Beltway Bambinos

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2017 brings the best of DC arts and artists to the stage and H Street with performances, experiences and happenings in theatre, dance, music, vocal, choral, opera, visual arts, video, film, writing, sculpture, photography, circus, spoken word, public art, community art, and art space activation and ends this weekend. Discover how art, culture and connection happen on H Street.

Friday

6:00pm-8:00pm: First Friday DuPont
March is coming in with a roar, and galleries, retailers, embassies, and historic houses will be for the First Friday art walk around Dupont Circle – a fun and social way to explore the arts.

Saturday

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years.  $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Mister G at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Mister G’s interactive and high-energy concert will be sure to get you and your kids on your feet! He’ll be singing songs from all of his six award-winning albums for children, including three bilingual albums. Free tickets.

10:00am: Marsha and the Positrons at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
Marsha and the Positrons is led by singer/songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood with  skilled, smooth bassist Wardell Howell and guest drummer Devin Walker. Their concerts are fun, playful, and educational — and entertaining for adults as well as kids!  Tickets: $8.00 / $6.50 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:00am and 12:00pm (depending on age): Courtly Greetings & Country Meetings at Folger Shakespeare Theatre
(201 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003)
Imagine yourself in the two worlds of As You Like It, the court of Duke Frederick and the Forest of Arden.Folger offers programs for all ages and encourages families to experience Shakespeare’s language together. 10:00am-11:00am: Recommended Ages 5-7 and 11:00am-12:00pm: Recommended Ages 8-14. Register to attend.

10:00am (Doors open at 9:15am): Dan Zanes “Song Gusto Hour” with Claudia Eliaza at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Grammy Award Winner Dan Zanes and special guest Claudia Eliaza will be playing Dan’s hits from Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, and Nickelodeon! Songs you know and love: Catch that Train! Wonder Wheel! Jump Up! All Around The Kitchen! This is a show for family singing and dancing. All are welcome and encouraged to bring instruments! ***This Sensory Friendly show is designed to create an accepting and comfortable environment for all children and their families. Much care and thoughtful consideration go into planning in order to support those with special needs as they connect to the music. There is a manageable degree of stimuli in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. All who attend are encouraged to express themselves freely and openly.*** Tickets $15

10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist 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: Barnyard Dance. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun. Register online

Sunday

11:00am-5:00pm: Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Sackler & Ripley Center
(1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024)
Ring in the Persian New Year at our ninth annual Nowruz celebration! With free attractions for all ages, this year’s festival is held in the Sackler and adjacent Ripley Center as the Freer undergoes renovation. Activities include: Haft sin table display, Storytelling by Xanthe Gresham (with ASL interpretation at 2 pm), Calligraphy, Hands-on art activities, Live music, Film screenings, Food and Featured exhibition Turquoise Mountain: Artists…

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Featured Story: Not a Box. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Register online.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Open Studio at New Community ArtSpace
(614 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Open Studio 1st Sundays is open to all ages.  We will have all kinds of supplies available for your art making. $5 fee + supply donation welcomed.

4:00pm-5:00pm: Family Yoga for all ages at Lighthouse Yoga Center
(4203 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
Join us in the studio once a month for Family Style yoga. Designed with our tots/preschooler yogis in mind, this class welcomes younger and older sibling and one or more caregiver for an afternoon of family yoga fun. Together we will learn songs, games, and poses the encourage body awareness, increase attention span, nurture creativity, and generally support development across a range of ages and abilities … but mostly we’re in it for the fun. Caregivers are expected to fully participate in class, but no prior yoga experience is required for adults or children. Come play yoga with us! $20 for one adult and one child. $5 each additional adult (payable when you arrive). (Additional participants are free for members). Register online to reserve your spot. Registration for additional family members can be paid at the studio.