SUMMER RULES is a series where we ask people to share with us how they’re staying safe and sane during this very different summer season; from mask suggestions to soundtrack selections, we’ll take a peek into how others are making these challenging times work.
This morning we’re joined by the one and only Amir Browder, owner and curator of local gallery HOMME DCÂ (52 O St. NW), which is a boutique for emerging artists; he’s been keeping the spirit of summer alive with jazz tunes, lots of outdoor time and more. He’s also set to take over the @brightestyoungthings Instagram tonight at 6pm, so be sure to tune in!
How do you usually feel about summer, as a season overall, and how do you feel about THIS summer, by comparison?
Summer is a time to unwind, relax, take things slow, be in the outdoors, enjoy more friends and family, and also experience great food and outdoor events.
This summer I feel like I have gotten out more than ever because of covid, but I haven’t seen my friends like I would in previous summers. I think this summer will be a summer I won’t forget with everything that is happening around the world.
Is there anything in particular you’re actually looking forward to this summer?
My summer is always filled with exhibitions at Homme and collaborations with different DC creatives. Covid has not stopped that process, just doing more things in a limited capacity, and also virtually.
What are some of your tips for staying safe and sane right now?
My tips are make sure you get outside as much as possible, stay connected to family and friends, and laugh and smile more.
Go-to summer wellness practice advice? Any spots in particular that have been helping you on that front?
Walking is my sport of choice this summer. It helps me to relax, but also get good exercise in without overexerting myself.
Where did you get your mask from? And what, aside from that, has been your more or less go-to summer uniform?
Lol my father got me my mask from Costco.
My summer uniform has been: white t shirt, black Prada track pants and Nike fly knit shoes from 2012.
What (if anything) are you reading right now, and why do you recommend it? (Alternatively, just share a favorite book.)
I’m not reading anything at the moment book wise. My favorite book to read during the summer is Sag Harbor By Colson Whitehead
Do you have a go-to summer hang-out recipe that still works for a socially distanced gathering? And/or just a favorite general summer recipe that’s still a go-to, even now?
Not really. I like to eat light during the summer, so I’m always looking for salads and fruits to snack on and eat during the summer.
What about a great summer cocktail or mocktail recipe?
I’m a wine and cider guy, so I would say a good one would be a Blue Moon and cranberry juice. It’s really good, really refreshing.
What’s on your summer playlist this year, or are there three songs that are permanent summer favorites for you?
Mostly jazz music this summer. I have been playing Terrace Martin. He is amazing – the album is Northside of Linden Westside of Slauson. The other jazz musicians I like are Christian Scott and Kamasi Washington.
Where do you wish you COULD GO this summer, if there were no restrictions or safety risks?Â
I was supposed to go on holiday for the entire month of August to Europe – Marseilles, Rome and a few other places in Europe. Of course that didn’t happen, I don’t know the reason why lol.
And is there anywhere you’ve been safely going that you could recommend for people who live nearby? Any day trips or local spots worth mentioning, for example?
I recommend Shenandoah and Staunton, Virginia. It’s really beautiful. I went hiking there and also visited an amazing winery where I saw a polo match at the King Family Vineyard. It was awesome, in addition to getting amazing farm to table food from a local restaurant called zynodoa in Staunton, which is a quiet little town.
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Follow HOMME DC on Instagram to stay tuned for pop-up events and more!
Featured thumbnail photo by Lauren Kelly
