DMV residents are in for a treat with a weekend of enchantment, mystery, and musical adaptations.
Thursday honor jazz and the legacy of Duke Ellington with Tomeka Reid, or celebrate Earth Day with a movie screening at The Yards.
Music is a theme of the weekend with Californian rapper KYLE coming to Union Stage, and University of Maryland (UMD) chamber singers performing at Spring Choral Showcase.
Empowerment and motivation are on the ticket as guests can register for the Finding Your Voice class. Tap into your inner detective with Covert City and Tysons Corner Maggiano’s Murder Mystery Dinner Event; or if you’re looking for a magical night out, end the weekend with a production by The Illusionists.
Remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit– and social life– lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, April 25
Tomeka Reid, Celebrating Ellington
7 p.m. | $33.00+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Described as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, cellist extraordinaire Tomeka Reid presents her groundbreaking new work inspired by Duke Ellington. Be among the first to witness this Kennedy Center co-commission as Reid seamlessly captures the essence of Ellington, all while propelling jazz into bold new territories.
The BRIDGE Earth Day Creative Salon
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Free
Hill Prince, 1337 H St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
Launched in 2023, the BRIDGE Creative Salon series serves as a dynamic platform that unites diverse individuals—including artists, entrepreneurs, activists, journalists, philanthropists, and other engaged citizens. As an African-American publication deeply aware of the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation on communities with lower incomes and people of color, The Washington Informer recognizes the urgency of an inclusive dialogue on these critical issues.
With a commitment to alter this narrative, the Informer will host a Earth Day Creative Salon, under the theme “People vs. Plastics.” The salon will include the sharing of food, beverages, and insightful discussions centered around significant themes that resonate with the attendees and the broader DMV community.
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
International Spy Museum, 800 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Take a deep dive into the secret operations, corruption, crime, and spies that made Miami a crucial Cold War hot spot through the book “Covert City.”
Join Dr. Vince Houghton, director of the National Cryptologic Museum at the National Security Agency, and Eric Driggs, congressional liaison for United States Southern Command, for a conversation exploring Miami as a hub for secrets and ideologies.
Covert City will be available for sale and signing after the conversation.
Friday, April 26
8 p.m.- 10 p.m. | $5.00+
The Yards Sundeck, 355 Water Street S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003
Join The Yards for a screening of Pixar’s Elemental on April 26 at 8 p.m. on The Sundeck.
See how much the elements have in common with an adventure through Element City to celebrate Earth Day. Bring blankets and chairs and stop by your favorite Yards restaurant on the way to pick up dinner for a night under the stars. Ice Cream Jubilee will be selling scoops onsite and a deluxe topping bar will allow guests to customize their movie treat.
Tickets include a $5 donation to Anacostia Watershed Society to celebrate Earth Day.
Tysons Corner Maggiano’s Murder Mystery Dinner Event
6:30 – 10 p.m. | $88.00+
Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA 22182
Keith and Margo’s Murder Mystery presents “Motive, Means and Maggiano’s.”
Enjoy the atmosphere and fabulous cuisine of Maggiano’s Little Italy, but remember, you could become the leading suspect.
Ticket price includes dinner, one drink ticket for house beer or wine and entertainment.
Seating will be limited per table. For group seating or requests or dietary restrictions, please email the banquet office no later than Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Saturday, April 27
7 p.m | $27.50
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
Now known mononymously as KYLE, the chart-topping, multi-platinum rapper’s sophomore studio album, “See You When I am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!” is named in honor of his high school yearbook quote.
The Ventura, California native skyrocketed to stardom with the 8X RIAA platinum-certified breakout single “iSpy” featuring Lil Yachty, which to date, has amassed over two billion streams and 500 million video views.
After releasing his latest studio album “SMYLE AGAIN “on March 8, KYLE is going on tour and bringing some of that versatility to Washington, D.C.
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Pay What You Can
This class explores what it means to have a voice – in society, in a meeting room, in artistic practice, in public speaking situations, or in personal relationships. Students will use techniques drawn from The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Life Stories methodology to discover exactly what they have to say and to gain power and confidence in saying it. Each student will focus on the communication scenarios most important to them, with the dual goal of empowering the self and gaining concrete skills.
To remove barriers to access, this class is being offered as Pay-What-You-Can. Please submit the brief form on the website to begin the registration process.
Sunday, April 28
7:30 p.m. | $25.00
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Drive College Park, MD 20742
The UMD Chamber Singers present a thought-provoking performance to bring healing amidst difficult times. “Weather: Stand the Storm,” a new composition by Rollo Dilworth, is a featured piece, along with works by Lotti, Gabrieli, Buxtehude, Robles and more. With this program, UMD Choral Activities invites audiences to reflect on how actions impact others.
Led by choral conducting alumnus Jason Max Ferdinand, UMD’s choral program is internationally regarded and offers students a wide array of choral experiences with music encompassing all styles and eras.
1:30 p.m. | $56.00+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
The Illusionists is the world’s biggest-selling magic show. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.