Autumn Abroad: DC's Diplomatic October

Comic of the Week 😆 

Event Highlight: 2 International Festivals and DC Art All Night (Saturday, September 30^th )

This weekend was insane! We drifted between two international festivals and the DC Art All Night event. We began Saturday with the Russian Bazaar Multicultural Festival at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It was our first time visiting said church and the interior was gorgeous with iconic religious symbols from many saints to singing choir members chanting a prayer for those in need. The Russian Diaspora community had a kitchen hall where you could eat foods such as the Pirozhok (a popular street food which took the form of a bun with a variety of fillings) to the classic Beef Stroganoff which requires no explanation.

After spending the whole afternoon at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, we bravely ventured to the National Mall to see the Day 2 events of the World Culture Festival. As we expected, the entirety of the Mall was filled with crowds of people along with stalls for varying activities. Exhausted from the afternoon, we plopped down on a random spot content with watching performances on one of the big screens placed along the Mall. It was enchanting as the sunset quickly arrived casting a rosy glow over the National Mall.

We ended the Saturday by deciding to go to one of the DC Art All Night events at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library which was already packed by 7pm. A massive stage with bands filled the crowd with an infectious rhythm making us sway to the catchy beats. Vendors proudly displayed their goods to the public and food truck lines were getting longer by the minute. What an amazing day! Needless to say, we slept like a log!

Looking Ahead! 👀 

1. Embassy of the Czech Republic Dance Soiree: Live Band, Dinner, Dance Lesson ($81.88 - $92.55) (Wednesday, October 11^th, 6:30PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Enjoy an evening of live music and dancing at the Embassy of the Czech Republic with a dinner buffet feast of Czech delicacies & Czech beer.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

2.  LAD | Talk: Designers & Artisans: Partnerships for a Sustainable Future ($44.52) (Wednesday, October 11^th, 6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join the Ambassador of Ecuador and famous designers for an inspiring discussion about how designers and artisans can co-build a sustainable future, ecologically, socially and financially.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Ecuador

3. The Development of Filipino National Identity (FREE!) (Thursday, October 12^th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a lecture with visiting chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Dr. Emmanuel F Calairo.

   • Host Organization: National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)

4. French Embassy Concert & Wine Reception: Music of Modest Mussorgsky ($71.21) (Friday, October 13^th, 7:00PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a delightful evening of music at the French Embassy followed by a wine reception.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

5. Turkish Festival (FREE!) (Sunday, October 15^th, 11:00AM - 6:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for an amazing day in the sun with a celebration of Turkish heritage.

   • Host Organization: American Turkish Association of Washington, DC

6. Simona De Rosa Performance ($32) (Monday, October 16^th , 9:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: "Born from a project by vocalist and composer Simona De Rosa, DJENUB is an artistic experience based on the evocative themes of travel, reunions, and the discovery of places through melodies of the South and elsewhere.

   • Host Organization: Blues Alley/Italian Cultural Institute of Washington

International Events List (October 2^nd - October 8^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, October 2^nd - Sunday, October 8^th .

Emoji Notes:

👗 = Fancy dress code.

Monday, October 2^nd , 2023

1. The Crisis of Authoritarianism in Tunisia & the Arab World (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:30PM)

   • Description: ACMCU hosts a talk by former Tunisian President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki on the current and future state of Tunisian Democracy

   • Host Organization: Alwaleed Center for Muslim Christian Understanding

Tuesday, October 3^rd , 2023

1. Difficult Pasts: Difficult Presents. Conversations on Public History (FREE!) (10:00AM - 4:30PM)

   • Description: This one-day symposium will explore the uses and abuses of the past with a focus on divided societies and marginalized communities.

   • Host Organization: School of International Service

2. Rising Authoritarianism in Central America (FREE!) (1:00PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: Dr. Luis Rivas, Principal at Varyag, will discuss Rising Authoritarianism and Erosion of Democratic Institutions in Central America.

   • Host Organization: The Institute of World Politics

3. The Wall Between: Conversation with authors Jeffrey Wilkinson & Raja Khouri (FREE!) (4:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a conversation and book signing with Jeffrey J. Wilkinson, PhD and Raja G. Khouri on their new book, The Wall Between

   • Host Organization: The Telos Group

4. It Takes A Neighborhood ($14.33) (6:00PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: Artists from Chalk Riot will share how a new large-scale art installation plans to capture the diversity of our neighborhood.

   • Host Organization: Sixth & I: Jewish Life and Social Events

5. Paytanit Shir Ifrah – Concert in Honor of the High Holidays at Sixth&I Synagogue (FREE!) (8:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: This concert of Sephardic/MENA music in Hebrew, Arabic and Judeo-Spanish during the Sukkot Jewish holiday will feature an ensemble of different musicians.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Israel/Sephardic Heritage International DC

6. Bridging Past and Future: A Vietnamese Conversation (FREE!) (5:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join us as this lecture presents a thought-provoking discussion on peace and reconciliation among Vietnamese.

   • Host Organization: Vietnam Society

7. The Courettes w/ Jake Starr & the Delicious Fullness & Mad Squirrel ($17.85) (8:30PM - 11:30PM)

   • Description: The Courettes is an explosive rock duo from Denmark and Brazil who found the perfect blend between garage rock, 60s Girl Group, Wall of Sound, surf music and doo wop.

   • Host Organization: The Runaway

Wednesday, October 4^th , 2023

1. Italian Sculpture from Antonio Canova to Medardo Rosso (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Senior lecturer David Gariff presents a survey of some of the major Italian sculptors from Neo-Classicism to the birth of modernism.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

2. Future Changemakers Forum ($150) (6:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Eurasia Foundation to celebrate a powerful collection of bold and innovative voices on the frontlines of global progress.

   • Host Organization: Eurasia Foundation

3. Book Talk with the Award-Winning Swedish Author and Journalist Marit Kapla (FREE!) (6:30PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Please join us at House of Sweden for a moderated conversation with the Swedish author and journalist Marit Kapla.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Sweden

4. Caribbean Evening at the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis ($65) (7:00PM - 9:30PM) 👗

   • Description: Join the new Ambassador on the official soil of St. Kitts and Nevis for an incredible cultural event and celebration!

   • Host Organization: Things To Do DC

5. Across Documentary (FREE!) (7:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Watch the ACROSS documentary as it tells the story of what happens when we set aside our politics and witness the humanity and unwavering faith of asylum seekers firsthand.

   • Host Organization: National Association of Evangelicals

Thursday, October 5^th , 2023

1. Center for Strategic and International Studies & Georgetown BFI (FREE!) (8:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for breakfast with CSIS and Georgetown's Business for Impact to honor Othmar Winkler and his impact on students.

   • Host Organization: Georgetown University's Business for Impact

2. Expanding South-South Collaboration on Climate Change (FREE!) (10:30AM - 12:00PM)

   • Description: Exploring best practices and lessons learned in forest management and empowerment of forest communities in Latin America and Africa.

   • Host Organization: Institute for African Studies

3. Arlington Collective Art Walk (FREE!) (3:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join the "Arlington Art Walk" as you walk through a self-guided art experience that connects local galleries, artist studios and cultural events.

   • Host Organization: Arlington City

4. The Impact of Russia's State Failure (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Mr. Janusz Bugajski will discuss the state of Russia today and the consequences a failed Russian state may have on the world.

   • Host Organization: The Institute of World Politics

5. Film and Discussion: The Investigator (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: In the film, Czech war crime investigator Vladimir Dzuro takes viewers on a tour of horrifying war crime sites in former Yugoslavia.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of the Czech Republic

6. Son Rompe Pera Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join Son Rompe Pera as the marimba-smashing band of brothers from Naucalpan who have single-handedly defined the genre “cumbia punk” and captivated audiences around the world.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

7. Embassy of Uzbekistan Evening of Uzbek Culture and Art ($92.55) (6:30PM - 9:00PM) 👗

   • Description: Enjoy a delightful evening of Uzbek culture, cuisine, & art at the Embassy of Uzbekistan as you learn about the rich history and culture of Uzbekistan.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

8. Lecture at JICC | Textile Talks with Aoi Yoshizawa & Virginia Soenksen (FREE!) (6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join the JICC for a talk on textiles with artist, Aoi Yoshizawa, and curator, Virginia Soenksen.

   • Host Organization: Japan Information & Culture Center

Friday, October 6^th , 2023

1. Explore Together: C&I NMAAHC Tour (FREE!) (2:00PM - 5:30PM)

   • Description: Welcome, HUSOE C&I Department! Come and explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)!

   • Host Organization: National Museum of African American History and Culture

2.  First Friday Dupont ArtWalk (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: ArtWalk Dupont takes place on the First Friday of each month and features Dupont Circle art galleries, embassies, and cultural centers.

   • Host Organization: Dupont Business Improvement District

3. October First Fridays (Hispanic Heritage) Foreign Affairs Social Mixer (FREE!) (5:00PM - 9:00PM) 👗 

   • Description: October Foreign Affairs Networking Social Mixer hosted by BPIA, PRFA, WCAPS, ICAP Fellows Association, and Payne Fellows Network!

   • Host Organization: Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) and others.

4. The Circle: An Exploration of Cross-Cultural Connections through Powwow & Hip-Hop (FREE!) (5:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Culture Caucus member Miss Chief Rocka for an evening of presentations, panel discussions, and conversations with local artists, scientists and institutes to learn more about the shared creative essence and the intersections between art and science.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

5. Teddy Thompson & Jennie Muldaur: A Tribute to the Great Country Duets (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Watch Teddy Thompson who is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, the only son of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson performing tonight.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

6. Alsace Soiree: Culture & Dinner at the French Embassy ($71.21) (6:30PM - 11:00PM) 👗

   • Description: Join a presentation about renowned Alsatian artist Tomi Ungerer followed by a traditional tarte flambée dinner.

   • Host Organization: Alsace Washington DC Association

7. Kati Sol - Colors of Love ($30) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for the ‘Colors of Love’ program infused with enchanting French chansons and beloved jazz favorites, is a mesmerizing tribute to the beauty of music.

   • Host Organization: Carlyle Room

8. Friday Music Series Presents: Tiago do Bandolim, Choro, Samba, Jazz (FREE!) (12:30PM - 1:45PM)

   • Description: Featuring Tiago do Bandolim: mandolin, Rogério Souza: 7-string guitar, Stephen Guerra: guitar, Gigi McLaughlin: percussion

   • Host Organization: Georgetown University Dept. of Performing Arts

Saturday, October 7^th , 2023

1. Chuseok Family Festival (FREE!) (11:00AM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Join us as we celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with food, performances, and more!

   • Host Organization: National Museum of Asian Art

2. Hops and Harvest Festival ($50) (12:00PM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for the Hops and Harvest Festival!

   • Host Organization: Multiple organizations

3. Lakota Nation vs. United States (FREE!) (2:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Lakota Nation vs. United States focuses on the Očéti Šakówiŋ/Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Nation and its ongoing fight to regain stewardship and protection of “He Sapa”—the Black Hills.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

4. Oktoberfest American Kickoff: Beer & Cocktail Festival (FREE!) (1:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us for the American Oktoberfest Kickoff at Shipgarten.

   • Host Organization: Creative Bar Concepts

5. Vienna Light Orchestra Magical Movie Scores ($45 - $90) (4:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Experience cinema's most iconic music surrounded by over 2,000 candles, performances by world renowned Vienna Light Orchestra.

   • Host Organization: Vienna Light Orchestra

6. 8th Pan-African Evening of Cultures (FREE!) ($76.54+) (6:00PM - 11:45PM) 👗

   • Description: Join us at the Evening of Cultures an annual multi-cultural gala initiated to celebrate Pan-African cultural diversity and unity.

   • Host Organization: Chase the Dream Culture Arts and Beauty

7. Joe Rainey Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Joe Rainey is a pow wow singer. On his debut album Niineta he demonstrates his command of the pow wow style, descending from Indigenous singing that’s been heard across the waters of what is now called Minnesota for centuries.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Sunday, October 8^th , 2023

1. The Lost Sorrows of Jean Eustache (FREE!) (2:00PM - 4:15PM)

   • Description: The Lost Sorrows of Jean Eustache presents a series of interviews and readings by close friends and colleagues of the artist.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

2. Nobuntu Performance ($30) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: An all-female a cappella quartet from Zimbabwe, Nobuntu has drawn international acclaim for inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro jazz to gospel.

   • Host Organization: The Clarice

Rate Issue No.33!

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