Oct
23
Tue
NSO Star Wars Series: Empire Strikes Back @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Oct 23 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra continues its Star Wars series this season with The Empire Strikes Back, in three performances on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, October 24 and 25, at 8 p.m.in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke leads the Orchestra in John Williams’s memorable score to accompany the film as it’s shown on the big screen above the Orchestra.

Throughout the 2018–2019 season, the NSO also performs the scores to accompany other films in the series—Return of the Jedi (January 22–24, 2019) and The Force Awakens (February 21–23, 2019)—as well as other live scores performed to film: Get Out (September 20) and Walt Disney Animation Studios: A Decade in Concert (November 23–25, 2018).

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets ($34–$159) are available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online at kennedy-center.org, and via phone through Instant Charge, (202) 467-4700; toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquires, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The 2018–2019 season marks the National Symphony Orchestra’s 88th, and Gianandrea Noseda’s second as its music director. The Italian conductor serves as the Orchestra’s seventh music director, joining the NSO’s legacy of such distinguished leaders. Its artistic leadership also includes Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and Artistic Advisor Ben Folds.

Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it performs year-round. The NSO’s community engagement projects are nationally recognized, including NSO In Your Neighborhood, an annual week of approximately 50 performances in schools, churches, community centers, and other unexpected venues; Notes of Honor, which offers free performances for active, veteran, prior service, and retired members of the military and their families; and Sound Health, a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its affiliated organizations. Career development opportunities for young musicians include the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and its tuition-free Summer Music Institute. For more information, visit nationalsymphony.org.

 

FUNDING CREDITS:

David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of the NSO

AARP is the presenting sponsor of the NSO Pops Season.

Oct
24
Wed
NSO Star Wars Series: Empire Strikes Back @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Oct 24 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra continues its Star Wars series this season with The Empire Strikes Back, in three performances on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, October 24 and 25, at 8 p.m.in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke leads the Orchestra in John Williams’s memorable score to accompany the film as it’s shown on the big screen above the Orchestra.

Throughout the 2018–2019 season, the NSO also performs the scores to accompany other films in the series—Return of the Jedi (January 22–24, 2019) and The Force Awakens (February 21–23, 2019)—as well as other live scores performed to film: Get Out (September 20) and Walt Disney Animation Studios: A Decade in Concert (November 23–25, 2018).

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets ($34–$159) are available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online at kennedy-center.org, and via phone through Instant Charge, (202) 467-4700; toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquires, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The 2018–2019 season marks the National Symphony Orchestra’s 88th, and Gianandrea Noseda’s second as its music director. The Italian conductor serves as the Orchestra’s seventh music director, joining the NSO’s legacy of such distinguished leaders. Its artistic leadership also includes Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and Artistic Advisor Ben Folds.

Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it performs year-round. The NSO’s community engagement projects are nationally recognized, including NSO In Your Neighborhood, an annual week of approximately 50 performances in schools, churches, community centers, and other unexpected venues; Notes of Honor, which offers free performances for active, veteran, prior service, and retired members of the military and their families; and Sound Health, a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its affiliated organizations. Career development opportunities for young musicians include the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and its tuition-free Summer Music Institute. For more information, visit nationalsymphony.org.

 

FUNDING CREDITS:

David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of the NSO

AARP is the presenting sponsor of the NSO Pops Season.

Oct
26
Fri
Crystal City Friday at the Fountain @ Crystal City Water Park
Oct 26 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

This new partnership brings the focus on local flavor, highlighting some of the best new food trends the area has to offer. This free event is open to people of all ages, providing a place for residents, workers and visitors to listen, relax, and wind down from their busy week.

What: Fridays at the Fountain

When: Every Friday May – October from 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Where: Crystal City Water Park – 1751 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

Live Music Schedule:

May 4       Revelator Hill
May 11     Whiskey Pull
May 18     Zach Cutler & Friends
May 25     Gordon Sterling 3
June 1      Big Bad Juju
June 8      Mary El Band
June 15    Revelator Hill
June 22    Jonathan Sloane Trio
June 29    Holly Montgomery
July 6       The Jogo Project
July 13     The Jon Miller Band
July 20     Gordon Sterling and the People
July 27     Big Bad Juju

**Later dates to be announced**

Admission: 100% Free to enter, listen, and relax; food and drink for purchase (credit cards accepted) – $5 for beer/wine. $20 to join the Mug Club and receive a branded, reusable mug.

Oct
27
Sat
“Howl” O’ween @ Radiator Patio
Oct 27 @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

‘Howl-o-ween’ on the Pet-friendly Patio – Saturday, October 27

Radiator will host ‘Howl-o-ween,’ a weekend happy hour for humans and furry friends from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Human guests may enjoy $5 bar snacks including sriracha deviled eggs and charred shishito peppers from Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden and a cauldron of craft cocktails from the bar team. Plus, Radiator will be handing out trick-or-treat goody bags for all dogs joining this special Saturday afternoon happy hour, with extra doggy biscuits for the canines in costume.

‘Howl-o-ween’ will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Radiator’s patio, weather permitting. Radiator seats patio guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Chocolate Day Connoisseur Wine Dinner at St. Regis’s Alhambra @ Alhambra St. Regis
Oct 27 @ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

National Chocolate Day Celebrations

Alhambra at The St. Regis Washington DC is inviting guests to indulge all weekend long in a celebration of all things chocolate:

  • Chocolate Connoisseur Wine Dinner

Kick off National Chocolate Day early with Chef Sebastien Giannini’s four-course chocolate inspired menu. Each decadent course is complemented with wine pairings from Alhambra’s esteemed beverage team. Enjoy highlights such as lobster tart topped with caviar, traditional Orelys chocolate white butter sauce and grilled Wagyu beef with black olive paste flavored with extraction of Illanka chocolate and preserved shallots.  Saturday, October 27, 5:30 pm to 10 pm, $95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity

Oct
28
Sun
Chocolate Indulgence Brunch @ St. Regis Alhambra
Oct 28 @ 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

National Chocolate Day Celebrations

Alhambra at The St. Regis Washington DC is inviting guests to indulge all weekend long in a celebration of all things chocolate:

  • Chocolate Indulgence Brunch

Celebrate National Chocolate Day with a sweet twist on Alhambra’s celebrated Sunday Brunch. Featuring a decadent chocolate buffet, expertly crafted chocolate drinks along with traditional brunch favorites. The day of indulgence is complete with an exclusive “pop-up” shopping experience from local boutique, Ella Rue, showcasing an array of luxury consigned and new fashion pieces from classic couture to today’s most in vogue designers. Sunday October 28, 11:30 am to 2 pm. $59 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and $79 per person with beverage package, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Nov
2
Fri
Rise on the Roof for Day of the Dead @ Radiator
Nov 2 @ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Rise to the Roof for ‘Day of the Dead’ – Friday, November 2

Starting at 5:00 p.m., the Radiator team will rise up to the rooftop of the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel to host an evening of Mexican-inspired traditions celebrating ‘Day of the Dead.’ A selection of taco specials from Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden will be available all night as an after-work snack or as a leisurely dinner where guests can graze on Chef Jonathan’s version of Al Pastor tacos, a Central Mexican favorite. To help guests toast to friends and family of the past, Lead Bartender Patrick Barrett has conjured up a menu of cocktails highlighting the nuances of tequila and mezcal, which include:

 

·        Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: mezcal, jalapeño, lime, and bitters

·        The Salty Skeleton: tequila, aperol, watermelon, lemon, and salt

·        Dia de Los Muertos:  tequila, cilantro, basil, lime, and a jalapeño-cinnamon tincture

 

From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., a sugar-skull artist will be on hand to face paint elaborate skeleton designs for anyone interested in partaking in the holiday ritual. All face paintings are compliments of the Radiator team.

‘Day of the Dead’ will take place on Friday, November 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the rooftop at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel. No reservations or cover charge required. Rooftop seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, ‘Day of the Dead’ will be moved downstairs to Radiator. Guests must be 21+.

Nov
12
Mon
NSO Free Veterans Day Concert @ National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Nov 12 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, will give a free concert on Veterans Day—Monday, November 12—at 1 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The concert, part of the NSO’s ongoing Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military initiative, will feature guest vocalist Nikki Renée Daniels and a program of music related to space, as well as American tunes and patriotic marches to honor veterans and all members of the U.S. Armed Forces past and present.

The NSO’s Notes of Honor initiative offers free programming for veterans, active duty, and retired service members and their families throughout the year at the Kennedy Center and at venues around Washington, D.C. The NSO also reaches audiences worldwide on major holidays through its Memorial Day and Independence Day concerts on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, which are nationally televised and broadcast on the Armed Forces Network.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

Monday, November 12, 2018, at 1 p.m.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Parkway, Chantilly, VA  20151

National Symphony Orchestra

Steven Reineke, conductor

Nikki Renée Daniels, vocalist

 

Various/

arr. Jim Stephensen  World War I Medley

Kenneth Alford   Colonel Bogey March

Bart Howard/

arr. John Bachalis  “Fly Me to the Moon”

James Horner/

arr. John Moss   Music from Apollo 13

Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Aherns

arr. William David Brohn “Back to Before” from Ragtime

John Williams   Liberty Fanfare

Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal/

arr. S. Reineke   “I’ll Be Seeing You”

John Williams   “Hymn to the Fallen” from Saving Private Ryan

Richard Hayman/

arr. Jim Kessler   Salute to the Armed Forces

Samuel Augustus Ward

arr. Carmen Dragon  “America the Beautiful”

 

Concert and Museum entry are free. $15 parking fee applies.

Nov
13
Tue
Cuba Libre Cookbook Release @ Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar
Nov 13 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located steps from CityCenterDC at 801 9th Street, NW, 20001, will celebrate the release of Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot’s second cookbook, CUBA COOKS: RECIPES AND DESRETS FROM CUBAN PALADARES AND THEIR CHEFS (October 2018) with a book signing party on Tuesday, November 13.

Guests pay $50 per person to enjoy select open bar to include beer, red and white wine by the glass, house red and white sangria, Pyrat Mojitos, Mango Mojitos and Spiced Cuba Libre’s along with an array of passed and stationary tapas, ceviches, and desserts profiled in CUBA COOKS. Dishes are subject to change, but may include Ceviche de Pez Perro, hog fish ceviche with blackeyes peas, coconut milk, cilantro and cachucha Chile sauce; Sopa de Cilantro, chilled cilantro soup with tempura of clams; Tacos de Berenjenas, malanga tacos with eggplant salad; Buñuelos de Espinaca, spinach and manchego cheese fritters, served with goat cheese sauce; Croquetas de Pollo, chicken croquettes with cachucha aioli; Alitas de Pollo a lo Chino, Chinese barbeque chicken winglets; Tostones con Ropa Vieja de Pato,braised pulled duck legs with Hawaiian toston, as well as Cuban Porchetta, pork belly and pork loin roast with Moros y Cristianos pilaf.  Desserts are just as enticing and include Churros con Chocolate; Macarrones de Coco; Guayaba con Mousse de Queso Crema as well as El Arroz con Leche de Mami Totty.  Cookbooks will also be available for purchase throughout the evening and priced at $40 each.

A vibrant celebration of the island’s bold flavors, creative techniques, and unique inspirations of Cuba’s finest paladares, readers of CUBA COOKS will find a rich variety of dishes which have been adapted from some of the best private restaurants from Old Havana to Santiago de Cuba.  Showcasing a cuisine which marries traditional foundations with modern influences, Pernot and Co-Author Lourdes Castro have thoughtfully collected recipes and stories that reveal a vibrant contemporary cuisine.  Throughout the book, readers will find illuminating and insightful notes about Cuba’s culinary heritage, as well as helpful notes found with every recipe. 

Guillermo Pernot is a nationally renowned chef and restaurateur, and chef-partner at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Orlando and Washington, DC. Named “Chef of the Year” by Esquire magazine and one of “America’s Ten Best New Chefs,” by Food & Wine, Pernot is a two-time James Beard Award winner for Best Chef (Mid-Atlantic) and Best Single-Subject Cookbook for Ceviche: Seafood, Salads, and Cocktails with a Latino Twist (Running Press, 2001).   

Lourdes Castro is a professor, recipe developer, and author of three cookbooks, Latin Grilling (Ten Speed, 2011), Simply Mexican (Ten Speed, 2009), and Eat, Drink, Think in Spanish (Ten Speed, 2009). A recurring judge on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, Castro has also appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show and The Talk, and on news and lifestyle programs for Better TV, Univision, Telemundo, and CNN en Español.  Her recipes have also appeared in Food & Wine, Latina magazine, and The New York Times.

 

WHEN:          Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 6 PM to 8 PM. 

WHERE:       Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar is located at 801 9th Street, NW, Ste. A, Washington, D.C. 20001;  

Nov
14
Wed
Rock the Block @ Various Old Town Alexandria
Nov 14 @ 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

– On Nov. 14, 2018, NCMEC will host its first ROCK THE BLOCK. Guests will enjoy
specialty plates and craft drinks at more than 12 of Old Town Alexandria’s top restaurants and food
trucks in one evening – all for one price. All proceeds from the event will benefit NCMEC – a national nonprofit located in Old Town Alexandria – that leads the fight against child abduction and exploitation – because every child deserves a safe childhood.

From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., event-goers will walk through Old Town Alexandria, enjoying food, drink and music at all of the participating restaurants. Restaurants include: Vermilion, Augie’s Mussel House, The Majestic, Columbia Firehouse, select food trucks at Market Square, Pizzeria Paradiso, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Virtue Feed & Grain, Hi -Tide Lounge and more to come.

VIP ticket holders will have access to two VIP-only restaurants, including Hi-Tide Lounge. VIP access will also include a pre-party reception from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (location TBD) and an “after-party” with live music upstairs at Virtue Feed & Grain from 9-11 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $125 and include unlimited food and drinks at all participating
restaurants. VIP tickets are $300 and include admission to all participating restaurants, the VIP pre-party reception, VIP-only restaurants and the VIP-only after-party.

– Pre-sale Tickets (20 percent discount) are available on Sept. 10
– Full Price Tickets are available starting Oct. 1
– www.Rocktheblocks.org