Xclusive May 2021 eNewsletter

Inside This Edition:

We all need help sometimes and the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) and the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) are committed to providing resources and access to mental health assistance that support District-based creatives.

July 2020, OCTFME and CAO announced “Care for Creatives,” a mental health support partnership with the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) and The Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC). The partnership was created to provide pay-what-you-can mental health support to the DC creative community. Creatives that contact CCSC are matched with a clinical intern to support them through a solution-oriented therapy approach. All services are confidential and will be provided via tele-health.

We expanded the resources available and launched “Care for Creatives Community Conversations” - an on-demand series of conversations focused on supporting your mental health. As we welcome Mental Health Awareness month, we invite you to meet the therapists who are a part of our “Care for Creatives Community Conversations” as well as watch and share the series with our community.

This month, we also honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with special programming on DC Radio 96.3HD4 and its digital platforms. The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islanders Office will recognize AAPI Heritage month with weekly videos on its Facebook page. The videos introduce and focus on how our AAPI community embodies our DC Values and what makes the District unique to our AAPI residents. We invite you to check out the “May is AAPI Heritage Month” section to see more information about the events planned for the month.

Follow us on social media to keep up with our creative community.

Facebook: Entertain DC, DCRadioHD

Instagram: Entertain_DC, 202Creates, DCRadioHD, CreativeAffairsDC

Twitter: Entertain_DC

Angie M. Gates
Director
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment

Help DC Stop COVID-19

The DC COVID Alert Notice (DC CAN) is the official COVID-19 exposure notification system for DC. Using Bluetooth technology, the system lets you know if you’ve come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. To learn more, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/dccan.

Meet our

"Care For Creatives: Community Conversations"

Therapists

Meet the therapists who have joined Maryann Lombardi, Associate Director, Creative Affairs Office for our Care For Creatives: Community Conversations.

Dr. Nicole L. Cammack

Dr. Mary DeRaedt, LPC, NCC

Julian R. Harris, MSW, LICSW

Dr. Vikki Johnson, Chaplain & Spiritual Wellness Coach/Mentor

Dr. Alexis Moreno

Dr. Barbara Musgrove,
Licensed Psychologist

April Preston, MA, LMFT

Lindsey D. Vance, ATR-BC, LPC

Road to Representation

From April 12 to 16, tune into DCN Channel 16 at 7 pm for a new installment of Road to Representation. Tap the images below to learn more about each episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive premiere notifications to watch on-demand.

Episode 1

The Seed is Planted

Episode 2

The Plan takes Root

Episode 3

Home Rule

Episode 4

The First Gavel

Episode 5

Create the State

Anniversary of Go-Go Designation

As the official Music of DC

Follow the DC Creative Affairs Office on Instagram at @creativeaffairsdc to learn more about the District's support of the Go-Go community.

Women's History Made in Our Community and Beyond

Tap the images below for each woman's full biography. Follow us @entertainDC to learn more about the District's support of the creative community.

MURIEL BOWSER

MAYOR, WASHINGTON, DC

Muriel Bower is the Mayor of Washington DC. As DC’s Mayor, she is its chief executive and also functions as governor and county executive. Mayor Bowser became the first female two term mayor of Washington, DC and the first mayor to earn a second term in 16 years. Since taking office, the Mayor has taken bold steps to reset DC’s global and national competitiveness, speed up affordable housing production, diversify the DC economy, increase satisfaction in city services, and invest in programs and policies that allow more families to live and thrive in DC. Mayor Bowser has been a strong advocate of DC becoming the 51st State and its residents having full access to “our” nations democracy.

DR. LAQUANDRA S. NESBITT, MD

DIRECTOR, DC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Dr. Nesbitt currently serves as the Director of the DC Department of Health. Dr. Nesbitt is a board-certified family physician with over a decade of experience leading population health initiatives in governmental public health agencies. Under Mayor Bowser she is leading the District’s charge on crushing COVID -19 and keeping DC residents healthy. As a physician leader, Dr. Nesbitt mobilizes organizations and communities to implement innovative solutions that promote health and wellness, and achieve health equity. In addition to her role as Health Director, Dr. Nesbitt is a published author and served as an executive editor of Population Health: Management, Policy, and Technology.

ANGIE M. GATES

DIRECTOR, DC OFFICE OF CABLE TV, FILM & ENTERTAINMENT

Angie M. Gates serves as the Director of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. In her role, she also serves as the DC Film Commissioner and leads the DC Creative Affairs Office. Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Gates, made history when the District of Columbia Government won its first Emmy Award at the 60th Emmy Awards. She also led the efforts in the historic launch of DC Radio 96.3HD4. Gates plays a pivotal role in Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents 202Creates initiative which highlights, educates and promotes the diverse and vibrant creative community in the District of Columbia.

CATHY HUGHES

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, URBAN ONE, INC

Cathy Hughes is the Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. (formerly known as Radio One, Inc), the largest African-American owned and operated, broadcast company in the nation, Cathy Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television and digital media. Her humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, were not a deterrent to her success but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African Americans with information and to tell stories from their perspective.

DJ HEAT

LIVE & ON-AIR PERSONALITY

The nation’s capitol has a hometown hero that spins, scratches and blends music while staunchly staying true to her roots. Known as the DJ for the Wizards and world-champion Mystics, this sonic savant went from working as a Mystics ball girl to entertaining the crowd at Capital One Arena 20 years after her first gig. She is also the creator of “The Rap Up Show” podcast and “My First Album” web series, all whilst promoting her new single “City Girls’” featuring Styme & Reece P.

ANDRENE M. TAYLOR

VISUAL STORYTELLER

Andrene is using visual storytelling to decolonize the African continent and liberate the diaspora. She says, "Africa and its diaspora, has had its story told for it. And, while there have been many advancements for the culture, and more Black visual storytellers are telling Black stories, there is still need for more." Currently, Andrene is working on a project in partnership with Kenyatta University, where she designed a hybrid online and in-person platform on creativity. The aim is to provide creatives with the space and time to hone their creative skills.

MELANIE A. ADAMS

DIRECTOR, SMITHSONIAN ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM

With more than 25 years of community engagement experience in museums and higher education, Melanie Adams is dedicated to bringing stakeholders together to address relevant community issues. After the museum shut its doors in March 2020, she worked with staff to create virtual programs and opportunities for people to share their experiences through the digital initiative Moments of Resilience. The museum staff quickly pivoted to place exhibits outside of its walls. The first exhibit, Men of Change: Taking it to the Streets, opened in the Deanwood community on February 1st to kick off Black History month. The second exhibit will open on the museum’s plaza in early April and focuses on food insecurity in the DC region.

Derek Gray

DC Public Library

"Thanks to the Go-Go community's 'Don't Mute DC' movement, the magnification of the voices of thousands of marginalized and displaced Washingtonians resulted in Go-Go being designated as DC's official music. As curator of the Go-Go Archive, the naming greatly motivates me to continue to work with the many 'griots' of Go-Go to ensure that this narrative is well-documented, preserved, and made accessible."

Cherie Mitchell-Agurs

Sweet Cherie

"Go-Go music being the official music of DC means so much to me. As a DC Native and a product of DC Public Schools (LaSalle Elementary, Bertie Backus JHS, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Howard University), I have listened to and loved Go-Go music my entire life. Believe it or not, I always thought that Go-Go was already DC's music, however, to have it "official" is very important and necessary for our culture."

Anwan "Big G" Glover

BackYard Band

"Go-Go being the official music of DC means that the music and sound of Go-Go will be around for the long haul as the city changes. There is a better sense of respect and feeling of something that is "OURS" as a native Washingtonian. In the words told [to] me by Chuck Brown 'Don't Let Our Music Die' and Go-Go being the official music of DC affords the opportunity to stay alive."

Porche' Anthony

Queen P

"Go-Go music being the official music of DC means so much to me because I represent the DC dance culture of beat ya feet. Go-Go belongs to chocolate city just like the style of beat ya feet. Making it official just stamps and promotes how we present culture nationally and internationally. It's the ownership for me. We as a culture own something that can't be taken away from us no matter how much the look of our city changes. 'WE rep DC, WE are DC, GO-GO music 4 Lyfe'"

ANDRE "White Boy" JoHnson

Rare Essence

"For Rare Essence, Go-Go music being the official music of DC is an incredible feeling. We are honored to be one of the founding bands and to have been a part of this scene since before it was called Go-Go. As a result the entire genre has been energized to develop and release new music and this will hopefully ensure that our "homegrown sound" will be around for at least another 50 years."

Cherita "Cookie" Whiting

Talent Management

"It means EVERYTHING. It means honoring Chuck's Legacy and nothing means more than that!"

Kato Hammond

Take Me Out To The Go-Go Magazine

“In a nutshell, Go-Go music being the official music of DC means to me that we as a culture and music are FINALLY and officially being recognized, accepted and celebrated as a staple and sound of Washington, D.C. It means that our history and contribution are just as important as anything else."

Kerrie Cotten Williams

DC Public Library

"The naming of Go-Go as the official music of Washington, D.C. speaks to the influence and importance of this locally grown and supported art form out of the Black DC cultural and social experience. Go-Go comes from a long tradition of musical genius that transforms and grows with each new generation of musicians."

Eric Coffen

Pure Elegance

"In my eyes and mind growing up [Go-Go music] was always DC music, it will never change."

Tahira Mahdi, Ph.D.

Author

"In the Go-Go tradition, recognition means so much. A shout out from the stage, knowing that everyone can identify your crew, or the satisfaction felt when someone from outside of the community can identify that go-go beat. This recognition of go-go as the official music of DC feels like the city is finally calling back a loving response to the gifts that Go-Go has been offering over the years. Official recognition ji' cranks."

Keith Clagon

DJ Flexx

"Not sure why it took so long[.] Go-Go has always been the heart beat of the city but I love it and [am] very proud[.] I just wish Chuck Brown was here to see it."

William "Malachai" Johns

Redds

"Go-Go music has been vilified and scapegoated for a good deal of the violence in the DMV for much of my life. It's great to have this validation for the positive impact Go-Go has made on the world through its musical and cultural contributions. "

Chef Kwame Onwuachi is The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment's Inaugural DC Star

OCTFME will highlight the achievements of District of Columbia residents who exemplify excellence in the area of creativity, education, creative entrepreneurship, economic revitalization of creative businesses, social justice, or racial equity.

OCTFME is delighted to recognize Chef Kwame Onwuachi as the inaugural recipient of this distinction. Onwuachi trained at the Culinary Institute of America and opened five restaurants before turning thirty. A former Top Chef contestant, he has also been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, and a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. The incredible story of Kwame’s rise in the culinary world is chronicled in an inspiring memoir; about the intersection of race, fame, and food, “Notes from a Young Black Chef.” Chef Kwame will be part of Top Chef’s special new competition, when the show returns for Season 18 in 2021. Check out our 202Creates Masterclass with Onwuachi.

Congratulations Chef Kwame!

#KeepTheBeatGoing

The #EntertainDC Office has curated a special YouTube playlist of Go-Go hits from the 80s to present day that will be sure to have you busting loose. Tell us what you think on social media by using the hashtag #KeepTheBeatGoing

May is AAPI Heritage Month!

Each year, the Mayor's Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) organizes the District's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration. The celebration honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of the AAPI community.

To celebrate and recognize AAPI Heritage month, MOAPIA will post weekly videos on its Facebook page that will introduce and highlight on how our AAPI community embodies our DC Values and what makes the District unique to our AAPI residents.

For a list of events planned, please check here.

DC Radio 96.3HD4

April is Jazz Appreciation month. "From classic jazz to bebop to smooth and contemporary jazz, DC Radio will be airing special jazz episodes of it's jazz episodes of it's popular podcasts.

Backstage Beyond the Laughs hosted by Niki Moore airs Saturday mornings at Midnight. “Backstage Beyond the Laughs” piques the curiosity of everyone who has ever wondered what life is like for those famous funny folks “on or off” the road.

Wit & Reason with Dr. Alexis Moreno airs weekdays at 11:30am. The podcast provides smart and practical explanations for human behavior. Dr. Moreno interviews diverse health experts regarding today’s ever-evolving life and culture and asks questions on anything from love to hardships. Listen in and bring a little bit of positive mental health to your day.

The Cannabis Conversation Podcast airs weekdays at 2:30pm. The show is hosted by Linda Mercado Greene, who is the Board Chair and CEO of Anacostia Organics in Historic Anacostia, the first medical marijuana dispensary located east of the river.

Millennial Minds Podcast airs weekdays at 2pm and hosted by activist, model, preacher, and motivational speaker, Yasmine “YazzieSpeaks” Arrington as she sits down with artists, content creators, business owners, and community activists to get their stories.

Soul Wealth Radio hosted by Dr. Vikki Johnson airs weekdays at 10am. This show is an enlightening, insightful, 30-minute conversation with amazing people to help listeners nurture their own souls and live their best lives.

OPC Radio Connect airs weekdays at 7am and is hosted by Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Director of the Office of the People’s Counsel. The show tells listeners about the services and programs of the Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia, the independent DC government agency that represents the interests of electric, natural gas, water and local phone consumers.

The Woman Behind The Business is hosted by Angel Livas and airs weekdays at 9am. The show features unapologetically honest dialogues to advance women entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) to acquire strength, strategies, and success — the toolkit to sustainability.

Putumayo World Music Hour airs weekdays at 10pm and is hosted by Rosalie Howarth. The show takes listeners on a journey through the music of many different cultures. Shows include well-known names like Bob Marley, Sting, Loreena McKennitt, and Santana, along with exceptional, underexposed international artists.

Grits and Garri airs weekdays at 9pm and is hosted by Carolyn Malachi. The podcast features artist-on-artist interviews and live collaborations. It juxtaposes the work of African-American, African and Caribbean artists who create music in Washington, DC.

The District Creatives Radio Show hosted by Savvy Cherise airs weekdays at 3:30pm. The show provides a platform for creatives to share the work and content they provide in the city and for the city.

Champagne and Credit with Muriel Garr airs weekdays at 10:30am. The shows highlights pathways to the middle class and how do you get there. This podcast answers the question what are the tools you need to build wealth so you can enjoy that “champagne life.”

The Sonya Dunn Show airs weekdays at 1pm and brings news, information, and interviews from industry power players in entertainment, media, business, and technology.

Artimacy hosted by K. Charles aka Keanna Faircloth airs Saturdays and Sundays at 8pm. This podcast is truly where art and intimacy collide, providing an in-depth view of what inspires the artist to create.

The Sanctuary hosted by Wendi Cherry airs weekdays at 8am. “The Sanctuary” is an informational radio show for women of color. It inspires, educates, and empowers them to be their most authentic and healthy selves by tapping into the “goddess within.”

Listen Back – Creative Conversations with Ledisi airs Saturdays at 8am. Produced by Ron. T. Young and Ledisi Young, The Creative Conversations with Ledisi Podcast is a series of unpredictable conversations where creatives talk openly about life, their art and so much more.

Coming to America with Wayna and Friends airs Saturdays at 7am. This radio show and podcast features spirited discussions with a cast of African, Caribbean, and African American co-hosts and artists in the District.

Suffrage. Race. Power. (S.R.P.) airs weekdays at 7:30am. This show is an initiative launched by Black women that uniquely seeks to redefine suffrage beyond the singular act of voting. It aims to elevate Black and Brown women as a force for democratic change before, during and after Election Day. The first season is hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes.

Putumayo World Music Hour

Weeknights at 10 pm

DC Radio 96.3HD4

DC Radio is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by airing episodes of the popular Putumayo World Music Hour featuring the music of Asian and Pacific Island culture.

Urban Beauty TV is a 5-episode series created and executive produced by BET Programming Executive Jon Marc Sandifer in collaboration with OCTFME. It will be distributed nationally and internationally on OCTFME platforms, BET HER, BET and CaribVision.

The program will air each Saturday evening at 10:30PM on BET HER, through April 24, 2021.

District of Columbia Network (DCN)

In honor of Black History Month, DCN presents special programs that aim to educate, inspire and entertain viewers by telling stories. Some stories are familiar, some are not, and others are well known. What they all share is a celebration of the vivid past, the vibrant present and the rich culture that is Black history. This very special slate of programs will begin airing on Monday, February 1 through the end of the month, weeknights from 7pm to 11pm and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 12pm until 12am on DCN.

Incredible Gospel Artists from all over the #DMV gathered in Studio A to celebrate Black History Month through song. Black History is everyday!

DC Black Pride takes a look back at the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the black gay community in the District. This special also offers an insightful look at the struggles and the triumphs still affecting the city black LGBTQ Community.

This television special is an intimate portrait of the life of Barack Obama that details his early life in Hawaii and Harvard as well as his meteoric rise in politics culminating with his historic victory in the 2008 Presidential election and his inauguration.

The documentary film, "A Legacy of Mies and King," follows architect Francine Houben as she investigates the past and present in order to design a world-class library of the future. Francine delves into the archives, meets contemporaries of Mies and King, speaks to current visitors of the library, and participates in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march.

MLK: The Making of a Holiday profiles Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement. It contains Dr. King’s moving speeches, musical tributes to him and remembrances from those who knew him. The program contains footage of his memorial and contemporary celebrity tributes.

James Brown – The Man The Music explores the illustrious career of who many call the Godfather of Soul. This special takes you on a journey which illustrates the faith, dignity, integrity and soul contained in the music he created.

The Million Man March Story chronicles the journey of the men that gathered at the United States capital for a day of atonement and reconciliation on October 16th 1995.

Nordic Women in Film 2021

The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) have a long history of promoting gender equality, spearheading initiatives to support inclusion and highlighting women’s stories. The Nordic embassies in the United States, Women in Film and Television International, and Women in Film & Video Washington, DC are proud to present a digital screening series of Nordic cinema. For five consecutive weeks, every Tuesday-Thursday from February 2 to March 3, audiences will have the chance to watch contemporary Nordic films followed by intimate panel discussions with groundbreaking female Nordic and American filmmakers.

Visit WIFTI.net for more information

DC Music Summit 2021

The 4th Annual DC Music Summit will be an all-virtual inspirational and educational experience across the weekend of May 21-23, 2021.

The Virtual DCMS will include music and creative business education programming, a community exchange of challenges, ideas, and solutions, musical performances, a digital kick-off party, and yoga and meditation!

Visit DCMusicSummit.org for more information.

film

filmmaker of the month

The #EntertainDC Office is pleased to recognize Shoshana Rosenbaum as our Filmmaker of the Month!

Shoshana is a writer/director based in Washington, DC. Her latest film, NIGHT WAKING, currently on the festival circuit, was named Best Sci Fi Film at the Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival. Her award-winning short films THE GOBLIN BABY and HIDE AND SEEK have screened at festivals around the U.S. and internationally.

With her feature script THE CREEPY HOUSE, she was a finalist in the 2015 Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition. Her screenplays have been finalists in the Nashville Film Festival, Hollyshorts Film Festival, DC Shorts Film Festival, and Asian Pacific American Film Festival.

"As a female filmmaker and a DC area native, I am honored to be OCTFME's Filmmaker of the Month," Shoshana says.

Congratulations Shoshana!

Women in Film & Video

Online Programs

Women in Film & Video produces more than 90 events per year, ranging from community outreach programs to professional development to pure networking. The programs, ranging from the technical to the theoretical, enable members to network, share knowledge and exchange ideas. Check out some of this month's programming.

202Creates Residency Applications

The 202Creates Residency Program provides DC creative & artistic entrepreneurs with the resources and support to start and scale their businesses. Applications are currently being accepted until 11:59 pm on March 18, 2021.

Visit 202Creates.com to apply, learn more about the Residency Program and meet our residency classes.

202Creates Masterclass

Join us for a new Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents 202Creates Masterclass. This month, host Britt Waters speaks with the Founder of Little Acre Flowers, Tobie Whitman, DC’s only 100% locally-sourced florist. The conversation will be available on YouTube and Facebook on

Thursday, May 20, at 12:30 pm.

Subscribe to @Entertain_DC on YouTube to receive alerts and check out the rest of the Masterclass series.

Anacostia River Festival

On April 11, celebrate the Past, Present, & Future of Anacostia Park with a virtual experience. This year's festival will share the history of GoGo, feature a live band performance from Pure Elegance and much more. The Anacostia River Festival is a collaboration between the 11th Street Bridge Park, the National Park Service and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Visit the festival's website for more information.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grants

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) is administered by The Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides $15 billion in GRANTS. The grants will be available to live performance venues, promoters, theatrical producers, or live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theatre operators, and talent representatives.

For more information sign up on CAO's SVOG page and visit the SBA website.

Princess Mhoon is the newest Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment's DC Star

OCTFME continues to highlight the achievements of District of Columbia residents who exemplify excellence in the area of creativity, education, creative entrepreneurship, economic revitalization of creative businesses, social justice, or racial equity.

OCTFME is delighted to recognize Princess Mhoon as the newest OCTFME Star. Princess Mhoon is the Founder and CEO of The Princess Mhoon Dance Institute, an acclaimed dance institute located in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Having served thousands of families through in-studio and off-site programs, PMDI’s mission is to educate, unite, transform and heal our community through the power of dance.

Congratulations Princess Mhoon!

Global Entrepreneurship Week

The DC Creative Affairs Office will be celebrating DC's creative entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), November 16-20, 2020. This week will be a celebration of innovators who dream big and launch startups that bring ideas to life. Each November, GEW reaches millions of people of all ages and backgrounds through local, national and global events and activities. Check out the lineup below:

Monday, November 16 - Care for Creatives Community Conversation: Mental Health Equity
Tuesday, November 17 - BUILDing our Future Entrepreneurs: A Conversation on Youth Entrepreneurship
Wednesday, November 18 - Policy and the People: A Conversation on How Advocacy Leads to Policy Change
Thursday, November 19 - DSLBD District Connect: Live Conversation on Mental Health and Small Business

Visit CreativeAffairsDC.com/gew for more information and to sign up!

Unmask Fear Currently On Display at Union Market

Amidst a rising pandemic, a global dialogue on race equality and an unprecedented election, Robert Young’s Unmask Fear makes a timely appearance on the signature wall of DC’s famed Union Market.

Check out the mural on the 6th Street side of Union Market and visit RobertYoungIam.com for more information.

Down to Earth | Seasonal

Artist Residency at

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Capital Fringe is offering four paid artists’ residencies under the theme Down to Earth to provide an outlet for DC, Maryland, and Virginia artists and creatives. The experience will provide an opportunity to create artwork or experiences that examine our ability and fortitude as human beings to tackle the climate emergency and systemic racism. Projects developed through the residency will engage the landscape and wildlife of the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, utilizing them for inspiration or as a metaphorical or literal canvas.

Care for Creatives Community Conversations

The DC Creative Affairs Office has launched Care for Creatives Community Conversations, a webinar series that highlights mental wellness within the District's creative community. Visit CreativeAffairsDC.com/partnerships to watch the conversations on-demand.

The Care for Creatives program is available to help all creatives, artists and entrepreneurs! This partnership between the DC Creative Affairs Office and the George Washington University, Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC) provides pay-what-you-can mental health services to area creatives.

To receive care, email CCSCFoggyBottom@gwu.edu and the Care for Creatives team will follow up with more information. You will be asked a couple of questions and then paired with a clinician for support.

The 2021 Virtual Wammie Awards

The Wammie Awards is The MusicianShip's 33-year-old awards show aimed at recognizing DC, MD & VA area artists and musicians for their artistic works and impact across the metropolitan region each year.

The 2021 Virtual Wammie Awards will feature a Pre-Show, Red Carpet (Sponsored by OCTFME), Awards Show, and After Party! Hosted by WKYS' Chey Parker & DJ Mim, you'll catch interviews with the 2021 Finalists, 2021 Award Winners and musical performances throughout the night!

Visit WammiesDC.org for more information.

DC WebFest

Visit WammiesDC.org for more information.

TheatreSummit

Visit WammiesDC.org for more information.

Theatre Summit

Visit WammiesDC.org for more information.

Cable TV Info

cable tv regulations

The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment is the regulatory agency that protects and advances the cable service-related interests of the District. At the #EntertainDC Office, our dedicated team is proud to consistently deliver world-class customer service in all aspects of our work. We readily supply information to meet the diverse needs of each constituent and make every effort to educate as well as inform. If you are a cable television customer, you have rights concerning billing practices, late charges, rate increases, disconnection or interruption of service and dispute resolution procedures, the #EntertainDC Office is here to assist.

Any questions? Ask MARCELLA!

Upcoming Events

Xclusive May 2021 eNewsletter

Visit Our Website

202Creates Month

We invite you to join us as we celebrate 202Creates Month and highlight DC’s creators. Our month long programming kicks off with a virtual celebration, includes featured fireside chats with notable business leaders driving innovation in the creative economy. RSVP for our events below.

202Creates Month On-Demand

Podcast Lab

Check out the recordings of our incredible sessions on Facebook.

Strategies for Launch: Equipment, Tools, and Techniques with Selcuk Karaoglan

Digital Strategies to Grow Your Reach with Andrew Nguyen

Content is King: Tips for Creating Powerful Scripts and Interviews with Demetria Lucas

Getting to the Money: Monetizing Your Podcast with Gary Coichy

Masterclass Series:

TV, Film and Production in a Virtual World

See this amazing session discussing the changing dynamic of film and production along with strategies emerging and established content creators can leverage to launch and complete new projects. Click here to watch the recording on Facebook or YouTube.

Masterclass Series:

What's Next for Music Industry

Watch industry leaders for a conversation on the future of music on YouTube.

Innovation Fireside Chat

Join us for a conversation with renowned innovator Steve Case, for a featured fireside discussion on leading innovation to build a world class economy.

DC Radio Turns 3

DC Radio 96.3 HD4 is turning 3 years old on September 19th! The radio station, operated by OCTFME, is the District of Columbia’s first and official government radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR. The station's programming enhances the quality-of-life for District residents by broadcasting vital information, sharing programming on emergency and non-emergency services and alerts, and providing community and government affairs programming. In addition, DC Radio 96.3 HD4 provides a media literacy training platform for DC residents and students.

Stay tuned to @DCRadioHD for more updates on its 3rd year anniversary celebration.

FILMFEST DC

October 2nd - 11th

Filmfest DC will be presenting a virtual Private Screening Festival event through October 11, 2020. Access and screen some of the best domestic and international films from the last several years from the safety and comfort of your home. For more information go to www.filmfestdc.org #FilmfestDC

ScriptDC Conference

Women In Film & Video presents ScriptDC, the premier conference for Mid-Atlantic filmmakers including writers, directors, producers, editors, and talent to connect with accomplished teachers, consultants and industry professionals. WIFV is currently working to bring the amazing workshops to a virtual platform that will provide the high-quality information and presenters. The organization will be taking over Tuesday evenings for several months to share 20 or so workshops in a format that is engaging and empowering.

See the October workshops in the Upcoming Events section. For more information visit the WIFV website

downlaod the Entertain DC app!

Check out this video on how to find the app using your iPhone! For more video's on the step-by-step process and our updated Reel-Scout website features, follow our social media channels below!

The #EntertainDC Office sends a special congratulations to the new Fall 2019 Residency Class!

WARD 1

Calvin Robinson, Ward 1

Victoria Ford, Ward 1

Kurt Elftmann, Ward 1

Dana Fletcher, Ward 1

WARD 5

Gregory Michael,

Ward 5

Thomasina Perkins-Washington, Ward 5

Kendell Renee Kelly, Ward 5

Robert Stephenson, Ward 5

Mica Powers, Ward 5
Hiba Akhtar, Ward 5

Hiba Jaafari, Ward 5

WARD 2

Eileen Chong, Ward 2

Justin Franks, Ward 2

WARD 6

Bryant Johnson, Ward 6

Mariama Bramble,

Ward 6

Dareon Amaru, Ward 6

Hayling Price, Ward 6

Lawrence Cosby,

Ward 6

Kevin Stokes, Ward 6

WARD 3

Tommy McFLY, Ward 3

Kelly Collis, Ward 3

WARD 7

Jocelyn Johnson-Green, Ward 7

Tommy Taylor, Ward 7

WARD 4

Ashley Blue, Ward 4

Emmett Williams,

Ward 4

Tara Pokras, Ward 4

Deirdre Evans-Pritchard, Ward 4

WARD 8

Tashi Brown, Ward 8

Amber Robles-Gordon, Ward 8

Paul Spires, Ward 8

Victoria Ford, Ward 8

Aziyrah ThePoet,

Ward 8

ART AURÉ, Ward 8

Ronald (Smokey) Stevens, Ward 8

Cameron Poles, Ward 8

Xemiyulu Manibusan Tapepechul

Larry Neal Writers Award

xemiyulu Manibusan Tapepechul, aka Xemi the Two-Spirit, is a Salvadoran Nawat Non-Binary Trans Womxn writer, actor, and coach. She is the Artistic Director of Nelwat Ishkamewe, a multilingual theatre company for the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Native American/Indígena Diaspora communities. Xemiyulu is always educating the public about Indigenous issues, and provides dire emotional labor for the growth of our mainstream communities. She leads community workshops that center healing through art, and help hone the artistic talents of our community members.

Marco Kay Photography

Emerging Creative Award

Marco Kay Photography - "Rather than call myself a photographer or what I do photography, I like to consider it as "Inspiring the moment!" This simply means capturing life as it is being inspired by the feelings, emotions, and all other attributes that creates the compositions of life. With my camera, whether it's a glamorous photoshoot, a fun day shoot in the city, or their special day, I give my clients their inspirational moments to relive every day and share with others." -Demarcus Davis

KENNEDY CENTER

Award for Visionary Leadership

Opened to the public September 7, 2019, The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is more than a physical expansion of the nation’s cultural center: It’s a new way of imagining the intersection between audiences and art. Envisioned as a complement to, and extension of, the Kennedy Center’s mission, the REACH supports both artistic and educational programming, with a strong emphasis on supporting artists, new works, and artistic development for artists at all levels.

Katie Burk

Award for Excellence in Visual Arts

Katie Burk is currently a Senior Graphic Designer at the marketing agency Nobody in Washington, D.C. She was previously a graphic designer at NPR headquarters from 2008 to early 2014 in their Marketing, Branding, and Communications department. Katie was also the graphic designer on the live events team at The Atlantic from 2014 to early 2015. She is a Louisiana native and LSU graduate, a bass clarinetist, a ceramicist, and handy with a hammer.

Marc Barnes

Award for Excellence in the Nightlife Economy

Marc Barnes is the owner of The Park at Fourteenth, one of Washington, DC’s largest downtown lounge and nightlife destinations and the owner of Republic Gardens and Dream (turned LOVE) nightclubs. He has been a staple in the District's nightlife economy for over 30 years.

Ian Callender

Award for Excellence in the Creative Industries

Ian Callender is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Culture House DC (formerly Blind Whino), an organization dedicated to providing a functional, organic art space for all to enjoy at no cost and learn more about the arts culture through various exhibits, events, live performances and artist workshops. The building embraces all things creative with all of its being. As an art object itself, with the exterior, fully painted, it serves as a pillar for creativity in our Nation’s Capital.

Models Inc.

Award for Excellence in Performing Arts

Models Inc. is a performing and model agency founded in March of 2006 in the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC. Models Inc. was built from the bottom up with dedication, determination and hard work. The company is led by CEO Iran “Bang“ Paylor and Aaron Handy. Models Inc. is a place where our models can grow and learn from others, in areas such as dance. runway, print and editorial modeling. The performance group have graced countless national and local stages including the grand opening of The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

DC Scores

Award for Excellence in Arts Education

Founded by teacher Julie Kennedy at Marie Reed Elementary School, DC Scores creates neighborhood teams that give kids in need the confidence and skills to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, and in life. The program quickly expanded throughout DC, and in 1999, Kennedy began sites in Boston and Chicago, thus creating America SCORES, headquarters to 12 programs across the United States and Canada: Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, Portland, St. Louis, Seattle, Vancouver, and Washington, DC.

Vernard R. Gray

Award for Excellence as a Community Arts Advocate

Vernard R. Gray, East River Jazz curator/director is a native Washingtonian whose career, from the mid-60s to the present day has included documentary photography and videography, art gallery curating and management, wearable art designing, oral history recording, and jazz culture curation. Gray’s Miya Gallery project founded 1976, in downtown DC, led the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s through the 2000s. He has presented more than 300 jazz performances in the Washington-Baltimore region since 2008.

The content farm

Award for Excellence in Media Arts

The Content Farm is disrupting business as usual in the media industry, with dozens of projects in development and production, and a unique distribution model no other company can offer. The Content Farm is a one-stop-shop for the development, production, marketing, and representation of media content. Michael Holstein and Annika Young are the creative forces behind Content Farm. The two have partnered on several media projects including "Live at 9:30", an award-winning documentary shot at the District’s internationally-famed 9:30 Club. The dynamic duo also produced "The Perfect Venue, a House Hunters-style television show that follows recently engaged couples on their search for the ideal wedding venue.

Herta Feely

Award for Excellence in the Humanities

Herta B. Feely is the author of numerous short stories and memoir, published in literary journals and anthologies. She received two fellowships for a novel in progress – the James Jones First Novel Fellowship and an Artist in Literature from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities – and an American Independent Writing Prize in Personal Essay. Now an editor, writing coach and ghostwriter at Chrysalis Editorial, a company she founded, Herta has worked with hundreds of writers helping them to transform and perfect their writing and find agents and publishers for their work.

Andy Shallal

Mayor’s Arts Award for Distinguished Honor

Artist, activist and restaurateur, Andy Shallal is the founder and owner of Busboys and Poets, a community gathering place. There are 7 locations throughout the Washington DC metro area, including its flagship location near the U Street Corridor, Federal Triangle, Takoma, Brookland and its newest location in the historic Anacostia neighborhood. The venues are embraced by the community across all 8 Wards. Busboys' clientele has included Barack Obama, Howard Zinn, Alice Walker, Cornel West, Naomi Klein, Ben Jealous, Michael Eric Dyson, Nikki Giovanni, Junot Diaz, Common, Moby, Larry King, Melissa Harris Perry, Angela Davis, Brittney Griner, Cory Booker, Maxine Waters, Solange, Esperanza Spalding, Howard Dean, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Danny Glover, and others.

EILEEN CHONG, Ward 2

Eileen Chong Is A Visual And Literary Storyteller. Upon Graduating From The University Of Notre Dame With A Bachelor Of Arts In English And Film, Chong Moved To Korea And Traveled Extensively. Her Current Project Combines Her Work In Spoken Word And Video To Create Visual Poems Exploring Identity Within The Legacy Of Familial Relationships And Inherited Trauma.

TOMMY MCFLY, Ward 3

Tommy McFly has been named “local Ryan Seacrest” by The Washington Post and is a well-known host, emcee, and commentator in the DMV area. During their 202Creates residency, Tommy and Kelly Collis are looking to build strategic partnerships in the creative community for their new independent, internet-streaming morning broadcast, "The Tommy Show: Starring Kelly Collis and Tommy McFly," through their new Tommy Show app.

LORIANE M. ICIBACI, WARD 3

Loriane Icibaci Holds A Ph.D. In Environmental Technology And Design, And In Design For Sustainability From The Technical University Of Delft In The Netherlands. As Head Of Forma-I, She Focuses On Circular Economy, Life Cycle Thinking, Socioeconomic And Technological Analysis In Waste Prevention, System Dynamics, Urban Metabolism, Industrial Ecology, And Retrospective Bottom-Up Stock Analysis.

KELLY COLLIS, Ward 3

Kelly Collis Is A Native Washingtonian And Has Been Working In The DC Area For Over 20 Years. Kelly Is A Broadcaster, Entrepreneur And Co-Host Of The Tommy Show, A Live Broadcast Available On The Tommy Show App, Alexa, And Google Home.

GREGORY R. MICHAEL, Ward 5

Gregory R. Michael Has Established Himself In The Art Of Fine Crafted Tailored Clothing. He Consistently Employs Subtlety, Historical Appreciation, Timeless Elegance, Broad Knowledge Of Cloth, And A Passion For A Truly White Glove Concierge Experience In Every Action, Stitch, And Consultation.

AZIYRAH THEPOET, Ward 8

Aziyrah ThePoet Is A Mother And Active

Arti-Vist Who Uses Her Art To Actively Impact The Community Through Mental Health Awareness And Poetry. Impacting The Youth Through Poetry And Spoken Word, AziyrahThePoet Has Performed At The Howard Theater, The United States Capitol, And Freedom Plaza’s “Moechella.” Aziyrah Also Mixes Activism With Her Artistry To Educate The Youth On The Importance Of Voting And Sharing Their Voice.

Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents

202Creates Month!

The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment is responsible for implementing, managing, and administering programs, initiatives, and services that support the District's creative economy. Sign up for our email list to receive monthly news & updates. Check out the latest eNewsletters.

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2020 One Woman One Vote Festival: Ava DuVernay Tribute

Monday, March 9th at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center’s One Woman One Vote Festival kicks off with a special screening of Ava DuVernay’s Oscar®-nominated documentary 13th, with Jason Moran’s powerful score performed live for the first time. Named for the 13th Amendment—which abolished slavery but permitted involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime—13th is an in-depth investigation of the U.S. prison system’s role in our nation's history of racial injustice.

To learn more, please visit the "Save the Dates" section!

DC Web Fest

Friday, April 3rd - Saturday, April 4th

Founded in 2013 by DC filmmaker, author, professor, and technologist Otessa Ghadar, the DC Web Fest highlights the intersection of entertainment and technology, featuring the best of the indie spirit in digital content, (Series, Games, VR/AR, Apps, Podcasts, etc.) The mission of the festival is to entertain, educate, and promote these new and innovative forms of modern art. Be sure to join DC Web Fest April 3rd - April 4th!

To learn more, please visit the "Save the Dates" section!

Building Bridges Across the River: Anacostia River Festival

Saturday, April 4th at Anacostia Park

The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the sixth annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event and official closing of the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This FREE event aims to encourage District residents and tourists alike to explore communities and parks east of the Anacostia River. In 2020, the Festival will celebrate Anacostia River, Park & Neighborhood, featuring special performances and activities including: boating, fishing workshops, hands-on art projects, musical performances, bike parades, and other unique programs engaging families with the river, its history and ecology.

To learn more, please visit the "Save the Dates" section!

DC RADIO LAUNCHES:

"OPC Radio Connect" Podcast

"OPC Radio Connect" Podcast hosted by Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Director of the Office of the People’s Counsel, directs listeners to the services and programs of the Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia. "OPC Radio Connect" will also provide information on a variety of utility and energy-related issues and how they relate to the daily living of District residents. This podcast will also share how they plan to carry out their mission to advocate, educate and protect DC utility consumers. "OPC Radio Connect" will begin airing weekdays at 7 AM in March. Be sure to tune in!

Stay connected with DC Radio by visiting dcradio.gov

DC RADIO LAUNCHES:

"Making Money in the Music Business" Podcast

"Making Money in the Music Business" Podcast hosted by Dr. William E. Smith and Kenya McGuire Johnson will share insightful views on a variety of topics in the music industry that can help artists make more money from their music business. Making Money in the Music Business airs weekdays at 4 PM. Be sure to tune in!

Stay connected with DC Radio by visiting dcradio.gov

DC Radio Upgrades Studios

DC Radio has completed it's studio upgrade project including noise reduction, new lighting, microphone windscreens and cameras. These upgrades will take the quality of DC Radio Podcast recordings to a new level and make DC Radio's programming available for District Residents on all popular platforms including SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay Music, Spotify, IHeart Radio, TuneIn.com,YouTube, on the DC Radio App for iPhones and Android, Alexa, Facebook and Instagram.

Stay connected with DC Radio by visiting dcradio.gov

CAPITAL SKATE FEST 2019

Saturday, November 2nd at the DC Armory

Calling all District residents - SKATING IN DC IS BACK ! You’re invited to the DC Armory for the first Capital Skate Fest!

Roller skating is a culturally rich social sport and its past, present, and future should be celebrated and showcased. We look forward to welcoming you to the Capital Skate Fest! Ready to get your skate on?! The "Save the Dates" section on this page has all the answers!

34th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards

Wednesday, November 6th at Union Market DC

The Mayor’s Arts Awards celebrates the extraordinary individuals and organizations that play such an important role in making Washington the best place to live and work.” - Mayor Bowser.

The Mayor's Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and creative organizations. We are excited to celebrate everyone that has an impact on the District's creative economy at this year's 34th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards! Visit the "Save the Dates" section for more!

The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment is responsible for implementing, managing, and administering programs, initiatives, and services that support the District's creative economy. Sign up for our email list to receive monthly news & updates. Check out the latest eNewsletters.

Our mission is to produce and broadcast programming for the District of Columbia’s public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable channels and digital radio station; regulate the District of Columbia’s cable television service providers; provide customer service for cable subscribers; and support a sustainable creative economy and labor market the District of Columbia.

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