“I consider D.C. the capital of creativity, but what actually has locked me into D.C. is the people.”
Read Our December 2022 Issue
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FOR THE LOVE OF D.C. What a year it’s been. We’re looking back on a fabulous 2022, from the introduction of new issue themes like Urban Adulting, Adventures in the DMV and The Experimental Issue to revived and revamped staples of our annual editorial calendar including Hustle and The New Wave of D.C. Fashion. We are quickly approaching the three-year mark of our inaugural District Fray issue, which debuted in March 2020. It’s near and dear to our hearts for many reasons, chief among them that our friend and collaborator, No Kings Collective’s Brandon Hill, illustrated our “For the Love of D.C.” cover. It seemed only fitting to breathe new life into that iconic work of art fit for a mural (maybe one day!) for our last issue of the year. We’re celebrating all of our favorite people, places and things in the city this year throughout the issue. I also had the pleasure of interviewing some of the cultural connectors helping D.C.’s creative scene thrive including Events DC’s new president and CEO, Angie Gates, and style icons and patrons of the arts José Alberto Uclés and Tom Noll. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season, and thank you so much for your continued support in keeping our magazine and creative community healthy and thriving. We’ll see you in the New Year!
Cheers,
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURED
D.C.’s Hip Sonny + Cher: Meet Cat Janice + Footwerk
“They’re like hip Sonny and Cher,” Songbyrd co-owner Joe Lapan says. “I guess Sonny and Cher were hip, too.”
Something for Everyone: Your D.C. Holiday Gift Guide
’Tis the season to buy a bunch of cool stuff from locals!
EAT
For the Love of D.C.: 2022 Eat + Drink Picks
We’re rounding 2022 out by highlighting some of the incredible people and places that make D.C. the thriving cultural hub we love.
Art. Eat. Repeat.
The view and the art created an unforgettable double wow moment.
DRINK
Sparkling Sustainability
“We like to focus on sustainable, organic, biodynamic and natural wine producers.”
Welcome to D.C.’s First Booze-Free Bar
“Whether you’re sober, in recovery, straight edge or sober curious, it’s going back to our primal roots of connecting, listening, loving one another and being scared but intentional about it.”
D.C. Speakeasy Entrances
Step through one of these illustrated entrances to speakeasy-style bars throughout the District.
DRINK
Chasing Dreams with Empowering the Diner’s Erica Christian
“I remember I wanted a less colonial-centric wine engagement. People, especially Black folx, don’t get to explore within American society.”
MUSIC
DMV Sounds: December 2022
From bluegrass to classical, pop to post-punk, the final month of 2022 sounds timeless and timely.
CULTURE
For the Love of D.C.: 2022 Culture + Music Picks
We’re rounding 2022 out by highlighting some of the incredible people and places that make D.C. the thriving cultural hub we love.
Rubell Museum DC, the City’s Newest World-Class Art Collection, Disrupts Local Scene
“There’s this sense of spirituality in a way and a metaphysical working of time and space. It feels like the right place at the right time to present and revisit these works.”
A Feminist Revenge Farce: Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “Jane Anger”
“Smart, working-class people have always existed. A lot of great people don’t get written about in books, so we don’t know about them.”
CULTURE
“Safe Word” Explores Vulnerability in Film
“I was like, ‘Me, masculine?’” Jonathan Adriel. “‘No singing, no dancing?’ But I [knew] this was a feat that had to be tackled.”
LIFE
For the Love of D.C.: 2022 Life + Play Picks
We’re rounding 2022 out by highlighting some of the incredible people and places that make D.C. the thriving cultural hub we love.
Inside the Vibrant World of Style Icons José Alberto Uclés + Tom Noll
“I look forward to continuing to bring joy and whimsy, and to inspire others to follow their artsy souls.”
How Planned Parenthood Garners Support for Reproductive Care
“It’s our responsibility to make sure a potential donor understands the impact [we’re having].”
LIFE
Members Only: Savvy Storytelling + Gratitude with Sara Morgan
If you want your name in the news for the good things you’re doing, you need to talk to Fray member Sara Morgan, a PR pro and founder/CEO of Eleven Eleven.
PLAY
Navigating the Slopes: Tips for Ski Season in the D.C. Area
Regardless of your ability to stay upright while barreling down a mountain, here are some tips for all skiing skill levels.
Let’s Not Go to the Mall: Local Spots to Take Non-Local People
The next time you’re guiding out of towners through the District, here’s some local spots to pepper in for their enjoyment/your need for novelty.
Player’s Club: Vin Testa
“We always want to win, but walking away from a hard-fought loss can be just as rewarding sometimes.”
FUN
December 2022 Photo Hunt
In honor of D.C.’s first alcohol-free bar opening.
December 2022 Photo Hunt Answer Key
See the answers here.
Goodbye 2022 Illustration
Adios. Au revoir. Sayonara.
FUN
A Toast To You + Me
The glass of champagne is half full.
2022 Holiday Season Crossword
Enjoy solving this puzzle and do your best making whatever holiday(s) you celebrate fun.
Crossword Answer Key: December 2022
No peeking or you’ll end up on the naughty list.
