Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.18 - 11.20

Darius may have "written a blues" for Nina, but there's nothing blue about revisiting the classic urban love story, Love Jones, on Friday, as it comes alive on stage featuring Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michele, Marsha Ambrosius, and MC Lyte. 8 p.m. Tickets: $126-$174. The National Theatre. 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.www.thenationaldc.org

Enjoy classics like "Home" and "I Feel Good All Over" plus a million hits in between when Grammy award-winning songstress, Stephanie Mills, burns up the stage on Friday night to make you "Feel the Fire." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $69-$110. Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW Washington, DC, 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Those holiday bells have begun jingling, so get a jump on shopping on Saturday at the 33rd annual Maryland Christmas Show, where you'll enjoy the works of top artists and craftsmen offering fine art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, clothing, wreaths, garlands, toys and Christmas ornaments. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets: $8. Frederick County Fairgrounds. 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21705.
www.marylandchristmasshow.com

Say "Wassssup" to Martin Lawrence on Saturday and laugh yourself silly as the comedian brings all the funny to his one-night only stand-up comedy show at the Royal Farms Arena in B-more. 8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$72. Royal Farms Arena. 201 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
www.royalfarmsarena.com

On Sunday, head to DC's first combination distillery + kitchen + bar, located within a series of historic 19th century row houses at the heart of the bustling 14th and U Street corridors, and enjoy exceptional spirits alongside a menu of biscuits and gravy, smoked salmon on latke, and fluffy pancakes. Distillery tours available as well. Brunch hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. District Distilling Co. 1414 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.district-distilling.com

If you decide to sleep in late on Sunday, consider a little New Orleans jazz and blues, courtesy of the Sol & Funk Roots Band, along with dinner at JoJo's, and dine on a menu of delectables ranging from bourbon BBQ baby back ribs to blackened chicken & jumbo shrimp. JoJo Restaurant & Bar. 1518 U Street, NW, Washington DC 20009. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. www.jojodc.com

Looking Ahead: Searching for a "black experience" instead of Black Friday? Then ditch the shopping bags and head to the Warner instead to enjoy the smooth soulful grooves of neosoul singer Lalah Hathaway. Musiq Soulchild opening. 8 p.m. Tickets: $67. Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.warnertheatredc.com

Life's short. Be entertained...and have a wonderful holiday season! WPT will return in January 2017. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.11 - 11.13

On Friday, in celebration of A Tribe Called Quest's highly anticipated final album "We Got It From Here, Thanks 4 Your Service," Songbyrd will host a listening party, complete with ATCQ giveaways. 7 p.m. Free. Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe. 2477 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.songbyrddc.com

"Slow down" on Friday night and take a moment to groove with one of the top British dance and urban contemporary trios of the early '80s, Loose Ends, as they take to the Howard Theater stage. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 - $55. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Need some retail therapy? On Saturday, head to the Emporiyum for a one-of-a-kind food marketplace featuring tasty treats and gifts from around the country. Event also features tunes from a DJ, plus sips and samples. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25. The Emporiyum DC. 1309 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.theemporiyum.com

Take a trip into the galaxy on Saturday with the debut of Black Side of the Moon, as an all-African American cast of The Second City’s smartest and most audacious sketch and stand-up artists break down and deconstruct the present American moment through comedy. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Woolly Mammoth Theatre. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.woollymammoth.net

Try a little Asian-French fusion for brunch on Sunday at Kyirisan, featuring $10 brunch bites such as blueberry pancakes with yuzu curd butter, croque madame, and ginger-scallion omelet with house kimchi. Kyirisan. Brunch hours: 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m. 1924 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.kyirisandc.com

Got flow? On Sunday evening, head to Busboys and Poets' Takoma location for its Sunday Jazz & Verse Open Mic Poetry & Jazz Night, for two hours of incredible music and poetry. All are welcomed to perform or simply enjoy. 5-7 p.m. Free. Busboys and Poets. 234 Carroll Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012. www.busboysandpoets.com

Looking Ahead: On Wednesday, Detroit neosoul crooner Dwele seduces the Bethesda stage with a one-night only show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.bethesdabluesjazz.com




Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.4 - 11.6

Put a little music in your soul, as acclaimed South African two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Jonathan Butler, takes to the stage at Blues Alley on Friday night for two electrifying shows. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $55. Blues Alley.1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

If you're feeling jazzy instead, no one will satisfy you better than world renowned supergroup, Incognito, when they're joined by the lady herself--Maysa--on Friday night at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for two shows. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $60. Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.bethesdabluesjazz.com.

Calling all the ladies! Time to get in formation for WPGC's 17th annual For Sisters Only symposium on Saturday, where you'll enjoy cooking demonstrations, health workshops, and live entertainment from artists Tank, Jidenna, Lloyd, and Mario. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $10. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Search "For Sisters Only" on Eventbrite for tickets.

Looking for something hot and spicy on Saturday? Check out the North Capitol Main Street 2016 Chili Challenge, featuring chili entries from five local restaurants, while you enjoy beer from DC Brau, wine, music, and games for kids. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $15 adv-$20 door. Lot at North Capitol and Florida Avenue. Search "North Capitol Main" on Eventbrite for tickets.

On Sunday, take your palette on a culinary excursion when you savor brunch at Espita Mezcaleria, where you'll experience a mix of American brunch dishes with Mexican flair. Choose from chilaques, biscuits and eggs, several taco varieties and more. Newly added is a $29 prix fixe option for the table, as well as a $16 unlimited boozy brunch option. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Espita Mezcaleria. 1250 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.espitadc.com

You saw the movie that introduced Will Smith to Hollywood. After brunch on Sunday, watch it come alive onstage as the production of "Six Degrees of Separation" makes its weekend debut at the Keegan Theater. 3 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45. Keegan Theater, 1742 Church Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.keegantheatre.com

Looking Ahead: As the Free World awaits the announcement of its next leader, no need to bite your nails--or drink--alone. Head to The Park at Fourteenth on Tuesday for its Election Viewing Party. 5 p.m.-until. Register for free on Eventbrite. The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. www.park14.com.


Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 10.28 - 10.30

On Friday, the highly-anticipated movie debut of "Moonlight,"which follows a young man's struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life, hits theaters in limited release. Lauded by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates as one of the "best films I've seen in a long time," grab a seat and a box of tissues, and enjoy. Go to www.moonlight-movie.com for showtimes and tickets.

It's almost ghouls & goblins time! So, don your favorite costume and party with those creepy creatures on Friday night at Cities for its annual Halloween Party. Music by DJ Swerve. Free. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Cities Restaurant & Lounge. 1909 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.citiesdc.com

Songbird Toni Braxton "lands" on the Modell Performing Arts stage on Saturday for a one-night only show. Enjoy classic hits as well as material from her recent collaboration with Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, "Love, Marriage, & Divorce." 8 p.m. Tickets: $50. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric. 110 West Mt. Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201. www.lyricbaltimore.com

If you're looking for laughs on Saturday night instead, settle in for the comedy stylings of comedian veteran and former "Living Single" star, Kim Coles, as she brings the laughter to the Cramton Auditorirum stage. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. Cramton Auditorium - Howard University. 2455 6th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.

In addition to spooking us, ghouls and goblins need to eat too! So, keep the party going with them on Sunday at Compass Rose for its first "Brunch of the Living Dead." DJ Harry Hotter and DJ Smudge will feature the music of musicians no longer with us, from Elvis to Tupac. 11 a.m. Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen. 1346 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.compassrosedc.com

"Scare up" some good eats and drinks on Sunday at the Taste on Wheels, when you sample food truck tastings for $3 or under! Every general admission entry ticket purchase comes with a drink ticket; Bottomless Drinks ticket holders will receive unlimited pours of beer, wine, and mimosas. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $5-$19. The Yards Parking Lot. 1300 1st Street SE, Washington, District of Columbia 20003. Search: "Taste on Wheels" on www.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Looking Ahead: Jazz "funkmaster" Brian Culbertson will "blow" into town on Wednesday and Thursday to tear the roof off the Birchmere as a two-night stop on his national "Funk Tour." Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $55. The Birchmere Music Hall. 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305. www.birchmere.com


Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 10.21 - 10.23

On Friday, head to Anacostia and prepare to have your thoughts provoked when you take in a showing of stage play, "Chocolate Covered Ants," by playwright Steven A. Butler Jr., which explores the complex psyche of the modern American black man. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45. Anacostia Playhouse. 2020 Shannon Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. www.restorationstage.com. Insider's Tip: Discount tickets available through Goldstar. 

Hold on to your funny bones on Friday night, when comedian Earthquake lands on the DC Improv stage to "shake up" DC with fun and laughter. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

On Saturday, head to "the Yard" in celebration of Howard University's homecoming and cheer on the hometown Bison as they take on North Carolina A&T. 1 p.m. Tickets: $30. William H. Greene Stadium. 2400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday night, Annapolis is the place to be, when the sensational Avery*Sunshine sheds her light on the Rams Head stage and performs her latest hit, "Come Do Nothing," as well as her classic hits that put her on the musical map. 8 p.m. Tickets: $46.50. Rams Head Tavern. www.ramsheadtavern.com/annapolis

Make brunch extra fun on Sunday at Radiator, where you'll seat yourself and enjoy your huevos rancheros and mimosas next to an outdoor fire pit, and life size games of Connect Four and Jenga, to help burn off those extra calories. Brunch hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Radiator. 1430 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. www.radiatordc.com

Feeling nostalgic? After brunch on Sunday, take a trip down memory lane when Songbyrd hosts a listening party featuring Billie Holiday's last released 1958 "Lady in Satin" album for Songbyrd's Classic Album Sundays. 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $7. Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe. 2477 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.songbyrddc.com

Looking Ahead: On Thursday, the Kennedy Center debuts Debbie Allen's "Freeze Frame," a profoundly relevant theatrical narrative fusing movement, music, art, and cinema to explore violence and race relations with honesty and poignancy. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29-$109. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 10.14 - 10.16

On Friday night, be taken "to the moon and back again," when neo-soul crooner Eric Roberson takes the Birchmere stage joined by Chicago's own D. Maurice. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Feel like a laugh or 10 instead? Hit your local movie theater on Friday night for the debut of Kevin Hart's latest comedy concert feature, "What Now?" filmed in 2015 in front of 50,000 people at Lincoln Financial Field in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Spend a crisp fall Saturday sampling over 50 wines from such wineries as Linganore, Cove Point, and Triple Creek at the Autumn Wine Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $24-$45. Pemberton Historical Park. 5561 Plantation Lane, Salisbury, MD 21801. www.autumnwinefestival.org

Prefer the sampling of food instead on Saturday? Then head to the 2016 Curbside Cookoff--the DMV's original food truck party. Mobile retailers, local craft beer, and an artisans market will be on site. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $39, which includes tickets to try 4 trucks and 1 beverage. NoMa Storey Park. 1005 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.dmvfta.org

"Wind up" your Sunday brunch when The Chuck Brown Band rocks the Howard Theatre stage while you rock out on a sumptuous breakfast buffet. 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$40. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Looking Ahead: On Monday, treat yourself to a thought-provoking luncheon discussion when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the author of more than a dozen books, discusses his latest work, “Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White.” 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $38. The National Press Club. 529 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20045. www.press.org

Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 10.7 - 10.9

On Friday night, who you gonna call? Of course: Ghostbusters! The original acclaimed 80s sci-fi comedy will be Union Market's last drive-in showing for the season. So gas up your car and get ready for a cinematic trip down memory lane! Roller Girls will be on hand for snack and food orders. Movie showing is free. Time: 7 p.m. Union Market. 1309 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.unionmarketdc.com

If the long work week finds you needing your funny bone tickled instead, head to the Kennedy Center on Friday night when The Daily Show's own Trevor Noah takes the Concert Hall stage. Time: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $55-$125. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

On Saturday and Sunday, get your taste buds ready for the Taste of DC-- the city's largest food, beer, and wine festival featuring more than 60 restaurants offering samplings of their finest dishes for $1 and $3 tastings, in addition to select menu favorites available for $8 or less. 1 p.m./11 a.m. - 8 p.m./6 p.m. 7th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. www.thetasteofdc.org

Feeling a bit more nostalgic instead? Then grab your tankards, bodices, and jerkins, and head to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Saturday and Sunday for food, jousting entertainment, contests, and more. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets: $10-$24. Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. www.rennfest.com

Calling all foodies (and "drinkies"). On Sunday, leave all apologies for your bad ways behind when you stop by DC's newest restaurant offering, Dirty Habit. Indulge on a menu including Bagel & Lox and Eggs Benedict, but leave room for a cocktail from its expansive spirits list, which includes over 100 brands of whiskey, mezcal, tequila, and rum. Breakfast time: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Dirty Habit. 555 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.dirtyhabitdc.com

Looking Ahead: On Thursday, get "sax'ed" up, when saxophonist Plunky & Oneness take to the Blues Alley stage for two shows that are sure to "funk up" your Friday eve. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $25. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com




Life's short. Be entertained. XO

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 9.30 - 10.2

Gone but never to be forgotten, spend your Friday dancing the night away at the Hamilton as you celebrate the life of His Royal Badness at the All-Star Purple Party: A Prince Tribute Featuring Mike Scott. 8 p.m. Tickets: $18-$25. The Hamilton. 600 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. live.thehamiltondc.com

In continuing with the celebration of Prince, if you prefer, take in dinner and a show instead when his protege Judith Hill hits the stage at Rams Head on Friday night for an intimate performance you don't want to miss. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50. Rams Head On Stage. 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. www.ramsheadonstage.com

On Saturday, head to Druid Hill Park and partake in one of the few fall music festivals at the Baltimore Jazz Fest, featuring the likes of Art Sherrod Jr. and the Clarence Ward III All Stars. Free. 12 p.m. Druid Hill Park. 900 Druid Hill Park Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217. www.baltimorejazzfest.com

On Saturday night, prepare to laugh yourself silly when comedians including Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Eddie Griffin hit the stage at the Verizon Center for "The Comedy Get Down Tour." 8 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$122.00. Verizon Center. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

On Sunday afternoon, add some melody to your mimosas as jazz pianist Marcus Johnson provides the perfect musical backdrop for brunch at the Howard Theater. 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$35. The Howard Theater. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Get cozy in "All This Love," when the Prince of Falsetto, El DeBarge, turns the heat up on your Sunday night to take you down a memory lane of great ballads from the 1980s to the 2000s at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $65. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Looking Ahead: Got flow? Verses? Skills on the mic? Head to the Busboys and Poets Brookland location for its Monday night Open Mic, where audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices, and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, and musicians. 9-11 p.m. Busboys and Poets. 625 Monroe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017. www.busboysandpoets.com

Life's short. Be entertained. XO