E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
<cal1>Alexandria Farmers’ Markets:
<cal2>* Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria. Saturdays, 5 am – 10:30 am, year round. Free parking in the Market Square garage during the hours of the Farmers' Market.
* Del Ray, Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues, Alexandria. Saturdays, 8 a.m. - Noon, through the first Saturday in December.
* Upper King Street Fresh Farmers' Market, King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King Street, Alexandria. Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 29.
* West End Farmers' Market, Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October.
<cal2>Michael Jackson's Patent and Trademarks. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open exhibit of Michael Jackson's patent and trademarks. At the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, Madison Building, 600 Dulaney Street, Alexandria, in the atrium. Call 571-272-0095.
The Third Annual Alexandria Film Festival is soliciting entries from U.S. and international filmmakers. The festival will be held Sept. 24–27 at the George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple. This year, the Film Festival is partnering with Withoutabox, the film industry’s premier online service platform. To submit your film online, visit www.withoutabox.com/login/7816. All entries submitted through Withoutabox will receive an additional discount. For more information or to obtain entry forms and submission guidelines, visit www.alexandriafilm.org. Call 703-838-6348.
<cal1>Through Aug. 23
<cal2>Bel Cantanti Opera Summer Music Festival. Two-week program for young professionals. Held in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. The festival will end with two performances of Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore and a performance of selected opera scenes and arias. Contact auditions@belcantanti.com to schedule an audition and reserve an audition slot. Call 301-266-7546.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 20
<cal2>Polka, Polka, Polka. 6:30 p.m. Free. Concert under the stars. At the Paul Spring Retirement Community, 7116 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-768-0234.
Papermaking. 7-8:30 p.m. Do-it-yourself recycling! An evening for adults to learn how to recycle paper into pulp and create new sheets. Handmade paper makes beautiful cards, books and collages. Visit www.artatthecenter.org for details.
The Reverie Jazz Trio. 7-9 p.m. Will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites in a style reminiscent of a bygone era. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Aug. 20-22
<cal2>"Vanities" by Jack Heifner. At 8 p.m. A comedy directed by Herb Tax. From high school cheerleaders to independent women, follow Mary, Joanne, and Kathy through high school, college and into the "real" world ... and laugh yourself silly in the process! Featuring Natalie Christina (Mary), Carla Francischetti (Joanne), and Pamela Sabella (Kathy). At The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $15/general admission; $10/seniors, students, retired or active military. Call 703-615-6626, www.zemfirastage.com.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 21
<cal2> Great Waves Aloha Day. 3-8 p.m. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hawaii becoming a state at Great Waves Aloha Day at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria with discounted admission. The event also includes a free lei for the first 200 guests and a free gift for the first 100 kids. Visit www.nvrpa.org or call 703-960-0767.
Civil Rights Sit-In. 10 a.m. Students from Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School will participate in the 70th anniversary of the Civil Rights Sit-In at the Alexandria Library, Barrett Branch, 717 Queen St., Alexandria. The day was Aug. 21, 1939. Call 703-519-3498.
City of Fairfax's Saxophone Quartet. 7:30 p.m. At Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 22
<cal2>Kayak Trip — Historic Alexandria Waterfront. 8-11 a.m. Hosted by NVTC. Tour meets at Belle Haven Marina. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. For reservations, write to kayak@nvct.org or call 703-354-5093 x26. Seats are only reserved upon confirmation from NVCT. Cost $30/person.
Adult Chorus Auditions. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com.
A Dog's Life Storytime. Ages 3 and up. 11:30 am. Sit and stay in our storytime corner as we read and sing all about our favorite animal pals. Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Aug. 22-23
<cal2>Summer Dance Concert. CCP, a modern dance company based in Alexandria, will be staging a Summer Dance Concert, "dance4spaces," Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. Choreography is by Danielle Greene, Alicia Luchowski, Mary Jo Smet and Janet Stormes. At Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, D.C. Call 202-269-1600.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 23
<cal2>Cambodian Community Day Festival. Noon-6 p.m. Celebrate Cambodian culture with entertainment by the Cambodian Mohoree Music Ensemble; classical and folk dances; and live band music and social dances. Exhibits include a showcase of the Angkor Wat Replica, and the Pailin and Tonle Sap regions. Family activities include folk games for children and adults, sports, and vendors offering traditional Cambodian and Asian food and beverages. At Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Ben Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria. Admission is free. Contact 571-218-9513.
Artist Trading Cards Swap. 2-4 p.m. Free. ATCs are 2.5" by 3.5" original works of art in any medium that are signed and dated by the artist and then swapped for other artist cards. Hosted by Del Ray Artisans at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Space is limited, so reserve a space by contacting Theresa Kulstad at 703-283-0399 or tkulstad@verizon.net . Directions at www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
A Feast of Flowers: The New Haute Cuisine. 1-3 p.m. Edible flowers, fresh and cooked, add a tasteful and healthful dimension to our tables. Hear about which flowers are edible and how to grow them. A full English tea is included in this program. $25. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Summer Chamber Music Series. 3-5 p.m. Free. The Covington String Quartet. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Adult Chorus Auditions. 7-9:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Chevys Fresh Mex Fund-raiser. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool. Dine at Chevys Fresh Mex in Mount Vernon Plaza on Richmond Highway and support the oldest cooperative preschool in Fairfax County.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 27
<cal2>The Jefferson Street Strutters. 7-9 p.m. Enjoy traditional jazz and American popular songs from the early years of the 20th century. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 28
<cal2>Sin Fronteras Offers South of The Border Performance. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free mariachi performance is part of the Mt. Vernon Nights summer concert series. At Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. Call 703-324-7469 after 6 p.m. for cancellation updates.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 29
<cal2>Adult Chorus Auditions. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com
Begonias Abound. 10-11:30 a.m. Want to discover more about this fascinating plant family, the different types and species? Begonia enthusiast Johanna Zinn and fellow Begonia society members share expansive knowledge gained from their many years of growing these unique and versatile plants; providing culture, care, and propagation information. A guided tour of the annual begonia show included. $12. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Hooray for School Storytime. Ages 3 and up. 11:30 a.m. Special storytime to celebrate the exciting beginning to the school year. Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Aug. 29-30
<cal2>28th Annual Begonia Show and Sale. Aug. 29 from 9-4:30 p.m. and Aug. 30 from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society. Expand your plant palette; be tempted with splashes of color for homes and greenhouses that last long after frosts have put our outdoor gardens to bed! The sale offers a wide variety of begonias, including unusual subtropical species. Free. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
War of 1812 Historic Weekend Re-enactment. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Visit Carlyle House on Aug. 29 to learn about the events of Aug. 29, 1814. On Aug. 30, visit Pohick Bay Regional Park to see how the Americans fought back at the White House Battery." Call Carlyle House at 703-549-2997 or Pohick Bay Regional Park at 703-339-6104. Visit visit www.nvrpa.org.
<cal1>Thursday, Sept. 3
<cal2>The Trio Hermitage. 7-9 p.m. The trio consists of Svetlana Nikonova and Varvara Zakharevich of the Washington Balalaika Society, and Zahar Zaharevich of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 6
<cal2>Summer Chamber Music Series. 3 p.m. Free. Violinist Benjamin Scott and pianist Brad Clark. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 7
<cal2>International Festival. 12:30-6 p.m. Includes live entertainment, children’s rides, international food, white elephant sale, beverages, games and more. Tickets must be purchased for some activities. At Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Call 703- 780-4055 or visit www.gs-cc.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 9
<cal2>Square Dance Lessons. 7:30-9:30 p.m. By the Boomerangs Square Dance Teaching Council. At Lincolnia Center, 4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria. Contact Nancy at 703-573-8378. Email: tom.nancystafford@cox.net
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 10
<cal1>Children's Chorus Auditions. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society Children's Chorus. (Grades 3-12). Rehearsals are at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria. All dates by appointment. For details and/or to schedule, email Kevin@AlexChoralSociety.org.
"Bronx Princess" Screening. 7 p.m. Port of Harlem magazine and the Alexandria Black History Museum will preview the new documentary "Bronx Princess," followed by a short discussion. "Bronx Princess" follows the real-life journey of headstrong 17-year-old Rocky as she leaves behind her mother in New York City to reunite with her father, a chief in Ghana, West Africa. Filmed during the tumultuous summer between high school and college, "Bronx Princess" tells Rocky's coming-of-age story. By confronting her parents’ ideas of adulthood, Rocky reconciles her African heritage with her dream of independence. PBS will broadcast the 40-minute TV movie on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10 p.m. The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe Street in the Parker-Gray Historic District. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call the museum at 703-838-4356.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Piper Cillian Vallely and flutist Kevin Crawford from the Irish band Lunsa. At 8 p.m. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Tickets are $25 in advance, $29 at the door, children under 14 with an adult half price. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or by calling 800 404-9049.
Children's Chorus Auditions. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society Children's Chorus. (Grades 3-12). Rehearsals are at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria. All dates by appointment. For details and/or to schedule, email Kevin@AlexChoralSociety.org
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Tea Tasting at Lee-Fendall House Museum. 3-4:30 p.m. $25/person. Learn about the history of tea and Victorian tea practices. Includes six teas and tasting notes. At 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-1789 or contact@leefendallhouse.org.
Art Activated. Noon to 4 p.m. Features artist demonstrations, hands-on projects, and special performances from BosmaDance (2:30-4 p.m.) and a member of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Go to www.torpedofactory.org; call 703-838-4565