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.
Events DC announces tickets on sale now for 12th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2020. This year, the event will be held in a new location at the extraordinary Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge is an annual gathering of embassy chefs representing countries across the globe. The event offers guests an immersive culinary experience that is unique to Washington, DC. The 12th annual event has historically featured more than 40 participating embassies, who have proudly come together to showcase their home countries’ rich culture, unique flavors and traditions, culminating in a friendly food competition. The event’s new location within the Ballroom of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will allow for even more culinary delights and exciting entertainment, as well as educational programming, new for 2020. The culminating awards program will highlight outstanding beverages, regional cuisines and overall presentation.
WHEN: Thursday, May 28, 2020
5:30 p.m. – VIP Early Admission
6:30 p.m. – General Admission
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Ballroom
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
PRICE: General Admission – starting at $65.00
All-inclusive ticket includes globally inspired sips, bites and live performances. Admission also includes complimentary beer, wine and spirits.
VIP – starting at $135.00
VIP ticket includes one-hour early access to event as well as a dedicated bar and seating area in addition to enjoying global sips and bites from participating embassies.
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
Join Danny Lledó, the most-awarded paella chef in the United States, to learn the chef’s secrets for making the notoriously tricky – and notoriously delicious – Spanish national dish. For just $35, you can get a one-hour, personal tutorial in the fine art of paella from the world-renowned chef, who hails from Valencia, the cradle of the famous dish. Reservations can be made via Tock. Also worth noting: Xiquet DL is participating in the RAMW Summer 2020 Restaurant week for all to-go orders. Customers can check out the menu on the Xiquet website.
Here are short bios of these well-known comedians:
Kasha Patel: Named one of the “Best Undiscovered Comedians” in the U.S. by Thrillist magazine, Kasha Patel has a unique voice that couples life as an Indian-American and her love for science. Founder of “DC Science Comedy,” she produces science-themed comedy shows in the nation’s capital featuring funny jokes, stories, and songs. She recently gave a TEDx talk called “Sneaking Science into Stand-Up” where she shares a series of surprising revelations pulled from her analysis of more than 500 of her stand-up jokes. She has been featured in The Washington Post, BBC World News, the Travel Channel, the Science Channel, and hosted a mini series on NASA TV.
Maher K. Matta: Born in Lebanon and raised in the Deep South. His comedy focuses on observational humor and storytelling.
Rahmein Mostafavi: born in the Middle East, addresses social and political topics with a combination of satirical and observational comedy. Has worked for comedy in a long time and produces events in MD, DC, and VA.
Erick Acuña
Erick Acuña: improv performer at the Washington Improv Threater and Dojo Comedy. He is Peruvian, and has performed at comedy festivals in 20 cities around the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. His most popular show, “Acuña Acuna,” is a one-person comedy show based on his real life as a Peruvian Latino living in America. It has been voted by NPR, DCist and Broadway World as a “must-see show.”
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
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Blessed Sunday BBQ Tour & Take-Out Reserve: omuseum.org/bbq Tickets: $50/person O Museum partnered with The District Pit BBQ for this special summer BBQ Tour. This great new experience includes: a secret door tour through The O Museum In The Mansion and delicious BBQ take-out from The District Pit. |
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Traverse through the labyrinth Mansion, while you explore legendary themed rooms and exhibits and search for secret doors. After you tour, take home some delicious District Pit BBQ to enjoy. Select from: pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian, comes with 2 sides (chef’s choice). Hours: Tour appointments (based on availability) Sundays through September 6, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Close 5 p.m. (minimum time needed 45 minutes). Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. (1 adult to every 4 kids). FOR YOUR SAFETY & OURS • masks available and required Proceeds from museum tours, events and exhibits go to support museum programs. Bring your own shopping bags. 30,000 square foot gift shop! |
