April is here and so is the height of cherry blossom season in D.C., with plenty of festivities to mark the occasion. From a day-long celebration of cherry blossom-themed events, to a “Jazz and Blossoms” jam, check out a handful of the many events happening to keep your spirit – and social life – lit.To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to stay up-to-date on DMV happenings year-round.
Thursday, April 3Time Capsule 2040: A Link To The Future6:30 p.m. | FreeTreeHouse, 4722 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20011Time Capsule 2040: A Link to the Future is an invitation to journey through time, offering attendees the opportunity to leave their mark on hip-hop’s evolving legacy. Through the creation of a time capsule, participants can send a message directly to the hip-hop community of 2040, bridging generations through storytelling, sound and collective memory.
Immersive and interactive experiences will guide attendees through hip-hop’s past, present and future—honoring its roots, amplifying its current voices and envisioning what lies ahead. This event is both an archive and a prophecy. THE PEOPLE’S PARTY: A NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC, ARTS & ACTIVISM7 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $15+Songbyrd, 540 Penn St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
Featuring Lena Traynham, Riz Tha Great, and Amin tMK, “The People’s Party” is a night to bring together local artists and activists. It will connect artists of all mediums, ranging from music, poetry, painting and photography directly to activists and organizations who need their help. Further, 20% of ticket sales will be donated to families in Gaza, Sudan and The Congo. Join Songbyrd to party and platform local activists and community organizers by providing a stage to spread awareness for important local and global causes. There will be performances with guest speakers woven in between sets, as well as a live artist and local vendors to check out and support.
Friday, April 4Cecily: Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | $15+Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20784Head to Prince George’s Publick Playhouse for a live tribute to Gil Scott-Heron, the renowned American jazz poet, singer and musician celebrated for his impactful spoken-word performances during the 1970s and 1980s.
This event features D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, who is praised for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, characterized by a soothing richness, draws inspiration from mid-century soul, jazz, 1990s R&B and reimagined folk music. Her debut album “Songs of Love and Freedom” earned her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album. This tribute promises to honor Scott-Heron’s influential music, which significantly shaped the hip-hop and neo-soul genres. This performance will feature an all-live band with performances by Cecily, Wes Felton, Kim Jordan, Ka’Ba SoulSinger and Saleem Waters.Make Tacos with Chef Adrian at Aslin Beer7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $55Aslin Beer Co, 1740 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009Coastal flavors are just a bite away in this exciting hands-on cooking class from Chef Adrian, who will guide participants in a kitchen session where sweet seafood and tangy citrus lead the menu.Attendees will begin by creating their own homemade tortillas from scratch using fresh ingredients and a hearty helping of traditional magic. Then, they will transform shrimp into a sizzling taco filling sensation with a tantalizing lime-mojito tingle, topped with black bean and mango salad for a taste of the tropics attendees can enjoy without leaving home.Saturday, April 5KIKI Comedy: Spring Fling7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $15+915 U St NW, 915 U Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001Get ready to laugh your floral prints off at “Kiki Comedy: Spring Fling – A Totally Blossomed Night of Laughs.” Hosted by the fabulous Bombshell, this Spring Fling-themed night is serving up cocktails, comedy and bloom-worthy fun.Kiki is bringing an all-star lineup of comedians to keep attendees gagging all night: Elizabeth Brooks Houston, Anthony Oakes, Kenny Rooter, Rakafella, and Howl Cooper!Attendees should dust off their pastels, grab a drink and get ready for a night that’ll have them cackling like it’s prom season. Fling into spring the funniest way possible – only at Kiki!Petalpalooza9 a.m. | FreeBusboys and Poets- Anacostia, 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, Washington, D.C., 20020Celebrate spring at Petalpalooza, a full day of live music and engaging activities!This day-long, all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the dazzling choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music, starting at 8:30 p.m.Sunday, April 6 Grounded in Nature: A Hiking Journey to Deeper Connections9 a.m. – Noon | $15Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20008Join Adose Wellness for a rejuvenating experience at Grounded in Nature: A Hiking Journey to Deeper Connections. This unique gathering invites attendees to embrace the outdoors while deepening their connection with nature and plants. Through gentle hiking and thoughtful guidance, attendees will embark on a journey of reflection, creativity and inner growth.Experience a peaceful, incremental silent hike along scenic trails, allowing the beauty of nature to guide an inward journey. The silence fosters an opportunity for deeper personal reflection and connection with the environment.Discover how immersion in nature and connection with plants can work together to heighten one’s awareness, deepen one’s connection to the environment, and promote a sense of inner peace and well-being.Jazz & BlossomsNoon – 7:30 p.m. | FreeFranklin Square Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005Don’t miss the ultimate spring celebration at the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Jazz & Blossoms Park Jam! This family-friendly event will immerse attendees in the fusion of hip-hop and jazz, with music headliners Arrested Development, Masta Ace with band Sound of the City, Kokayi, Black Folks Don’t Swim? and Ra Brown. DJ Stylus the Vibe Conductor will be on the turntables and your hosts are the legendary POEM-CEES. Explore the art zones and activities for all-ages including live art installations, lawn games, and more.
Source: Washington Informer
