News & Politics

On the Horizon: Dave Grohl at RFK, the World Police & Fire Games

Plus more happenings, announcements, and rumors to know about.

Photograph by William Best/WPFG.

The World Police & Fire Games, a biennial competition for first responders, opens June 26 at RFK Stadium, with events across the area and closing ceremonies July 5 at Wolf Trap. Some 12,000 athletes from 70 countries will face off in more than 60 events, from basketball to a form of martial arts called “submission grappling.”

Foo Man To-Do

Foo Fighters turned 20 this year, and former Washingtonian Dave Grohl (who turned 45 himself) is throwing the band a birthday party on July 4 at RFK Stadium. But those old enough to remember Grohl’s earlier stint in Nirvana will relish a supporting bill that includes bluesmen Buddy Guy and Gary Clark Jr., rocker Joan Jett, and go-go greats Trouble Funk.

Market Moves

Mediterranean-diet fans will find lots to like at CityCenterDC next year. Chef Amy Brandwein—the Roberto Donna protégée who most recently manned the stoves at his Alba Osteria—is striking out on her own, opening Centrolina, an Italian market and restaurant, at the luxe development by spring. The Fig & Olive chain will also bring its crostini and carpaccio to the complex next year.

Just In From Venus

Deborah Tannen, the Georgetown linguistics prof whose You Just Don’t Understand detailed the disconnect between men and women, has signed with publisher Ballantine to deliver a report on the relationships women can count on: those with other women. You’re the Only One I Can Say This To is due in 2016.

Bard’s Back Office

In a deal with the Southwest Neighborhood Association, Shakespeare Theatre Company will turn the former Hawthorne School building—once the site of Southeastern University on I Street, Southwest—into office and rehearsal space, costume shops, and classrooms. In return for the association’s lifting of its application to register the building as a landmark, STC will provide educational programming and other community benefits.

It Takes Un Village

Francophiles, take note: The Shirlington boutique Le Village Marché brings its Paris-inspired decor and gifts to DC this spring, when owner Angela Phelps opens a second store in Cathedral Heights. The new shop joins a revamped Giant supermarket and a roster of eateries including Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Raku, and Starbucks.

Rare Bird

Even ballet neophytes recognize ballerina Misty Copeland, thanks to this summer’s viral Under Armour ad. The dancer comes to town in April to play the lead role in selected performances of the Washington Ballet’s Swan Lake, the first full-length version of the classic work in the company’s 70 years.

Photograph of Grohl by WENN/Alamy. Photograph of Brandwein by Len DePas Photography. Photograph of Tannen by Stephen Voss. Photograph of Hawthorne School courtesy of swtlqtc.com. Photograph of Le Village Marché courtesy of Angela Phelps. Photograph of Copeland at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane 2014, courtesy of The Washington Ballet.

This article appears in the December 2014 issue of Washingtonian.