Expert baristas are teaching latte art basics at Vigilantee Coffee today (Photo via Vigilante Coffee)
You can start of the week by setting some good intentions and then learn how to make latte art, decorate a cake, or mix up a classic cocktail.
MONDAY, MAY 1
YOGA: It’s the first Monday of the month, which is the perfect time to recharge and set some good intentions. Embrace Yoga DC teachers are hosting their monthly Mindful Monday Yoga class in Adams Morgan. The vinyasa-style practice is open to yogis of all levels. Register in advance or arrive early to take an unclaimed spot. (Potter’s House; 7:45 p.m.; FREE)
IMPROV: Settle in for an hour an a half of impromptu twists and turns as two teams compete at Improv Wars. The show will also include a performance by members of the Laugh Index. (DC Arts Center; 8 to 9:30 p.m.; $10 online until 5 p.m. and $15 cash at door)
LATTE ART: It’s time to stop admiring your barista’s flowery artwork and learn how to craft your own beautiful espresso. Expert baristas will teach the fundamentals of steaming, pouring, and making pretty drinks at Vigilante Coffee’s Latte Art Basics class. (Vigilante Coffee; 6 to 7 p.m.; $25)
More: Tonic Ten-Year Anniversary Dinner, Life Drawing, Mindfulness Meditation, Poetry Reading, Connecting People, Parks, and Places, Open Mic
TUESDAY, MAY 2
There’s a live film series and discussion happening at the Fringe Art Bar on Tuesday. (Photo via Facebook)
FUNNY VETERANS: For the past seven weeks, local veterans, service members, and military family members were whipped into comedic shape at Comedy Bootcamp. The course gave participants a chance to flex their comedy writing and performing muscles to prepare for entertaining a crowd. They will get that opportunity on Tuesday at the DC Comedy Bootcamp Graduation Show with five-minute sets to show what they’ve learned. (The DC Impov; 6:30 p.m.; $25)
VIDEO ART: In response to President Trump’s inauguration, visual media artist and activist Robin Bell launched the Directed Actions: Live Film Series to help people create solutions to a myriad of social justice issues. Each night, a group of artists will talk about works that combine both activism and the arts. It kicks off on Tuesday with Wes Felton, Gowri Koneswaran, and Pete Muldoon. (Fringe Arts Bar; 6 p.m.; $10)
More: Intro To Painting at Art Jamz, Underground Comedy
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
Some of D.C.’s best storytellers will share tales at this month’s edition of Perfect Liars Club on Wednesday. (Photo via Facebook)
AWKWARD BOOK: In his debut book, stand-up comic and TV/podcast host W. Kamau Bell writes about things like policing and politics. He also shares personal stories like how he was a black nerd before it was cool and how “it took his wife and an East Bay lesbian to teach him that racism and sexism often walk hand in hand.” He’ll talk about all of these things and more from his book “The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell” in a conversation with attorney Rabia Chaudry during this book tour stop in the District. Tickets to the discussion include a copy of book. (Politics and Prose Bookstore; 8 p.m.; $40).
LIARS: Some of D.C.’s best storytellers will hit the stage on Wednesday for this month’s edition of Perfect Liars Club. Four people will tell tales that may or may not be true and audience members will have to use keen judgement and interrogation skills to pick out the fibber. (The Bier Baron Tavern; 7:30 p.m.; $15)
MINDFUL ART: Mental health issues can be a scary to talk about, but they don’t have to be. The Youth Transitions Collaborative is hosting an arts event featuring artists whose works touch on mental health issues within communities of color. It’s the first event in a series of the collaborative’s Mental Health in Color series. (Busboys and Poets; 2021 14th Street NW; 6:30 p.m.; FREE)
ARTS & BEATS: Unwind in Brookland on Thursday evening with live performances, art installations, and good eats at the monthly Arts & Beats event hosted by the folks who brought you Road 2 SXSW. (Smith Public Trust; 6 to 10 p.m., FREE)
More: Overachievers Comedy, Meet the Mixtress, Caribbean Dance Party
THURSDAY, MAY 4
Learn about the spy themes that run through the Star Wars series on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of The International Spy Museum)
ESPIONAGE: Take a deep dive into the spy themes that run through the Star Wars series and Rogue One with Dr. Vince Houghton. The historian will share why he thinks the franchise is the ultimate spy movie series, plus he’ll address rumors surrounding Episode VIII. (The International Spy Museum; 6:30 p.m.; $12-$15)
TRAP KARAOKE: Broccoli City Festival organizers are warming up festival guests with this precursor event in Ivy City. TRAP Karaoke offers a “user-generated concert experience, placing fans at the center” of music popularized by Southern hip-hop artists. (Ivy City Smokehouse; 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.; $30-$40)
PUFF AND PAINT: You bring the cannabis and booze, and the organizers bring the art supplies at the Puff, Pass & Paint class. It’s happening in D.C., but you won’t get the exact address until you purchase your ticket. (5 to 7 p.m.; $49)
ICING: Learn how to decorate a cake like pro with the help of Penny Karas, the former owner and executive pastry chef of D.C.’s Hello Cupcake. Karas will teach icing basics, detail work, and other ways to make your next homemade cake look like you ordered it at a bakery. Everything you need will be provided at the Midcity Mad Crafter Cake Decorating class, plus you’ll go home with a fully-decorated 6-inch cake. (Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot; 7 p.m.; $75)
MIXOLOGY: Learn how to become your own bartender at this Mixology Class for Beginners. You’ll enjoy complimentary snacks while learning how to make (and sipping) classic cocktails. You’ll also get to craft your own cocktail and compete with participants for a chance to guest bartend at a bar in the city. (407 H Street NE Suite B; 7 p.m.; $30)
More: The Art of Interpretation at Pepco Edison Place Gallery
