Mar
28
Sat
Freer/Sackler Cherry Blossom Celebration @ Freer/Sackler Museums
Mar 28 @ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
On Saturday, March 28, the galleries will host a premiere event of the National Cherry BlossomFestival, “Cherry Blossom Celebration,” a free, family day where visitors can unleash their inner artist with Washington’s popular ArtJamz, take guided tours exploring nature in Japanese arts and browse vintage Japanese kimono for purchase. Anime fans can view classic sci-fi anime films, including the 3-D epic Harlock: Space Pirate, and meet legendary anime director Shinji Aramaki.

Throughout the spring, guests can learn about other well-known expressions of Japanese culture in “Zen, Tea, and Chinese Art in Medieval Japan”–such as Zen Buddhism, tea drinking and ink painting, which emerged in the 12th-16th centuries. Also on view will be  “Oribe Ware: Color and Pattern Come to Japanese Ceramics,” an exhibition on the renowned style that introduced vivid pattern and color to Japanese ceramics in 1605.  In addition, cherry blossom enthusiasts anywhere in the world can share the splendor of the season digitally with a new suite of free e-cards featuring artworks from the Freer and Sackler collections, available online.

Visit asia.si.edu/cherryblossom for the complete schedule of programs.

Leukemia Ball @ Convention Center
Mar 28 @ 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

On Saturday, March 28, 2015, Washington-area business leaders will gather at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to celebrate the 28th annual Leukemia Ball presented by PhRMA. This year, comedian Jim Gaffigan and musician Michael Cavanaugh will perform at this event, dedicated to raising money for lifesaving cancer research and patient programs funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Named the “King of Clean Comedy” by The Wall Street Journal, Georgetown alumnus Jim Gaffigan will entertain guests with an original stand-up routine. The actor, Grammy-nominated comedian and New York Times best-selling author is known for several TV shows and movies, including Away We Go, It’s Kind of a Funny Story and Law & Order. Gaffigan recently appeared in his first Broadway production, That Championship Season, and is currently on a 50-city national tour called “Jim Gaffigan: The White Bread Tour.”

Tony and GRAMMY Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh will enchant crowds with his renowned rock ‘n’ roll sound. Cavanaugh is most famous for his lead role in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out and has toured the country with several symphony orchestras.

The Leukemia Ball, one of D.C.’s largest one-night non-political black-tie events, is expected to raise more than $3.1 million for LLS’s National Capital Area Chapter and will be emceed by ESPN anchor Lindsay Czarniak  and MSNBC anchor and national correspondent Craig Melvin. Formerly part of the NBC Washington news team, the couple returns to Washington to continue their longtime support of the LLS mission.

“The Leukemia Ball has directly impacted the lives of blood cancer patients everywhere by helping to fund research and to raise awareness,” said Beth Gorman, National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director. “This year, the Ball will surpass the $50 million fundraising milestone thanks to the relentless support of Washington’s business leaders over the past two decades.”

The 2015 Leukemia Ball is co-chaired by Dan Waetjen, Group President at BB&T Bank, and Ed Offterdinger, Executive Managing Partner at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. The co-chairs lead an esteemed Executive Committee of more than 60 of the area’s most talented, committed business leaders, who volunteer their time to create a memorable evening and raise millions of dollars in support of LLS’s mission.

“It’s incredible to see D.C.’s most influential companies coming together to support the research and programs offered by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” said Waetjen. “I’m looking forward to serving as senior chair for the 2015 Ball, especially after co-chairing such a successful event last year.”

Seventy-eight cents of every dollar spent by LLS funds its mission – to find a cure for blood cancer and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS’s commitment to funding innovative research projects has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates over recent years. For example, today, the five-year survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia is more than 90 percent, up from 3 percent in 1964.

“LLS has made tremendous progress, but the fight against blood cancer is not over,” said Offterdinger. “I’m honored to be co-chairing the Leukemia Ball, as it allows LLS to continue the search for safe and effective treatments for all patients.”

The Leukemia Ball is long recognized as one of Washington’s most popular black-tie galas. The silent auction, which raised more than $300,000 in 2014, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety of travel packages, including American Airlines air travel to exotic locations. The event also boasts a Mercedes-Benz raffle featuring two brand new vehicles donated by local Mercedes-Benz dealers. Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 tickets are printed.

The event’s popularity over the past two decades is also largely due to the featured entertainment. Past headliners have included Diana Ross, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, John Mellencamp, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Seinfeld, Reba McIntyre, Jim Belushi, Dan Ackroyd and Lionel Richie.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (R) (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

 

Mar
30
Mon
Author Reading w/ George Pelecanos @ Petworth Library
Mar 30 @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The DC Public Library, in partnership with
the Friends of the Petworth Library,
invite you to:
Pelecanos in Petworth:
Exploring D.C. Noir with Author George Pelecanos
Author Reading (free to the public)
Monday, March 30, 6:30 PM
Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Avenue NW
Happy Hour with George Pelecanos ($35/person)
Monday, March 30, 8 PM
Petworth Citizen, 829 Upshur Street NW
Join D.C.-based novelist and critically acclaimed television producer, George Pelecanos, as he reads excerpts from The Martini Shot, his new novella and collection of short stories. His books will be available for purchase at the event via Upshur Street Books. After the free author reading at the Petworth Library, join us in the Reading Room at Petworth Citizen for a drink with George. Proceeds will benefit the DC Public Library Foundation and 10% of the bar tab will go to the Friends of the Petworth Library.
Mar
31
Tue
Chris4Life’s Eat4Life @ Longview Gallery
Mar 31 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Notable DC Chefs Duel Out Colon Friendly Cuisines for

 3rd Annual Eat4Life
Chef Challenge & Vendor Show Set for March 31st

March kicks off National Colon Cancer Awareness Month and national non-profit the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation today announced it will host its 3rd Annual Eat4Life chef challenge event on Thursday, March 31st.  Local chefs from the Washington DC metropolitan region will participate in the chef cook-off hosted by the Chris4Life’s Young Professional Board.  Chefs are given a list of approved colon friendly ingredients in which they will participate in a challenge in preparing cancer friendly dishes – providing guests healthy meal options while helping raise funds and awareness for the foundation.  The event will consist of stations and each chef will have the opportunity to discuss preparation of the item being served and why they choose to cook their particular colon friendly cuisine. Guests vote on the winning dish. For the past two years, Scott Drewno, Executive Chef at The Source has one this event.

The event will be emceed by Nycci Nellis, editor popular foodie site The List Are You On It and host of the Foodie and the Beast Show on 1500AM. The evening will also feature inspirational speaker Teri Griege, a stage IV colon cancer survivor, ironman tri-athlete, and founder of the “Power of Hope” Foundation, who has been recognized as a leading expert on resilience and has been featured on The Today Show and ESPN.

The 2015 Chefs:

  • Scott Drewno, Executive Chef – The Source by Wolfgang Puck (2013 & 2014 Eat4Life Champion)
  • Enrique Ayala, Executive Chef – Scion Dupont and Scion Silver Spring
  • Matt Baker, Executive Chef – City Perch Kitchen and Bar
  • Carlos Gonzales, Chef du Cuisine – Taco Bamba
  • Erick Jiron, Executive Chef – Crios Modern Mexican
  • Patrick Robinson, Executive Chef – Table DC
  • Tyler Scholfield, Executive Chef – NaiNai’s Noodle and Dumpling Bar

Healthy Lifestyle Pop-Up Market:

  • Pure Barre
  • Zengo Cycle
  • Slender Seven
  • Chups
  • Apinya Thai Food Co.

Chris4Life is behind the successful national awareness campaign titled ‘Love Your Butt’, giving attention to how important it is to get screened.

Tickets for the Eat4Life event range from $30-75.  For more information about the event and the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, visit www.chris4life.org.

 

EVENT DETAILS

What:  3rd Annual Eat4Life Chef Cook-Off

Presented by:  Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation

When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Where:  Longview Gallery, 1234 9th Street NW, Washington, DC

Time:  6-9PM

Website: www.chris4life.org/eat4life

Twitter: @chris4cure #eat4life #loveyourbuttC4L

 

Apr
8
Wed
Women of Will at STC @ Lansburgh Theatre of the Shakespeare Theatre Company
Apr 8 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents Women of Will: An Evening with Tina Packer, featuring leading Shakespearean actor/director/dramaturg Tina Packer in a performance that deconstructs and conjures Shakespeare’s famous female characters. This one-night-only event will play the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW) on Wednesday, April 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include a special post-show reception launching her new book, Women of WillFollowing the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays.

Shakespeare’s creative knowledge and sense of a larger spiritual good come together in his late plays, making clear that when women and men are equal in status and sexual passion, they can—and do—change the world. Founder of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, Tina Packer celebrates the release of her long-awaited bookWomen of Will: Following the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays with a special engagement at the Shakespeare Theatre Company that encompasses her more than 40 years of experience in acting and directing the Bard. The evening begins with excerpts from Packer’s performance piece, Women of Will, which explores Shakespeare’s imagination through his female characters, uncovering a theme and progression within the women’s voices. Women of Will also features actor Nigel Gore and is directed by Eric Tucker (Bedlam Theater Artistic Director).

Following the performance, Packer will sign copies of Women of Will: Following the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays in a post-show reception in the Lansburgh Theatre Lobby. This new book follows Shakespeare’s development from youth to enlightened maturity and charts the playwright’s evolution across the years through his increasingly empathetic and nuanced portrayal of his female characters. Women of Will: Following the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays is available in bookstores starting April 7, 2015.

Tickets for this special event are now on sale. To purchase tickets or learn more, patrons can call the Box Office at 202.547.122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/WomenofWill.

 

Apr
9
Thu
City Paper’s Best of DC Celebration @ Carnegie Library
Apr 9 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Over the past weeks, Washington City Paper readers have voted for their favorites in more than 300 categories ranging from “Best Place to Take a Foodie” to “Best Cultural Festival” to favorite “Place to Buy Vinyl.” The results of this year’s poll will be revealed in theApril 9th issue of the paper, with winners feted during the annual Best of D.C. Celebration later that evening at the Carnegie Library (801 K Street NW).

“With thousands of votes cast each year in our Reader’s Poll, the Best of D.C. issue is always one of our most popular issues,” says publisher Amy Austin. “We’re excited to toast all the winners at the celebration on April 9th and invite the public to join us!”

The Best of D.C. Celebration will feature bites from 50 area restaurants, a beer tent, cocktails from 10 of the region’s best mixologists, food trucks, live music on multiple stages and puppies! VIP ($100) and General Admission ($65) tickets for the cocktail affair are available for purchase online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/events/bestofdc.

 

Apr
10
Fri
NMWA Annual Spring Gala @ NMWA
Apr 10 @ 6:30 PM – 11:59 PM

On Friday, April 10, 2015, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Laura Denise Bisogniero along with NMWA’s Board of Trustees, will celebrate its Annual Spring Gala in celebration of the special exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.

Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to view Picturing Mary, which explores the concept of womanhood represented by the Virgin Mary as well as the social and sacred functions her image has served through time. This landmark exhibition organized by NMWA brings together more than 60 Renaissance- and Baroque-era works from the Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and other museums, churches and private collections in Europe and the United States.

The annual black-tie gala will continue with cocktails in the galleries and an exciting auction followed by dinner and dancing in the elegant Great Hall. The 2015 Gala Auction Chairs are Jacqui Michel, Frances Usher and Debra Latiolais.

WHEN
Friday, April 10, 2015
Cocktails and Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Dancing: 8 p.m. to midnight

WHERE
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Valet parking available

DETAILS
The spring gala is the museum’s largest annual fundraising event attended by more than 400 luminaries from Washington’s diplomatic, governmental and social communities. Proceeds from the Spring Gala support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming and the groundbreaking exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.

TICKETS
Individuals $650; Gala Host Committee, Individuals $1,000 and Couples $1,500 (both include premium seating and recognition in the program); Sponsored Tables $10,000 and up

NMWA Spring Gala @ NMWA
Apr 10 @ 6:30 PM – 11:59 PM

On Friday, April 10, 2015, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), will celebrate its Annual Spring Gala chaired by Bertha Soto Braddock and Janice Obuchowski. Under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy, Claudio Bisogniero and Mrs. Laura Denise Bisogniero along with NMWA’s Board of Trustees, the event celebrates the special exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.

Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to view Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea, which explores the concept of womanhood represented by the Virgin Mary as well as the social and sacred functions her image has served through time. This landmark exhibition organized by NMWA brings together more than 60 Renaissance- and Baroque-era works from the Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and other museums, churches and private collections in Europe and the United States.

The annual black-tie gala will continue with cocktails in the galleries and an exciting auction followed by dinner and dancing in the elegant Great Hall. The 2015 Gala Auction Chairs are Jacqui Michel, Frances Usher and Debra Latiolais.

WHEN:
Friday, April 10, 2015
Cocktails and Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Dancing: 8:30 p.m. to midnight

WHERE:
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Valet parking available

DETAILS:
The spring gala is the museum’s largest annual fundraising event attended by more than 400 luminaries from Washington’s diplomatic, governmental and social communities. Proceeds from the Spring Gala support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming and the groundbreaking exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.

TICKETS:
Individuals $650; Gala Host Committee, Individuals $1,000 and Couples $1,500 (both include premium seating and recognition in the program);

Apr
13
Mon
Industree’s Launchology @ Penn Social
Apr 13 @ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

industree’s popular series, Launchology, returns on April 13th from 11AM to 4:30PM at Penn Social, located at 801 E Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004. Moderated by heavy hitters such as Jeff Black of Black Restaurant Group, Bonnie Benwick of The Washington Post and Mark Haidet of Orderly, this multi-panel event will feature candid conversations, real stories and unfiltered advice needed to be successful in the food & beverage industry.

Hear from the #bestinthebiz on restaurant operations, the business behind the food, construction and design, top trends in technology and the looming topic on everyone’s mind… Media. For the first time this year, learn how to handle bad reviews, cultivate healthy press relations and use social media to your restaurant’s advantage.

Panelists include Shannon Jones (Idea Sandbox), Brian Miller (Edit Lab by Streetsense), Jag Bansal (Improvonia), Nick Mautone (CohnReznick), Tom Dailey (Potomac Construction Services), Kosta Dionisopoulos (Delta Produce), Ayeshah Abuelhiga (Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.), Kim Roth (Studley-Savills), John Valentine (Swipely), Sara Hill Isacson (Bullfrog Bagels), Dave Hansen (Hansen-Daye, LLC), Riley Lagesen (Davis, Wright, Tremaine, LLP), Johnna Rowe (Johnna Knows Good Food), Jill Collins (Jill Collins PR), Kimberly-Mae Van (Yelp), Ian Gleason (NCR/Aloha), Noelle McEntee (Square) and more.

Half day and full day tickets range from $30-75 and current students are invited to purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $15-25. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. For full day attendees, registration begins at 11AM with La Colombe coffee and Bullfrog Bagels, and boxed meals packed with the District’s tastiest local eats will be provided at lunchtime. For half day attendees, registration begins at 1:30PM. Cocktails and mocktails will be flowing throughout the event. Check out the full schedule and purchase tickets here: http://theindustreegroup.com/event/dc-launchology-2015/.

Apr
14
Tue
Now He Belongs to the Ages: A Lincoln Commemoration @ Ford's Theatre
Apr 14 @ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

April 14, 2015, at 9:00 p.m.

Ford’s Theatre (511 Tenth Street NW)

Live streamed online and at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in the

  Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

Ford’s Theatre marks 150 years since Abraham Lincoln’s assassination with a moving commemorative event. Performance to include readings of Lincoln’s words and stories, Civil War-era music, excerpts from Lincoln’s favorite operas, and more. The event seeks to remind us that we not only lost a president; we lost a man who treasured his family, his friends and his country with a love so strong it could hold the Union together. Note: Event is at capacity within Ford’s Theatre.