Studio Sonic, the new D.C. creative studio led by cofounders Pierre Edwards and Eliud Arbelo II, is iconoclastic, breaking the rules and expectations for a creative studio and forging a new image of how commerce and arts can work together. And they are serious about not taking themselves too seriously. Studio + Lab = Art… Read more »
Read Our October 2021 Issue
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TRAILBLAZERS. It’s the first Friday in September, and I’m standing with my team on the top floor of the Naval Lodge in Capitol Hill, watching the dynamic duo behind multidisciplinary creative agency Studio Sonic set up for our October cover shoot. For the first time in six-and-a-half years, I’ve relinquished the bulk of my creative control during a cover shoot and trusted Studio Sonic’s Pierre Edwards and Eliud Arbelo II completely with their vision. In collaboration with photographer Shaughn Cooper, they crafted the most meta cover we’ve had to-date by having Cooper capture them in their element as creators — setting up and adjusting lighting, reviewing the set, communicating about what to tweak or focus on — and then, striking power poses in the freshest of outfits while lounging in vintage teal auditorium-style seats. Cooper ingeniously combined some of his strongest images for our cover. He depicted Edwards and Arbelo exuding hustle as the always-in-motion artists they are, overlayed with images of them front and center in the antique blue seats, looking at the camera with a fierceness that commands attention and respect. On our shoot day, I’m joined by my editorial team and writer Colleen Kennedy, who penned a stunning cover story on Studio Sonic. We’re taking in the sounds of the duo’s “The Tail End of Summer” mix along with the visuals of the eccentric cover location that, in Kennedy’s words, is “saturated with Masonic symbolism.” It’s the perfect setting for contemplation, and acknowledgment of the trailblazing entrepreneurs in the District making, doing and creating around the clock.
But our coverage of trailblazers didn’t end with Studio Sonic. We rounded up 52 locals, a mix of up-and-coming and well-established professionals who’ve carved out a niche for each of their respective hustles. I had the joy of speaking with the very understated, humble queen of D.C. theatre, actress and director Holly Twyford, about her upcoming production of “Becoming Dr. Ruth” at Theater J — as well as a myriad of fangirl questions I’ve been saving for two decades. I also chatted with Folger Theatre’s brand-new artistic director, the forward-thinking and multitalented Karen Ann Daniels. Amanda Weisbrod picked indie darling and Richmond native Lucy Dacus’ brain, Trent Johnson waxed poetic about The Barns at Wolf Trap’s 40th anniversary and Rina Rapuano gave us her fall foodie forecast. Plus, outdoor workout classes to enjoy in the coming months, our friends and collaborators Inner Loop’s annual writing contest winners, new cocktail bar Jane Jane, another epic illustration from my favorite artist E$, and much more. Cheers to all of the trailblazers making waves in this city. I look up to you all and can’t wait to share more of your stories.
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURED
Meet D.C.’s Newest Theatre Powerhouse: Karen Ann Daniels
Folger Theatre’s new artistic director and director of programming lands in the District this October with a renewed sense of focus on accessibility and community in our performing arts landscape. Karen Ann Daniels sees possibility in D.C. When the Folger Theatre tapped her as its new artistic director and director of programming this summer, the… Read more »
On the Road with Lucy Dacus
Lucy Dacus loves touring more than life. What started as a hobby has turned into a full-time career, something the down-to-earth artist was not expecting but welcomed as one of the happiest accidents of her life. The indie-rock artist released her latest studio album “Home Video” in June and set off on a nationwide tour… Read more »
CULTURE
Communing with Holly Twyford
Holly Twyford, one of D.C.’s most prolific theatre actors, opens up about directing her peers, why she gets up in the morning and the entrepreneurial spirit. The first time I met Holly Twyford, I was 15. She was playing Viola in Aaron Posner’s production of “Twelfth Night” at Folger Theatre, and what felt like a… Read more »
Taking Risks: Inner Loop Contest Winners Don’t Hold Back
During the pandemic shutdown, many swore they would begin writing the next great American literary work regardless of their past writing experience. The forced isolation inspired and allowed people to work on passion pieces that would otherwise remain ideas. With the increased volume of created content, this year’s Inner Loop Contest had plenty of entries… Read more »
Inner Loop Contest Fiction Winner: “We Have Coyotes”
To read about the three Inner Loop Contest winning entries, and interviews with the winners and judge, read Nicole Schaller’s coverage on the contest. My father called himself an entrepreneur, always chasing the million-dollar idea. He wouldn’t tell me what it was. I used to think a time machine would be nice. Or a pill that… Read more »
MORE CULTURE
Inner Loop Contest Nonfiction Winner: “The Many Afterlives”
To read about the three Inner Loop Contest winning entries, and interviews with the winners and judge, read Nicole Schaller’s coverage on the contest. As it turns out, my father didn’t actually die of pancreatic cancer. He faked his death and joined a funk band. I caught him playing trumpet at a fiftieth birthday party. Before… Read more »
Inner Loop Contest Poetry Winner: “Water Lilies”
To read about the three Inner Loop Contest winning entries, and interviews with the winners and judge, read Nicole Schaller’s coverage on the contest. “Water Lilies Do Not Have Surface Leaves During Winter” Adolescent girls root for you, extend scarred arms toward cloying curls, angling for ankles. Ungently you lay un-resting on the surface, always… Read more »
LIFE
October 2021 Cover Shoot // Behind The Scenes
Check out some moments from our shoot in Capitol Hill with cover subjects Pierre Edwards and Eliud Arbelo II of Studio Sonic. Our hidden gem of a backdrop and a curated playlist from Edwards and Arbelo provided the perfect vibes for photographer Shaughn Cooper to do his thing. Photos by Andrew J. Williams III. … Read more »
EAT
D.C.’s Fall Foodie Forecast
Nothing feels more pre-Covid than obsessing over which new restaurant to try. Luckily, several restaurateurs and chefs are working hard to make sure there are plenty of fresh, new dining options. Here are 10 new spots to watch out for this fall and winter. Bistro Du Jour Opening early October KNEAD Hospitality + Design remained… Read more »
Drink
Jane Jane Brings Classic Cocktails + Southern Hospitality to the District
Imagine the comforts of having friends over for cocktails: fun drinks, craveable snacks and good conversation in an inviting space. Now, think about hosting without needing to juice limes, preheat the oven or tidy up the bathroom. That’s the idea behind Jane Jane, a new cocktail bar from a trio of D.C. hospitality veterans. “We… Read more »
PLAY
Get Fit This Fall: 11 Must-Try Workouts in the District
D.C. is finally (slightly) cooling down, but that doesn’t mean outdoor fitness classes are ending. We tracked down some easily joinable and open-to-all-level outside classes around the DMV to continue (or start) your fitness journey during October. Whether it’s a rooftop HIIT class, a group to bike with or an outdoor Zumba session, there is… Read more »
FUN
Monster Mash on the South Lawn
Trick or treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to eat. If you don’t care, I don’t care. Spot all 31 differences there. Follow E$ on Instagram @theedollarsign. Hover over image to zoom. Print the downloadable PDF here. Enjoy this piece? Consider becoming a member for access to our premium digital content and to… Read more »
