Entertainment

Musings from the Maestro: ‘Lushness & Lyrical’

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will present “Lushness & Lyrical” on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3.

Alexandria Appetite: Hank’s Pasta Bar Brings Little Italy to Old Town

Newcomer to the neighborhood has already gained solid following.

North Old Town has a new hotspot in the neighborhood. Hank’s Pasta Bar, the kid sister to the venerable Hank’s Oyster Bar on King Street, has taken the area by storm since opening about five weeks ago. And the newness hasn’t worn off yet. From the two fully booked soft openings to a recent Monday night that found the dining room out of space for the evening by 7 p.m., it’s clear that residents have a hankering for pasta. And Hank’s stands at the ready to accommodate.

Alexandria: ‘Boots & Bling’ Supports Children

The Center for Alexandria’s Children hosted “Boots & Bling: A Western Fling” on Feb. 25 at Blackwall Hitch to benefit its programs for child abuse victims and vulnerable families in Alexandria.

Fairfax: Gifted Dancers, Thrilling Artistry

George Mason University School of Dance presents Dance Gala.

“These are exciting times for the Mason School of Dance; we want to share our excitement with all of Northern Virginia,” said Susan Shields, director School of Dance, George Mason University.

Fairfax: Pancakes for a Cause

Breakfast event raises funds for Ellie’s Hats.

Some 200 people enjoyed a pancake breakfast, Saturday morning, at American Legion Post 177 in the City of Fairfax.

Media Alive in Reston

Sharing messages from Fairfax County to the nation.

Reston based MetroStar Systems was named a finalist of the 10th Annual Helios Apollo Awards for the communication and culture categories.

Local Beer Served in Reston

Thirsty for local beer in Northern Virginia? Try Reston.

Reston Town Center’s World of Beer hosted interviews Wednesday, March 2 for its new program “Drink It Interns,” where interns will use social media and writing skills to share beer stories they gather during their travels.

Alexandria: Her Artwork Captures Vibrancy of Life

Del Ray Artisans exhibit features artist with special needs.

Like most children, Yasmine Iskander liked to color with crayons. And like most mothers, Silvia Sagari was proud of everything her daughter created. But four years ago, when someone suggested to Sagari that Yasmine genuinely had talent, she took notice. Because Yasmine is not like most children.

Alexandria: ‘Cherry Challenge’ Winners

The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee announced the winners of the eighth annual “Cherry Challenge.” The Cherry Challenge took place between Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 in 53 Alexandria restaurants. It featured cherry-inspired dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts created by the restaurant chefs. Some of the restaurants have competed in the past, but there were many restaurants new to the competition this year.

Herndon: Restaurant on a Mission

GreenFare, and a coffee bar on wheels servicing Herndon.

Monday, March 7, members of the Herndon Town Council including Mayor Lisa Merkel and Vice Mayor Jennifer Baker and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova joined in the official ribbon cutting for a new business at the Herndon K-Mart Shopping Center.

Herndon: Classical Ballet Theatre Presents Master Classes

Classical Ballet Theatre is offering a master class experience with the acclaimed Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner, former Principal Dancers with American Ballet Theatre.

Potomac: Churchill To Present ‘Blast from the Past 27’

Musical performances to revolve around “elements” theme.

Earth, wind, fire, water — these elements have influenced culture throughout history as well as music since society’s early beginnings. “Blast From the Past 27 – Elements” will present a testimony to their power through vocals and dance performances of songs such as “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel, “Rain” by the Beatles, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis and “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King.

Arlington Snapshot: At Gala

Five singers set the stage for Opera Nova’s production of “Treemonisha” in the fall with a gala fund-raising brunch on March 5 at the Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington. The abbreviated Scott Joplin opera will be performed for as many as 3,500 school children in the fall at Thomas Jefferson Community Theater.

Arlington Snapshot: ‘The True Adventures of Pinocchio’ To Open Thursday

“The True Adventures of Pinocchio,” the Yorktown spring production, will be staged March 10, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $10 at the door and are available at yhstheatre.org/pinocchio. Premium tickets with reserved seating are $50 each, and there is a 6 p.m. pre-show dinner cafe for $10. On Saturday, March 12, there will be an ice cream social with the cast immediately following the matinee, at a cost of $3.

Novel’s Authors To Sign ‘High Hand’ in Clarendon

Three writers create a political thriller.

It’s not often that an award-winning journalist, a world-renowned scientist and a retired senior government official come together to write a spy thriller.

The Connection