Haven’t made plans for Saturday night yet? Not to worry, we’ve compiled some of the best weekend events below!
Foggy Bottom fanfare:
Generic Theatre Company presents “SubUrbia,” an edgy comedy-drama about life in the ‘burbs, Saturday at 10 p.m. at the Lisner Downstage. Tickets are $5. Check out the preview in the Arts section this week.
The department of theatre and dance hosts the closing night of DanceWorks, a student showcase, at the Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students.
Go watch nationally-ranked GW Raas compete against other dance teams from around the country: GW South Asian Society presents Raas Chaos Saturday at Lisner Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
District must-dos:
If you have a soft spot for ’60s girl groups and classic soul, then head to the Black Cat Saturday for Party Lights, a free night of music and dancing.
Take in a movie during the American Film Institute’s annual Eurpean Union Film Showcase, held in Silver Spring. See the online schedule here.
Before heading to Gelman on Sunday, go over to Mount Vernon and watch former White House pastry chef Roland Meisner build a massive gingerbread replica of George Washington’s home. He’s been working on the masterpiece since Nov. 12, so he should be completing the final touches. The best part: it’s free.
Blade staffers set new Agenda This week began with sad news for the Washington Blade, a newspaper serving the gay community, when it suddenly stopped printing Monday. The Washington Post reported that the Blade had recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, but this week the staff of the weekly publication was told to pack their things and leave their office at the National Press Building. The paper’s owner, Atlanta-based Window Media, also closed other newspapers in Georgia and Florida that catered to the LGBT community. The Blade’s former staff have continued on, however, creating a new publication and Web site that launched today called DC Agenda.
D.C. unemployment reaches 11.9 percent
Unemployment in the District rose to 11.9 percent last month, according to D.C’s Department of Employment Services. Despite this increase from 11.4 percent the previous month, the number oj jobs in D.C. increased by 10,200. According to the Washington Post, the unemployment rate is the highest D.C. has seen in 34 years.
New bike lane opens
On Thursday Mayor Fenty and Ward 2’s Council member, Jack Evans, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open 15th Street NW’s new protected bicycle lane. You can check out the “contra-flow” design for cyclists sharing the road with cars here.
If you’re looking to put away your GWorld and have some serious cuisine, check our blog every Thursday for a review of a new bar or restaurant in D.C.
This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Hannah Traverse.
BGR: The Burger Joint’s Dupont Circle location certainly offers more than the average fast food establishment in both menu items and décor, but at an above average price.
Though the clientele at BGR appear to represent a wide age range, the atmosphere of the restaurant is clearly geared toward a younger crowd: the dining area is painted a bold purple, funky chandeliers holding multi-colored bulbs hang overhead and a disco ball spins by the entrance. The music, reflecting the album covers and guitars hanging on the walls, is a mixture of pop and classic rock. BGR’s allegiance to rock music is confirmed on the back of its menu where it proudly advertizes itself as the official caterer of various bands and radio stations.
BGR’s menu, though rather short, offers something for everybody. Even diners who are health conscious and may tend to shy away from a burger joint will find a satisfying meal: homemade veggie burgers are available, and heavily seasoned, blackened asparagus can be ordered in place of fries. Additionally, the turkey burgers, which so frequently are dry and overcooked, are prepared at BGR with a mixture of cheese and mushrooms that keeps the meat moist.
Of course, for the true burger connoisseurs who seek to be absolutely satiated by the time they walk out the door, BGR does not disappoint. The menu offers interesting topping and condiment options not traditionally paired with burgers. “The Cuban” comes smothered in slow roasted pork, and the “The Southwestern” is served with a corn and cilantro relish. For something truly unique, diners may lean towards ordering “The Greek,” made with ground lamb, or the pineapple-topped Ahi tuna burger. All of the burgers come on a toasted brioche bun – a delicious change from the standard burger joint offering.
The wait at BGR is short. Customers line up along the left wall of the restaurant and order from a cashier who stands at the front of the bustling, brightly-lit kitchen. After placing your order, you’re given a buzzer to alert you when your food is ready – I only had to wait about five minutes.
Though the atmosphere at BGR may entice you to stay, getting your meal to go might be your only option. There are no more than about twenty tables in the dining area, all of them crammed together, and none of which can accommodate more than six diners. There are always a few people milling around, waiting for someone to stand up and relinquish a seat.
Just as the decoration and food may not suggest a standard burger joint, BGR’s prices tend to stray from fast food norms. A burger, side and drink could easily wind up costing about $20. Everything is à la carte: you’ll find yourself paying extra just to top your burger with cheese, and don’t expect fries to be included – those cost an extra $2.89. BGR’s food is delicious, and has gained recognition from The Food Network, The Travel Channel and The Washington Post, but prices may keep it from becoming anything more than a “once in a while” dinner spot for college kids.
BGR: The Burger Joint – 1514 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-299-1071
The Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates roundtable, held at The Jack Morton Auditorium Oct. 5 and aired as an hour-long CNN special, was mentioned in Vogue magazine’s recent profile of Clinton. The article, in Vogue’s December 2009 issue, cited the event as an example of how Clinton “plays well with others, especially older Republican men”:
“The evening was a reminder of something about Clinton: She is tough—more hawkish than most liberals; she’s comfortable with war talk in a boys’-club environment. “I think Hillary now prides herself on the fact that she’s part of the gravitas team,” says Chuck Todd, the NBC News chief White House correspondent. “Her, Joe Biden, Bob Gates…the over-60 crowd.” But it was also a reminder of something else: She is a rock star. Students camped out in line for hours to get tickets to the event, which sold out in minutes. When she first appeared onstage the audience leaped to their feet, and the applause was deafening. “They weren’t cheering Bob Gates,” said a fellow in uniform sitting next to me. And despite the gravity of the occasion, a young woman bellowed at the top of her lungs, “I love you, Hilllllary!!!!,” as if she were at a Lady Gaga concert. Seeming to acknowledge her superstar status, Clinton made a crack at the very end of the proceedings, saying that Gates had served most of his 43 years in public service “in secret” (referring to his CIA days). “And I have no secrets.” The crowd roared with laughter.”
Check out the Hatchet article on the event, which includes video.
This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Paloma Aelyon.
When Anna Sperber journeyed from Brooklyn to D.C. in September to select dancers to perform her choreography in this semester’s DanceWorks, she was looking for something special.
“Primarily, I look for presence, being able to see a sense of who they are, a clarity, a naturalness, that they are comfortable with themselves, and a groundedness,” she said of what would catch her eye during auditions.
Those characteristics will all be featured this weekend as the guest artist’s original piece is performed in the student dance showcase, held each semester in the Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre.
Sperber, who is a professional choreographer and dancer in New York City, wanted to create a piece that invoked an emotional reaction from the audience and the six students who are set to perform it.
“I want to give the viewer a strong sensory experience, to bring attention to how they are feeling and to the movement of their own body,” she said. “[My work] attracts people who come with an open mind, without preconceived expectations of what dance is.”
Working in her own studio in Bushwick, NY, Sperber used her students as choreographic fodder. Incorporating a soundtrack composed by her husband, a musician, she developed a piece that told a story of her own human situation. What she created was both a study of the body and a unique marriage of movement and sound.
“My inspiration is about personal experience,” she said. “I don’t have an agenda [for the audience], it’s up to them to have their own experience.”
After selecting four women and two men on campus for her cast, Sperber had only three weekends to rehearse with them. Though the process was much shorter than the months she spends with her dancers in New York, Sperber reflected fondly on her time with the young performers.
“It was a fun experience to get to know people quickly,” she said.
When DanceWorks opens on Thursday night, Sperber’s piece will close what is usually a successful showcase for the department. With a mixture of student, professor and guest artists choreography, the program consistently presents creative dance to the GW community.
DanceWorks will be performed on Thursday Nov. 20, Friday Nov. 21 and Saturday Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Marvin Center box office for $10 for students and $15 for general admission.
This post was written by Hatchet reporters Erica Obersi and Johee Chung
Old school hip-hop renegades Public Enemy performed at Lisner Auditorium Wednesday night in a concert to raise public awareness about youth homelessness.
Flavor Flav and Chuck D. were cheered on by GW students as the group rode in a flatbed truck parading down G Street. Students captured the moment on their Blackberries and iPhones as the rap duo jumped and performed, throwing copies of their CD to the crowd on their way to the venue.
The event, billed as “An Evening With Public Enemy: Concert to Fight Youth Homelessness” benefited the Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a homeless youth shelter in the District. Coats donated along with the money raised from ticket sales for the performance will benefit The Sasha Bruce House.
As Flavor Flav arrived at Lisner in his infamous clock chain, numerous GW students stopped what they were doing to see the rapper and reality show personality.
“I heard the music and everyone was screaming, ‘It’s Flavor Flav,’ so I ran over,” said Manuel Iglesia, a freshman. “He was wearing a smaller clock than normal, and it was a little depressing, but it was understandable.”
Fans who donated coats at the performance received upgraded VIP seating.
“We have received about 150 donations so far,” said Paige Cortez, assistant house manager of Lisner Auditorium. “A lot more [donations] are expected at the 9:30 club, who promoted the event,” she said.
Over two million youth between the ages of 12 and 24 will experience homelessness each year, according to the concert’s promotional materials.
The rap duo shouted that “youth homelessness is public enemy number one,” and encouraged all fans, especially young adults, to help their own generation by donating to the cause.
Chuck D. stressed that apathy is unacceptable in this day and age. “Every snowflake if it had a chance in an avalanche would plead not guilty,” he rapped.
Over 1,000 fans of all ages sang along to the politically charged lyrics of songs like “Fight the Power,” “Bring The Noise” and “Shut ‘Em Down.”
The audience, comprised of longtime fans and current GW students filled the floor area and nearly all the seats in the auditorium.
Some GW students were disappointed they did not know more about the event beforehand.
“If I found out earlier I probably would’ve [bought tickets for the show],” said Aria Morris, a sophomore.
“Our purpose for being here tonight is for all the homeless kids in America,” said Chuck D, one of the members of the group. “We’re here to make them feel different because there is hope,” he said.
“Public Enemy is awesome. I love old school rap, but I’m disappointed at GW students for not filling more seats. People who like modern rap should know where it came from,” said freshman Leah Lawler.
We know Mondays are awful, and we want to help out. Here are some things to look forward to:
Starting Nov. 19, the Gin & Tonic Tavern in Georgetown will host a “Progressive Happy Hour” Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Beers start at $1, mixed drinks at $2, with prices going up each hour.
This weekend marks the opening of the National Gallery of Art’s ice skating rink at the Sculpture Garden.
Celebrate the end of Monday classes at the Black Rooster Pub, which is scheduled to re-open today, according to DCist.com.
And some good news: The staff of the Washington Blade has already united to launch another LGBT newspaper, just hours after learning that their parent company, Window Media, had filed for bankruptcy, according to reports from the Washington City Paper and Politico. The new publication does not yet have a name.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink by dbking. Photo used under Creative Commons license.
Every week we’ll expand upon our This Week in History row along the top of the Life Page. Take a peek into GW history, gleaned from Hatchet archives.
November 16, 1987
GW President Lloyd Elliott rejects the U.S. government’s request to use the Smith Center as the international press center for upcoming summit meetings between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Rejected to review its earlier decision not to grant access to the space
Cited concerns that allowing the press to use it would cause disruptions to GW students
White House representatives said that the University lost out on an opportunity to showcase its facilities to the world
Center would have been inaccessible to athletic teams and students, said the University spokesperson
November 17, 1983
The University is ordered to pay $2,500 in fines after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission finds that the GW Medical Center violated federal regulations on the handling of radioactive materials.
GW claimed that its program was “meritorious,” NRC did not agree
The NRC response “closed the door on the case.”
Investigators had uncovered 12 violations in the handling of radioactive waste
Violations include improper disposal of waste, failure to adequately monitor disposal of radioactive waste, failure of staffers to use proper safety measures to avoid contamination
Included in the $2,500 was a punitive fine of $500 that GW was liable for because it did not correct previous violations uncovered in 1980.
November 21, 1928
A study by GW’s Employment Bureau finds that students spend $88 a month on average to cover monthly expenses. Students without several hundred dollars on hand are advised against coming to the University.
The Employment Secretary, Evelyn Jones, says that students should have $100/month for room, board, tuition, books, clothes, laundry, recreation, etc.
Employment Bureau said it wanted to lower the rates so as not to dissuade potential students from coming to the University
Hypothetically girls could live on less than guys since girls would do laundry at home
The minimum expenditure a student reported on the survey was $60/month
Deep, teatime conversation by randomduck. Photo used under Creative Commons license.
The blog Dandies and Quaintrelles hosted its first “Tweed Ride” Sunday, in which more than 200 people biked in small groups from H Street Northeast to U Street Northwest dressed in their finest Victorian garb. The blog also arranged for a photographer to take vintage-style portraits of riders, so they could remember how awesome they looked in tweed jackets and frilly shirts.
Although the tweed ride naturally originated in London, other rides have occurred in cities across the U.S., from San Fransicso to Boston. The Washington Post has an article on the D.C. ride, complete with more photos.
Justin Pierre by ZOMG Anna LOLZ. Photo used under Creative Commons license.
Justin Pierre of the indie-rock-pop group Motion City Soundtrack will play an acoustic set on Tuesday Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in Kogan Plaza.
Pierre is slated to appear on WRGW at 1:30 p.m. for a live performance, then will head to the center of campus with a guitar in hand and ready to play. The stop is part of a promotional tour for the band’s newest album, “My Dinosaur Life.” Pierre is calling the impromptu set a part of “the dinosaur trail” on the way to the group’s upcoming tour with Weezer.
