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