MidCity DC Magazine June 2012 by Capital Community News

MIDCITY JUNE 2012

t t h a e T N H A G I TS! N

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CONTENTS JUNE 2012

08 Calendar 16 Staycation Special out and about 26 28 30

Hit the City • Joy Hopkins Insatiable • Celeste McCall Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe

your neighborhood 31 32 34 36 37

The Nose • Anonymous District Beat • Martin Austermuhle The Numbers • Kwame Boadi and Ed Lazere Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson Shaw Streets • Ralph Brabham

The Triangle • Amanda Wilson

kids and family 39

44 COVER:

Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner

at home 42 44 45

Home/Style • Mark F. Johnson Garden Fairy • Frank Asher Changing Hands • Don Denton

Classifieds

Sophie as Crab and Benjamin Curns as Launce in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Photo: Michael Bailey

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Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF

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SOCIETY & EVENTS

Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner kathleen.donner@gmail.com

Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

HOMES & GARDENS

Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com

NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Travel: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD

Hill Rag, MidCity DC & East of the River: Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT

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Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Amanda Wilson • amanda.mc.wilson@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com

BEAUTY, HEALTH& FITNESS

Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com

KIDS & FAMILY

Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

anc6a, 6b, 6c, 6d:

Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • clapol47@gmail.com Barracks Row: sharon@barracksrow.org H Street Life: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com the Nose: thenose@hillrag.com Logan Circle • mark@hillrag.com Shaw • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com The Triangle • Amanda Wilson • amanda.mc.wilson@gmail.com anc6b: Emily Clark

PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Associate Art Director: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer / Web Master: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com

ADVERTISING & SALES

Account Executive: Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Account Executive: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Marketing Asst.: Giancarlo Fagon

DISTRIBUTION

Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: Southwest Distribution Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com

DEADLINES & CONTACTS

Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

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calendar

JUNE Farragut Square concert-goers dancing to the music. Photo: Courtesy of the Golden Triangle BID

Golden Triangle Summer Concerts Thursdays through June 21,5:30-7:30 PM. Farragut Square, 17th and K sts., NW. goldentriangledc.com INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS Post Game Fireworks at Nat’s Park. July 3. Game begins at 6:35 PM. Fireworks about 9:30 PM. Watch from inside the park or anywhere you can see the top of the park. washington.nationals.mlb.com July 4th National Symphony Orchestra Concert Full Dress Rehearsal. July 3, 7:30 PM. US Capitol west lawn. You will find a much smaller crowd at the concert rehearsal. You will be allowed on the Capitol grounds starting at 3:00 PM. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. Free. nso.org

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July 4th Fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Fireworks at about 9:15 PM. No one will be allowed on the Capitol west lawn until 3:00 PM. Come early with a picnic and a blanket to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for the National Symphony Orchestra Annual Independence Day Concert. The fireworks can be seen from all over the mall, from many rooftops and from across the river. Just make sure that you have a clear view of the top half of the Washington Monument. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on except in the case of extremely bad weather. Your best source for up-to-the-minute information is local TV and radio stations. Free. nso.org

Patriotic Organ Concert at the National Cathedral. July 4, 2:00 PM. Washington National Cathedral. The all-American program opens with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, and includes opportunities for audience singing the National Anthem and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Free. 202-537-8980. nationalcathedral.org The National Archives Celebrates the Fourth of July. July 4. Band performance, 8:30–9:45 AM; Ceremony, 10:00-11:00 AM; Family activities, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical reenactors, and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages. Free. Consti-

tution Ave. and Seventh St. NW. 202-3575400. archives.gov America’s Independence Day Parade. July 4, 11:45 AM (sharp). Parade begins at Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW and proceeds on Constitution Ave. to 17th St. The parade consists of about 20 marching bands (including fife and drum corps), 15 floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian units, drill teams, municipal entries and celebrities. july4thparade.com “What to the Slave?” Speech Reenactment at Frederick Douglas National Historical Site. July 4, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Frederick Douglas reenactor delivers the famous “What to the

Slave?” (does July 4th mean) speech from the front porch of the home. Kids activities follow. Free. 1411 W St. SE. 202-4265960. nps.gov/frdo Independence Day Celebration and Air Force Band Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM (fireworks over Washington Monument follow). Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs and crowds.) Contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration. July 7, 6:00 PM. Enjoy a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. The evening culminates in Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Oronoco Bay Park. Free. visitalexandriava.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings through Aug 31. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil DC Caribbean Carnival. June 23-24, noon to 6:00 PM. Parade on Saturday and Caribbean style arts, crafts, food and music both days. Free entrance (food is extra). Bannaker Recreation Area (on Georgia Ave. across from Howard University). 301-3469635. dccaribbeancarnival.org Safeway Barbecue Battle. June 23, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; June 24, 11:00 AM-7:30 PM. $5-$15, day-of. Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 9th & 14th sts. bbqdc.com Smithsonian Folklife Festival. June 24July 1 and July 4-8. 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening events at 6:00 PM. Festival features programs on Campus and Community, Citified, and Creativity and Crisis. Free en-

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Step Afrika! dancers. Photo:Tony Powell.

Step Afrika! Dance Performance June 16, 2:00 PM. Step Afrika! dance troupe performs an excerpt from their newest production, nxt/stp. For all ages. MLK Library (in the Great Hall), 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/mlk trance. National Mall between 7th and 14th sts. folklife. si.edu/center/festival Free Summer Saturdays at the Corcoran. This summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, enjoy special exhibitions and programming free of charge in addition to Gallery tours, select workshops, demonstrations, and performances for all ages. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202639-1700. corcoran.org

SUMMER MUSIC South on South Capitol Southern Rock Concert Series. June 22, July 27 and Aug 24; 11:30, on. Bands all day, mechanical bull, picnic tables. Half and M sts, SE at the Navy Yard Metro. fairgroundsdc.com Lunch at Union Center Plaza. Fridays through July 20, 11:30 AM-1:39 PM. June 8, Johnny Artis (Acoustic); June 15, Miguel Aubertin (Acoustic; June 22, Liz Briones (Acoustic); June 29, Special Occassions (Acoustic); July 6, Ten Feet Tall (Acoustic); July 13, Levi Stephens (Acoustic); July 20, Sam’O (Carribean). 810-840 1st St. NE. nomabid.org Lunch at Au Bon Pain Plaza. Thursdays through June 28, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. June 7, Sam’O (Reggae/Caribbean); June 14, Monster Band (Dance); June 21, Jimi Smooth & the Hittime (Motown); June 28, Levi Stephens (R&B, Blues). 2nd and N sts. NE. nomabid.org Evenings at Zuppa Fresca. Third Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 PM. June 21, Raddy & the Cats (R&B, Soul, Jazz); July 19, 8 Ohms (Funk); Aug 16, Jimi Smooth & the Hittime (Motown), Sept 20, Levi Stephens(Funk/Blues). 250 K St. NE. nomabid.org Yards Park Friday Evening Concert Series. Through Sept 14, 6:30-8:30 PM. Spend your Friday evenings on

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the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Friday evening concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more. capitolriverfront.org Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays in summer (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 289-3360. nga.gov US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8:00 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert. Free. 15th St. and Independence Ave. SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-433-5717. mbw.usmc.mil Strathmore Free Outdoor Summer Concerts. Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, June 20-Aug 1. This series goes back to local with season celebrating emerging artists living in and from DC. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. (Save the dates.) Saturdays, July 14-Aug 18. The National Park Service offers 6 Rhythm and Blues performances in July and August as part of Fort Dupont Park’s “Summer Theatre” concert series. The concerts’ are sponsored solely by the National Park Service and free to the public. There is a Jr. Ranger tent offering programs for children and general information about Fort Dupont Park. nps.gov/fodu

OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIES Front Flicks Movies. Thursdays, June 14, National Treasure; June 21, The Goonies; June 28, Raiders of the Lost Ark; July 5, City Slickers II The Legend of Curly’s Gold; July 12, O Brother, Where Art Thou; July 19, The Da Vinci Code; July 26, Muppet Treasure Island. Movies are held at Tingey Plaza just one block from the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Ave. exit) behind the US Department of Transportation building. capitolriverfront.org NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, June 13: Shaun of the Dead; June 20: Wall-E; June 27; July 4: Independence Day; July 11: Red Dawn; July 18: War Games; July 25: The Incredibles; Aug 1: Jurassic Park: The Lost World; Aug 8: Deep Impact. Food and music at 7:00 PM. Screening at 9:00 PM. Each film preceded by live DJs, barbecue, special guests and more. Free. Children and friendly dogs are welcome. Loree Grand Field at 2nd and L sts. NE. nomasummerscreen.com

MUSIC AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Def Jam 25 at the Lincoln. June 16, 7:00 PM. Join them as they pay homage to the 25 year milestone of the iconic Rap LabelDEF JAM & The Book it inspired- “Def Jam: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label”. $35-$42.50. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. June 26, 7:30 PM. In celebration of LGBT Pride Month, The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is proud to present a concert by the Rock Creek Singers, a 25-voice chamber ensemble. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk Music of the War of 1812 in America. July 2, 6:00-7:00 PM. Celebrate the Second of July, the day the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain, and the bicentennial of the War of 1812 with music the Founding Fathers knew well. David and Ginger Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute perform songs, dance tunes, and marches of the period, interspersed with historical commentary, in costume with period instruments. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org Tuesday Concert Series at Church of the Epiphany. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. The Tuesday Concert Series is a major outreach program of Epiphany to the people of downtown Washington. High-quality music—mostly classical, but with occasional performances of folk and traditional music—is presented here every Tuesday. Talented artists from all over greater Washington, and frequently from around the country and world, seek out Epiphany’s fine acoustics, exceptional musical instruments and reliable and appreciative audience. Programs in the Tuesday Concert Series are free, but they encourage attendees to make a contribution in support of the performers of each event, who receive as payment only what the day’s audience contributes. 1317 G St. NW. 202347-2635. epiphanydc.org National City Christian Church Organ Concerts. Every Friday, 12:15-1:15 PM. Free. 5 Thomas Cir. NW. 202-232-0323. nationalcitycc.org Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday, 3:00 PM The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu

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“Take Five” (free jazz at the American Art Museum). Third Thursday, 5:00-7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. AmericanArt.si.edu

THEATER AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Spring Awakening at the Keegan. June 2-July 8. Winner of 8 TONY Awards, Spring Awakening celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget. $35-$40. Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com Cuchullain at the Keegan. June 9-July 1. Meet Aaron, our Belfast hero who can’t pay his drug dealer and won’t get a soul-numbing job-so he dares to take on the welfare state. $20-$25. Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com The 2012 Funniest Fed Competition Finals. June 22, 8:00 PM. The Search for DC’s Funniest Federal Employee wraps up at the Finals Night of the 2012 Competition! Bring your phone and text to help select this year’s winners. Hosted by Tig Notaro. $22. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org Mr Burns a post-electric play at Woolly. Through July 1. Armageddon has struck and the grid is down: no TV, no radio, no internet-how will life go on? For one group of tenacious survivors, sitting around a fire and reminiscing about The Simpsons proves to be the greatest escape from despair. Miraculously, from their collective memories, a new industry struggles to be born: a crude theatrical re-creation of the digital culture we can’t possibly live without. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202393-3939. woollymammoth.net

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Bachelorette at Studio. Through July 1. Ten years out of high school, three unhappy friends celebrate a classmate’s wedding with a purse full of pills, acid wit, and a few eager men. A comic and lacerating look at toxic friendships and other lifelong commitments. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-3323300. studiotheatre.org The Animals and Children Took to the Streets. Through July 1. Part Charles Dickens, part Tim Burton, the Bayou is a dystopian metropolis squirming with cockroaches and unrest. With live music, witty performances, and stunning interaction between animation and live actors, acclaimed London company 1927’s show is a graphic novel burst into life. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org The History of Invulnerability at Theater J. Through July 8. Behind every great superhero is a determined creator. In 1930s America,

that creator was usually a young Jewish man with an active imagination. Katz’s play illuminates the story of Jerry Siegel—the brains behind Superman’s brawn—and the imagined struggle between the creative father and his uber-mensch son. Siegel wrestles to retain control of his famous comic book sensation as America is drawn into WWII. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 202-518-9400. washingtondcjcc.org

EXHIBITIONS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Samurai: The Warrior Transformed. Through July 8, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. In a uniquely Washington look at the storied Japanese warriors, this exhibition presents the transformation of the samurai. They went from being a feudal military class dominating Japanese history from 1185– 1867 to serving as a vehicle for building bridges with the West. $6-$8. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. nationalgeographic.com Titanic-100 Year Obsession. Through July 16, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, daily. National Geographic was the first to unveil images of the wreck discovered by National Geographic explorer Robert Ballard in 1985. Take a new look, from its historic beginnings to the latest research, at the ship that has captured the world’s imagination since she sank on April 15, 1912. Explore an intricately detailed 18-foot model of the ship and the latest imagery by National Geographic explorer James Cameron of the wreck on the ocean floor. $6-$8. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. nationalgeographic.com The American Revolution at Sea. Through Dec 29, Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00-4:00 PM. The American Revolution at Sea traces the maritime dimensions of the conflict from the end of the Seven Years’ War, when France—humiliated by defeat—began to rebuild its navy for a war of revenge, through the last naval battles of the Revolutionary War. The naval war of the American Revolution was a world war that reached from the coast of North America to the Bay of Bengal. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-7852040. societyofthecincinnati.org By, For, and Of the People: Folk Art and Americana at the DAR Museum. Through Sept. 1. The DAR Museum has an impressive collection of decorative arts, and much of the published work about the museum stresses that fact. Over the years however, important examples of American folk art and Americana have enlivened the collection. Free admission. DAR Museum, 1776 D St. NW. 202-628-1776. dar.org LEGO® Architecture: Towering Ambition. Through Sept. 3. This exhibition show-

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cases fifteen buildings from around the world made entirely from LEGO® bricks by Adam Reed Tucker. $5-$8. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Fire & Ice: Hindenburg and Titanic. Through Jan 6, 2014. This innovative new exhibit will bring together two marvels of transportation. Titanic and Hindenburg served demands for rapid worldwide communication and transportation. Both operated as the world’s largest mobile post offices. Each in its day promised the fastest possible worldwide mail service. Each offered onboard gentility and opulence. Each met a tragic end. National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. 202-633-5555. postalmuseum.si.edu/fireandice Inventing a Better Mousetrap: Patent Models from the Rothschild Collection. Through Nov. 3, 2013. The exhibition Inventing a Better Mousetrap features thirty-two models illustrating the wide variety of nineteenth-century patented inventions submitted by inventors from across the United States. All of the models on display are from the collection of Alan Rothschild, whose holdings of 4,000 patent models is the largest private assemblage of American patent models anywhere. American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-7970. americanart.si.edu

LITERARY EVENTS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Author Events at Busboys and Poets. June 10, 5:00-7:00 PM; Regi Rayfiled, “I Boldly Confess”. June 14, 6:30-8:00 PM; Eileen Kugler (ed.), “Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging Diverse Communities”. June 18, 6:30-8:00 PM; “Freedom’s Teacher”. June 20, 6:30-8:00 PM; Chris Hedges, “ Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt”. June 21, 6:30-8:00 PM; Peter Edelman, “So Rich, So Poor: Why it’s So Hard to End Poverty in America”. Busboys and Poets, 14th and V sts, NW. 202-332-6432. busboysandpoets.com Shades of Black Book Club. This adult club focuses on black fiction and non-fiction authors. Discussions are held the third Tuesday of every month in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in the Popular Library Division. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary. org/mlk Sunday Kind of Love at Busboys. Every third Sunday, 5:00 PM. Sunday Kind of Love features emerging and established poets from the Washington, DC area and around the nation. Each program includes featured poet(s) and an open mic segment centered around a predetermined social or poetic theme. Hosted by various local poets, Sunday Kind of Love has showcased poets as diverse as Esther Iverem, Richard Blanco, and Kathi Wolfe. $5. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-387-7638. busboysandpoets.com Tuesday Night Open Mic Poetry. Tuesdays, 9:00-11:00 PM. For two hours audiences can

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expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. $4/ person. Wristbands for Tuesday night open mic at 14th & V are sold all day in the Bookstore beginning at 10:00 AM until sold out. Limit of 4 wristbands per person. Cash only. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-387-7638. busboysandpoets.com Urban Fiction Book Club. This club meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Interim Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha Nine on the Ninth Open Mic Poetry. June 9, 9:00-11:00 PM. “Nine on the Ninth” Open Mic Poetry, the now legendary monthly poetry series that falls on every 9th day of the month at 9pm. Hosted by Derrick Weston Brown. $5 suggested donation. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-387-7638. busboysandpoets.com Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Neighborhood Library History Book Club. Second Monday, 6:30-8:00 PM. The History Book Club is a lively discussion of American historical biographies and how personal histories intersect with historical events. The typical book selected is entertaining and thought-provoking, which always leads to interesting conversations. Books range in reading level from teen books to adult books. Open to ages 16 and older. 1630 Seventh St. NW. 202727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha

MARKETS Mount Vernon Triangle Market. Sundays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Initiating its second season, the market is situated in Mt. Vernon Triangle, at the corner of 5th and Eye sts. NW just north of Chinatown. The market will feature a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture. The market will also highlight local prepared foods such as handmade chocolates and breads; and beverages, such as organic juices, teas and coffee. The food truck, Curbside Cupcakes and Bita Diomande, of Sarafina will also be at the market. Also find handmade jewelry, vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories. mountvernontriangle.org Farmers Market at National Geographic. Tuesdays in summer, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM. Join National Geographic every Tuesday this summer for their Farmers Marketing. Enjoy seasonal selections from Orchard Country Produce including fresh, local produce, organic eggs, grass-fed beef, jams & jellies and sweet local honey. The market will be held in the courtyard, weather permitting, 17th and M sts. NW. nationalgeographic.com 14th and U Farmers Market. Saturdays. 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, until Thanksgiving. Producersonly market. 14th and U sts. NW, in front of the Reeves Building. marketsandmore.net

9th and U Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 9th and U sts. NW. Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, May 30Oct 31, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.org Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Nats Baseball. June 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21; July 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. $5, up. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. Wednesday-Sunday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12-$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals. mlb.com Washington Mystics Basketball. June 8, 15, 26 and 29; July 1 (4:00 PM) and 6. 7:00 PM. $17, up. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com Purple Stride 5K. June 16, 7:00 AM. Walk or run a 5K course in downtown Washington, D.C. Join them for music, food, kids’ activities, their PurpleStore, and awards, all while raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 13th and 14th sts.). 310-725-0025. kintera.org

The Naked Foot 5K. June 24, 8:00 AM. They have partnered with the charity Soles4Souls and encourage runners to bring a pair of shoes to donate and challenge them to run barefoot (although completely optional)! Also included in entry is a really awesome high-tech tee, a raffle for a chance to win amazing prizes, and on-going giveaways by their sponsors. The 1K Kids Fun run is free. thenakedfoot5k.com DC United Soccer Home Match. June 30, 7:30 PM. Vs. Montreal Impact. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Semper Fi 5K. June 30, 8:00 AM. All proceeds will benefit the Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides crucial medical and financial assistance to U.S. servicemen and women wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as to their families. Anacostia Park. semperfi5k.com Pilates in the Park. Tuesdays through June 26, 5:30-6:30 PM. Relax and unwind after a long day at work with Pilates in the Park. These free hour-long classes will be taught by certified Pilates instructors from Results. Farragut Square Park, 17th and I sts. NW. goldentriangledc.com Dance Classes at Dance Place. Classes offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Classes offered in modern, African, belly dance, Afro-Cuban, Hip-Hop. The mission of Dance Place is to improve the quality of life in the metropolitan area through the presentation of educational and cultural programs and to nurture and expand the field of dance nationally. $120 for 10 classes, valid for 3 months. Drop-in for $15 ($13, seniors). 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. danceplace.org Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free. Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (eight outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-673-6861. Kennedy Recreation Center (one outdoor tennis court), 1401 Seventh St. NW. 202-671-4794. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov/dpr Nearby outdoor public pools. Francis Pool, 2435 N St. NW; East Potomac Pool, 972 Ohio Dr. SW; Randall Pool, S. Capitol and I sts. SW. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov Nearby indoor public swimming pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. 202576-9236. Rumsey Pool, 635 No.Carolina Ave. SE. 202-724-4495. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov

East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. golfdc.com Langston Driving Range. Open every day except Christmas, sun-up to sun-down. In addition to the driving range, Langston has an 18 hole course, snack bar, pro shop and offers golf lessons. 45 balls, $4.75. 180 balls, $14.25. $2, golf club rental. 26th and Benning Rd. NE. 202-397-8638. golfdc.com

CIVIC LIFE DC Demcratic State Committee 26th Kennedys-King Gala. June 21, 6:30 PM. The program will feature outstanding local and national Democratic awards presentations, Congressional guests, a silent auction and a live auctioneer, fashions and door prizes. Washington Hilton Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-714-3368. Financial Literacy Seminar. June 21, 6:308:30 PM. Free. Greater Washington Urban League, 2901 14th St. NW. 202-265-8200. gwul.org Résumé Help. Every Friday, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. There will be an open door in the first study room for people to walk in and get help on constructing résumés and everything associated with résumé building. Please bring your list of places of employment, and we will help you craft an effective résumé. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha Annual Tenant Town Hall. June 23, 1:004:00 PM. Join Tenants from across the city to talk with elected officials and government agencies about our housing needs and priorities! Get involved in campaigns for affordable housing and strategize to build a stronger tenant movement in DC. Free lunch and childcare will be provided. Please RSVP for childcare by June 15th. There will be interpretation in Spanish, Amharic and Chinese. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW. 202-540-7419 or TenantsRights@ ledcmetro.org Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov Rainbow Response Monthly Meeting. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Rainbow Response is a grassroots coalition that brings together organizations and leaders from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities, along with traditional domestic violence service providers and government agencies. 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202299-1181 x105. rainbowresponse.org

All-Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. LaCasa. All-Ways is a citizen’s association primarily for the tenants of the larger apartment buildings of Mount Pleasant. 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. aa-ss.org Chinatown Revitalization Council. Fourth Monday, 7:00-8:00 PM. 510 I St. NW. Chinatown Revitalization Council (CRC) promoting the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www.ccca-online. Downtown Neighborhood Association. Second Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@ dcdna.org. dcdna.org East Central Civic Association of Shaw Meeting. First Monday, 7:00 PM. Third Baptist Church, 1546 Fifth St. NW. Contact: Al Hajj Mahdi Leroy J Thorpe Jr, 202-387-1596. Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. www.eckingtondc.org Edgewood Civic Association. Last Monday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, nineth floor7-9pm. They encourage all Eckington and Edgewood residents to come out and take part in the lively civic life of our communities. www.theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org Logan Circle Citizens Association. Please contact Jennifer Trock at jennifer.trock@ logancircle.org for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association. Third Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein. mvsna.org

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ANC 1B. First Thursday, 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202870-4202. anc1b.org ANC 1B11. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. www. anc1b.org ANC 1C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-332-2630. anc1c.org ANC 1D. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202-462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C. First Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location). 202-682-1633. anc2C.org u

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! N O I T A C STAY Wild, Wacky and Wonderful Ways to Enjoy the DC Area and Beyond This Summer

by Kathleen Donner

n one hand you have high summer gasoline prices, crowded planes (airline travel isn’t glamerous anymore), body scans, flight delays and luggage charges. On the other hand you have the remarkable place that is the Washington DC area in summer. Forget what you’ve heard about the city having been built on a swamp and that everyone who can get away, does. Our art scene remains vibrant. Our street markets are open and thriving. And you can spread out a blanket and hear live music or see an outdoor movie every day of the week. For ideas of what to do, and special hotel rates if you want to take a real “staycation,” check out Destination DC’s website (http://washington.org/planning/about-destination-dc).

DC’s adjoining counties also offer a dizzying array of festivals, fairs and special events. Labeled DC’s largest creative event, Artomatic blazes along in Crystal City through June 23 (artomatic.org). Alexandria celebrates its birthday every year on the Saturday after Independence Day with a festival, concert and fireworks. The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, August 10-18, at the Gaithersburg Fairgrounds, attracts tens of thousands (mcagfair.com). Within a 2-hour drive, there are beaches, battlefields, mountain trails, amusement parks, sports events and historic sites. It’s all here or just a short drive away. Below is our listing (in no particular order) of twelve reasons to hang around.

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unfamiliar. The gardens today are both a snapshot of the typical garden of the day and an expression of Jefferson’s ambitious planting schemes. Charlottesville is about 120 miles from DC. monticello.org

Experience History

Ford’s Theatre offers History on Foot walking tours of downtown led by a costumed actor. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6:45 p.m., join Detective McDevitt for a first-hand look at the investigation into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy and the events of April 14 and 15, 1865. The tour lasts about two hours and involves a 1.4 mile journey. $17.75. fordstheatre.org The often overlooked Fort Ward, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., in Alexandria is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington during the Civil War (1861-1865). Fort Ward Museum interprets the site’s history and offers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year. It’s a fascinating place with excavations, reenactments and costumedcharacter tours. alexandriava.gov/ FortWard The Gettysburg battlefield is the site of the Civil War’s decisive battle and the last time the south invaded the north. They are a year away from their Sesquicentennial reenactment but this is a great time to make the short trip (about 90 miles) out of town for a ranger led tour of the major battlefield sites. For more intense Civil War enthusiastics, local historians offer to drive you around in your car for a sweeping overview of the three-day battle. The ranger tours are free and the local historians work for tips. A visit to the nearby Eisenhower farm is worth the effort. The only way to get there is by shuttle bus from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. $5-$7.50. gettysburgfoundation.org

from DC, is the most popular historic estate in America and is open every day. They are famous for their rare daylight fireworks display on Independence Day but any day is wonderful at Mount Vernon. Something new this year is the Dinner for the Washingtons Walking Tour-Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. This one-hour tour showcases food, hospitality, and dining at Mount Vernon by taking an in-depth look at locations around the Estate, including the Mansion’s basement. The tour will end in Mount Vernon’s greenhouse with a special tasting. $5 in addition to estate admission. mountvernon.org Great Falls is also worth another look. It’s a gem of a destination and only 15 miles from DC in McLean. Three overlooks give different views of the Great Falls. All are within a five to ten minute walk from the Visitor Center. Access to the Falls is by walking only. Overlooks 2 and 3 are handicap and stroller accessible. Try to visit after a lot of rain when the falls are at their most dramatic. nps.gov/grfa

Re-visit Old Favorites

Smell the Flowers

Locals all know that the best way to see the monuments is at night. The Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, FDR and Korean Memorials are all etherally beautiful after sunset. Now you can add in the World War II and MLK memorials. If you go when it’s raining, you should have Lincoln’s second inaugural address all to yourself. Park on Ohio Drive. nps.gov Mount Vernon, only 16 miles 18 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

Slip the Surly Bonds of Earth

Monument of 155th PA Volunteers at Gettysburg. Photo: Ron Zanoni

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Brookland is the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE and their delightful adjoining gardens. The gardens seem to be more for contemplation than for play. If you’re inclined, the Monastery itself can be toured on the

hour every day. myfranciscan.org Visit the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm. The lovely “farm” serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. Situated on 25 acres of landscaped lawns and gardens, it is located at 7931 E. Boulevard Drive in Alexandria. Here’s what blooming in JuneSouthern magnolia, iris, viburnum, lilies, daylilies, herbs, firethorn, golden raintree, serviceberry, hops, herbs; July-Buckeye, crapemyrtle, daylilies, oakleaf hydrangea, purple coneflower, ornamental grasses; and AugustChaste tree, crapemyrtle, mahonia (fruit), ornamental grasses, passion flower, pawpaw (fruit). Free admission. ahs.org Thomas Jefferson’s home Monticello was a botanic laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world. Jefferson grew 330 vegetable varieties in Monticello’s 1000-foot-long garden terrace and 170 fruit varieties. Jefferson employed the latest gardening practices and grew many varieties that have since become

Franciscan Mnastery and gardens

Climb the Netherlands Carillon during their weekly Saturday concerts in June, July and August, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Netherlands Carillon is a bell tower adjacent to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington that was given to America as an expression of gratitude from the Dutch people for aid provided during and after World War II. The Netherlands Carillon has nice grassy grounds and offers a wonderful panoramic view of DC. nps.gov/ gwmp/nethcarillon Depending of which way the wind is blowing, watch the planes at Reagan National take off or land at Gravelly

Hot air balloon over the Virginia countryside. Photo: Vern Wells

Point Park in Arlington. There are always plenty of picnickers and plenty of parking. The only way to get there is by travelling north by car on GW Parkway just past the airport. The airport runway is just 400 feet away and the planes sweep by at 150 mph and as low as 100 feet. The ultimate trip is in a hot air balloon over the Virginia countryside near Warrenton or over the Eastern Shore. 800soaring. com lists a ballooning site near Baltimore and they seem to be having a saleregularly $199.95, now

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Horse Center. rockcreekhorsecenter.com If you do become “horsey” you may want to save a few dates. The Washington International Horse Show (wihs. org) is October 2328 at the Verizon Center. The Equine Extravaganza (equineextravaganza. SCUBA diving students in the pool Photo: Blue Planet Scuba Diving com) is November 2-4 at the Richmond $169.95. The Flying Circus Hot International Raceway. Air Balloon Festival in Bealeton, VA is August 18 and 19. You negotiate price directly with the balloon pilot. Watch a New Sport No matter where you’re flying from, If you haven’t seen DC United the best times are mornings, 7:00- yet, this may be the moment to get 9:00 a.m. and evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m. hooked on professional soccer. The when the wind conditions are right. remaining summer home matches at Bealeton is about 60 miles from DC. RFK are June 30 vs Montreal Imflyingcircusairshow.com pact; July 28 vs Juventus; Aug 4 vs Columbus Crew; Aug 19 vs Philadelphia Union; Aug 22 vs Chicago Learn a New Sport If you don’t know how to swim Fire; Aug 29 vs New York Red Bulls. adequately or are uncomfortable in dcunited.com The DC Bocce League claims the water, this may be the summer that their balls are harder. The DC to learn to swim. Basic swimming Bocce League was created by a group lessons are available at all DC public of friends looking to bring a differswimming pools for $10. Just ask the ent social and recreational experience pool manager. You’ll be in a class with to DC. The idea was sparked by first other new learners. You can also congeneration Italian-American Richtinue with more advanced classes and ie DiFranco, who spent his youth lifesaving if you choose. dpr.dc.gov playing bocce with his family in his Once you’ve learned to swim and hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The have started eyeing an exotic vacaCapitol Hill Division play at Garfield tion, consider SCUBA diving lessons. Park, 2nd and F sts. SE on Tuesday SCUBA stands for self-contained unand Wednesday evenings in summer. derwater breathing apparatus. You’ll be breathing compressed air and, with the help of a weight belt, sort of flying through the water below the surface. It’s another world entirely. There are several dive schools in the DC area each offering lessons with certification. The closest ones are Blue Planet Scuba Diving (blueplanetdc.com) at Dupont Circle and SPE Dive School in Chevy Chase (scubaedu.com). This might be the summer when you learn how to ride a horse. Many people prefer to take a few private lessons before starting instruction with others. All area riding schools teach the English “Hunt Seat.” The only intown lessons are at the Rock Creek DC United at RFK. Photo: Ben Keller

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Spectators are welcome. dcbocceleague.com The ballparks are cozier, the hot dogs are cheaper and the Bowie Baysox are a lot of fun. It’s counter-intuitive for major league city dwellers to travel to the outer burbs in search for baseball but AAA ball is an entirely different experience. milb.com

vide the tubes, life jackets and some guidance. White water tubing means small rapids. Flat water tubing means no rapids, just drift, and can be enjoyed by young children. Expect to spend about $30-$50 per person for a 1-2 hour experience. Harpers Ferry is about 70 miles from DC. riverriders. com or rivertrail.com

North Beach on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Photo: Courtesy of the Town of North Beach

Get Wet

Dotted all over DC are clean, safe and welcoming outdoor public swimming pools, free for DC residents. When school is out, they open at 1:00 p.m. and operate seven days a week. Every pool, however, is closed one day a week for cleaning and maintenance. Have ID with you. dpr.dc.gov North Beach, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons Island and Sandy Point State Park are all charming Chesapeake Bay destinations a short drive from DC on the Western Shore. Sun bathe, spash in the water, fish, eat crabs and take in the atmosphere of the slower pace and hospitality of this area. North Beach is a quaint, small town. Its seven-block waterfront contains a public fishing pier and a half-mile-long boardwalk with accompanying bike path. The boardwalk is dotted with benches for residents and visitors to linger and Bay-watch. ci.north-beach.md.us White water and flat water tubing is a reason to drive to Harpers Ferry. The tubes used to be tire tubes and this activity used to be haphazzard. Now it’s highly organized and there are several companies that pro-

Listen to the Music

Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol are a rite of summer. On Mondays hear the Navy Band; on Tuesdays, the Air Force Band; on Wednesdays, the Marine Band and on Fridays, the Army Band. All concerts start at 8:00 p.m. (weather permitting) and are a great mix of good music and patriotism. The West Terrace setting couldn’t be better. Bring a folding chair or blanket. The National Park Service offers 6 Rhythm and Blues performances in July and August as part of Fort Dupont Park’s “Summer Theatre” concert series. The concerts are free to the public. There is a Jr. Ranger tent offering programs for children and general information about Fort Dupont Park. Concerts this year are Saturdays, July 14-Aug 18. nps.gov/fodu To celebrate Alexandria’s birthday, on Saturday, July 7, enjoy a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. The evening culminates in Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” The concert is at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park. Free. visitalexandriava.com

by Chuck Werner... and one more truck to be announced! $5-$15. hagerstownspeedway.com Tour the Dover International Speedway Monster Mile, labeled the worlds fastest one mile oval, on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. The speedway is the only close NASCAR venue and tickets for September races are on sale now. Dover is about 95 miles from DC. doverspeedway.com

rides and doesn’t charge admission. So the Arlington County Fair is worth a visit. August 8-12. 3501 2nd St., So., Arlington. arlingtoncountyfair.us

Amuse Yourself

Don’t worry, Deanwood’s ultimate water slide is also for grown-ups. Deanwood Aquatic Center is open seven days a week, Sophie as Crab and Benjamin Curns as Launce in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Photo: Michael Bailey Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, a National Historic Site. The Thomas Go Farther Afield 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It’s free for By following the basic principles Stone House in LaPlata is about 30 DC residents but please remember to of Renaissance theatrical production, miles from DC. nps.gov/thst have ID with you. 1350 49th Street, the American Shakespeare Center NE. dpr.dc.gov Lt. Cmdr. Brian O. Walden, commanding in Staunton, VA gives its audiences Find Out What the Farm Kids Do Kings Dominion started as a safaofficer of the US Navy Band, conducts the some of the pleasures that an Elizari-style ride through an enclosed wildConcert Band during an evening concert at bethan playgoer would have enjoyed. the US Capitol. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by The Prince George’s County Fair Chief Musician Stephen Hassay For instance, Shakespeare’s actors is Maryland’s oldest fair dating back could see their audience; ASC actors to 1842. The annual family-friendly can see you. When an actor can see event includes carnival rides, live aniMove Out of Your Comfort Zone an audience, they can engage with an mals displays, family circus, fireworks, Paintball seems to be a fun, leaudience. Leaving an audience in the live entertainment, food, arts and gal way to do battle with your fellow dark can literally obscure a vital part of crafts, beautiful baby contests, and man. We know this sounds like a copthe drama as Shakespeare designed it. much more. It’s always a pleasure to out but we’re going to direct you to a Coming up are The Merchant of Ven- see the tenderly-cared-for pigs, cows website that features, with details, 24 ice (starts June 20), The Lion in Win- and cabbage. September 6-9. Water paintball sites in Virginia and 18 in ter (starts June 19), Two Gentlemen St., Upper Marlboro. Maryland. There are no DC paintball of Verona (starts July 8). Staunton is The Prince William County Fair sites. They all seem to be out in the Deanwood’s great water slide. Photo: Courtesy about 150 miles from DC. american- in Manassas is the largest county fair of DC Department of Parks and Recreation country, with handpainted signs and shakespearecenter.com in Virginia. They will have over 200 the prices that vary widely. Here’s the In 1935, Frank Lloyd Wright dewebsite, pbreview.com, and lood luck. signed a modern vacation house for life park that contained lions. Hence The Advance Auto Parts Monster the Edgar J. Kaufmann family, boldly the name. It’s now a major amusement Jam is in Philadelphia at the Lincoln extending it over a waterfall in a beaupark with thrill rides, water park, kids’ Financial Field on June 9 and Hagertiful forest. Today, Fallingwater is a area and live entertainment. No one stown at the Hagerstown Speedway on famous National Landmark visited by mentions the lions. Kids will like the July 2-22. USHRA Monster Trucks over 135,000 people every year. FallDinosaurs Alive! area where you step including Grave Digger driven by ingwater is the only major Wrightback in time to periods between 245 Chad Tingler, Maximum Destruction designed house to open to the public million and 65 million years ago in driven by Tom Meents, Advance Auto with its furnishings, artwork, and setthe world’s largest animatronic dinoParts Grinder driven by John Seasock, ting intact. Mill Run, PA is about 200 saur park which features 36 life-sized Grave Digger The Legend driven by miles from DC. fallingwater.org dinosaurs in a Jurassic forest setting. Adam Anderson, Wolverine driven by Prior to the Revolutionary War, Kings Dominion is just off route 95, Alex Blackwell, El Toro Loco driven Thomas Stone led a very comfortabout 85 miles south of DC. There’s a able life as a planter and lawyer. significant saving if you purchase tickYoung man grooming a goat for competition After realizing war with Great ets online. kingsdominion.com Photo: Courtesy of Prince George’s County Fair Britain was inevitable, he risked Ocean City has one of the great everything he held dear-life, for- commercial vendors and 3,000 vol- old, tacky boardwalks with their wontune, and sacred honor-to safe- unteers. They even have a beautiful derful smells of greasy fries, boardwalk guard American rights. To that baby contest and the fairway rides are pizza and cotton candy. It’s not withend, Thomas Stone became one especially impressive. August 10-18. out the standard, rigged-to-be-decepof 56 men to sign one of the most pwcfair.com tive games of chance and thrill rides, important documents in World Arlington County doesn’t actually including a few old roller coasters. It’s History; the Declaration of In- have farms but they do have a fair. It’s part of summer and it never seems to dependence. His original farm more for beekeepers and florists, how- change. Ocean City is about 140 miles Ther Monster Mile. Photo: Courtesy of Dover Internahouse and out-buildings are now ever. This fair is fun, has small kiddie from DC. ococean.com. H tional Speedway 22 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

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Summer Destinations at a Glance Chesapeake Beach Water Park • www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com At the resort community of Chesapeake Beach, less than an hour from Washington, DC, you can have a splash-in’ fun- in- the- sun time in their eight water slides, fountains, waterfalls, a lagoon, kid’s activity pool and more, guaranteed to treat everyone to a cool time! Everyday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Fridays July 6 - August 10, Open Late, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. THEY HAVE NIGHT SLIDES AGAIN THIS YEAR! Destination DC • www.washington.org/summer Plan your summer in Washington, DC today! Find special values at leading hotels, tours and attractions, plus 100 free (and almost free) things to do in DC. Entertainment Cruises • www.EntertainmentCruises.com Introducing National Elite private yacht—new to National Harbor, Maryland. Perfectly exclusive for up to 150 guests, National Elite offers completely customized events with flexible menu, beverage, entertainment, décor, route and cruising options. At your command and available for charters starting Summer 2012. Call 866.834.7245 for more information. Gaylord National • www.gaylordhotels.com Just minutes outside of Washington, DC, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers visitors everything they are looking for in a vacation, weekend getaway, business trip or just a night out. Discover fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping experiences, an indoor pool, and a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens www.mountvernon.org Experience history at every turn at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens. Tour the mansion and the stunning gardens, grounds and river view. Explore the Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, home to 25 engaging theaters and galleries with original artifacts. Kingsmill • www.kingsmill.com The beauty of the James River is enough to warrant a trip to Kingsmill Resort. Now, when you stay Sunday through Thursday, you get your fourth night free!! Bring the whole Family to experience their marina, five on-site restaurants, a tranquil spa, a full-service fitness center and three 18-hole golf courses.

MIDCITY JULY 2011

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24 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

Kutztown Festival • www.kutztownfestival.com Enjoy old-fashioned affordable family fun at the 63rd Kutztown Folk Festival. Over 200 demonstrating craftsmen, 2,000 beautiful hand-made quilts, folk life demonstrations, six stages of entertainment, lots of children’s activities, with the best Pennsylvania Dutch food anywhere. This year featuring the Pennsylvania State Civil War Roadshow, and “Pennsylvanians in the Civil War.” June 30 – July 8, 2012. Mountain Side of Maryland • www.mdmountainside.com Mountain Maryland makes for perfect weekend getaways. From Outdoor Adventure to Arts and Entertainment, Museums and Galleries to Steam Train Rides, Hiking and Biking Tours, Camping and Lodging Deals and plenty of shopping, there is always something for the whole family to enjoy! Located so close to DC, you will spend less time travelling and more time having fun! National Archives Foundation • www.archives.gov/nae The National Archives experience tells the stories of the American Journey to young and old, scholars and students, cynics and dreamers. Discover a number of public programs this June including; From the Vaults: 100 years of the Girl Scouts; Angel Island: Immigration Gateway to America and 1940: America Goes to the Movies! North Beach • www.northbeachmd.org Spend a day on the Chesapeake Bay! Nestled on the bay’s western shore at the northern tip of Calvert County, North Beach offers the best of many worlds. This quaint, small town has easy access to Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, DC. Its seven-block waterfront contains a public fishing pier, half-mile-long boardwalk/bike path, warm, sandy beach and Wetlands Overlook Park! Shopping and dining options are within walking distance from the boardwalk.

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by Joy Hopkins

Keegan Theatre Offers a Double Whammy for June

Keegan Theatre brings the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening to the D.C. stage. Based on a 19th century German play of the same name, the musical explores controversial themes including sexual abuse, abortion and suicide. With book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by 90s pop singer Duncan Sheik, the show features a folk-infused, alternative rock score. Sater and Sheik have partnered on many stage adaptations gaining much critical acclaim. Keegan’s production of Spring Awakening is Directed by Mark A. Rhea & Susan Marie Rhea, Music Directed by Jake Null, and Choreographed by Kurt Boehm. Production still from Spring Awakening. Photo by Cameron Whitman

Spring Awakening runs June 2 through July 8; tickets begin at $35. Running concurrently with Spring Awakening is Keegan Theatre’s production of Cuchullain, a world premiere by Irish playwright Rosemary Jenkins. Directed by Abigail Isaac and starring Joshua Sticklin, this one-man show tells the story of Aaron who struggles to pay his drug dealer. Cuchullain runs June 9 through July 1; tickets begin at $20. Keegan Theatre at Church Street 1742 Church St, NW, 703-892-0202. www.keegantheatre. com.

Long View Gallery presents Eve Stockton

For her first solo show at Long View Gallery, DC-based artist Eve Stockton presents Ensembles: Landscapes in Transition III. The exhibit opens on Thursday, June 14 with a public reception and runs through July 15. Stockton’s large woodcuts are printed from three-foot square woodblocks that she hand-carves, a different block for each color layer. They are inspired by close observation of nature and an eclectic interest in science. Her work provides an ongoing body of dynamic, graphic images which explore themes of variation, emergence and evolution.

The presentation of prints in ensemble groupings helps Stockton to amplify her themes. With her balancing of representation and abstraction, juxtaposed images suggest a naturebased narrative in each group as well as throughout the gallery. Eve Stockton received her BA from Princeton in 1978 and her Masters in Architecture from Yale in 1984.Her work is featured in public and private collections including Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, Housatonic Museum of Art, Bridgeport, CT, Nature Genetics Magazine, New York, NY, and The Epstein Collection, Washington, DC. Long View Gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Long View Gallery 1234 9th St NW (202)232.4788 www.longviewgallerydc.com

Def Jam’s founding Creative Director Cey Adams, founding Publicist Bill Adler, and rap legends EPMD as well as performances by The Legendary EPMD, Asheru, Carolyn Malachi, Tabi Bonney, Maimouna Youssef, RaTheMC, JF Coop, Seez Mics, XO, PRO’Verb, Gods’Illa, and more. Advance tickets begin at $35. On Friday, June 22, comedian Tig Notaro hosts the 2012 Funniest Fed Competition Finals – the search for DC’s funniest federal employee. Notaro, of the Sarah Silverman Program and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has been featured on Comedy Central, Conan, Let-

terman, Jimmy Fallon, and Craig Ferguson , as well as guest appearances on “The Office” and “Community”. Tickets are $22; the show begins at 8 p.m. The Lincoln Theatre 1215 U Street, NW (202) 328-6000 www. thelincolntheatre.org Joy Hopkins has been a resident of the District of Columbia for 14 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University. She’s a Jillof-all-trades, working as a nonprofit fundraiser, a direct sales consultant, and an artist rep. Her interests include reading, wine, music, crochet, and food. u

Cluster X Series, variable edition, 12” x 12”, woodcut with watercolor. At the Longview Gallery

DC Djangofolies Rings Twice at Twins Jazz

The first DC Djangofolies takes place this summer from June 24 through July 1 celebrating the life and music of French guitarist Django Reinhardt – credited with inventing Gypsy Jazz. Playing with two disabled fingers on his left hand, Reinhardt spawned a new genre of music. During the week, Twins Jazz presents two of the featured concerts. On Tuesday, June 26, Dallas Vietty performs. In April 2011, Vietty took first place in the Free Bass solo accordion category at the American Accordion Musicological Society; he’s also featured on the album Unencumbered by national guitar flatpicking champion Mark Cosgrove. The next night, Wednesday, June 27, guitarist Frank Vignola

takes the stage. Vignola has performed with Ringo Starr, Wynton Marsalis, Madonna, and the Boston Pops; he was also named to Les Paul’s “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Both Dallas Vietty and Frank Vignola perform at 8 and 10 p.m.; tickets are $15. Twins Jazz – 1344 U St. NW (202) 234-0072 www.twinsjazz. com.

Bonus Picks

The Lincoln Theatre is offering a pair of unique presentations this month. Def Jam 25, the 25th anniversary celebration of the iconic rap label Def Jam, takes place on Saturday, June 16 at 7 p.m. The evening includes a conversation with

Guitarist Frank Vignola capitalcommunitynews.com u 27

out and about I

+ Dining

ount Vernon Square continues to attract nifty restaurants. Last month, Latif Guler and Filo 401 Inc. unveiled Tel‘Veh Café & Wine Bar at 401 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Overseeing the Mediterranean-influenced kitchen is Lebanese-born Chef Ghassan Jarrouj (from Dupont Circle’s Agora restaurant), who creates innovative flatbreads; charcuterie items; artisan cheeses; kobe beef sandwiches; watermelon/feta cheese salads. “I believe Washingtonians need a neighborhood-friendly establishment in this fast growing area of the city,” said Guler. Coordinating with Fisherman Furnishing and Design, Guler transformed an empty space to a Mediterranean oasis of expansive windows with a lofty ceiling, concrete flooring; rich wood tables; bamboo walls and nautical accents. Outdoor seating accommodates 40 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily, the 60-seat Tel‘Veh (plus a dozen barstools) is located three blocks from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Red and Yellow Lines) and three blocks from the Judiciary Square (Red). Call 202-241-9696 or visit www.telveh.com.

And...

By Celeste McCall nesses (like Taylor Gourmet) and to create more jobs. https://twitter.com/ Taylor’s did send POTUS away with lunch: Spruce Street hoagies, piled with turkey, proscuitto, provolone, red peppers, lettuce and tomatoes. Obama, who was en route to a meeting with Members of Congress, shared his repast with members of both parties. Located at 1910 14th St. NW, Taylor’s is open daily; call 202-588-7117.

Czech Czech This Out

Eastern European restaurants are scarce in the Washington area. (We do have the funky Domku in Petworth which serves Hungarian, Slavic and Scandinavian fare.) But now, we are happy to report

Also new on the Mount Vernon scene is Six Engine, 438 Massachusetts Ave. NW (at Fourth and N). As the name suggests, owners A Tel’veh Seafood Salad. Photo: Dan Swartz Jeremy Carman and Paul Madrid’s newcomer is ensconced in a circa 1855 fire station, the city’s oldest. Early feedback praises the handsome decor (they’re retained fire house elements that Bistro Bohem, which debuted recently in the and added blue walls and handsome flooring), duck Shaw neighborhood, serves authentic Czech food, scrapple, lobster tortollini, and artisan beers. Look and is expanding into the space next door. There’s for Insatiable’s mini review soon. Meanwhile, call also outdoor seating. The newcomer is operated 202-506-2455 or visit www.sixthengine.com. by Prague-born Jarek Mika and chef Robin Jurek, and bar maestro Mark Reyburn. The corner building, which is technically in Shaw but sits across the POTUS at Taylor Yes, that was President Obama visiting Logan street from the LeDroit Park neighborhood--has an Circle’s Taylor Gourmet May 16. The prez was not odd shape, with a bar and only 10 tables. From the there for a hoagie; he was meeting with the shop hearty Slavic menu, Peter chose nicely-spiced and owners Casey Patten and David Mazza, and other delicately battered chicken schnitzel, which came small business owners for a roundtable discussion. with a Russian style potato salad laced with peas. Obama was urging Congress to act on the “To Do I savored the caraway-scented roasted duck, which List,” highlighting the need to invest in small busi- arrived on a bed of home-made tasting red cabbage but rather leaden dumplings. 28 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

As a nod to lighter Mediterranean tastes, the menu also offers spiced olives, almonds and garlic soup, the latter studded with croutons. (It needed a smidgen of salt.) We also eyed chef Jurek’s beef goulasch and wild mushroom risotto–next time. Service was friendly, competent and almost too swift; we were out of there in a half hour with a modest $55 tab (which included a glass of Malbec and a Pilsner Urquell beer.) Floors are wooden, and there is little to absorb the considerable decibel level. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until late (plus weekend brunch), Bistro Bohem is located at 600 Florida Ave. NW; call 202735-5895 or visit www.bistrobohem.com.

More from Shaw:

Across the Street at 520 Florida Ave. NW, Shaw’s Tavern has reopened, complete with outdoor seating. It’s a pretty place, with lights glancing off burnished wood trim and tables. The better- than-average pub menu delivers assorted flatbreads topped with ham, sopressata, caramelized onions; sides of andouille, crayfish and succotash; hanger steak; barley risotto with spring vegetables; truffled grits and the obligatory burgers. Open daily, including Sunday brunch; call 202-5184092.

Beach Bumming

Don’t want to battle the Bay Bridge en route to Rehoboth or Bethany Beach this summer? Hop aboard Metro (Yellow/Green Line) to the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood and hoist a drink (or two) at New York Avenue Beach Bar. You will find it at 645 New York Ave. NW; look for the flip-flop sign out front. The Key West-like spot was due to open in mid-May. Flip flops and tank tops will be welcome here, and guests may slurp beer, rum punch and margaritas at picnic tables. To enhance the ambience, owners Robert Bailey, Tom Brown and Karl Graham plan to truck in 80 tons of real sand. The lively newcomer is an offshoot of Brown’s popular Passenger around the corner at 1021 Seventh St. NW. For Beach Bar updates click on www. newyorkavenuebeachbar.com.

Do you want to do business with DC government? Waffling

Hey, if you’re into waffles, visit Back Alley, 1209 10th St NW. The cozy breakfast spot is tucked into co-owner Craig Nelson’s first floor art galley in Blagden Alley, not far from the pricy Rogue 24. Serving waffles, smoothies and–yes–coffee, Back Alley also provides WiFi. It’s open Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sunday: 8 ‘til 4. Call 202-568-9448.

Birds and Bubbly

Cork wine gurus Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts of Cork Market & Tasting Room have introduced monthly Sunday Fried Chicken and Champagne dinners at the 14th Street market’s upstairs dining room. At each Sunday supper, Chef Kristin Hutter’s award-winning, herb-marinated fried chicken will be paired with a different bubbly. The special dinners go from 6 to 8 p.m. Each dinner serves two people and includes one half of a fried chicken, seasonal sides (which might be biscuits and asparagus salad) plus two glasses of sparkling wine. Price: $75 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Cork Market & Tasting Room is located at 1805 14th St. NW. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance by calling 202-265-2674 or emailing Tastings@CorkDC.com. For more information, visit www. corkdc.com/mkthome.html.

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Learn about CBE Certification and how to get preferred contracting opportunities with DC government. Participation in this workshop is a mandatory requirement to apply for this program. Aprenda sobre el programa CBE (Certified Business Enterprise) y las oportunidades de selección y contratación con el gobierno de DC. Participar en este seminario es un requisito para obtener esta certificación.

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Brookland, ready known for cozy taverns now dishes out “authentic” pizza: A few weeks ago, Menomale Pizza Napoletana arrived at 2711 12th St NE. (between N Evarts and N Franklin Streets). The genius behind the newcomer is Italian-born Maestro Pizzaiolo (master pizza maker) Ettore Rusciano, and self proclaimed beer nerd Leland Estes. Most early reviews praise the pies, which bake in a 900-degree, hand-built 6000-pound woodburning oven. Estes’ amazing beer selection features bottles and drafts from around the globe, plus an impressive array of Italian wine and “simple spirits.” Menomale is open daily; call 202-248-3946. u

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out and about

+ Music

Jazz Avenues

by Steve Monroe

pings and more, with his band providing arc Cary, Donvonte Mca starkly lyrical, pulsating at times and Coy, Marcus Strickland and elegantly efficient at other times, set of Reginald Cyntje -- some of edgy, innovative and melodic music. the younger stars of the music -- join Akinmusire was searing and intense with established performers like Fred on trumpet, with his arrangements proFoss, Kenny Garrett, John Scofield viding ample space for the talents of his and Monty Alexander to highlight the band, notably Sam Harris’ throbbing final days of the DC Jazz Festival in soliloquies on piano and Justin Brown’s early June at various locations. sometimes mesmerizing polyrhythmic Cary, the Duke Ellington School storms of melodies on drums. Bassist of the Arts keyboardist, bandleader Harish Raghavan and tenor saxist Waland composer, known widely for his ter Smith III rounded out a stellar group. expert trio performances and recordTutored by those like Terence ings based on expressive, edgy main- Trombonist Reginald Cyntje, whose latest recording is Blanchard and having studied at the stream grounded music, has received “Fredom’s Children,” performed during the DC Jazz Festival Manhattan School of Music and played acclaim outside of the pure jazz com- in June. munity in recent years for his Cosmic and Cedric Edmon II, drums. Indigenous group. This formation pushes Director Chris Vadala led his the envelope of the music even more, University of Maryland Jazz Enwith world music, hip hop and avant semble through some hot numbers, garde flavors and appears June 9 at the including “Cottontail,” featuring Taste of DC Jazz Loft. Nguyen Nguyen, piano and Isabelle Alto sax master Garrett is at Blues De Leon, drums, as well as “A Night Alley June 8-10; acclaimed saxophonist in Tunisia,” featuring the trumpet Strickland is at the Bohemian Caverns work of Brent Madsen. June 8-9; trumpeter Donvonte McCoy is The UDC Jazz Ensemble closed at the 18th Street Lounge June 9; pianist the concert under the direction of Monty Alexander is at The Hamilton pianist Allyn Johnson, with the June 9; guitarist Scofield with his trio is group featuring one of Jones’ works, at The Hamilton June 10; and Freedom’s “Cinnamon Stick,” a rousing number Children, with trombonist Cyntje highBrian Settles, Duke Ellington School of the Arts grad, highlighting Reginald Cyntje, tromperformed at the “Gil Evans at 100” celebration at the lighting tunes from his latest recording bone and Eddie Baccus Jr., alto saxoAtlas in May. of the same name, is featured at Twins phone, among others. The ensemble’s Jazz June 10. See dcjazzfest.org for com“April in Paris” was a lyrical beauty, with many greats already, like Herbie plete information. with Johnson leading the way on piaHancock, Wayne Shorter and Ron Cartno, and featuring fine work by Douglas er, Akinmusire is a force growing into a Caught... Big Bands Pierce, trumpet and Russell Carter, tenor significant virtuoso on the scene. This year’s Calvin Jones Big Band saxophone. Also at the Atlas last month was the Festival April 30 at UDC was a bang as “Gil Evans at 100” featuring the Brad a large crowd attended for the 26th year Caught... Big trumpet, Linde ensemble honoring the legendary for the event honoring the late tromboncomposer and arranger by playing some and more ist and educator Jones. rocking swing, covering Evans’ works Two nights later top young trumThe Howard University Jazz Enfrom Charlie Thornhill through Miles semble, under the direction of Fred Irby peter Ambrose Akinmusire led a quartet Davis and more. III opened with a sizzling “Buhaina, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, an Saxophonists Brent Birckhead, SarBuhaina,” dedicated to the drumming event in the Atlas 2011-12 jazz series cuah Hughes and Brian Settles highlighted legend Art Blakey. The ensemble also rated by Brad Linde. several numbers, along with New York One of the best crowds of the series shined on “Moment’s Notice,” featurtrumpeter Carol Morgan, and Linde, on ing Elijah Balbed on tenor saxophone, was fortunate to hear the Oakland natenor and baritone saxophones. u Samuel Prather, piano, Eliot Seppa, bass tive Akinmusire live up to his press clip30 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

June Highlights: Donvonte McCoy Quintet, 6/-9, 18th Street Lounge … Marcus Strickland Quartet, 6/8-9, Bohemian Caverns ... Kenny Garrett, 6/8-6/10, Blues Alley ... Lenny Robinson’s Mad Curious, 6/9, Taste of DC Jazz Loft … Marc Cary’s Cosmic Indigenous, 6/9, Taste of DC Jazz Loft … Monty Alexander, 6/9, The Hamilton … Freedom’s Children, with Reginald Cyntje, 6/10, Twins Jazz … Earl Wilson’s Power Band, 6/15, Westminster Church … Pat Martino Organ Trio, 6/15, 16, Blues Alley ... Thad Wilson, 6/1516, Twins Jazz … Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, 6/16, Baird Auditorium … National Museum of Natural History … Capital City Voices Jazz Choir, 6/19, Bohemian Caverns ... Ravi Coltrane, 6/22-23, Bohemian Caverns ... Shaolin Jazz Project, 6/25, Bohemian Caverns ... Washington Jazz Ensemble, 6/29, Westminster Church …

June Birthdays: Josephine Baker, Dakota Staton 3; Oliver Nelson, Anthony Braxton 4; Monty Alexander 5; Jimmie Lunceford, Grant Green 6; Tal Farlow, Tina Brooks 7; Kenny Barron 9; Chick Corea, Geri Allen 12; Jaki Byard, Erroll Garner 15; Lucky Thompson 16; Eric Dolphy 20; Jamil Nasser 21, Milt Hinton 23; Reggie Workman 26; Andrew Hill 30.

the nose

“A

by Anonymous

ll the World’s a Stage,” the Bard once wrote. Never was this sage observation truer than in our fair metropolis this past month. Here, politics, in The Nose’s opinion, have veered from the comic to the tragic. One moment saw the famous “Mayor for Life” pontificating on the ethnicity of the nursing profession. Another witnessed the fallen scion of a long-standing political dynasty embarking on a four-year, all-paid vacation at Camp Fed. Even The Nose, a satirist of no little competence, would find inventing the range of characters that stride across our city’s dais quite a challenge. When the local broadsheet broke the news last year that the Gray campaign had made under-the-table payments to fringe candidate Sulaimon Brown, most DC insiders were perplexed. “What a waste of money! Why would they have bothered? Nobody could have been that stupid,” folks opined. Gray repeatedly denied any involvement or knowledge. To many, the notion on its face seemed absurd. Now, Gray campaign strategists Howard “Cash Envelope” Brooks and Thomas “Tear It Up” Gore have both pled guilty to organizing a scam to support Brown’s quixotic mayoral quest with the understanding that he would continue to attack Fenty at debates. Their charging documents largely corroborate Sulaimon’s imaginative council testimony. They confirm in an especially ironic twist that the Gray organization was the largest contributor to Brown’s campaign. The Nose has drawn several important lessons from Brooks and Gore’s travails: 1. If you are going to break the law, DO NOT write it down. 2. If you are foolish enough to scribble a record of your misdeeds in a spiral notebook, DO NOT rip it up. 3. If an FBI agent interviews you about your questionable actions and said spiral notebook, TELL THE TRUTH. 4. Never, never use money orders when you can pay in cash. The Nose is honestly beginning to wonder if Gray’s 2010 campaign was run by the Keystone Cops. Even the Watergate burglars did better job covering their tracks. In the nation’s capital, truth is truly stranger than fiction. This, Dear Readers, is the reason that The Nose has drawn much of his more arcane inspiration from the great works of musical theater. And so, inspired by a recent trip to Arena Stage to see The Music Man, The Nose has penned this ditty: Well, either you’re closing your eyes To a situation you do now wish to acknowledge Or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster indicated By the presence of Politicians in your community. Ya got trouble, my friend, right here, I say, trouble right here in Latté City. Why sure I’m a voter, Certainly mighty proud I say I’m always mighty proud to say it. I consider that the hours I spend Watching District Cable are golden.

Help you cultivate horse sense And a cool head and a keen eye. Never take and try to give An iron-clad leave to yourself From a twenty-hour marathon hearing? But just as I say, It takes judgment, brains, and maturity to pull that lever In a political game, I say that any boob kin take And check that box. And they call that sloth. The first big step on the road To the depths of deg-ra-Day-I say, first, small contributions from a developer, Then free three-martini lunches. An’ the next thing ya know, Your candidate is pitching for money In a pinch-back suit. And list’nin to some big out-a-town corporate magnate Hearin’ him tell about Internet gambling’. Not a wholesome lottery, no! But a Iphone App where they play blackjack in a library! Make your blood boil? Well, I should say. Friends, lemme tell you what I mean. Ya got one, two, three, four, five, six contributors in a bundle Bundles that mark the diff ’rence Between a Bribe and a Contribution, With a capital “C,” And that rhymes with “P” and that stands for Politician! Trouble, oh we got trouble, Right here in Latté City! With a capital “T” That rhymes with “P” And that stands for Politician, We’ve surely got trouble! Right here in Latté City, Right here! Gotta figger out a way To keep the politicians moral BEFORE elections! Trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble... The District truly has become a theater of the absurd. Perhaps, it is now time for a new casting call. H capitalcommunitynews.com u 31

your neighborhood

+ District Beat

The Scandal That Shouldn’t Have Been

fter a year of speculation, conjecture and political guessing, in May U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ron Machen made his move against two campaign aides to Mayor Vince Gray for their role in paying Sulaimon Brown to attack Mayor Adrian Fenty during the 2010 campaign. Assistant campaign treasurer Thomas Gore pleaded guilty to illegally funneling money to Brown and then lying about it, while Howard Brooks admitted to being less than truthful about the affair when asked by federal investigators. Both are likely to serve jail time, but their admissions of culpability have brought the simmering year-long scandal to a full-fledged boil. With Gore and Brooks having admitted their roles in the Brown affair, there are still any number of questions that remain unresolved. How much, if anything, did Gray know? Does Machen have enough evidence to roll up towards Gray, or did Gray remain insulated enough to provide the sort of reasonable doubt that a jury would use to acquit him if taken to trial? Will Gray even finish his term? But even more pressing is the question that Gray’s supporters, advisors and campaign staff must be asking each other now—was it even necessary? That’s probably the easiest question to answer. No, it wasn’t. Illegality aside, there was simply no reason that the Gray campaign needed to illicitly hire an attack dog to let loose against Fenty. Gray didn’t need Brown to attack Fenty to make the point that Fenty shouldn’t be re-elected because it seemed that most residents felt that way even before Gray decided to get into the race. In 2009, the Clarus Research Group found that 53 percent of voters wanted someone other than 32 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

by Martin Austermuhle

Mayor Gray talks to a supporter. Photo: Andrew Lightman.

Fenty. In a two-way matchup against Gray, it reported, Gray would win with 41 percent to Fenty’s 37 percent. Though 38 percent of voters admitted to not knowing much about the man who would eventually become mayor, they were already inclined to vote for him over the man who was serving as mayor. A few months later, a January 2010 poll published by The Washington Post similarly found that Fenty’s approval rating going into election year stood at 42 percent, a huge drop from the 72 percent he had enjoyed two years prior. Among African American voters, the decrease in support was even more stark—from a high of 68 percent in 2008, Fenty fell to a mere 29 percent in 2010. Even Fenty’s closest advisors seemed to see the writing on the wall— Bill Lightfoot, his campaign chair and a former member of the D.C. Council, recently told the Post’s Robert McCartney as much: “We knew already in May and early June, before they did anything illegal, that Adrian was in

very deep trouble, because people just didn’t like him.” Given the strong anti-Fenty sentiment in the city at the time, Gray didn’t need to make much of a case for his own candidacy—much less did he need someone like Brown to make it for him. Brown was the quintessential fringe candidate, with little money, virtually no staff or organization, and no chance of winning. Additionally, there were other mayoral hopefuls that took aim at Fenty’s policies without having been paid to do so, including Leo Alexander and Ernest E. Johnson. Beyond the political wisdom (or utter lack thereof ) of illegally paying Brown to attack Fenty—which he did with gusto, sometimes crossing lines that even alienated hardcore Gray supporters—it seems mind-boggling that Gore, Brooks and the other unnamed conspirators were convinced that they needed Brown’s services to make the case for Gray stronger. On primary day, Brown could only muster 200 votes for his own candidacy, leaving plenty of people to ask: if you can’t even get people to vote for you, could you get them to vote for anyone else? Numerically, there simply wasn’t a Brown bloc that moved towards Gray, and many of the people who voted for Gray would have done so with or without Brown’s constant haranguing of Fenty on the campaign trail. Of course, various former Fenty supporters argue that Brown only helped strengthen the existing narrative against Fenty, not to mention throw him off his game at campaign debates. But would that have been enough to swing an election that already seemed like it wouldn’t be particularly close? No. On September 14, 2010, Gray defeated Fenty by over 13,000 votes—far

beyond what Brown could have helped him deliver. D.C. voters were already willing to throw Fenty out of office— they didn’t need a fringe candidate like Brown to make the decision any easier. But we now know that Brown was paid for the troubles and offered a government job in the aftermath. The discovery of that fact last year and the ensuing year-long federal investigation hasn’t only landed two people in jail, but has also distracted Gray and strengthened the very narrative that he sought to downplay during the election—that he was just another Marion Barry in the making. Worse yet, it may derail what’s left of Gray’s term or cut it short altogether. The city’s chattering political types are openly speculating that Gray won’t be around for much longer, further sinking confidence in his leadership and eroding what little political capital he might have had left. Given the favorable political environment they faced in 2010 and the crisis that their decision to fund Brown has caused, Gore, Brooks and the rest of the Gray campaign conspirators shouldn’t only be ashamed that what they did was criminal, but that it was criminally stupid. They didn’t need Brown to get Gray elected, but it could well be Brown that brings him down.

McDuffie Delivers in Ward 5

While the mayoral scandal gained steam, the scandal that felled Harry Thomas, Jr. (to be known as prisoner 31866-016 for the next three years) finally found some closure on May 15 as Ward 5 voters selected Kenyan McDuffie to fill the seat on the D.C. Council that Thomas had once held. McDuffie, a former letter carrier turned prosecutor, won the crowded contest convincingly, taking just over 43 percent of the vote and besting second-place finisher Delano Hunter

by over 2,000 votes. What accounted for such a lopsided victory? Plenty of things. First off, McDuffie enjoyed both broad union support and backing from progressives and newer Ward 5 residents. The unions played to the ward’s middle class roots, while progressive support brought out new voters in what turned out to be McDuffie’s strongest precincts, those encompassing parts of Bloomingdale, Eckington, Brookland, and his home base, Stronghold. The breadth of his support was obvious when the votes were tallied—McDuffie outright won 10 of 18 precincts, and in the eight that he didn’t win, he placed second. In the precincts he won, he won big, taking between 67 and 71 percent in his top two. Second, many of his competitors either didn’t adequately define themselves, took too long to hit the ground running or were conflicted by past positions. Republican contender Tim Day could boast of having brought down Thomas, but he fell short on retail politics. Frank Wilds, who finished third, raised a lot of money quickly, but early in the campaign couldn’t accurately inspire any confidence as to why he was running. Hunter struggled with his 2010 opposition to same-sex marriage; progressives distrusted him for it, while fellow opponents of marriage equality were upset that he was trying to distance himself from a past policy position so quickly. McDuffie, who will have taken office when this column hits the stands, can use the broad support— after having been unrepresented on the council since January, Ward 5 residents can at least move on from Thomas with a representative that was widely supported. Martin Austermuhle is the Editorin-Chief of DCist.com and a freelance writer. He lives in Petworth. u

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+ The Numbers

LivingSocial’s Latest Deal A Big Tax Break from DC

ivingSocial, the online daily deal company, is looking to take advantage of a deal all their own — from the DC government. The company has asked the city for a $32.5 million tax break package, and in return it is pledging to keep its global headquarters in the District.

Should the City Buy This Deal?

Mayor’s Gray and his economic development team are eager to keep LivingSocial here. It is a homegrown company and it has grown from almost nothing two years ago to 1,000 employees in the District today, half of them DC residents. The mayor hopes that LivingSocial will help create a high-technology hub in DC and diversify our economy. Yet a tax break package of this size raises eyebrows and a number of concerns. LivingSocial says they are negotiating incentive packages with other cities, but the company also has made clear that its employees enjoy working and living in the District, and it badly wants to consolidate its six scattered DC offices into one building. Offering LivingSocial a big tax break will probably create bad sentiment about the city’s commitment to small businesses, and it sets a bad precedent if a large employer can threaten to leave if it doesn’t get a tax break. In the end, the only way to judge whether this deal is worth buying is to look at the fine print. And that closer look shows that the deal is not as good for DC as it may appear. On one hand, LivingSocial would have 34 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

by Kwame Boadi and Ed Lazere to build or renovate a major office building in the city, and it would face some requirements for hiring new employees and specifically DC residents. On the other hand, the deal could allow LivingSocial to claim substantial tax breaks without hiring many DC residents and without expanding, and it would allow the company potentially to leave the city in just a few years, after claiming its tax subsidies. Unless those issues are addressed, the DC Council should say “No thanks.”

What’s Right About the LivingSocial Deal

LivingSocial is a large employer with growth potential. Its main product — online retail discounts — is a new industry that has shown volatility and undoubtedly will change as it matures. Nevertheless, the chance that LivingSocial could grow substantially and help diversify the DC economy — they currently plan to grow to 2,000 DC-based employees in the next few years — is enough reason for the District to encourage the company to stay. LivingSocial has promised to provide social media and training opportunities for small businesses and to train software developers in the District, which could help build DC’s high-tech profile. Beyond that, Mayor Gray has negotiated a deal with LivingSocial that attempts to build some protections for the city. LivingSocial won’t be able to use any subsidies until 2016, and more than half the subsidies are tied to corporate income

tax breaks that require the company to actually be profitable. The deal also requires LivingSocial to occupy 200,000 square feet of office space and enter into a 10-year lease if they choose to rent rather than own. The package also tries to tie the tax subsidies to LivingSocial’s expansion and on hiring DC residents. To get the maximum subsidy, LivingSocial must continue to hire new employees throughout the tax abatement period, and at least half of its new hires must be DC residents.

What’s Wrong with the LivingSocial Deal

If LivingSocial were to do what it says it plans to do — grow to 2,000 employees, continue to hire DC residents, and occupy a major chunk of DC real estate for a decade or more — a subsidy deal probably would make sense. Unfortunately the terms of the deal negotiated with the city don’t promise any of those things. Consider this: Even if LivingSocial does not hire a single District resident, it still could get $16.5 million in tax breaks — half of the total package. Moreover, while the subsidy deal requires “new hires,” the fine print shows that this could come merely from turnover — new employees replacing departing ones. The only real employment floor in the subsidy deal is that LivingSocial employ 1,000 workers — its current employment level. If LivingSocial doesn’t have to expand its DC employment at all, that is not much of a deal. Even it hires 1,000 more, with 500 from

DC, that works out to a subsidy of $65,000 per new District resident employee, a very high cost. An Illinois job development program caps subsidies at $5,000 per new job. Beyond the limited job guarantees, the deal DC has negotiated would allow the company to take the money and run in as little as a few years. LivingSocial is considering relocating because commercial property rents in the District are extremely high. That will continue to be true when LivingSocial’s tax abatements run out, which could happen pretty quickly. The city estimates that LivingSocial could claim all property tax abatements in as little as three years from the start date, which means by the end of 2018. The corporate income tax abatements also could be used quickly if the company is as successful as it expects to be. There is nothing to make the company repay if it leaves before the end of the 10-year abatement period.

Making the Best Possible Deal for DC

The LivingSocial subsidy package could be altered to guarantee real benefits for the city. First, LivingSocial should not get any subsidy if the share of employees who are DC residents falls below a certain floor. Since one-third of all jobs in DC are held by DC residents, we suggest at least 40 percent of new workers should be DC residents. Second, the subsidy should be tied to actually increasing employment in DC. While it may make sense to offer some tax break in

recognition of the 1,000 jobs LivingSocial has created already, LivingSocial should be expected to continue growing in the District to claim the full subsidy package. Third, LivingSocial should be required to pay back a portion of the tax breaks it receives if the company leaves in less than 10 years. If the goal of keeping LivingSocial here is to attract other companies, that won’t work if LivingSocial itself doesn’t stay. Fourth, the city should scale back the size of the subsidy per job to something more reasonable. Finally, DC should expect LivingSocial to provide greater community benefits. The company should commit to the number of summer job program participants it will hire, the number of DC businesses it will work with, and the number of software developers it will train. It would be even better if LivingSocial would commit to working with local institutions, like the University of the District of Columbia or the Community College, for some of its training programs, to increase the chances that DC residents can be put on a pathway towards employment with the company. LivingSocial officials have made clear that they want to be in DC and continue to grow here. That’s good news for the District’s economy, and it may make sense for the city to offer something to LivingSocial in return. But like any good consumer knows, the District shouldn’t take this deal unless it is guaranteed something good in return. Boadi and Lazere are staff at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. u

Keep it in the Neighborhood. Shop Locally.

www.capitalcommunitynews.com capitalcommunitynews.com u 35

your neighborhood

Logan Circles by Mark F. Johnson

An Antique on Rye To Go?

One can only assume that President Obama wasn’t looking for an antique to take back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue when he paid a visit to Taylor Gourmet on 14th near T a few weeks back. The urban hip sandwich deli is of course the new occupant of the location of former vintage furniture dealer Ruff & Ready who had occupied the space since the 90s, I believe. So, what was he doing there? Apparently the President was paying yet another visit to a popular DC business, but this time to actually talk about business. Small business, the President continues to say, is a key to the economy’s resurgence and he has taken numerous opportunities to talk about business growth and support of local businesses around the country. His visit to Taylor follows a trend that the

White House has become known for. He has visited restaurants on H Street, NE, Dupont Circle and of course downtown. Early on the President visited Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street.

Is H Street NE being Reincarnated?

In a blink of the eye, 14th Street’s Reincarnations furniture dealer was gone! We mentioned here two months ago that the store was to close soon. Apparently “soon” came quickly as the store emptied out a bit before the end of May. There had been talk that the store was to move to H (for “hip”) Street, NE once they closed down at 14th and Rhode Island. After all, the corridor, known alternately as Atlas and District H is becoming hot, hot, hot! Jazz club HR 57 has already moved on over to the eastside as well as fellow furniture purveyor Hunted House. The rumors of Reincarnations’ possible relocation was given more credence by H Street business development leaders who tell me that they have left multiple messages for the store, known for its over-the -top style. But apparently Reincarnations owners aren’t terribly interested since they have reportedly not returned phone calls. It seems a nice big space was “open” to them over there but that space has now been offered to a big and popular downtown restaurant seeking to come to the flourishing `hood, we are told. Well, with a name like Reincarnations, it’s probably just a matter of time before they turn up somewhere with all the glitz and glam that they have become known for.

U Street Streetscape Project About to get Underway

Taylor Gourmet was the scene of a recent Presidential visit 36 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

As if it hasn’t been going through a Cinderella moment for the last several years, U Street is about to get all made over. Elements of the soon-to-belaunched DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) streetscape improvement project include:

· Roadway, driveway and alley entrance repairs and replacements · Replacement of deteriorated sidewalks with new ADA compliant sidewalks, the installation of streetscape and landscape features along the sidewalk areas, to include brick gutters and granite curbs · Special decorative sidewalks in front of the Lincoln Theatre · Reconstructed bus pads at all WMATA bus stops · Storm drainage inlets will be upgraded to water quality inlets, new storm sewer pipes and ire hydrants · New electrical duct bank system installations, new Teardrop and Washington Globe streetlights, and traffic signal upgrades and relocations · Centralized parking meters and new traffic signs According to DDOT the construction for this project is scheduled to start on or about June 11, 2012 and be completed by spring of 2013 barring any unforeseen or weather conditions. DDOT will start first with reconstructing a 0.4-mile segment of Historic U Street from 9th Street to 14th Street NW. Adams-Morgan and parts of Columbia Heights have gone through similar streetscape improvement efforts by the city.

T Street Post Office Redevelopment Announced

Two new businesses have been announced for the old T Street Post Office near the corner of 14th. The space has long been vacant and was formerly occupied by Ruff & Ready. For years it was a storage spot for the former antique furniture dealer who left the area about year ago. But it has been vacant ever since while plans for redevelopment have been taking shape, so to speak. So what’s in store for the space? Taqueria Nacional, a Noma business is apparently moving to the space. They are known for their fish tacos and maybe their move will provoke a showdown with El Centro on 14th near the intersection of Swann St., already in the neighborhood for about a year. Also on the way is Bakehouse, a business that plans to offer house made baked goods and of course, coffee. What is interesting about this development is that there is no residential component. When was the last time U/14 saw ground level retail without apartments/condos above? u

M A

Shaw Streets by Ralph Brabham

workforce training initiatives, and networking and mentoring opportunities,” explained Christine On May 16, 2012, 1905 Bistro and Brooks-Cropper, president and Bar (1905 9th St., NW, 2nd Floor) offifounder of DC Fashion Foundacially opened its new rooftop garden (a tion and DC Fashion Incubator. space that’s too fantastic to call simply “Cultural Couture allows us to a “roof deck”). The upward extension of New Public Art showcase the wealth of talent in the restaurant features a full bar. It is a Installation Unveiled the District by fostering the work place for patrons waiting for their ta- at Convention Center of local artists, designers and crebles at the popular Shaw eatery below, a ative industry leaders.” On May 9, 2012, Mayor Vindrinking destination unto itself, and, in cent C. Gray, Councilmember Cultural Couture window inthe near future, a place for limited din- Jack Evans (Ward 2), Events DC Rendering of the new residences at 515 Q St., NW. Photo: M Squared stallations feature contemporary Real Estate ing al fresca (in particular, get excited President and CEO Gregory A. fine art inspired by original haute about 1905’s upcoming brunch). couture designs curated by local O’Dell and Executive Director professionals in our community who Owner Tony Lucca overlooked no of the DC Commission on the Arts uphold a passion to work in the fashion menswear designers Andrew Nowell detail in the design and construction of and Humanities Lionell Thomas celand Gary Pridgeon and renowned DCindustry in the District.” the new space, which was about three ebrated the unveiling of Windows “This is the third year that the DC based wardrobe stylist Stephanie Pharr. years in the making. Complimenting Into DC: Cultural Couture, a public Commission on the Arts and Hu- The outside walls of the Convention the distinctive décor of the main din- art fashion project at the Walter E. manities has worked with the Walter Center showcase professional images of ing and bar areas below, the new roof- Washington Convention Center. E. Washington Convention Center the District’s brightest fashion business top garden is rich in character and texThe goal of Windows Into DC: to produce Windows into DC,” said leaders and most accomplished locallyture. It takes on a different look as the Cultural Couture is to serve as the corLionell Thomas, executive director of based designers taken by DC-based sun crosses the sky and sets: its mix of nerstone of the emerging local fashion the DC Commission on the Arts and photo visionaries Roy Cox, Dakota paint colors, abundance of stained glass, industry in the District to help facilitate, Humanities. “This year, in particular, Fine, Don Harris and Leonard Poteat. wooden walls comprised of cypress sal- educate and engage the greater comThe launch of Cultural Couture has been fun and exciting working with vaged from a Wyoming barn, weath- munity on fashion as an art, business Events DC and the DC Fashion Foun- will set the stage for a community block ered tin roof and accents, and distinc- and economic opportunity. “Fashion dation to shed light on the creative tal- party and fashion show in the summer. tive lighting all make for a continually and arts are a driving economic force ents of the emerging fashion industry in The fashion show will feature designs transforming rooftop escape. Views of in the nation’s capital with benefits that by locally-based designers and visual the District.” the Washington Monument are pretty flow directly back to local businesses The rotating series of artistic instal- artists, and will promote the various spectacular too. and our youth,” said Mayor Vincent C. lations provides an alternative platform boutiques, small businesses, and design Gray. “Our city remains and added exposure to metropolitan art- studios thriving in the District. committed to encourag- ists by activating the perimeter windows ing creative expression of the Walter E. Washington Conven- New Condos Underway and showcasing diverse tion Center with original fine artwork public artwork in and from individuals, design teams, and arts on Q Street A modern, new three-unit condoabout the community.” organizations such as the Washington minium development will deliver this “The launch of Cul- Project for the Arts. With each installsummer at 515 Q St. NW. Developed tural Couture marks an ment, participants are awarded grants to by Devereux Ventures, the project inimportant milestone for produce and install their work while the corporates eco-friendly elements and the arts and fashion com- exposure is an added benefit to memhigh-end finishes, such as in-ceiling munity in our nation’s bers of the creative economy. speakers, walk in closets, built-in wine capital,” said Gregory A. “Our primary objective is to serve coolers and espresso makers, and ItalO’Dell, president and as the foundation of the fashion indusian Carrerra marble countertops. M CEO of Events DC. try and creative small business develSquared Real Estate is responsible for “Cultural Couture will opment and entrepreneurship in the widen opportunities for District with educational programs, sales and marketing of the units. PricMayor Gray at the opening of the New York Avenue Beach Bar Photo: ing starts in the $500s. u Alexander M. Padro local artists and aspiring

1905’s Rooftop Garden Opens

In addition to an innovative cocktail, and wine and beer menus, the rooftop garden has draft beers and a snack menu from Chef Matthew Richardson.

capitalcommunitynews.com u 37

your neighborhood

The Triangle by Amanda Wilson

Sunday at the Mount Vernon Triangle Market

With diverse vendors, original products, and shade trees, this Sunday market at 5th and Eye Streets NW is an up-and-coming summer destination A Virginia chocolatier who decided to pursue chocolate-making as a second career, a young team of Italian ice entrepreneur brothers, and the only U.S. baker who bakes only banana bread... these are just a few of the vendors I met on my first visit to The Mount Vernon Triangle Market on the first Sunday in June. Visitors might not find too many vegetables – just one vendor was selling veggies the day I stopped by - but a range of hand-crafted specialty items, frequent live music, and a relaxed feel make the market a unique destination for picking up a special gift, homemade bread and jam, a bouquet for the table, or a vintage find.

Alexandria High-Schoolers Start Italian Ice Truck Business

Mike Lawrence of Havana Banana Bread

is set to launch a Facebook page this summer. The Mount Vernon Triangle Market, he said, was a good place to grow his young business. “It has diversity and it’s in a prime location, right in the center of town.” Reach “Cool Rocks Italian Ice” at coolrocksitalian@ gmail.com

Virginia Chocolate Company

Tim Douglas, of Stafford, VA and “Free Italian ice samples!” called Jen Scales, of Quantico, VA, are two of a young man at the entrance of the the vendors who make the regular trip Mount Vernon Triangle Market. “We’re so sure you’ll like it, you’ll want more,” he added. Tony Tilley, age 17, of Alexandria, held a hand-drawn poster advertising the Italian ice business he started with his brother Miles, age 14, “Cool Rocks Italian Ice.” The brothers launched the Italian ice truck, which sells mango, cherry, blueberry, and lemon-flavored ice, after brainstorming about how they could earn some money during their summer school break. “We researched it, trying to find something we could do and still earn some decent money, and summer was coming up, so we thought ‘what better to sell than ice on a hot, summer day?” Tony recounted. He said “Cool Rocks” Tony Tilley, Alexandria, VA high-schooler and Italian Ice entrepreneur, with a regular customer and area also does parties and special events, and resident, Eve. 38 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

to downtown D.C each Sunday. Partners in the business Virginia Chocolate Company, they sell hand-crafted chocolate truffles, as well as homemade jam and other products, at the Mount Vernon Triangle market. The company has 400 varieties of chocolate, all homemade, from standard dark to cardamon rose and lavender caramel. “We like to play with the different flavors,” Douglas said. Back before 2004, Douglas didn’t know he would become a chocolatier when he left a career in law as a debt collector after an especially bad day at work. He went on to start two other failed businesses, including a crime scene cleaning business that Douglas had to abandon in its nascent stage when he couldn’t find anyone who would incinerate the medical waste from a small cleanup company. He burned through credit cards. One Christmas, Douglas didn’t have money to buy Christmas presents for friends. Raised in a French restaurant and always comfortable in the kitchen, Douglas made chocolate for them instead. His friends encouraged him to make chocolate full time. Now the business, which operates out of a commercial kitchen in Stafford, is doing well. Jen Scales became a partner in the company this year. Virginia Chocolate Company sells chocolate wholesale, for fundraisers, at Christmas fairs, and is a regular at the Falls Church Farmer’s market. Visit their web site at: http://www.virginiachocolatecompany.com/

Havana Banana Breads, Oh! Pickles, and garden plants

Mike Lawrence started Havana Banana Bread after retiring from the Army three years ago. His is the only company in the country that bakes only banana bread, according to Lawrence.

In addition to making many different variations on the traditional banana bread recipe, including strawberry banana bread and other seasonal adaptations, Havana Banana Bread also bakes to order and once made mini banana breads that a couple gave as thankyou gifts to guests after their wedding. Find more information at its web site: http://www.havanabananabreads.com/ Vendor Pete Lund is another regular at the market. He sells plants and herbs and carries a variety of products from Amish and Mennonite communities in Southern Maryland, including fresh flower bouquets, honey, jam and jelly. Other vendors including “Oh! Pickles,” “Vintage to Modern” a vintage garment and accessories stall, and “Scentsy Wickless Candles.” According to market manager Rudy Coates, Curbside Cupcakes and Empanada Express would be there next week. The market is supported by the Mount Vernon Triangle CID, the DC Office of Economic Development, ANC6C, and Franklin Parking and operated by Diverse Markets Management. Find more information at www. mtvernontrianglemarket.com I arrived not knowing what I would find, but left with a bouquet of flowers from Mr. Lund, a box of handcrafted chocolate truffles from the Virginia Chocolate Company, and cup of lemon-mango Italian ice from “Cool Rocks” (Tony let me mix flavors.) “Where did you get those flowers”? People asked me on the way home. I was happy to share. The market is supported by the Mount Vernon Triangle CID, the DC Office of Economic Development, ANC6C, and Franklin Parking and operated by Diverse Markets Management. Find more information at www. mtvernontrianglemarket.com u

kids and family ner

n Don by Kathlee

Live Tarantula Feedings at Natural History Museum

notebook

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the manylegged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Tuesday-Friday: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.; SaturdaySunday; 11:30 a., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, intersection of 10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW. 202633-1000. mnh.si.edu

Juneteenth Family Day at American Art Museum

On Saturday, June 16, 11:30 a.m.3:00 p.m., join the American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Anacostia Community Museum as they mark the arrival of news of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Events include historical re-enactors, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, storytelling, live music by Follow the Drinking Gourd, craft-making activities, and a genealogical workshop. Free. Pre-registration is required for the workshop only. To register, email AmericanArtPrograms@si.edu or call 202-633-8490. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F St. NW. 202633-7970. americanart.si.edu

Military Bowl Youth Football Clinic

Registration is open for the NCAA Football Youth Clinic hosted by the Military Bowl, Events DC and Positive Choices, to be held on Saturday, June 23 at Eastern Senior High School, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The free clinic is open to boys and girls ages 7-14, and features instruction by college coaches and cur-

+ Notebook

accompany runners to the field. One adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. washington.nationals.mlb.com

Bank on DC Financial Literacy Technology Platform for Teens

Children interacting with the tarantula feeding. Photo: Donald E. Hurlbert

rent professional players. Participation is limited to children in grades 1-8 (participants cannot be in high school). Participants will run offensive, defensive and agility drills; learn proper techniques to promote on-field football safety; and learn about the importance of character development and good sportsmanship. Current professional football players scheduled to participate in the clinic include Dwight Bentley (Detroit Lions), Roc Carmichael (Houston Texans), Victor Cruz (New York Giants), Joe Haden (Cleveland Browns), Janoris Jenkins (St. Louis Rams), Ryan Williams (Arizona Cardinals) and Nate Bussey (New Orleans Saints). For more information, visit militarybowl.org or call 202-776-2509. To register, visit the NCAA Football Youth Clinics registration page on militarybowl.org.

Jester Nicolo Whimsey at Watha T. DanielShaw Library

Travel to the land of dreams with jester Nicolo Whimsey. Combining juggling, music, poetry and storytell-

ing, Nicolo emphasizes language skills and encourages children to discover and voice their creativity and tolerance as well as the joys of reading. For ages 4-9. Thursday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary. org/watha

Kids Run the Bases at Nats Park

Kids Run the Bases after select Sunday home games! Kids Run the Bases, for ages 4-12, begins immediately following the game. This year’s remaining dates are: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sept 2, Sept 9 and Sept 23. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the 7th inning, however fans that would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. An adult must

Bank on DC has announced a new partnership to bring financial literacy education to high school students across DC by providing them with access to the DC Chamber Financial Scholars Program, powered by EverFi. This web-based platform uses the latest in new media technologies-video, animations, 3-D gaming, avatars, and social networking-to bring complex financial concepts to life for today’s digital generation. Through the platform, students will become certified in over 600 topics in financial education, allowing them to become more informed, responsible citizens. Bank on DC has partnered with the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation and EverFi, Inc. to include the interactive financial management platform to their financial education seminars. The platform is available to DC students and residents at no cost thanks to the generous support of the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The six hour, 10-unit course teaches, assesses and certifies students in a variety of financial topics including credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks, savings, 401k’s and other critical concepts that map to national financial literacy standards. The platform uniquely tracks the progress and score of every student and provides students who successfully complete the course with Certification in Financial Literacy, a valuable mark of distinction on resumes, college applicacapitalcommunitynews.com u 39

tions, and job applications. bankondc.org/youthportal

A Perfect Balance at National Gallery of Art

Actor and visual artist Kevin Reese presents A Perfect Balance, a one-man play inspired by Alexander Calder’s mobiles. Celebrating the creative process, playfulness, and invention, this magical show will delight children and adults. Approximately 60 minutes. For ages 6, up. Free. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance registration. For information, call 202-842-6252. June 29, 11:00 a.m., East Building Concourse, Auditorium, 4th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. nga.gov

GarageBand Soul Workshop at MLK Library

Join them in Teen Space to celebrate Black Music Month during their GarageBand Soul Workshop. Teens will learn how to create songs in GarageBand using elements of soul, blues and R&B. Thursday, June 14, 4:00 p.m. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk

Perry Street Prep Offering Free Breakfast and Lunch This Summer

Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School, 1800 Perry St. NE, is participating in the USDA

Summer Food Service Program this summer, June 18-July 30. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, free of charge, to children and teens, up to age 18 (up to age 22 for those with disabilities). Children do not have to be enrolled in Perry Street Prep or any other school to receive the summer meals. No registration is required. Kids can just walk-in. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Children are asked to use the main entrance in the front of the school building on Perry St. 202-5510804. pspdc.org

Saturday Morning at the National

June 16, Goodlife Theater Company: The Recycling Pirate. A jolly puppet musical about a crew of pirates that teach the “Aaarrrrs” (R’s): recycling, reusing, repairing, and reducing our trash. June 23, Creative Opera Ensemble: Hansel and Gretel. The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of two lost waifs who stumble upon a delicious gingerbread house deep in the woods, is brought to life in an imaginative musical production set to Engelbert Humperdinck’s enchanting score. Kids are invited to sing, dance and even act in this fun-filled performance that introduces opera in a friendly and engaging atmosphere guaranteed to entertain the entire family! June 30, Penguin Bob Reading and Drawing. Artist, author and illustrator Joe Jamaldinian enthralls the kids with an exciting adventure featuring his children’s book character, Penguin Bob. With some help from the audience, Joe sketches a colorful story in which Bob follows his quest to teach children to pursue their dreams in a multi-cultural world of fascinating people. July 7, Quest: Road Signs. A talented cast of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing performers celebrates deaf culture in an entertaining performance featuring a mixture of story theatre, mime, A-B-C stories, poetry, and songs-all performed in American Sign Language. Performances are at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Helen Hayes Gallery. The performances are best appreciated by children four years and older. Free tickets required: first come-first seated. Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-7833372. nationaltheatre.org

BASIS DC Charter School Opens in Penn Quarter

Kevin Reese will perform his one-man play A Perfect Balance on Friday, June 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the National Gallery of Art. Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Reese. 40 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

BASIS DC will open in Penn Quarter this summer, initially serving grades 5-8. The network made its name offering a rigorous, European-style program. Seventhgraders take Algebra 1 and Latin, along with nine hours a week of physics, chemistry

and biology. DC head of school Mary Riner Siddall said the seventh and eighth-grade curriculum will be modified for the first year, with math and other offerings revised to accommodate students who join the school below grade level. She said all the BASIS schools begin this way. The Arizona-based charter network has one of its high schools listed in the top ten in the latest U.S. News & World Report national high school rankings. basisschools.org

Sunup to Sundown: The Slave Life of Slammin’ Joe

In honor of Juneteenth, children will learn about the life of one of George Washington’s enslaved workers, Slammin’ Joe, who dug ditches and only had time to visit his wife and children-who worked in the fields-during his one day off on Sunday. Portrayed by an historical interpreter from the Mount Vernon Estate, Slammin’ Joe engages the audience in a dialogue about the practice of slavery in early America and his dreams of freedom. See history come alive! Tuesday, June 19, 2:00 p.m. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk

Camp Shakespeare

Participants in this acting-intensive day camp journey through a world of discovery, capturing Shakespeare’s language through animated explorations in theatrical movement, text analysis, group improvisation and stage combat. During two-week sessions, young people ages 9–18 create fun, dynamic characters from Shakespeare’s canon, culminating in a performance onstage at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Sessions run from June 18–Aug 11. All sessions are led by their faculty of classically-trained Teaching Artists. Returning participants may audition for our three-week Advanced Camp. Camp Hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday with a showcase on the last Saturday. 202-547-5688. shakespearetheatre.org

Flag Folding at the American History Museum

Starting June 14, most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem. Appropriate for all ages. National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-633-1000. americanhistory. si.edu

Family-Friendly “Truck Touch” at RFK

The DC Department of Public Works invites the public to attend the 5th annual “Truck Touch” Saturday, June 16, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at RFK Sta-

dium, Lot 7. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile health care, and more. The event will feature vehicles from the DC Departments of Public Works, Transportation, Health, Employment Services, Parks and Recreation, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the DC Water and Sewer Authority. 2400 E. Capitol St. NE.

Shakespeare Theatre Company Teen Critic

Designed for high school students interested in journalism and/or critical writing, the Teen Critic Program at Shakespeare Theatre Company teaches students how to view theatrical productions with a critical eye and how to write an informed comprehensive theatre review. Teen Critics will be invited to the Press Night for each production (two complimentary tickets per production), receive a press packet, preferred press seating and will have the opportunity to meet with professional theatre critics from local newspapers and members of Shakespeare Theatre Company staff to learn about how to write an effective theatre review. After seeing each show, Teen Critics will write a review and submit it to the Shakespeare Theatre Company Education Department (due one week after Press Night). STC education staff will work with the Teen Critic to make revisions and then the review will be published in a school newspaper or online. To apply to be a Teen Critic, visit shakespearetheatre.org. Once your application is received, a phone interview with the Community Engagement Manger will be scheduled.

DC Sail’s New Schooner Program Serves Inner City Youth

DC Sail, a community organization to encourage disadvantaged youth and others to learn the skills and joy of sailing, won US Sailings Outstanding New Program award

for its Schooner Program. This is the first time an organization in the Washington DC metropolitan area has won the award since its inception almost 20 years ago. The US Sailing Outstanding New Program Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in its first year. In many cases, the award is given to a new organization, but it can also be give to a new program within an organization as it was this year. For more information visit dcsail.org or call 202-547-1250.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Summer Concert at Strathmore

Strathmore’s Free Summer Outdoor Concert Series is going back to local, with most of its season dedicated to providing a platform for versatile, on-the-verge artists living in, or from, DC to share their talents with the thousands of visitors who flock to the Mansion lawn each summer. Kicking off the season is the familyfriendly Cake for Dinner featuring members of Celtic group Scythian on Wednesday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org

Great American Backyard Campout

School is out, and many kids are already spending hours inside glued to their electronic devices. It’s time to boot them outside so they can benefit from fresh air surrounded by a world of green. A great place to start is by having your family participate in the 8th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 23. National Wildlife Federation’s fundraising event encourages parents and kids alike to trade screen time for green time by spending a night under the stars. When you register your Campout on National Wildlife Federation’s web site you get helpful information to make your camping experience a fun one including campfire recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, campfire songs and games, nature activities and much more. You’ll also be able to fundraise for exciting prizes. backyardcampout.org. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 41

at home

+ Home / Style

Room 1-2-3

Putting together a living/media room with three easy pieces

“H

by Mark F. Johnson

ot style in the city” means after a long cotton boucle, sits on chrome legs with teak tips day, coming home to chill out in a and is surrounded by teakwood. This is one you pad that not only looks great but is might see in the home or office of Mad Men’s Don comfortable and relaxing too. This can pretty easDraper. Danish Modern teak case sofas aren’t that ily be achieved in as little as three steps. Basically, easy to find anymore and they generally sell for three pieces of furniture in a living/media room or around $4,000 to $5,000. Hunted House lists this den will do the trick. Finding these pieces requires sofa for less than $3,000. This long, sleek piece can a bit of hunting around but that is exactly the be great to come home to after a long day and you point of this column. While you may be unable can chill quite comfortably on it. But every good to search for the good stuff all the time, a design sofa needs an equally eye-catching cocktail table warrior doing some scouting may come in handy as a companion. as well as help you keep your cool! I found one at Room and Board in the form With this home rescue mission in mind, I of a 60 inch long oval marble top and chromed am inaugurating a new periodic discussion on steel elliptical base table that is long enough to hooking up a room--bedroom, living room/meservice most of the sofa but of a different enough dia room, dining room---with three easy to find shape and material to make the pairing even more pieces that are also easy on the eyes, not to men- Why not welcome a 60s Swedish Modern credenza in teak in your home as a great interesting. The table also comes with a glass top, place for the flat screen? tion the wallet. frosted glass top or walnut wood top option. I preWhen you step into Room 1-2-3, you will find fer the marble top because it makes the space more appealing. But I promise I will not only keep an eye three pieces of furniture from local home design highly styled and is not that much more expenstores, chosen with an eye to style, function and of out for this style characterized by its clean lines, sim- sive, at $1200, than a walnut finish at about $850. course price. The goal is to help you make your space plicity and sheer beauty and sleekness. That said, I The walnut wood top would be a close second in my look like you spent too much time and too much start the column out with two Mid Century Modern pieces from Hunted House and one money putting it together. I will not be shy! I will gladly admit that my fa- contemporary Modern piece from Room and vorite design style is Modern. I like it both old-style Board (1840 14th St. NW). Hunted House and Room and Board used and new school, that is to say, vintage and contemporary. While America continues its crush on the 1960s, to be neighbors at 14th and T Streets NW, Mid Century Modern furniture remains popular and making it easy for lovers of Modern to shop both for contemporary, meaning new and Mid Century Modern-vintage pieces in pretty much the same location. But that has changed since Hunted House has moved across town to 510 H Street, NE in the burgeoning Atlas or North Capitol Hill district of Washington. The new location is a brand new, street level, very contemporary two-floor space with lots of light and a gallery-like setting. It might be Why not welcome a 60s Swedish Modern credenza in teak in your home as a great place for the flat screen? a bit easier to see the pieces than before in the quirky but cool apartment space the store formerly occupied on 14th Street, NW. opinion for this table, called the Soto. This would be Located there is a very cool Danish Mod- a very worthy place to place the remote on as well as ern teak sofa from the 60s that is more than some snacks while you lounge on the Danish Modseven feet long. The sofa, made by a Danish ern sofa watching the telly. Teak Danish Modern Jydsk sofa is over 7 feet long and is as comfortable as it is company called Jydsk, is upholstered in a cool The only piece left to find in this living room/megreat-looking 42 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

s u n t r s n u d e

m d o h e , e . y

e s -

dia room equation is a credenza to plop the flat screen on. For that, I went back to Hunted House partly because I’m addicted to teak and new stores just don’t seem to offer it and also because to me, nothing beats a vintage credenza. At Hunted House, a gorgeous Swedish Modern teak credenza called to me. The 60s piece, designed by Nils Jonsson, measures about 50 inches long and 17 inches deep. It stands at 28 inches in height and would be perfect for a flat screen of medium to medium large size. The credenza has a swing out cabinet door as well as 4 drawers. Gadgets like a DVR and cable box could be hidden inside the cabinet and holes could be created to pull the electrical wiring through. At $675, this vintage piece is a fraction of the cost of anything new that would be devoid of the charm and styling of this Swedish buffet and certainly without the gorgeous teakwood grains and coloring. With these three pieces of furniture—the Danish Modern teak sofa, the marble oval cocktail table, and the Swedish Modern teak credenza, you could call your chill-out cave complete! Of course other pieces could be added, like a lounge chair and maybe a side table or two, all of which could be found at these two stores, but these three essential pieces could do the job alone if you want to go minimal. Next time in Room 1-2-3 we will hook up a bedroom with furniture from other nearby stores. Since this column will only focus on three rooms of the house, we will also re-visit the living room/ media room later on with a different design style. The point is no matter what your style, pulling it together to create a comfortable room that looks great is really no sweat! u

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at home

+ Garden Fairy

Seed Folks by Frank Asher Sometimes, in the middle of ugliness and neglect, a little bit of beauty will bloom”. – from “Seed Folk” by Paul Fleischman

here are all kinds of “seed folks” in our communities. Here are a couple of their stories. Phil Carney and Steve Aupperle have their garden space on the outer east corner of Dupont Circle, where P and Massachusetts come together. They are true guerrilla gardeners. “It started 13 years ago with the promise of Dupont Down Under. Well, that didn’t go as planned and there was this space that thousands of people saw every day, says Steve.”We just felt something could be done to make it look attractive. We wanted to do better than weeds, dead plants, bottles, trash and dog doo.” Steve was a full time gardener at the time, and would have plants left over from his clients, so he’d give them to Phil to reuse/recycle in the space. Steve continues: “The first season almost everything died, we couldn’t keep up with the maintenance and care. We needed a water resource. Sulgrave Club donated water and then we were in business. In 2002 we planted 200 perennials. That’s when it really started to take off.” Steve is really proud of the wide varieties of flowers in the garden. “We have three cultivars and four varieties of milk weed. A special monarda brought in as a starter from Illinois. We also have 30 varieties of day lilies.” Phil jokes about Steve’s obsession with day lilies; he spends hours online looking up daylily varieties. “It’s like daylily porn,” Phil says with a grin. Steve mentions that the garden is a certified Monarch Way Station. “This place is a butterfly habitat. We have malva, hollyhocks, painted ladies, dill, butterfly 44 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

bushes (that are growing out of the cement cracks and metal plates, I might add). We now have five varieties of bees and wasps and the worms are abundant.” Steve is beaming. I mentioned to them DC Honeybees. I hope they can get a hive. As we were walking around the space I learned a nickname that Phil has for Steve: “Prunehilda”. Because

Steve just loves to prune. Phil also jokes that sometimes the plants look like they are on crack because Steve loves to give them compost and fertilizer.

Due diligence

Of course, Steve and Phil have had their challenges. “People seem to love to ignore the space and just walk all over the plants”, says Phil. Phil shared

another story: “There was this one guy who didn’t like coneflowers and sunflowers, or coneflowers and sunflowers that the gays have grown, or he just didn’t like gays. It wasn’t clear what he really hated, but he’d come in and destroy the coneflowers and sunflowers and say some anti-gay remarks. He was a little crazy.” Steve mentions how they have learned to not get down on themselves when damage is done. “People walking by see what’s there, not what has been ripped away or trampled on”, he explains. They have come to realize they are the only ones who really see the changes. One guy would sleep in the garden, so they put in roses to deter him. I imagine that guy sleeping in the garden noticed the changes pretty quickly. I fell in love with these men when they mentioned that every Mother’s Day they give away seedlings with a neighbor/friend named Debbie Hanrahan. There is nothing like the gardener that keeps on giving. One question I forgot to put to these men was how much this endeavor has cost them? I can only imagine. My own days of guerilla gardening took up some cash. They have been cleaning, trimming, pruning, replacing, installing, watering their public space for 13 years. They have put 100’s maybe 1000’s of plants in over the lifetime of this garden. It has all been on their own time and out of their own pocket. Let me say this: All of this is in the middle of a space where people, cars and trucks are going by all the time. It didn’t take committees, landscape architects, city meetings, bureaucracy and fundraisers and using up thousands of

dollars of other people’s money like Dupont Main Streets did with the median on Connecticut Ave at R. This space was done by just two plant loving men with a little help from their friends and Dupont Circle Citizens Association. I now wish I had listened to my heart and just kept planting the median years ago like the woman from DDOT suggested. I know it would be way more awesome than it is now. Pardon my soap boxing. One thing I can say about these guys: They know the value of beauty blooming: Priceless! I invite folks to check this space out sometime. If anyone has any ideas on how to raise money so other abandoned places in DC can get this kind of attention, I am open to hearing from you. What a cause that could be!

Another kind of guerrilla in the midst.

Meet Josh Singer and Sarah McLaughlin at Wangari Gardens. (http://wangarigardens.wordpress. com/). Wangari Gardens is a 2.7 acre space located in between Kenyon St., Irving St., and Park Pl. NW, surround-

+ Changing Hands Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. ed by the Washington Hospital, Soldiers Home, McMillan Reservoir, and the Parkview and Pleasant Plains neighborhoods. They have created a space for community as well as for plants. Sarah shares her experience: “Everybody is interested in what’s going on. People are drawn outdoors whether it is for gardening, or walking pets, or growing food. They are coming together for a common experience in the middle of this empty green island like space. Even now DC Gov is involved. They are coming twice a month to clean and mow. Before we arrived, they came in by about every other month neighbors say. Our dream is to create a space that draws people in. We are volunteer run. The more interest, the more involvement, the more involvement, means that much more can happen. People forget we are surrounded by streets and cars. We truly have an oasis here.” Their goals are: 1) Programming Workshops and Activities on gardening and growing food. 2) To be accessible to patients from Washington Hospital Center and Children’s Medical Center across the street. 3) To catch more rain water and use solar powered pumps to become totally sustainable. “The great thing,” Sarah added, “was that the neighbors who have maybe just seen each other on the street are now talking to each other and taking care of something together. This really brings people together.” I can tell Sarah and Josh are on their way to wonderful experiences ahead. We can always use more green space for community to come together. Do what you can to support your local garden, or your local gardeners. Especially support your local guerilla gardeners. Frank Asher is owner/founder of OLD CITY green on 9th and N Street NW. He is the owner of Fairies’ Crossing, a landscape gardening company. u

Neighborhood

CLOSE PRICE BR

FEE SIMPLE ADAMS MORGAN/MT. PLEASANT 1704 LANIER PL NW

$1,020,000

BLOOMINGDALE 43 U ST NW

$672,000

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1305 FAIRMONT ST NW 3011 13TH ST NW 1130 PARK RD NW 1340 SPRING RD NW 3623 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 2825 11TH ST NW 3536 PARK PL NW 609 KENYON ST NW 1026 QUEBEC PL NW 735 KENYON ST NW 744 QUEBEC PL NW 2709 SHERMAN AVE NW 622 KEEFER PL NW 3548 WARDER ST NW 2915 GEORGIA AVE NW 917 COLUMBIA RD NW 3300 WARDER ST NW 824 OTIS PL NW 536 HOBART PL NW 3307 CORNWELL DR SE 124 YUMA ST SE 429 LEBAUM ST SE 721 BRANDYWINE ST SE #203

$975,000 $805,000 $786,000 $645,000 $615,000 $525,000 $506,000 $500,000 $499,000 $482,000 $449,500 $415,000 $399,999 $399,555 $375,000 $359,500 $300,000 $271,000 $210,000 $265,000 $77,000 $73,000 $45,000

5 4 5 4 5 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2

DUPONT 1704 P ST NW 1628 RIGGS PL NW 2105 N ST NW

$1,200,000 $1,250,000 $1,065,000

KALORAMA 2229 CALIFORNIA ST NW

$1,100,000

LOGAN / U-STREET 1204 V ST NW 1213 O ST NW 1327 Q ST NW 1842 13TH ST NW 1349 WALLACH PL NW

$1,029,000 $1,675,000 $1,340,000 $875,000 $839,000

MOUNT PLEASANT 2015 PARK RD NW 1620 LAMONT ST NW

$1,150,000 $760,000

OLD CITY 1310 CORBIN PL NE 700 4TH ST NE 725 KENTUCKY AVE SE 926 8TH ST NE 1802 POTOMAC AVE SE 1706 D ST NE 105 15TH ST NE 1368 EMERALD ST NE 1722 D ST NE 13 15TH ST SE 1328 F ST NE 1835 A ST SE 1719 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 203 16TH ST SE 440 15TH ST NE 417 9TH ST NE 713 FLORIDA AVE NE 1317 11TH ST NW 1320 W ST NW 2234 12TH PL NW 1407 NEW JERSEY AVE NW

$695,000 $660,000 $574,000 $565,000 $559,900 $555,000 $550,000 $499,000 $475,000 $469,500 $399,000 $388,500 $378,300 $376,000 $375,000 $357,500 $200,000 $655,000 $650,199 $416,000 $265,000

5 5 3 3 4 4 6 4 3 4 4 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 2 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 1 3

U ST.

1445 CHURCH ST NW #14 $599,900 1 1201 Q ST NW #302 $410,000 1 1011 V ST NW $469,900 2 1201 N ST NW #D $389,000 1 1123 S ST NW $1,250,000 4 1225 13TH ST NW #213 $339,900 1 1413 P ST NW #205 $895,000 2 $825,000 2 CONDO 1328 CORCORAN ST NW #1 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #404 $790,000 2 1502 13TH ST NW #7 $698,000 3 ADAMS MORGAN 1444 CHURCH ST NW #302 $639,900 2 1624 BEEKMAN PL NW #C $627,100 2 1515 15TH ST NW #412 $629,000 1 2714 ONTARIO RD NW #3 $619,000 2 1425 11TH ST NW #402 $441,000 1 1624C BELMONT ST NW #C $605,000 2 1300 N ST NW #314 $379,999 1 2633 ADAMS MILL RD NW #305 $465,000 3 1225 13TH ST NW #303 $379,000 1 2633 ADAMS MILL RD NW #202 $450,000 3 1300 N ST NW #309 $339,000 1 2633 ADAMS MILL RD NW #204 $374,900 1 2714 ONTARIO RD NW #5 $328,000 1 MOUNT PLEASANT 2714 ONTARIO RD NW #2 $277,700 1 1654 EUCLID ST NW #103 $512,500 2 1811 WYOMING AVE NW #T-5 $254,900 0 3423 BROWN ST NW #301 $460,000 2 2714 ONTARIO RD NW #1 $249,000 1 2633 ADAMS MILL RD NW #205 $384,000 3 1801 WYOMING AVE NW #33 $474,900 1 1633 NEWTON ST NW #1 $356,000 2 1801 WYOMING AVE NW #23 $469,900 1 3060 16TH ST NW #212 $350,000 2 3314 MOUNT PLEASANT ST NW #35 $275,000 1 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1220 4TH ST NW #2 $835,000 2 1300 EUCLID ST NW #6 $824,000 2 1222 4TH ST NW #2 $634,900 2 1300 EUCLID ST NW #5 $724,000 2 1228 4TH ST NW #1 $574,900 2 3008 13TH ST NW #B $680,000 3 1323 GIRARD ST NW #8 $661,100 2 SHAW 1428 MONROE ST NW #C $535,000 2 1713 NEW JERSEY AVE NW #1 $501,500 3 1118 MONROE ST NW #1 $517,000 3 440 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #401 $469,000 2 1323 GIRARD ST NW #7 $515,000 2 440 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #403 $430,000 2 1321 EUCLID ST NW #302 $462,500 2 1323 GIRARD ST NW #5 $444,000 2 U ST CORRIDOR 1101 FAIRMONT ST NW #1 $440,000 2 2108 10TH ST NW #PH-4 $769,000 3 1101 FAIRMONT ST NW #9 $399,999 2 2108 10TH ST NW #2 $519,000 2 3579 WARDER ST NW #2 $389,000 2 2004 11TH ST NW #425 $364,500 1 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #118 $370,000 2 2125 14TH ST NW #316 $569,000 2 1300 EUCLID ST NW #3 $333,075 1 2004 11TH ST NW #422 $479,000 2 1300 EUCLID ST NW #1 $329,000 1 1939 12TH ST NW #302 $394,900 1 1354 EUCLID ST NW #201B $315,000 1 1407 W ST NW #103 $345,000 1 1300 EUCLID ST NW #2 $309,000 1 2214 11TH NW #3 $555,000 2 1008 SPRING RD NW #1 $299,900 2 2214 11TH ST NW #2 $537,000 2 1350 KENYON ST NW #4 $246,000 0 2020 12TH ST NW #317 $435,000 1 2639 15TH ST NW #B-2 $216,810 0 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #17 $369,500 1 3864 9TH ST SE #202 $45,000 2 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #12 $350,000 1 3868 9TH ST SE #202 $37,000 1 2001 12TH ST NW #118 $439,000 2

DUPONT 1527 16TH ST NW #4 1621 T ST NW #306 1731 S ST NW #4 1824 S ST NW #404 1230 23RD ST NW #609 1401 17TH ST NW #414 1260 21ST ST NW #602 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #601 2032 16TH ST NW #6 1615 Q ST NW #4 1750 S ST NW #2 1822 T ST NW #1 1627 19TH ST NW #37 1822 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #4 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #133 1621 T ST NW #605 2301 N ST NW #717 1508 R ST NW #3 1508 R ST NW #1

$600,000 $559,900 $550,000 $525,000 $411,000 $340,000 $262,000 $208,000 $463,000 $580,000 $479,000 $465,000 $422,000 $415,000 $242,000 $353,000 $715,000 $685,000 $586,000

KALORAMA 2003 COLUMBIA RD NW #NW 2123 CALIFORNIA ST NW #C2 2406 19TH ST NW #1061 1919 BELMONT RD NW #77 2010 KALORAMA RD NW #102 1871 CALIFORNIA ST NW #2 2410 20TH ST NW #307 2032-2040 BELMONT RD NW #322 2032 BELMONT RD NW #214

$642,500 $625,000 $587,000 $487,500 $475,000 $435,000 $337,000 $313,500 $230,000

2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2

WOODLEY PARK 2818 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #304 2818 CONNECTICUT NW #203 2818 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #404 2737 DEVONSHIRE PL NW #322 2619 GARFIELD ST NW #1 2737 DEVONSHIRE PL NW #129 u

$699,900 $675,000 $650,000 $355,000 $350,000 $337,119

2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 0

SHAW LOGAN 206 N ST NW 1602 4TH ST NW 1512 1ST ST NW

$435,500 $450,000 $490,000

2 2 2

1703 13TH ST NW #2 1503 12TH ST NW #3 1201 Q ST NW #404

$737,100 $737,000 $700,000

2 2 2

capitalcommunitynews.com u 45

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CLASSIFIEDS ADDRESS NUMBERS

To place a classified in HILL RAG, please call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 or email: Carolina@hillrag.com.

CLEANING SERVICES

ELECTRICIAN

JOB OPPORTUNITY CBE and Section 3 SUBCONTRACTORS NEEDED. Bids due by 6/29/2012 Providence Construction, Inc. is seeking CBE and Section 3 subcontractors for the rehabilitation and modification of a house in Adams Morgan for Jubilee Housing. Trades being considered are: Demolition, Concrete & Masonry, Plumbing, Fire Sprinklers, HVAC, Electrical, Roofing, and Interior finishes (drywall & painting, ceramic tile, carpet). Plans & specifications are available to view for bidding purposes at the Manna offices. Bid requirements: CBE certificate, DC license, Liability & Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Davis Bacon Certified weekly payroll reports, Section 3 compliance, First Source Agreement compliance for contracts over $100,000. Bids due June 29, 2012. Please contact Charlene Tibbs (ph. 202-832-1845 X 202) Monday thru Friday between 9 AM & 4 PM to reserve a viewing time for the plans & specs for bidding purposes.

Cleaning Services, Inc 7 Days a Week One call to DO IT ALL The Affordable finishing touch to your home restoration. Traditional 23 Carat Gold Transom Address Numbers with black drop shadow installed at your home.

MONUMENTAL GRAPHICS

202-251-7980 www.monumentalgraphics.net

AIR CONDITIONING

• Basic/Detail Cleaning • Laundry & Ironing • Bulk Trash Removal CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE TODAY! www.doitallcleaningservices.com Residential & Commercial Accredited Business since 2008

202-731-6238

gpatterson@doitallcleaningservices.com

OPORTUNIDAD LABORAL SUBCONTRATISTAS CON CERTIFICACION CBE y Sección 3 Licitación Cierra en Junio 29, 2012

AIR CONDITIONING

HEALTH & FITNESS Polar Bear

AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

202-333-1310 www.polarbearairconditioning.com

LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES

COMPUTER

Having Computer Trouble? • Custom Computer Building • Hardware Installation & Maintenance • Virus and Spyware Removal • Enhance Speed Performance

LOGOS Computer ServiCe

On-site Service • Reasonable Rates

gbfagon@gmail.com • 202-250-1215

46 u Midcity DC | JUNE 2012

TONY’S BOXING GYM

& FITNESS CENTER PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR BOXING LESSONS s • All Types of Exercise Machine • Diet Counseling & Nutrition • Olympic Free Weights • Free Personal Training • Seniors Welcome · Handicap Accessible

9-5711 202-88nt Olive t Rd, NE 1216 Mou

Providence Construction, Inc. necesita subcontratistas con certificación CBE y Sección 3 para la rehabilitación y modificación de una casa en Adams Morgan para Jubilee Housing. Los oficios que se consideran son: Demolición, Concreto y Mampostería (albañiles), Plomería, Sistema de Extinción de Incendios, Unidad de Calefacción, Ventilación y Aire Acondicionado, Electricista, Construcción de Techos, y Terminados de Interior (placas de yeso y pintura, cerámica, baldosa y tapetes). Los planes y especificaciones están disponibles para propósitos de estudio de la licitación en las oficinas de Manna. Requerimientos de la Licitación: Certificado CBE, licencia del Distrito, Seguro de Compensación Legal para Accidentes de Trabajo, Formularios certificados de informe de nómina de pago semanal Davis Bacon, conformidad con la Sección 3, Cumplimiento con el Acuerdo de Primer Origen para contratos por encima de $100,000. La licitación cierra en Junio 29, 2012. Por Favor contactar a Charlene Tibbs (tel. 202-832-1845 X 202) de Lunes a Viernes entre (9 AM & 4 PM) para reservar un tiempo para ver los planos y especificaciones para propósitos de licitar.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

on on es ry, nd t). ng

& ed ce

X ve es.

LANDSCAPES

PLUMBING

Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time!

WHS PLUMBING & HEATING

· Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Services · Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features · Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work · Restoration and Enhancement

Our Prices Won’t be Beat!

DANIEL PARKS Roofing & Gutters

NO JOB TOO SMALL!!! “Stopping Leaks is Our Specialty”

Superior Service and Quick Response

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

We are Repiping & Drain Cleaning Specialists

WE DO IT ALL

· Competitive On The Spot Pricing · Same Day, Nights, Weekends & Emergency Service · Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters · Underground Domestic Water and Sewer Line Leak Detection · Underground Pipe Locator

RUBBER & FLAT ROOFS WATER PROOFING SLATE ROOFS LEAK REPAIRS METAL ROOFS GUTTER REPAIRS SHINGLE ROOFING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FACIAL/SOFFITS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING

Hill Family Owned & Operated Call William at

(202) 255-9231 Over 20 years of experience

301.642.5182

www.thomaslandscapes.com

THOMAS LANDSCAPES Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Firm Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

PAINTING

ROOFING

• ALL ROOF REPAIRS • ROOF REPLACEMENTS • GUTTER REPAIR • GUTTER REPLACEMENT • INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SPECIALS • FREE ESTIMATES

We install new rubber and shingle roofs Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Family owned & operated 40 Years Experience

202-607-4038 202-487-7182

ROOFING

45 ara es

FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS MODIFIED BITUMEN 10% OFF SKYLIGHTS WITH SHINGLES THIS AD SLATE CHIMNEY REPAIRS COATINGS & PAINTS GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS ALUMINUM & VINYL SIDING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

“50 Years Experience”

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

SPECIALIZING IN SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Johnston & Johnston Roofing • FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST • WATERPROOFING • ALUMINUM ASPHALT COATING • SLATE REPAIRS • SHINGLE REPAIRS • CHIMNEY REPAIR

cia cime ad mer

Licensed, Bonded & Insured Free Estimates Senior and Government Discount 10%

www.whsplumbingandheating.com

“Try a new coating vs. a roof replacement.”

on y ee ón, ma ntide ra, iola

202-489-1728

20 years of experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured LSDBE Certified

All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners

G&G

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

202-425-1614 Licensed & Insured

WANTED TO BUY

Keith Roofing

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP

REASONABLE PRICES!

Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials

BUYING VINYL RECORDS Jazz, R&B, Soul, Blues, Rock N Roll, Disco, Gospel, Reggae, Ska, Looking for 33 1/3 LPs, 45’s and 78’s, Prefer larger collections of at least 100 items. CALL JOHN 301596-6201.

WELDING

Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359

All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed

FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate

• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications

We Do Everything!

BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. LIC. BONDED. INS

75 years in service

BBB

Member

202-223-ROOF (7663)

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 capitalcommunitynews.com H 47