District Fray Magazine | December 2022

PICTURED:

Relax responsibly�. Corona�Hard Seltzer Spiked Sparking Water with Natural Flavors. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL

ROBERT KINSLER

Publisher robert@unitedfray.com

MONICA ALFORD

Editor-in-Chief + Director of Media monica@unitedfray.com

BRANDON WETHERBEE Managing Editor brandon@unitedfray.com

NICOLE SCHALLER Assistant Editor nicole@unitedfray.com

JAMIE MCCRARY

Contributing Editor jamie@unitedfray.com

MICHAEL CLEMENTS

Editorial Consultant michael@unitedfray.com

JULIA GOLDBERG

Editorial Designer julia@unitedfray.com

CLAIRE SMALLEY Production Designer claire@unitedfray.com

TOM ROTH Key Account Manager tomroth@unitedfray.com

MARTIN ESPINOZA

Senior Director of Events martin@unitedfray.com

FOR THE LOVE OF D.C. What a year it’s been. We’re looking back on a fabulous 2022, from the introduction of new issue themes like Urban Adulting, Adventures in the DMV and The Experimental Issue to revived and revamped staples of our annual editorial calendar including Hustle and The New Wave of D.C. Fashion. We are quickly approaching the three-year mark of our inaugural District Fray issue, which debuted in March 2020. It’s near and dear to our hearts for many reasons, chief among them that our friend and collaborator, No Kings Collective’s Brandon Hill, illustrated our “For the Love of D.C.” cover. It seemed only fitting to breathe new life into that iconic work of art fit for a mural (maybe one day!) for our last issue of the year. We’re celebrating all of our favorite people, places and things in the city this year throughout the issue. I also had the pleasure of interviewing some of the cultural connectors helping D.C.’s creative scene thrive including Events DC’s new president and CEO, Angie Gates, and style icons and patrons of the arts José Alberto Uclés and Tom Noll. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season, and thank you so much for your continued support in keeping our magazine and creative community healthy and thriving. We’ll see you in the New Year, and in the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite behindthe-scenes moments from 2022 on the following pages.

MONICA ALFORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TOP. José Alberto Uclés, Monica Alford + Tom Noll. Photo by Tony Powell. BOTTOM. Monica Alford with Events DC President + CEO Angie Gates. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

Heart-of-gold chefs Marcelle Afram and Christian Irabien cutting up at our June cover shoot, focused on changemakers of D.C. hospitality.

by Andrew J. Willams III.

Photo

The lovely Alex Appah of Chocolate City Skate posing post-cover shoot for our Hustle Issue. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

Cultural connector, No Kings Collective co-founder and May cover star Peter Chang at the Hirshhorn with EIC Monica Alford.

Photo by Jonathan Thorpe.

Nearly 500 suit jackets, 250 shirts, 160 vests, 115 pairs of shoes, 90 cufflink sets and 84 ascots in José Alberto Uclés + Tom Noll’s “Peacock Closet,” shot for this issue by Tony Powell.

Badass artistic director and EIC Monica Alford’s crush Maria Manuela Goyanes of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company onstage for the Performing Arts cover shoot. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

October cover models JeweLie Anderson and Alex Shin posing outside Jumbo Slice in AdMo for our Fashion Issue shoot, inspired by cover photographer Scott Suchman’s vision. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

LETTER FROM

ANGIE GATES TAKES THE REINS AT EVENTS DC

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD PHOTOS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

Angie Gates welcomes me in a state-of-the-art studio at the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) the way a hostess would to an old friend coming over for Sunday dinner. The New Orleans native embraces me with open arms as if we’ve known each other for years and then makes the rounds, introducing herself to each member of my team and cutting up with the OCTFME crew, who she describes as her extended family. Her sincerity is effortless, and it sets the stage well for an intimate conversation about her brand-new role as CEO and president of Events DC.

The former OCTFME director and DC film commissioner started the next chapter of her career on November 14, bringing 20 years of experience in events management and entertainment with her to D.C.’s official convention and sports authority. Gates first came to the District for a job at Warner Theatre, where she ultimately became the first African American general manager. While she initially had doubts about her move — chief among them, if squirrels existed in our concrete jungle — there is no doubt in her mind that D.C. has become home. From second line parades in the Big Easy to go-go shows in the nation’s capital, the transition to another vibrant community felt seamless.

We sit down for our interview less than a week before Gates takes the reins at Events DC, and just days after Mayor Bowser’s reelection for a third term. Our conversation begins and ends the same way, with Gates beaming and speaking passionately about our city and her plans to help keep it thriving. Read on for a glimpse into the self-described entertainment buff’s goals for her new role, commitment to supporting our creative community and what makes her tick, whether it’s playing a party guest in “The Nutcracker” or dancing to go-go like no one’s watching.

District Fray: What drew you to this opportunity and why did it feel like the right fit for you at this stage in your career?

Angie Gates: It gave me a chance to continue to make a difference in our great city. I’ve had a career in entertainment. I’ve had a career in managing venues. I’ve had a career working with entertainers and doing large-scale events. That was totally in alignment with my career path, so I was very interested in the position. I also had a chance to work with the predecessor on the ReOpen DC committee [a Covid-19 task force designed to help reopen D.C. safely and sustainably] and learned a lot about the organization. Anytime there’s an opportunity to grow and make a difference, I definitely take full advantage of it.

What are your top three priorities in the first six months of your new role?

It’s very important to know the people on your team. We have to collectively work together to build a creative economy here in Washington, D.C. so I’m going to do a listening tour internally with the team. I’m also going to do an external listening tour with stakeholders and constituents. I’m going to work closely with the Hospitality Alliance: Destination DC, the Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. I really want to spend some time closing the deals. What’s out there that’s going to be a large-scale event — whether it’s conventions and meetings, a sports and entertainment event or something geared toward

our creative services — that’s going to really put people to work and fill our hotel rooms? What deals are pending that I can quickly close? One of the things I’ll focus on long term is looking at where we were prior to the pandemic, and really getting back to that point and excelling beyond it.

What is at least one major goal you hope to reach one year from today?

I tend to be a person who wants to accomplish anything historic that hasn’t been done before. I want to make it a point to really elevate what we’re doing from a sports and entertainment perspective. D.C. should continue to be a worldclass city, but I want us to be the model everyone is looking at. I want to get the phone call that not only do we want to rent your facility and come and host our meetings here, but what are you doing that we can do in our city? I want us to be a household name — not only in Washington, D.C. but nationally and internationally.

Walk me through the 9th Street retail project. We refer to it as the streetscape project. This is going to give us an opportunity to really transform the exterior of our facility. You’ll see everything from world-class art, retail kiosks and beautiful planters, but it also gives us an opportunity to engage the local businesses and retail in the area — particularly in the Shaw neighborhood. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to engage one-on-one with the community and really start to highlight our facility, not only for the people visiting from a tourism perspective but also engaging the individuals out in the community.

What other projects will you be focused on in the shortterm? Are there any wards that take priority? All wards matter. We have a wonderful venue, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, that we’re really looking to do more activities in. We have something to offer in every ward. We have RFK Stadium. We also have Carnegie Library and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. But my main [priority] is making sure anything we’re doing has an inclusive and equitable approach, and that we’re showcasing all the venues we have in our portfolio and engaging the community in the process.

Why does D.C. feel like home? Why are you passionate about our city’s creative scene in particular?

I consider D.C. the capital of creativity, but what actually has locked me into D.C. is the people. After going through Hurricane Katrina and losing everything, it was like, “Where can I find that camaraderie of people and togetherness? Where can I find that music? Where can I find that culture?” And that is what I found very quickly in D.C. I found my family here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m a proud resident of Ward 6.

Tell me about your experience working at Warner Theatre.

On day one, I had a revelation. Someone was telling me the history: At one point, African Americans weren’t allowed to come into the theater. When African Americans could come in, they could only come into the balcony area. Within a year or so, I became the first African American general manager of the Warner Theatre. That was not only a historic moment but an enlightening moment that with time, things change.

I really grew a lot while I was there. When I left, I was gone two or three years, and when I came back, I had a guest role in “The Nutcracker.” I went from the general manager to being on stage. This is how life comes full circle.

What sets our creative community apart from what’s happening in other cities?

The hustle and grind of our creatives. I have never seen a group of content makers and creatives who work as hard as they do here in Washington, D.C. We have such a diverse and vibrant creative community. There are people who are working their 9-to-5 jobs and then fulfilling what they want to do through their passion when they’re not working. That’s one of the things we highlight and will continue to highlight at Events DC. There’s a tourism component here. Look at our culture. Look at our fabric. Look at our creatives here in Washington, D.C.

What can the city do to further support our creatives? Being part of the creative community makes a difference. For example, as a government, we can’t make the decisions. We’re here to implement the decisions. We can’t dictate what’s necessary. It’s important for us to listen to our creative community, which we’ve done, and be able to launch the resources and the services. Nothing’s better than allowing an opportunity for the government and the creatives to have a seat at the table together, and that’s what we’ve done. We’ve done that with 202Creates [Mayor Bowser’s initiative to engage residents through community-focused events, activities and resources] and our residency program. That’s what I will be doing at Events DC: engaging the community and making sure we’re bringing large-scale events that showcase the talent of the creatives.

Mayor Bowser just won her third term. What about her reelection are you most excited about? I’m super excited with her being D.C.’s first female, threeterm mayor. That’s historic. Mayor Bowser has made a lot of investments in the creative community. I’m really excited about some of the opportunities we’ve recently seen with the launch of the Encore Program, providing grants and subsidies. Sometimes, it’s not always finances. It’s having resources available for the creative community. I’ll give an example: After going through a pandemic, launching programs like Care for Creatives [pay-what-you-can mental health services for local creatives] and maintaining them, because your mental state of mind is just as important to be at your top potential creatively. Those are investments I know she will continue to make. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m here to activate and create initiatives and really do some additional things through Events DC, as well. Our creative community has to maintain, sustain and grow here in Washington, D.C.

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies?

I like to cook. I guess that’s just growing up in the South. I would cook with my grandmother and my mother, so I love home-cooked meals. I’m a movie buff. And as quiet as it’s kept, I’m a dancer. I like to dance, and I don’t have to go anywhere to dance. I’ll just turn some music on in my house and cut a jig and dance around. I’m a creative at heart. I’m an executive producer for films and documentaries. I spend a lot of time

just writing my creative thoughts down. At some point, I think I’m going to compile everything together. I think there’s a book in the making.

Who inspires you?

My mom and my grandmother, because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be sitting in this seat. I’m also inspired by what we’re doing today. This inspires me. You inspire me. I believe in what is called the minute mentor. I believe you can be around someone for 60 seconds and will have something you can take away from them. I’m often inspired by the little girls I run across. When they talk about what they want to do, it inspires me to keep forging ahead and pushing forward and shattering any glass ceilings that may exist. It becomes an inspiration.

What words do you live by?

Faith over fear. There’s a sign that’s at my front door. I see it before I leave my house every day, and it says, “Faith over fear.” I’ve had to rely on that throughout my career. I’ve had to remind myself of that from time to time. Faith over fear is what I live by, and it hasn’t failed me yet.

Learn more about Events DC’s initiatives and upcoming programming at eventsdc.com. Follow on Facebook @OfficialEventsDC, Twitter @TheEventsDC and Instagram @eventsdc.

DMV SOUNDS

WORDS BY BRANDON WETHERBEE

From bluegrass to classical, pop to post-punk, the final month of 2022 sounds timeless and timely. Long-running beloved local bands headline quite large venues and power pop welcomes in a new year. Whether you’re looking to sway or slam dance, there’s an option for you. And get tickets now. Most of these shows will sell out in advance.

12.2

Junior League Band at Black

Cat

The Junior League Band has been at it for quite a while. That’s a good thing, especially in their genre. The laid back, bluegrass-inspired Americana is one of the few musical stylings that sounds better with age. Enjoy a late fall evening swaying back and forth in a punk venue. $20. 8 p.m. Learn more about Junior League Band at lissyrosemont.com and follow @juniorleagueband. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

12.6

NSO Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert at The Anthem

It’s good to remind yourself the National Symphony Orchestra is a local band. You live (I’m assuming you’re reading this where we publish but if not, maybe consider moving to D.C.) in one of the best music cities in the world. Take advantage and see some of the best musicians while you don your ugliest sweater. $25-$40. 8 p.m. Learn more about the NSO at kennedy-center.org/nso and follow @natsymphonydc. 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc

12.16

Truth Cult opens for Hotline TNT at

is a testament to the city’s greatness. The five-piece fills the At the Drive-In sized hole in your musical heart. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the current ATDI/Sparta/Mars Volta contingent, but the urgency isn’t there like it used to be. You can hear the urgency in Truth Cult, especially on their “Tour ‘22 Tape,” featuring the standout “Roadside Picnic.” $15-$18. 7 p.m. Learn more about Truth Cult at truthcultband. bandcamp.com and follow @truthcultband. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc

12.17

Oh He Dead at 9:30 Club

Oh He Dead is similar to Junior League Band. They’ve been doing their thing for a long time (in band terms). Their stuff gets better with age. Their fan base is growing at a positive clip, as evidenced by this 9:30 Club headlining spot. For fans of Valerie June and The California Honeydrops, Oh He Dead is good on record and great live. If you happen to book music festivals, specifically of the outdoor variety, it’s hard to beat Oh He Dead. $25. 8 p.m. Learn more about Oh He Dead at ohhedead.com and follow @ohhedead. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

12.31

Bad Moves at Quarry House Tavern

Songbyrd

I didn’t want to call this column D.C. Sounds because Baltimore has a hell of a lot of great artists and Truth Cult

Truth Cult. Photo by Skylar Watkins.

Ring in the new year (well, almost new year since the show begins well before midnight) with a heavy dose of power pop! The D.C. four-piece has some harmonies that’ll please New Pornographers fans, jangly guitar for the Matthew Sweet contingent and charm on the level of Superchunk for the Merge Records crowd. Listen local, party local. $15. 7 p.m. Learn more about Bad Moves at badmoves.bandcamp. com and follow @badmovesdc. 8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; quarryhousetavern.com // @quarryhousetavern

Wrap up 2022 with festive theatre productions, a range of New Year’s Eve options and much more. Plan ahead. Make your fun possible.

COMPILED BY OLIVIA JUENGER

Through 12.11

“MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING”

The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when the ON AIR sign is lit. Shakespeare’s cherished romantic comedy lands in a cable newsroom where sparring co-anchors Benedick and Beatrice trade barbs behind the news desk. Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; shakespearetheater.org // @shakespeareindc

Through 12.18

COSMIC GARDEN

The exhibition will include videos from Holly Bass’ performances from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s and Maps Glover’s performance work from 2015 to 2020. Glover and Bass recognize creating public archives of their experiences as Black artists preserves their importance in history. This work is informed by the Black experience, particularly how video documentation has been used to legitimize and validate Black life in a society that seeks to erase Black people’s humanity. Free. 6 p.m. Mobile Art Gallery: 1st and M Streets in NW, DC; culturaldc.org // @cultural_dc

NOTE. All descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.

Through 12.31

ICE!

A signature holiday attraction, ICE! is back in 2022! Experience “A Christmas Story” brought to life through magnificent sculptures hand-carved out of more than two million pounds of ice. Various times and prices. Gaylord National: 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; christmasatgaylordnational.com // @gaylordnational

12.1

NIKKI LANE

Nikki Lane’s stunning third album “Highway Queen” sees the young Nashville singer emerge as one of country and rock’s most gifted songwriters. Blending potent lyrics, unbridled blues guitars and vintage ’60s country-pop swagger, Lane’s new music will resonate as easily with Lana Del Rey and Jenny Lewis fans, as well as Neil Young and Tom Petty. $25. 7:30 p.m. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

12.1-12.3

JANELLE JAMES

Janelle James made her DC Improv debut summer 2021. Since then, she’s become a breakout star on one of the hottest TV comedies “Abbott Elementary” and got rave reviews for her Netflix special released last winter. $25-$35. Various times. DC Improv: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

12.1-12.23

“SNOW MAIDEN”

High in the mountains, deep in a snow-covered forest, an extraordinary friendship comes of a lonely boy’s hopes for a friend. On Christmas morning, he builds a companion from snow and the snow maiden magically comes to life. Their friendship blossoms until the snow begins to melt around them. Told through dazzling movement, dance and acrobatics, “Snow Maiden” is a heartwarming story of love, hope and the transformative powers of awe and wonder. Based on the beloved 19th century folktale “Snegurochka” by Alexander Ostrovsky, “Snow Maiden” is an original production created and directed by Helen Hayes Award-winning choreographer and Synetic Co-Founder Irina Tsikurishvili. Various times and prices. Synetic Theater: 1800 S Bell St. Arlington, VA; synetictheater.org // @synetictheater

12.2

BRELAND:

HERE FOR IT TOUR

With the arrival of his instantly iconic debut single “My Truck,” New Jersey-born artist BRELAND emerged as a bold new force on today’s music landscape. Now certified platinum, the wildly catchy hybrid of hip-hop and country hit No. 1 on

Spotify’s Global Viral 50 and earned the admiration of country superstars like Keith Urban, while a high-powered remix featuring hitmaker Sam Hunt landed on best-of-the-year lists from major outlets like NPR and The New York Times. $15-$50. 7 p.m. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

THE DOLLY DISCO: THE DOLLY PARTON INSPIRED COUNTRY DANCE PARTY

Giddy up girls for the Dolly Disco: the Dolly Parton Inspired Country Dance Party. This is for the 9-to-5 workin’ girls with a calling from another era who just want something a little classic. Join us in Rainbowland where you’ll dance with somebody, hand-in-hand to the music of Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Orville Peck, Shaina Twain, Cher, Whitney Houston, The Chicks, Madonna, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow and more. Wrangle your country-disco dancing queens and go party. $20. 8 p.m. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

DUBAI RETURNS

See another side of the late, great actor Irrfan Khan (“Life of Pi,” “The Lunchbox,” “Slumdog Millionaire”) in this hilarious gangster movie parody from director Aditya Bhattacharya (“Raakh”). Shot in 2005 but virtually unavailable to see until now, it stars Khan as a former hitman who returns to India after lying low in Dubai following his last job: a hit on a highprofile target. Much to his chagrin, he finds out that someone else has taken credit for his work while he was away, and he resolves to restore his honor by any means necessary. Free. 7 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, DC; asia.si.edu; rthtindia.eventive.org // @natasianart

12.3

HORSES DIE AT DAWN: LOS CABALLOS MUEREN AL AMANECER

When Ione moves into the home of the late García siblings, she discovers their lives remain latent in the objects they left behind. Through a piano, hundreds of drawings, thousands of pictures and loads of tapes, she pieces together the characters of this film. Antonio worked as a comic artist for the Bruguera publishing house; Rosita was an opera singer and a pianist. Along with their brother Juanito, they transformed their home into a space of creativity, using fiction as an escape from the dark reality of the Franco dictatorship. Inside the walls of their home, the García siblings became classic film stars, World War II soldiers, gangsters, astronauts, sci-fi heroines, lonely cowboys on an eternal journey to the west. Their memory houses the history of the 20th century. Years later, with new inhabitants, their home is still a place where an alternate life is possible. Free. 2 p.m. National Gallery of Art: Constitution Avenue and 4th Street in NW, DC; nga.gov // @ngadc

Couple enjoys the ICE! sculpture exhibit at Gaylord National. Photo courtesy of venue.

12.3-12.4

NATIVE ART MARKET

Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian hosts its annual native art market featuring works by more than 35 award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from the Western Hemisphere. The weekend event offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary handcrafted artworks including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery and sculpture. Free. 10 a.m. Diker Pavilion: 4th St. SW, DC; americanindian.si.edu // @smithsoniannmai

12.3 + 12.24

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MIA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Event starts with a festive breakfast feast, complete with take-home treats for children and Prosecco bellinis for adults. Then, you’ll meet Santa Claus and take a keepsake photo with him — an experience that truly brings Christmas to life for any child. $34+. 8 a.m. Mia’s Italian Kitchen: 100 King St. Alexandria, VA; miasitalian.com // @mia_italian_kitchen

12.4

DAZY, DIM WIZARD

One amp. One mic. One person. Countless hooks. That’s the Dazy formula. Since first releasing the single “Bright Lights

B/W Accelerate” August 2020, Dazy mastermind James Goodson has been writing, recording and releasing new music like a man on the hunt to find the best pop hook, and he won’t stop until he’s put all of them into his songs. Showcasing a unique set of influences, Dazy’s sound marries thumping drum machine beats, blasts of feeding back guitar and sugar-sweet hooks into something that sounds like Godflesh covering Oasis — or maybe the other way around. With lean songwriting that recalls Teenage Fanclub with a homerecorded production style better suited for Big Black, Goodson builds a constant churn of abrasive, consuming noise and then makes it catchier than anyone else would ever dare to. $18.54. 9 p.m. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; cometpingpong.com // @cometpingpong

THE JINKX & DELA HOLIDAY SHOW

The Queens of Christmas (“Entertainment Weekly”) are back with the wildly successful, internationally-acclaimed Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show. Another holiday season brings another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening The New York Times says is sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter. Sold out. Secondary tickets start at $159. 7 p.m. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc

As You Are exists to hold and cultivate a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Café by day, bar and dance lounge by night, As You Are welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons, from all walks of life, and allies in a versatile haven for queer expression and connection.

500 8th St. SE, DC | 202-506-1440 asyouaredc.com | @asyouaredc

Enjoy a casual getaway whatever the season with beach-inspired bites and arcade games galore. book your next company Happy Hour or birthday celebration at the biggest indoor/outdoor bar in the nation’s capital!

boardwalkwharf.com | @boardwalkwharf

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC | 202-695-7529

LOCAL H

Local H remain as prolific and hungry as ever three decades into their perennially loud career. Shortly after the release of their critically-acclaimed, Steve Albini-produced album “Lifers” in 2020, the world changed forever with the onset of the global pandemic. After facing tour cancellations around the world, Local H became one of a handful of trailblazing acts to formulate and embrace the drive-in experience, producing multiple sold-out shows across the Midwest, in addition to their massively successful live concert events streamed from their rehearsal space. $22-$40. 8 p.m. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

OPEN MIKE EAGLE: COMPONENT SYSTEM TOUR

“Anime, Trauma and Divorce” is Mike Eagle’s first full-length album on Auto Reverse and the most personal project of his career. Reeling from the collapse of his marriage, he probes the darkness of his past and searches for lights to guide him forward. This is the sound of a broken man sifting through the pieces while trying to rebuild. Do you disassociate by envisioning yourself as the lead in your favorite anime, or do you reflect on your headass behavior? Tattoos and beer or push-ups and smoothies? Executive produced by renowned rock producer Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M.), the album’s few features include Auto Reverse artist Video Dave and Eagle’s son. “Anime, Trauma and Divorce” finds Eagle virtually alone, doing his best to reject the humor that will not cure his ills. All is not well, but he’s never been better. $17-$20. 7 p.m. Songbyrd Music House: 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc

12.5

RUPI KAUR

Through the power of her voice, Rupi Kaur brings a captivating performance to the world stage in an all-new spoken word poetry experience. Audiences are taken on a journey of personal loss and love, growth, mental health, community, friendship and strength. These universal themes take center stage as original music scores the show and projections immerse audiences. Performing new unpublished pieces, poems from “Home Body” and greatest hits from her iconic books “Milk and Honey” and “The Sun and her Flowers,” join Rupi on her world tour as we reconnect with each other and most importantly, ourselves. $39+. 8 p.m. Lincoln Theater: 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

See all your favorite superstars including Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, Austin Theory Alpha Academy, The Street Profits, Alexa Bliss, Damien Priest and many more. $20+. 7:30 p.m. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; capitalonearena.com // @capitalonearena

12.6-12.18

THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Based on one audience suggestion — a title for a play that has yet to be written — The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised masterpiece before your eyes, delivering off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of Shakespeare. $35+. 8 p.m. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

12.7

BAD MEDICINE

The Bad Medicine Show is high energy sketch comedy with a bent toward the dark, absurd reality of life. Each show brings you new hilarious characters, videos, music and of course sketches about situations you hope you’ll never be in. They love to give folks an evening of laughter, but deep down Bad Medicine is simply a group of friends trying hard to forget the political town they live in. $17. 7:30 p.m. DC Improv: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

DC101-DERLAND

2022

Jimmy Eat World, Spoon, The Struts, Silversun Pickups, TALK. Need I say more? $75-$125. 6 p.m. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc

FOUND

FOOTAGE FESTIVAL: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Joe Pickett (“The Onion”) and Nick Prueher (“Late Show”) take audiences on a guided tour of their greatest VHS finds, providing live commentary and where-are-they-now updates on the people in these videotaped obscurities. $15. 7 p.m. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA; arlingtondrafthouse.com // @arlington_drafthouse

12.8

ANA EGGE

Ana Egge grabbed hold of her life as a musician early on. As a teenager, she built her own guitar and moved to Austin, Texas to observe, absorb and take risks. The striking depth and unusual maturity of her singing, playing and songwriting got her noticed, and she recorded her first album “River Under the Road” (1997) with the legendary western swing band Asleep At The Wheel. The Austin Music Awards named her Best Singer/ Songwriter and Best Folk Artist. Over the ensuing years and nine subsequent CDs, Egge has made good on that promising debut. $18+. 8 p.m. AMP: 11810 Grand Park Ave. (4th floor) North Bethesda, MD; strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

BITCHIN BAJAS WITH TALSOUNDS

The musical trio from Chicago play meditative and textured music with hypnotic and rhythmic overtones combining electronic and acoustic instruments. $20-$30. 7 p.m. Rhizome DC: 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc

12.8-12.9

JOHN MULANEY

Don’t miss your chance to see hilarious John Mulaney on his From Scratch Tour. $153+. 8 p.m. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave, National Harbor, MD; mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com // @mgmnationalharbor

12.8-12.10

RACHEL FEINSTEIN

Rachel Feinstein is a nationally touring comedian and actress. Huffington Post called her “the only comedian we’ve seen who can go from embodying her grandmother in one breath and a predatory guy on the street in the next and be equally convincing at both.” She has had three Comedy Central specials, including the most recent “Amy Schumer Presents Rachel Feinstein: Only Whores Wear Purple.” Various times and prices. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA; arlingtondrafthouse.com // @arlington_drafthouse

12.8-1.22

“WICKED”

The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald green skin: smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships until the world decides to call one “good” and the other one “wicked.” Various prices and times. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

12.9

AN EVENING WITH PATTERSON HOOD OF DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

Hood is a prolific writer and performer whose characterdriven stories are packed with political subtext. He is best known as front man, singer-songwriter and guitar player for the critically-acclaimed rock n’ roll band Drive-By Truckers, but is also a writer of essays, columns and short stories, as well as a solo performer and producer. $35+. 8 p.m. City Winery: 1350 Okie St. NE, DC; citywinery.com // @citywinerydc

tenderness and delivered flawlessly. You will taste the difference in every single bite.

Jennafer Newberry as Glinda + Lissa deGuzman as Elphaba in the National Tour of “Wicked.” Photo by Joan Marcus.

STARS: THE CHRISTMAS ANYWAY TOUR

For Stars, Capelton Hill is a place where things don’t change. The same scrappy chairs sit on the porch year after year, the same ancient stove haunts the kitchen and old wood boards grow pale under the sun. But around these things, people grow and age: The years march on, unforgiving, and remind us that like our parents and grandparents, we too will no longer exist here. The new record from Stars is about this place, these relationships, the inevitable decay of them all and the joy and life that happens in between. $29. 8 p.m. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

WHITNEY

This musical spectacle has swept the country with their unsurpassed musical prowess and a proven track record of producing award-winning shows that critics have called unsurpassed and ultimate. $34.50. 8 p.m. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; fillmoresilverspring.com // @fillmoresilverspring

12.10

CHRISTMAS LEGEND – MODERN NUTCRACKER BALLET

Ukrainian American choreographer Olga Aru is bringing “The Nutcracker” into the 21st century. Audiences will be dazzled by glamorous Christmas festivities through a sophisticated, modern story twist. $33. 4 p.m. Source Theatre DC: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; culturaldc.org // @cultural_dc

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

More than 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing their products, just in time for the holidays. Free. 11 a.m. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria, VA; thecarlylecommunity.com // @carlylecouncil

12.11

EMMYLOU HARRIS

Already celebrated as a discoverer and interpreter of other artists’ songs, 12-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris has, in the last decade, gained admiration as much for her eloquently straightforward songwriting as for her incomparably expressive singing. “Big Black Dog,” is one such example. With its loping canine-like rhythms, it’s also a true tale about a black lab mix named Bella. Harris, who runs a dog shelter called Bonaparte’s Retreat on her property, rescued Bella from the Nashville Metro pound and provided an especially happy ending to her story: “She goes on the tour bus with me now, along with another one of my rescues. I think of all the years on the road I wasted without a dog. They make it so much more pleasant. I’m making up for lost time now, that’s for sure.” $10+. 8 p.m. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; live.hamiltondc.com // @thehamiltondc

Explore Dupont’s favorite Italian restaurant. Our dishes are made with fresh ingredients delivered daily. Don’t miss out on our bottomless brunch on the weekends. We also offer catering services for your next party or event. Book with us today!

dupontitaliankitchen.com | @dupontitaliankitchen

1637 17th Street NW, DC | 202-328-0100

Hamilton’s Bar and Grill has great drink specials, fantastic comfort food and top notch service. Come check out our ALL-DAY Friday happy hour with $2 PBRs and High Lifes and you’ll see why we’ve been a Capitol Hill institution since 2006.

hamiltonsdc.com | @hamiltonsdc

232 2nd St. NW, DC | 202-347-6555

WEEN

Ween is a rock group formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania when Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, Jr. met in a junior high school typing class. The pair became known as Gene and Dean Ween. $59.50+. 8 p.m.

The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; fillmoresilverspring.com // @fillmoresilverspring

12.13

HOT 99.5’S JINGLE BALL PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

The next iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Washington, D.C. show will take place at Capital One Arena. Fans of Pop and all music fans across the D.C. area might enjoy being in the crowd at Capital One Arena for the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball show. $40. 7:30 p.m. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; capitalonearena.com // @capitalonearena

12.14

FIND YOUR RHYTHM WITH TANGO MERCURIO

Embark on a 6-week journey to refine your tango toolkit to be a more musical dancer. In this series, you will explore how to activate various textures within the embrace, learn to dance with the entire body and explore different elements of movement to propose and receive with your partner in harmony with the music. Each lesson will include training

to apply the tools to different tango orchestras and tips for adapting to different dancers. $25. 8:30 p.m. La Cosecha: 1270 4th St. NE, DC; lacosechadc.com // @lacosechadc

12.15

THE SLACKERS, BIG D & THE KIDS TABLE

For 31 years, the NYC-based and critically-acclaimed Slackers have been touring the world with their blend of ska, reggae and soul. Since 1991, the Slackers have released 15 albums and countless singles, while their thousands of live performances feed their fans with energetic sets of ecstatic music. $25. 7:30 p.m. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

SLOTHRUST

Leah Wellbaum has never been afraid of her own humility or honesty. But she’s never quite examined it the way she has now with “Parallel Timeline.” On Slothrust’s latest album, bandleader Leah Wellbaum pushed herself to try and understand her own spirituality on a deeper level, putting a lens on the core wound of the human experience, the idea that we’re alone. With “Parallel Timeline,” Wellbaum explores the feeling of being trapped inside her own consciousness while simultaneously searching for a meaningful connection to the universe and all the mysteries it contains. $16-$18. 8 p.m. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club

Located on the Rooftop at Union Market, Hi-Lawn is one of D.C.’s largest, most expansive rooftops for outdoor dining, drinking and socializing. We’ve got fun events every night of the week, from trivia and bingo nights, to live music and DJs, plus lawn games, picnics, grilled eats, creative cocktails, all with city views.

hilawndc.com | @hilawndc 1309 5th St. NE, DC | 202-481-0958

“CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE”

This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Various times and prices. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. National Harbor, MD; mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com // @mgmnationalharbor

12.16

MCLUSKY

Formed in the late 1990s and releasing music — if that is what it was — from 2000 to 2004, Mclusky disbanded soon afterwards in a slow-motion farce of not enough drama to get press off the back of it. Now they are back — well, most of them — fueled initially by spite. They’re enjoying it too much not to do it. They are writing new music, some of which may be released, if they decide it is good enough whilst currently touting around the 20 year old album “Mclusky Do Dallas” like a valuable chicken. This tour is their first North American tour dates in 18 years. $25. 8 p.m. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

12.17

2022 CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PARTY & TOY DRIVE

Kick your holiday spirit into full blast. Come enjoy the National Press Club’s children’s holiday party and toy drive. You can expect kid-friendly hors d’oeuvres, music, activities and a holiday magic show. And yes, Santa will be there taking holiday photos. $15. 11 a.m. National Press Club: 529 14th St. NW, DC; press.org // @pressclubdc

STORY DISTRICT’S “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”

No man is a failure who has stories. Inspired by holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we’re telling true seasonal stories on the themes of generosity and greed, the power of community and the interconnection of humanity. Earn your wings at Story District’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” $25. 7 p.m. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

12.18-12.23

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET

The 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village, kicks off the holiday season November 18. The beloved outdoor market continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure and enhanced shopping experience in the heart of the District this year. Free. 12 p.m. Penn Quarter: 8th and F Streets in NW, DC; downtownholidaymarket.com // @downtownholidaymarket

12.19

2022 GARDEN OF LIGHTS

Brookside Gardens has transformed into a magical winter wonderland for Garden of Lights. Walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout 50 acres in Wheaton. More than one million dazzling and colorful LED lights are handcrafted into original works depicting animals, flowers and other natural elements. $10. 5:30 p.m. Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD; montgomeryparksdc.com // @montgomeryparks

12.19-12.22

“THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER”

This holiday mash-up is back by popular demand and celebrating its 10th anniversary season. Join Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they set off for a magical adventure in modern day New York City. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” features Tchaikovsky’s classic score punched up by allstar contemporary and hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist and Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Innovative visual effects transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of modern urban life. Through this remixed and reimagined version of the holiday classic “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” takes audiences on a journey that celebrates love and community. $34-$68. 8 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

12.21

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS

Enjoy cult film director John Waters’ classic Christmas show at this favorite Alexandira venue. $59.50. 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; birchmere.com // @thebirchmere

quincyhallbar.com | @quincyhallbar

kellysirishtimesdc.com | @KellysIrishTimesDC

A massive beer hall featuring three-day fermented pizza dough by global pizza guru Giulio Adriani, Quincy Hall touts an eclectic selection of draft beers, cocktails, wine and a huge patio. Perfect for watching sports and available for private parties and corporate gatherings, Quincy Hall combines fun and delicious!

Kelly’s Irish Times is a quaint, sometimes boisterous Irish pub, with great food, perfect cold pints, a wicked cast of characters behind the bar and a world-class jukebox.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Straight No Chaser will bring audience members to their feet once again as they perform their marvelous a capella ensemble. Nine guys, nine mics and a theater full of fans. That’s all that Straight No Chaser needs to put on undoubtedly the best a capella performances known to man. $49-$118. 7:30 p.m. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave. Oxon Hill, MD; mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com // @mgmnationalharbor

12.21 + 12.22

THIEVERY CORPORATION

Twenty five years into their genre-defying electronic music career, Thievery Corporation’s founding principles of D.I.Y. and inclusion have become key themes in mainstream social conversation. After a dozen highly acclaimed full-length albums, remix LPs, concert recordings and more than two decades of incendiary live performances that have thrilled audiences worldwide, Thievery Corporation’s music and message is more relevant and important now than ever. $55. 7 p.m. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

12.23

MIDNIGHT GLOW AND CHILL — THE BLACKLIGHT PAINT SOCIAL

Do you want to do something very different? Are you ready to create something pretty unique? Look no further and prepare to smother a canvas with glow in the dark and neon blacklight paint for a painting and experience like no other. $15-$55. 11 p.m. DCI: 924 H St. NE, DC; paintamore.com // @ipaintamore

12.24

“8 ½”

A filmmaker (Marcello Mastroianni) — torn between his mistress (Sandra Milo) and his wife (Anouk Aimée) and lacking inspiration for his next picture — escapes into childhood memories and sexual fantasies. Interweaving reality, memory and dreams, Federico Fellini’s “8½” won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and has influenced generations of moviemakers. Free. 2 p.m. National Gallery of Art: Constitution Avenue and 4th Street in NW, DC; nga.gov // @ngadc

Spider Kelly’s is your local neighborhood bar. In 2016, Spider Kelly’s converted parking spaces behind the bar into a huge beer garden. The space has plenty of room to host priviate events.

spiderkellys.com | @spiderkellys

3181 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA | 703-312-8888

Book your next private event at the ‘CLUBHOUSE.’ Email us to learn more about what we have to offer and how its free.

sudhousedc.com @sudhousedc

1340 U St. NW, DC 202-525-4188

12.27

LB199X

One word. Genuine. It’s the best way to describe hip-hop lyricist L.B. The D.C.-born and Glenarden, Maryland-raised storyteller is ready to write his life in ink and bring it all to the stage, unadulterated, all cards faced up. With infectious tracks like “Higher,” it’s clear L.B. has been penning songs since early childhood and is no stranger to using music as his medium. $20-$40. 8 p.m. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

FUNK THE FACTS

Trivia night at DC9. Free. 7:30 p.m. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club

12.29

THE PIETASTERS

Performing with Spring Heeled Jack, Eastern Standard Time, DJ Selah. $22. 7 p.m. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

12.30

“UNPLUGGED” R&B AND JAZZ

Enjoy two levels of entertainment: happy hour and live performances with a mixture of R&B and jazz. $Free+. 6 p.m. Union District Oyster Bar & Lounge: 501 Morse St. NE, DC; uniondistrictoysterbarlounge.com // @unionoysterbardc

12.31

COUNTDOWN PARTY WITH ZARNA GARG

Join this rip-roaring holiday show with Zarna Garg and her favorite comedians. Bring your friends, colleagues, wife, mistress (kitchen entrance), teens, tweens, neighbors and haters for this mostly clean (a curse word might slip out, that’s all!) holiday party. $50+. 6 p.m. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

GATSBY’S FIREWORKS NEW YEAR’S EVE YACHT PARTY 2023

This Roaring ’20s-style shindig aboard super-hot luxury yacht Spirit of Washington is all about putting on the ritz this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy 360° views of D.C.’s fireworks, spectacular from the water aboard the ultimate Great Gatsby-inspired party on the water. There has never been a better time to seek an off-land escape on Washington Harbor. Not only does this cruise boast a buffet-style dinner, party favors and a premium open bar the entire cruise; flappers and their fellas can shake their tail feathers to multiple DJs spinning EDM, Top 40, Open Format and more at this all-inclusive, on-board bash that’s bound to be the bee’s knees. $235+. 8:30 p.m. Spirit of Washington DC by Hornblower: 580 Water St. SW, DC; @vipnightlife1

tommy-jones.com | @ bethesdatommyjoes 7676 Standish Place | Rockville, MD | 301-312-8282

Bethesda

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC

Following the lead — and commercial success — of James Brown and Sly Stone, Clinton took Funk to new heights, blending elements of jazz, rock, pop, classical and even gospel into his productions, eventually developing a unique and easily identifiable style affectionately called “Pfunk.” Clinton’s inspiration, dedication and determination resulted in the elevation of “funk” music to complete recognition and acceptance as a true genre in and of itself. $100. 9 p.m. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

2023 HOTEL WASHINGTON DC NEW YEAR’S EVE

PARTY: NYELECTRIC

Ring in the new year at the Hotel Washington exclusive 11th floor VUE Rooftop NYE party lounge overlooking our nation’s capital’s two prized landmarks over the White House lawn. Experience an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party as you indulge in a five-hour premium open bar, heavy passed appetizers and live DJ dancing, all topped off with spectacular city views of our nation’s capital. Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 with NYElectric DC at VUE Rooftop DC atop Hotel Washington. $145+. 9 p.m. Vue Rooftop DC: 515 15th St. NW, DC; vuerooftopdc.com // @vuerooftopdc

A JAZZ NEW YEAR’S EVE: CARMEN LUNDY AND FRIENDS

Ring in 2023 in style. This year’s celebration stars the incomparable vocalist Carmen Lundy joined by some of the

finest musical talent of our era. Lundy is renowned worldwide for her coolly expert, classic contemporary sound. “The Evening Standard” describes it best: “In a world of pretenders, Carmen Lundy is a genuine jazz singer.” $79+. 9 p.m. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

KEVIN ROSS LIVE

Let’s celebrate 2022 and say hello to 2023. Two levels and multiple rooms of entertainment with national recording artist Kevin Ross. DC VYBE performing live, dance the night away in the next level lounge on the 2nd floor. Enjoy a fourhour VIP premium open bar, VIP tables with bottle service, party favors and lavish dinner buffet. $60+. 7:30 p.m. Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf: 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW, DC; hilton.com // @hiltonhotels; @kevinrossmusic

15TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL

Add mystery and magic to your New Year’s Eve with our 15th Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. With its posh decor that mixes modern with Asian decadadent twists, our venue Umaya will transport you into a labyrinth unlike other D.C. venues. Our DJ will be spinning the best mix in open format music including dance, hip-hop, reggaeton, international, pop, latin and more. $45+. 9:30 p.m. Umaya DC - Izakaya: 733 10th St. NW, DC; umayadc.com // @umayadc

The German themed beer garden’s Oktoberfest will feature four weekends chock-full of German cuisine, live bands, Bavarian games, DJ parties and of course lots of beer. The event is held from September 16 to October 9. More information can be found on our site. 1101 1st St. NE, DC | 202-123-4567 wundergartendc.com | @wundergartendc

NEW YEAR’S EVE: RARE ESSENCE + TROUBLE FUNK

Trouble Funk burst onto the scene in the 1980s with signature hits like “Pump Me Up” and “Drop the Bomb.” They toured the world alongside George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, UB40 and Def Leppard. The band’s music has been sampled by Will Smith, Public Enemy, EPMD and the Black Eyed Peas. $50-$75. 9 p.m. Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; thehowardtheatre.com // @howardtheatre

ROMA PRECEDED BY TOBY DAMMIT

“A story of a city.” According to its director, Fellini’s “Roma” weaves together a series of images of the Eternal City, from the 1930s to the turbulent era of the 1970s, with mad rushes of psychedelic splendor. Preceded by “Toby Dammit,” which is loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe’s “Never Bet the Devil Your Head” and was released as part of the Poe-inspired omnibus project “Spirits of the Dead” alongside segments by Louis Malle and Roger Vadim. Free. 2 p.m. National Gallery of Art: Constitution Avenue and 4th Street in NW, DC; nga.gov // @ngadc

THE SATURDAY SHOWCASE (D.C.’S BEST COMEDY SHOW)

This show will be in a very large upstairs room in one of D.C.’s most iconic restaurants. We will have very limited tickets available at a donate-what-you-want price (to ensure capacity crowd). Free. 8 p.m. Tonic at Quigley’s: 2036 G St. NW, DC; tonicrestaurantdc.com // @tonicatquigleys

WASHINGTON DC NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 2023

THE HIDEOUT CASINO NIGHT

Join us for a true underground shindig this New Year’s Eve as this pop-up party spot retro fits a true Roaring Twenties experience. Don’t miss out on this over-the-top, speakeasystyle New Year’s Eve party at The Hideout. Dress in your best 1920s attire and dance this year away. $85+. 9 p.m. Hotel Washington: 515 15th St. NW, DC; thehotelwashington.com // @vipnightlife1

WHITE FORD BRONCO

If you’re longing for the days when Danny Tanner could solve everything with a hug and presidential scandals only involved ruining a marriage, allow White Ford Bronco to take you on a musical journey to that magical last decade of the 20th century. $55. 9 p.m. Lincoln Theater: 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc

+ PHOTOS BY NEVIN MARTELL

As I opened the door to my room at the Park Hotel Tokyo, I was struck by two things. First, the view out the 38th floor window was epic. Gauzy clouds partially concealed a faintly grey sky arrayed over a sprawl of skyscrapers punctuated by the Tokyo Tower, twin sister to the Eiffel Tower, as a mountain range rose and fell at the horizon. The second eye-catching element was the mural of the red-horned, nine-eyed mythical beast Hakutaku, who people believe wards off evil, which seemed to be lunging off the corner wall. There was another one over the bed, its flaming, dragon-like body wrapped around the shoulders of a dark-haired, doe-eyed ingenue.

The view and the art created an unforgettable double wow moment.

That’s the goal of the three-sided hotel in the city’s glitzy Ginza neighborhood, home to 34 different artist decorated rooms, part of a 10-year program to support Japanese artists. Further works are prominently displayed throughout the lobby and in the hallways (almost all are for sale and can be shipped anywhere in the world), giving the hotel the feel of a contemporary gallery.

My lodgings for a recent visit to Tokyo in October — just a few days after the country fully opened to foreign tourists — dovetailed nicely with my museum-focused itinerary punctuated with a robust dining schedule. As always, mornings started with coffee. One standout: Turret Coffee, a slender shop on a sleepy side street near my hotel serving impeccable oat milk cappuccinos.

Another favorite was Mejicafe, billed as the city’s smallest roastery, tucked into a tiny stall at Tsukiji, the old fish market, a hustling, bustling warren of narrow streets packed with merchants selling all manner of seafood, vegetables and kitchen supplies. (If you’re really looking to stock up on culinary gear, instead go to Kappabashi, affectionately nicknamed Kitchen Town.)

If I wasn’t near a new wave coffee shop, I could always rely on 7-Eleven (officially known as Seven & i Holdings in Japan) for an actually-pretty-decent latte. The convenience stores are (thankfully) nothing like their American counterparts.

Thoughtfully and thoroughly stocked, meticulously maintained and presided over by helpful staff, there’s not a three-day old taquito or wrinkled hot dog in sight. Every visit resulted in me walking out with my backpack bulging — ultra creamy egg salad sandwiches, truffled Pringles, dried mandarin slices, matcha-flavored Kit Kats, onigiri stuffed with myriad vegetables and seafood, instant ramen galore. I bought all the things.

First stop on my artsy itinerary was the Yayoi Kusama Museum in the Shinjuku Ward, a quieter western suburb. Only five stories tall, the round-edged, brilliantly white building stands out against the grey cityscape, getting an extra pop from the artist’s now-iconic dots emblazoned across the front window. The ground floor is consumed by the requisite gift shop, an installation of two of the Japanese avant-garde artist’s intensely pink vinyl balloons decorated with black dots and a playful mirrored bathroom that doubles as a miniature infinity room.

The self-guided tour officially started on the roof, where several of Kusama’s phallic tentacle statues reached for the sky. From there, I passed through a small library then descended into exhibits of her paintings, heart-wrenchingly beautiful poetry and immersive installation, “I’m Here, But Nothing,” a living room purpled by ultraviolet light and awash in colorful polka dots. You’re allowed to experience it only a minute or two, just long enough for your jaw to drop as you take a couple of shots for the ’Gram and begin to ask yourself, “What does it all mean? How do I feel?” Then it’s over. A metaphor for life, perhaps?

I was allowed to linger at the Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower and currently home to “Listen to the Sound of the Earth Turning: Our Wellbeing since the Pandemic,” a diverse exhibit of intensely emotive contemporary works, as well as the much more lighthearted, “Welcome to Fairyland,” featuring Motohiko Odani’s arresting statue of a girl riding a unicorn and Miwa Yanagi’s how it started/how it’s going style “The Three Fates” portrait.

Exploring Tokyo’s dramatic museums + exhilarating dining scene

WORDS

Another gallery on my schedule: 21_21 Design Sight for Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped,” a 360-degree look at the couple’s lifelong ambition-turned-reality to swathe the iconic Parisian landmark in 25,000 square meters of silvery blue polypropylene fabric and 3,000 meters of red rope. Neither artist was alive to see their vision completed; it finally happened 2021 after a pandemic delay. Moving through the space, learning how the project took shape over 60 years with the help of thousands of contributors, I was moved by the power of vision, persistence and collaboration.

In between artsy adventures, one of the meals I enjoyed was at the Michelin-starred Ginza Hachigo from chef Yasushi Matsumura. I waited for half an hour in the rain — and would have happily waited twice that long — to buy a cash-only ticket for a bowl of ramen at the six-seat counter. Perfectly cooked noodles arrived in a consommé-like broth alongside gloriously fatty pork, a soft boiled egg with caramel-y yolk and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.

As I slurped away, lost in the deep flavors of the soup, soaring, angelic religious music swept through the compact eatery, adding a celestial surreality to the experience — another double wow moment I won’t ever forget.

Sparkling Sustainability

WORDS BY NEVIN MARTELL | PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

Last year was the biggest for bubbly ever. There were 322 million bottles of champagne sold — a 32% increase from 2020. Made in a relatively small 132 square mile region of France, the grape growers and wine producers have an outsized carbon footprint. The region has been formally addressing the issue since 2003 when it oversaw a comprehensive environmental impact review.

“They were getting a lot of flak from the rest of France and frankly, the rest of the world, about how inefficient they were as a region,” says sommelier Mika Carlin, who co-owns wine bar tasting menu restaurant Irregardless with her husband Ian Carlin; it opened mid-September in the H Street Corridor.

The Comité Champagne — the trade association representing champagne growers and houses — set a goal to collectively reduce their carbon footprint by 25% by 2025 and 75% by 2050. Easier said than done.

“It’s a matter of getting everybody on board, which is always tough when it’s a voluntary process,” Carlin notes.

There have been significant strides. As of 2019, 20% of the total vineyard surface area in Champagne is under environmental certification, the carbon footprint of each bottle of champagne decreased 20% and the use of phytosanitary products (including pesticides) and nitrogen fertilizers was halved.

On a granular level, each producer is undertaking different steps of varying intensities to become more eco-conscious, which Carlin weighs heavily when drawing up her wine list.

“We like to focus on sustainable, organic, biodynamic and natural wine producers,” she says.

These terms have varying meanings, so Carlin shares her quick definition of each: Natural means low intervention with usually no fining and filtering, and minimal or no sulfites. The word sustainable is applied to the environment and labor practices so both the land and people working it are not excessively overworked and are treated respectfully. Organic means no pesticides or herbicides are used, while biodynamic refers to producers who view their vineyards as closed ecosystems and may embrace more esoteric practices, such as planting and harvesting grapes in conjunction with the lunar cycle.

Though some larger champagne producers are experimenting with or embracing some of these earth-friendly techniques, they are not the industry norm.

“Oftentimes, that means instead we are choosing to stock bottles from growers who are on the smaller side and more forthcoming about their farming practices,” Carlin says. “They’re usually willing to go into hilariously nerdy detail

about their farming practices and how they behave in the vineyard. Having that information is important for us because we tell our guests, ‘You can feel good about having this wine.’”

A few sustainably-minded sparkling standouts Carlin chose for her current wine list include Gaston Chiquet’s Blanc de Blancs d’Aÿ with pastry, brioche notes along with tones of apple and bright yellow pear; Charles Dufour’s Tchin Tchin made with pinot blanc grapes, adding a pear edge to the minerality of the wine; the bread-toned, energetic Francoise Martinot Bistrotage B.14+1; and biodynamically produced Shaman Rosé by Champagne Marguet, full of cherry and strawberry notes.

The ideal of sustainability pervades Irregardless beyond the wine list, seeping into the foundations of the restaurant’s labor practices. Staffers earn at least $16.10 an hour; they are offered health insurance with a 50-50 contribution; family meal is served every day. This is partially made possible by a 20% service charge. To subsidize base wages, 40% of the service charge goes to the house; the remaining 60%, plus any additional tips, goes into a pool divided among all nonsalaried employees, including servers, food runners, bussers, bartenders, line cooks and the dishwasher.

“It’s to encourage teamwork and make sure everyone’s helping each other out,” Carlin says. “But it’s also to recognize when we get really busy and we’re making more money in the front of house, the back of house is also getting slammed. They should be adequately rewarded for their efforts.”

This compensation model requires extra effort. New hires are shown a detailed spreadsheet of how the system works (“I’m sure it scares half the people I’ve spoken to,” Carlin jokes) and every day each team member receives a printout listing total sales, service charges, additional tips and the amount in the tip pool so everyone can track the health of the business and their compensation.

“We just want to be transparent,” Carlin says. “We know service charges can be a bit of a black box and scary for people, so we want to make sure everyone knows where their money’s coming from and what’s going on.”

Both Irregardless and the winemakers they choose to serve are proof wide-reaching systemic shifts are possible. It’s not easy, requiring hard work, unwavering intentionality, maybe even some sacrifices, but the results are better for the planet and for people — effort worthy of a champagne toast. Cheers to change.

Irregardless: 502 H St. NE, DC; irregardlessdc.com // @irregardlessdc

WORDS BY LAURA SILVERMAN +

PHOTO BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

It’s a blustery Sunday evening in November when I meet Vergie “Gigi” Arandid for drinks. But the weather has no effect on us because we’re clinking glasses in true post-2020 fashion: over Zoom.

People have clinked glasses online countless times since the onset of the pandemic, but what makes our drinks a little different is they contain no booze — the driving force behind Arandid’s forthcoming Binge Bar on H Street. (I’m drinking a Flyer’s CBD ready-to-drink cocktail with oak, vanilla and bitters; the founder of D.C.’s first entirely alcohol-free bar is sipping on a libation she created with AVEC spiced mango and passionfruit.)

The last time I saw her, however, the weather told a completely different story. We basked in the glorious sunshine of an unseasonably warm fall day, tasting 20+ different nonalcoholic beverages ranging from beer, wine and ready-todrink cocktails at D.C.’s first-ever Mindful Drinking Festival.

Co-organizers Erika Goedrich of Craft Beer Cellar DC (that boasts a wide range of nonalc bevs) and Derek Brown of Columbia Room fame (and now Positive Damage Inc., a wellness company aiming to teach the world how to drink) could see 2022 was the perfect time not just for any day drinking fest, but one with no alcohol.

I launched Booze Free in DC in late 2019 when I first noticed a shift in DMV drinking culture. The shift was glacial, but it was happening nonetheless.

And then 2020 hit.

Since the onset of Covid-19, perhaps as a direct response to a global health pandemic with mental health ramifications, hundreds of nonalcoholic brands have launched into the consumer product space. Take a quick trip to Zero Proof Nation, a resource I created to document the once burgeoning and now skyrocketing nonalcoholic market, and you’ll find more than 100 nonalcoholic bottle shops and retailers that have sprouted up around the world, from New York City to Dubai and everywhere in between. There are close to 40 entirely booze-free bars or pop-up concepts worldwide from Austin to Dublin, catering to those who want a night out sans booze — or are seeking a safe space where they don’t have to answer the ubiquitous question: “Why aren’t you drinking?”

Brown answered this question with his menu at Columbia Room; his partner in life and business, Maria Bastasch, answered with alcohol-optional pop-up concept Disco Mary. Local booze-free brands Mocktail Club, Element Shrub and Pratt Standard (to name a few) answered with their companies; Sam Kasten answered with Umbrella Dry Drinks, the area’s first nonalcoholic bottle shop in Old Town Alexandria. A quick look at my ever-expanding directory of solid zero-proof options at D.C. area bars and restaurants indicates the DMV is listening, learning and answering this question with their growing offerings for patrons.

And now Arandid answers this burning question with Binge Bar.

“Come as you are,” she says. “Heal out loud and suffer even louder because you’ll be surrounded with folks who have done it and [are] doing it in an environment where it’s both fun and safe.”

Upon stepping down the L-shaped staircase into the space, expect art by local and national creatives like Chris Pyrate and Calli Rae. Visitors will also find a bar on the main floor, the anchored home of spirit-free magic and incantations at Binge. A wide list of booze-free cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and ready-to-drink beverages (including locals like Mocktail Club), as well as coffee and tea by another DMV business, Blue’s Coffee & Tea, will be on the menu.

Light and healthy bites, from charcuterie boards and veggie crudités to Filipino-inspired small plates as a nod to Arandid’s roots, will also be available. Karaoke, burlesque, stand-up comedy nights, book readings, singles mixers, mixology classes, cocktail competitions and drag brunches are all on the horizon at Binge Bar. At its core, though, it will always be a warm and inviting environment for people to meet.

But a booze-free bar isn’t for everyone, and Arandid recognizes that. The comment section of a recent Washingtonian article on Binge’s opening was rife with negativity — but also outpouring with support.

“Gaining a preview of the clientele base is essentially my focus — not people pleasing, not perfection, but collaborative efforts from folks in the community and Binge,” Arandid says. “My goal is not to capture everyone’s attention and claim the concept is for everyone.”

She continues, “Whether you’re sober, in recovery, straight edge or sober curious, it’s going back to our primal roots of connecting, listening, loving one another and being scared but intentional about it. Because it can be scary, right? I want [Binge] to cater to one’s personal transformation, however that may look.”

Arandid reflects back to the time she read an article in a Southwest Airlines magazine about a former recovery counselor, Chris Marshall, in Austin, Texas who opened one of the nation’s first booze-free bars.

“The concept for Binge was born as a part of that chain reaction and [will] serve others in its own unique way.”

The chain reaction continues in May 2023, as Binge Bar will be the host venue for the D.C. stop of Sans Bar’s national popup tour.

“There will be tears, because what a full circle moment that will be,” Arandid says.

Binge Bar will soft launch mid- to late December 2022. Slated hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. - 12 a.m. Learn more about Arandid @bingeongigi.

Binge Bar: 506 H St. NE, DC; @__bingebar__ // @iamsxber

About the author: Check out Laura Silverman’s Booze Free in DC at boozefreeindc.com and follow @boozefreeindc. Visit Zero Proof Nation at zeroproofnation.com and follow @zeroproofnation.

SPEAKEASIES D.C.

Photo by Cat Janice.

WORDS BY TRENT JOHNSON

Musicians Cat Janice, 29, and Kyle Higginbotham, 35, don’t know what meet-cute is. At least that’s what they say while turning toward one another, trading grins.

“Our whole thing is super weird,” Higginbotham says.

He’s not alone in feeling this. Everyone thinks the origins of their romantic relationship are “weird” or “unique.” But in an effort to identify their own “meet-cute” moment, I ask the two to take turns recounting moments they remember from this romance.

“The real deal is that she hit me up to do this song, I did it, and then we got together to record a live version in a basement,” Higginbotham says. “We sang it for like hours and hours and it’s cool because if you watch it back, you can literally watch us have weird moment after weird moment of us falling in love with each other.”

The happy couple tells me this while sitting in the rear of an airstream bus with what looks like the woods in the backdrop. I say “woods,” because all I can make out via Zoom are the two artists, a thicket of trees and the innards of their temporary vehicle, complete with white walls and matching pillows.

The couple could not be dressed more differently, as Janice sports a preppy-looking, lime green polo and Higginbotham wears a black t-shirt, fitted cap and gold chain. They undoubtedly belonged to different cliques in high school, a thing Higgenbothm affectionately jokes about, saying several times that Janice experienced a “Little House on the Prairie” life.”

Despite a difference in aesthetics, the two share tremendous common ground. Both cut their teeth in the D.C. music scene; both grew up aspiring to craft songs with the hopes of large audiences; both have pivoted toward focusing on their personal sounds for coming projects; and finally, both are people worth listening to, whether performing together or separately.

“They’re like hip Sonny and Cher,” Songbyrd co-owner Joe Lapan says. “I guess Sonny and Cher were hip, too.”

Homeschooled + Classically Trained

As a homeschooled kid originally growing up in Northern Virginia, Janice says music was the focus of her free time. And while the singer-songwriter has garnered praise and needle drops for her distinguishable indie-pop sound, as a youth she took lessons in piano and violin.

Janice credits her mother, a former DJ, for helping her identify how to establish a musical foundation that could aid in fostering a career. During her high school years, Janice participated in orchestras, plays and other live performances as a violinist. This is when she began entrenching herself in music theory. She wanted to better understand and engage with why songs worked compositionally.

“We were all classically trained,” Janice says of her and her siblings. “As I got older, I got more into singing. It started in the shower and kind of turned into something I liked doing, so I began writing my own songs.”

Because of the number of other homeschoolers in the DMV, Janice formed several bands and wrote a ton of “horrible songs.”

“A lot of what I wrote about was like running through the fields,” she says with a tinge of red stemming from some embarrassment. “I wrote a song one time about being pissed off at my mom because she wouldn’t let me go to a party. That was the start of my angsty emo-ness.”

Janice inevitably grew out of the “f--k you mom” and “teenage breakup” lyrics, and put out an EP in 2014, which she also hated.

“It has since been taken down,” Janice says with a mischievous look. “It’s pretty much just me and piano, but that EP is how Austin Bello found me.”

Bello, perhaps best known as a member of Forever the Sickest Kids, agreed to produce music with Janice, a creative partnership that endures today.

“He helped me create a better sound,” Janice says, specifically referring to her 2015 EP “Fire.” “That was very Southern rock, and it’s edgier with more personal songs. It really helped me take off in the D.C. area even though my sound is a lot different.”

Radical, Rebellious + English

Higginbotham began his own journey through the local D.C. music scene when he moved to the District from England at age 13. Chubby with an accent, Higginbotham said he was made fun of often. When you combine the mindset of a literal foreign outcast with the raucous punk and burgeoning hiphop stylings produced in the city during the late ’90s and early ’00s, let’s just say it makes sense Higginbotham got into trouble, changed high school five times (yes, more than one per year) and gravitated toward more aggressive music.

“I came here and I thought it was gonna be like ‘Saved by the Bell,’ but it wasn’t because kids are f--king mean,” he says. “My dad was super into punk and my mom was a crazy Motown lady, and I was a crazy rebellious wild kid. I found underground rap pretty much as soon as I moved here.”

Upon graduating from high school, Higginbotham aspired to be a hip-hop producer and rapper. But because college tuition is more affordable in England for English citizens, he applied and was accepted into Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts at age 17.

“It was dope because they have world-class recording studios inside the college and at this point, I’m just a wild teenager into rap,” he says.

Back in England, Higginbotham began DJing and helped more established artists with equipment, set-up and other various parts of live performance. During his schooling, he formed a band in a scenario that can only be described as an amateur, classroom setting, non-televised version of Diddy’s once-famous “Making the Band” TV show.

“It was strange to me that they let me into the school at all,” he admits. “All I did was make samples, but I think really they wanted me there for diversity’s sake. In the first semester, they put me in a band, and I had to learn how to play drums and make music with complete strangers from all over Europe. We just mashed up a bunch of stuff. That paved the way for Footwerk and mixing different genres.”

Following the experience, he moved to New York in an attempt at making it big but failed to stay focused while partying in the Big Apple. In 2009, he returned to D.C. and embarked on a journey to achieve sobriety and in 2011 founded Footwerk, an outfit where he now harnesses all his influences into a moody, melodic hip-hop dynamic.

Yesteryear + Tomorrow

After the giggle-filled, googly-eyed basement recording, Janice and Higginbotham officially began dating at the backend of August 2021. Because of Higgenbotham’s sobriety and Janice’s proclivity toward what he described as “weird outdoor adventures,” the two shared some interesting dates.

“We rode motorcycles in the woods at like 2 a.m. one night,” Higginbotham says. “I remember asking myself, ‘What planet is this girl from?’”

“I wrote a song about it, too,” Janice adds. “That little summer moment, our little moment.”

Despite the immediate good vibes, their relationship faced a colossal challenge about six months in when Janice, who’s also a mother of one, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as sarcoma. Despite her worry to disclose the severity of the looming battle to Higginbotham, he resigned to support her as best he could.

“We kind of fell in love and then six months later I’m being diagnosed with this incredibly terrifying thing,” Janice says. “I was terrified to tell him. It changed everything for us, which I think was exciting because we had plans for music, for life, and then this cancer diagnosis threw things up in the air and now we didn’t really have a plan.”

“Just level the ship,” he says.

As of print, Janice says her latest scan “came back clear,” a culmination of a grueling treatment plan that most recently included a six-week round of radiation therapy in New York. She has two rounds of chemotherapy left and plans to be done with treatment by Christmas.

“To be honest, I don’t believe it,” Janice says. “I’m kind of in shock. I’m very cautious about it. For me, I’m like: ‘Alright, if this comes back, I have this much time in between to really go at it, live my life and have a great time.”

Throughout the medical journey and the unavoidable emotional tax cancer takes on a person’s mental health, Janice developed catharsis in the artistic process of playing, recording and collaborating.

“For me, watching her go through it, everything in your

life comes to a screeching halt,” Higgenbotham says. “But what’s cool about that is you kind of get a blank canvas after it all, and you can decide what you want to put back in.”

One realization both came to in conquering this ordeal is the emphasis on their voice. No, voice doesn’t mean the sound of their singing in this context, but rather the emotional throughlines their respective music carries.

Each of them have grinded regional tours — playing four shows in five days — or carefully crafted songs with the intent to please an audience. And while yes, every artist balances the needs and desires of external forces, Janice and Higginbotham share a certain clarity in how they want to approach their music going forward.

Janice plans to release her first fulllength record in the first few months of 2023 and Footwerk, in collaboration with other various artists, plans to release a special vinyl at the top of the year.

Aside from release dates and coming shows, when Janice and Higginbotham are together, music will remain at the forefront of their to-dos. It doesn’t matter whether they’re collaborating on a song or not, as the two share a constant curiosity for instrumentation, songwriting and a drive to create with newfound purpose. Higginbotham even reached back in the airstream to reveal a little keyboard the two were toying around with before the interview.

“Over the next couple of years, we have no idea what’s about to happen,” Janice says. “All my plans that I’ve had for the last few years have completely changed. My outlook on life has completely changed. You just don’t know what’s going to happen to you in life, so I’m just working on music.”

Undoubtedly, they’ll be together — D.C.’s own Sonny and Cher, but more hip.

Before saying goodbyes and signing off Zoom, Janice looks at Higginbotham and says softly, “I don’t know what I would have done without you, to be completely honest. I think that’s the first time I’ve said that out loud.”

For more information on Cat Janice, follow her on Instagram @cat.janice and visit her website catjanicemusic.com. Learn more about Kyle Higgenbotham and Footwerk @footwerkmusic and footwerkmusic.com.

We’re rounding 2022 out by highlighting some of the incredible people and places that make D.C. the thriving cultural hub we love. From trailblazing women in hospitality to movers and shakers in the performing arts world, For the Love of D.C. is a celebration of all things lifestyle and entertainment in Washington, D.C. Read on for our top picks from this past year.

COMPILED BY DISTRICT FRAY STAFF

EAT + DRINK

UNIQUE CULINARY CONCEPT

Causa/Bar Amazonia causadc.com // @causadc_

CREATIVE COCKTAIL BARS

L’Annexe lannexe-bar.com // @lannexedc

Serenata serenatadc.com // @serenatadc The Green Zone thegreenzonedc.com // @thegreenzonedc McClellan’s Retreat mcclellansretreat.com // @mccretreat

SWEETEST POP-UP

Chef Rochelle Cooper, Ice Cream Shoppe-up at La Collina lacollinadc.com // @lacollina_dc

CHANGEMAKERS IN HOSPITALITY

Chef Marcelle Afram, Shababi shababichicken.com // @shababidc + @marcelle_g

Chef Erik Bruner-Yang, Maketto, Shopkeepers DC, The Roost + Yoko & Kota maketto1351.com // @maketto1351 shopkeepersdc.com // @shopkeepersdc theroostsedc.com // @theroostdc, @yokoandkota + @erikbruneryang

Chef Christian Irabién, Amparo Fondita @amparofondita // @christianirabien

Rach Pike + Jo McDaniel, As You Are DC @theycallmecoach25 + @thejomcdaniel asyouaredc.com // @asyouaredc

TOP SPICE SPOT

Souk dcsouk.com // @dcsouk

LOW-ABV QUEENS

Vergie

Maria Bastasch, Disco Mary discomary.com // @discomarycollective

Laura Silverman, Booze Free in DC + Zero Proof Nation zeroproofnation.com // @zeroproofnation boozefreeindc.com // @boozefreeindc

Samantha Kasten, Umbrella Dry Drinks umbrelladrydrinks.com // @umbrelladrydrinks

Maria Denton, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits lyres.com // @lyresspiritco

L TO R. Photos by Jennifer Chase + Scott Suchman.

CULINARY CRAFTSMAN

Katsuya Fukushima @katsuya_fukushima

CHEFS WITH PURPOSE

Tim Ma, Lucky Danger chefsstoppingaapihate.com // @chefsstoppingAAPIhate luckydanger.co // @_luckydanger

Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit moonrabbit.com // @moonrabbitdc

MASTER MIXOLOGISTS + BEVERAGE DIRECTORS

Cassie Womack @underground.bartender

Laurel Oldershaw, Allegory, Bay Leaf Bitters Co. + Serenata allegory-dc.com // @allegory_dc bayleafbittersco.com // @bayleafbitters serenatadc.com // @serenatadc

Lauren Paylor O’Brien, LP Drinks Co. lpdrinks.org // @lpdrinksdc Kapri Robinson, the Chocolate City’s Best Cocktail Competition @kapri.possible + @chocolate.citys.best

Christine Kim, Service Bar servicebardc.com // @servicebardc

Kelvin Bacon, 600 T 600tdc.com // @600tcocktails

INTIMATE SPEAKEASIES

The Gibson thegibsondc.com // @thegibsondc

Allegory allegory-dc.com // @allegory_dc

doi moi downstairs doimoidc.com // @doimoidc

The BackRoom at Capo Deli capodeli.com // @capoitaliandeli

Never Looked Better neverlookedbetterdc.com // @neverlookedbetterdc

Chicken + Whiskey chickenandwhiskey.com/whiskeybar // @chickenandwhiskey Captain Gregory’s captaingregorys.com // @captaingregorys

The Side Door at The Pub & the People thepubandthepeople.com // @pubandthepeople

Denson Liquor Bar densondc.com // @densondc

Cocktail Club at Hook Hall cocktailclubdc.com // @hookhall_dc Copycat Co. copycatcompany.com // @copycatco Mirror themirrordc.com // @themirrordc

FAVORITE FORAGER

Chef Jonathan Till, Blagden Hospitality Group heritageforaging.com // @heritageforaging

FOOD BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW

Britney Brown-Chamberlain, Britney Breaks Bread britneybreaksbread.com // @britneybreaksbread

Anina Belle Giannini, Le Chef’s Wife lechefswife.com // @lechefswife

Shani Whisonant, Begin with Butter beginwithbutter.com // @beginwithbutter

D.C.’S FIRST BOOZE-FREE BAR Binge Bar

@__bingebar__

BOOZE-FREE

BOOK REC

“Mindful Mixology” by Derek Brown positivedamageinc.com

BADASS BREWER

Emma Whelan, Astro Lab Brewing astrolabbrewing.com // @astrolabbrewing

TRUFFLE AFICIONADO

Chef Amy Brandwein, Centrolina centrolinadc.com // @centrolinadc

LEFT PAGE + BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Photos by Andrew J. Williams III. THIS PAGE, TOP. Photo by Scott Suchman.

TOP “FOOD FOR THOUGHT”

PHOTO

“A Walk in the Woods” by Nevin Martell. Photo by Scott Suchman.

SPLURGE-WORTHY VEGGIE SPOT

Oyster Oyster oysteroysterdc.com // @oysteroysterdc

MEZCAL MAVEN

Kelly Phillips, destino, Ghostburger + Taqueria Las Gemelas destinodc.com // @destinodc ghostburgerdc.com // @ghostburgerdc lasgemelasdc.com // @lasgemelasdc

TRAILBLAZING WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY

Chef Ana Deshaies, Unconventional Diner unconventionaldiner.com // @unconventionaldiner

Bar Director Judy Elahi, 101 Hospitality 101hospitality.com // @101hospitalitygroup

Téa Ivanovic, Immigrant Food immigrantfood.com // @immigrantfood

Chef Seng Luangrath, Thip Khao, Padaek + Hanumanh hanumanh.com // @hanumanh_dc padaekdc.com // @padaekdc thipkhao.com // @thipkhaodc

Nicole Marquis, HipCityVeg hipcityveg.com // @hipcityveg

Daniella Senior, Colada Shop coladashop.com // @coladashop

QUICK-STOP VEGETARIAN Shouk shouk.com // @shoukfood

TASTIEST BRISKET

2fifty 2fiftybbq.com // @2fiftytexasbbq

CULTURE + MUSIC

NOTABLE MULTI-HYPHENATES

Timoteo Murphy @timoteomurphy

Roquois, Studio|Couture mystudiocouture.com // @mystudiocouture link.bio/roquios // @roquois

HOLLYWOOD’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

Grace Yeboah Ofori, TrueFaceByGrace trufacebygrace.com // @trufacebygrace

WHERE TO START YOUR RECORD COLLECTION

Byrdland Records byrdlandrecords.com // @byrdlandrecords

AVANTE-GARDE ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

Reginald Douglas, Mosaic Theater mosaictheater.org // @mosaictheaterdc

Molly Smith, Arena Stage arenastage.org // @arenastage

Simon Godwin, Shakespeare Theatre Company shakespearetheatre.org // @shakespeareindc

Matthew Gardiner, Signature Theatre sigtheatre.org // @sigtheatre

Maria Manuela Goyanes, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company woollymammoth.net // @woollymammothtc

Karen Ann Daniels, Folger Theatre folger.edu/folger-theatre // @folgerlibrary

THE NEXT GEN OF STYLE SETTERS

Designer Frank Huynh, Lê Tâm byletam.com // @fashionsbyletam

Lauren Gay, Higher Glyphs Content Group higherglyphs.com // @higherglyphscontent

Designer LaShawn Kenley, Sun Gods sungodsofficial.com // @sungodsofficial

Designer Andrew Nowell, Andrew Nowell Menswear @andrewnowell_menswear

Kevin Nmah, Meet the Curator blog.meetthecurator.co // @meetthecurator1984

Rich Rocket, Vintage Thrivals iamrichrocket.co/vintage-thrivals // @iamrichrocket

Marie Gloss, Hyde Closet hydecloset.com // @hydecloset

Joy Kingsley-Ibeh, Kingsley Models + Talent Management kingsleymanagement.com // @kingsleymodels stylebykingsley.com // @stylebykingsley

Nikki Billie Jean, All Things Ankara nikkibilliejean.com // @nikkibilliejean allthingsankara.com // @allthingsankara

Bryant Senghor, Ankaa Universe ankaauniverse.com // @ankaauniverse s3nghormedia.com // @s3nghor

Tee Wright, Fashion At Ms. Tee ms-tee.com // @fashionatmstee

Dennis Cruz, New Chptr newchptr.com // @newchptr

Casey Rowe, Christopher Schafer Clothier christopherschafer.com // @christopherschafer

Angeline Oei aoei-studio.com // @a.oei_studio

CREATIVE COLLECTIVES

CURATING

D.C. CULTURE

Darling Nikki

@darlingnikkidc, @mathiasxdc + @jeromebaker3rd

Shaolin Jazz shaolinjazz.com // @shaolinjazz

No Kings Collective nokingscollective.com // @nokingscollective

An Indivisible Art Collective aiacdc.com // @aiadc

Nü Androids nuandroids.com // @nuandroids

Black Rave Culture blackraveculture.com // @BRC_DC

STANDOUT SXSW ACTS

Ezra Furman ezrafurman.com // @ezra.furman.visions

Jake Wesley Rogers jakewesleyrogers.com // @jakewesleyrogers

INNOVATIVE ARTISTS

Charlie Visconage, Visual Artist visconage.com // @cavisconage

E$ emoneyoriginals.com // @theedollarsign

Julia Chon @kimchi.juice + @koreanarchives

Blu Murphy blumurphyart.com // @blu_murphy torpedofactory.org // @torpedofactory

IMPACTFUL STORYTELLER

Billie Krishawn billiekrishawn.com // @absolutereality

CELEBRATED JAZZ VENUES

Blues Alley bluesalley.com // @bluesalleydc

JoJo Restaurant & Bar jojodc.com // @jojoustreet

Mr. Henry’s mrhenrysdc.com // @mr.henrys.dc

Rhizome DC rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc St. Vincent Wine stvincentwine.com // @stvincentwine

Westminster Presbyterian Church westminsterdc.org

D.C.’S INDIE MOVIE THEATER

Suns Cinema sunscinema.com // @sunscinema

SHOULDA SEEN SHOWS

“Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski” at Shakespeare Theatre Company shakespearetheatre.org // @shakespeareindc “TINA” at The National Theatre thenationaldc.com // @broadwaynatdc

“To Kill A Mockingbird” at The Kennedy Center kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT PAGE, TOP. Photos by Andrew J. Williams III, DJ Tnyce, Larry Lewis + Tony Powell.

PERFORMING ARTS MOVERS + SHAKERS

Joey Ibanez, Flying V Theatre flyingvtheatre.com // @flyingvtheatre

Mehdi Raoufi, Astro Pop Events astropopevents.com // @astropopevents @m3hds0und

Francesca Chilcote + Kathryn Zoerb, Faction of Fools factionoffools.org // @factionoffools francescamariechilcote.com // @franny_si kathrynzoerb.com // @kathrynzoerb

Guillotine Theatre georgetowntheatre.org

Heart Stück Bernie sarahbethoppenheim.com // @heartstuckbernie

Pointless Theatre Co. pointlesstheatre.com // @pointlesstheatre

Synetic Theater synetictheater.org // @synetictheater

Rorschach Theatre rorschachtheatre.com // @rorschachdc

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop chaw.org // @chawindc

Washington Improv Theater witdc.org // @washingtonimprovtheater

Taffety Punk Theatre Company taffetypunk.com // @taffetypunk Spooky Action Theater spookyaction.org // @spookyactiondc

Perisphere Theater perispheretheater.com // @perispheretheater

Nu Sass Productions nusass.com // @nu_sass

S. J. Ewing & Dancers sjewing.com // @sjewingdc darlingdance darlingdance.com // @darlingdanceco

Ngoma Center for Dance + Dissonance Dance Theatre ngcfddt.org // @ngoma_ddtdc Dance Place danceplace.org // @danceplacedc Solas Nua solasnua.org // @solasnua_ Carpathia Folk Dance Ensemble carpathiadc.org // @carpathiafolkdance

Pretty Boi Drag prettyboidrag.com // @prettyboidrag haus of bambi hausofbambi.com // @hausofbambi

EYE-CATCHING EXHIBITS

..

“Ase: Afro Frequencies” at ARTECHOUSE artechouse.com // @artechouse “FUTURES” at Arts + Industries Building aib.si.edu // @smithsonianaib

VINTAGE VIRTUOSOS

Susan Driscoll, Evolution Home evolution-home.com // @evolutionhome

Lauren Gay, SWATCHROOM + Common Thread swatchroom.com //@swatchroom + @commonthreaddc

Holli Mintzer, Suffragette City nonasuch.etsy.com // @nonasuch suffragettecityvtg.com // @suffragettecityvtg

Shelley White, Amalgamated Clothing amalgamated-clothing.com // @amalgamatedshop

Tiara Chameleon, 1984V 1984v.co // @1984vconceptstore

THE COMEBACK KID

Capital Fringe capitalfringe.org // @capitalfringe

DETAILED LINE WORK

Lady Octopus Tattoo ladyoctopus.tattoo // @ladyoctopustattoos

MUSICIANS ON THE RISE

Grady gradyband.bandcamp.com // @gradyband

dreamcastmoe dreamcastmoe.bandcamp.com // @dreamcast.moe

Bartees Strange barteesstrange.com // @bartees_strange

CANANDAIGUA

canandaiguamusic.bandcamp.com // @canandaiguamusic

Too Free toofree.bandcamp.com // @toofreedc

Jack Kays jackkays.com // @jackkays Jenna Camille jennacamille.bandcamp.com // @jennacamillesmg Melan @melansoulflower

Model Home modelhomedc.bandcamp.com // @modelhomedc

NØ MAN nomanband.bandcamp.com // @nomanband

Spring Silver springsilver.bandcamp.com // @springsilvergram

Pretty Bitter prettybitter.bandcamp.com // @prettybitter.mp3

Synae synaemusic.com // @iamsynae

Tunnel tunnelll.bandcamp.com // @tun._.nel

HIP-HOP HISTORIAN

Matt Talley, Cool Kids Vinyl coolkidsvinyl.com // @coolkidsvinyl + @talleyismajor

MADE IN D.C. MAKERS

Candice Luebbering, All Mapped Out allmappedout.etsy.com // @all_mapped_out

Hatice Rosato, Definition Studio definitionstudiodc.com // @definitionstudio + @haticerosato

Tamara Barnabei, ArtTepuy arttepuy.com // @arttepuydc

Artist Kristin Gaudio Endsley kristingaudioendsley.com // @kristingaudioendsley

Aisha Cort, VELA NEGRA thevelanegra.com // @thevelanegra

Tory Pratt, Pratt Standard prattstandard.com // @prattstandard + @torypratt

Hadiya Williams, Black Pepper Paperie Co. blackpepperpaperie.com // @blackpepperpaperieco + @hadiyawilliams

Sarah Bayot, Kicheko Goods kichekogoods.com // @kichekogoods + @sarahbayot

Nasozi Kakembo, xN Studio xnstudio.com // @xnstudio_

Mallory Shelter, Shelter shopshelter.com // @shopshelter + @malloryshelterjewelry

Peter Chang nokingscollective.com // @nokingscollective

.

D.C.’S CULTURAL CONNECTOR

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT PAGE, TOP. Photos by Tony Powell, courtesy of subject, Jonathan Thorpe + DuHon Photography,

LIFE + PLAY

RUNNING PRO

Kristen Schott Contributing Writer

BEYOND THE BARBER’S CHAIR

Darius “Sunny” Davie, Groom Guy groomguy.com // @groomguy

A WIN TO CELEBRATE

U.S. Women’s National Team beat Nigeria on September 6. Rose Lavelle scored the game winner with a big assist from Megan Rapinoe (pictured here).

CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATORS

Satarra Leona, Arts in Color artsincolorcuratorial.com // @artsincolorllc

Chef Masako Morishita, Maxwell Park maxwelldcwine.com // @maxwellpark_ shaw + @maxwellpark_navyyard

Al Goldberg, Mess Hall messhalldc.com // @messhalldc

Dr. Serina Floyd, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. plannedparenthood.org // @ppmwdc

Artist Holly Bass hollybass.com // @hollybass360

Takina Wilson, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. plannedparenthood.org // @ppmwdc

Artist Robin Bell bellvisuals.com // @bellvisuals

Pia Carusone, Republic Restorative Distillery republicrestoratives.com // @republicrestoratives

Justin Drummond, Spark C Innovation sparkcllc.com

Simon Landau, Open Goal Project opengoalproject.org // @opengoalproject

Jessica Lewis, Play Play playplaydc.com // @playplaydc

Chloe Louvouezo, Open Door Concept opendoorconcept.com // @opendoorconcept

Stephanie Murdock, Skatepark of Baltimore skateparkofbaltimore.org // @skateparkofbaltimore

Gerard “Coach G” Burley, SWEAT DC sweatdc.com // @sweatdc

Hayden Higgins, 730DC 730dc.com // @730dc

Jasmine Smith, Open Door Concept opendoorconcept.com // @opendoorconcept

Anna + Justin Marino, Mason & Greens masonandgreens.com // @masonandgreens

Nikhil Rao, House of Joy houseofjoy.world // @house.of.joyyy

Comedian Haywood Turnipseed Jr @woodyseed

Nichole Verdejo, Sole Wash solewash.co // @solewash.co Chinedu Enekwe @cope_ii

ROLLER

SKATING

QUEEN Alex Appah

@chocolatecityskate + @chocolatecityskatestheworld

LGBTQ+ LUMINARIES

DJ Chan Don (she/her) djchandon.com // @djchan_don

Alicia Horton (she/her), Trans Maryland transmaryland.org // @transmaryland Ari Schwartz (she/her) @apschwartzesq

Katie Park (they/them), Emma Cleveland (she/her) + David Combs (they/them), Bad Moves badmoves.bandcamp.com // @badmovesdc

Billy Dixon (any + all) @thebillydixon Blaq Dinamyte (he/him) @blaq_dinamyte

Colton Gibbons (he/they), CAKE Society Co cakesocietyco.org // @colton.gibbons

Casey Dawes (she/they) cmfdyoga.com // @cmfdinc2.0

Crystal Edge (any + all) @itscrystaledge

Daniel Penchina (he/him), SMYAL smyal.org // @dpenchina

Heather Hamilton (she/her) @heather.ham

Japer Bowles (he/him), the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs communityaffairs.dc.gov/molgbtqa // @japer_bowles

Jay Barber (he/him), Wicked Mondaze with DJ Mim + Bar DC @jaywalkingdc

Jr Nexus Russ (he/they), Dear Nexus askdearnexus.com // @awayoflife0 Jacq Jill (they/she) @itsjacqjill

Lisa Stephen Friday (she/her), Lisa Jackson & Girl Friday @lisastephenfriday

Mark Chalfant (he/him), Washington Improv Theater @mark.chalfant // witdc.org

Mckenzie Beard (she/her), The Washington Post mckenziebeard.com // @beardkenzie

Meredith White-Bell (she/her) @mer3b3ar

OnRAé lateal Watkins (she/her), the Arts and Industries Building onraelateal.com // @onraelateal

Patrick Kern (he/him), Little District Books littledistrictbooks.com // @littledistrictbooks

Stephanie Mercedes (she/her) stephaniemercedes.com // @mercedes_theartist

TOURISM LEADER

Kaitlin Calogera, A Tour of Her Own atourofherown.com // @atourofherown

REIKI MASTER

Dr. Darrien Jamar, Sense Salon sensestudios.co // @sense.dc

WHERE TO SHOP MOTORCYCLES

DUNN LEWIS dunnlewismc.com // @dunnlewismc

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT PAGE, TOP. Photos by Hanad Ali, Jennifer Chase, Cynthia Schiavetto + Krystina Brown.

D.C.’S QUEER WRESTLING STARS

FAVORITE MERMAID ON LAND

Anita Riggs aka Tranquil Ashes, Cosplay MetGala @tranquil_ashes + @thecosgala

PEAK EXHIBIT

“Exploring Mount Everest” at National Geographic Museum nationalgeographic.org // @natgeomuesum

ROLLER SKATING REBELS

Flo DMV Skate Collective @flo.dmv

sPACYcLOUd Skate Girls Tribe skategirlstribe.com // @skategirlstribe spacycloud.com // @spacycloud

Free StateRoller Derby freestaterollerderby.com // freestaterd

NAT GEO STORYTELLER

Tara Roberts, Scuba Diver tararoberts.me // @curvypath_tara

BODY-POSITIVE INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW

Aqila Benjamin

@rootsoffatima, @thefullersideofthings + @thestrongfriendmeetup

Frank Grimsley

@franknthecity

Kelly-Lynne Russell Guy thelowlowstyle.com // @thelowlowstyle Joy Moreland

@enJOYCurves + @CoffeewithJOY_ Danielle Sauter blondeinthedistrict.com // @blonde_inthedistrict

D.C. POWER COUPLES

Kelly Towles, D.C. Walls + Virginia Arrisueño, Steadfast Supply

@kellytowles // @virginia_arrisueno dc-walls.com // @dcwallsfestival steadfastsupply.com // @steadfastsupplydc

Andra “AJ” Johnson, Serenata and White Plates, Black Faces + Sarah McCreary, Colada Shop whiteplatesblackfaces.com // @whiteplatesblackfaces serenatadc.com // @serenatadc coladashop.com // @coladashop

Dr. Kimberly Kong, Nom Digital Marketing + Deke Dunne, Allegory @bykimberlykong // @deke_dc nomdigital.net // @nom_digital allegorydc.com // @allegory_dc

MEMBERS ONLY SPOTLIGHTS

Maurisa Potts, Spotted MP maurisapotts.com // @mtpotts

Kelly Carnes, Trove Costume trovecostumes.com // @trovecostumes

Jennifer Jean-Pierre + Jermaine Maull

@jennijeanpierre // @jmkmaull 10thlettervisuals.com // @10thlettervisuals

Steve “DJ Lemz” Lemmerman + Stuart Parlier @djlemz // @stuartsaysstop djlemz.com // sleazeparty.com

Dionna Dorsey Calloway, District of Clothing + Donald Calloway Jr., Pine Street Strategies and The National Voter Protection Action Fund @dionnadorsey // @dcalloway districtofcolthing.com // @districtofclothing pinestreetdc.com // @pinestreetdc

Alexa + Cass, TwoFemmeGems twofemmegems.com // @twofemmegems

James Terrell, The Color of sound + Zsudayka Nzinga, Terrell Arts DC and Black Artists of DC @jtcolorofsound // @zsudakya terrellartsdc.com

Marcelle Afram + Joyce Miller, Shababi Chicken @marcelle_g // @jrmiller0321 shababichicken.com // @shababichicken

Mason Anderson-Sweet + Laurel Bray, DUNN LEWIS and Oh Hey Fck You @john_mason // @laurelbray dunnlewismc.com // @dunnlewismc ohheyfckyou.com // @ohheyfckyou

James Beach, PLNTR + Caitlin O’Keeffe Tuttle, OKTuttle Creative Agency and PLNTR @2_jamesss // @oktuttle plntr.co // @plntrdc

PLAYERS’ CLUB PICKS

Madison Albornoz Cey Cey Green @ceyonce

LEFT PAGE, L TO R. Photo courtesy of subject + National Geographic Museum. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP. Photo courtesty of subject + by Mariela Alas.

2022 BEGINNER’S GUIDES

Ice Skating in D.C.: Pro Tips from Alissa Strawcutter @alissastrawcutter

Grip + Climb: Rock Climbing at Sportrock sportrock.com // @sportrock

Tarot Card Reading: Psychic Shop psychicshopdc.com // @psychicshopdc Boxing with Shaughn Cooper shaughncooper.com // @shaughncooper

Taking the Plunge: Aquatic Adventures Scuba Diving aquaticadventuresva.com // @learn2diveva

Putting on a Variety Show: DC Comedy Loft dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

Weightlifting with Mikala Jamison @_bodytype

WHAT’S GOING ON?

WORDS BY COLLEEN KENNEDY

If you’re an art lover in D.C., you already know we have enviable art collections of almost every period, region and movement in our many world-class cultural institutions. But you also know for all the perks (free admission and proximity to where we work, live and play), many of these museums were created for a national or international audience: the tourists who flock to the nation’s capital. D.C.’s own cultural heritage and contributions to the art world can seem a little lost in the shuffle.

Enter Rubell Museum DC, the District’s newest art museum that opened October 29. This Southwest D.C. museum is here to disrupt the scene.

This District-centric museum houses one of the most exciting contemporary art collections in the world.

“D.C. is so rich in arts and culture, so we’re just happy to add a different dimension and focus exclusively on contemporary art,” inaugural Director of Rubell Museum DC Caitlin Berry says.

Rubell Museum 1.0

The Rubell Museum — the first museum is located in Miami, where namesake owners Don and Mera live — boasts a formidable collection of contemporary works: bold, avantgarde, experimental and visionary.

“They are so unique and fearless in their vision and belief that art should be accessible to everyone,” Berry says. “[They believe] the participation supporting one’s art community through the purchase of artwork can start at any level.”

The Rubells’ story is one of foresight, luck and keeping it in the family. Shortly after marrying in 1964, the couple set aside a portion of Mera’s weekly paycheck ($25) and began purchasing art, visiting artists’ studios throughout New York City. Over the years, they amassed a major collection of more than 7,000 works and invested early in artists such as JeanMichel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman and Mickalene Thomas. Their son Jason, who studied art history, joined his parents in collecting the works and was instrumental in developing the two museums.

The Rubells have long been connected to D.C. through their real estate portfolio, which includes several area hotels. Their touring exhibitions and lent works have routinely landed at D.C. museums over the years.

From Randall to Rubell

The new site of Rubell Museum DC is in the location of the former Randall School, a segregated junior high school for Black students that closed in 1978. Redesigned by the architectural firm Beyer Blinder Belle, the 32,000 square

Installation view of “What’s Going On.” Photo by Chi Lam.

Rubell Museum DC, the city’s newest world-class art collection, disrupts the local creative scene.

foot schoolhouse has exposed brick walls and large, arched windows that allow light to dapple through the galleries, exposed beams and ductwork overhead. There’s also polished white walls and gleaming wooden floors.

The space has been reimagined but retains its history and connections to the District in new ways. Possibly the most famous student to pass through the halls was singersongwriter Marvin Gaye, who graduated in 1954.

“We discovered all these great images of Marvin: shots of him in the front row of his class picture outside the building, and of him singing in glee club in the former auditorium [now the main gallery],” Berry says. “What was happening in 1954? Brown v. the Board of Education was ruled and as schools desegregated, many families in this quadrant of D.C. were forced to move. Marvin then went on to join Motown [Records] and put together ‘What’s Going On’ in 1971, which was revolutionary at the time.”

Since opening the museum, Berry states one of the “unexpected, beautiful things” that’s happened is former Randall students visiting with their yearbooks and report cards, sharing personal memories with the staff.

“This is a multi-generational institution at this point, and we see their joy that this school has been brought back into use in this way. I hope we’re providing a place of respite and restoration for these folks in the community, to listen and talk to our community about their stories. To put this museum in an area of the city that’s not on the National Mall encourages members of the community to take ownership and experience the artwork that’s in their neighborhood museum.”

Welcome to D.C.

The grand opening of the museum was attended by Mayor Muriel Bowser, and a who’s who of artists and art world denizens, including Josh Baer, Jeffrey Deitch, Isabel Ernst, James Fuentes, Chase Hall, Reginald O’Neal, Anne Pasternak, Hank Willis Thomas, Genesis Tramaine, Kennedy Yanko and Anita Zabludowicz. More than 5,000 patrons visited during opening weekend, which grants free admission to all D.C. residents.

“During the celebratory events leading up to our opening day, it was amazing to hold hands with Nekisha Durrett [a D.C.-based artist who suggested Berry for the position], Mera Rubell and Hank Willis Thomas,” Berry recalls. “Somehow, we’ve all made this work. The energy was so positive and I’m very thankful for our community.”

Two exhibitions are currently on view at Rubell Museum DC: a solo exhibition of Sylvia Snowden’s paintings and a group exhibition entitled “What’s Going On.” Snowden is a Howard University alumna and instructor, a lauded painter who has six decades of creating almost-sculptural abstract paintings — works deeply layered, both figuratively and literally. The current series on display, “Shell; Glimpses,” “is meant to honor her relationship with her daughter, manifested through layers of paint,” Berry says. “Sylvia even chose this particular gallery because of the light.”

“What’s Going On” brings together almost 200 works by 50 artists responding to sociopolitical problems of their times that still resonate today.

“I think one of the reasons [the Rubells] chose Washington as their second destination is because of the conversations that happen here at the intersection of culture and politics,”

Berry says. “Social issues are uniquely amplified in Washington in a way they’re not anywhere else.”

The cornerstone of the exhibition is pop artist Keith Haring’s series “Untitled (Against All Odds)” (1989) dealing with environmental destruction, which was dedicated to Steve Rubell, Don’s brother and the owner of infamous disco nightclub Studio 54, who died of AIDS complications shortly beforehand. Haring listened to Gaye’s magnum opus, a work that also tackles thorny social issues, on repeat while working on the dystopic works.

“It’s just so beautiful to present these works in the school where Marvin Gaye walked the halls,” Berry elaborates. “There’s this sense of spirituality in a way and a metaphysical working of time and space. It feels like the right place at the right time to present and revisit these works because we continue to think about these issues.”

The exhibition also highlights many D.C. contemporary artists within the Rubells’ personal collection, from muralist Jamea Richmond-Edwards who lives in Silver Spring; Hank Willis Thomas, who attended Duke Ellington High School; painter February James and postmodern sculptor Cady Noland.

Berry, who was previously director of the Cody Gallery at Marymount University, knows the importance of thinking and working locally, even when presenting exhibitions and a collection with international acclaim.

“I feel it’s an enormous responsibility because this community is my home. I’ve spent about a decade in the city and the artists here have really trusted me to present their work in various capacities. Being entrusted with this position is a big job.”

Both exhibitions are on display for an indeterminate time, Berry explains, so locals have time to see the works and get to know their new neighborhood world-class museum of contemporary art. Soon, the museum will announce its public programming and find new avenues of engagement with Washingtonians.

“Our programming will resonate on a local and national level using works in the collection that are on view. First and foremost, we value the artist, their voice and their perspective. You can anticipate ample artists’ talks, bringing in different perspectives from the community, D.C. history and maybe some collaborations with other institutions.”

Closing dates for “What’s Going On” and “Sylvia Snowden” have not yet been announced. Free admission to D.C. residents.

Rubell Museum DC: 65 I (Eye) St. SW, DC; rubellmuseum.org // @rubellmuseumdc

A Feminist Revenge Farce

Set to play at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Michael R. Klein Theatre from December 13 to January 8, “Jane Anger,” tells the story of Shakespeare and his assistant Francis attempting to create during the plague. There was a period during our own pandemic where people threw around tweets and memes reading, “Shakespeare wrote ‘King Lear’ during the plague.” They asked what next great work would be born out of our quarantine — an idea that “Jane Anger” playwright Talene Monahon both criticized and emulated.

“What a weird, capitalistic response to this traumatic event,” Monahon says. “But then I wondered what that plague was even like. As I started doing research, I started experimenting in this farce world, because what came out was very silly writing.”

In “Jane Anger,” Shakespeare has writer’s block while in quarantine until Jane Anger climbs through his window, ready to bring her ideas to the page. Along with Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, the two women start making real strides in writing.

Anger is a real person Monahon found in her early research. Author of “Jane Anger: Her Protection for Women,” published in 1589, Anger was one of the first of her time to write against male supremacy, especially critiquing the male gaze in literature.

“She should already be in the common lexicon,” Amelia Workman, the actress who plays Anger, says. “We should all have an idea of this woman. And being able to imprint myself on that is really fun.”

Since little is known about Anger besides her published work, Monahon merged her character with the Dark Lady who appears in many Shakespeare sonnets. The two women create a force: voices previously silenced by racism and sexism now brought centerstage.

“I don’t get a lot of personal narratives or representations of people who look like me from many periods of history,” Workman says. “But smart, working-class people have always existed. A lot of great people don’t get written about in books, so we don’t know about them.”

“A theme in all my plays is a preoccupation with history — these other galaxies of histories that exist,” Monahon says. “Just really thinking about what’s getting buried or forgotten in history.”

While the play’s premise is based on historical figures, Monahon and Workman were quick to remind it’s a farce: a comedic, fictional story involving characters left out of our accepted history. In fact, the play is a mashup of genres. In her research, Monahon read a few revenge tragedies, plays like “Titus Andronicus” that are incredibly bloody, where characters die in ridiculous ways. She wondered what the genre would look like with a little comedy mixed in.

“I call it a feminist revenge farce,” Monahon says. “It’s really goofy — 90 minutes of a silly night at the theater.”

The actors and actresses involved in the play have worked together since earlier performances in New York City. Monahon and Workman act alongside Michael Urie as William Shakespeare and Ryan Spahn as Francis, and together, they embody the humanness of historical figures we place on pedestals.

“Shakespeare is protected in his ivory tower,” Workman says. “So, the play is irreverent simply because it just treats him as a normal person. Michael is so lovable as Shakespeare even when he’s being a butthead. I think you can love him and still see the problems with what’s happening.”

The play answers real-life Anger’s work in that way, creating well-rounded characters no matter the gender or race. Shakespeare was a genius and he also had to bathe. Hathaway was supportive of her husband’s writing endeavors and also sought to write her own plays.

In its own farcical way, Workman says “Jane Anger” asks, “How do you hold all of what a person is?”

The play doesn’t go as far as iambic pentameter, but Monahon and Workman assure there are plenty of Shakespeare Easter eggs peppered throughout. Audience members will recognize the essence of Shakespeare, but they don’t need to be Shakespeare scholars to fully enjoy this different perspective of the time.

Monahon shared a quote by Hilary Mantel that inspires her work: “History is not the past. It is the method we’ve evolved of organizing our ignorance of the past.”

In its own new, genre-bending, comedic way, “Jane Anger” deals with this idea: that history is slippery and people even more so. Our accepted history shows Shakespeare alone, or surrounded by other male playwrights of the time, gathered around a script. But there were always other people in the peripheries — and “Jane Anger” shows us what happens when they take a seat at the table.

Theatre Company’s Michael R. Klein Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; 202547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org // @shakespeareindc

Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “Jane Anger.”

Shakespeare

WORDS BY ABI NEWHOUSE

Amelia Workman + Talene Monahon in "Jane Anger." Photo by Valerie Terranova.

“SAFE WORD” EXPLORES VULNERABILITY IN FILM

WORDS BY AVIVA BECHKY

Jonathan Adriel felt terrified to audition for “Safe Word.”

“I was like, ‘Me, masculine?’” the performer says. “‘No singing, no dancing?’ But I [knew] this was a feat that had to be tackled.”

By the time he finished performing as Bear in the 15-minute short film, Adriel says he’d fallen in love with acting all over again.

“Safe Word” follows the relationship between Bear and Cesar (Mauricio Pita). Bear begins as Cesar’s dom, humiliating him on a regular basis. But when Bear pushes for a change in their relationship, the two wrestle to find a new dynamic.

The D.C.-made film debuted at GALA Hispanic Theatre on November 16. Pita — who is the executive producer, in addition to playing Cesar — first started planning “Safe Word” last winter, channeling his own experiences.

“I’ve been struggling a lot with negative self-talk,” Pita says. “I have this voice in my head that shuts down whatever idea I have or anything I dream about. So, I started going to therapy to figure out where those voices came from.”

But after his therapy sessions, Pita didn’t feel amazing or transformed. Instead, internal conflicts bubbled to the surface. Pita poured those conflicts into “Safe Word.”

He initially struggled to play Cesar, he says. Pita ended up using his vulnerabilities and letting his own negative self-talk show through to access Cesar’s headspace.

“I allowed myself to go to the dark place I’ve been working so hard not to get back into,” Pita says. “And we ended up using that. That was the take.”

Together, Pita and Adriel sharpened the conflict between Cesar and Bear. The creative team developed layers of

symbolism: an orange, slowly unpeeled as the characters let down their guards. A solar dancing flower, waving more and more as Cesar and Bear create emotional momentum.

Portraying Bear, Adriel learned to imbue the same repeated line — “Look at me” — with tones ranging from sternness to tenderness. He found artistry in the relationship between his character and Pita’s, especially in the process of Bear tying Cesar up.

“It’s very intimate,” Adriel says. “It’s not what society has deemed it out to be. It’s a very beautiful song and dance.”

With its themes of self-loathing and self-love, co-writer and director Christopher Cunetto says “Safe Word” was sometimes difficult to film. Some crew members stepped out briefly after vulnerable takes. The actors created real emotions in the moment, Cunetto says.

Directing the film helped Cunetto better understand the complexity of his own feelings in moments that are complicated and fraught, upsetting and joyful all at once. He hopes the film’s audience shares in that realization.

“Watching the film, I want people to feel a little braver or safer to be messy and vulnerable and choose the uncertain space,” Cunetto says.

Find updates about the viewing schedule of “Safe Word” at safeword.film. Adriel, Cunetto and Pita can all be found on Instagram: Adriel @justjonathanadriel, Cunetto @cunetto and Pita @mauriciopita.

Follow Tepui Media, the D.C.-based producers of the film, @tepuimedia.

Mauricio Pita as Cesar in “Safe Word.” Photo by Lauren Emerson.

THE HEARTBEAT OF D.C.’S CREATIVE SCENE

Inside the Vibrant World of Style Icons José Alberto Uclés + Tom Noll

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

I will never forget the first time I saw José Alberto Uclés and Tom Noll. I was arriving at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall for a press night, and although I cannot recall what show I was running dangerously late to, I can remember them vividly.

The statuesque Noll and gregarious Uclés are memorable in their own right, but what so many Washingtonians have come to know them for is what initially caught my eye: their perfectly coordinated, truly unforgettable outfits. While the exact fabric and color of their suits that night escapes me, it was the attention to detail — down to the glitz and glamour of their matching shoes, ascots and lapel pins — that had me reeling.

Almost as remarkable as their outfits were the throngs of

people surrounding them. They were the life of the party, and an energy emanated from them that I could feel from across the room. While their sense of style is certainly impressive, it wasn’t what drew me to them. Instead, it was an unmistakable sense of joy they seemed to feel at being able to celebrate the performing arts on this particular evening. They didn’t strike me as inaccessible socialites. From what I could gather, they were simply enthusiastic patrons of the arts.

As the years went on and my attendance at cultural events around the city grew, I continued to see this magical couple command the room. Over time, Uclés — the unabashed social butterfly of the pair — and I began catching each other’s eye, nodding to one another as if to say, “You look fabulous, darling.”

And then one night, we were seated next to one another at

“The Secret Garden,” also at Sidney Harman Hall. We both teared up during a particularly moving song, and when Uclés noticed my tears, he grabbed me by the hand and whispered in my ear, “I know honey, me too.”

Fast forward to this November, when I’m seated opposite the couple in their Bloomingdale brownstone that rivals their wardrobe as its own livable work of art. We’re eating brunch in their opulent dining room, painted a bright red and filled to the brim with golden masks, figures and orbs, when Uclés gently pauses our conversation.

He points out little flickers of rainbow light dancing around his favorite room, crediting the natural light pouring into the space. Noll smiles in agreement, and we all take a moment to enjoy the view. Uclés and Noll find beauty nearly everywhere

they go and in almost everything they touch, and on frequent occasion, they invite us into their world and give us the opportunity to look through their colorful lens.

The Men Behind The Wardrobe

Once we finish brunch and relocate to the pair’s elaborate living room for our interview, I begin to bubble with excitement. I finally get to peel back the layers of this delightful onion. Many of us know this public-facing couple’s signature style and frequent appearances at arts and culture events around the city. But who are the men behind the wardrobe?

Uclés and Noll have both lived in the D.C. area for more than 30 years, but their paths did not cross until 16 years ago when they met at a fundraiser for The Washington Ballet in Georgetown.

“He’s shy at first,” Uclés says of his husband. “I have always liked taller men, so I came over and said, ‘What a nice, tall glass of water you are.’”

Noll thought his future spouse was a little too forward, and yet, they got to know each other and “I never left,” he says, chuckling.

Two years into their relationship, Noll moved from his home in Manassas, Virginia into the Bloomingdale residence Uclés had bought a few years prior.

“We’ve been together since then,” Uclés says, adding that they tied the knot eight years into their relationship almost immediately after gay marriage was legalized.

Noll, an Ohio native who spent more than 20 years in Northern Virginia before becoming a D.C. resident, is a multihyphenate to the nth degree. The former landscaper is also an award-winning children’s book author and multimedia artist who can be found working on a sculpture one day and turning found objects into a piece of original art for a friend the next. He’s also passionate about community projects, most notably his “White Bicycle Fence” art installation located in Bloomingdale’s corner park on Rhode Island Avenue and First and T Streets, which he decorates seasonally and for notable holidays.

The local artist is soft-spoken and thoughtful, often laughing with his eyes before any sound comes out. Noll has a practicality to him, appreciating the elements of organized chaos that help keep many creatives sane like punctuality and occasional, albeit brief, bouts of rest.

The yin to his yang, Uclés couldn’t be more his opposite. He is a rare breed of extrovert, the kind that recharges their batteries after too much people time with even more people time. His art form, while less tangible than his partner’s, is equally impressive: planning and maintaining their robust social calendar to promote and support the local arts community.

Uclés hails from San Pedro Sula, Honduras and moved to the States for college in Indiana. He visited D.C. during spring break and fell in love with our cherry blossoms — and ultimately, the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. He has spent 21 years as the Hispanic outreach spokesperson and public affairs specialist for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“I feel blessed and lucky to help spread the traffic safety campaigns and messages that save so many lives in our

L TO R. José Alberto Uclés + Tom Noll by Noll’s “White Bicycle Fence” installation.

Hispanic community in the U.S.,” he says, “paired with the amazing opportunities given to us to be part of such a diverse and awesome group of artmakers and supporters through our artsy and cultural adventures. We are so fulfilled and grateful.”

He has also served three terms as the Ward 5 commissioner for the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and is a former Helen Hayes Award judge.

The couple’s complementary professional pursuits and personal interests seemed destined to intertwine, culminating in a partnership that far exceeds their romantic relationship. They have become cultural connectors in the District, thoughtfully curating every waking moment outside of their day jobs to have a presence at arts events around the city.

We’ll Sleep When We’re Dead

Uclés and Noll meticulously select every single outfit with one shared goal in mind: to represent and pay homage to the event they are attending or the local creative they are celebrating. Actors, artists and cultural leaders often notice parallels in the couple’s attire and their own art, which is a revelation they readily welcome.

At a recent show at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, an artist approached Noll and said, “Oh my god, your jacket matches my art.”

He immediately offered the artist his jacket for a photo op with his wife. Similarly, Uclés proudly shares the story of bumping into an opera singer in the bathroom during intermission at a Washington Opera Society performance.

His jacket was so perfectly themed for the subject matter of the opera that the singer jokingly said, “I love your jacket.

That’s what I should be wearing up there.”

Uclés swapped jackets without hesitation, blending into the crowd during the second act in his new friend’s everyday tux while the singer rocked the showstopper onstage. His new look was a total hit, and Uclés couldn’t have been more thrilled.

“Our way of dressing is to honor the artmakers, art supporters and people who are performing,” Uclés says. “I tend to look at events and think, ‘Can we push the envelope? If it’s an art exhibit, what are the colors of it? How can we complement the event?’”

Uclés selects jackets from their vast collection and Noll styles them, completing the look. Their whimsical sense of fashion is an intentional conversation piece. The pair wants to be noticed, and they want their style to convey approachability.

Noll’s a showman, leaning toward more artistic looks and always searching for an opportunity to don his steampunkinspired outfits. He’s also crafty: Noll has applied finishing touches to many of the couple’s pieces in order to complete the look. Taking a paint brush to a jacket is a common occurrence in their home.

“I want elegant but I want pushing the button,” Noll says. “By the time the party’s over, [Uclés] knows everybody. I want to dress [in a way] that either somebody interesting is going to say, ‘I want to know that person,’ or walk away from me and want nothing to do with me — one or the other.”

Noll is always open to making connections but remains firm that he’s unapologetic about his style choices. In fact, a major motivation for him is inspiring friends, peers and strangers alike to get a little bolder with their own wardrobes.

L TO R. Tom Noll + José Alberto Uclés in their Bloomingdale home.

Uclés says his style is colorful but elegant — and a little louder than his partner’s. This translates well to his largerthan-life personality.

“He’s a butterfly pollinating everything,” Noll says. “He never judges anybody. He’s always looking out for everybody he meets.”

They are enamored with D.C.’s creative community, walking me through some of their favorite theatre productions, galas and art openings in recent history. And unlike some of the who’s who of Washington, the couple is equally excited to show up in style to an embassy event as they are to an art show in support of local students. Every invitation is meaningful, and they try to make an appearance at as many events as possible.

“We like art of all kinds,” Uclés says. “We’re always in for an adventure — an experience — because we firmly believe we learn experiencing things and being part of this amazing art community. I do find that D.C.’s arts community is very united. It takes a village.”

While the amount of events the couple attends ebbs and flows based on busy season for the arts world — April, September and October, according to the duo — they are generally out and about five nights a week. Uclés says they’re trying to take it a bit slower, though: They try not to squeeze in more than one event a night, unless it’s a can’t-miss opportunity.

Some jacket pockets include a notecard with details about the last event they wore an outfit to, and they always have their impressively active social media accounts to fall back on if they need a refresh. While outfits do have repeat performances, they are spaced out with great care and attention — just like every detail of their looks.

“While I’m alive, I will do as much as I can to help connect people because it makes us come alive when we do these events — even though we become tired,” Uclés says.

He pulls a little piece of art with an adage on it from his refrigerator, tells me it’s his favorite quote and reads it to me: “God put me on this earth to do a few things. I’m so far behind, I’ll never die.”

There’s No Place Like Home

While Uclés may steal the show at arts events, it’s Noll who has made a name for the pair in their neighborhood. When he moved in with Uclés 14 years ago, he immediately started a beautification project at Bloomingdale’s corner park. Within two years, with the enthusiastic blessing of nearby businesses and store owners, he relocated and reconfigured his “White Bicycle Fence” art installation that had garnered much attention outside of his Manassas home.

“It’s got an audience,” Noll says of his installation. “People are like, ‘Oh my god, I wondered who did that. How long have you been doing that? It really makes the neighborhood.’ It just brings joy. It’s for the kids.”

Uclés is quick to say that Noll does this out of the kindness of his heart, and in no way expects a community effort to support the project. He updates the fence as frequently as three times a month, depending on the season and upcoming holidays. His current installation, “Let’s Go Fishing,” is inspired by an aquarium, a blend of vibrant fish and hula hoops wrapped in blue fabric. Often, he’s creating parts of his installations in their garage or sprawling out in the living room

with all of the necessary materials.

His superpower is connecting with kids, whether it’s through his “Trash to Treasure” children’s book series or putting together a mini library by the “White Bicycle Fence.”

Pre-pandemic, he visited nearby elementary schools to read stories and perform puppet shows for kindergarteners and first graders. Now, he’s working on building his own mini library outside of their home, complete with a wish box so kids can leave a note about a book they really want and he can find it for them.

This generosity of spirit starts inside their home, a colorful world they’ve created together that is truly representative of what they love. Uclés and Noll love to entertain, and the selfdescribed “Artsy Fashion Peacocks” of D.C. even invite friends in the arts community to check out their new walk-in “Peacock Closet” on occasion.

The former guest bedroom is truly a work of art, with nearly 500 color-coordinated and flawlessly organized suit jackets, 250 shirts, 160 vests, 115 pairs of shoes, 90 cufflink sets and 84 ascots — not to mention dress pants, artsy jeans, bow ties, handkerchiefs, brooches and lapel pins. It is in many ways their pièce de resistance, and for good reason, but I’m much more captivated by their upstairs hallway.

Noll, who graciously counted for me, says there are 158 pieces of art lining the hallway walls floor to ceiling and 86 in his bedroom. When I ask for a ballpark number for the total number in the house, Noll says about 1,000.

The recurring theme of peacocks in the couple’s home was inspired by legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, who coined the term “peacocking” for men who dress to the nines — and uniquely. The photographer captured men who were increasingly forgoing the boring tux or drab suit and transforming themselves into style icons.

From depictions of Marilyn Monroe and Frida Kahlo and paintings from local artists like Maggie O’Neill upstairs to a massive Moulin Rouge canvas painting in the living room — which Noll bedazzled with additional rhinestones just for fun — each nook and cranny of their home is meant, just like their outfits, to inspire dialogue and connection.

“We believe in community engagement, cross-cultural collaboration and giving back,” Uclés says. “I look forward to continuing to bring joy and whimsy, and to inspire others to follow their artsy souls.”

I had the opportunity to walk through the “Peacock Closet” a few months ago with several peers in the arts community, dipping a toe into what would ultimately become this interview. The consummate gentleman, Uclés walked me to the door, gave me a warm goodbye hug and said, “Life is too short to fit into a little box.”

I couldn’t agree more, my friend.

Follow Uclés and Noll on Instagram @artsyfashionpeacocks and Facebook @ArtsyFashionPeacocksDC. And if you spot them in fabulous attire at a D.C. event, stop and say hi to the friendliest arts and culture enthusiasts you’ll ever meet.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

YOUR LOCAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

WORDS BY BRANDON WETHERBEE

’Tis the season to buy a bunch of cool stuff from locals. Peruse our local gift guide for ideas for every single person in your life. We guarantee you will find something someone will like in this guide. Unless they don’t eat food or listen to music or read or like wearing nice things. If they don’t do any of that stuff, we do not envy your shopping list.

For the Local Music Supporter

I.M.P. Gift Card + Crewneck

Tickets to a show at The Anthem, 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre and/or Merriweather Post Pavilion sound like a fantastic gift idea. But what if the person you’re gifting has tickets? Or they’re busy on the night of the

show? Or they need more than the number of tickets you purchased and now the show is sold out? Gift card, baby! Starting at $25 and going up to $200, an I.M.P. gift card is great for the music lover in your life that doesn’t share a Google calendar. Also, if/when you do deliver this gift, consider the 9:30 Club crewneck. It looks great, regardless of your concert attendance. 815 V St. NW, DC; merch.930.com // @930club

Vinyl is Vital Poster from Byrdland Records

Buying someone a record is almost as tricky as buying someone concert tickets. Rather than guess what they like and what they have and if they want the standard pressing or some limited run, variant colored vinyl, just stick with a good-looking poster and a gift card from a local record store. We like the Vinyl is Vital poster from Byrdland. 1264 5th St. NE, DC; shop.byrdlandrecords.com // @byrdlandrecords

For Future Sweaty Fun

Running Shoes from Pacers

One of the biggest hurdles to running is finding the correct shoe. An uncomfortable fit will result in a lack of running. While online shoe shopping is fantastic, it’s not ideal for running shoes. Take the person who might love running to a Pacers and let the experts do what you cannot. Multiple Locations; pacersrunning.com // @runpacers

Tune Up from Takoma Bicycle Shop

Similar to good running shoes being an important motivation to running, a working bicycle is pretty important when it comes to getting your bike on the road. We’re not recommending anyone buy a bike but if there is a person in your life with a bike that could use some love, help make that happen. The Takoma Bicycle Shop has excellent customer service, but this pick is applicable for any/every bicycle shop. 7030 Carroll Ave. Takoma Park, MD; takomabicycle.com // @takoma_bicycle

For the D.C. Sports Fan

Washington Capitals Holiday Party Tickets

Everyone gets a Caps themed holiday blanket at the December 19 game against the Detroit Red Wings. This is a fantastic gift because Caps tickets

are always a good idea and blankets are always useful at hockey games. 601 F St. NW, DC; nhl.com/capitals // @capitals

Washington Wizards Holiday Pack

Wizards games are a blast and they’re even better when you get a commemorative nutcracker with your ticket purchase. 601 F St. NW, DC; nba.com/wizards // @washwizards

For the Bookworm

What’s More Punk T-Shirt from Mount Pleasant Library Friends

The DC Public Library is absolutely fantastic. From obvious services like, books, to the above-and-beyond activities for all ages (Drag queen story time! Free Covid-19 tests!), it’s a jewel of the city. Show your love for the library with the most popular shirt that looks like a band shirt that isn’t a band shirt. mtpfriends.bigcartel.com // @mtpleasantlibraryfriends

Gift Bundle from Politics & Prose D.C. residents love their books and bookstores. In an industry that’s been hit hard by Amazon, Washington appears to be good, actually. There’s Politics & Prose, Kramers, Capitol Hill Books, Solid State Books, Loyalty Bookstore, Lost City Books, Bold Fork Books and more. We’re going with a gift bundle from Politics & Prose because they can be customized for journaling/ writing, art, cooking and gardening, cozy at home, games for the whole family or miscellaneous. Every single person in your life can be at least one of those categories. Multiple locations; politics-prose.com // @politicsprose

For the Traditional Gift Giver OF US Skincare Products from Manifest

Fun fact: You most likely have a face! And most everyone you know also has a face! And that face could benefit from some quality skincare products, regardless of gender! 1807 Florida Ave. NW, DC; manifest.us // @manifest.us

Party Prep Facial from Silver Mirror

Who doesn’t appreciate a facial? If you’re a super gift giver, consider making this a monthly gift, bringing it down to $76 per month, normally $95. 1301 19th St. NW, DC; 1355 3rd St. SE, DC; silvermirror.com // @silvermirrorfacialbar

FIRST PAGE FROM TOP.

A Holiday Bonanza from Each Peach Market. Photo courtesy of market. Mumbo Tote. Photo courtesy of Bailiwick.

THIS PAGE FROM TOP. The Panther Necklace. Photo courtesy of Wild Gardenia Boutique. Of US Travel Size Kit. Photo by Austin Keith.

NEXT PAGE. Deck The District: Gift Box Program. Photo courtesy of Shop Made in DC.

Personalized Leather Bag from Stitch & Rivet

Want to give them something that looks cool? Feels cool? Personalized? That’ll look and feel better as it ages? Whether you’re looking to spend a few hundred on a satchel bag or closer to $20 on a wallet, there are some good options with Stitch & Rivet. shopstitchandrivet.com // @stitchandrivet

Large Skull Necklace from Tabletop

Is every day Halloween? Every day is Halloween if you want every day to be Halloween. Kudos to designer Daphne Olive for making a necklace I actively covet. 6927 Laurel Ave. Takoma Park, MD; tabletopdc.com // @thetabletopdc Jewelry from Wild Gardenia Boutique

I’m writing about jewelry and not the item I think is stunning, The Panther Necklace Black, because there’s no way this thing doesn’t sell by the time we go to print. Regardless of the Panther’s availability, take some time perusing

the jewelry options from Wild Gardenia Boutique. Even when this necklace is long gone, there are still quite nice earring options. (I’m looking at you, XL Bright Pink Floral Earrings.) wildgardeniaboutique.com // @wild_gardenia_boutique

For the Local Who Wants You to Know They’re Local

Mumbo Train Tote from Bailiwick

Is that a Metro tote bag? Yes, but it’s more! It’s a Metro themed Mumbo sauce themed tote bag from a company who designs and prints their goods in the DMV! wearbailiwick.com // @bailiwick_clothing

Deck the District box from Shop Made in D.C.

Do you want to support multiple local makers in one gift package? Shop Made in D.C. has you covered. Multiple Locations; shopmadeindc.com // @shopmadeindc

For the Person Who Eats

A Holiday Bonanza Box from Each Peach

It’s a celebration in one purchase! Buy this box, be a party hero! 3068 Mount Pleasant St. NW, DC; eachpeachmarket.com // @eachpeachmarket

2023 Calendar Benefiting DC

Central Kitchen by Marcella Kriebel

Want to feel good about your gift and know what day it is? marcellakriebel.com // @marcellakriebel

For the Person Who Drinks Adult Drinks

Barrel-Aged Ghouls Attack Pack from DC Brau

The availability of DC Brau on local grocery and liquor store shelves is a year-round gift. So, get the person you love who loves adult beverages something you can’t find on most shelves. 3178-B Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; dcbrau.com // @dcbrau

Discovery Kit from Don Ciccio & Figli

Not sure what Italian liqueurs you enjoy? Sample 15 from D.C.’s finest producer of Italian liqueurs! 1907 Fairview Ave. NE, DC; conciccioefigli.com // @donciccioefigli

For the Parent

Open Play

at the Lane

Need a place to put the kid(s) for two hours on a dreary day? Go to The Lane, baby! It’s also good for babies, baby! Kind of. It’s better for kids who can walk, but feel free to meet up with other parents of the under one crowd. You need to get out of the house. 1408 Okie St. NE, DC; thelaneivycity.com // @thelaneivycity

Smithsonian National Zoo Membership

Yes, the Smithsonian National Zoo does not have an entrance fee. But parking is not free. Starting at the premier level, parking is included. It’s a deal if you visit the zoo more than a few times in a year. And you can also feel good about donating to a conservation zoo. But parking, now that’s the real gift. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; nationalzoo.si.edu // @smithsonianzoo

Mamie Jackson Williams and Nancy Frazier are storytellers. As the Vice President of Development and Associate Vice President for Planned Parenthood Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW), respectively, they are the conduit for PPMW to secure grants from donors.

“What I love about our field is we’re able to take our colleagues’ talent, skills and passion and describe it in high def for a donor,” Williams says. “Our organization is doing amazing work, including our small but mighty development team, but folks don’t hear about it all the time. It’s our responsibility to make sure a potential donor understands the impact [we’re having].” Their ability to successfully convey their message and build relationships is evident by two sixfigure grants Frazier closed in October. (Williams shared their success resulted in a dance party to “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang.)

As seen with the recent midterm elections, there is collective national support to protect abortion access and reproductive rights. Still, D.C. clinics have seen an increase in patients traveling from states with abortion bans or restrictions, like Texas, Florida and Tennessee.

“We had a situation early on where a 15-year-old came from Texas,” Frazier recalls. “She flew in alone. She came to our health center, had her procedure and flew right back out the same day. It’s mind boggling to imagine being 15 and faced with that. But once she got to our health center, we made her feel like she was coming to a place where she was safe — where we would take care of her.”

In a post-Roe era, Williams and Frazier have found their work fulfilling despite long hours that trickle well into the night, coming up with creative ways to inspire people to donate and continue to engage in activism. Their fervor for providing reproductive healthcare to all is matched by their supporters.

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

“We’re hitting the fiscal year off right and that’s rewarding because it means we’re supporting the Abortion Access Fund and our Contraceptive Equity Fund,” Williams says. “Where else can you go and get rewarded for doing good things and see people rewarded for what they do?”

Consistently raising enough money to meet increasing demand takes ingenuity. Following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in June, PPMW President and CEO Dr. Laura Meyers called upon Williams and Frazier to help start the Abortion Access Fund.

The solution? Williams came up with the Pink Cape Society, working to find 20 individuals willing to seed the fund with one million dollars. Within four months, Williams and the team met the goal.

“Our stance was no one will ever come to PPMW and question if they can afford care. They will be able to get the abortion care service, whether it’s needing childcare services, food or travel expenses. We’re going to make sure today, tomorrow and the next day we can provide those services to people. The Pink Cape Society supporters literally just stood up within four months and said, ‘I got you. I got your back.’”

“It’s the connection with the actual people,” Frazier says. “We have patients, volunteers, donors and stakeholders. Seeing their engagement, activism and desire to make sure Planned Parenthood is a natural resource to all people — whatever their healthcare needs are — we feed off their energy and enthusiasm.”

Knowing she’s not only working for the larger community, but working for her little girl keeps Williams motivated.

“That’s what I hear a lot from our supporters too,” Williams says. “They are always looking ahead. They’re thinking about their kids and grandkids.”

As for what is coming up, Williams and Frazier shared that a $20 million campaign is in the works to further support abortion access. PPMW is in the process of acquiring mobile units and expanding its service portfolio, including vasectomies, throughout the region.

Thanks to Williams and Frazier, they already have a lead gift to start the campaign off strong.

Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington: 1225 4th St. NE, DC; plannedparenthood.org // @ppmwdc

Planned

How Planned Parenthood’s Mamie Jackson Williams + Nancy Frazier garner support for reproductive care

WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER

L TO R. Mamie Jackson Williams + Nancy Frazier. Photos courtesy of subjects.

MEMBERS ONLY

BY EMERSON DAMERON

WORDS

We love our members, so we’re highlighting them in our Members Only series. District Fray member Sara Morgan is a PR entrepreneur who helps brands and businesses shine brightly. Become a member at districtfray.com/subscribe.

Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame, and we’re all famous to at least 15 people. But if you want your name in the news for the good things you’re doing, you need to talk to Fray member Sara Morgan, a PR pro and founder/CEO of Eleven Eleven. Morgan’s work is driven by her many years of experience in and around the media sphere, her penchant for spinning a keen yarn and her pervasive spirit of generosity. She took time out of her hectic year-end schedule to share her story, her philosophy and what she loves about being a Fray member.

District Fray: How would you describe what you do for a living?

Sara Morgan: Being a publicist is multifaceted, but the overarching goal is to secure earned media coverage on behalf of our clients, meaning getting and keeping them in the news. Each individual client’s needs are different, so every engagement is different. We back out each client’s unique goals and tailor our strategy accordingly. Goals could include elevating the personal profiles of the team, supporting events/ activations, attracting new customers, raising investor awareness or securing awards.

Who are your biggest clients/customers?

If by biggest you are referring to the size of the company/ team, I believe Atlas Restaurant Group and Knead Hospitality + Design are our largest restaurant groups. But many of our other restaurant groups, like Seven Restaurant Group for example, are continuing to expand rapidly. It’s fun to see our clients growing so quickly.

Photo courtesy of subject.

How did you get started on your current professional trajectory?

Long story very short, I studied broadcast journalism and was on the media side of things, moved into startups as a co-founder of an e-commerce platform and used my journalism skills to secure us press coverage writing for HuffPost, MSN and PureWow. This allowed me to see the impact of earned media on a company’s bottom line first-hand, but it was a full-time job. When we raised our Series A funding, I hired a PR firm and was disenchanted with the traditional PR process. I set out to create a firm that ran more like a newsroom than a PR agency. February will mark 10 years since starting Eleven Eleven, and it has been an incredible journey.

What was your most significant turning point?

My most significant turning point was around my five-year mark and followed my first experience doing restaurant PR. My brother was the co-owner and co-executive chef of Maydan at the time and asked me to do their PR. It was my entry into the food and beverage space. I immediately fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since. There are so many incredible stories to be told. It’s not just about the food and beverages. I have never seen a vertical be so directly impacted by earned media as the hospitality space. I love how purposeful and impactful it makes our work feel. Seven Reasons was my second restaurant client, and it was also an incredible experience. It has been all word of mouth since then and now 90% of our portfolio is hotels/restaurants. I am very grateful.

What advice would you have to your undergraduate aged self?

There is nothing you can’t do if you are driven, passionate and give yourself permission to take risks. Always trust your gut. It’s never wrong.

What’s your definition of success?

Achieving success to me means you are fortunate enough to do what you love for a living while staying true to yourself and kind to others.

What do you most enjoy about being a District Fray member?

I love the lens through which District Fray sees D.C. The content is unique and spans a variety of verticals and areas of interest. The events are always dynamic and feature a nice crossover of smart, driven, passionate people who make up the unique fabric of the DMV.

Follow Sara Morgan on Twitter @SaraMorganPR. Learn more about Eleven Eleven at elevenelevenpr.co and follow @eleven_eleven_pr.

Savvy Storytelling + Gratitude with Sara Morgan

TIPS FOR SKI SEASON IN THE D.C. AREA

WORDS BY KEITH LORIA

Ski season is just about upon us. Whether you’re a beginner or consider yourself a master of the slopes, there are lots of things you can do to prepare and save time and money. Regardless of your ability to stay upright while barreling down a mountain, here are some tips for all skiing skill levels.

Learning to Love the Slopes

Nancy and Brian Deely, co-owners of Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports in Leesburg, have been helping skiers prepare for the winter season since 1995. That includes boot fitting and servicing, matching people for skis, leasing and selling equipment and skiing accessories and outfitting you with the correct ski wear.

An avid skier, Brian has worked in ski shops for 35 years, so the sport is in his blood. Nancy tried skiing for the first time at 16 and came off the mountain vowing to never do it again, but a friend convinced her otherwise and she soon learned to love it. She eventually got a job as a ski instructor while in college so she could ski for free.

Locally, ski season officially kicks into gear in mid-December, with most of the well-known resorts in the area planning to open on December 17 — though that all depends on Mother Nature. And with the warm weather in November, that’s certainly a fear.

“But if she decides to cooperate, the season can start even sooner than that,” Nancy Deely says. “If they have snowmaking temperatures earlier than normal, they will start blowing snow and open it sooner than later. I’ve skied as early as Thanksgiving in three feet of fresh snow, so it can happen.”

Four to five hours from the District there are approximately 20 ski resorts, so there’s no shortage of places people can go.

Getting the Proper Gear

The outdoor industry has seen business explode since the pandemic because everyone wants to be outside. That’s created a great deal of business at Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports, so it’s important for skiers to get their equipment early. “We’ve experienced unprecedented demand and there’s been supply chain issues,” Deely says, noting one popular brand has two factories in the Ukraine, which is slowing things down. “That has made things challenging. There is high demand and low supply, so if you need to buy new equipment now is the time. We are going to start running out of stuff by mid-January and won’t be able to reorder it.”

For rentals, the store offers weekend rentals for adults and kids. Families can pick up equipment on Friday and bring it back Monday, which is highly recommended to save time from waiting in long lines at the mountain. The store also has season rentals for kids only.

“Some people may only go once or twice during the season and if you go to the resorts to rent, especially on the weekend, you’ll stand in the rental line for one or two hours,” Deely says. “My best advice is to rent from a local ski shop or go to a resort during the week. Or if you go on the weekend, go an hour or two before they even open.”

Buying equipment is recommended for skiers who plan on going every year, as skis and boots will last at least six to seven years and will save a lot of money in the long run.

“It’s worth it if you go at least five or six days a season,” Deely says. “I think the average skier skis 10 days a season.”

Toward the end of every November, Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports holds a big yard sale featuring used equipment, which is a great opportunity to pick up less expensive items for the slopes. While this year’s sale has already come and gone, Deely recommends checking back next year to find great savings.

Saving Time

In addition to having your equipment when you get to the mountain, skiers can get more from the experience if they start early — especially when the resorts first open.

“The early bird definitely catches the worm,” Deely says. “If you can spend the night, even at a nearby hotel, you will have a more relaxed morning and will beat the crowds, which will make it more fun.”

‘Tis the Season

Since ski season falls into holiday time, often people think about gifting ski items as presents. Deely notes that instead of buying skis and boots, which are personalized, they should consider giving gift cards. But if they do want to wrap something up, a boot bag, ski luggage and ski socks are great gifts to consider.

Best Resorts Near D.C.

While avid skiers may look to plan a trip to Vail, Colorado, Stowe, Vermont or Park City, Utah to ski this winter, for the most part, people in the D.C. region will look to ski somewhere they can drive to for the day. Thankfully, there are plenty of somewhat local mountains around 1.5 hours away. Timberline Mountain in Davis, West Virginia, which is about three hours from D.C., is one of Deely’s favorite for a one-day trip.

“It was family owned for decades, and they just drove it into the ground,” she says. “Another family-owned company from Indiana bought it and dumped around $3 million into it. They put in new chair lifts and a snowmaking system. They’ve cleaned up the lodge and it’s phenomenal. It’s a great physical ski mountain, has a great ski school and is family-oriented.” Here are some other top spots to consider this year.

Liberty Mountain Resort

Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, Pennsylvania is also around 90 minutes away and features a magic carpet lift for the bunny hill and a challenging backside course for more adventurous skiers. It also features night skiing, so people can get in a lot of runs in one day. 78 Country Club Trail Fairfield, PA; libertymountainresort.com // @libertymtn

Massanutten Resort

This resort in Massanutten, Virginia is nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes from D.C. and at an elevation of 2,922 feet. There are 70 acres for skiers to take advantage of. The resort is a great spot for those learning to ski due to its instruction. 1822 Resort Dr. Massanutten, VA; massresort.com // @massresort

of resort.

Snowshoe Mountain. Photos courtesy

DISTRICT

Snowshoe Mountain

Snowshoe Mountain in Snowshoe, West Virginia is a bit further than others at 4 hours and 30 minutes, but it offers a very scenic drive and plenty of challenging slopes that advanced skiers love. It offers 11,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountain Range and boasts the second highest point in the state at 4,848 feet in elevation. 10 Snowshoe Dr. Showshoe, WV; snowshoemtn.com // @snowshoemtn

Whitetail Resort

Located in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania approximately 90 minutes from D.C., Whitetail is a popular place for beginners and expert skiers because of how close it is. 13805 Blairs Valley Rd. Mercersburg, PA; skiwhitetail.com // @whitetailresort

Wintergreen Resort

Nestled in Wintergreen, Virginia, Wintergreen Resort is about three hours from the District and is the only mountain in the area which is covered by 100% automated snowmaking. 39 Mountain Inn Loop Nellysford, VA; wintergreenresort.com // @wintergreenresortva

Wisp Ski Resort

Wisp Ski Resort in McHenry, Maryland is also about three hours from D.C. The mountain has 172 total acres of skiable areas, making it one of the largest within driving distance, with a little more than a quarter designed for beginners. 296 Marsh Hill Rd. McHenry, MD; wispresort.com // @wispresort

Passes to Purchase

Season passes can save skiers both time and money. Here are a few of our top recommendations.

Epic Pass

Vail Resorts in Colorado offers a special season pass called the Epic Pass, which allows skiing at more than 40 of its properties, including many close to D.C. like Liberty and Whitetail. The pass is close to $1,000 but it’s unlimited, allowing skiers to go to any of the resorts, any time. Learn more and purchase at epicpass.com.

Ikon Pass

Another pass available is the Ikon Pass, which is owned by the same company that owns Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Colorado. This is similar in that pass holders can ski at any of its properties, which includes Snowshoe in West Virginia. The Ikon Pass is $919 for the year and allows access up to five days at 13 resorts and unlimited access at 34 others. Learn more and purchase at ikonpass.com.

Indy Pass

Indy Pass allows for two skiing days at 119 different resorts for $329. Two Virginia mountains that accept this are Bryce Resort in Basye and Massanutten Resort in Massanutten; West Virginia mountains include Canaan Valley Resort in Davis and Winterplace Ski Resort in Flat Top. Learn more and purchase at indyskipass.com.

For skiing equipment and services, visit Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports in Leesburg at pro-fitski.com. Follow @profitski.

It’s always great to show family or friends around D.C. However, the list of places they want to go can get a bit ... repetitive. Most guests will immediately drag you to the Mall to see museums, monuments, and more souvenir American flag sweatshirts than you can fathom. But D.C. is so much more than the Mall. The next time you’re guiding out of towners through the District, here’s some local spots to pepper in for their enjoyment/your need for novelty.

Planet Word

Looking for a cool museum neither of you have visited? Planet Word has you covered. This interactive museum uses technology to teach how language works in unique ways. Your guests will learn how metaphors work in music by singing “Jolene” in a karaoke room and will learn how to structure words in languages like Zulu and American Sign Language. Hell, the museum may even teach your dad how to tell a good joke! The museum is free (with donation encouraged) and is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. 925 13th St. NW, DC; planetwordmuseum.org // @planetworddc

Kennedy Center’s free performances

Your parents may know the Kennedy Center from the Honors they hold every year. Maybe it’s time to take them to a show ... for free! Every Wednesday through Sunday the center hosts a free show on the Millennium Stage. Performances range from music, dance, film, acting or some combination of those and many more. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedycenter.org // @mstage365

LET’S NOT GO TO THE MALL

LOCAL SPOTS TO TAKE NON-LOCAL PEOPLE

WORDS

Eastern Market

BY BAILEY VOGT

If your visitors are looking to visit local monuments of D.C. there’s no better place than Eastern Market. The market was completed in 1873 and stems from plans made by Pierre L’Enfant himself. Show your tourists through the food stands filled with fresh produce, meat and baked items. Or if it’s the weekend, take them shopping among the art vendors in the outdoor market. I got a Halloween blood splatter blazer from a local consignment person. Who knows what you will find? 225 7th St. SE, DC; easternmarket-dc.org // @easternmarket_dc

Hillwood Estate

Make your guests feel like the VIPs they are with this historic estate right on the border of Rock Creek Park. This home was once owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post and is now a museum complete with a greenhouse, hillside garden and mansionturned-museum featuring many of the items owned by Mrs. Post. 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, DC; hillwoodmuseum.org // @hillwoodmuseum

Great Falls

If your guests are more of the outdoorsy type, make sure to hit up Great Falls, located only a handful of

miles away on the border of Maryland and Virginia. A mile and a half hike will grant you stunning views of the Potomac River from three different overlooks. Afterward, stick around to do some additional hiking in the area. Or if your idea of an outdoor adventure is with a chardonnay in hand, head to a nearby winery to toast doing physical activity. 9200 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA; 11710 MacArthur Blvd. Potomac, MD; nps.gov/grfa

Torpedo Factory

D.C. has many art museums. However, do you want to see art actively being made? Well, that’s just down the river in Alexandria at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This former weapons plant now houses one of the largest collections of studios in the country with professional artists. You can converse with painters, sculptors, photographers et al. and check out rotating art exhibitions. 105 N Union St. Alexandria, VA; torpedofactory.org // @torpedofactory

Adams Morgan (Yes, the whole neighborhood.)

This may be a wild choice but hi this is my list. If you’re looking for a neighborhood to give your visitors the full D.C. experience, Adams Morgan has you covered. There’s a litany of restaurants to get a bite, bars to grab a drink, stores to grab a souvenir — all while being in a close knit neighborhood untouched by D.C.’s more touristy side. It’s the perfect place to make your guests feel like a local. 18th Street in NW, DC; admodc.org // @admobid

Planet Word. Photo by DuHon Photography.

PLAYERS’ CLUB

CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ KICKBALL CULTURE WITH VIN TESTA

WORDS BY EMERSON DAMERON

We love our DC Fray sports leagues, so we’re highlighting players in our Players’ Club series. This month, we’re featuring DC Fray superstar Vin Testa. Learn more at dcfray.com/leagues.

Testa started his kickball career in the spring of 2016 with Stonewall Kickball DC, an LGBTQIA+ community-based sports league that strives to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. That summer, at the invitation of some Stonewall teammates, he joined DC Fray’s Thursday league at Stead Park. By then, he knew he’d found his new thing. Read on to learn more about Testa’s experience with DC Fray.

District Fray: What’s your team’s energy like?

Vin Testa: My current team, the Steeds of Stead (Park), has been playing in various iterations since summer 2016. I think it’s our 16th season right now. Our energy has always been about having fun. As a captain, I’ve always prided myself on welcoming new people to the team, especially if they’ve never played kickball or want to [improve]. We want to win but walking away from a hard-fought loss can be just as rewarding.

What do you do after a game?

These days I’m a bit of an old man and tend to go home after my games. However, every now and then, I like to go out to Number Nine for a beverage. Or several.

Do you hang out with your team outside of Fray?

Most of us still play in the Stonewall league on Sundays, so I usually see my team out at various points over the weekend.

What’s one important piece of kickball strategy new players need to know?

Two things: one for offense and one for defense. When kicking, lean your body forward and point your toe. When your foot is flexed, that ball is going to pop right up into the air and make it easy to catch. When fielding, the play isn’t over until the pitcher has the ball at the mound. Even if you can’t get the out, get that ball back to the pitcher and prevent any runners from advancing more than they should.

Do you know any interesting facts about the history of LGBTQ+ sports leagues? Why are they important?

From what I understand, formal LGBTQ+ kickball leagues started in D.C. and I’m fairly certain that was due to the efforts of Fray’s own Martin Espinoza. I’m not sure about other leagues, but their importance is quite clear. They provide a safe space for the community and its allies to enjoy athletics. So many LGBTQ+ identifying people grew up in toxic environments, whether that be gym class or sports teams where homophobic and transphobic language was ever-present. These leagues nix that toxicity and provide a fun-filled, carefree environment — depending on your

competitiveness, of course — where people can identify, express and live as their true selves.

What’s your peak kickball experience?

I can’t pick one, so I’ll sum it up as being a captain. I’ve captained three teams across Fray and Stonewall and my greatest honor has been hearing from my teammates about the environment I’ve created — and that we’ve all built together. I will also say getting two championships on Thursday and one on Sunday throughout the years has also been pretty exciting.

What else is going on in your life right now?

I’m currently a general manager at one of the VIDA Fitness locations. That takes a lot of work. But I love my job and that community, as well. Other than that, I’m taking it easy. Fall and winter are my seasons to sit at home, recharge and maybe poke my head out and be social every now and then.

Neighborhood: Congress Heights. Favorite D.C. Museum: National Museum of African American History and Culture. D.C. Restaurant: I’m biased because I used to work there, but it’s Buck’s Fishing & Camping on Connecticut Avenue. Favorite Bar: I’m between Number Nine and Dirty Goose all the time. Best part of living in the DMV: Not needing a car because traffic is insane. Also, being in a city of 700,000+ but still feeling that small town familiarity.

Follow Vin Testa @vintesta.

Photo by Greg Powers.

PHOTO HUNT

CAN YOU SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES? In honor of D.C.’s first alcohol-free bar opening, which you can read on page 36, pour one out with Binge Bar founder Vergie “Gigi” Arandid and see if you find all the differences. Check districtfray.com for the answer key. Cheers!

Vergie “Gigi” Arandid. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

FOR THE LOVE OF D.C.

CREATED BY MYLES MELLOR

Our crossword this month carries our message of happy holidays to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Enjoy solving this puzzle and do your best making whatever holiday(s) you celebrate fun. Check districtfray.com for the answer key.

ACROSS

1 The holy man who eventually became known as Santa who gave all his money to the needy, 2 words 8 Compass point, abbr. 9 Month when moms are honored

It celebrates when Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (December 8), _____ Day

Figure with wings in many Christian paintings

Enjoy a winter sport

Trophy, often

Naughty, on Santa’s list

The Jewish Festival of Lights

Winter shudder (from the cold)

Soft cheese

Fundraising letter

New Year’s Eve salutations

Stan Getz’s instrument, abbr.

Child

Nada 30 Flower short form

Hot dogs

DOWN

He brings presents on a sleigh

Surface for skating

Turkey

“The Holly and the ____, When they are both full grown...” Christmas song

Chutzpah

Novelist Tolstoy

Cinderella’s footwear, ______s

Dawn time

Basketball association, abbr.

Pancha ____, from December 21 to 25, in honor of Ganesha

College website ending

Christmas tree topper

Day when many exchange many presents

Family life, figuratively

African American December festival

Womxn’s undergarment

Finished with work for good, abbr.

Day originally celebrated in England on December 26 when the wealthy wrapped up presents for the needy

British “thanks”

“The Lion King” protagonist

Relaxing destinations

A TOAST TO YOU + ME

WORDS

+ ILLUSTRATION BY E$

We gotta take it easier on ourselves. I don’t think we can continue at this pace. Take. A. Breath. Take two. Admittedly, the 2020s have been a lot. In 2023, we need to give ourselves a chance to slow down from the constant barrage of red hearts and read receipts. And outrage. There’s a new outrage everyday. It’s available on every platform. Hit like and subscribe. Everyone is mad at the same things for different reasons. I’m right. You’re wrong. We both cited three sources from our respective echo chambers. Compromise drove to the store to get cigarettes and hasn’t returned. Netflix got us on autopay and keeps raising the rent. The richest people on Earth keep going to space for some reason. Oh, and there are confirmed UFOs. For our entire lives, they have just been like, “What aliens?” And now they are like, “Oh, those aliens?” Gas demanded a raise but didn’t add any job skills. At the end of 2021, we didn’t trust 2022 and then 2022 was kind of chill until it killed Betty White for no reason. Chip shortages. Murder hornets. Wildfires and hurricanes. We overthink. We undersleep. Anxiety abounds. This timeline is nuts. But all that has happened, and you’re still here. You did it. We did it. So in 2023, let’s take it easier on ourselves. And others. We’ve all been through a lot. Catch up with friends. Make up with foes. Elevate. Evolve. Explore. Celebration instead of consternation. Prosperity and peace. The glass of champagne is half full. Let’s toast to you and me.

For Erica Christian, it all began with a dream. “I came up with the idea while working at Domestique Wine,” Christian, a wine sommelier who has also worked at Tail Up Goat, recalls. “I remember I wanted a less colonial-centric wine engagement. People, especially Black folx, don’t get to explore within American society.” Within a few years, Christian worked toward making her dream a reality by teaming up with her best friend and fellow beverage industry entrepreneur Kapri Robinson, who recently starred in Netflix’s “Drink Masters.” Together, they founded Empowering the Diner in 2021, which challenges perspectives and gatekeeping practices in hospitality toward BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities through supper clubs and pop-ups. Guests attending Christian’s events can always expect a creative and engaging theme, like a five-course tasting menu and wine pairing that explores the African diaspora through the Southern Creole lens; an event pairing sherry with songs by Sade Adu; or a disco party that celebrates the “Black is Beautiful” movement of the ’70s. Christian sat down with us to share about recently venturing into creating cocktails, winning the best cocktail at DMV Black Restaurant Week, achieving her goals with a chronic illness and what she would like to pursue next.

Chasing dreams with Empowering the Diner’s

Erica Christian

WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER

District Fray: Most of your events involve a collaboration with another person in the hospitality industry, like a chef, bartender or even a DJ. Why is collaboration a central part in achieving your mission?

Erica Christian: First, I’ll say the collaboration perspective comes to me through chronic illness. I’ve been experiencing chronic pain for more than a decade, and I’ve been going to doctors in the city and denied all types of care. Then, two years ago during Covid-19 times, I finally got an appointment with a rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder that causes your joints to fuse. It’s an inflammatory disease. It can be quite degenerative if you’re not on treatment. And then this last year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder. Being ill made me realize I cannot do a lot alone. I think the power of collaboration comes in building community resilience against the people who don’t necessarily believe in you. Also, I think the people you see go at alone often end up leaving their own moral compass behind. I think community is necessary for accountability and to get the actionable support you need to [fulfill] your vision.

You described winning the DMV Black Restaurant Week R. R. Bowie Cocktail Competition as one of your most fulfilling experiences. Can you elaborate? I’ve been making cocktails since June, though I’ve been around cocktails for a while being in hospitality. It’s never been something I considered within my wheelhouse and not something I thought I would be doing. Showing up to a bartending competition as a person with mobility issues and chronic illness, and having space to tell my story in a way that was fruitful, was definitely one of the most meaningful things. Pouring wine is great, but this I made with my hands after hours and hours of labor. I made my own nonalcoholic-based spirit from a gluten-free African green and spices that aligned with my Ayurvedic constitution. People came up to me saying, “Wow. Your story really inspired me. You make me feel like I can keep going and get through things.” That is the actual thing I care about. The impact.

How would you describe the local creative community? I’m lucky to be surrounded by other people who want to make it better. All my friends are so artistic and talented. We are building this kind of wild community and giving action to the

things we want. We spent two years of people reading antiracism books, but no one acts like they have. It’s about how do you engage with the information you’ve taken in. Take Kapri. She did Chocolate City’s Best [a nonprofit dedicated to creating networks and opportunities for Black and brown people in hospitality]. She’s a perfect example of saying, “I want to see more representation. I see how good we are as Black and brown bartenders. How can I make people see this?” And then we do. We live it.

What can be improved?

None of us have the money we need. It’s crazy. I think people have this perception of people in beverage — they’ll see me drinking champagne and all these things — but all of this is sponsored. Half of us live paycheck to paycheck. We can’t pay our rent. If you have insurance, you have the highest deductible. I think what we really need to do is start coming together as a community and demanding what we need. Can we create something where we can start legally building affordable co-op spaces, so we can have a space that can thrive and not one sole business has to pay the rent?

Who would attend your ideal dinner party?

I honestly think about this a lot. I already have the dream. I’ve received so much help from so many people. I’ll have my GoFundMe QR code out or my Venmo, or Cash App at events and they’ve all given me so much money. Achieving all of this isn’t without people’s support. What I do doesn’t matter if people aren’t here to interact with it. So, my dream is to throw a dinner I host where everything is completely taken care of for anyone who has either come to my past events or supported me in some way. All of my friends I would have at a special table. It’s a lot for me to receive so much and I want to give back.

Look out for details on Empowering the Diner’s upcoming coffee-based drink pop-up event “Starbucks Could Never.” Christian is also partnering with Green Almond Pantry for future supper clubs. Learn more about Empowering the Diner and stay up-to-date on upcoming event details by visiting their website at empoweringthediner.com or following them @empoweringthediner.

D.C. bar when you want to splurge? Allegory. Kapri Robinson works there! Favorite low-key bar? Nido Wine Shop and Market. Folx don’t know you can drink wine there. Go-to cocktail? Anything with sherry — a Sherry Collins or an Adonis. Wine people sleep on? Sherry. My favorite styles are Manzanilla and Oloroso. Favorite holiday tradition? Watching the old claymation and puppet Christmas movies. I love “A Year Without Santa Claus” and the OG puppet “Jack Frost.” Local artist, bartender, musician or creative to support? All of the folx working to collaborate and build together. Events like Moody Mondays led by dj unt.il / Kawthar Ahmed at Selina. Favorite way to practice self-care? Listening to music. Music breeds movement in me, regardless of the pain and lack of mobility I experience. It takes me to a place of joy beyond pain. Song on repeat? “Omw” by ((( O ))).

Photo by Farrah Skeiky.

Ch y Bloss