Jammin Java – Page 3

Weekend Picks

November 20, 2015

Santa’s LEGO Block Party at B&O’s Magical Holiday Express will kick off this weekend. Santa will arrive on the train at 10:30am on Saturday.Check out the schedule, each weekend a new theme and event.

Ice! Featuring Santa Claus is Coming to Town also begins this weekend at The Gaylord National Harbor. Guests can walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees, marvel at two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculpture, have fun on five ice slides, walk and see the 7 individual rooms depicting the story of Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and see The Frostbite Factory – a live carving zone.

Saturday-

9:00am-10:30am or 11:30am-1:00pm: Ele-Fun at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 )
Bring your little animal lover to the Zoo this Sunday morning for “Ele-Fun,” a preschool class for 2-3 year olds! What gentle giant weighs over 10,000 pounds and can use its nose to topple a tree or pick up a blade of grass? An elephant, of course! Learn fascinating facts about the largest living land mammal and try out your own trunk, before visiting the Zoo’s elephant herd. Zoo Classes use crafts, hands-on activities, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important developmental and social skills.
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Weekend Picks: Be My Valentine this President’s Day Weekend

February 13, 2015

The Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences presents: Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure. This world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission with Nashville Children’s Theatre uses actors and a live bluegrass band to dive deep into the eclectic music traditions of the Appalachians. The result: a delightfully authentic mountain musical! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend, tickets are $20 for the 60 minute musical, best suited for children ages 8+.

It is George Washington’s Birthday Weekend! Celebrate George Washington’s 283rd birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Enjoy a sample of George Washington’s favorite breakfast on February 14-15 (included in admission). Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by attending Mount Vernon’s events free-of-charge on February 16! Admission on Monday is free.

Friday:

11:30am-7:00pm- SweetARTS and Valentines at American Art Museum
(8th and F Streets, NW)
Need something special for your sweetie? Looking for a snarky card to send to your BFF? Tired of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day options? Look no further; American Art has what you need. Come on by to make the perfect, personalized card—we supply all the necessary materials at no cost. If you are feeling fancy, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens can help you make an orchid corsage for a $10 materials fee, while supplies last.

Saturday:

10:00am- Baby Loves Disco DMV presents Brunch Box at H St Country Club
(1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)
From the host who brought the DC area Baby Loves Disco since 2008 and owner of Hex9 Productions – we present “Brunch Box” – a pop up Brunch event for families in the DC area debuting at the wildly popular H Street Country Club in the Atlas Arts District of Washington, DC. Your ticket also includes the entertainment: a balloon twister, The Face Paint Lady! and other activities. Mini golf and the two shuffle board tables are available for exclusive use for the two hours. Tickets are $23 pp and children 8 and under are FREE. Get your tickets here.

10:00am- Avalon Theatre presents The Great Zucchini
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
It’s time for The Great Zucchini to take over The Avalon once again! And he’s bringing in New York’s Charlie & Checkers for their first DC appearance ever! Don’t miss this very special performance from some of the biggest children’s entertainers on the east coast.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Skidamarink

10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:30pm- Be My Valentine Tour & Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day greetings from long ago. Children then design their own Valentines to take home, drawing artistic inspiration from historic cards in the Tudor Place Archive.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm- Steve Songs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past fifteen years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.”

1:30pm-3:00pm- The French Academy presents Saint Valentin Workshop
(Baptist Church of Chevy Chase)
On Valentine’s Day we will talk about LOVE, of course: our best friends, our pets and family. We will prepare cards for our loved ones. Songs, games and treats await you too! Price for our students: $25 for one child/ $20 per child if you sign up two or more. Price for non students: $30 for one child/ $25 per child if you sign up two or more. For children ages 3-12 years old. Register

Sunday:

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

11:30am-3:00pm- Presidential Family Fun Day at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders.
Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroid’s and making picture frames. See performances by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

Monday:

9:30am-11:00am- Presidents Day Family Storytime Yoga at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016)
Storytime Family Yoga with Arts and Crafts with Julia Colton. Storytime Yoga is the perfect family workshop for budding bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Drawing on her experience working at Politics & Prose in the Children’s department and as “the best bed-time story reader ever” (according to several moms), teacher Julia Colton was inspired to combine two of her favorite things: books and yoga. Start with “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds and then play our way through a few classics of children’s literature with time at the end for crafts based on our favorite stories (Ish drawings & butterfly masks). The workshop costs $30. Children ages 2-3 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.Drop-off optional for ages 4-5 years. Sign up here.

10:30am- Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Spend Presidents Day rocking out with a DC favorite. As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.

Weekend Picks: Cars, Trucks and Music, oh my!

January 23, 2015

We’ve got a great way to stay connected to your family this weekend while getting stretched out at the same time. Lil Omm has a weekend full of family yoga as well as a Family Circus Yoga class. Check out their schedule here.

Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center from Jan. 23-Feb.1. Expect to see over 700 automobiles as well as some of your Bambinos favorite characters dressed up. Tickets cost $12 for adults; $5 for kids 6-12; free for kids under 5. Your quickest and most convenient way to get to the Convention Center is probably by Metro depending on where you live. 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

Saturday and Sunday Monster Jam takes over Verizon Center. Make sure to bring headphones or plugs for the Bambinos and get ready for some car smashing, trucks jumping and crowd cheering.

Saturday-

9:30am and 10:30am:Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am: Jammin with The Smithsonian: Karen K and The Jitterbugs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
BUG OUT! With Karen K & the Jitterbugs! Known for their upbeat, catchy, genre-swirling tunes that parents enjoy as much as their kids, Karen K & her Jitterbugs keep hands clapping and feet jumping at their rockin’, crowd-engaging shows performed across the country. The scene is set in Karen K’s Bug Out, the fort in her back yard where she seeks adventures and makes music with her imaginary friends, the Jitterbugs: Bumble (Seth Connelly, guitar); Stinky (Dan Wheddle, drums), Hop (Eric Salt, bass); side-kick and best friend, Lightning Bug (Aaron Jones, banjo and everything else); and Lady Bug (Tracey O’Farrell), vocalist. Tickets are $10.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Ferdinand the Bull Buy tickets here.

10:30am: A Playdate with Rocknoceros at Ohr Kodesh Congregation
(8300 Meadowbrook Lane (at East West Highway) Chevy Chase, MD)
Join Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie for a morning of singing, dancing and fun! Prizes will be raffled off. Concert and raffle tickets are on sale here. You can purchase raffle tickets with concert tickets online as part of a Family Four or Six Pack or using this form to purchase – you can win prizes even if you can’t attend the concert! For more information: here’s the flyer.

11:00am-12:00pm: Family Yoga at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
This family class will explore the practice of yoga through music, dance, relaxation and play. Families will have the chance to connect in a meaningful and fun way, while also giving each family member the chance to breathe, stretch and relax. This community-based class will inspire connection and awareness in a nurturing and playful environment. Make the time to share mindful and heart-opening practices with your family, no matter the age or experience level. Come breathe, move and play with us every Sunday!

11:00am: Recess Monkey at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Recess Monkey is the nationally acclaimed trio of teachers who make music for kids and families that truly rocks. Seamlessly meshing their indie-rock roots with their keen awareness of childhood themes, the band continues to make waves coast to coast. “Deep Sea Diver” is the band’s ninth album, showcasing the high-energy, pitch-perfect understanding of what gets kids excited that has launched them into national awareness. Tickets are $12.

Weekday Adventures: ‘Make Meaning’ with art, watch a play and listen to catchy tunes

November 16, 2014

As the weather turns bitter, reserve your seats at a play this week. Adventure Theater and Imagination Stage have great plays showing. Remember, our Indoor Guide has you covered for some fun and unique indoor places to turn to as it’s windy and cold outside. And for you cold weather fans, we will publish a Winter Outdoor Guide soon.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week Marsha Goodman-Wood is performing.

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

9:30am and 10:15am: Storytime at Noyes Library
(10237 Carroll Pl, Kensington, MD 20895)
Come Sing, Read, and Rhyme With Us! Music is a fun way to learn about sounds, rhythm, rhyme and is a natural support for your child’s early learning. Appropriate for all ages.

10:15am and 11:30am: Coyote Mischief Tales at Discovery Theater
(Ripley Center, Smithsonian)
Coyote Mischief Tales introduces the culture and legends of Native Americans in a show featuring the famous trickster Coyote, his friend Hastali, and his loving wife Mole, in a trio of tribal stories that will entertain, inspire and teach. Walk the Medicine Wheel in four directions, each with a different lesson—alternately funny, warm and wise. “Coyote Gets his Name” teaches us that the most important lesson is to be true to ourselves; “Coyote and his Pups” reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously and to always value others; “Coyote’s Big Giveaway” is a story about friendship and true giving; and the message in “Coyote Visits the Land of the Spirits” is that true love is the strongest medicine of all. Recommended for ages 5-10.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.
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Weekday Adventures: Veteran’s Day and Bollywood Blooms

November 9, 2014

For those with older kids who have Tuesday off from school to honor our Veteran’s you may want to check out Interstellar playing on IMAX at The Air and Space Museum. We saw Big Hero 6 this weekend, which was good for most ages– (there is a death in the movie, however). This is playing at many theaters in our area as is Interstellar if you don’t feel like fighting for parking down on the Mall.

Also, if you want to send your Bambino(s) to keep them entertained all day, we have a few options here.

Monday-

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Weekend Picks: Cultural Connection

November 7, 2014

A lot of events happening this weekend that will broaden your children’s cultural horizons! Kids Euro Festival 2014 will wrap up this weekend; there will be performances and puppet shows this weekend. Put those rakes down for a bit this weekend and expose your Bambino(s) to some of the Weekend Picks!

Friday-

6:30pm: Family Reggae Night at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Bring the kids and grandparents! We’re excited to bring Family Reggae night back into our regular rotation every first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8pm under the leadership of renown music selector, the inspiration behind Reggae Revival, and co-founder of Manifesto Jamaica; Dutty Bookman.

Saturday-

10:30am: Billy Jonas Band at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
The Billy Jonas Band, known for creating “neo-tribal hootennanies” in performances, and for songs that engage all ages with funky rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, releases Build It Back Again in November. Each “funky folk” song has a playful part and a teaching part, as Jonas explains. Tickets are $10.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story today is Toot Toot Beep Beep. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am: Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres at FNDTN
(3762A Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895)
Andrés Salguero’s ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! is an interactive celebration of Latin culture for kids and families. Tickets $6 advance/ $8 at the door

11:00am-2:00pm: Children’s African Awards and Book Festival (CABA) at the National Museum of African Art
(950 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC )
This is the fourth year that NMAfA is hosting the CABA event. Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association give annual awards for the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards celebrate outstanding K-12 books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards are designed to encourage the publication of accurate, balanced children’s materials on Africa, to recognize literary excellence and to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators.

11:30am: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

4:00pm: Sing and Shine Around the Globe with Sanna Valvanne at the Georgetown Library
(3260 R St. NW Washington DC, 20007)
If you just can’t sit still, Sing and Shine Around the Globe is the show for you! Through beautiful songs and dances, you’ll move and groove around the whole world in just 45 minutes, exploring lots of different languages, music, and dance styles. Sanna Valvanne — an internationally renowned performer and children’s choir innovator originally from Finland — employs her charming energy to take children and families of all ages on a fun, global journey in this interactive and playful performance that invites the entire audience to experience the magic and power of music and movement.

5:30pm: LEA performs Soul Folk at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Washington DC based singer/songwriter LEA describes her music as SoulFolk, a seamless blend of gospel, jazz, country, R&B and contemporary folk. Stylistically between the earthy tones of Tracy Chapman and the urban/ethereal sound of India.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story today is This is Not My Hat. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets can be purchased here.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

Weekday Adventures: Coyote Mischief, Geocaching and Postal Museum Storytime

November 2, 2014

Brrr– November is here and Fall weather has arrived. I’m ecstatic because that means I’m only 2 weeks away from meeting our second child but I am also fully aware that today was not *that* cold and I still had to run screaming to my car tonight on our way out of Comet Pizza because I was so cold. I’m admittedly a big baby when it comes to cold weather (in my defense I lived in Florida for 6 years). With that being said, I will keep a few events outdoors but it’s that time of the year where I will search for fun indoor events mostly. The heat is on at DC Libraries and you can find the Children’s Library Events for the week here. Also, our Indoor Fun Guide has plenty of places to check off your list this winter and escape the cold.

Monday-

10:30am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required. Featured story is Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats.

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Weekend Picks: Paper Lanterns, Innovation Festival and The Amazing Max

October 30, 2014

Take a break from the candy eating and check out most of these sugar-free activities! Remember to turn your clocks back for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday and read our post on how to spend the darker afternoons.

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour hosts Paper Lantern Making at La Casa
(3166 Mount Pleasant Street Washington, DC)
We create lanterns by collaging tissue paper and other things onto pre-built paper lanterns. It makes a good activity for even the youngest kids (with grown-up help!) but it also allows a lot of creativity and craft and is great for older kids and adults. Lantern-making supplies, including battery-powered lights – will cost $5 per lantern. Lantern walk is at 5:30pm, see below.

10:00am: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man will perform at Avalon Theater
Costume party and live children’s music! Performing for the 10th year in a row, John Henry once again brings his playful musical style to the Avalon’s annual Halloween party. Children of all ages welcome! $6.50 / $5 for Avalon members.

10:00am-5:00pm: Innovation Festival at National Air and Space Museum
(Independence Ave at 6th St, SW Washington, DC 20560)
Join us for a festival for the whole family that celebrates the accomplishments of American inventors and the spirit of innovation that has led to so many of today’s technologies. Exhibits, crafts, talks, and performances will showcase ingenuity at the Smithsonian and across America. Meet inventors and the patent examiners who worked with them on their inventions, hear directly from experts about how an idea is molded into a working product, and try your hand at making your own invention.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story today is Five Little Pumpkins. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

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