Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102. 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.
Thursday/March 1
Music Performance. Alexandria resident Bonnie Rideout will debut her show "Caledonia" at 8 p.m. at Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryl. Tickets range between $25-$55. She is a Scottish fiddler. Visit http://strathmore.org or 301-581-5100.
Book Discussion Group. 12:15 p.m. . Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. "Family and Other Accidents" by Shari Goldhagen. 703-339-4610.
Music Event. Several Alexandria school orchestras will perform in the annual Pre-Festival Concert at 7 p.m. in T.C. Williams High School auditorium, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Free. 703-824-6800.
Friday/March 2
Music Performance. United States Air Force Band Chamber Players perform at 8 p.m. at Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Free. Visit www.usafband.com or 202-767-5658.
Rock Concert Benefit. 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m., bands from T.C. Williams, Bishop Ireton and O'Connell high schools will be performing for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. $5/person. At The Durant Center at 1605 Cameron St. in Alexandria. Contact Brian McCormick at 202-297-3968.
Opening Reception. 7-10 p.m. Meet some of Hancock County's inspiring artists while enjoying the exhibit and supporting Katrina relief efforts for Hancock County's arts community. The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org .
Fashion Show. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hybla Valley Elementary School, 3415 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria. "From Slavery to Freedom." Fashion show, live music and art exhibitions celebrating Black History Month. For ticket information 703-718-7001.
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and listen to stories. Children ages birth – 5 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. 10:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories and crafts. Ages 2-5 with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Free. 703-768-6700.
Music Event. Several Alexandria school orchestras will perform in the District Ten Orchestra Festival at Thomas Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road , Alexandria. Times of each event will be on the back of the Pre-Festival Concert program. Free. 703-824-6800.
Saturday/March 3
Music Presentation. The U.S. Navy Band will perform at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town starting at 12:30 p.m. Visit www.navyband.navy.mil.
Theater Performance. See "Glorious Love, Tragic Love" at 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall. Tickets range between $20-$80. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0085.
Painting Class. 4-6 p.m. at A Woman's Story Gallery, 1307 King St., Alexandria. $30/person. Learn how to paint with henna. To RSVP e-mail Katie at katie@ewint.org.
Vision Loss Support Group. 10 a.m. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. "Dimview." Support group for people with vision loss. Adults. Free. 703-768-6700.
Music Event. Several Alexandria school orchestras will perform in the District Ten Orchestra Festival at Thomas Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road , Alexandria. Times of each event will be on the back of the Pre-Festival Concert program. Free. 703-824-6800.
Dog Show. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. for the 21st annual St. Patrick's Day Fun Dog Show at Market Square in Old Town. There will be 10 categories for dogs to enter, and every dog receives a winner's ribbon. Free. Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org.
Sunday/March 4
Music Performance. "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles will perform at 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.marineband.usmc.mil or 202-433-4011.
Music Performance. Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, with Kirsten Serba from West Potomac High School, will perform at 2:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, Pendleton Hall, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Free, donations accepted. Visit www.wmpa.us or 703-799-8229.
Carnival. Celebrate the Feast of Esther from noon-2 p.m. at Temple Beth El 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Games, moon-bounce, prizes, food and more. Children can wear favorite costumes for a parade. $10/unlimited game tickets. $5/food ticket. Contact Bonnie Proctor, 703-780-0545 or Barbara Silversmith, 703-323-6931.
Music Performance. Puccini's first opera "Le Villi" presented in concert at 3 p.m. at First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St. , Alexandria. $15/person. Visit www.fccalexandria.org or 703-549-3911.
Interpretation of Spirituals and Gospel. 3 p.m. at the Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. The history of familiar Negro spirituals will be interpreted through music, dance and drama. Free. Due to limited seating, reservations are suggested, but not required. Call 703-838-4356.
Harmony Heritage Singers. 2 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library. 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. "Swing Into Spring." An evening of music and entertainment. All ages. Free. 703-765-3645.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at 6510 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Features two Mozart wind octets. Offering proceeds benefit Operation Walk Virginia .
Charity Event. West Potomac High School is holding a silent auction from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Collingwood on the Potomac, 8301 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. The event, "A Sunday on the River" will benefit the high school's crew team. $13/person and can be purchased by calling 703-765-0253 or $15 at the door.
Monday/March 5
Student Knitters. 4 p.m. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Learn to knit and share your skills with others. Bring your own needles. Ages 10-18. Free. 703-768-6700.
Tuesday/March 6
Tiny Tots. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories and songs. Ages 13-23 months with adult. Free. 703-768-6700.
Storytime Adventures. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories, games, and creative activities. Children ages 5-8. Free. 703-768-6700.
Lyceum Science Series. "The Gaia Theory" will start at 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Examines how our planet functions as a single living and self-regulating system. Free. 703-528-5406.
Wednesday/March 7
That’s So Funny! 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Children 2-3 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Bring lunch and enjoy stories. Age 1-5 with an adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
A is for Artist. 11 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library. 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Fun with colors and shapes. Ages 2-5 with adult. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lecture. 7:45 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park Visitors Center, off Lockheed Boulevard in Alexandria. Free. Visit www.fodm.org for directions and more information.
Thursday/March 8
Art Talk. 7 p.m. Maria Simonsson's will talk about her art exhibit "Form Over Function" and will demonstrate her technique at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Old Town. This exhibit explores the bounds of shape, form and functionality. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
Planting Lesson. 7:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexnadria. Free. Learn about the rise of invasive ornamentals. Visit www.greenspring.org.
Second Thursday Art Night. "Rise and Shine: Awaken from the Winter Slumber" will happen from 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center , 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Browse open studios, interact with artists and enjoy refreshments. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org.
Friday/March 9
Antiques Show. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Episcopal High School's Flippin Field House, 3099 W. Braddock Road. $15/person includes re-entry. Features over 60 dealers. Visit www.antiquesinalexandria.com.
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and listen to stories. Children ages birth – 5 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Free. 703-768-6700.
Saturday/March 10
Swordfighting. Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum for this very popular, unique living history program as you learn a skill that George Washington and all 18th century gentlemen must know - swordplay from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 134 North Royal St., Old Town Alexandria. The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display and discussion of 18th-century weapons. This family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your new-found talents. Demonstrations last 1 hour. Last tour starts at 3:30 p.m. $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Special patch available for $3. Reservations required. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call for more information, 703-838-4242.
History Lecture. Fort Ward Museum and History Site will present the lecture, "Godey's Lady's Book," in honor of Women's History Month. Examine the content and editorial practices of "Godey's Lady's Book." 1 p.m. in the Museum library, 4301 W. Braddock Road. $6/person, reservations are strongly suggested. Call the Museum at 703-838-4848.
Antiques Show. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Episcopal High School's Flippin Field House, 3099 W. Braddock Road. Designer Alexa Hampton of "This Old House" speaks. $15/person includes re-entry. Features over 60 dealers. Visit www.antiquesinalexandria.com.
Music Performance. The World Children's Choir will perform at 7 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Enjoy songs from around the world and "The Laughing River." Tickets $20/adult; $15/senior/child and are available at the door. Visit www.worldchildrenschoir.org or 703-883-0920.
Dance Performance. The Thistle Dancers present "Something Scottish 2007" from 3-5 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. For advance tickets call 703-913-6143 or e-mail thistledancers@cox.net. Tickets $20/adult $15/child. Visit thistledancers.com .
Music Performance. The Alexandria Choral Society and Capitol Hill Chorale will perform together at 8 p.m. at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, located on 4th and Independence Streets, S.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets are $20-$25 with discounts available for students, seniors and military. They are available online at www.alexchoralsociety.org/tickets.aspx , via phone at 703-548-4734 and at the door.
Sunday/March 11
Music Performance. "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles will perform at 2 p.m . at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.marineband.usmc.mil or 202-433-4011.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. there will be a reception for Maria Simonsson's solo art exhibit "Form Over Function" at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Old Town. This exhibit explores the bounds of shape, form and functionality. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
Music Performance. Focus Inn Alexandria presents Kim and Reggie Harris 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.
Meet the Artists. 1-4 p.m. at 313 Mill St., Occoquan, meet Alexandria artist Gwen Lockhart and see works from the new exhibit "Duets." Include 3-D art and sculptures.
Antiques Show. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Episcopal High School's Flippin Field House, 3099 W. Braddock Road. $15/person includes re-entry. Features over 60 dealers. Visit www.antiquesinalexandria.com.
Music Performance. Barrage will perform at 5 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $15/person; $7.50/student. 703-706-4517.
Music Performance. The Alexandria Choral Society and Capitol Hill Chorale will perform together at 4 p.m. at Episcopal High School's Callaway Chapel, 1200 North Quaker Lane in Alexandria. Tickets are $20-$25 with discounts available for students, seniors and military. They are available online at www.alexchoralsociety.org/tickets.aspx , via phone at 703-548-4734 and at the door.
Monday/March 12
Rainbow Readers. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories and fun. Ages 2-3 with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Tuesday/March 13
Author Reading. 7 p.m., Russell Bonds, author of "Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor" will be speaking at Olsson's Books, 106 S. Union St., in Alexandria.
Spring is Here. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Children 2-3 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Friday/March 16
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and listen to stories. Children ages birth – 5 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Free. 703-768-6700.
Saturday/March 17
History Lecture. 1 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria. Learn about the "Nineteenth Century Art of Mourning" including clothing fashions and etiquette. $6/person. Reservations encouraged 703-838-4848.
Sophie the Dog. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Watch Sophie perform tricks. All ages. Free. 703-971-0010.
Shakespeare Event. Alexandria students Michaela Rothschild and Paul Perscheid will lead workshops on the plays of William Shakespeare for students in grades 1-8 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., which includes a performance by the students during the last hour. Free. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit http://tjshakespearience.awardspace.com.
Annual Ball. The Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria will host their Emerald ball at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel at Pentagon City. The black tie event includes dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions.
Sunday/March 18
Tongues of Fire. 3 p.m. First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St, Alexandria. A sacred poetry slam. Free. 703-549-3911.
Dance Performance. Jane Franklin Dance will have classes and a performance at Ainslie Arts Center, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Tickets $15/performance; $10/single class; $30/unlimited classes and performance. Classes start at 11 a.m. with the performance at 3 p.m. Visit www.janefranklin.com for reduced tickets and more information.