The DC Traveler

So you think you’re funny?  John Belushi, Chris Farley, Bill Murray and Mike Myers all got their starts in Improv. 
Some learned their trade at Chicago’s famous Second City, others at New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade or other improv schools across the U.S.  The best ended up in Hollywood or on Saturday Night Live.
But improv is a learned craft, where students learn the basic skills of listening, spontaneously, off the cuff story-telling, confidence, teamwork, comedic instincts and how to never stop or never laugh, no matter what happens.
If you have a desire to try out your comedic skills, …read more

1 Comment

The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC is an opportunity to explore the living heritage and history of several cultures from around the globe. By experiencing a group’s music, songs, dance, art, food, crafts and overall culture, we can allow ourselves to better understand that culture’s people, ways of life, and history.
This year, the festival will highlight the cultures of:
– Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon – About half the size of the state of Indiana, Bhutan is situated between China, Tibet and the snow covered Himalayan mountains to the north, and India and it’s …read more

Comments Off

On July 4th, towns and municipalities across the region host multiple Independence Day parades.
But the largest and most popular is the annual America’s National Independence Day Parade that runs down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC.
DC’s Monuments make up the backdrop for the parade that’s packed with military units, classic fife and drum corps, marching bands, floats, giant tethered balloons, equestrian and drill teams, and more.

And while on the Mall, check out the National Folklife Festival.
Here’s a Washington Post link to other area July 4th parades.
America’s National Independence Day Parade  Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th …read more

Comments Off

Now that the weather is warm (or perhaps hot), it’s time to enjoy a casual and relaxing cocktail outside, overlooking the Potomac River.
One of my favorite places to do just that in Washington, DC is Cantina Marina.

Okay, the above photo was taken in early April, on a Sunday morning, so the place looks dead, but it really does get a big crowd most evenings in warmer weather.
Situated in the Southwest Waterfront District, at the Gangplank Marina, the ultra casual and laid-back Cantina Marina offers 2,400 square feet of outdoor patio overlooking the Potomac, along with a small stage that has …read more

1 Comment

Hop aboard the Ferris wheel, the carousel or the Dizzy Dragon and enjoy the Alexandria Waterfront Festival at Oronoco Bay State Park in suburban Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
The festival includes historic tall ship tours, live entertainment from bands such as on Saturday.
Take the kids to the free Children’s Harbor Tent for great crafts and activities, and then visit the Ocean in Motion interactive traveling aquarium and learn about the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Toad the Wet Sprocket video – Walk on the Ocean
Your admission price also includes a tour of the tall ship Schooner Sultana, a replica of …read more

1 Comment

Lafayette Park, directly north of the White House, was originally part of a larger “President’s Park,” which makes up much of the grounds surrounding the White House. It was until 1804, originally part of the White House grounds, but when President Thomas Jefferson ordered that Pennsylvania Avenue be connected between 15th and 17th Streets, the plot of land was cut off from White House grounds.
Twenty years later, the 7-acre President’s Park was renamed Lafayette Park, after the French General who participated in the Revolutionary War.  He was one of the six foreigners that were ever granted Honorary Citizenship of the …read more

1 Comment

Time again for the annual Capital Price parade and street festival celebrating pride in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Washington, DC.
From civil rights groups and community organizations to the always entertaining DC Cowboys dance troupe to a few more outrageous groups, like the cross-dressing baton twirlers, the Capital Pride parade is the third largest LGBY parade in the U.S., and one of Washington, DC’s most entertaining events.  The parade is sure to include some over-the-top costumes, unique performances, silly floats, and some some general wackiness, along with the serious groups raising money for issues such …read more

2 Comments

June offers all kinds of great live music in Washington, DC. Here’s some of the highlights (and perhaps a lowlight at Club 9:30).
At The Birchmere, check out:

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays 100 years of Cab Calloway. Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 – $35.00
Smooth jazz singer Michael Franks with Genevieve. Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 – $45.00
For something different, Trixie Little will be staring in Dial ‘P’ for Pasties, an original burlesque who-dun-it that combines striptease, acrobatics and some naughty fun.  Trixie will be coming from her recent competition in Las Vegas at the Grand Prix of Burlesque. …read more

5 Comments

Expect a couple hundred thousand participants and thousands of motorcycle riders supporting Rolling Thunder to roll through the National Mall in Washington, DC tomorrow, in the 21st annual moving fundraiser for veteran’s groups, veterans and their families. 
Expect traffic tie-ups on the Mall, and lots of noise, but it’s all for a great cause – the American veteran.
Route – Starting point at The Pentagon, proceeds around the National Mall up Constitution Ave to 3rd St. then down Independence Ave. to south of the Lincoln Memorial.
Dates and Times – Sunday, May 24, 2008 – Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Ride to …read more

1 Comment

For over sixty years, the nation’s capital was without a parade on Memorial Day. Just four years ago, the World War II Veterans Committee reinstituted a parade honoring all Americans who served in the military and fought or died to preserve our freedom.
The Washington, DC Memorial Day parade boasts nearly 200 elements, including marching bands, all types of active and retired military units, youth groups, floats and hundreds of veterans from all of America’s armed conflicts since World War II.
 
Bring a small lawn chair for comfortable seating, or grab a curbside seat.
National Memorial Day ParadeConstitution Ave., from 7th …read more

3 Comments