To have an item listed in the calendar, mail to Calendar Editor, 1610 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991; or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos are welcome.
THURSDAY/FEB. 6
Short Story Discussion Group. Stories from "Art of the Tale: An International Anthology of Short Stories." (Library Call Number: 808.83 Art). Alexandria Library Burke Branch, 4701 Seminary Road. 7-8:30 p.m. Discussion of Heinrich Boll's "Action Will Be Taken" (Germany), Julio Cortazar's "Bestiary" (Argentina), and Jean Stafford's "Children Are Bored on Sundays" (United States). Call Mark at 703-519-3498.
FRIDAY/FEB. 7
RED Fund-Raiser and Dance Party. Opening night of Del Ray Artisans' (DRA) Valentine-themed "RED" exhibit. DRA Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. $15/person, $25/couple. Silent Heart Auction of decorated hearts created for by DRA members and "celebrity" guest artists. 8 p.m.-midnight. Reservations recommended. Call 703-765-1510 or e-mail DelRavRED@aol.com.
“The Adventures of Zak.” Musical production designed for children 4-12. Features Alexandria actress Margaret Bush. The George Washington Masonic National Temple Theater, 101 Callahan Drive. 7:30 p.m. $20. Call 703-549-0767 or 703-683-6528.
SATURDAY/FEB. 8
"Teaching Girls to be Girls: Clothes, Dolls, and Other Amusements for 19th-Century Children." The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the "Costume in Alexandria" lecture series. 1:30 p.m. Free. Reservations recommended. Call 703-838-4994.
“The Adventures of Zak.” Musical production designed for children 4-12. Features Alexandria actress Margaret Bush. The George Washington Masonic National Temple Theater, 101 Callahan Drive. 3 p.m. $20. Call 703-549-0767 or 703-683-6528.
“A Night in Vegas.” Casino Night to benefit the Arlandria Health Center for Women and Children. Cocktail buffet and dancing. Jack Taylor's Alexandria Toyota, 3750 Jefferson Davis Highway. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Call 703-360-4387.
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus. Event parking is $3 in the garage adjacent to the Center. Tickets required. Visit www.vgmb.com or call 703-281-3331.
Black History in Northern Virginia: A tour of African-American sites of historical significance. Bus will depart from, and return to, the Bisdorf Building on Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Call Keith Wynn at 703-845-6304.
Victorian Valentines. Lee Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco St. 10-11 a.m. Children 6 and older, accompanied by an adult, are invited to learn about Valentine's Day in the 19th century and to make a valentine to bring home. $7 per child. Advance registration required. Call 703-548-1789.
Hayti: An African American Legacy Walking Tour Celebrating Black History Month. Two-hour guided tour of Old Town Alexandria celebrating the city's rich African American history. 10 a.m.-noon. Tour begins at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio #327, 105 N. Union St. Free. Reservations required. Call Alexandria Archaeology at 703-838-4399.
SUNDAY/FEB. 9
Music for Two Harps. Harp concert by Caroline Gregg and Katherine Newman. Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. 7 p.m. Free. Donations accepted to benefit Afghanistan Refugee and Poverty Relief. Call 703-549-6670.
American Youth Philharmonic Concert. 3 p.m. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Adults $14, students and seniors $10. For advance tickets call 703-642-8051. Tickets also available at the door.
Randy Barrett & The Barretones, Molly Pitcher, Gene Dawson. The Focus Inn, Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. 7 p.m. $12 general, $10 members of Focus or the church. Call 202-607-6156 or visit www.focusmusic.org.
Mount Vernon Orchestra. Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. 7 p.m. 20-minute presentation on Dmitri Shostakovich by the orchestra's composer in residence, Haskell Small, at 6:40 p.m. Call 703-799-8229.
Slave-Life Mansion Tours. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. Noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Tours will focus on slave life. Call 703-550-9220.
TUESDAY/FEB. 11
Reading Group. Discussion of "Benjamin Franklin" by historian Edmund Morgan. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. 7-8:30 p.m. Meet in the Visitors Center. Includes warm beverages and desserts. Call 703-550-9220.
First "Welcome Spring" Photography & Fashion Event. The Remix Vintage Fashion Shop. 6-9 p.m. Listen to live music, and enjoy refreshments with your friends and neighbors. Call 703-549-4110.
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 12
Fund-Raising Dinner for Senior Services. La Bergerie, 218 N. Lee St. 6-10 p.m. 20 percent of the evening's profits will be donated to Senior Services. For reservations call 703-683-1007.
THURSDAY/FEB. 13
“Get the Blues: Legendary American Blues” with the Archie Edwards Heritage Foundation. Hear the stories and the music of great American blues artists in an intimate concert setting. Room 158, Bisdorf Building Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. 12:30-2 p.m. Free. Call Keith Wynn at 703-845-6304.
FRIDAY/FEB. 14
Friday Nighters Dancing Club. Social/Ballroom dancing to live music of The Family at Fairhaven Community Center. 9 p.m.-midnight. Reservations recommended. Call 703-799-3068.
An Evening of Music for Brass. The U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Player Series. George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 8 p.m. Free. Call 202-767-5658.
SATURDAY/FEB. 15
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus. $30-60 with discounts for seniors and students. Call 703-573-SEAT or visit www.alexsym.org.
Breakfast with George Washington and Parade. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Breakfast prepared Colonial-style over an open fire from 9 a.m.-noon, followed by Colonial parade at 1:30 p.m. Both events included in regular admission. Call 703-780-2000.
Tracks, Trains and Trolleys. The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. See the model trains and discuss model railroading with members of the National Model Railroad Association, Potomac Division. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4994.
Valentine's Auction Dinner-Dance benefiting Grace Episcopal School. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Auction, dancing to the music of the Charles Darden Band, and a buffet. Tickets are $100 and are tax-deductible. For tickets, call 703-299-1714.
Appraisal Day. Broadway Gallery, 1219 King St. 1-5 p.m. Featuring Ben Hastings, a member of the International Society of Appraisers and host of "Trash and Treasures." Bring artwork, antiques, collectibles and objects of interest for a free verbal appraisal. Bringing one or two pieces is recommended. Call 703-549-1162.
SUNDAY/FEB. 16
Tracks, Trains and Trolleys. The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. See the model trains and discuss model railroading with members of the National Model Railroad Association, Potomac Division. 1-5 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4994
“Love Heard 'Round the World.” Singing, dancing, a silent auction, and a refreshment buffet. Featuring the Metropolitan Chorus and the Tom Cunningham Orchestra. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road. $30. 7 p.m. Call 703-933-2500 or visit www.metchorus.org.
Marine Chamber Orchestra. Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus. 2 p.m. Call 202-433-5714.
56th Annual George Washington Birthnight Ball and Supper. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and raffle. 6 p.m. $125-$175. Proceeds benefit Mount Vernon's restoration efforts. For reservations, call 703-799-8647.
Breakfast with George Washington and Parade. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Breakfast prepared Colonial-style over an open fire from 9 a.m.-noon, followed by Colonial parade at 1:30 p.m. Both events included in regular admission. Call 703-780-2000.
Contemporary Jazz Sax Man Al Williams. Stardust Restaurant, 608 Montgomery St. 6-9 p.m. Call 703-703-548-9864.
Mount Vernon Orchestra. West Potomac High School, 6500 Quaker Road. 7 p.m. 20-minute presentation on Dmitri Shostakovich by the orchestra's composer in residence, Haskell Small, at 6:40 p.m. Call 703-799-8229.
Slave-Life Mansion Tours. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. Noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Tours will focus on slave life. Call 703-550-9220.
MONDAY/FEB. 17
Presidents Day Opening at Carlyle House Historic Park. Free tours from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.
George Washington's 271st Birthday Celebration. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Free. A ceremonial wreath-laying at Washington's tomb at 10 a.m., followed by patriotic music and military drill performance on the bowling green by the U.S. Army Old Fife and Drum Corps and the Commander-in-Chief's Guard. At 2 p.m. author Linda Monk will present a lecture titled "A Rising and Not Setting Sun: George Washington at the Constitutional Convention" followed by a book signing of her new book, “The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution.” Call 703-780-2000.
Gunston Hall Celebrates Presidents Day. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. Special $1 admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 703-550-9220.
THURSDAY/FEB. 20
Career Panel with NVCC Alumni. Room 158, Bisdorf Building, Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Free. Call Keith Wynn at 703-845-6304.
EXHIBITS & SHOWS
Russian Artist Yuri Kokoyanin. Von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St. Feb. 15 and 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-798-8686.
Jazz: Visual Improvisations. Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Through Feb. 28. Reception Feb. 13 from 6-9 p.m. Free. Hours Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m., and other times by appointment. Call 703-838-4565, Ext. 4.
Winter Art Exhibition and Sale. Adams-Byrd Fine Arts and Antiques, 8747 Cooper Road. Exhibition and sale of over 300 original oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, engravings, etchings and serigraphs. Through February. Call 703-799-8700.
Photographic Exhibit. The black-and-white works of the late Lars E. Janson, a former resident of Hollin Hills. Concert Hall Gallery, Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Through February. Visit www.gmu.edu or call 703-993-8877.
Contemporary Classical Artists Exhibition. Century Gallery, 919 King St. Through Feb. 9. History and mythological paintings, portraits, still lifes, landscapes, master drawings, and small bronzes. Call 888-449-1021.
“High Dive.” A one-woman, 35-character play about life's challenges, journeys and unexpected turns. MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. Through Feb. 9. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. $30-35 (group rates available). For tickets, call 703-218-6500. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
Juried Student Photography Exhibition. Tyler Teaching Gallery, Tyler Building, Alexandria Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N.. Beauregard St. Feb. 12–March 5. Opening reception and awards ceremony Feb. 12, 5:30-7 p.m. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. Free. Call 703-845-6075.
A Sundry Assortment of Color. Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. Through March 30. Exhibit on colors and patterns in Colonial times. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sundays, noon-4:30 p.m. Admission is $4 per adult and $2 per student 6-17. Call 703-549-2997.
“Bells Are Ringing,” a play presented by Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. Feb. 13, 14 and 15. 7:30 p.m. $5 presale, $7 at the door. Call 703-750-8300.
"Tablescapes and Landscapes." Landscapes and still lifes by Reston artist Nancy Wallace. Green Spring Gardens Park Manor House, 4603 Green Spring Road. Through Feb. 23. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Call 703-941-7987.
"Generations: Costume in Alexandria." The Lyceum, Alexandria's history museum, 201 S. Washington St. Through Feb. 23. The exhibition will feature a collection of clothing dating back more than a century. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sundays. Call 703-838-4994.
"Connections." Seven printmakers create a 448-inch long piece. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Through Feb. 28. Call 703-683-1342.
Mount Vernon Black History Month Program. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Through February. Historic Interpreters at Mount Vernon's Slave Quarters, daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wreath-laying at the Slave Memorial, daily at noon. African-American music, singing and story-telling, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 2 p.m. Call 703-780-2000, 703-799-8697 (TDD), or visit www.mountvernon.org.
Juried Show Selections. Gallery West, 206 S. Union St. Featuring works selected for its Sixth National Juried Show. Through March 2. Awards Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m. Visit www.gallery-west.com.
“Benchley Despite Himself.” The Theater on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run. Feb. 6-March 1. Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday matinees starting Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m., and selected Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $24-$19 for Friday-Saturday evenings and $22-$17 for all other performances. Call 703-553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.
Exhibit of Jack Schroeder's Oil Paintings. Margaret W. and Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery, on the upper level of the Rachel M. Schlesinger Center, on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Feb. 14-March 12. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com or call Andrew McPherson at 703-250-0603.