Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the fifth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, with actor and performer Heather Headley headlining the 2020 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street, SW).
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by the award presentation, a three-course seated dinner and performance. The dinner will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, in recognition of her efforts for women’s rights and her continual support of the arts. She is currently the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Verveer served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. Previously, she was the chair and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO that she founded to invest in emerging women leaders. She also served as assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady during the Clinton administration.
“Arena Stage, under the exceptional leadership of Molly Smith, has become a national hub for the best in American theater in our nation’s capital. The theater company has made it possible for the public to access innovative, engaging and transformative productions that not only entertain, but also inspire and even move us to action,” shares Verveer. “It is an honor to receive the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award as Beth has set a high and exemplary standard throughout her life as an entrepreneur and civic leader. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for her many contributions to our community.”
The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz in 2016. Other recipients include Arlene Kogod in 2017, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2018 and Nina Totenberg in 2019. The award celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.
“Melanne Verveer is an international champion for girls and women. She is dynamic, she is brave and she is unabashedly driven about creating a better world with women, girls and vital voices,” says Smith. “A collaborative leader, Ambassador Verveer has been successful in changing attitudes and building bridges while promoting the critical role of women in establishing peace internationally. She is a huge proponent of the arts and we are thrilled to honor her with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award.”
All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.
The 70th Anniversary Gala is presented by Ourisman Automotive Group and generously sponsored by Diamond Sponsors AT&T and Hoffman & Associates and Platinum Sponsor Exelon.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
6 p.m. Cocktail reception
7 p.m. Award presentation and seated dinner
8:30 p.m. One-night-only performance with Heather Headley
For additional event details, visit: arenastage.org/gala.
Events DC announces tickets on sale now for 12th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2020. This year, the event will be held in a new location at the extraordinary Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge is an annual gathering of embassy chefs representing countries across the globe. The event offers guests an immersive culinary experience that is unique to Washington, DC. The 12th annual event has historically featured more than 40 participating embassies, who have proudly come together to showcase their home countries’ rich culture, unique flavors and traditions, culminating in a friendly food competition. The event’s new location within the Ballroom of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will allow for even more culinary delights and exciting entertainment, as well as educational programming, new for 2020. The culminating awards program will highlight outstanding beverages, regional cuisines and overall presentation.
WHEN: Thursday, May 28, 2020
5:30 p.m. – VIP Early Admission
6:30 p.m. – General Admission
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Ballroom
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
PRICE: General Admission – starting at $65.00
All-inclusive ticket includes globally inspired sips, bites and live performances. Admission also includes complimentary beer, wine and spirits.
VIP – starting at $135.00
VIP ticket includes one-hour early access to event as well as a dedicated bar and seating area in addition to enjoying global sips and bites from participating embassies.
Reopening Heurich House Museum’s Castle Garden bar, 1921.
WHAT: 1921 is opening back up for a Heurich Revivals Happy Hour! Senate Beer
and Heurich’s Liberty Apple Cider – the museum’s newest revivals – will be
available in cans for guests to enjoy a taste of history at a safe distance in the
Castle Garden!
WHERE: 1921 Sunderland Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20036
WHEN: Thursday, July 30th, 2020, 5-8pm
DETAILS:
● Beer and cider in cans will be sold for onsite consumption: Senate Beer is
$6/can and Heurich’s Liberty Apple Cider is $7/can. Water bottles will be
available for $1.
● The Castle Garden has limited capacity, which will be filled on a first come,
first served basis; fixed seating is limited, but guests may sit on the grass.
● Masks required in common areas; Masks optional within your group’s area.
● Guests must stay 6 ft apart from others whenever possible.
● If you are not feeling well, do not enter.
● 21+ only; valid IDs Required for Entry
● Outside food is permitted
MORE INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/events/998062670636601/
In Partnership with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) and Santa Fe Indian Market, the National Museum of the American Indian presents the annual Native Cinema Showcase 2020 featuring “More Than A Word”, a documentary focusing on the Washington football team and its use of a derogatory mascot.
August 29 | 3 p.m. EST
Watch it here: americanindian.si.edu
After the screening, watch a conversation between Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, and activist Amanda Blackhorse (Diné), a plaintiff in the 2014 lawsuit Blackhorse v. Pro Football, Inc. The conversation will stream automatically when the film ends.
Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Additional support provided by the New York State Council on the Arts under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, and by The Walt Disney Company.
In Partnership with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) and Santa Fe Indian Market, the National Museum of the American Indian presents the annual Native Cinema Showcase 2020 featuring “More Than A Word”, a documentary focusing on the Washington football team and its use of a derogatory mascot.
August 28 | 7 p.m. EST
August 29 | 3 p.m. EST
Watch it here: americanindian.si.edu
After the screening, watch a conversation between Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, and activist Amanda Blackhorse (Diné), a plaintiff in the 2014 lawsuit Blackhorse v. Pro Football, Inc. The conversation will stream automatically when the film ends.
Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Additional support provided by the New York State Council on the Arts under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, and by The Walt Disney Company.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is excited to announce The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, July 26, 2020. A centerpiece of the summer, The RAMMYS are presented in collaboration with top sponsor Events DC, and bring together culinary artists and hospitality professionals from across the region for one of the top black-tie events of the season. The long-standing awards honor the ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations that make the region’s restaurants and foodservice community thrive.
“Our diverse and vibrant restaurant scene across the region continues to flourish and we’ve added so many exciting new restaurants and new talents to the mix,” said Kathy E. Hollinger, President and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. “The July 26th RAMMYS will be, as always, a perfect way to showcase all of the incredible chefs and restaurants and throw them a celebration to remember!”
Nominations for 20 awards categories will open in early January, with finalists announced in April. For more information on The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards, email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990.
WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2020
5pm to 6pm Reception
6pm to 7pm Awards Ceremony
7pm to 11pm Dinner & Party
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW
Washington, DC 20001
2020 Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala
SHAKESPEARE EVERYWHERE
Saturday, October 3, 2020
6:30 p.m. VIP Virtual Pre-Show Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Virtual Performance
One night only! Join in to experience the magic and joy of classical theatre with an international lineup of celebrities, singers, families, and young people. Celebrate Shakespeare’s passion, vision, and humanity with D.C.’s Sidney Harman Hall as a stunning backdrop. Become part of this remarkable hymn to theatre, community, and transformation with an unforgettable performance, private virtual rooms for you and your guests, international cuisine and specialty drinks delivered to homes, a silent auction, and more! Artistic direction by LeeAnet Noble and Alan Paul.
Tickets and sponsorships begin at $1,000.
This year DC-based, national non-profit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Blue Hope Bash goes nationwide welcoming an entire nation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to unite and confront present-day challenges. The free virtual event will be a live national broadcast that will help raise funds to reverse the pandemic’s tremendous effect on the colorectal cancer community in addition to addressing the health disparities with the disease in Black communities. The event will feature special guest appearances, celebrity entertainment, and inspiring patient stories. The Alliance has a goal to raise $2 million from the broadcast to support its three core programmatic pillars: Screen, Care, and Cure.
WHEN: Saturday, October 24
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Virtual Event. Registration is free to enjoy the broadcast.
EVENT THEME: One Need. One Night. One Nation.
BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, News Anchor, NBC News’ TodayCo-Host, 3rd Hour of NBC News’ Today and Anchor of MSNBC Live. In 2017, Craig shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 39 in 2017. (Today Show Link) Melvin has been an active supporter and ally of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: By Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams
CELEBRITY APPEARANCES & SPEECHES BY: Katie Couric, Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder and renowned journalist
Ruth Carter, Emmy-award winner Black Panther costume designer
Amy Robach, Good Morning America Co-Host
and many other special guest appearances.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Porsche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2021 Porsche Macan S. Only 1,000 tickets were printed and the winner will be announced during the broadcast.
Rolex Raffle – Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a “No Date” design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker’s classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs.
To register for the free event and to learn more visit BlueHopeBash.org
HalfSmoke, located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC at 651 Florida Avenue, NW, 20001, invites guests to take part in one of Mexico’s great traditions, The Day of the Dead.
On Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m., HalfSmoke will host a Dia de los Muertos sugar-skull painting class on its 34-seat outdoor patio. Tickets are priced at $25 per person, and must be purchased in advance to ensure social distancing: https://www.
The three-hour class will include step-by-step instructions, paint and one sugar skull per person. Guests will also receive a complimentary Don Julio cocktail, the La Catrina, which is made from a combination of Don Julio tequila, charred grapefruit, cinnamon, lime, simple syrup and egg whites.
