Mar
27
Fri
La Grande Fete @ La Maison Francaise, Embassy of France
Mar 27 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHAT:  SMITHSONIAN at 8—The Smithsonian’s premier 21+ after-hours event series for young professionals—and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fete”

WHEN: Friday, March 27, 7 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: La Maison Francaise, Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC

Get ready for a #SMITHSONIANat8 spectacular party with a French accent. The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe, and its closing celebration is alwaysmagnifique. This year’s bash will be no exception.

Beginning at 7 p.m., launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. Sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as you explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. There will be plenty of giveaways for you to take home as souvenirs. Don’t forget to Instagram your experiences and dishes throughout the night using #at8enfrancais for a chance to win prizes.

Emeline Michel will perform from 8 to 9 p.m. This captivating performer and versatile vocalist is one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation. She has recorded and appeared on concert stages throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North and South America for over 20 years. Singing both in French and Haitian Creole, she has catapulted into international acclaim.

DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. At 9 p.m., she pumps up the sounds as the evening’s dance party begins.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home #NoPassportNeeded.

Participating organizations and embassies include but are not limited to: Alliance Francais de Washington, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Commonwealth of Dominica, Cote d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Laos, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Republic of Congo, Romania, Senegal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Togo, and Tunisia.

#SMITHSONIANat8  #at8enfrancais #NoPassportNeeded

General Admission $40. (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.) Cash bar starting at 9 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door).

IDs will be checked at the door. Those under 21 will not be served alcohol 

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com

 

Mar
28
Sat
Freer/Sackler Cherry Blossom Celebration @ Freer/Sackler Museums
Mar 28 @ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
On Saturday, March 28, the galleries will host a premiere event of the National Cherry BlossomFestival, “Cherry Blossom Celebration,” a free, family day where visitors can unleash their inner artist with Washington’s popular ArtJamz, take guided tours exploring nature in Japanese arts and browse vintage Japanese kimono for purchase. Anime fans can view classic sci-fi anime films, including the 3-D epic Harlock: Space Pirate, and meet legendary anime director Shinji Aramaki.

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/cherryblossom for the complete schedule of programs.

Leukemia Ball @ Convention Center
Mar 28 @ 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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.

 

Apr
22
Wed
A Night of Bossa Nova @ The Grill from Ipanema
Apr 22 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Richard Miller will be presenting a concert of Brazilian music featuring Kay Lyra, daughter of the famous Bossa Nova composer Carlos Lyra, and Maurício Maestro (founder of the famous vocal group Boca Livre). The concert will take place at the Grill from Ipanema at 8pmon Wednesday April 22, 2015.

BOSSA NOVA 
Featuring:

Richard Miller (guitar), Kay Lyra (vocals) and Maurício Maestro (vocals) 

When:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Where:
 

The Grill from Ipanema

1858 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone:(202) 986-0757 

Admission:
 
Reservations are recommended
Visit: www.thegrillfromipanema.com 
Apr
24
Fri
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale @ National Arboretum
Apr 24 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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/.

Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 24 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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/.

 

Apr
25
Sat
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale @ National Arboretum
Apr 25 @ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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/.

Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 25 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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/.

 

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Spring Gala @ Music Center at Strathmore
Apr 25 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

In this 10th anniversary week of opening its hallmark Music Center, Strathmore announces that iconic actressJulie Andrews will celebrate A Dazzling Decade by speaking at the art center’s 10th Anniversary Spring Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2015.With a career that has spanned decades, traversed a myriad of artistic disciplines, imbued fans with fond memories, and inspired millions, there’s no one better to headline this celebration of the past decade, while looking ambitiously toward the future.  Gala guests will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a sumptuous dinner, program with Julie Andrews, and an after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.

An Evening with Julie Andrews will include a Q&A with the audience and discussion moderated by Washington Post Theater Critic Peter Marks. She will share clips, stories, and conversation about her illustrious, history-making career. Music will be performed by the Strathmore Children’s Chorus. Andrews will not be singing.

The 10th Anniversary Spring Gala symbolizes a major milestone in Strathmore’s history, and will be the stage for announcements of future initiatives for the organization, which has become a touchstone for life and culture in Montgomery County and the greater Washington metropolitan region.  Since it opened in 2005, over 1.8 Million people have attended a performance in the Music Center at Strathmore. Many more have come through for education programs, special events, free community concerts, and festivals. There have been nearly 2,000 performances in the Music Center since its opening, including those by founding partner the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and resident partner organizations The National Philharmonic and Washington Performing Arts.

Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.
Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Strathmore Presents
10th Anniversary Spring Gala
An Evening with Julie Andrews
Conversation, Stories & Clips
with Peter Marks, moderator
& music by Strathmore Children’s Chorus
Saturday, April 25, 2015

5:30 p.m.         Cocktail Reception
7 p.m.              Dinner
9 p.m.              An Evening with Julie Andrews and music from the Strathmore Children’s Chorus
10:30 p.m.       After Party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats

Tickets (for concert only) $65 – $175 (limited single tickets available for purchase)

Dinner ticket packages include:
$600 Individual Supporter: One ticket to Gala dinner in Music Center, Performance with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.
$1,500 Gala Patron: One ticket to Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, listing on evening’s video recognition, valet parking pass.
$10,000 Sponsor: Table for eight at Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, valet parking passes for all eight guests, listing in evening’s video recognition, acknowledgment on Strathmore’s donor wall, newsletter and annual report.

Ticket packages can be purchased by contacting The Sorelle Group at (202) 248-1930 or Strathmore@sorellegroup.com.

Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5100

May
2
Sat
Heurich House Family Festival @ Heurich House
May 2 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Heurich House Museum to host second annual spring family festival

The Heurich House Museum invites the public to celebrate the beginning of spring at their annual Frühlingsfest on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 1-4 pm. This family friendly garden event will feature activities for all ages including face painting, maypole dancing, ice cream making, craft activities, and garden games. The museum will be open for guests to explore with scavenger hunts for younger guests included.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company will provide a full pig roast with side dishes. Two beers will be on tap courtesy of Virginia-based Old Ox Brewery. Authentic German butter cookies will be available for dessert courtesy of Heidelberg Pasty Shoppe. Ticket price is $20 for guests 12 and older, $5 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Admission includes unlimited food and fun! Adults 21 and over will receive two beer tickets. Additional information and tickets available at www.heurichhouse.org/events.

Frühlingsfest is translated as ‘Spring Festival’ and is known as ‘Oktoberfest’s little sister’ in Germany. It celebrates the end of a cold winter and beginning of spring, and it typically occurs from mid-April to the beginning of May. Stuttgart and Munich have some of the largest Frühlingsfests in Germany, and now the Heurich House is bringing the age-old traditional to Washington, DC!

About the Heurich House Museum: The Heurich House Museum preserves the legacy of Christian Heurich and enriches the cultural life of Washington, DC. The mansion was built from 1892-4 by German immigrant, local brewer, and philanthropist Christian Heurich (1842-1945). Recognized as Washington, D.C.’s most successful brewer, he ran the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. until his death at 102.  The mansion is notable for its technological innovations, original interiors, and rich archival collection of one of the most important local families.