This week’s events are jam-packed with tons of fun! #SoExcited All events noted below are in the District unless otherwise noted. Here’s what’s going on this week…
DC Northwest
Last Weekend – Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Works 1940-1950 | NGA, Through February 18
During the 1940s American photographer Gordon Parks (1912–2006) grew from a self-taught photographer making portraits and documenting everyday life in Saint Paul and Chicago to a visionary professional shooting for Ebony, Vogue, Fortune, and Life. For the first time, the formative decade of Parks’s 60-year career is the focus of an exhibition, which brings together 150 photographs and ephemera—including magazines, books, letters, and family pictures. The exhibition will illustrate how Parks’s early experiences at the Farm Security Administration, Office of War Information, and Standard Oil (New Jersey) as well as his close relationships with Roy Stryker, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and Ralph Ellison, helped shape his groundbreaking style. Free
Marsha Ambrosius | Howard Theater, February 17
Hailing from Liverpool, England, fans first got a taste of Marsha’s talent as the singing half of the duo Floetry. Their 2000 debut Floetic produced signature singles like “Say Yes” and “Getting Late” as well as four Grammy nods. Following the 2005 release of their second studio album, Flo’Ology, the ladies veered creatively and personally. While the split was difficult, Marsha continued to build a name for herself as a songwriter and producer, creating “Butterflies” for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas. She’s been nominated for a total of six Grammys and has been honored by BMI as their Songwriter of the Year. 8:30pm, $59.50 – $125
‘She A Gem’ | Kennedy Center, Through February 24
In this original play by Josh Wilder, three teenagers—Krystin, Jaleesa, and Amber—form a double dutch team in inner city Philadelphia to compete in their neighborhood block party. If they win, they’ll receive a special prize: their futures told by Ms. Mary, the local psychic. Will they become a famous singer? A hairdresser? Or maybe a “gem,” a special leader who cares for the neighborhood? Then they meet a pregnant teen from North Philly who can jump double dutch almost better than any of them. Just as the girls anticipate learning about their futures, they’ll learn something important about her past that affects them all. Most enjoyed by age 12 and up. $20, 4p and 7p
National Ballet of China: Raise the Red Lantern | Kennedy Ctr, February 15, 16
National Ballet of China delighted audiences with its D.C. premiere of Raise the Red Lantern at our Festival of China in 2005. Now, the renowned company returns with the award-winning ballet, performed with full orchestra as the cornerstone event of our 2019 Lunar New Year festivities. Based on the hit 1991 film by Zhang Yimou and choreographed by Wang Xinpeng and Wang Yuanyuan, the ballet tells the haunting tale of a concubine sold by her mother in rural 1920s China. Traditional Chinese outfits, mesmerizing melodies, and elements of Chinese opera and shadow puppet theater bring this powerful story of love, jealousy, and tragedy to ravishing life. $39-$149, 7:30pm
Living the Dream….Singing the Dream | Kennedy Ctr, February 17
For more than 25 years, Washington Performing Arts’s Gospel Choirs have shared the inspirational gift of gospel music with audiences throughout the D.C. region and beyond. The choirs’ annual concert with the Choral Arts Chorus, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a joyful celebration of the power of music and the human spirit. $25-$75, 7pm
Twelve Angry Men | Ford’s Theater, Through February 17
Behind closed doors, tensions run high as a lone juror argues the innocence of a teenager accused of murder. In this provocatively resonant American drama, 12 jurors from all strata of society revisit the evidence, debate the issue of reasonable doubt and confront each other’s personal biases. Broadway director Sheldon Epps ignites a conversation about how prejudice obstructs the quest for justice. $20 – $62
City Wildlife’s 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Open House | City Wildlife, February 17
This is the only day of the year when you can tour the facility and see first-hand how we rehabilitate injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals.
Free-will donations will be collected to ensure that the Center can help its animal patients., 12pm-5pm
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Dog Adoption | Unleashed by Petco, February 17
Stop by our adoption events and meet our adoptable Lucky Dogs. Who knows, you just might meet the dog of your dreams! 12pm-2pm
Take Back the Vote | National Mall, February 16
March on the National Mall to support the new voting rights bill being introduced. 12pm-3pm
DC Northeast
Tim Bowman | City Winery, February 17
Renowned, chart-topping guitarist Tim Bowman has a way of making melding smooth jazz, gospel, soul and blues seem effortless as evidenced throughout his more than 30 years in music, including his 2017, seventh studio album, Into the Blue, on I.M. Records / Purpose Jazz. $20-$25, 7pm
Interpol | The Anthem, February 15
Interpol rose to indie rock stardom in the early 2000s, forming the Joy Division wing of the post-punk revival that also included bands like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party. Their debut album, Turn On the Bright Lights, is a certified classic, and the group has only been building on the illustrious sound of that record ever since. The success of last year’s Marauder shows that Interpol still packs plenty of punch. $40 $55, 8p
Artists for Impact DC | Dwell DC, February 16
Join us for our first out-of-state event! Music, spoken word, art, and free snacks! Proceeds will be benefiting Girls Rock! DC. 7pm, $7.
DC Southwest
Grand Opening: Shop Made In DC | District Wharf, February 16
The year-old Dupont Circle boutique sells clothing, accessories and home goods only from independent makers. To mark the opening of a new, more intimate store at the Wharf, Made in D.C. is throwing a day-long party that starts with brunch from Call Your Mother and Lost Sock Coffee, includes workshops with on-site engraving and card pressing, and finishes after dark with a DJ, snacks and adult beverages from Bluejacket and One Eight Distilling. 10am–8p. Free
Wharf Winter Games | District Wharf, February 16
Competitors wanted! If you like winter and you love to play games, here’s your chance to participate in the first annual Wharf Winter Games. You can compete in multiple disciplines, from pin the tail on the Husky to corn hole, curling and Wharfarod “dog” sled races (don’t worry, it doesn’t involve any actual dogs). If you’re more comfortable cheering on the Wharfletes from the sidelines, you can enjoy s’mores at our firepit, hot drinks, beer and wine, and other fun activities throughout the event.
2pm-5pm, Free.
DC Southeast
Frederick Douglass Annual Birthday Commemoration | Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, February 16
Join the National Park Service on Saturday, February 16, 2019 as we end the bicentennial year of Frederick Douglass’s birth and continue our celebration of the man, his legacy, and his impact on the world. Enjoy a commemorative program from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at D.C. Prep Academy (1409 V Street SE) featuring historic African American spirituals by the Washington Revels, poetry written and read by local youth, and dramatic recitations of Douglass’s most famous speeches performed by winners of the annual Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Oratorical Contest. 1pm-4pm, Free.
Maryland
Love Thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase | Silver Spring Civic Building, February 15
Join the Brewers Association of Maryland at Love Thy Beer, the signature event of FeBREWary: Maryland Craft Beer Lover’s Month. Love Thy Beer is a must-attend event for the ultimate craft beer enthusiast, featuring exclusive beer releases you won’t find at your local craft beer store. In the true spirit of FeBREWary, attendees will get the opportunity to chat with the experts behind Maryland beer in an intimate setting over seasonal ales. Think: stouts, porters, winter seasonal, sours & anything out of the barrel!. 6–10pm, $20-$75
Boys To Men | MGM National Harbor, February 17
Big Apple Circus | National Harbor, February 15 – Mar 24
There’s a lot of girl power at the Big Apple Circus, starting with ringmaster Stephanie Monseu. Then there’s animal trainer Jenny Vidbel, who works only with rescued horses and dogs, and acrobat Virginia Tuells, who has earned the nickname “strongest mom in the world.” The circus offers shows for audience members with special needs, including a Circus of the Senses for ticket holders who are hearing- or vision-impaired, along with sensory-friendly performances. $15-$95.
Gregory Porter | Strathmore, February 15
Prepare to swoon this Valentine’s Day weekend as Gregory Porter, celebrated R&B and jazz singer-songwriter, brings our most romantic daydreams to life! Porter, an artist whose music is at once timeless and utterly of its time, will perform the tunes of his greatest influence, Nat “King” Cole.8pm, $58.
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week | Various, Through February 17
The mission of Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week is to increase the awareness, benefits and accessibility of a plant-based diet through a fun, innovative and community-based experience across multiple counties, towns and neighborhoods. Restaurants will be challenged to demonstrate their love and compassion for promoting healthier diets, reducing animal cruelty and saving the environment, by offering tasty and creative vegan options on their menus and you get to cast your vote! Enjoy a variety of plant-based menu items. We welcome all diners not just vegans!
Virginia
Valentine’s Love Jam 2019 | Eagle Bank Arena, Fairfax, February 16,
DC, get ready for the Valentine’s Love Jam Starring Tyrese, Avant, Ginuwine, 112 and Next. 8pm, $59.00+
Washington’s Birthday Celebration | George Washington’s Mount Vernon, February 18 – 22
Witness a presidential tribute featuring honored guests and a wreath laying at the Washington’s Tomb. Listen to remarks given by esteemed speakers during the Official Observance Ceremony of George Washington’s Birthday. The Old Guard concludes the ceremony with a gun salute to the first president. 9am, Free.
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