Entertainment

Gifts for the Hostess

Stylish ideas for saying thank you.

If you’re planning to be a guest rather than a host for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you don’t want to arrive empty handed. For those who are still searching for the perfect hostess gift, local tastemakers come to the rescue with presents that are stylish and thoughtful.

‘The Nutcracker’ at Madeira

If you are in search of a way to begin the holiday season, a rendition of “The Nutcracker,” performed by dancers at the Margaret A. Haddad School of Classical Ballet, is sure to warm your heart.

Great Falls Farmers Market: Back to the Roots

ZDF German Television, the German PBS station, came to film our farmers market on Oct. 25, as a part of a one-hour documentary on the state of the U.S. at the mid-term elections, aired in Germany on Oct. 29.

Exploring the Beauty of Nature

Kathrin Swoboda, of Vienna, received the Nature Visions' "Best in Show in Fine Art" award at the recent 2014 Nature Visions Photo Expo.

McLean Ready for WinterFest Parade

Parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7.

On Sunday, Dec. 7 McLean residents will welcome in the holidays as more than 60 entries proceed down Old Chain Bridge Road for the annual WinterFest parade.

Holiday Parade Returns to Reston Town Center

This year’s parade to be held on Friday, Nov. 28.

Reston Town Center presents the 24th annual Reston Holiday Parade, the highlight of a day filled with fun for the whole family, Friday, Nov. 28.

Bye Bye Cares and Woes

‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ in area premiere at 1st Stage.

In a world that can be way too stressful and sober, 1st Stage brings a carnival of rowdy fun and silly jabber. This is the area premiere of the recent Tony Award winning, "One Man, Two Guvnors." It is most definitely a guilty pleasure of escapism.

Arlington: ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns

Once again the stage was a flutter with fairies and clowns, mice and dolls, soldiers and snowflakes, flowers and Clara as the students at Kenmore Middle School prepared for performances of “The Nutcracker.”

Herndon Teen Dances in ‘A Christmas Carol’

Holiday classic offers dinner and a play.

A holiday classic comes to life in an intimate, dinner-theater setting when the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. and Truro Anglican Church present “A Christmas Carol.”

Spring Hill Liya Ensemble Performs at State Convention

Spring Hill Elementary’s top performing group, the 10-piece Liya Ensemble, had the honor of being selected as the only musical group to perform for the Virginia School Board Association’s convention in Williamsburg on Nov. 19.

Hometown Girl Really Makes Good

Danielle Talamantes goes from Vienna to NYC’s Metropolitan Opera.

Danielle Talamantes’ life story sounds like a Hallmark made-for-TV movie. Local girl sings in community, takes her voice to next level in international competitions, is discovered by agent of New York’s Metropolitan Opera.

‘An Evening in Vienna’ at Langley High

The Langley High School Orchestra performed its first concert of the year on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Langley HS Auditorium.

‘Artists on the Green’ to Exhibit at Great Falls Library

Artists on the Green will display their creative painting talents at an exhibit and show in the large conference room at the Great Falls Public Library during December 2014.

‘Audience Will Root for the Characters’

Oakton High presents the drama, “Radium Girls.”

Based on true events, Oakton High’s upcoming play, “Radium Girls,” is a compelling drama illustrating a tragic time in American history. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Herndon High Holds Fall Band Concert

Herndon band performs free concert at school before trip to Norfolk.

Herndon High School band welcomed the community to attend a free concert the evening of Nov. 12 at Herndon High School auditorium. The concert was held to thank the community for generous support during the annual Tag Day fundraiser.

The Connection