SOAK Up The Sun With These DC International Events!

Issue No.23 Survey

Thank you to all the folks who took the time to answer last week’s survey! The feedback was humbling and the majority of responses were positive which means we are doing a great job! We will be keeping up the survey in case others wish to respond every week to let us know how we are doing.

Fun fact: Instagram is our most followed platform from folks who answered the survey! Facebook is a close second and Threads is in third place. That is super interesting since Threads is completely brand new!

Reviewing The Week (Monday, July 17^th - Sunday, July 23^rd )

This week, we finally saw the Oppenheimer film playing in theaters which was amazing. To be fair, we are big Christopher Nolan fans since he is in our top 3 movie directors of all time. Overall, a solid 9/10 movie with amazing cinematography, music, characters, and plot. However, the movie was 3 hours long when it could have been shortened to 2 hours and 30 minutes instead. We also tried to make a meme with #TeamBarbie vs #TeamOppenheimer as you can see above. Which team are you, reader?

Check Out These Cool Organizations! 👇️ 

1. The Pulitzer Center

2. The Hudson Institute

3. Dance Flamenco DC

4. Art Museum of the Americas (AMA)

5. Heurich House Museum

6. Washington International Piano Festival

7. Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC)

8. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

9. Flamenco classes with Mariana Gatto

Event Highlight: Lotus and Water Lily Festival (Saturday, July 22^nd )

Unlike most summer days, this one was quite pleasant! We ventured on the Orange Line to Deanwood in Northeast DC which is somewhere we have never been before. It was the last day of the Lotus and Water Lily Festival at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens attracting a crowd of visitors. The festival ran eight days straight full of cultural performances, ranger programming from the National Park Service (NPS), and water lilies as well as lotuses in bloom.

Many of our readers have referred to this location as a “hidden gem” of DC. To be honest, we were skeptical of such a classification but we kept an open mind. After embracing the summer heat, we watched a couple of performances including Flamenco dancer Mariana Gatto which left us speechless. We met and took a class from Mariana for Flamenco after work on a Wednesday at Tia Pepa earlier this year. Surprisingly enough, she spotted and recognized us from the crowd which was amazing.

After chatting and reminiscing, we wandered through the Aquatic Gardens enjoying the various water lilies, lotuses, and other plants throughout the park. It was amazing to see such nature all around and set us at ease mentally and spiritually. The expedition made us realize how long it had been since we were in nature instead of the concrete jungle we normally play in. It was a nice change of pace on a hot Saturday. Thank you to the NPS and Mariana for such an awesome day!

International Events List (July 24^th - July 30^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, July 24^th to Sunday, July 30^th below!

Monday, July 24^th , 2023

1. A Violinist In Search Of Inter-Korean Peace and Reconciliation Through Music (FREE!) (1:30PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Violin performance through the Korean Cultural Center (KCCDC).

Tuesday, July 25^th , 2023

1. UNESCO Italy Photo Gallery (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Art gallery celebrating Italian cultural and natural heritage at the Italian Cultural Institute.

2. Talks at the Pulitzer Center: Fighting Food Insecurity in the Southeastern U.S. (FREE!) (5:30PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Lecture discussing food insecurity in the United States including New Orleans and Florida through the Pulitzer Center.

3. Unraveling China's Impact: Exploring Taxation, & Illicit Trade (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Lecture about China’s illicit trade and excise taxes in the United States.

Wednesday, July 26^th , 2023

1. Space and US National Security (FREE!) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Lecture about space-based critical infrastructure through the Hudson Institute.

2. Abraham Alexander - Soul Folk Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Performance at the Kennedy Center featuring Abraham Alexander, a soul folk artist.

3. Advanced Beginner Sevillanas w/Castanets (Price varies per number of class) (6:30PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: An advanced beginner class for the Sevillanas dance technique of Flamenco with Castanets.

4. Tango and Champagne Soiree: Argentine Tango Lessons and Evening in Buenos Aires ($32.78) (7:00PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: An evening of champagne and Argentine Tango dancing with lessons at the Gallery at the Ven at Embassy Row.

5. Advanced Beginner Technique & Choreography (Price varies per number of class) (7:45PM - 8:45PM)

   • Description: An advanced beginner class teaching the techniques and choreography of Flamenco.

6. Pack The Hall: USA v. Netherlands ($22.53) (9:00PM - 11:00PM)

   • Description: Watch the United States Women National’s Sorcerer Team (USWNT) compete against the Netherlands in their World Cup match at Franklin Hall. $20 gets you a spot in the section and your first beer.

7. World Cup Watch Party: Canada v. Ireland (FREE!) (7:30AM - 9:00AM)

   • Description: Watch the United States Women National’s Sorcerer Team (USWNT) compete against the Netherlands in their World Cup match at Franklin Hall. $20 gets you a spot in the section and your first beer.

Thursday, July 27^th , 2023

1. International Summit Against Human Trafficking (FREE but donate what you can!) (ALL DAY!)

   • Description: Commemorate the International Day against Human Trafficking with several civil society organizations.

2. Sobre una mujer / About a Woman opening reception (FREE!) (4:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Come witness and explore an exhibition of contemporary photography of the Americas.

3. Ciclo de Cine Queer de las Américas / Queer film season of the Americas (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Watch a selection of films celebrating diversity and continental achievements for LGBTIQ+ rights from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico.

4. Jupiter & Okwess (Funk Music Performance) (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Come listen to the funky band of Jupiter & Okwess and become supercharged with spirit at the Kennedy Center.

5. Demonstration at JICC | Tea & Tranquility with Kanako Yamashita (FREE!) (Waitlist) (6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Come witness a demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony to communicate the mind and spirit.

6. Evening at the Embassy of China ($70) (6:45PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Enjoy an evening at the Embassy of China to see architecture, cultural art, and have an amazing dinner.

7. Intro to Flamenco Dance & Rhythm (Price varies per number of class) (6:30PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: Learn and take an introductory class about the Flamenco dance and rhythm to build up your skillset.

8. Intro to Sevillanas & Castanets (Price varies per number of class) (7:45PM - 8:45PM)

   • Description: Take an introductory class about Sevillanas and Castanets in the Flamenco art style of dance.

Friday, July 28^th , 2023

1. As We Are: Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender-Diverse Artists Opening Reception (FREE!) (12:00PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: Take a dive into the lived experiences of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse artists of many countries.

2. Ciclo de Cine Queer de las Américas / Queer film season of the Americas (FREE!) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Watch a selection of films celebrating diversity and continental achievements for LGBTIQ+ rights from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico.

3. Sihasin (Navajo Performance) (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Watch an explosive organic sound concert out of bass and drums from the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona.

4. Evening at the Embassy of Uganda ($64) (7:00PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Enjoy an evening at the Embassy of Uganda with art, cuisine, and meeting the diplomatic staff.

5. Ukrainian Music, Dinner, & Dance Soiree under the Stars with Live Music by Gerdan: An Elegant Evening of Ukrainian Culture ($71 - $82) (6:30PM - 9:30PM)

6. Baja California Crafts Exhibition (Mexican Cultural Institute) (FREE!) (10:00AM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: One-day-only crafts exhibition made by three of the native tribes of Baja California: Kiliwa, Kumiai, and Cucapa.

7. Las rutas de Harry Crosby (The Journeys of Harry Crosby) (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: A wonderful chronicle of the life and career of renowned photographer and author Harry Crosby that lets the viewer experience Harry’s travels in Baja California.

8. Cielito Sweet + Baja California Cowboy Party (FREE!) (6:30PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a double show of music, dance, and theater at the Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI).

Saturday, July 29^th , 2023

1. Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) Perfumery Museum Visit (FREE!) (10:00AM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Enjoy a visit to the QAIC and smell different perfumes along with learning the history of said perfumes.

2. Outdoor Vinyasa at Eastern Market Metro Park (FREE!) (10:00AM - 11:00AM)

   • Description: Bring your own mat, towel, and water for a free session of yoga at Eastern Market Metro Park for all levels.

3. Advanced Beginner Technique & Choreography (Price varies per number of class) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: An advanced beginner class to learn the technique and choreography of the Flamenco art.

4. Advanced Beginner Sevillanas w/ Castanets (Price varies per number of class) (3:15PM - 4:15PM)

   • Description: An advanced beginner class for the Sevillanas dance technique of Flamenco with Castanets.

5. Palos (All Levels - Flamenco structure & compás) (Price varies per number of class) (4:30PM - 5:30PM)

   • Description: From finger snapping to foot stomping, "compás" is the glue that holds Flamenco music, song & dance together. Explore what happens just by opening your ears and clapping your hands.

6. Intro to Flamenco Dance & Rhythm (Price varies per number of class) (5:45PM - 6:45PM)

   • Description: Learn and take an introductory class about the Flamenco dance and rhythm to build up your skillset.

7. Heurich House x KAMA DC Immigrant-Owned Mini Market (FREE to attend) (3:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Shop from 10 immigrant-owned small local businesses at a special Mini Markt curated by KAMA DC, a grassroots volunteer-led organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and celebrating the skills and stories of immigrants in the DMV.

8. Piano Recital with Brian Ganz ($12.51 - $52.20) (6:00PM - 8:00PM)

9. Mexican Cultural Institute Day 2 of the Baja California Exhibit (FREE!) (11:00AM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: Partake in various activities of the Day 2 Baja California Exhibit (also includes some Eventbrite events as well that are separate including a graphic novel workshop).

10. Swiss National Day Celebration! ($20 - $40) (4:00PM - 8:00PM)

    • Description: Join the Swiss Club of Washington, D.C. for its celebration of the Swiss National Day as well as its 100th anniversary! Enjoy a summer evening full of delicious Swiss food, wine and beer, music, and fun activities for all ages.

Sunday, July 30^th , 2023

1. Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) Perfumery Museum Visit (FREE!) (10:00AM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Enjoy a visit to the QAIC and smell different perfumes along with learning the history of said perfumes.

2.  Piano Master Class with Brian Ganz ($12.51) (10:00AM - 12:00PM)

   • Description: Take a piano master class with renowned world-class pianist Brian Ganz.

3. MOAPIA Presents: 2023 K-Pop Dance Series (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: Learn many popular K-pop dance moves with instructor Michael De Guzman, the renowned dancer who won several K-pop dance competitions!

4. Piano Duo Recital with Robert Andres and Honor O'Hea ($12.51 - $28.52) (7:30PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Watch an Internationally acclaimed piano duo performing works by Robert Schumann, Brahms, Piedro Macedo Camacho, Benjamin Britten, and Arnold Bax.

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