Brew Culture: Labor Day Events

This promises to be one of the most beautiful Labor Day weekends we've had in a long time, here on the East Coast. No rain in sight and 80 degree days!

If you plan to spend the weekend in the house, I feel sorry for ya! The rest of us will be out doing hood rat stuff in this glorious sunshine.

If hood rattin' isn't your thing, then here are some ideas for the DC-area folks:

Friday

• Patriot Golf Day supports the kids of our men and women in the military. And, I hear this is the spot to meet "something new" (ahem)! Anyway, it runs Friday – Monday at Needwood Golf Course in Derwood, MD. The 9-hole course is $18 before 2 pm; $17 from 2 – 4 pm and $15 after 4 pm.


• Maryland State Fair runs Friday – Monday 9 am – 10 pm at the MD State Fairgrounds in Timonium. It's 8 bucks for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 if you're 6-11 and FREE for kids under 6 (that's our favorite word around these parts)!


• Disney's High School Musical at Wolf Trap's Filene Center. Shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets run $25 – 80. We luv da kids at the Brew!

Saturday

• Bid whist & Hand Dancing at the Anacostia Community Museum from 6 – 10 pm. Quit suckin' your bougie teeth. Your Momma cuts a rug and your Daddy is a bid whist champ. It costs $10 and you should make reservations.


• Maryland Renaissance Festival runs Saturday – Monday from 10 am – 7 pm (until October 25^th) at the MD Renaissance Festival Grounds in Annapolis. It'll run ya $18, $15 for seniors, $8 ages 7 – 15. Can't you get big ass pieces of chicken and a goblet of pimp juice at this thing? Count me in!


• DC Blues Society 21st Annual DC Blues Festival at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre. It's FREE! Noon – 7:30 pm.


• Old Ebbitt Grill's Labor Day Block Party kicks off at 6 pm (until 11) at 15^th & G Sts, NW. Get your grub & drink on and enjoy musical performances too! $75 in advance, $85 at the door, $25 for entrance only. Proceeds go to DC Central Kitchen (bring a canned good and you'll get an extra drink ticket).

Sunday

• National Symphony Orchestra performs on the Capitol's West Lawn at 8 pm.
  Gates open to the public at 3:20 p.m. In case of bad weather, the concert will move to the Kennedy Center.


• Prince vs. Michael Jackson Dance Party at the Black Cat in DC. Party starts at 10 pm, $15 to get in, $13 in advance. I vote Prince, by the way.

Monday

• Go shopping and buy us something!

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend. Designate a driver!

Culture: Artscape Baltimore

Artscape in downtown B'more is an opportunity for super talented artists to sell their wares to the public. I've found everything from amazing photography, handmade pottery to jewelry at this art huge festival (a lot of the artists also have Etsy shops as well, should you not be a DMV'er). Hell, I've even seen "Sisquo and the Dru Hill" (Like Eddie and The Cruisers) ( fine...I don't know if that's a good thing), too boot.

There is something for everyone here, even the kids can defy death on the Ferris wheel (seriously, who trusts street fair rides? If you can dismantle a ride in a few hours, I'll PASS!). Ahh, and this year my sweet white baby, is performing, all for the low low price of what? Zilch!

Check out the Artscape website here. Performance schedule for the main stage... perhaps Dionne will be able to hook you up with a psychic reading.

Brew Culture: Old Men In The Club, Hip Hop Edition

Wednesday 8/12/2009 De La Soul at Ram's Head Live in Bmore,--On their grind with their Twenty Years High and Rising Tour, they will also be in DC the 9:30 Club on 8/11.

20 years- Damn, I was a freshman in college with a crush on a boy with bad skin who hated me! Aww Good times! (click the hyperlinks for tix)

Brew Culture: Laura Izibor

We've already covered how much we love this Irish woman!

She's got a soulful, actual singing, non whispery non- irritating voice that is sadly few and far between in music these days. Seriously, how hard is it for people who cut CD's to be 'singers' (I'm looking at you pastie cakes)?

Laura will be in the DMV at Ram's Head on Stage Annapolis: Tickets Here

(From the Ram's Head Website)

Laura Izibor
Wednesday, July 29
8pm
$22.50

Artist's Website: Laura's MySpace
Why She's Worth Watching:
“The foundation begins with soul,” explains 20-year-old "Rolling Stone, Artist To Watch" Laura Izibor of her passionate, piano-guided songs. On her forthcoming debut album, Izibor continues the lineage set out by artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott; artists who combine a reverence for the traditions of early R&B with a thoroughly modern sensibility. After one listen to her powerful, honey-tinged vocals and one thing is for sure...for Laura Izibor, it’s got to be real.
For Fans Of: Joss Stone, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu

Check out her website: http://www.lauraizibor.com/

Harlem World on the Rise....

New Indie Theater comes to Harlem, NY (shout out to the birthplace of Bianca!)

From their Website--

The Maysles Cinema, a new non-profit theater in Harlem, is dedicated to the exhibition of documentary film and video. The cinema extends the Maysles Brothers’ principle that the lives of ordinary people not only deserve, but demand, our attention. We aim to foster a democratic viewing experience by selecting and presenting movies in collaboration with independent filmmakers, programmers, critics, local film clubs and organizations.

Amen!

Upcoming film series Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
Friday, June 19th-Saturday, June 27th include many features of the prolific gays of the Harlem Rennasaince. Take your cousin Peaches, show him you love him!

Culture: Save the Community from Art Thuggery!

Support your local Starvin’ Artists at the 10th Annual Artomatic

Art supplies are expensive as hell, trust me- so let’s support our local starving artists, before the downturn in the economy results in gangs of artist sticking up gas stations in order to support their charcoal habits. Besides how embarrassed would you be to be mugged by the emo guy with a sketch book under one arm?

Events showcase creative work including visual art, music, film, performance, poetry + fashion. About 2,000 visual and performing artists are participating in Artomatic this year.

Calendar here, events run through May 29-July 4th. Did I mention that it's FREE...and there's liquor (not free) involved?

ARTOMATIC 2009

OPENS FRI MAY 29 OPEN W-TH,SU NOON-10PM; F-SA NOON-1AM

55 M ST SE WASHINGTON DC

Culture: 3 Day Weekend, Bitches!

Here's some stuff to do, in between getting black-lung by inhaling charcoal fumes. GO MEAT!

Friday-- Support the Oldies

(Why do I feel like they are on an oldies tour like the Four Tops?) Sounds from the 90's will be in effect with Mint Condition... Guess Toni put your boy back to work. I'm sure tix are still available...imjussayin'.

Ram's Head Tavern




Saturday and Sunday--Drinky Drinky with de Cocos dem...
CARIBBEAN WINE FESTIVAL

2009 CARIBBEAN WINE FESTIVAL May 23-24, 2009$15.00 (21 and older)$10.00 (18-20 years old)Under 18 free with adult. Photo I.D. Required for Wine Tastings

Through the weekend:

Get your patriotism on, remember why we get the day off, in the first place!

(Our Hot Prez would approve!)

Culture: Bringing Sexy Black (Well..Brown)

Brown Girls Burlesque (BGB) is a collective of women of color dedicated to creating our own reflection in an art form that we have supported and enjoyed but traditionally, has not well-represented people of color. Our mission is to take our rightful place on the stage to celebrate our cultures, sexuality and artistry with humor, fierceness and nudity. *In case you really need clarification, all self-identified women of African / Black/ Caribbean, Arab, Asian & Pacific Islander, Latina/o, and Native/Indigenous descent.

May 16th Planning to be in NY or already there? Check the sexy ladies out!

Culture: Mr. Skinny Jeans Sings the Hits...

I know some of you are fans of this man, so I will alert you.

John Legend
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Fri, Jul 17, 2009 07:30 PM
Onsale to General Public
Start: Fri, 04/17/09 10:00 AM EDT

(click the title to get on over to Ticketmaster)

Jesus, I feel like I'm getting a yeast infection just looking at his tight ass pants.

The only-iest time Sir Moose Knuckle hasn't annoyed me:

Culture: Supportin' live Music that does not suck.

Dear Santo-sorry SantIgold... I don't know that this name spelling change was a wise one. In fact it's pissing me off, as I don't like to be wrong!  Not to mention the spelling now makes me think of Sanitary Napkins in gold....don't ask, I'm a very imaginative person.  Anyways, I'm happy to see you'll be at my fave local spot the 9:30 club because you fucking rawk!

Info below (Tip: get on the 9:30 club list, for pre sale info).

Sumfin Different

OK, as your cultural ambassador, I have purposely ignored the Cherry Blossom festival because while lovely-- it is a crazy ass tourist trap.

However this event is different, and I think Fawnda would approve.

Saturday April 4, 2009
Location: Jefferson Memorial
Imagine 100 people doing yoga under the cherry blossom. That is lululemon athletica’s BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). Bring your friends, bring your family, and celebrate the beauty that surrounds us. What: Complimentary yoga class Where: Jefferson Memorial - Join us at the Tidal Basin Stage, located on the plaza of the memorial on Ohio Drive, SW. The closest metro is Smithsonian. When: Saturday, April 4th 10:30 am – 11:30 am - Rain or shine! RSVP: clarendon-store@lululemon.com by March 30th B.Y.O.M. (Bring your own mat)

I think you may see my Bianca's full beige moon downward doggin' under the canopy of trees. They are pretty damn spectacular...the moon and the trees that is.

Culture: August Wilson's RADIO GOLF

COURTESY WIKIPEDIA

THE STUDIO THEATRE

(click the title for tix)

May 20 - June 28, 2009
Radio Golf
by August Wilson

directed by Ron Himesstarring

Bianca loves the multi-layered works of the late August Wilson, and can't wait to see the 10th installment of his Pittsburgh based cycle. (1 play each, based in 10 decades of the African Amercian experience) especially because he doesn't coon it up by putting a man in a dress and wig, in order to provide the audience withe a moving and thought provoking theatrical experience. (WEEKLY STINK EYE TO 'THE PERRY')

Gotta love that Wiki, Play synopsis:

Harmond Wilks, an Ivy League-educated lawyer with an educated and ambitious wife, wants to redevelop the "blighted" area of the Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Having inherited a prosperous real estate firm from his father and grandfather, Wilks is about to declare his candidacy to be Pittsburgh's first black mayor. Meanwhile, he and his friend Roosevelt Hicks are engineering a development deal on Wylie Avenue to build a high-rise apartment building with a ground floor filled with high-end chain stores like Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Barnes & Noble.

The deal depends on federal money, which requires a finding that the area is blighted. There are offstage city politics and backroom deals. Harmond and Roosevelt, a newly-minted Mellon Bank vice president, think they are equal competitors in capitalism's public-private arena, but they may just be black front men for white money.
Suddenly another world intrudes when an old mansion at 1839 Wylie they have slated for demolition turns out to have a significant past. It was the home of Aunt Ester, the hereditary folk priestess whose tale goes back to 1619, when the first shipload of African slaves was brought to Virginia.

Culture: Barbie's Dream Brothel

Apparently mad genius designer Jonathan Adler, thinks Barbie is a 1950's Las Vegas Madam.  He created this life sized dream house for Mattel in celebration of her 50th birthday.   Personally, I love it's over the top gaudiness.  

It's like Barbie has gone mad... peep the weave chandelier...I wanna make one for Dr. Weavella's birthday!

Culture: Supportin' live Music that does not suck.

Ram's Head  Tavern 

Upcoming Concerts  in the DMV (DC, Murland, Virginia ...yea corny, we know. We don't care though.) check out the Ram's Head in Annapolis, MD.

03/23--Raphael Saadiq (he's on a touring frenzy! plus he looks like he has a pretty decent package in that pic above...we're into that at the Witches' Brew).

04/24---Jazzy Soul Collective featuring Erin Roberson, Anthony David, Angela Johnson

04/26---Chrisette Michele **JUST ANNOUNCED** She'll undoubtedly be hitting the crowd with some new material, for her new cd to be released in May. Check out new material at her myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/chrisettemichele

05/07---Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings **JUST ANNOUNCED** If you have not made their acquaintance, Introduce yourself to the amazing Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings somehow they sound like classic soul, yet something brand spanking new all in one. Their site: http://www.daptonerecords.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings.html

05/13---B-52's, if you didn't love the Love Shack, you are lyin'... plus they're not getting any younger, catch em while you can! (I'm just sayin'...)

Culture: Dance Dance Revolution

As it is Bianca's mission to have the coloreds of the world patronize the arts, that do not include anything featuring the acting stylings of Ms. Tyler Perry, take place inside a beauty shop or feature the bland talents of Sir Dondre Whitfield (no offense, Robert.)

I present to you, true art:

The iconic Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company are performing at the Kennedy Center for 2 nights only. Catch this amazing company with tickets starting at the low low recession price of $22 Bucks! (Jem should love that!)

http://www.billtjones.org/

From the Kennedy Center Website:
(click the Title link for tix)

Who is this Bill T. Jones, you say? Just the 2007 Tony Award winner for Choreography for the musical Spring Awakening, and the director and choreographer of this past fall's off Broadway hit Fela. Recognize greatness, bitches!

Culture: Music for Colored Girls, when Radio Ready R & B isn't enough...(a Friday playlist)

The Mars Volta- Goliath






Ethero- If the Mood




Sy Smith- Aquarius Rising



TV On The Radio- Province



Janelle Monet - Let It Go



Vikter Duplaix- Sensuality

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Tourists jump up to get beat down

With the excitement of a new President, tourism to the nations capitol is about to be through the roof, this Spring. In an effort to smooth your visit, please read the following public service announcement:

ATTENTION TOURIST TO 'YOUR' NATIONS' CAPITOL

I hate you all. There I said it. We all do. We mutter about your lack of common sense without even bothering to see if you are within earshot or not. We roll our eyes at your fanny packs and your yelling: "HEY PETE! LOOK AT THE MONUMENT!!" You add nothing but congestion and confusion in our morning shitty commutes. You think we want to be on our way to work? But you mock us with your socks & Crocs and children spinning on the damn metro car poles, like they are practicing for their futures.

In an effort to keep me out of jail, here are some tips for you to have a smooth visit to "your" Nation's Capitol.

1) Guess what, the escalator is a moving stairway. I'm pretty sure you have them at the Mall of America. Keep moving when you get to the top, there are people behind you, dipshit. If you decide that you will become a statute at the top, and not move forward, left or right (see you have so many options!) I will manage throw in a subtle pile-driver if I think I can get away with it. I'm gansta like that. Also, we have rules here. Standers, to the right passers on the left, live it learn it, love it!

2) No one but size 2's look good in shorts, especially shorts made of stretchy cameltoe/wedgie inducing jersey material? Wear some weather appropriate pants, with your fupa sportin' nassy azz.

3) Oh, you want to get an early start on your day? That's great, but it is 6:45 in the g'damn morning. Is there ANY reason you are at the National Mall taking a leisurely stroll...in a pack of 50...wearing bright red t-shirts b/c God forbid you get lost in the big bad 3mile radius of the National Mall in broad effing daylight? Get cellphones and maps you jackasses. And learn to stay to one side of the road. The rest of us are trying to get their good-cardio in here!

4) The FLOOR of the Metro car is NOT a seat. Don't roll your eyes when people who are looking at their eye level don't see your little bastards rolling around like they are in their living room (wait, do double wides have living rooms?) and shit kick them with their wedge heels...believe me, it hurt my foot more than it hurt lil' Johnny.

5) While I support local business, buying anything with FBI, CIA, or Washington, DC in a sweat or tee material, purchased from the 3 for $10 trucks, make you look like a dick. Museum shops have classy DC keepsakes of all price ranges. Get one of those, seriously.

6) Yes, Ben's Chili Bowl is tasty, good God. Stay the hell out of it, so us locals don't have to wait on line in the g'damn alley! What the hell?

The era of Dubya is over, bitches!

P.S. People don't prove you need your own set of rules... I think you know what I'm saying...

Culture: ATLAS PERFORMANCE CENTER, It’s a Real Good Thing...

Nestled in the gentrifying H Street, NE corridor is a bonafide GEM of cultural enrichment. The Atlas Performance center, includes Joy of Motion dance center, a state of the art performance facility, an art gallery, even kid’s programs. It is absolutely fabulous. This is how you want to see community theater and local music performances.

This past summer, I saw a fantastic performance of George Orwell’s 1984, by the Catalyst Theater Group, inside the intimate yet state of the art Sprenger Theatre. (Bring a sweater it gets COLD!) For the super low, all day every day price of wait for it... wait for it....TEN US DOLLARS! This is truly FOR the community.

Adjacent, is a spanking new Joy of Motion, dance center...where you can get your hip hop moves together, or even brush up on your “man keeping skills”, with a belly dance class.

Current and Upcoming Performances: http://atlasarts.org/tickets.php

After the performance, mosey on over to Sova Espresso and Wine. http://www.sovadc.com/

Call me biased, as I have a fondness for the area I first lived in, upon moving to this town. But it is seriously on the come up!

Wine Festivals offer you the chance to be bougie AND get lifted! It’s a win-win!

April 18 & 19 - Monticello Trail Wine Festival - Info: 434-296-4188. A MUST GOApril 25 & 26 - Great Grapes Wine, Arts & Food Festival - Reston Town Center (northern VA) (hours to be determined) Tantalize Your Taste Buds! You are invited to celebrate the taste of over 100 unique, diverse and flavorful wines! The Virginia Wineries want you to sample the essences of their best grapes while expanding your tongue's tastes. A full palette awaits your arrival to Great Grapes! While mastering the art of wine tasting, be sure to attend our wine seminars, Gourmet live cooking demonstrations & shop amongst the unique artists! - Info: 800-830-3976.

April 25 & 26 - James River Wine Festival - Innsbrook Pavilion - Richmond, VA. - Sat. 12am - 7pm, Sun. 12pm - 6pm. This year's James River Wine Festival will include 22 well-known wineries, live music both days, great food, arts and crafts and free parking. Info: 804-353-1525.

May 2 & 3 - Montpelier Wine Festival - Montpelier - Orange, VA. Sat. 11am - 6pm, Sun. 12pm - 5pm. The Montpelier Wine Festival is a premier spring event for the whole family. Held annually on the grounds of Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and the "Father of the Constitution," the Festival showcases distinctive arts and crafts; specialty food vendors; live music; "cooking with wine" classes; children's entertainment and rides; and tastings all day. Info: 540-672-5216.

May 15, 16 & 17 - Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival - Mount Vernon, VA. Fri., Sat., Sun. 6pm - 9pm. Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn to enjoy an elegant evening of live jazz music and stunning Potomac River views. Candlelit Mansion tours include the rarely-seen Mansion cellar and appearances by George Washington. Ticket quantities are limited for this popular event. Tickets: 703-573-SEAT.

May 30 & 31 - Vintage Virginia - Bull Run Park (northern VA). Sat. & Sun. 11am - 6pm. Vintage Virginia is one of the state's oldest and longest-running wine festivals, produced by Across-the-Way Productions and the Virginias Wineries Association. The festival is held in the Northern Virginia area, at Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center, and features over 50 of the most prominent Virginia wineries, pouring over 350 of their finest selections. Vintage Virginia also features some of the best entertainment you'll find at a wine festival, with music from some of the nation's most talented performers, educational workshops and children's activities. A great outing for the entire family! 540-745-3378.

June 21 - Manassas Jazz & Wine Festival - Harris Pavilion, Manassas, VA. 11am - 6pm. Now in its fifth year, the Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival is held on Father's Day at the Harris Pavilion, located in the heart of historic Old Town Manassas. Featuring 3 headline jazz artists, this smaller event is a more intimate, relaxed afternoon of tasting and purchasing wines from 15 different award-winning Virginia wine artisans. Attendees appreciate this refined atmosphere for the chance to discuss wines with the vintners, shop at the merchant booths that offer wine related merchandize and dine from upscale food concessions. Tickets are sold for tasters as well as non-tasters for this event. Info: 703-361-6599.


Sept. 19 & 20 - Festa Vino di San Gennaro - Reston, VA. Join us for Festa Vino! presented by The San Gennaro Foundation of Virginia. All of the proceeds of this festival will benefit the charities represented by San Gennaro. This is a unique wine festival accented by a celebration of Italian culture. Treat your taste buds to an array of the finest Italian and International wines as well as local wine from the Virginia wineries.Sept. 19 & 20 - Virginia Wine Festival - Bull Run Park - Manassas, VA. 11am - 6pm, Sat. & Sun.

Oct. 2, 3 & 4 - Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival - Mount Vernon, VA. 6pm - 9pm. Join Mount Vernon in its rain-or-shine fall celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Participants sample wines from award-winning Virginia wineries, learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father's wine endeavors, enjoy live blues, and meet "George Washington" on the Mansion's piazza.

Spending your President's Day in DC?

Copyright Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant

Why don't you stop by the National Portrait Gallery to get a look at the original, often imitated, now iconic Shepard Fairey portrait of our Hot Prez #44?

National Portrait Gallery website: