CherryBlast returns with interactive art, a night market, DJs, origami, sumo wresting, and video games. (Photo courtesy of EventsDC)
This is the last weekend for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Japanese culture, jazz, and justice-focused art take center stage this weekend.
FRIDAY, APRIL 14
JAZZ: Guitarist Charlie Byrd is credited with exposing American audiences to bossa nova. You can attend a tribute to the jazz legend, led by former bandmate and mentee Chuck Redd. He’ll be joined on stage by vocalist Maucha Adnet, saxophonist Harry Allen, guitarist Nate Najar, bassist Tommy Cecil, and drummer Matt Home. (AMP, 8 p.m. $25-35)
JAPAN: The National Cherry Blossom Festival ends this Sunday, making this weekend your last chance to partake in Washington’s annual celebration of Japanese culture before next year. Try authentic street foods, sip on Japanese whiskey, watch a Sumo demonstration, play some classic Nintendo and Sony video games, and more at Cherry Blast! (Dock 5 at Union Market, 7-11 p.m. $69-125)
DUBSTEP: Drop workweek responsibilities, then drop the bass. English DJ Flux Pavilion’s tour Around the World in 80 Raves is coming to D.C. He’s the guy behind the popular song “Bass Cannon.” Dance yourself sweaty at this concert, headlined by Flux Pavilion and featuring Kayzo, G-Buck Bortz, and Rucca. (Echostage, 9 p.m. $25-40)
More: French Embassy Spring Reception
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Get your swing dance on at Glen Echo. (Photo by Ben)
YOGA: Start your Saturday with some stretching for the body and soul. Grab a mat and get your downward dog on at an all-levels yoga class taught by Ahmed Jabali-Nash. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and Brightest Young Things present Cherry BlossOM Yoga in the Courtyard. Namaste! (Smithsonian American Art Museum, 10-11 a.m. FREE)
FIREWORKS: Watch pretty, coordinated explosions at the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival. The fireworks display starts at 8:30 p.m. But there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy until then, like beer, crafts, live music, and more. (The Wharf, 2-9:30 p.m. FREE)
ART AND JUSTICE: Six artists present work in Now More Than Ever, an exhibit presented by D.C.-based arts collective NoMüNoMü. The pieces examine the current political situation, confront “liberal paralysis,” and address privilege. Ask the artists what’s pissing them off this week at the opening reception. (Washington Project for the Arts, 7-9 p.m. FREE)
AWARE ART: Romare Bearden created art that spoke to African American life in the mid-twentieth century. An outspoken humanist, he often addressed social issues in his work. You can see a collection of his collages and watercolors at Hemphill during this weekend’s exhibit opening reception. (Hemphill, 6-8 p.m. FREE)
SWING: You can only coast on the side-to-side shuffle for so long. If you’re been looking to pick up some new moves, come learn how to swing dance at Glen Echo. Baltimore’s Sarah Sullivan and the New Old Fashioneds will play jazz songs that will get and keep you dancing long after the beginner dance lesson. (Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, 8-11:59 p.m. $15-20)
FOLK MUSIC: If I had a song, I’d sing it in the evening…specifically this Saturday night. You can release your inner flower child at Pete Seeger and the Power of Song: Tribute to a Folk Legend. Presented in collaboration with the GRAMMY Museum, this one-night-only performance will celebrate the folk musician’s career and contributions to American music. A lineup of GRAMMY winners, nominees, and other musicians will perform classic Seeger songs such as “If I Had a Hammer” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” The event will be hosted by Larry Groce of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Mountain Stage.” (The Kennedy Center, 8 p.m. $39-135)
More: DanceHall Reggae Soca DayParty, DC Rawhides’ 2017 Town & Country Anniversary Dance, Beach.Haus, White Ford Bronco, Mod Sun, Marty Grimes, and SwagHollywood, Rhode Island Avenue Main Street Porch Fest 2017, Colony Club Second Anniversary Party, Tax Day Bash
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
EASTER: If you’re not super Christian, but still kinda sorta Christian, consider this a friendly reminder that Easter Sunday is one of those two times a year when you should probably get your butt to church. Put on the nice slacks your mom bought you and celebrate the holiday in a beautiful setting with moving music. (The Washington National Cathedral, 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. $6)
BREAD: White, whole wheat, sweet or savory, bread is delicious (just ask your Jewish friends who can’t currently eat it). Learn to make parathas, Indian stuffed breads, at Pansaari. You’ll learn the full process, from making the dough to roasting the finished product on the griddle. Of course, you’ll also get to eat it—with yogurt and spicy pickles. (Pansaari, 4-6 p.m. $65)
NEPAL: You don’t need to travel all the way to Asia to get your hands on some quality Himalayan crafts. Experience Nepalese music, culture, food, art, and more at Global Nepal Fest. You’ll see traditional dance performances, hear live instrumental music, and maybe convince yourself that it’s time to go on that backpacking trip. (George Washington University Yard, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. FREE)
LIVE MUSIC: Austin-based band Sweet Spirit knows how to fill a stage—and a room. Singer Sabrina Ellis leads the band in a high-energy performance of the group’s pop garage rock sound. Local band Milo in the Doldrums will also perform. (The Black Cat, 7:30 p.m. $10-12)
JAZZ: Born and raised in Japan, jazz musician Tiger Okoshi fell in love with painting as a young child. When he saw Louis Armstrong perform in Osaka, he saw a parallel between the trumpeter and a visual artist. Today, Tiger says he aims to “paint the air” when he plays. Come see for yourself if that’s an apt metaphor. (Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. $35)
More: Easter Jam with Rare Essence, Hometown Sounds presents Olivia Mancini
Other helpful links to plan your weekend:
Two Green Line Stations Will Be Closed This Weekend
Weekly Music Agenda
This Week in Jazz
April Arts Agenda
April Theater Guide
Dish of the Week: Loving The Lamb Burger
