Feb
26
Fri
Leah Crocetto in Recital (WNOpera) @ Kennedy Center
Feb 26 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Washington National Opera (WNO) continues its 60th anniversary season with Leah Crocetto in Recital, featuring the celebrated star of last season’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Mark Markham, Ms. Crocetto will perform art songs by Strauss, Duparc, and Barber, as well as popular opera arias and a few of her favorite jazz standards.

Recognized as a rising star in the next generation of singers, American soprano Leah Crocetto made her WNO last season as Madame Lidoine in Poulenc’s powerful Dialogues of the Carmelites. She represented the United States at the 2011 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, where she was a finalist in the Song Competition. She is a 2010 Grand Finals winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was the First Place Winner, People’s Choice, and the Spanish Prize Winner of the 2009 Jose Iturbi International Music Competition, and winner of the Bel Canto Foundation competition. A former Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera, Ms. Crocetto has appeared frequently with the company, most recently in the title role of Verdi’s Luisa Miller in Francesca Zambello’s celebrated production.

In her stellar 2015-2016 season, Leah Crocetto makes two major debuts: her long-awaited Metropolitan Opera debut as Liù in Turandot, and her role debut as Semiramide in Rossini’s seldom-heard opera of the same name, with Opéra National de Bordeaux. Additional highlights of the season include Anna in Maometto II with the Canadian Opera Company and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Santa Fe Opera.

Last season, in addition to her debut at WNO, Ms. Crocetto performed Desdemona in Otello with English National Opera, Mimì in La bohème with San Francisco Opera, and Elisabetta di Valois in a new production of Don Carlo (a co-production with WNO) at Opera Philadelphia.

Equally at home as a soloist, a collaborator with some of the finest singers in the world, a jazz pianist, or a vocal coach, pianist Mark Markham and his interpretations have been praised by the public and press alike. Since 1995, Mr. Markham has been the recital partner of Jessye Norman, giving nearly 300 performances in over 25 countries, including recitals in Carnegie Hall, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, London’s Royal Festival Hall, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Salzburg Festival, Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo, Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece, and at the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize presentation to President Jimmy Carter in Oslo. In 1990, Mr. Markham was invited to join the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory, where he served for ten years as vocal coach and professor of vocal repertoire and accompanying. He relocated to Europe for a decade, living in the South of France while maintaining a busy international schedule as a solo artist and collaborative partner with Ms. Norman, before returning to the United States in 2011. In addition to performances around the world, he maintains a vocal coaching studio in New York City and Baltimore.

Washington National Opera’s 2015-2016 season continues with the company premiere of Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson’s Lost in the Stars, February 12-20 in the Eisenhower Theater, and concludes with its first complete presentation of Wagner’s extraordinary four-part Ring Cycle, with a world-class cast under the direction of Francesca Zambello and featuring the WNO Orchestra conducted by WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin, April 30 to May 22, 2016. WNO’s 2016-2017 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

TICKET INFORMATION:

All tickets to Leah Crocetto in Recital are $45 and are available online, in person at the Kennedy Center Box Office, and by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.

Feb
27
Sat
11th Annual Chance for Life @ Sphinx Club at Franklin Square
Feb 27 @ 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Chance For Life is back in a big way for our 11th Annual Charity Poker Tournament and party, and you’re invited to be a special guest!

A snowstorm didn’t stop it last year, as more than 325 joined us at the Sphinx Club to raise money for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and pediatric cancer research.

This year, they’re going even bigger:

  • A 400-person poker tournament with the winner earning a spot in the 2016 World Series of Poker
  • Exclusive Wine & Chef’s Tasting with pairings created by Top Chef Alumni and renowned restaurateurs, Mike Isabella and Jen Carroll
  • An exciting after-party featuring a surprise musical guest for an old-school dance party like no other

 

Feb
28
Sun
Commissary’s 5th Annual Oscar Party @ Commissary
Feb 28 @ 4:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Commissary will host the fifth annual Oscar’s viewing party on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. The viewing party will kick-off with the Red Carpet viewing from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., featuring passed hors d’oeuvres while the red carpet arrivals show on a full wall projector before the 8:00 p.m. awards. The entire evening features a limited open bar and endless flowing champagne, as well as a dinner buffet with more than a dozen Oscar-themed savory and sweet offerings.

An Oscar ticket will include event entry with viewing from all three bar TVs and two full wall projectors, and unlimited food offerings throughout the evening inspired by each nominated movie.

There are only 80 tickets available for this event. Tickets will not be sold at the door and can be purchased only by going to Commissarydc.com at the online ticket site (full ticket options & details below).

Full ticket details are included below, and the full press release is attached.

Ticket Type

Red Carpet (4:00 – 8:00 p.m.) – $35 (including tax & gratuity) or $25 (without alcohol)

Oscar Inspired Open Bar Offerings

Passed Oscar Themed Hors d’oeuvres

Popcorn Bar

Endless champagne

 

Main Event (8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.) – $65 (including tax & gratuity) or $55 (without alcohol)

Oscar Inspired Open Bar Offerings

Passed Oscar Themed Hors d’oeuvres

Popcorn Bar

Endless champagne

Various Food Stations featuring Oscar Inspired Dinner & Dessert Items

 

All Access VIP (4:00 p.m. – Close)

Red Carpet & Main Event Ticket – $90 (including tax & gratuity)

Includes Reserved Premium Seating

Diplomats of Dance NoPa Reception @ Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery/NoPa
Feb 28 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Diplomats of Dance Society is excited to announce a post-performance champagne reception in celebration of the newest dance work by the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC).  On February 28, 2016 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm the public is invited to a free dance performance at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.  Following the 6:00pm performance, the Diplomats of Dance Society will host a reception at NoPa in celebration of the dance company, tickets can be purchased at http://diplomatsatnopa.eventbrite.com in advance at $20 for society members and $40 for non-members.

Time after time, the DTSBDC provides global audiences with cross-cultural perspectives while utilizing visual, musical, and spoken arts as well.  Choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess’s latest creation is no different.  Inspired by Alexander Gardner’s famous Civil War-era images, Burgess promises a powerful and moving performance in, “The Foster Suite: The Remains of Loss and Longing”.

The Diplomats of Dance Society is an organization dedicated to highlighting and supporting the DTSBDC’s unique artistic and cultural work both in the United States and abroad.  Young professionals and art-interested Washingtonians alike come together at events throughout the year to applaud Burgess and his dance company.  Members and donations for the Diplomats of Dance Society directly support ‘dance diplomacy’ as DC’s foremost modern dance group prepares to embark on two international tours as a U.S. State Department cultural envoy in 2016.

And the Oscar Goes To… @ W Hotel Living Room
Feb 28 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
You’re invited to the W Hotel’s Living Room for an Oscar viewing party hosted by W Washington DC Insider, Rachel Loya

Sip on Specialty cocktails and savor Best Picture-themed bites
Dress to impress with Rent the Runway and strike the perfect pose for photographers on the red carpet

Get there early and submit a ballot for your winning picks. One lucky guest will be the real winner of the night with a one night stay in our Extreme Wow Suite.

 

The Living Room
Sunday, February 28th
7:00 PM

Use code RTRXWDC at Rent the Runway to receive 20% off
$10 specialty cocktails
Art Soiree Annual Red Carpet Party @ Malmaison
Feb 28 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
ANNUAL RED CARPET PARTY

WHEN: Sunday, February 28 | 7pm
WHERE:
Malmaison, 3401 Water Street NW, Washington DC

TICKETS*: $35 Early Bird online only: https://redcarpet2016.eventbrite.com
Tickets include entry & one glass of champagne. Prices go up on 2/18/16

BE OUR VIP GUEST
Join Art Soiree & WFI to watch the Awards live on February 28, 2016 at the elegant Malmaison as we celebrate all the talented people in the movie industry and rally behind our favorite movies of 2015!

BE OUR VIP GUEST – walk the Red Carpet to the accompaniment of Camera Flashes, strike a pose in front of the Step-And-Repeat and get Interviewed on the latest fashion trends and your movie favorites as you make your way inside for a Star-studded Night.

Sip a Hollywood-inspired cocktail and enjoy Multiple Screens, Live Entertainment, and more in the company of movie and art lovers.

Think you know your films? Guess winners in several major categories, with the most accurate prediction eligible for a prize. And don’t forget to gather your friends and glam it up as we will have awards for “Best Dressed”

We look forward to seeing you!

This year’s event benefits Washington Film Institute’s (WFI) and Art Soiree’s local initiatives in support of arts and culture. 

The Washington Film Institute (WFI) was created to inspire audiences through film education and the cultivation of the cinematic arts. They do this by developing educational programs and programming film events throughout the year.

Art Soiree’s goal is to discover and support talented contemporary artists, by providing them unique and exciting opportunities to exhibit their work and showcase their talent to a wider audience, gaining local, national and international recognition. We do this by curating over 100 annual exhibitions, concerts, festivals and special events.

Mar
1
Tue
The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur SPRING FORUM @ Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
Mar 1 @ 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur SPRING FORUM
March 1, 2016

“The Best Networking Event in DC.”

DCInno calls CONNECTpreneur a “NETWORKING JACKPOT” of 350+ of the DC Region’s TOP Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, CXOs, Angels, and VCs.

Presented by appnetic, Tech 2000 and LORE Systems, this UNIQUE EVENT is like NONE OTHER in our region, because of the high quality of our attendees, speakers and presenters.

And YES, the networking is unprecedented!

Program Highlights:
  • Over 350 business leaders, including 200+ CEOs & Founders, as well as 65+ angels & VCs
  • Conversation with ROCKSTAR CEO 
  • All-Star Panel of INVESTORS
  • SHOWCASE of Emerging tech companies
  • Heavy NETWORKING before, during, and after the event
The venue is the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia.
A plated breakfast is included.
CONNECTpreneur is a quarterly networking mashup, which has been attended by over 3800 business leaders in the past 4 years.
Expect another SELL OUT crowd, so there will be no on-site registration.  All attendees MUST BE pre-registered.
DATE:  MARCH 1, 2016
AGENDA
7:00–8:15 am – REGISTRATION / NETWORKING
8:15 – 8:20 am – WELCOME
S. TIEN WONG, CEO of Tech 2000 and appnetic
8:25 – 9:15 am – FIRESIDE CHAT with ROCKSTAR CEO
9:15 – 10:20 am  –  COMPANY SHOWCASE – 8 promising early stage companies
(Companies will be announced on February 19)
10:20 – 11:10 am –  INVESTOR PANEL: HOT TRENDS IN EARLY STAGE CAPITAL FUNDING
Moderator: JOHN BACKUS, Co-Founder and Managing Partner,New Atlantic Ventures 
11:10 am – NETWORKING
PREVIOUS INVESTOR PARTICIPANTS (partial list):
Revolution Ventures, Carlyle Group, Kinetic Ventures, Core Capital, Grotech, Novak Biddle, New Atlantic Ventures, True Ventures, Edison Ventures, SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, RLMcCall Capital Partners, Venturehouse, Multiplier Capital, Updata, Saratoga Investment Corp., DFW Capital Partners, Farragut Capital, NextGen Angels, CIT GAP Funds, New Markets Venture Partners, BluVenture Investors, Leeds Novamark, Maryland Venture Fund, TEDCO, 1776, K Street Capital, Select Venture Partners, ID Private Equity, Amplifier Venture Partners, Cranbrook Capital, Fortify Ventures, Acceleprise, US Boston Capital, 500 Startups, VentureCross Partners, Berman Enterprises, Dingman Angels, Neuberger & Co. Ventures, McLean Capital, Angel Venture Forum, Brilliant Keypoint Investments ,Grindstone Partners, Exhilirator, New Vantage Group, New Dominion Angels, National Capital Companies, Enhanced Capital, MTECH Ventures, Mosaic Capital, Opus8, Starise Ventures, Blue Heron Capital, Duncaster Investments, Private Capital Network, Next-Stage Development Group, Lancaster Angel Network, Palace Investments, Harrell Partners, Ruxton Ventures, MD Center for Entrepreneurship, Conscious Venture Labs, and Keiretsu Forum.
Out of the Shadows @ The Fridge Art Gallery
Mar 1 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Street Light Circus presents – “Out of the Shadows”

The Fridge is pleased to present a one night pop-up gallery of new photographic works by the D.C. based collaboration, Street Light Circus.

The opening of “Out of the Shadows” will run from 7pm to 11pm on March 1st 2016.

Using Washington, D.C. as a backdrop, these photographs honor the body and urban spaces.

Where the physical prowess becomes extensions of architecture and humanity.

March 1st from 7 pm – 11pm

The Fridge Art Gallery

516 1/2 8th St., S.E. (Rear Alley)

Free Admission

Mar
2
Wed
WhiskyFest @ Marriott Marquis
Mar 2 @ 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

What: Hosted by Whisky Advocate magazine, WhiskyFest—the largest and longest-running whisky festival in North America—comes to DC for the first time ever, offering attendees the opportunity to sample from a selection of more than 300 whiskies from around the world; interact with master blenders and other experts, as well as attend educational seminars. Attendees will be able to sample many different and rare types of whisky such as Glenmorangie Milsean Private Edition, Four Roses Limited Edition, Highland Park 30 year old, George T. Stagg and many more.

 

Who: Whisky Advocate Publisher and Editor John Hansell as well as seminar presenters:

 

  • David Blackmore – Global Master Brand Ambassador – The Glenmorangie Company
  • Craig Bridger – National Brand Ambassador – The Macallan
  • Simon Brooking – North American Ambassador – Laphroaig
  • Alan Kropf – Director of Education – Anchor Distilling Company
  • Bernie Lubbers – Brand Ambassador – Heaven Hill Distilleries
  • David Perkins – Proprietor – High West
  • Denny Potter – Master Distiller – Heaven Hill Distilleries
  • Steph Ridgway – National Brand Ambassador – Highland Park
  • Adam Harris – American Whiskey Ambassador – Beam Suntory
  • David Laird – Brand Ambassador—The Balvenie

 

Where: Marriott Marquis – 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC, 20001

 

When: Wednesday, March 2

  • VIP Entrance: 5:30 PM
  • Grand Tasting:  6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Seminars: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM

 

Tickets: Please visit WhiskyFest DC tickets page to purchase tickets.

  • General Admission Tickets – $245
  • VIP Admission Tickets – $295

 

Tickets include a commemorative crystal nosing glass, an event program and pen, the latest copy of Whisky Advocate magazine, a gift bag, entrance to all seminars on a first come first served basis, a gourmet buffet throughout the evening and over 300 whiskies from around the world to sample.

 

Mar
3
Thu
The Walkmen’s Walter Martin Sings Art History at the Hamilton @ The Hamilton
Mar 3 @ 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

The Hamilton is usually home to indie rock concerts, but on Thursday, March 3 it will host an art history class – of a sort.

Walter Martin of the Walkmen’s first solo album for adults (‘Arts & Leisure’) is his wry and witty take on art history. For this special return to his hometown of DC, he’ll play songs about Alexander Calder’s toy circus, Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and first falling in love with art at the National Gallery. Needless to say, this won’t be the art history you studied in college.

NPR Music calls his new album “hard to resist” and the New York Times said it “carries a sense of wonder [with] a wry humor.” Read a recent interview at the Washington Post: http://wapo.st/1ouOMUX

Who: Walter Martin (of The Walkmen) CD Release Show
Where: The Hamilton, 600 14th Street, N.W.
When: Thurs, Mar 3 @ 7:30pm
With: Near Northeast, The Plate Scapers
RSVP: raypadgett@shorefire.com