Diplomatic Dawn: A New Year of Embassy Events in DC

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Event Highlight: Christmas Tree Walking Tour (December 25^th )

Living abroad internationally for most of one’s life presents challenges. One of the challenges that always comes around each year are the holidays including Christmas. A lot of our international readers can emphasize with the fact that the holidays can sometimes be difficult. Your loved ones are thousands of miles away on a different continent. You hardly know anyone in the city which seems like a foreign land. You feel all alone while families celebrate the joy of Christmas around you.

We took those feelings and decided to do something with it. Inspired by the NoMa Run Club and their Christmas Tree Running Night, we decided to do a walking tour of some trees on Christmas Day. It was our first hosted event and we were incredibly nervous thinking about it. However, we thought that if we were feeling alone during the holidays, chances are other people did as well.

We are happy to report that we had six fabulous people show up to the event from our community! Honestly, we thought we were going to be the only one that showed up since it was organized so last minute. Our itinerary was as follows:

1. Union Station Norwegian Christmas Tree (Great Hall of Union Station): 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

2. Embassy of Canada Christmas Tree: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

3. Riggs Hotel Christmas Tree: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

4. Waldorf Astoria Hotel Tree: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

5. InterContinental the Willard Christmas Tree: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

6. National Christmas Tree: 15th St NW &, E St NW, Washington, DC 20500

It took us over an hour to visit all six stops since we were taking pictures all the time. We also managed to connect with all the members in the group personally which was amazing. Thank you to everyone who came out for the Christmas Tree Walking Tour, we are definitely going to host more events throughout the year of 2024.

Looking Ahead!

1. Movie Screening: "Calling Hedy Lamarr" (Wednesday, January 10^th, 7PM - 10PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Who was she really? Viennese girl. Hollywood goddess. Inventor. A success story. A failure. Rich. Poor. Forgotten. Rediscovered. The studio wanted her to be beautiful and nothing else.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Austria

2. Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portrait Project (Thursday, January 11^th, 6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Created by artists living within the US carceral system and curated by the Committee of Incarcerated Artists and Writers, the exhibit showcases the art and writing of incarcerated people from around the world.

   • Host Organization: Justice Arts Coalition

3. FORMIDABLE ! AZNAVOUR Performance (Friday, January 12^th, 7:30PM - 10:30PM) ($69.20)

   • Description: The show takes us back to the streets of Paris in the era of ‘Bohemia’ to give us an insight into the incredible career of Charles Aznavour through his greatest songs which are known throughout the world and form an integral part of the world’s musical heritage.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of France

4. Mermaid of the Blue Sea Performance (Saturday, January 13^th, 1PM - 2:30PM) ($10 - $40)

   • Description: The Mermaid of the Blue Sea is a theatrical performance based on Hans Christian Anderson's A Little Mermaid. The tale has been adapted for our contemporary audience, featuring Okinawan traditional performing art forms

   • Host Organization: Ryukyu Art Embassy

5. Mermaid of the Blue Sea Performance (Saturday, January 13^th, 5PM - 6:30PM) ($10 - $40)

   • Description: The Mermaid of the Blue Sea is a theatrical performance based on Hans Christian Anderson's A Little Mermaid. The tale has been adapted for our contemporary audience, featuring Okinawan traditional performing art forms

   • Host Organization: Ryukyu Art Embassy

6. Angel of Peace Networking Event (Saturday, January 13^th, 6PM - 10PM) ($28.52)

   • Description: Many people are familiar with our events and our efforts to bring people together to socialize and enjoy the rich tapestry that brings peoples and nations together.

   • Host Organization: The America-Eurasia Center

7. Music at the Franciscan Monastery (Sunday, January 14^th, 4PM - 5PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Enjoy free concerts from some of the region’s best organists as they play on our Lively-Fulcher organ in our monthly concert series.

   • Host Organization: Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

International Events List (January 1^st - January 7^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, January 1^st - Sunday, January 7^th .

Monday, January 1^st , 2024

1. Annual DC Downtown New Year's Day E-Bike Ride (1:30PM - 4:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC, on New Year's Day.

   • Host Organization: Private organizer

Tuesday, January 2^nd , 2024

1. John Reeves — Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant Book Talk (7PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: Captain Ulysses S. Grant, an obscure army officer who was expelled for alcohol abuse in 1854, rose to become general-in-chief of the United States Army in 1864. What accounts for this astonishing turn-around during this extraordinary decade? Was it destiny? Or was he just an ordinary man, opportunistically benefiting from the turmoil of the Civil War to advance to the highest military rank?

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

Wednesday, January 3^rd , 2024

1. “What Is Your Manifesto?” Button-Making Activity (12:30PM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: In this hands-on button making activity, you can reflect on the manifestos shared by Black feminist activists and theorists in the We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC exhibition on the first floor.

   • Host Organization: DC Public Library

2.  Alex Hamburger Performance (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Alex Hamburger—flutist, vocalist, and composer from the Washington, D.C. area—recently released her highly anticipated sophomore album What If? (Unit Records, June 29th, 2023). The album explores perception, transition, and the boundaries of human experience.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

3. Ani Gjika — An Unruled Body - with Jung Hae Chae (7PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: Set across four countries--Albania, Thailand, India, and the U.S.--An Unruled Body tells the story of a young woman's journey to selfhood through the lenses of language, sexuality, and identity, and how she learned to find freedom of expression on her own terms.

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose/KAMA-DC

Thursday, January 4^th , 2024

1. Phillips After 5 Collection (5PM - 8:30PM) ($20)

   • Description: Reflect on the year and set intentions for 2024 by making vision boards at the resolution station, learn how to create cutting-edge AI images and give yourself an AI makeover with The Janus Series, and way more!

   • Host Organization: The Phillips Collection

2. Rebekah Laur’en Performance (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Singer, songwriter, producer, and composer Rebekah Laur’en mixes her classical operatic training with alternative R&B, creating a unique essence akin to modern-day R&B. Many have compared her brassy warm tone to the likes of Lalah Hathaway, Anita Baker, and Yebba.

   • Host Organization: The Kennedy Center

3. Bushra Rehman — Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion - with Jeffrey Lofton (7PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: Razia Mirza grows up amid the wild grape vines and backyard sunflowers of Corona, Queens, with her best friend, Saima, by her side. When a family rift drives the girls apart, Razia's heart is broken. She finds solace in Taslima, a new girl in her close-knit Pakistani-American community. They embark on a series of small rebellions: listening to scandalous music, wearing miniskirts, and cutting school to explore the city.

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

Friday, January 5^th , 2024

1. Exhibition Tour: The Land Carries Our Ancestors (1PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This tour introduces works by contemporary Native artists from across the United States. Looking at a range of styles and techniques—including weaving, beadwork, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, and photography

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

2. Opening Reception- Above and Beyond Art Show (5PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The community is invited to attend this free opening reception for the January show at Gallery Underground. Meet the artists, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and purchase artwork.

   • Host Organization: Arlington Artists Alliance

3. Evening at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (7PM - 9:30PM) ($60)

   • Description: Step onto foreign soil and join us for an exclusive visit to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. You will be amazed at the fantastic architecture and elegance of the Embassy.

   • Host Organization: Things To Do DC

4. Art Gallery Showcase (6PM - 9PM) ($17.85 - $19.70)

   • Description: Discover a diverse collection of paintings that will captivate your senses. Engage with the artists themselves, gaining insights into their inspirations and techniques. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, this event promises to be an enriching experience for all.

   • Host Organization: Private organizer

5. ArtWalk Dupont (6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: ArtWalk Dupont, which occurs on the First Friday of every month, features the Dupont Circle arts community.

   • Host Organization: Dupont BID

6. Visions of Resilience: Art for Climate Justice Exhibit Opening Reception (7PM - 9PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for the opening reception of the "Visions of Resilience: Art for Climate Justice" art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery.

   • Host Organization: Del Rey Artisans

7. Pipo Romero Performance (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Pipo Romero is a composer and acoustic guitarist from Cádiz, Spain. His compositions come from the heart, blending an original compendium of styles (folk, flamenco, classical, country, Celtic music, tango, and many more).

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

8. First Friday Dupont at the Korean Cultural Center (6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: To mark the closing of TDC 69: A Global Typography Design Exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), please join us for a special closing reception and guided tour on Friday, January 5 (6-8 PM) featuring The TDC Director Carol Wahler.

   • Host Organization: Korean Cultural Center

Saturday, January 6^th , 2024

1. The Winter Dance Workshop (9:30AM - 5PM) ($18.92+)

   • Description: The Winter Dance Workshop is a ONE-DAY immersive experience exclusively for professional and pre-professional dance artists.

   • Host Organization: The Creative Space

2.  Guided Meditation: Mark Rothko (12PM - 12:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for a 30-minute meditation lead by yoga instructor and artist Aparna Sadananda, surrounded by paintings by Mark Rothko. Free and open to all. Space is limited and first-come, first served. No meditation experience required

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

3. Kalorama Walking Tour (1PM - 3PM) ($45)

   • Description: Come explore the architectural styles and learn about the grand Pre-War buildings in the neighborhood. The most important espionage event of World War II that happened in Kalorama and so much more!

   • Host Organization: Private organizer

4. Children's Dance Class for Mexican Folkore (1PM - 2PM) ($15)

   • Description: Mexican Folk Dance Class for children, ages 7 -12. Students will learn basic dance techniques with simple steps, sequences, and simple choreography.

   • Host Organization: Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble

5. Introduction: Rothko Paintings (1PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This talk introduces the range of Mark Rothko’s paintings, from early figurative subjects and surrealist works to his soft-edged rectangular fields.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

6. Music in the Halls: The Heart and Heartbreak of Teaching at a High Poverty School in Washington, DC (3PM - 4PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: Through vignettes, essays, snapshots, portraits, and poems, Music in the Halls reveals the inner workings of a high-poverty District of Columbia Public School

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

7. Amythyst Kiah Performance (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The album Wary + Strange marks the glorious collision of two vastly different worlds for Amythyst Kiah: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the roots/old-time-music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets.”

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

8. On the Edge: New Year, New Works (7:30PM - 10:30PM) ($60 - $100)

   • Description: Get ready to kick off the new year with a spectacular blend of artistic innovation and breathtaking performances as Chamber Dance Project proudly presents "ON THE EDGE: New Year, New Works" on January 6, 2024, at the prestigious Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

   • Host Organization: Chamber Dance Project

Sunday, January 7^th , 2024

1. Spy Tour of Georgetown (10AM -11:30AM) ($41.10)

   • Description: Explore the hidden history of this iconic neighborhood alongside a former intelligence officer.

   • Host Organization: SpyGuide

2.  Mark Rothko and the New York School (12PM - 1PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Senior lecturer David Gariff discusses the art of Mark Rothko against the backdrop of the National Gallery’s collection of New York School abstract painting.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

3. To Live and Breathe: Closing Reception (2PM - 4PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for a last-chance viewing of the exhibition, To Live and Breathe: Women in Environmental Justice in Washington, DC.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum

4. The Visit and a Secret Garden (2PM - 3:15PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This recent, award-winning portrait of elderly, forgotten Spanish painter Isabel Santaló astutely reflects on memory, oblivion, and the creative process while posing the question of what it means to be both an artist and a woman.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

5. Exhibition Tour: The Land Carries Our Ancestors (3PM - 4PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This exhibition tour introduces works by contemporary Native artists from across the United States. Looking at a range of styles and techniques—including weaving, beadwork, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, and photography.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

6. Stop The Killing Book Talk (6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: In this groundbreaking book, former FBI agent and targeted violence expert Katherine Schweit reveals the secrets to reducing gun violence in our communities, including our struggle with the mass shootings we fear the most.

   • Host Organization: Busboys and Poets

Rate Issue No.46!

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