Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the fifth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, with actor and performer Heather Headley headlining the 2020 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street, SW).
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by the award presentation, a three-course seated dinner and performance. The dinner will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, in recognition of her efforts for women’s rights and her continual support of the arts. She is currently the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Verveer served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. Previously, she was the chair and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO that she founded to invest in emerging women leaders. She also served as assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady during the Clinton administration.
“Arena Stage, under the exceptional leadership of Molly Smith, has become a national hub for the best in American theater in our nation’s capital. The theater company has made it possible for the public to access innovative, engaging and transformative productions that not only entertain, but also inspire and even move us to action,” shares Verveer. “It is an honor to receive the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award as Beth has set a high and exemplary standard throughout her life as an entrepreneur and civic leader. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for her many contributions to our community.”
The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz in 2016. Other recipients include Arlene Kogod in 2017, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2018 and Nina Totenberg in 2019. The award celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
“Melanne Verveer is an international champion for girls and women. She is dynamic, she is brave and she is unabashedly driven about creating a better world with women, girls and vital voices,” says Smith. “A collaborative leader, Ambassador Verveer has been successful in changing attitudes and building bridges while promoting the critical role of women in establishing peace internationally. She is a huge proponent of the arts and we are thrilled to honor her with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award.”
All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.
The 70th Anniversary Gala is presented by Ourisman Automotive Group and generously sponsored by Diamond Sponsors AT&T and Hoffman & Associates and Platinum Sponsor Exelon.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
6 p.m. Cocktail reception
7 p.m. Award presentation and seated dinner
8:30 p.m. One-night-only performance with Heather Headley
For additional event details, visit: arenastage.org/gala.
Engaging fans across the internet, author Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Shout) and artists Leila del Duca will appear in a virtual conversation with Politics and Prose based in Washington D.C., to celebrate the release of their first DC project, Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed. The creative team will discuss continuing Wonder Woman’s empowering legacy and how they re-imagined the iconic DC Super Hero for a new, teenage audience.
Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed explores Wonder Woman’s teen years and is a timely story about the refugee experience, activism, and finding the love and strength to create change. Anderson and del Duca examine powerful social issues like trafficking, gentrification, poverty, and American Idealism, while showing how important it is to be brave and fight back in the face of adversity. The themes of the graphic novel have earned it praise from Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Today.com, in addition to Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and School Library Journal.
On July 15, fans are encouraged to purchase Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed through Politics and Prose online ordering site or curbside pickup before or after viewing Live virtual discussion. Fans can register for the free event via Eventbrite. All purchased books will include a free bookplate signed by Anderson and del Duca.
WHO: Laurie Halse Anderson – New York Times Bestselling Author of WONDER WOMAN TEMPEST TOSSED, SPEAK and SHOUT; Leila del Duca – Artist of WONDER WOMAN: TEMPEST TOSSED
WHEN:
July 15
7:00 PM EST
In conversation with Leila del Duca
Washington, D.C.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is excited to announce The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, July 26, 2020. A centerpiece of the summer, The RAMMYS are presented in collaboration with top sponsor Events DC, and bring together culinary artists and hospitality professionals from across the region for one of the top black-tie events of the season. The long-standing awards honor the ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations that make the region’s restaurants and foodservice community thrive.
“Our diverse and vibrant restaurant scene across the region continues to flourish and we’ve added so many exciting new restaurants and new talents to the mix,” said Kathy E. Hollinger, President and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. “The July 26th RAMMYS will be, as always, a perfect way to showcase all of the incredible chefs and restaurants and throw them a celebration to remember!”
Nominations for 20 awards categories will open in early January, with finalists announced in April. For more information on The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards, email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990.
WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2020
5pm to 6pm Reception
6pm to 7pm Awards Ceremony
7pm to 11pm Dinner & Party
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW
Washington, DC 20001
Restock your bookshelves this fall with a visit to our Rosslyn Reads pop-up book sale, in partnership with Carpe Librum. A nonprofit used bookstore, Carpe Librum supports D.C. based organization, Turning the Page, in aiding under-served students in the community.
On Saturday, September 26, in Central Place Plaza, the pop-up sale will include eight-thousand high-quality, gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls, all on sale for between $2.00 and $6.00, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and support one of Rosslyn’s restaurants. You can find a list of local dining options, including takeout and curbside pickup, from our regularly updated directory.
HOW:
This year, the Rosslyn BID has adjusted the typical Rosslyn Reads format to one that supports physical distancing and observes Virginia’s state guidelines. Register here for a one hour time slot during the event, with a maximum of 50 people allowed in the plaza at any given time. All individual attendees must register and provide confirmation of registration at the event check-in. If attendees do not sign up in advance, they will be required to fill out a waiver onsite.
Additional safety protocols will include one-way flow of foot traffic to promote physical distancing, masks will be required in the space, and hand sanitizing stations will be available at the entrance. Before making a reservation, please review the Rosslyn BID’s COVID-19 safety protocols and note that by making a reservation you are agreeing to abide by these guidelines. Additionally, do not attend if you or anyone in your household is currently experiencing symptoms.
WHEN:
Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am until 7:00pm
WHERE:
Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209
2020 Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala
SHAKESPEARE EVERYWHERE
Saturday, October 3, 2020
6:30 p.m. VIP Virtual Pre-Show Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Virtual Performance
One night only! Join in to experience the magic and joy of classical theatre with an international lineup of celebrities, singers, families, and young people. Celebrate Shakespeare’s passion, vision, and humanity with D.C.’s Sidney Harman Hall as a stunning backdrop. Become part of this remarkable hymn to theatre, community, and transformation with an unforgettable performance, private virtual rooms for you and your guests, international cuisine and specialty drinks delivered to homes, a silent auction, and more! Artistic direction by LeeAnet Noble and Alan Paul.
Tickets and sponsorships begin at $1,000.
This year DC-based, national non-profit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Blue Hope Bash goes nationwide welcoming an entire nation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to unite and confront present-day challenges. The free virtual event will be a live national broadcast that will help raise funds to reverse the pandemic’s tremendous effect on the colorectal cancer community in addition to addressing the health disparities with the disease in Black communities. The event will feature special guest appearances, celebrity entertainment, and inspiring patient stories. The Alliance has a goal to raise $2 million from the broadcast to support its three core programmatic pillars: Screen, Care, and Cure.
WHEN: Saturday, October 24
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Virtual Event. Registration is free to enjoy the broadcast.
EVENT THEME: One Need. One Night. One Nation.
BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, News Anchor, NBC News’ TodayCo-Host, 3rd Hour of NBC News’ Today and Anchor of MSNBC Live. In 2017, Craig shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 39 in 2017. (Today Show Link) Melvin has been an active supporter and ally of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: By Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams
CELEBRITY APPEARANCES & SPEECHES BY: Katie Couric, Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder and renowned journalist
Ruth Carter, Emmy-award winner Black Panther costume designer
Amy Robach, Good Morning America Co-Host
and many other special guest appearances.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Porsche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2021 Porsche Macan S. Only 1,000 tickets were printed and the winner will be announced during the broadcast.
Rolex Raffle – Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a “No Date” design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker’s classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs.
To register for the free event and to learn more visit BlueHopeBash.org
F-2020 NYE “Mask-‘O’-Rade” BallReserve: omuseum.org/nye Tickets: $450/person Where: O Museum in The Mansion, 2020 O Street NW When: December 31st
Dress to impress and immerse yourself in the mysterious world of a Venetian “Mask-‘O’-Rade” Ball where extravagant dress, decadent masks (over COVID ones) . . . silk gloves, top hats and creative tuxedos set the stage to ring in the new year (we are DONE with 2020)! |
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(Limited tickets available)
PARTY INCLUDES:
*upper floors close at 11:30pm *this is a 21+ event.
PRIVATE SECLUDED DINING AVAILABLE (additional fees apply) VIP UPGRADES AVAILABLE (additional fees apply) |
N Street Village Virtual Gala & Auction
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. ET
Join us for this special event as a moment to gather in solidarity with our neighbors in need, and in celebration of N Street Village.
About this Event
Join renowned author and cultural critic Roxane Gay for an evening of candid, thought-provoking conversation. Moderated by Hotel Zena’s Natalie Vachon, Roxane will read excerpts from Bad Feminist, her bestselling collection of essays universally considered the quintessential exploration of modern feminism, and then open the floor to a Q&A discussion.
At the conclusion of the event one attendee will be randomly selected to win a complimentary 2-night future stay at Hotel Zena.
