Entertainment

James Madison Dance Team Wins Large Varsity Pom Division

The James Madison Varsity Dance Team competed at the 2012 Mason Dance Team Invitational on Sunday, Dec. 9, among 32 other dance teams.

Tysons Service District Created

New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.

District Orchestras Perform at Langley High

Langley High hosts District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras.

One hundred and sixty-five students from 11 middle schools and 14 high schools participated in District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras Jan. 4-5 at Langley High School. Guest conductors worked with the students for two days and presented a superb concert.

PAUL Opens Bakery Café at Tysons Galleria

Established in Lille, France in 1889, PAUL Bakery is an international chain with nearly 500 stores in 25 countries, and in such prime locations as Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Moscow, Paris, Singapore and Tokyo. On Monday, Jan. 14, PAUL opened its first bakery café in Virginia in the Tysons Galleria shopping mall in McLean. (This is the fifth PAUL bakery café in the Washington, D.C. area.)

McLean Chocolate Festival Returns

New venue allows for more attendance, vendors.

The McLean Rotary Club will welcome chocolate lovers from all over Sunday, Jan. 27 at McLean High School for the second annual McLean Chocolate Festival.

Comedic Wit and Wisdom Fills the Workhouse

Once it was a place with the clanging noise of jail bar cells closing, but now laughter regularly wafts through the Workhouse. The source is the liveliness and vigor of stand-up comics of distinct genres and attitudes filling the seats as comedy nights are now a fixture at the Workhouse.

The Taste of Nostalgia

Visiting 29 Diner in Fairfax.

Growing up in Northern New Jersey in the 60s and 70s where diners ruled magnificently, it was a real treat when my husband Jan urged me to visit the 29 Diner located conveniently on Route 29 (Lee Highway) and Route 123 in Fairfax. Whenever we are on the road, we prefer diners to fast food restaurants, and this one was no exception.

Whisked Away to the Land of Oz

Home school co-op students stage an original musical to benefit Rancho 3M Orphanage.

The Sovereign Grace Co-op Drama Club is staging The Patchwork Girl of Oz and giving ticket sales and all donations to Rancho 3M Orphanage in Guadalupe, Mexico. The production showcases the singing and acting talents of over 30 middle and high school students from Sovereign Grace Home School Co-op in Fairfax.

Little Mermaid Comes to Springfield

Performances begin Friday; portion of proceeds benefits Hurricane Sandy victims.

In a magical kingdom under the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Will Ariel get her wish and find true love?

Reston Students to Perform in 2013 Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta

Students from Union Lopez Studio in Reston have been accepted into the 2013 Junior Theater Festival happening Jan. 18, 19 and 20 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga.

Life-affirming Comedy

Reston Community Players presents "The Savannah Disputation."

The Reston Community Players will soon bring the D.C. area community theater premiere of "The Savannah Disputation" to audiences. The play was written by emerging award winning playwright Evan Smith.

Orchestra Turns to Local Talent

Reston Community Orchestra to perform songs of Brian Scarbrough in MLK Concert Jan. 19.

At a very young age, Brian Scarbrough of Reston was already showing signs of musical prowess. His mother Richie remembers singing a commercial while her young son was around, and Brian Scarbrough promptly informed her she was off-key.

Marshall Theater Honors Walter Bobby McCoy

The George C. Marshall High School Theater Boosters have awarded Walter Bobby McCoy the GC Marshall Theater Award for his contributions, which included musical director for GC Marshall's musical "Drowsy Chaperone."

McLean Student Honored as YoungArts Finalist

Joe Broom of McLean, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology (TJHSST), is a National YoungArts Foundation Finalist in music. Chosen from approximately 10,000 applications submitted by students in nine disciplines of the visual, literary and performing arts, he will participate in a life-changing experience provided by the National YoungArts Foundation. He is the first TJHSST student to be selected as a YoungArts finalist.

New Exhibitions Open at MPA on Jan. 17

McLean Project for the Arts will hold an opening reception and gallery talk on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7 - 9 p.m. for three new exhibitions. It is free and open to the public.

The Connection