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.
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/
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.
Mars Urban Arts Initiative and Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs
VeVe & tha Rebels
Saturday, December 1, 5 p.m.
The LINE Hotel
2018/19 Mars Urban Arts Initiative ensemble-in-residence VeVe & tha Rebels performs original Afro-folk at The LINE DC, Washingtonian Magazine’s “favorite hotel at which to hang out.” This concert will be broadcast live via The Line DC’s Full Service Radio online stream.
Free and open to the public.
Co-presented with The LINE DC.
Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.
When: Saturday, December 1, 6 to 8pm
Where: Soulex Float Spa, 1010 Massachussettes Avenue, NW
What: Celebrate the holiday season than with an evening of meditation, mindfulness, and creativity. In partnership with Mental Health America (MHA), SOULEX float spa is excited to host a DIY Bath Salts Charity Workshop. The evening will open with a discussion lead by a representative from Mental Health America. Then we will guide you through a brief meditation to set your mind into a state of calm. The remainder of our evening will be dedicated to creativity. We will provide all the attendees with a portion of bath salt and a myriad of dried herbs, florals, and essential oils to infuse into your very own take-home bath salts. Proceeds will go to help Mental Health America on their mission to spread mental health awareness and aid across the country. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Mental Health America. Attendees will be able to purchase promotional pricing on float packages that evening in which 30% of the total sales will be donated to Mental Health America.
How: Tickets are $10 available here
On Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 3:30pm, German-born composer, vocalist, and internationally renowned theremin virtuoso Carolina Eyck and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) will perform presented by the National Gallery of Art in the West Building, West Garden Court (entrance at Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue). Doors open to the public at 3pm, and admission is free.
Eyck and ACME will give the Washington, DC premiere of Eyck’s Fantasias for theremin and string quartet, and Eyck will perform her solo songs Music on a Painting and Delphic. The program includes composer and The National guitarist Bryce Dessner’s Little Blue Something for string quartet, performed by ACME, and will feature improvised selections by Eyck and ACME cellist and artistic director Clarice Jensen. In addition to Jensen, the ACME players for this concert are Ben Russell, violin; Keats Dieffenbach, violin; and Isabel Hagen, viola.
Fantasias was released to critical acclaim on Butterscotch Records in 2016. For the project, Eyck composed six minimalist-inspired string quartet pieces, over which she improvises a solo theremin part. With these pieces, Eyck strives to “sonically investigate the interplay between nature and human imagination.” Eyck’s musically daring and physically challenging compositions defy easy classification, while her uncanny mastery of the theremin and use of electronic effects bring an authentically fresh sonic pallet to the forefront. Her Fantasias range from slow-evolving arpeggiations reminiscent of Reich and Glass, to alternative bowing and fingering techniques that achieve an ethereal ambience, to athletic explorations reminiscent of Bartók’s String Quartets.
Eyck’s striking theremin performances showcase her dead-aim intonation, her command of microtonality, her fluid melodicism, and her lack of self-consciousness as an improvisor. This latter quality is no accident, as Eyck has practiced improvisation for years, and has even studied techniques typically aimed at athletes for entering flow-states and shutting down critical inner dialogue.
Since making her debut in the Berlin Philharmonie, Carolina Eyck has been invited to perform all over the world. The BBC World Service proclaims, “Carolina Eyck is one of the world’s leading theremin players … and is a pioneer of this relatively new instrument,” and Cicero calls her the “queen of the theremin.” She was a winner of the 2015 ECHO-Classic prize in Germany for Concert Recording of the Year (Music 20./21.Century), and her book The Art of Playing the Theremin (written when she was 17) teaches the theremin technique she developed at age 14.
Avoid letting winter wreak havoc on your skin, and head to Aura Spa. The popular day spa is hosting a Winter Wonderland Mixer at its U Street location, promising an evening of pampering on Wednesday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at1612 U St NW, Washington, D.C. Complimentary cranberry mimosas and holiday themed desserts will be served throughout the evening.
Guests are invited to sample various spa products and enjoy a refreshing night with free chair massages and skin analyses by expert Aura Spa estheticians. Aura Spa and Bang Salon swag bags will be provided, and attendees who pre-book spa services at the event will receive 15 percent off. All GM Collin skincare and retail products will be 25 percent off. Guests will also be entered into a raffle to win an assortment of Aura Spa products. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com, and for more information on Aura Spa, visit www.auraspa.net.
WHO: Aura Spa – U Street
WHAT: Winter Wonderland Mixer
Complimentary Cranberry Mimosas & Festive Desserts
Complimentary Skin Analyses & Chair Massages
15 percent off all spa services when pre-booked at the event
WHEN: Wednesday, December 5th
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aura Spa – U Street
1612 U St NW
Washington, DC 20005
RSVP: Guests may RSVP to Elaine@vidafitness.com
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.
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.
