City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
BLM Plaza reconstruction begins
March 10, 2025 · — Kaela
Hey, neighbor! Are you ready to be an auntie/uncle? D.C.’s most famous eagle couple — Mr. President and Lotus — is expecting. They have at least one egg in their nest at the National Arboretum, which experts guess will hatch between April 9 and 11.
What's CITY Talking About?
DC Ally Suggests Home Rule Alternative
US Congressman Jamie Raskin, who represents Bethesda, Silver Spring, and other Maryland suburbs of D.C., has suggested to Mayor Bowser that D.C. consider retrocession — becoming part of Maryland — as an alternative to President Trump’s potential takeover of D.C. He says she “took it under advisement.” [City Cast DC 🎧]
- In the interview, Raskin also expresses cautious optimism that D.C.’s federal workers will achieve justice through the ongoing court cases. 👇
BLM Plaza Reconstruction Begins
D.C.'s Department of Transportation is expected to begin painting over Black Lives Matter Plaza today, to make way for a new mural celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The work is expected to take six to eight weeks, temporarily closing parts of 16th Street NW. [ABC7]
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy urged Bowser to prioritize roadway safety, saying pavement markings should only be used for safety guidance “and not for other forms of expression.” [U.S. Department of Transportation]
DC’s ‘Sanctuary City’ Status In Question
The mayor's office removed a webpage that labeled D.C. as a "sanctuary city" and answered questions about immigration rights in D.C. Mayor Bowser also recently stopped using the phrase "sanctuary city" in statements, saying it was misleading. [Axios]
- Local immigrant communities are already on edge after recent ICE arrests in the area. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
The Women of Hamlet Speak Out
Experience Lauren M. Gunderson's bold and thrilling A Room in the Castle. This world premiere rebrands Shakespeare’s Hamlet, placing Ophelia, Queen Gertrude, and Anna at the center of the story within the castle walls. Now on stage at the Folger through April 6. Click here for tickets starting at $20.
The Local Female Artists You Need to Know
Welcome to another edition of our monthly music feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. It’s time to turn up the volume and celebrate Women’s History Month the best way we know how — through a look back at our favorite femme D.C. musicians!
With ethereal vocals, Voxx can often be found performing around the city with jazz ensembles or singing her own indie-pop music with the Sad Lads band. See why cherry blossom season and all things pink are a key part to Voxx’s artistry.
Next Local Shows:
March 22 | 3 p.m. | Free | Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin
April 6 | 9 p.m. | $20+ | Comet Ping Pong
Follow:
Mabel Canty, Tess Kontarinis & Isabella MacKaye (Birthday Girl DC)
Still in their teens, this alt-rock trio is considered one of the most promising bands of D.C.’s music scene. They have opened for Jack White and Snail Mail and are currently touring the East Coast.
Next Local Show:
April 17 | 6:30 p.m. | $22+ | The Atlantis
Follow:
Caroline Weinroth (Cinema Hearts)
Former Miss America contestant turned indie rocker, Weinroth always knows how to command a stage. Performing at SXSW Festival last year, she made Rolling Stone’s “Best of List” and is set to perform again this week at the same festival.
Follow:
Ever the storyteller, O’Neill uses visceral lyricism and stripped down acoustics to create her “quietly confident americana” sound. According to O’Neill, her love for music started when she was in the womb.
Next Local Show:
March 10 | 8 p.m. | 15+ | The Pocket
Follow:
Samantha Collings & Emily Yaremchuk (Massie)
Drummer Collings and vocalist Yaremchuk make up two-thirds of the power pop band Massie (formerly known as Grady). Their music and consistent performances keep riot grrrl punk alive and well in the DMV.
Next Local Show:
March 29 | 8 p.m. | $13+ | The Atlantis
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Sunstoney is known for her DIY dreamy-pop and R&B music. Finding solace after a breakup by producing songs in GarageBand, Sunstoney took her music from humble basement beginnings to the stage.
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Em Bleker & Miri Tyler (Pretty Bitter)
Vocalist Bleker and bassist Tyler are part of the locally acclaimed indie-pop band Pretty Bitter. Tyler also plays drums for the D.C. punk band Ekko Astral. During the pandemic, both Bleker and Tyler credit one local music venue to keeping them fed.
Next Local Show:
March 21 | 7 p.m. | $18 | Pie Shop
Follow:
Naomi Alquist (Prinze George)
There would be no Prinze George band without lead vocalist Alquist. With vintage vocals (and wardrobe) blended with synth-pop, Alquist transports you to a fresh yet nostalgic world.
Follow:
🎧 Women Artists of the DMV: A Playlist
Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring music by great women artists in the DMV, including the bands highlighted above.
What To Do
Monday, March 10
- 🍻 Profs & Pints DC: Trump and Asylum Law | 6 p.m. | $16 | Capitol Hill
- 📖 Women's Biography Book Group | 7:30 p.m. | Free | Virtual
- 🎵 Tunes: Liv Greene | 7 p.m. | $15 | Truxton Circle
- 😆 Char Bar Comedy Night | 7:15 p.m. | $30 | West End
Tuesday, March 11
- 🍄 Mushroom Bonsai Workshop | 5:45 p.m. | $60 | Adams Morgan
- 🎤 Talk: City Cast’s David Plotz On Local News | 7 p.m. | Free | Cleveland Park Library
- 📚 Author Talk: “Secret Washington, DC” | 6 p.m. | Free | West End Library
- 📃 AdMo BID Annual Meeting | 3 p.m. | Free | The Line Hotel
Sponsored Content
Gay Men's Chorus presents 'Passports'
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC is going on a musical tour around the world! Departing from North America and hitting four continents, we'll travel the globe in song and have you dancing in your seats. Passports - March 15 & 16 at Lincoln Theatre. Tickets at GMCW.org.
🐰 Roll Those Eggs
It’s the last day to join the lottery for a free ticket to the White House Easter Egg Roll. Anyone can fill out an online application, but it must include at least one child. The event will be on Monday, April 21.
Free · 5 days a week