Dear Neighbors,
Happy Fall! I’m excited to update you on what’s happening in our city and our community, especially the Ward-wide festivities this evening with Art All Night.
It’s “Art All Night” Tonight Across Ward 4!
Art All Night is one of my favorite events of the year because our commercial corridors across Ward 4 come alive with visual and performing arts, including music, dance, theater, poetry, film, comedy, painting, sculpting, woodworking, and fire dancers for our community to enjoy together! I encourage Ward 4 residents to make their way to Petworth, Uptown, Upper Georgia Avenue, Manor Park, or Riggs Park tonight for an evening of arts, entertainment, and community celebration hosted by our Ward 4 Main Street Associations.
Petworth Art All Night
800 block of Upshur St NW: Art exhibits, music, DJ sessions, learning how to arrange flower bouquets, lessons in oyster shucking, live painting, martial arts demonstrations, and a kids art zone with Art of Noize, Flowers by Alexes, Entitlement Lounge, and Fia’s Fabulous Finds, as participating businesses! (Full schedule)
Georgia Avenue between Upshur and Missouri NW: Rock in two languages with Dejavu classic and Latin rock — followed by a raucous Latinx Drag Queen Show at Simple Bar & Grill, Caribbean steel drum melodies with Dominique Lewis at Hen & Fin‘s outdoor patio, and spins from guest DJ at Neptune Room! (Full schedule)
Uptown Art All Night
14th Street between Spring and Randolph St NW: A greeting card interactive workshop by Mary Alice DeMatteo at Red Derby, a caricaturist followed by live guitar and boleros at DC Corazon, all-vinyl classic soul, rock, and R&B music with DJ Baby Alcatraz at Lyman’s Tavern, and roving Mariachi bands at Chicatana, El Barrilito, Anafre, Toro Bar, Downtown Liquors, Mezcalero, and Taqueria Habanero. (Learn more)
14th Street between Buchanan and Decatur St NW: Face painting at Solar Solution, an Encanto-themed dance class and a hip-hop dance class at Dance Loft, live furniture painting at Treehouse (new business coming soon), unveiling new public art at WMATA Northern Bus Garage, documentary screenings of “Borf” and “Chocolate City Burning” at Graffiti Museum, a Latin American Dance Showcase on 14th Street, and guitar, piano tunes, an all-vinyl DJ set, and flamenco dance demonstrations at Atxondo. (Learn more)
14th Street & Kennedy Street & Colorado Avenue NW: The Muddy Branch Boys liven it up at Moreland’s Tavern (5501 14th St NW) from 6pm-8pm. (Learn more)
Kennedy Street & 7th Street NW: Spins from DJ EM G from 5pm-6pm at HR Records, followed by a 6pm-8pm performance from La Marvela Colombian and an 8pm-10pm performance from Dev Duff and Da Rebels at ANXO Cidery, Brightwood Pizza and Bottle, and Everyday Sundae. (Learn more)
Kennedy Street between 1st and 3rd NW: Enjoy the melody of steel drums with Dominique Lewis from 5:30pm-6:30pm at Andrene’s Soul Food & Caribbean, a pop-out art show with six local artists at Jackie Lee’s from 8pm-2am, and live music by the talented MarOmiR band from 11pm-1am at Jackie Lee’s. (Learn more)
Riggs Park and Manor Park
Culture Coffee Too (300 Riggs Road NE): Live to Love Family (Family-friendly sister rap duo) performs at 7pm, Rhythm Visions presents Rhymez and Rhythmz at 8pm and 9:30pm, Cecily brings soul, jazz, folk, and R&B music at 8:30pm, and Jamaal “Mr. Root” Collier offers music and spoken word at 10pm. DJ Oxygen will also be spinning from 7pm-11pm! (Details)
Riggs Wine & Liquor (5581 South Dakota Ave NE): Riggs Wine & Liquor will be offering spirit and wine tastings from 7pm-10pm while DJ Arturo spins tunes from 7pm-11pm. We’ll also have a fire dancer perform here at 7pm and Latin songs performed by Jonathan Acosta at 8:30pm. (Details)
Troka Insurance (208-212 Riggs Road NE): Hip-hop musician Damu The Fudgemunk will be performing from 7pm-11pm with a consistent presence of food trucks, food vendors, games, and many other activities! (Details)
Hellbender Brewery (5788 2nd Street NE): Hellbender Brewery will be hosting an open mic competition with a cash prize at 7pm-9pm, followed by a comedy show at 9:30pm by a rowdy Four Corners Entertainment. Meanwhile, several vendors will be on site throughout the night! (Details)
The VIP Room (6201 3rd Street NW): Ward 4’s own Shirleta Settles will be launching the night with a jazz performance at 7pm, Lovely Lady Boutique will put on a fashion show at 8pm, Christopher Prince and Band follow up with a jazz performance at 8:30pm, followed by aerial acrobatics by Jordan Seitz at 9:30pm and jazz by Oren Levine and Friends at 10pm. (Details)
The Learning Curve (6226 3rd Street NW): Yolanda Sampson will put on a puppet workshop at 7pm, followed by a youth art workshop by Rain Young at 8:30pm, and then a 10pm adult art workshop by Rain Young at 10pm. Music will be playing throughout the night! (Details)
Upper Georgia Avenue Art All Night
Emory Beacon of Light (6100 Georgia Ave NW): There will be face painting, Tarot readings, a live mural painting by local artist Leonina Arismendi, and an aerial silks performance by Kelly Jo Stull Chartier! Vendors will include the Brightwood Bee Ranch, Pecandy, Rosemarie and Candle Company, Vic Vision, Zhenya Studio, and handmade Guatemalan artisanal products from Hands Off Maria. This is also Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street’s welcome center location, so look out for the UGAMS pop-up tent! (more info)
Fitness Factory (5926 Georgia Ave NW): Fitness Factory is hosting FREE spin classes all night with music from DJ Rome thanks to a sponsorship from UPAMS. Join the spin party! (more info)
Great Lawn on The Parks at Walter Reed (1010 Butternut St NW): Come out for two screenings of local documentaries Punk the Capital at 7:30pm and Black Fire Records at 8:30pm — both followed by Q&A sessions. There will also be an interactive dance installation from Pan Underground from 7pm-10pm, food from J&J Mex Taqueria, and local arts vendors! (more info)
Zenith Gallery (7350 and 7302 Georgia Ave NW): Local artist Khalid Thompson will be live painting in the gallery all evening, the Zenith Community Arts Foundation mobile woodworking shop will be on site doing woodworking demonstrations and tours, and Jelly Roll Soul will be selling delicious homemade treats. Down the street at 7302 Georgia Ave NW, there will be an opening reception for a new exhibit with artist Francisca Britton. (more info)
Shepherd Park Library (7420 Georgia Ave NW): Come by for stand-up comedy by Improbable Comedy at 7pm, spoken word performances by Have a Voice at 8pm, and traditional Native American Powwow Dancing by Miss Chief Rocka at 9pm. (more info)
Tomoka Coffee (7711 Georgia Ave NW): A combination gallery and arts market with vendors selling prints but also displaying for sale full-sized versions of their work. Browse while listening to a locally-curated playlist by HR Records. Tomoka will be open for coffee and pastry purchases! Artists on displace includes Asia Anderson of Marigold Art Studio, Art Enables, and Marissa DiDonna of Make Magic with Marissa. (more info)
Legislation Passed: DCPS Digital Equity Act of 2022
On Tuesday, the Council gave final approval to the very first bill I introduced as a Councilmember, the DCPS Digital Equity Act of 2022. The bill recognizes the critical role that technology plays in our schools and the many short-comings and disparities in access to technology in our public education system. It requires DCPS to develop a three-year comprehensive plan that ensures all of our students and educators have the devices and technology they need to succeed and learn. The bill also creates a committee of community stakeholders to guide the development of this plan and requires the DC Auditor to review the initial plan to ensure it meets the requirements of the law. One important note about this bill is that its cost was already funded in the FY23 budget, so comprehensive planning on tech equity won’t have to wait. Thank you to my Council colleagues for supporting this legislation, and to all the educators, students, and parents (especially Digital Equity DC) who have tirelessly advocated for equitable access to technology in our schools.
Community Resources
Apply for Housing Funds by September 30 to be Protected from Foreclosure
The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) will continue to cover applications beyond September, but only residents who apply by September 30 will be protected from any foreclosure proceedings while their application is being processed. HAF offers generous benefits up to $120,000 per resident and can cover owed mortgage payments, future mortgage payments, coop and condo fees, owed property taxes, outstanding utility payments, and other housing costs. Be sure to apply soon or let your neighbors know if they might need this support.
Important Hearing on Lead Pipe Replacement in DC
Earlier this week, an important report was released on DC Water’s plans to remove all of DC’s lead service lines by 2030. The report’s recommendations echoed several of the provisions of my Green New Deal for a Lead-Free DC legislation. Our Committee on Transportation and the Environment will hold a roundtable on the report and DC’s efforts to replace lead service lines on Tuesday, September 27 at 2pm. Residents can sign up to speak at this hearing by emailing abenjamin@dccouncil.gov.
COVID Centers Temporarily Out of Moderna Bivalent Booster
DC COVID Centers are temporarily out of stock of the Moderna bivalent booster vaccine. However, Pfizer bivalent booster doses are still available to eligible residents in all eight wards. New deliveries of the Moderna bivalent booster are expected in early October, and DC Health will provide an update when doses are back in stock at our COVID Centers.
Monkeypox Clinics Begin Offering Walk-up Only Vaccinations
Starting today, DC Health is only offering Monkeypox vaccinations through walk-up appointments at its three clinics. Eligible individuals will no longer need to pre-register for Monkeypox vaccinations. Eligibility criteria was also expanded to include people who are living with HIV/AIDS or have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months. One of the three clinics is located in Ward 4 at 7530 Georgia Ave NW, and its hours are 12pm-8pm on Sunday through Friday. Learn more from DC Health’s announcement.
Weed Wrangle with the Rock Creek Conservancy in Ward 4
As we officially get into fall, the Rock Creek Conservancy and NPS are hosting no less than 24 Weed Wrangle events across the region, including many in Ward 4! These events help rescue our public parks and green spaces from invasive species through hands-on removal of harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. They have events on the Rock Creek Golf Course, Fort Slocum Park, Crestwood Valley Trail, and other trails in Ward 4. Check out the full calendar!
Neighborhood Events
Fall Fun Festival at Soldiers Home
On Sunday, September 25 from 1pm-5pm the Armed Forces Retirement Home will host its 8th annual Fall Fun Festival. It’s a family-friendly event with an obstacle course, pumpkin patch, bounce house, live music, a raffle with prizes, and food trucks! The event is free but has a $10 requested donation if you choose to park on the grounds. Thanks to the Friends of Soldiers Home for planning, and see you there!
’80s Night on the Plaza at the Parks at Walter Reed
On Friday, September 30 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm the Parks at Walter Reed are hosting their final happy hour event at their Arts Plaza (6310 Cameron Drive NW). The event will feature ’80s tunes and local vendors, including Karmel’s Nectars & Liqueurs (drinks on site and to take home), Tequeño World (Venezuelan cuisine), Stars On Her Mind (handmade gifts inspired by nature), and Patreats Boutique (bath and body products). Anxo Cider will provide the drinks.
Open Streets Georgia Avenue
On Saturday, October 1 from 9am-3pm DDOT is once again shutting down Georgia Avenue to cars (from Missouri Ave down to Barry Place) and opening the street for people to walk, bike, scoot, and play! Five activation zones along the route will host hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, drum circles, double dutch, traffic gardens, pop-up bike lanes, dancing, and more. Businesses along the route will also provide space for outdoor dining and retail. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities!
Fall Festival Block Party on 13th & Quincy NW
On Saturday, October 1 from 3pm-7pm neighbors around 13th and Quincy NW are organizing a Fall Festival Block Party with music, games, and food. If you live in the neighborhood, come out to celebrate with your neighbors and bring food to grill. Please email 2727tray27@gmail.com for more information.
The Takoma Foundation Annual Beerfest Returns
On Saturday, October 1 from 4pm-8pm, the Takoma Foundation’s annual Beerfest event returns to the Cady-Lee mansion in Takoma at 7064 Eastern Avenue NW. The event will feature live music (including the Valentine Silm Band), brats, and plenty of local craft beer. Tickets are available at a lower cost in advance for what’s sure to be a great community event!
And take some time to visit your local Ward 4 Farmers Market:
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette Elementary on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Takoma Park Farmers Market at 6931 Laurel Ave on Sundays from 10am-2pm
- The Parks at Walter Reed Farmers Market at 6310 Cameron Drive NW on Sundays from 9am-1pm (final for the season!)
Local Links
Washington Post: New pilot program will help DC families transition from homelessness
DC Office of Planning: New Kennedy Street Streetscape Guidelines Released
Petworth News: ETA Cafe is now Petworth’s newest coffee shop
Petworth News: New Petworth Social Bar & Grill hopes to open before the holidays
Mayor’s Office: Art of Noize Gallery Awarded for Excellence in the Creative Industries
Ward 4 Dispatch: Last week’s newsletter, which included important neighborhood safety updates
To wrap up this week, I want to offer my gratitude to all the volunteers, neighbors, vendors, performers, pet parents, sponsors, and DC government employees who worked to make the Celebrate Petworth festival such a wonderful success last weekend. This was the tenth year our community came together for this festival, and it was the best one yet. Being an honorary judge in the Petworth Dog Show was a real treat!
As the weather cools, we’re officially entering event season in Ward 4. Make sure you soak up as much community fun as you can, starting today with Art All Night!
Yours in Service,
—Janeese
