Events to Peep for the Months of October & November PLUS December Holiday Events

Get your boarding pass stamped at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre when you settle in for a closing week performance of "Ain't No Mo" on Wednesday, October 5th. 8 p.m. In Jordan E. Cooper’s vibrant, no-holds-barred comedy, the lives of Black Americans are examined in the aftermath of the election of a Black president and before the fictitous final boarding call for African American Airlines’ Flight 1619 to Africa, where every Black person in the United States gets a free ticket and opportunity to leave it all behind. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35+. Woolly Mammoth Theatre. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here.  

On Saturday, October 8th, head to the Anthem for a night of nostalgia and straight up jams courtesy of R&B legends, Tony, Toni, Tone's dance & skate party. After the concert, watch roller skating legends dressed in tuxedos and gowns take to the main floor to show off their skills. Three R&B DJs will follow to help keep the party going until midnight! (The roller skating is a spectator only experience). 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $75+. The Anthem. 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20024. Purchase tickets here.

Get ready for the ultimate battle when two pillars of academic excellence--Howard and Harvard--meet on the gridiron for the second annual Truth & Service Classic on Saturday, October 15th at Audi Field. 4 p.m. Tickets: $20+. Audi Field. 100 Potomac Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Purchase tickets here. 

Let a little sunshine into your fall evening courtesy of songbird Avery Sunshine when she heads to the Birchmere stage on Thursday, October 20th, bringing her fans all of her ballads from "Call My Name" to "Blessin' Me." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $60+. The Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Purchase tickets here. 

In the aftermath of one of the most talked about events of the year, you don't want to miss comedy icon, Chris Rock, when he brings his long-awaited rebuttal and--as always--the laugther to his fans at Constitution Hall on Friday, October 28th courtesy of his Ego Death World Tour. 8 p.m. Tickets: $89+. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. Purchase tickets here. 

Get ready for a night of sultriness and sexiness courtesy of one of the best to ever do it--Maxwell--when he kicks off the DC leg of his "The Night Tour" on Saturday, November 12th, bringing fans decades of hits from "Until the Cops Come Knocking" to "Sumthin' Sumthin'." 8 p.m. Tickets: $128+. Purchase tickets here.  

Head to th Hippodrome on Friday, November 18th, for a showing of the hit Broadway show, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, to celebrate the woman, the music, and the story we've all come to know, love, and celebrate. 8 p.m. Tickets: $48+. The Hippodrome Theatre. 12 N Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Purchase tickets here. 

On Saturday, November 26th, take a reprieve from Black Friday shopping and head to the DC City Winery to enjoy songbird Chrisette Michele as she delivers all of her chart-topping hits from "If I Had My Way" to "A Couple of Forevers." 6 p.m. Tickets: $58+. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here.

*DECEMBER/HOLIDAY 

BONUS EVENTS*

Kick off the month of December at the Bowie Performing Arts Center with its presentation of, Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama on Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd. Directed by Tony-nominated producer and Broadway veteran actor Valencia Yearwood and written by former Prince George’s County resident Moses T. Alexander Greene, POOLED is the story of Delsin Jacobs’ arrival to the Pool of Bethesda and his single-minded determination to be the next person to receive its healing. However, it is Delsin’s interactions with others there that causes him to question the purity of his quest. When his moment presents itself, he is made to confront whether he wants to be the only one healed now or not. 8 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. Tickets: $42. Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie, MD 20715. Purchase tickets here.

Head to the Kennedy Center on Thursday, December 8th, for the opening of the acclaimed, Tony Award-winning-musical, Wicked. If you think you know the story of the Wicked Witch of the East, you have no idea. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59+. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. Purchase tickets here.  

Also at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, December 10th, Questlove returns for another intimate, insightful discussion surrounding the themes in his book MUSIC IS HISTORY alongside a special guest. Best-selling author Ben Greenman joins as moderator of this captivating conversation. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $55. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. Purchase tickets here.

Tip T.I. Harris has made his name in hip hop. Now he's taking his talents to the comedy stage and making his comedy debut at the DC Improv on Sunday, December 11th. Put a little laughter into your holidays courtesy of the King of the South & the Haha Mafia! 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $40-$55. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Purchase tickets here. 

It's that time again! Put a little hip hop in your holiday courtesy of The Hip Hop Nutcracker brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and the legendary MC Kurtis Blow kicking off on Monday, December 19th (and running through December 22nd) at the Strathmore. 8 p.m. Tickets: $34-$68. Music Center at the Strathmore. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Purchase tickets here.

Head to the Birchmere on Thursday, December 22nd for a soulful dose of holiday cheer courtesy of songbird Maysa for her "A Very Maysa Christmas" one night concert featuring her spin on holiday classics as well as her roster of hits from "Deep Waters" to "Lovin' You is Easy." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $70. Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Purchase tickets here.

Close out 2022 and crank in the new year on Saturday, December 31st, courtesy of DC's own Secret Society at the DC City Winery's Loft. 11 p.m. Tickets: $55. DC City Winery. Purchase tickets here.

However, if you need a little more crank to usher out the old, you know what time it is. Roll into the new year with Rare Essence + Trouble Funk at the Howard Theatre for a NYE celebration on Saturday, December 31st that's sure to make you sweat. Howard Theatre. 9 p.m. Tickets: $50+. Howard Theatre. 620 T Street NW, Washington DC 20001. Purchase tickets here. 

Restaurants of the Month: 

There are holiday celebrations and then there are Motown holiday celebrations! Add some soul into the season courtesy of the Motown Christmas Popup Bar at Lydia On H. Featuring Motown Christmas songs themed cocktails and soundtracks playing in the background, as well as multiple installations including a Christmas tree room in the speakeasy, a Black Santa Throne room, Gingerbread Man Wall and much more. Classic African American Christmas movies will play on the tv throughout. Lydia on H. 427 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Make reservations here.

Island spiced prawns, reggae seafood pasta, crab cakes with roasted corn coulis, and more await you at Bowie's newest upscale, black-owned, restaurant offering, Blvckcow. With an array of steak offerings, paired cocktails, and dope music vibes to groove to, you'll be sure to get your fill and chill on. Blvckcow. 6133 Highbridge Road, Bowie, MD 20720. More information can be found here. 

Life's Short. Be Entertained...and Happy Holidays!

Events to Peep for the Months of August & September

You’ll be better than “alright" when you kickoff the month of August with a hip hop bang when you head to the Capital One Arena for the DC leg of Kendrick Lamar's "The Big Steppers Tour" on Thursday, August 4th, and witness the lyrical genius do what he does best. 7:30 p.m. $97+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here. 

On Sunday, August 7th, the 2022 Summer Spirit Festival returns to Merriweather Post Pavilion bringing a day full of R&B, neosoul, hip hip, and go-go courtesy of Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Method Man & Redman, Junkyard Band and more. 3 p.m. Tickets: $75. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044. Purchase tickets here. 

Rather chill inside instead? Then grab a matinee ticket on Sunday, August 7th, for the closing performance of P Valley creator and writer Katori Hall's 2021 Pulizer Prize winning play, "The Hot Wing King" at the Studio Theatre. "King" follows Cordell, his boyfriend, and their friends in Memphis, Tennessee preparing their culinary entry for the annual "Hot Wang Festival" when an extra "ingredient" in the form of Cordell's wayward cousin comes into the mix and havoc ensues. 2 p.m. Tickets: $85. Studio Theatre. 1501 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. Purchase tickets here.

If history is more to your liking, take a mid-month trip back into time on Friday, August 12th, courtesy of Charles Randolph-Wright's "American Prophet"--a groundbreaking musical powered by Frederick Douglass’ own speeches and writings, coupled with soaring new melodies and an original script from Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon and Randolph-Wright. 8 p.m. Tickets: $66+. Arena Stage. 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Purchase tickets here. 

Comedian, actor, and plain funnyman, Kevin Hart, brings his "Reality Check" tour to the Capital One Arena as well on Friday, August 19th, to do what he does best: keep his fan in stitches! 8 p.m. Tickets: $69+. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here. 

Prepare to be blown away when R&B singing sensation, Fantasia, heads to Charm City on Saturday, August 20th, for a one-night performance bringing fans hit after hit from "When I See You" to "Truth Is." Opening act is songstress Leela James. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45+. Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. Purchase tickets here. 

If you're still tryna turn up outside, head down to the Bullpen on Saturday, August 20th, instead and celebrate the last days of summer courtesy of the Dear Summer BBQ DC featuring great food, great music, and all around great vibes. 21+. 4 p.m. Tickets: Prices varies. The Bullpen. 1201 Half Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. Purchase tickets here. 

Let's get ready for some football on Saturday, August 27th, when the annual preseason Battle of the Beltway returns to M&T Bank Stadium for the matchup of the Washington Commanders vs. the Baltimore Ravens. 7 p.m. Tickets: $8+. M&T Bank Stadium. 1101 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Purchase tickets here. 

DC's own R&B/soul crooner, Raheem DeVaughn, kicks off a two-night set at the Birchmere on Saturday, September 3rd, bringing fans all of his hits from "Woman" to "You." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $79. Birchmere. 3701 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Purchase tickets here.

The incomparable Grammy award winning PJ Morton returns to DC on Sunday, September 4th, bringing fans a live performance of his latest album release, "Watch the Sun," and an arsenal of beloved ballads that always leave fans wanting more. 8 p.m. Tickets: $41+. Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here. 

World renowned jazz legends Incognito will take to the stage with longtime guest vocalist, Maysa, on Sunday, September 11th, for a night of smooth jazz and soulful vibes. 7 p.m. Tickets: $69. Bethesda Blues & Jazz. 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. Purchase tickets here.

Make way for some true kings of hip hop on Friday, September 16th, when WuTang Clan and Nas join forces for their N.Y. State of Mind Tour bringing fans a night they won't soon forget. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29+. Jiffy Lube Live. 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, VA 20136. Purchase tickets here. 

Close out the month on Friday, September 23rd with laughter when comedian and actor Mike Epps kicks off his two-night engagement at the MGM bringing fans all the funny they can stand. 8 p.m. Tickets: $49+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor.  MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Purchase tickets here. 

Restaurant of the Month: Burgers. Brews. Brunch. Check. Mélange chef and owner Elias Taddesse relies on locally sourced fresh ingredients to bring you that and so much more including Ethiopian staples such chechebsa, awaze shrimp & grits, and even hand spun milkshakes. Head downtown and enjoy. Open daily at 11 a.m. Melange. 449 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Life's Short. Be Entertained. 

Events to Peep for the Months of June & July

DC's own R&B sensation, Kevin Ross, takes center stage at Penn Social's newly renovated concert hall on Saturday, June 11th, bringing fans all of his hits from "Sweet Release" to "Don't Go." 8 p.m. Tickets: $40-$85. Penn Social. 801 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here.

Don't miss getting your funny bone tickled while having your thoughts provoked when comedian & radio host D.L. Hughley kicks off a Juneteenth weekend four-night DC Improv set on Thursday, June 16th. 7 & 10 p.m. Tickets: $50. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Purchase tickets here. 

Get ready to "dive in" to dopeness when rapper/producer Pharrell brings the vibes and too many artists to name (ok, Q-tip, 21 Savage, and SZA, to name a few of the 50+) to DC on Friday, June 17th-Sunday, June 19th, courtesy of his annual Something in the Water Festival. Noon-until. 3-Day Tickets starting at $350. Independence Avenue, Washington, DC. For more information, click here. 

Head to Annapolis on Saturday, June 18th, for a day of cultural celebration courtesy of its official Annapolis Juneteenth Festival kicking off with a parade at noon followed by an all-star concert at 2 p.m. featuring Avery*Sunshine, Koryn Hawthorne, Pastor Mike Jr., Beverly Crawford, and the Chuck Brown Band. For more information click here. 

On Saturday, June 25th, head to the Arena Stage for one of the closing performances of Step Afrika's "Drumfolk," an electrifying percussive dance show fused with contemporary art form inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739 in South Carolina. 8 p.m. $51-$95. Arena Stage. 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Purchase tickets here. 

Also on Saturday, June 25th, the incomparable Macy Gray makes a rare concert appearance when she lands on the DC City Winery stage performing all of her hits from "I Try" to "Still." 6 p.m. Tickets: $55-$75. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here. 

On Thursday, June 30th, head to the Kennedy Center when Black Girls Rock makes its highly anticipated return. In collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra, Multi-Grammy Award-winning R&B icon India.Arie headlines this year’s event. 8 p.m. Tickets: $49-$59. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org. Purchase tickets here. 

For a grown-up pre-kickoff to Independence Day, head to Merriweather Post Pavilion on Sunday, July 3th, for the annual "Biggest Cookout Ever" featuring food trucks, cash bars, and a lineup of DJs sure to set the cookout vibe right. 3-11 p.m. Tickets: $40-$130. Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044. Purchase tickets here. 

For a more family-friendly Independence Day, put a few flips and dips in your celebration when you and the family spend Monday, July 4th, under the Big Top courtesy of the legendary UniverSoul Circus. Plateau Parking Lot at 268 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745. 4 p.m. Tickets: $69-$99. Purchase tickets here. 

On Saturday, July 16th, get in the groove when the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival kicks off its weekend concert featuring Karen Linette, Nathan Mitchell, Down to The Bone, Eric Darius, and WAR. 12 noon. Tickets: $65-$165. Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, MD 20721. Purchase tickets here. 

Get ready for a double dose of entertainment when R&B sensation Chris Brown and rapper Lil Baby team up for the One Of Them Ones Tour at the Capital One Arena on Tuesday, July 19th. 7 p.m. Tickets: $59-$319. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004.Purchase tickets here. 

Head back to the DC City Winery on Thursday, July 21st, when vocal powerhouse, Keke Wyatt, tears the roof off the venue with over two decades of hits from "Nothing in this World" to "Fall in Love." 6 p.m. Tickets: $50-$65. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here.

Get ready to blessed by gospel singing sensation Kierra Sheard when she closes out the month at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club for a soul-stirring matinee show on Sunday, July 31st. 3 p.m. Tickets: $59-$79. Bethesda Blues & Jazz. 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. Purchase tickets here.

Restaurant of the Month: Want the Caribbean experience without jumping on a flight? Head to Cane on H Street and enjoy an array of Trinidadian culinary delights from oxtail to whole fried snapper to classic jerk wings courtesy of head chef Peter Prime. Cane. 403 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Open daily except Sunday. More information can be found here.

Life's Short. Be Entertained. And have a Happy Juneteenth!

Events to Peep for the Months of April & May

Kickoff the month of April on Friday, April 8th, with a little "grace" courtesy of D.C.'s own celebrated composer Nolan Williams, Jr.'s play of the same name. Packed with an eclectic mix of styles including jazz, R&B, and raise-the-roof ballads, Grace is an electrifying musical celebrating the perseverance of family and the power of traditions. Runs thru May 14th. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40+. Ford's Theatre. 511 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Purchase tickets here. 

The "Teacha" of Hip Hop, KRS-ONE will command the Baltimore Soundstage on Friday, April 15th, along with special opening guests Saleem & The Music Lovers, Dirt Platoon, Eva Rhymes, Nasa8, and DJ Rocky Styles. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $27. Baltimore Soundstage. 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. Purchase tickets here. 

R&B sensation Lucky Daye bring his Candydrip Tour to the Fillmore on Saturday, April 16th, taking fans on a journey of hits from "Roll Some Mo" to "Misunderstood." 9 p.m. Tickets: Varies. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Purchase tickets here.

On Tuesday, April 26th, join Viola Davis for a virtual discussion about her incredible life, career, and new memoir, "Finding Me." She’ll be in conversation with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Courtesy of Mahogany Books. Register for the event here.

The incomparable Brian McKnight kicks off a four-show set on Thursday, April 28th, at the City Winery DC, bringing fans over two decades worth of hits from "Anytime" to "Back At One" to "I Want U." 6 p.m. Tickets: $65+. City Winery DC. 1350 Okie Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here.

Former Mint Condition crooner now solo artist Stokely heads to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club on Friday, May 6th to kick off the first of three shows delivering all of his new hits from "She" to "Level." 7 p.m. Tickets: $75+. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club. 7719 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814. Purchase tickets here. 

The famed two-day Broccoli Music Festival returns to the RFK Festival Grounds for its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 7th, featuring workshops, vendors, and a roster of the dopest in music including Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Ari Lennox, Wale, Masego and more! Noon. Two-day ticket: $189. RFK Festival Grounds. 2400 East Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20003. Purchase tickets here. 

Funnyman DL Hughley heads to Charm City Friday, May 13th, to kick off his weekend set of laughs at the Baltimore Comedy Factory. 8 p.m. Tickets: $40. Baltimore Comedy Factory. 5625 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore MD 21224. Purchase tickets here.

Comedian and social media sensation Tony Baker kicks off a four-night set on Thursday, May 19th, at the DC Improv bringing his observations, voices, and jokes to fans for a much-anticipated DC debut. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Purchase tickets here.

Close out the month on Thursday, May 26th, with Nelly as he takes the MGM Theatre stage to rock fans with over two decades of hip hop hits from "Hot in Herre" to "Country Grammar." 8 p.m. Tickets: $46+. The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Purchase tickets here. 

Restaurant of the Month: After opening its doors only two months ago, Shoto, a modern Japanese izakaya with sushi and robata, is already becoming a DC hot spot for happy hour and dinner. Featuring a menu of items from seabass to sushi and a host of eclectic cocktails and dessert offerings, make a date to check out Shoto "hayai." Open daily at 5 p.m. Shoto. 1100 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. 

Life's Short. Be Entertained.

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