Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Thursday/May 7
</b>Movie on the Lawn: ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’ 8 p.m. at the plaza in front of the McDiarmid Building, Annandale Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Free. Cars without NOVA parking stickers must use the visitor parking garage for $1 per hour, cash only. 703-323-3484.
Daytime Book Discussion Group. 12 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Comedy Night. 8 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Justin Kincaid and friends will perform. Ages 21 and up. $5/person. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Chainsaw Baby. 10 p.m., Fat Tuesdays, University Mall, 10673 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Locals Only Radio and Main St. presents “Chainsaw Baby & The Process. $5/person. Call 703-385-5717.
<b>Friday/May 8
</b>The Young People’s Theatre presents ‘Annie,’ 7 p.m. at New Hope Church, 8905 Ox Road in Lorton. Reserved seats are $10. www.YPTnva.com.
‘A Harmonizer on Broadway’ presented at 8 p.m. by the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus. Music from “West Side Story,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Spamalot” and many others. Location is Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale. Tickets from $15-$30 available by calling 703-910-4600 or at www.harmonizers.org.
Two Plays: ‘Empty Chair’ and ‘Tarmac,’ presented by Metropolitan Performing Arts Theater, Lorton. 7:30 p.m., at Convergence, A Creative Community of Faith. 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/60074/. For more, info@metrotheater.org or scelentano@aol.com.
Nature Quest: Swamp Walk. Young naturalists, 4-6, explore the stream valley forest and Spring Peeper Swamp 7-8 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Dress for muddy conditions. Reservations are required. $4 per child. To reserve, call 703-451-9588.
Taurus Birthday Bash. 8 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Frayz, KVA, Suave E.N.T., Gudda, Mayne and more will perform live. Tickets: $20/advance, $25/at door. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
30th Anniversary Show. 10 p.m., Fat Tuesdays, University Mall, 10673 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Magic the Band will perform all night long. $5/person. Call 703-385-5717.
<b>Saturday/May 9
</b>Bill Engvall and Frank Caliendo Comedy Show, 8 p.m. at the Patriot Center, 4500 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $49.50, through www.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Visit www.billengvall.com or www.frankcaliendo.com.
The Young People’s Theatre presents ‘Annie,’ 3:30 p.m. at New Hope Church, 8905 Ox Road in Lorton. Reserved seats are $10. www.YPTnva.com.
Concerts from Kirkwood, Recital. 3 p.m., at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. Free. Young Artist Competition Winners featuring high school and middle school artists from the Northern Virginia area playing piano, violin, flute, trumpet or horn. Donations accepted. 703-451-5320, www.kirkwoodpres.com.
‘The Blue Door Collection,’ paintings by Jan E. Moffatt, will displayed at an Artist’s Reception from 1-4 p.m. at The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St. in Occoquan. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. 703-490-1117 or www.loftgallery.org.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friends Book Sale. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria, 703-339-4610.
Celtic Music. Natalie MacMaster performs 8 p.m., at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III. Tickets are $44, $36, $22. All children, 12 and under, half price. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets.com. The Center for the Arts complex is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
‘A Harmonizer on Broadway’ presented at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. by the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus. Music from “West Side Story,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Spamalot” and many others. Location is Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale. Tickets from $15-$30 available by calling 703-910-4600 or at www.harmonizers.org.
Yard Sale. Venture Crew 4031, chartered by First Baptist Springfield, hosts a multi-family yard sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 7803 Lobelia Lane, in the Daventry neighborhood, to earn money for upcoming activities. Furniture, prom and homecoming dresses, electronics and other items for sale. 703-451-4680 or fontanella4@verizon.net.
Two Plays: ‘Empty Chair’ and ‘Tarmac,’ presented by Metropolitan Performing Arts Theater, Lorton. 7:30 p.m., at Convergence, A Creative Community of Faith. 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/60074/. For more, info@metrotheater.org or scelentano@aol.com.
Off-trail Birding at South King's Highway. Binoculars and field guides are recommended for this free off-trail bird hike from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Meet at Huntley Meadows Park's South King's Highway entrance. Reservations are required. To reserve, call 703-768-2525. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria.
Can You Canoe? Learn the basic mechanics of canoeing with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment 2-3:30 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Participants must be at least 8 and children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The cost is $12 per person. To reserve, call 703-569-0285.
Cardboard Boat Orientation and Workshop. Meet with former Cardboard Boat Regatta contest winners who will share their secrets for success 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Maximize chances of entering a race-worthy vessel. This workshop also gives participants an orientation to the regatta and what to expect. The cost is $7 per person. Prepaid registration is required. To reserve, call 703-569-0285.
Paddle Adventure-Moonlight Tour. 7-10 p.m., at Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. $30 per person or group rate. Reservations required. Must be 18 or older. No experience necessary. Call 703-339-6104 for reservations.
Friends of the Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.
Sing Me Insomnia. 2 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Sing Me Insomnia will headline a show featuring several opening acts. Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com .
Permanent Ascent. 10 p.m., Fat Tuesdays, University Mall, 10673 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Permanent Ascent will perform with Shinguh and Soul Craft. $5/person. Call 703-385-5717.
<b>Sunday/May 10
</b>Mother’s Day Tea at Gunston Hall. 2 p.m. Enjoy an abundant selection of teas, sandwiches, scones and sweets, an 18th-century fashion show, and tours of the Mansion and grounds. $35 per person. Reservations required. 703-550-9220. Gunston Hall is located at 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck.
Mother’s Day Cruise. Cruise the shoreline while listening to an interpretive history of the park, lake and surrounding area. Refreshments are served. Cruises leave the dock at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The fee is $4 for moms, $7 for adults, $4 for children, and babies on laps free. Prepaid reservations required. Call 703-569-0285. Lake Accotink Park is located t 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield.
Paddle Adventure-Morning Tour. 8 a.m-12 p.m., at Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton.
$30 per person. Reservations required. A Potomac Overlook Park Naturalist will lead the tour. No experience is necessary. Call 703-339-6104.
<b>Monday/May 11
</b>Paul Weeks II Memorial Golf Tournament. 3 p.m., at Pohick Bay Golf Course, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. Course closed for tournament, which is sponsored by and benefits the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. For more information on tournament sign ups and the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, visit www.alexandriaseaport.org. 703-339-8585.
Early Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title. Age 6-8 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Dragonforce. 7 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Metal band Dragonforce will perform live with opening act Daath. Tickets: $20/advance, $23/at door. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Tuesday/May 12
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Get one-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Cynic. 7 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Cynic will perform their only headlining gig of the summer with opening acts Brave and Exist . Tickets: $20/advance, $23/at door. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Wednesday/May 13
</b>NARFE Meeting. 1:30 p.m., at The American Legion Post 176, 5620 Amherst Ave, Springfield. The business meeting will be followed by a presentation by Chris Allen, advanced financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. on "Market Volatility: Steps That You Can Take.” Contact Chapter President Dick Gallagher at rmgallagher@verizon.net or 703-455-4373 for details on the meeting or questions about NARFE.
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum Quarterly Forum, 7:30-9 p.m. Local author Lynne Garvey Hodge will be discussing her recently published book "Clifton." The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is at 11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station. Free, donations accepted. 703-425-9225.
Ladies Luncheon. The Springfield/Alexandria Women's Connection invites everyone to "A Touch Of Fashion" 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. $17 includes the luncheon and free childcare. Reservations must be made by Monday, May 11, 12 noon to 703-569-4670 or 703-876-4780 or by e-mail to SpringWmConn@yahoo.com.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
English Conversation Group. 6 p.m. at the Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Practice English with other adults. 703-339-7385.
<b>Thursday/May 14
</b>Redemption Thursdays. 8 p.m., Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Live reggae music all night. Ages 18 and up. Tickets: $5/advance, $7/at door. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
The Blackjack. 10 p.m., Fat Tuesdays, University Mall, 10673 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Locals Only Radio and Main St. Promotions presents The Blackjack and Panderosa. $5/person. Call 703-385-5717.
<b>Friday/May 15
</b>Lorton Community Action Center Fund-Raiser Tournament. 3 p.m., at Pohick Bay Golf Course, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. Course closed for tournament, which is sponsored by and benefits the LCAC. For more information on tournament sign ups and the LCAC, visit www.lortonaction.org. 703-339-8585.
Tribute to Maestro Luis Haza presented by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra. 8:15 p.m., at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale,. The concert will feature Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major” with Natasha Bogacheck, violin, and Zino Bogachek, viola; tribute by Robert Aubrey Davis. Seniors and groups, $12; adults, $18; advance purchase, seniors and groups, $10; adults, $15. All students admitted free. 703-758-0179. Complementary reception will follow. Additional information is available at www.virginiachamberorchestra.org.
<b>Saturday/May 16
</b>Train Show. HO and N-scale model trains will be running 12-5 p.m., in the community room and the caboose at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. $2/adults and $1/child. 703-425-9225. www.fairfax-station.org.
Recession-proof Advocacy: Leveraging Your Pro-Arts Message, a seminar for the arts community featuring Jay H. Dick, Americans for the Arts’ director of State and Local Government Affairs, 10:30-12 p.m., at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Clifton Community Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Weaver House. For more information, contact Trisha Robertson at 703-815-0992 or rtrishr@gmail.com.
Invasive Plant Removal. Join Invasive Management Area (IMA) volunteer site leader in preserving a natural meadow area 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Pohick Stream Valley. Participants younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult. For information, call 703-324-8681.
Wonderful Web of Life. Enjoy relaxation exercises, walk to the observation tower and practice basic yoga positions while hearing, seeing and feeling the world around you 8-10 a.m., at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Reservations are required. The cost is $6 per adult. To reserve, call 703-768-2525.
Exercise Paddle Adventure. 4:30 p.m. to sunset, Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. $30 per person or group rate. Reservations are required. Paddle trip with interval training and endurance. General good health required. Must be 18 or older. Kayak experience necessary. Call 703-339-6104 for reservations.
Murder in Movieland. 7 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Meet colorful Hollywood characters, gather evidence and figure out whodunit. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Herb Festival. Learn to grow and use fresh herbs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Heather Hill Gardens, 8111 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Meet magazine editor Barbara Jacksier who will lead planting and cooking demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free. Rain date May 17. 703-690-6060, www.heatherhillgardens.com.
<b>Sunday/May 17
</b>Train Show. HO and N-scale model trains will be running 1-4 p.m., in the community room and the caboose at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. $2/adults and $1/child. 703-425-9225. www.fairfax-station.org.
Architecture in the Afternoon Tours. Discover the stunning architecture of George Mason’s home. 2 p.m., at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. This 90-minute tour explores the mansion’s exterior and interior. For the first time this tour features the cellar. Find out why Gunston Hall’s carpenter-joiner William Buckland and master carver William Bernard Sears continue to be highly regarded. Regular admission. Friends free. Adults and children over 12. 703-550-9220.
1759 Conversations: Establishing Gunston Hall. 3:30- 4:30 p.m., at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. Encounter a member of the household, portrayed by a re-enactor, and learn about the origins of the Gunston Hall community. Regular admission. Friends free. 703-550-9220.
Paddle Adventure-Evening Tour. 4-7 p.m., at Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. $30 per person or group rate. Reservations required. View the beauty of the Pohick Marsh as the day comes to an end. No experience is necessary. Call 703-339-6104 for reservations.
<b>Monday/May 18
</b>Young Explorers: Snakes. Through a story and walk, children 6-9 learn about snakes 3:15-4:30 p.m., at Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Reservations are required. The cost is $4 per child. To reserve, call 703-768-2525.