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.
5th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas
DC’s Funniest Cinco de Mayo Celebration is Back!
(MOVED TO MAY 7th RAIN DATE!)
When: Sunday, May 1, 2016 | 1pm to 4 pm
Where: The Wharf 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Why: A benefit for local animal charities and a hilarious way to celebrate Cinco
What: Chihuahua races, food trucks, beer stands, live music, dog contests, a family friendly FREE event!
Kick off Cinco de Mayo at the Fifth Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! 1pm – 4pm on Sunday, May 1st at The Wharf – DC’s amazing new destination taking shape on the southwest waterfront. The Running of the Chihuahuas is part of DC’s best Cinco de Mayo celebration, an afternoon that includes great food from Sol Mexican, Red Hook and Captain Cookie food trucks, cold beer, live music from Sly 45 and of course, the races.
The highlight of the afternoon, the races feature 96 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty foot “race track.” All the action is captured on a 17 foot Jumbotron screen and the winners take home $500 in cash and prizes. ALL race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.
Don’t have a Chihuahua? You can still take part in the excitement with the all-breed contests for best dressed dog and best trick! There will be local vendors and giveaways from DC’s pet friendly businesses.
Deadline to register dogs online is Friday, April 29th, walkups on race day accepted until all spots are full. $25 per dog to race. This is a family and dog-friendly, admission-free event, but you must be 21+ to drink beer. To enter and for more information, visit http://www.cincodc.com!
| 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 |
BONNETS & BOWTIES
Saturday, May 7, 2016
4pm to 7pm
The Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Enjoy the “fastest two minutes in American sports,” at the Willard InterContinental’s Annual Bonnets & Bowties Party.
Celebrate the 142nd Kentucky Derby in the Willard Room with an afternoon of Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps (2 per person), an open beer and wine bar, a Sothern Style Buffet, a live jazz ensemble by Chris Grasso Jazz Trio, casino-style games including Black Jack, Roulette and Craps, as well as a contest for the “Best Derby Bonnet.”
$99 per person
Reservations: 202-942-7000
For the second year in a row Silent Dance Society (SDS) enlivens DC neighborhoods with a late night music and dance experience that doesn’t disturb any neighbors. The multisensory Silent Disco experience lets guests dance to 3 different music genres played by 3 live DJs as they take in the summer air and gorgeous views from city’s best rooftops. The wireless headset technology lets attendees completely submerge into the music as they switch between the different live streaming DJ channels. The music is transmitted directly to each headset so that one can adjust the volume to their liking or step away from the dance floor without losing the beat.
In partnership with the Cambria Hotel & Suites, SDS is bringing the weekly Silent Disco experience to Shaw neighborhood – every Saturday, May 7th through September 3rd from 8pm – 12am.
In partnership with the Embassy Ro Hotel, SDS is bringing the weekly Silent Disco experience to Dupont Circle neighborhood – every Friday, May 20th through September 2nd from 6pm-11pm
WHO: 3 Live DJs, 3 Different Music Channels, 1 Open Air Dance Floor
WHEN: Season Kick-off – Saturday, May 7th
8pm-12am
WHERE: Cambria Rooftop, 899 O Street NW, Washington DC
TICKETS: $10-15 online headset rental; $20 at the door if not sold-out http://silentdisco-may7.eventbrite.com, www.silentdancesociety.com
The 3rd Annual Best Buddies Prom, a night of music and friendship for young people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be held Friday, May 13 in the Carnegie Library, Washington DC.
“This is a night of friendship and celebration for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD] and their typical peers,” said Karen Glasser, regional director of Best Buddies Capital Region. This event gives local students of all abilities the chance to enjoy an evening of dancing, food, beverages and friendship. “The evening is also a joyous fundraising event for adults,” Glasser said, “who believe in Best Buddies mission of inclusion.”
The Best Buddies evening will be hosted by Prom Committee Chairman Tommy McFly of FRESH 94.7 FM’s The Tommy Show. Music will be programmed by popular local disc jockey DJ Neekola. A video of last year’s Prom can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaUCOF06Xv4
2015 Best Buddies Prom. Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region
BEST BUDDIES PROM
WHERE – Carnegie Library, 801 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
WHEN – Friday, May 13 from 6:30 – 11 pm
6:30 – 8 pm: VIP Reception for adults
7:30 pm – 11 pm: Doors open for students and general ticket holders
TICKETS now on sale at www.BestBuddiesProm.org
$20/student. (With complimentary food and beverages)
$150/adult. (With complimentary open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres)
$175/VIP adult (Includes access to VIP Reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by area top chefs and buddy chefs, as well as a complimentary open bar)
Although students are the stars of the evening, adults will enjoy their own celebration including a complimentary open bar, an assortment of delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent auction. VIPs will have the opportunity to sample sweet and savory bites prepared by DC’s most celebrated chefs alongside student “sous chefs” from local Best Buddies programs during an exclusive VIP reception prior to the event. The adult celebration will allow guests to unwind while witnessing Best Buddies’ mission of social inclusion first-hand.
2015 Best Buddies Prom. Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region
Food at the VIP reception will be provided by:
- Executive Pastry Chef Padua Player – SugaChef
- Chef Christianne Ricchi – iRicchi Restaurant
- Chef Brazil Murphy – SPYCE Catering Co.
- Chef Jerome Grant – Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
- Chef Adam Howard – corporate chef of Mike Isabella Concepts
- Chef Nate Waugaman – America Eats Tavern by Chef Jose Andres
- Chef John Melfi – The Oval Room
- Chef James Woznuik – Maketto’s Chef De Cuisine
SPANISH EMBASSY OPEN HOUSE
May 14, 2016 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2801 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/getinvolved/Paginas/Embassy-Open-House.aspx
Our cultural center, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, will open its doors on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a taste of the best Spain has to offer. With this event the Embassy is participating in the initiative “Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House”, organized by the Delegation of the EU to the US.
The open house will coincide with a special exhibition called “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism,” featuring the works of the most relevant contemporary illustrators in our country. Curated by journalist and cultural manager Mario Suarez, the exhibition aims to discover and recognize a generation of young artists who frequently contribute to national and international publications, galleries, museums and commercial firms.
Highlights
– Live paella cooking class & free tasting
– Spanish bagpipe performances
– Children’s science workshop
– Virtual reality headset demonstration with 360º views of Spain
– “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism” exhibit featuring custom mural by Ricardo Cavolo
– Spanish ham carving workshop
– Olive oil and olive tasting
– D.C. United soccer activities
– Children’s arts and crafts & Cervantes cartoons
– Face painting
Food & Drink
Wet your whistle with a sip of sangria, some Spanish wine, or a cold glass of Spanish beer. You can also indulge in a plate of succulent paella, croquetas, or Spanish omelette. Thanks to our participating restaurants and food providers, you won’t go hungry!
– Barcelona Wine Bar, La Taberna del Alabardero, Estadio, La Tasca, Mahou Cerveza, Chef Feliciano, Ines Rosales, Ethnica Foods, Fermin Ibérico, Indi & Co and Acorsa.
Embassy Offices Represented
Political Section
Meet Embassy diplomats and staff and learn about Spain’s strong bilateral relations with the United States.
Culture Office
Visit the stunning exhibition on Spanish Illustrators and find out about cultural events throughout the year.
Economic & Commercial Office
Discover how to do business in Spain, how to work with Spanish companies in the U.S. and the important trade relationship between our two countries.
Education Office
Learn about educational opporunities in Spain, including opporunities to teach English, professional development for Spanish teachers in the U.S. and much more.
Defense Attaché Office
Learn about the strong bilateral defense relationship between the Spain and the U.S.
Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Meet Spanish scientists and members of ECUSA and learn about the exciting research they are doing both in Spain and the United States.
Treat yourself to delicious cuisine from more than 100 of the area’s finest restaurants, while contributing to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s critical mission to save species. Food aficionados are invited to unleash their taste buds and enjoy tastings from the area’s best restaurants and wineries. The event, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. all in the wild setting of the National Zoo.
In addition to extraordinary food and fine wines, ZooFari also offers a night of unforgettable entertainment. Throughout the evening, guests will be surrounded by live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and new this year, cocktail tastings with seasonal and gourmet ingredients crafted by popular mixologists. Celebrity chefs Todd Gray (Equinox) and K.N. Vinod (Indique) will be in attendance and joining the festivities throughout the evening.
“ZooFari is our premier dining and fundraising event. Many of the restaurants have been featured on Food Network, Travel Channel and Cooking Channel,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director of FONZ. “Best of all, the proceeds from this fabulous evening support conservation and saving species.”
Tickets are available now at fonz.org/zoofari. Ticket prices are $160 for FONZ members and $200 for nonmembers. Exclusive VIP group packages are also available. Some of these packages offer all-access tickets to the Premier Pavilion, valet parking, an exclusive VIP pre-party and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge, as well as behind-the-scenes animal tours.
The ZooFari online auction offers a lively way to support the Zoo’s programs. Bidding goes live Monday, May 9 through the online site BidPal. Vacation getaways, private Zoo tours, cooking lessons with top area chefs, and animal art are just a few of the hundreds of coveted items available in the auction.
Whether you use claws or cutlery, you won’t want to miss this year’s epic event!
ZooFari is presented by GEICO® and sponsored by Big Bus Tours, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, Fresh 94.7 FM, LivingSocial, NBC4, Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and WTOP Radio.
