Events to Peep for the Month of February

On Tuesday, February 5th, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its 60th anniversary at the Kennedy Center, performing such classic numbers as "Revelations" and introducing new numbers such as "Kairos," "The Call," and "Juba." Times vary. Tickets: $59-$219. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Get ready to laugh on Thursday, February 7th, when funnyman and Saturday Night Live veteran Finesse Mitchell, kicks off a four-night set 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

World renown and five-time Grammy winning singing group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, heads to the Strathmore on Friday, February 8th. With an infectious sense of joy, Mambazo, spreads a message of peace, hope, and love at every concert through melody and dance. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29-$69. Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

Calling all lovers: Put some "gumbo" in your musical mix on Thursday, February 14th, when New Orleans native, singer, songwriter, and record producer PJ Morton commands the Kennedy Center stage for a Valentine's night concert that's sure to inspire eternal love. 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$69. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Singer, songwriter, and actor Gregory Porter, will deliver his musical goods on Friday, February 15th, for a one-night-only show featuring all of his Grammy-award winning album hits from "Hey Laura" to "More Than a Woman." 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$108. Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

The long-awaited DC return of original neosoul singer, Rahsaan Patterson, goes down on Saturday, February 16th, for two shows at the elegant City Winery. Enjoy a night of choice wines and all of Patterson's hits from "Stop By" to "Spend the Night." 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $50-$68. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. citywinery.com/washingtondc

Songbird and Floetry veteran Marsha Ambrosius brings her style, flava, and dope vocals to Charm City courtesy of her NYLA Tour on Thursday, February 21st, for a one-night only show that's guaranteed to be "so good." 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $39. Baltimore Soundstage. 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. www.baltimoresoundstage.com

Close out the last weekend in the month with some hip hop flow when you head to the Howard Theatre on Saturday, February 23rd, to witness rapper and record producer, Jay Electronica, bring down the house doing what he does best. 9 p.m. Tickets: $35-$60. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Restaurant of the Month: In celebration of Black History Month, head to the Wharf and devour Chef Kwane Onwuachi, of Top Chef fame's, bold Afro-Caribbean take on goat, oxtail, and seafood, while enjoying beautiful views courtesy of the southwest waterfront. Kith & Kin. 801 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.kithandkindc.com


Life's short. Be entertained.