The British Embassy and the U.S. Department of State are celebrating the launch of “Try Rugby USA,” a campaign to grow international community outreach and youth development around Rugby in the U.S., with a friendly rugby match.
WHAT: U.S. v UK Friendly Touch Rugby Game
WHEN: 12:30-2:00pm Wednesday 24 February 2016
WHERE: Cooper Field at Georgetown University
3700 O St NW Washington DC 20007
Playing on the UK team is Ken Harvey, a former Washington Redskins player, to help highlight the affinity for sports on both sides of the Atlantic and the NFL international series in London. Other members of the UK team consist of British Embassy staff and British Defence staff. Tosh Askew, who has coached England U19s for 5 years and won Grand Slam in 2004, Nic Rouse, rugby union player for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership, and Caryl Thomas, head coach of the University of Bath Women’s rugby team and has played for Wales Women in the Six Nations Championship and in two World Cups (2010, 2014), will coach the UK team.
Playing on the US team includes Whitney Stowell, President of Washington Irish RFC, and Chris Howard, a Tiger Rugby coach. Other players will include U.S. Department of State staff. James Walker, founder of Tiger Rugby, will coach and play on the US team.
The event is open to the public and media and free to attend. Parking is extremely limited, public transportation is recommended.
Rugby Facts:
- Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the US.
- The UK hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
- Rugby will be part of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, having last been an Olympic sport in 1924. The US won gold that year, so have been the gold medal holders for more than 90 years.
- Famous rugby players include Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, John F Kennedy, JRR Tolkien, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Russell Crowe, Chris Farley, Meat Loaf and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
History of Rugby:
Rugby lore has the game originating in 1823, when a pupil at Rugby School, William Webb Ellis, picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it. This new game slowly spread around public schools and universities, with the first formal rules inked in 1845. A Rugby Football Union (RFU) followed in 1871, with an inaugural international – England versus Scotland – played that same year. 1883 then witnessed Britain’s Home Nations Championship, the first international rugby competition. By 1908, with the sport having long spread into many former British colonies, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa had all sent touring teams to compete.
Despite continued growth, rugby union didn’t turn professional until the International Rugby Board (later the IRFB, now World Rugby) removed player-payment restrictions in 1995. Continental club competitions soon followed, including Europe’s much-vaunted Heineken Cup and Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere. Today, World Rugby boasts 117 member countries.
For the first time, Premiership Rugby will host a game in the US. The London Irish v Saracens game will be played at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on 12 March 2016.
Try Rugby USA
Hosted by British Council USA, Friends of the British Council USA, and USA Rugby geographical unions and state based rugby organizations, the coaches from the Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs will be joined on the road by coaches from US based Tiger Rugby. Together they will deliver a range of coach education sessions, coaching clinics for schools, universities, clubs, youth programs as well as linking with existing rugby based social projects like Play Rugby USA. They hope to build a sustainable network of coaches, clubs and players designed to bring together, develop the skills of and inspire the US rugby community to build pathways to introduce the sports and its values to youth.
Activities will take place in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Texas in the coming months.
For more details: http://www.britishcouncil.us/programmes/society/try-rugby-usa
On Saturday, March 12, DC arts supporters will come together to celebrate the Cathedral Choral Society and its mission of inspiring the community through the joy of choral singing with Gala 1941 at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel. This gala is the Cathedral Choral Society’s most significant annual fundraising event, and supports the organization’s artistic and community engagement initiatives.
In celebration of the Cathedral Choral Society’s founding year, attendees will enjoy a ritzy evening of 1940s fun with big band swing, guest performers, dancing, and a silent auction. This gala will be “reception style,” with an open bar, food stations, and passed hors d’oeuvres. The sixteen-piece Brooks Tegler Band performs.
“Our spring gala is our most important annual fundraising event,” said Ernie Abbott, President of the Cathedral Choral Society’s Board of Trustees. “On the eve of our 75th anniversary season, this gala is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the artistic programming and community engagement initiatives of this organization. Support from our gala attendees will help ensure artistic vibrancy in our 75th season and beyond.”
WHAT: SMITHSONIAN at 8 and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fête.” Closing celebration of the 2016 DC Francophonie Cultural Festival.
WHEN: Friday, March 18, 7 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC
Get ready for a spectacular #SMITHSONIANat8 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 always magnifique.
Beginning at 7 p.m., guests launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. They’ll sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as they explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. (Watch for a full list of participating countries.) There will be plenty of giveaways for guests to take home as souvenirs.
See a special performance by the “King of Cajun Blue Zydeco” accordionist-guitarist Major Handy. His music is a delicious mix of rousing Cajun blues and modern riffs that will make audiences “jump like shrimp frying in the pan.”
The dance party starts at 9:30 p.m. when DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. Guests will 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, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Georgia, Guinea, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Quebec, Republic of Congo, Republique de Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, and Uruguay
General admission $40 (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.)
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
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.
A cash/credit bar provided by Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille is open throughout the night.
La Maison Francaise does not offer on-site parking. Limited street parking is available on Reservoir Road; public garages are available at Georgetown University Hospital nearby. Metrobus D5 and D6 routes have stops near the event’s location.
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com
WHAT: SMITHSONIAN at 8 and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fête.” Closing celebration of the 2016 DC Francophonie Cultural Festival.
WHEN: Friday, March 18, 7 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC
Get ready for a spectacular #SMITHSONIANat8 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 always magnifique.
Beginning at 7 p.m., guests launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. They’ll sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as they explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. (Watch for a full list of participating countries.) There will be plenty of giveaways for guests to take home as souvenirs.
The dance party starts at 9 p.m. when DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. Guests will experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home. #NoPassportNeeded
Participating organizations and embassies include but are not limited to: Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Mali, Republique de Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and Slovenia.
General admission $40 (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.)
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
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.
A cash/credit bar provided by Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille is open throughout the night.
La Maison Francaise does not offer on-site parking. Limited street parking is available on Reservoir Road; public garages are available at Georgetown University Hospital nearby. Metrobus D5 and D6 routes have stops near the event’s location.
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com
A New and enhanced Cherry Blast will transform Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square as a premier 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival event on April 16. Cherry Blast will bring Japanese-inspired flair with experiences that will dazzle and delight residents and visitors alike – while creating lasting impressions of DC’s treasured springtime tradition. Explore some of the exciting Cherry Blast experiences below.
Sushi & Sake Workshops
Sample delectable sushi and savory sake selections from top sophisticated chefs and baristas entrenched in the Japanese culinary world. Workshops offered every 30 minutes from 6:30pm to 1:00am. Timeslot sign-up provided in purchase confirmation email.
Cherry Blast Dance Party
(For ages 21+) Experience live musical performances and an amazing line up of electrifying DJs and bands.
Cosplay Competition
Come dressed up in your favorite cosplay ensemble. Participants will be entered to win fun prizes.
Tokyo Street Food Experience
Indulge your taste buds at the Tokyo street food landscape. Clusters of street vendors within this Tokyo street replica will give attendees an opportunity to revel in Japanese inspired food in a sensory filed environment.
Manga Vendors
No Japanese inspired event is complete without manga vendors who will surprise and delight revelers with endless displays of comics and cartoons that span a broad range of genres-from action-adventure, comedy and mystery to the heart- pumping romance, science fiction and horror.
Anime Fashion Show
Get ready to immerse yourself in Japanese-inspired fashion with the anime fashion show that will showcase cutting-edge trends and fashion pieces straight off the runway and the streets of Tokyo.
Gaming & Drift Car Competition
In staying true to Japanese culture, cherry blast will include and outdoor gaming experience with today’s favorite video games for compete in, as well as a drift car showcase that highlights neon lights, jaw-dropping art and eye-popping spoilers. The drift car showcase will also include a competition for enthusiasts to participate and wow cherry blast attendees.
Live Painting & Cherry Blossom Inspired Art Show
Experience a cherry blossom inspired art exhibit that features more than 60 local and international artists. Two featured artists will wow revelers as they paint live with their diverse artistic style in large scale unique canvases.
The famous Carabinieri Band – one of the greatest military orchestras in the world, founded in 1820 – will play at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on April 18, 2016 in a free concert honoring defenders of the cultural heritage of humanity. In what promises to be a not-to-be-missed-event, 90 musicians in their distinctive uniforms will bring to life traditional marches as well as modern and classical music in the majestic Concert Hall. The rich repertoire will include the national anthems of Italy, the United States and the European Union, as well as music by Sousa, Dvorak, and Puccini.
“We warmly invite all lovers of culture to join us in this international musical tribute to the defenders of human heritage, in one of the most beautiful venues in America” said the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Armando Varricchio. “We are very grateful to the Kennedy Center for giving our talented Carabinieri Band the opportunity to perform in the splendid Concert Hall, in an event which is free and open to the public. Today, after the recent horrific attacks to our culture and some of our fundamental values – just think of Paris, Tunis and Brussels, to mention but some – it reminds us of the importance of defending culture, and our very way of life, in its entirety”.
The concert is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Italian Institute of Culture in Washington D.C., with the generous support of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Banca Intesa Sanpaolo. It is part of the “Protecting our Heritage” initiative, a program supported by UNESCO and organized by the Washington Network of the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC), under the 2016 Italian presidency, in order to raise awareness on the need to act against the growing threats posed to cultural heritage by wars, international terrorism, criminal organizations, climate challenges – or more simply, by neglect.
The concert will also recognize the exceptional work of the Italian Carabinieri both in fostering peace and protecting cultural heritage worldwide: they will be part of UNESCO’s “blue helmets for culture” program, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 16, 2016 in Rome by the Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO.
About the Carabinieri Band
The Carabinieri Band was founded in 1820 when the then Royal Carabinieri Corps assembled a group of buglers for the first time. In 1862 this became a fanfare, and by 1920 had developed into a full Band contingent of the Carabinieri Force. Under the direction of Maestro Luigi Cajoli the Band became famous for its quality of style, and in 1916 it travelled abroad for the first time for a series of concerts for injured allied soldiers. It performed with great success in Paris, and was highly acclaimed by the press. Many other prestigious tours abroad followed, from Europe to North and South America, the Middle East and Japan. Maestro Luigi Cirenei, who was a pupil of Pietro Mascagni, succeeded Cajoli in 1925. He improved the artistic skills of the Band and composed “LA FEDELISSIMA” the march theme adopted by the Carabinieri Force. Other band directors included: Maestro Domenico Fantini (1947), Maestro Vincenzo Borgia (1972) and Maestro Massimo Martinelli (2001), who is the present Director. The Carabinieri Band, with 103 musicians, each one an expert in a particular instrument, interprets the most famous compositions with a rich repertoire ranging from traditional military marches to modern and classical music.
The event will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. RSVP here http://iicwashington.info/events/20160418/rsvps/
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
A great summer tradition will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac with the much anticipated 9th Annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day.
The event is in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the National Harbor hotels, restaurants and shops, and continues to be a destination event. More than just a tasting, the festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live music, as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
This year’s festival will include over 150 International wines, spirits and beers featured along with local and regional favorites in and all-you-care-to-taste affair. Guests will be able to sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass and the bottle, on-site at special event only low prices. Beyond the drink tastings there are many other highlights which include: Special craft beer tasting Bier Garten experience, Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting Lounge, Cooking Kitchen featuring hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine pairings, three stages of live music and so much more. It is the largest award winning wine festival of its kind in the Metro DC market.
This year’s organizers have turned up the heat on the Cooking Stage and brought in some award winning super star chef talent. Special appearances on the Cooking Stage include, Saturday: Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Chef Jennifer Carroll of Requin, and Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo. Sunday will featureKwame Onwuachi of Shaw Bijou, Matt Baker of Gravitas and Chef Danny Lee of Mandu. All of these local, regional and nationally recognized chefs will offer meet and greets and cooking demonstrations.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center once again will kick-off this year’s Wine & Food Festival with a five-course wine dinner on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.Partnering with Chimney Rock winemaker, Elizabeth Vianna, guests can enjoy notable vintages paired with exquisite dishes prepared by the executive chef at the resorts signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse. Cost is $125 per person and pre-purchase is required.
To make a reservation for the wine dinner experience, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com.
Guests also can choose to spend the night at the nearly 2,000 room resort with its exclusive VIP Wine and Food Festival package. The package includes one night room accommodations for April 22 or 23, a $50 resort credit and two VIP one-day admission tickets to the Wine and Food Festival. Package starts at $299. To book a reservation, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNational.com.
Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite. $29 designated driver ticket in advance.
To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.
A great summer tradition will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac with the much anticipated 9th Annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day.
The event is in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the National Harbor hotels, restaurants and shops, and continues to be a destination event. More than just a tasting, the festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live music, as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
This year’s festival will include over 150 International wines, spirits and beers featured along with local and regional favorites in and all-you-care-to-taste affair. Guests will be able to sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass and the bottle, on-site at special event only low prices. Beyond the drink tastings there are many other highlights which include: Special craft beer tasting Bier Garten experience, Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting Lounge, Cooking Kitchen featuring hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine pairings, three stages of live music and so much more. It is the largest award winning wine festival of its kind in the Metro DC market.
This year’s organizers have turned up the heat on the Cooking Stage and brought in some award winning super star chef talent. Special appearances on the Cooking Stage include, Saturday: Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Chef Jennifer Carroll of Requin, and Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo. Sunday will featureKwame Onwuachi of Shaw Bijou, Matt Baker of Gravitas and Chef Danny Lee of Mandu. All of these local, regional and nationally recognized chefs will offer meet and greets and cooking demonstrations.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center once again will kick-off this year’s Wine & Food Festival with a five-course wine dinner on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.Partnering with Chimney Rock winemaker, Elizabeth Vianna, guests can enjoy notable vintages paired with exquisite dishes prepared by the executive chef at the resorts signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse. Cost is $125 per person and pre-purchase is required.
To make a reservation for the wine dinner experience, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com.
Guests also can choose to spend the night at the nearly 2,000 room resort with its exclusive VIP Wine and Food Festival package. The package includes one night room accommodations for April 22 or 23, a $50 resort credit and two VIP one-day admission tickets to the Wine and Food Festival. Package starts at $299. To book a reservation, call 301-965-4000 or visit www.GaylordNational.com.
Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite. $29 designated driver ticket in advance.
To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.
