First Baptist Church to Host Much Anticipated Recital

Sun., Oct. 11 (4pm): Dramatic soprano Alessandra Marc will present a FREE RECITAL in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of  Washington (16th & O Sts.).Among other selections from her impressive repertoire, Ms. Marc will perform “Morgen” by Richard Strauss, the aria “Pace, pace mio dio” from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, and the aria “My Man’s Gone Now” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Accompanying on the church’s Steinway grand piano will be internationally recognized pianist David Chapman, who studied and performed in Europe for many years, and will also separately perform three Gershwin preludes and two Chopin waltzes during the recital.

Well known for her signature performances as Turandot and Aida, Ms. Marc is a frequent guest of the world’s leading opera houses and orchestras, including Opéra Bastille in Paris, La Scala in Milan, the Washington National Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. Of her opening-night performance as Turandot at the Metropolitan, the New York Times reported that she “displayed burnished tone and enormous volume, especially in climactic phrases that soar above the orchestra and chorus.”

For more about the artist, visit http://tinyurl.com/y9c8d32; see, also this newspaper’s interview, “Acclaimed Opera Star Alessandra Marc to Perform at First Baptist Church,” September 2009, page 5 (PDF version available in Current & Back Issues Archive at www.intowner.com.) For other info, call (202) 328-1051.

Helen Keller the Focus in Special Program

Tue., Oct. 13 (7pm): The Church of the Holy City and its Emanuel Swedenborg Center for Worship & Study (16th & Corcoran Sts.) will be holding a moderated reading group IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION of Helen Keller’s “Light in My Darkness” and of the influence of Swedenborg’s writings on her own values and why. And, two weeks later, Tue., the 27th (6:30-9pm), New York Times best selling author Sophy Burnham will present a lecture titled “As Above So Below” that will explain what is understood to be the “ancient law of the universe.” The public is invited to the no-charge events. For more info, visit www.swedenborgcenter.org or call (202) 462-6734.

Dupont Circle ANC to Meet

Wed., Oct. 14 (7pm): The Dupont Circle ANC will be holding its regular monthly MEETING at its new Brooking Institution location (1775 Mass. Ave., 1st fl. Falk Aud.). Among the numerous agenda items will be a report on the new S Street Dog Park community meeting held the evening before at the Jewish Community Center (Tue., Oct. 13, at 7pm) and its recommendation for proposed park use rules. Invited to participate in that meeting to discuss what’s working well and what should be adjusted were representatives from the Department of Parks and Recreation, Friends of S and T, Circle Dogs, the group that has for a number of years been in the forefront of the move to create decent places for residents to have their canine companions run and play. For more info or to raise questions or concerns in advance of the meeting, call Michele Molotsky at (202) 445-1706.

The ANC will also be discussing a resolution requesting that the transportation department (DDOT) provide a minimum notice to residents and of impending street, sidewalk, and alley projects and to provide for consultation with ANCs on changes to materials or appearance. Other matters on the ANC’s agenda will include a report by the 17th Street Working Group and consideration for establishing committees to focus on community development, alcoholic beverage control policies, and another to be concerned with issues relating to zoning, historic preservation, and development. For more info, visit www.dupontcircleanc.net or send email to email@DupontCircleANC.net.

New Heritage Trail to Debut in Columbia Heights

Sat., Oct. 21 (1pm): The official opening and neighborhood CELEBRATION of the Columbia Heights Heritage Trail with Cultural Tourism DC and the neighborhood heritage trail working group, as that dedicated cadre of community residents called themselves, and to be emceed by WAMU’S Kojo Nnamdi, will take place on the Civic Plaza at 14th Street and Park Road. Following the opening ceremony everyone will be able to take their own self-guided walking tour featuring 19 poster-sized street signs that combine storytelling, photography, and maps to lead one through old and new Columbia Heights, introducing the people who changed the world with technology, ideas, literature, laws, and leadership.

Meanwhile, between 2 and 4 pm at the Civic Plaza entertainment will be presented by a variety of performers and groups, ranging from GALA Hispanic Theatre, to Jazz Band Rhythm Accents, to Ghanaian drummer Kweku. For more info, visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org or call (202) 661-7581.

Newly Formed Open Government Group to Hold Panel Program

Wed., Oct 21 (6:30-8:30pm): The DC Open Government Coalition will be holding a PANEL DISCUSSION & PUBLIC FORUM at the Sumner School (17th & M Sts.), to which all interested persons are invited at no charge, on the topic “Transparency in the District of Columbia
Accessing Government Information and Meetings in D.C.: What’s at Stake, and Where Do We Go From Here?” Featured participants will include Colbert I. King from The Washington Post, Bill Myers from The Examiner, WTOP Radio’s Mark Segraves, former Ward 3 DC Councilmember Kathy Patterson, and experienced freedom of information practitioners and advocates. For more info, email dorothy@dcwatch.com.

Annual 17th Street High Heel Race to Offer Bleacher Seating

Tue., Oct. 27 (9pm): This is when the signal will be given for the start of the annual 17th Street High Heel Race, a MAD DASH of madness which has for many years been a neighborhood tradition ushering in Halloween. This year things will be a bit different: The starting line will be at R Street, not at Church Street — that is where the finish line will now be, right out front of JR’s Bar & Grill, the event’s organizer. (Dave Peruzza, General Manager, will be giving a short report on this year’s planning at the Oct. 14th Dupont Circle ANC meeting at the Brookings Institution). Another major innovation this year will be bleacher seating at the finish line that will guarantee a seat and unobstructed view of the hilarity (always a challenge thanks to the huge crowds packing the sidewalks). Proceeds from the sale of bleacher seating tickets will benefit the community betterment projects of the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) organization. To obtain tickets in advance visit the HDCMS website at www.DupontCircle.biz.

Shaw Main Streets Hosting a 9th Street Community Event

Thu., Oct. 29 (6:30-8:30pm): Shaw Main Streets will be hosting an free OPEN HOUSE for the public in the 1900 block of 9th Street and adjoining blocks, the neighborhood known as “Little Ethiopia.” Music, videos, and cultural presentations on Ethiopia and Eritrea will be part of this year’s event. Participating businesses will offer refreshments or samples of the foods and beverages they sell. A raffle will be held at the end of the event for gift certificates and prizes from all participating businesses. No reservations needed — just pick up a Shaw Open House “passport” at the following participating businesses: Ambassador Restaurant, Etete Ethiopian Cuisine, Nellie’s Sports Bar, and Serv-U Liquors to get free food and beverages and visit at least six businesses to be entered in the drawing. For more info, call Shaw Main Streets at (202) 265-SHAW or visit www.shawmainstreets.com.

Larry’s Lounge & Straits of Malaya Restaurant to Host Benefit

Sun., Nov. 1 (2-4pm): Join Ken and Larry, owners of Larry’s Lounge and Straits of Malaya Restaurant since 1989, as they mark their sliver anniversary as a “married” couple. The CELEBRATION will help raise funds for their nonprofit foundation in Malaysia, Hope Peace Love compassion (HPLCC). The party begins at 2 pm at the adjoining Straits of Malaya Restaurant and Larry’s Lounge (1836 18th St., corner of 18th & T Sts.) RSVPs are requested by email to Dave Purdy at Larry’s LoungeDC@gmail.com.

Washington Sinfonietta to Perform at Thomas Circle

Sat., Nov. 7 (7pm): One of the city’s finest chamber orchestras, the 40-member Washington Sinfonietta, will be presenting a CONCERT in the spectacular John Russell Pope-designed sanctuary of the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle. Featured on the program will be Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni, Dvorak’s Czech Suite, and other works. The centerpiece of the program will be the well-known Concerto for Organ, String Orchestra and Timpani by French composer Francis Poulenc. Charles Miller organist and minister of music at National City, will be the soloist showcasing the impressive power of the church’s 7,000-pipe, five-keyboard Möller organ. Richard Gillam will be the featured timpanist.

Tickets, $20 ($15.00 for seniors and students; children 18 and under at no charge). For more info., visit the orchestra’s website at www.washingtonsinfonietta.com or the church’s website at www.nationalcitycc.org, or call the church’s music office at (202) 797-0103.

Mid-City Artists to Open Their Studios; See How They Create

By P.L. Wolff

Nearly 20 artists will be opening their studios on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, between 12 noon and 5 pm for the public to visit with them in their creative environments, view their works and to purchase directly. This always popular two-day, semi-annual event sponsored by the Mid-City Artists group, as they call themselves, will afford enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to check out the studios of these individual artists working in various media, including oil, acrylic, pastels, collage, sculpture and photography.

Some of the participating artists are well-known and have attained international recognition. Among the pioneers in the Mid-City group of 40 are Nicolas Shi and Robert and Susan Cole. New to the group and participating this year are: Groover Cleveland, George H Smith-Shomari, and Isabella Spicer. Many of the participating artists migrated into our neighborhoods after downtown developers took over — artists like Brian Petro. And others, like Colin Winterbottom, Betsy Karasik and Lucinda Murphy, to name but just a very few, found creative compatibility in the area also.

A complete listing of the artists and their studios, with addresses, along with a handy map that can be printed out, is available on the Mid City Artists website, www.midcityartists.com — simply click the orange button link at the top of the home page. For more information, visit www.midcityartists.com.

SELECTED STREET CRIMES

Reported for August 27 – September 23, 2009

Adams Mill, 1800 blk.: man robbed of wallet by 2 others while in conversation with them, one having suddenly placed in a headlock [2:30am, Sun., 9/20]

Bancroft, 2100 blk.: 2 persons accosted by man who came from behind, ordered them to kneel down & robbed them at gunpoint [3:30am, Sat., 8/19]

Bates, unit blk.: woman entering her back yard accosted from behind by masked man & robbed at gunpoint of purse [2am, Sun., 8/30]

Bryant, unit blk.: newspaper deliveryman accosted by young man brandishing a gun & demanding cash but was foiled when deliveryman pushed him & fled [4:14am, Tue., 9/8]

Bryant, unit blk.: man in stopped car robbed at gunpoint by a boy [9:45pm, Mon., 9/21]

Cedar, 300 blk.: man robbed at knifepoint by 3 others [3am, Sat., 8/29]

Cedar, 400 blk.: man accosted by boy who placed him in a chokehold & was then robbed by 2 other men [5:30pm, Tue., 9/22]

Center & Oak: man assaulted & robbed by 3 others [time undetermined, Thu., 9/17]

Champlain, 2500 blk.: man approached by 2 young men, one of who assaulted him & demanded cash but got none when the man fled [3:15am, Sat., 9/5]

Church, 1700 blk.: woman robbed of purse by man who first forced her to the ground [11:15am, Sun., 9/6]

Columbia & Sherman: person waiting for bus assaulted & robbed by 2 men [6:45am, Sun., 8/30]

Columbia, 700 blk: man on bicycle accosted by another who attempted to take it from him, following which another man assaulted him but neither men succeeded in stealing the bicycle [4am, Sun., 9/6]

Columbia, 1600 blk: woman accosted by 3 men, one of whom started to assault her but then snatched her purse [1:45am, Sat., 9/5

Columbia, 1700 blk: man accosted by 2 others demanding cash & when obvious he had none was then robbed of cellphone [3:15am, Tue., 9/8]

Columbia, 1700 blk.: woman accosted by man who placed an unknown object to her back, pushed her into adjoining alley, snatched her purse & then sprayed her face & punched her when she attempted to chase him [ 3:30am, Thu., 9/17]

Columbia, 1700 blk.: person assaulted & robbed by 2 men [12:30am, Fri., 9/18]

Conn., 2800 blk.: man accosted by a group of other, two of whom demanded his money & assaulted him but then all fled [1am, Sun., 9/6]

Euclid, 1700 blk.: man struck in the face & robbed of wallet by 2 others [11:45pm, Thu., 8/27]

Euclid, 1700 blk.: man’s cellphone snatch from him by another who came from behind [3am, Sun., 8/30]

Euclid, 1700 blk.: man who earlier had been approached by another asking to use his cellphone & was refused robbed of that cellphone by the same man & another a short time later [2:30am, Sun., 9/20]

Florida, unit blk.: 2 persons robbed at gunpoint by 2 men who then fled in the car of one of the persons robbed [12:15am, Sun., 9/20]

Florida, 900 blk. (alley): woman robbed of cash at knifepoint by man [1:30am, Sat., 8/29]

Euclid, 1700 blk.: woman’s purse snatched by another who was standing with a group of women that she & her woman friend were walking past & when her friend attempted to grab the purse back she was assaulted, whereupon the group fled & the purse was recovered [3:30 am, Sat., 9/5]

Georgia, 2900 blk.: man robbed of allet & cellphone by another he had just passed by & then who came up from behind [3:15am, Thu., 9/17]

Harvard, 1400 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by 2 others [4:15am, Tue., 9/8]

Hobart & Sherman: person robbed at gunpoint by man [Fri., 9/18]

Irving, 1400 blk.: man approached by another who was with a group who first admired his iPod then robbed him of it following first assaulting him [3:45pm, Tue., 9/8]

Kennedy, 700 blk.: man approached by 3 others who asked for cash & when refused grabbed him but got none as he fled, following which he informed an MPD officer of the attempted robbery & a short time later the 3 were apprehended following having assaulted & attempted to rob another person [10:45pm, Sun., 9/20]

Lamont, 900 blk.: man stabbed in face & robbed by 4 others who had followed him out of a bisness establishment [11:30pm, Sun., 8/30]

Lamont, 1200 blk.: man assaulted & robbed by 2 others [6:15am, Mon, 8/31]

Lamont, 1600 blk.: person assaulted & robbed by 3 men [9:30pm, Mon., 9/21]

Lanier, 1700 blk.: 2 persons assaulted & one robbed of cellphone by group of men

Monroe, 1400 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by a group of men who had gotten out of passing car [4am, Sat., 8/29]

Park, 1500 blk.: woman’s purse snatched by man she had just walked past [12mid, Tue., 9/22]

Park (Pl.), 3300 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by 2 others who then fled in waiting car [6:45pm, Sun., 9/20]

R, 1200 blk.: man approached by 2 others, one of who asked for a lighter & when he started to take it from his pocket the other man grabbed him & robbed him of wallet [1:30pm, Sun., 9/20]

S, unit blk.: man’s carjacked at gunpoint by another [1am, Fri., 8/28]

S, 1200 blk.: person robbed at gunpoint by 2 men [10:30pm, Mon., 8/31]

S, 1300 blk. (school playground): boy shooting hoops robbed by 2 others [7pm, Mon., 9/21]

S, 1700 blk.: 2 persons robbed at gunpoint [3am, Sat., 9/19]

T, 1100 blk.: man robbed of wallet & cellphone at gunpoint by 2 others [11pm, on, 9/7]

T, 1300 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by 2 others [10:15pm, Thu., 9/3]

Thomas Cir.: man grabbed around the neck by another who then pulled wallet from his pants pocket & robbed him of its cash [2:45am, Sun., 9/6]

U, 1300 blk.: person accompanied by a security officer on the way to bank to make deposit confronted by 2 men who came out of alley, brandished a stun gun & robbed them [9:30am, Fri., 9/18]

University, 2600 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by another while taking out trash [8:15pm, Mon., 9/21]

W, 1200 blk.: man getting ready to unlock his car accosted by another who demanded money & that he get into the car but was foiled when man started to shout for help & flee & though falling down was not robbed [10:15pm, Mon., 9/21]

3rd, 1900 blk.: person robbed by 2 men, one of whom acted as if he had a gun [2pm, Tue., 9/15]

7th, 1700 blk.: man assaulted & robbed of cash & cellphone by another [12:15am, Wed., 8/27]

9th, 1400 blk.: 2 men robbed of wallet gunpoint by another [8:30am, Sat., 9/5]

11th & Girard: woman punched in the mouth, stabbed in the leg & robbed by man [2:30am, Sun., 8/30]

12th, 1200 blk.: man grabbed by another who acted as if he had a gun, demanded money but was foiled when man got away & fled [8pm, Mon, 9/21]

13th & Q: man robbed of his bag at gunpoint by 2 others [9:15pm, Tue., 9/8]

13th, 1700 blk: man robbed at gunpoint by 2 young men (possibly the same 2 who robbed a man a block south the previous evening) [8:30pm, Mon, 9/7]

14th, 3300 blk.: man approached by 3 others demanding money & when refused one of them threw a brick at him & when he tried to flee he was assaulted & robbed [9pm, Thu., 9/17]

15th, 3000 blk.: woman’s purse snatched by man [12min, Sat., 8/29]

16th & U: man assaulted & robbed of cash by 2 others [11:30pm, Thu., 9/3]

16th, 1800 blk.: woman’s purse snatched by man who rode past on a bicycle [11pm, Sun., 9/6]

19th, 2000 blk.: man & woman assaulted & robbed by 2 men [1am, Sat., 8/29]

21st, 1400 blk.: man assaulted & robbed by 2 others [2:15am, Fri., 8/28]