Support

LIVING [in theory]: A world premiere musical (By 2 bars + 3 stars)

city at peace

April 17-19, 2009

Atlas Performing Arts Center

1333 H Street NE

Washington, DC 20002
Tickets: visit http://www.atlasarts.org/ or call (202) 399-7997
Last week, the PoP community discussed and debated at great length the recent increase in youth violence seen and reported on the streets of Columbia Heights, Petworth, and the surrounding DC neighborhoods. Many potential solutions were offered. But with the DC government’s systemic failures to overcome — not to mention the vast socioeconomic gap between DC’s haves and have-nots — the problem of escalating youth violence can feel hopeless at times. And with the news of an unending parade of violent youth offenders overrunning our outmoded juvenile justice system, it’s easy to forget that most teenagers in DC — whether rich or poor, black or white — are inherently decent, non-violent kids worthy of our support.

An inspiring group of these forgotten teenagers participate in DC’s City at Peace, “a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers teenagers to create safe, peaceful, and productive lives and communities.” Each year, City at Peace organizes DC teenagers as they write and star in their own musical play, based on the tenets of non-violent conflict resolution.

City at Peace’s last two spring performances did much to restore my personal faith in our next generation. Teenagers who, at first glance, appeared as menacing as those I’d cross the street to avoid late at night, sang and danced and acted their way into the audience’s hearts. I don’t know the particulars of this year’s play, LIVING [in theory] (taking the stage at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on April 17, 18, and 19), but I can assure you there’ll be plenty of artistic talent on display. More important, I promise you’ll witness dozens of DC teenagers — most of whom are as economically and socially disadvantaged as their violent counterparts — performing on stage out of a genuine sense of hope and pride and confidence in their generation.   
I’m all in favor of organizing communities for safer neighborhoods, and petitioning the DC government to reform the juvenile justice system, before any more youth offenders are hardened into lifelong, violent criminals. I also believe that, as cliché as it sounds, everyone has the potential to make a difference in a young person’s life, no matter how powerless he or she may feel. But it’s ultimately programs like City at Peace that can, with our support, equip a whole legion of peace-loving young men and women with tools for curbing the increasing violence and nihilism of their generation. So check out the show this weekend — you won’t be disappointed!
~ 2 bars + 3 stars

Recent Stories

From a press release: “The Sakura Taiko Fest has grown from a small concert first held in a dance studio to a full day of free, family-friendly taiko performances among…

Sweet City Ride

Thanks to Rafael for sending this sweet Rolls. Sweet City Ride is made possible by readers like you!

Photo by Lorie Shaull Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, I was at The Dubliner around…

“Davis in Van Ness UDC” If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the…

Calling all bookworms, thrill-seekers, supporters of the arts, and ping-pongers at all skill levels! Sign up for Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament supporting 826DC’s youth writing programs.

826DC is a local nonprofit that offers free writing programs, homework help, and publishing opportunities for DC students ages 6-18, in our Columbia Heights writing center and in learning spaces across the city.

Paddlestar Galactica helps keep writing education 100% free and accessible for all of our students! It’s also extremely fun.

This year’s games will be Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC. It’ll be a chaotic afternoon of ping-pong, costumes, terrible Battlestar Galactica puns, and good cheer. We’d love to have you join us!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Vakili Band at Pie Shop!

Three band rock n rolll lineup at DC’s Pie Shop! Vakili Band with “if you know, you know” DC rockers, Lot 18, and the many minds and songs of artist Kind of Christine.

“If you love Vakili Band like we

×

Subscribe to our mailing list