June is nothing short of a month filled with cultural excellence and bustling nightlife, such as D.C.’s Caribbean Film Fest and WorldPride Parade, followed by the rhythmic sounds of the New Legacy Jazz Band and Afro-Cuban artist Pedrito Martinez.
Plus, dive into some unique histories and educational opportunities. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar!
Thursday, June 5
AI Advantage: Building, Integrating & Scaling AI for Your Business
6 p.m. | Free
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses operate, but where do to start? Join the Howard County Economic Development Authority for “AI-Powered Growth: How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Transform Your Business,” an engaging session designed for business owners at all levels of AI understanding.
Led by Jason Michael Perry, fractional chief AI officer, this event will tackle areas such as: which AI tools and agents can help advance businesses; how AI can improve customer experience and efficiency; as well as the best ways to integrate AI into operations.
Whether beginning to explore artificial intelligence or looking for smarter ways to scale, this session will provide the insights and strategies to confidently bring AI into a business. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve!
A History of the Movie Musical: From ‘The Jazz Singer’ to ‘A Star is Born’
6:30 p.m. | $25 for non-members
As soon as movies could talk, they began to sing and dance, and musicals quickly became among the most popular film genres in America.
Over the next nine decades, the movie musical evolved to embrace every type of performance, from operetta to rock and soul, tap to ballet. Musicals drew on Broadway hits and original creations from composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.
Join media historian Brian Rose as he traces the history of this uniquely American form and shows more than 30 excerpts spotlighting artists including Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, the Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly, and the Beatles.
Friday, June 6
7 p.m. | $30
Federal Triangle, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Washington experienced an unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War, a period in which Pennsylvania Avenue became D.C.’s most notorious red-light district.
From the ramshackle “boarding houses” of Murder Bay to the glamorous pleasure houses of Marble Alley, and the rising “female lobbyist,” this tour introduces participants to some of the most notorious women of mid-19th Century D.C. – all within sight of the U.S. Capitol.
Culminating at the National Museum of the American Indian, the route starts at the Willard Intercontinental and travels down Pennsylvania Avenue, the main thoroughfare along which D.C.’s red-light district arose.
This summer, dive into some unique histories of the nation’s capital.
2025 DC Caribbean FilmFest Opening Night
7 p.m. | $13
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
DC Caribbean FilmFest opens with “Panazz: The Story,” featuring a Q&A with filmmaker Barry Bartholomew, plus a post-screening reception sponsored by the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Association of World Bank/IMF.
Winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival, “Panazz: The Story” chronicles the formation, impact and legacy of one of the most influential and genre-defying steel-pan ensembles to emerge from Trinidad and Tobago, coupled with original compositions, steel-pan arrangements from Panazz’s five re-released albums, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Through intimate interviews, archival performances and breathtaking visuals of the Trinidad and Tobago landscape, this documentary invites audiences to explore how a small Caribbean band defied social expectations and changed the global perception of what steel-pan music and performance could be.
Don’t miss out on a powerful celebration of innovation, resilience and cultural pride.
For the full festival lineup, visit here.
Saturday, June 7
2 – 6 p.m. | Free
14th and T Streets NW to Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th Streets NW
The iconic Capital Pride Parade will transform into the iconic WorldPride Parade on Saturday, June 7, marking an emblematic of the historic Pride movement.
Starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way to Downtown D.C., the parade transforms Pennsylvania Avenue into a colorful corridor of joy, with the iconic U.S. Capitol as a stunning backdrop. Joined by ornate floats, grand marshals, and a vast array of groups representing the LGBTQ+ community, the parade will honor Pride history and acknowledge the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.
Plus, continue the celebrations with the free two-day Street Festival + Concert – featuring musical acts and performances from international headliners to some of the top local and regional LGBTQ+ talent.
More parade information and WorldPride festivities can be found at worldpridedc.org.
8 p.m. | $20 – 25
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20784
Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter, and composer originally from Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups.
Martinez was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid- to late-’90s.
With the May 30 release of his new album, “Ilusión Óptica,” Martinez is bringing a musical experience full of twists and turns and unexpected stops that resolve into ferocious grooves sure to keep the body moving.
Sunday, June 8
7:30 a.m. | Based on event category
Washington-Liberty Aquatics Center, 1301 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201
Featuring a pool swim, a closed circuit bike course and a mostly track run, the Arlington Triathlon is a kids-only race intended to encourage children to have fun while participating in physical activities. The swim-bike-run disciplines of triathlon are life-long sports that support a healthy lifestyle from childhood through adulthood.
The race will be produced by a USAT Certified Race Director and officially sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of triathlon. Further, the event serves in memory of Anne Viviani, not only Arlington’s most highly accomplished triathlete, but arguably one of the best in the world, having won multiple national and world titles.
All participants in the triathlon are required to be annual youth members of USA Triathlon. Memberships cost $10, and may be purchased as part of the event’s registration process. Go to usatriathlon.org/memberships for more information.
PRJC Presents: The Alan Dale New Legacy Jazz Band
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | $25.85+ for non-members
Rosensteel Hall, 9707 Rosensteel Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
The New Legacy Jazz Band has performed for heads of state, congressmen, and embassies – and now, for The Potomac River Jazz Club.
Here’s a swinging afternoon of hot jazz with drummer Alan Dale’s New Legacy Jazz Band belting out New Orleans jazz and swing from the ’20s and ’30s, including a dance floor, free parking, and a cash bar with snacks and beverages available.
Come hear what the talk is all about!
