Washington Planner: Pomp, Circumstance, and Nostalgia
Ahhh, mid May. Graduation season. (Wedding season is hot on its heels, there will be no rest for the weary.) The caps and gowns abound, and memories of our own days leaving undergrad come floating softly back. For some, memories of intellectually stimulating courses and profound experiences of personal growth. For others, memories of great parties and cheap beer.
Well joy to the world, folks. This week features a festive crop of events, including some that are sure to spirit you back to a simpler time. Two words for you. Flip cup.
Onto the weekly digest…
TUESDAY, MAY 15
Boris, Dahlink, We Must Catch Moose and Squirrel: Heritage hosts a luncheon remembering Boris Yeltsin and the US-Russian relations of his era. Noon, RSVP, at Heritage.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Brevity Is The Soul of Wit: Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” opens at Studio Theatre! Show at 8, tickets $34-$42. If you’re willing to wait a wee bit, I think I smell a June AF Underground event in the works…)
But Only If You’re Lucky: The 4th Annual Congressional Blues Festival happens at night, featuring a top-notch lineup of talented musicials. Food, drink, and complimentary admission? No wonder it’s nearly impossible to get tickets. Start scouring now and calling in your favors.
THURSDAY, MAY 17
Electronic Music, Glowsticks Not Required: When you visit the Rock and Roll Hotel website, this event features a guy with a headphone over his eye like an eye patch. I hope that gives you a sense of what the night will be like. Ladytron swings through on a DJ tour, 9 pm show, $15 tickets.
FRIDAY, MAY 18
The Only Event That Matters!: AF UNDERGROUND! This month’s Underground features a one-two punch of Indebleu and the Hirshhorn. Rendevous at Indebleu at 6:30 for a drink or two, before we all mosey down 7th Street to the Hirshhorn After Hours event at 8 pm. Tickets are $5 for AF members who RSVP (before Thursday please!), $10 advance for non-members, $12 at the door on your own (but this event sells out so don’t count on it!). With the museum staying open until midnight, experience the photography of German artist Wolfgang Tillmans, have a drink or two and dance the night away to musical selections of DJ Spencer Product. Please e-mail [email protected] to RSVP!
SATURDAY, MAY 19
One And Done: DC’s “Late Night Shots” website hosts a flipcup tournament at The Deck bar in Glover Park starting at 2 pm. Some of AF’s very own have already registered and are likely to bring the pain on the table. At any rate, if beer and drinking games early on a Saturday afternoon is your thing (and lets not put on airs here, folks, we’re among friends), swing on by and watch the madness ensue.
Southern Prom: Ever since last year’s Taste of the South, I have been dreaming of this year’s big night. Why? The Florida food spread. Publix Key Lime Pie. Sigh. OK, enough of that. Tickets are sold out but, again, if you look hard enough you can find anything in this town. Held at DC Armory, 8 pm, black tie.
An Event In No Way Resembling A Southern Fraternity Party: In case neither of the other Saturday events I’ve mentioned float your boat, perhaps the album release party for local music act Let’s French will be up your alley. Also featuring amazing local acts These United States and Death By Sexy. Black Cat, mainstage, $10, 9 pm.