Mosley: One of my favorite days of the year is on Saturday: Cheverly Day! For those who don’t know me, Cheverly is my hometown in PG County Maryland. And the thing I love most about Cheverly Day is the awesome firework display that is put on every year; I feel it’s the best in the area, because you’re right under the fireworks as they go off and there is no delay between light and sound. It’s really magical. Before I get my fireworks grove on, I’ll be enjoying a cookout at a friends house. Beyond that, it’s looking like Sunday will be slow recovery day; though I may go for a walk along the Mount Vernon Trail.

Joanna: I need a quiet, restful weekend. It will probably include sitting around and reading, for the most part. There’s also a lot of free arts events this weekend. I’m hoping to spend some time at The Phillips Collection on Saturday as part of Art Museum Day, when museums across the country will open their doors at no charge. But the only real plan is Washington National Opera’s Opera in the Outfield on Saturday night. It’s free opera, guys. FREE! The production this year is Showboat, broadcast live from the Kennedy Center. I just hope the weather holds up.

Rachel: This weekend I’m catching up on some much needed sleep while still managing to do a few fun things. Really hoping to make it to IOTA to see We Love DC’s very own John Athayde play bass in his band Juniper Lane on Saturday night. Then Sunday is softball day in Glover Park with the GPCSL. It’s my last game for a couple weeks before I head on vacation/tour to play shows in Chicago and Albany, so you better believe I’m gonna savor that sunshine if it chooses to make an appearance.

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Joanna: Surely the clouds will go away soon; but in case they don’t, the EU Open House should provide decent cover. I’ll probably return to Czech Republic and Hungary this year – two of my favorites from years past. I’d also like to visit France and Germany, which are joining up at the Embassy of France. Later on I’m keeping up the European theme by seeing Twelfth Night at Folger Theatre and then The Three Musketeers at Synetic Theater. I ran into the cast of the latter a while back, and if their mustaches are any sign it will be wild

Patrick: Tomorrow I’ll be with some friends at one of the most anticipated new bars on my to-do list: Board Room. I look forward to drinks and Cards Against Humanity. Saturday I’m keeping a low profile for most of the day, I’m considering taking a girl out to a new speakeasy I just found out about in Eastern Market. Sunday I’ll be up early running the Angel Kisses 5K.

Tom: This weekend is the Great Brookland Yard Sale, so my neighbors and I will be out selling our wares throughout the neighborhood. There’s some sweet stuff in this year’s sale, including a couple houses dedicated just to great vinyl, so check out the sale highlights map, get out some cash, and head to Brookland Saturday morning. That afternoon, I’ll trek up to Merriweather Post Pavilion for Sweetlife Festival, because I want a 13th Street Meats/Toki Underground Pho Dog something fierce, oh, and to see Phoenix, too. Sunday, I will luxuriate in sleep and rest, and maybe head down to Bloomingdale’s new hotspot, The Red Hen.

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Joanna: I’ll be out of town this weekend, but were my friend Christine not getting married to an awesome guy in a cow-themed wedding (sure to be a mooving ceremony), I guess I’d be here. And I’d be attending one of local artist Dana Ellyn’s two opening receptions happening this weekend. I’d also do some massive Embassy touring – part of Passport DC’s signature events. I really hate to be missing that. Last year’s EU tours (coming up May 11) were mostly great, so this time around I was really hoping to tour the rest of the world. Alas, it’s not to be. North Carolina doesn’t count as another country, does it?

Tom: It’s opening weekend at Merriweather Post Pavilion, so that means I’ll be up in Columbia getting my metal on this weekend. Because, really, who doesn’t want to see Twisted Sister rock out and relive their best Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure memories? I’m also plotting a trip to see Iron Man 3 this weekend, but struggling with the where. AMC Courthouse doesn’t have it, so I can’t experience the cushy seats, so it’s looking like Hoffman Center if I want to trek to the burbs for IMAX 3D, or Georgetown Loews if I want to deal with being in Georgetown for a couple hours on a Sunday. Either way, it’s a metal nerd weekend.

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Joanna: With family in town this weekend, a traditional visit to Shelly’s Back Room is in order. And since these Castles are Irish Jews – rare as leprechauns – it’s guaranteed we’ll also stop by Star and Shamrock. If we weren’t doing that Friday, I’d probably check out Dramathon at Theater J, which raises money for The Theatre Lab’s scholarship fund through readings of 10-minute plays by local playwrights. I’m also seeing Mary T. and Lizzie K. at Arena Stage somewhere in there, which the Great Jenn says is a Great Show. On Sunday I’m watching the fab Lauren Boston in Listen to Your Mother at Synetic Theater before heading out to Silver Spring to hear Noa open the Jewish Music Festival. Oy! That’s a lot.

Rachel: This weekend is a standard spring weekend for me — music and baseball. Friday night there’s a concert at Ebenezers Coffeehouse that I’d never miss in a million years. My buddies Zia Hassan, Don Kim, and Dave Farah are playing an acoustic show along with Kiirstin Marilyn. They’re all fantastic songwriters in their own right and they all have spectacular voices that’ll leave you wanting more. I strongly recommend this show. If you come, I promise there’ll be free hugs and plenty of laughter! Then, I’ll be heading to Nats Park on Saturday for some day game baseball as the Nats face the Cincinnati Reds before a night in Rosslyn spent celebrating my favorite dog’s (yes, a real dog, I have no shame) birthday party. Afterward, I’m sure the human attendees at that party will end up out and about in the Court House area — most likely at Ragtime or Four Courts. Next up is softball Sunday at Stoddert Field with the GPCSL. Good times indeed.

Tom: Weeeeekeeeeeeend! After last week’s successful trip to Chicago, I’m thinking there’s a lot to accomplish here. But first, priorities, and that means the Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival which runs all afternoon & evening on Saturday. There will be pickin’ & chunkin’ and that’s going to be marvelous. Also on the docket is a longer ride through perfect cool morning weather that morning, possibly out the W&OD Trail toward Vienna.  This is also a perfect barbecue weekend, so I’ll be firing up the grill with some deliciousness from various local purveyors.

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Joanna: (Peeking out from behind her door) Are the tourists gone yet? Because I’m thinking of having a picnic this weekend, somewhere near the Tidal Basin. On Saturday Ghion is hosting 12 bands from 2pm to 2am. I’m too old for that, but I might drag my increasingly ancient butt out for an NYC reunion with Emily Danger, which is slated at 11pm and has a really dynamic thing going with the help of my friend Cam on violin. On Sunday I’m seeing Wallenstein at Shakespeare Theater Company and hopefully catching a few zzz’s too.

Rachel: Friday night I’ll be back at Ebenezers Coffeehouse to watch singer-songwriter Grace Pettis and her band rock out. Then Saturday night I’ve got a gig of my own at the DC Arts Center as part of the Capital City Showcase. If you’ve never been, it’s a variety show hosted by DC native Christian Hunt that brings together comedians and musicians for a night of stand-up comedy and original music. Plus — the theater at the DC Arts Center is one of those smaller black box theaters and the acoustics in there are fantastic. I don’t even mic up, I just sing without having to plug in my guitar or anything. It makes for an organic and fun performance. Then Sunday it’s back to Stoddert Field for week three of the GPCSL before the Nats head back into town for a homestand on Monday.

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Mosley: Fun filled weekend!  First, Friday night I’m checking out Inglourious Basterds at the AFI in Silver Spring; I’m not normally a Tarantino fan but I’ve been interested in seeing this movie for awhile.  And seeing a movie at the AFI is always a blast.  Saturday is the annual Sakura Matsuri Street Festival; while I know it gets very, very crowded, it’s still a great event with a ton of sights.  After all that fun, Sunday is almost certainly going to be a relax day but I hope to get out of the house.  The nice weather we are having only lasts so long, so we should soak it up while we can!

Joanna: My weekend starts early with Andy and the Shadows at Theater J, where I’ll be finding out what a “comedy about family with Freudian hallucinations and pre-marital angst” looks like. It continues Friday seeing our very own Rachel Levitin rock out at Ebenezers Coffee House. On Saturday I’ll be darting tourists at the National Gallery of Art while trying out the museum’s new mobile app. Then I close out the weekend with private ordeals at Clyde’s and Redline. I haven’t used a table tap before, but the whole thing sounds like a terrible premise for my type…

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Well it’s looking like spring might be a little more spring-like this weekend, with temps in the 50s and some sun to go with the rain. Hopefully there’ll be some wind for Mr Mosley on Saturday – though he may want a little less then the gusts from the last few days – and some opportunities for outdoor bliss for the rest of us. What does that mean exactly? Read on…

Mosley: Kite Festival is on Saturday!  One of the signature events of the Cherry Blossom Festival and I absolutely love it; seeing hundreds of kites in the air just makes the Mall come alive.  Along with that, I do need to get out of the house and see those cherry blossoms.  Sunday may be recovery day but I’m sure I’ll still get out of the house to do something.

Rebecca:  Friday night post my Down Dog Yoga sess, some friends of mine are welcoming home a new puppy and are throwing a Puppy Party, so I’ll be snorgling the lil fella and sipping wine. Saturday I’m gonna play some pick up footie at 10am on the Stoddert Fields in NW, and then catch brunch at Cafe Deluxe. Sunday, it’s Easter so the family will be gathering to have an epic dinner at around 4pm. If you’re looking for some out-of-home options, Open Table has some good recommendations.

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Joanna: It’s spring, y’all. SPRING! The sun is high in the sky these days, so most of my weekend will be spent out in that. On Saturday I’m trekking to Georgetown and its Baked and Wired cupcakes before heading over the bridge to Artisphere for a staged reading of The River and the Mountain – a controversial Ugandan play related to homosexual policies that are still in affect. On Sunday the husband and I will introduce our dog to his arch-nemesis: a little cocker spaniel who hates him and wants him dead. We like the other dog’s owners, and they like us, so we really need a Kumbaya moment here. And since technically the Cherry Blossom Festival started yesterday, at some point I may also stop by Family Days at the National Building Museum to get in the spirit.

Mosley: Beer is in my weekend plans.  Sunday I’m going to the DC Beer Festival at Nats Park.  Mainly because I love beer and love Nat’s Park.  And this will get me over the hump until baseball season starts up and I can go to a Nats game.  Hoping against hope that the weather stays nice on Sunday.  Friday and Saturday plans are up in the air, but if the weather is as nice as predicted, I may go for a nice long photo walk along the Mount Vernon Trail; haven’t done that in a couple of years.

Katie: Friday, I’m hanging out with a friend in Old Town, and we’re hitting up The Pita House for some Mediterranean. Saturday, I’m being a dutiful bridesmaid and playing mannequin while my bestie picks out our bridesmaids dresses. We’re in for a day of shopping at Hitched, J.Crew and Ellie’s to find the perfect frock for her five bridesmaids to wear in her August vineyard wedding. Saturday night, I’m touring the monuments at night (GASP, can you believe in all six years I’ve lived here, I’ve never actually done that?) and then I’m rounding in on race day for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, so I’ve got my final big long run this weekend. Eek! Wish my hydration and stamina!

Rachel: My weekend starts today. It’s my birthday and I plan on celebrating. I’m kicking things off with lunch at DGS Delicatessen followed by happy hour, dinner, and a show at IOTA while some of my friends tackle some of 1979′s most classic albums. Word is the Cherry Blossom Festival starts this weekend so I’m going to do my best to avoid the Metro Rail at all costs because large crowds tend to stress me out. I’m also planning on joining a couple of the biggest Nats fans in town for some greasy food and drinks at Duffy’s in celebration of the swiftly approaching baseball season. Party on.

Patrick: Saturday I’m running the 2nd 5K ever in my entire life. The Run for Haiti 5K. I’d feel better about this if I actually trained this week instead of getting over my #SXSW Flu. I know all the hard core runners reading this are making fun of me. After my death run I’m reviewing Voodoo Macbeth over at American Century Theatre. As a theatre person I’m nervous I just typed the M word- I’m sure I won’t be cursed, right? After the show I hope to break my liver back in with my favorite Radio personality. Sunday I’ll be brunching at everybody’s favorite hip coffee place: Busboys & Poets.

Jenn: Tonight I’m heading over to The Dunes for Stand for Art’s Life is The Artistic Celebration party. Face painting, bellydancing, extremely cool music, what’s not to love? Friday night you could head over to the Corcoran’s annual ARTINI gala, where the beautiful people sip talented bartenders’ artistic cocktails under the columns. Tickets are still available. I’m very excited to see the the extension at Studio Theatre of The Motherfucker with the Hat, and the opening of 4000 Miles. Sunday I’ll hit an evening performance of the Lost Civilizations experimental music project at DC9. At some point a nice long walk to do some serious thinking about life will be involved. Plus Swedish meatballs at Hogo, several days in a row.

Fedward: Friday night the Social Chair, myself, and our collection of IKEA catalogs will make our way to Hogo for chef Ed Hardy’s new menu. Saturday, sans catalogs, we’re headed out to Seven Corners with our friend Sylvie for a guided tour of the Eden Center (I’ve been, but I always go to the same three places). If we didn’t have plans, we’d head to the Danny Kaye film festival (the flagon with the dragon holds the brew that is true. I think). Once we do get home Saturday night, we’ll celebrate Don Lockwood’s lucky day (1:30 AM, March 24) by watching Singin’ in the Rain. Sunday we’ll be early for our usual Passenger brunch, because it’s opening night for Studio Theatre’s 4,000 Miles (featuring the directorial return of founder Joy Zinoman).

Tom: This Friday night I’m doing what I’ve resisted for so long: visiting National Harbor. A friend from out of town is staying down there for work, so we’ll be popping down to enjoy the sights and tastes. Saturday will have some community meetings, which means learning and listening and collaborating on new ideas, and that’s the key part. Sunday, I will be getting out and riding, weather be damned.

Rebecca: Friday I’m finally getting to check out the ramen, dumplings and sake at Toki Underground. Afterwards, I’ll stick around H Street and sip some pints at the Star and Shamrock. Saturday I hope it’s warm enough to play for footie outside before I head to three different birthday parties at Bedrock Billiards, The Brixton and The Big Hunt. Think I’m going to be tired Sunday.

Tom: This weekend starts out Friday night at Wonderland Ballroom to tape You, Me, Them, Everybody where I’ll be talking about Nationals Baseball in 2013 and the prospects of a season to remember. Saturday, I’m riding Big Stinky to raise awareness for the completion of the Met Branch Trail, and Sunday I’m doing the VASA ride with WABA assuming the weather’s not a total disaster.  Should be awesome!

Mosley: Since I was in parts of the world that don’t speak English when some of last year’s better movies came out, I’m taking advantage of two showings at the AFI in Silver Spring. Specifically, I’m going to see Lincoln and Argo. Also thinking of having dinner at my family’s favorite seafood place: Crisfield’s. Been going there since I was in the womb, and, mmmmm, I can already taste the clam chowdah! Saturday and Sunday are looking weird, weather-wise; I guess I will worry about those when I come to them. I’ve been wanting to hitting see the Phillips Collection and the Corcoran since I got back, but haven’t found the time; maybe this is the weekend to do it.

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Jenn: So much to catch! This is the last weekend of the DC Intersections festival at the Atlas Performing Arts Center over on H Street NE, with exciting selections such as Vijar Iyer’s documentary concert Holding It Down: The Veterans Dreams Project, theOur City Film Festival, and a musical mash-up with North Indian classical violinist Nistha Raj, jazz saxophonist Aakash Mittal, tabliya Debu Nayak, and beatboxer Christylez Bacon. It’s also the last weekend for the opulent exhibit of Turkish design, The Sultan’s Garden: The Blossoming of Ottoman Art, at the Textile Museum. Plus the last weekend for Folger Theatre’s riveting production of Henry V. And I definitely want to hit Hogo for the next installment of their rotating chef series, with Aaron Silverman of the upcoming Capitol Hill spot Rose’s Luxury previewing some dishes like popcorn soup and spicy pork and lychee — yum. Can I say yum and still be taken seriously?

Tom: After the failed snowstorm this week, I’m thinking Spring might really be upon us. Have you looked at the weather? 51 on Saturday, 58 on Sunday, and full of sunshine. I’ve been dying to check out the Corcoran’s Pump Me Up exhibit, so it’s possible I’ll put on a go-go/native punk playlist and bike down to check it out. There’s also still baseball and hockey to watch to watch this weekend, and civic association work to be done, so look for me at Turkey Thicket getting a count on activity.

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But we’re all buried deep beneath the snow from this monster storm and will be doing nothing more than digging ourselves out.

(Editor note to Don, remove before publication: Hey, you really think it’s smart to write this so far in advance? I know we’re all concerned about the storm projections but I think we might want to wait to put up a placeholder even if the expectation is it’s gonna be so rough. It’s your call, but I’d advise against it; you never know how you might get caught out on this stuff.)

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Rachel: This should be a fun one. I’ve got a show at American University on Friday night as part of an alternative Spring Break trip fundraiser (aka Jams for Justice). I’m always happy to help out the students at my Alma mater, so I’m expecting it to be a good time. Then my buddies The Very Small are playing their first live rock show in FOREVER at Comet Ping Pong. I’ll be honest, I haven’t been to a concert at Comet yet but a lot of my fellow local musicians have played shows there lately and I hear nothing but great things. Sunday will be spent rehearsing for my upcoming show at The Wonderland Ballroom on Wednesday, March 6. That performance is part of a new local variety show called The Wonderland Circus and is organized by the folks behind The Capital City Showcase.

Patrick: Friday night I think I’ll head on down to the Verizon Center and see the Wizards take on the Knicks. Saturday I will be brunching somewhere in Arlington. Lyon Hall? Liberty Tavern? I know it won’t be at Ray’s Hell Burger because that place is all closed down. Oh maybe I’ll go to Bayou! Problem is it’s always packed. Why does the rest of Clarendon have to think the same way I do? Saturday night I’m going to attempt to start my night in Rosslyn, move to Park at 14th, then end at H-Street. Would somebody like to loan me some cab fare?

Katie: Friday night I’ve got a track workout scheduled. (I’ve got a hidden gem near my work, but if you need a track, I recommend Wilson (that link is for the pool, but it’ll get you there) or any of these Arlington tracks.) Saturday, we’re taking it outside, grabbing the dog and going hiking. To make an afternoon of it, we’ll pick up a picnic and head to either Hidden Pond or Huntley Meadows. Sunday I’ll probably work on my spring garden, stopping by Ginkgo Gardens.

Fedward:  Friday is the anniversary of DC’s repeal of Prohibition and we’ll celebrate by braving crowds on U St to visit the Gibson to try Frank Jones’ ARTINI. I liked his entry last year. After that we’ll visit Room 11, who tweeted that they plan to celebrate, and maybe visit a Brown brother or two. Saturday if we can get out of bed in time, we’ll hit up the Kennedy Center for a talk on the Northern Lights (with slides and video from NASA). If we miss that we might still be up in time for Union Market’s gospel choir brunch. After that it’s member preview day for the new Green Schools exhibit at the National Building Museum. Sunday’s our last day of freedom quiet grown-up time not babysitting until next Saturday, so we’ll probably take it easy. So, just brunch at the Passenger.

Alexia: Friday night will find me at CD Cellar in Arlington to see local bands Troll Tax and Post Nasal Drip play. Saturday I’m taking a day-trip South to Richmond to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Sunday will find me at band practice, followed by my favorite monthly karaoke night at Galaxy Hut in Arlington!

Tom: Friday night would normally be a night out in Ward 5, we’ve been meaning to try Little Ricky’s in Brookland for their Cuban fare, it’s been getting raves, but I’ll be in Nashville for some social time this weekend. I hear amazing things about their Hot Chicken, so that’s on the list. I’ll be getting home Sunday, just enough time to hide out at Shaw’s Tavern with some email and prepare for the week.

The last week of February begins. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starting to smell a good Nat’s Dog in my hand, hear the crowd go wild after a National’s homer, and see the Presidents race at the bottom of the fourth. Spring training just doesn’t do it for me; I can’t wait for the real baseball season to begin! One more month. One more month.

Let’s get the month here a little bit quicker by starting with this week’s Weekend Flashback. Despite the rain and cold, it looks like our excellent photog contributors got out and about this weekend. So enjoy their hard work! Continue reading →

Rebecca: No yoga for me this Friday. I’m off to a friend’s birthday party at Bandolero in Georgetown where margaritas and tapas are on the menu. Saturday I’ll be hitting up the Satellite Room before the Railroad Earth concert at the 9:30 club and some post-concert drinks at the American Ice Company. Sunday, I’ve got brunch on tap at Chef Geoff’s, where the Eggs Henry has my name on it.

Katie: We’re at the end of the first training phase for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, a little lull before the big mileage starts, so this weekend I’m taking care of myself. I’ll be stopping by Bliss Spa at the W for the extreme sports massage, which I’m super excited about. Later in the weekend, I’m headed up to Annapolis to visit a friend, and no trip up there is complete without dinner at Level, my very favorite Annapolis restaurant. I bought a new crockpot, so I’m turning to the local blog The Bitten Word for some ideas for what to cook in it Sunday night – I’m thinking this tarragon chicken would do great in the slow cooker.

Patrick: I’m starting my weekend celebrating this girl’s birthday at Bravo! Bravo! From the looks of the website I’m sure it will be loud. I don’t think I’ve ever been to the home of “best latin night of the DC metro area.” Oh boy. If the weather is nice on Saturday I plan on running around Glover Park, I tried it with a friend a couple of weeks ago and it was a nice change of pace then running around the concrete jungle that is Clarendon. Oh ya the Oscars are this weekend. My picks will go up tomorrow but if you want to try and cram in some movies you can watch all nine Best Picture nominees on Saturday at AMC Georgetown in a 24 hour marathon.

Fedward: Friday is the anniversary of the day I asked the Social Chair to marry me, so we’ll probably celebrate that the same way we celebrated Valentine’s Day — at Hogo.  Saturday Your Mom and I will be at Puppet Standup and you should too.  Sunday evening the Poulenc Trio performs works by Duke Eliington and other composers at the National Gallery of Art’s West Garden Court in honor of African American History Month. And then Sunday night there’s no better place to watch the Oscars than the DC Film Society’s Oscar Party at Arlington’s Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse.  I guess we better do our Passenger brunch on the early side, huh.

Tom: I haven’t needed a weekend this badly in a while. The dark of February has me dreaming of summer, but tonight I’ll be rocking the red at the Caps game, and Saturday afternoon I’ll be hitting up the Brookland Black History reception at DC TV to learn more about the history of Brookland, keeping me firmly in the here and now. Inspired by a midweek trip to the Brixton’s deck, I may make a quick tour of the best heated patios in the city to pretend it’s much later, starting with some swachos at American Ice Company, and maybe hitting up Satellite Room for a milkshake or Tunnicliff’s to see if their heaters are still delightful.  After that, I’ll be writing some letters ahead of Statehood Lobby Day which is next Friday.

Rachel: My weekend starts early with some Thursday night festivities at Veracruz where there’ll be a Social Media Week event focusing around the Local Music scene and its audience. Then, Friday night, I’ll be playing a free show (as part of a weekly open mic) with some fellow local musicians at The Getaway. Music starts at 8 p.m. I’ve also been craving some good Jewish deli nosh food lately, so I may try my luck at getting a table at DGS Delicatessen. In the words of Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell, that place is “Crazy delicious.”

Alexia: Friday night there are a bunch of shows I want to see, so I’m not sure where I’ll end up. Could be at Black Cat for Parquet Courts, Roomrunner and one of my favorite DC bands Foul Swoops, could be at Comet Ping Pong for Short Lives, Southern Problems and Miyazaki, but I know I’ll end the night at Paperhaus, my favorite DC DIY music space that’s hosting their last show til summertime with Black Clouds, Raindeer, and Ever Ending Kicks. Somehow I’ll be dragging myself out of bed Saturday morning to run 6 miles on the W&OD trail, as part of my training for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April. Saturday night I’ll either be heading to a bonfire at my friend’s house in Falls Church, or a house show in Petworth. Sunday afternoon will find me enjoying tea with some friends at Teaism downtown, and Sunday night I’m playing a show with my band The Torches at Galaxy Hut in Arlington! We’re opening for Dischord band Alarms & Controls.

Jenn: I’m heading up to Brooklyn this weekend, but just because I’m out of town doesn’t mean I’m not going to harass you to get some DC culture. Theaters are buzzing right now! I highly recommend catching Metamorphoses at Arena Stage – a gorgeous collection of Greek myths in a production both hopeful and heartrending, set around a pool of water (splash seats? oh yes.). There’s more water in store with Synetic Theater’s silent Shakespeare adaptation of The Tempest opening, also set in a pool of water (splash seats galore!). If you didn’t catch Spooky Action’s crazy Murakami adaptation of Kafka on the Shore, or Taffety Punk’s Twelfth Night, both are closing this weekend so get in there and support smaller companies. As a Danish American I’d also be remiss if I didn’t tell you to hit up one of the Nordic Cool events. And if you like your drinks with history (who doesn’t?), head over to Union Market tonight from 6:30-8pm to catch Philip Greene chat about his latest book, To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion. Tickets are $40 at the door, Gina Chersevani is rustling up the cocktails, you get a copy of the book, and it all benefits the Museum of the American Cocktail.

Don: Friday night is an outing to Etete. Not just because we love them, but because we have an expiring coupon. Oh coupon sites! How would I schedule my time without your pressing good-till dates? Saturday I’d originally meant to go to the not-Cherry-Red-run Puppet Standup that Fedward mentioned but I accidentally double-booked. So instead I’ll be putting on my tux and going to a gala for the Children’s Hospital. Look for a raffle for those puppet tickets tomorrow… Sunday will be a low-key affair where I buy an old friend some drinks in exchange for some old computer hardware, maybe at Rustico. It’s every bit as exciting as it sounds, so perhaps we can spice it up a bit and make it a sneaky-looking spy handoff where he puts the shopping bag down and I casually walk away with it at the end, never acknowledging it.

I know the weekend is in extra innings for most people, but there are some people who still have to come into the office today. Still, take some time today to remember our beloved first president, George Washington. The man was generally awesome (though not perfect), and as proof of his awesomeness, remember, he has a capitol city named after him. Once you’re done going down History Lane, start your week off with the excellent photos in this Flashback. Enjoy! Continue reading →

We hope you’re having a good Valentine’s Day, if you celebrate that sort of thing. Or that the pins are sticking well into the doll of the ex who hurt you. Whatever. That’s today, we’re focused here on tomorrow. Specifically the part of tomorrow that involves fleeing our unsatisfying corporate obligations and letting slip the dog of whimsey. Or something.

Rachel: This weekend should be a doozy. It’ll start with drinks at Bier Baron in Dupont followed by some live music at Iota in Arlington to see fellow WLDC’er John and his band Juniper Lane tear it up on stage. Then I’m not too sure when but I’ll hopefully be able to connect with fellow local musician Don Kim to hash out some new cover songs and get our creativity on at some point this weekend, if we can. The rest of the weekend will be spent in preparation for my next show at Iota with The 9 Songwriter Series on Tuesday 2/19. I’ll be debuting a new song, I’m pretty excited about it.

Fedward:  We’re starting our Valentine’s Day weekend tonight, with the new Jewish Soul Food menu at Hogo.  Fancy, I know.  Friday night we’ll be braising some short ribs we picked up last night from Red Apron.  As I said last night, I put my faith in Nathan. Saturday we’ll visit the AFI Silver Theatre for Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, part of their collaboration with the National Building Museum, “Reel Estate: The American Home on Film.”  And Sunday we’ll swing by Proof for Sazeracs during Adam Bernbach‘s continuing “remastered editions” series.

Jenn: My weekend starts early with a visit to Arena Stage to see Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses tonight. A pool! On stage! Aphrodite kicking ass! It’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day catch-up with a dear friend. Afterwards there are any number of fun non-couply events to attend, such as comedy night My Shriveled Black Heart at The Dunes, or The Pinch’s Burlesque and Belly Laughs. Friday night Pink Vinyl is spinning their last DJ night at SOVA, and of course it’s a Heartbreak Edition, as SOVA’s changing ownership soon. Saturday night Looking Glass Lounge is hosting their Dark Heart Rises Masquerade Ball. Hmm, I do have a red Venetian mask lying around somewhere. Just not into partying this weekend? I understand. Go see art: this Sunday the National Gallery of Art opens an amazing exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite art and design, the first major survey of its kind in the US. I’ve always loved this art movement and am extremely excited about this gorgeous exhibition. Oh, and get to Hogo for Renee Peres’ Jewish “soul food” menu – so good I had not one but two dinners there last night. Whitefish salad, brisket, sigh.

Mosley: Twice a year, the Library of Congress opens the Main Reading Room, one of the most beautiful spaces in the entire city, to photography. One of those days is this Monday (President’s Day). While it can get very busy there, it’s a great experience. The Open House is from 10am to 3pm (the Jefferson Building itself is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm).

Don: My top weekend activity is getting out to see the newest Die Hard movie, a decidedly non-DC-specific thing. Which, given how poorly they portrayed our area in films 2 and 4 – which were supposedly set here – might just be for the best. What is decidedly DC is this writeup called “A Die-Hard’s Guide To ‘Die Hard’: 25 Years Of Sweat, Dirt And Blowing Stuff Up” by fellow local and Die Hard aficionado, Chris Klimek. He leaves out some interesting tidbits about the source material for the first Die Hard film, but I can’t blame him. It wouldn’t have fit in with his article any more than it fits in here on our DC-area-focused site – which is why I’m leaving it out myself. My other plans this weekend involve writing my piece called “how to annoy your readers and leave them in suspense at the same time.”

Tom: Man, the weekend? I feel like this week has drug on and on, and it’s hard to think we might actually be there already. I’m ready for some hockey on Sunday, so catch me down at Boundary Stone for wings and Caps, but first I think I’m going to find myself a Carl’s Subs and celebrate Rhode Island Avenue with some good local dollars. I may also throw on my bike tights and do some cold weather to prep for the VASA ride I registered for last week. But mostly, I’ll be dreaming of baseball and getting my AM radio ready for summer.

Mosley: Happy Chinese New Year! And what’s the best way to celebrate? By going to see the Parade in Chinatown. I know DC’s Chinatown is **COUGH** less than authentic, but the annual parade is quite fun: you get to see dancing dragons and lions, some great marching bands, a huge firecracker, and all under the Friendship Arch. I’ve gone the past couple of years and it’s been a great experience every time. It’s all happening Sunday afternoon.

Patrick: I’m going to see shows. A lot of shows. Friday night I’m trekking out to Vienna to see a friend in Proposals at the Vienna Theatre Company. Saturday I’m going to be see the only show I cared to mention in our We Love DC Theatre Preview: No Rules’ Black Comedy. Very excited to see them in their new home at Signature Theatre. Don’t be surprise if I trek form Shirlington to 14^th Street that night. Rumor has it I might make a cameo at El Centro. Sunday I’ll be at Shakespeare Theatre to see Hughie. Before that I’ll be taking in some Restaurant Week fare at Bibiana. Oh ya. It’s Tết. That probably means I’ll make the needed stops at Eden Center for food and one of the only times all year I’ll step foot into a Buddhist Temple. Gotta start the year of the Snake right!

Katie: Run, yoga, rinse, repeat. I’m going to buy ALL the running clothes at Lululemon and Pacer’s, I need layers for this ridiculous weather we’re experiencing. But also! Day drinking! Possibly at Ted’s Bulletin, or Masa 14. And maybe if I can convince my friends to go back to Tash House of Kabob on 8th, we will. I tried it for the first time last weekend and absolutely loved it – the chicken, lamb and salmon were all tasty mcgee. I’m also going to make some homemade marshmallows for a party I’m throwing on Valentine’s day using little heart cookie cutters from Hill’s Kitchen.

Tom: February in DC is when I start dreaming about the summertime again, when the weather is warm and the AM radio blares loud in my back yard. Instead, I’ll be preparing for Springtime with a bit of house cleaning. Before that happens, though, catch me out at Red Apron‘s new Union Market digs for some of their insanely delicious pastrami. I’ll also be monument scouting for the return of an old feature in a few weeks. I’m giving thought to Kingman Island or maybe the Big Chair as the first new entries. Then perhaps it’s out in the cold to prep for WABA’s Vasa Ride in March. Plus, I’m dying to try Satellite Room tonight ahead of the Punch Brothers show at 9:30 Club.

Rebecca: Friday my Down Dog Yoga trends continues. It’s really become a staple in starting off the weekend right. Afterwards, I’ll head to the West End Cinema to catch the 2013 Academy Award-Nominated Documentary Shorts. Saturday morning I’m up early to take the GMATs (fingers-crossed) and then it’s off to the Washington Auto Show to drool over the sick rides and cool car gadgets. Saturday night I’m celebrating by hitting up Rock N’ Roll Hotel to dance my arse off with the beats of DJ Dan Biltmore. Sunday I’ll like to be crusted out from Saturday so I’ll chillax on my couch and watch the new, DC-based Netflix show “House of Cards.”

Fedward:  Friday night we’re going to a friend’s birthday party at an undisclosed location.  Saturday we’ll be all dressed up (again) at the Studio Theatre’s annual gala.  This one’s hat-themed, motherfuckers.  Also it features entertainment from the awesome Ricky Jay.  No word on if he’ll be wearing a hat or hatless. Sunday we’ll recover from the gala with our usual brunch at the Passenger. I can taste the waffle sandwich now.

Don: Well Friday marks the 10th anniversary of my first date with my darling now-wife (if she’d been my wife then I guess a lot of the will-it-work-out mystery of dating would have been avoided) so we’re going to try to go out and have a little romantic dinner somewhere. Where is uncertain; I apparently am channeling the last-minute nature of that night long ago and have made no official arrangements. If you’d like to surrender your 7p reservation for two at Bibiana, Graffiatio, Willow, hell, let’s shoot the moon – or Minibar, please reach out. We considered repeating that first date with a few drinks at the Four Provinces and then tracking down Gonzo’s Nose again but age has improved the 4Ps less than is has us and really… Herndon? Pass. The rest of the weekend involves a little get-together at our home and perhaps a showing of Signature’s R&J, a romance that (spoilers!) worked out less well than ours.

Fedward: For our first mutual weekend off since approximately Thanksgiving, the Social Chair and I are getting by with a little help from our friends.  Friday night we’re helping one friend celebrate her birthday at Larry’s Lounge (people change; Larry’s never does).  Saturday we’re helping another friend clear out an overstock of beer, and since I have recently discovered that beer and I don’t get along, he’s a good enough friend he’s going to let me drink his whisky instead.  Sunday we’re going to a kickoff lunch for the upcoming Puppet Standup (produced in part by Your Mom), then the opening of The Sweary-Word With the Hat at Studio Theatre, and ending with Jenn’s birthday celebration at (where else) the Passenger.  No, not the fake one.

Rachel: I’ll be making my way to Iota on Friday night to support my friend and local rocker Alex Vans. He’s celebrating the release of his first LP and brand new music video so it should be a fun night. Alex is sharing the night’s billing with local-favorites The Weathervanes as well as Low Cut Connie. Then, fast-forward to Sunday, and I’ll hopefully be making the time to have a ukulele jam sesh with fellow We Love DC’er Tiff before celebrating one of our own’s birthday (**cough cough** Jenn, I’m talking about you **cough cough**). All in all, a good weekend. Though, I hear some big football game is going to be on as well? (I kid, I kid …  I know it’s Super Bowl weekend. Is it baseball season yet?)

Katie: Are you guys sick of hearing my weekend running plans yet? No? Okay then. I’m going to take a little trot around the National Mall (protip: it’s about 2 miles in length) with a friend and then we’re going to detox with tea at Teaism. I’m a big fan of the Lavender-Lemon-Mint tisane, it’s a perfect nightcap. Saturday I’m headed to see RENT at the ARC DC, and then I’m going to try and get my noodle fix at Toki Underground. I went to Momofuku in NYC a few weeks ago, and I think Toki wins in the ramen battle, even taking loyalty out of the equation. But I need to go back to Toki to confirm. TBD.

Tom: Super Bowl Sunday! My beloved 49ers are in New Orleans to battle the Ravens, so I’m on the look for where to watch the big game. Neighborhood bar (read: Boundary Stone)? Big sports bar (read: Pour House or Nellie’s)? Home with chili? Hard to say. After 43 miles in the California countryside on Wednesday (http://bits.tombridge.com/post/41896645796/ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-awesome-awesome-awesome), I think I get the weekend off from physical activity.

Patrick: I almost forgot it was Super Bowl weekend. Mostly because I’ve tried to forget about football ever since Baltimore put the hurt on my Patriots. Sunday I will be starting the day with brunch at Ted’s Bulletin followed by a trip to Studio Theater to review the edgiest named show in DC this year: The Motherfucker With The Hat. Also in Oscar Watch news, West End & E-Street Cinemas already have the Oscar Nominated Shorts and will start screening them in February, so I’ll probably fit that in this weekend too. What am I doing for the big game? I don’t know yet, but I will tell you I’ll be rooting for SF. Sorry B’more fans.

Don: Our plans are contingent on eventually emerging from the plague den that is currently our home and out into a not-too-soggy DC, but CWG seems to think it’ll be cold but clear on Saturday. Which sounds like a nice setting for a little outdoor walk, either on Roosevelt Island or perhaps another area along the Potomac. With Sunday turning grayer I think it’s a good day to watch my hometown teams faceplant themselves from the comfort of my sofa or a bar. Maybe they’ll surprise me…

Rebecca: Friday I’m destressing from a long and hectic work week with a 90 minute sweat-fest at Down Dog Yoga in Bethesda. If you’re interested in checking out hot yoga, I highly recommend this studio. Be sure to hydrate before and after. Saturday mornings I’ve been playing pick up, small sided soccer in Glover Park, but with this week’s freezing weather and snow, I’ll likely take a break from that and instead grab a cup of solid coffee at Peregrine and window shop at the home furnishing shops along 14th. Saturday night, I think American Ice Company is calling my name from some chill drinks, relaxed atmosphere and solid tunes. Sunday I’ve got some errands to run and I think an early-ish trip to IKEA in College Park is on the docket. Love me those Swedish meatballs and you can’t beat the price!

Katie: I’m actually really jealous of Rebecca’s plans at Down Dog, I adore them (especially Beth, she’s one of my favorite teachers ever!), but I’ll be finding my yoga on the Hill this weekend, either at Capitol Hill Yoga or Yoga District on H. I’d practically pay Down Dog to build a studio on my side of the National Mall. It’s an exercise-ful weekend, because my training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile officially kicks off, but I’ll still take some time to hit up Union Market to check out the new Red Apron Butchery stand. I haven’t gotten my grubby little hands on their beef jerky in probably over a year, and so I’m going to make a beeline straight to them and buy it all.

Rachel: I’m tucked away in Crystal City working for the majority of this weekend but come Saturday I’ll be out and about in Rosslyn with a likely stop over at one of my favorite Irish pubs Four Courts. Then Sunday, I’m finishing my prep for a last minute show at IOTA which will be this coming Monday night (1/28). I look forward to breaking out a few acoustic 90′s boy band covers including this one. So if that’s up your alley, I’d love to see you at the show! Music starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $10.

Patrick: I’m really excited to have a somewhat quiet weekend. After that Inauguration I think I’ll be staying off the sauce for sometime. By sometime I probably mean three days. Dominion Stage in Arlington is performing one of my favorite musicals: Avenue Q. I hope to catch a show before it closes this weekend so I can sing along to The Internet is for Porn. I’m also continuing my Oscar Watch by catching the The Master at AMC Shirlington.

Joanna: It’s my last weekend in DC for a month so I’m hoping to spend it well. Everything starts with an (un)healthy portion of my other half’s gourmet mac & cheese, based on the Martha Stewart masterpiece. I’d also like to visit Jack Rose and L’Enfant Cafe for some fancy food and drink, but I might have accidentally spent all my money on cheese already… And the National Gallery of Art’s Shock of the News exhibit is closing this weekend, so I’m sure to catch that while making a second visit to Michelangelo’s David-Apollo (what treasures are free in this city!). Then it’s back to prepping my travel journal for Oz.

Jenn: I’m still in post-surgery recovery mode (hey, I have a cool cyborg heart!) but if I can muster the energy to hit the New Order/Duran Duran dance party Friday night at the Black Cat, and the ARTpocalypse closing party at The Dunes Saturday night, I will. Look for me being a wallflower. Otherwise, it’s a weekend with lots of comfort. I may venture through the cold to enjoy a macaron at Le Caprice (who am I kidding? I need a whole box, people!), and perhaps a plate of pasta at Posto (ok, I just had to go with the alliteration there) – though what I am really craving is my favorite dish of tartare at Fiola. Maybe one of Jeff Faile’s bitter cocktails is just what this heart of glass needs.

Don: We’ve just finished our obligatory you-have-a-baby-show-him-to-us parental visit so we’re likely going to take it a little easier this weekend and enjoying the peace and quiet around the house. Or as p&q as it ever is when you have an infant. But we’ll make the usual bougie outing to the farmer’s market and maybe a little casual dining. We’ll save our outdoor outings till next week and the odd warm snap, though we’ll also be sure to see Rachel at Iota on Monday. Never too young to introduce the boy to some quality guitar work.

The long weekend is almost here, though if you were planning on spending your Monday off out and about in the city, well…. The best inauguration advice we could come up with in discussions about it was this: Walk. And plan to walk. And be sure you’re ready to walk.

Tom: I am so ready for a weekend. Unfortunately, this one looks like it’s fully booked already! Saturday morning, I’ll be hitting up the Hyattsville Busboys & Poets for their awesome breakfast (poached eggs over Iraqi hash? Yeah, I’m down.), plus I’ll be preparing for one last Inauguration supply run before all the streets close. Fortunately, there’s a lot of places staying open til 4am this weekend, so I shouldn’t hurt for socialization or company.  Sunday is the christening of our friend’s oldest, so we’ll be off to the wilds of Falls Church where I will hopefully not burst into flames when I set foot inside a church.

Mosley: My Saturday plans have been sidetracked by family/friend obligations, but if I had the day to myself, I’d be getting out and doing stuff.  On Saturday, I’d go to the Leica DC store for the lecture by photographer Craig Semetko; as I said in my post, it looks fascinating.  Sunday is looking like a generally quiet day, which is good because I’m still considering going downtown for the Inauguration on Monday.  I got some good photos of Obama’s first swearing in, and I’d like to do it again.  Considering there have only been 57 Inaugurations, this is quite the event.

Patrick: My Inaugural weekend starts Friday with some more Oscar watching. It’s going to be between Lincoln or The Hobbit. Both will be good yet terribly long. There won’t be a whole lot gym time this long weekend so I’m going to fit my fitness in on Saturday morning with a trip around Glover Park. Saturday night I will be reviewing the latest show at The Source: Constellation Theatre’s Zorro. After the show I’ll be out on U-Street where at some point I’ll make a stop at the Codmother for some pickleback shots. Sunday will all be about football and I’ll be rooting for my team at a place away from all the Inaugural craziness (that’s for Monday.) As for Inauguration Day, I’ll be covering a couple of events for We Love DC including the Inaugural Parade and the Native Nations Inaugural Ball. Photos and recap to come after!

Don: My weekend is full of things you probably aren’t invited to, sorry. Baby shower ”Sip and see” to show off the kid, dinner with my visiting parents who will largely ignore us and pay attention to their new grandchild, that sort of thing. Monday we’ll cower in our home to avoid the kerfuffle going on downtown and the ensuing transit nightmares, looking hopefully but likely unsuccessfully out the window for some snowflakes to satisfy my Miami-based mother. Along the way it’ll be pretty pedestrian locals stuff. Maybe try out the lobster roll at Liberty Tree – I love a deal – and make another trip to Union Market when they’re not annoyingly 90% closed, despite claims to the contrary. Sadly my parents aren’t big cocktail drinkers so we’ll have to skip being the people with the baby in a bar yet again for Sunday’s Passenger brunch.

Fedward:  Four years ago it was so cold, and the flood of people shown on TV exiting L’Enfant Plaza was so intense, that I made some cocoa and stayed in my pajamas, watching the inauguration on TV.  In the afternoon the Social Chair and I rallied and took a bus downtown to see how close we could get to the parade route.  One thing led to another and we found ourselves at the gates at 15th & New York Ave, with a view of the stands in front of the White House.  I approached a guard and said, “I’ve heard that in previous years you’ve just started letting people in. Is that going to happen this year?”  He looked at his watch, looked at the people hanging out on New York Avenue, turned around to look at the stands, and said, “sure, come on on in.”  A few minutes later they started rounding up everyone and telling them to go in.  It worked out well for us.  This year it probably won’t be quite as cold, but we don’t have to worry about the parade.  We’ve got tickets to the ball.