The Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery will present its seventh annual “Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration” free family festival Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can learn, play and feast at a celebration encompassing both museums to mark Nowruz, the beginning of the new year of 1394 in Iran, Afghanistan and many other countries, coinciding with the first day of spring.
At 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can relive the Iranian music scene of the 1960s and 1970s with updated versions of classic songs made famous by the likes of Googoosh, Hayedeh, Pari Zangeneh and Parva, along with mesmerizing bandari-beat tunes by Zia Atabi. The band Mitra Sumara, based in New York, features Iranian American vocalist Yvette Perez (pictured below), and re-energizes Persian pop with influences ranging from salsa and disco to Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and Middle Eastern rhythms.Visitors will be able to hear storyteller Xanthe Gresham weave tales from Persian literary classics, learn about the Freer and Sackler’s rich collection of 19th-century Persian photographs, discover the meaning of colorful “Haft Sin” table displays and then make their own, watch a master calligrapher at work and dress up in traditional costumes for photos recreating a Persian painting. Other activities include “fire” jumping for good luck in the new year, backgammon and chess matches, face painting and a hands-on workshop in the ImaginAsiaclassroom for families to make crowns and shields inspired by the Shahnama (Book of kings). Docents will elaborate on important works in the exhibitions “Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” and “Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran” to offer glimpses of Iran’s rich artistic traditions.
Persian literature enthusiasts can enjoy book-signing sessions at the Sackler store for Two Parrots–a children’s book adapted from the poet Rumi’s celebrated work–signed by illustrator Rashin from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies, signed by author Najmieh Batmanglij from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Persian cuisine by Moby Dick and thematic greeting cards will be available for purchase.
The annual event, celebrated in advance of the true holiday March 21, regularly draws crowds of 10,000 visitors, and is made possible by a gift from Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar.
On March 19, the new year celebration will continue with a free concert by Grammy-nominated artists Kayhan Kalhor and Shujaat Khan. In “Ghazal: Indian and Persian Improvisations,” the musicians will reunite for the first time in more than 10 years to perform their unique blend of Indian and Persian classical music.
The annual Nowruz lecture will take place March 29, co-sponsored with the Foundation for Iranian Studies. This year’s distinguished speaker will be Azar Nafisi, the best-selling author of Reading Lolita in Tehran and Things I’ve Been Silent About. In the lecture, Nafisi will discuss her latest work, The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books.
FEATURED COLLECTIONS
On view at the Sackler until May 3, “Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” is the first exhibition to focus on one of the most aesthetically refined forms of Persian culture developed during the 14th-16th centuries: nasta’liq, a type of calligraphy so beautiful that for the first time the expressive form of the words eclipsed their meaning. Also on view will be “Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran” featuring one of the largest collections of luxury metalwork from ancient Iran. In the Freer Gallery, visitors can enjoy one of the finest holdings of Islamic art in the United States, with particular strengths in ceramics and illustrated manuscripts.
Iranian photographs from the Freer and Sackler Archives’ collection of more than 1,100 original 19th-century prints and glass-plate negatives by Antonin Sevruguin and other Persian photographers will screen for visitors throughout the day. The collection–the largest public holdings of Sevruguin’s photographs outside Iran–was recently digitized and cataloged in its entirety.
An estimated 100,000 people live with Sickle Cell Anemia in the United States and millions are affected globally.
Join Policy TakeOver as they raise money in support of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America’s (SCDAA) mission for saving lives and increasing sickle cell disease awareness and advocacy. All proceeds will go to SCDAA. Policy TakeOver, is an organization and blog dedicated to improve, educate, and involve communities in health issues.
Cost: Your $33 Bowl for a Cause ticket purchase will include 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental and light hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets can be purchased athttp://www.policytakeover.even
Event:
Bricks & Mortar Ball
March 27, 2015
7:00 – 11:00 PM
$100 per ticket
Group Packages Available
Location:
Manhattan Laundry
1346 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
Venue Description:
Manhattan Laundry is a complex that originally housed the traction facility for a streetcar company. The oldest building on the site was built in 1877. The complex became a printing plant in 1892 and it was converted into a laundry in 1905. The site represents the expansion of Washington’s urban core and industrial development along the city’s edge at Florida Avenue. The historic complex is primed for an adaptive reuse of office and retail.
Event Description:
The annual Bricks & Mortar Ball features open bar, hors d’oeuvres and dancing to the Blue Tips Rhythm Review at the historic Manhattan Laundry Building. The event benefits the DC Preservation League, Washington’s only citywide nonprofit solely dedicated to the preservation and protection of the historic resources of our nation’s capital.
Tickets:
http://www.dcpreservation.org/bricks-mortar-ball-2015/
Throughout the spring, guests can learn about other well-known expressions of Japanese culture in “Zen, Tea, and Chinese Art in Medieval Japan”–such as Zen Buddhism, tea drinking and ink painting, which emerged in the 12th-16th centuries. Also on view will be “Oribe Ware: Color and Pattern Come to Japanese Ceramics,” an exhibition on the renowned style that introduced vivid pattern and color to Japanese ceramics in 1605. In addition, cherry blossom enthusiasts anywhere in the world can share the splendor of the season digitally with a new suite of free e-cards featuring artworks from the Freer and Sackler collections, available online.
Visit asia.si.edu/
On Saturday, March 28, 2015, Washington-area business leaders will gather at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to celebrate the 28th annual Leukemia Ball presented by PhRMA. This year, comedian Jim Gaffigan and musician Michael Cavanaugh will perform at this event, dedicated to raising money for lifesaving cancer research and patient programs funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Named the “King of Clean Comedy” by The Wall Street Journal, Georgetown alumnus Jim Gaffigan will entertain guests with an original stand-up routine. The actor, Grammy-nominated comedian and New York Times best-selling author is known for several TV shows and movies, including Away We Go, It’s Kind of a Funny Story and Law & Order. Gaffigan recently appeared in his first Broadway production, That Championship Season, and is currently on a 50-city national tour called “Jim Gaffigan: The White Bread Tour.”
Tony and GRAMMY Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh will enchant crowds with his renowned rock ‘n’ roll sound. Cavanaugh is most famous for his lead role in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out and has toured the country with several symphony orchestras.
The Leukemia Ball, one of D.C.’s largest one-night non-political black-tie events, is expected to raise more than $3.1 million for LLS’s National Capital Area Chapter and will be emceed by ESPN anchor Lindsay Czarniak and MSNBC anchor and national correspondent Craig Melvin. Formerly part of the NBC Washington news team, the couple returns to Washington to continue their longtime support of the LLS mission.
“The Leukemia Ball has directly impacted the lives of blood cancer patients everywhere by helping to fund research and to raise awareness,” said Beth Gorman, National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director. “This year, the Ball will surpass the $50 million fundraising milestone thanks to the relentless support of Washington’s business leaders over the past two decades.”
The 2015 Leukemia Ball is co-chaired by Dan Waetjen, Group President at BB&T Bank, and Ed Offterdinger, Executive Managing Partner at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. The co-chairs lead an esteemed Executive Committee of more than 60 of the area’s most talented, committed business leaders, who volunteer their time to create a memorable evening and raise millions of dollars in support of LLS’s mission.
“It’s incredible to see D.C.’s most influential companies coming together to support the research and programs offered by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” said Waetjen. “I’m looking forward to serving as senior chair for the 2015 Ball, especially after co-chairing such a successful event last year.”
Seventy-eight cents of every dollar spent by LLS funds its mission – to find a cure for blood cancer and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS’s commitment to funding innovative research projects has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates over recent years. For example, today, the five-year survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia is more than 90 percent, up from 3 percent in 1964.
“LLS has made tremendous progress, but the fight against blood cancer is not over,” said Offterdinger. “I’m honored to be co-chairing the Leukemia Ball, as it allows LLS to continue the search for safe and effective treatments for all patients.”
The Leukemia Ball is long recognized as one of Washington’s most popular black-tie galas. The silent auction, which raised more than $300,000 in 2014, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety of travel packages, including American Airlines air travel to exotic locations. The event also boasts a Mercedes-Benz raffle featuring two brand new vehicles donated by local Mercedes-Benz dealers. Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 tickets are printed.
The event’s popularity over the past two decades is also largely due to the featured entertainment. Past headliners have included Diana Ross, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, John Mellencamp, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Seinfeld, Reba McIntyre, Jim Belushi, Dan Ackroyd and Lionel Richie.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (R) (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
On Friday, April 10, 2015, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Laura Denise Bisogniero along with NMWA’s Board of Trustees, will celebrate its Annual Spring Gala in celebration of the special exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.
Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to view Picturing Mary, which explores the concept of womanhood represented by the Virgin Mary as well as the social and sacred functions her image has served through time. This landmark exhibition organized by NMWA brings together more than 60 Renaissance- and Baroque-era works from the Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and other museums, churches and private collections in Europe and the United States.
The annual black-tie gala will continue with cocktails in the galleries and an exciting auction followed by dinner and dancing in the elegant Great Hall. The 2015 Gala Auction Chairs are Jacqui Michel, Frances Usher and Debra Latiolais.
WHEN
Friday, April 10, 2015
Cocktails and Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Dancing: 8 p.m. to midnight
WHERE
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Valet parking available
DETAILS
The spring gala is the museum’s largest annual fundraising event attended by more than 400 luminaries from Washington’s diplomatic, governmental and social communities. Proceeds from the Spring Gala support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming and the groundbreaking exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.
TICKETS
Individuals $650; Gala Host Committee, Individuals $1,000 and Couples $1,500 (both include premium seating and recognition in the program); Sponsored Tables $10,000 and up
On Friday, April 10, 2015, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), will celebrate its Annual Spring Gala chaired by Bertha Soto Braddock and Janice Obuchowski. Under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy, Claudio Bisogniero and Mrs. Laura Denise Bisogniero along with NMWA’s Board of Trustees, the event celebrates the special exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.
Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to view Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea, which explores the concept of womanhood represented by the Virgin Mary as well as the social and sacred functions her image has served through time. This landmark exhibition organized by NMWA brings together more than 60 Renaissance- and Baroque-era works from the Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and other museums, churches and private collections in Europe and the United States.
The annual black-tie gala will continue with cocktails in the galleries and an exciting auction followed by dinner and dancing in the elegant Great Hall. The 2015 Gala Auction Chairs are Jacqui Michel, Frances Usher and Debra Latiolais.
WHEN:
Friday, April 10, 2015
Cocktails and Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Dancing: 8:30 p.m. to midnight
WHERE:
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Valet parking available
DETAILS:
The spring gala is the museum’s largest annual fundraising event attended by more than 400 luminaries from Washington’s diplomatic, governmental and social communities. Proceeds from the Spring Gala support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming and the groundbreaking exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea.
TICKETS:
Individuals $650; Gala Host Committee, Individuals $1,000 and Couples $1,500 (both include premium seating and recognition in the program);
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale
At the US National Arboretum in the New York Avenue Parking Lot
3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
April 24-25, 2015
April 24
10 am – 1 pm : Members Only Hours
1 pm – 4 pm : Garden Fair and Plant Sale opens to the public
Food Options – Dirty South Deli
April 25
9 am – 4 pm: Garden Fair and Plant Sale open to the public
Food Options – D.C. Taco Truck
Music from Washington Revels
Strawberry Planting Craft for Children
Admission is free to both the Garden Fair and Plant Sale and the US National Arboretum. For more information, visitwww.fona.org/gardenfair/.
The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in the Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoor markets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.
Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetown such a special place.”
On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more.
What: 12th annual Georgetown French Market
When: Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Book Hill neighborhood; Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road
For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/french_market/.
Parking & Getting There
In true European style, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind and travel to Georgetown using alternate modes of transport. Capital Bikeshare Stations are located throughout Georgetown; closest stations are at O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale
At the US National Arboretun in the New York Avenue Parking Lot
3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
April 24-25, 2015
April 24
10 am – 1 pm : Members Only Hours
1 pm – 4 pm : Garden Fair and Plant Sale opens to the public
Food Options – Dirty South Deli
April 25
9 am – 4 pm: Garden Fair and Plant Sale open to the public
Food Options – D.C. Taco Truck
Music from Washington Revels
Strawberry Planting Craft for Children
Admission is free to both the Garden Fair and Plant Sale and the US National Arboretum. For more information, visit www.fona.org/gardenfair/.
