By Una Yarsky Ask any D.C. native and they’ll agree: Go-go is an essential part of D.C.’s identity. The music genre has had a long history in this city, first originating in the early 1970’s. Go-go is a type of funk music known for its percussion and blend of various music genres. Chuck Brown, known […]
Black History Impact Panel at The Wharf
By Southwester Staff In celebration of Black History Month, Pearl Street Stage hosted a unique panel discussion and two musical performances on Feb. 6. The String Queens kicked off the event, warming up the crowd with ethereal sounds of cello, violin, and viola. Before exiting stage right, The Queens played a rendition of Uptown Funk, […]
Annual Black History Community Meeting
ByRyan Pierce, Chair, SWNA History Task Force This year’s meeting promises to provide an educational and inspiring experience looking at the important stories and contributions of neighborhood residents. Arranged by Thelma Jones of the Black History Sub-committee, this meeting will feature Mr. Craig Syphax, descendant of the prominent Southwest family, and Mr. Benjamin Sands, a […]
Hear Me Say My Name Challenges Stereotypes at the American Indian Museum
By Una Yarsky “I am not your mascot, and I don’t live in a tipi. See me for who I am, hear me say my name.” Today, American Indians are both visible and invisible in American culture. There are caricatures of their faces. Movies that romanticize their history. And, sports teams that use their faces […]
Sounds of Southwest: Peyote Pilgrim
By Ramsey Poston The Sounds of Southwest led me to Pearl Street Warehouse last month to watch local Americana band, Peyote Pilgrim, perform its songs of hope, joy and love. The band is led by lead vocalist, Casey Shannon, who also plays guitar. He assembled the four piece band in 2012 with some old school […]
Ian Callender: Southwest’s Beacon of Creativity
Exclusive Interview with Co-Founder and Executive Director of Culture House By Mike Goodman Southwest resident Ian Callender has led the arts and culture scene of our community into a new era. Born and raised in DC, Callender now has a number of cultural arts spaces in the quadrant. He is the owner of Suite Nation, […]
Tradition and Modern Technology Showcase Human Complexity in Heroes: Principles of African Greatness
By Sheila Wickouski Traditions come together with modern technology to tell the stories behind the men and women featured in Heroes: Principles of African Greatness at the National Museum of African Art. This dynamic exhibition of classical and contemporary works links each work of art with a historic African, a “hero in history,” and a […]