Three Kings Day parade on Sunday featuring live animals, celebrating the Epiphany

I feel like I always miss this holiday somehow, but on Sunday, the Gala Hispanic Theatre had their annual Three Kings Day procession.

The procession, which is common in Latin American countries, features people dressed like the three wise men, plus live animals like a donkey and camel. Three Kings Day is the day when the magi arrived bringing gifts for Jesus.

There, the Three Kings Day is a more important holiday than Christmas, according to WTOP, and the procession symbolizes Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay. They then arrive at a Nativity scene, and there's also a show at the theatre.

Pretty neat to see this as one of my traditions in our diverse neighborhood.

Photo by Jim Gilmore

Beware of taking Uber this New Year's Eve, prices go way up!

New Year's Eve is a big time for cabs and car services in the area, but be careful if you're taking Uber. During times of high demand (like this evening) they increase their prices a lot, calling them surge pricing. The idea is that there will be tons of demand and they want there to be drivers available. Sometimes these prices go as much as 7.75 times the normal fare, and people were stunned to get bills of $300+ for their normal cab ride.

The other day Uber posted a video about how to avoid the high fares. So be careful.

You might want to try Lyft, Mytaxi, or other similar apps or services.

In addition, SoberRide is available, the idea being that they give free cab rides to people who may have had a few too many. You have to call them though at 1-800-200-TAXI.

And if you know of any other good options, leave them in the comments! I feel like there's always a new taxi app or car service starting up.

Here's what's going on in the neighborhood this New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is upon us and a lot of local spots are doing things for it -- while some are doing nothing on purpose. Here's a little rundown, and feel free to add other options in the comments.

One good thing about our area is that there are always lots of chilled out, no cover options.

• The Pinch is having "Blueseque," with live bluegrass and burlesque. No cover or dress code.
• The Looking Glass Lounge also has no cover or dress code, with $4 shot specials and a champagne toast at midnight. Here's the Facebook event.
• Acre 121 has happy hour specials as usual from 5-7, a special dinner menu, and the Michelle Raymond Band closer to midnight: $10 cover, free champagne toast, $6 champagne cocktails and $5 for all beers. Here's the FB event.
• The Red Derby is having an "Old Hollywood Silver Screen Ball," so wear some retro finery, with a photo booth and champagne cocktails. I assume there is no cover. 
• Eatonville has a prix fixe dinner with red snapper, bourbon duck, filet mignon or eggplant canales, plus lots of other courses
• Meridian Pint is also having a prix fixe dinner with hand seared scallops, rack of lamb or creamy risotto, plus lots of beer pairings, including aged beers 
• Room 11 is low key with $5 punch and festive cocktails, and they're closing the kitchen at 10 pm to prepare for a big hangover brunch
• Wonderland has two DJs, DJ Meistro and DJ Deep Sang, doors open at 8. Probably no cover too, and they are having a hangover brunch as well, starting at 11
• Park View Patio has a $39 open bar, but it seems to be sold out. Sorry.

Please add other ideas in the comments! I'm going to The House. Not really.

Big line for Nike sneakers at SportsZone in DCUSA today, Saturday

If you noticed a big crowd today on your way to work, you probably saw folks trying to get some cool new shoes.

SportsZone, the shoe and sporting goods store on 14th Street in DCUSA, was offering tickets to be able to buy the Nike Air Jordan Retro Gamma, which looks like this, and the Nike Foamposite 1 Meteor. They look pretty wacky to me, but I'm not an Air Jordans guy.

The event is going on today, so expect a crowd there for a while. Apparently there were a lot of police cars there earlier, I guess in case it got crazy. It seemed pretty tame when I passed by around 9:30 am, I only saw maybe 1 or 2.

I believe these are part of Nike's (and other shoe companies') plans to release rare shoes occasionally, so sneakerheads have to really pay attention to get the new coolest ones.

UPDATE: They'll also be giving out the tickets for shoes tomorrow: "We're giving them Sat morning at 8am but if there is a line forming during the day, we''ll give them at closing time tonight"

Photo from kicksonfire.com

SoberRide underway until New Year's Day: get free cab rides home

SoberRide, the great program that offers free cab rides to folks (with the idea of avoiding drunk driving, biking or walking) is underway again, offering free cab rides up to $30 until 6 am on New Year's Day. So there's basically no reason for you to make a bad decision with your trip home.

Here's more from the organizers. It's a great service.

The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean the roads should be.

If you are trying to fight off the winter chill with a chilled beverage of your own and partake in a bit too much “mystery punch” or adult eggnog over the Holiday season, stay safe and call SoberRide!

Together with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) SoberRide initiative, AT&T is proud to provide free taxi rides (up to $30) to anyone over 21 in the greater Washington, DC area nightly from 10pm until 6am starting Friday, December 13^th, through New Year’s Day.

AT&T customers can call #WRAP to get a safe, free ride home, while others can dial 800-200-8294 (TAXI).

WRAP's SoberRide provides greater Washington, DC residents a safe way home on high-risk holidays, including the December/January holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day and Halloween.

Remember…”Grandma got run over by a Reindeer”, not a Range Rover, so let’s help keep everyone safe on the roads this Holiday season!

Download PDF Version of SoberRide Poster

Horse mask guy advertising the Tribe Winterfest, a big music fest this Saturday at the Gala Theatre

I got this straight from the horse's mouth -- no, really. I was walking down 14th Street on Sunday and saw a guy wearing a horse costume -- one of those funny horse masks and a fuzzy costume. He was passing out flyers for the The Tribe Winterfest at the Gala Theatre, which includes a lot of different musical acts: piano, rap, avant-garde funk, rock, electronic dance music, and more. If there's a horse mask involved, it must be a pretty fun.

The event was organized by a band called the Prime Tribe, hence the name, and they're also the headliners. There's also going to be food and drinks. Sounds interesting.

You can buy tickets here and hear more from the Prime Tribe here.

Local authors' book release and signing this Saturday at Sankofa: "Why Are We Not Famous?!"

This sounds like a fun event: two local authors, Jessica Pryce and Jasmen Rogers, are releasing a book and having a signing at Sankofa Bookstore and Cafe on Georgia. 

If you aren't familiar, Sankofa is a neat little spot with pastries, sandwiches, books and events. I wrote about them a few years ago and recommend checking it out. Here's more info on the signing:

If you love comedy, come support two local DC authors (Jessica Pryce and Jasmen Rogers) as they release a brand new comedy book! The title is Why Are We Not Famous?! 

The event will be held at Sankofa Bookstore and Cafe located at 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 on this Saturday December 14, 2013 from 6-8pm. 

If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, it is now available on Amazon.com. But there will be books available for purchase at Sankofa! 

Book Summary:
“If you have ever been called awkward, you should read this book. It is not a self-help, so at the end you will still be weird, but you will find new reasons to embrace who you are. For the less than 1% of you who are not strange at all, just buy this book and make fun of us. We really don’t mind. We have willfully exploited our unique lives, all for the sake of comedy. You’re welcome. We don’t just go through life, we laugh through life! We hope after reading this book you will recognize the inherent fame, humor and joy in each day you live. Get ready to experience the amusement of our friendship, our brand new comedy style, our dating quips, and our traveling adventures! This book highlights the collision of two radically opposite personalities that have created a courageously hilarious team!” 

The authors will be giving away free gifts and T-shirts at the event as well!

Hope to see you there!

Free WIT improv workshops today and Monday in the neighborhood

If you'd like to try something new, the Washington Improv Theater (WIT) is holding a series of free improv workshops in the neighborhood. The next ones are tonight and on Monday from 7-9 pm at CentroNia, 1420 Columbia Rd NW.

I've taken some WIT classes in the past and they were a lot fun -- they're more focused on long form improv, which is more character based, rather than games and things (short form, like you see on Whose Line is it Anyway?) The full classes cost money though, so these workshops are a good way to try it for yourself and see how you like it.

Here's more from their registration site (linked above)

December Free Intro to Improv Workshops!

WIT's Intro to Improv Workshops are low-stress, one-time, 2-hr classes focused on creativity, communications, and teamwork. They are taught by our enthusiastic and professional instructors who establish a fun and trusting atmosphere.

Improv is a way to use your creativity, meet adventurous new people, and escape everything with a couple of hours of laughing. Dip your toe into the improv pool this November!

Signing up is easy:

STEP ONE: Pick a date above that works for you to register for your FREE improv workshop. 
STEP TWO: Write down the location and your chosen time, because once you sign up you are totally registered and we'll be expecting you.
STEP THREE: Come to the workshop and have a blast.

Two concerts for kids tonight at BloomBars, plus events on Friday and Saturday

Have kids? This looks like a fun event to take them to. Here's the info from John at BloomBars, the art and community space at 3222 11th Street NW.
You can check out videos from the performers below, looks like a fun, participatory time.

They've been named the city's best arts & culture nonprofit two years in a row by City Paper readers too!

Greetings folks & friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Wanted to give you a heads up:

• Cecilia Esquivel will be filling in for Andrés tonight (bio below). Two shows at 5:30 & 630pm. 
• Family Reggae Night is this Friday at 6:30pm w/Dub Africa (Baba Ras D) and The Relics. Awesome photos from the last Family Reggae Night here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=BloomBars&s=rec
• Traveling from New York City, celebrated kids musician Mariana Iranzi will take the stage after Harambee on Saturday at noon (bio below).

Tonight's Show: 

Cantaré is lead by vocalist Cecilia Esquivel and gutiarist Dani Cortaza of Argentina, Vocals are accompanied by several live string and percussion instruments from Latin America plus bass, percussion and keyboard backing tracks. Larger ensemble available upon request.

Cantaré, Latin American Music introduces audiences to the beautiful songs and rhythms of Latin America in an exciting interactive performance. Drawing from the musical heritage of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Cantaré performs an entertaining blend of songs in Spanish and Portuguese, while sharing the music's cultural and historical background.

Saturday Show at Noon:

Mariana Iranzi is a native from Argentina, professional musician and educator graduated from Berklee College of Music currently living in the city of New York. With more than twelve yeas of experience as a bassist, children’s musician and educator, she has released two professional albums “Aventura Collage” (2008) and “Hola Hello” (2013). Mariana’s music is bilingual (Spanish & English), multicultural, educational and fun for the whole family to enjoy. “The music is bright and captivating" "Children, and their parents and teachers, will love all the songs on Hola Hello" –Spanish Playground “That the lyrics are mostly in Spanish is merely incidental. Iranzi's eclectic celebration of all things musical-reggae,jazz, even electronica-is a party, not a language lesson." –Cookie Magazine

"Giving Tuesday" at Latin American Youth Center: donate clothes, meet staff, more

The Latin American Youth Center, the great nonprofit with programs for youth and families, is holding an open house this Tuesday. The idea is to meet LAYC staff, learn about their programs and volunteer opportunities, and donate some new or gently used winter clothing.

The LAYC does a lot of great stuff, including education, peacebuilding classes, health classes, advocacy and counseling.

But in any case, here's more info, and you can RSVP (and donate) here.

After BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY comes...

#GivingTuesday

Get in the spirit of the season at LAYC's neighborhood open house and coat drive kick-off!

Donate your gently used or new winter clothing to neighborhood youth.

Meet LAYC staff and members of LAYC's Youth Advisory Board.
Talk with program staff about volunteer opportunities year-round.

Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, hot cider, and egg nog.

See you there!

Big 11th Street Halloween event for kids, families and dogs tomorrow: costume contest, parade, trick-or-treating, more

Halloween is upon us, and the North Columbia Heights Civic Association is putting on what sounds like a really fun 11th Street extravaganza. There will be games, craft tables, costume contests for kids and dogs (separate ones,) music, a parade, and trick-or-treating on the street and more. I bet there will be a lot of cute kids and funny dogs. 

A lot of local businesses are involved too, hosting part of it or helping out. Nice to see this.

Click the flyer for a bigger version.

District Flea on Florida Avenue: a cool vintage marketplace

The other day I checked out District Flea, a big, outdoor market at  945 Florida Avenue NW, across from Blind Dog Cafe. It's a fun and bustling, but the flea market name is a bit of a misnomer: it's more like an upscale vintage market.

That said, there's a plethora of vendors and odds are you'll find something you like. Some people sell handmade arts and crafts (I picked up a little painted sign that reads "Columbia Heights," see right) but most booths are of the vintage variety: men's and women's clothes, furniture, accessories, collectibles, knick knacks and antiques. My favorite booth had a bunch of beer paraphernalia and old glasses, and I picked up a couple of cool old metal beer signs, one from a defunct beer called Valley Forge.

There are also some snack places that sell high-end coffee, pastries, charcuterie, pickles and such. It's a little bit Portlandia, but still fun.

The market was originally planned to end earlier, but due to big crowds it was extended until Nov. 30. They're open every Saturday until then from 10am-5pm. Check them out, and see if you can find any other cool Columbia Heights-related stuff.

Howard U. Homecoming is this Saturday: parade, street closings, events and more

Howard University's Homecoming celebration, one of the biggest events of the year on the Hilltop, is this Saturday. That means parades, music, and lots going on, and it also means street closures around the area.

The Washington Post has a good guide to all the events. On Saturday, the parade starts at 10am and a good spot is near Banneker High School. The Pleasant Plains Workshop also invites people to come and watch from their spot, which is at 2608 Georgia Ave NW. There's usually a lot of floats, dancers, bands and more. (Although Complex magazine has a kind of meandering article about some changes this year to the events.)

The actual homecoming football game itself starts a 11am with Howard versus Morgan State. Later on there are block parties, music, and Brandy and Trey Songz performing on campus.

As for the street closures, here's the info on that!

Please note the following streets will be closed for HU Homecoming this weekend:

Yard fest and Homecoming Parade on Friday & Saturday, October 25-26, 2013. 

600 Blk Howard Place                    Friday & Saturday, October 26^th  12am-6pm

600 Blk Girard Street                       Friday & Saturday, October 25^th thru 26^th  12am-6pm

2100-2700 Blk Georgia Ave           Saturday, October 26^th  12am-1pm

600 Blk Florida Ave                         Saturday, October 26^th  8am-12pm

1800 Blk 5^th St NW                          Saturday, October 26^th  8am-12pm

400 Blk T Street NW                        Saturday, October 26^th  8am-12pm

600 Blk Fairmont Street NW          Saturday, October 26^th  12am- 6pm

1800-2600 Blk 4^th Street NW         Saturday, October 26^th 12am-1pm

2100-2200 Blk 6^th Street NW         Saturday, October 26^th     12am-1pm

2300-2700 Blk 6^th Street NW         Saturday, October 26^th    12am-6pm

400-500 Blk College Street NW    Saturday, October 26^th    12am-1pm  

Last Petworth farmers market of the season is today: kids' Halloween events, costume contest, music, more!

It's getting chilly, and the Petworth Farmers' Market is ending their season today. In celebration of a successful year, and for the holiday, they're having a lot of kids' events too. Take a look and go pick up some farm-grown good stuff.

The market is today (Friday) from 4-8pm at the triangle where Georgia Avenue, 9th Street and Upshur Street NW meet.

Here's more info on the kids' events.

PETWORTH COMMUNITY MARKET HOSTS: The Final Market and Halloween CelebrationDate and Time: Friday October 25 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Events and details: Parents and friends bring your children and/ or pets dressed in costume from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. for….

• A Scavenger Hunt
• Create your own Trick-or-Treat Bag
• Coloring
• Halloween Bucket Ball Toss
• Mummy Bowling
• Trick-or-Treating
• Eminence Band will close out the season from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Pumpkin decorating this Saturday with Grace Meridian Hill Church

This sounds like a nice, wholesome event for the kids: punkin time! It's at the 1480 Girard Street Park. Click the fyler for a larger version.

Also my rant the other day about the lack of Halloween decorations in the neighborhood was picked up in the Express, so let's get on it! Target has a good selection of decorations, though the CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire didn't, so stay away from that one.

Fundraiser at DC Reynolds on Wednesday to benefit the Friends of the Soldiers Home

If you want to help out the Friends of the Soldiers Home, the group that works to put on events for the public in the Armed Forces Retirement Home (aka Old Soldiers' Home) just north of Park View, then get yourself to DC Reynolds on Wednesday. The group organizes things like tours of the campus, opens it for the 4th of July, and a lot more. It's an impressive campus with large grassy fields, a golf course, and some really neat old architecture. It's normally closed to the public but is worth a visit when the Friends puts one on!

The happy hour is from 6-9 pm at DC Reynolds, 3628 Georgia Ave NW. There's a $10 suggested donation.

11th Street Dog Park cleanup this Saturday from 10am-2pm; get 15% off or a free beer at KBC!

Here's a nice opportunity to help out in the neighborhood: a cleanup of the Columbia Heights Dog Park at 11th and Park Rd. There will also be some new fencing for the park and some new soil and such. And you get a deal at Kangaroo Boxing Club afterwards!

This Saturday, October 19, 2013 the Civic Association will be sponsoring a clean up of the Columbia Heights Dog Park at 11th St and Park Rd, NW. We'll be scooping, sweeping, raking and collecting trash from 10am-2pm. Also, thanks to a grant from ANC 1A we have purchased pet friendly fencing/barrier material so we can repair the fence perimeter and prevent little dogs (and balls) from escaping. Finally, if the manpower is there we'll have the topsoil and bark mulch available to freshen up the tree boxes.

If you'd like to volunteer please get in touch via email to patrick.flynn@anc.dc.gov to let us know you'll be coming so we can plan accordingly.

Finally, as a thank you, there will be a 15% discounted lunch (or a free beer) at Kangaroo Boxing Club to anyone who helps with the clean up.

Thanks,
Commissioner Patrick W. Flynn | Treasurer, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A | Single Member District 1A06 |
1364 Kenyon Street, NW | Washington, DC 20010 | 202-747-4633 | patrick.flynn@anc.dc.gov | @CoHiPat

How did you like Columbia Heights Day? A recap in photos and tweets

Columbia Heights Day was this Saturday, and from everything I've seen, was a big success and a lot of fun. (Unfortunately I was out of town!) Here's a recap of lots of photos and tweets from In the Capital, what did you think? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments!

Personally I like Mayor Gray's "I am essential and so is statehood" t-shirt.

Bad news: Oktoberfest on Oct 6 at the Old Soldier's Home canceled due to the government shutdown

Thanks a lot, Congress. I just got word that the Oktoberfest planned for this Sunday at the Soldiers Home (aka Armed Forces Retirement Home) has been canceled due to the government shutdown, the home being a government organization. You can shutdown our government offices national parks, but shutting down our beer is the last straw.

Here's more info from the organizers. If you are registered to vote in another state, or even from another state, please call your reps and tell them to lay off!

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to report that we must cancel Sunday's Oktoberfest because of the government shutdown. The Soldiers Home has had to suspend all activities except those related to life and safety. This situation is beyond the control of the Home and the Friends of the Soldiers Home.

Our Friends board has spent an exhausting week trying to relocate the event or find some other way to go forward with it. (This is why we are informing you so late in the week.) In the end, nothing worked out.

We are disappointed because we had such a wonderful event planned. However, we keep our disappointment in perspective. Our thoughts go out to Soldiers Home staff, and to friends and neighbors, who have been furloughed or otherwise negatively affected by this shutdown. We are also thinking of Soldiers Home residents, who have lost recreational services because of the shutdown.

This time will pass. We plan many more opportunities to connect the community and the Home in celebration and volunteerism. The future looks bright for the Soldiers Home, the community, and the Friends of the Soldiers Home.

Sincerely,

John Hughes
President
Friends of the Soldiers Home


Friends of the Soldiers Home is a non-profit organization serving to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington and the surrounding community through service, education and engagement.


friendsofsoldiers.org
facebook/friendsofsoldiers
twitter/friendssoldiers

Oktoberfest at the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Oct. 6

The Armed Forces Retirement Home, located north of Howard University and Park View, is holding another event for the public: Oktoberfest. It's Sunday, Oct 6 from 1-5pm, and you can get in through the gate at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd NW and Randolph St NW.

From the looks of it, there will be beer, German music and dance, things for kids, and a lot more. 

Here's more info from them!

Sunday, Oct. 6, 1-5 p.m., southern grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. (Gate entrance 333 Rock Creek Church Road N.W., intersection of Rock Creek and Randolph)

Starring: Washington DC German Bandand the Bairisch und Steierisch Dancers*rain or shine*craft beer*food*kids' activities

Friends of the Soldiers Home is grateful for support from the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the AFRH Resident Fund Advisory Board, and DCMTB, DC's only mountain bike team and organizers of the DCCX cyclocross race held at AFRH on October 20, 2013.

Friends of the Soldiers Home is a non-profit organization serving to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the surrounding community

friendsofsoldiers@gmail.com**friendsofsoldiers.org** facebook:friendsofsoldiers**twitter:friendssoldiers