BlackRock Center for the Arts will hold its annual gala on Friday, May 6 from 6:00pm–10:00pm. The gala theme is “An Evening of Wonder: Celebrating the Magic of the Arts at BlackRock.” In recent years, BlackRock has emerged as a noteworthy community asset, establishing Upper Montgomery County as a sought-after destination to live, work, and play, with its stellar performances, professional quality, and diverse offerings. Though it may seem the Center’s success happened overnight—like magic—it is instead a result of years of hard work and civic leadership in a forward-thinking community, one whose residents value the arts, their impact on the human spirit and their role in creating vibrant communities. Members of the public are invited to attend the event and celebrate the arts in Upper Montgomery County. Individual tickets to “An Evening of Wonder” cost $195 and can be purchased online at
The evening’s schedule for “An Evening of Wonder: Celebrating the Magic of the Arts at BlackRock” includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a three-course dinner, live entertainment, fund-a-need, dessert, and an after-party with dancing. In addition, there will be an awards celebration honoring Therrien Waddell and Jean Casey for their outstanding dedication to the arts in our community. The gala is co-chaired by Jennifer Russel and Chester Anderson and this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs are the Honorable Isiah Leggett and Mrs. Catherine Leggett.
Gala sponsors as of February 9, 2016 include: Lauren Kay Pollin; Dataprise; Adventist Health Care; Hughes, an Echostar Company; John and Sheila Compton; Montgomery College; Shops at Town Center; Sugarloaf Trails; Clarksburg Premium Outlets; Bethesda Magazine; Black Hill, a project of Lerner; Minkoff Development; Matan; Sugarplum Tent Company; Wegmans; &pizza; Elm Street Developments; Jade Solutions, LLC; M&T Bank; Melane and Tom Hoffmann; Margie and Tom Quelet; Zoes Kitchen; and wine sponsorship by Randy and Kathy Scritchfield. Jean Casey, Beth Daly, and Hammet Hough are Individual Sponsors of the event.
| Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar partners with friend and Neighbor Chef Ryan Gordon of British Pub Queen Vic for the third year in a row to present the popular, always sold out, Kentucky Derby Pig Roast on Saturday May 7th at 3 pm. Chef Ryan’s 2016 menu boasts an array of bourbon infused selections featuring this year’s partner Bulleit Bourbon, Beer Braised Sausage featuring Brewery Partner Anderson Valley and mouth-watering sides such as Pimento Mac and Cheese.
To sip; Bulleit Rye Mighty Mint Juleps with house-made, mint simple syrup and mint infused Bulleit Rye, as well as select brews from Anderson Valley; Summer Solstice Seasonal Ale (slightly sweet and malty), Briney Melon Gose (tart with subtle watermelon flavors and aromas), Boont Amber Ale (herbal, spicy, bitter) and Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout (toffee, espresso, chocolate, barley), all on tap.
The $48 ticket prices includes all you can eat and all you can tap from the Anderson Valley kegs. Mint Juleps, Little Miss Whiskey’s 130 plus craft beers, 60 plus whiskeys and full bar will be available for purchase. The Derby will be aired live at 6:34 pm and women are encouraged to wear hats. Tickets can be purchased here: https://lmw.ticketspice.com/kentucky-derby-pig-roast-saturday-may-7th-2016
Chef Gordon continues to out do himself and this year’s roast is no different. The 2016 Kentucky Derby Pig Roast Menu:
Apple & Bulleit Bourbon Injected Whole Roasted Pigs
Bulleit Bourbon & Caramel Dipped Pork Belly Lollipop
House-Made Sausage Braised in Beer & Sauerkraut Peach & Bulleit Bourbon Glazed Slow-Cooked Ribs
served w/ sides of Jalapeno Cheesy Grits Pork Belly Potato Salad Bacon & Bulleit Bourbon Baked Beans |
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) commemorates its milestone 35thanniversary with Carmina 35 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall onSunday, May 8, 2016 at 8 p.m., under the direction of Artistic Director Thea Kano. For more information, visit www.GMCW.org.
GMCW partners with New York’s Gallim Dance and 40 members of the New York City Master Chorale to perform a perennial favorite of classical music, Carl Orff’s canonical Carmina Burana. Soloists lending their talent to this performance are soprano Paige Cutrona, tenor Robert Baker, and baritone Young Kwang Yoo. The performance will also feature new choreography by the industrious Andrea Miller, Artistic Director for Gallim Dance.
A leading contemporary dance company based in New York, this collaboration complements the ethos of Gallim Dance, which celebrates the human spirit through works deeply rooted in the human experience of love, struggle and spirituality. Miller created a loose narrative for nine dancers, harnessing the passion and physicality that the music inspires to explore different relationships—same sex and heterosexual, romantic, platonic, and familial. She channels a spectrum of emotions—passion, sexuality, tension, struggle, joy—through characteristically big, bold movement.
This production of Carmina Burana will also be performed at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
Orff’s sweeping masterwork is paired with touchstones from GMCW’s history. The second half of the concert will be bookended with significant works commissioned by GMCW— “Build A House” fromAlexander’s House and “This House Shall Stand” from Songs of My Family. The Chorus will also perform favorite selections from past concerts, as well as “This Train,” the first song rehearsed at GMCW’s inaugural rehearsal in 1981, GMCW’s anthem “Make Them Hear You” from Broadway’s Ragtime, and “We Kiss in Shadow,” performed by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus at the Kennedy Center in 1980, which served as the inspiration to start a DC-based gay men’s chorus.
Historical significance
A torchbearer and consistent, unified voice for equality, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC has been a steady presence in its community and at historic events that have impacted LGBT people. In 2013, GMCW sang on the steps of the Supreme Court when the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down, and returned in 2015 to sing jubilantly when the court ruled in favor of marriage equality. That same year, GMCW was the first LGBT chorus invited to perform in Cuba on a 10-day cultural and educational tour, helping to spread awareness about equality. The chorus sang at the Lincoln Memorial in 2008 for the first inauguration of President Barack Obama, performing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” with Josh Groban and Heather Headley. Additionally, GMCW vocal ensemble Potomac Fever performed at the White House in 2012 for the first-ever LGBT reception honoring rising LGBT leaders.
The chorus has grown from 90 members in its first season to more than 200 singing members today, educating and entertaining more than 10,000 patrons annually.
Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce An Evening with Ana Gasteyer, an exclusive celebration that includes the inaugural presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award, Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW).
Born and raised in D.C., Gasteyer has appeared on Broadway in Wicked and The Threepenny Opera and is widely known for her memorable roles in film and TV, including six seasons on Saturday Night Live. For the benefit cabaret performance, the comedienne will perform hits from her new jazz album “I’m Hip” with members of her band, delivering saucy and fun-loving renditions from the American songbook.
The evening kicks off with a VIP cocktail reception and three-course seated dinner, followed by the performance, after which guests will enjoy a music, wine and dessert reception.
Dinner will feature the presentation of the inaugural award in Arena Stage Board Chair Beth Newburger Schwartz’s honor, for her invaluable work at Arena Stage and throughout her career to promote and recognize women’s roles throughout American history. This will be awarded annually to a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
All proceeds from the evening support Arena Stage’s award-winning artistic and community engagement programs. Space is limited.
Complimentary valet parking will be available.
Event Schedule
Monday May 9, 2016
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception and seated dinner
8:30 p.m. Cabaret performance by Ana Gasteyer
Post-show music, wine and dessert reception following the performance
Individual Tickets
Dinner Ticket – $1,000
Performance Ticket – $500
Young Professional Ticket (35 or under) – $150
For additional event details visit arenastage.org/donate/special-
For information on individual ticket or table purchases please contact Maria Corso at 202-600-4025 or email mcorso@arenastage.org.
For information on corporate sponsorship packages, please contact Char Manlove-Laws at 202-600-4030 or email cmanlove-laws@ArenaStage.org.
An Evening with Ana Gasteyer is sponsored in part by GEICO.
An Evening with Ana Gasteyer:
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW)
Monday, May 9, 2016
5:30 p.m. VIP Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner and the inaugural presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award
8:30 p.m. One-night-only performance starring Ana Gasteyer
Sips and Sweets post-show party with desserts and dancing immediately following
Complimentary valet parking will be available
Cocktail Attire
Sponsorship Levels
Producer Sponsor: $50,000
Star Sponsor: $25,000
Director Sponsor: $10,000
Playwright Sponsor: $5,000
Individual Tickets
Ensemble Sponsor: $1,000 (VIP Cocktail Reception, dinner/award presentation, performance and post-show party)
Patron Sponsor: $500 (Performance and post-show party)
Young Professional Ticket: $150 (Ages 35 and under, performance and post-show party)
The David Lynch Foundation hosts the SUPER MIND CONVERSATION featuring veteran political correspondent Candy Crowley and renowned DC-based psychiatrist and NIH researcher Norman E. Rosenthal, MD
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 8:00 pm
WHERE: Avalon Theater 5612 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015. The event is free and open to the public and media
THE STORY: Dr. Rosenthal, the New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author of Transcendence, will speak with TV news icon Candy Crowley about his new book, Super Mind: How to Boost Performance and Live a Richer and Happier Life Through Transcendental Meditation(TarcherPenguin, May 17). He explains that far from being a fad from the past, Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a powerful tool for overcoming stress—even severe PTSD—and enriching all areas of life. Rosenthal weaves the latest clinical research together with the results of over 600 personal interviews he conducted to define the SUPER MIND state, which is achieved by meditators through their regular practice.
“I thought I’d shared all I had to say about TM in Transcendence, but I was very wrong. The personal growth continues to unfold in terms of success and synchronistic good luck accompanied by inner happiness and peace. It feels like the perfect antidote for the craziness that’s all around us!”
–Dr. Norman Rosenthal
theatreWashington announced today that the 32nd annual Helen Hayes Awards will be celebrated at the historic Lincoln Theatre on May 23, with Washington favorites E. Faye Butler and Lawrence Redmond as hosts. A Dance Party follows at the world-renowned 9:30Club, just blocks away. Both events, sponsored by TodayTix, honor 236 Helen Hayes Award nominees drawn from the 202 eligible productions presented in 2015. Included among those productions are a staggering 59 world premieres. Also in the spotlight this year is the inaugural Women’s Voices Theater Festival, with a range of plays and musicals that received 13 nominations. Tickets for the combined Awards Ceremony and Dance Party are $275 for premium seating, $150 for general seating, and can be purchased at theatreWashington.org beginning May 2.
theatreWashington President and CEO Amy Austin commented, “We’re excited to be returning to the Lincoln Theatre because of its amazing history in our city, and we’re thrilled to be taking over the 9:30 Club for a celebratory Dance Party. There’s so much phenomenal work produced every night in area theatres, this is the one night of the year we gather together to toast the excellent work of 2015 and the community as a world-class theatre destination!”
TodayTix sponsorship includes announcements of the Helen Hayes Award recipients in real time through push notifications via their mobile app. Opt-in for the live updates will become available in the coming weeks. “It says a lot that TodayTix has joined us as our sponsors,” Austin commented. “They’ve changed the way theatres do business – and we’re always eager to look ahead.”
Named for actor Helen Hayes – a Washington native and legendary First Lady of the American Theatre – the Helen Hayes Awards honorsexcellence in professional theatre throughout the Washington region. Over the last three decades it has set a standard for artistic accomplishment recognized by theatre makers and theatre lovers far beyond the Beltway. Awards are given in parallel “Helen” or “Hayes” cohorts, depending on the number of Equity members involved in a production, for a total of 47 award categories, plus the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company
Coordination of the nominations process is a year-round and demanding endeavor. Over the course of 2015, a pool of 40 Helen Hayes Awards Judges submitted a total of 21,936 scores for 2,940 individual pieces of work (design, direction, choreography, etc.). Of those scores, 1,499 were for acting performances alone. The result this year is a roster of 236 nominations drawn from 79 productions at 35 theatres. A complete list of nominees past and present can be found at theatreWashington.org.
On Monday, May 23trd, 38 of the area’s best chefs and mixologists will serve up special tastings of their signature dishes at Chef’s Best: A Taste of Compassion presented by AT&T. Hosted at the historic National Building Museum, Chef’s Best will benefit Food & Friends, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC serving those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses.
Thanks to the efforts of this year’s Celebrity Chef Chair Michael Friedman of The Red Hen & All Purpose, guests will enjoy tastings prepared by some of the region’s most talented chefs including: Victor Albisu, Del Campo & Taco Bamba; Erik Bruner-Yang, Maketto & Toki Underground; Jeff Black, Black Restaurant Group; Patrick Curran,Momofuku; Haidar Karoum, Doi Moi, Estadio & Proof; and Robert Wiedmaier, Mussel Bar, among other notables from the DC dining scene. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exciting silent and live auction items featuring fantastic trips, one-of-a-kind experiences and private dining opportunities.
Proceeds from Chef’s Best will ensure the delivery of medically-specialized meals and personalized nutrition counseling to Food & Friends’ clients living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. This year, Food & Friends will provide more than 1 million meals to more than 2,800 individuals in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland.
Food & Friends depends on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals and is grateful for the sponsors who have contributed to Chef’s Best.
“AT&T is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Chef’s Best: A Taste of Compassion. We are a longstanding supporter of Food & Friends because of its lasting impact on the community — from its service learning education program to its work restoring health and hope in the lives of those facing life-challenging illnesses. AT&T is grateful for what Food & Friends does every day to serve the DMV community,” said Erik Hower, Vice President, Public Affairs for AT&T and Food & Friends Board Member.
The event will also honor long time Food & Friends Board Member Christopher Wolf with the first annual Compassion in Action award
“There is no more basic charity than feeding sick people, and that is what Food & Friends does every day, providing not only food but compassionate friendship to so many men, women and children in need,” said Christopher Wolf, Food & Friends Board Member. “It’s hard to believe, but I have now served on the Food & Friends Board for more than 20 years. I have gotten so much out of the board experience, especially from the opportunity to see what a difference the staff and volunteers make in people’s lives. To be recognized for that service is ‘icing’ on the cake.”
In addition, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer will be presented with Food & Friends’ Public Servant Spirit of Caring award for his demonstrated commitment to the fight for health care accessibility and his work as a champion for thousands of Food & Friends clients.
Tickets are $350 and sponsorships begin at $1500. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/chefsbest to purchase tickets and see a current list of chefs and sponsors. The President’s Reception for sponsors begins at 5:30pm. Doors open for the main event at 6:30pm, with bidding for live auction starting around 8:15pm.
DC Greens, an organization aimed at supporting food education, food access and food policy in the nation’s capital, will host its second annual “Spring Dig” at Dock 5 at Union Market on May 24, 2016. Top chefs will prepare a seasonal, gourmet meal utilizing local purveyors, paired with Virginia wine and DC-distilled spirits. As with last year’s event, table sponsorships will come with customized, unforgettable culinary experiences in lieu of an auction.
What: DC Greens’ Spring Dig will highlight local food, wine and spirits, while working toward their mission of building a healthy food system in DC that can be a model for the nation. Guests will enjoy a multi-course, family-style dinner prepared by a talented culinary team of chefs from the country’s best restaurants. During the pre-dinner cocktail reception, guests will be treated to drinks from Green Hat Gin, as well as wine from Virginia’s Early Mountain Vineyards, served from their Airstream. Early Mountain will also be providing wine throughout the dinner. The evening will be MCed by chair of the DC Food Policy Council and chef Spike Mendelsohn (Bearnaise/Good Stuff Eatery).
Who: Participating chefs include Bryan Voltaggio of VOLT and Family Meal, Michael Voltaggio of Ink. (LA), Jeremiah Langhorne of The Dabney, Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Dan Giusti of Brigaid (formerly Noma), Rob Weland of Garrison, Ruben Garcia and Rick Billings of ThinkFoodGroup, and Robb Duncan of Dolcezza. Appetizers will be provided by Chaia Tacos, Rappahannock Oysters, EcoFriendly Foods and Righteous Cheese. Wine and spirits from Virginia’s Early Mountain Vineyards and DC’s Green Hat Gin, respectively, will be served.
When: Tuesday, May 24, 2016. The cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Tickets: General admission tickets are $250 per person and include the cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets can be purchased at http://dcgreens.org/springdig/. Dress code is festive attire and valet parking will be available. With three levels of table sponsorships, guests are offered different on and off site experiences, including “Cool Experiences” such as a private shopping party at Salt & Sundry or a bottling party for 15 at Green Hat Gin distillery, or “Unforgettable Events” such as backstage VIP passes for the Sweetlife Festival or a cooking class for 10 with Chef Ruben Garcia.
