Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Wednesday/Dec. 20
Holiday High School Performance. 7 p.m. in the Mount Vernon High School Little Theatre. Performances by the MVHS Choirs and Orchestras. $4/student; $7/adult but no more than $15/family. Contact Suzanna.Sitomer@fcps.edu or call 703-619-3163.
Special Santa Workshop. 7 p.m. at A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Free. Keep children entertained and educated with special story times while you shop. 703-836-2498 or visit www.alikelystorybooks.com for more.
Democratic Book Club. 7:30 p.m. at La Madeleine, 500 King St. "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones. For information call Lois Walker 703-549-3360 or e-mail lowalker@aol.com.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. The combined choir performs a winter concert at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, 3600 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Free. 703-706-4420.
Holiday Concert. 7:30 p.m. Winter symphonic band concert at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-706-4500.
Thursday/Dec. 21
Bilingual Story Time. 11 a.m. at A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Spanish stories with coloring activities and hands on fun. 703-836-2498 or visit www.alikelystorybooks.com for more.
Music Event. A free music event "Crescendo Noonday Concert Series: The Organists of Old Town" will be at noon for 30 minute recitals at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria. Performance by Wayne Earnest from Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Performances are on the church's pipe organ. For more information, call 703-549-3312.
Book Discussion. From 7-8:30 p.m. at Charles Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., discuss "The Fall of the House of Usher," by Edgar Allen Poe. For more information call Bill Scouton 703-931-3559.
Friday/Dec. 22
Special Santa Workshop. 7 p.m. at A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Free. Keep children entertained and educated with special story times while you shop. 703-836-2498 or visit www.alikelystorybooks.com for more.
Wiggle Story Time. 11 a.m. at A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Join with your little one who likes to get up and go. This is going to be a movement class sprinkled with a few stories. 703-836-2498 or visit www.alikelystorybooks.com for more.
Lunch Bunch. Children up to age 5 with an adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Music Event. Reaction plays at Clarendon Grill starting at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.cgrill.com or call 703-524-7455 for more information.
Band Performance. Gist performs at Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 for times and cost.
Saturday/Dec. 23
Music Event. Pat Premier plays at Clarendon Grill starting at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.cgrill.com or call 703-524-7455 for more information.
Band Performance. Scatterbrain performs at Ri-Ra Irish Pub, 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Visit www.rira.com or call 703-248-9888 for more information.
Band Performance. Jupiter One performs at Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 for times and cost.
Music Performance. Smalltown performs at 9 p.m. at Calabash of Alexandria, 7305 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Free. 703-765-0222,
Sunday/Dec. 24
Christmas Eve.
Monday/Dec. 25
Christmas Day.
Thursday/Dec. 28
Short Story Discussion. 7-8:30 p.m. at Ellen Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road, discuss short stories from the anthology "Art of the Story." Stories by D. Eisenberg, N. Englander and V. Erofeyev. Call Mark 703-519-3498 for more.
Music Event. Mr. Greengenes plays at Clarendon Grill starting at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.cgrill.com or call 703-524-7455 for more information.
Band Performance. Billy Clements & the Pickups play at Austin Grill, 801 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-684-8969.
Friday/Dec. 29
Lunch Bunch. Children up to age 5 with an adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Music Event. Slickee Boys performs at Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 for times and cost.
Band Performance. Total Strangers play at Austin Grill, 801 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-684-8969.
Saturday/Dec. 30
Opera Event. Watch "The Magic Flute" at the Hoffman 22 in Alexandria at 1:30 p.m. in high definition. This event is being put on by the Metropolitan Opera. Tickets are $18/adult and $15/children. Visit www.metoperafamily.org/hdlive for more information.
Federal Reserve Collective's New Year's Eve Eve Summit at Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 for times and cost.
Band Performance. Russ Glenn plays at Austin Grill, 801 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-684-8969.
Sunday/Dec. 31
New Year's Eve. Last day of 2006.
First Night Alexandria. Kick off at 5 p.m. families can enjoy a variety of events throughout Old Town and Del Ray. First Night Alexandria is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Dozens of Old Town and Del Ray businesses, including bookstores, coffee shops, art galleries, and theaters host parties and performances for children and teens. A midnight fireworks display wraps up the night. $10 before Dec. 25, $15 after. Call 703-838-5005 or visit www.firstnightalexandria.org.
New Year's Eve Bash. At Dr. Dremo's Taphouse, 2001 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. Visit www.drdremo.com for event information.
Band Performance. Last Train Home and These United States perform at Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 for times and cost.
High School Performance. Carbon Copy, TC William's rock band will be performing during First Night Alexandria at the Durant Center beginning at 8:30 p.m. The winners of last year's Teen Talent Contest, Carbon Copy is looking forward to performing with this year's Teen Talent Finalists from the Alexandria Area. Durant Center is located on Cameron Street. Contact Brian McCormick at 202-297-3968 for more information.
Monday/Jan. 1
New Year's Day. First Day of 2007.
Polar Burr Plunge. The American Liver Foundation will host its second annual Polar Burr Plunge to raise awareness and funds for research. Starts at 1 p.m. at Old Dominion Boat Club, 1 King St., Alexandria. Pre-register at www.alfdc.org or call 703-535-8880.
Tuesday/Jan. 2
Tiny Tots. Stories and songs for children ages 12-23 months at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call to register 703-768-6700.
Storytime Adventures. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Fairytales, legends and more for children ages 5-8. Call to register 703-768-6700.
First Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stardust Restaurant & Lounge, 698 Montgomery St., Alexandria, the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association is holding its First Tuesday Social. Free. Visit www.aglca.org for more information.
Wednesday/Jan. 3
Lunch Bunnies. Bring a snack for stories, videos and activities for children ages 1-5 with an adult at noon at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Adult Knitting. Bring needles, yarn and a project at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call to register 703-768-6700.
Thursday/Jan. 4
Daytime Discussion Group. Discuss "Beat to Quarters" by C.S. Forester at 12:15 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Friday/Jan. 5
Lunch Bunch. Children up to age 5 with an adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Saturday/Jan. 6
Music Event. Roberto Juan Rodriguezand his quartet perform at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, 1611 North Kent St., Arlington. Tickets are $20 through www.TicketMaster.com or 703-573-SEAT (7328). For more information on these and other Planet Arlington events, visit www.planetarlington.org.
Night of 101 Elvises. 7 p.m. at Dr Dremo's Taphouse, 2001 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. Dr. Dremo's will welcome Elvis impersonators and some of the best local, regional and national performers will grace the stage. The annual Elvis extravaganza will include Elvis karaoke, an Elvis costume contest with cash prizes and free admission for anyone dressed as Elvis. Dr. Dremo's will feature some of the king‚s favorite food on a special Elvis menu, including peanut butter-and-banana sandwiches and burnt bacon-and-mustard sandwiches. Graceland Imperial Stout, a special house ale brewed under exclusive contract by Shenandoah Brewing, will make it's annual appearance. Visit www.drdremo.com.
Sunday/Jan. 7
Opening Reception. From 1-4 p.m. enjoy "Nature's Journey" presented by Friends of Green Spring Gardens Park. This exhibit, by Darlene Kaplan, has a horticultural theme. Exhibit at Green Spring Gardens Park at Witch Hazel Lane, Annandale. Call 703-642-5175 for more information.
Meet the Artist. Noon-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, Historic Manor House, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. "Inspired by Nature" solo exhibit of landscapes, seascapes and gardens by Karen K. Ching is on exhibit from Jan. 4-Feb. 25. Visit www.greenspring.org for more.
Monday/Jan. 8
Princess Priscilla's Birthday. Celebrate the branch bear's birthday with stories and songs. For children ages 2-3 at 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. "The Bookseller of Kabul" by Asne Seierstad at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call to register 703-768-6700.
Teen Knitters. Learn how to knit and share your skills with others at 4 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Supplies provided for first lesson. Call to register 703-768-6700.
White Snow, Bright Snow. Stories and activities for children ages 2-5 with adult at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Regional LIbrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Call to register 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Jan. 9
Snowman and Friends. Stories and activities about winter friends for children age 2-3 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Tuesday Evening Book Club. Adults discuss "My Life in France" by Julia Child at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call to register 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/Jan. 10
Book Discussion. 7-8 p.m. at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., discuss "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mareille Guiliano. Meeting will be followed by a free cooking demonstration. 703-838-4555.
World War II Washington. Learn how D.C. turned into a hub of military, political and diplomatic activity at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. For adults 16 and up. Call to register 703-768-6700.
Rising Words, Rising Images. "A Long and Uncertain Journey: The 27,000 Mile Voyage of Vasco de Gama" by Joan Elizabeth Goodman, followed by a related activitiy at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Regional LIbrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For children ages 9-12. Call to register 703-765-3645.
Thursday/Jan. 11
Teen Knitting. Learn how to knit a basic scarf. Yarn and needles provided. For ages 12-15 at 3 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Internet Basics. Learn how to go online and search the Web at 1 p.m. at Sherwood Regional LIbrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Must know how to use a mouse and keyboard. Call to register 703-765-3645.
Plant Conversation. 7:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. "Building Our National Garden" will be the topic, given by Bill McLaughlin, Plant Curator at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Free. For more information, call 703-534-8179.
Friday/Jan. 12
Lunch Bunch. Children up to age 5 with an adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Saturday/Jan. 13
Music Performance. The Navy Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School in the auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Free. Call 202-433-2525 or visit www.navyband.navy.mil for more information.
SOUPer Saturday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Old Town. $15 Includes handmade bowl and a free ticket for one serving of New England Chowder from the Chart House Restaurant. All donations benefit UCM programs. Call Amra McCormick at 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
Sunday/Jan. 14
Music Performance. Focus Inn Alexandria presents Modern Man at 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. $15 general, $12 members. Contact Herb at herbcl@earthlink.net, 703-380-3151, or visit www.focusmusic.org.