Festival

Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival is May 13th – Check Out the Lineup!

By Prince Of Petworth

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Courtesy Living Classrooms Foundation

It’s that time of year!! Get your tickets here.

From a press release:

“Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region is excited to announce that Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Town Mountain, and Dom Flemons will be headlining the highly anticipated 8th Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival on Saturday May 13, 2017 that will feature nine hours of performances by nearly 40 regional bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists on five stages spread throughout the beautiful Kingman and Heritage Islands Park.

Also scheduled to perform are The Woodshedders, Walter Martin, Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line, The War & Treaty, among many others. In addition to the incredible local tunes, the Festival will feature fun for all ages, including various outdoor activities, educational tents, a kids’ corner, delicious food, beer, cocktails, and more. The Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival has become the largest all-local music festival in the District, attracting over 10,000 guests annually since 2014.

For the second year, the Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival will be going green! With the support of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the 2016 Kingman Island Festival was the District’s first zero-waste music festival. This year’s festival will expand on the zero waste initiative in an effort to preserve the integrity of Kingman Island and support the District’s path toward zero waste. Guests are asked to only bring reusable water bottles and food containers onto the island; each attendee will be provided with a reusable cup to use at vendors and water stations. Food vendors will be required to use only compostable or recyclable food serviceware. Additionally, zero waste volunteers will be staffing waste stations throughout the island to help festivalgoers sort their compostable and recyclable waste.

WHEN: Saturday May 13, 2017 12:00pm – 9:00pm

WHERE: Situated on the west bank of the historic Anacostia River, Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is located next to RFK Stadium (entrance at RFK Stadium Lot 6). The street address is: 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE Washington, DC
Walking, Biking and Public Transit are encouraged. Parking is available in RFK Lot 6 for a fee. A Bike Valet will also be available.

WHY: The Festival is a benefit for Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region who has worked to inspire and educate disadvantaged youth and young adults in the DC region for over 15 years through hands-on education and job training using urban, natural, and maritime resources as “living classrooms.” As managing operator of the island, Living Classrooms will also allocate much of the proceeds to the ongoing maintenance/restoration of the islands as a recreational and educational space, where it regularly engages local youth in hands-on environmental education programs.

FULL LINEUP: (more…)

Mark It! The Anacostia River Festival is Sunday, April 9th; 1 pm – 5 pm

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Check out more info including all the details about the Anacostia River Festival Anacostia River Festival
Sunday, April 9, 2017; 1 pm – 5 pm

The National Park Service and the 11th Street Bridge Park present the third annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event of the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival. For a taste of local D.C., come celebrate the Anacostia River and take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in our bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast D.C.’s local arts scene at this special FREE event. This year we are celebrating biking in the District with trail rides, safety classes, quick bike tune ups and special bike activities for all ages.

This year’s program will have a special focus on biking in the District and will celebrate the new extension of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to Bladensburg, MD.

We are anticipating over 8,000 visitors and are partnering with more than 40 nonprofits to offer FREE family-friendly activities re-engaging residents and visitors alike with the Anacostia River and Historic Anacostia neighborhood.

NEW this year: (more…)

This Year’s Funk Parade Headliners Announced, Crowdfunding Campaign Launched

By Prince Of Petworth

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From a press release:

“Funk Parade organizers announced details for this year’s Funk Parade occurring on Saturday, May 6, 2017, as well as its annual crowdfunding campaign. This year’s theme is Future Funk, to celebrate the installation of Parliament’s Mothership at the Smithsonian, the Afrofuturism movement, and the emergence of promising talents in DC’s music scene.

 

“We’re at a decision point in this city, we get to decide what we want to be,” said Funk Parade co-founder Justin Rood. “What’s the future we can make together? What can we build with love? What’s it going to look like? That’s what we’re exploring this year.”

With its crowdfunding campaign, Funk Parade needs to raise $15,000 from community members and local businesses.  The link to give is: here.

As one of the city’s biggest community-based cultural events, organized by the community, this campaign is crucial to the its bottom line. You don’t need a ticket to come to the parade, the day fair or the music festival. If you want to support this event, this is how you do it. Perks for giving include T-shirts, infant onesies, stickers, buttons, posters and more. It runs for three weeks.

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Love March Along Georgia Avenue this Saturday “to stand up for and celebrate diversity”

By Prince Of Petworth

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From an email:

“While we can’t prevent every act of aggression or stop every divisive national policy, one thing we can do is let our diverse neighbors know that we stand together in solidarity.

The March will start at Emery Rec Center at 10:30am, marching down Georgia Av with a mid-point rally at Bruce Monroe Park and a closing celebration at the African American Civil War Memorial. Performers include student Elena of Elena y Los Fulanos, poet Zein El-Amine, and an Ethiopian dance duo. There will also be discounts at local businesses for marchers and tables at the end celebration with more ways to get involved in inclusive community organizations.”

From a press release:

“On March 11th local community members will come together for a march and rally along the Georgia Avenue corridor to stand up for and celebrate diversity. The goal of the Love March is to stand in solidarity with DC’s diverse communities and send the message “whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we stand together as neighbors.” (more…)

Mark It – Funk Parade’s 4th Annual Kickoff Jam at Tropicalia March 16th (Parade May 6th)

By Prince Of Petworth

tropicalia
14th and U Street, NW

From a press release:

“On Thursday March 16th, Funk Parade is hosting the 4th Annual Kickoff Jam at Tropicalia starting at 7pm.

Reesa Renee, Joe Keys and The Late Bloomer Band and Alex Vaughn will perform along with dancers from KAZAXE by Azuka Bom and other special guests. The event will also feature a lip sync battle, giveaways and other surprises.

The event kicks off Funk Parade 2017 season, which will culminate with Funk Parade 2017 on Saturday, May 6.   In addition to the live performances organizers will:

  • Announce the music and art lineup for the May festival

  • Release the 2017 poster

  • Kick off the Funk Parade 2017 crowdfunding campaign

The theme for Funk Parade 2017 is Future Funk. From the futuristic prophecies of Sun Ra to the intergalactic funk of George Clinton and the far out sounds of local bands like Nag Champa and Joe Keyes, The Future and The Funk have gone hand in hand.    In an unsettling present, organizers want Funk Parade to be one day out of the year where Washingtonians can come together and project a future we all want to be a part of.

The Future Funk theme will be transmitting itself throughout the Kickoff Jam and we encourage friends, fans and community groups to embrace your inner motherships and time machines to create something awesome to bring to the festival.

Kickoff Jam Details:

(more…)

AT&T Mobile towers pop up so Phones etc. will work well for the Inauguration and the Women’s March

By Prince Of Petworth

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4th and Madison Drive NW, courtesy of AT&T.

Ed. Note: I confirmed the towers will remain in place for the Women’s March on the 21st as well.

From an email:

“Nearly 1 million are expected to crowd the National Mall on January 20, many documenting and sharing the experience in real time via Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. That’s a massive amount of people using their smartphones and data-heavy apps in the same place at the same time, and a massive demand placed on wireless networks in the vicinity. How do wireless carriers keep things running smoothly? A few highlights: (more…)

MADE IN DC Pop Up Shop this Weekend – Van Ness edition

By Prince Of Petworth

made-in-dc-pop-up

From a press release:

“Van Ness Main Street will host their first MADE IN DC Pop Up Shop Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4340 Connecticut Avenue NW.  This indoor marketplace will feature a rotating list of over 20 local makers featuring art, jewelry and accessories, fiber, home decor and packaged food.  

The pop up is a collaboration with the University of the District of Columbia and the Van Ness Main Street. 

Van Ness is home to many artist and local makers. This is a pilot activation  highlights local makers and drives traffic to the neighborhood. “Van Ness Main Street is working to increase retail options for our many residents and students by supporting our local creative class right here in Van Ness.” explains Theresa Cameron, Executive Director of Van Ness Main Street.

Pop-Up Vendors include:

(more…)

11th Annual Upshur Street Art and Craft Fair is Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

upshur-street
800 block of Upshur Street, NW

From a press release:

“The Petworth Business Association (PBA) will host the 11th Annual Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, December 10th, from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Come shop along the 800 block of Upshur Street NW in Petworth, where businesses and restaurants will be open and vendors will be lining the street selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods. If you get chilly, you can pop inside for more unique items at Willow DC or Fia’s Fabulous Finds. You can also pick up a new read at Upshur Street Books, find a vintage treasure at Bentley’s Vintage Furniture & Collectibles or have a bite to eat at Timber Pizza Company, Hank’s Cocktail Bar, Petworth Citizen or Slim’s Diner if you need a warm-up. Lighthouse Yoga Studio will be hosting their annual open house. And don’t forget to head to Annie’s Ace Hardware to pick up your Christmas Tree. Score a great gift for your pet this holiday season at Fido and Kitty’s World. This year the annual holiday market features 50+ local crafters, artists, and food vendors as well as live music performances from some of DC’s hottest locally-grown bands recruited by Listen Local First. (more…)

Gingertown London Kicks Off Today at 5:30pm

By Prince Of Petworth

gtown
Photo by Sean Nohelty (David M Schwarz Arch)

From a press release:

“Build Out: Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 | 5:30PM – 9:30PM

Gingertown 2016 will take place at 900 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006, courtesy of The JBG Companies. Judges will present awards in the following categories

Most Innovative Use of Materials
Best Expression of Theme
Best Overall Design Quality
Best Overall Craftsmanship
Judges’ Choice
Mayor’s Award
People’s Choice (determined via public voting!)

The completed Gingertown will remain on display in the lobby of 900 16th Street, NW through Monday, December 12th. The public is invited to come see the completed build during public viewing hours:

Wednesday (12/7) through Friday (12/9): 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday (12/10) through Sunday (12/11): 11:00am to 1:00pm
Monday (12/12): 9:00am to 5:00pm”

“A sugary imagination of the iconic city of London will come to life in Washington, DC on Tuesday, December 6th as Gingertown returns once again to celebrate the creativity, generosity, and civic spirit of the Washington-area design, building, and real estate community. This annual initiative, founded in 2006 by David M. Schwarz Architects (DMSAS), spreads holiday cheer to a host of local organizations that will receive the scrumptious structures along with donations raised through sponsor and participant contributions. (more…)

God jul, Washington!

By Prince Of Petworth

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I love the Christmas Tree from Norway and it’s finally inside again now that the Union Station renovation has been completed:

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This is the 20th anniversary of Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. Thank you Norway! And be sure to check out their poster display of the polar regions too.

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