Hi there,
Welcome to the second Form + Function newsletter of the month, where we catch up on some events that were just recently announced and that are worth jamming onto your calendar.
September is nearly here … send us your recs for where to be next month!
That’s it for now! See you out there,
Alexya ☆
WHY STRUGGLE MAGAZINE CAME BACK
D.C.-based editors Anujin and Keith are the founders of Struggle Magazine, a literary and visual arts publication printing local writers. I went to the first-ever party celebrating their first edition: a chilly, precipitous early spring night at Big Bear in Bloomingdale. Each one of Anujin and Keith’s parties feels so warm yet expansive — truly some of the most memorable reading nights I’ve ever been to.
The last issue of Struggle was released in 2023 and the world hasn’t heard from the magazine since. Of course, until this month: Anujin and Keith announced that they’ve come together once more to create Issue 06.
Struggle Magazine’s sixth issue launch party is on Wednesday, August 26 from 7-9PM at Three Whistles in Brightwood (tickets on Eventbrite). I’m grateful to Anujin for sharing a personal letter with me for this edition of the F+F newsletter answering my urgent questions: Why publish again? Why now? Read below to learn more about Struggle Magazine’s determination to create:
Struggle Magazine is a print magazine featuring literary and visual arts from local writers and artists. Issue 06 is particularly special because it is our comeback issue after a 3-year hiatus. Things in D.C. have been so unpredictable and disheartening on a macro level, but on a community level my co-editor Keith and I have been feeling more grounded through arts and our friends.
The reason why we decided to make Struggle a print magazine is because of our need for tangible evidence of our existence in this moment in time. To reinforce that idea, our favorite tradition is our launch events we do to celebrate each new issue. This time it will be held at Three Whistles on Wednesday 8/26. It’s a chance for our readers and contributors to come together, read from the issue, and mingle. Keith is a jazz musician, so we always invite a local musician to play at the event. In the past we’ve had jazz and chamber music.
Issue 06 has some sci-fi short stories and the cover artist, Nic Dyer, does mixed media art that reimagines classic children's stories in modern contexts. We thought it was fitting to have DJ DE.AVIS play some tunes as our musical guest. There will also be a tarot reading corner and readings by some of the contributors.
If you can’t make the launch, you can find issues of Struggle on our website (www.strugglemag.com) and at various bookstores (list to be announced on IG: @strugglemagdc)
- Anujin B (co-editor)
A LITTLE LATE, STILL GREAT
For the second newsletter of each month, I’ll share some either recently announced events or things I missed that didn’t make it to the calendar. Late but still great.
GET FLEE MARKETPLACE AT HOTEL HERON — AUGUST 15 AT 12 TO 5PM
Yes, today! One of my favorite vintage markets returns, this time in Old Town Alexandria. It’s a really efficient way to shop tons of genuinely good collections around good people. Also, it’s mostly inside so the heat will not be a problem.
FORM + FUNCTION RADIO ON FRIDGE FM AT PATCHWORK DC – AUGUST 17 FROM 8-9PM
I’M GONNA BE ON THE RADIO!!! Shout out to Capitol City Soundsystem for hosting us on FRIDGE FM. Tune in at the link below this Monday at 8pm to hear F+F IRL.
STRUGGLE LIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 06 LAUNCH AT THREE WHISTLES — AUGUST 26 AT 7PM
Literary heads tap in. Struggle Magazine is (at long last) releasing their sixth issue, a collection of writing and visual art entirely from D.C. based artists. The launch party includes live readings, live music, and coffee. Tickets include one print of the magazine to take home, too.
LAVENDER EVOLUTIONS 4TH ANNIVERSARY AT ELECTRIC COOL AID — AUGUST 30 AT 4PM
Anyone who knows the name Lavender Evolutions immediately knows they throw some of the cutest QTBIPOC parties in D.C. — four years of them, in fact! I’m just here to make sure you don’t miss the big one, a beautiful summer send off.
FORM + FUNCTION FEEDS OFF YOUR EVENTS. Send me notes about what you’re planning or where you’ll be — email me at [email protected] or find us on Instagram.
