By Dave Stroup
‘DC and US Flags’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Last week the feeling was game on. This week, 53 days out from the primary, there hasn’t been any notable shift in momentum in the Mayoral race. Kwame Brown’s personal debt is still making the rounds in the Council chair race, and there’s been some rumblings in the races in Ward 1 and Ward 5. Let’s get to it, shall we? Continue reading
” A Potomac River Afternoon”, Collage, Megan Coyle.
When you think of a collage, I am sure you automatically revert to your younger days – all the fond memories of snipping and glueing and taping while sitting under harsh fluorescents in your elementary school art class.
But, collage artist Megan Coyle’s exhibit, Stories in Paper, which is now on view at The Art League, will most definitely change your perspective on the art form. Coyle’s work is anything but juvenile, she creates intricate “paintings” full of textures and layers using an unconventional medium.
Coyle says, “Utilizing this method allows me to create artwork that captures the essence of a painting, but broadens my palette to include textures, pattern, and fragments of photographs from magazines”.
Stories in Paper will be exhibited at The Art League of Old Town Alexandria through August 2nd.
By Dave Levy
‘The Zac Brown Band’
courtesy of ‘slgckgc’
For the first time in a few months, the full green line trains heading towards the Navy Yard are not because of another night of Strasmukah. With the Nationals on the road, the concert stage has been wheeled into the outfield for tonight’s show featuring Dave Matthews Band and Zac Brown Band. The show officially starts at 7 p.m., but it sounds like a lot of the town will be getting ready early (rumor has it that the Bullpen, just outside the center field gates to Nationals Park, will be open at 3 p.m.).
Are you going? I know I’ll be there, along with a couple dozen thousand of my fellow Dave and Zac friends.
An all call to any photographers going: be sure to grab some pics and add them to our Flickr pool.
By Ashley
‘froyo’
courtesy of ‘laurarotondo’
Once again, it looks like you Farragut Square folks are going to luck out. Have a D.C. Slice for me!
Continue reading
courtesy of ‘MissChatter’
It can’t be said enough that the cliché “There’s no ‘I’ in team” is completely relevant in major league sports, but the way the Nationals pitching staff appears to be playing this season it’s hard to believe they’ve taken it to heart.
Stephen Strasburg is the obvious choice for an ace after coming into the mix two months after Opening Day. Livan Hernandez continues to prove why he was added back onto the roster during Spring Training, especially after two complete games this season. But what about the rest of these guys? Continue reading
By Max
2010 Washington Kastles by Max Cook
It was looking like the Washington Kastles were headed to the World TeamTennis playoffs again to defend last year’s championship title, however with a 24-15 loss in Boston last night, their season has come to an end. Had they beaten the Lobsters, they would be battling the New York Sportimes in the conference championship, a rematch of last year’s playoffs. Those fans who purchased tickets for the potential championship match tonight are entitled to a refund.
Congratulations to the Kastles for another hard-fought, fun month of tennis. Fans were treated to the amazing talents of Venus Williams, Leander Paes, Rennae Stubbs, Bobby Reynolds, Angela Haynes, and Victoria Azarenka, not to mention opponents including John McEnroe, Martina Hingis, and Anna Kournikova. Best of luck to those who are headed to the US Open later this summer.
By Tom Bridge
‘Tearing up Asphalt on 17th Street’
courtesy of ‘Paul Frederiksen’
Asphalt is one of those great words in road construction that you just marvel as its wonderful mélange of language influence. The word dates back beyond the Greeks in origin, and while it generally refers to sticky/oily stuff, the modern usage is that of a bitumen petroleum product added to road macadam. Bitumen can also be called tar, which leads us to tarred macadam, or tarmac, which is the modern substance we see covering most of the roads of the Eastern United States, mostly due to its malleability in the face of freezing winters. That same malleability is, in the beating heat of summer, a bit of a problem. Dr. Gridlock tells us that due to the high heat and humidity, it’s unlikely the road surfaces will be able to contract in the cool of evening, and we might see some issues on area roads over the next few days as temperatures soar.
In DC, if you spot roads that are buckling badly, it’s probably a good idea to call DDOT at 311 to let them know, or tweet @DDOTDC. In Maryland, fill out an online form. In Virginia, if you’re in Arlington, call call 703-228-3000, or in the rest of the state, fill out this online form.
Jason Wright, Artist – Image Courtesy of Jason Wright
You normally don’t here the terms extreme sports and art in the same sentence, so I was quite intrigued when I heard about Jason Wright’s show called Take You Home – on display at Gallery Plan B. You see, Wright lives the dual-lifestyle of professional skydiver (check out the video below) and knife painter, effortlessly swooping in-and-out of each role, and drawing inspiration from these experiences in order to bring something fresh to the art scene. In this interview, Wright talks with WLDC about his work, his passion for life, and what it is like to live in D.C. every summer.
We Love DC: How did you get to be where you are today? Artist and professional athlete isn’t the most common title to have.
Jason Wright: I grew up in Hawaii, and Hawaii is still home for me. While living there I was completely immersed in that culture, skateboarding and surfing all the time. It was at this point that art fused with me and I began illustrating for skateboards. In that kind of art culture you also get to experience things like music (I was in multiple bands) and even the culinary arts (I wanted to be a chef at one poskyint), the art world is very friendly and was a perfect fit for my free spirited type of personality. I always followed my own path in life and let my passion lead the way. Next, I ventured into snowboarding and becskause of injury it was taken away from me, but all of the traveling I got to do at the professional level was good for inspiration – meeting different people and attending different galleries.
‘Multimedia message’
courtesy of ‘James Buck’
For many DC teachers, summer vacation may unfortunately turn into a permanent vacation. WAMU.org is reporting that a “sizable” number of DCPS teachers will be laid off in the coming days. The firings are part of the school system’s new IMPACT program, a tool designed to assess teacher performance. Using test scores, student growth and outside evaluations, teachers are rated on a 400-point scale. While high scores can lead to bonuses, low scores can prompt a pink slip. The hope is that this sort of reward and penalty system will eliminate ineffective educators and push teachers to strive for excellence. No word yet on how many teachers will be released.
‘Livan 2’
courtesy of ‘afagen’
The Nationals won back-to-back road games for the first time since May 12-13 thanks to some fine work on the mound from their youngest starter and their oldest starter against the Cincinnati Reds (53-44).
Livan Hernandez threw his second complete game of the season proving once again that the veteran’s still got it at 35 years-young. Besides helping himself out by driving in a run with the bases loaded in the second, Hernandez tossed 102 pitches, striking out five and the Reds scattering seven hits throughout the afternoon. Not only that but he didn’t walk anyone and didn’t allow any extra-base hits. Continue reading
By Ashley
‘Poutine’
courtesy of ‘Joey DeVilla’
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of food trucks. I’m also a big fan of sort of disgusting food that I can eat under the guise of “being international” or “trying new things.” So when the latest and greatest food truck in town, eatWonky, comes on the scene the week of August 16th I’ll be first in line. They will be serving American food with an international twist including signature items such as something called Wonky Fries. More commonly known as poutine, it’s a Canadian delicacy consisting of French fries doused in something called “squeaky cheese” and gravy. Another signature item sure to confuse Washingtonians is the Wonky Dog, a hot dog covered in the above mentioned Wonky Fries. There will be grilled cheese on the menu for those a bit overwhelmed by these belly-buster choices, but be forewarned, it’ll be served with gravy.
By Donna C.
‘Summer Film Series’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’
Looking for a way to escape the heat tonight? How about a free movie?
Come see Food, Inc. at Letelier Theater in Georgetown. A reception starts at 6 p.m., with the movie at 6:30. A discussion follows with Food & Water Watch and Food Program Director Patty Lovera.
It’s an eye-opening movie that I found empowering. Especially in the DC area, it takes only a little extra effort to find farmers markets and restaurants offering local food that’s safer and healthier than what comes from factory farms – and that tastes fresh and delicious.
photo by Don Whiteside.
Earlier today you may have read my interview with David Iskra, the curator of the Star Wars: In Concert traveling props and costume exhibit. While it is not necessary to read that article, I do suggest reading it first for two reasons. One, this article is a review of the musical half of Star Wars: In Concert experience; all of our exhibit photos and most of the information about the traveling exhibit are contained in this morning’s post. Two, the prop exhibit greets the audience as they arrive for the concert and provides at least an hour of entertainment before the music even begins. To better put yourself in an attendee’s shoes, I suggest checking out our exhibit photos to get yourself ready for the adventure that lay ahead!
The original Star Wars trilogy is composed of three of the most beloved films of all time. The prequel trilogy that followed many years later is made up of three of the most divisive. Two common threads connect these six films and Star Wars: In Concert is an event designed to celebrate them. First and foremost, the event is about celebrating the brilliant music of composer John Williams; who scored all six films over a 30-year period. Even the most critical fan must acknowledge that Williams’ music is the most beautiful, artistic thing to come out of the prequel trilogy and that his themes from the original trilogy rank among the most memorable and effective film scoring of all time. Second, the event is about the lineage of characters that populate the six films and the human themes that they evoke in the viewer. Another Planet Touring created Star Wars: In Concert to celebrate John Williams’ music and to explore how it was as important in creating these characters as the writing and acting. It is a touring multimedia event unlike any other film music event I have ever attended. It was a great afternoon full of nostalgia, visual delight, and thrilling music.
‘Elton John, Live at Liseberg 8/7 1971’
courtesy of ‘yabosid’
Elton John is bringing his World Tennis Team Smash Hits charity event to D.C. this November, so get ready for a good cause complete with a legendary pop star here on our home turf.
The 18th annual event will take place on November 15 at American University’s Bender Arena with tennis greats such as Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova and Stefanie Graf all making an appearance on the court. If we’re lucky, Sir Elton might just take a few serves as well seeing as he has a private tennis trainer who travels on tour with him (so says Politico).
All funds raised through the event will benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation and local Washingon, D.C. Area AIDS charities.
This Saturday Rock & Roll Hotel is going to be demolished by HEALTH.
HEALTH are perhaps the most exciting American noise-rock band right now. They hail from California and are touring to support “Disco2” an great new remix disc featuring remixes of tracks from there amazing 2009 album “Get Colors”. I was sold on HEALTH when Pitchfork compared them to Japanese noise-rock/percussion royalty The Boredoms. The Boredoms are a band I have seen a gazillion times because their shows are legendary every single time. I even tracked them down while on my honeymoon! HEALTH’s albums are a great mix of electronic and physical noise/percussion and you can hear the influence of The Boredoms on almost every track.
If HEALTH in concert are just one percent as good as they are on their fantastic albums or as The Boredoms are live, then Saturday’s show at Rock & Roll Hotel will be one you will be talking about for a long time.
HEALTH
w/ True Womanhood and Yip Yip
@ Rock & Roll Hotel
7/24/10
$12
By Kirk
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Rachel: Well, I’m fresh off a stint in Nashville to audition for American Idol. It didn’t go my way but I learned a lot and am ready to rock out harder than ever before after being “cut” from the program before ever seeing any air-time. I’ve got a gig booked for Saturday night at the Tonic Lounge (located at 2036 G Street NW, near the Foggy Bottom Metro). I’m not the only entertainment on tap, several artists from the DC area will take the stage too. So grab a drink at the bar, stay for the tunes, and if you’re a Glee fan I guarantee a solid new cover added to my repertoire from the second half of last season’s show. Not gonna tell you what it is, you’ll have to stop by to hear it. Show starts at 8 p.m. with a $5 cover. I’ll also have albums on sale with proceeds going to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of my late father who received a heart transplant in 1999. Hope to see you there! It should be a rockin’ good time.
Patrick: Weeks of no social life ends this weekend. Noises Off! opens this Saturday at Keegan Theatre in Dupont Circle. As the stage manager I’ll be in the booth playing the role of incompetent sound technician #1. No seriously, come see the show and watch the actors freak out at me during Act III. The show will run through August so I hope to see everybody there eventually. While I’m running the show I’ll also be trying to figure out where to eat and drink before and after performances- anybody have any suggestions for places I should check out around 17th Street?
By Tom Bridge
There are two stories about terrorist connections in Fairfax County in a month. One involves Yahyah Wehelie from Burke, who was in Yemen studying computers, and couldn’t get home because his name ended up on a watch list. As far as anyone can tell, Mr. Wehelie found himself in the same room as some Interesting™ people, and that resulted in a two-month unintentional stay in Egypt. The other involves Zachary Chesser of Fairfax, who was arrested yesterday on charges of providing material support to the al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia. One innocent Somali-American prevented from coming home, one suspected white kid from the burbs under arrest for helping terrorists, all from the same county.
The facts in these cases aren’t available to the public, they’re a classified part of the intelligence community’s war chest, which makes it all that much harder to evaluate and see what exactly is happening.
By Patrick Pho
‘La luz al final’
courtesy of ‘ndutzan’
Here’s an interesting find I read from my co-worker Meggiepoo: a man climbing up the escalator partitions at the Bethesda Metro Station after a Caps game back in May 2009. The video was found and posted over at Unsuck DC Metro and makes me wonder if he was over-served at the game, couldn’t take people standing on the left, or unwilling to walk up a broken escalator.
As a relatively new daily Metro commuter I can understand the rage we all get from overflowing rail cars and broken down elevators and escalators. I do have to give this crazy Marylander some credit, I’ve always wanted to slide down the partition but Metro smartly put metal bumps on them to prevent that kind of crazy behavior. Of course they now make good climbing grips for those willing to scale an escalator.
Of course we here at We Love DC are not endorsing this sort of behavior but I hope it gives you a smile during your lunch.
By Ashley
‘ElFloridano-5675’
courtesy of ‘leftrightclick’
Looks like the trucks are nice and spread out today, so there’s something for everyone. And by reader request, we’ve added the two Arlington Halal Carts and Takoma Park’s Organic Falafel Stand to the map. Keep those tips coming in the comments!
Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Yesterday, we posted that Big Bear Cafe would be proceeding to the Alcoholic Beverages Regulation Agency without the endorsement of ANC 5C, something that usually spells the death of any application. However, it’s also worth unpacking some of the allegations from the ANC. They insist in their opposition resolution that Big Bear has been operating in violation of the zoning authority. We asked owner Stu Davenport yesterday about this, and he came back with some specificity concerning the zoning. According to Davenport, and the DCOZ, Big Bear has operated with full knowledge of the District’s zoning authority, and with a certificate of occupancy (CO) from the District. When Big Bear opened in 2006, they had a small 8-seat CO that they expanded to their larger current CO, with full assistance from DCRA and their structural engineers. Though the building they occupy is zoned R-4 (residential), they are operating with an operating exception, and a codified map amendment to preserve the Cafe’s future status is before the zoning commission to match the property to the surrounding zoning of C-2-A.
In short: despite what the commissioners of ANC 5C said in their opposition ruling, Big Bear has been operating legally, under the zoning commission’s rules, with their knowledge, and with all legal permits, including a restaurant permit that runs through May of next year.
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