Shaw Streets by Ralph Brabham
Old City Green’s New Location on Rhode Island Ave
Bahl and narrated by WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi. Also featured will be flutist Emma Resmini, the youngest student ever admitted to the NSO’s Youth Fellowship program. Immediately following the concert, enjoy the ever-popular Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo,” a project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO. The culminating event will be a concert by the full NSO at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium, Jan. 14, at 7:00 p.m. The closing event will be led by NSO Music Director Christoph Eschenbach and NSO Principal
Old City Green – Shaw’s beloved garden center since 2008 – relocated to 925 Rhode Island Ave. NW in December 2013. Its new home is in the courtyard in front of Shaw Middle School, a DC Public School facility shuttered in 2008. Old City Green closed for the winter after selling out of Christmas trees and will reopen at its new location in March. The open-air shop’s lease at 9th and N Street NW ended on December 31 in anticipation of a mixed-use development planned for the site. That project should commence in early 2014.
Reformation Fitness Opens on 9th St.
Reformation Fitness opened at 1302 9th St. NW in December 2012. The exercise studio specializes in smallgroup, integrated pilates equipment classes, including the reformer, chair, and mat. Using the latest approaches in exercise science and sports medicine, each class is designed to maximize results in a safe, encouraging, but challenging environment.
National Symphony Orchestra in Shaw
The National Symphony Orchestra presents a week of free activities in early January. The weeklong program, NSO in Your Neighborhood, runs Jan. 8-14. Members of the orchestra will break into small ensembles to perform chamber music and conduct educational activities. The NSO’s performances during this period will be free of charge, thanks to a gift from Irene Pollin.
Over 20 events are planned for the week, ranging in content and taking place at a variety of venues. Events include roundtable discussions, film screenings, ensemble performances, and more. Some events require advance registration through the NSO website. An opening event will be at the Howard Theatre (620 T St. NW) on Jan. 8, 7:30-9:00 p.m. The kick-off celebration features members of the orchestra in an evening of chamber music and jazz at the newly renovated theater. An ensemble performance will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at Shiloh Baptist Church (1500 9th St. NW). Musicians Carole Bean (flute), Jamie Roberts (oboe), Edward Cabarga (clarinet), Steven Wilson (bassoon), and James Nickel (horn) will play classical works for youth and families. On Saturday, Jan. 12, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St. NW), a family concert will take place. The NSO will perform children’s favorite “Peter and the Wolf ” led by Assistant Conductor Ankush Kumar
hood,” said NSO Executive Director Rita Shapiro. “The rich musical history of the U Street area, Howard, and Shaw immediately attracted us. We are grateful for Irene Pollin’s generosity, which allows the orchestra to go out into the local community and offer free admission to all events.” More information, a full list of activities, and online registration can be found on the NSO website at http:// www.kennedy-center.org/nso/community/NSO_iyn.cfm.
A&D Neighborhood Bar Open
A&D Neighborhood Bar opened on Dec. 5, 2012, at 1314 9th St. NW. A&D is the latest venture of the creative forces behind nearby SUNdeVICH (1314 9th St. NW, rear) and Seasonal Pantry (1314½ 9th St. NW), Ali Bagheri and Dan O’Brien respectively. The tavern features craft cocktails, beers, and a small kitchen where Bagheri and O’Brien take turns dishing out a number of delicious treats.
New Destination for Coffee Lovers Open
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Inside A&D Coffee Bar at 12th and S. Opening night at A&D Coffee Bar. Photos: Ralph Brabham
Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. The celebrated soprano Jessye Norman, a graduate of Howard University, will perform, and the program will include the Washington premiere of George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 4, co-commissioned by the NSO. This year’s NSO in Your Neighborhood follows on the heels of last year’s successful event in Columbia Heights. “We were gratified by the reaction to our events in Columbia Heights last year, and decided to continue with another DC neighbor-
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area’s commercial corridors, the Coffee Bar opened in December at 1201 S St. NW, across from Garrison Elementary School. The beautifully renovated building dates back to1880, and the new coffee shop has a charming, comfortable, and beautiful interior. TCB features a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, teas, and other beverages, as well as baked goods from local pastry maker Hawthorne. Known also as TCB, the bar is the brainchild of owner Cait Lowry, who has significant experience in the coffee business. Her resume includes time at Pound the Hill, Yola, Baked and Wired, and Buzz Bakery. u midcitydcnews.com u 27