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.
Month of March
Radiance Yoga Classes. $5 for all weekday morning classes during month of March. For classes starting from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for class. At Radiance Yoga, 110 King street, Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.Radiance-yoga.net www.Radiance-yoga.net or call 703-535-8282.
Now Through April 1
20 Years on The Avenue. The 20th Anniversary Committee invites you to celebrate DRA’s 20 years on “The Avenue” with past and present masterpieces. This member-only show runs from March 2-April 1, 2012 and will be juried from outside our DRA family of members. Opening Reception for the “XX” show on Friday, March 2, 7-10 p.m. and will feature local jazz band “Veroneau”. (www.VeroneauMusic.com). Running March 3- April 1 special exhibits of Del Ray Artisans’ history will be featured. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
Now Through March 18
March Madness. Features 200 panels of artwork each $150, a free kids art activity on March 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Art Party on March 16, from 7-10 p.m., featuring prizes, music, food drinks and more. The Art Party will be located in the main hall of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, outside of the Target Gallery. Cost is $15/advance; $20/door. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/marchmadness.
Thursday/March 15
St. Paddy’s Day Business Networking. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sponsored by Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by ServiceMaster of Alexandria, 7551 Fordson Road, Alexandria. Food will be provided by Olympians Restaurant. Meet local businesses and learn about the chamber of commerce. No cost. Make a reservation at www.MtVernon-LeeChamber.org
Landscape Design for Pollinator Diversity. 7:30 p.m. Join Susan Abrams for a slide lecture that will showcase the use of native plants in area landscapes to enhance
wildlife diversity, with particular emphasis on enhancing pollinator diversity. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.
March 16 to 25 Repertory Opera Theater. Presents Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." Fully staged with costumes. In Italian with projected English translations. Friday, March 16 and 23 at 7; Saturday, March 17 and 24 at 8; Sunday, March 18 and 25 at 4 p.m. Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors, $20; Students, $15; under 10, free. At Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd. and Quaker Lane, Alexandria.
Friday/March 16
Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Owen Hammett will conduct the live band. Light refreshments will be provided by "ManorCare Health Services - Alexandria. $4 at the door. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Celtic Concert. 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring Scottish Gaelic singers, the Celtic folk band Na Maragan and other musicians, including Cèilidh in the Kitchen and Scott Morrison of the Maryland-based group Dìleab Phrìseil. Sponsored by the Gaelic Society of America. Tickets are $12/person; $25/family. At the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Contact Bill Cassidy 703-717-0074 or WillBCassidy@gmail.com.
Through March 16
Join the League of 25. The Art League launches their latest arty fundraising initiative, a new society of 25 supporters who pitch in $100 a piece to fund an Art League Gallery exhibit while having some fun. The inaugural exhibition sponsorship is for the environmentally conscious “Earth,” which opens on April 12 with a reception featuring a recycled art challenge, with teams of League of 25 members competing in a sculpture making relay race. Donations are requested by March 16. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; www.theartleague.org, 703-519-1741.
March 16 and 17
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Featuring Joey Ledonio, 15; as Charlie Brown, Mim Blower, 12, as Lucy; Chris Adleson, 12, as Schroeder; Jack Ladd, 13, as Linus; and Bruno del Alamo, 12, as Snoopy. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Show times are Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students or can be reserved in advance by calling the Box Office at 703-212-5175.
March 16 to 18
St. Pucchi Bridal Trunk Show. Friday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 18 from noon to 4 p.m. The luxury bridal line by wedding dress designer Rani Totman will be featured in a three-day trunk show at Le Star Bridal, 1201 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-9797.
Get to Know a Great Dane. At the Super Pet Expo at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL).
March 16 to 25
Repertory Opera Theater. Double bill of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. In Italian with projected English translations. At Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd. and Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Show times are Friday, March 16 & 23 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 17 & 24 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 18 & 25 at 4 p.m. Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors, $20; Students, $15; under 10, free. For tickets, visit repopera.eventbrite.org
Saturday/March 17
"Her Story: Women in Action." Cost is $6/person. A panel of former Girl Scouts will share their memories of Girl Scouting and how scouting empowered them. Participants will learn about Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of American Girl Scouting, by looking at a timeline of her life. Two sessions: 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.; and 3 to 4:10 p.m. Advance registration at HYPERLINK http://www.alexandriahistory.org www.alexandriahistory.org or by calling 703-746-4994. At the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Steven Gellman in Concert. 8 to 10 p.m. At St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.stelmoscoffeepub.com www.stelmoscoffeepub.com or call 703-739-9268.
Free Water Testing. 10:30 a.m. Bring your favorite drinking water and have it tested for free. At the Martha Washington Branch Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call Margaret 703-599-7527.
Mighty and Future Shock Youth Showcase. High-energy Hip-Hop and street dancing from dancers across the U.S. Groups include Future Shock and Mighty Shock DC, Future Shock Ottawa, Future Shock Atlanta, Future Shock LA, Beat Ya Feet Kids, Dimensions Dance, and more. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria.
Spring Kid's Rummage Sale. 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $1. At Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Proceeds from the door will go to Mondloch House, a community shelter that helps the homeless. There are a few tables still available. If you are interested in selling children's items and would like more information, contact Jen at jakelley19@gmail.com.
Choreographers Collaboration Project. 7 p.m. Presents The Science Project, a Modern Dance Concert. This concert is the culmination of a season creating dances based on science concepts, and exploring "science as inspiration" for other art forms. Tickets are $10/adults; $5/ages 12-17. At T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King street, Alexandria.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With pianist Rick Rowley. Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919 version), Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Sibelius' Symphony No. 7, and Sibelius' Finlandia. Free pre-concert discussion for ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$55. HYPERLINK mailto:info@fairfaxsymphony.org info@fairfaxsymphony.org.
Sunday/March 18 In Nature's Realm. 2 p.m. The Marine Chamber Orchestra performs. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NVCC, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com
Celtic Group Runa. 7 p.m. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At the Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.focusmusic.org www.focusmusic.org or call 703-501-6061.
Piano Celebration Concert. 6 p.m. A festive event to "christen" the recently restored Hoffmann grand piano. Selections include Cheryl Sabo with the Franck Flute Sonata, classical DMA pianist Jasmin Lee, "Rhapsody in Blue" piano duet with Yee Von Ng and Li-Tan, and cellist Gozde Yasar and modern dancer Shannon Dooling performing Piazolla's "Le Grand Tango." The MVUC Choir closes with Copland's "The Promise of Living" with four-hand piano accompaniment. Freewill offering benefits the Piano Preservation Fund. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Contact Mark Zimmerman, music director, HYPERLINK mailto:music@mvuc.org music@mvuc.org.
Monday, March 19
Mini Open House. 1 p.m. At Hollin Hall Senior Center. Tour Hollin Hall Senior Center with Jan Kestyn, enjoy refreshments, and peek in on some ongoing sessions. Bring a friend! An opportunity to participate in programs on this day. Call 703-765-4573.
Historian Ted Pulliam. 7:30 p.m. Free. Will discuss Alexandria's beginnings in Historic Alexandria: An Illustrated History. At Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1705 or visit the library online at HYPERLINK http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
“The Alexandria Beat: Our Evolving Press.” Rodger Digilio, Alexandria News; Shannon McLoone, Old Town Patch; Michael Lee Pope, Alexandria Gazette Packet/WAMU; and David Sachs, Alexandria Times. Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue. Reception at 6:30 p.m., Dinner (members with reservations by March 13: $28; with reservations after deadline: $33; without reservations: $38/non-members with reservations by March 13: $33; after deadline: $38; without reservations: $43) at 6:45; Program ($5 non-members) 7:15 p.m. Dinner reservations required. Contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089 or HYPERLINK mailto:agendaalexandria@aol.com agendaalexandria@aol.com.
March 19 and 20 Jewelry Sale. All Jewelry by Toby of Masquerade, $5. Sponsored by The Board of Lady Managers of INOVA Alexandria Hospital. All proceeds go to the purchase of new anesthesia machines for the hospital's surgical services. Monday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 20, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. At INOVA Alexandria Hospital, Education Rooms 1 and 2.
Tuesday/March 20
Mount Vernon Evening Lions. 7 p.m. The speaker will be from the Fairfax County Police Department who will give tips on personal safety. Meets at Pema's Restaurant for dinner. Contact Andrea Corsillo at 703-960-4973.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the Hangover Royale Band. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Foreclosure Prevention Clinic. 4:30 p.m. Free. At the City of Alexandria Office of Housing, Conference Room 3, 421 King Street, Suite 200, Alexandria. To register, call 202-667-7006. Mount Vernon Genealogy Meeting. 1 p.m. Free. Speaker Marie Varrelman Melchiori will describe the important finding aids to NARA (National Archives Records Administration) Records. Meet at Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Wednesday/March 21
Have Trunk, Will Travel. 9:30 a.m. Free. The Alexandria/Mount Vernon Antiques Club will feature Fred Murray, a curator, historical authority, and restorer of antique trunks. A slide show will be included. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria.
Mount Vernon Pyramid Chorus Concert. 7 p.m. Free. Each year, the choruses from Mount Vernon High School, Walt Whitman Middle School, and their feeder elementary schools put on a joint concert for the Mount Vernon Community. This year the theme is "Rainbow Connection" and the choirs will feature music from all around the world. Contact Judi Belzer at Judith.Belzer@fcps.edu.
"Have Trunk, Will Travel." 9:30 a.m. The Alexandria/Mount Vernon Antiques Club will feature "Have Trunk, Will Travel" with Mr. Fred Murry, a Curator, Historical Authority and restorer of antique trunks. The public is invited. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria.
George Washington Lecture. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12/person; $10/members. Join Dr. Peter Henriques, Professor Emeritus of History from George Mason University, as he continues to explore the many facets of the “Father of our Country” through his lectures. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Tickets may be purchased by calling 703-746-4242 or through the online shop at www.gadsbystavern.org.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the Smokin' Polecats and Marianna Previti. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
March 22 and 23 "Godspell Junior." 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by St. Louis Catholic School. Tickets are $3/students and seniors; $5/adults. Visit www.stlouisgodspell@gmail.com. At 2901 Popkins Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-768-7732.
Thursday/March 22 Toast to Fashion. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. The event combines a fashion show, marketplace, raffle and cocktail reception. All proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. Sponsored by the Junior Friends of the Campagna Center. At Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.campagnacenter.org www.campagnacenter.org.
Meet the Legends Reception. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Honoring the 2012 nominees. Reservations by March 15: $40/$75 for two; after March 15: $50/$95 for two. The 2012 Legends are: Bob Calhoun, Al Grande, Harry "Bud" Hart, Wendy McGann John, William "Bill" Kehoe, Allen Lomax, Jimmie McClellan, Pat Miller, Mike Oliver, Lillian Stanton Patterson, Joseph S. Shumard, The Steuerle Family, and the team of Dorothy Turner and Gwen Menefee-Smith. At the Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulaney St., Alexandria.
March 22 to March 24 Used Book and Art Sale. Thursday, March 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-5950.
Friday/March 23 Spring Fling Silent Auction. 6 to 9 p.m. Stratford Landing Elementary will host its annual Spring Fling Silent Auction and Ice Cream Social. At 8484 Riverside Road, Alexandria. Contact Beth Day at 703-801-8806/beth.day001@verizon.net or Frances Sankey at 703-799-0969/ HYPERLINK mailto:frances.sankey@gmail.com frances.sankey@gmail.com
Concert. 7:30 p.m. Free. The James Madison University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Chuck Dotas, will perform a program featuring the music of Radiohead, Dave Douglas and John Hollenback. Faculty guest soloists will be David Pope, Andy Connell and Bob Hallahan. At Pendleton Hall, Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135, email vdp@episcopalhighschool.org, or go to www.episcopalhighschool.org.
Saturday/March 24
Mental Health First Response. 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to recognize early signs of mental health and substance use concerns. At Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3801 Buckman Road, Alexandria. Contact Ann Bahr, phone 703-324-7010, TTY 711.
Workout for the Cure. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Sport & Health Club in Alexandria. A $25 donation is requested. Events include 8:05 a.m. Yoga; 8:30 a.m. Cycle; 9:15 a.m. TaeBo; 9:20 a.m. Pilates Mat; 10 a.m. Cycle; 10:30 a.m. Body Pump; 10:30 a.m. Power on Sports Conditioning. Call 703-519-1600 Ext. 103 or email skinner@livewiredc.com.
Invasive Exotic Plants. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Join National Park Service ecologist Erik Oberg and Audubon Society of Northern Virginia naturalist Cliff Fairweather to learn how to halt the invasion of exotic plants. At the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. To attend, RSVP to chair.er@mvcca.org or call 703-360-0691.
Tauxemont Preschool Silent Auction. 6:30 to 11 p.m. Sponsored by the Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool. To be held at the Collingwood Library & Museum, 8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. Visit www.tauxemont.org/auction.
Rum Punch Challenge. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50/person. Enjoy different rum punch creations from local restaurants and distilleries and vote for your favorite. Rum Punch Challenge participants include reigning champ Dogfish Head, returning competitors Bacardi, Bittersweet, FireFlies, and Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, and first-time challenger Red Rocks. Guests will also enjoy food – both period and modern – as well as a silent auction. At Gadsby's Tavern. Reservations required. Call 703-746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Wedding Wishes Vendor Event. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour Carlyle house, enjoy tea blends from The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria, enjoy delicious creations from Occasionally Cake and admire the designs of area florists. At Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Friends of Martha Washington Book Sale, Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Contact Lee Mayfield at 703-965-8677.
Into the Light. 8 p.m. Fairfax Choral Society will perform Beethoven's Elegischer Gesang, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star, Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, and Dolly Parton's Light of a Clear Blue Morning. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria.
Wonders of Science Demo. Visit the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon's blood, and find out how they were used. Admission is $6. Reservations can be made at 703-746-3852. At 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703-746-3852.
McLean High School Historical Reenactment Society. 1-4 p.m. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Members of McLean High School’s historical reenactment society will conduct scientific demonstrations about science in the 1700s. Explore the Apothecary and its large variety of objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood. $6, includes a tour of the museum.
Reservations required at 703-746-3852.
Runway Modeling Workshop. For Beginners - Ladies Ages 13 and up. Learn the basics: model stance, poses, runway walk, turns, posture and more. Pre-register between Feb. 6 and March 23. Sponsored by Walk This Way Productions/Kalaj. Held in Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-927-2927.
Sunday/March 25
Sunday Night Salsa. 7 p.m. Dancing, instructions, food, drink and fun. Join in a hot night of salsa dancing and instruction from Martin Zuniga and his 8-piece band. At Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria. Cost is $50/person or $40/person if purchased before March 10. Call 703-998-6460. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.agudasachim-va.org/salsa www.agudasachim-va.org/salsa.
Choral Concert. 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $15. Third Practice Vocal Ensemble presents the music of Josquin, Handl, Woollen, and featuring The Little Match Girl Passion by David Lang. At St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4342.
Castles in the Air. 2 p.m. U.S. Marine Band performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NVCC, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com
Longaberger Basket Bingo. Features 20 regular games for gift-filled Longaberger baskets. Also Specials, Raffles and Door Prizes. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Doors open 1 p.m.; bingo starts at 2 p.m. Sponsored by the West Potomac High School band. At West Potomac High School cafeteria, 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria. Details and advance ticket sales at www.wolverineband.com or 703-799-8394.
At the Ballet. 4 p.m. The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at the Memorial Theater, George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.vabronze.org www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.
Tuesday/March 27 Lecture: The Arab Spring. 7:30 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Julian M. Dobbs, the U.S. executive director for the Barnabas Fund, will speak on "The Arab Spring — It's Effects on Christians in the Muslim World and the Growth and Challenges of a Resurgent Islam." At St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church in Alexandria. Visit www.standrewandstmargaret.org.
“New Beginnings” Poetry Presentation. 10:30 a.m. Join the “Tuesdays at Two” Writing group for a special Poetry presentation titled “New Beginnings”. Peter Lattu as well as many talented local writers and avid poetry lovers will be represented. Open to the Community! At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573 to reserve a seat.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, Swingin' Lincolns. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Rachael Yamagata. Will be performing from her album, Chesapeake. At the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 or call 703-549-3701.
Wednesday/March 28
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Singer Amy Obenski. 7:30 p.m. Free. Part of her Carbon Conscious Tour. At St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-739-9268.
Author Michael Lee Pope. 7 p.m. Will discuss his book, "Hidden History of Alexandria." At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
Friday/March 30
String Quartet Concert. 8 p.m. Free. Members of the Air Force Strings will present an evening of string quartet. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil
Saturday/March 31
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. A Salute to Henry Fillmore and Edwin Franko Goldman with principal guest conductor Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel Admission is $20. At the Rebecca S. Wilburn auditorium at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Call 703-426-4777 or visit www.vgmb.com.
March 31 and April 1
Violinist Midori. Featuring the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Kim Allen Kluge, conductor. Tickets are $40/adults; $10/students; $5/children. Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 at 3 p.m. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.
April 1 A Celebration of Bulgarian Culture. Hopa Tropa Kukerica at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Playing with Kukerica, workshops at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Includes puppetry, folk objects, song, dance, and food. Featuring: Amie Cazel, Daria Kondova, Konstantin Hadjipanzov, Daniel Rovin and Gwendolyn Torrence. At the Masonic Theater at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 3 p.m. Tickets are $20. Featuring Claude Debussy’s Nocturnes, Gustav Holst’s Concerto for Two Violins with violinists Marc
Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, Composition Competition Finalist Charles Bestor’s Variations for Orchestra conducted by U.S. James; and Frederick Delius‘ Songs of Sunset conducted by Dr. Mark Whitmire with the NOVA Community Chorus,
mezzo-soprano Grace Gori and baritone Rex Gori. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria. Call 703-799-8229 www.wmpamusic.org.
Tuesday/April 3
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, Scott Ramminger and the Crawstickers. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/April 4
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults; $5/children. Featuring Elisabeth de Merode (flute) and Laurent Tardat (violin). At Lyceum Hall, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria.
Joan Osborne. At the Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500.
April 6 to 29
Childhood Memories. Works by artists inspired by their childhoods. Memories are endless: an experience, a trip, a gathering, an animal, a poem, a person or a place that brings one back to a childhood memory. Show exhibits April 6-29; opening reception April 6, 7-10 p.m. Open Thursday-Sunday. Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-838-4827. HYPERLINK http://www.TheDelRayArtisans.org www.TheDelRayArtisans.org
Saturday/April 7
Cleve Francis and Friends. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32.50. At the Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.clevefrancis.com www.clevefrancis.com.
Thursday/April 12
Explore Activities for Seniors. 10:30 a.m. At Chinquapin Park Recreation Center, 3210 King St., Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.seniorservicesalex.org www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
April 13 and 14
Spring Garden Market. Vendors from throughout the mid-Atlantic region will be selling a wide variety of plants as well as garden supplies and garden art. Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. AHS members-only preview night is Thursday, April 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the American Horticultural Society. At River Farm headquarters. Call 703-768-5700.
Saturday/April 14
La Vegas Style Family GALA Magic Show. At Bishop Ireton High School. Sponsored by Ring Ring 50 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Bishop Ireton. Five world-famous magicians — one from Argentina. Tickets are $12 for adults, less for seniors and students — family packs available. For details and to buy tickets go to HYPERLINK http://www.magi-whirl.org/gala/ http://www.magi-whirl.org/gala/
The Grandest Congress: The French and Indian War in Alexandria. Noon to 4 p.m. Donation of $5. Spring, 1755: Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America convened a meeting of five colonial governors at John Carlyle’s Alexandria home. Among Braddock’s objectives was to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Carlyle called this gathering “the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent.” Peek in on the meeting inside and enjoy the sights and smells of 18th-century style food being prepared for a grand dinner for Braddock and the Governors. Costumed interpreters will be on site to answer your questions.
Explore Alexandria's Firefighting History. 1 p.m. Tickets are $6/adults; $4/youth. The walking tour, "Blazing a Trail: Alexandria's Firefighting Past." As they walk through Old Town, participants will learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria and stop at historic buildings that once served as fire stations. At Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred St., Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net or by calling 703-746-4994.
Monday/April 16
Masters of Tradition. Celebrating the art of Irish music with seven of Ireland's most compelling musicians, including Fiddler Martin Hayes and singer Iarla O Lionaird. Will appear at The Birchmere Music Hall, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
Tuesday/April 17
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Free. Speaker Robert D. McLaren presents a lecture on DNA Testing for Genealogy: The Basics. Meets at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Contact Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or HYPERLINK mailto:publicity@mvgenealogy.org publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
April 19, 20, 21, 22 Spring Book Sale. The Friends of the Beatley Central Library in Alexandria host "It's Raining Books, Hallelujah." Preview is Thursday, April 19 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Continues Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Prices: paperbacks $1; hardbacks $3. At the Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
Saturday, April 21
Author Event. 2 to 4 p.m. Local author Tansil Johnson will sign and discuss her new books, Who Is Mooma? And Mooma and the Mouse. At Charles Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria.
MVHS Class of 2012 Spring Mulch Sale. $5/bag - 3 cubic feet, double shredded hardwood bark mulch. Orders of 10 bags or more will be delivered to select ZIP codes. For more information or to order, send a note to mvhsmulchsale2012@gmail.com or call 571-214-4348. Proceeds will support the senior class All Night Grad Party.
Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Carlyle House. An exciting mix of herbs and vegetable plants from Mount Vernon and Layng & Company will be available for purchase. Bring your family and participate in child-friendly activities, listen to performances by area musicians and living historians throughout the day, as well as shop for items made by local artisans and crafters. This event is free, however admission for the House tour is $5 for adults; $3 for children 5-12 years old; free for children 4 & under or free with your Alexandria Garden Day ticket. This event will take place rain or shine. Carlyle House Historic Park is at 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria.
April 25
Author Andrew Wingfield. 7 p.m. Come and hear local author Andrew Wingfield speak about his book Right of Way: Stories, winner of the Washington Writers Publishing House 2010 fiction prize. At the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or www.alexandria.lib.va.us
Saturday/April 28 Rebuilding Together Rebuilding Day. 8 a.m. Help repair 50 vulnerable Alexandria residents' homes during National Rebuilding Day. Some 1,000 volunteers are needed. Event kicks off at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alexandria. Contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609.
April 28 and 29
Carpenter's Shelter Cook-Off and Race. Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m. is the Run for Shelter 10K and One-Mile Fun Run. The 10th Anniversary Cook-Off Celebration is Sunday, April 29 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets for the Cook-Off are $40/adults; $10/children under 12. Registration is $40 for 10K and $20 for Fun Run. To register, visit www.runforshelter10k.com. All proceeds benefit Carpenter's Shelter and its work on behalf of homeless individuals, children and families. For the Cook-Off, visit www.carpenterscookoff.com. For general inquiries, contact Alex Stevens at alexstevens@carpentersshelter.org, 703-548-7500, ext. 204, or on Twitter @cookoff2012.
Saturday/May 12
Garden of Light Reception. 3 to 5 p.m. Help put an end to domestic violence by attending the Bethany House reception. Tickets are $55/person. At the Holiday Inn and Suites, 625 First Street, Alexandria. Visit www.bhnv.org or call 703-658-9500.
Explore Alexandria's Firefighting History. 1 p.m. Tickets are $6/adults; $4/youth. The walking tour, "Blazing a Trail: Alexandria's Firefighting Past." As they walk through Old Town, participants will learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria and stop at historic buildings that once served as fire stations. At Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred St., Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net or by calling 703-746-4994.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With pianist Adam Golka. Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem, Debussy's La Mer, Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand, and Elgar's Enigma Variations. Free pre-concert discussion for ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$55. info@fairfaxsymphony.org.
Thursday/May 17
Clifton Charity Homes Tour. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Featuring homes in and surrounding Clifton. Tickets are $25/advance; $30/day of tour; single home admission is $10. Presented by the Clifton Community Woman's Club. A "Wine Down" will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at Paradise Spring Winery. Lunch will be available at Clifton eateries; the Paradise Springs Winery will also be offering box lunches with a prior RSVP. Visit the CCWC website: HYPERLINK http://www.cliftoncwc.org www.cliftoncwc.org
Saturday/May 19 Continuing Education for Seniors. 9:30 a.m. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.seniorservicesalex.org www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
Saturday/May 26
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. A Salute to Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore and John Philip Sousa. Admission is $20. At the Rebecca S. Wilburn auditorium at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Call 703-426-4777 or visit HYPERLINK http://www.vgmb.com www.vgmb.com.
College of Running and Pre-Race Expo. 12 noon to 6 p.m., at Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Free to the public. Visit exhibits by Alexandria organizations and others. Listen to guest speakers. Sign up for Alexandria Running Festival the next day. See www.mc-coop.org/arf or call 703-927-4833.
Sunday/May 27
Alexandria Running Festival. Half marathon at 7:30 a.m. 5K at 8 a.m., and children's race. Register on-line at www.mc-coop.org/arf or call 703-927-4833. Race-day registration opens at 6 a.m. near Eisenhower Avenue Metro, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue.
June 3
I've Got Rhythm…I've Got Music. 4 p.m. The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at the Memorial Theater, George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Visit HYPERLINK http://www.vabronze.org www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.
Saturday/June 16
Author William Connery. 10 a.m. Friends of Alexandria Archaeology hosts William Connery, who will speak about his recent book, “Civil War Northern Virginia 1861.” At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Free but reservations required. Visit HYPERLINK mailto:archaeology@alexandriava.gov archaeology@alexandriava.gov