Pearl Dive Oyster Palace's oyster bar.

You may be looking forward to Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinner, but there’s one oft-forgotten yet delicious thing to celebrate come fall: oysters.

To really pay homage, spend an epic oyster-centric weekend at the long-running St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival on October 20 and 21 to cheer on local contestants at the National Oyster Shucking contest.  
 
Or, fill up on the saltwater delicacy at area eateries. Belly up to Pearl Dive Oyster Palace's (1612 14th St. NW, 202-986-8778) oyster bar and try the two-for-one local oyster happy hour special, boasting ever-changing selections from across the country. Hank’s Oyster Bar (633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 202-733-1971) on Capitol Hill serves six types of the bivalve (selections change daily) on the half shell every day. Adventurous patrons can order the spot’s Sake Oyster Shooter, which comprises a pacific belly oyster, sake, and house-made tomato juice.  
 
And if you’ve never eaten an oyster, John Fulchino, partner at Johnny’s Half Shell (N. Capitol St. NE, 202-737-0400) has a tip: “Eat the entire oyster in one bite and remember that the juice is just as important as the flesh, so don't leave any liquid in the shell.”

This Sunday's Beyond the Pink hike on Sugarloaf Mountain supports a cure for breast cancer.

This month, breast cancer-focused charities seek to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. See how you can make a difference in our area and remember to ask your doctor about the best time to have a mammogram—especially if you’re 40 or older.

Wedding Gown Sale
Brides Against Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit, is holding its local sale at the Westin at BWI Baltimore on October 6 (with purchase of VIP ticket) and 7. Seventy-three percent of the proceeds go to several organizations that search for a cure. Vendors will sell more than a thousand name-brand and designer gowns valued up to $20,000—at discounts of up to 75 percent—and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided to Saturday's VIP set. Tickets, $5-25, can be purchased on bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Rd., Baltimore, MD, 443-577-2300

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike
If you’re not a bride—or if you just bought your wedding dress and want to get in shape—join Beyond the Pink for A Hike to Prevent Breast Cancer on Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, MD. Check in at 8 AM on October 7 and experience the beauty of the seven-mile Yellow Trail. Or check in at 9:30 AM for the 2.5-mile White Trail. Hike registration is $35 and participants are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $250. All proceeds are put toward the Breast Cancer Fund. Register on prevention.breastcancerfund.org. Sugarloaf Mountain, 7901 Comus Rd., Dickerson, MD, 240-472-4649

Breast Cancer Walk
Participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Mount Airy’s Watkins Park on October 21 at 10 AM. Honor breast cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds to support the cause. Sign up on makingstrides.acsevents.org. 615 Center St., Mount Airy, MD, 410-781-4316

John Fluevog, an independent designer known for creating “unique soles for unique souls,” has finally brought his distinctive shoes and accessories to Washington. Situated in historic Georgetown, the brand’s first DC outpost is now open in a restored heritage building made out of clay bricks from the Potomac River. Inside, however, you’ll find an aesthetic that’s a bit more indicative of the brand’s funky philosophy—think pop-art-styled shoe art, and a back room fashioned like a throwback ‘70s lounge complete with leather couches and velvet curtains.

Fluevog's designs have been seen everywhere from the runways to the feet of celebrities like Madonna and Jack White. His shoes are remarkable in their variety of styles inspired by history and art, high quality of production, and move toward eco-friendly and vegan options.

Even more exciting is the fact that the company allows its customers to act as designers. Their Open Source initiative is modeled after Open Source software, allowing anyone to submit sketches to the company with the opportunity of having their idea turned into a real shoe. The latest winner is a pair of dark green high heels named The Queen of Transcendence, which include an ankle strap and an interesting heel designed to look like a Gregorian claw. 1265 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Georgetown, 202-337-5683

Vivica A. Fox has a very busy fall. Aside from hosting the reality show Prank My Mom on Lifetime (premiering October 9) and acting in the scripted CW show Mr. Box Office, she stars in the ground-breaking independent film Doctor Bello, which pairs actors famous in Nollywood—Nigerian cinema—with familiar Hollywood faces.

Fox appears alongside Isaiah Washington as well as Nollywood stars Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke in the film, which focuses on an American oncologist (Washington) who seeks the cure for cancer in Nigeria. The movie will be released in 80 theaters across Africa after November 25, and filmmakers plan to partner with independent cinemas in DC, New York City, and Atlanta for stateside showings this winter. Fox took some time out from her September 27 Kennedy Center premiere to talk shop, laugh a bit, and reveal why her latest film project is so special.

Why was it so important for you to sign up for this film?
VIVICA A. FOX: This is Nollywood, which is basically Nigerian filmmaking combined with Hollywood. It’s important for us to reach across the pond to combine our two talents together because I have a feeling that Hollywood doesn’t allow African-American actors and actresses the roles that we should be playing. I play Isaiah Washington’s wife, and we lost our daughter to cancer in the film, which then sends him out on a crusade to cure cancer. Our [characters’] relationship is at a crisis. I’ve known Isaiah for over 25 years and we had never gotten an opportunity to work together.

So how great was it to work with him?
VF: [Laughs] We were cowriting, directing each other, finding moments in the script, and massaging the script. And that’s the beauty of doing an independent film—you’re allowed a little bit more leverage to bring life to the script. So we were very happy to have that opportunity with the director, Tony [Abulu].

Did the film team reach out to you for the role, or did you reach out to them?
VF: They called me up and said that I’m huge in Africa, which is a beautiful thing, because I need them all to discover my hair line [laughs]. Not only do I want to bring my movies there, I want to bring my hair line there, I want to bring the brand of Vivica Fox across the pond. And they are just accepting me and embracing me so wonderfully, and I appreciate it. I really do.

Why should people be excited about this new project?
VF: Well, you know how we’ve got Bollywood? Now, we’ve got Nollywood. And it’s huge. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Nollywood is reportedly one of the world’s top three film industries, alongside Hollywood and Bollywood.] Because you know what, they want to see their people. They don’t want to go to a movie and see just a little sprinkle of us. They want to see us live and go through adventures.

Why is DC the place to premiere this movie, and what’s your favorite part about the city?
VF: This is the second screening I’ve had at the Kennedy Center. And I’ve never had any openings here, so I’m just so glad that the Kennedy Center is embracing Nollywood and giving us a wonderful platform, and screenings, and an audience. Every time we come, it’s a full house. So I appreciate that DC love!

Mary Bridget Davies takes the stage as Janis Joplin.

The Queen of Rock and Roll is resurrected in playwright-director Randy Johnson’s musical event, One Night with Janis Joplin, which runs at Arena Stage from September 28 through November 4.
 
Packed with classic songs like “Piece of My Heart” and “Summertime,” Johnson says that the show presents Joplin’s life through music and spotlights influencers like Aretha Franklin and Etta James. Cleveland native Mary Bridget Davies stars as the iconic singer herself, and Joplin’s original band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, figures prominently.

Attendees can claim a full concert experience with this production, which comprises over a dozen singers and band members. “In a way, the seed of this play was planted when I was around five years old,” Johnson says. “Some of my first musical memories are of listening to Janis’ Cheap Thrills album.” When his good friend (and Janis Joplin estate manager) Jeff Jampol, asked if he would like to meet with Joplin’s siblings, Laura and Michael, to discuss the possibility of writing a play about her, Johnson settled on his stage concept.

The veteran director went on to peruse Joplin’s archives and photos, read unpublished journals, listen to everything she’d ever recorded, and converse for “countless hours” with Joplin’s siblings. “I did everything I could do to live and breathe Janis Joplin,” he says. “[She] achieved success at a time where it wasn’t manufactured pop culture—she simply sang and spoke truth, and the audiences came.”

Now, Johnson is looking forward to this local show. “When an artist takes the audience on a journey for an evening where you learn something, get entertained, and leave thinking some new thoughts, then the artist and the director have done their job,” Johnson muses. “A great concert is great theater done right.” Tickets available at arenastage.org. 101 6th St. Southwest, 202-488-3300

Land Rover’s iconic Range Rover has received major updates and changes for its 2013 model, which will debut at the Paris Auto Show in late September. One of the more significant revisions is the adaptation of an all-aluminum unibody that is 39% lighter than the outgoing steel body of previous generations. Contingent on the market, the new Range Rover will see reduced weight of up to 926 pounds. In the United States, a naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 drops roughly 700 pounds. Based on the laws of gravity, this re-engineering technique makes the luxury British SUV faster, stronger, and more agile with greater levels of ride comfort, refinement, and control.

Also retuned is the four-corner air suspension, which according to Land Rover, allows for improved cornering and steering as well as the pairing of the motor with new eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions. The next generation of Rover’s Terrain Response, which examines the conditions and surfaces of the road and automatically chooses the best settings for the terrain, is yet another premium upgrade to the Range.

The interior has been stretched a bit to permit for over 4.7 inches more legroom than the 2012 model, while the option of a two-place rear seating package adds dimension to the interior execution. Rounding out the offerings for the all-new 2013 Range Rover are standard sound systems by British audio maker MeridianTM; a split power folding upper and lower tailgate; and intelligent safe driver assistance technologies. U.S. deliveries are currently scheduled for December.

Emirates customers enjoy the ulitmate in luxury air travel.

Jetsetters, rejoice! Emirates Airlines—renowned worldwide for its leading first-class service—will commence daily trips from Dulles to Dubai on September 12. For the uninitiated, the airline’s cabins boast luxe amenities such as private suites, onboard shower spas, gourmet food, and lounges to make its trans-Atlantic, 14-hour flights as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Business-class passengers enjoy seats that recline into flat beds for restful en-route sleep, and according to Jim Baxter, Emirates’ vice president, USA, Caribbean, and Central America, the premium experience offered to first-class passengers starts on the ground with a chauffeur-driven service to and from the airport.

But, Baxter adds, everyone who flies Emirates gets a bit of the royal treatment. “We believe we offer one of the most luxurious economy experiences in the skies,” says Baxter. “Lunch and dinner for economy passengers include hors d’oeuvre, salad, a choice of two main courses, dessert, chocolates, tea and coffee, and liqueurs. At Emirates, we expect our customers to demand the best, and we invest considerable time and resources to exceed their expectations, when it comes to service, comfort, and luxury.” Those traveling on Emirates’ inaugural flight to Dulles—and those watching the runways from inside the airport—will be treated to a bit of a show when the airliner is given a traditional water cannon salute as it touches down in northern Virginia.

More than 20 of the city's hottest local boutiques will come together on September 11 (5:30-9 PM) to participate in the District Sample Sale, a bi-annual event boasting food, music, cocktails and, as the name suggests, exclusive pricing on last season's designer apparel. A few of our favorite vendors at this fall's event include Sassanova, Urban Chic, and Poppy and Stella. 

Profits will be put toward Sitar Arts Center, a DC-based nonprofit that provides after-school, weekend, and summer classes in the arts to more than 700 students per year. The event will take place on the mezzanine level of Mazza Gallerie (in the former Filene's Basement space). For tickets or additional information, go to districtsamplesale.com. 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW

"Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" displays items like Madonna's famous bustier.

Opening this Friday (September 7), “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” in the National Museum of Women in the Arts reveals the essential roles women have played in defining rock ‘n’ roll. The exhibit chronicles the development and birth of this rebellious genre through the decades, comprising 70 artists and more than 250 artifacts in the form of photos, performance videos, and album covers, as well as more personal memorabilia. A guitar played by Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga's childhood piano, Janis Joplin’s handwritten lyrics, and a bustier from Madonna's "Blond Ambition" tour are just some of the items of note.

Organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” focuses on the pioneers, the celebrated, and the lesser-known women of rock. Honored women include early contributors like Ma Rainey and Billie Holiday, visionary acts such as LaVern Bakers, and contemporary stars like Janelle Monáe. On display through January 6, 2013. 1250 New York Ave. NW, 202-783-5000

Fashion’s Night Out returns to Georgetown for the third time on September 6. An annual global initiative, FNO was created in 2009 to celebrate fashion and encourage shopping—all in an effort to boost the apparel industry and economy. Fun-filled activities, from pop-up DJ parties to giveaways and special sales, will be taking place throughout the evening. To toast the event, select area restaurants get in on the fun with Signature FNO cocktails.

A few items of note: Kiehl’s will be offering complimentary facials; BCBG is hosting an Instagram-inspired photo competition; Madewell is setting up a hair-braiding station; and IPSA Hair Salon is treating guests to blowouts and a lipstick bar. To get from place to place, snag a free pedicab ride.
 
The evening will also provide an opportunity for participants to give back. Anyone who makes a donation to Habitat for Humanity at Easel Hair Salon will receive a complimentary “beach waves” service that evening, and proceeds from the sale of FNO T-shirts and totes will benefit the Vital Voices Global Partnership. For more information and a full schedule of events, log on to fnogeorgetowndc.com.