KendesiMedia.com - Your Local Guide!

Discovering Music at Guitar Center in Laurel, Maryland

Written By KENDESI MOHAMMED 

Guitar Center in Laurel, Maryland, isn’t just a music store—it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by walls lined with electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards waiting to be played, and DJ equipment ready to be tested. For music lovers, aspiring musicians, and even casual enthusiasts, it’s a place where creativity and inspiration flow freely.

I’ve always enjoyed visiting Guitar Center, often bringing my son and nephew along to explore the instruments and equipment. There’s something special about being able to test a guitar before buying it, feeling the weight of it in your hands, and hearing the richness of its tone. The same goes for the pianos and DJ setups—there’s no better way to decide what fits your style than to experience it firsthand.

Recently, I discovered that Guitar Center also offers music lessons. I signed up for a guitar class, with plans to learn the piano next. While I believe YouTube can teach me a lot about DJing, nothing beats the hands-on guidance of an experienced instructor. My goal is not just to master these instruments but to incorporate them into my home as both functional and decorative pieces—turning my space into a personal music sanctuary.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a DJ perfecting your craft, or someone who simply enjoys the vibe of a music store, Guitar Center in Laurel is the perfect place to explore. With top-quality instruments, knowledgeable staff, and hands-on learning opportunities, it’s more than just a store—it’s a haven for music lovers.

Pure Lounge: A Legendary Hub for DC’s Nightlife and Music Scene 

Written By KENDESI MOHAMMED 

Pure Lounge, formerly known as Bar Nun, has a rich history of supporting DC's music scene, particularly through its legendary Monday night open mics, where many well-known DC artists got their start or gained recognition.

Today, Pure Lounge continues that legacy as a premier nightlife destination in Washington, DC. Located at 1326 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, it's easily accessible via the U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Station on the Green Line.

Pure Lounge is known for attracting tourists, local stars, and celebrities, making it a top spot to perform, socialize, and party. The venue features two levels, offering a dynamic experience with cocktails, performances by well-known DJs, and a vibrant crowd.

As a staple in DC’s U Street nightlife scene, Pure Lounge continues to keep the culture alive with great music, energy, and entertainment.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum: 

Celebrating Maryland's African American Heritage  

Written By KENDESI MOHAMMED 

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 2005, this museum is named after Reginald F. Lewis, a prominent African American businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the community. The museum aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage and history of African Americans in Maryland.

Spanning over 82,000 square feet, the museum features a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that highlight the experiences, achievements, and struggles of African Americans throughout Maryland's history. Its collections include works of art, historical documents, photographs, and cultural artifacts that tell the story of African American life from the time of slavery to the present day.

Key exhibits in the museum include topics such as the impact of the Civil Rights Movement, the significance of African American music, and the contributions of notable figures in Maryland's history. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, community events, and educational programs aimed at engaging visitors of all ages.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum serves as an important cultural institution in Maryland, fostering a deeper understanding of African American history and its integral role in the broader narrative of American history. Through its diverse programming and exhibits, the museum strives to inspire dialogue, reflection, and appreciation for the contributions of African Americans to society.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture:

 A Journey Through Heritage and Resilience

Written By KENDESI MOHAMMED 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2003 but officially opened its doors to the public on September 24, 2016. The museum is dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture, telling the story of the African American experience through exhibits that span centuries.

Designed by architect David Adjaye, the museum's striking bronze-colored façade is inspired by the three-tiered crowns used in West African art, and it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, heritage, and cultural pride. The structure also reflects light in a way that creates a luminous effect, enhancing its visual impact in contrast to the neighboring landmarks.

Inside, the NMAAHC houses over 40,000 artifacts, spanning from the period of slavery to contemporary achievements in politics, arts, sports, and social movements. Visitors journey through history starting from the lower levels, which focus on the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and segregation, before ascending to exhibitions that highlight the Civil Rights Movement, African American contributions to the arts and sciences, and modern cultural achievements.

Key exhibits include Harriet Tubman's personal hymnal, a reconstructed slave cabin from South Carolina, the casket of Emmett Till, and iconic cultural artifacts such as Chuck Berry's Cadillac and Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves.

The NMAAHC serves not only as a place of learning but also as a space for reflection and dialogue about the continuing struggles for equality and justice. It has quickly become a cultural landmark and one of the most visited museums in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Monument: 

A Towering Tribute to America's Founding Father

Written By KENDESI MOHAMMED 

The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, the first president and a Founding Father of the United States. Standing at 555 feet and 5 inches, the monument is the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk. Its construction began in 1848 but was halted due to lack of funds and the Civil War. It was completed in 1884 and opened to the public in 1888.

The monument, made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, stands as a symbol of national pride and unity. The stark, clean lines of the obelisk cut into the skyline, reflecting the influence of ancient Egyptian architecture, which similarly used obelisks to honor the gods. The monument's interior features a staircase of 897 steps and an elevator, allowing visitors to ascend to an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city.

Surrounded by a large, open green space, the Washington Monument is flanked by key landmarks, including the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol. Its central position in the nation's capital reinforces its role as a unifying structure, visible from great distances and admired by millions of visitors annually.