Earth Day 2010: The Climate Rally

April 23, 2010 By JoAnn Leave a Comment

On Sunday, April 25, Earth Day Network will organize a massive climate rally on The National Mall to demand Congress pass strong legislation. The Climate Rally will include notable speakers Reverend Jesse Jackson, film director, James Cameron, AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka, Olympic gold medalist, Billy Demong, producer, Trudie Styler, author, Margaret Atwood, NFL player and television personality, Dhani Jones, environmental photographer Sebastian Copeland and many more.

The Climate Rally will also feature live music from Sting, John Legend, The Roots, Jimmy Cliff, Passion Pit, Bob Weir, Willie Colón, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Booker T,Honor Society and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger.

Your best bet for getting to the rally will be to take the Metro’s blue line to the Smithsonian station.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: American Art Museum, Earth Day, Earth Day Celebration, Smithsonian

Filmfest DC: Now Playing

April 16, 2010 By JoAnn Leave a Comment

The 24th Annual Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) continues through April 25, bringing the best in new international cinema to the nation’s capital. Filmfest DC features over 80 films from around the world including World Premieres, DC Premieres, Official Foreign Language Film Oscar® Selections and international headliners and award winners. The festival also boasts over 20 international guests set to present and discuss their films including well-known directors and producers.

Since its inception in 1987, Filmfest DC has become one of Washington’s major cultural events, enhancing the artistic profile of the nation’s capital both domestically and internationally. Filmfest DC is a District-wide event, bringing together the city’s major cultural institutions in a spirit of cooperation and celebration.

“Over the years, Filmfest DC has introduced hundreds of international films to the District of Columbia and scores of filmmakers have shared their insights with us. This year, you will find many of our films are light-hearted and humorous, which is much needed in these difficult times,” said Festival Director Tony Gittens.

Each year, Filmfest DC focuses on cinema from a particular region in addition to programming various series of films with a similar theme. For 2010, Filmfest DC has two regional areas of focus: Bel Cinema!, a selection of new Italian films; and The New Romanian Wave, a program of cutting edge work from one of the hottest spots on the international cinema scene. On the series front, the popular World Views and Global Rhythms series are back once again. In addition, Filmfest DC is proud to announce its new series, Justice Matters, a selection of features and documentaries exploring issues of social justice. A panel discussion entitled, “Deepening the Impact of Social Justice” follows two of the films.

See more details at http://www.filmfestdc.org/

Image from the movie “Hipsters”

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: FilmFest

White House Spring Gardens and Grounds Tour

April 16, 2010 By JoAnn Leave a Comment

In 1972, Pat Nixon opened The White House gardens to the public, and it has been an annual tradition ever since. On Saturday, April 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, April 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. The White House Kitchen Garden will also be viewable from the tour route and a visual explanation will be available to help inform tourists about the elements of the garden.

These tours are open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed — one ticket per person — on a first-come, first-served basis.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Tour, white house

Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

April 14, 2010 By Brian Leave a Comment

Looking for something fun to do in the middle of May? Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by “George and Martha Washington”, and live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River.  Visitors can bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 14, 15, and 16, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Individual tickets are $30 per person. Private reserved tables featuring a fruit and cheese platter, three bottles of house wine and VIP table service are available for $1000.  Tickets and tables are available at MountVernon.org or the ticket window at Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Historic interpreters will conduct special candlelit tours of the Mansion throughout the evening.  The interpreters will discuss Washington’s attempts at creating a vineyard and highlight various wine-related items inside the Mansion, including the basement’s brick vaults where Washington stored his wine.

To accompany the wine tasting, Fruit & Cheese Boxes are available by advance purchase ($24 each; serves two).  A variety of hot and cold food and desserts including baguettes, gourmet sandwiches, and specialty sweets will be available on site from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.  Outside food and beverages are not allowed.  Pets are also not allowed.  Guests can take home a remembrance of Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival and Sunset Tour from the Shops at Mount Vernon, open until 9:30 p.m. each evening.  Cases of wine purchased at the Wine Festival can be transported by wine valets to the Shops for easy pick up at the end of the evening.

Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour takes place rain or shine, tickets are limited and all sales are final.  This is a popular event; early ticket purchase is suggested.

Guests must be prepared to show identification for wine service.  Designated drivers will receive free Coca-Cola soft drinks.

All proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation and restoration of Mount Vernon and its educational programs.

Mount Vernon visitor information

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Mt. Vernon

Newseum Two-For-One Tickets, April 11

April 9, 2010 By Brian Leave a Comment

On Sunday, the Newseum will celebrate its second birthday, and is celebrating with a day of family activities. Buy one ticket and get the second one of equal or lesser value free!

While you’re there, be sure to check out the new exhibit, “Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story,” which tells the tale of how a small town boy became the biggest artist in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Filed Under: DC Discounts Tagged With: discounts, Elvis, Newseum
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