Tag Archives: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue

A Weather-Dependent Weekend

Right now I’ve got a line from the Stone Temple Pilots song “Plush” playing on repeat in my head:  “And I feel so much depends on the weather.”  Those lyrics could be the theme for this post. Some of this weekend’s best activities take place outdoors, but with rain in the forecast for tomorrow they may not live up to their potential.  Luckily, there’s plenty going on for a great time indoors, too.  (And we’ve learned by now that the forecast isn’t always reliable, anyway.)  Here’s what’s happening around town, indoor and out, rain or shine.  Happy Weekend!

The Tidal Basin was lovely and crowd-free on a chilly weekday evening

A Peek at the Peak – It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year when the cherry trees are in bloom, and they are at their best right now.  The National Mall and Tidal Basin are sure to be teeming with blossom oglers if the weather cooperates, but braving the crowds is worth it.  Our family went for a sunset stroll by the Jefferson Memorial a few evenings ago and found the scene as spectacular as ever.  If you’re planning to partake in the blossom experience this weekend, check out these tips before you go.

Family Fun Day at the Yards ParkAs noted above and below, there two things to get excited about as spring begins in DC: Cherry blossoms and baseball.  On Saturday, you can celebrate both at the Yards Park, the centerpiece of the new Capitol Riverfront area that just opened last year. The Family Fun Day will include kids activities such as boat making and moonbouncing, lantern making for all ages, demos by the Trapeze School, Japanese performers and music, a variety of Japanese cuisine from Nooshi Sushi, and Sake tasting and a Japanese beer garden (for adults, of course) from Mie N Yu.  The event is free and open to the public from 11am – 4pm.

Nano Days – Celebrate nanotechnology at the National Museum of American History’s Spark!Lab with a day full of activities that teach all ages about nano science and invention and the role it plays in our lives. Staff will help visitors conducts experiments that include constructing a giant model of a carbon nanotube entirely from balloons, measuring height in nanometers, and creating a liquid crystal display that changes color.  The free event runs from 10am – 4pm Friday through Sunday.

Owen runs the bases after a Nats game last season

Nationals vs. BravesBaseball season is officially underway, and we can root for the hometeam this weekend as the Nats host the Braves for two more afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are still available for both, and you can get a discount on select seats if you buy through Goldstar.  And don’t forget about Kids Run the Bases on Sunday after the game—children ages 4-12 can round the plates for an extra ballpark thrill.  For more about baseball games at Nationals Park, see this write up from last year.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks FestivalThe National Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual event at the Southwest Waterfront is an all-day affair with live music and family festivities galore al kicking off at 1pm. Enjoy a variety of musical performances on three stages aong with face painting, balloon artists, strolling entertainment, mini-sailboat races,T-shirt screenings, fire boat water shows, and more. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the fireworks show illuminates the evening sky and water.

Tots Rock! At Air & SpaceThe National Air & Space Museum is hosting one of its Tots Rock! Shows on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Kids ages 3-8 can enjoy a mix of entertainment at one of their favorite museums. They can explore a Planetarium show starring Big Bird and Elmo, listen to a flight-themed story, craft shadow puppets or  build a rocket, and…drum roll…rock out at a Ryan Buckle and Friends concert as they perform their hit show Science You Can Sing To. Visit the website for a schedule of events, and note that tickets are required and seating is limited for planetarium shows.

House of Sweden Family Fun – Join the Swedish Embassy for a family day with activities for all ages. Enjoy the Space for Children interactive play room, craft your favorite animal out of fusible beads, take an interactive quiz walk where you will learn some Swedish, get a Swedish treat from the fishing pond (little red gummies, anyone?), and create a work of art in the painting corner.  The free event runs from 11am – 2pm on Saturday.

Shabbatots Passover Prep – The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is hosting the first installment of Shabbatots, a new monthly Shabbat program for families with young children. Explore the intersection of Judaism and flexibility with Torah yoga, enjoy a light lunch, and learn fun ways to make a Passover seder family friendly. Each family will take home a “seder in a sack” and tools to create a personalized seder. Torah Yoga is free and runs from 10 – 10:30am. The lunch and activity portion runs from 10:30am – 12pm, and cost is $36 per family. The activity is appropriate for children ages 2-6, but siblings of different ages are welcome.

A Preschool Celebrates 50 YearsThe Learning Center for Young Children (LCYC) is celebrating its 50th year of serving the Kensington area with an Open House & Children’s Fair on Sunday from 2 – 5pm. Families can enjoy activity stations set up around the school including arts & crafts, storytelling, hands-on science projects, music, and dance.  LCYC’s ‘Young Music Makers’ will perform under the direction of John Horman.  There will also be door prizes, face painting, and snacks available.  Visit the website for more details, including location and directions.

The Magic Paintbrush – You have two more weekends to catch the Synetic Family Theater’s current production that takes the audience on a dramatic adventure through China. Owen and I saw the play a couple of weeks ago, and we were both enchanted.  Performed completely through pantomime (or phyiscal storytelling, as the theater calls it) I was unsure how Owen would respond.  But while he couldn’t quite follow the story, he was nonetheless captivated by the expressive actors performing along with beautiful Chinese music and action-packed scenes, including Cirque de Soleil-like choreography, as actors whirled mid-air on suspended curtains. I’d recommend reading the story with your kids prior to the show, so they have a better understanding of the plot, but even if you don’t have an opportunity, they’ll likely be mesmerized all the same.  Tickets for The Magic Paintbrush are $12 and available for purchase through the Synetic Theater website.

Show TimeSeveral more productions will be on stages this weekend, including Dr. Kaboom at the Kennedy Center and Cinderella at Alden Theatre. For more current performances, see this post on spring shows in the area.

Tiny Tots –Two puppet shows for the littlest ones will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend: Animal Crackers on Saturday and Dragon Bandwagon on Sunday.  Both start at 10am.  Tickets are $5 and available online or at the box office.   Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4.

Portrait Story Days: Duke EllingtonDrop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This week, learn about jazz composer, pianist, and big band leader Duke Ellington (1899-1974).

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MLK Celebrations and More this Weekend

Whether you’re looking for ways to pay tribute to MLK, interesting activities at the museums, or fun entertainment for the kids, this weekend has it covered.  Here’s what’s going on around town Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday.  Happy Weekend!

Martin Luther Kind Jr. Holiday Family FestivalThe National Museum of Natural History has commemorated the birthday of MLK for over 30 years and will continue the tradition this weekend.  On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday guests are invited to participate in an interactive play recreating a sit-in, hear the words of Dr. King brought to life in a dramatic presentation, and participate in a discussion on civil rights.  The free event runs from 10am – 5pm each day and is open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stories in Art at the National Gallery – The museum’s winter program for kids ages 4 – 7 begins on Sunday with a study of Alexander Calder.  The workshop will start with a reading of “Sophie’s Masterpiece,” a book about a spider and her wondrous creations.  From there, the group will explore Calder’s “Spider” and learn to weave their own wire mobiles.  The hour-long session begins at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in for Stories in Art will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day, and will continue until all spaces are filled.  No admission fee required.  For more about the series, see this post from last week.

Sharing the Dream: A Multicultural Celebration of Love & Justice – This two-day festival at the National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and brings together artists from African, Latino, and Native American communities. Listen, watch, and learn as  they share their expressions of love and justice through their music, spoken word, and storytelling performances. The weekend also includes hands-on activities for all ages as well as films, tours, and other regularly scheduled programs at the museum. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 5pm.  A complete schedule of activities is available on the NMAI website.

“I Have a Dream…” PillowcasesKids are invited to share their dreams with the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone on Saturday from 11am – 4pm in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making their own “I Have A Dream…” pillowcases. Other activities will be presented to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.  The Launch Zone is located at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

Poetry Extravaganza – All ages are invited to this tribute honoring the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday at 1pm.  The poetry readings and recitals by Collective Voices will take place in the library’s Great Hall.

Last Call for the NutcrackerIf the kids missing the magic of the holidays or maybe you didn’t get to see the season’s most classic show, you have one last chance to recapture the holiday spirit on stage before we say farewell for a while.  The Synetic Family Theater’s production of The Nutcracker has two final performances this weekend — and KFDC readers can get a discount on tickets.  For details, see this post from a few days ago.

Girl Up “Unite for Girls”Teen girls in the Washington, DC, area have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world. This Saturday, January 15, the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up “Unite for Girls” city tour is stopping in the nation’s capitol to hold a pep rally in support of girls across the globe, and local teens are invited to take part in the educational and empowering event.  For details about the event, see this post from earlier this week.

Theater TimeSeveral children’s stage productions begin this week, and tickets are still available for some of the performances.  Check out this post from a few days ago to see what’s playing and how to reserve your seats,

Rock Out Sunday MorningWhat better way to start the day than rocking out with local kids’ fave Rocknoceros.  The band is laying at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue at 10:30am.  Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of the show.  Purchase online through the Sixth & I website.

Give Together Family Volunteer DayLooking for something to do with the kids on the day off from work and school on Monday?  Volunteer Fairfax is hosting an event that will give families an opportunity to give back.  The second annual Give Together Family Volunteer Day will bring together several non-profits from the region with local families to work on various service projects.  For complete details about the event, see this post

Let Freedom Ring on Millennium Stage – The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert featuring Grammy Award–winning, platinum-selling vocalist Patti LaBelle also includes the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director, Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Georgetown University will award the ninth annual John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery—a leader in the American Civil Rights movement.  Free tickets will be given away two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 4pm on Monday on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Admission to National ParksIn celebration of the holiday weekend, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 100 national parks that usually charge admission.  Layer up for a hike in the woods or cruise through Shenandoah and take in the views.  This is the first of five fee-free weekends at national parks this year.

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Live Entertainment at Venues Near You

How about some live shows to help keep the kids entertained – and warm – over the winter months?  From plays and puppet shows to music concerts and ice skating pageantry, there will be plenty to delight all audience members.  Here are details of what you can see with most descriptions straight from the websites.  All tickets are on sale now.

Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: January 12 – February 6
Tickets: $10, $5/lapseat children 12 months and under

Be a part of a magical world designed by artists from the Lyngo Theatre Company especially for the very young. With gentle music, beautiful puppets and props, two performers lead children and caregivers to an underwater world with a giant jelly fish; to a grassy patch where sheep love to graze; and to a garden where lemons create the sun in a let’s pretend sky. Along the way, every child and some of the grown ups, too, will have a chance to get in the act. Recommended for ages 1 – 5.


The Velveteen Rabbit
Where: The Puppet Co. @ Glen Echo Park
When: January 14 – February 13
Tickets: $10

Applause Unlimited returns with Margery William’s gentle tale of how toys become real. Told with hand puppets, storytelling and song, solo puppeteer Christopher Hudert takes children through this classic story of friendship, changes, and magic. The popular tale is of particular interest to youngsters learning to read, and anyone who has ever had a favorite stuffed toy. Running Time: 45 minutes. Recommended for ages 3 ½ and older.

Rocknoceros
Where: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
When: January 16
Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 day of show

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than rocking out with local kids’ fave Rocknoceros. Your kids are sure to know all the lyrics to their hit song “Pink!”.

The Wright Brothers
Where: National Air & Apace Musuem
When: January 19 – 21
Tickets: $6/adult, $5/child, $3/children under 2

Experience the fun of man’s first powered flight as Rainbow Puppet Productions presents The Wright Brothers. We follow the brothers as they write their chapter in American history. Learn how growing up as avid readers gave them faith in their own abilities. Watch them experiment and take to the skies. Lots of music and a variety of puppetry styles—hand, rod, and shadow—craft an inspirational story about hard work and determination. This is a Discovery Theater performance that takes place at the Air & Space Museum. Recommended for ages 2 -10.  Note:  The Discovery Theater has a great line-up of shows in February, too.  Visit the website to see what else is playing.

Mirandy and Brother Wind
Where: Adventure Theatre & Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: January 21 – February 13 (AT) February 25 – March 13 (Atlas)
Tickets: $15
, (Goldstar also has discounts for select dates)
Who will take the cake? Why, Mirandy of course. The junior cake walk happens soon and Mirandy needs a dance partner. Who can high step and kick the best? Why Brother Wind! But how can Mirandy capture him? Grandmother Beasley says, “Can’t nobody put shackles on Brother Wind, chile. He be special. He be free.” Leave it to Mirandy, she’ll catch him; she’ll grab hold of that Brother Wind and win that delicious cake! Through her journey to capture Brother Wind, Mirandy learns something special – freedom and kindness. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: January 22
Tickets: Free, but required. Distributed day of on first-come, first-served basis.

After several weeks’ hiatus, the free Saturday morning treat for kids will resume with Meet Penguin Bob! Artist, author and illustrator Joe Jamaldinian recounts the escapades of his lovable creation Penguin Bob and launches Barrymore Eagles’ Kids Art & Koloring Kontest! Joe sketches an exciting adventure in which Bob follows his quest to teach children to follow their dreams in a multi-cultural world of fascinating people. New shows are presented almost every Saturday through the spring. Be sure to check the website to see what’s coming up. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Animalia Puppet Show
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 29
Tickets: $12, $8 for McLean district residents

Hobey Ford’s beautiful production of Animalia explores the world of animals through movement, music and visually stunning puppetry. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

NSO Pops: Disney in Concert
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: February 4, 5, & 6
Tickets: $20 – $50, (Goldstar also has discounts for select dates)

Enjoy the magic music of Disney with the NSO Pops and guest conductor Michael Krajewski. Every new generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” ” Aladdin,” or “The Lion King.” And then there are the classics, from a “Mary Poppins” medley to the “Yo ho” of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” When everyone joins together for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all.

Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes
Where: Verizon Center
When: February 16 – 21
Tickets: $15 – $75 (Goldstar also has discounts on select seats)

Enter a world of wishes with your favorite Disney princesses. Tinkerbell represents the magic of Disney as she whisks you through a collection of enchanting and beloved Disney stories.  Purchase tickets online through the Verizon Center.

46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes
Where:   The Kennedy Center
When:     February 18 – 20
Tickets:  $18

How many wondrous circus acts can be stuffed into 45 minutes? Exactly 46, with barely a pause to applaud. From clowns and contortionists to animal acts and acrobats, Australia’s Circa gives audiences the circus without all the boring bits. Lively music keeps the pace as a handful of multi-talented performers bend, fly, juggle, and balance to battle the clock. 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is fast, furious, and fun for everyone. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Stomp
Where: The Warner Theatre
When: January 25 – 30
Tickets: $37 – $57

The unique musical production of choreographed percussion using the body and ordinary objects, is on an American tour and will be stopping in DC for six days of performances. Catch sneak previews on January 13 at several venues around town. See this post for more information.

Perseus Bayou
Where: Imagination Stage
When: February 5 – March 17
Tickets: $10 – $22

This award-winning musical sets the classic Greek myth of Perseus and his quest for the snake-headed Medusa in post-Civil War Louisiana. To save the bayou from the evil Polydectes, Percy must journey to the edge of the human world with the help of a conjure woman, Miss Athena, a spirit-cat, Panther Hermes and a tomboy named Andromeda. Percy’s coming-of-age is vividly told in this epic and magical theatrical work. Imagination Stage is delighted to welcome back Mary Hall Surface, whose The Hundred Dresses and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice played here in prior seasons. Enjoyed by ages 6+

Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: February 17 – April 10
Tickets: $10

A timely version of the classic children’s tale about the young lad that doesn’t know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. The first half of the story follows the familiar track, but the second half turns into a rescue of the Giant’s servant, rather than the traditional crime spree found in most versions. Jack finds that happiness lies in helping others rather than mere personal gain. Told with rod puppets and some surprising twists, Jack has long been a favorite of our audiences.

The Magic Paintbrush
Where: Synetic Family Theater
When: February 19 – April 3
Tickets: $12

Based on Chinese folklore, The Magic Paintbrush is a magical tale of the power of good virtues against the forces of greed. Ma Liang, a poor orphan boy, dreams of becoming a painter. His dreams come to life one day when he discovers a magic paint brush that brings his art to life. Ma Liang’s brush sets him on an enchanting journey, from countryside to palace, proving that in the end giving and sharing is the best reward.

Ishara Puppet Theatre: Simple Dreams
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: March 19 – 20
Tickets: $18

Combining the essences of puppetry and imagination, Simple Dreams is an interplay of music, dance, and performers animating simple objects such as sticks and umbrellas to create vivid images of birds, fish, animals. This visual poem on nature and the cycle of life comes from the imagination of leading Indian puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee, founder of The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust. For age 5 and up.

Imago Theater: ZooZoo
Where: Strathmore
When: March 27
Tickets: $15 – $35

Imago Theatre makes its Strathmore debut in ZooZoo. This one-of-a-kind company conjures up one surprise after another, including a menagerie of a giant dinosaur, hungry anteaters, hitch-hiking rabbits, introverted frogs, insomniac hippos and cantankerous polar bears. Mixing deftly designed costumes, brilliant physical comedy, illusion and audience participation, Imago Theatre is simply “captivating.” (The New York Times)

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Filed under All ages, DC, Free, Live Entertainment, Music, Theatre, Winter

Sunday Morning Kid Hop Show

Who’s up for some Kid Hop? That’s right, Kid Hop–an intro to hip hop for kids incoporating positive party rhymes, cool stories, and eclectic beats.  On Sunday, August 29,  the master of Kid Hop, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, is coming to the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue to get kids grooving to his fun and unique beats.  The show, part of the Kids Rock @ Sixth series , starts at 10:30am.  Tickets are $8 and available for purchase through the Sixth & I website.

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Rock ‘n’ Roll on the Floor Laughing

If your kids had to decide between a music show and a magic show, which would they choose? Actually, don’t even bother trying to answer that question because this coming Sunday they will have a chance to see both in one morning! On July 18 at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, local kids’ fave, Rocknoceros, will play their musical hits, AND the The Great Zucchini, one of the most popular kids entertainers in the city, will also perform.

The morning of music and comical magic is part of the Kids Rock @ Sixth Concert Series taking place this summer. The show starts at 10:30am when Rocknoceros takes the stage, followed by The Great Zucchini at 11:10am. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Visit the Sixth & I website to reserve your seats. Once on the ticket page, be sure to scroll down to the “Events” section for the concert.

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Filed under All ages, Live Entertainment, Music, Summer, Weekend