WWMLKD?

Just a thought:

Weekend Filter: Sinners and Saints Edition

The best of the creative, fun and fabulous this weekend.

Friday

Tonight, Amel Larrieux makes a return trip to The Park's Unplugged stage.  As always, you should get on the guest list.

If you are looking for something a little more low-key where you can catch up with friends (and actually hear them) or chill with your man, check out Jazz in the Garden.  This free weekly event at the National Gallery of Art is less about the music and more about relaxing at the end of a long week and people-watching around the main fountain.  There will be more guys there than you might think.  Tripped out there with a friend and a new acquaintance last week over a pitcher of the museum's overpriced sangria.  Bring a blanket to sit on, and know that if you try to BYOB, it might get confiscated.

Saturday

Saved and single?  Or love being around those who fit that description?  Cool.  You might want to check out Alfred Street Baptist Church's CAYA (a unique ministry focused on adults ages 21-40) Rooftop Party at the Beacon Hotel.  Their events for young adults at the church always draw quite a crowd, and I've heard positive things about this particular social.  There won't be any event-sanctioned alcohol, but there will be a DJ and a performance by Black Alley, a band that's in residence at Bar 7 on Thursdays.  Tickets purchased online are $10; $20 at the door.

I already mentioned the Blak Fantasy masquerade and concert at BloomBars. 

Sunday

I can't say that I'm down with the idea of a bar crawl on the Lord's day, but if that's your thing, I won't judge.  The annual U Street hip-hop bar crawl starts at 1 PM at Tabaq Bistro and ends sometime after 7 at Queen Makeda.  That's a real drinking marathon for ya.  Promise me that you'll leave the driving to Metro.  Or the Circulator.

The Atlas Theater in Northeast has been hosting a retrospective of Spike Lee's work all summer long.  Sunday's selection is School Daze!  Can't you already hear the Jigaboo vs. Wannabe song now?  Tickets are only $2 online.  

This Is Where Your Alter Ego Will Be Partying on Saturday

I hate whenever articles about D.C. in the national media go the lazy route, with stale intros that drone on about how dull the city is, how its denizens think navy suits and tan hose are the height of fashion, and how we're all supposedly living in a sad little government-obsessed bubble. 

Those who believe that nonsense couldn't even attempt to comprehend the mad creativity brewing at BloomBars this week.

Africa Underground

I went to Africa Underground at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art on Friday night. 

If you're like me, and a little jaded about Black D.C. nightlife, this might be up your alley.  I highly recommend attending at least one of the "Underground" events during the year.  My experience:

• The crowd was mostly young (25-40), good-looking and well-attired.  Sexy sundress season is officially in full swing.
• This installment's theme was West Africa and the Caribbean.  There was a DJ spinning modern African and Caribbean hits on one of the lower levels, African drumming, a head-wrapping demonstration, and Caribbean bands outside.
• Friday's balmy weather made it a perfect night for gabbing, dancing and people-watching in the museum's courtyard.
• It was a little crowded in the DJ/drumming area on the lower level, but you could rotate to the other floors to see the museum's current exhibits.
• The food and drinks were the low points of the evening.  You are provided a drink ticket with admission, but know that it's "Wal-Mart" quality wine (I don't drink beer, can't really comment on those offerings).  Folks trying the rum punch weren't too enthused about it, either.  If you must, get your drink on beforehand.
• The event supports the museum, and for this reason alone, I'd say it was worth the cost of admission.  Bring your man or a good group of girlfriends along.

Last Weekend

I had a pretty busy weekend.  It started off on such a high, classy note, but ended in an achy, shame-filled haze.  Let me explain.

Africa Underground at the National Museum of African Art

Since I purchased my ticket yesterday, it's now safe for me to tell you that tickets are now on sale for Africa Underground at the National Museum of African Art.

May's installment will feature the art of the Caribbean and West Africa.  If you want in, I suggest you get your tickets ASAP!  The last event sold out.

No, I'm Not Leaving D.C. Anytime Soon

As I was being walked to the Metro by a guy I met at an event this week, he asked me how long I'd lived in the area.  I experienced a bit of a shock when I realized that I've been here almost 12 years.  It really doesn't feel like it's been that long.

About that Diddy-Dirty Money Performance Tonight...

Maybe it was nostalgia for the '90s, but earlier this week, I put my name on Lux Lounge's RSVP list for the Diddy-Dirty Money performance tonight.  It's supposedly free to those on the list, and any time there's a national act at a downtown club, a decent crowd is basically guaranteed.

It's Monday, But The Weekend Can Still Be A Friend In Your Head

Hope you managed to thaw out from the insanely cold weekend. 

Terry McMillan at Busboys and Poets Today

Terry McMillan will be at Busboys' 14th and V location at 6 PM to discuss her new book, Getting to Happy.

I know I said that I was reading it, but got extremely sidetracked and had to return it to the library before finishing...couldn't extend due to a long waiting list and my library's gangsta late fees!

Regardless, I might have to fight someone to get in.  Ms. McMillan is always entertaining--anybody DVRing her appearances on Oprah is well aware of this--and I'm sure that the line will stretch around the corner.

Van Jones at Busboys and Poets, 5th & K NW

Van Jones, President Obama's former Special Advisor for Green Jobs, will be at Busboys and Poets' 5th and K location for a post-Stewart/Colbert rally fund-raising event on Saturday at 7 PM.  Not only is he a leading intellectual and civil rights activist, he also happens to be fine (and unfortunately for me, very married)...  

The event is sponsored by ColbertRally.com, and will raise money for DonorsChoose.org, an organization that supports economically disadvantaged students across the nation.

I Hate Crowds, But...

I am torn about the prospect of attending the "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear."

As I've mentioned before, I hate crowds.  Although I would love to see the Roots for free at noon (allegedly) on Saturday, will it be worth the overloaded Metro trains, wading through the masses on the Mall, competing for a decent view of the stage and screens, and just the general annoyance of sharing space with 100,000 other people?

I'm also not one of the die-hard Stewart and Colbert fans, and see no need to attend and further inflate their egos...I'll give you an update on my mood on Friday.

Sunday Is Black President's Day

No, not THAT Black President.  This one:
http://www.vibeconductor.com/blog/2010/10/19/5th-annual-black-presidents-day-sun-1024/

I really need to explore more when it comes to Afrobeat, and this pay-what-you-can event should be a great opportunity.

Update: Korto Momolu at DC 50's Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo

On Saturday, I got out of my last conference session just in time to see Korto Momolu's fashion show at the DC 50 Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo.   Her show was the last of the day.

The airy dresses and separates she presented practically floated down the runway on their own.  Most of the models were attired in evening looks.

Some dresses were beige or sunlight yellow, interwoven with golden threads and sequins.  There were other evening ensembles that featured black sequins.  It was a bizarre color mix, but the dresses were constructed in a way that would look great on a number of body types. The artful draping on the brightly-colored dresses could definitely draw your eye away from a variety of feminine flaws.

The designs reflected a clear point of view, and the bold colors made me sit up and take notice.  Although I didn't see any styles that I would place on my wish list, it was a great effort.

Ms. Momolu appeared on the runway at the end of the show, looked fabulous, and showed much love to the DMV.

Also, Jaslene Gonzalez, a previous winner from America's Next Top Model, gave a fierce walk in the show-- Tyra and Miss J taught her well!  I've only been to a few fashion shows, and it was honestly a little jarring to see models at such close proximity at this event.  The audience could stand at the end of the raised catwalk, and let's just say that one in particular took skinny to another level.  But I'm not hating, just relating.

For the Fashionistas

One event I might check out this weekend: The CW/DC50's Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo 2010.
http://www.dc50tv.com/wdcw-fbl-2010-main,0,3988949.story

Tickets are $10 online.

I'm attending a conference close to the convention center on Saturday, and I might stop in, mainly to see the show of Korto Momolu, a former Project Runway finalist.   If we happen to cross paths, I'm going to have to give her a sistergirl fistbump and tell her that she got robbed by Nina, Michael and Heidi--TWICE!

She was one of the most talented designers they ever had, and she lost to two folks whom we haven't really heard anything from since.

I've also heard good things re Tashia Senn, an up-and-coming D.C.-based designer who will be hosting a show at 4:30 on Saturday.

It's 2:30 A.M. on Sunday.

You find yourself slightly or ridiculously inebriated around the U St. Corridor or Columbia Heights.  Or maybe you're sober, but don't want your nocturnal hijinks to end.  Or maybe you're an insomniac with a love of movies.

Whatever your late-night state may be, Bloombars is having another installment of its Sunrise Cinema at 2:30 A.M. on Sunday, Oct. 3rd (after your Sat evening out). 

http://www.bloombars.com/garden-of-the-arts/film-digital-arts/sunrise-cinema-this-saturday-night

It's a genius idea to keep hipster lushes off the streets.  Their website does not name specific movies, but it seems that they focus on indies, comedies and classics.

Things I'm Looking Forward to...

In no particular order:

1.  Cuba Libre in Penn Quarter.  Yes, it's coming to D.C., and I may have just run out of reasons to go to Philly.  I'm a big fan:  Dancing, great drinks, fabulous brunch.  Please export them all here.  The opening date keeps getting pushed back, but it may open next week.  Stay tuned. 

2.  Esperanza Spalding at Lincoln Theatre - Oct. 3.  Love her and her amazing 'fro.  She is reinventing jazz, and has some excellent samba and bossa nova-influenced numbers.

3.  Alice Walker at Busboys (14th and V NW) - Oct. 2.  Although I won't be there--it will cost you a pretty penny just to be in the room--I definitely had to give it a mention.

4.  Boris Kodjoe on "Undercovers," NBC, Wednesday.  I don't even have to explain, because you know.

5.  Vanessa Williams on "Desperate Housewives."  I haven't actively watched this show since the tornado.  Or was it the plane crash?  Whatever.  It really doesn't matter.  They may win me back if Ms. Williams brings some much-needed flavor to Wisteria Lane.

6.  DC Fashion Week, Sept. 20-26.  Various locations.  Support local artistes.
http://www.dcfashionweek.org/dc/

7.  Soul Train Happy Hour at U St. Music Hall, this Fri., 5 PM.  I don't even know what to expect, but since it's at USMH, I bet it will be a stone gas, honey.  (snort, snort)  Don't make me unleash my 'fro.

8.  (sorta-kinda) The Roots' new collabo with John Legend.  Can't say that I'm a fan of John Legend (Howzabout Anthony Hamilton? Or D.C.'s own Raheem DeVaughn?  Why not dig up crazy-a$$ D'Angelo?  Or crazy-a$$ to the extreme K-Ci?  Call me a traitor to the race, but I would even rather see Robin Thicke cut this CD.  ANYBODY BUT John Legend...), but their take on a number of soul classics should be interesting.

That's it for now.  I'll do my best to post something of real substance tomorrow.

Obligatory Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Week Post

deep.honey hates crowds.  However, she would be remiss if she didn't at least mention CBC Week.

Get your cocktail dresses ready, heffas!

Here's where you can find info on the sessions:
http://www.cbcfinc.org/schedule-2010.html

And what you really want to know about--the parties (props to DC Fab for putting this together!)
http://thefabempire.com/2010/09/10/an-insiders-guide-to-congressional-black-caucus-week/

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"When DC Was in Vogue, Vol. 2.0," or, "A Negro About Town"

My peeps are smart, but technologically lazy.

I say this with love.

They text me and ask about bars, restaurants and general Black entertainment without bothering to check the usual sources.

I'm starting to feel used.  *wipes away crocodile tear*

I know they don't believe me, but I do not have "Negro Zagat's" stamped on my ass.  I get my info from an assortment of sources.

I have decided to list several of the most helpful for plotting culinary and mixology-related adventures.  You better bookmark this page!

After this post, the aforementioned friends should know that they must procure an ebony, butter rican or Mediterranean candidate that sufficiently meets my high standards, and have him bathed, cologned and brought to my tent before I provide additional off-line recommendations.  Take heed.

www.yelp.com/dc  -  Do a search of general reviews on the main page, or do a search on the Talk or Events tabs.  Very useful, because you get to see a variety of reviews from the masses and the average star rating.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/food - City-wide news about what's new and interesting re the restaurant world.

Love happy hours?  Of course you do.  The Washingtonian has a happy hour finder.
http://www.washingtonian.com/happyhours/index.html
It has a really useful search tool that helps you pinpoint what you want quickly.  Every lush should have it bookmarked.

The Washington Post is doing a decent job re listing mass-market hipster events and scenes, though sometimes several months late (see their recent article on H street...).  Their Going Out Gurus blog posts great options every Wednesday in their Nightlife Agenda at http://blog.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/. On Thurs., you can even post questions for the gurus--I recommend that you send your questions in on Wed., though. 

For a wide range of events targeted toward the grown and sexy (and beyond) crowd, check out  www.headzup-events.com.

Recurring hip-hop happy hours:
 
Policy on Tuesday (late night happy hour) and Friday
District on Wednesday (open bar, but we'll see how long this lasts after last week's accident.  Pray for the victims.)
Lounge of Three on Wednesday
Park on Thursday, Friday--I think you have to be on the list to get to the buffet--haven't been since the spring.
Bar 7 on Friday--open bar

Yeah, there are other events and event sources, but I'm keeping them to myself. 

No. 1 rule of showbiz:  Wear underwear.  Always leave 'em wanting more.

When It's O.K. to Be a WITCH...

Yeah, it's early, but I've got the deets on what will likely be the best Halloween party of the year.  Smart sisters think ahead.  Interested?  Send me an e-mail.

It's not my event, but I'm not going to compete with you for tickets and sexy man-pires if you aren't a regular reader.  :)