In an exciting string of events, this weekend’s curation pays tribute to the theatricality and musical influence that the DMV has to offer, with an introduction to networking and entrepreneurship.
Before delving into the rhythms and melodies of jazz and hip-hop, learn the benefits of expanding or developing a small business with Washington, D.C.’s Small Business Expo on Thursday, and end the night honoring legends of hip-hop with the National Hip-Hop Museum Grand Induction Ceremony.
Science fiction lovers with a keen interest in music are in for a treat with a presentation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert at Strathmore, and Ford Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Celebrate the kickoff of Jazz Appreciation Month by joining the College of Southern Maryland’s 19th annual jazz fest or tuning into Jazz & Blossoms, headlined by Grammy-winning group Digable Planets.
If you’re looking for something new and inspiring, Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale promises a colorful experience for bilingual children and families to indulge; while Saturday’s annual Bethesda Film Fest will promote a few of the notable filmmakers coming out of the DMV.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar. Remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, April 4
Washington, D.C. Small Business Expo
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Price depends on package selection
Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C., 20052
Get ready for a day filled with inspiration, networking, and growth opportunities for small businesses, where guests will have the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential business partners.
Discover innovative solutions, gain valuable insights, and learn from successful business owners through engaging workshops, exhibitor booths, and presentations.
Whether an established business looking to expand or a budding entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, the D.C. Small Business Expo is the perfect platform to showcase products, services, and talents.
National Hip-Hop Museum Grand Induction Ceremony
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $65
Recording Industry Association of America, 1000 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Eight legends of hip-hop will be honored and celebrated at the National Hip-Hop Museum (NHHM) with an induction into the Museum’s Hall of Fame.
Kurtis Blow, DJ Hurricane, The Fat Boys, Roxanne Shante, Queen Lisa Lee, The B-Boys, and MC Sha Rock make up the list of honorees, who will also participate in a live podcast panel with hip-hop pioneer and NHHM executive director Master Gee and Jay Quan, noted writer and NHHM historian.
Launched in 2019, the National Hip-Hop Museum of Washington D.C. is the world’s first hip-hop museum and the leading organization in hip-hop preservation, history and education.
Email hiphopmuseumdc@gmail.com to purchase tickets.
Friday, April 5
BSO Music Presents Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert
7:30 p.m. | $23+
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Experience J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) on the big screen as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performs the musical score, composed by five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams, live on stage.
Lobby entertainment includes surprise character appearances and complimentary photo-ops.
19th Annual College of Southern Maryland (CSM) JazzFest
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $5
CSM La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Building Theater, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646
Join the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) for its 19th annual Jazzfest, April 5-6 on the La Plata campus.
The Randy Runyon Project, composed of members of CSM’s Solid Brass Big Band, will perform a variety of funk, fusion, and jazz classics. The performances will be led by CSM’s Solid Brass Jazz Ensemble director, Randy Runyon, with special guest guitarist Randy Runyon Jr.
Saturday, April 6
2 p.m. | $33+
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Make your way downtown to Ford’s Theatre to experience one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theater: “Little Shop of Horrors.”
This non-stop blast of musical plays on the historic stage runs until May 18.
7 p.m. | $15+
Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646
The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District announced the 12th annual Bethesda Film Fest, which will be held at the Bethesda Row Landmark Cinema April 5-6. Screenings will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a question & answer session with the filmmakers.
The film festival will feature five short documentaries by filmmakers from all over the DMV.
Sunday, April 7
Jazz & Blossoms Park Jam with Digable Planets
Noon – 7:30 p.m. | Free
Franklin Park, 13th St. NW & K St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
Jazz & Blossoms, as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is produced by Words Beats & Life in collaboration with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. This event serves as a bookend to the Words Beats & Life Festival, which started April 1 and runs through Sunday, April 7.
In an all-out park jam headlined by Grammy Award-winning group Digable Planets, the beauty and nature of the city and its traditional cherry blossoms will be celebrated with a musical backdrop and fun-filled outdoor activities.
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | $12+
Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. An Imagination Stage original, this play breaks new ground in bilingual children’s theater, offering a twist that kids will love!