The winds of life try to blow us in many directions, and sometimes we must simply allow them to sweep us away. So, this weekend I am retreating away from the city to rekindle my soul. No particular itinerary, nor particular destinations delineated on paper, simply a list of country festivals and quaint towns along the scenic mountainside drives of Virginia (North Carolina too, if I happen to make it that far south). My country meanderings reconnect me to the explorer within, and challenge me to let go of the weights that carry heavy on my shoulders.Everyone “retreats away” in their own ways, and for some that may mean actually silencing time and staying right where you’re at. With rooftop pools and parks across Washington, DC open for the season, there are many places to find peace as we launch into the early months of summer.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that this weekend is also Memorial Day, our national holiday for celebrating the brave souls whose bodies were lost during service to our country. Even if you’re not one to visit cemeteries or to participate in Memorial Day parades and festivities, I hope you will take a moment to salute the men and women who have made sacrifices for our freedom and how they have shaped who we are today. I’ve included just a few of many celebrations and events happening around town below.
JAZZ in the Garden
Lady A (jazz and R & B vocalist)
Friday, May 22nd (and every Friday through September 11th)
5:00pm - 8:30pm
National Gallery Sculpture Garden (Metro: Navy Archives or the Circulator)
Free
Sangria, Food and Beverages are available for purchase at the Pavillion Cafe. You can also bring your own picnic and be sure to bring a blanket to chill out on the grass with your friends as seating is limited. For complete details and more info please click here! For a map of the Sculpture Garden, please click here.
Constructed Color: Amish Quilts
All Weekend
The Textile Museum
2320 S Street (Metro: Dupont Circle, Q Street Exit)
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm
Sundays from o1pm-5pm
Free Admission
Textilemuseum.org
Celebrate one of America’s most beloved artistic traditions at The Textile Museum this spring and summer.
Senegalese Folk Paintings with Artist, Niang Thierno
Saturday, May 23, 2009
1:00pm to 4:00pm
The Culture Shop
341 Cedar St., NW
Washington, DC 20012
cultureshop.com
Memorial Weekend Sale! 50% Off Senegalese Folk Paintings. 20% off any one item of your choice. Sizzling summer items arriving daily - shop early. In-store promotion only
Invited artist, Niang Thierno, is returning to France after an extended stay in the States.
Culture Shop patrons have a unique opportunity to purchase his fiery paintings at closeout prices. Mr.Thierno discovered his passion in 1966 during the African Art Festival in Dakar, Senegal - which ultimately led to his first exposition at the historic Goree Island in Senegal. His artistic technique is indicative of his origin - with everything around him reflecting a source of inspiration and creativity.
Pure Love Unity Festival & Health-N-Wellness Expo
(An event of DC Black Pride Weekend)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Love Night Club
1350 Okie St, NW
Washington, DC 20002
Admission: $10.00 or FREE w/ Pure Love Pass
Open to the public - 18 y/o or Older - No Children
The Pure Love Festival is a combination of celebration of the arts and
a celebration of self love, through health and wellness. The 19th
annual festival features local and national talent, vendors, food,
games, prizes and special guest. The Health & Wellness expo consist of
health and fitness providers from various arenas to offer fitness and
exercise training, healthy cooking, diabetes, syphilis, HIV, sickle-
cell anemia, cholesterol screenings and body mass index evaluations.
Special Guest: City Gym Boys, De Marco Majors and National Recording
Artists Crystal Waters.
For more information about these and other events (including parties,
poetry slams, movie screenings, interfaith services, and a bbq), see:
http://www.dcblackpride.org/ and http://phatgirlchic.com/bpride_09.html.
Kennedy Center National Memorial Day Choral Festival
May 24, 2009
2 p.m.
Admission: $10
A 90-minute program features American choral classics in honor of those who have fought to preserve our nation's heritage.
PBS' National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 24, 2009
8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with conductor Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra.
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