Treat yourself to some of the best cuisine available from over 100 of the area’s finest restaurants and wineries, while contributing to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s conservation and education programs. Food aficionados are invited to unleash their taste buds and sample delicious dishes from the area’s finest restaurants and vintners. The event, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place on Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
In addition to extraordinary food and fine wines, ZooFari also offers a night of unforgettable entertainment. Throughout the evening guests will be surrounded by live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and new this year, Battle of the Bartenders where local bartenders will compete to create the best tasting original signature cocktail using a mystery ingredient from the Zoo’s Animal Kitchen. Celebrity chef’s Todd Gray (Equinox), Bart Vandaele (Belga Cafe), and Haidar Karoum (Proof) will be in attendance and joining in on the festivities throughout the evening.
Tickets for this annual fundraiser are available on the Zoo’s website at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/activitiesandevents/celebrations/zoofari/. Prices are $160 for FONZ members and $200 for nonmembers.
Exclusive VIP group packages also are available. These packages offer all-access tickets to the Premier Pavilion, valet parking passes, an exclusive VIP pre-party and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge, as well as behind-the-scenes animal tours.
The ZooFari online auction offers a lively way to support the Zoo’s programs. Bidding will be live on Sunday, April 26 through the online site Bidding For Good. Vacation getaways, private Zoo tours, cooking lessons with top area chefs, and animal art are just a few of the hundreds of items available in the auction. Proceeds benefit the National Zoo’s animal care, science, education, and conservation programs.
ZooFari is presented by GEICO® and sponsored by 94.7 Fresh FM, Big Bus Tours, Capital One Bank®, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, Manhattan Auto of Bethesda, MD, Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover, LivingSocial, NBC4, Washingtonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Widmer Brothers, WTOP and WTOP.com.
ROCK ME AMADEUS!
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE @ Embassy of Austria
Friday, May 15, 2015
7:00 PM
3524 International Ct. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Austria Rocks! Join the party to celebrate Austrian – US friendship with an evening of rock music and dancing, featuring Suspicious Package, three-time winner of theJournopalooza battle of the DC media bands. Suspicious Package may also be Washington’s only rock band containing three Pulitzer prizes. Welcoming remarks by Ambassador Hans Peter Manz, followed by cocktail reception with Austrian specialties and live concert.
Reserve Free Tickets http://acfdc.org/upcoming-events
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-concert-i-suspicious-package-austria-rocks-tickets-16323289398
The contents of Suspicious Package are:
Tim Burger * Bryan Greene * Josh Meyer* Christina Sevilla * Tom Toles
www.facebook.com/SusPackage @ SusPackage
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 Navy Safe Harbor Foundation (NSHF) presents the first annual Fashion for Fighters Gala Saturday, May 16 at The Army Navy Club. The event, held from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. is being held to raise critically needed funds for wounded, ill and injured U.S. Navy, Coast Guardsmen and their families. NSHF is dedicated to supporting the recovery of these service men and women by assisting them with resources not currently provided by government or through their general community.
The chicest black tie (dress uniform optional) event of the season, Fashion for Fighters is a night for comradery, support and giving back. Guests will enjoy fashion shows by four local women’s and menswear designers, all American-made and run brands, including: Christopher Schafer, Kim Elleen and Sophie Blake Jewelry.
VIP tickets are available, which include an exclusive pre-event fashion presentation starting at 6:00 p.m., open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and treated to a swag bag full of products from gala sponsors. General admission ticket holders are welcome to partake in passed hors d’oeuvres and cash bar beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Inspired by the growing needs of the military community, Navy Safe Harbor Foundation (NSHF) was created to efficiently identify and meet the needs of wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Marines and their families. NSHF fills in the gaps of current non-medical provisions through collaboration with federal and civic resources. Through its efforts, every service member is given an opportunity for full recovery by providing financial assistance, respite care, special equipment, transportation, recreational opportunities, and other services.
The Navy Safe Harbor Foundation (NSHF) is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the United States Navy, Coast Guard or Department of Defense.
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2015 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Army and Navy Club | 901 17th St NW | Washington, DC 20006
RSVP: Tickets must be purchased in advance – media passes are available. Click here to register.
Navy Safe Harbor Foundation is fortunate to have the support of families, friends, military members, and community. The organization asks that we as Americans, all do our part to help the seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and their families by volunteering, participating in a fundraising event, or making a donation . . . your support is greatly appreciated!
WHEN: Sunday, May 17, 2015 11:30AM – 3:00PM
WHERE: Shinola Washington, DC
1534 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
MORE: About Shinola | In 2011, Shinola, a Bedrock Manufacturing Company, LLC brand, was conceived with the belief that products should be built to last, and they should be built in America. As makers of modern, handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, journals and pet accessories, we are proud to be based in Detroit, a community-minded city with a strong manufacturing legacy. We built our watch and leather factories within the College for Creative Studies in the former Argonaut building. As a new company with a storied name, we stand for skill at scale, the preservation of craft and the beauty of industry.
Shinola’s Washington, DC Flagship will open at 1361 14th Street NW in 2015.
About the Washington Humane Society | The Washington Humane Society cultivates a community of people and animals inspired by compassion, where all animals can enjoy safe and happy homes.
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
A mentoring relationship is a powerful one, and if both parties clearly define their goals, tangible success can be achieved.
Hosted by Living Vicky and Pivot Point Communications, this unique and interactive workshop is designed for leaders and future leaders alike. After all, women with mentors are more likely to achieve higher paying roles with more responsibilities, and become mentors in turn.
What: Mentoring Success Workshop
Where: The Agency 950 – 950 N Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314
When: 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Cost: $25, includes appetizers and drinks
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/
Gourmet Symphony Presents The Saloon Concert Series: Woodworking 101
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | 6-8 pm
Beuchert’s Saloon (623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Join Gourmet Symphony al fresco at Beuchert’s Saloon‘s garden patio to explore the mastercraft of woodworking and its influence on music, whiskey production, and open-flame culinary arts. Hear how woods from specific forests can shape the tonalities of instruments – from the bass to the marimba; learn from Jeff Wells, veteran of DC’s craft beverage scene, how American whiskey producer Michter’s chooses its barrels when aging its bourbons; and taste the best fare of the season grilled up by Chef Andrew Markert.
Your ticket includes tastings of 3 exclusive spirits paired with 4-5 custom small plates and live chamber music performances.Tickets are $35 per person and available for purchase via Eventbrite: bit.ly/1EQdF0A.
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.
Forget Cinco de Mayo. Thursday the 21st is officially Margarita Day in Washington, DC, this month as 18 mixologists from across the DMV shake, squeeze and salt their way to the top of the pack during Washington City Paper’s 3rd Annual Margarita Wars (#MargaritaWarsWCP). This year’s battle, sponsored by El Jimador Tequila, the Yards and Bud Light Lime Ritas, will take place near the riverfront at Yards Park.
What: 3rd Annual Margarita Wars
Where: Yards Park – 301 Water Street SE, Washington, DC
When: Thursday, May 21st starting at 6:30pm
Tickets: $25 per person (21+ only)
Includes unlimited margarita tastings. Food is available for purchase.
Participants: El Centro DF Chaplin’s Del Campo
Masa 14 Graffiato Agua 301
El Chucho Chuy’s Tex-Mex Guajillo
Art & Soul Brine (Jo-Jo Valenzuela) El Camino
Jack Rose El Rey CoCo Sala
The Gibson Mate Lounge Highline RxR
Judging: Guests will be empowered to vote for their favorite in a winner-takes-all battle for ‘rita supremacy.
