DC wine institution Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar will transform into a wine-centric movie theater showing the critically acclaimed documentary Somm on Monday, May 4 at 6pm.Accompanied by a panel of DC wine experts, DC’s original wine bar will invite guests to its cozy Sonoma Avenue Lounge for a full movie theater experience, with a wine flight tasting and an unlimited popcorn bar featuring fun house made varieties, like Classic Butter, Ranch, Dill Pickle-Spiced and Truffle, for $30 a person.
As Somm follows four sommelier hopefuls on their journey to compete against the best in the business and pass the test to become Masters, Sonoma will be hosting its own local wine tasting competition. Sonoma Beverage Director and sommelier Woong Chang will be joined by sommeliers Elli Benchimol ofRange and Andrew Stover of Oya and Sei to conduct a guided wine tasting with guests-and then compete against one another in a blind wine tasting, just as is done in the film.
In addition to the fun popcorn bar, guests can also select from Chef de Cuisine James Marroquin’s a la carte menu house made movie snacks, like Popcorn-Marshmallow clusters, Old Bay-Spiced Candied Nuts, Soft Pretzel Twists with mustard or bacon peanut butter, and Crispy Chickpeaswith coriander & cumin.
Space is limited and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite For more information, please visit www.sonomadc.com or call 202.544.8088.
Who: Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
Sonoma Chef de Cuisine James Marroquin
Sonoma Beverage Director Woong Chang
Range Sommelier Elli Benchimol
Oya and Sei Sommelier Andrew Stover
The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award®, presents its Annual Dinner and Mock Trial at Sidney Harman Hall(610 F Street NW) on Monday, May 11, 2015. This marks the 20th year that Shakespeare Theatre Company has put on the Mock Trial. The evening begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Forum, followed by the Trial at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre. A special session of the Supreme Court of La Mancha will review the decisions of the Family Court to declare Don Quixote mentally incompetent and his subsequent placement under the guardianship of his niece, Antonia.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will preside and will be accompanied by Justice Stephen Breyer, as well as Chief Judge Merrick Garland and Judge Patricia Millett, both of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Tom Goldstein of Goldstein & Russell P.C. andCarter Phillips of Sidley Austin LLP will argue the case. The Trial will be moderated byAbbe D. Lowell of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, chair of the STC Bard Association and STC Board of Trustees member.
Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company says of Mock Trial, “As I’ve often said, Shakespeare doesn’t tell us what to think, he tells us what to think about. This is what Mock Trial does so stunningly, it uses these classic stories as lenses to look at seemingly old issues and bring them to our modern, and legal, world.”
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Mock Trial is sponsored by the Bard Association, STC’s affinity group for Washington’s legal community.
Since 1994, the Shakespeare Theatre Company has hosted a Mock Trial based on a play from STC’s mainstage season. The fictional court case poses a legal question, or questions, and the audience must act as the jury to decide the fate of the characters. The Trial aims to examine the links between classic works and contemporary legal theory in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Past Mock Trials have explored whether Malvolio (Twelfth Night) was entitled to damages for wrongful imprisonment; Iago (Othello) was guilty of the murders of Desdemona and Othello; Hamlet (Hamlet) was insane when he murdered Polonius; and if Sir John Falstaff (Henry IV) should have been compensated for his services to Prince Hal and reinstated as a member of the royal court. Last year’s Mock Trial concentrated on the characters in William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and argued whether the Duke of Vienna should be held responsible for abuses of power perpetuated by his appointed representative, and debated issues of illegal secret surveillance, false imprisonment, negligent appointment of an unfit deputy, and disrespect of commitment to religious vows.
This season’s Mock Trial focuses on the characters in Dale Wasserman’s Man of La Mancha and asks the question: Did the Family Court commit reversible errors of law and fact in determining that Don Quixote was mentally incompetent, and should the Family Court have appointed Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s loyal friend, as his guardian, rather than his niece Antonia?
SCENARIO
As word spread of Alonso Quixana’s (self-named and known to the world as Don Quixote) exhibited signs of mental illness or incompetence, his niece Antonia petitioned the Family Court to appoint her to be his guardian to protect his financial interests and to make medical decisions for him. In support of her petition, Antonia described Don Quixote’s hallucinations, his instigation of ill-conceived and ill-fated battles, his unwitting contribution to the brutal treatment of Aldonza, and his persistent inability to separate reality from illusion. Antonia stated that Don Quixote was unable to manage his assets, pay his medical expenses, or make financial decisions in his own best interests, and that he had been the victim of financial exploitation without even realizing others were taking advantage of him. Antonia’s fiancé, Dr. Carrasco, provided a petition of incompetency claiming to be Don Quixote’s treating physician and asserting that Don Quixote’s mental disability was permanent and that he had no ability to understand the nature of the proceedings or reasons for appointment of a guardian.
The Family Court heard extensive testimony about Don Quixote’s ill-fated escapades during his career as a knight errant, about his discussion of his “dreams,” his tendency to burst into song, and his claims of being a knight. His friends testified about Don Quixote’s idealism, courtesy, generosity, gallantry, and nobility. Sancho Panza said Don Quixote knew he was not really a knight, but simply liked to conceive of a nobler world inspired by courtesy and bravery. Don Quixote’s attorney argued that he did not need a guardian, but that if the Court disagreed, it should appoint Sancho Panza, not Antonia.
The Family Court appointed Antonia as Don Quixote’s guardian. On petition for review by the Supreme Court of La Mancha, Don Quixote has asked the Court to decide two questions:
1. Did the Family Court commit reversible errors of law and fact in determining that Don Quixote was mentally incompetent within the meaning of the laws governing appointment of guardians of property and persons?
2. Assuming Don Quixote was not fully competent to manage his affairs or make decisions about his medical treatment, should the Family Court have rejected Antonia’s petition as motivated by fraud and self-interest, and instead have appointed Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s loyal friend, as his guardian?
TICKET INFORMATION
Interested in Premium Seating and Dining with the Participants before the Trial?Tickets to the Dinner and Trial ($350) are available now. To purchase tickets please call 202.547.3230 ext. 2330 or contact MockTrial@ShakespeareTheatre.
Trial-only Ticket Prices
A Price: $75
B Price: $50 (limited availability)
Student: $20 (valid student ID required when picking up tickets)
Tickets on sale for STC donors and season subscribers on March 18 at noon.
Tickets for the general public on sale March 23 at noon.
For more information please contact MockTrial@ShakespeareTheatre.
Twenty-three single-passenger electric vehicles built by high school students from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia will compete in the 2015 Washington DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix (EV Grand Prix) at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Fairgrounds on Saturday May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and Pepco are co-sponsors of this year’s event, which is organized by Global EEE (Education, Energy, and Environment). DDOE is hosting the competition in Washington, DC in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). Local high school competitors include Dunbar, Friendship Collegiate Academy, Friendship Tech Prep Academy, McKinley Tech, Phelps, Roosevelt, School Without Walls, Sidwell Friends School, and Wilson in the District along with Wheaton, Clarksburg, Sandy Spring Friends, and High Point high schools in suburban Maryland. Hereford High School, Chesapeake High School, and Perry Hall from Baltimore County will be in the race, as will schools from Virginia.
This innovative, hands-on educational program teaches students to apply engineering, science, mathematics, and strategy as they construct and race their battery-powered electric cars. EV Grand Prix cars are specifically designed and must meet stringent safety regulations. The single-person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high-efficiency vehicles are coming to test their mettle in an hour-long race, on a challenging formula-style race course, using only energy stored in their batteries.
“We are thrilled to host the third annual DC EV Grand Prix,” said District Department of the Environment Director, Tommy Wells. “This program exposes students to energy conservation and technology and provides important educational and training opportunities. The DC EV Grand Prix engages our youth in the innovation economy, preparing them for the future by providing a green pathway to the middle class.”
“We are proud to support the District’s students in this regional competition that requires skill and creativity—attributes essential to their success in Saturday’s race and in the future,” said Ted Trabue, DCSEU Managing Director.
“As students are making informed decisions about higher education and future opportunities, it’s important that we support the efforts of the local schools and families we serve,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco Region President. “These young engineers and scientists will use the competition to test and refine their creations, and the results of their experiments will help determine future applications of renewable energy. We appreciate the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve.”
“This high school competition is in its third year, and we are already beginning to see the positive impact it is having on local students in their career decisions and college placements,” said Dr. Nabih Bedewi, Managing Director of Global EEE and the competition director. “We are pleased to partner with DDOE, DCSEU, USDOE, and Pepco this year and look forward to a successful and exciting race at RFK Stadium.”
For more information on the 2015 Washington DC EV Grand Prix, visit http://ddoe.dc.gov/event/dc-electric-vehicle-grand-prix-2015
The Cathedral Choral Society will present the final concert of its 2014/15 season, Great Opera Choruses, on Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. The program of well-loved opera arias and choruses includes works by Wagner, Bellini, Gounod, Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, and Boito. The Cathedral Choral Society, conducted by Music Director J. Reilly Lewis, will be joined by Jessica Julin, soprano; Ben Wager, bass; and the Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus.
“This concert will feature magnificent opera music, sacred and profane, perfect for the Cathedral,” said J. Reilly Lewis. “This is my first time programming opera for this chorus, and these gorgeous works capture all the emotions of great opera.”
Selections will be performed from Wagner, Die Meistersinger; Bellini, Norma; Gounod, Faust; Verdi, Nabucco; Puccini, Tosca; Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana; Puccini, Manon Lescaut; and Boito, Mefistofele.
“We are thrilled to be performing opera in the Cathedral for the first time,” said Genevieve Twomey, Executive Director of the Cathedral Choral Society. “This music is rich, exciting, dramatic, and engaging – and to experience this in such a grand space will be a unique and memorable experience.”
The Cathedral Choral Society is pleased to feature soloists Jessica Julin, soprano and Ben Wager, bass, and to welcome the Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus as guest choir on Boito’s Mefistofele. Jessica Julin, soprano has been praised for her “commanding voice,” and is a 2009 Grand Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Auditions. She received her masters from Indiana University, studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, and currently resides in Maryland. She won first prize awards in the J.P. Parkinson Competition, Lois Alba Aria Competition, and the Giagiari Bel Canto Competition.
Ben Wager, bass is a 2009 graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. This season, he debuted in Oslo with Den Norske Opera as Escamillo in Carmen and performed two roles with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Previous engagements include with the Nashville Opera, Deutsche Opera Berlin, Minnesota Opera, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2012, The Washington Times praised him for his “perfect balance of graciousness [and] forthrightness” in a concert opera performance.
The Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus is comprised of many of the finest young singers, ages 8-14, from Washington, DC; Virginia; and Maryland. They appear frequently in WNO productions at the Kennedy Center. Recent performances include the world premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (2013) and the WNO premier of Rachel Portman’s The Little Prince (2014). They are directed by Will Breytspraak, Children’s Chorus Master, who is the Chair of Performing Arts at Maret School in Washington, DC.
A pre-concert talk by Peter Russell will be presented at 3:00 p.m. in Perry Auditorium (in the Cathedral tower). Peter Russell is a leading figure in the DC opera scene, having served as General Director of the Wolf Trap Opera Company and founding Washington Concert Opera before later taking on his current role as General Director of Vocal Arts DC.
About the Cathedral Choral Society: The Cathedral Choral Society is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. Now in its 73rd season, the 140-voice chorus presents an inspiring concert season at the Cathedral and shares the joy of choral singing throughout the Greater Washington, DC Area through its community engagement programs. Its 2015/16 season will be announced the week of May 17.
For Tickets: Regularly priced tickets begin at $25. Tickets for children and students with valid ID under the age of 25 are $15. Seniors, veteran, and military may receive 10% off (excludes Premium Nave). Complimentary parking is included with ticket purchase in the Cathedral’s underground parking garage courtesy of the Cathedral Choral Society. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, please call (202) 537-2228 | (877) 537-2228 or visit the website, www.cathedralchoralsociety.org
Arlington-based Jane Franklin Dance presents Zip Through a Tight Space Gala on May 20, 2015 at 7pm at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center in Alexandria, VA.
WHAT: Join in for an evening of live performance at our annual Benefit in the lovely and spacious Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. Dynamic performances feature a new inter generational dance work performed by former Jane Franklin Dance company members and their young children, live music by Brian Pagels and Erin Ryan in a premier collaboration, live music by NSO and Eclipse Chamber Orchestra members Alice Weinreb & Truman Harris in a new collaboration, and performances by Forty+, a group of performers past the age of 40. A catered reception and silent auction precede the performance. Jane Franklin Dance provides courtesy parking in the Beauregard Street Garage adjacent to the theatre.
A Pop-Up Art Exhibition entitled “Future Perfect” will be on display in the forum in conjunction with the Gala performance.
The benefit will support Jane Franklin Dance’s successful flagship programs and artistic projects including: Forty+ projects, dance education for youth and artistic projects for the 2015-2016 season including performances at the Capital Fringe Festival.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 @ 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
3001 N. Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA
TICKETS: $40-$100, special group rates, student discounts, and new VIP pricing. Available online at www.janefranklin.com/performances/tickets or at the door.
A percentage of all event sales will be donated directly to the ballet on behalf of the Capella.
The Jete Society of The Washington Ballet invites you to join us on May 27 for an evening of rooftop cocktails and hor d’oeuvres at the Capella in Georgetown. Come on out to mingle with Washington Ballet dancers and fellow Jete Society members as we toast another successful season of performances, including ALICE in Wonderland, all while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Canal and Potomac.
Registration will be required for entry.
Please RSVP at http://madhatterscocktailparty.splashthat.com/ to purchase your ticket (includes red wine, white wine, and hors d’oeuvres).
“The Tape Guy,” Argentinian born artist and designer, Hernan Gigena, will present his latest collection of fine artworks showcasing his notable masking tape on paper media with vibrant new inspiration. The series is called “Enchanted Garden,” and features pieces that convey both the fragility and the energy of life itself. They are on view for a limited showing on May 28th and 30th from 6-8 pm at the new Brick & Mortar Gallery and Bar (918 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004).
“This new project helped me to deal with the recent passing of my Grandmother, and gave me the chance to change something sad into something positive,” says Gigena. “With this series, I am sharing personal memories… and so many life lessons that she passed on to me. As a result, “Enchanted Garden” is a celebration of unconditional love.”
The storytelling of “Enchanted Garden” centers around the positive energy brought forth by Gigena’s selection of special neon and fluorescent colors, and how the experience changes — and shapes and figures seem to magically come alive — when viewed through 3D glasses.
Attendees will have the chance to ‘talk tape’ and other artistic interests with Gigena, while enjoying classic pre-prohibition and original cocktails crafted by notable mixologists Brian Zipin, Nikki Mannebach, and Will Sexton, as well as a menu of distinct food items by Prequel Executive Chef Scott Hoffner. Admission is free, RSVP required.
For more about the artist and his collection of works, visit http://www.
“The Tape Guy,” Argentinian born artist and designer, Hernan Gigena, will present his latest collection of fine artworks showcasing his notable masking tape on paper media with vibrant new inspiration. The series is called “Enchanted Garden,” and features pieces that convey both the fragility and the energy of life itself. They are on view for a limited showing on May 28th and 30th from 6-8 pm at the new Brick & Mortar Gallery and Bar (918 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004).
“This new project helped me to deal with the recent passing of my Grandmother, and gave me the chance to change something sad into something positive,” says Gigena. “With this series, I am sharing personal memories… and so many life lessons that she passed on to me. As a result, “Enchanted Garden” is a celebration of unconditional love.”
The storytelling of “Enchanted Garden” centers around the positive energy brought forth by Gigena’s selection of special neon and fluorescent colors, and how the experience changes — and shapes and figures seem to magically come alive — when viewed through 3D glasses.
Attendees will have the chance to ‘talk tape’ and other artistic interests with Gigena, while enjoying classic pre-prohibition and original cocktails crafted by notable mixologists Brian Zipin, Nikki Mannebach, and Will Sexton, as well as a menu of distinct food items by Prequel Executive Chef Scott Hoffner. Admission is free, RSVP required.
For more about the artist and his collection of works, visit http://www.
Wednesday, June 3rd
Doors open at 7:00 PM
Show starts at 8:00 PM
$10 Specialty cocktail, must be 21+ to enter
Free show with RSVP
Space is limited, RSVP today at POVLiveTorMiller.eventbrite.
POV
At W Washington DC
515 15th Street NW
On Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. ET, NFL wide receiver Pierre Garçon will host the Third Annual All-White Clothing Charity Event benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) at the Millennium Building (1909 K St. NW). The rooftop event will team up Washington football players, NFL executives, community leaders and Washington notables.
As part of Garçon’s continued involvement in supporting at risk youth, his partnership with BGCGW seeks to create a stronger generation of future leaders across the nation. Last year, Garçon’s charity event raised $100,000 for BGCGW.
“I’m dedicated to the organization and helping boys and girls of all backgrounds become responsible adults,” Garçon said. “Organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington helped get me where I am today, so now’s my time to give back.”
High profile attendees from the first and second annual events include Washington Wizard John Wall, former DC Mayor Vincent Gray, hip hop legend Biz Markie and over 20 Redskins, among them RG3, Ryan Kerrigan, Alfred Morris, Kirk Cousins, Trent Williams, Brandon Meriweather, Kory Lichtensteiger, Kai Forbath, Colt McCoy and Niles Paul.
Attendees this year will have access to meet and mingle with over half of Garçon’s confirmed teammates and enjoy complimentary drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions and a live performance by a surprise musical guest.
With the help of top sponsors The Tower Companies, Paisano’s, Burger 7, Brett Johnson Collection, Garçon intends to raise more funds for the BGCGW and their mission. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased at: http://www.bgcgw.org/
Event Details:
Who: Pierre Garçon, Garçon’s teammates; BGCGW supporters
What: All-White clothing theme charity event benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
When: Thursday, June 4 from 7-10 p.m. ET
Where: The Millennium Building, 1909 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006
Why: To bring awareness to the BGCGW’s mission and programs while enjoying a night of fundraising and networking.
Tickets: Tickets ($250) can be purchased at: http://www.bgcgw.org/
