A Cultural Evening at the Embassy of China transports guests around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement in a single evening. (Courtesy photo)
A Cultural Evening at the Embassy of China transports guests around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement in a single evening. (Courtesy photo)

Music fans are in for a treat with this weekend’s musical lineup: The Brian McKnight 4 and a Friday double feature of The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV and Dionne Warwick.

Arts and culture are at the forefront of exhibition with Cultural Evening at the Embassy of China and Afro Latino Festival 2024; while history and music collide in the Home Rule Festival and Broadway Through the Ages.

Also, don’t forget to join the Washington Informer family for the 12th Annual Washington Informer African American Heritage Tour

Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something on the Washington Informer Calendar to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.

Thursday, July 18

Cultural Evening at the Embassy of China

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | $64

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America, 3505 International Pl NW, Washington, D.C., 20008

Step onto foreign soil and join the exclusive visit to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Through The Mysteries of the Forbidden City, The Majesty of Shanghai, and The Glory of the Great Wall, the Embassy of China transports guests around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement – all in a single evening. 

In addition to an incredible program, dive into the architecture, artwork, and cultural artifacts located throughout the embassy. Participants can also get a taste of Chinese customs with additional evening features, including exposure to food, music, diplomatic greetings, and a Bian Lian Chinese Face Changing Performance. 

The Brian McKnight 4

8 p.m. | $63.50+

Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Brian McKnight has released 20 albums to date, with several going platinum, and he has sold over 25 million albums worldwide.

Sing along with McKnight’s timeless classics as he takes over the Warner Theatre at 8 p.m.

Friday, July 19

The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV

7 p.m. | $39.50+

Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Following a teaser on socials that ignited fervent excitement among fans, the legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV have reunited for The Queens of R&B Tour with support from MÝA, Total, and 702

The highly anticipated tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with timeless R&B music and stellar performances that are set to captivate audiences across 30 cities nationwide.

Dionne Warwick

8 p.m. | $59+

Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Dionne Warwick had a string of huge hit singles throughout the 1960s, and was the singer of choice for songwriting giants Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 

With iconic tracks like “Walk on By,” “Alfie,” “I Say a Little Prayer for You,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “This Girl’s in Love with You,”and “That’s What Friends are For,”  don’t miss the opportunity to spend an evening with the legendary songstress.

Saturday, July 20

12th Annual Washington Informer African American Heritage Tour

7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $15 for Youth under 16, $30 for Adults

THEARC Black Box Theatre, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, D.C., 20020

The Washington Informer Charities presents a special installation and guided tour of Tudor Place highlighting the experiences of people of African descent who lived and worked there. 

This tour reimagines the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs, and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these individuals practiced resistance and activism while navigating the traumas of slavery.

Home Rule Music Festival at the Parks at Alethia Tanner Park

1 p.m. | Free

Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

The Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation announced an all-star lineup for the 2024 Home Rule (HR) Music Festival. With three days of live performances, HR Music Festival features music legends and artists who represent the evolution of jazz and its historic and contemporary intersections with go-go music. Now, in its third year, the festival has expanded to include two outdoor, family-friendly events that are free and open to the public.

On its second day of performances, the festival will continue with The Experience Band & Show, Bella Donna, and others at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. A record fair, mural painting, and designated kids zone will make for a full afternoon of cultural fun..

Sunday, July 21

Afro Latino Festival 2024

Noon – 9 p.m. | Free

Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The Afro Latino Festival is a vibrant celebration of diversity, culture, and the arts. 

Guests can immerse themselves in a world where food, music, and crafts tell a story of unity and inclusivity. 

Join this year’s “Latin, African & Caribbean Edition” for a day filled with live bands, food, and artisan craft vendors, all dedicated to bringing the community together.

Broadway Through the Ages

8 p.m. | Free

Reston Town Square Park, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190

Shenandoah Conservatory’s musical theater class of 2025 presents a selection of favorite Broadway tunes from the 1950s through the hits of today. 

Also, tune into Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center’s Sunday Art in the Park with Shenandoah Conservatory. 

Performances take place Sunday evenings during the summer from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Pack a picnic and come to the park for an evening of music.

Jada Ingleton is a Comcast Digital Equity Local Voices Lab contributing fellow through the Washington Informer. Born and raised in South Florida, she recently graduated from Howard University, where she...

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