PHOTO STORY

Janet Jackson - Number Ones Up Close and Personal Tour

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

Janet Jackson brought all her hit singles to DAR Constitution Hall last night for the first of two shows in D.C. this week. The music icon performed her greatest songs and proved that she is still very much in control of her powerful voice. The 44-year-old Jackson had no problem pulling this set together after numerous cancellations and problems that plagued her last tour. This time around, the re-focused and reenergized Janet decided to do away with the big arena glitzy productions and decided to perform in more intimate venues. The six-time Grammy winner commanded the stage and showed bravado and demonstrated why she is truly a legend!

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PHOTO STORY

Top 10 D.C. Concerts of 2010

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

It's been another fantastic year of music in D.C. What made this year particularly special were the locations and events that brought in some top-notch musical acts. From concerts on The Mall to sold out stadiums, D.C. saw it all this year. Metromix concert photographer Alfredo Flores offers his take on 2010’s ten best concerts based on visual spectacle, stage presence, rapport with audience and, of course, their music.

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PHOTO STORY

ShamrockFest 2011

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

This past weekend, some 40,000 revelers took part in D.C.’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day party ever: ShamrockFest 2011. The 11th Annual National ShamrockFest at RFK Stadium featured 50 amazing bands and DJs on 10 stages. Acts included the Dropkick Murphys, DJ Pauly D, Carbon Leaf and many more. There were also plenty of roving entertainers, endless beer stations, food and craft vendors, an Irish village, shamrock pub games, carnival rides, games and more.

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PHOTO STORY

"Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear" Pictures

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

An estimated 215,000 people from across the country joined Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert for their historic Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear on October 30, 2010. Fans of "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" flocked to the National Mall, creating a sea of supporters, costumes and homemade signs that stretched from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. In addition to the two Comedy Central hosts, the event included performances from such diverse acts as Ozzy Osbourne, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), the O'Jays, Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow, Tony Bennett and a 40 minute opening set from John Legend and The Roots (who also acted as the event's house band). There were also special appearances from "Mythbusters" hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, "Law and Order" star Sam Waterston, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the guest who got the most applause, R2-D2. Ironically, the rally caused insanity across the District, bringing Metro to a crawl and overflowing an already crowded Halloween weekend. And even though the event brought laughs, lightness and truthiness to the masses, Stewart's inspiring and uplifiting final speech left everyone in the crowd feeling the craziness was well worth it.

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PHOTO STORY

Bon Jovi Live 2011 Tour at Verizon Center

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

Perhaps fist-pumping really is a Jersey thing—not only limited to those from Jersey Shore. Bon Jovi brought his New Jersey arena-rock band, along with some 20,000 fist-pumping fans to pack the Verizon Center on Sunday night. This is the band’s most extensive tour since their Jersey Syndicate Tour in the late 1980s. Bon Jovi’s current Circle Tour is in support of the band’s Greatest Hits album. It was an impressive set-up, a completely open 360-degree circle stage that allowed Bon Jovi to play to both the front of the audience, as well as to those behind the stage for a couple of choice notes. There’s also something to be said for someone who has been filling arenas and stadiums for well over two decades. In his song “The More Things Change,” Bon Jovi boasts that through time, Madonna gave way to Lady Gaga to Justin Timberlake and even Justin Bieber; but the only thing that’s stayed the same is “this” as he points to his face. The Verizon Center completely erupted. The same eruption was heard during such storied ballads as “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Bad Medicine”—the fans’ reaction easily audible blocks away from the arena.

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PHOTO STORY

Julieta Venegas at State Theatre

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

It’s hard not to like Julieta Venegas. The six-time Grammy winner is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s most talented songwriters and performers, but Venegas also brings a sweetness and kindness to her act that can be felt in the soul. That was evident Tuesday night, as a sold-out crowd at the State Theatre braved the cold temperatures to be warmed up by the soothing sounds of Julieta. The Tijuana, Mexico native was at home in the Falls Church, Va. venue, at ease swaying around in her willowy dress, and absolutely rocking her signature accordion, before moving on to guitar and keyboards. The crowd sang along to most songs, but none more so than her hit single “Me Voy”—a bittersweet track about saying “goodbye, I’m gone.” But this is not an angry breakup song, simply a statement song about how the breakup is unfortunate, too bad, but time to move on, all done with traditional Mexican ranchera folk music. Opening for Venegas were standout D.C.-area Latin rock band Nayas, who often perform at Bossa Bistro & Lounge in Adams Morgan and Growlers in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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PHOTO STORY

"So Others May Eat" Jr. Gala 2011

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

So Others May Eat hosted the 8th Annual Jr. Gala this past weekend at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. The event featured live music by the Blue Tips Rhythm Review, appetizers, dancing and cocktails. The fundraising gala turned out to be a huge success where young professionals were able to raise money for those in need. Proceeds from the gala will be used to build a playground at Marguerite's Place, a new community center being built by SOME.

PHOTO STORY

The Kidney Ball

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Washington Life Magazine

UNFORGETTABLE: Every November the Kidney Ball seemingly outdoes itself, and this year was no exception. The cavernous ballroom was crowded with scores of local tech execs for dinner, dancing and cheering on aerial trapeze artists before the finale by Grammy Award-winning chanteuse Natalie Cole, whose late father, Nat King Cole, joined her by video in a spellbinding duet. Led by chairwoman Debbie Ikirt and attended by Mayor-elect Vincent Gray, the National Kidney Foundation's 30th annual gala raised $1.1 million for kidney disease research. BELIEVERS: Chuck Prow, Ted and Carla Davies, Anne Altman, Xavier Alire, Bradley Schwartz, Tenly Carp, Carleton Jones and David Samuels.

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PHOTO STORY

Global Kids International Benefit at French Embassy Residence

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Washington Life Magazine

GLOBAL KIDS: The ornate reception rooms of the French ambassador's residence spilled over with goodwill and some of the best cooking imaginable as guests celebrated the Manhattan-based Global Kids International's Washington debut in grand style. French Charge d'Affaires Francois Rivasseau hosted the event, which featured a silent auction and delicacies prepared by award-winning chefs Daniel Boulud, Jose Andres, Todd Gray, Cathal Armstrong and Michel Richard. Global Kids' founder Carole Artigiani announced the launch of the group's District-wide initiatives as the event's organizer, Countess Elisabeth de Kergolay welcomed guests who included celebrity auctioneers Sen. Mark Warner and NBC 4 anchor-reporter Kimberly Suiters.

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Put on the Gloves Fashion Fundraiser at Town Danceboutique

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

The first-ever Put On The Gloves Fashion Show, held on January 27 at Town Danceboutique, was such a smash success that many guests already were asking when the next one will take place. The event was created by Daniel Townsend, Ashley Arias, Elaine A. Mensah, Eboné Bell, Tedd Davis, and Vanessa Reed with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Trevor Project and Capital Queer Prom. The event was hosted by Will Thomas of Fox 5 and Anji Corley of WPGC with music by DJ Natty Boom and special guests that included singer Mya and "Real Housewives of DC" star Cat Ommanney. In partnership with B.O.I. Marketing & Promotions LLC, Fashion BS, and Tedd Davis Events, the event is a fundraiser dedicated to the freedom of our LGBT youth to express themselves through fashion and the fundamental "coming of age" American tradition - prom.

PHOTO STORY

Dancing After Dark at Longview Gallery

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

It was a night of cocktails, dancing, and fundraising at Dancing After Dark at Longview Gallery. The Children’s National Junior Council hosted Dancing After Dark to help raise money for the Children’s National Hospital. D.C.’s young philanthropist showed their support by attending this fun evening of mixing and mingling under the stars. The sold out event raised much needed dollars for the hospital. The money raised will surely make a significant impact on the children and families that Children's Hospital serves.

PHOTO STORY

Capital Club's 19th Annual Santa Soiree

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

The Capital Club held its annual Santa Soiree at the City Tavern Club in Georgetown this past weekend and what a party it was! Atlanta's premier funk band The Answer was in the house proving funky danceable beats all night. Ladies dressed in their cutest cocktail dresses and guys dressed in their best festive suits drank, danced, and partied the night away until the wee hours of the morning. This sold-out holiday event was truly a hit!

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PHOTO STORY

BET Honors 2011

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

The BET Honors 2011 ceremony took place on Saturday, January 15 at the Warner Theatre to celebrate the stars' achievements in their respective fields. This year's honorees included Oscar award-winning actor/musician and comedian Jamie Foxx, supermodel/entrepreneur Iman, legendary actress Cicely Tyson, musician/composer Herbie Hancock, but a number of other stars turned out to support their peers including host Gabrielle Union, singer Ginuwine, R&B star Ne-Yo and many more.

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PHOTO STORY

D.C. Fight Night 2010

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

The heavyweights of D.C. and the legends of boxing joined forces for the 21st annual Fight Night DC on November 11 at the Washington Hilton. Fight Night brings together 2,000 champions of business and government, entertainment and community service, as well as legends from the boxing and sports world, for an evening of fun, auctions, and live professional boxing. The event is the signature fundraiser for Fight For Children, an independent non-profit organization committed to improving education in DC schools. The night featuredlegendary boxers like Joe Frazier, Roy Jones Jr., Jake LaMotta, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, as well as other local celebrities and socialites.