The DC Traveler

Kenny Edmonds was nicknamed “Babyface” by funk superstar Bootsy Collins. The multi-talented artist, song writer and producer has written music for dozens of popular artists from Diana Ross to Madonna, En Vouge to Pink. He’s produced for Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, and more, as well as penning the soundtrack for the movie Waiting to Exhale.
He’s also won three consecutive Grammy Awards (1995, 96 and 97) for Producer of the Year.

Babyface Video - Sorry for the Stupid Things
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds
The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)
Date and Time - Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 2008. 7:30 p.m.
Tickets - $65.00 and …read more

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At the end of the month, The New York City Ballet will be performing some of their most loved and classic George Balanchine pieces at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
George Balanchine is considered one of the greatest choreographers in ballet history.  He first rose to ballet fame, as the choreographer for Ballet Russe and then moved to the the competing company, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Choreographing ballets for prima ballerinas such as Maria Tallcheif and Nathlie Krassovska, he created some the the world’s most famous ballets. He later formed a new ballet company, Ballet Society, which eventually became …read more

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Virginia produced four of the first five U.S. presidents and 8 in total; more than any other state.
For all but one, you can visit their home, estate, library or where they are laid to rest. Most places are within a couple hours of DC and make for a great short trip. Plus, during the winter, crowds are significantly smaller.
George Washington - 1st President George Washington’s Mount Vernon3200 Mount Vernon Memorial HwyMount Vernon, VA 22121
Just 30 minutes form DC, the estate of our first president and father of the United States, George Washington, sits on the Potomac River and …read more

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Last week I wrote about the ultimate boy’s band, The Beatles, and their first U.S. concert, here in Washington, DC, 43 years ago.
This week, The Spice Girls, probably the most popular all-gal singing group in history, will be in town to perform at the Verizon Center.
In 1996, The Spice Girls took over the UK and U.S. pop music scene with their Girl Power themed tunes, mostly targeted at teen girls. Within a couple years, they had sold 55 million records and were a global music phenomenon.
They split up in 2001 only to reunite in 2007, after pursuing mostly unsuccessful solo …read more

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Ever see a whale up close in its natural environment?  Now you can too off the coast if Virginia, on a whale watching boat tour.
I had the lucky experience on a dive boat, while scuba diving off of the Big Island of Hawaii several years ago. 

My encounter occurred while cruising to a new dive site, a pod of about ten humpback whales, ranging from 10-foot calves to 45-foot adults, came within about 20 feet of our boat. 
The experience was something I’ll never forget. My only regret was that I couldn’t (by law) jump in the water with them. …read more

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Here’s your chance to be the next big television dancing star. The hit Fox television show, So You Think You Can Dance, is holding open auditions for its fourth season, here in Washington, DC next week.
The show, using the American Idol format, pits great dancers from all styles of dance — ballroom to hip-hop, salsa to swing, into a weekly dance competition. The dancers include everyone from unknown amateurs to recognized national champions. About 20 dancers from the six city audition sessions will go on to complete on the television show.
After getting through the auditions and making it to …read more

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Well, if your name is John, Jim, Rich, Andy, George or Tom, you can get into Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C. for FREE any day during Presidents Day week.
Actually, free admission applies to anyone that has the same first name as any of the 43 presidents (a total of 27 different first names).
To celebrate President’s Day, you can pose for a photo with any of 13 presidents at Madame’s including George Washington, Tom Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, FDR, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, or either George Bush. There’s also a waving Hillary Clinton wax figure in case you’re thinking…
2/16 …read more

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My favorite sculpture in the  Washington, DC are is The Awakening, located at Hains Point in East Potomac Park.
Sadly, it has been sold and will be moved to a new location.  On Wednesday, it will be dug up and begin its move to its new home.
The good news. It isn’t moving far.
The National Park Service “temporary” 2-year permit initially allowed the piece to be located in the park in 1980. But it’s been there ever since.
It has since become one of the most popular non-monument sculptures in Washington, DC and a great photo op for parents …read more

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Discover the beautiful world of butterflies as they flutter around your head at the new Butterfly Pavilion oasis at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
The new pavilion will open today, with over 300 live butterflies.  
In the adjacent gallery, Partners in Evolution teaches how animals and plants co-exist through depending on each other for food, protection and pollination.
This is the second butterfly park or habitat in the Washington, DC area, the other is located at Brookside Gardens in suburban Wheaton, MD.
The new Pavilion at the Natural History will open on Friday, February 15th, …read more

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Similar to last year’s festival, the Washington Wine & Food Festival will bring together some great wineries, fun food, wine seminars and more.

It’s this one is sure to be well attended. Read about last year’s festival here.
And while you’re at the Reagan Building, check out the piece of the Berlin Wall that’s on display in the lobby. 
And if you are not the wine and cheese fan, you might enjoy this recent anti-wine-tasting party Super Bowl commercial from Bud Light.

Washington Wine & Food FestivalRonald Reagan Building and International Trade Center1300  Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington D.C. 20004  (map it)
Dates and …read more

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