Editor’s Note
Despite the persistent cold weather, Spring is officially here. The iconic cherry blossom trees are peaking all of the region and folks are coming out to enjoy the artistic offerings of our region. Cue Vivaldi’s La Primavera!
In this issue, we highlight the ongoing efforts of local artists to raise funds to support the work of organizations helping Ukrainian refugees. We also look forward to the debut of the LA TI DO cabaret series debuting in Old Town Alexandria. And Regie Cabico hosts the Brookland Busboys and Poet 4th Friday open mic featuring poet Sue Scheid.
Thanks for reading!
Sasha Sinclair
Art4US Hosts Silent Auction to Raise Funds for Ukraine
ART4US Solidarity for Ukraine SILENT AUCTION, March 25 - APRIL 2 at Studio 1469, 1469 Harvard Street (Rear) Washington DC 20009
Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 6-9pm, Sundays 12-1pm
Art4US Artists are raising funds to support Ukraine with a Silent Auction during their fine art show, DC Unsettled.
From March 25 until April 2, 2022, patrons and supporters can visit Studio 1469 in person and bid on affordably priced art works. Art pieces will be offered at base prices spanning from $25 to $50. A box will also be available on site for cash donations. Special guest artists The Artists at the Thomas Circle - A Lifestyle Community lead by Carmela Vetra - have also donated 11 art pieces to the auction.
All artists pledge to donate 100% of the revenue from their sales to World Central Kitchen, founded by DC-based chef Jose Andreas. The organization iscurrently serving millions of meals to families across Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova, and Hungary displaced by the Russian invasion.
Items will be displayed and bidders can submit bids until April 2 at 7:30 pm when winners will be announced and art works can be collected. A raffle will be held for art with more significant value. Raffle tickets are $5 each and winners will be announced on April 2 during the DC Unsettled closing party.
LA TI DO is coming to Old Town Alexandria
On Wednesday, April 6, LA TI DO (LTD) is launching their Northern Virginia edition in Old Town Alexandria at Michael’s Little Italy. The monthly musical theater and spoken word cabaret series will feature themed performances from local artists, poets, and special guests from the region and the nation's capital.
The debut show will feature LTD founder, Don Mike Mendoza and LTD NoVA Associate Artistic Director Larry Grey as the hosts. Featured talent announced so far include Emma Gregory, Joe Haughton, Jillian McGreen, Maura Lacy, and Michael Santos Sandoval with more to be announced.
The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10 -$20 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.
4th Fridays Open Mic at Brookland Busboys and Poets
Tonight, March 25 at 8:00pm, Regie Cabico, DC's quixotic host with cool clothes and a raspy voice, hosts this month’s edition of the 4th Friday Open Mic featuring poet Sue Scheid at the Brookland location of Busboys and Poets.
Sue is a long-time Brookland resident. Her book, After Enchantment, reimagines stories about her favorite fairy tales. Her writing is sometimes wry, sometimes raw, but always unflinching and heartfelt. She is published in numerous journals and currently is the Board Co-Chair at Split This Rock.
Tickets are $5 and the open mic is open to all.
NOTES TO OPEN MIC PERFORMERS:
Those who sign up have a maximum of 5 minutes to perform in any discipline including original poetry, other people's poetry, stand Up comedy, storytelling, tap dance, and acoustic music.
All performers are asked to refrain from queerphobic, transphobic, racist, or misogynist works as this is a safe space for teens and up.
If you have an instrument that needs to plug into a speaker, you are asked to bring your own Bluetooth enabled speaker to the stage as you sing into the mic.
If you need to bring up your own amp, you can set it up at sign up.
Open mic list sign up starts at 7:45pm and is limited. At the time of this publication, tickets are close to selling out so it is not recommended to wait to purchase tickets at the door.
In other news…
Torpedo Factory Arts Center Open Call for Resident Arts – Deadline April 19
The City of Alexandria is now accepting resident artist applications for studio space at Torpedo Factory Art Center. Individuals or groups of up to four artists are invited to apply for a three-year lease in one of the studios open for consideration. It's open to all visual artists in all career levels age 21 and over. The fee is $45 for new applicants or applicant groups but will be waived for current resident artists and individuals for whom the fee is a barrier. Learn more https://torpedofactory.org/studiojury
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