Entertainment

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How AI Alters Thinking,”** on dealing with artificial intelligence’s capacity to change and undermine our thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University, principal investigator at its Cognitive Integrity Lab, and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-how-ai-alters-thinking](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-how-ai-alters-thinking) .] Doctors who give bad advice can be sued for malpractice. Teachers belong to a profession with set standards. When artificial intelligence guides you, however, that guidance comes with a disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Every day millions of people take that risk, and usually AI seems genuinely helpful. But even if AI gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think? Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. Author of *Articulating a Thought* and the upcoming book *Freedom of Thought in the Age of AI*, he’s on the cutting edge of efforts to answer AI-related questions such as: How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts? To set up his discussion of potential consequences of AI, he’ll describe how social media’s impact on society serves as a preview. Social media didn’t just give people what they wanted to click on, it actually changed what they regarded as click-worthy. It broke attention spans and fueled radicalization across millions of very different people. It left us with people who doom-scroll for hours, who can’t focus, who don’t know what to trust anymore. If you’d shown people this version of themselves ten years ago, would they have chosen it? Artificial intelligence is making a similar deal with us, but the stakes are higher. It isn’t chasing clicks. It’s optimized for giving you the most satisfying response to whatever is on your mind right now. The risk over time isn’t just that you’ll get lazy. More profoundly, even when you think hard, your sense of what counts as good thinking—as well as what sounds like you—will shift to match what AI has been feeding you. We’ll consider what kind of person this produces and whether this is someone we want to be or want children to become. Professor Alshanetsky will lay out a practical framework, which he calls “the interaction layer,” for using AI without letting it replace the thinking it’s supposed to support. He’ll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration by David S. Soriano / Creative Commons.

## A low-cost, 6-week intermediate-level English course with the non-profit organization, the Global Language Network. Ready to dive into the world of English? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language. **Details** English Frequent Flyer with Caroline Mondays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET Apr 7th to May 18th In-person, Farragut Square DC Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform).** **Additional Information** * GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age. * Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels) **About GLN** We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.

***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Kick off your week from **11:00 AM to 12:00 PM wit**h focusing on the smooth, elegant foundations of Ballroom dance. This session is perfect for seniors and families looking to improve posture and balance through the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango in a low-pressure, welcoming environment. Price: $25 Drop-in, Membership **DOES NOT** include this class!

VAST, the Virginia Advanced Speakers Toastmasters club, is "where good speakers go to get better." It's the club where you can try out new material for presentations at work, practice for contests, or try something new to take your speaking to the next level. We're all experienced speakers — some with a little experience and some with a lot — but we're not all great speakers (yet). Our goal is to become better speakers, and to have fun along the way! We meeting every 1st and 3rd Mondays @ 7pm: 1st Monday - Online only 3rd Monday - Hybrid (in-person and online) In-person: University Mall Community Space 10689 Braddock Road Fairfax, VA 22032 Email vast5378@gmail.com for more info.

This week's guest cube is Michael's Creepy Cube! List here: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/de98a70c-665d-4d8f-b77c-39f83a827a77](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/de98a70c-665d-4d8f-b77c-39f83a827a77) **NEW UPDATE:** Additional members of the cubing community have reached out to me and we all agree, the more cubing the better! I have removed the 12 person limit and we are adding an overflow cube for those also interested in non vintage type cubes! These guest cubes may consist of the following: \- Alex's Enchantment Cube: [Enchanted to Meet You](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/enchantedCube)! \- Matthew's Avatar cube: [Avatar: The Last Airbender Power(ful) Cube](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/avatarTLA) Priority will still fall to firing the vintage cube but what this means is if we reach 12 members we can offer the option to fire both cubes at 6 and 6 or just the vintage cube at 2 pods each. If we reach over 12 we will divide up the players between the two cubes with earlier RSVPs getting priority on their choice. If you have a cube that you are interested in having as a spill over cube please reach out to me and we can coordinate. Thank you! Come join and casually draft cube! No cost to enter and no cards needed! The store provides promo booster packs and I usually throw in a pack of the most recent standard set to award to the people with the best records at the end of the night. [What is Cube?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNDBTRG6keM) What: Cube Draft When: 6:00pm Where: Your Hobby Place in Old Town Alexandria (Your Hobby Place, 700 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314) We aim to start drafting shortly after 6:00pm as the store's register closes at 9:00pm. The store owner is kind enough to keep the space open for us to finish rounds. In previous events we've usually wrapped up around 9:45. All skill levels are welcome and all cards, lands, tokens needed are provided so you only need to bring yourself and potentially some dice and playmat if you prefer. The list can be seen here: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon) Join Your Hobby Place's Discord and grab the Cube Role in the mtg-chat channel for the most up to date information on cube at their location: [https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh](https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh) **Important Notice:** I have seen an increased number of signups and no shows amongst brand new accounts. In an effort to make sure we have room for everyone if this is your first time joining and you have just created a meetup account please reach out to me via Meetup or discord. **Late Policy:** RSVPing will hold your spot for up to 10 minutes after 6. If you expect you may be running late please reach out to me via the store's discord. My username is iluvbacon610.

As the temperature rises this May, cool down with a one-of-a-kind evening of frosty performance art. Featuring a mix of comedy, music, drag, puppetry, burlesque, and more, enjoy an alternative cabaret show that bring politics, climate, and more to the stage to melt a little ice together. **Featuring:** *Ya Minko* \- Music *Sari Ann* \- Puppetry *Papi Spudz* \- Drag *Christian Balmer* \- Musical Comedy *Morticia Atoms* \- Burlesque *Davine Ker* \- Comedy *Sophia Honey* \- Drag and hosts *Arzoo Malhotra* and *SpaceXXX* Join us on May 23rd from 7:30 pm at [City State Public House](https://citystatedc.com/) (Doors at 7:00 pm). Make sure you grab a ticket, which are available on [Luma](https://luma.com/x2rf7m8e?utm_source=meetup), [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melt-performance-art-about-ice-tickets-1988451678498), and [Partiful](https://partiful.com/e/QRtAOkIdQ9rwzKBHb1wb?source=share&c=TbRm560N) for $25, with additional discounts available through our Luma page. This show is brought to you by [Zoo Animal Productions](https://www.instagram.com/zooanimalproductions/) and [Space XXX](https://www.instagram.com/gimmespacex.x.x/).

This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com). Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at[ https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y) to help support the group. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) See you there on 5/19/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour5-19-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced by[ DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with, [ ](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/)[ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash), [ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software.

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

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**Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5) Join us on your own or with friends to enjoy an evening of champagne and Argentine Tango dancing with lessons at the Gallery at the Ven at Embassy Row, in the heart of DuPont Circle. Experience the Tango, one of the most passionate dances that brings to life the romance of 1930s Buenos Aires as you make new friends. A dance partner or prior dance experience are not needed to attend. Dance lesson tickets also includes a complimentary glass of champagne\* with additional drinks available for purchase at the bar. You are welcome to attend on your own or with friends. We’ll have you dancing the Argentine Tango as it is danced in Buenos Aires, even if you have never danced before! The Argentine Tango is known around the world for its romance and bold flair and this is your rare opportunity to learn the Argentine tango from an expert instructor as you meet ICDC members in a friendly and relaxed setting. **Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5) During the lesson you may learn the proper Argentinean Tango embrace, as we may delve into the Caminata, Salida, Baldosa, and Resolution -- elements of the dance. After the lesson, enjoy an elegant tango performance high in color and elegance, commemorating the glamorous years of 1930s Argentina that will transport you to a magical tango soiree in Buenos Aires to practice your newly learned tango skills. After the lesson, dance the evening away with a practice tango dance party at one of DuPont Circle's most fashionable venues, as you meet and socialize with other friendly ICDC members. Space is limited and we expect this event to sell out well in advance, so please make your reservations early. Event details are subject to change. All online ticket sales are final and we are unable to offer refunds on any ticket purchases. \* The champagne served will be a sparkling white wine or Cava. **Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=84364716-791F-4FD8-A80C-64127321DAE5) **Attend on Your own or with Friends** You are welcome to attend on your own and new members are especially welcome! The event presents a wonderful opportunity to meet, network and socialize with other internationally minded professionals in town. If you are new to our organization or Washington DC this is a great opportunity to meet other like minded professionals in a friendly and relaxed setting.

Join us for the world premiere of the musical ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders,*** commissioned by GALA and conceived by Helen Hayes multi-award winner Luis Salgado from Puerto Rico and Colombian artist Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as bomba, currulao, and cumbia, and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, Aguardiente is a bold new musical about the messy, urgent act of making art in a world on fire. As a group of artists race to finish a new show, their rehearsal room becomes a battleground of ideas, ambition, and lived experience—especially for a composer whose undocumented status makes the dream of success anything but simple. As the team wrestles with what story they should tell, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, until—like two currents meeting in the same river—the artists’ own struggles spill into the story they are creating: a vibrant tale set in a river town on the brink of environmental collapse, where two young lovers must decide whether to stay and fight for their homeland or leave in pursuit of a dream, making Aguardiente a theatrical journey about migration, memory, and the complicated act of transforming real lives into art. **PERFORMANCES:** ***Aguardiente*** is a bilingual production with surtitles in English and Spanish, and runs April 30 through May 24, 2026. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The show is approximately 160 minutes long and includes one intermission. Community Night is Thursday, April 30. Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast and creative team, is Saturday, May 2, under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. **TICKETS:** Regular tickets for ***Aguardiente*** are $60 Premium, $55 Orchestra Standard, $45 Orchestra Value, and $35 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night tickets are $25 each and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245626)** **CAST:** ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders*** features an 18-people multicultural cast that includes Samuel Garnica (Venezuela) as Alberto, Sebastián Treviño (Colombia and Mexico) as Alejandro, Vin Ramos (Puerto Rico) as Azuquita, Ana Luisa Martínez (Mexico) as Anís, Shayla Hernández (Puerto Rico) as Kiara, Emy Ramos (Dominican Republic and United States) as Beta, Eric González (Spain) as Eve, Machirán (Cuba) as Pepe/MC, and Leanna “Leah” Finol (Venezuela and Hungary) as Mamá/Mom. The ensemble includes Ralphie Rivera (Puerto Rico, Dance Captain), Álvaro Medina Molina (Puerto Rico and Colombia, Alberto U/S), Santiago Ayala (Colombia, Alejandro U/S), Brianna Ríos (El Salvador and Puerto Rico, Anís U/S), Ana Daniela Pérez (Panama, Beta U/S), Bibi Sánchez (Mexico, Mamá U/S), Julia Neveu (United States, Eve U/S), Zaramaría Fas (Puerto Rico, Swing), and Rodrigo Calderón (Peru, Swing, Azuquita U/S). **CREATIVE TEAM:** This enthralling new musical is written, directed, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, with music and music direction by Daniel A. Gutiérrez, and lyrics by both Salgado and Gutiérrez. Scenic Design is by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design is by Colin Bills, Projections Design is by Milton Cordero, and Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek is Sound Designer. Costume Design is by Jeannette Christensen, Properties Design is by Chelsea Dean, and Hair and Makeup Design is by Andre Hopfer. Sorany Gutiérrez is the Dramaturg, Valeria Cossu is Associate Director, and Ralphie Rivera is Associate Choreographer. Cody Von Ruden is Assistant Costume Designer and Elias Hall is Assistant Properties Designer. The band includes Daniel Gutiérrez (Music Director, Conductor, Keys), Sebastián Natal (Assistant Music Director, Multi-instrumentalist), Juan “Juancho” Gómez (Guitar), Iván Navas (Multi-instrumentalist), Jaime Rodríguez (Percussion), Roger Torres (Trumpet), and Michael “Mike” Ventura (Saxophone). Ester Teixeira Vianna is Stage Manager, Rbekah Nogueira is NYC Assistant Stage Manager, Brian Martínez is DC Assistant Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Amanda Leyva is Assistant Production Manager, Anson Stevie is Technical Director, Delbis Cardona is General Manager for Rehearsal Space, and Lorena Suárez is Company Administrator. Gustavo Ott is the Producer and Rebecca Medrano is the Executive Producer. The production is made possible in part with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Paul Angell Foundation, the National Latinx Theater Initiative, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additionally, GALA Hispanic Theatre is a recipient of the 2026 THRIVE! Grant, funded by the Mark Edelman Theater Fund and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the National organization for theatre leading for a just and thriving theatre ecology.

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

**We're celebrating Andrew Reed's birthday!!! It's the big 6-0!!! We're heading to Jimmy's after to continue the celebration.** **Pop, Rock, Dance and Top - UTC has it COVERED!** **Hailing from Baltimore, these 5 young gents will turn up any audience with their top hits coupled with the most explosive stage performance in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Charismatic frontman, Brian Bourne, finds the pulse of the crowd early and engages them often for truly interactive, unique and personal experience. Come find out what the hype is all about.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**

**It's finally FNL season!!! Lost In Paris is a combination of four unique and distinct musical talents. Their one-of-a-kind show culminates as a musical and visual experience that leaves audiences floored and screaming for more. From its inception, Lost In Paris has been at the pinnacle of the Northeast cover band and event scenes.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**

Enjoy a classic movie outing at a **Movie Social** at Cinema Arts Theatre! Gather with others for a relaxed and welcoming film experience. Tickets are just $7, making it an easy way to enjoy a great movie together. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, we’d love to see you there!