chiarina.org.

Broke Royals (album release party) at Songbyrd

Broke Royals are from Washington, DC, and are celebrated for their “sing-along, arena-ready sound” (Billboard) and “pristine pop-rock” (Washington Post). Philip Basnight (vocals, guitar), Colin Cross (drums), Taimir Gore (bass), Rebecca Basnight (keys), and Ben Wilson (guitar) continue to blend heart, melody, and energy in equal measure on their upcoming album Campr, due out this month. Broke Royals are at Songbyrd, 540 Penn St. NW, on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 to 11 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). admission is $21.89. songbyrddc.com.

Jontavious Willis at 9:30 Club

Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission: to reinvigorate today’s blues with the spirit of the past. He leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional Blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues. Dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm keep Jontavious sending jolts of vitality through the blues community. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Saturday, Feb. 28, doors at 6 p.m. General admission is $40.30. 930.com.

Yonder Mountain String Band at the Barns at Wolf Trap

Pioneering and progressive jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band has redefined bluegrass music by pushing the envelope into realms of rock ’n’ roll and soulful improvisation for over 25 years. Because Yonder Mountain String Band is one of the most innovative groups on the live music scene, you’ll hear renditions from their latest self-reflective album, Nowhere Next, and much more. Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA, on Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $60 (including fees). wolftrap.org.

“American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union” Book Talk with Jon Meacham

In a polarized era, history can become a subject of political contention. Many see America as perfect, while others argue that the national experiment is fundamentally flawed.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., at Sixth & I, 600 I St. NW, in the anthology American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union, the Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer Jon Meacham uses primary sources that take us back to critical moments when Americans fought over the meaning and direction of our country. $25; $47.50 for admission and signed book. sixthandi.org.

Theater Night

A curated Preview of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

In Ellen Winner’s 1985 book “Invented Worlds. The Psychology of the Arts”, the author explores the artist’s compulsion to conjure worlds. What is it about artists, Winner asks, that motivates them to make visible their dreamscapes, whether on canvas, paper or stage? What drives the deep and ancient desire to communicate and offer catharsis through art? This month’s column looks to world-makers and the worlds they invent for us.

In the Spotlight

Atlas INTERSECTIONS

Festival

Atlas Performing Arts Center

February 14 – March 15

For 17 years, the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival has gathered a sampling of the finest performing arts talent under one roof. Over five weeks from mid-February to mid-March, you can enjoy both emerging and established performing artists in the categories of movement, sound and story. With their Festival pass packages, the more you watch, the more money you save, so book your subscription-style Festival passes now at www.atlasarts.org

These are the performances we’re especially looking forward to.

“Moore Contemporary Theatrics: Beneath the Sun”,February 21, 8 p.m.

Daniel L. Moore founded Moore Contemporary Theatrics to bridge the divide between theater and dance and celebrate Black and African American stories through movement. For the company’s debut performance, nine dancers will reinterpret Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play “A Raisin in the Sun” by using dance to communicate the principal themes of Hansberry’s work – housing discrimination, ingrained poverty, family

dynamics and “The Dream Deferred.” “A Raisin in the Sun” chronicles the Younger family and how a $10,000 life insurance check transforms their lives forever. It was the first play by a Black woman to be produced on a Broadway Stage with a full Black principal cast and Black Director.

“Carly Harvey: The Chrysalis –Blues at the Crossroads”, February 22, 6 p.m.

Carly Harvey is a DC born, AfroIndigenous musical artist who believes music and dance are medicinal. She was voted “DC Queen of the Blues” in 2016 and comes from a deeply musical and multicultural family. For her performance at the INTERSECTIONS Festival, she’ll be plumbing the depths of her talent to evoke the evolution of the blues, its influence on contemporary music and how the blues can be a modality of spiritual expression and healing. Harvey’s singing will be accompanied by dancer Angela Gladue performing hoop and jingle dances while adorned in richly symbolic regalia.

Upcoming Attraction

“Between Riverside and Crazy,”

1st Stage Theatre

Showing February 19 –March 8

www.1ststage.org

In Stephen Adly Guirgis’s 2014 play “Between Riverside and Crazy,” Walter ‘Pops’ Washington is the sun at the center of his own solar system, a cluttered, rentcontrolled apartment on Riverside Drive in New York City that he shares with his son Junior, Junior’s girlfriend Lulu and Oswaldo, a recovering drug addict. It’s a world entirely of Pop’s own making, packed to the ceiling with the detritus of a life that’s slowly coming apart, and it’s being threatened by unwelcome outside influences.

The play, being directed for 1st Stage Theatre by José Carrasquillo, won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Through the kind of gritty, New York flavored dialogue and characters that Guirgis writes so well, “Between Riverside and Crazy” takes an unflinching look at addiction, gentrification and agoraphobia. It’s a work that Carrasquillo says pushes hyperrealism to the extreme, so finding the right actors to take it on was important. “It’s such a character driven piece. Casting the play took a long time because it had to be genuine. The world we’ve created from a scenic perspective has allowed us to bring so much magic into the play. How we’ve designed Pop’s apartment is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

Guirgis builds his plays around his favorite actors, a coterie of acclaimed Hollywood stage and screen stars that include Ellen Burstyn, Chris Rock and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Influenced by Tennessee Williams’s probing of the human condition in all its messy complexity, “Between Riverside and Crazy” is alternately darkly comedic and savage. It’s packed with the kind of New York City idiosyncrasies that are characteristic of Guirgis’s work, much of which is set in and around the boroughs he grew up in. “I love Stephen’s work because he creates plays that represent people we don’t usually see, that we don’t know about,” says Carrasquillo. “You experience the worlds he creates, they suck you in. They are tough worlds.”

As New York City embarks on a new

chapter of history led by a mayor promising to tackle the injustices on vivid display in “Between Riverside and Crazy,” Guirgis’s play takes on new and contemporary relevance.

On Right Now

“John Doe,” The Keegan Theatre Showing January 31 –

February 22

www.keegantheatre.com

For Angelle Whavers, a 29 NJ based playwright, there’s nothing she loves more than making fantasy worlds come to life. “I’m a nerd!” she laughs. “I love fantasy. I like bringing the fantastical to the stage because I like the challenge of it.” “John Doe” is a new work by Whavers and is her third play produced for the stage, selected as part of The Keegan Theatre’s Boiler Room Series initiative aimed at developing and profiling the work of emerging theatrical playwrights.

The antagonists in “John Doe” (directed by Josh Sticklin) also happen to be lost in worlds of their own making. Zia –played by Ariana Caldwell – really hates people. Her anxiety has only been exacerbated by the tragic death of her brother and to avoid socializing she fabricates a private world that isolates her from friends and family. Doe (Mitchell Alexander) happens to be dead, but his imposed state of isolation has conversely only sharpened his love for humanity. It’s sheer fate that brings these two misfits together, and with the help of a cast of colorful characters both Zia and Doe must piece the missing parts of Doe’s life together.

“It’s a story about dealing with loss, which is something that’s always relevant and important to discuss,” Whavers says. “Doe and Zia are upset about their losses. This is a story about allowing yourself to fully feel and accept those emotions. It’s a good thing to miss someone.”

There’s a beautiful message inherent in the play that perhaps it’s only once we’ve opened our private worlds to others that we can receive the guidance we so desperately need, and maybe not feel so lonely. It’s advice that many of us could use right about now. u

Ambar Shaw, located at 1547 Seventh St. NW, is an homage to “Balkan” cuisine. Dishes from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria all make an appearance on its expansive menu. It is a gastronomy fashioned from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman in uences. e restaurant o ers diners a guided culinary tour of the Balkans, sans the complications of clearing customs.

Framed by oor-to-ceiling windows, the establishment’s rst oor sits between an expansive bar and an open kitchen. Modern white marble-topped tables and comfortable wicker chairs provide an elegant contrast with the dark wood walls and tiled oors. Hanging globes illuminate the space.

Spotlight On Ambar Take a Culinary Journey to the Balkans

by Andrew Lightman

Persian maze, meaning taste or relish. It is a name for the spicy and savory small plates commonly served either hot or cold in the provinces of the former Ottoman Empire. ey often incorporate cured meats, hard and creamy cheeses, spreads, sh, soups and salads.

Ambar Shaw’s expansive menu, a combination of mezze and small plates, is perfect for sharing. is makes it the perfect destination for both dates

sciutto. Ignore the pickled vegetables and olives at your peril. Pair them with one or all of the establishment’s three delicious atbreads

On To The Mains

Ambar’s expansive o erings of small plates are too many to individually characterize. So, here are a few favorites. e Balkan Salad is a refreshing medley of diced peppers, onions, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes tossed in a sherry vinaigrette and topped with feta. Sandwiched between sheets of dough, layers of succulent ragu, eggplant, Balkan cheeses and a creamy Béchamel make the lamb lasagna a hit. Roasted brussels decorated with savory bacon crumbles swim on a creamy, lemon-garlic yogurt sauce. e Cevapi Balkan kebabs are ground beef skewers served on a bed of spicy feta spread. A perfectly cooked slice of salmon arrives kissed with a lemonginger aioli glaze resting on a potato and leek mash.

Ambar’s second oor hints of the delights of the spring. Garlands of articial cherry blossoms festoon the ceilings above a large, central bar. is festive accent transforms the light- lled room. A retractable roof makes for a delightful evening under the stars in good weather. Reserve a cozy booth for the perfect date or a larger one for a communal evening. is chic, yet comfortable, ambiance is by design. Dinner at Ambar Shaw is not a fast casual affair, but rather an extended repast.

A Culinary Tour

Many are no doubt familiar with the term “mezze.” It is a Turkish word for appetizer derived from the

or parties. While ordering à la carte is possible, the “unlimited” dinner or brunch is a much better choice. Patrons can sample everything. However, beware of the two-hour seating limit. e unlimited drinks option at brunch and dinner is also popular.

A good place to start is with classic mezze. e Kajmak, a creamy Balkan staple made from skim milk, is a particular favorite. If spice is in your blood, sample Urnebes, which is a blend of feta, chili akes and roasted pepper jam. For the less adventurous, there is a white bean hummus. Carnivores should avail themselves of the Sujuk beef sausage and pro-

Among Ambar’s many delights are two standouts. Order the “Yaga” slowroasted lamb shoulder. Served on a bed of roasted potatoes, the meat simply melts on the fork. A savory mixture of pork belly, root vegetables, rice and aromatics arrives wrapped in sour cabbage leaves in a traditional Serbian preparation known as “Sarma.” ese are just a few of exquisitely-plated delights that await the palate. While many of the dishes described above cater to omnivores, vegetarians and vegans need not fear. ere is an alternate menu dedicated to their needs.

“I do not see this as a job,” said Ambar’s Director of Operations Uroš Jojić. Rather, Jojić, who himself hails from Serbia, is a self-appointed evangelist for Balkan culture. “Food and hospital-

ity are strongly rooted in our culture. Genuine care for guests is a vocation,” Jojić explained. A diner at Ambar should have the same experience as a guest invited to a Serbian home, he declared.

Diners may pair their repast with vintages gathered from across the Balkans. e Serbian and Croatian wines are particular favorites. End the dinner by sampling Rakia. is homemade fruit brandy is common throughout the region. Every household has its own version, noted Jojić, who has fond memories helping his father distill his familial liquere. Ambar serves more than 20 varieties of Rakia.

Consuming Rakia is a central element of Serbian hospitality. “According to Jojić, Balkan elders believe that a shot of Rakia in the morning is the secret to a long life.

e concept of “Balkan Cuisine” itself is the brainchild of his fellow Serbian, Ambar’s founder Ivan Iricanin.

Out Of Serbia

Iricanin, a native of Trstenik, Serbia, arrived in the United States in 2005. He soon secured a job in the construction of the famed Zengo restaurant in Chinatown, one of the many estab-

lishments created by famed chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. Sandoval later tapped him to assist with the opening of Masa 14, where he rose to be a partner there and at El Centro, a subsequent venture.

In 2012, while still working with Sandoval, Iricanin independently opened the rst Ambar on Capitol Hill. In 2016, he added a second location in Clarendon. Leaving the Richard Sandoval Restaurants in 2017, Iricanin founded Street Guys Hospitality (SGH), adding a third Ambar in Shaw in 2023.

Named as the “All-You-Can-Eat King of DC” by Washingtonian magazine, Iricanin continues to innovate. e Michelin Guide included Ambar in 2017 and 2018, bestowing its coveted Bib Gourmand Award in 2019. He has added two more locations in Belgrade and Chicago.

Much like his mentor Sandoval, Iricanin is a rm proponent of nurturing sta . Jojić, who rst worked with him in opening the rst Ambar, now helms DC operations. At Ambar Shaw, patrons should expect the hospitality and delicious cuisine his homeland is famed for, he proclaimed.

Just make sure to arrive with an empty stomach equipped for a gastronomic safari.

Ambar Shaw is located at 1547 Seventh St. NW. For more information, visit www.ambarrestaurant.com/ ambarshaw. ◆

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Several dozen people assembled in front of the Howard Theater the morning of Wednesday, January 14, to celebrate the official unveiling of ceremonial signage for three neighborhood alleys. DC Law 24-336 designated names for three alleys in Square 441 in honor of historic Shaw businesses, institutions, residents and entrepreneurs. Holzbeierlein Bakery Way is named after one of the first bakeries that located in the neighborhood, an area that became a hub of bakeries in the District during the early 20th Century. The restored and expanded former bakery is now the mixed-use building known as the Adora. Joe and Mae Hurd All Sports Club Way takes its name from a small club, the All Sports Club, later Joe Hurd’s Bar and Grill, that was popular from the 1940s through the 1960s. Wiltberger Club House Way commemorates a social club established by

the residents of the row houses at the lower end of Wiltberger Street and active in the late 20th Century.

After a welcome from Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander Padro, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto how excited she was to attend the event. She also thanked ANC Commissioner Padro for his steadfast work in the neighborhood to preserve its heritage. Then Padro provided the background of the three alleys, noting that a lot of the documentation of the history of the area came from research by Wiltberger resident John Shaw. Then Barrington Scott II, great grandson of the owner of the Wiltberger nightclub Cecelia’s, recounted the history of his family’s entrepreneurship in the area. He was able to ask his great grandmother about her past life, and she related stories about Marvin Gaye planting his shoeshine stand in front of her club, and her meeting legendary entertainers such as Cab

Calloway and Nat King Cole. He mentioned that his family had three women simultaneously owning nightclubs in the area. Scott’s wife, Charisse Callender-Scott, recalled her time working with Padro when she was a graduate student at Howard University, and that the sign dedication shows what a community can do when it works together.

Then the attendees went around to Wiltberger to remove one of the alley signs, the one for Joe and Mae Hurd All Sports Club Way, closing out the dedication ceremony.

Shaw Restaurants Get Noticed

Shaw’s internationally lauded set of restaurants are continuing to get noticed. The latest issue of Washingtonian magazine has placed six on its list of the 100 Very Best Restaurants in the DMV. In Blagden Alley, The Dabney came in at No. 15 on the list, with Causa at No.

16. Also on the 100 list were Baan Mae (No. 25), Oyster Oyster (No. 62), All Purpose (No. 85) and Your Only Friend (No. 89). Unfortunately, three Shaw establishments on last year’s list were not there because they closed, all on the 1000 block of Seventh Street NW.

Shaw also had four food and beverage professionals make the semifinalist list of nominees for the culinary world’s prestigious James Beard Awards. Brent Kroll, of Maxwell Park, is nominated for the national Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award. Kroll also owns Shaw’s Pop Fizz Bar. Christine Kim, of Service Bar, got a nomination for the country’s Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service award. Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, chef/owners of Mita, one of Shaw’s plant-based restaurants, were nominated for the Best Chef, Mid Atlantic award.

Finally, two Shaw businesses got

visits from Seth Tillman of the WETA television program, Signature Dish, for the series’ season opener. Your Only Friend got to show o the elaborate preparation of their Chicky Pep #2 sandwich and their Clear Cola vodka cocktail. At Lulu’s Wine Garden, Tillman got to sample their southwestern Carne Asada tacos, along with a selection from the restaurant’s extensive wine cache.

Woodson Tour Returns

e National Park Service will recognize Black History Month by once again o ering its popular “Walk with Dr. Woodson” tour on Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m., starting at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, 1318 Vermont Avenue NW. e tour features a Woodson reenactor, along with historic neighborhood insights by Shaw historian Alexander Padro. e 90-minute tour allows participants to see today’s Shaw though the eyes of Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), the acknowledged father of Black history.

Woodson lived and worked in central Shaw for decades, and many of the places he knew, lived and worked in, as well as those of his contemporaries, like Mary McLeod Bethune and A. Philip Randolph, are still standing. is year marks the 100th anniversary of Dr. Woodson’s creation of Negro History Week and the 50th anniversary of the observance becoming Black History Month.

e tour is free, and no reservations or tickets are required. e tour will close at the Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center (1510 Ninth Street NW) near Dr. Woodson’s home and the statue dedicated to him. e National Park Service expects to have a soft opening of the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in August 2026, with a formal ceremonial opening of the Shaw site in October 2026. ◆

Critical Exposure

DC Through the Eyes of Youth

by Sarah Payne

Snapshots of cherry blossom trees, packed Metro cars and murals bursting with bright color feel unmistakably like Washington. At first glance, the curated gallery walls seem to display postcard pictures. But these photographs are not souvenirs, they are real-life records captured and preserved by the District’s students. Beyond the focal point of each image lies a movement, driven by youth, working to reshape and redefine the narratives that society holds about them and the city they call home.

Critical Exposure at 1816 12th St. NW is at the epicenter of this movement. The organization works with Black and Brown students across the city to develop organizing and storytelling skills using photography as a medium. Throughout the year, youth engage in opportunities to learn, collaborate and share their perspectives of the city.

Sharing Real Stories

In 2004, shortly after Critical Exposure’s founding, the nonprofit tasked students with documenting their experiences at school through photography. Shocking images of broken windows and classmates bundled in heavy coats (in the absence of working heat) emerged. Now, more than two decades later, students continue to document the “culture and climate” in their schools and in the city, explained executive director Nicole Newman. Through a camera lens, students share snippets of their everyday lives. Through the organization’s diverse set

of programs, they learn about tools, logistics and community organizing with a specific focus on the “dominant narratives” held about youth and Washington, DC. Students aim to counter these narratives with their photos.

As participants in Critical Exposure’s programming, youth work to identify the policies, issues and ideas most important to them and engage in related campaigns and advocacy work. Throughout the year, they present their work in curated galleries. Some submissions are lighthearted, depicting friends smiling or reading together on the Mall, while others document the impacts of gentrification, crime and political protests.

Reshaping the Narrative

The images show what data and policy cannot: the unfiltered experience of youth living and learning in the city. What matters to students, however, is not always in alignment with school administration or policy. “Sometimes it puts us in a weird position,” Newman admitted, but, regardless of a student’s views, the organization remains steadfast in the commitment never to mute or downplay the experiences they wish to share.

The product is often unexpected. Students curate galleries that showcase their work for adults. A striking photo of cherry trees converging over a path by high school junior Purnell stands out. While tourists gather in the Tidal Basin to catch a glimpse of the blooms, the student’s reflection on the impact of the blossoms is different. “A path under blooming cherry blossoms

glowing gently in the night, a reminder that even in the slums of DC, nature can bring light, peace and beauty to our communities,” his caption reads.

Another photo depicts a local business with plywood covering the entrance. Student, Raymond reflects on how the closure of a local market would likely change the dynamics of the neighborhood. “A former market is shown boarded up and destined to be inhabited by a new company,” he writes. “This establishment will likely be taken over by a restaurant and specialty store as seen in countless other neighborhoods throughout DC. These businesses were put there not to accommodate the needs of the residents but to entice new ones. The new infrastructure will bring new people and raise the rent in the whole area, eventually destroying the neighborhood that took so long to build.”

The organization aims to amplify the voices and experiences of youth and to push back on the narrative that young people exist as “just problems to be solved,” Newman said. According to Newman, the images also help to redefine how adults approach youth. The project “pushes back on the idea that the only way to deal with young people is to police them, to have the Metropolitan Police Department chase them down or to have federal agents search them,” she added.

Hearing Youth Voices

The far-reaching impact of the students’ work is evident in these galleries. As adults peruse the sea of photographs and captions, they find

themselves “consistently surprised” by both the insights and the burdens young people hold, according to Newman. e artwork serves as a bridge between kids and adults for real conversations and true listening. Newman called this newfound understanding an “unlikely collaboration” that lends to ongoing conversations around key issues.

To encourage collaborations, the organization puts kids at the heart of its programming, outreach and advocacy work. To successfully push back on the “dominant narratives,” their voices deserve a place in the conversation. “If you look at any popular movement that has happened in the history of the world, there has always been a signi cant contribution from young people,” Newman said. “Young people have such a powerful vision of what the future can be.”

But allowing kids to share their ideas authentically, Newman noted, is often more of an idea than a reality. Students rarely have a real seat at the table. Critical Exposure is working to change that through giving them a space to share their work and collaborate with each other and with adults.

Focused keenly on sharing authentic experiences, the students and leaders at Critical Exposure plan to continue replacing mainstream narratives with the truth. “We highlight not what the problem is, but what the solutions are,” Newman said. “It’s the way we build counter-narratives. We tell the real story.”

Visit www.criticalexposure. org to learn more about upcoming events, current programming and volunteer opportunities.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

I G N U P T O D

ANC 2G Commission Reviews Neighborhood Transportation Plans

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for January on ursday evening, Jan. 8. e meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission chair Steven McCarty (2G04) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Howard Garrett (2G01, vice chair), Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Nicole Shea (2G03, secretary), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle Nigro (2G06, treasurer) were in attendance. e commission had a quorum to conduct business.

Election of Officers and 2026 Calendar

e meeting began with the election of commission o cers for the year. ere were no contested positions, so the o cers remain: Steven McCarty, chair; Howard Garrett, vice chair; Nicole Shea, secretary; Rachelle Nigro, treasurer.

e commission also had to establish a meetings calendar for the year. Most meetings will be held on the second ursday of the month. e exceptions are for the April meeting, held on Tuesday, April 14, and August, when there will be no meeting.

Third Police District

Lieutenant Alan Herring of the ird Police District reported on current crimes in the ANC area. ere was an assault with a deadly weapon incident at 1245 Fifth St. NW with ve shooting victims on Dec. 26. Two victims went to a hospital on their own, while three approached police for help to get to the hospital. Two rearms were recovered, a BB gun and a Glock pistol.

Transportation in Shaw

Christophe Wassmer, Ward 2 liaison for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and David Bukowski of the DDOT Safe Routes Team, came to discuss two notices of intent (NOI) to change the transportation infrastructure in Shaw.

e rst NOI is for Seaton Elementary School. is involves the installation of a crosswalk on the west side of the intersection of P and Columbia

by Pleasant Mann

streets. Crosswalks typically require a no-parking clearance area for “daylighting” to enable the viewing of pedestrians. is would take up 35 feet of residentially restricted parking on P Street. Padro said that residents expressed a reluctance to reduce parking spaces on the 900 block of P Street. Because Columbia is a one-way street that does not extend north of P Street, no drivers will be entering the intersection from the north. He suggested that DDOT consider reducing the amount of daylighting space on the west side of the intersection. He moved to support the NOI provided that DDOT studied the possibility of reducing the amount of daylighting required on the west side of the crosswalk. e motion passed unanimously.

e second NOI was for Seventh Street and New York Avenue NW. ere had been as many as 36 crashes at the intersection from 2020 to 2022, largely sideswipes caused by cars changing lanes.

e NOI would place “No Turn on Red” signs at the intersections and make a lane recon guration on Seventh and K streets. Nigro said that DDOT needed to talk to the Convention Center about the provisions of the NOI. Berry agreed that DDOT’s plan might not work without discussing it with the Convention Center. Nigro moved to table consideration of the NOI until DDOT discussed this with Events DC. e motion passed unanimously.

Shaw Streateries

DDOT’s Wassmer explained the District’s new streatery program. Streateries taking up curb space along District roads were allowed during the pandemic to support restaurants’ staying in business. at program ended Nov. 30, 2025, requiring streateries to apply for new permits under stricter regulations. DDOT expects 70% of existing streateries to apply for new permits.

Two Shaw restaurants led applications to install streateries. Tallboy (1239 Ninth St. NW) applied for a streatery permit. Berry moved to table consideration of support for the Tallboy streatery until the next commission meeting, since a nal

design for it was not available. e motion passed unanimously. Pearl’s Bagels (1017 Seventh St. NW) also applied to keep its streatery. After reviewing the application, Nigro moved to support a permit for Pearl’s Bagels, which passed unanimously.

Alcohol Licenses

Shea brought up the issue of temporary liquor licenses issued by the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) for Play DC (1545 Seventh St. NW), a club with a contentious history that had been closed. Shea and Padro had attended an ABCA hearing the day prior where the issue was discussed. e current status of the club was that the new owner had committed to not requesting any new temporary licenses, and that when the business reopened it would not have the name Play DC. Padro added that the establishment still needed a basic business license and that plans were to open as a sports bar. e establishment’s application for an alcohol license will have to come before ANC 2G. A settlement agreement with the commission should prevent the establishment from getting a license as a nightclub or with an entertainment endorsement.

Dolci Gelati (1420 Eighth St. NW) requested support for renewal of its Class D Tavern License. A motion to support passed unanimously. e Passenger, under new ownership, also had its Class C Tavern License up for renewal. A motion to support the license renewal, provided that the business entered into a settlement agreement with the commission, passed unanimously.

Cafeteria y Taqueria la Loca (1018 Rhode Island Ave. NW) was applying for a substantial change to its license by attaching an entertainment endorsement to the liquor license. Padro moved to support the endorsement, and it passed unanimously.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on ursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

Wordplay Wednesday: Valentine’s Edition

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5 to 8 p.m., Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW (entrance on K Street), celebrates Valentine’s Day with a lively game night across three floors of interactive galleries. Explore the museum after hours while enjoying board games, wordbased puzzles, crafts, karaoke, and playful activities designed to spark creativity and connection. Play Scrabble with your sweetheart, meet a bookish bestie through a special scavenger hunt, sip Valentine’s-inspired cocktails, and compete for prizes throughout the night, including a Valentine’s package for two featuring a Lexicon Lane puzzle case and dinner at Immigrant Food. Drinks, beer, and wine will be available for purchase alongside complimentary sweet treats. Pay what you can: $5–$25. Your ticket allows Planet Word to continue offering more great

DC’s Chinese Lunar New Year Parade

The 2026 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., is hosted and organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4724. The streets of DC’s Chinatown will be filled with revelers and spectators as they celebrate the Year of the Horse. The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. Individuals born in the Year of the Horse are often considered energetic, independent, optimistic, social, and charming. dcparade.com.

programs like Wordplay Wednesday to a wider audience. planetwordmuseum.org.

The Great Backyard Bird Count On Feb. 13 to 18, spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell GBBC about them. In as little as 15 minutes, notice the birds around you. Identify them, count, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. This global task is fun and free, no matter your level of bird-interest. birdcount.org.

Cowork. Co-learn. Co-survive the job market.

On Thursdays, Feb. 12 and 18, 1 to 5 p.m., join MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, for Thursday afternoon coworking, designed with jobseekers, career pivoters and upskillers in mind. Whether you’re job hunting,

Cupid’s Undie Run 2026 (ditch the pants)

In 2010, a group of do-gooders, led by co-founders Brendan Hanrahan, Chad Leathers and Bobby Gill, dropped their pants and ran through the cold in Washington DC to raise money for research to help end NF, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. To help raise awareness about NF, they decided to strip down in solidarity and run in their undies. Every February, thousands of undie runners in cities across the US come together, whether it be in-person or virtually, to support those affected by NF. On Saturday, Feb. 21 noon to 4 p.m. Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, and with drinking and dancing, then runners jog it out with a mile(ish) run and end it all with an epic dance party. Runners must be 21+. Individual registration is $40. cupids.org.

career pivoting, or just trying to remember what day it is, you don’t have to do it alone. Bring your laptop, your to do list, and your “I swear I’m going to update my résumé today” energy. They’ll be right there with you. It’s your choice to either network with others (because like it or not we all know networking is how opportunities are found these days and you never know what will come of a new connection) or just plug in and mind your businessdclibrary.org.

MLK Library Bargain Basement Books & Shop

On Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., browse used books and library merch. Library merch will also be available for purchase. Cash, credit, and Venmo accepted. All proceeds go directly to the MLK Library Friends. Have books you want to donate? The Friends are accepting up to two bags of books

Benning Dorothy I.

Height Library

FEB. 5, 2026

3935 Benning Rd. NE Washington, DC 20019 (202) 715-7707

Bellevue / William O. Lockridge Library

FEB. 12, 2026 115 Atlantic St. SW Washington, DC 20032 (202) 698-1956

Mt. Pleasant Library

FEB. 19, 2026

3160 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 527-4027

Lamond-Riggs Library

MARCH 5, 2026

5401 South Dakota Ave. NE Washington, DC 20011 (202) 304-9521

Anacostia Neighborhood Library

MARCH 19, 2026

1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020 (202) 698-1956

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STC’s Annual Mock Trial:

“IF THE HANDKERCHIEF COULD TALK”

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m., the Shakespeare Theatre Company presents their 37th annual Mock Trial, Estate of Emilia v. Estate of Desdemona, at Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. This in-person event, often presided over by current or retired members of the US Supreme Court, features an esteemed bench deliberating over a fictional case inspired by a play in STC’s season. This year’s case is centered on Simon Godwin’s upcoming production of Othello, featuring Wendell Pierce, and the advocates will argue on the pivotal role of the handkerchief and Emilia’s hand in procuring the item that led to so much tragedy. Ticket price range is $95 to $250. A streaming ticket is $25. shakepearetheatre.org.

per person--no textbooks, law books, books with missing dust jackets, or books with writing or damage. 901 G St. NW. dclibrary. org.

Improv Workshops at Shaw Library

On first Tuesdays of every month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW, learn the basics of improv with Washington Improv Theater. These classes are geared toward having fun and building skills, including communication tools and techniques that are as useful in real life as they are on stage. Taking an improv class is also a great way to meet interesting new people and make friends. (Their diverse student body includes people of all ages—from college students to retirees.) There’s no prerequisite for joining a Level 1 class. If you enjoy having fun and want to explore your creativity, improv’s for you. In addition, our classes offer a chance to escape from the stress of daily life. Appropriate for seniors, adults and teens. dclibrary.org.

Free DC Orientation for Families

On February 14, 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM, join us for this special Valentine’s Day offering of our Orientation and Non-Cooperation trainings. This event is open to all, and families in particular are invited to join us. Orientation is the place to learn about the attacks DC is facing right now, our strategy to defeat them, and our organizing structures that will make it possible. Non-Cooperation Theory + Practice is Free DC’s advanced training intensive on the key skills involved in effective noncooperation. https://freedcproject.org/event-

list/valentinesday

Location shared upon registration

Financing Announced for Multifamily Units in Ward 1 DC Green Bank and PACE Equity have announced the closing of $2.97 million in PACE financing for a new, energy-efficient sevenunit multifamily community in Ward 1. The Heritage Living development will provide homes with family-sized kitchens and living spaces adjacent to the Howard University campus and the historic U Street neighborhood. The loan will support the installation of a highly efficient HVAC system, high-performance insulation, a green roof, and stormwater mitigation, reducing the building’s energy use and increasing its resiliency. The project is redeveloping the Butterworth Mansion in LeDroit Park, maintaining the features of a historic building while updating it for the neighborhood’s current needs. dcgreenbank. com/news/heritage-living.

Sing Out: A Piano Bar with Gay Men’s Chorus

On Wednesdays, Feb. 18, March 18, April 22 and May 20, (7 to 8 p.m., happy hour, 8 to 11 p.m., piano bar), come to the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, to sing with live piano accompaniment or just enjoy the music. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC for “Sing Out: GMCW Open Mic Night.” Broadway show tunes, jazz standards, pop arrangements, whatever you like to sing. Just bring sheet music for their accompanist, sign

up with the host, and have a great time. (A few boxes of sheet music will be available for anyone to use as well.) Free admission; drinks are extra. atlasarts.org.

DC CAH Public Arts Work Plan 2026

In support of a growing and evolving District creative community, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) has produced a FY2026 Public Arts Work Plan. Both practical and tactical, this plan functions as a strategic roadmap for the CAH Public Arts Team. The plan emphasizes public participation as an essential component of equitable, accessible public art in a thriving creative economy. Stakeholder input and measurable data inform clear, achievable goals. Strategies are intended to improve existing programs and create new opportunities for artists and creatives to expand their work and develop their practices. New tools for internal review ensure newly-established and newly-revised public arts programs serve the DC creative economy and the artists that keep it alive. Additionally, this plan lays the foundation for the future of CAH’s art collection. Targeted grants outreach and support for applicants are designed to ensure a robust sampling of work as varied and vibrant as the people of Washington, DC. Read the plan at dcarts.dc.gov/publication/ public-arts-work-plan-2026.

A Century of Black History Commemorations

Through February at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building (Great Hall-second floor), 10 First St. SE, this display celebrates one hundred years of Black history commemorations. Historian Carter G. Woodson initiated the annual observance of “Negro History Week” in February 1926. His modest idea blossomed into a monumental educational and cultural movement. In 1976, Negro History Week was extended to a month-long celebration to coincide with the nation’s bicentennial. This display traces the evolution of Negro History Week over decades. loc.gov.

DDOT Reopens E-Bike Incentive Program

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced the return of the successful District E-Bike Incenti ve Program that helps District residents—particularly of low-income residents—purchase an e-bike using a voucher worth as much as $1,500. The application window will only be open to District residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance. Applicants can apply between Feb. 1 and 21 to receive a voucher of up to $1,500 towards an e-bike, helmet, and a bicycle lock. Voucher recipients will be randomly selected once the application window closes. Not all applicants will receive a voucher. All applicants must reapply regardless of whether an application was submitted previously. Residents can apply online at ddot.dc.gov/ebikes.

Community Forklift’s Donation Wish List

Instead of sending usable materials to the dump, consider donating them for reuse. Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD, accepts donations of a wide range of items and are looking for some in high demand. They are particularly looking for appliances, small solid wood furniture, window A/C units, artwork and cabinet sets. communityforklift.org.

Special Olympics DC Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is a powerful way for the community to come together in support of Special Olympics DC. At The Wharf’s Market Pier on Saturday, Feb. 21, noon to 3 p.m., participants take the plunge into an above-ground pool, cheered on by friends, families, and fellow supporters. All plungers pay the $15 fee to register. You must raise a minimum of $100 to benefit Special Olympics athletes, in order to participate in the Plunge. Too chicken to take the plunge? You can register with this option to still receive your own fundraising page to share with friends and family. specialolympicsdc.org.

Earth Day Cleanup 2026 (save the date) Save the Date for the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Annual Earth Day Cleanup. This year their Earth Day Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 25. AWS is seeking site leaders. Earth Day Site Leaders oversee cleanup sites throughout the Anacostia Watershed. Anyone can sign up to be a site leader. If you are interested, visit anacostiaws.org/what-we-do/riverrestoration-projects/earth-day. Site leader registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 27.

Free DC February Team Meetings

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., join the monthly meeting of the Ward 2 group of Free DC to build the local movement it will take to protect DC home rule and win dignity for our communities. Location TBD.

Free DC Ward 4 February Team Meeting

February 24, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

If you live in Ward 4 and want to learn about mobilizing your local community to become part of Free DC, join this meeting of the Ward 4 Team.

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/ward4-team-meetingfebruary

Christ Lutheran Church 5101 16th Street NW Washington, DC, 20011

Do you have a notice for the Bulletin Board?

The Mid-city DC Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. Send your notice to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

CHANGING HANDS

KIDS & FAMILY

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Mount Vernon

On Monday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the rst president of the United States at his beloved home. Admission is free for Presidents’ Day. At 10:30 a.m., witness the o cial observance ceremony of George Washington’s birthday on the bowling green, followed by a special military demonstration. On Sunday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., meet General Washington for hoecake demonstrations with Half Crown Bakehouse on the 12-acre eld from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Plus, pick up fresh baked bread all day. Listen to a concert by the United States Air Force Strings at 2:30 p.m. in the Smith Auditorium. Activities are included with admission: Adults, $30; ages six to eleven, $16; ve and under, free. mountvernon.org.

The Harlem Globetrotters at the Capitol One Arena

On Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. (doors at noon), the Harlem Globetrotters return to the Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, as part of their 100 Year Tour, celebrating a century of basketball, entertainment, and global impact. Since 1926, the Globetrotters have combined athletic skills, comedy and community outreach to create one of the most recognizable sports experiences in the world. is milestone event o ers fans of all ages the chance to experience the evolution of the Globetrotters’ unique style while recognizing their in uence on sports and culture over the past century. Tickets start at $54. capitalonearena.com.

Free

Family Fun Days at the LOC

On Saturdays, Feb. 14, March 14 and April 11, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (drop-in anytime), enjoy activities, collections and learn to use Library resources. On Feb. 14: Happy Birthday, George Washington! Celebrate Washington’s birthday with activities, collections, and e Two Georges exhibition. On March 14: Mapping a New Nation. Explore early American maps and create your own. On April 11: Birds at the Library?

Discover birds and birdwatching through Library resources, activities and more. All ages are welcome. Family Fun Days are at the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Reserve free tickets at loc.gov/events.

MLK Day Scavenger Hunt at MLK Library

Notable gures from history are hidden around the MLK Library Children’s Room. Drop in all-month-long in February to search for them and win a small prize. e MLK Library is at 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

“Save a Spider Day” at Natural History

Join the Natural History Museum on Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a celebration of “Save a Spider Day.” See spider specimens and other arachnids up close, make observations at live tarantula feedings, and learn about the amazing diversity found within the different spider and arachnid species. Scientists from their museum will also share about the science they do to learn more about spiders and will help us debunk common spider myths. Families can join at any time during the duration of the event and stay as long as they wish. This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the ground floor of the museum. Enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. naturalhistory.si.edu.

RAT Ó N DE BIBLIOTECA

(The Library Mouse) at GALA

This charming bilingual play, on Saturdays, March 14, 21 and 28, 3 to 4 p.m., at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, is about the clash between an intellectual library mouse and a street gang of mice. It teaches children to respect differences and appreciate books. Tickets are $14 (including fees) for adults; $12 for kids, two to twelve. galatheatre.org.

Words, Beats and Life at Saturday

Morning Live! Words, Beats & Life (WBL) is a Hip-Hop performance experience, rooted in the music and dance culture of Washington, DC. WBL transforms individual lives and communities through Hip-Hop culture in all its forms. Performances take place at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 14 and 28, in the Helen Hayes Gallery of The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Children are encouraged to sit on rainbow mats on the floor and parents to sit in chairs behind. This performance is ideal for

children ages three to six but all are welcome. Pre-registration is now live. nationaltheatre.org/saturdaymorning-live.

Omnium Circus:

“I’m Possible II” at Warner Theatre

e Visionary Omnium Circus returns to Warner eatre with a brand-new cast including neverbefore seen artists sharing incredible feats of daring, beautiful music and a life-changing message of hope. On Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. (doors at 2 p.m.), join Warner eater, 513 13th St. NW, for an unforgettable experience where joy knows no limits, and everybody belongs. e show is performed in both ASL and English, captioned, audio described, sensory friendly with house light at low glow, capped sounds at 85 decibels and available quiet zones. Movement and vocalization are welcome. Tickets start at $36. warnertheatredc.com.

Midiculous

at The Keegan

Midiculous Middle School. A laughably lopsided social “order” in which students are designated either Queen Bee, Jock, Geek, or Goth—and woe betide any who dare defy their thus declared destiny. Add to this sinister stew a mysterious zombifying virus spread through TikTok dances. How is one to survive all of this “Midiculousness?” By turning to… you. Yes, you! In this Choose-Your-OwnAdventure style world premiere by Drew Anderson and Dwayne Lawson-Brown, you decide the outcome of a metaphysical game show where only the winner escapes the prison of pre-teen politics. e Keegan eatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from Feb. 24 to March 8. Performances are Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m.; Saturdays, 8 p.m.; and Sundays, 3 p.m. $60 for adults, $50 for students, seniors and under age 25. keegantheatre.com.

S I G N U P T O D A Y !

KIDS & FAMILY

250th Festival: A Celebration of Our Story at the National Portrait Gallery

On Saturday, Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., kick off the yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW. They’re bringing the past to life in a festival for all ages that commemorates 250 years of art, history and culture. Dance along with live performances and take guided tours through the galleries. Enjoy story times, games and more. Participants can create art with friends and family and take home a booklet to celebrate the 250th all year long. This free community festival highlights joyful moments and heroic stories that have shaped the nation. Free, registration encouraged. npg.si.edu.

Great Movies in the NBM Great Hall: Cinderella

On Friday, Feb. 6, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, Disney’s Cinderella (2015) tells the timeless story of a young woman whose courage and kindness transform her world, set against the magical backdrop of a grand palace and vibrant kingdom. The evening begins with a fun, interactive dance activity led by The Washington Ballet’s community engagement team and dancers from The Washington School of Ballet’s trainee division, giving children a chance to explore movement and storytelling through dance. Doors open at 6 p.m.; Washington Ballet led activity at 6:30 p.m.; movie at 7 p.m.; program ends at 8:45 p.m. $15 for adults; students, $5; under twelve, free. nbm.org.

Atlas Intersections Festival Family Fun Day

The Atlas Intersections Festival Family Fun Day, 1333 H St. NE, is on Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to

noon. It features The Great Zucchini with free interactive performances led by him, crafting stations, and other exciting surprises. Free admission: registration is encouraged but not required. atlasarts.org.

The Folger’s Family Workshops: My Shakespearean Monologue

On Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., in these workshops, families will examine different ways that Shakespeare’s characters show us who they are and what makes them special. Families will use words and phrases from Shakespeare’s plays to create personal monologues about who they are, with a chance to proudly perform it for everyone to hear. Attendance is free with a recommended $3 donation. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ages five to seven; and 1 to 2 p.m., ages eight to eleven. The Folger Shakespeare Library is at 201 E. Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

“Come Rap with Mr. Root” at Discovery Theater

On Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., get ready for an engaging, highenergy experience with the masterful Hip-Hop artist Mr. Root. He’s a rapper, beatboxer, and dynamic performer who knows how to light up the stage and captivate children and families with his unique blend of music, movement, musical wisdom, and fun. He makes sure every child is engaged and has a great time. Discovery Theater at The Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. All seating is general admission. Recommended for ages three to seven. Adult tickets are $8; kids, $7; and under two, $3. discoverytheater.org. u

“Havana

Hop” at Imagination Stage

Havana Hop is a charming, dynamic tale of culture and originality, created by award-winning DC artist Paige Hernandez, using her childhood as inspiration. What if you were invited to dance for President Obama? You’d want it to be the best dance ever. Meet young Yelia who visits her grandmother in Cuba to add a salsa flavor to her own hip-hop style. Journey with Yelia as she discovers the fun of her multi-cultural heritage. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, from Feb. 14 to March 7. It is best for ages five to ten. Tickets start at $15. imaginationstage.org.

Vote for 2025’s Best New Shaw Businesses

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION TO YOUR FAVORITE NEW SHAW BUSINESS. Vote in Shaw Main Streets’ Best New Shaw Business of the Year contest!

New businesses that opened in 2025 are eligible. Businesses that are not located within the Shaw Main Streets service area or are not located in retail locations are not eligible.

The three businesses that receive the most votes will be recognized as the Best New Shaw Businesses of 2025 at the Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.

HERE IS THE LIST OF ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES:

CAFÉ JOY, 906 P Street, NW

CORINTO GALLERY, 1707 7th Street, NW

COTTI COFFEE X WUU TEA STUDIO, 900 M Street, NW

DASHEN ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 1608 7th Street, NW

DRAGON HERO, 2016 9th Street, NW

EEBEE’S CORNER BAR, 1840 6th Street, NW

EVERYDAY PEOPLE DC, 1013 U Street, NW

GLOSS BAR NAILS & HEADSPA, 1340 8th Street, NW

HYATT HOUSE, 899 O Street, NW

MELANGE FOODS, 2108 8th Street, NW

REALM ROOFTOP BAR LOUNGE, 899 O Street, NW

SANDLOT UPTOWN, 1900 7th Street, NW

STARBUCKS, 801 Allen Y. Lew Way, NW

To cast your vote, send an email to BestinShaw@gmail.com with the name of your favorite new business of 2025 in the subject line and your name in the message no later than 12:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026, in order for your vote to be counted. Only one entry per email address will be accepted.

Be sure to let your favorite business know you voted for them. And then plan to watch the Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting to see which new businesses won the awards.