Calendar
JUNE | 2010
TOP FIVE DC AREA JULY 4TH EVENTS
July 4th Fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra Concert. July 4, 8 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Fireworks at about
9:15 PM. No one will be allowed on the Capitol west lawn until
3 PM. Come early with a picnic and a blanket to the grounds
of the US Capitol for the National Symphony Orchestra Annual
Independence Day Concert. The fireworks can be seen from all
over the mall, from many rooftops and from across the river.
Just make sure that you have a clear view of the top half of
the Washington Monument. You will go through security and
alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on
except in the case of extremely bad weather. Your best source
for up-to-the-minute information is local TV and radio stations. Free. www.nso.org
July 4th National Symphony Orchestra Concert Full Dress
Rehearsal. July 3, 7:30 PM. US Capitol west lawn. You will
find a much smaller crowd at the concert rehearsal. You will
be allowed on the Capitol grounds starting at 3 PM. You will
go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. Free.
www.nso.org
Patriotic Organ Concert at the National Cathedral. July
4, 2 PM. Washington National Cathedral. The all-American
program opens with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man,
and includes opportunities for audience singing the National
Anthem and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Free. 202-537-8980.
www.nationalcathedral.org
The National Archives Celebrates the Fourth of July. July
4. Band performance, 8:30–9:45 AM; Ceremony, 10-11 AM;
Family activities, 11 AM-2 PM. The celebration will include
patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by
historical reenactors, and exciting free family activities and
entertainment for all ages. Following its morning celebration,
the first-ever National Archives float will launch the National
Independence Day Paradein front of the National Archives
Building at 11:45 AM. Free. Constitution Ave. and Seventh St.
NW. 202-357-5400. www.archives.gov
“What to the Slave?” Speech Reenactment at Frederick
Douglas National Historical Site. July 5, 1-3 PM. Frederick
Douglas reenactor delivers the famous “What to the Slave?”
(does July 4th mean) speech from the front porch of the
home at 1 PM. Kids activities follow. Free. 1411 W St. SE.
202-426-5960. www.nps.gov/frdo
PATRIOTIC
Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Fridays through Aug. 27.
Guests admitted at 7 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. Marine
Barracks (front gate). The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de
Corps of the United States Marines. Free. Eighth and I streets
SE. 202-433-4073. www.mbw.usmc.mil
Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force
Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band.
Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building.
Navy Band (outdoor) “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays
in summer, 8 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy
Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh
Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-737-2300. www.
navymemorial.org
A dance class at the ARC organized by the Washington Ballet. Photo by Courtesy Washington Ballet
10 ★ East of the River • June 2010
US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to
the concert. Free. 15th Street and Independence Avenue
SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-433-5717.
www.mbw.usmc.mil
Air Force Band Concerts. Wednesdays
and Fridays in June, July and August, 8
PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force
Memorial Drive in Arlington, Va. (14th
Street Bridge into Virginia, merge onto
Washington Blvd. and then Columbia
Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex.
Then just follow signs.) Expect a pleasing
mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes
and spectacular views of the nighttime
Washington, DC, skyline. Free. www.airforcememorial.org
AROUND THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
“Objectified” at Honfleur Gallery.
This exhibition is open through July
23. Tuesday through Friday, noon-5 PM;
Saturdays, 11 AM-5 PM. Gallery closed
on Sundays and Mondays. Artists are
Colleen Heineman, Jeanne Jo, Robert
Longyear and Andrea Miller. 1241 Good
Hope Road SE. 202-580-5972. www.
honfleurgallery.com
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Community Fair.
Saturday, June 5, 11 AM-3 PM. Join Fort
Dupont Ice Arena for a day of family fun
in and out of the rink! Events include
games, food, skating demonstrations,
skating lesson information, and activities
with the Washington Capitals. Free. 3779
Ely Pl. SE. 202-584-5007. www.fdia.org
Fort Dupont Park Invasive Plant Removal (volunteer opportunity). June
10, 9 AM-noon. Meet at Fort Dupont
Activity Center which is located on Fort
Dupont Drive SE off Randle Circle, SE.
Anacostia Watershed Society invasive
removals employ hand-pulling, cutting
(with hand pruners and cutting saws)
and pulling using tools – e.g., pitchforks.
These invasive plant removal outings
have an educative approach – volunteers
will have an introductory talk by one of
the park rangers about the history of the
park and other interesting facts. AWS
staff will talk about some aspects of the
natural history of the park and will point
out interesting native plants and animals. 301-699-6204. www.anacostiaws.
org/calendar/invasive-plant-removal-19
Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday,
June 12, 10 AM-noon. Big Chair Coffee n’
Grill (upstairs). All are welcome to attend
and discuss what’s happening East of the
River. 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
SE. 202-525-4287.
“Truck Touch”. June 12, 9 AM-2 PM.
RFK Stadium, Lot 7. A host of DC government agencies will present more
than 20 vehicles used to provide vital
city services. The event will feature
vehicles from the DC Departments of
Public Works, Transportation, Health,
Employment Services, Parks and Recreation, and Fire and Emergency Medical Services; and also the Homeland
Security and Emergency Management
Agency, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the DC Water and Sewer
Authority. Information on various government services also will be available.
Free. 202-671-2593. www.dpw.dc.gov
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 11
The WEDJ Educational Foundation
would like to thank its sponsors for their
generous support of its 2010 Gala:
Graduating to New Heights.
Master’s Degree
Quadrangle Development Corporation
Bachelor’s Degree
Bernstein Management Corporation
Core Ventures
The Cornerstone Heritage Group, LLC
Hawk Building Maintenance
HCM Strategists
The JBG Companies
Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
Andrea Hatfield and Howard O’Leary
Steve and Carol Orr
Stephen “Dek” Potts, Jr.
Andrea Shorter
Anne Hatfield and Howard Weir
Valedictorian
Anonymous
Corbett Construction
Donatelli Development
Friedman Computer Solutions
J.E. Rice Insurance Agency, Inc.
Quality Vision and Design
Stephen Teach and Libby Jewett
Washington Fine Properties
Andrea Weiswasser
Congratulations to the Class of 2010 WEDJ PCS’ first graduating class!
Young ballerinas work on their pirouettes during a class at the ARC organized by the Washington Ballet.
Photo: Courtesy Washington Ballet
Build/Renovate Your Own Castle
IV. June 19, 10 AM-2 PM. Honfleur
Gallery. “What You Must Know About
Building in the City.” “Where Can I
Get the Money?” “Save Energy. Save
Earth. Save Money.” “Collecting Art to
Beautify Your Walls and Benefit Your
Pocket.” “How to Design a Beautiful
Space.” Free-space limited so reserve
early. 1241 Good Hope Road SE. 202583-3438. www.portofharlem.net/
pohevents.html.
Celebrate New Life at The Rock
Christian Church. Every Saturday,
3-6 PM. If you have hurts, habits or
hangups! This is the place to come
to. Help is here. Free. 1300 Good
Hope Road SE. Call Dwain Lynch 301523-0381 with questions. Church office, 240-770-5041.
Ward 7 Parent and Family Resource
Center Family Book Club. Every
Wednesday, 6 PM. Enjoy the evening
reading with your child, meeting
other families, and strengthening your child’s reading skills. Free
books and snacks. For new and
struggling readers, ages 6 and under.
5601 East Capital St. SE. For more
information, call Marketta Wiley at
202-724-7568.
Big Chair Chess Club. Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-10 PM;
Saturdays, noon-9 PM. “To teach the
un-teachable, reach the un-reachable, and always think before you
move” is the core mission of the Big
Chair Chess Club, Inc. at the Deanwood Branch located in the nation’s
capital. The organization teaches
chess to inner-city children and
adults, not only as a board game, but
also as an application to life skills,
such as improving one’s concentration and self-discipline. $30 a year
for adults, $10 for kids. 4322 Sheriff
Road NE. 202-396-1780. www.bigchairchessclub.org
Our website just got a whole lot better!!
www.capitalcommunitynews.com
Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave.
SE. 202-581-1560.
Councilmember Barry’s Constituent
Services Office. Open weekdays, 9
12 ★ East of the River • June 2010
AM-5 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307.
202-698-2185.
SIGHTSEEING EAST
OF THE RIVER
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Open daily, 7 AM-4 PM. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
is about 700 acres and is part of
Anacostia Park. The park includes
the gardens, Kenilworth Marsh, ball
fields and recreational facilities. It
is the only National Park Service
site devoted to the propagation and
display of aquatic plants. Free.1550
Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905.
www.nps.gov/kepa
Frederick Douglass National Historical Site. Open daily, 9 AM-5 PM.
Tours at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 3
PM and 4 PM From 1877 to 1895, this
was the home of Frederick Douglass,
the nation’s leading 19th century African American spokesman. Visitors to
the site will learn more about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for human rights, equal rights and
civil rights for all oppressed people.
Free. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960.
www.nps.gov/frdo
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum. Open daily, 10 AM-5
PM. As the Smithsonian Institution’s
museum of African American history
and culture, the museum explores
American history, social and creative
expression from an African American
perspective. Free. 1901 Fort Place,
SE. 202-633-4820 anacostia.si.edu
A Self-Reliant People: Greater
Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover,
or see with new eyes, this traditionally African American enclave in Far
Northeast when you follow “A SelfReliant People: Greater Deanwood
Heritage Trail.” Fifteen poster-sized
street signs combine storytelling
with historic photographs and maps
to transport you back to the days
before Deanwood was Deanwood. To
pick up the trail go to Nannie Helen
Burroughs Ave. and Division Ave. NE.
Walk one block south to Foote Street,
at the edge of Marvin Gaye Park. The
90-minute, self-guided tour will bring
you along Nannie Helen Burroughs
Avenue, up 49th St. and along Sheriff
Road back to Minnesota Ave. and the
Metro station. Walk the trail at your
own pace and take time to enjoy this
small town in the city. Don’t forget to
pick up a free trail guide from businesses along the way. 202-661-7581.
www.culturaltourismdc.org
Aquatic Resources Education Center of DC. Open weekdays, 9 AM-4 PM
(summer hours). Sitting on the banks
of the Anacostia River in Anacostia
Park, the Aquatic Resources Education Center is an ideal place to study
aquatic ecosystems, water quality,
and local fish and fisheries. The Center features live species exhibits,
interactive displays, and an indoor
pond for handling live animals. Free.
Anacostia Park, 2700 Anacostia Drive
SE. (202) 535-2260
FESTIVALS
Smithsonian Folklife Festival. June
24-28 and July 1-5. 11 AM-5:30 PM.
Evening events at 6 PM. 2010 themes
are Mexico, Asian Pacific Americans
and Smithsonian Inside Out. Free entrance (food is extra). National Mall
between Seventh and 14th streets NW.
www.folklife.si.edu/center/festival
DC Caribbean Carnival. June 26-27,
noon-6 PM. Parade on Saturday and
Caribbean style arts, crafts, food and
music both days. Free entrance (food
is extra). Banneker Recreation Area
(on Georgia Avenue across from Howard University). 301-346-9635. www.
dccaribbeancarnival.org
Capital Pride Parade and Festival.
Parade, June 12, 6 PM, 24th and N
streets NW. Festival, June 13, noon6 PM, Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Seventh streets. The
Capital Pride Festival and Parade is
a community event that remains focused on diversity, cultural achievement, civil rights issues and entertainment by and for gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender individuals,
families and friends. Free. 202-7973510. www.capitalpride.org
Thrive, Fresh Ideas Festival. June
19, 10 AM-3 PM. US Botanic Garden. Experience all the ways plants
can impact for world in food, health
and life. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW.
202-225-8333. www.usbg.gov
SUMMER MUSIC
ALL AROUND TOWN
Summer Organ Concerts at the
National Shrine. Sunday evenings,
June, July and August; 6 PM (5:30
PM performance of the Knight’s Tower Carillon). Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome to come and
hear music from the majestic pipe
organ of the Great Upper Church.
Free. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202526-8300. www.nationalshrine.com
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
Daily (including all holidays), 6 PM.
The Kennedy Center Grand Foyer.
“Performing Arts for Everyone” at
the Millennium Stage was instituted
to introduce the Kennedy Center
to wider audiences by offering free
performances, 365 days a year. Free.
202-444-1324 or 202-467-4600.
www.kennedy-center.org
Golden Triangle Summer Concerts
at Farragut Square. June 10, 17 and
24, 5:30-7:30 PM. Farragut Square
Park (Connecticut Ave. and K St.
NW). June 10, Jah Works (reggae);
June 17, Lloyd Dobler Effect (rock);
June 24, Road Soda. Free. 202-4633400. www.gtbid.com
Jazz Night (and fishfry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6-9 PM. Westminster
Presbyterian Church. Local musicians
perform, and the Southwest Catering
Company provides a fish fry 5:308:30 PM. $5/general; free/children
under 16. Modestly priced food. 400
I St. SW. 202-484-7700, www.westminsterdc.org/jazz.htm.
Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 69 PM. Westminster Presbyterian
Church. Local musicians perform, and
the Southwest Catering Company
provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30
PM. $5/general; free/children under
16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St.
SW. 202-484-7700. www.westminsterdc.org/blues.htm.
Capitol
Riverfront
Concerts.
Wednesdays, through Aug. 25, noon2 PM. New Jersey Avenue and Tingey
Street Plaza. Capitol Riverfront Concerts is a 10-week summer concert
series with lively and diverse musical artists, performing everything
from original pop to Latin Jazz, R&B,
bluegrass, Caribbean. Free. 202-4657093. www.capitolriverfront.org
Duke Ellington Jazz Festival.
Through June 13. This festival will
feature popular, signature events
including the all-day extravaganza
“Jazz on the National Mall” concert,
the popular “Jazz ‘n Families Fun
Day,” the classic “Celebrating NEA
Jazz Masters Concert” at the historic
Lincoln Theatre, the “DEJF Educational Series” and, the free “International Jazz Showcase” at the Kennedy Center. 202-232-3611. www.
dejazzfest.org
Eastern Market Music. Sundays
through June 27, 10:30 AM and 1
PM. Patio outside Port City Java,
Seventh Street and North Carolina
Avenue SE. June 6, 10:30 AM, Metronomes (contemporary a capella)
and 1 pm, Project Natale ) jazz. June
13, 10:30 AM, Gina DeSumone & the
Moaners (swing) and 1 PM, Rio Garag
(Brazilian Jazz). June 20, 10:30 AM,
The Sears trio (blues, jazz) and 1 PM,
Reverb (a capella, r&b, gospel). June
27, 10:30 AM, The Sweater Set (folk)
and 1 pm, Andra Faye & the Mighty
Good Men (blues). Free. www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org\
Rhythm in NoMa Concerts. Thursdays, through July 22, 11:30 AM1:30 PM. Au Bon Plaza (off Florida
Ave NE, north entrance of the New
York Ave. Metro Station). June 10,
Liz Briones (blues); June 17, Whop
Frazier (blues); June 24, Cazhmiere
(top 40); July 1, Jimi Smooth & the
Hittime (Motown); July 8, 40 Thieves
(Celtic); July 15, Monster Band
(funk/dance); July 22, Karl Stoll &
the Danger Zone (blues). Free. 202289-0111. www.nomabid.org
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 10 (rain or shine),
5-8 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by
an eclectic mix of top artists from
the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain
or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a
seasonal tapas-style menu and bar
service during the concerts. Everyone
can enjoy these concerts. You do not
have to order food or drinks. Free.
202- 289-3360. www.nga.gov
Capitol Hill Choral. June 5, 7 PM;
June 6, 4 PM. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. The Capitol Hill Chorale
uncovers an unknown masterpiece
combining the power of Orthodox
liturgy and the haunting harmonies
of Georgian sacred chant. This new
edition of Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by Zakharia Paliashvili (18711933) has been specially prepared
for these premiere performances. $25
preferred/$20 general/12 and under
free. 4th St. and Independence Ave,
SE. 202-547-1444. www.capitolhillchorale.org
“Homegrown: The Music of America” Concert at the Library of
Congress. June 23, noon. Marce
Lacouture and friends (Cajun music
from Louisiana). Free. Coolidge Auditorium in Jefferson Building (First
St. between East Capitol St. and Independence Ave. SE). 202-707-5510.
www.loc.gov
Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. Fort
Dupont Park. Concerts begin on July
17. See next month’s “East of the
River” for details and performance
lineup.
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL
FITNESS
African Dance Class. Every Monday, 6:30-7:45 PM. For adults. No
prior experience necessary. Walk-ins
welcome. THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. www.
thearcdc.org
Pilates Class. Every Tuesday, 6:307:30 PM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome.
THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi SE.
202-889-5901. www.thearcdc.org
Yoga Class. Every Thursday, 7-8:15
PM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome.
THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi SE.
202-889-5901. www.thearcdc.org
Washington Nationals Baseball
Home Games. June 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. 7:05 PM
(Sunday games at 1:35 PM). $5 and
up. South Capitol and N streets SE.
www.washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Southeast Tennis and Learning
Center. Open daily; Monday through
Saturday, 9 AM-9 PM; Sunday, 9 AM-6
PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor
courts. $6-$10 for adults. Kids 17
and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. www.
dpr.dc.gov/dpr
Free public tennis courts in Wards
7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE;
Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE ; Randle
Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st Street
and Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE;
Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Ave. and Joliet St.
SW; Congress Heights Recreation
Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle
Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are
open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are
lighted for extended evening play.
Courts are available on a first-come,
first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts
requires a permit. Proper shoes and
attire is required. 202-671-0314.
www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr
Roller Skating at Anacostia Park.
Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour
skate “rental” in summer months is
free, but sizes and supplies are limited. From Pennsylvania Avenue, just
before the bridge, south on Fairlawn
Ave. and right onto Nicholson and
then into the park. 202-472-3873.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Closed for
annual maintenance. Reopens July 5
for public ice skating and other ice
skating activities. See next month’s
“East of the River” for details. ★
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 13