Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner; Photo courtesy National Geographic

As spring looms on the horizon, so does National Geographic Live’s new season. For the third year in a row, the National Geographic Museum is offering WeLoveDC readers a monthly chance to enjoy one of their premier events. We’re giving away two pairs of tickets to readers and entering is simple. Look through the great programs coming up in February and pick two you’d like to attend. Then in the comment field, simply enter your choices. (Make sure you use your first name and a valid email address!) Winners for February will be chosen at random in the afternoon on Tuesday, January 31.

All programs (unless otherwise noted) will take place in Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 am and 5 pm. Free parking is available in the National Geographic underground garage for all programs that begin after 6 pm.

Uncovering Hidden World ($20)
Tuesday, Feb. 7; 7:30 pm

As a staff photographer with National Geographic, Jodi Cobb has worked in more than 60 countries—celebrating the best of the human spirit and spotlighting some of its worst abuses.

She is best known for lifting the curtain on worlds closed to outsiders, such as Japan’s geisha, Saudi Arabian women, the grim underworld of human trafficking. Experience a retrospective of her most important work as she also shares images and stories from her most recent assignment, a story on twins for the January 2012 issue of National Geographic.

Dennis Luxion-Michael Raynor Quartet; Photo courtesy National Geographic

The Rhythm Road – American Music Abroad (Free; No Tickets Required)
Thursday, Feb. 9; 6:00 pm & 7:15 pm

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to foster cultural exchange worldwide. Between March 2011 and February 2012, ten talented American jazz, urban, gospel, blues, and roots music artists will visit Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. International tour activities include concerts, workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with local musicians. The program also incorporates free performances by each group at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and for National Geographic Live.

6 pm: Ari Roland Jazz Quartet This New York-based group takes inspiration from the Golden Age of Jazz. The ensemble’s repertoire includes pieces by jazz legends Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billie Holiday, as well as their own original compositions.

7:15 pm: Mountain Quickstep Combining the bluegrass, and early country music of the Adirondack,Appalachia, and Smoky Mountain regions, this group showcases the diversity of American rural music, through lively fiddle tunes, lonesome folksongs, and fancy footwork.

A Portable Life ($20)
Friday, Feb. 10; 7:30 pm

Travel writer Pico Iyer brings a unique perspective to the issues of cultural globalization. His essays appear in National Geographic Traveler, Time, and Harper’s, and he has authored a dozen books, including The Open Road: The Global Journey of the 14th Dalai Lama. Join Iyer and Traveler magazine’s Don George, former Global Travel Editor of Lonely Planet Publications, for a conversation about the challenges and rewards of letting yourself be vulnerable in foreign places.

Conquering the 14 ($20)
Monday, Feb. 13; 7:30 pm

A decade ago, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner worked as a nurse saving money for cherished climbing trips. In August 2011, she became the first woman to summit the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen with her daring climb of K2, to be featured in the April 2012 issue of National Geographic. Meet this intrepid mountaineer and share her odysseys to the world’s highest places.

Jim Davidson; Photo courtesy National Geographic

Global Glimpses: Foreign Language Film Nominees ($8 per Film)
Feb. 17 – 19; times vary; check www.nationalgeographic.org/allroads for titles and schedule

Join us for elite screenings of the five films nominated as Oscar® winners for the 2012 Best Foreign Language Film Award, one week before the 84rd Academy Awards ceremony. All screenings include receptions before or after the films.

The Rhythm Road – American Music Abroad (Free; No Tickets Required)
Thursday, Feb. 23; 6:00 pm & 7:15 pm

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to foster cultural exchange worldwide. Between March 2011 and February 2012, ten talented American jazz, urban, gospel, blues, and roots music artists will visit Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. International tour activities include concerts, workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with local musicians. The program also incorporates free performances by each group at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and for National Geographic Live.

6 pm: Dennis Luxion / Michael Raynor Quartet This Chicago group plays original, hard-swinging jazz inspired by saxophone improvisation, from introspective solo explorations to powerful group performances.

7:15 pm: Legacy From East Orange, NJ, this group creates music about faith, love, struggle, and the pursuit of beauty in life. Legacy’s alternative hip hop sound is influenced by various genres of music including West African, house, jazz, and breakbeat.

The Ledge ($20)
Wednesday, Feb. 29; 7:30 pm

Descending from the summit of Mount Rainier one day in June 1992, Jim Davidson fell through a snow bridge, dragging his climbing partner with him into a hidden 80-foot deep crevasse. Davidson’s new book The Ledge, named one of Amazon.com’s Best Outdoor & Nature Books for 2011, tells the dramatic story of how he witnessed his partner’s death and survived the fall, making an impossible climb up a sheer ice wall.

It seems like there’s never a shortage of restaurants opening up in DC.

To finish out 2011, Xavier Cervera plans to open his fifth Capitol Hill restaurant, Boxcar Tavern, located in the old Petite Gourmetspace on 7th St. SE right next to Tunnicliffs. The staff is currently in training mode, and it sounds like the plan is still to open by the end of the month. The Eastern Market Metro Community Association has a pic of the inside.

Places that are open 24 hours a day always excite me. Case in point: The Hamilton located in downtown DC (same block as another Clyde’s Restaurant group favorite, Old Ebbitt Grill) opened up to the public just this week. The restaurant and live music venue comes to us from Clyde’s Restaurant Group. The 37,000 square foot space has two floors, four bars and four dining rooms. Where else can you get sushi, charcuterie, and seasonal and regional American fare? For more information and a slide show check out Washingtonian’s Best Bites.

Veggie Burrito at Tortilla Coast
courtesy of Kevin H.

The booming 14th Street corridor welcomed a new arrival Monday: Tortilla Coast. Capitol Hill residents, staffers and definitely interns are already familiar with the first location right across from the Capitol South Metro. I’ve never been a huge fan of Tortilla Coast, though maybe I’ll like the Logan Circle locale more since the press release reads: “While the new restaurant will offer the same fun atmosphere and focus on freshly made food that guests have come to expect at the original Capitol Hill location, the Logan Circle restaurant will feature authentic regional Mexican cuisine.”  The restaurant boasts 152 seats (including 45 in the bar area) and, come spring, will feature a 48 seat patio on 15^thStreet NW.

Word on the street is The Pinch is coming to the old El Salvadorena space in Columbia Heights. Prince of Petworth reports that a recent liquor license application reads, “New restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. Occasional live music or spoken word performance to be offered in basement area. Occupancy load is 99. Sidewalk Café 28.” The Pinch is shooting for a spring opening, according to PoP.

Also shooting for a Spring 2012 opening is Townhouse Restaurant & Wine Bar. Citybizlist reports that Townhouse entered into a 10-year lease for the 6,710 square foot ground floor retail space at 700 Sixth Street, NW, aka Chinatown. Townhouse already has one existing location in Sherman Oaks, CA and two in the Chicago area. According to its website, “Townhouse’s uniquely designed menu offers a large selection of small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees to suit any taste.”

Photo Courtesy Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

Finally, if you want to venture outside of the DC lines, come January you can try Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in Arlington. The Florida-based fast-casual Mexican concept is “food conscious” and features a signature homemade salsa bar and 50 variations of hot sauces. Dine here and you have the option of whole wheat, multi-grain or low-carb items, plus everything on the menu has 0 trans fat.

Happy Eating!

Did you miss out on the lottery for tickets to this year’s National Christmas Tree lighting, held last night? Even if you did, it is not too late to take home a little piece of the celebration. All of the performers at the event have participated in creating Ornaments for the Parks.

Here at We Love DC, we love opportunities to incorporate a little bit of giving back into our holidays. The proceeds from the upcoming auction of the exclusive ornaments designed by local jewelers Tiny Jewel Box and autographed by the likes of Ellie Goulding and Carson Daly will go to benefit the National Park Federation.

Between now and December 11th, you can take a look at the special ornaments on display in the lobby “living room” of the W Hotel – and enjoy a tasty hot cocktail while you peruse.

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On November 19th, Gaia will make a triumphant return to the Corcoran after a sold-out party held there over the summer. This evening of music, visual and performance art – even a bit of magic – is sure to please anybody looking for an arty alternative to the usual nightclub experience.

For one night, the D.C.-based Gaia collective of DJs, musicians, artists, dancers, and more will take over the Corcoran space to create an interactive, multimedia experience which actively engages with the visual art on display in the gallery and the architecture of the building itself.

Because of the popularity of this event, organizers strongly suggest buying tickets in advance. They are available online and range from $20 – $40, all including an open bar. Tickets will be available at the door for cash or check purchase, should they still be available.

This Friday at 4:30 pm, the International Spy Museum, in cooperation with the Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, is hosting an event on Stalin-era espionage. The free event includes the opportunity to view unique artifacts from the life of one of the Soviet Union’s most famous spies, Dmitri Bystrolyotov, as well as a chance to interact with the Museum’s historians and several panel experts.

Dmitri was the Soviet Union’s real life James Bond, earning a reputation as one of the greatest Soviet Spies of all time. He was a sailor, doctor, lawyer and artist recruited by Stalin for his dashing good looks and ease with languages to seduce secrets from willing targets during the 1920s and 30s. However, after falling out of Stalin’s favor, Dmitri was sentenced to the Gulag for 16 years.

‘F Street – Rendezvous – 01-31-11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

In this behind-the-scenes event you will see powerful artifacts from Bystrolyotov’s life in the Gulag donated by his family, including:

• Winter Gloves – The winter gloves that Bystrolyotov wore in the Gulag.
• Wooden spoon and cigarette holder – that he bartered for in the Gulag and then decorated himself.
• Manuscript – An account of Bystrolyotov’s adventures in Africa, handwritten in the Gulag in a combination of ink and iodine taken from the camp infirmary.
• Self-portrait – made in iodine.
• Typescript – Entire first volume of Bystrolyotov’s memoirs with handwritten author’s corrections.
• Copper ashtray – hand made in the shape of a goat from Bystrolyotov’s desk.

Guests have a chance to meet the Museum’s Historian and Collections Manager, Mark Stout, and hear from a panel of top experts on the subject of Stalin’s spies, including:

• Prof. Emil Draitser, author of Stalin’s Romeo Spy, is Professor of Russian, Department of Classical and Oriental Studies, Russian Division, Hunter College of the City University of New York.
• Stephen Schwartz, is a well-known journalist and independent scholar and author; his books include Intellectuals and Assassins: Writings at the End of Soviet Communism and Sarajevo Rose: A Balkan Jewish Notebook.
• Prof. Susan Weissman, is Professor of Politics at Saint Mary’s College of California and hosts a weekly drive-time radio program on KPFK in Los Angeles. She is the author of Victor Serge: The Course is Set on Hope.
• Peter Katel, is a veteran journalist who previously served as Latin America bureau chief for Time magazine, in Mexico City, and as a Miami-based correspondent for Newsweek and The Miami Herald’s El Nuevo Herald.

This special afternoon concludes as speakers, staff, and guests continue the discussion over drinks with complementary light appetizers just around the corner at the Riot Act Comedy Theater.

The International Spy Museum is located in Penn Quarter at the corner of 8th and F Streets, NW. The closest Metro is Gallery Place/Chinatown, which services the Red, Yellow, and Green lines. For more information, call the museum at 202.393.7798.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian opened its doors this past weekend to a new exhibition, “A Song for the Horse Nation.” The exhibition, nestled on the third floor of the museum, tells the epic tale of the how the return of the horse to the Americas changed Native culture, from lifestyle to war to art and beyond. “For some Native peoples, the horse still is an essential part of daily life,” said exhibit curator Emil Her Many Horses (Ogala Lakota). “For others, the horse will always remain an element of our identity and our history. The Horse Nation continues to inspire, and Native artists continue to celebrate the horse in our songs, our stories, and our works of art.”

To walk the exhibit’s path is to walk side by side with the conjoined path of Native and horse. Though horses were introduced to the Native Americans relatively late in North American history—the early 1700s saw the initial widespread explosion of the horse from captured Spanish mounts in the southwest—the image of Indians astride these graceful animals is one that is common to modern Americans. The “Horse Nation” quickly entwined themselves with Native communities, forever altering tribal culture and the Indian way of life.

The Smithsonian’s exhibit seeks to give us a view into that not-so-distant past. But it’s more than just a simply history lesson: subtly but surely, “A Song for the Horse Nation” reveals how interwoven both horse and man became among 38 tribal communities from the Plains and Western United States. The horse was more than a beast of burden or a tool; the animal became a part of Native culture that still resonates among the people today.

‘beaded coat’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

It opens with historical context, showing the arrival of the horse to the North American continent from as early as the 1500s. Believed to have returned to the continent after evolving and moving westward through Asia and Europe, the horse made its return among the exploratory ships of the Spanish and British. The first appearance of the horse was quite the shock to the native peoples and helped the Spanish to quickly overcome any opposition. Natives had never seen an animal that could carry a person and many struggled to come up with a name for the new creature. Many Native names for the horse ended up being a derivative of “dog” such as the Cree’s “big dog” (mistatim), the Lakota’s “mystery dog” (sunkakhan), or the Blackfoot’s “elk dog” (ponoka-mita).

Natives quickly turned their fear of the horse into desire for them. In 1680, the Pueblo Uprising opened up the floodgates as hundreds of captured Spanish horses were traded to nearby tribes. The horse population quickly expanded north and east across established tribal trading networks. Historians often note that as the acquisition and absorption of the horse moved west-to-east, the rifle’s debut and spread among Indians moved east-to-west. By the time of the country’s western expansion in the 1800s, both rifle and horse were fixtures among the encountered Native communities.

‘DSC_0014′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

The exhibition quickly recounts the historical narrative, however, moving from scholarly education into that of cultural definition. By the time of America’s expansion into the West, horses had made their mark among the Indians. Their likenesses decorated shirts, dresses, tipis, blankets, and toys. Because the Native perspective sees creation around them as a partner in life rather than an obstacle to overcome, the horse was a fellow creature to share the land with. It’s grace and beauty were respected and honored by Natives; to own a horse was a mark of prestige and blessing. The practice of “giveaway” became an honored tradition and a symbol of wealth. Owning several horses was one thing; generously giving them away in times of ceremony and to those less fortunate was the ultimate gesture in prosperity and humbleness.

Of note is the lengths the exhibition goes in pointing out the importance of horse capturing to these communities. Young men would often go out either solo or in small groups and raid an enemy’s encampment through taking horses. Several artifacts on display show a warrior’s personal record or stories to that effect, decorating their blankets or clothing with these heroic exploits. A young man who could return to the camp with a captured horse received praise and honor from family and friends. Horse capturing was elevated to an art form. And there was no greater honor for such a young man to return astride such a prize and then give it away to a widow or other unfortunate member of the community. Such actions manifested the man’s generosity of spirit, as well as his bravery.

When seen from this point of view, it isn’t hard to page back through the history books in our minds and remember the stories taught about “Indian horse thieves” and how it was a scourge upon the Western colonists. From the white man’s viewpoint, it was breaking the law. From the Indian view, it was a cultural norm. These contradictory viewpoints were but a part of the constant conflict that clashed repeatedly between the ever-expanding Americans and the Natives of land.

‘cree saddle beadwork’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

Even as the West was lost and the reservations became the norm, the horse never left the Native communities. By the 1900s, the horse was irrevocably tied to Native culture, honored in beadwork and drawings in both art and personal belongings. Though many horses were confiscated by the U.S. government (such as the vast herds of the Nez Perce), they remained an undeniable part of the community. As the exhibition winds through the last days of the frontier and the ends of the Indian Wars, the horse is seen more in cultural symbols and traditions of the tribal communities than as a weapon of war.

It becomes obvious that the cultural shift remained permanent. Even as the reservation lifestyle forever altered Indian ways, it did not sever the connection Natives had to the horse. More and more, Native peoples honored the horse through their beadwork and crafts, creating elaborate decorations and ornamentations for use in celebrations, parades, and powwows. The Smithsonian’s exhibition blooms at the end with artwork from the turn of the 20th Century through the modern day. Contemporary artwork using traditional methods such as beadwork and quillwork, as well as ceramics and oil painting, still convey the respect and honor Natives have for the horse. At the very end, a short film highlights the Nez Perce’s continued efforts to rebuild their horse herds through the Young Horsemen’s Program, which seeks to preserve the Appaloosa made famous by their ancestors. Their dedication to not just breeding but in respecting the animal speaks volumes of the attitudes of many tribal communities today.

By showcasing modern artwork through everyday items such as martingales and blankets, masks and paintings, the exhibition ties together and drives home just how important the horse truly is to Native culture and relevance. It is a syncretistic blend of the old and new, adaptation and growth, and a shining example of the spirit of today’s Native people. The Horse Nation is alive and well because of their efforts and will remain an integral part of the history, culture, and understanding of Native America for generations to come.

A Song for the Horse Nation will remain open through January 7, 2013. The National Museum of the American Indian is located at the corner of 4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW. The closest Metro station is L’Enfant plaza, servicing the Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Green lines. For more information, visit the museum’s website. You can see some of the items in the exhibit on my Flickr site.

out of the earth / I sing for them
A Horse nation / I sing for them
out of the earth / I sing for them,
the animals / I sing for them.
~a song by the Teton Sioux

Emil Her Many Horses is, by first appearance, a quiet, unassuming gentleman. A museum specialist in the office of Museum Programs at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), he is responsible for the facility’s latest exhibition “A Song for the Horse Nation.” A member of the Ogala Lakota nation of South Dakota, his expertise on the Northern and Southern Plains cultures is well served and seen in the exhibit that opens to the public tomorrow.

NMAI’s latest offering is a touching and brilliant display of how the horse has deeply impacted and affected Native cultures since their introduction to the Americas in the 17th century. “The exhibit tells the history of the horse; that they were here once before, migrated to Europe, and returned as the horse we know today,” explained Her Many Horses. “They changed Native culture. The horse had a major impact on hunting, warfare, travel, spirituality. These were big changes.” Changes that extend beyond the European vision of the animal.

Seen as a beast of burden, a tool, a weapon, the horse was brought and used by European explorers and colonists early in America’s “New World” history. And their introduction, according to many Natives, was probably one of the biggest positive changes brought about by the white man.

Emil Her Many Horses, NMAI Museum Specialist (photo courtesy NMAI)

Exploding across the Plains after the Pueblo Uprising in 1680, the value of the horse was readily apparent to many tribes. Their acceptance quickly altered the very fabric of tribal life and culture as Natives admired the animal’s grace, beauty, bravery, and determination. “When American Indians encountered horses—which some tribes call the Horse Nation—they found an ally, inspiring and useful in times of peace, and intrepid in times of war,” said NMAI Director Kevin Gover (Pawnee). “This exhibition shows how these splendid creatures came to represent courage and freedom to many tribes across North America.”

“The horse really became a fellow creature that lives with us,” explained Her Many Horses. “They are a comrade, ally, friend. What we try to establish is a relationship with a fellow living being, something that really reaches into the realm of companionship, as opposed to that of a simple tool or resource.”

That relationship can be seen in Her Many Horses’ own family history. The name is Lakota and that of his paternal great-great-grandmother. “More accurately, the English translation would be ‘Many Horses Woman,’ meaning she owned many horses,” he said. When the first census was made on the Ogala Lakota reservation in South Dakota, her name became the family’s last name. The census takers, however, had mistranslated “Tasunka Ota Win” into English as “Her Many Horses.” And so it stuck.

‘DSC_0123′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
Among the Lakota, horses were a measure of wealth, but not in the traditional European sense. To the Lakota—and many other tribes—a more important demonstration of wealth came from giving away horses or other items in honor of a family member. Possession was not as important as generosity. Horses could be given away at naming and memorial ceremonies, or at giveaways, which celebrated anything from the return of a war veteran, honoring a graduating student, or the marriage of a daughter.

In the exhibit is a piece familiar to Her Many Horses. It is familiar because he made the toy painted tipi himself. “I made it to talk about the origins of my last name. It shows a woman—my grandmother—surrounded by many horses. To me, it became an honorable name to have.”

The opening of the exhibit is exciting to Her Many Horses. An expansion of the original exhibit at NMAI’s New York City George Gustav Heye Center location, this one adds an additional 15 major objects. One of the centerpiece displays is a 19^th century 38-foot round tipi that stands 16 feet tall. Cavorting across the surface are 110 hand-painted horses, both with and without riders, all in full gallop. “The tipi is Hunkpapa-Lakota, showing horse raiding and battle scenes all along the outside,” said Her Many Horses. His glee at being able to set it up for visitors was evident. “If you look at the drawings, you can see who’s the enemy. It’s Lakota versus the Crow—you can tell because of the hairstyles. It’s kind of a war record of the warrior who lived within.”

‘DSC_0023′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
The tipi was a challenge for the staff to set up, taking them four afternoons. “We knew it had been re-sized, plus it wasn’t being set on open ground but a slick display surface,” he said. It’s safe to say the effort was worth it; the tipi is an exquisite testimony to how personal the horse was to one individual in the tribe; a sentiment still shared across the Native landscape today.

Other objects of life and culture of the Plains tribes decorate places of honor in the exhibit. “We included pieces that are associated with famous people, such as the rifles of Geronimo, Chief Rain-in-the-Face, Chief Joseph,” said Her Many Horses. “And we have photographs of many of these people, showing that link between the object and the person.” These placards are entitled Honor In the Name, introducing them to visitors and providing a glimpse of past lives to those in the modern day.

But primarily, the horse dominates. So entwined into the lives of tribes, they are the subject of beaded artwork on tipi bags, shaped into dance sticks, decorate jackets. Objects of everyday use with the horse, such as saddles, saddlebags, and horse masks, are given individual touches of color and life, providing an intimate look into the relationship between the owner and the animal. “I want the public to walk out of there understanding not just how the horse revolutionized Native life, but how that thread continues even today,” Her Many Horses said.

‘DSC_0096′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
Bridging that gap of history to the modern, Her Many Horses invited Native artists to create their own contemporary art for the exhibit. He believes it’s critically important to show that continued thread of relationship still impacts Native life in today’s world. “We may no longer depend on the horse for travel, for hunting, for warfare – but it’s still important to us, our culture.”

To that end, NMAI will celebrate the opening of its new exhibit with a variety of events on Saturday, October 29. Partnering with the Washington International Horse Show, celebrating its 53^rd year through this weekend at the Verizon Center, both WIHS and NMAI are providing free programs and activities at both locations. (A free shuttle will run between the museum and the Verizon Center on Saturday only.)

Central to Saturday’s events is a presentation of the U.S. and Crow Nation flags on horseback between Crow equestrian and artist Kennard Real Bird and the DC Mounted Police. Following the presentation, K.J. Jacks of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma will sing the U.S. national anthem. The presentation will happen in the museum’s outdoor Welcome Plaza.

‘DSC_0106′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

Award-winning bead worker and porcupine quill worker Juanita Fogarty Growing Thunder (Assiniboine/Sioux), whose own art is displayed within the exhibition, will hold demonstrations throughout the day. Children will be able to “dress” a full-sized horse mannequin using pieces that simulate many of those in the exhibit. S.D. Nelson (Lakota/Standing Rock Sioux), a children’s book author and illustrator, will host special storytelling sessions and lectures for both kids and adults.

It’s a jubilee worthy of the exhibition, and one that Emil Her Many Horses and the museum’s staff have worked tirelessly to bring together. It’s a celebration of the horse through many pathways, one that gives a glimpse into the history, life, and culture of many of the 38 Native communities represented.

‘beaded horse mask 1′
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

In the exhibition’s companion book of the same name, Her Many Horses points out one particular piece that succinctly symbolizes the power and value of the horse in the Native community. A beautiful and elaborate Lakota horse head cover is on display. Covered in exquisite designs among a glimmering background of white beads, the cover was used at a 1904 Fourth of July parade at the Pine Ridge Reservation. Alone, it is a fascinating work of art in geometric design and stitching.

What stands out, however, is that it appears to have been made with the intention to be recycled later on as different objects. A critical Native eye can discern where a pair of women’s beaded leggings could be fashioned from the “face” of the horse. A pipe bag, from the “cheeks.” Tipi bags (or, “possible” bags, because pretty much anything possible could be stored inside them) and moccasins could also have been made from the upper and lower neck areas.

The resourcefulness of the artist is evident; fortunately for us today, never followed through. The union of gifts never passed on and remains a delicate and intricate symbol of traditions brought together through the celebration of the horse. It stands as a beaded and colorful declaration of the art and the grace of the animal.

To Emil Her Many Horses, it is an expression of life and of culture that will hopefully never fade. “The Horse Nation continues to inspire, and Native artists continue to celebrate the horse in our songs, our stories, and our works of art.” With the opening of this latest exhibit, Her Many Horses honors his Lakota roots. Through the blend of art and artifacts, stories and characters, community and culture, he presents the public a valuable gift worth more than a simple object. He gives away to all of us a view into part of the past, the present, and the future of Native America.

And that is a song worthy of the Horse Nation.

A Song for the Horse Nation opens on Saturday, October 29 and will remain open through January 7, 2013. The National Museum of the American Indian is located at the corner of 4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW. The closest Metro station is L’Enfant plaza, servicing the Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Green lines. For more information, visit the museum’s website. WeLoveDC will have a full review of the exhibit on Monday; you can see some of the items in the exhibit on my Flickr site.

Photo courtesy National Geographic

For November, the folks at the National Geographic Museum have put together some great programs before the holidays, including photographers, authors, and speakers. If you’d like to win a pair of tickets to an November program, simply list the two events you’d like to attend in comments before 2pm Friday, October 28. Make sure you use a legitimate email address and your first name. We’ll contact two winners (as determined by random.org) Friday afternoon.

If you’re interested in attending one of these events, visit NatGeo’s website or their box office (800-647-5463), located at 17th and M Street, NW. Keep in mind that parking in NatGeo’s underground lot is free for any programs beginning after 6 pm.

Lost Gold of the Dark Ages: The Mystery of the Saxon Hoard ($20)
Nov 1, 7:30 pm

In July 2009, amateur treasure hunters searching with metal detectors on a Staffordshire farm made an amazing discovery: hundreds of precious gold and silver objects from the seventh century. The trove of treasures and battlefield items remains England’s most important Anglo-Saxon archaeological find—a time capsule revealing new stories from when Germanic invaders were laying modern England’s ethnic foundations. Join us for a screening of the New National Geographic Channel film Secrets of the Lost Gold, followed by a panel discussion including Caroline Alexander, author of the new Nat Geo book and magazine article about the discovery, David Symons from the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, and Deb Klemperer from the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Mattias Klum; photo courtesy National Geographic

The Genographic Project Update ($18)
Nov 2, 7:30 pm

Since 2005, Dr. Spencer Wells, Nat Geo Explorer-in- Residence and director of the Genographic Project, has led scientific teams in collecting and analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of thousands of participants, creating a genetically based map of human migration from our African beginnings 60,000 years ago. Get an up-to-the-minute report and look over the horizon at the next steps to be taken in this groundbreaking research.

The Unconquered: Brazil’s People of the Arrow ($20)
Nov 3, 7:30 pm

In 2002, National Geographic sent journalist Scott Wallace into the recesses of Brazil’s Amazon to track an indigenous tribe—the People of the Arrow. Hear his gripping first-person account of adventure and survival as described in his new book: The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon’s Last Uncontacted Tribes.

Being There ($20)
Nov 5, 7:30 pm

Get breath-stopping perspectives on Earth’s most glorious vistas—the Okavango Delta, Iceland’s glaciers, and the rain forests of Southeast Asia—with one of the greatest natural history photographers of our time, Mattias Klum. His incomparable work earned him a medal from the King of Sweden. Through his lens, marvel at the beauty of our planet captured in striking new photographs and high-definition video.

The Soldier’s Sketchbook ($18; discount for military and veterans available)
Nov 8, 7:30 pm

Joseph Farris in his new Nat Geo book A Soldier’s Sketchbook: From the Front Lines of World War II tells the story of life in the foxholes as a young Army photographer, before becoming a renowned cartoonist, whose work has appeared on the cover and in the pages of the New Yorker magazine since 1971. Farris will converse with Anthony Swofford, author of the critically acclaimed Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles.

Photo courtesy National Geographic

The Big Idea: Who Lives? Who Dies? ($20)
Nov 11, 7 pm

Why do only certain species survive? How can our growing knowledge of genomes reveal a deeper understanding of Life’s cycles and secrets? Hear a conversation between Martin Chalfie, 2008 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, who pioneered using a fluorescent protein to track cancer, and Nat Geo emerging explorer Beth Shapiro, who uses ancient plant and animal DNA to study evolution. Nat Geo Weekend host Boyd Matson moderates.

Dangerous Encounters with Brady Barr ($16)
Nov 12, 1 pm

Take a thrilling ride through the world of wildlife with Brady Barr, reptile expert and host of the National Geographic Channel series Dangerous Encounters. The first person to capture all 23 species of wild crocodiles, Brady has risked his life to preserve some of the world’s most amazing animals. Go behind the scenes with Brady and hear about his most exciting adventures.

Ocean Soul ($20)
Nov 14, 7:30 pm

Using his camera to tell the oceans’ stories, Brian Skerry has spent more than 10,000 hours underwater, often in extreme conditions. His images celebrate the mystery of the depths and offer intimate portraits of elusive sea creatures. Join him for a journey beneath the waves with images from Ocean Soul, a landmark retrospective of photographs published by Nat Geo Books with support from Conservation International.

The Untold Civil War ($20)
Nov 16, 7:30 pm

Marking the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, distinguished historian James Robertson’s new Nat Geo book, The Untold Civil War: Exploring the Human Side of War, offers compelling new stories behind the traditional battle narratives. Dramatically illustrated with archival images and contemporary photography, Robertson’s talk will deliver surprises at every turn.

On the Trail of the Tiger ($20)
Nov 30, 7:30 pm

Steve Winter is an award-winning wildlife photographer known for innovative technology and his uncanny ability to get up-close images of the world’s most elusive animals. He recently traveled through India, Sumatra, and Thailand to document the dwindling population of Asian tigers. Winter’s powerful and moving images of these beautiful animals will appear in the December 2011 issue of National Geographic.

Big wine tasting events can have a couple of types of bad reputations. There are ones that are stuffy, pretentious, and full of sweater-around-the-shoulders snobs tooling around Napa Valley in their German convertibles. There are others where cackling middle-aged book-club members seem to arrive by the Range Rover load to get sauced in the mid-day sun. We can agree that those are all terrible.

Wine Riot by Second Glass was created to try to combat those reputations. They gather a bunch of wineries in one place, sell tickets to a younger crowd, and give away an iPhone app to keep track of the tastings. The concept is to keep everything upbeat, casual, and cost-effective. They then take this show on the road – most recently ending their 2011 tour in Washington, DC at Constitution Hall.

Booths were set up along two main corridors of the historic building, with a room in the middle for classes that happened throughout the day on a variety of wine-related topics. Upon arrival, each guest was given a Second Glass logo cup (with clever little thumb-divot, presumably designed to keep tasters from dropping the glass after a few non-spitting tastes) and that cup could be filled up with a variety of varietals from around the world.

During the Saturday afternoon session I was invited to attend, I noticed that the wing of the building hosting local (mostly Virginia) and other domestic wines seemed to stay more crowded than the other side where more European wineries were stationed. Perhaps fitting as the U.S. has recently been the most wine-drinking country in the world.

At the DC event, the wineries were not allowed to sell their wares, only offer samples and let tasters know what stores in the area carried their products. The handy Wine Riot mobile app helped tasters to mark which of budget-friendly bottles they wanted to remember to pick up on their next trip to the shops – and which they might want to skip. Second Glass’ research shows that the experiences attendees have at Wine Riot continue to directly influence their wine-buying habits for six to nine months after the event.

On October 21st, the Corcoran Gallery of Art opened its doors for the second annual NOW At Night. Organized by the museum’s Contemporaries committee to support emerging and mid-career contemporary artists, many of the most bold-face names of Washington’s art and culture worlds were in attendance.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Spooky, an internationally-renowned performer who introduced himself to the crowd as a native Washingtonian who had grown up only a short distance from where guests stood. His performance integrated turntables, a custom-designed iPad app, and a string trio all into elaborate compositions.

All the galleries of the museum were open for exploring as well. They remained calm and quiet, even as partying in the main spaces picked up, which made for an interesting juxtaposition. A sitting area upstairs was set up with iconic mid-centrury modern designed furniture from Design Within Reach giving guests a spot to sit and chat.

In all, the event was lovely and something to look forward to next autumn. Until then, the Corcoran is always hosting programs and events which are well worth checking out.

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Since Occupy Wall Street has already inspired an Occupy Omaha and Occupy Ljlubljana, Slovenia, it should come as no surprise that a similar protest has arrived at the nation’s capital.

On Saturday, Occupy DC began its (potentially never-ending) takeover of McPherson Square.

Members hail from the District and, up until this past weekend, met mainly on the internet. Now they’re armed with a cross-street, social media and pizza slices.

With the exception of police disruption over a bomb scare and the need to move a meeting when Batala drummers began practicing in the park, the protestors have no intention of leaving – rain or shine, day or night. So if you work near McPherson Square, you may want to get used to these folks, as they could grace your daily commute until death does them part.

“We have no exit strategy,” says Micah Bales, who spoke through the cold rain on Saturday afternoon. “We hope this won’t take forever. We hope that a more just and democratic society might come about in this country before forever.”

As for a list of demands? They don’t have any yet. Demands require the consensus of the General Assembly – the group’s primary planning meeting. But Saturday’s activists individually listed the overturning of Citizens United and the forgiveness of student debt. They want their votes to count and believe the best way to make that happen is through limiting corporate power in the political process.

‘2011 10 01 – 9623 – Washington DC – Occupy DC’
courtesy of ‘thisisbossi’

The protestors typically numbered in the dozens on their first day, with over a hundred attending the afternoon’s General Assembly. In between meetings, committee members set up recycling bags, made signs, and stood out on K Street calling on drivers to “honk if you have student loans.”

They got lots of honks. They also got hecklers calling out, “Get a job, hippies!” to which protestors replied, “We’re trying!”

Actually, the occupiers aren’t all otherwise unoccupied. Some of them work flexible part-time jobs that they’ll continue to hold as they camp out – perhaps from a nearby Starbucks. But others are unemployed or far too underemployed to pay off their student loans, which might explain why so many of the signs bemoan education debt.

Like most of the other Occupy protests, Occupy DC has a strong presence on Twitter. They hope for numbers to expand this week as the rush hour brings crowds back to McPherson.

So if you’re unhappy with the state of things, stop on by and join up with Occupy DC. Just make sure to bring a heavy coat, tell your boss you’re working “from home,” and line up a house-sitter for…well, forever.

Demon Fish; photo courtesy National Geographic

The National Geographic Live series is back for the fall and we here at WeLoveDC want to share their great lineup of programming with you once again. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at NatGeo, we’ll be again offering two pairs of tickets for our readers to go and experience some great talks, lectures, and programs over at the National Geographic Museum.

For October, there’s some amazing photography programs, authors, and speakers – some of whom you’ll see interviewed here on the site in the coming weeks. If you’d like to win a pair of tickets to an October program, simply list the two events you’d like to attend in comments before noon Friday, September 30. Make sure you use a legitimate email address and your first name. We’ll contact two winners (as determined by random.org) on Friday afternoon. Note that not all programs are eligible for the drawing.

If you’re interested in attending one of these events, visit NatGeo’s website or their box office (800-647-5463), located at 17th and M Street, NW. Keep in mind that parking in NatGeo’s underground lot is free for any programs beginning after 6 pm.

Here’s October’s offerings…

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino; photo courtesy National Geographic

Not Ready to Wed: Child Brides
Monday, Oct. 3; 7:30 pm ($18)
Photographer Stephanie Sinclair and writer Cynthia Gorney—in the June 2011 issue of National Geographic—investigated the underground world of prearranged child marriage, where girls as young as five are forced to wed. In conversation with Jon Sawyer of the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, they will share images and stories of a practice that spans continents and cultures.

Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking In France
Tuesday, Oct. 4; 7 pm ($48)
Enjoy a talk and tastes of French Jewish cuisine guided by Joan Nathan, the host of PBS’ Jewish Cooking in America and author of ten acclaimed cookbooks. In Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France, Nathan traces her family’s heritage and explores cooking as culture. Nathan is a 3-time James Beard award winner and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs including the Today show, Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart Show, and National Public Radio. Lynne Rosetto Kasper, host of NPR’s Splendid Table says, “When Joan Nathan decides to dig into Jewish heritage anywhere in the world, we readers should just fasten our seat belts and get ready for a glorious ride.” [Not eligible for giveaway.]

Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World Of Sharks
Wednesday, Oct. 5; 7:30 pm ($18)
Washington Post environmental reporter Juliet Eilperin takes us on a globe-spanning adventure to investigate the ways individuals and cultures relate to the ocean’s top predator. Through her eye-opening images and stories, Eilperin will remind us why sharks remain among nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures.

Music On…Stage: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
Thursday, Oct. 6; 7:30 pm ($25)
One of Italy’s best world bands, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino explodes on the stage. This multi-generational group brings alive the music of Italy’s Puglia region—through atmospheric concerts ranging from tender love songs to pagan rites marked by frenzied dance and pizzica tarantata played on guitar, drums, accordion, and bagpipes.

Music On…Photography: Henry Rollins
Friday, Oct. 7; 7:30 pm ($40)
For 30 years, Henry Rollins—spoken word artist and former Black Flag frontman—has traveled to the world’s toughest corners, sharing observations through words, images, and music. His new book, Occupants, pairs Rollins’s visceral full-color photographs with powerful writings, creating a testimony to resilience in the face of anger and suffering.

Music On…Photography: Pattie Boyd
Wednesday, Oct. 12; 7:30 pm ($40)
British fashion model and wife to two of music’s greatest legends, Pattie Boyd experienced firsthand the defining musical events of the 60s and 70s, documenting them intimately in photos. Inspiration for George Harrison’s “Something” and Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” Boyd will share images of their lives together.

Young Explorer’s Salon
Friday, Oct. 14; 7 pm ($25 for tix purchased by Oct 7 / $30 after Oct 7)
Sit back in a casual club setting, sip a drink, enjoy a bite, and share the evening with three extraordinary individuals. These recipients of Nat Geo’s 2011 Young Explorers grants are making their mark on the world of exploration and adventure. Moderated by Hannah Bloch of National Geographic Magazine in Nat Geo’s dining hall! Meet Emily Ainsworth, an Oxford graduate, anthropologist, and photographer who joined Mexican circus troupes to capture “what went on when the curtain fell and the lights went off”; Shannon Switzer, a surfer, photographer, and environmentalist who works to raise awareness of the urban pollution affecting rivers, the ocean, and her local San Diego surfing community; Neil Losin, a filmmaker, photographer, and UCLA PhD evolutionary biologist who studies invasive Caribbean lizards to explain the evolution of territoriality. Alcohol served; ID required.

Kids Euro Festival: Copernicus’ Star
Saturday, Oct. 15; 1 pm (FREE; no tickets or reservations required.)
With more than 220 free events, the Kids Euro Festival, presented through the cooperation of the embassies of 27 European Union Countries, is one of the DC metropolitan area’s biggest family events of the year. Join NatGeo for Copernicus’ Star, a charming 90-minute animated film on the life of Copernicus and his brilliant revelations that changed astronomy forever.

Jewel of Namibia by Frans Lanting; photo courtesy National Geographic

Part Ape, Part Human: The Fossils of Malapa
Wednesday, Oct. 19; 7:30 pm ($20)
In 2008, paleoanthropologist Lee Berger walked with his son near the South Africa site where he’d spent years seeking clues to our ancestry. Suddenly, they tumbled across an amazing find: fossils almost two million years old. Berger will introduce this human family tree addition and possible link between apes and humans as described in August 2011’s National Geographic.

The Jewel of Namibia
Friday, Oct. 21; 7:30 pm ($20)
Join photographer Frans Lanting and videographer Chris Eckstrom on a wild desert journey through Namibia. This southwest African country recently proclaimed its entire coastline as a national park. The husband-and-wife team, who have worked on Nat Geo projects for more than 20 years, will share images and video of unusual animals and stunning landscapes, as seen in the June 2011 National Geographic.

Into The Silence: Everest
Tuesday, Oct. 25; 7:30 pm ($20)
Based on newly discovered documents, Nat Geo Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis’s new book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest tells the story of the legendary and ultimately tragic 1924 British Everest expedition. Linking Mallory and his comrades’ determination to gain glory in the Himalaya to their bitter experiences in the trenches of WWI, Davis offers a compelling fresh take on history.

The Big Idea: The Power of Choice
Conversations Between Nobel Laureates and Nat Geo Explorers
Wednesday, Oct. 26; 7 pm ($20)
Why do humans make decisions the way they do? And what does that mean in the context of the current threats to our species’ survival? Daniel McFadden, the 2000 Laureate in Economics Studies, whose work focuses on how people make choices and sort themselves into groups, will discuss questions of human choice and their repercussions with Nat Geo Explorer-in-Residence Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the bestseller Collapse, which analyzed the phenomenon of societal failure. Conversation moderated by National Geographic Weekend host Boyd Matson.

Music On…Stage: Sussan Deyhim
Thursday, Oct. 27; 7:30 pm ($25)
Iranian singer/composer, Sussan Deyhim thrills fans worldwide with music drenched in ritual and mystery. Her recordings offer a mix of artists, such as DJ Spooky and Bill Laswell, and U2 features her work in their 360 Tour videos. Bobbie McFerrin says: “Her rich and complex vocals are warm, beautifully sung, and always surprising.”

Halloween Fun With the Jimmies
Saturday, Oct. 29; 1 pm ($16 adults, $12 kids under 12)
“Gimmie Jimmies” is the rallying cry of this NYC-based kiddie rock band, a Parents’ Choice award winner whose clever, creative music gets kids rocking. The heavy guitar groove hooks in parents as well. Come dressed in your Halloween costume— maybe a lion, leopard, or tiger, to support NG’s Big Cats Initiative—and get ready to rock’n’roll.

You’re probably familiar with the fact that wine and whiskey are aged in barrels. But cocktails? It may seem like a trend, popping up in bars in London, Portland and New York for the past year or so, but it’s actually a much older revival – aging cocktail ingredients in oak barrels was a popular technique back at the turn of the last century. But for Bibiana’s general manager Francesco Amodeo, it’s not a matter of trend. It’s practical.

“I was talking to my mother about their cellar at home,” he tells me, referring to the family home on the Amalfi Coast, “what to do with all the barrels?” His grandfather makes wine, and his mother was looking to get rid of the excess refuse. Francesco jumped at the chance to put them to another use. Starting with two sizes, 1 and 5 liter barrels, he’s crafted two cocktails for Bibiana that were just uncorked for the first time Tuesday evening after three months of aging.

As they’re produced in small quantities (at least until Francesco’s grandfather finishes crafting a 250 liter barrel for him) they’ll go fast, so get over to taste them. Aging cocktails gives the liquor a beautiful toasty quality, rounding out the flavor. Let’s take a closer look at Francesco’s two drinks and the process.

‘Aged Cocktail Barrels at Bibiana’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

Francesco mixed up two cocktails on June 9th and away they went to age in these perfectly miniature barrels. It’s important that the ingredients are solely liquor-based – for example, if the recipe calls for freshly squeezed fruit or even sparkling wine, you don’t want to add that to the drinks until after the aging process. Also, Francesco advises being careful with liquor that already has a strong smoky quality, as that will intensify in the oak barrel.

‘Ready to Uncork’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

The first aged cocktail that I sampled was the Katia, made with Redemption rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, marasca liqueur and chocolate bitters (those last two made in house). This drink could quite frankly be renamed “Jenn Catnip” as I’m a sucker for Italian digestifs. Aging the cocktail resulted in a rich, round caramel taste with the liquid noticeably deeper in color. It’s beautifully complex and definitely meant to be sipped slowly, giving everything an autumnal glow.

‘”Katia” aged cocktail at Bibiana’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

Next up was the Maddalena, which is a riff on the classic Negroni – the usual trinity of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth were aged three months, and then after uncorking Francesco finished off the drink with prosecco and a lemon peel garnish. Again the flavors seemed smoothed out, mellowed – like the last day of summer after a long beach weekend.

‘Aged Cocktails at Bibiana’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

Francesco mixed up versions of the two cocktails unaged for comparison, and it was fascinating to see how aging deepens the color and rounds out the taste. “I can make magic,” he quipped, “I am Neapolitan.” Part of the challenge and the fun of making aged cocktails is that Francesco has to look ahead when deciding what drinks to feature – after all, it takes three months before the cocktails are ready, so seasonal forecast is important. When he put down these two it was the height of summer, but the Katia especially makes you ready for fall.

‘Walnuts in a Glass’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

As a special lagniappe, Francesco also gave me a little tour of the housemade liquors at Bibiana, which were absolutely delicious – limoncello, walnuts, even biscotti flavored! Something I had never tasted before and went right to my addiction list was the one made of coffee, barley coffee, and over 20 spices. Ridiculously rich and intense, Francesco called it “concerto, like concert,” and I’ll definitely be back to sip some more.

‘Housemade at Bibiana’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

The two barrel aged cocktails I sampled Tuesday are available now until the barrels run dry, priced at $16 each. Given the amount of time that goes into their preparation and the fact that they really are sipping drinks, I think that’s a fair cost. After this batch is done, the barrels will be dried out for their next mix. I can’t wait to see what’s next uncorked, in three months when winter’s upon us happy lushes.

Bibiana is located at 1100 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005. Closest Metro stop: Metro Center (Red/Orange/Blue). For more information call 202.216.9555.

Sports Illustrated has a solid collection of famous athletes, namely former Wizards player Gilbert Arenas and Dwight Howard, who apparently have PLENTY of free time and nothing better to do than take pictures of themselves planking all over their expensive cars, pool tables, exercise equipment, etc. There’s also a planking example courtesy of Redskins rookie receiver Niles Paul.

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So you want to see the National Fireworks on the Mall? But you’ve heard all this about talk about crushing crowds, insane Metro rides home, and a constant threat of rain just before the fireworks are supposed to fly. Yeah, that all happens. But I can help with alternatives and easy to handle ways of dealing with the above problems. Because, really, the fireworks on the Mall are one of the great things about living in this city and everyone should enjoy them.

I’ll go over locations, best ways of getting home, and even a short gallery of pictures. If you want info on security checkpoints to get onto the Mall, and any other info, check out the Park Service’s page on the fireworks.

Location, Location, Location

‘BOOM! (2 Pics)’
courtesy of ‘Dan Dan The Binary Man’

The first thing to decide on is where you want to see the fireworks. The obvious spot is the foot of the Washington Monument, front and center. It’s a great spot for the fireworks, but getting there is difficult because this is where everyone thinks to go. And, unless you get there early, it gets packed. If you go to this spot, I would recommend trying to get there no later than 5pm.

‘2010 – Fourth of July – A Moment to Capture’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

The next location is at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial (such as the above shot). In years past, it’s actually quite nice. But with the Reflecting Pool undergoing renovations, it’s not quite the same. Still, this location will have slightly fewer people than the Washington Monument, and a good view. I was there last year, and I could easily have gotten there by 7pm and gotten a decent spot.

‘War of the Worlds?’
courtesy of ‘ianseanlivingston’

Let’s move across the Potomac for the next shot. In Rosslyn, just south of the Iwo Jima Memorial, is one of the best vistas of the city at the Netherlands Carillon. From here, the monuments line up, you get reflections on the river, and you can just take in the city while it gets lit up by the fireworks. It’s a popular spot for people (I believe it’s mainly locals), so you still will want to get there early. And you’ll have the Park Service security checkpoints to go through. I’d say sometime between 6-7pm and you’ll be fine.

‘finale!’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99′

Next spot is more “in the know.” And that is along the Mount Vernon Trail. This spot is great because there will be fewer people, a ton of real estate to find a spot, and many different views. You can be up next to Roosevelt Island, or you can be either north or south of the Memorial Bridge. You can almost certainly get there by 9pm and find a comfortable spot. This is actually where I will be going for the fireworks, so if you see me, be sure to say hi!

‘20090704′
courtesy of ‘heather.rider’

There are, of course, more spots to watch the show from a distance. I’ve heard Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park and the National Cathedral, both on commanding hills in the city, are great places to watch. Further afield, Gravelly Point next to National Airport and the Air Force Memorial, sitting just above the Pentagon, are good, but distant, spots to see the show. And there are also many building rooftops with good views. If you have any inside info on spot, be sure to share in the comments.

‘happy 4th’
courtesy of ‘jimbographer’

Dealing with the Crowds, Pre-, During, and Post Fireworks
The best thing you can do if you’re going anywhere near the Mall on the Fourth is to wear your walking shoes. This is because walking is the best way to avoid lines and needless waiting. Especially at the security checkpoints.

In fact, if I impart anything useful in this article it will be this: use all the screeners at the checkpoints!!! Every year I see lines form for the corner screening tables, and the middle tables have no one at them. Please, walk a few extra feet and you will be through the security lines much quicker. If we have to deal with this security theater, can we at least deal with it quickly and smartly?

‘2010 – Fourth of July – I Regret that I have But One Ballon for My Country’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Also, realize this now: Metro will be packed, especially right after the fireworks. You are not the only person going home; there will be thousands of other people. So, seriously think about either: 1) walking three or more stations down the line, or 2) find a nice bar, restaurant, or friend’s house to wait out the crowds for an hour or three. One year, I decided to walk from the Mall to my apartment in Glover Park. I can assure you I beat everyone else home. There is no avoiding this; you will either be in a cheek to jowl mob that is waiting or you will be waiting some other way. You get to decide.

Remember, Smithsonian Station is normally closed on the Fourth. Also, all the major stations get packed quick; Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, Chinatown, they all become zoos. And avoid transferring, because it will only give you a headache; walk to the line that will get you home directly. And take my advice: walking down the line will clear out some of the trains with the heaviest loads and you’ll actually be able to get on a train.

‘Sparkler!’
courtesy of ‘Dan Dan The Binary Man’

Finally, remember, this is a birthday. The 235th birthday of our country. So have fun, be safe, and enjoy the show!

‘boats afire’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99′

‘Picture 172′
courtesy of ‘Columbia Heights Climber’

‘2009 – Fourth of July – Bursts’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

‘Last first. So first.. second.’
courtesy of ‘ianseanlivingston’

‘IMG_5120′
courtesy of ‘liz.shen’

‘2009 – Fourth of July – Happy 233th Birthday!’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Horrible news this morning of a woman falling from the 10 story W Hotel POV rooftop bar last night to her death. Eyewitnesses report that the not yet identified woman had been drinking at the bar and that she climbed over the rooftop patio’s fence.

Secret Service was on hand last night and all lanes of 15th St. NW were shut down from New York Avenue south to Pennsylvania Avenue. These roads have since reopened.

Just awful news.

I love history. And for me, the older the history, the more I love it. There’s something that fascinates me about seeing how the first people of a given culture tried to figure out the concept of civilization. And for the first couple of millenniums of human history the difference between civilized and true barbarism was incredibly fine. But sadly, DC doesn’t have a large selection of museums that cater to ancient history nerds like me. The Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum has an exhibit which hasn’t been updated since I was in elementary school; and Dumbarton Oaks Museum has a nice collection on the Byzantine Empire, but that is more medieval history than ancient. There isn’t much else without going to another city.

Imagine my excitement to find out that the National Geographic Museum was holding exhibit on the ancient Etruscan Civilization! For the non-history buffs out there, the Etruscan Civilization was an Italian peoples which inhabited roughly the area of modern day Tuscany (which is where we get the name). That area is, roughly speaking, bound by the Tiber River (and Rome) to the south, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, and the Apennine Mountains to the north and east. The Etruscans were an important culture in Italy from about 750 BC to around 500 BC, and were an significant influence on Roman culture and history.

‘Nattional Geographic – Etruscans 07 – 06-09-11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

The Etruscans’ influence on Rome is of historical debate. It’s clear that a number of features and concepts of Etruscan civilization were at least borrowed by the Romans, but exactly how much is unclear. I couldn’t find this in my research, but one gets the sense that historians can’t quite figure out whether the Romans were an offshoot of the Etruscans, or if the Romans did what Romans did with everyone they met: borrowed what parts of their culture they liked and put a Roman spin to it. You certainly get that sense walking through the National Geographic exhibit.

‘Nattional Geographic – Etruscans 02 – 06-09-11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

If you’re familiar with ancient Greek or Roman history, you’ll feel at home with this exhibit. The Etruscans were heavily influence by the Greeks, as all ancient Mediterranean people were, but they also still have a distinct Italian vibe which the Romans helped carry on. The exhibit does a good job of breaking the Etruscans civ into three sections: their views on the afterlife and religion; the importance of farming; and general daily life, such as a look at their food and military cultures. The exhibit is excellent.

‘Nattional Geographic – Etruscans 04 – 06-09-11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

The only bad thing about the exhibit is that it’s too small. I was hoping for a huge exhibit, filled with detailed displays which chronicled specific cities and exploits. Granted the Etruscans thrived for only a relatively brief time (~200 years), but their impact is still felt through how they influenced the Romans. But that wasn’t to be; the National Geographic Museum has only so much space. And they are still running their other great exhibit, Race to the End of the Earth. But, if you love ancient history like me, this is well worth a visit.

‘Nattional Geographic – Etruscans 06 – 06-09-11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

If you’d like to see more images from the exhibit, please see my set on Flickr. National Geographic was nice enough to give us a sneak peak, so enjoy the photos.

The Etruscans: An Italian Civilization does require tickets for entry. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for National Geographic members, military, students, seniors, and groups of 25 or more; and $4 for children 5-12 (free for 4 and under). The exhibit runs from June 10th to September 25th, 2011.

The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th Street NW; tickets can be purchased online or by phone (202-857-7588).

Tomorrow afternoon, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a free outdoor concert to kick off their yearly Indian Summer Showcase. This year, the Indian Country/Country Indian concert will feature Victoria Blackie (Navajo), Rebecca Miller (Six Nations, Canada), and Becky Hobbs (Cherokee). The concert will take place at 5 pm outside on the Welcome Plaza in front of the museum’s main entrance.

I was fortunate enough to squeeze some time from Victoria and Becky to talk about their music, their heritage, and what inspires them in their artistry.

First, there’s Victoria Blackie. Last year’s winner of the Debut Artist of the Year at the Native American Music Awards, she also performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her voice has been described as powerful with lots of soul, hearkening back to the days of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and other female greats of the past. And don’t let her small stature fool you (she’s 5’1”); her voice is strong enough to pull you in and versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of country enthusiasts.

Victoria Blackie (photo courtesy of the artist)

“Music has always been a part of my life,” she insists. Her family has had a strong influence on her life and singing. From her mother’s Native side, “many of my immediate and extended family are well-known dancers and ceremony and powwow singers. I learned to dance many different styles, including Jingle dancing and I’ve performed at many powwows.” From her Hispanic father’s side, both grandparents were live radio singers in Mexico and her aunt¬, Martha Chavez-also Victoria’s vocal coach and manager-is a professional singer. “My father can belt out a mean song too,” she laughed.

Her heritage is a key component of her music. “It’s music that comes from the heart and soul,” she said. “When I write my music, they mostly deal with life experiences. I hope to someday write an entire CD dealing with my traditions and heritage.” She is extremely proud of who she has become, a blending of Hispanic and Navajo traditions, and is not hesitant to share who she is with her audience through her artistry. Her success comes from her talent, not her race. “I don’t think people are really looking at me because I’m Native American, I just feel I have a strong set of pipes and a strong Native community that has been very supportive,” she said. “I went to Japan at an early age because of my talent, sang at the Olympics because someone somewhere heard me sing the National Anthem.” Despite a shoestring budget, she has persevered in her career, counting on her natural talent and genuine personality to win people’s hearts. Judging by the thousands of her followers on Facebook and Myspace, she is succeeding.

Click here to view the embedded video.

But it’s more than just belting out tunes to a listening audience, hoping to sell CDs. Victoria approaches each concert as an opportunity to connect with her audience, sharing her music. “Whenever I put on a show I’m taking them on journey through time, enjoying what the greats of country music started,” she said. “I get to do what I love best—and that’s singing country music!” She doesn’t have a favorite song to perform, either. “I have so many to choose from! I love to perform songs that I can have fun with and let loose,” she replied.

A budding success in the Native American artist community, she is quick to offer advice to those young Natives looking to find their own way. Her advice should ring true to everyone, actually. “Don’t give up! If you can believe in yourself anything is possible,” she eagerly shared. “May not happen today or tomorrow but taking it step by step and pushing yourself to become a better individual is only going to take you into the right direction. Educate yourself in whatever your desire is! Carry a can do attitude and don’t put yourself down.”

Becky Hobbs (photo courtesy of the artist)

Victoria’s enthusiasm is equaled in energy and passion by fellow country singer and songwriter Becky Hobbs. A member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, Becky is known primarily for performing in over 40 countries and writing songs that have been recorded by such popular country artists as Alabama, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Emmylou Harris. (Little known fact? She was also a member of the Baton Rouge southern rock band Swampfox for two years.)

Her start into music began with starting piano lessons at age nine. “Shortly after that, I started writing songs. It was a lot easier to make up my own, than to read the big notes on the paper! At 15 years of age, I started my own all-female rock band,” she laughed. “We played mostly cover songs, but also played several songs that I wrote. The older I get, the more I realize that writing songs is a God-given talent.”

Eventually she took that talent to Nashville in the 80s and her career steadily took off. But even so, she never forgot her roots. Her Cherokee heritage was the catalyst for her latest project, one she holds dear to her heart. “Three years ago, I embarked on the project of my life,” she explained. “I co-wrote a musical with Nick Sweet, called NANYEHI-BELOVED WOMAN OF THE CHEROKEE. It’s based on the life of my fifth-great grandmother, Nancy Ward, who was a war woman-turned peacemaker in the 1700’s.” This past January, Becky released a CD of 17 songs written for the musical.

Despite her heritage, she has never been pigeonholed by the music industry as a “Native American artist.” She finds it amusingly odd. “I started writing Cherokee-themed songs in the early 90’s, such as ‘Let There Be Peace’ and ‘Pale Moon,’” she smiled. “I hope that by having established myself as a country artist, I can bring more people over to appreciate Native American music.”

Attending a Becky Hobbs show isn’t a quiet and calm performance, however. She was emphatic about that when asked what people should expect. “I want to move people….either move them to tears, or to stomping their feet. Music is communication, from soul to soul,” she pointed out. Through that connection, she knows she can then communicate with audience. “With NANYEHI-BELOVED WOMAN OF THE CHEROKEE, I want people to know who this amazing woman was, and what an important role she played in American history. This will, in turn, allow people to learn more about the Cherokee people and our rich history.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

But sometimes, it’s the audience that connects with her, and not the other way around. A while back, she was deep in the middle of a nine-country African tour. “One night, before the show, my band and I were told that over half of our audience had AIDS,” she said. “Before I went out on stage, I prayed for guidance, and before the show was over, we had the whole audience up on their feet, singing and clapping along. It made me feel good to bring some joy to people who were hurting. Music is so healing.” She knew that the audience hadn’t just connected with her, they moved her with their joy for life despite their circumstances.

It’s those moments that help define Becky as an artist. While she loves a lot of her work, including performing her honky tonk and rockabilly songs, it’s the songs she wrote that touch people when she performs them, no matter how old they might be. Her most popular—and arguably most moving—song has been the 1993 hit ‘Angels Among Us,’ recorded by Alabama as a Christmas single. “’Angels’ has touched more people than any other song I’ve written,” she said. “I am honored that it has been used to raise money for numerous charities throughout the world, namely St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Like Victoria, Becky hopes her work inspires others to find success despite their circumstances. “Set your sight on what you would like to contribute to our world, i.e., a service, business, music, or art,” she says. “Feel the power of your ancestors behind you, and know that you are not alone. Then work your tail off to make it happen.”

The Indian Country/Country Indian concert is free to the public and will be held rain or shine at NMAI’s Welcome Plaza. The museum is located at 4th and Independence Ave, SW on the National Mall. Closest Metro access is L’Enfant Plaza, which services the Blue, Orange, Yellow, and Green Lines. For more information, call 202-633-1000 or visit the museum’s website.

What would you do, what would you go through, to be the first explorers to the South Pole? Would you go through months of trekking through -40F degree cold, on a strict ration of food, constantly freezing and wet, and risking death every day? If that sounds like a great time, the National Geographic has the exhibit for you!

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first men to reach the South Pole, the National Geographic Museum is hosting an exhibition entitled Race to the End of the Earth. It recounts the challenges of two explorers during their race to reach the South Pole. On a 1,800-mile journey through Antarctica in 1911, explorers Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falcon Scott of Britain fought the elements and raced each other to gain the honor. The exhibit is well suited for the National Geographic, because it adds the adventure and exploration elements to a fascinating and not well known historical story.

‘National Geographic – Race Preview – 05-24-11 13′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Before we go any further, let me just say, and I can’t believe I’m doing this for a 100 year old historical event, but there will be **SPOILERS** from here on out. I will say who won and what happened to people involved. Don’t blame me, or your history books, or Wikipedia, for giving away the ending. You’ve had 100 years to find this information out.

The exhibit starts off with visitors getting a chance to pick up cards which have information on specific members of the two expeditions. The idea is to follow that person through the expedition and see how things turn out. It certainly creates a personal connection to these men. I ended up getting a card for each team, and the two men’s journeys couldn’t have been more different. The Norwegian, Oscar Wisting, 39 at the time of the expedition and veteran of the Norwegian Navy, got to the South Pole with his team and got home in one piece. Henry “Birdie” Bowers, the Brittan, 27 and a “Jack-of-all-trades,” reached the South Pole a month after the Norwegians, but never made it off the Ross Ice Shelf alive. At the end of the exhibit, in a very touching and emotional display, you get a chance to read Bowers’ final letter to his mother, which he wrote during the failed return from the Pole, fully knowing he wouldn’t make it.

‘National Geographic – Race Preview – 05-24-11 02′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Visitors are taken through both expeditions, from preparation through the trek to the Pole and the return trips on the ice shelf. Through a multitude of of displays, visitors get a good idea of what the trip was like. There are recreations of the base camp shelters that both the British and Norwegians used; rare historical artifacts used by the participants in the expeditions; and even dioramas which do a fantastic job of giving the visitors an idea of what the two teams were coping with, such as white out.

‘National Geographic – Race Preview – 05-24-11 11′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Mid-way through the exhibit you come to the Norwegian’s triumph of reaching the South Pole, 35 days ahead of the British. The exhibition actually recreates the Norwegian’s camp, Polheim, and has a fascinating recording of Amundsen speaking about the accomplishment. When you realize you are only half way through the exhibit, you suddenly remember that these men are not done. The trip back home is as dangerous as the trip to the Pole.

‘National Geographic – Race Preview – 05-24-11 12′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

The exhibition continues with the doomed return of the British team. It was simply an issue of weather: the British took too long to get to the South Pole and got stuck in cold and nasty weather returning to their base camp. In the end the four-man British team, which had reached the Pole, perished on the ice shelf. In contrast, the Norwegians didn’t lose a single man or even a sled dog! The British team knew they were done for, and wrote the last thoughts to their loved ones in their journals. Those pages are the last part of the exhibit and they create a very sad and emotional ending.

‘National Geographic – Race Preview – 05-24-11 10′
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

The exhibit finishes with a brief explanation of what is going on Antarctica today. To sum it up: Science, gobs and gobs of science! From geology to astrophysics. Or, if you like, as only xkcd can say it.

The Race to the End of the Earth does require tickets for entry. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for National Geographic members, military, students, seniors, and groups of 25 or more; and $4 for children 5-12 (free for 4 and under). The exhibit runs from May 25th to August 21, 2011.

The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th Street NW; tickets can be purchased online or by phone (202-857-7588).

Kicking off last night at the National Museum of the American Indian is a special exhibit about our 50th state, Hawai’i. The exhibition, “This IS Hawai’i” is a collaboration between NMAI and Transformer, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit visual arts organization. Together, they present a multisite exhibition featuring new and experimental works of art that explore what it means to be Hawaiian in the 21st century. The artwork includes sculpture, action figures, drawings, an interactive website and a fictional work titled “Post-Historic Museum of the Possible Aboriginal Hawaiian.” The work of Maika’i Tubbs will be presented at Transformer, opening day Saturday, May 21, and the work of Solomon Enos and Carl F. K. Pao will be presented at the NMAI’s Sealaska Gallery, with artist Puni Kukahiko’s outdoor sculptures presented at both sites. The exhibition is presented in tandem with the museum’s annual Hawai’i Festival, which is this weekend.

There are other events planned around this exhibit through Memorial Day weekend, including the museum’s popular Dinner and a Movie, live performances, a fellowship dance, and interactive discussions. All of the events are free at the museum.

Hula Dancing and Hula Workshop: Halau Ho'omau I Ka Wai Ola O Hawai'i performs. Potomac Atrium, NMAI Mall Museum. ; photo courtesy NMAI

This afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. is a special Where Art Worlds Meet: A Conversation with Indigenous Hawaiian, Native American, and Aboriginal Contemporary Artists in Room 4018-19 on the museum’s 4th Level. The global indigenous art scene has experienced dynamic growth and change in the first decade of the twenty-first century. How has this rapid evolution affected indigenous contemporary artists from different regions and varying cultural backgrounds? What strategies and artistic practices are working now? Join for a lively and insightful discussion with artists Puni Kukahiko, Alan Michelson, Carl F. K. Pao, and Gina Matchitt. Kathleen Ash-Milby, the museum’s curator of contemporary art, moderates the program.

Today at 7 p.m., NMAI presents Dinner & A Movie: Papa Mau: The Wayfinder. At a time of cultural reclamation and renaissance, a group of young Native Hawaiians embarked on a mission to revive the traditional Polynesian arts of canoe-building and wayfinding—non-instrument, celestial navigation. Their search led them to the Island of Satawal in Micronesia, and the master navigator, Mau Piailug, who shares the ways of their ancestors aboard the voyaging canoe, Hokule’a. Cuisine from the museum’s Zagat-rated Mitsitam Cafe will be available for purchase from 5–6:30 p.m. Seats in the theater are limited but there’s still time to register online. The movie is free.

This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is the Celebrate Hawai’i Festival! from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This festival is the museum’s annual celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture and coincides with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Visitors can watch hula performances, take in a Hawaiian cooking demonstration, participate in authentic Hawaiian arts & crafts workshops, and attend discussions about Native Hawaiian cultural traditions and ecology. Go online for the complete schedule. The festival is free.

Next Sunday, May 29, is a free Youth Cultural Exchange and Friendship Dance beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Children of the Four Directions — Nations from the North, East, South, and West — sing, drum, and talk about the ways of their tribes. At the end of this exchange, each tribe will present small gifts to the museum that illustrate their rich history. A Friendship/Round Dance ends the event. The tribes include Hulapai, Hopi, Navajo from Arizona and New Mexico, the Ojibwe Band from Red Lake Minnesota, the Oglala Sioux from South Dakota and the Yavapai and Apache from Arizona.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW. 202-633-1000. www.nmai.si.edu/ The Closest Metro stop is L’Enfant Plaza, servicing the Blue, Green, Yellow, and Orange lines.