Send announcements to mclean@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6428. Deadline is Thursday for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<b>Wednesday/May 14
</b>Book Discussion and Signing. “The Thirteen American Arguments” by Howard Fineman. As Fineman sees it, since the nation’s founding, there have been 13 main clashes of ideas about American life - and every major debate this country has faced can be traced back to one of these frameworks. 7:30 p.m. at Borders Tysons Corner, 8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, 703-556-7766.
Katie Herzig, Steven Delopoulos, Julie Lee. The Feet Upon the Ground Tour. Acoustic. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Jammin’ Juniors. Children’s band Rocknoceros performs 12:30-1:30 p.m. in a free concert for ages 2-5 in McLean Central Park, at Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive. Visit www.mcleancenter.org/alden/jamminjuniors.asp.
Animal Feeding Time: Turtles. Children ages three to five will meet an animal, do animal games and activities, and watch animals being fed. $6 per child, prepaid reservations required. 1:45-2:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Turtle in the Springtime. Explore the world of reptiles, and find out how to help turtles. Presented by the Riverbend Nature Center. Age 3-5. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call 703-757-8560.
Preschool Sing Along. Sing songs with Miss Belle. All ages. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Lights, Action, Camera! Movie Night at the Library! Enjoy the movie version of a favorite book. For adults. 7 p.m. at the Oakton library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703-242-4020.
Patrick's Poetry Cafe. Informal poetry reading and discussion. Bring something to read. Adults. 7 p.m. at Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Maymont Tour. Tour Maymont Mansion in Richmond. A charter bus will leave the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, at 8 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. $80 for town residents includes transportation, tour of the 33-room house, tram tour of the grounds, box lunch, and tea at the Cuppa Tea Company in Richmond’s Fan District. Call 703-255-6360.
Chinese Conversation Group meets for practicing speaking the language, 7:45-8:45 p.m., Wednesdays at the group study room of the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 571-225-7697.
<b>Thursday/May 15
</b>Meet the Artist: Mark T. Smith, who designed the official 2008 Summer Olympics poster. 7-9:30 p.m. at Habatat Galleries, 8020 Towers Crescent Drive, Tysons Corner. The artist will be signing copies of the poster, and showing the original painting. Contact 703-989-7110 or infoVA@habatatgalleries.com, or visit www.habatatgalleries.com.
Emergenza International Music Festival Semi-Finals. Visit www.emergenza.net. Kyro, Brodan Jazz Experience, Cosine, Almost Human, Sex & Missiles, the Cornel West Theory, Caustic Kindness. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
<b>Friday/May 16
</b>Emergenza International Music Festival Semi-Finals. Visit www.emergenza.net. Once Okay Twice, Allie & the Krunch, Ibex, Rome in a Day, Dimestore, The Slow Burn, T.E.M.P.O. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Mr. Knick-Knack performs every Friday, 11-11:45 a.m. in the Kids Play Area, level 3, AMC Theatres Wing at Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Call 703-847-7300 or visit www.shoptysons.com.
Eclectic Coalition Band. Swing/Latin/ballroom. 6:30 p.m. Summer on the Town Green is a free performance series. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Pets should be left at home. Call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
Book Signing. Motivational speaker Michelle Taylor signs copies of her new novel, Troubles Won’t Last Always. 6 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Tysons Corner, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean. Call 703-506-2937.
Terrific Twos. Stories and activities. Age 24-35 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Game On. Runescape, DDR, Wii, pizza and soda at the library. Age 10-18. 6 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
<b>Saturday/May 17
</b>McLean Day 2008. Annual community party with carnival rides, food, music and voting for McLean Community Center, Board of Directors. 8 a.m. Old Firehouse Teen 8K Fun Run, elections 9 a.m.-5 p.m., major attractions 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Free admission. Visit www.mcleancenter.org/special-events for more details.
Living Wreath. Horticulturist Tammy Burke will show participants how to create a wreath using annuals on a moss frame. Reservations required. $30 covers materials and supplies. 10 a.m. at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Contact 703-255-3631 or meadowlark@nvrpa.org.
Music and Merriment. Vienna band Work in Progress will present a concert to benefit the new Counseling Center of Northern Virginia, on Park Street in Vienna. Music will include classic oldies. Humorist Ron Culberson will present a lighthearted look at the need for healing in the community. Open to the community; free, but donations are appreciated. 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. NE. Call 703-930-9050.
World Children’s Choir seasonal concert featuring selections from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and music from Austria, Canada, China, Korea, Italy, Japan, Turkey and the United States. 7 p.m. at the Ernest Cultural Center Theater, NOVA Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children, students and seniors. Visit www.WorldChildrensChoir.org or call 703-883-0920.
Emergenza International Music Festival Semi-Finals. Visit www.emergenza.net. Society of Strangers, Root Deco, Cornell Stone, Rogue Saint, M. Quest, Eric Arceneaux, the Vicious Martinis, Mason Summers, Junkyard Band/Art of Junk. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
James Madison High School Band, Vienna Chorale Society, Country Steppers. Noon and 2 p.m. Summer on the Town Green is a free performance series. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Pets should be left at home. Call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
Langley High School Chamber Ensemble will play classical compositions on traditional instruments and some contemporary works on electric instruments. 4-6 p.m. Free. Outdoors at the Palladium Civic Place Green, 1445 Laughlin Ave., McLean. 703-288-0505.
Neighborhood Plant Clinic. The Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association gives tips and strategies. For adults. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Spring Fling. Celebrate spring with the Carousel Puppets, bunnies, birds and Humpty Dumpty. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Historic Fairfax. Learn about archaeology and historic markers in Fairfax County from Park Authority and History Commission presenters. Age 10 & up. 2 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
<b>Saturday/May 18
</b>Potting Party and Plant Exchange. The Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society presents a hands-on descriptive program with Bonnie Mirmak on how to prepare soil for potting. Attendees will take home their free potted mum, and are asked to bring one of their own potted and labeled seedling or divided perennial to exchange with a fellow gardener. 2:30 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church. Open to the public, free admission and refreshments. Call Jim Dunn at 703-560-8776.
Emerging Artist Showcase with Amadeus Concerts. 14-year-old pianist John Chen plays works by Mozart, Chopin and others. 4 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. $20 includes post-concert refreshments and a chance to meet the performers. Students 17 and under always free. Call 703-759-5334 or visit www.amadeusconcerts.com.
Concerts at the Alden: Young Soloists Recital. Niki Hua, Annika Brynn Jenkins, Carmen Knoll, Hanbo Lin and Hyan Jong Moon. Free admission. 3 p.m. at the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.
Sins Like Stars, Lansdowne. Pop/rock. $8. 2 p.m. matinee at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Radney Foster, One Horse Town. Country/blues. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Blaskapelle, alte German. 6:30 p.m. Summer on the Town Green is a free performance series. Bring chairs or blankets for seating. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Pets should be left at home. Call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
Mill Run Dulcimer Band. 2-4 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Free, donations accepted. Call 703-259-2771.
<b>Monday/May 19
</b>Old Firehouse Teen Center Open House for rising 7th graders and their parents. Open house with free admission to learn about OFTC dances, trips and after-school programs, with registration discount for attendees. 7-9 p.m. at the center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Call 703-448-8336 or visit www.mcleancenter.org/kids-teens. Second event May 22.
Marty Wilson-Piper, The Electric Mood Maidens. Alternative/rock. $15. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Oakton Kids Read! Sneak Preview. Join us for a sneak peek at the "Best Books for Summer" book discussion! Call or come in for title list. Age 6-12. No registration is required. 2:30 p.m. at the Oakton library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703-242-4020.
Bedtime Stories. Stories to end the day. All ages. 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
<b>Tuesday/May 20
</b>Book Discussion and Signing. “Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives” by Jim Sheeler. Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Jim Sheeler weaves together the stories of the fallen and of the broken homes they have left behind. 7:30 p.m. at Borders Tysons Corner, 8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, 703-556-7766.
Laura Veirs, Liam Finn. Indie/alternative/folk rock. $15. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Book Discussion Group. Ask for title. Adults. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call 703-757-8560.
<b>Wednesday/May 21
</b>Jammin’ Juniors. Children’s band Dinner Dogs performs 12:30-1:30 p.m. in a free concert for ages 2-5 in McLean Central Park, at Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive. Visit www.mcleancenter.org/alden/jamminjuniors.asp.
Critters and Cookies. Children 2-4 with adult will explore the outdoors with a naturalist. $8 per child, reservations required. 1:45-2:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Buzzing Bugs. Time to hunt for insects. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Miss Belle's Sing-Along. Enjoy old favorites and original songs. Age 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Lunchtime With Miss Belle. Bring your lunch and your little ones for a music-filled social hour. Birth-5 with adult. No registration is required. Noon at the Oakton library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703-242-4020.
Steps to Reading. Stories and activities. Age 4-5 with adult. 1:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
PJ's and Popcorn. Come and watch a movie in your pajamas. All ages. 6 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Book Discussion Group. Call for the book title. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Book Discussion Group. Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham. Adults. No registration is required. 7:15 p.m. at the Oakton library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703-242-4020.
Evening Book Club. Ask for title. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call 703-757-8560.
Chinese Conversation Group meets for practicing speaking the language, 7:45-8:45 p.m., Wednesdays at the group study room of the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 571-225-7697.
<b>Thursday/May 22
</b>Old Firehouse Teen Center Open House for rising 7th graders and their parents. Open house with free admission to learn about OFTC dances, trips and after-school programs, with registration discount for attendees. 7-9 p.m. at the center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Call 703-448-8336 or visit www.mcleancenter.org/kids-teens. Second event May 22.
Roots Rock Revival featuring Ruthie and the Wranglers, Patty Reese, Billy Coulter. $15. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Book Signing. CEO and Inspirion Inc. founder Misti Bermeister will discuss the corporate transition from an aging workforce to young professionals and her book Boomer to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations. 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Tysons Corner, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean. Call 703-506-2937.
Socrates Cafe. Inspired by Christopher Phillips' book Socrates Cafe, participate in open discussion. Use the Socratic Method to pose questions, listen to others, raise challenges and consider alternative answers. Age 13 & up. 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
<b>Friday/May 23
</b>ViVa! Vienna! Town festival on Church Street with carnival rides, music, food, etc. Continues through Monday. For information, visit www.viennarotary.org.
Movie in the Park. Family favorite G-rated movie outdoors at Glyndon Park. Begins at dusk, around 8 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Parents are required to stay with their children during the movie. Free. For title, call 703-255-7842 after May 21.
Catfishin’ Under the Stars. Learn fishing basics with a park naturalist, program for ages 7 and older. $8 per person, prepaid reservations required. Rod rentals and bait are available for an extra charge. 7-10 p.m. at Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Football Challenge. Show off your skills in a flag football tournament and a kicking and throwing contest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. 4-6 p.m. at Club Phoenix at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE. Call 703-255-6360.
Hot Club of Cowtown. Swing/folk/acoustic. $12. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Funk Night featuring Mojai, Will Rast’ Funk Ark. $10. 10 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Mr. Knick-Knack performs every Friday, 11-11:45 a.m. in the Kids Play Area, level 3, AMC Theatres Wing at Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Call 703-847-7300 or visit www.shoptysons.com.
Pokemon League. Learn and play! Age 5-18. No registration is required. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
<b>Saturday/May 24
</b>ViVa! Vienna! Town festival on Church Street with carnival rides, music, food, etc. Begins Thursday, continues through Monday. For information, visit www.viennarotary.org.
Wolf Trap Ribbon Cutting. Construction and improvements to the Main Gate facilities, including plaza, restrooms, gift shop, box office and concession stands, at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, will be officially completed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Visit www.wolftrap.org.
Habitat Restoration. Join the Invasive Management Area team at Nottoway Park, 9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn to identify native and non-native plants. Ages 15 and older, or with accompanying adult. Free. Call 703-324-8681.
The Dance Party, The Friday Night Boys, Dangerous Summer. Pop/rock. $10. 10 p.m. late show at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Millers. A family band singing the blues. $22 McLean residents $27 others. 8 p.m. at the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Abdukerim Nasardin, Chinese painter from the Uighur region of western China, will exhibit and demonstrate his art. 2-5 p.m. Free. Outdoors at the Palladium Civic Place Green, 1445 Laughlin Ave., McLean. 703-288-0505.
Neighborhood Plant Clinic. The Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association gives tips and strategies. Cosponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Adults. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
<b>Sunday/May 25
</b>Camp McLean Open House. Parents and campers can meet Camp McLean staff, turn in information and forms, sample activities and participate in a Q&A session. 1-4 p.m. at the Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Call 703-448-8336 or visit www.mcleancenter.org/kids-teens.
“Blast Off”: The U.S. Marine Band begins the summer performance series at the Filene Center of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, 8 p.m. Program includes John Philip Sousa, John Williams, Morton Gould, Aaron Copland, Leroy Anderson and Ernesto Lecuona, and finale fireworks display. Free, no tickets required. Call 703-255-1900 or visit www.wolftrap.org.
ViVa! Vienna! Town festival on Church Street with carnival rides, music, food, etc. Begins Thursday, continues through Monday. For information, visit www.viennarotary.org.