Wednesday, February 6, 2008

February: I Love DC and Valentines

February: I Love DC and Valentines

Whether you want to celebrate Valentine's day as one, two, or a group the following is a list of events to help you and others celebrate.

Sunday, February 10, 2008


THE POWER OF CHOCOLATE: Chocolate of the Americas
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW

Phone: 202-633-1000
Site: http://www.nmai.si.edu/

* Demonstration: Chocolate of the Americas
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cacao has been at the heart of Mesoamerican culture for centuries. Experience the world of cacao though a lively and innovative program that explores chocolate's culture, history, and place in contemporary society.

* Demonstration: Growing Cacao and Making Chocolate with El Ceibo, a Bolivian Cacao Cooperative
10:30 am - 12 noon and 1 - 4 pm
El Ceibo, founded in l977, is a community-based and -led federation of 40 cooperatives comprising 1,000 cocoa bean producers of Bolivia's northern Alto Beni region.

* Demonstration and Discussion: Richard Hetzler, Executive Chef, Mitsitam! Native Foods Cafe and Diana Xochitl Munn
11 am - 12 noon
Executive Chef Hetzler will demonstrate chocolate culinary treats; and Diana Xochitl Munn (Mazatec), Coordinator of the Latino Program at the National Museum of Natural History, will discuss the history and culture of chocolate.


Art from the Heart Workshop

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW

Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Reservations: Not required
If you prefer the convenience of advance reservations, please call 202-686-5807.
Admission: Free with estate donation. Estate donation waived for children of Alliance Française members.
Site: http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/
Email: info@HillwoodMuseum.org

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Decorate your own heart-shaped box, inspired by the French gold boxes displayed in the Mansion. Use stickers, ribbons, “gems”, and other materials to make your “heart of gold” sparkle! Enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate in our rustic Adirondack building while you create a work of art from the heart.
Tours of the Mansion, café dining, and shopping are also part of this special Sunday opening.


Our City Film Fest
Busboys & Poets
2021 14th Street, NW

Time: 12:00 pm
Admission: $6 online, $7 at door
Phone: 202.387.POET

"Our City Film Fest" featuring films that take place in, or focus on, DC. The newly inaugurated festival is intended to promote pride in the city, bring communities together, illuminate emerging local issues and celebrate "our city's" history and culture. The festival will award cash prizes for winning films. Hosted by Yachad, the Non-Profit Jewish Housing and Community Development Corporation of Greater Washington committed to community development, maintenance and repair of affordable housing. For a list of films & screening times go to Yachad site.

I. OUR BODY(12:00-1:40)
Can I Kick It?
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Either the sport of kickball has matured or adults have regressed. This short examines the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), which began in DC and has since grown into an international operation.

II. OUR MIND (2:00-3:40)
Of Politics and Prose
Director: Andrea Bloom
This short showcases one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Washington and how it has flourished while other independent stores have failed.

The Tivoli: A Neighborhood Landmark Reborn
BEST MID LENGTH DOC
Director: Walter Gottlieb
The story of one of America’s most elaborate movie houses is unraveled as the Columbia Heights theater’s eighty year history is told by famous Washingtonians such as Diane Rehm of NPR.

III. OUR HEART (4:00-5:40)
Lessons from the Waterfront
BEST STUDENT FILM
Director: Multi-Media Training Institute
This film, written and shot by the youth of Multi-Media Training Institute explores the history and current state of the Anacostia River through various perspectives.
The film is shot and produced by “at risk” D.C. youth.

Chocolate City
Director: Ellie Walton and Sam Wild
Washington is home to America’s proportionally largest black population. This film documents the struggle of the Arthur Capper/Carrolsburg public housing community as they face demolition as part of the Hope 6 regeneration program of the Waterfront.

IV. OUR SOUL (6:00-7:45)
G-d of a Second Chance (82min)-
BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOC
Director: Paul Wagner
This documentary explores the role of faith in the lives of two Black men dealing with the toughest challenges of life in D.C.’s poorest neighborhood. One recovering drug addict, and another “at risk” youth, reach out to their community for guidance in improving their lives.

Chinese New Year Parade

H Street between Sixth and Eighth Streets, NW
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Chinatown Community Cultural Center
616 H Street, NW, Suite 201
Phone: 202-628-1003
Email: info@ccccdc.org

Celebrate the coming of the Year of the Rat! This annual Chinatown parade welcomes in the Chinese New Year with marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, martial arts performers, steel drummers, an impressive firecracker display, and much more. Wear red to ward off the evil spirits!


Monday, February 11, 2008 - Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Special "Power of Chocolate" Demonstration
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Potomac Atrium

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 202-633-1000

Marion Choque Quisbert (Aymara), Vicente Fernandez Flores (Aymara), Santiago Limachi Cerezo (Aymara), and Bernardo Apaza (Aymara) lead a demonstration titled Growing Cacao and Making Chocolate with El Ceibo, a Bolivian Cacao Cooperative.

El Ceibo, founded in l977, is a community-based and -led federation of 40 cooperatives comprising 1,000 cocoa bean producers of Bolivia's northern Alto Beni region. El Ceibo's multiethnic membership represents communities of Aymara cultural background resettled to the Amazon Basin from the high Andean plains, communities of Quechua cultural background resettled from the Andean mountain valleys, and communities of Mostene cultural background native to the tropical forests of the Alto Beni. The participation of El Ceibo is made possible by support from the Inter-American Foundation


Tuesday, February 12

Planned Parenthood Educational Outreach

Busboys & Poets
4251 S. Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206

Time: 5:00 pm
Phone: 703.379.9756

Valentine's Day is coming, which means love is in the air. Join Community Health Educator, Lauren Bull, as she discusses ways to keep yourself safe and healthy during this special time of love.


The Library of Congress Reading: Poetry at Noon: Love Poems
The Library of Congress
James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, SE
Pickford Theater, third floor

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Phone: 202-707-5394
Site: The Library of Congress: Poetry

Today's noontime reading features readings of love poems by Ethelbert Miller, Sally Bliumis-Dunn, and Ben Morris in a program sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.


Be My Valentine!: Valentine's Day Card-making Workshop for Children
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Garage
1644 31st Street, NW

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Phone: 202-965-0400
Admission: $10
Member children $5
Adult chaperones free
Registration: Required
Site: http://www.tudorplace.org

Create your own Valentine’s Day cards for someone special! Following a "history detective" tour of the historic mansion, Tudor Place Artist-in-Residence Peter Waddell leads children in an art workshop to design their own Valentine cards. Historic Valentine’s Day cards from the Tudor Place collection serve as an inspiration for their creations.


Flamenco Festival 2008: Gala Flamenca: Mujeres
The George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium
730 21st Street, NW

Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $20 - 60
Tickets: Available online via Ticketmaster or by phone at 301-808-6900
Email: lisner@gwu.edu
Site: http://dcflamenco.com/

The program, entitled Mujeres, is comprised of the legendary Merche Esmeralda, acclaimed for her mesmerizing performances for the National Ballet of Spain and Carlos Saura's Sevillanos and Flamenco; the innovative and soulful dancer Belén Maya, known for her work with Mayte Martín and the Dance Company of Andalucía; and Rocío Molina, a highlight of the 2005 festival who was called "a brooding treasure" (The New York Times).

Appearing as guest artist is the extraordinary award-wining singer Diana Navarro in her Washington debut. The show is directed by renowned dancer and choreographer Mario Maya.


Thursday, February 14th

Wine, Comedy Live Music and The Princess Bride Movie Night!
Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA

Admission: $8 - INCONCEIVABLE!
Time: 7:30 PM
Site: http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/

Join us for one of the classic cult love stories, "The Princess Bride". The evening starts at 6:30 PM with Wine Tasting by Washington Wine Academy and Live Music with Everyone But Pete. The Stand-Up Comedy by Jon Mumma starts at 7:45 PM with "The Princess Bride" starting at 8:15 PM.

*For more events go to the City Guide at Washington Post. Whatever you do have fun and stay safe!


Month of February Friday, February 1, 2008 - Friday, February 29, 2008

Warm Up to a Museum
Location: Citywide

Welcome to Warm Up to a Museum! This Cultural Tourism DC program features 25 gallery talks, film, tours, and more designed to warm body and soul at more than 19 organizations located across DC. We invite you to explore all the city's museums have to offer during this quiet, wintry time of year.

Check the site at Cultural Tourism DC for overview schedule.

February 5-17

JAPAN! culture + hyperculture festival
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The intersection of New Hampshire Avenue, Virginia Avenue, and Rock Creek Parkway, NW

Site: Kennedy Center
Phone: 202-467-4600
TDD: 202-416-8524

Over two weeks, the Kennedy Center brings together more than 450 artists, more than 40 performances, and more than a dozen free events to showcase the best Japanese theater and dance, music and fashion, architecture and sculpture, poetry and literature, photography and film. February 5-17, don't miss this living celebration of the artistic innovator that is Japan… the "floating island" whose modest size belies its stunning global impact.

Thursday, February 7, 2008 - Saturday, March 1, 2008

Frida Kahlo, the Passion
Gunston Arts Center - Theater 2
2700 South Lang Street, Arlington, VA

By Ricardo Halac (Argentina)
Directed by Mario Marcel (Argentina)
In Spanish with English surtitles
For ages 15 and up.

Admission: $20 - 30
Phone: 703-548-3092
Tickets: Online
Phone: 202-882-6227
Site: Teatro De La Luna
Email: info@teatrodelaluna.org

Another view of the perilous life of the great Mexican painter, one version of whose biography was captured in Julie Taymor’s 2002 film.

Under the cloak of immense love professed by and for her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera, Frida seeks various forms of oblivion. Her body battered by accident, her love tattered by infidelity, her immense desire to live contrast and afford testimony to her painting, both intimate and universal; strong images enveloped in superb Mexican music.

* Images are copyright of the events' sites. Please visit them for further information. Princess Bride poster from Amazon.com