Events to Peep for the Month of January

On Thursday, January 3rd, veteran soul crooner, Glenn Jones, brings all of hits from "Show Me" to "Here We Go Again" to the City Winery stage for a one-night only show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $32-42. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. citywinery.com/washingtondc

Bring in the new year with laughter with funny lady Luenell on Friday, January 4th, for the first show of her three-night gig at the DC Improv. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Tickets: $22.  DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Put a little jazz in your evening on Monday, January 7th, with Ciroc VS Presents: Live Jazz Mondays at Union District Oyster Bar and Lounge. Enjoy amazing dinner service while grooving to your favorite jazz and R&B covers. First set starts at 9:30 p.m. Union District Oyster Bar and Lounge. 501 Morse Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.uniondistrictoysterbarlounge.com

Monday, January 14th, kicks off Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, with over 100 restaurants across the DC area offering three-course, prix-fixe meals for brunch, lunch and dinner, with brunch and lunch priced at $22 and dinner at $35. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

Songbird Vivian Green heads to Annapolis on Thursday, January 17th, bringing jams from her most recent album release, VGVI, as well as classic hits like "Emotional Rollercoaster" and "Get Right Back to My Baby." 7 p.m. Tickets: $45. Rams Head On Stage. 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. www.ramsheadonstage.com

Get ready for a night of soul when the incomparable Anthony Hamilton heads to The Theater at MGM on Friday, January 18th, bringing over a decade worth of hits from "Can't Let Go" to "Charlene." 8 p.m. Tickets: $75+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

The laughter keeps coming to the Improv when funnyman Lavell Crawford kicks off his three-night engagement on Friday, January 18th. 7 & 9:30 p.m. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

On Monday, January 21st, pause to commemorate the birth and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For a listing of prayer breakfasts, volunteer opportunities, and commemoration services, click here.

Angie Stone heads to the Birchmere stage on Monday, January 21st, for a one-night only show, showcasing her soulful range through such hits as "Brotha" and "No More Rain." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

On Wednesday, January 23rd, the classic stage musical, "Ain't Misbehavin'" kicks off at the Signature Theatre, transporting theatergoers into the Harlem of yesteryear for an energetic, feet-moving celebration of big band music through the songs of Thomas “Fats” Waller.  7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40-$79. Signature Theatre. 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. www.sigtheatre.org

Grammy award winning singer and actress, Brandy, will light up the Kennedy Center stage for two nights, starting Friday, January 25th, where she'll be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra in their first collaboration to perform jazz, soul, and pop classics along with favorites from her iconic career. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39-$129. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Restaurant of the Month: Chef Timothy Dean from Bravo's famed "Top Chef" brings his culinary skills to Bowie, Maryland, with the opening of his new self-named restaurant, featuring such dishes as his famed Obama Burger, Thai Curry Mussels, and Yukon Potato Crusted Chilean Sea Bass. Brunch menu also available. Timothy Dean. 6133 High Bridge Road, Bowie, MD 20720. www.tdbowie.com


Life's short. Be entertained.

Events to Peep for the Month of December

On Saturday, December 1st, head to the historic Lincoln Theatre and kick off the month experiencing the beautiful sounds of American jazz bassist, singer, and four-time Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45. The Lincoln Theater. 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.thelincolndc.com

Calling all poppers, lockers, hip-hop and house dancers: Juste Debout, the hip-hop dance event of the year, is coming to DC's union market district on Sunday, December 2nd.  Enjoy a day of high intensity preselection dance battles featuring dance duos competing for an all-expenses paid trip to Paris, France and the chance to compete at the Juste Debout world finals. Presented by Words, Beats, & Life. Noon-7 p.m. Tickets: $30. Dock 5 at Union Market. 1309 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.wblinc.org. For tickets, click here.

No time for half steppin'. Grab your tickets and check out the one and only Big Daddy Kane when he heads to B-more on Thursday, December 6th, to tear down the stage with an arsenal full of classic hip hop cuts. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $27. Baltimore Soundstage. 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.baltimoresoundstage.com

Put a little sunshine in your cool winter night when you take in an evening of soul courtesy of songbird and pianist, Avery Sunshine, on Wednesday, December 13th, for a one-night only show you'll be "pinin'" for. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $65. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

DC's own Oddisee & Good Compny team up with Phonte of Foreign Exchange and Little Brother fame as well as Berlin-based singer/songwriter Olivier St. Louis at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, December 13th, for an unforgettable evening of hip hop, jazz, R&B, and soul. 8 p.m. Tickets: $19-$35. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

On Friday, December 14th, jazz up your holiday season with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, helmed by legendary music director and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. The evening of music will blend classical, jazz, and holiday favorites, featuring 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today, including spectacular young vocalists Sotashe and Swift. 8 p.m. Tickets: $58-$108. Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

Calling all the nieces and nephews: Uncle Charlie is coming to town! Head to the Theater at MGM on Wednesday, December 19th, and enjoy over four decades of soul stirring hits and dope jams courtesy of the one and only Charlie Wilson. 8 p.m. Tickets: $72+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

If you don't know the name Zainab Johnson, do yourself a favor and get acquainted by catching the rising star at Drafthouse Comedy on Friday, December 21st, for a night full of laughs courtesy of the funny lady who's already made appearances on HBO’s All Def Comedy, Arsenio, BET's Woke AF, and MTV's Acting Out. 7 & 9 p.m. Comedy Drafthouse. 1100 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. www.drafthousecomedy.com

If you haven't caught legendary songstress, Anita Baker, at a stop during her farewell concert series this year, don't miss your last chance to do so in the DMV area when she blesses the Theater at MGM with a three-night appearance kicking off Wednesday, December 26th, bringing her fans "joy" and the best that she's got! 8 p.m. Tickets: $155+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

You don't funny if you don't know Sinbad. The legendary comedian will take the stage at Rams Head on Thursday, December 27th, for a night of real talk and loads of laughter. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $45. Rams Head On Stage. 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. www.ramsheadonstage.com

Round out the month with rejoicing and song on Friday, December 28th, courtesy of the Holiday Praise Celebration featuring gospel greats Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, and Charles Jenkins bringing both gospel sounds and sounds of the season. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49+. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.ticketmaster.com

Say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 Casino Royale style at the Social Architects 8th annual New Years Eve celebration featuring 10 rooms of entertainment on 5 levels, 8 DJs, casino games, a live TV feed from Times Square and more! Featuring DJ Biz Markie and national recording artist Marcus Johnson performing live. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Tickets: $60-$75. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal City, VA 22202. For tickets, click here.

Restaurant of the Month: An end of a era has come. Long-standing Cajun cuisine specialty restaurant, Acadiana, will be closing its elegant doors on Monday, December 31st. To celebrate its years of serving up delectable portions of fried green tomatoes, Louisiana seafood gumbo, fried catfish, and shrimp & grits, Acadiana is holding a month-long "Pardi Gras" farewell celebration featuring special menu bites and will culminate the celebration with a New Year's Eve bash. Thanks for bringing DC some of the "easy life," Acadiana. Job well done; you'll be missed! Acadiana. 901 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.acadianarestaurant.com

Life's short. Be entertained...and Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Events to Peep for the Month of November

Get ready to re-enter the 36 Chambers on Thursday, November 1st, when the Wu-Tang Clan hits the Anthem stage with special guest, Redman, plus many more to celebrate the iconic group's 25th anniversary of their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)." 8 p.m. Tickets: $85-$125. The Anthem. 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www. theanthemdc.com

Come on down...to the MGM on Saturday, November 3rd, for a live version of The Price is Right where cash, vacations, appliances, and automobiles can be yours if your name is called. 3 p.m. Tickets: $60-$246. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

Forget Netflix and chill. On Saturday, November 3rd, make it Netflix and laughs when you head to Constitution Hall for the streaming services' special live taping of Mike Epps' comedy show. Don't forget to smile if the camera lands on you! 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $52-$125+. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.ticketmaster.com

On Sunday, November 4th, iconic pop gospel sextet, Take 6, brings their hits to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for a brunch show that's sure to satisfy your soul (and stomach). 11 a.m. Tickets: $59-$79. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. 7719 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.bethesdabluesjazz.com

Everyone's favorite "pretty boy" comic, Bill Bellamy, heads to DC's Improv stage on Thursday, November 8th, to do what he does best: crack you up! 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

On Friday, November 9th, the D-O-double G in collaboration with playwright Je'Caryous Johnson brings his stage play, "Redemption of a Dogg," to the Warner Theater. Set to the backdrop of his classic hits, "Redemption" tells the story of Snoop Dogg's rise from street hustler to hip hop rapper to pop culture icon. Also starring Tamar Braxton, Eric Benet, and Omar Gooding. 8 p.m. Tickets: $69-$89. The Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.birchmere.com

Head back to the Improv on Thursday, November 15th, when writer, comedian, actor, and co-star of Black'ish, Deon Cole, kicks off his four-day comedy set that's sure to be a riot of laughs. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $32. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

America's beloved first lady, Michelle Obama, will command the Captial One Arena stage on Saturday, November 17th, for "Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama" where she'll discuss her life's journey and new autobiography. 8 p.m. Tickets: $670-$2000. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

Keeping their DC Thanksgiving week concert tradition alive, iconic soul group, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly heads to Constitution Hall on Saturday, November 24th, to deliver all of their grooves from "Golden Time of Day" to "Happy Feeling." Opening artist: Joe. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59-$125. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.ticketmaster.com

On Wednesday, November 28th, settle in for an evening of theater and enjoy the first installment of August Wilson's 10-act play, "Gem of the Ocean," which tells the story of Aunt Ester, an otherworldly 287-year-old fiery matriarch, who guides her house guest on a soaring, lyrical journey of spiritual awakening to the City of Bones. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $36-$51. Round House Theatre. 4545 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.roundhousetheatre.org

If theater's not your flava, close out the month with the soulful sounds of singer and pianist John Legend on Wednesday, November 28th, instead, for his "A Legendary Christmas" show, where he'll bring all of his hits from "All of Me" to "Ordinary People" plus an array of classic holiday tunes. 8 p.m. $208-$559. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

Restaurant of the Month: November 4th-11th, celebrate Black Restaurant Week in the DMV with culture, education, and good food at various restaurants throughout the area including The Caged Bird, Ben's Next Door, and Wicked Bloom. For more information and special restaurant offers, click here.

Life's short. Be entertained...and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Events to Peep for the Month of October

The sexy and soulful Maxwell kicks off a two-night engagement at the MGM National Harbor on Thursday, October 4th, for his 50 Intimate Nights Live tour bringing audiences over two decades worth of slow jams and smooth grooves. 8 p.m. Tickets: $90-$150+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

DC's newest Entertainment & Sports Arena offiically kicks off its grand opening with a concert from the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, on Saturday, October 6th, thrilling audiences with a career's worth of hits from "Real Love" to "Not Gon' Cry." 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$199+. Entertainment and Sports Arena. 1100 Oak Drive, SE, Washington DC, 20032. www.esaontherise.com

Get your "crooked smiles" ready. All the way from Forest Hills Drive, hip hop's own J. Cole makes his way to the Capital One Arena on Monday, October 8th, for the DC stop on his KOD Tour 2018. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $29-$149+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

If you have not experienced the music of Grammy nominated  singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midon, do yourself a favor and head to the AMP on Friday, October 12th, for a musical expose you won't forget. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29-$42. AMP by Strathmore. 11810 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

Honorary "cookout guest" and funnyman Gary Owen also heads to the MGM stage on Saturday, October 13th, bringing you all his funny so you can bring all your laughter. 8 p.m. Tickets: $38-$72+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

The MGM will stay hoppin' in October as hip hop songstress, Lauryn Hill, prepares to "kill audiences softly" with her many hits from "Doo Wop" to "Ready or Not" on Thursday, October 18th, for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour. 8 p.m. Tickets: $85-$135+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

He's baacckk. Comedian and late night host extraordinaire, Trevor Noah, brings his comedic insights to Constitution Hall on Friday, October 19th, kicking off a four-show engagement that will make audiences both laugh and think. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $63-$93. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.dar.org/constitution-hall

Legendary jazz saxophonist, Najee, also kicks off a four-night engagement at Blues Alley on Thursday, October 25th, bringing jazz enthusiasts several soulful evenings of unforgettable jams. 8 & 10 p.m. Tickets: $50-$55. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

Calling all ghouls and goblins: head to DC's newest late night offering, the Abigail, on Wednesday, October 31st, to kickoff its grand opening and celebrate Halloween "boo"zy style. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Abigail. 1730 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Register free here.

Restaurant of the Month: The ever-evolving U Street corridor welcomes The Smith's newest location and brings the neighborhood more "flava" in the form of bistro classics, an expanded raw bar, spicy fried chicken to share, pizzas, house-made pastas, boozy punch bowls, and slushys. Cheers! The Smith. 1314 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.thesmithrestaurant.com



Life's short. Be entertained. 

Events to Peep for the Month of September

On Tuesday, September 4th, make plans to "come through and chill" with R&B crooner Miguel when he hits the Anthem stage for a one-night only show. Opening acts DVSN and Nonchalant Savant. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$295. The Anthem. The Anthem. 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.theanthemdc.com

Take a journey through the life of Dick Gregory on Thursday, September 6th, when the Arena Stage presents opening night of "Turn Me Loose," an exuberant and raw tribute to Gregory’s life as a civil rights activist, comic genius, and unapologetic provocateur. 8 p.m. Tickets: $82. Arena Stage. 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.arenastage.net

Tributes after the passing of His Royal Badness have not been in short supply. However, on Saturday, September 8th, Wolf Trap presents "4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince"--the first and only estate-approved Prince celebration with music curated and arranged by Questlove. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$60. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182. www.wolftrap.org

Calling all Kikis: Champagne Papi a.k.a. Drake will head to the Capital One Arena on Wednesday, September 12th, to kick off a two-night set full of number one hits from "Hotline Bling" to "Best I Ever Had." Opening act: The Migos. 7 p.m. Tickets: $59-$199+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

Head back to the arena on Saturday, September 15th, for the King of Funny--Kevin Hart's--DC stop of his "Irresponsible Tour." 7 p.m. Tickets: $34-$154+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

Keep the laughs going on Thursday, September 20th, when comedian, actor, and game show host, Tony Rock heads to the Improv to kick of a three-night set of rifts and laughs. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $22. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

It's been 30 years since hip hop icon MC Lyte made her mark on the rap world with her debut album "Lyte As a Rock." On Friday, September 21st, the Grammy-nominated emcee takes it back to the beginning when the Kennedy Center presents "MC Lyte: Lyte as a Rock 30th Anniversary Concert." 8 p.m. Tickets: $29-$89. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

The Boss--Diana Ross--will bring her glitz, glamour, and mega hits to the Strathmore stage on Tuesday, September 25th, to kick off a two-night set of timeless hits from "Upside Down" to "I'm Coming Out" to "Endless Love." 8 p.m. Tickets: $69-$239. Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

The month draws to a close with more laughter as actor and comedian Craig Robinson from "The Office" and "Hot Tub Time Machine" fame lands on the Improv stage on Thursday, September 27th, to kickoff his four-night set. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com. NOTE: This show is rescheduled from June. All tickets purchased in June will be honored.

While our Bad Boys of R&B work out their differences, the party will not be stopped. On Saturday, September 29th, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike, now known as RBRM, will make their DMV tour stop at Eagle Bank Arena for a night of classics from "Poison" to "Tenderoni." Opening acts: Blackstreet, 702, and Tamia. 8 p.m. $59-$125+. Eagle Bank Arena. 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030. www.eaglebankarena.com

Restaurant of the Month: Let the singing begin; there's a new kid on the Connecticut Avenue strip. Black-owned restaurant, The Caged Bird, brings the jams during happy hour each night, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, while satisfying guests with a menu of stick-to-your-ribs goodness from mac-n-cheese and collard greens to yams and jerk chicken. Get soul'd out on soul food and good vibes seven days a week. The Caged Bird.1723 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.cagedbirddc.com

Life's short. Be entertained.