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May 22

Music Festivals in Washington DC


Summer Music Festivals in Washington DC

You’ll find free and/or budget-friendly music festivals throughout the summer in Washington, DC, which reflect DC’s rich arts and culture scene. Audiences are constantly marveling at the eclectic artists, unique events and acclaimed entertainers that regularly perform in and around DC.

Music festivals in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas are highlights of the summer. Music festivals in the District have the unique venue of the Capital as a back drop, but venues in Maryland and Virginia offer more space to sprawl out.

The area offers more that 100 performances in more than 50 venues across DC, Maryland and Virginia. One of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the nation is the DC Jazz Festival which is by far the largest music festival in Washington, DC.

Stadiums and concert halls in the District and surrounding serve as venues for radio stations big music festivals such as DC101’s Chilli Cook-Off and WPGC’s Rock the Dock Summer Series.

Washington DC Music Festivals

2013 DC Jazz Festival

Entering its 9th year as Washington, DC’s largest Music Festival, The DC Jazz Festival kicks off on June 5, 2013- June 16, 2013. This DC Jazz Festival finds itself on the list of events that mark the unofficial beginning of summer.

DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) attracts jazz enthusiast from around the world to Washington DC each year to see performances in some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including The John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Hamilton Live, and the Howard Theatre, are among the nearly 60 participating venues.

DC Jazz Festival also prides itself on the work done throughout the year with year-round jazz education programs and concerts for DC students and residents featuring local, national as well as internationally-acclaimed artists at DC venues across the city. In addition, the Festival’s mission includes promoting music integration in school curricula, and supporting outreach to expand and diversify the audience of jazz enthusiasts.

Highlighted Events:
-          June 5 – 15 - The Hamilton Live
-          June 5-15 - Jazz in the ‘Hoods
-          June 9 - From Bongos to Bagels: Falafel, Frijotos, Mambo & Borscht
-          June 14 - Jazz Meets the Latin Classics.
-          June 15 - The Roots
-          Dates to Be Announced - Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days

21st Annual Capital Jazz Festival- June 7-9, 2013

Maryland Music Festivals

Maryland Deathfest- May 23-26, 2013- Heavy Metal

Federal Hill Jazz, Blues, Arts and Wine Festival- June 2, 2013

Moonrise Festival- June 8-9, 2013-House/Electro

Columbia Lakefront Summer Festival- June 15-Sept 14, 2013

Virginia Music Festivals

36th Annual Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival- May 27, 2013

 

May 13

10 Little Known Facts about White House and National Monument


White House and National Monument in Washington DC

How many people have taken their own lives in the Washington Monument? When nature calls, how many bathroom options are there in the White House?

Two of the most recognizable and popular monuments in the United States, the White House and National Monument can be found in Washington, DC. While neither site is available to be toured at this time, one because of an earthquake and the other due to government cutbacks, we will highlight some cool facts about these monuments that many people aren’t aware of.

Washington Monument

 

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  1. Unfortunately, tourist cannot currently visit the Washington Monument. It’s still closed due to damage suffered during an earthquake that hit Virginia and affected Washington DC in 2011. It is hopeful that the monument may reopen in 2014.
  2. The Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world when it was completed in 1884. The Eiffel Tower soon passed the record, as well as numerous other buildings have eclipsed it since then. At 555 feet, the National Monument remains the tallest object in DC
  3. The Washington Monument as it currently exists is actually a massive failure in comparison to the motivated original design, which had called for a series of columns and statues of George Washington and 30 other figures from the Revolutionary War. Due to budgetary issues, only the column itself was completed
  4. You better find another venue if you are thinking of jumping from the National Monument. Safety bars and gates were installed decades ago to prevent such tragedies as the five people that have killed themselves there by jumping out the windows or into the elevator shaft.
  5. At the very tip top of the National Monument, there is an aluminum cap with the words “Laus Deo” inscribed. The translation is “Praise be to God”

White House

 

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  1. If you need to powder your nose, or filled up on water while out sight-seeing, you have over 35 bathrooms to choose from in the White House.
  2. While it looks like only 2-3 levels of windows at the White House, as of 2013, the White House has 6 levels, 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
  3. Re-painting the outside of the White House is a task that requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its exterior surface.
  4. Michelle Obama’s White House vegetable garden includes cauliflower, pac choi, artichoke, buttercrunch lettuce, mustard, broccoli, peppers and more. No, I don’t know what pac choi is, either. (See a complete report from my White House vegetable garden visit.)
  5. The “White House”, as we call 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC, was actually called by a number of different names before becoming known as the “White House”; “Executive Mansion”, “Presidents Palace”, and the “Presidents House”. It was not until 1901 when former President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the “White House” its official name.

May 1

Captain America Filming in D.C.

Reblogged from CBS DC:

LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) -- Captain America may be in the nation's capital this weekend.

The District's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development announced this week that the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be intermittently closed Sunday, between 8:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., "to allow for the filming of a major motion picture."

Captain America: The Winter Soldier and its working title, …

Read more… 124 more words

[caption id="attachment_1405" align="alignnone" width="300"]Captain America Coming to DC? Captain America Coming to DC?[/caption]

Apr 29

National Police Week and Rolling Thunder in Washington DC


National Police Week and ROlling Thunder in Washington DC

Washington, DC in May is great for festivals, warm weather, outdoor activities and two major events that honor those that protect and serve our nation; National Police Week and Rolling Thunders Ride for Freedom.

National Police Week

National Police Week and Rolling Thunder in Washington DC

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. That day falls during Police Week. Each year,  thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world come to Washington, DC, to take part in events that honor those that have been lost in the line of duty.

The Memorial Service began in 1982  with a gathering of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement in Senate Park. Many years later, the event, known as National Police Week, has become a number of events which brings together thousands of survivors, supporters and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital annually.

Between 25,000-40,000 attendees are involved in National Police Week . The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. National Police Weeks gives a unique opportunity to law enforcement to meet others that share a brotherhood. The eventful week is receive sponsorship from the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1, whick holds receptions each afternoon and evening during Police Week. These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.

National Police Week Event Schedule

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Rolling Thunder Freedom Rally

National Police Week and Rolling Thunder in Washington DC

Rolling Thunder Freedom Rally is a motorcycle rally that is held annually in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. The Rally’s objective is to call for the government’s protection and recognition of Prisoners of War (POWs) and those Missing in Action (MIAs). Beginning with 2,500 participants in 1988, the tribute to American war heroes began. Now it is estimated that near 900,000 participants and spectators attend the Rolling Thunder’s annual demonstration in Washington, DC. The Rolling Thunder will also celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with expansion in its clubs and programs.

Rolling Thunder began as a demonstration following the time of the during a difficult time in the United States, the Vietnam War. The USA had a large division over issues pertaining to war and peace. During the Vietnam War, many of America’s military were killed or missing in action and their remains were not being brought home to be respectfully buried and honored. Veterans of the Vietnam War rallied together along with their families , fellow veterans, and veterans’ advocates in 1988 to organize a large demonstration during Memorial Daey weekend at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

Rolling Thunder and their supporters announced their arrival to the Freedom Rally with the roar of their Harley-Davidsons, a sound that can be compared to the 1965 bombing campaign against North Vietnam named Operation Rolling Thunder. Approximately 2500 motorcycles participated in this rally, demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW/MIA’s. The group became known as Rolling Thunder and each year since has held an annual “Ride for Freedom” to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Freedom Rally Events Schedule

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Apr 20

Mother’s Day Events & Activities Washington DC


Mothers Day Washington DC

The second Sunday in May is almost here. That means Mother’s Day. Oh, what’s that? You forgot it’s Mother’s Day?

To remedy your potential lack of planning, we’ve compiled a list of viable, no-advance-planning-needed options and outdoor adventures.

Gifts not your thing? Our list of D.C. Mother’s Day activities should also be quite handy.

Not a mother? Mom not nearby? Don’t worry about it. Anna Jarvis, the creator of Mother’s Day, wasn’t a mother herself. The day is for anyone that is a mother or was birthed by a mother. So that’s most everyone ever.

Make this Mother’s Day a day full of experiences she wont forget!

Mother’s Day Brunch

mothers day brunch washington dc
Take mom out to brunch this Mother’s Day. Visit the link above for some restaurants with special dining and entertainment for mom and the whole family. Reservations are suggested.

Avenue Cafe Mothers Day Brunch

 

Cruises Along the Potomac River
Mothers Day Washington DCTake mom on a brunch or dinner cruise and enjoy beautiful views of Washington, DC. These special tours fill up quickly, so make your reservations early.

Odyssey Cruises

Spirit of Washington

DC Tours

Free Mother’s Day Tours at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum offers free tours on Mother’s Day from 12 to 5 p.m. for all visiting mothers! Treat Mom to a tour of the historic tavern that George Washington frequented in Old Town Alexandria. Tours begin at quarter past and quarter ‘til the hour. Last tour at 4:45 p.m. Cost is $4 for all other adults and $2 for children ages 11-17.

Mother’s Day at Mount Vernon
Mt Vernon for Mothers Day Holiday Inn Washington DC Central -Join the “Mother of Our Country,” Martha Washington, and her granddaughter “Nelly” as they celebrate Mother’s weekend with visitors at George Washington’s Estate. Take the whole family and explore the beautiful mansion, the gardens and the grounds. The Mount Vernon Inn also serves a special buffet on Sunday (reservations are required).Gardens in the Washington, DC Area
May is the most beautiful time of year to take a walk and see the wonderful gardens in the Washington, DC area. Here are some special places to enjoy the beauty and fresh fragrance of beautiful plants and flowers.

Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit
Brookside Gardens at Wheaton Regional Park. If you’ve never seen it, this is a great activity for the whole family. Marvel over the live butterflies as they fly free in the south conservatory. Learning about the life cycle of these amazing creatures, and what you can do to attract native caterpillars and butterflies to your own backyard.

Hiking and Picnicking

Hiking in Washington DC for Mothers Day Inn Washington DC Central -
The best places to hike in the area are also great spots to have a family picnic. Spend the day together in the great outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the Washington, DC area. Here are some great parks in Maryland and Virginia as well.

Best Picnicking in Washington DC Area

Family Friendly Hiking

Guided Tours of Washington, DC

Washington DC Tours for Washington DC Holiday Inn Washington DC Central -
Has your mom really seen all of the sites of Washington? Many people who live near the nation’s capital have not seen all of the popular attractions. Guided tours can be fun for the whole family and there are lots of unique tours to appeal to a wide range of interests.

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