Lime Lite Boxing Celebration and Fundraiser

Photo by Lely Constantinople

This event celebrates a great venue, the Lime Lite Boxing and Fitness Center in Columbia Heights. Lime Lite is not just a gym for everyday workouts. They operate as a non-profit 501(c)3 and feature specific leadership and achievement based programming for both youth and adults. Last year a group of filmmakers documented one of participants of the programs, Malik Jackson, in a great short film.

The filmmakers and others are throwing a benefit for Lime Lite tomorrow, Tuesday June 11. They will screen the film at The Coupe - 3415 11th Street NW about 4 blocks from the Columbia Heights Metro station. There will be raffled prizes from local businesses and a Q&A session after the screening. The film is awesome, I'm attending for that aspect alone.

From the organizers: 

"Film Screening + Raffle + Reception

For Lime Lite Boxing and Fitness

Tuesday June 11, 6:30PM-8:30PM.
The Coupe, 3415 11th St NW

Join The Coupe for a special event to celebrate Lime Lite Boxing and Fitness,  a Columbia Heights boxing program that trains champion boxers and provides a safe haven to local youth.

The event features a screening of Into the Lime Lite, a documentary short that follows Lime Lite star and current USA Boxing National Champion Malik Jackson as he prepares for a tough match in the Belfast Beltway Classic. Special features and trailers can be found on the Into the Lime Lite Facebook page.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Lime Lite coaches and fighters.

Throughout the evening, enjoy drink specials, poster signing with Lime Lite's star fighters, a buffet, a raffle; with great prizes including boxing lessons, gift certificates from Wonderland, Meridian Pint, Room 11 and Kangaroo Boxing Club, and tickets to Thievery Corporation at the 930 Club! 

Here's the Facebook invite.

Join us!"

Year of the Snake

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Cheap Art Sale is Saturday December 8

This is the 5th annual Cheap Art Sale. So, so cool that this event has endured and is still happening in Mount Pleasant. The concept is simple: high quality affordable art, made by locals, benefiting a worthy local organization. Most art will be priced at $50 and below. Artists will donate a portion of their proceeds to ¡Empodérate! Youth Center in Columbia Heights. 

Like last year, the Cheap Art Sale will take place at La Casa, 3166 Mt Pleasant St NW. The date is Saturday December 8, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM.  From the organizers:

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Fifth Annual Cheap Art Sale to Benefit La Clinica del Pueblo’s ¡Empodérate! Youth Center

On Saturday, December 8th, the fifth annual Cheap Art Sale will host artists from across the city who will show and sell original works of art, and donate half or more of all the proceeds to the La Clinica del Pueblo’s ¡Empodérate! youth center. Most art will be priced at $50 or less. 

The Cheap Art Sale is an opportunity for shoppers to purchase unique holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind items. Participating artists include Mike Ferguson, Arelle Rodriguez, Tory Pedonti, Anthem Press, Heidi Phelps, Jane Claire, Les & Oscar, and others. Artwork sold will include jewelry, prints, photography and more.

¡Empodérate! (Empower Yourself!) is the only bilingual HIV program that targets young gay and bisexual Latino men and young male-to-female transgender Latinas. The youth center is a safe, supportive space, offering counseling and social events, as well as free HIV testing. 

To find out more about ¡Empodérate!, check out their website:

http://www.lcdp.org/our-services/community-health-action/empoderate-youth-center

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Please note that the list of participating artists was as of late last week. The lineup could possibly grow before December 8. This has always been a very cool event and this year looks to be the same! Stay tuned for more awesome Mount Pleasant winter happenings; there are others in the works!

Shakespeare Theatre Co. Play, in a Dupont Tavern

National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. Photo by Drew Farrell.

This is pretty cool: the District's own Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) will be hosting a play set in a tavern, in a tavern. Yes, as in the play will be performed, for its entire run, inside of an actual tavern. 

The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will be performed at Dupont's Bier Baron Tavern. If you don't recognize the venue, it was formerly named Brickskellar, known for its rather extensive beer list. 

The STC has its own stellar venues downtown; Lansburgh Theatre and Sidney Harman Hall. But, this venture into the city seems like a win-win: the alternative space will act as a challenge for the actors with the potential of drawing new theater fans through the venue.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will run at Bier Baron from November 13 - December 9, 2012. Bier Barron is located at 1523 22nd Street NW. This is a pub, so if you decide to purchase tickets, remember to carry your ID; everyone's carded upon entry. Under 21? Bring a parent or guardian. And yes, adults can enjoy an adult beverage during the show.

11 Shows Around the Bend

God's America @ Warehouse Next Door (March 2006)

Now that Fort Reno is over for the summer (and that summer itself is almost over, blargh), we'll soon resort to attending shows at indoor venues. Last week was a great one for such shows and I was lucky enough to spend Sunday evening enjoying an all-DC bill of Coup Sauvage + the Snips, Queer Pressure and Hand Grenade Job at the Black Cat. (FYI, the show was a benefit for Collective Action for Safe Spaces as part of their effort to bring Right Rides to DC. I believe you can still donate to that cause.)

While at this show, I was reminded that I haven't done a music round-up post in a while (or everrrrrr?). So, here you go. 11 shows in DC that you should check out, from now until early November.

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September 1: Cricket Cemetery Showcase feat. Janel & Anthony, LTW, Host, The Tender Thrill, more. @ Black Cat. 9PM. $10.

September 2: Coastals, Naomi Punk, Foozle, Dikes of Holland. @ Comet Ping Pong. 9PM. $10.

September 7: Manatees, Fell Types, The Fordists. @ Comet Ping Pong. 10PM. $10.

September 9: Mission of Burma, Purling Hiss. @ Black Cat. 9PM. $15.

September 9: The Suzan, Zambri. @ DC9. 8:30PM. $10.

September 20: Make-Up. @ Black Cat. 8PM. $15.

September 22: Bliss 12 Year Anniversary Party w/ Will Eastman. @ U Street Music Hall. 10PM. $10.

September 24: The Gossip, Magic Mouth. @ 9:30 Club. 7:30PM. $25.

October 5: The Jealous Sound, Daytrader. @ Rock and Roll Hotel. 8PM. $12.

October 6: Willis Earl Beal. @ Red Palace. 9PM. $12.

November 2: Propagandhi, Off With Their Heads, The Menzingers. @ Rock and Roll Hotel. 8PM. $18.

'Into the Lime Lite' Documentary Screens Wednesday

Photo courtesy of  filmmakers

A couple of weeks ago I got the chance to see a really great documentary short filmed in DC, about DC, by a DC film crew. The movie --Into the Lime Lite-- follows a local youth boxer as he trains at the Lime Lite gym in Columbia Heights, preparing for and competing in the Beltway Belfast Classic boxing tournament. 

Two things going for this film: 1) Engaging subject matter (who knew there was a full service youth boxing academy right here in mid town?), including boxer Malik Jackson, the focus of the story. Having won national events already, he's now training for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. And 2) The film making is just pitch perfect; lighting, music, pace and framing. The filmmakers are from the Institute for Documentary Filmmaking at GWU's Documentary Center.

Into the Lime Lite will be shown as part of the U Street Movie Series, tomorrow Wednesday, August 22 at 7:45 PM (actually, right at sundown). The location is Harrison Field at 13th and V NW, just north of the Ellington apartment building. Gates open at 7:00 PM. The film is short, so they'll  be showing a full length movie just afterwards; The American President. 

A great movie under the lights. Check it out!

Art Watch: Hirshhorn

Hirshhorn! I love this museum. Hirshhorn --part of the Smithsonian group-- consistently brings cutting edge and thought provoking work to the District. It remains one of the more bearable museums on the Mall during the busiest days of tourist season. Here are a few highlights/recent works I have seen and want to see:

Seen it:

Ali Kazma's Black Box film. Black Box is always provocative and always a treat. This time is no different. Eccentric and mesmerizing are words that come to mind regarding this entry. Also "repetition." December 19, 2011 to April 2012.

Dark Matters. All of the pieces (and film) are from the Hirshhorn collection that "draw upon the associations and implications of darkness." The film is crazy and quite an experience. Don't go alone. February 3, 2012 to May 31, 2012.

Want to see it:

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone: This is not an exhibit, but a screening of the 2010 documentary about the legendary L.A. rock band Fishbone. March 8, 8:00PM.

Gallery talk on Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space. The exhibition opened last week. Gallery talks are traditionally held on Fridays and this this is the first of two on Supradensorial. Hirshhorn has tapped an educator and curator from DC's Phillip Collection to present this week. I should probably see the exhibit first, but perhaps this will give me some perspective. March 2, 12:30PM.

Doug Aitken: Song 1: How to describe this installation? I'm not sure. The artist will use the outside skin of the Hirshhorn building as a canvas for projections in this unique, walk inducing, large scale and site-specific exhibition. Concept imagery looks cool! March 22, 2012 to May 13, 2012.

Phillips Collection

Phillips Collection

Every week the city manages to surprise me in a good way. A new underground gallery, vibing dance spot or vegan food option. And then there are the "re-surprises;" awesome places I know of and have enjoyed, but that slipped off the radar for some reason. Phillips Collection fell into that category yesterday. I've been many times, have had friends work there and of course the place has been around for 90 years; well well before my time in DC.

Yesterday I was reminded to check out Degas’s Dancers at the Barre: Point and Counterpoint. Degas! Right off of the 42 bus! Awesome. Phillips, of course, has other works by modern masters, including Edgar Degas. This exhibit is special and a treat. As the title hints at, the exhibition is centered around the artist's years-long development of a well known painting, Dancing at the Barre. It's a special exhibition and nice compliment to the permanent collection of mostly modern work. Dancers is open until January 8, 2012.

Phillips Collection is located in a beautiful space at 21st and Q Sts NW. Much of the museum is in the former home (c. 1897) of Duncan Phillips, founder. It's about 1 block from the Dupont Circle Metro station as well as the closest 42 bus stop. Closed on Mondays and some holidays. (Hours and other info) Admission is by donation except for weekends, when it's $10 or $12 including any special exhibition like Dancers. Catch this show before it is over. Well worth the time and minimal admission.

Enclosed courtyard

Mount Pleasant Music Festival Returns

Four Horsemen perform at 2010 Mount Pleasant Music Festival

The Mount Pleasant Music Festival is coming back to Lamont Park! Last year, the festival --organized by Mount Pleasant Main Street-- bought out residents on a beautiful early May Saturday. The music was pitch perfect and it was sooooo great seeing Lamont Park active all day long (farmers' market early, music later). 

Mark your calendars. This year the festival will take place on Saturday June 11. It will begin at 3:00PM and end at 7:30PM. The farmers' market will still operate 9-1. The tentative bands are Midnight Hike, The Jones, Oxymorons and more. Radio CPR's DJ Wanako will return to the turntables. And other fun activities are coming together as we speak.

Great news! Oh yeah, it's free! More details to come.

Temporium Adds Events, Opening in February

Ben Claassen (bendependent.com)

The Mount Pleasant Temporium continues to solidify plans, but much is still up in the air at the pop up retail and events space on 3068 Mt Pleasant Street NW.

Some artists have been announced and the list features some familiar local, quality names. Some of the highlights are bookbinder Moira McCauley, Smash co-owner and clothing maker/curator Daisy Lacy, comic genius Ben Claassen, and all around textiles master Kristina Bilonick. Check the entire list here.

As for the opening date, it is still to be decided. The recently set date of this Friday, January 28 seems to have slipped and the Temporium will likely open during the first week of February at the earliest.

However, the organizers continue to schedule events and the datebook is filling rapidly. A selection from the still coming together list:

Make Something Awesome: Hello Craft will lead a Valentine's themed craft making session with outcomes such as stationary sets, heart buttons and heart shaped cupcake toppers. Feb 10, 5-7pm.

Speakeasy DC: Essentially a mini-class, this as of yet named event will be run by Speakeasy DC. They are known for teaching the art of storytelling and generally cultivating the oral tradition. Feb 19, 7-9pm.

Music and Comedy: Two bands and a comedian walk into a bar. Or a temporium, I guess. Alma Tropicalia will play Brazilian music, Cigarette will play "whispercore," and in between writers of The Foly will entertain with stand-up and readings from their lit magazine. No, I don't know what whispercore is. Feb 7-10pm.

I'm From Up Top: This is a an original play. In it, eight people play the role of the main character in order to fully portray the fluid mindset of the the young man as he reflects on the peer and societal pressures put of adolescence. Set in DC and NYC during hip hop's golden age. Feb  24, 7-9pm.

More events to some as they are revealed. This is shaping up to be a pretty cool concept and I hope the organizers do open sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more and check The42BusDC on Twitter for the most up to date info on the Temporium.

Cheap Art Sale Returns to Mount Pleasant

The Cheap Art Sale is back! It will be held at La Casa on Saturday December 11, 1:00-5:00pm.

Last year the Cheap Art Sale was envisioned as a way to raise funds for Neighbors Consejo while providing alternative, arty options for holiday shopping. It was a great success. The sale raised over $900 for the social services agency located right here in Mount Pleasant. Last year, cheap meant art under $100.

This year cheap means $50 and under. Artists will include Leslie Andrus, Lely Constantinople, Mike Ferguson, Sha Grogan-Brown, Floyd Knight, Tom LeGro, Gina Matchitt, Les Telusan, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Frank Turner and more.

The beneficiary is Girls Rock! DC. GR!DC is a week long camp  whose instruction is music-based, but also grounded in helping girls grow skills in community building, self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. A great organization. And if you've been to the showcase, held yearly at the 9:30 club, you know they're pretty good at teaching music, too.

Girls Rock! DC is a volunteer run organization and gets larger by a few students each year, Any additional funds will allow the organizers to produce a bigger and better camp than before, for more girls. Half of the proceeds for each artist of the Cheap Art Sale will be donated to GR!DC. With any luck, they'll do as well as Neighbors Consejo did in 2009.

La Casa is located at 3166 Mount Pleasant St NW. 

Mount Pleasant West: The Mission and Clarion Alley

After my first visit to the Bay Area in high school, I fell in love with San Francisco, Berkley and the little bit of Oakland I saw. On a recent visit I spent most of my time hanging around the Mission in SF and pretty much living as a local (who ate every meal out and had soy lattes a couple of times per day).  I even looked for the 42 bus (doesn't exist) and the 43 bus (does, but I didn't ride it). 

The Mission neighborhood is very much like Mount Pleasant, with higher density and more restaurants, coffee shops, vintage stores and used book shops.  We could aspire to be it in a few years.  Like Mount P, it has several important and busy traffic thoroughfares and is adjacent to other busy neighborhoods (Castro, Noe Valley).  There are hardly any chain stores (off the main strip anyway) and coffee shops dominate the landscape (not the case here).  Wonderful  neighborhood.

Another great part of the Mission and SF in general is the public art, specifically murals.  We have public murals in DC and some not so public ones.  There are the WPA murals inside government buildings, outside murals to prominent Americans, and murals used to teach about murals.  Clarion Alley is in the Mission and is literally an alley connecting Valencia and Mission Streets.  Over the years, talented SF artists have filled its walls, fences and doors with mini murals. Some are political, some are spiritual and some are fantasy. Is there a DC version of Clarion Alley?  I know of murals-graffiti in alleys, but not in such a concentration. Here's a taste of Clarion Alley:

Bread and Puppets at St. Stephens

Our friends Puppet Underground are back with Vermont's Bread and Puppet theater.  You may have encountered Puppet Underground at the Las Posadas or Chilly Day Cabaret  performances of last winter. They seem to come through NW DC two or three times a year.  This time they are performing at St. Stephen's church across the street from Mt Pleasant at 16th and Newton.

The Decapitalization Circus will be here next Tuesday and Wednesday, September 28-29. Performances are at 7pm each day.  There is a sliding scale for donations --$5 to $15-- although I can't imagine anyone will be turned away, per the usual policy.  

The description from Bread and Puppet:

"The Decapitalization Circus demonstrates in numerous death-defying stunts the phantastic effects of the capitalization of life in the U.S. and citizens’ courageous efforts of decapitalization. The performers represent the whole scale of the social spectrum from benign billionairism to despicable homeless anti-social-elementarianism. All the acts are FDA and FBI certified displays of patriotic correctness and defy all imaginable forms of terrorism. The Possibilitarians, a multi-instrumental variety ensemble, provide the appropriate-inappropriate sounds for the circus."

History in Art and Story: Portrait Talks at Smithsonian's NPG

The National Portrait Gallery always has great programming to go along with the stellar collection and gorgeous building.

These talks are based on specific portraits hanging in the Gallery, which shares the old Patent Office Building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. NPG is located at 801 F Street NW, one block away from the closest 42 bus stop. As a former Richmonder, I think I need to see the Edgar Allan Poe talk. And as a sports fan, maybe the Babe Ruth talk, too!

From the Gallery:

Face-to-Face Portrait Talks
Thursdays, September 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:00 - 6:30pm

Join a curator, historian, or special guest speaker to learn more about the people and their portraits hanging in the National Portrait Gallery. September Face-to-Face talks feature the theme paper trail. Each Thursday a different portrait is highlighted. Meet in the F Street lobby.

September 9 (TODAY!)- Historian Jim Barber speaks about Babe Ruth by William Auerbach-Levy

September 16 - Researcher Warren Perry speaks about Edgar Allan Poe by Samuel Stillman
September 23 - Curatorial Assistant Amy Baskette speaks about Carl Sandburg by William A. Smith
September 30 - NASA Curator of Art Bert Ulrich speaks about John Glenn by Henry Casselli Jr.

Extracurriculars Make The Vibrator Play

Eric Hissom, Katie deBuys and Kimberly Gilbert

In the Next Room or the vibrator play is classic Woolly Mammoth.  I think they'd say the same if you asked them.  The title is quite literal; the set is predicated on two distinct rooms in a house, one of which serves as a doctor's office serving "hysterical" women.  It's a period play set just after the widespread use of electricity paved the way for heaps of inventions, including the electric vibrator.  

But it's the extra programming that make the production.  Woolly has added some neat programs to compliment the Tony nominated play (Best Play).  In the Next Room was written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Aaron Posner.  The production covers themes outside of sexuality, including relationships, marriage, commitment, motherhood, death, women's issues and race issues. 

The extras include ongoing and one-time events.  I missed last night's Audience Salon discussion with Amanda Hess and Zack Rosen.  Anyone make that?  Here are some of the other audience engagement pieces offered by Woolly:

Girls Night Out: TONIGHT!  At the theater.  Ladies, this pre-show happy hour is for you.  The folks from Passion Parties will be there, you can meet some of the cast and, if you get lucky, go home wiiiiiiiith.... a new toy.  Not a boy toy.  A toy.  Probably battery powered.

Secret Desires: Ongoing. There is a little black box right next to the snack bar.  Anyone can anonymously drop a note inside the bar revealing their, well, secret desires. I mean, people are taking this literally.  There were some crazy ones on the board at the showing I attended.  Here are a few samples.  

Post Show Discussions:  September 5 (3pm show), September 9 (8pm show) and September 12 (3pm show). An all inclusive discussion of the show --production, plot conventions and themes-- with other audience  members and Woolly staff and artists.

Antique Vibrator Display: Ongoing.  Courtesy of New York's Museum of Sex (yes, there is such a thing) the theater is displaying several antique vibrators.  Not sure what my first impression was, but let's just say I couldn't imagine any of these machines relieving anyone of any ailment... maybe creating some ailments, but not getting rid of them.  

In the Next Room or the vibrator play runs through September 26. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is located at 641 D Street NW in downtown DC.

Have at it.  And enjoy!

DC Shorts Film Festival

Still from Expiration

I had known about the 48 Hour Film Fest, living it vicariously through a friend-filmmaker; but had never heard about the DC Short Film Festival until a few weeks ago. It takes place this September and happens right off of the 42 bus line. The films will be shown at E Street (naturally) as well as the theater at the Navy Memorial. Short means films up to 24 minutes. That's sort of par for the course for me. Short and sweet (or sad, funny, dramatic?) There are a lot of 5 minute films.  And some 1 minute films, too. 

Anyway, there are 97 total. Looks like you can catch all the films if you're a dedicated self scheduler and have some time on your hands. The website provides a one sentence write up for each flick, so it's hard to judge the potential content. But, based on a VERY brief flip through the pages, here are a few I wouldn't mind catching.

Just About Famous (Documentary)

Delve into the minds and hearts of the people who make a living impersonating celebrities.

God of Love (Comedy)

A lounge singer finds his prayers are answered when he receives a mysterious package of love-inducing darts.

Telemafia (Comedy)

What happens when a telemarketer picks the wrong consumer to call?

Katrina's Son (Drama)

After losing his grandmother during Hurricane Katrina, a young boy searches for the mother who abandoned him.

Rita (Drama)

A 10-year old blind girl’s claustrophobic world is suddenly breached by a mysterious presence.

The Muskrat Boy of Griffith Park (Drama)

While taking her picnic lunch, a lonely woman is confronted by a strange and scruffy boy.

A Dream in Hanoi (Drama)

Thanh is alone and sad after his bike is stolen. In a most unexpected way, ballet becomes his inspiration and salvation.

Pretty cool.  Might try to get in a session or two.  The dates are September 9-16.

Ride the Divide: Mount Pleasant Movies in the Park

From Mount Pleasant Main Street:

On Saturday, Aug. 7, the Mount Pleasant Main Street Association (together with the Mount Pleasant Business Association and CricKet Wireless) will be showing the documentary film "Ride the Divide," an account of the world's toughest solo mountain bike race along 2,700 miles of the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. 

The film tells the story of three characters' experiences as they endure mental breakdowns, treacherous weather, hellacious blisters and total fatigue while they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The filmmaker intertwines cycling footage with immense mountain beauty and snippets of small-town culture. 

This is the premier public showing of the film in the District of Columbia.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate Mt P's vibrant bike culture as well as support its local businesses. Local cycling groups will host bike clinics and other educational activities.  A suggested donation of $5-$10 will support the local charity Neighbors Consejo.

Movies begin at dusk in Lamont Park (Mount Pleasant St. NW and Lamont St. NW).  Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and meals purchased from local vendors and restaurants.

Thank you for your consideration.  For more information, email info@mtpmainstreet.org.

New York Ave Sculptures: Up Close

Pictured are the sculptures on New York Ave NW between 13th and 12th Streets.  I have to say I wasn't a big fan initially, but after seeing them for a few months on my regular bike route, I've grown to appreciate them.  They definitely add something to a block that is  really divided into two separate spaces with a wide median splitting a fairly busy thoroughfare. 

The sculptures are part of a multi year, four block long project to populate that stretch of New York Avenue (b/t 13th and 9th) with public art.  The city is working with Downtown BID and the National Museum of Women in the Arts; it's at the corner of 13th and New York Ave.  This is phase one.  Once the rest of the blocks are activated with art, the installations will change every few years to keep the landscape fresh.  This will be a living project; sort of like an extension of the Museum itself, although I don't think they'd put it that way.

These four are by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

Nana on a Dolphin, 1998

Les Trois Grâces (The Three Graces), 1999

Arbre Serpents (Serpent Tree), 1999

#23 Basketball Player, 1999

Friday Fun Post: Best Time Lapse Ever

The most elaborate, amazing, painstakingly produced, time lapse video art I have ever seen. And I went to an art school. So I know. I've seen some bad ones, too. But, this is amazing. Each frame was hand painted or arranged. Think about that. EACH FRAME. Even if you don't have 10 minutes to watch this in its entirety, watch whatever you can.

Another Cool Project Via Bluebrain

Bluebrain, who were behind the Dupont Boombox Experiment, are back for more creative music fun. They've created a new music track that will be available for free on their website starting, well now. And here's the cool twist. It's been engineered by Bluebrain specifically to accompany you through the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's Sant Ocean Hall. Ocean Hall, which opened in late 2008, was the largest renovation and installation in the Museum's nearly 100 year history.

The music track is mostly ambient, but there is structure and some mood changes as the piece progresses. Total time is about 17 minutes and a half. I guess it totally depends on if you're a reader of the information panels or not, but if you're like me, you could just press play and take in the huge replica of North Atlantic Right Whales, giant squid, and the rest of the 23,000 square foot exhibit and be happy.

A nice getaway from the screaming kids, pushy grandmas and bickering, terribly dressed married couples from the Midwest (sorry, bad memory).

You can download the mp3 file from the Bluebrain website here. Perfect for a rainy day, or whenever you get a chance to visit Federal Washington for 17 minutes or so. Enjoy.