Uncategorized

Free in DC: Things to do Tonight – Sunday!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user julianne’s

Thursday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 6th
6.10.10 – 6.13.10

Hello PoP fans, It’s Amy from Free in DC with a list of great things to do this weekend! All events are in DC and free unless otherwise noted.

Tonight…
Swing by Farragut Square Park on your way home to catch some free Reggae Music from 5:30-7:30pm, Jah Works performs an Outdoor Concert this week, live bands perform in the park every Thursday in June & July. Tonight in Dupont, Hillyer hosts  V.O.I.C.E.S, a monthly Hip-Hop Event with an international focus that uses multi-media and incorporates film, live Skype interviews and performances broadcast from the featured countries along with live performances at Hillyer from  6-9:30pm, donation of $5 suggested. Capital Pride hosts a Women’s Spoken Word event from 7-9pm at HRC Equality Forum, 1640 RI Ave, NW and The Washington Blade sponsors a Panel Discussion with Obama’s LGBT Appointees at the National Press Club, 14th and F St, NW from 6:30–8pm. You can also head over to Chinatown for a Free Evening of International Dance, part of the VSA Festival on Arts and Disabilities, at The Lansburgh Theatre at 7:30pm, advance tickets suggested, some may be available at the door. Sit under the stars for an outdoor Film Screening of Forrest Gump tonight at 8:45pm at Canal Park on the Capitol Riverfront, free films every Thursday this summer. Later tonight, enjoy Free Improv at BloomBars in Columbia Heights from 8:30-11pm or get your 80’s groove on at Chief Ike’s, where Deja Vu 80’s night happens every Thursday from 9pm-2am, 21+ $5 cover.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Ojo Latino is back!

By Prince Of Petworth

Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. Nestor writes that he had some camera problems but is back in full force.

So can I keep chickens? Zoning laws, the “Debbie Downer” of Urban Farming by John

By Prince Of Petworth

John Reinhardt is an urban planner, writer, photographer, and urban gardener. An avid cook, John is interested in the intersection of urban design, sustainability, and food systems planning. He currently resides in Washington DC and works for the American Planning Association. He currently writes Grown in the City, a blog about urban gardening and food systems planning.

UPDATE: Mea culpa – It is actually solely Department of Health codes that prevent the keeping of chickens and bees in DC proper. While urban food systems is a topic of discussion with the zoning code update, it is not any action by the Department of Planning that explicitly prevents chickens and bees.

One of the hot topics in urban agriculture and urban planning these days is chickens (or goats or any other type of animal typically associated more with the country farm than the urban homestead).  One of the most common questions is “can I keep them?”  The short answer is – probably not, at least legally.  DC has confusing, even downright ambiguous, laws regarding bee keeping.  Laws about other animals are more explicit.  For example, “Section 902 of the Animal Control Code requires hens to be 50 ft. from any residence.”  Rules are a bit more lax in some counties in the metropolitan region.

But why is keeping animals in the city such a problem?  One word: zoning.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

*Sponsored Post* Dupont/Logan Saturday Tour of Homes

By Prince Of Petworth

The following sponsored post was written by Green DC Realty

The Dupont Circle/Logan Circle area is a zenith of DC classic and modern living.  Come with us as we explore the amazing condos and homes that are recently on the market. From private rooftop decks that showcase the entire city, bespoke mansion conversions that showcase their storied past while giving a slight nod to the future, and ultra-convenient, modern spaces for the new breed of urban explorer. FREE local raw honey from “Bees in the Hood”, Green DC Realty owner Mike Kiefer’s private honey collection, for the first registrant for each Tour. It doesn’t get sweeter than this!

This tour will help you discover the perfect launching pad for your new DC life.

As for the Saturday Tour we are again doing something a little bit different this week as we are expanding the tour a bit more to accommodate everyone’s schedule.

We will hold tours in both neighborhoods at 11am and again at 1pm. Let’s find your new home! RSVP is always appreciated:

[email protected] or call 240-481-5041

Dupont/Logan Tour DATE – Saturday June 12th, 2010

Dupont Circle TIME 11am and 1pm MEETING POINT – 1711 Mass Avenue, NW

Property Tour List

Logan Circle TIME 11am and 1pm MEETING POINT – 1433 R Street, NW

Property Tour List

Thomas on Having it Real Bad for Drums and Dancing by Danny Harris

By Prince Of Petworth

Danny Harris is a DC-based photographer, DJ, and collector of stories. In September, he launched People’s District, a blog that tells a people’s history of DC by sharing the stories and images of its residents. Every day, People’s District presents a different Washingtonian sharing his or her insights on everything from Go Go music to homelessness to fashion to politics. You can read his previous columns here.

“People think that I am African, but I have lived in Washington my whole life. My parents are from South Carolina and came up here in the early 40’s. I grew up in a terrible neighborhood called Sursum Corda. I did a lot of dumb things as a kid. You know, I was hanging out with the wrong crowd. My Mom always said, ‘If you hang with the wolves, you will howl.’ It’s true, but I didn’t understand it at the time. Now, I tell that to my sons. I am blessed to say that I was never locked up. I have never been in trouble with the law. Getting in trouble with my parents, that’s a different story.

“I think that dancing and drumming really saved me from taking the wrong path. I started drumming when I was eight years old. I was playing football for the Boys Club when I heard this drumming coming from the basement of the Boys Club. I was immediately drawn to it. I escaped from practice to find the drumming class and stayed there with my helmet and shoulder pads on. I was mesmerized, and have been ever since. I started dancing a little later bit later.

“All of the dancing we do at Meridian Hill Park is from West Africa. I have been dancing and teaching at the drum circle for 20 years now. It all started because one of the lead drummers, who I knew because we performed together, invited me to come out. There was dancing here before me, but not a lot of West African dancing. You know, a lot of people say that I sound and move like I am from Africa. I guess I can just mark the accent and movement so well. Sometimes the accent comes out and I don’t even realize it. It’s funny, one time I was performing and this guy from Guinea came over to me afterwards. He thought I was from Guinea, too, and neglecting our country by not dancing at the embassy and for ‘our’ people more. As he spoke, he got more excited and eventually starting cussing me out in his language. I said, ‘Look man, I am not African.’ He felt really embarrassed and apologized.

“I guess I just transform into someone different when I dance. It is like a spirit takes over me. One time, I was driving by the U.S. Capitol and they had the Zulu dancers performing. I was in the car with my wife and son. The drums captured me and I jumped out of the car while it was still moving to get to the music. My wife had to jump in the driver’s seat and take control of the car. I guess I just have it real bad for drums and dancing. My wish in life is to go to Africa and dance my heart out in Senegal and Guinea.

“I would say to everyone, you need to come up to the park and join us on Sundays. Who needs to pay for a class when you can come and dance with me and the drummers for free. Trust me, you aren’t going to find an experience like this anywhere else here.”

You can find Thomas and the drum circle in the upper area of Meridian Hill Park on Sunday afternoons.

1 Year Anniversary of the Killing of 28 Year old Ryan Randy Trotman

By Prince Of Petworth

One year ago we learned of the tragic killing of Ryan Randy Trotman. His mother wrote at the time that Ryan was:

“A damn hard working young man, who graduated from District of Columbia with a double major. Was up to the time of his death doing 2 jobs. He was well brought up and well trained, humble and respectful up to his death.”

I just received a note from his sister:

“On Monday Ryan’s murderer will be going on trial, and because of your last post about my brother my mother asks if you can do a new one asking everyone for their prayers on giving this criminal what he deserves.”

To the family of Mr. Trotman please accept my prayers and wishes that you are able to find peace during this terrible time. I hope the fond memories of your son and brother provide a bit of comfort and a ray of sunlight when the days are darkest.

Ed. Note: For those that are not religious please remember that a mother has lost her son and sisters their brother so please be respectful in the comments.

View More Stories