Nov
23
Fri
Native American Heritage Day: Family Fun Friday @ National Museum of the American Indian
Nov 23 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Native American Heritage Day: Family Fun Friday

Friday, Nov. 23; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.

This celebration of Native American Heritage Day features hands-on activities, “make-and-takes,” and music and interactive dance presentations.

Nov
29
Thu
BrewLights Bash @ Smithsonian National Zoo
Nov 29 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Make spirits bright this holiday season at Friends of the National Zoo’s (FONZ’s) annual BrewLights bash!

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29, come to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for a one-night only craft beer event. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from more than 40 breweries and sample complimentary snacks, all under the twinkling lights of Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition: ZooLights, powered by Pepco.

“BrewLights is one of the most joyful times to be at the Zoo,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director of FONZ. “You’re with your friends, drinking some of the best beer around, surrounded by amazing light displays, and all to support animal conservation. It’s such a fun night.”

Some animal houses will stay open late exclusively the evening of BrewLights as tasting stations, giving beer aficionados a special opportunity to learn about Zoo animals after hours. BrewLights guests can also take advantage of ZooLights’ attractions, including s’mores pits, a gingerbread throne and interactive “singing” light displays that glow in response to sounds.

Tickets for FONZ members are $50, and for non-members are $60. In addition to unlimited tastings and snacks, access to exclusive spaces within ZooLights and a souvenir light-up pint glass are included. Sober-driver tickets are also available for $40. Go to fonz.org/brewlights to purchase tickets now.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Pop-Up with YoYo Ma @ Union Station
Nov 29 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

On Thursday, November 29, 2018 in the Main Hall of Union Station, a consortium of partners including Washington Performing Arts, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce—Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Bach Project, and Union Station present a holiday celebration event, with performances by local artists, the annual Norwegian Christmas tree lighting, an appearance by Santa Claus, and culminating in a simulcast of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance of J.S. Bach’s complete cello suites live from the National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts in memory of Isaac Stern.

For more than 20 years, Norway has presented a Christmas tree to the people of Washington, in recognition of its strong friendship with the United States and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II. This year’s Christmas tree is made possible by Equinor, Kongsberg Gruppen, Nammo Inc., Innovation Norway, and Insitu Inc.

Complete Schedule of Events

Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting (6pm)
Featuring the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus
Mars Urban Arts Initiative Holiday Pop-Up Concert (7pm)
Featuring the Howard University Gospel Choir & more

Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative and Brightest Young Things present a holiday pop-up concert that showcases some of D.C.’s beloved hometown musical acts, including the Howard University Gospel Choir. Throughout the evening, guests will also have a chance to learn about global holiday traditions and J.S. Bach’s music from organizations like the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce – Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Library of Congress, and D.C. Public Library.
Simulcast: The Bach Project at Washington National Cathedral
Yo-Yo Ma Performs Bach Cello Suites (8pm)
Live audio/video feed from Washington National Cathedral

In Memory of Isaac Stern

Yo-Yo Ma’s sold-out performance of Bach’s cello suites at Washington National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts, will be simulcast at Union Station in conjunction with the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved Washington, D.C. holiday tradition. This concert simulcast is part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project, a two-year journey to perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello in 36 locations around the world. It is an undertaking motivated not only by Yo-Yo’s six-decade relationship with the music, but also by Bach’s ability to speak to our shared humanity at a time when our civic conversation is so often focused on division.

The Library of Congress will present a display of treasures and manuscripts relating to J.S. Bach and Yo-Yo Ma’s career at Washington National Cathedral, in conjunction with Yo-Yo Ma’s performance.

Free, registration encouraged | Family-friendly
http://tinyurl.com/UnionStationHolidays

Yo-Yo Ma’s performance at Washington National Cathedral is made possible in part by the generous support of
Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather, the Linda and Isaac Stern Charitable Foundation, and Daniel Heider.

The simulcast is made possible by Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project and the Mars Urban Arts Initiative, which is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.

These events are part of Washington Performing Arts’ global programming initiative, The World in Our City, which provides perspective on what it means to be a citizen of the world through a unique arts-based lens. Special thanks to Her Excellency Shaikha Aisha AlKhalifa, Spouse of the Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Jennifer and Brian Coulter; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Jan and Marike Paulsson; Mary Jo Veverka; Michael Frankhuizen; Karin’s Florist.

Dec
5
Wed
Breaking Boundaries in the Sky @ National Air and Space Museum
Dec 5 @ 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Who’s behind the cockpit door? When we think of airline pilots, we have a certain picture in our minds. However, women and minorities are making important strides to increase diversity within the industry. These panelists, who have broken gender and racial barriers in the industry, will address the current social landscape of commercial flying and reflect upon their own experiences. FREE tickets: https://s.si.edu/2Jh4yOC Presenters: – Beverley Bass was the first female pilot to be named captain by American Airlines. When her American Airlines 777 was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, Canada on 9/11, she spent four days being responsible for the safety of her crew, passengers, and aircraft. Her story is portrayed in the hit Broadway show Come From Away. – Brad Lang is a Delta Captain and the son of a Tuskegee Airman. He has been involved with the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron since 1997. – Refilwe Ledwaba is a South African social entrepreneur and pilot passionate about youth development and economic empowerment of women in Africa. She served as an officer and helicopter pilot for the South African Police Services for 10 years, and is now an airline pilot for a regional airline. This program is made possible by the generous support of GE Aviation.

Ragtime’s 5th Annual Prohibition Repeal Day Party @ Ragtime
Dec 5 @ 8:00 PM – Dec 6 @ 1:30 AM

December 5, 1933 marked an important occasion in American culture – that’s the historic day that Prohibition officially ended and Americans were, once again, free to (legally) consume alcohol at their will.

Ragtime, one of Arlington’s favorite neighborhood watering holes, will be celebrating the repeal of 18th Amendment with their 5th Annual Prohibition Repeal Day Party.

On Saturday, December 8th guests will be transported back in time for one heck of a blowout!

Guests will enjoy classic Prohibition era cocktails like Lucky Luciano’s Old Fashioned, the Blackberry Sidecar, the Rock Candy 75, the Frozen Mary Pickford and more.

Live music courtesy of the Laissez Faire Jazz Band will keep the crowd dancing from 8:00 pm until Midnight.

Attendees are invited dress in their favorite flapper or gangster-style threads to participate in Ragtime’s Costume Contest for the best 1930’s-style outfit.

The evening will be topped off with  complimentary champagne toast at Midnight.

Ragtime’s 5th Annual Prohibition Repeal Day Party will run from 8:00 pm – 1:30 pm.  There is no cover charge or ticket required to attend. Ragtime is located at 1345 Courthouse Rd. in Arlington, VA.

Dec
6
Thu
Winternational- 7th Annual Embassy Showcase @ Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center
Dec 6 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Event Name: Winternational- 7th Annual Embassy Showcase
Date: December 6th, 2018
Time: 11AM-2PM
Description: WTCDC presents Winternational, an exciting celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. This festival has the atmosphere of a bustling global marketplace with each embassy promoting their country through vibrant displays of visual art, food, handcrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits. Free and open to the public, guests have the opportunity to travel the world and do some holiday shopping — all during the lunch hour!
 
This event is sponsored by TCMA (A Drew Company) the exclusive manager of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. 
Dec
8
Sat
Punch Bowl Social Opening Party To Benefit SOME @ Punch Bowl Social
Dec 8 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Arlington’s next must-visit watering hole is here! Punch Bowl Social, an experiential food and beverage concept, is officially opening the doors to its newest location in Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA) on Saturday December 8! To celebrate, the venue is hosting a grand opening party that same night, Saturday, December 8 from 7 – 9 p.m. The party’s $20 entrance fee – 100% of which will be donated to local hunger and homelessness charity So Others Might Eat – grants guests an evening of complimentary food and drinks, plus live music and more. This is all in addition to Punch Bowl Social’s signature entertainment, including bowling, karaoke, giant board games, billiards, ping pong, and a fully-stocked vintage arcade.
Dec
12
Wed
“We Choose to Go to the Moon” Performance @ Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Dec 12 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

WHAT:          “We Choose to Go to the Moon” performance

WHEN:          Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 15, 18

                        6:30–7:30 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

                        Eighth and G streets N.W.

 

WHO:             Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

The National Portrait Gallery will present “We Choose to Go to the Moon,” a performance by the museum’s resident Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s “One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey” exhibition, which notably displays a portrait of the Apollo 8 astronauts, the performance reflects on America’s idealism around the space race, the mystery of the cosmos and the fragility of life.

“We Choose to Go to the Moon” was created in collaboration with NASA and includes sound bites from leading scientists and astronauts in addition to selections of pop culture music including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” The title of the dance refers to a line from the 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy about the national effort to land a man on the moon. This work was recently performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Dec
13
Thu
Spiggle Professional Luncheon & Workshop Series  @ Carr Workplaces Rosslyn
Dec 13 @ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

What

Ready to leave the corporate grind to hang a shingle, but have no idea how? Have you been fired or laid off and want to negotiate a severance and use the money to open your own business? Come out to the Spiggle Professional Luncheon & Workshop Series where this month we’ll be talking about how to leave your corporate gig, voluntarily or not, and start the business that you’ve always dreamed of. 

Who

Speakers:

  • Tom Spiggle is founder of the Spiggle Law Firm where he focuses on workplace law, helping protect the rights of clients facing pregnancy and caregiver discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination in the workplace. In his practice, he also defends individuals subject to federal investigation and prosecution.

  • Michael W. Skerritt is a partner with Klewans & Skerritt, P.C. His main area of practice include business formation, business law and transactions for all types of businesses, including dental and medical practices. He focuses on the entire business life cycle, from formation to dissolution, and offers clients a business-like, goal-oriented approach to their matters.

Where

Carr Workplaces Rosslyn
Lincoln Boardroom
1001 19th Street North, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22209

When

Thursday, December 13
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Agenda

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Networking and lunch

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Tom Spiggle on negotiating a severance agreement

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Michael Skerritt on how to set up a business including a private practice and LLC

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Q&A and opportunity to talk one-on-one with the speakers

RSVP 
The event is free and open to the public, but limited seating is available. RSVP to reserve your spot by December 10.
https://www.spigglelaw.com/event/how-to-go-from-layoff-to-launching-your-own-business 

Dec
14
Fri
NSO Holiday Pops! w/Ashley Brown @ Kennedy Center
Dec 14 @ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) performs its annual A Holiday Pops! concerts with Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke on Friday, December 14 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 15, at 2 and 8 p.m., at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Guest vocalist Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, makes her NSO debut in A Holiday Pops!. She joins the NSO and The Washington Chorus in this festive program for all ages, featuring seasonal favorites including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Deck the Halls,” as well as an audience sing along, and perhaps a visit from a certain resident of the North Pole!

Concert details follow: 

Friday, December 14, 2018 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.

Kennedy Center Concert Hall

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Steven Reineke, conductor

Ashley Brown, vocals

The Washington Chorus

Christopher Bell, Artistic Director

A HOLIDAY POPS! UNDER THE MISTLETOE

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets ($24–$99) are available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online at kennedy-center.org, and via phone through Instant Charge, (202) 467-4700; toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquires, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

 

ABOUT THE NSO POPS

Show-stopping pops concerts have been a staple of the National Symphony Orchestra’s more than 80 years of performances. These concerts have ranged from performances on a barge on the Potomac River, to concerts on the Ellipse, and in National Parks around the greater Washington area.  The 2000–2001 season saw the creation of the post of Principal Pops Conductor specifically for Broadway great Marvin Hamlisch, who held the position until the 2010–2011 season. The 2011–2012 season was the first with Steven Reineke as Principal Pops Conductor.  NSO Pops performances take place at all the NSO’s principal performance venues: Wolf Trap, the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, and in the NSO’s primary home, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with a subscription season featuring the Orchestra with guest artists from a variety of musical genres.