East of the River Magazine – August 2025 by Capital Community News

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

American Watercolor Landscapes from the Corcoran Collection at the NGA

In the nation’s early years, artists and explorers used watercolor for mapping and documenting the landscape. By the nineteenth century, American painters began to translate their country into larger, more carefully finished works that were considered works of art in their own right. From Aug. 2 to Feb. 1, 2026, at the National Gallery of Art (ground floor, west building), see how two centuries of watercolors capture the nation’s beauty and how artists with different backgrounds and styles captured iconic American places. nga.gov.

James Taylor & His All-Star Band at Wolf Trap

Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, James Taylor has established himself as a singular artist whose music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. A favorite among Wolf Trap audiences, Taylor returns with his heartfelt classics “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Carolina in My Mind,” and more. Sharing a knack for acoustic storytelling, folk-pop trio Tiny Habits (“tiny things,” “For Sale Sign”) open the show with their mesmerizing and intimate three-part harmonies.

James Taylor & His All-Star Band are at Wolf Trap on Aug. 21, 23 and 24, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $79. wolftrap.org.

Explore DC: 8 Days, 8 Wards, One City

Every year, Washington, DC hosts an annual event to showcase the city’s art, culture and history, offering various tours over eight days across the eight wards. It’s an excellent opportunity for both residents and visitors to explore the city’s hidden gems and learn more about the capital’s past, present and future. From Sept. 13 to 20, Walkingtown hosts more than 50 walking and biking tours, offering authentic and memorable tours that help residents and visitors enjoy, appreciate and learn about the city. All outings are free and are led by historians, licensed guides, or community leaders. Get schedules and updates at eventsdc.com/walkingtown.

William Trost Richards, South-West Point, Conanicut, 1878/1879, watercolor and gouache on fibrous brown paper, 33 x 59 in., National Gallery of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Riggs Parker, honoring their children.

A tiny replica of Rome’s Spanish Steps stands in a posh part of Kalorama.

DC Jazz Fest

Celebrate all things jazz at DC JazzFest this Labor Day weekend! Five-time GRAMMY Award winner Lalah Hathaway will rock The Anthem on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visit The Wharf on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 for an all-star lineup and unforgettable performances. For the full schedule and ticket info, visit dcjazzfest.org.

Erykah Badu and the Alchemist at The Fillmore

American singer Erykah Badu, whose debut album, Baduizm, was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is at the Fillmore Silver Spring on Sunday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m., 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD. Tickets start at $104. fillmoresilverspring.com.

Fort Dupont Park Summer Concerts

The Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series began in 1972 and is a beloved celebration of music for the DC metro area. The 2025 Fort Dupont Summer Concerts are on Saturdays, Aug. 23 and 30, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Artists TBD. Fort Dupont Park is in Southeast DC, east of the Anacostia River. The main entrances to the park are Fort Davis Drive and Ridge Road; Fort Davis Drive and Massachusetts Avenue; and Randle Circle and Fort Dupont Drive. Bring friends, lawn chairs, blankets, non-alcoholic beverages (no glass), snacks and leashed pets. Attendees may be subject to security screening. nps.gov/fodu.

National Book Festival (UNITING BOOK LOVERS FOR 25 YEARS)

Chuck Brown Day at Fort Dupont Park

The 11th Annual Chuck Brown Day at Fort Dupont Park, on Minnesota Ave. SE, is on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2 to 7 p.m. (gates at 1 p.m.). A commenoration of the legacy and music of DC legend. the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. The day features food trucks, a kid’s zone and school giveaways. Live entertainment is by the Chuck Brown Band, Trouble Funk, Black Alley and Be’La Dona. Bring friends, lawn chairs, blankets, non-alcoholic beverages (no glass) and snacks. chuckbrownday.com. .

The National Book Festival was founded in 2001 by First Lady Laura Bush and the 13th Librarian of Congress James H. Billington who wanted the festival to celebrate America’s creative spirit, love for reading and commitment to lifetime learning. The 2025 National Book Festival is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Pl. NW, on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). The event is free and open to the public. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival. loc. gov/events/2025-national-book-festival.

State Fairs: Growing American Craft at the Renwick

A culmination of five years of on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes research, State Fairs: Growing American Craft is the first exhibition dedicated to artists’ contributions to the great US tradition of state fairs with more than 240 artworks on view, dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. The exhibition, from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2026, at the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW, includes exceptional examples of American craft, highlighting personal stories and regional and cultural traditions. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. americanart. si.edu/visit.

Opera in the Outfield: Porgy and Bess

On Saturday, Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. (gates at 4:30 p.m.), celebrate the 15th season of free opera broadcasts by joining the Washington National Opera at Nationals Park. Themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave through this poignant story, ultimately asking if even the most unwavering of loves can conquer the force of personal addiction. Free. Seating is available on the outfield grass and in the stands. Patrons wishing to sit in the outfield are required to pick up a wristband after they enter Nationals Park at the Family Picnic Area located on the left of Center Field Plaza when the gates open. Arrive early to enjoy entertainment, prizes and activities. kennedy-center.org/wno/ home/education/opera-in-the-outfield.

Mo Amer: El Oso Palestine Tour at the Warner

Mo Amer is a Palestinian-American stand-up comedian and award-winning writer. He is best known for his breakout role in the hit Netflix series Mo, a semi-autobiographical show, and Hulu’s Ramy. Mo’s comedic talents have taken him around the globe, performing in over 27 countries on five continents. He is a staple in the Allah Made Me Funny comedy tour, performing alongside comedians Preacher Moss and Azhar Usman since 2006. Mo Amer’s El Oso Palestine Tour is at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Aug. 21, 8 p.m.; Aug. 22, 7 and 10 p.m.; and Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Tickets are $37 to $125. warnertheatredc.com.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival

The annual Around the World Cultural Food Festival is on Saturday, Aug. 23 (rain or shine), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., in Alexandria. Now in its ninth year, it has become a one-day cultural journey and the largest cultural food festival in the DMV. Expect: authentic ethnic food vendors; global desserts; live music and traditional dance; DJs between performances; over 100 cultural artisans and handmade goods; two beer gardens; and kids zone and moon bounces. This festival is pet and family friendly. Admission is free. aroundtheworldfestival.com.

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

RFK Deal Incorporates Community Benefits What Does the Community Think?

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The Washington Commanders are one step closer to returning to RFK Stadium. In a controversial first vote on Aug. 1, DC Council passed legislation to lease the 174-acre RFK Campus to the team for 30 years. The bill authorizes $856 million in city bonds for infrastructure and parking and designates the team the site’s master developer. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) says the project will lead to more than $20 billion in economic growth, which Bowser calls “the number one community benefit.”

Many District residents welcome the return of the Commanders. Lifelong District resident Elvis Morillo told council he strongly supported the team’s return to “its rightful home at RFK Stadium.”

“This move isn’t just about football—it’s about restoring a vital part of the city’s identity, culture, and economy,” he said.

Others are wary of the costs. The Council’s budget office estimates the city’s share could reach $4 billion in waived taxes, rent, and debt service over 30 years. Resi-

dents want to know what the development will offer them.

“My community, one of the most impacted by this development, has made its voice clear: we want a future at RFK that invests in us—not just the stadium,” said Ashley Ruff, ANC Commissioner for 7F02 near Fort Chapin Park in the Benning neighborhood.

The Community Benefits

The Mayor has referred to the agreement as a “BFD —a big deal.” The agreement includes a domed, 65,000-seat stadium and up to 6,000 housing units, 30 percent affordable. Bowser said it’s expected to create 14,000 construction jobs. The team would also build a hotel, offices, commercial and park space.

The Commanders would lease five development parcels for $1 per year for 28 years. In addition to the $1

lease, the team has exemptions from property taxes for the stadium, garages, and permanent seat licenses. The team would also get event parking revenue.

A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) valued at $50 million over 30 years earmarks 40 percent of that— $20 million— for a Youth Academy.

Other allocations include $3 million for grocery subsidies in Ward 7, $7 million for local business support, $5 million for workforce development, and $2 million for community events and tickets. The rest is for “undetermined projects,” to be negotiated with Council.

Changes to the law could redirect up to $20 million annually from unused RFK Campus Infrastructure Fund revenue toward a RFK Transportation Fund, councilmembers said during the stadium hearings. The $20 million is a maximum —the actual amount depends on revenue. Such money could support improvements to

“Invest in Us, Not Just the Stadium”

neighborhood news

the Stadium-Armory station, a new Metro station. But highway improvements are an eligible use, according to the law.

The legislation creates a nine-member Community Benefits Oversight Committee (CBOC). Three members will be appointed by Felder, two by the Mayor, and one each by councilmembers representing Wards 5, 6, and 8, plus the Council Chair. That structure means the Mayor and Felder, who supported the deal early on, will together appoint a majority of members.

Community Reactions

“The bulk of our community benefits should go to the community, not a commercial for the Commanders,” said Kingman Park resident Alex Pazmino. She called the CBA “a pittance compared to what they’re getting from us.”

Pazmino, a member of RFK Future (rfkfuture.org), helped draft an alternative $100 million CBA with metro improvements, reduced parking, and support for community arts and youth programs. The process, she said, has felt rushed and unresponsive. “Economic development isn’t going to happen from a football camp,” she said.

At a public hearing July 29, some said the benefits should be spread east of the river. River Terrace has waited long enough for grocery stores, transit, and parks, said resident Candice Gordon. “This is not just about football. It’s about fairness,” she told council.

“[You’re] giving them the sole rights to the lands surrounding the campus stadium to develop for $1 only to accelerate gentrification and displacement,” Kymone Freeman of We Act Radio said at the same hearing.

DC United sold land rights after getting a similar deal in 2013 for Audi Field, Edgewood resident and Greater Greater Washington Board Member Nick Sementelli recalled. The new developer asked DC for subsidies, and the site remains vacant 12 years later. “So much for the anchor effect,” Sementelli said.

That kind of “double-dipping” is barred in the RFK deal: the team can’t request subsidies for affordable housing on leased land. The plan sets development deadlines between 2030 and 2040. Missed deadlines trigger early market rent—estimated at $10 million per year but only for up to five years.

In resolutions passed in June and July, many Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) focused on equity. ANC 7E supported the development but asked for $150,000

over ten years for nonprofits, affordable retail and anti-displacement safeguards. ANC 7F asked that benefits reach residents east of the river, including a grocery store and senior amenities.

ANC 7D passed a resolution urging the District to ensure parking plans wouldn’t increase traffic in the neighborhood, or impede recreational access or future Metro expansion. The team appeared to respond in a July 29 letter to council, saying garage relocation could allow for a new Metro infill station “if it is deemed necessary a full build out.”

Original plans for three garages along Oklahoma Avenue NE drew concerns from Kingman Park residents, who saw them as barriers to the river. In response, the Commanders said they would “consider alternative siting” for two garages and delay the third to evaluate the need for it.

Kingman Park ANC Commissioner Ebony Payne (7D05) wanted to see where the garages would be relocated. “It shows they heard what the community was saying,” she acknowledged. But she noted that the third garage was not gone —just awaiting perceived need. “It probably just pushes that fight down the road,” Payne said.

In May, ANC 6B urged the Council to reject the deal and invest in mixed-use housing, retail, and open space. Their resolution also asked that developers at RFK pay market rent. Recreation advocates spoke for The Fields at RFK, the athletic complex opened in 2019; DC Vault, where skater Jeremy Stettin instructs local youth. The Commanders have promised to preserve open space with diverse uses, including a dog park. In response to community demand, the team committed to keeping The Fields open during construction, Councilmember Allen noted before the first vote.

A $89 million, 100,000-square-foot youth Sportsplex is also planned. But Kingman Park resident Sarah Miller noted the Mayor had proposed that before the stadium deal. “The Commanders should pay for the additional amenities and the doubled cost... for it to truly be considered a community benefit,” she said in council testimony.

The First Vote

Despite misgivings, the bill passed 9-3 on the first vote.

Felder voted yes, calling it a transformative anchor. He decried “hesitation, de -

Kingman Park residents at the marathon July 29 public hearing on the RFK stadium bill. Courtesy: L. Nunn

Map of the RFK Campus site, showing division of the campus into five lease areas and the riparian area along the river. Image: NPS

bate and delay,” pointing to prior investments in The Wharf and Capital One Arena.

“There would not be such debate about public investment if the money wasn’t going east of the river,” Felder said. “Stand with Ward 7,” he urged, “not just in words but in actions.”

Charles Allen voted yes, citing revisions to parking, transit, labor, and the environment. The team has committed to LEED Platinum standards and river protections.

“If I were given full control, this is not the plan I would embrace and ideally, I wouldn’t want a stadium on the site,” he said. “But... I pushed hard with the team and my colleagues to secure many important changes.” Allen said there “is more work to do” before the nal vote.

Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and Robert C. White, Jr. voted no. Nadeau said DC spent years gaining control of the site only to rush the giveaway. “We’re negotiating as if we were a backwater town to be lucky to get anything,” she said. “The city does not owe it to this private organization to subsidize pro ts with residents land giveaways.”

“It doesn’t sit right that we don’t have money for schools, but we have money for a stadium,” Robert White said, noting that four days earlier, Council had cut programs that “feed kids and keep people housed.”

Next Steps

There is still plenty of time for discussion as DC council is on recess through August. At the first vote, Councilmembers indicated discussion around development enforcement would continue until the nal vote in September.

The Council will revisit the bill Sept. 17. Amendments are expected. Until then, residents and lawmakers alike will be watching to see if this $2.7 billion promise lives up to the hype—or becomes another missed opportunity. ◆

Opinion: RFK Is a Good Deal for the Commanders a Good Deal for Ward 7?

by Ambrose Lane, Jr.

Ijoin many DC residents with fond memories of NFL games at RFK who want to see the Commanders return. But I cannot support the current plan, which offers generous subsidies and development rights to the team, promising economic growth, yet provides no direct needed investment in Ward 7 communities. I cannot support an island of opulence and wealth surrounded by a sea of poverty and crumbling communities.

Washingtonians see a rare opportunity: a winning sports franchise returning to DC, bringing a new stadium, team spirit, business development, status, federal support and new tax-paying tourists and residents. The Mayor, some Councilmembers and many residents back this. But the price is steep: nearly $1 billion in taxpayer funds and over $2.5 billion from team ownership. Unless there’s another path.

Budget Austerity?

The proposal comes amid major federal budget cuts pressuring District funds. The District made cuts to programs like Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance, Emergency Rental Assistance, all programs critical to preventing poverty. Council restored some but left many cuts intact. Yet nearly $1 billion remains earmarked for the stadium project. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, once opposed to public funding, now suggests renegotiating the deal for better terms.

Where We Really Are

The Mayor’s and Commanders’ plan includes:

• A domed stadium;

• Office buildings, hotel, housing (affordability unclear) and a sports complex;

• 8,200 above-ground parking spaces, some near Kingman Park homes;

• 30 percent green space.

Broader development—restaurants, hotels, housing— is controlled by the Commanders. Development timelines extend 25 years to the future with minimal penalties. Union jobs aren’t guaranteed. First Source/CBE provisions only commit 20 percent of stadium jobs and 10 per-

cent of contracts to Ward 7 and 8 residents and businesses. Retail and restaurants are excluded.

The Mayor’s economic impact analysis projects:

• 14,000 stadium construction jobs over three years, 16,000 total over seven years;

• 6,000+ housing units, average 1 BR rent $2,300–$2,500;

• 375,000+ sq ft retail/restaurants, 520,000+ office, 800 hotel rooms;

These benefits mainly serve the Commanders. The city receives $1 billion in new spending over three years (not in Ward 7), and $800 million annually by 2030 (still not in Ward 7). The Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025 grants tax exemptions and authorizations, creating funds for debt service and youth sports.

The Commanders get land that could be worth $6 billion post-development for a $2.5 billion investment.

Bittersweet

This shiny stadium will rise in Ward 7, which has:

• Fewest development dollars in 50 years;

• Highest illiteracy rate;

• Fewest sit-down restaurants and full-service grocery stores;

• Second lowest graduation rate;

• High unemployment, chronic disease and poverty rates;

Two-thirds of residents cannot afford this retail, housing, or game tickets. Median household income is $49,814 and the poverty rate 24 percent.

A Grand Plan

Who is this project really for? Ward 7 and 8 residents may occasionally enjoy

a game or meal, but most won’t. According to DMPED, only 12 percent of sports fans attending games are DC residents. Building one glitzy site on the Ward’s west side while surrounding areas crumble is no solution.

In February, I asked the mayor if she supports a “Grand Plan” for Ward 7. She said yes. Councilmember Felder’s Stadium Task Force, made up of trusted community members, is working on a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). But unless legally tied to legislation, it risks becoming another broken promise.

As the mayor promotes the stadium, she no longer discusses a Grand Plan or wider community investment. Questions remain: How many Ward 7 youth will be hired?

The shaded waiting area outside the entry loop to RFK Stadium, as photographed through the construction fence on July 30, 2025. Photo E. O’GorekCCN.

How many residents will own businesses or work construction?

Become a Community Ally

Some mostly White progressives west of the river urge a “no” on stadium subsidies, arguing funds should go to housing and social programs. While I agree, these organizations have not fought for deep investment in Black communities. Groups like Homes Not Stadiums don’t represent Ward 7 and 8 voices. Others like WIN, EMPOWER DC, and No Billionaires at least call for more Ward 7 investment. We need real allies.

A Way Forward

In February, I asked the Mayor to commit to restore Langston Golf Course, enhance Kenilworth Park Track, strengthen the farmers market and renovate the DC Armory. We need a Business Improvement District or authority to ensure the Ward 7 community controls benefits. This stadium deal can be good for the Commanders and the city—but only if it becomes a good deal for Ward 7 residents, addressing long-standing inequities and investing deeply in our community’s future. Otherwise, it risks becoming another example of wealth and opportunity bypassing those who need it most.

Ambrose Lane, Jr. is Chair of the Health Alliance Network and Ward 7 resident, father and longtime community leader. u

Ambrose Lane, Jr.

The Man from Anacostia 28 Percent of Voters Elect a Councilmember

by Philip Pannell

The results of the July 14th special election for Ward 8 councilmember are like a political Rorschach inkblot test. People can view the same data and arrive at different interpretations and conclusions.

On election night Trayon White, the winner, triumphantly exclaimed that “the people of Ward 8 have spoken.” Well, at least the 28 percent of those who voted spoke his name with their ballots. He is undoubtedly the most well-known resident of Ward 8 and with seven elections under his belt he had the highest name recognition. Yet, 72 percent of the voters clearly rejected the indicted and expelled former councilmember. So, some can say his is a Pyrrhic victory that may have future negative repercussions for Ward 8.

Some political pundits opined that White’s victory is the result of the three other candidates splitting the votes. But the results showed that those candidates finished relatively close to each another and it is fair to say that they were all viable candidates. It is understandable why they rejected any suggestions that they drop out.

For the advocates of ranked choice voting, the results are a dramatic example of the need to institute that electoral reform which mandates that a candidate must win an election with a simple majority of the votes. It is ridiculous and profoundly anti-democratic that an election can be won with 28 percent of the votes. In 2021 Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced legislation to establish rank choice voting (aka instant runoffs) but the myopic troglodytes that are the DC Democratic Party leaders stood in the way of that progressive reform. Their top priority is maintaining status quo politics and an electoral system that is basically a protection program for incumbents. Had Henderson’s reform been adopted four years ago, a different winner may have prevailed in the Ward 8 special election.

The DC Council recently approved the funding for ranked choice voting and

it may be in place for the 2026 elections unless the Republican pharaohs on Capitol Hill block its implementation.

My overarching concern about the results of the Ward 8 special election is the embarrassing low turnout. Voting in DC is extremely convenient. All those registered to vote received ballots by mail and they did not have to pay for stamps to return them. They had a month of opportunities to vote by mail, drop boxes or in person. Yet only 15 percent of those registered participated in the election.

What goes through people minds who receive over-

sized, yellow and black envelopes with ballots and they do not use them? Ward 8 does have a high percentage of adults with literacy challenges and political activists have yet to develop a collective strategy for how to engage them in the electoral process. However, the abysmal turnout in the Ward 8 special election was reflected in all demographic categories. I had several community leaders tell me that because it was a special election during the summer and with the prevailing prediction that Trayon White’s election was a foregone conclusion most people were not motivated to vote.

Nevertheless, the election is over and the question is how does Ward 8 move forward politically. The DC Council will most likely seat the winner and the community will have to wait until next year for the result of his trial. So, in less than a year, Ward 8 may once again be without a councilmember.

The DC Council spent $400,000 of the taxpayers’ money to investigate Trayon White. The members concluded that he had violated its code of conduct and unanimously voted to expel him. In advance of that vote, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson described White’s actions as “quintessential corruption.” Has the result of the Ward 8 special election made that corruption any less quintessential? Will the John Wilson Building become an edifice that houses corruption? Will it become a local reflection of who is in the White House two blocks away?

In my opinion, the tragedy of the Ward 8 special election is not who won but that our collective community standards have descended to the lowest denominator of decency. It is sad that bad behavior can be overlooked, accommodated, rationalized, justified and rewarded. Maybe I am just out of touch with what is going on nationally and locally. I care about ethics, honesty and integrity. My core values will not be changed because of any election, be it national or local.

Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@ comcast.net. u

ANC 7D Report

Proposed Streetcar Changes

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met July 8 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Katie Murphy (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06, vice chair), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Commissioners Joshua Taborn (7D01) and Ashley Schapitl (7D09) were absent. Single Member District (SMD) 7D02 remains vacant.

In May 2025, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced a plan to launch a “next generation streetcar” by 2029 as a part of the Grow DC FY 2026 budget plan. This plan to “re-envision” the streetcar involves implementing transportation that does not utilize fixed tracks and eliminating the Benning Road extension project. While Bowser outlined plans to replace the streetcar with electrified buses, the Mayor “also has not dedicated funds for dedicated bus lanes to accompany those buses,” Transportation and Public Space (TSP) Committee Chair JP Gresh said. The Mayor’s office also indicated that the current street cars are “approaching their lifespan limit” and would need to be replaced, he added.

What about the costs associated with extending the streetcar and if the investment could lower the cost per ride? asked Commissioner Murphy. The price tag for extending the tracks to Benning Road is $100 million, he said, while acknowledging estimates vary greatly. The estimated annual operating cost of the streetcar is $10 million which translates to a cost per ride of $10 to $15, said Gresh. There are no current fares levied on riders which, he argued, contributes to the “disparity between the operating costs and the anticipated revenue which is zero [dollars] per year.”

While funding concerns remain, ridership is on the rise. The DC Streetcar’s online tracker reports 836,438 rides so far in FY25. Ridership decreased significantly during the pandemic with a dip from more than 1.1 million riders in 2019 to a low of 267,093 in 2022, according to the tracker.

The streetcar’s recovery, a TSP committee member said, has been “faster than any other streetcar in any other city.” The streetcar is on track to reach about 1 million riders before the end of the fiscal year. “It’s a full recovery more or less,” she added.

Funding for public transportation along the Benning Road corridor, Commissioner Friend, argued, should be a priority regardless of the streetcar’s fate. Friend expressed concern about the loss of public transit options for residents. “We don’t want to lose out on this funding and this public transportation,” he said. “If they say “this electric bus is coming” and then the electric bus never comes, then we’ve lost another Ward 7 transportation option.”

The commission voted to send a resolution in support of the ongoing operation of the DC Streetcar and recommend that any funding resulting from changes to its service be reinvested into neighboring communities.

Other Matters

CityInterests Development Partners representative Michael Hodas briefed commissioners on the Parkside Planned Unit Development (PUD). Hodas highlighted progress on parcels 9A and 9B which plan to include 209 workforce and market-rate apartments and about 15,000 square feet of retail space.

ProLogis representative Monica Ray gave an update on the Benning Road construction project. In December 2023, Pepco sold 10 acres of decommissioned land to the company, who specializes in real estate relating to supply chain logistics, often manifesting as warehouses. The project is currently advancing through the permitting process and construction is estimated to begin in 2026 with completion scheduled for 2027. A tenant for the space has not yet been identified.

The Commission Voted To:

• support the zoning application for renovation and expansion plans of So Others May Eat. The organization plans to renovate and expand an existing building at 2 18th St. SE to convert it from a nonconforming rooming house with 57 units to an apartment building with 61 units.

• support the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for a special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing attached two-story principal dwelling at 515 21st St. NE.

ANC 7D will meet next on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. u

ANC 8F Report Commission Requests Emergency Juvenile Curfew

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8F met both in-person at 250 M St. SE and online via Zoom on July 15. Present were Commissioners Vice Chair Markita Bryant (8F02), Chair Brian Strege (8F03), Secretary Edward Daniels (8F04) and Treasurer Liam Goodwin (8F05); Commissioner Nic Wilson (8F01) joined via Zoom.

The ANC unanimously supported a letter to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith, formally asking for an emergency juvenile curfew in Navy Yard within the boundaries of ANC 8F from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for a four-day period from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13. Within the Juvenile Curfew Zone, persons 17 and under are prohibited from gathering in a group of nine (9) or more in any public place or on the premises of any establishment unless engaged in certain exempted activities such as travel for employment or accompanying a parent or guardian.

The vote came just after an appearance from Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D), Chair of the DC Council Committee on Public Safety and Justice. Pinto highlighted her legislative work, pointing to the comprehensive public safety omnibus bill she introduced the previous year and noting that there had been a 47 percent reduction in violent crime since she became chair. A new “Peace Plan” bill passed this year merges violence interruption programs, supports workforce recruitment for police and fire departments, and provides job and housing opportunities for people with criminal records. She not-

ed recent budget actions, including funding for ranked choice voting. Finally, she noted ongoing negotiations to bring the Commanders football team back to RFK Stadium, emphasizing housing and community bene ts.

During her presentation, Pinto thanked the ANC for their support of the emergency legislation that allowed MPD to institute earlier juvenile curfews in designated zones to prevent disruptive and violent behavior, emphasizing that the measure is not intended to increase police interaction with youth but to keep the community safe. She pointed to the zero arrests during institution of the emergency curfew the previous weekend as evidence of preventative success.

Lockridge on Therme DC

Wanda Lockridge, Director of Community Engagement for Therme DC, presented on the proposed anchor for development at Poplar Point in Ward 8, on the shores of the Anacostia River opposite Navy Yard, between the Frederick Douglass and 11th Street bridges.

The indoor/outdoor spa and recreational facility will include intergenerational spaces, recreation areas with saunas, communal bathing and water slides but also food and beverage options with arts and entertainment. Therme is investing $500 million in the project, Lockridge said, expecting 2.1 million visitors per year. The distribution of visitors is expected to mirror that in other locations, about 80 percent locals and 20 percent tourists.

The facility, expected to open in 2031, will anchor mixed development of the 110-acre site but still awaits land transfer from the federal government. The land is still in the portfolio of the National Park Service (NPS). An environmental assessment (EA) and land use plan, both in process, must be completed prior to transfer. Commissioners expressed concern about the impact of the number of visitors on parking and transportation. Lockridge noted that the facility is planned near to a new metro station entrance with plans to expand the nearby WMATA parking garage. Asked about bene ts to local business, Lockridge emphasized Therme’s commitment to ex-

ceeding the requirements for use of Certi ed Business Enterprises (CBEs) and employment of residents. She said there are plans for future discussions of community bene t agreements (CBEs) with the ANCs.

Asked about a New York Times article that questioned the company’s ability to fund and develop the project, Lockridge said the story focused on a Canadian project (located in Toronto, Ontario). Lockridge said the umbrella company is nancially strong, with assets of $1.5 billion reported just two weeks ago. She said that DC o cials have vetted the DC proposal “and it was clean cut”. There was no vote on the matter.

In Other Business:

The ANC voted to:

• Unanimously support a letter to DDOT and WMATA asking them to remind their employees not to park in neighborhood pickup and drop o (“PUDO”) zones. In introducing the letter, Daniels noted the spaces are intended for ride share and delivery driver use and said that Department of Transportation (DDOT) and WMATA employees are placing their hats in those cars “like a parking pass” while blocking the zone, causing congestion of travel lanes and danger to pedestrians and cyclists. The letter asks that DDOT and WMATA send out a reminder to the employees to follow speci c parking protocol rather than blocking PUDO spaces.

• Support an application for a medical cannabis retail license as well as the settlement agreement (SA) for Say High (125 L St. SE). Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the applicant has a signed SA with the ANC with set conditions around noise, parking and deliveries.

ANC 8F meets on the Third Tuesday of the month. Many ANCs do not meet in August. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 16. Find more information and how to join at anc8F.org ◆

Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/ 82241895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuX w1vbrC1rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d

7d08@anc.dc.gov

7D04 – River Terrace 7d04@anc.dc.gov

neighborhood news

CAN I KICK IT? East of the River Outdoor Movie Screening Experience

CAN I KICK IT? (CIKI?) outdoor movie events bring a unique fusion of cinema, hip hop and martial arts culture. This summer this award-winning experience came East of the River for the rst time for a three-night series. The two remaining movies are on Saturdays, Sept. 20, at Skyland Town Center, The Last Dragon and on Oct.25, at the CHBC Art Gallery lot, I’m Gonna Git Yo Sucka. Both screenings will kick o with a guest DJ set by a local DJ, followed by the feature lm at 8:30 p.m. and will be scored live by DJ 2-Tone Jones. All Movies are free and open to the public.

Friends of Kenilworth Gardens Seeks Board Members

Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is on the lookout for people who are interested in serving as board members to help ensure good governance, strategic direction and accountability. They are looking for individuals with a passion for the mission, ideally with skills in fundraising, nance, accounting, and human resources. They value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and encourage all interested individuals to apply. All interested individuals should email sheena@fokag.org.

Art & Memory: Telling Your Story Through Creativity

On Thursdays, Aug. 21 and Sept 18, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., celebrate the power of storytelling through artistic expression at the Anacostia Community Museum, l910 Fort Pl. SE. In A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900–2000, discover how DC’s most in uential artists and educators wove their family, community, and personal experiences into their work. Then,

create your own meaningful piece incorporating portraits or photos from your life, connecting your story to the legacy of Black arts education. Recommended for lifelong learners. Registration recommended. anacostia.si.edu.

Summer Workouts at Anacostia Skating Pavilion

Every Saturday through Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Anacostia Skating Pavilion, 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE, join the 11th Street Bridge Park for a mind and body experience open to all ages and abilities. Here’s the schedule: 10 a.m., senior tness; 11 a.m., cardio and movement; and noon, mindfulness and restoration. bridgepark.org/workout.

Fusion Festival at the Anacostia Arts Center

Dynamic Arts, Culture, Tech, and Small Businesses are a fusion of in uences derived from a wide variety of human experiences. As America approaches its 250th birthday, newer pathways for small business owners, thinkers, and creatives are emerging.

Photo: Sonya Pencheva

8 Mindfulness Activities at Asian Art Museum

Free FlowWell Yoga with The Bridge District

Join FlowWell Yoga, in partnership with The Bridge District, 600 Howard Rd. SE, for free community yoga every Thursday through Sept. 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.—plus two weekend classes on Saturdays, Aug. 16 and Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Led by Stephon J. Bradberry, 2025nalist for DC’s Best Yoga Teacher, these weekly sessions are open to all bodies, all levels, and all neighbors. Expect: free community yoga, accessible to all; a beautiful open-air setting at The Bridge District; music, joy, and community care; and special guests and wellness giveaways. Bring a Yoga mat and water bottle. For more information, visit bridgedistrictdc.com/single/ ow-east-of-the-river-with- ow-well/.

An activity is considered “mindful” if it helps you slow down and feel more present, often by focusing on the senses like sight or sound. Today’s concept of mindfulness draws from ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions, as well as broader Asian cultural practices that value intentional, meditative experiences. The National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, o ers spaces to explore these traditions through art and history. Mindfulness opportunities include online meditation, slow-looking activities, sketching tours, music and art pairings, coloring, classroom resources, garden re ection, and book recommendations. Learn more: asia.si.edu/whats-on/blog/posts/8mindfulness-activities-at-nmaa.

This year’s theme, Transformation, will challenge participants to explore the possibilities. On Sept. 27, noon to 6:30 p.m., at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Marion Barry Rd. SE, experience a day of carefully curated panels, workshops, and happy hours with a focus on skill sharing and cultural cohesion. General admission tickets are $81.88. anacostiaartscenter. com/events.

Good Times Community Festival at THEARC

This year, the Good Times Community Festival is on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2 to 6 p.m., at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. buildingbridgesdc.org.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership i city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC4ME

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District governmentbased instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME VA Loan Product

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

The DC4ME VA Loan Product is a VA mortgage product offered by the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA). In addition to the traditional VA benefits, like no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, this product includes 3% assistance, funded by DCHFA, that can be used toward eligible closing costs or prepaid items. This makes the DC4ME VA Loan Product one of the most affordable and accessible loan options for qualified military-connected borrowers.

neighborhood news

Community Rallies to Reopen the Anacostia Playhouse

After 18 months of silence, the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE—a hub for arts, storytelling, and community in Southeast DC—is preparing for a comeback. A GoFundMe campaign has launched to raise funds for reopening. The e ort is led by Anacostia Playhouse DC, a new nonpro t dedicated to restoring the theater. Returning to help guide the process is Adele Robey, founding Executive Director of the original Playhouse, who helped launch it in 2013. While not involved in the 2024 closure, Robey has rejoined with renewed energy and vision. The campaign is also backed by ARCH Development, a long-time Ward 8 nonpro t known for championing local arts, culture, and small business development in Anacostia. Support for the reopening is growing citywide—artists, creatives, theater companies, educators, DC agencies, elected o cials, and residents are lending their voices. “This is about more than reopening a building,” said Robey. “It’s about reopening opportunity, joy, and community.” For over a decade, the Playhouse served as a launchpad for original productions, youth programs, and community events. Its 2024 closure was a major loss for Ward 8 and beyond. Bit.ly/reopenAP.

Summer Evening Live Music at the Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden invites visitors to come to enjoy owers, live music, and refreshments on the third Thursdays of August and September. On Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. Musical groups will perform in the Conservatory Garden Court beginning at 5 p.m. each date: Aug. 21: Tornado Rose. An upbeat Americana and bluegrass band featuring gorgeous vocals and high- ying strings. And Sept. 18: TrapCellist. Area native Chanel Kelly will blend classical technique with modern genres including R&B, soul, and hip-hop on acoustic cello. Lemonade, botanical non-alcoholic mocktails, and snacks available for purchase. Free and tickets are not required. Plan your visit at usbg.gov.

Live! Weekday Concert Series on Wilson Plaza

On weekdays, through Sept. 26, noon to 1 p.m. on Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, enjoy free lunchtime performances featuring the area’s most talented entertainers. Enjoy a variety of musical avors, such as Go-Go, jazz, bluegrass folk, reggae, rock, country, pop rock and more. There’s plenty of outdoor seating. rrbitc.com/live-concertseries-on-the-plaza.

Applications Open for 2026 Atlas Intersections Festival

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival showcases powerful multidisciplinary performances that inform, inspire, educate, and entertain. Centered around STORY, MOVEMENT, and SOUND, the festival fosters community connection, engages artists and audiences, and celebrates diverse perspectives that re ect our shared humanity. The application deadline is Aug. 15, 5 p.m. atlasarts.org.

Phillips Collection Call for 2026 Juried Invitational Exhibition

The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, has issued an open call for its Juried Invitational, accepting submissions

through Sept. 30 or until 1,000 entries are received. The call is open to artists ages 18 and older residing in the DC–Baltimore area, including select Maryland and Virginia counties. Selected works will be featured in an exhibition from Aug. 1 to Sept. 20, 2026, continuing founder Duncan Phillips’s legacy of supporting regional artists. The museum encourages submissions that re ect its values of experimentation, equity, accessibility, and social purpose. Accepted artists will be announced by Dec. 15, 2025. Details: PhillipsCollection.org/open-call.

Zip & Paint with Rain Young at the ACM

On Saturday, Aug. 16, noon to 2 p.m., join artist Rain Young in a fun workshop that allows artists to express their creativity on wearable art. This class will teach various techniques for painting on denim, including fabric paint application, color blending, and design transfer. Learn how to create a design and mix primary colors to create a one of kind piece of art ready for wear or display. Painting supplies, stencils, etc. will be provided. Participants should bring their own jeans or jean jackets, patches, or any other fabric design items they would like to apply. 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Theater Alliance 2025-2026 Season: A Pop-up with Purpose

Ground Broken on Fort Davis Community Center and Park

On July 23, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by District leaders and community members to break ground on the new Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE. The $27.5 million project encompasses a new 28,960-square-foot community center and improvements to the surrounding 4.6-acre park site in Ward 7. The new building will include a tness center, a full indoor basketball court, an elevated indoor walking track, a commercial kitchen, multipurpose rooms, a game lounge, and a dance studio. The park site will be improved with resurfaced tennis courts, a basketball court expanded to regulation size, an updated picnic pavilion, a new entry plaza with public art, an extended playground, and improved landscaping.

Southwest Floating Residences Tour

On Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Southwest DC’s liveaboard community opens its doors for a self-guided tour at the Wharf Marina. Visitors can explore over 20 unique boat-homes—houseboats, barges, cruisers, and sailboats—and talk with residents about the liveaboard lifestyle. Advance tickets are required: $25 per person, $45 for two, and $20 for 20024 residents. No day-of tickets are available. Proceeds bene t local charities including Amidon-Bowen PTA, Potomac Riverkeeper, DC Sail, Southwest Methodist Church Food Pantry, and St. Augustine’s neighborhood programs and others. The marina is along the Washington Channel. Tickets and info: dchouseboat.org.

Theater Alliance (performance space at 340 Maple Dr. SW) announces a bold lineup of new works that speak directly to the challenges and possibilities of the world we inhabit. Featuring two premiere productions and the return of the Hothouse New Play Block Party, the 2025-2026 season continues Theater Alliance’s long-standing commitment to socially conscious theater. Here’s the lineup: Fire Work, Aug. 28 to Sept. 21-A dystopian comedy blazing with humor and revolutionary spirit; Furlough’s Paradise, Oct. 30 to Nov. 23--A lyrical homecoming about what we carry, who carries us, and the freedom we dare to imagine; and Hothouse New Play Block Party, spring 2026—A festival of new plays. theateralliance.com. ◆

Theater Night

Must-see Pop-up Performances Across the DMV this Summer

by Matthew McClure

This month’s column’s a little different. To celebrate summer and the cornucopia of exceptional talent we’re lucky enough to enjoy in DC, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best pop-up performances across the city over the next few months. From punk rock in a church to classical music in a forest, from opera to exhibitions and musicals, we’ve got it all. Read on for our curated selection.

On the Lawn Dance on the Lunar Lawn Dance Institute of Washington Hillwood Estate and Gardens

Aug 13, 5:30-8:30pm hillwoodmuseum.org

The Hillwood Estate served as the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post from the 1950s until her death in 1973. Perched atop a wooded rise in the Forest Hills neighborhood of NW DC, the fabulously wealthy cereal heiress filled her home with art and antiques, much of which can still be enjoyed during visits to the estate’s museum today. Arguably one of the estate’s main attractions are the gor-

geous gardens which Post designed as a series of outdoor rooms. On August 13th you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the famous Lunar Lawn at the front of the main house while also enjoying a performance by students of the Dance Institute of Washington as part of Hillwood’s Dance on the Lunar Lawn programming. Tickets range from $5 for children between 6 and 18, and $30 for non-Hillwood members. Pack and picnic basket and bring your lawn chair.

On the Walls

Beautiful, also are the souls – Anacostia Arts Center Opening Aug 14 anacostiaartscenter.com thedapproject.com

Everyone east of the river knows the Anacostia Arts Center. Containing exhibition space, a black box theater, shops and a business hive, it’s a hub for neighborhood events, festivals, church services, exhibitions and activations. Wacif, the owners of the Arts Center since 2021, recently announced a multi-million-dollar renovation and redevelopment project for the Center. In recognition of the cultural, social and historical importance of the institution, Wacif have tasked Rhonda Henderson of The Dap Project to curate an exhibition honoring the lives of everyone that’s been irrevocably changed by their time spent at the Center.

Materials for the exhibition were gathered through oral history and photographic workshops that highlighted special moments and contributions from participants 2013 until the current moment. Henderson says that the exhibition title, Beautiful, also, are the souls, is a tribute to the Langston Hughes poem My People and was chosen to evoke the Center’s ethos of community. Henderson is still soliciting donations of photographs for possible inclusion in the exhibition, so go to www.thedapproject.com to share a special moment you’ve experienced at there.

In the Park

To Wong Foo – The Musical Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion

Showing August 21, 8pm olneytheatre.org

For a few months in summer, Olney Theatre Center in Maryland’s Montgomery County returns to its historic roots as a summer playhouse by hosting a series of concerts, musicals, plays and performances on its outdoors stage at Omi’s Pavilion. This month, the Olney Outdoors 2025/26 season of musical theater offers up glitz, glamor and impossibly high heels in Douglas Carter Beane’s musical adaptation of the cult classic 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. Who can forget jaded NYC drag queens Vida Boheme, Noxeema Jackson and Chi Chi Rodriguez’ inadvertent detour to the tumbleweed town of Snydersville, USA? With lyrics by Lewis Flinn, this rip-roaring musical farce is just what’s needed to “Make America Drag Again.’ Buy yourself an all-access pass to the whole lineup of Olney Outdoor shows running from July 31st to August 24th. It’s only $175 and includes additional show discounts.

In the Basement

American Idiot in Concert – Spooky Action Theatre Showing August 22-24 monumentaltheatre.org

With a name inspired by one of Albert Einstein’s most famous observations of the effects of quantum entanglement, Spooky Action Theatre hosts equally intriguing performances by emerging and experimental artists that are meant to challenge and provoke. Reclaim the misspent days of your youth by channeling your inner Punk-Rock emo at American Idiot in Concert, a nostalgic return to early noughties America as told through the powerful, highenergy lyrics of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool.

On the Stage

IN Series St. John the Baptist – Theater Alliance pop-up 340 Maple Dr, SW Showing October 2-5 inseries.org

Thanks to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Pop-Up Permitting Pilot Program, Theater Alliance and its creative

A photograph to be featured at the Beautiful, also, are the souls exhibition at the Anacostia Arts Center. Photo: Ed Underwood.

partners have transformed a vacant retail space in SW DC into an energetic hub for the performing arts. IN Series, a long-time friend of Theater Alliance, will transform the black box theater into the court of King Herodes for the stage premiere of St. John the Baptist. Coproduced with Catapult Opera with music by Alessandro Stradella and text by Bari Biern, this biblical tale of the vengeful stepdaughter of King Herod and her insatiable bloodlust features the iconically scandalous Dance of the Seven Veils, which many sopranos refused to perform and that got the opera censored in Vienna and London.

In the Garden

Tregaron Unplugged –Washington Performing Arts

Tregaron Conservancy

Showing October 4, 3pm washingtonperformingarts.org

Within walking distance of the National Cathedral, nestled between the Cleveland and Woodley Park neighborhoods, is 13 acres of lush parkland designed by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman. Originally part of two summer estates dating back to 1880 and 1911 respectively, the Tregaron Conservancy is an oasis of pastoral calm that was laid out by Shipman according to Beaux Arts principles and designed to serve as the backdrop to uniquely DC summer estate architecture by Charles Adams Platt. This October, the Conservancy (in partnership with Washington Performing Arts) will host Tregaron Unplugged, an afternoon and evening of musical program-

ming by quartets, ensembles and vocalists inspired by the serene tranquility of the estate. Amble from one recital to another while enjoying the fall foliage and the soothing notes of Jazz, Classical and Americana. Best of all? It’s free. The full lineup of musical artists is still to be announced, so follow @tregarondc on social media for updates and make your reservation right now.

At the Church

Wu Han, David Finckel, Benjamin Bielman Trio Takoma Park SDA Church 6951 Carroll Ave.

Showing October 4, 7-9pm ahwconcerts.org

The Takoma Park Seventh Day Adventist Church congregation is over 120 years old. With its vaulted ceiling, intricate carved wooden fretwork, bronzed chandeliers and a rose window to die for, it’s the ideal location to enjoy the musical stylings of Wu Han on piano and David Finckel on the cello, accompanied by Benjamin Bielman on violin. The chances are good that you’ve already heard recordings of Han and Finckel. They’ve performed across the country and the world and are the Artistic Directors for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. They’ve redefined Chamber music for an entire generation and will be performing this fall as part of the Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert Series, with tickets starting at $35 for general admission and running up to $100 for VIP seating. Students get in for free. u

Changing Hands

A 2023/24 Season performance at Tregaron Conservancy. Photo courtesy Washington Performing Arts.

“Instruments”

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Kimono sash

4. Marge and Homer’s neighbor

7. Antelope with tufted tail

10. Top stories

16. What homeowners don’t pay

18. Valuable rock

19. Chocolate substitute

21. Showy bloom

22. Liberace’s prop

25. Quartet member

26. Aligned

27. Covet

28. Sugarland “Take Me ___ Am”

30. Now

31. Part of SEATO

32. Hanging strand

36. Away from port

40. Confidentiality agreement, for short

42. Makes drinkable

45. Carnaval site

48. It’s scratchable

50. Vasco da ___

52. Implant

53. Novices

56. 2nd letter addendum

58. Celebratory cheer

59. Oboe and clarinet

60. Stringed instruments

66. N.F.L. stat, abbr.

67. More impertinent

70. Life jacket named for a star

71. Bonnie’s companion

73. French wine term

74. Zoo critter

75. Relaxes

77. Pennsylvania city

79. Rear

82. Wind instrument

84. Instrument played with a bow

86. Investment return, abbr.

87. Ambulance inits.

88. Fairy tale meanie

92. Not quite

96. Writer Hunter

99. Assayer’s samples

100. Snap shots

101. Without end

103. ___ bowl

104. Coral formation

106. Fan

108. Common contraction

111. Winchester, e.g.

116. Foot phalange

117. Independent organic cell

119. Enter cautiously

120. It may be crashed on cue

125. Singer’s accompaniment

128. King of pop

129. Betting game

130. International Bollywood star (last name)

131. Spanish boy

132. Filches

133. Relaxation area

134. Atlanta-based channel

135. Mavericks’ city, on scoreboards

Down:

1. Elliptical path

2. Solution to gas

3. Out of favor

4. Neighbor of Swed.

5. Memorable period of time

6. Naysay

7. Nicaragua city

8. Persona ___ grata

9. German sub

10. One who receives counseling

11. James Clavell best seller “___-Pan”

12. Despite that, briefly

13. Down

14. Second-century date

15. Kyoto honorific

17. Top model, Banks

19. They’re good with nos.

20. On TV

23. “Naked Maja” painter

24. Raiding grp.

29. Down in the dumps

33. Tax form ID

34. Cup handle

35. Big name in insurance

37. Respect title

38. Spider is one

39. Rocket

41. Rock band equipment

43. It may be French

44. Chester White’s home

45. Accordion part

46. Chemical endings

47. Strange

49. Snarky laughs

51. Foundation series writer

53. Taste

54. Is in Barcelona

55. Martial art

57. Spook

61. Aired again

62. Wrinkled plums

63. Listen

64. On one’s ___

65. Brief rule

67. Bring into harmony

68. Mix up

69. Oil source

71. Fox rival

72. Article at the Louvre

75. Letter-shaped fastener

76. Carpenter, sometimes

78. Kruger or Bismarck

79. Prefix with plane

80. Display muscles

81. Lookout point

83. French reply

84. Unit of radioactive activity

85. Medium like perception

86. Grammy nominee in 2007: Corinne Bailey ___

89. Blow it

90. Peruvian capital?

91. Compass point

93. Pal

94. A, in Acapulco

95. Squeals

97. Prescott state

98. Yet to hit the shelves

102. Roarer

105. Lady in Munich

107. Lots

109. Shed

110. Burning

112. “The doctor ___”

113. Stinky

114. Tropical woody vine

115. Register

118. Gossip

119. Protection

120. IV amounts

121. Swerve off course

122. Dr.’s order

123. Jazz dance

124. Inn serving

126. One of the finest

127. Red wine, in slang