Beltway Bambinos

This weekend makers from across the United States will convene in Washington, DC, at the Second Annual National Maker Faire. Kicking off the “Week of Making” (June 17-23) National Maker Faire gives curious, inventive people a place to share what they love to make. Attendees at this free, family-friendly event will have the opportunity to interact with such technologies as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, electronics, and 3D printers as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects, textiles, crafting activities, homemade robots, and more.

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Groovy Nate at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Groovy Nate performances are a unique blend of music, movement, silly games, puppet skits, and comedy.  The show encourages families to move, sing, and play creatively with one another, while exposing them to variety of music genres. Tickets are free.

10:00am-3:00pm: Family Day and Outdoor Aviation at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA)
See military, recreational, and home-built aircraft as well as classic automobiles. Enjoy presentations, demonstrations, special tours, and hands-on activities for all ages.

11:00am: Family Jazz Session at Strathmore
(10701 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Composer, band leader, and multi-instrumentalist Sun Ra had a far-out approach to life and music, and his cosmic philosophies pushed the boundaries of jazz. Cultivate your self-expression, explore instrument timbres, and ponder Sun Ra’s Arkestra.

11:00am: Two of a Kind at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Two Of A Kind delights audiences of all ages with their music, good humor and audience participation. David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans love bringing people together and building community through music. Their beautiful harmonies accompanied by David’s powerful, rhythmic guitar playing and Jenny’s multi-ethnic percussion instruments create magic on stage.

11:30am-3:00pm: Summer in the City Family Day at American Art Musuem
(Kogod Courtyard)
Looking to stay cool this summer? Come and celebrate the hottest season in our indoor courtyard. With water scrims to play in, steel drums by Oasis Island Sounds to dance to, and crafts and games for the whole family, what’s not to love about summer
in the city!

1:00pm-2:00pm: Children’s Yoga at PureOm
(7832 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
An opportunity for your children to strengthen their bodies as they learn how to focus through breathing and relaxation techniques. Ages 4 through 8.

4:15pm: Father’s Day Tots & Tykes Yoga at Tranquil Space
(1632 17th St NW, Washington, DC)
The class uses songs, rhymes, and games to introduce body awareness and
movement concepts to kiddos from crawlers through age 4. No yoga mat or
experience is required.

Sunday- Happy Father’s Day to all of you wonderful Daddy’s!

A few playgrounds for you to take your little ones to this weekend:

Wheaton Regional Park: (2002 Shorefield Road Wheaton, MD 20902)
Equipped with a train and carousel as well as many play areas for bigger kids and smaller ones.

Glen Echo: (7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Carousel is open from 12:00pm-6:00pm on weekends. The playground is on the smaller side but a fun place for a picnic.

Clemyjontri: (6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101)
The biggest, best playground around. All abilities and ages will have a blast.  Carousel operates 9:30-6:30 on weekends.

Bragging Rights =)
I collaborated with Carolyn Ross to feature Lisa Loeb’s upcoming performance at Wolf Trap. I just recently started using Twitter to send out updates to followers. It just so happens that Lisa Loeb herself shared our interview and actually mentioned me! And then proceeded to ‘like” my post about her. Go see for yourself! And enter to win her CD And while you’re at it, get tickets to Monday’s Theatre-in-the-Woods show! Just a little excited over here 😉