Step outside with Bond, James Bond

Monday nights are shaken, not stirred in Crystal City with their 21 week James Bond Outdoor Film Festival... Tomorrow's movie? "Golden Eye" (1995) Bond movies will be shown through October 20th in the Courtyard along S. Bell Street between 18th and 20th. 

Grab your friends, a blanket, and a picnic and end summer with a Bang... Bond style!

DC By Foot

So maybe you have lived here and feel like you are the tour guide when friends and family come to visit... but next time let DC BY FOOT guide you on some of the most amazing tours in the nation's capital... FOR FREE!


I met the guys at DC by Foot a few months ago and have meant to post as they are really bringing such an added experience, interacting instead of just reporting facts and figures. They're passion for the city is contagious, knowledge unparalleled, and attitudes amazing! Their "More than Monuments" tour is free, every day at 2 and 6pm at the Washington Monument! They also host the BenefacTOURS every Sunday at 6pm, with all tips generated being donated to a local Washington DC charity! Good work guys!


For more info, check out their website, email them at info@dcbyfoot.com, or call 202.370.1830 . Group tours available!

Smithsonian Young Benefactors Utopia at the Australian Embassy

Sounds like a phenomenal event for tomorrow, the Smithsonian Young Benefactors are heading to the Embassy of Australia to view Utopia, a collection of silk batiks by indigenous Australian Artists from the Utopia region. $10 suggested donation benefits the YB Culture4Kids Fund. Email yp@si.edu for more information!

A Night of Hip Hop at the National Portrait Gallery

These programs are planned to celebrate both "RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture," and the broad-reaching cultural impact of hip hop.

Admission is free; no reservations required.

Thursday, July 24, 2008
2:00pm - 7:00pm
National Portrait Gallery

Live Broadcast: EZ Street, WKYS-FM2 p.m.–6 p.m.Robert and Arlene Kogod CourtyardEZ Street is back at NPG! Visitors are welcome to listen in on a live broadcast with EZ Street, WKYS-FM (93.9) in the Kogod Courtyard.

Hip Hop Happy Hour 5 p.m.–6:45 pm Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

While listening to EZ’s live broadcast, enjoy the hip hop and R&B beats with a cool drink in hand. A wine and beer cash bar will be open from 5 to 6:45 p.m.

Face-to-Face Portrait Talk 6 p.m.–6:30 pm

Meet at F StreetAfter the live broadcast, learn more about Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of Ice T in the exhibition with guest curator Jobyl A. Boone.Reel Portraits

Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky) and New York Is Now 7 p.m.; doors open 6:30 p.m. Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium. Seating is limited. First come, first served.Paul D. Miller is a conceptual artist, writer and musician working in New York. Using archival footage and early avant-garde cinema mixed with his own music, Miller composes New York Is Now as an exploration of memory through the interplay of images and sounds, creating a digital multimedia opera about a city made of improvisations, disjunctions, overlapping histories and multiple rhythms. A conversation with Miller follows the screening.

Smithsonian's Young Benefactor Birthday Bash

Smithsonian Young Benefactors 19th Birthday Bash!

Celebrate our 19th year as Washington’s premier, museum-based membership organization for young professionals.cocktails * light hors d’oeuvres * cupcakes

Tickets are available by calling 202.633.3030 or www.youngbenefactors.org

$35/ YB Members $40/ Non

Proceeds benefit The Smithsonian Associates and the Young Benefactors Culture4Kids Fund.

Get Groovy tonight in Crystal City!!!

Monday nights will be shaken and stirred in Crystal City!

Free. Rain or shine (except severe inclement weather). 18th and Bell Street, in the Courtyard across from Crystal City Metro Station and Crystal City Marriott. This night will be Austin Powers night - paying tribute to the spin off "The Spy Who Shagged Me". Movie patrons that come in the best costume, will receive a prize from participating night sponsor, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse! There will also be samples provided by the sponsor.

Capital Fringe Festival

The Capital Fringe Festival is coming downtown beginning this week!! This is your chance to bare witness to mesmerizing independent performing arts- right here in the Nation's Capital! Look for some updates soon!

Concert at the Naval Memorial- Top Five Coolest Things I have ever done in D.C.!

Last night I was delighted to have the honor to attend the weekly Tuesday night concert series with Lt. Andrew Baldwin at the Naval Memorial on Pennsylvania Ave. I tagged along having no idea what a show I was going to have the privilege of observing- it was truly phenomenal!!

I cannot put a finger on what exactly was my favorite part, the Mo-town band who shook so much Shakira would be jealous; the drill team with their amazing discipline and coordination; or the rendition of Hair Spray that had me out of my seat, dancing (forgetting that I could be embarrassing the Doc.). I honestly opine I have never been so awestruck by such tremendous talent as that which I was privileged to witness last night.

The memorial itself is one of my favorites- the statue of the Lone Soldier watching over the world just resonates a sense of safety and peace of mind. Words don't do justice in describing how proud I was to be a citizen of the United States, as when the Old Glory song rang beyond the roof tops down Pennsylvania Ave.

I highly recommend checking out the memorial as well as the exhibits, which features, "Navy Medicine: Saving Lives on Land and Sea", the reason Lt. Baldwin was asked to give the opening remarks. There is also an incredible LED TV that is just gigantic- perfect to rent out for any upcoming event! I know I was half tempted to crawl into one of the comfy seats and watch Pearl Harbor! I'll be back... Hope you can join!

Special thanks to Miss Liza Zusman for the photos!!

Carnaval del Corazon

Enjoy the music of some of the best local Latino musicians and learn some of the dances you've always wanted to do! Kick off Carnaval with high energy salsa dancing and beats from Puerto Rico and Cuba. A legend of the D.C. salsa scene, Eileen Torres, brings along her dance ensemble and band to get you into the groove. Watch dance demonstrations and then show off your own moves on the dance floor.

Date : 7/3/2008
Time : 5-8 p.m.
Location : Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & F Streets NW

Canada Day at the Embassy

Don't forget to register TODAY for tomorrow's celebration iwth BBQ, Beer and Entertainment in celebration of our beloved neighbor!

The Embassy of Canada invites you and your guests to join us on
July 1, 2008 from 11:30 am–2:30 pm

to celebrate Canada’s 141st birthday!

Meet Bravo TV’s Top Chef Reality Show FinalistSpike Mendelsohn

who has moved to DC to open his new restaurant Good Stuff Eatery.

Music and Entertainment!
Performance by Lennie Gallant and special guest Michelle Campagne.
Fun activities for the kids! Food and Drinks!
Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, sodas, beer, and poutine! Let’s Celebrate 400 Years!
Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City.
RSVP by June 30

Walking Tour of DCs Most Haunted Houses

Lafayette Square
1120 20th Street NW

Washington, DC
Official WebsiteTickets
$10.00

"I know not how it was - but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit," wrote Edgar Allan Poe, describing the home of Roderick Usher.

Imagine the observations Mr. Poe might have penned about the homes encountered on this walk and their various owners. Some, like the fictional house of Usher, have disappeared into the fissures of history. Others stand as reminders of the often harrowing events that transpired within. President Andrew Jackson, navy hero Stephen Decatur, man of letters Henry Adams and his wife Clover - these are only a few of the famous Washingtonians whose homes have tales to tell.You'll end this walk at the house considered the most haunted home in the city: The Octagon. As you hear the stories associated with each room, no doubt you'll agree, to quote Mr. Poe, that "evil things, in robes of sorrow, assailed the monarch's high estate."The walk will be given rain or shine and is led by Carolyn, Emily, or Sonia.

Kicking-It Film Premier

KICKING IT tells the compelling story of seven athletes in a sport with billions of fans worldwide -- athletes who share a common condition with one billion of our fellow humans: they are homeless. In the summer of 2006, while the football world's attention was focused on Germany, thousands of players around the globe were training hard and competing to be part of another World Cup...The Homeless World Cup.

Canadian Embassy's Canada Day this Tuesday!!

Canada's Network in the United States
The Embassy of Canada invites you and your guests to join us on

July 1, 2008 from 11:30 am–2:30 pm

to celebrate Canada’s 141st birthday!

Meet Bravo TV’s Top Chef Reality Show Finalist

Spike Mendelsohn who has moved to DC to open his new restaurant Good Stuff Eatery.

Music and Entertainment!
Performance by Lennie Gallant and special guest Michelle Campagne.
Fun activities for the kids! Food and Drinks!
Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, sodas, beer, and poutine! Let’s Celebrate 400 Years!
Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City.
RSVP by June 30

Crafty Bastards' Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend

Now in its 5th year, Crafty Bastards(sm) Arts & Crafts Fair is an exhibition and sale of handmade alternative arts and crafts from independent artists presented by the Washington City Paper. The fair is all-day, outdoors, free to attend, and will offer goods for sale, food, entertainment, prizes, and more!

There are two shows in the DC metro area this year: Saturday, June 28th in Silver Spring, MD and Sunday, September 28th in Adams Morgan DC.

The Jete Jettison and Studio Soiree Friday

The Jeté Jettison and Studio Soirée:

Grab a drink and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and dancing in the Ballet's studios, while gaining exclusive access to all the best items before the Studio Sale opens to the public. Don't miss out on this night of fun and fantastic finds and the opportunity to feel good about raising funds to support The Washington Ballet's signature education program, DanceDC.

June 27, 2008

8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

$15 - Jete Society Members

$25 - Friends and Guests

The Washington Ballet Studios

3515 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20016

Jete Jettison Studio Sale: Come support The Washington Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet at the Studio Sale. Clothes, Accessories, Furniture, Home Goods, Art etc ... will be on sale! Don't miss out on the opportunity to find some great deals!Come volunteer or shop at the sale and give some gently-used items a "Second Act!

"Date: June 28, 2008

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
More Information on Volunteering at the Studio Sale or For Information on Donating your Items to the Sale, Please Email:Slange@washingtonballet.org.

Enlighted while dining at the Embassy of Morocco

Tuesday night I was quite honored to attend an intimate dinner through YPFP at the Embassy of Morocco hosted by the divine leader, Ambassador Aziz Mekouar. The enlightening evening filled with phenomenal cuisine and delightful discussion, hit a turning point as the Ambassador indulged me with facts that made understand why Americans are perceived to be so deft.

Perhaps one could blame the media, but I always considered the Middle East to be one of the most violent places in the world. I was fascinated to learn that Pakistan actually has the least amount of homicides per year per 100,000 residents. Obviously there can be false reporting, but I opine that I would not be alone in my assumptions that were so readily cut down by the information below or found here:

Note that Pakistan has the lowest murder rate listed. Raises an eye brow or two...

42nd Annual Smithsonian Folk Life Festival

The Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th Streets, near the Smithsonian museums. There is no admission charge. Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. Parking around the Mall is extremely limited, so visitors are advised to use Metrorail. The Smithsonian station (Mall exit) is at the Festival site. Federal Triangle and National Archives stations are close by.

June 25-June 29 and July 2-6, 2008

Open daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Evening events 6 p.m.

Here's the line-up of the exhibits featured at the 2008 festival:

BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

Celebrating Bhutan's special approach towards life in the 21st century

NASA: FIFTY YEARS AND BEYOND

Showcasing the role that the men and women of NASA have played in broadening the horizons of American science and culture

TEXAS: A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, FOOD, AND WINE
Exploring a dynamic and creative society, built upon rich natural resources, thriving cosmopolitan cities and engaging rural landscapes

Fete de la Musique

The French tradition has been to celebrate the summer solstice by gathering in the streets to listen to amateur and professional performers. In order to offer a similar musical experience, La Maison Française will open its doors to more than 30 local bands, who will create a lively musical patchwork. Throughout the event, wander around the Embassy gardens and enjoy a most eclectic program!

Schedule of the evening:

- 5 to 9 pm: Concerts & Performances

- 5 to 9 pm: Balloon artist

- 5 to 9 pm: Temporary Tatoo Station

- 5 to 8 pm: Children workshop 

- 5 to 8 pm: Make-up artist / face painting

- 6 pm: Dance workshop – Salsa

- 6:45 to 9 pm: Dance Afire – walkaround fire breather/dancers 

- 7 pm: Dance workshop – Merengue

- 7:15 pm: Dance Afire show

- 9 pm to 12 am: DJ 

- 9:30 pm: Raffle drawing - gat a chance to win a round trip ticket to Paris, a Hermès scarf, a Magnum of Champagne, etc...

Cash bars and vendors will provide barbecue, pastries, coffee, beer, wine, and champagne throughout the event. Come and enjoy a terrace-style café by our fountain. 

Tickets available on line at http://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.venue&VenueID=164

Buy your ticket now! only $5!! ($10 at the door)

Jazz in the sculpture gardens

Summer is here and a long tradition in DC summer fun are the jazz concerts in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, sowe invite you all to come enjoy some great music by Origem, a Brazilian jazz group, as well as the company of fellow friends and colleagues. Please feel free to bring your picnic gear, including a blanket if you have one, and we'll do our best to find a large enough of a space for all of us, based on the number of people who RSVP.

WHAT: Jazz in the Garden Happy Hour
WHEN: Friday, June 20
TIME: 5:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Sculpture Garden @ The National Gallery
7th & Constitution Ave NW
www.jazzinthegarden.com
WHAT TO BRING: Cheese, munchies, blankets
WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED: Limited cash bar including sangria, wine, & beer

DC By Foot benefiting the WHS

DC By Foot tour company, offers FREE, completely tip based, walking tours of the National Mall has designated WHS to benefit from the tip proceeds for their 6:00 p.m. Sunday night tours in the month of June. For approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, guests are treated to walking tours around the monuments from guides who can best be described as "part professors, part performers." Tours depart on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. from the Northeast corner of 15th Street, NW and Constitution Avenue, NW. Please take a stroll around the National Mall in support of WHS. For more information please visit, www.dcbyfoot.com