WI Bridge - March 2017

Spring Vibes MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

PHOTO EDITOR

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cherry Blossom Season PAGE

Dejah Greene

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LAYOUT EDITOR

Dominiqua S. Eldridge Sarafina Wright

EDITOR’S LETTER It’s spring time in the District, which means Cherry Blossom mania, day parties and festivals! We are so pleased to showcase the energy of the new season in one of the most creative, innovative and culturally rich cities throughout the U.S. The National Cherry Blossom Festival has commenced and we have you covered with every event happening through April. Don't forget to visit the blooms on the Tidal Basin, it’s a great scene for photos, a date or exploring the city.

Over in Northwest at George Washington University, their Textile Museum has an amazing new exhibit “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” where you can learn about African Americans in high fashion and get your full life of inspiration.

Spring Entertainment Guide PAGE

4 CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jade James-Gist

Vintage Black Glamour PAGE on Exhibit at George Washington Museum Remember the Time: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

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ON THE COVER WI BRIDGE TEAM

Finally our Spring Entertainment Guide is super lit and will give you tons of ideas to enjoy yourself at diverse venues and areas around the city.

Interested in photography or writing for the Bride? Email me at swright@ washingtoninformer.com.

Cheers!

The ladies of the Bridge Jade, Sarafina and Dominiqua caught up with each other on Saturday, March 25, a beautiful spring day at Union Market in Northeast. / Photo by Steve Garrett.

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Ebony Fashion Fair model adorns Emanuel Ungaro (French) Evening Dress, Silk Satin, 1987-1988. / Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company.

Cherry Blossom Season

MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

The Festival, The Bar, The Tidal Basin

By Sarafina Wright Editor-in-chief

Festival Parade presented by Events DC Saturday, April 8 Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, spectators are wow-ed by the pageantry and excitement that is the nation’s premier springtime parade.

A scene from last a Blossom Kite Festival on the National Mall. /Photo courtesy of Ron Engle.

It’s that time of year again! Cherry Blossom mania in the District has officially begun with the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Pink Tie Party, the opening ceremony and more events to come through April. Of course the folks that brought you the “Miracle on 7th Street” holiday concept are back with a new Cherry Blossom themed pop-up, featuring Japanese inspired cocktails and fare. It’s officially spring in Washington!

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival Presented by Harris Teeter

National Cherry Blossom Festival The National Cherry Blossom Festival remains the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2017 Festival, March 15 – April 16, includes four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture.

The 2017 Festival commemorates the 105th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

Tidal Basin Welcome Area and Performance Stage Thursday, March 30 - April 2 Time: Welcome Area open daily 10 a.m.

– 7 p.m. | Performances daily 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: 1501 Maine Avenue SW Cost: FREE

• 98 Degrees member and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Drew Lachey • Grammy nominated country singer Jo Dee Messina • DC-Native and chart-topping rapper DJ Kool • Breakout star from the most recent season of “America’s Got Talent” Brian Justin Crum • R&B singer/songwriter Blu Cantrell • Vocalist Mari • Glee star Alex Newell • Miss America Saavy Shields • And special appearances by Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba and Good Morning America’s Rob Marciano

The Cherry Blossom themed pop-up bar located at 1841 7th Street Northwest until April 15. /Photo courtesy of WTOP.

Blossom Kite Festival Saturday, April 1 The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.

Saturday, April 15

From 2 – 9:30 p.m. festival goers can party at the District Wharf for live music, beer garden, food trucks, all ages handson activities, and more. Then from 6 – 9 p.m. join at The Titanic Memorial for prefireworks entertainment.

Time: Fireworks display 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting) Location: District Wharf – 600-650 Water Street, SW Titanic Memorial, Southwest Waterfront Park Cost: FREE

Time: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue Cost: FREE

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MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

DC Bike Ride Finish Festival

Thursday, April 20 - 30 Tickets: www.filmfestdc.org

DC Bike Ride, the region’s premier scenic urban bike ride, has announced its Finish Festival Main Stage lineup for the post-ride celebration as well as entertainment acts throughout the 20-mile course. The second annual DC Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, May 14. DC Bike Ride’s Finish Festival will be headlined by a DJ set by hip hop star, Biz Markie. Also scheduled for the Main Stage is one of D.C.’s favorite cover bands, Jeff From Accounting.

Local spin master DJ Smudge rounds out the Main Stage performance roster. The Finish Festival, which will kick-off at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 1 p.m., it will be located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 6th St. NW and 7th St.

SPRING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Festivals: Filmfest DC

For its 31st year, Filmfest DC will bring 80 films from 45 countries to D.C. for 11 days for this one exciting festival. Favorites in comedy, drama, social justice and more, this year’s festival also includes a new section, Division and Debate, highlighting films that touch on today’s current issues. Featured films include: All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone, Backpack Full of Cash, The Man Who Was Too Free, and This is My Land (Opening Night feature).

Sunday, May 14 Tickets: www.dcbikeride.com

Music:

Big Sean: I Decided Tour 2017.

Big Sean: I Decided Tour 2017 Saturday, April 8 The Fillmore Silver Spring Tickets: www.fillmoresilverspring.com Special guest include Madeintyo, DJ Mo Beatz, Neisha

Courtesy photo.

Broccoli City Festival Saturday, May 6 Tickets: www.bcfestival.com

Broccoli City will celebrate the 5th annual Broccoli City Festival at the historic Gateway DC, featuring two stages with performances from some of today’s most popping artists. Performers include Rae Sremmurd, Solange, 21 Savage, AlunaGeorge, Lil Yachty, Kevin Abstract, Rapsody, Smino, Chaz French, Nick Grant, Rejjie Snow and Sir the Baptist. This year the organization will introduce the inaugural BroccoliCon, an immersive social entrepreneurship focused two-day conference, as part of a weeklong series of events.

The innovative event will kickoff the celebration of the five-year anniversary of the music festival.

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Courtesy photo.

KEHLANI

Sunday, April 2 The Fillmore Silver Spring Tickets: www.fillmoresilverspring.com Special guest include Ella Mai, Jahkoy, Noodles

CURREN$Y

Friday, April 7 The Howard Theatre Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

Chris Brown The Party Tour

Friday, April 21 Verizon Center Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com The concert will also feature 50 Cent, O.T. Genasis, Fabulous and Kat G

Gucci Mane. /Photo by Jonathan Mannion.

GUCCI MANE

Thursday, April 27 Echostage Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

Trey Songz

Sunday, May 14 The Warner Theatre Tickets: www.warnettheatredc.com

The Weeknd Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour Thursday, May 18 Verizon Center Tickets: On sale now at www.ticketmaster.com

MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

Culture:

Saturday, April 15 Anacostia Arts Center

Designer Cecily Stewart Habimana will be showcasing her new Spring 2017 collection at Nubian Human Boutique Lounge from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. with an extravagant evening of fashion and fun.

Simply Cecily is known for its use of rich fabrics, vibrant colors and figure-flattering silhouettes for women of all shapes and sizes. This collection is no different and is sure to compliment the everyday woman’s wardrobe as she prepares for sunnier days. Ultimately, this collection aims to inspire women to be fearless and to express who they are through their clothing, while staying fashionably true to their African culture.

The Embassy of Haiti has embarked on a mission to share Haiti's culture and history with a diverse audience in the United States.

A new key vehicle in this effort is “Pearls of Excellence: An Exploration of Haitian Contributions to American Society” — an ongoing exhibit and educational series that marks historical milestones of Haitians in American history. The exhibit, along with an extensive private art collection from prominent Haitian artists, is now on display at the Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC and is open to the public, at no charge, from Monday - Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

SPRING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Pearls of Excellence: An Exploration present the most legendary high school All-American game in the of Haitian Contributions to country, the 44th Annual Capital Everything’s Better in a Skirt American Society Classic. The Capital Classic will feature a pair of star-studded contests. The first game will match the Suburban All-Stars against the District All-Stars at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Capital AllAmericans against the United States All-Americans at 1:00 p.m. Teams are scheduled to be announced soon.

Social Outings:

Courtesy photo.

Cherry Blast

Friday, April 14 Tickets: www.eventsdccherryblast.com Courtesy photo.

Events DC Cherry Blast!, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, brings the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Japan to Washington, DC on Friday, April 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as Dock 5 in Union Market is transformed into a vibrant Tokyo streetscape.

The Woman Who Would Be King

April 27 & 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Anacostia Arts Center - Black Box Theatre Tickets: www.womanwhowouldbeking.com The Woman Who Would Be King is making its way from South Africa all the way to Washington, DC. This one woman fictional play is inspired by the life of Hatshepsut, who is known as one of the greatest women in history. In this play, the audience will be able to step into the shoes of a woman who strategically mastered her adversities to emerge as the first female ruler of ancient Egypt.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors On view until Sunday, May 14

The “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors” exhibition on view at the Hirshhorn Museum and Scupture Garden is the first exhibition to explore the evolution of the celebrated Japanese artist’s immersive, kaleidoscopic Infinity Mirror Rooms.

Alongside a selection of her other key works, some never before seen in the U.S. Following its D.C. debut, the exhibition will embark on the most significant North American tour of Kusama’s work in nearly two decades through 2019.

Courtesy photo.

Grilled Cheese Social Saturday, April 1 Marvin Restaurant

Rock Creek Social Club refined the current “day party” phenomenon and added a timeless American favorite to the mix -grilled cheese sandwiches. RCSC teamed up with the restaurant Marvin located in the bustling 14th and U Street corridor, and invites all people to come hang out, drink some spirits and enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu.

44th Annual Hoop Culture Capital Classic presented by Monster Saturday, April 8 Verizon Center Tickets: www.thecapitalclassic.com

Hoop Culture and Monster Products proudly

The event will feature traditional street food curated by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, craft vendors, gaming lounge, interactive art displays and a pulsating soundstage with DJs and entertainers to fuel the dance party throughout the night.

Dots Obsession – Love Transformed Into Dots, 2007, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Mixed media installation.

Photo by Cathy Carver

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MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

Vintage Black Glamour on Exhibit

Remember the Time: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

By Sarafina Wright Editor-in-chief

Step back in time 50 years ago to see the beginning of African Americans in high fashion in top designers through the lens of Ebony Fashion Fair.

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum presents the glorious story of a traveling fashion show that broke color barriers in its newest exhibition “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair.”

Fashion Fair shows was the first fashion productions to feature live music, including stunning gowns, feathered coats and statement designs by Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Azzedine Alaia, Naeem Khan and more.

Organized by the Chicago History Museum in cooperation with Johnson Publishing Company, “Inspiring Beauty” is the first-ever exhibition about the show. It will be on view through July 24.

“The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see how the Ebony Fashion Fair was an important part of the black experience for 50 years,” Camille Ann Brewer, curator of contemporary art at the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum said.

“The fair was an important annual cultural event and fundraiser in the Washington, DC area, with Washington being one of the three largest venues in the U.S.” Ebony Fashion Fair was the first fashion show to introduce black models to the runway.

The exhibition includes nearly 100 objects, including ensembles, accessories and videos, to help recreate the Fashion Fair experience.

Founded by Eunice Walker Johnson, wife of John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine, founded the Fashion Fair in 1958.

Her exquisite personal style and influence in the world of fashion are explored through archival images.

Over the next 50 years, the traveling show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity and helped Johnson Publishing Company reach its audience.

Fashion Fair, originally the name of a section in Ebony magazine, became a fashion show under Mrs. Johnson’s direction.

She gained access to the highest echelons of fashion design, which at the time excluded African-Americans, and she shared that access with her audience.

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Eunice Johnson at work, 1970. /Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC.

MARCH 2017 | VOL 3, ISSUE 3

at George Washington Museum

Yves Saint Laurent (France), ‘Picasso’ evening dress, haute couture, fall/winter 1979-80. /Photo

by Roy Lewis

Stephen Burrows (United States), evening dress, readyto-wear, spring/summer 2007. /Photo by Sarafina Wright

Yves Saint Laurent (France) Evening dress, haute couture, fall/winter 1979-80. /Photo by Sarafina Wright.

Tilmann Grawe (France), cocktail dress, special order, fall/winter 2003-04. /Photo by Roy Lewis.

Givenchy, evening ensemble, haute couture. Spring/ Summer 1974. /Photo by Sarafina Wright

Krizia (Italy), jumpsuit, haute couture, fall/winter 1981-82. /Photo by Roy Lewis.

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