Events to Peep for the Month of January

Happy New Year, WPT Fans! In order for you to get a jump on snagging tickets for the best seats at some of the hottest events in town, WPT is switching from a weekly format to a monthly format, which will be updated on the 1st of each month. Plus, enjoy a new restaurant spotlight at the end of each edition in place of the regular brunch showcase. As always, have fun and be safe!

On Friday, January 12th, head to the Atlas Performing Arts Center for the Mosaic Theater Company's production of "Queens Girl in Africa, which picks back up with teenager Jacqueline Marie Butler (from the Queens Girl in the World story) as she and her family travel to Nigeria following the assassination of her father’s close friend, Malcolm X. Jacqueline must navigate both personal challenges (fitting in at a new school, applying to college, falling in love) and societal challenges (a civil war in Nigeria and growing racial tension back in the States). 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$60. Play runs January 4th - February 8th. Atlas Performing Arts Center. 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.mosaictheater.org

Nobody said you couldn't celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday with a little go-go flava. On Sunday, January 14th, head to the Howard Theatre for the 4th Annual MLK Birthday Celebration feat. Rare Essence, Sugar Bear & EU and Trouble Funk w/ DJ Rico. With no work the next day, go ahead and "turn up" in celebration of peace, love, and unity. 10 p.m. $25-$65. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Head to the Birchmere on Wednesday, January 17th, to experience the neosoul stylings of crooner, Eric Benet, performing all of his hits from "Spend My Life With You" to "Femininity." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $70. The Birchmere. 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305. www.birchmere.com

Nobody does it like singer, writer, music producer, Babyface. On Saturday, January 20th, experience all of his hits backed by the Kennedy Centre's National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). Prior to Edmonds and the NSO appearing on stage, performers from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts will present a special tribute medley of several songs made famous by Edmonds, along with spotlight solos by some of the school's extraordinary students. 8 p.m. Tickets: $24-$119. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

It's time to get so fresh, and so clean for a good cause! On Saturday, January 20th, Words, Beats & Life presents FRESH: A Hip Hop Ball, featuring performances by the Hip-Hop Orchestra, Congo Sanchez, along with DJs Ayes Cold, RBI, Geena Marie, 2-Tone Jones. Sample international cuisine from their global travels, step up to the mic in the hip-hop karaoke room, and check out amazing sculptures from Mare 139 in the gallery. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Tickets: $100 (incl. open bar); $75 general admission. University of Maryland Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. 7801 Alumni Drive, College Park, MD 20742. www.wblinc.org

Neosoul darling Lalah Hathaway brings her phenomenal voice and presence to the Warner Theatre for the D.C. leg of her "The Honestly Tour" on Friday, January 26th, for a one-night only show. 8 p.m. $79-$89. The Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.warnertheatredc.com

Head back to the Warner Theater on Saturday, January 27th, for a night full of laughter when actor and comedian Sinbad hits the stage delivering tales of nostalgia and modern day observations everyone can relate--and laugh--to. 7 p.m. Tickets: $38. The Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.warnertheatredc.com

Restaurant of the Month: There's a new kid on the block and it's "blooming" with promise. Whether for lunch or dinner, head to Tulips--a newly renovated three-floor row house restaurant, which also features a sexy champagne room--and indulge in a menu boasting a variety of dishes from honey roasted alina duck breast to prime beef tenderloin to pan roasted halibut. Bon appetit! Tulips. 1207 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.tulipsdc.com

Life's short. Be entertained.