Hey friends! Look, I know many of you are super excited that the District is reopening tomorrow, May 29. Incidentally, May 29 is the birthday of your erstwhile To Do writer, Jen DeMayo, so join me in wishing her a happy birthday. But while many of you may be looking forward to sitting outside and celebrating — albeit in very small groups and while wearing a mask the whole time– most of you will probably stick close to home. Here are a few fun things to do either solo or with your family this week/weekend/whenever you feel like it.
Listen: Mr. Henry’s has been absolutely killing it with their COVID Concerts series– all the incredible musicians you’d be listening to on the Mr. Henry’s stage, but from the comfort of your –and their– homes. Tonight, Majia Rejman will get your booty moving. Tune in on Facebook live at 6 p.m. and make sure you get Mr. Henry’s takeout to go with the concert.
I came across this great-sounding playlist promoting a new show on Apple Music, called Africa Now. I have not listened to the show, but the playlist is solid– like taking an African tour with your ears only.
The Capital City Chorus is doing an Armchair Travel series via Zoom on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. They only ask that you register, but the fun is FREE (although you should really donate to keep the chorus going). Click here for more info and to register.
The DC JazzFest from Home series is going strong! Click here to find out more and tune in this Saturday, May 30, to listen to Rochelle Rice. Make sure you RSVP.
Watch: Tonight, May 28, and tomorrow night, May 29, at 6 p.m., the Stuart Hobson Drama Players are doing a live show via Zoom and everyone is invited. When school closed for the year, back in March, the kids were two weeks away from opening their spring musical, so this is a chance to do a proper send-off and showcase their talents. Join them for a great online show put together in record time by Ms. Tori Pergerson. Click here to join at 6 p.m. Full disclosure, I’m mother to one of those masked children.
Another incredible explainer Vox video by my friend Madeline Marshall, on why you’ll be okay even if you encounter many an unmasked runner. See if you can spot my cameo. Walking is okay and the outdoors are good for you. Just make sure you don’t sneeze all over people when you’re running.
Lose yourself in this cool timelapse of artist Rajan Sedalia’s chalk art mural at Eastern Market metro station, put together by Capitol Hill BID. You are loved here, indeed. I hope you feel the love, neighbors.
Exercise: Join With Love DC at the U. S. Botanic Garden for an online yoga event every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The event is free but they ask that you register here.
Read/share with kiddos: Throughout this whole ordeal, we’ve been impressed with the kindness we’ve seen out and about. Local author Wendi Littlefield’s delightful book “Kindness in the Neighborhood” will put a smile on your face, and the activities in Wendi’s site, including a very timely Kindness Calendar, will help you find the silver lining with little ones– or just with yourself.
Read/Make: We know local pooches have suffered a lot because they are getting fewer pets and fewer treats. Maybe this is the time to find a new skill you didn’t know you had and make your own dog toys and treats? The folks at Rover put together a delightful guide on how to DIY fun doggie things and I think you’re gonna like it. Click here to see it.