(WASHINGTON)—Washington National Opera (WNO) today announces an exciting
conclusion to its 2016–2017 season: the 2017 WNO Opera Gala, celebrating WNO
Board Chairman Jacqueline Badger Mars, who will step down as Chairman this
summer. The Gala, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, will include a concert in the Kennedy
Center Opera House featuring the WNO Orchestra and an array of musical stars who
will pay special tribute to Jacqueline Mars’s visionary leadership of WNO: legendary
soprano Renée Fleming, superstar mezzo-soprano and D.C. native Denyce Graves,
and Hamilton Tony Award® winner Leslie Odom Jr. The Gala is presented as part of
JFKC, the Kennedy Center’s season-long celebration of John F. Kennedy’s centennial,
and explores the themes of service and gratitude, which are often associated with
President Kennedy.
The Co-Chairmen of the WNO Opera Gala are WNO Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B.
Casey and Mrs. John F. Mars. The Opera Gala pays tribute to Jacqueline Badger Mars
for her six seasons of leadership of the WNO Board of Trustees. Highlights of her
tenure include the founding of the American Opera Initiative, which for the last five
seasons has helped identify the brightest rising American composers and librettists and
has added their work to the repertory; the programming of an annual opera for families
at the holiday season, including Hansel and Gretel, The Little Prince, and the world
premiere commission of The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me; and the presentation of WNO’s
first-ever complete Ring cycles in 2016, a feat that put WNO into a very elite group of
American opera companies.
“I have been honored to work with Jacquie Mars since 2008, and her imaginative
leadership and guidance have brought WNO unparalleled growth and success while
also making the opera more accessible to a broader audience,” said WNO executive
director Michael L. Mael. “Our next Chairman will certainly have big shoes to fill, but I
am happy that Jacquie will continue to steer this company as a WNO trustee.”
Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are on sale now to Kennedy Center
members. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10 a.m.
For those who wish to purchase special Gala packages, the evening will begin with a
VIP cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace at 5:30 p.m., followed by
the Gala concert at 6:30 p.m. After the performance, Gala package holders will depart
the Kennedy Center for elegant black-tie dinners hosted by many ambassadors at their
embassies or residences throughout the city, a longtime tradition of the Opera’s season-
ending social gathering.
The Opera Gala is WNO’s largest fundraiser and one of Washington’s most anticipated
events of the year. Proceeds from the Opera Gala will play a crucial role in advancing
the Opera’s award-wining artistic, educational, and outreach programs.
While the 2016–2017 season is coming to an end, the new season promises
excitement. WNO’s 2017–2018 season includes new productions of Verdi’s epic drama
Aida, the company premiere of Handel’s magical baroque opera Alcina, and Verdi’s
towering masterpiece Don Carlo, plus Rossini’s delightful comedy The Barber of Seville
and Bernstein’s biting satire Candide. The season also features a festival weekend of
four world premieres as part of the American Opera Initiative, the return of the holiday
family opera The Little Prince, two special Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist performances,
and more. Subscription packages are available now.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are available online, in person at the
Kennedy Center Box Office, and by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. For all
other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at
(202) 416-8540.
–“Have You Seen My Tail?” the new children’s book by author Kaitlin Puccio, is
now available for sale. The story will enthrall children as they join Corky the Corgi on a hunt for his missing
tail. At the heart of the tale is a timeless fable about accepting differences and being
comfortable in your own skin (…or fur).
The book’s message about compassion, acceptance, and companionship will appeal to
families looking for engaging tools to raise empathetic and confident children.
A portion of the proceeds from each “Have You Seen My Tail?” purchase will go to Paws of War, an
organization that matches rescue dogs with military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war.
Kaitlin’s first book, “The Adventures of Celia Kaye,” has been a useful tool for children’s organizations like The
Girl Scouts of Central Texas, with whom Kaitlin collaborated to create a curriculum to educate children about
celiac disease and food allergies, while also teaching the importance of accepting differences.
“Have You Seen My Tail?” was designed by Grammy-nominated record cover designer and artist Sarah
Larnach, who also illustrated “The Adventures of Celia Kaye.”
WASHINGTON, DC AREA BOOK EVENTS
Kaitlin will appear to read and sign “Have You Seen My Tail?” at DC area Pawties this summer. Join her at
Soapstone Market on August 5 from 10 to 11 AM.
THE SEARCH FOR THE REAL LIFE CORKY
Corky is so excited that he discovered the secret of his missing tail, and he wants to tell corgis everywhere!
Send in photos or videos of your corgi being paw-fect and Corky will post them on his Instagram.
The winner will get a mountain of toys, treats, and more pooch-related products for your Instafamous corgi.
Plus, your pup will be featured on Corky’s book page as Corky’s new friend. Give us a woof
at @CorkyWithNoTail and use #IRLCorky to submit. Visit @CorkyWithNoTail on Instagram for details.
WHAT: Colon Cancer Alliance 7th Annual Blue Hope Bash
The Blue Hope Bash is the premiere fundraising gala of the Colon Cancer Alliance. It brings together both individuals and corporations that are passionate about supporting our mission to end colon cancer within our lifetime. Since the event’s inception in 2010, it has raised more than $5 million.
The Bash aligns our community of passionate advocates for an inspirational evening to celebrate survivorship and remember loved ones. This year, the Colon Cancer Alliance has set a goal to raise a record-breaking $1 million to support our mission and strategic plan: to invest $10 million in research, save 100,000 lives through increased screening and double the number of constituents Colon Cancer Alliance serves.
WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2017
5:30 p.m. – VIP Reception
6:30 p.m. – General Reception
8:00 p.m. – Dinner & Program
10:00 p.m. – Event Ends
WHERE: Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave, NW – Washington, D.C.
EVENT THEME: In This Together
BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, Co-Anchor of NBC’s Weekend ‘Today Show’, National Correspondent for ‘Today’, and Anchor on MSNBC. Craig recently shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at age 39. Craig’s brother Lawrence and his wife Angela will be in attendance. (Today Show Link)
EVENT CO – CHAIRS: Avi & Michelle Benaim. Michelle Benaim was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2015 at age 47. She and her husband Avi turned to the Colon Cancer Alliance for support, guidance and information as they navigated Michelle’s diagnosis and have grown to be passionate supporters of the organization’s mission. Michelle passed away on September 30 at the age of 49. Her husband Avi, her three children, and their family will be in attendance to celebrate her life, legacy and dedication to ending the disease by increasing awareness and funding colon cancer-specific research.
SPECIAL GUESTS & VIPS IN ATTENDANCE:
Carmen Marc Valvo, American Fashion Designer, Colon Cancer Alliance Vice Chair & Survivor
Lindsay Czarniak, ESPN SportsCenter Anchor (wife of Craig Melvin)
Lawrence & Angela Meadows (brother and sister-in-law of Craig Melvin)
Former Senator Henry Waxman and his wife Janet Waxman
Roma Torre, Anchor for NY1News
John Backus, Managing Partner at Proof.VC and Colon Cancer Alliance Board Chair
KEY EVENING ELEMENTS & ADDITIONAL INFO:
This evening of hope, inspiration and celebration will feature a welcome reception, notable VIP’s, dinner, live and silent auctions and other elements such as:
Porche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2018 Porche Boxster. Only 850 tickets were printed and the winner does not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $100 and purchased online here.
Bubbles, Bourbon, & Bling – The Colon Cancer Alliance’s signature Bubbles, Bourbon & Bling raffle is back with a twist! Guest can purchase a glass of champagne or bourbon for $100 and be entered in for the chance to win a gorgeous 2.63 carat sapphire ring or a men’s Rolex Submariner watch courtesy of Liljenquist & Beckstead.
Lyn Ferriero – Recipient of the Erica & Michael Paul Memorial Award (in recognition of her long-standing dedication and generous service to the Colon Cancer Alliance).
For additional event information, visit www.BlueHopeBash.org.
POLICE ON HORSES at the Washington International Horse Show
- Wednesday, October 25 (8:00-10:00am): WIHS will host its annual Breakfast with the Mounted Police in front of Hotel Monaco at 700 F Street NW to meet the officers and their mounts. A long-honored and fan-favorite tradition, mounted police units across the region will be recognized. There will be an outdoor buffet, including treats for horses! This provides a great opportunity for the local DC community to meet the officers and their mounts.
SHOW JUMPING’S SUPERSTARS IN COSTUMES
- Thursday, October 26 (7:00-10:30pm): Barn Night reigns as groups of horse-crazy enthusiasts come to Capital One Arena to cheer on their favorite riders. Riders can go all out for their costumes: painting their horse, wearing masks, and donning laugh-out-loud attire. Horse lovers will have a chance to enter contests, win great prizes, and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening of exciting jumping competition.
Kids of all ages along with their four-legged friends are invited to attend the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District’s (MVT CID) annual Fall Fun Day, held this year onSaturday, October 28 at Milian Park at 5th and Massachusetts Avenue, NW from 10:00 AM to noon. The festive neighborhood event marks the final day of the FRESHFARM MVT Market, which will be open from 10 AM to 2 PMfeaturing delicious locally-grown fall produce and veggies, pastries, breads, grass-fed meats, cheeses and eggs along with homemade sauces, jams and other house-made items. Free activities at the large park set with straw bale seating areas will include a pumpkin bowling game, bouncy house, banjo musician, face painting, cider tastings courtesy Black Rock Orchard, free popcorn and mini-pumpkin painting courtesy 5th Street Ace Hardware, a kid costume parade around the park. a dog costume parade on the red carpet with prizes for the top three costumes, and plenty of sweet treats for everyone.
Fall Fun Day Schedule:
10:00 AM Until Noon — Face Painting, Mini Pumpkin Painting, Games & Sweets, Pumpkin Bowling, Bouncy House, Music
10:30 AM — Mini-Monsters Costume Parade (Meet at MVT CID Office front yard at 457 Massachusetts Avenue, NW)
11:15 AM — Dog Costume Parade & Contest (Meet at MVT CID Office front yard at 457 Massachusetts Avenue, NW)
FREE KIDS EVENT
- Saturday, October 28 (10:00am-2:00pm): WIHS Kids’ Day is a free, fun, family-friendly event. Children participate in more than a dozen hands-on educational and fun activities, including pony rides, coloring station, face painting, pony brushing lessons, plus giveaways from Georgetown Cupcake. There’s even a pony kissing booth with Mini Cooper, the mini pony! Rain or shine, outdoor activities will be held in front of the Hotel Monaco at 700 F Street NW and face painting and other events will be held on the Capital One Arena concourse.
Date: Oct 31st, 2017
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Washington DC 20004
Description:
Get ready to fall into fun this Halloween with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the DowntownDC Fall Festival.
Bring your coworkers, friends, family and kids to Woodrow Wilson Plaza (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue) on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 12pm-2pm for some free fun, including a special Halloween DJ set, pumpkin decorating with BLICK art, a mysterious Children’s Story Hour with DC Public Library, lively face painting, candy giveaways, and the return of the ghoulish DowntownDC stilt walkers.
Wear your Halloween costumes! Photo ops will be available!
Price: Free
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtowndc-fall-festival-tickets-38979134641
Food & Friends will be hosting a community Pie Day in support of its annual Slice of Life Pie Selling Campaign, which funds nutritious, home-delivered meals and groceries to the critically ill in our community. During the event, we will be distributing information aboutSlice of Life and giving away FREE samples of our delicious pies that are for sale to raise funds to support Food & Friends’ mission.
WHEN: Thursday, November 9th from 11:30am-2:00pm
WHERE: Farragut Square, K St. and 17th St. NW, Washington, DC
DETAILS: The 11th Annual Slice of Life Thanksgiving pie sale is a simple and delicious way for members of the public to support Food & Friends’ large-scale effort to deliver 1 million healthy meals this year to those in the community living with life-challenging illnesses. The goal this year is to sell 9,000 pies. Each pie purchased will provide ONE FULL DAY of meals, from our kitchen to delivery, for a Food & Friends client.
During the event, community members will have the chance to sample our Pumpkin and Apple pies and cast their vote for their favorite flavor! The winner of our “In Pie We Crust” election will go on a flash sale for the remainder of the afternoon. Everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a full Thanksgiving dinner for 4, plus 2 pies.
Pies may be purchased directly from Food & Friends or through one of our corporate or individual pie sellers. Visitwww.foodandfriends.org/pie to find a directory of pie sellers, to sign up to help sell pies or to purchase online. Pie sales close on Thursday, November 16th. Pre-purchased pies can be picked up on Tuesday, November 21st at Food & Friends or 30+ convenient locations throughout the region.
More than 200 crafty bastards from all over North America will be setting up for a home run of a weekend on November 11 & 12 at Nationals Park when the 14th annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair, presented by the Washington City Paper (WCP), takes over the concourse. Single day and weekend passes to the festival are now on sale via the WCP website.
“The Washington City Paper has always strived to connect the voice and vision of independent artists with our readers. This festival creates an experience where consumers can discover unconventional, hard-to-find arts and crafts, meet the artists, and even make something themselves,” says the fair’s curator Wendy Silverman. “There’ll be surprises at every booth including unique home goods, clothing, punk-rock baby clothes, handcrafted jewelry, plush toys, DIY kits, screen-printing, original art, locally produced food, and much more!”
Attendees can start an art collection, get a jump on their holiday shopping, or just treat themselves to something they never knew they have to have at booths from long-time, popular Crafty Bastards, like Cuddles and Rage, DeNada Designs, Eilisain Jewelry, Stitch & Rivet, Rocks & Salt, Marcella Kriebel Art & Illustration, and Twenty Two West. In addition, more than 60 first-time vendors will be participating in this fall’s fair, including:
- 1767 Designs (Nashville, TN)
- American Roadtrip Pillows (WDC)
- BeNice.Shop (WDC)
- Cherry Blossom Creative (WDC)
- ChicalooKate (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Emma Sage Fine Art (Arlington, VA)
- Garner Blue (Jackson, TN)
- Happy Clay (New Orleans, LA)
- Hollow Work Ceramics (WDC)
- Hope Honey Farm (Maryland)
- Kakinbow Fashion (Senegal)
- Lo & Behold Naturals (Durham, NC)
- Myriad Mirage (Nyack, NY)
- Out of Print (Hampton Roads, VA)
- Periodically Inspired (Pawtucket, RI)
- RedDoorShades (Woodbridge, VA)
- Suburban Avenger Studios (Baltimore)
- The Rich & Strange (Austin, TX)
- TRUE Syrups & Garnishes (WDC)
- Whispering Willow Soaps (NC)
The two-day outdoor exhibition will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nationals Park, located at1500 S Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. One-day admission is $6, with a two-day pass available for $10, if purchased in advance. Entry at the gate day of will cost $8 ($12 for a weekend pass). Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free. Crafty Bastards tickets are available online at https://dc.craftybastards.com/
This year’s event is made possible in part by partnership with the Washington Nationals. Please visit the Crafty Bastards website for a full listing of sponsors, beer and food vendors, and more. Parking is available in select garages for $10 or at metered parking on the street in the neighborhood. We highly suggest car-sharing services or taking Metro to the Navy Yard-Ballpark stop on the green line.
Start window-shopping and plotting out a “must shop” list for Crafty Bastards by visiting the recently launched online Vendor Gallery, and be sure to follow @CraftyBastards on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for featured #CraftyBastards items.
