Events to Peep for the Month of January

On Wednesday, January 1st, tip off your New Year's Day cheering on the Washington Wizards in their first game of the year when they face off against the Orlando Magic. 6 p.m. Tickets: $10-$173. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.capitolonearena.com

DC's own funnyman, Red Grant, kicks of a three-night set at the Improv on Friday, January 3rd, bringing all the funny you can stand. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $22. DC Improv. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Warm up the month with a ray of Avery Sunshine on Thursday, January 9th, when she commands the Birchmere stage bringing your all of her "soulspirational" tunes from "Blessin' Me" to "All in My Head." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $65. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Settle in for the opening night production of Pipeline on Wednesday, January 15th. Written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Awoye Timpo, the play takes a deep and compassionate look at the ferocity of one parent’s love as she struggles to fight for her son's success and survival within a broken education system. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$80. Studio Theatre. 1501 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. www.studiotheatre.org

Prepare for a hip hop "high" with the one and only Snoop Dogg hits the Fillmore stage for a stop on his "I Want to Thank Me" tour on Sunday, January 19th. 8 p.m. Tickets: $59. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com

On Monday, January 20th, celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through song when The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University present Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan with the Let Freedom Ring Choir in a musical tribute to the great Peacemaker. 6 p.m. Tickets: Free (up to two available per person). John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Incomparable singer and actor Luke James heads to Union Stage for the DC leg of his "To Feel Love/D" tour on Thursday, January 30th, bringing fans a catalog of soulful tunes from "These Arms" to "Stay With Me." 8 p.m. Tickets: $18-$78. Union Stage. 740 Water Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.unionstage.com

Close out the month with the soulful sounds of balladeer Will Downing when he heads to the Birchmere on Friday, January 31st, to bring fans over three decades worth of hits from "A Million Ways" to "I Go Crazy." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $79. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Restaurant of the Month: The long-awaited opening of the Imperial restaurant is finally over. The Adams Morgan, three-level complex from the owners of the Jack Rose whiskey bar offers customers an array of cocktails and vintage spirits, including a food menu delivering such eclectic dishes as sorghum risotto with black truffles, anchovy-bread crumb bucatini, and beef Wellington. Bon appetit. The Imperial. 2001 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.imperialdc.com. Opens daily 5 p.m.-11 p.m. 

Life's short. Be entertained...and Happy New Year!

Events to Peep for the Month of December

On Thursday, December 5th, break out your finest wear and head to the MGM where the "stars" will align for TVOne's Urban One Honors Awards, celebrating the likes of Missy Elliott, Jamie Foxx, Brandy, and more. 8 p.m. Tickets: Varies. The Theatre at MGM. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

If you can't make it to the MGM on Thursday, fret not and head there on Friday, December 6th, when the iconic Patti Labelle hits the Theatre stage to bring fans over four decades worth of hits for a night you won't forget. 8 p.m. Tickets: $146+. The Theatre at MGM. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

Check out funnyman Damon Wayans in Charm City on Sunday, December 7th, for his special three-night event that will be full of laughs as only a Wayans could bring. 7 & 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $40. Baltimore Comedy Factory. 5625 O'Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.baltimorecomedy.com

On Friday, December 13th, get "harmonized" when you head to the Kennedy Center to experience Grammy-nominated soul trio and former backup vocalists to R&B/soul artist Anthony Hamilton—The HamilTones—in their debut at the famed performing arts center. 7 & 9 p.m. Tickets: $20. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Also on Friday, December 13th, hip hop legend Rakim heads to the Baltimore Soundstage to rip the microphone like a fiend for a one night only show hip hop heads won't want to miss. Opening acts include Eze Jackson, B.O.M.B, and Clif Love. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $27-$75. Baltimore Soundstage. 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.baltimoresoundstage.com

Baltimore stays lit on Saturday, December 14th, with 92Q's Winterfest featuring Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, and more! 7 p.m. Tickets: $55-$250. Royal Farms Arena. 201 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. www.ticketmaster.com

On Wednesday, December 18th, put a little midweek theater into your schedule when you check out "She the People," the all-female, all-funny blockbuster, that satirizes the reality of being a woman in this wild world, exploding the myths and misrepresentations surrounding body positivity, bachelorettes, Beyoncé, and the 2020 ballot. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$73. Woolly Mammoth Theatre. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.woollymammoth.net

Looking for a musical for the holidays instead? Then head to the Signature Theatre on Sunday, December 22nd, for its closing night production of A Motown Christmas--a fun, musical treat reaturing restyled covers such as The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town," The Supremes’ take on “Silver Bells,” and original songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas." 2 & 7 p.m. Tickets: $38+. Signature Theatre. 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 www.sigtheatre.org

Head to Annapolis on Monday, December 23rd, to gift yourself some sexy courtesy of R&B crooner Eric Benet when he takes command of the Rams Head Stage to deliver his hits and all of your favorite ballads. Rams Head On Stage. 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. 8 p.m. Tickets: $75-$145. www.ramsheadonstage.com

The incomparable PJ Morton returns to the Fillmore stage on Friday, December 27th, for a one-night only show, delivering his catalog of his jams and ballads from "Religion" to "First Began." 8 p.m. Tickets: $30. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Close out 2019 on a high note on Tuesday, December 31st, when you laugh the year away and welcome in a new one along with Saturday Night Live cast member and funnyman Chris Redd. 7 & 9 p.m. Tickets: $25. Drafthouse Comedy Theater. 1100 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. www.drafthousecomedy.com

Restaurant of the Month: The Shaw area gives the former Bohemian Cavern space a new tenant in the form of restaurant /lounge Harlot DC. Adorned with chandeliers and velvet seating areas, the Harlot offers customers a whimsical "Alice in Wonderland" feel, yet keeps the vibe welcoming with such comfort food offerings as grilled cheese, crab fries, and southern fried chicken. However, it's 2 a.m. weeknight closing hours let's you know they're more than ready for your "turn up" as well. Harlot DC. 2001 11th Street, NW, Washington DC 20001. www.harlotdc.com

Life's short. Be entertained. Happy Holidays!

Photo Credits: N/A

Events to Peep for the Month of November

Kick off the month with jokes and laughter when you check out the DC Comedy Jam on Saturday, November 2nd, featuring today's hottest comics including Michael Blackson, DeRay Davis, Red Grant, D.C. Young Fly, Chico Bean and B Simone. 8 and 11:30 p.m. Tickets: $89+. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.dar.org/constitution-hall

Also on Saturday, November 2nd, Cleveland-pianist and soul singer Aaron Abernathy will head underground to Sotto's music hall to bring fans cuts from his latest album release, Epilogue, as well as a catalog worth of grooves from his previous releases, Monologue and Dialogue. 7:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets: $20. Sotto. 1610 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. For tickets, click here.

The jokes keep coming on Thursday, November 7th, when comedian and actor Bill Bellamy kicks off his four-night set at the DC Improv. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

On Saturday, November 9th, take in one of the closing performances of "What to Send Up When it Goes Down," a play-pageant-ritual-homegoing celebration in response to the physical and spiritual deaths of Black people as a result of racialized violence. Meant to disrupt the pervasiveness of anti-blackness and acknowledge the resilience of Black people throughout history, this theatrical work uses parody, song, and movement in a series of vignettes to create a space for catharsis, reflection, cleansing and healing. 8 p.m. Tickets: $36. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.woollymammoth.net

More poignancy abounds at Baltimore's Center Stage on Sunday, November 10th, with the closing performance of "Thoughts of a Colored Man." The world-premiere play from Keenan Scott II is set over a single day, and is a richly theatrical mosaic that goes beyond the rhythms of the basketball court and the boisterousness of the barbershop to shed brilliant light into the hearts and minds of a community of men searching for their most triumphant selves through blended language, music, and dance. Baltimore Center Stage. 700 N Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.centerstage.org

The incomparable Lalah Hathaway brings her dynamic vocal gift to the Howard Theatre on Thursday, November 14th, to bless fans with all of her hits from "Baby, Don't Cry" to "Breathe." The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets: $60. www.thehowardtheatre.com

R&B/Soul singer–songwriter, and producer, Kem, with bless the MGM on Saturday, November 16th, bringing fans a night of slow jams and funky grooves from "Love Calls" to "You're On My Mind." 8 p.m. Tickets: $173+. The Theatre at MGM. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

Also on Saturday, November 16th, the one, the only, Chaka Khan, will command the Warner Theater stage bringing over four decades worth of classics from "Sweet Love" to I'm Every Woman" to "Through the Fire" that are sure to make fans move, groove, and fall in love all over again. 8 p.m. Tickets: $72. Warner Theatre. 8 p.m. Tickets: $66 - $173. The Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.warnertheatredc.com

On Tuesday, November 26th, put a little jazz in your weeknight courtesy of The String Queens. With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, the Washington DC-based group performs versatile programs that transport audiences through time and a multitude of musical genres. 8 & 10 p.m. Tickets: $22. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

Close out the month with the one and only Dave Hollister when he hits the City Winery stage on Friday, November 29th, to delight fans with over a decade's worth of grooves from "One Woman Man" to "Take Care of Home" to "Keep on Lovin'." 7 & 10 p.m. Tickets: $38+. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. www.citywinery.com/washingtond

Restaurant of the Month: It's a party every night at U Street's black-owned Bin 1301 wine bar, where DJ's and live jazz acts hit the intimate bar area nightly giving fans a reason to move and groove while dining on an array of light fare from roasted cauliflower to Asian skirt steak skewers to wild mushroom paninis. Added bonus: Bin 1301 offers a weekend brunch menu til 4 p.m. that includes such classic staples as shrimp & grits, eggs benedict, and, of course, mimosas and bloody Mary's. Cheers.  Bin 1301. 1301 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. bin1301dc.com

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

Events to Peep for the Month of October

Everyone's favorite neo-soul husband and wife duo, Kindred the Family Soul, takes over the Birchmere stage on Friday, October 4th, bringing fans all of their jams from "Far Away" to "Stars" to "Where Would I Be." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $70. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

On Sunday, October 6th, take in the closing night performance of Jackie Sibblies Drury's "Fairview," which boldly confronts our perceptions of racism in America by ripping the conventional family drama to shreds. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20-$60. Woolly Mammoth Theatre. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.woollymammoth.net

Rapper Wale heads back to his native DMV on Wednesday, October 9th, to bring some mid-week flow to the Fillmore courtesy of his many bangas from "Lotus Flower Bomb" to "Poledancer." Opening act: Ade. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com

The night will be all about love when R&B crooner Brian McKnight kicks off his two-night set on Friday, October 11th, at Bethesda Blues & Jazz, bringing lovers all of his sultry tunes from"Anytime" to "Back at One." 8 p.m. Tickets: $70-$110. Bethesda Blues & Jazz. 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.bethesdabluesjazz.com

Also, on Friday, October 11th, prepare to get your soul stirred when songstress India.Arie graces the Strathmore stage with her presence and blesses fans with her catalog of hits from "Brown Skin" to "I Am Not My Hair." 8 p.m. Tickets: $48-$88. Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

Get ready to laugh yourself silly when Original King of Comedy, Cedric the Entertainer, brings all the funny to the Constitution Hall stage on Saturday, October 12th, along with entertainment by Keyshia Cole. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49-$69. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006. www.dar.org/constitution-hall

Don't get "left back" or left out when iconic hip hop duo, Little Brother, makes their return to the stage on Thursday, October 17th, for a reunion show true hip hop heads will not want to miss.  8 p.m. Tickets: $29-$35. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

On a grander stage, veteran Queens rapper and former Organized Konfusion member Pharoahe Monch celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album Internal Affairs with a very special performance of its music from start to finish. Thursday, October 17th. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566.
www.kennedy-center.org

Songbird Ledisi lands on the Modell Lyric stage on Saturday, October 19th, to delight fans with her critically acclaimed show “Nina and Me: A Musical Journey Into The Lives of Nina Simone & Ledisi,”--a beautifully orchestrated mixture of classical, jazz and rhythm & blues sounds with a riveting narrative of the musical bond between both artists. 8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$62. Modell Lyric. 140 W. Mt Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201. modell-lyric.com

Calling all real music heads. Hurry to the MGM on Saturday, October 19th, to witness two legendary music groups on one stage, when the Isley Brothers and War brings fans over a half century of ballads, jams, and anthems for you rock out and reminisce to. 8 p.m. Tickets: $78-$142. The Theatre at MGM. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.ticketmaster.com

Put a little Chi-town flava in your night on Sunday, October 20th when you head to Charm City to experience BJ the Chicago Kid and his soulful jams from "Turnin' Me Up" to "Church." 8 p.m. Tickets: $20+. Baltimore Soundstage. 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.baltimoresoundstage.com

R&B soul singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actress, Macy Gray, brings her everything to the Rams Head stage on Friday, October 25th, in a rare performance not to be missed. 8 p.m. Tickets: $65. Rams Head On Stage. 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. www.ramsheadonstage.com

Time to tune up your twerk. Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, will set the 9:30 club stage on fire on Tuesday, October 29th, for a show sure that's sure to make you sweat. You already know! 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. 9:30 Club. 815 V Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.930.com

Calling all ghouls, goblins, and folks who just like to get down! Throw on your best costume and head to the Big Azz Halloween Costume Ball, on Thursday, October 31st, hosted by WPGC's Britt Waters and featuring a lineup of DJs on all three floors including DJ Enferno, DJ Divine, and DJ Miss H.E.R. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $15-$35. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC. www.daylightdc.com

Restaurant of the Month: Enjoy a taste of down-home flava courtesy of B-more's black-owned Dovecote Cafe. Voted "Best Cafe 2017" by Baltimore Magazine, the cozy eatery offers a menu of such lip-smackin' classics as shrimp gumbo over grits to baked mac and cheese to sweet potato pie. Dovecote Cafe. 2501 Madison Ave #1f, Baltimore, MD 21217. www.dovecote.com

Life's short. Be entertained.

Photo Credits: N/A

Events to Peep for the Month of September

On Thursday, September 5th, head to Wolf Trap to experience one of this generation's premiere voices, American Idol superstar, Grammy, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, when she delivers a catalog of hits while backed by the Kennedy Center's National Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45. Wolf Trap.1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22812. www.wolftrap.org

She may not need more press but the new queen of hip hop will headline the 92Q End of Summer Jam on Sunday, September 8th, in Baltimore making the night "muy caliente" with all her hits from Bodak Yellow to Please Me to Money. Opening acts include Yo Gotti, Blueface, and MoneyBagg Yo. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $76+. Royal Farms Arena. 201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. www.royalfarmsarena.com

On Friday, September 13th, settle in for the opening night of a classic at the Arena Stage courtesy of August Wilson's award-winning stage play, Jitney. The eighth in his "Pittsburgh Cycle," Jitney is set in a worn-down gypsy cab station in the Pennsylvania city in early autumn 1977, and follows the trials and tribulations of the station's workers and customers. 8 p.m. Tickets: $82. Arena Stage. 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.arenastage.org

Get ready for a night you won't soon forget on Wednesday, September 18th, when the incomparable Maxwell kicks off a four-night engagement at the Kennedy Center accompanied by its National Symphony Orchestra bringing fans decades of love ballads and classic jams from Sumthin' Sumthin' to This Woman's Work to Pretty Wings. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39-$399. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Actor, activist, radio show host, and all-around-funny guy, D. L. Hughley, will bless the DC Improv stage for four nights, kicking off on Thursday, September 19th, for a comedy set sure to make fans laugh and, of course, think. 7 p.m. Tickets: $45-$70. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Chris Brown's Indigoat Tour 2019 featuring Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign, Joyner Lucas, and Yella Beezy takes over Capital One Arena on Sunday, September 22nd, bringing a whole lot of heat to the end of the weekend. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $64+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com

On Friday, September 27th, Jiffy Lube Live hosts Snoop Dogg & Wu Tang Clan for the 25th Anniversary of Doggystyle & 36 Chambers. Prepare to get lit in every sense of the word and be ready to bring the ruckus. 7 p.m. Tickets: $26+. Jiffy Lube Live. 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, VA 20136. www.livenation.com

Close out the month with four-time Grammy-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper on Sunday, September 29th, as he wraps up his two-week residency at the REACH with music from his award-winning album, Black Radio. The performance features the Robert Glasper Experiment and special guest emcee Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def). 7 & 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $69+. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Restaurant of the Month: If you can't get down to Nawlins for an array of good eats, fret not. Po Boy Jim has you covered with two locations on H Street, NE, and 9th Street, NW. With a menu that boasts such flavorful dishes as gumbo, crawfish etouffee, creole pasta, beignets, bread pudding, and a variety of po boy sandwiches, you'll be wrapped up in low country cuisine in no time. Po Boy Jim. 1934 9th Street, NW, and 709 H Street, Washington, DC. www.poboyjim.com

Life's short. Be entertained.