Summer, Summer, Summertime.....

Welcome to the world of "culture"tainment, a journey into all things social, cultural, entertaining, and inviting (keep it clean people, keep it clean (lol)). It took me a little while to gather my thoughts and ideas together but I'm glad that you have decided to come along for the ride.

Now, without further a due....



It's that time of the year, and EVERYONE is recovering from cases of cabin fever :-). If you're looking for some great summertime activities, here are two of my favorite annual favorties:

17th Annual Capital Jazz Fest
Merriweather Post Pavilion (Columbia, Maryland)
June 5-7, 2009



Held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, this year's Capital Jazz Fest will be held June 5-7, 2009 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Located between Washington and Baltimore, in a lovely 40-acre natural wooded setting known as Symphony Woods, Merriweather provides a concert experience like no other. Fest-goers may enjoy the festival up-close and theatre-style in the open-air covered pavilion, or outdoors and picnic-style on the gently-sloping lawn.

Since its inception in 1993, the Capital Jazz Fest — which guitarist Chuck Loeb once referred to as the "Woodstock of jazz festivals" — has continually showcased the biggest names in contemporary jazz. Past performers on the Pavilion Jazz Stage include Herbie Hancock, Kenny G, The Jazzmasters, Kem, Grover Washington, Jr., Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Chris Botti, Ramsey Lewis, Dianne Reeves, Boney James, Incognito, Nancy Wilson, David Sanborn, George Benson, and countless others.

The Soul Stage at Symphony Woods (a.k.a. "The Party Stage") showcases urban and alternative artists and has featured Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, War, Eric Benet, Jeffrey Osborne, The Hidden Beach Unwrapped Band, Isaac Hayes, Average White Band, Dwele, Loose Ends, Kindred, Plunky, Hil St. Soul, The Brand New Heavies, and many others.

This year's lineup includes George Duke, Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, Angie Stone, Will Downing, Raheem DeVaughn, En Vogue, Rahsaan Patterson, Anthony David, and Mike Phillips.

For a complete listing of this year's talent lineup, ticket information, and directions, please visit http://www.capitaljazz.com.

The Safeway 17th Annual National Capital Barbeque Battle
Pennsylvania Avenue (between 9th-14th Streets (Washington, D.C.))
June 27-28, 2009



No matter how you spell it - Barbecue - Barbecue - Bar-B-Que - BBQ- You'll love America's National Barbecue Championship in the Nation's Capital. The Safeway 16th Annual Barbecue Battle will take place June 27 & 28 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The Barbecue Battle was voted one of North America's TOP 100 Events by the American Tourism Industry Association and a top BBQ Event by the Travel Channel and Discovery.com.

Here in the Shadow of the Nation's Capitol, tens of thousands of people witness barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country compete to win over $40,000 in cash and prizes and the title of National Pork BBQ Champion, as well as a chance to represent the Mid-Atlantic United States in the Barbecue World Championship, Memphis in May. What barbeque wouldn't be complete without some of the area's most talented artists ? This year's performance lineup include anything from blues to jazz to rock to D.C.'s beloved go-go genre.

Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Safeway Barbecue Battle celebrates the art of barbecue in a spirit of community, family, and fun. The event has raised over $1 million for it's beneficiaries.

For more information on ticket information, participating restaurants, and talent lineup, please visit http://www.bbqdc.com.



D.C. Carribean Carnival
"Carnival With A Purpose"
June 28 & 28, 2009

DC CARNIVAL is an annual event produced by DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc., a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization based in the District of Columbia. The purpose of this event is to bring to fruition an annual Caribbean style parade in the District of Columbia called "DC CARNIVAL", develop and encourage cross-cultural programs within the Washington Metropolitan Area community serviced by DCCC in the expansion of Caribbean culture, and educate youths and adults in the Caribbean arts, crafts and culture.

The annual Extravaganza Parade will be staged along the Georgia Avenue corridor on Saturday, June 27, 2009, and will commence at Missouri Avenue at 11:00 a.m. and terminate at the international marketplace at "DE SAVANNAH" - Banneker Recreation Park. The D.C. Caribbean Carnival will host the international marketplace at "DE SAVANNAH " from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m featuring food, craft and entertainment. On Sunday June 28, 2009, the D.C. Caribbean Carnival will continue hosting the international marketplace at Banneker Park , "DE SAVANNAH " with live performances from local and international artists, food, craft and entertainment from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m.

For an official listing of events and for more information, visit the official website for the D.C. Carribean Carnival (http://www.dccaribeancarnival.org/).