Entertainment

Community Celebrates McLean Day

Festival brings thousands to Lewinsville Park.

While Enid Tate of McLean enjoys going to McLean Day to check out the local businesses, live music, carnival rides and other staples of the annual festival, her two daughters come for only one thing.

ViVa! Vienna! Launches Summer with Fun, Food and Marketplace

Three-day Memorial Day weekend festival hits town on May 26.

It’s back, and more fun-filled and family-friendly than ever … It’s the annual three-day ViVa! Vienna! Memorial Day weekend festival sponsored by the Vienna Rotary Club, abundant with more than 325 vendors, all-day free live entertainment and 24 kid-friendly amusement rides. The Historic Church Street corridor closes down completely on May 27 and 28 when the area hums with festival life. On May 26, opening day of ViVa! Vienna!, Church Street remains open. Only amusement rides and the food court are operational on opening day.

‘An Art Affair’ at Madeira

Students hold art auction to benefit Freedom in Creation.

On Friday May 4, The Madeira School’s African Affairs Club held its second "Art Affair," a "community-wide charity event" which raises funds for the non-profit organization, Freedom in Creation (FIC).

McLean Orchestra Continues ‘$40,000 for the 40th’ Campaign

To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the McLean Orchestra, Wayne Winston Sharp, President of the Board of Trustees, announced a Spring Campaign to raise "$40,000 for the 40th" by the end of the season on June 30. Sharp noted that this will place the orchestra in a stronger financial position to help underwrite live classical music performances, made possible by the orchestra’s 85 professional musicians. The McLean Orchestra has been offering these concerts to growing audiences throughout the Greater McLean Community since 1971.

Strike Up the Band!

McLean's Goodson takes to Arena Stage in 'The Music Man.'

For two grueling days, 13-year-old Jamie Goodson joined 120 other young hopefuls in a rare open audition casting call last December for the Arena Stage production of "The Music Man."

Joining ‘Voices of Now’

Local schools perform at Arena Stage.

Last week, drama ensembles from five Fairfax County Schools performed at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. as part of a youth drama program called "Voices of Now."

Centre View Calendar--May 17

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

LTA Cast Bids Adieu to “Witness for the Prosecution”

More than a few tears were shed as The Little Theatre of Alexandria continued its long tradition of hosting a closing night wrap party following the final performance of “Witness for the Prosecution.”

At the Sherwood Regional Library May 19-30

Saturday/May 19 Practice Your English. 11 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-765-3645.

Calendar for May 16

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.

AHA!’s First Anniversary

Best-selling author Judith Viorst spoke to an audience of more than 200 on last month at the first anniversary celebration of At Home in Alexandria (AHA!). Viorst's remarks, which included readings from several of her published and award-winning poems and books, interpreted life's lessons in childhood, love, marriage, friendship and old age. The event was held at the Beth El Hebrew Congregation on Seminary Road in Alexandria. Above are AHA! Board Chair Carol Downs, Viorst (center) and AHA! Board Member Barbara Rosenfeld.

‘Ticket to Art’ Benefits Vienna Arts Society, American Legion

Annual art raffle and silent auction on May 19.

"Ticket to Art," the May 19 fundraiser hosted by the Vienna Arts Society [VAS], has partnered with American Legion Post 180 of Vienna this year. The purchase of a $125 "ticket" to art entitles raffle winners to choose an original art piece valued between $150 and $650.

All Aboard

Alexandria now home to historic Skipjack Minnie V.

The distinctive click of digital cameras filled the air as a crowd of onlookers gathered May 12 to capture the historic skipjack Minnie V. departing on its maiden voyage from the Alexandria City Dock.

Music That ‘Will Stick in Your Craw’

Numerous attractions slated For the McLean Day 2012 Stage.

Washington Area Music Award (WAMMIE) winning musical group Scott Ramminger and the CrawStickers will play a wide mix of favorites and original songs on the House Stage of the McLean Community Center’s (MCC) McLean Day 2012: Celebrating Our Hometown festival on Saturday, May 19. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. Festival admission is free and includes all onstage entertainment.

Park, Ride and Relax

Center urges residents to use shuttles to and from McLean Day 2012.

The McLean Community Center is offering a free shuttle service to and from the McLean Day 2012: Celebrating Our Hometown festival on Saturday, May 19. The festival will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road.

The Connection