The Connection

Ongoing

Hollin Meadows Summertime Writing Nights. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 17 at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Families and elementary students kindergarten-third grade can read, write and talk with teachers. Free. Email Hollinmeadowses.KeepInTouch@fcps.edu.

Paintings by Stanley Agbontaen. Through Aug. 28 at The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive. The Maryland-based international artist’s depictions of scenes are painted on oil canvas. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter.

Leigh Merrill: “Cloud Seeding.” Through Aug. 30, during gallery hours at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St. Texas-based artist Leigh Merrill shows photography and video in her solo exhibition Cloud Seeding. Merrill’s work examines the construction of desire, fiction and beauty in urban landscapes by digitally compositing thousands of images and videos into imaginary spaces. Admission is free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org.

Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery Juried Show. Through Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St. Studio 18. View parade-themed artwork. Admission is free. Visit www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com or call 717-359-7724.

Cool Yoga. Wednesdays through Sept. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave. Participate in group yoga sessions taught by Prasada Yoga’s Maureen Clyne and enjoy refreshments provided by St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub and other local eateries. Suitable for all levels. Bring mat, towel and water. Free. Call 703-671-2000.

“Fields.” Through Sept. 6, during gallery hours at The Athenaeum Gallery, 201 Prince St. Abstract Artists David Carlson and Pat Goslee make art based on their interests in spiritual exploration and energy fields. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.

Special Family Museum Tours. Saturdays through Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Flexible tours and hands-on activities provide a deeper experience into the social and political life of Alexandria in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tickets are $5 for adults ($4 with AAA card), $3 children ages 5-12, and children ages 4 and under as well as Alexandria Public School and Blue Star families receive free admission. Coupons accepted. Call 703-746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Baseball Boat to Nationals Park. Through Sept. 26 at various times. Leaves from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Baseball fans can avoid heavy traffic and cruise along the Potomac to Nationals Park. Tickets are $20 one-way and $25 round-trip, Monday-Thursday, $28 roundtrip Friday-Sunday. Visit http://www.potomacriverboatco.com.

Doggy Happy Hour. Tuesdays through Oct. at 5-8 p.m. at Jackson 20, 480 King St. Enjoy discounted drinks and treats with one's dog. Free. Visit www.jackson20.com.

Water Taxi to the National Mall. Through Nov. 1, at various times at Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Cruise from Old Town to D.C. on the Miss Sophie, while stopping view some of the area's most popular attractions. Tickets are $28 roundtrip and $14 one-way for adults. For children under 12, tickets are $16 roundtrip and $8 one-way. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com/.

Mount Vernon in 3-D: Then & Now. Through Nov. 20 during regular operating hours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway. Visitors will have the chance to travel back in time, and in 3-D, to see how the estate appeared more than 100 years ago through a special photography exhibition. The exhibition is included in the regular admission fee of $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, $9 for youth and free for childre younger than 5. To view the historic stereoview images as well as the modern 3-D anaglyphs, visit www.mountvernon.org/3D.

Journey to Be Free: Alexandria Freedmen's Cemetery. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. A new exhibit tracing the 150-year history of the long-forgotten Freedmen’s Cemetery, its rediscovery and how the new Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial was created at the site. Call 703-746-4356.

Their Fates Intertwined: The Lees of Alexandria in the War of 1812. Wednesday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Lee-Fendall House and Gardens, 614 Oronoco St. A new exhibit on the experiences of the Lee family in Alexandria during the War of 1812 examines the contributions of Alexandria’s citizens during the conflict that led to the writing of our national anthem through the lives of this iconic Virginia family. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org or call 703.548.1789.

Alexandria Cars & Coffee invites car enthusiasts to meet for coffee at Hollin Hall Shopping Center in front of Roseina’s, 1307 Shenandoah Road. Owners of classic cars, hot rods, exotic cars, motorcycles and more meet to share car stories and drink coffee. Group meets the first Sunday of every month. 8:30-11 a.m.

George Washington's Mount Vernon has joined Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Madison's Montpelier to expand the "Presidents Passport," Virginia's premier presidential trail. As an added bonus to this year's program, visitors to the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St. showing or purchasing a ticket to any of the three presidential estates will, upon request, receive for free Alexandria's "Key to the City" pass, which grants access into nine historic sites and museums in Alexandria, a $26 value. Visit www.PresPassport.Monticello.org for more.

Fifty Years of Collecting. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 12-5 p.m. Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W Braddock Road. An anniversary exhibit of objects from the Fort Ward collection. Free. Visit www.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.

Dinner for the Washingtons. 12 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. A walking tour that goes behind the scenes to find out how food was prepared and served before the era of microwaves and TV dinners. $5 in addition to estate admission. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Second Thursday Music. Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. 7 pm. Second Thursday of every month. Visit nvfaa.org to view concert calendar and listen to upcoming Second Thursday Music artists.

The Monday Morning Birdwalk takes place weekly, rain or shine (except during electrical storms, strong winds, or icy trails), at 7 a.m. (8 a.m. November through March), is free, requires no reservation and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking lot at the park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Direct questions to Park staff during normal business hours at 703-768-2525.

Art for Life. Third Thursday of every month. 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Hyatt Regency Crystal City has partnered will the National Kidney Foundation for a program highlighting a different artist each month for a year.

Through Sept. 7

Art Exhibit: Sultry Colors. 10 a.m- 6 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St. The Enamelists at The Torpedo Factory collaborate for an exhibit filled with sultry colors and patterns. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/event/sultry-colors/ or call 703-838-4565.

Exhibit: “Scapes.” 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Art League Gallery, 105 N Union St. View the annual August landscape exhibit juried by Elizabeth Peak. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org.

Exhibit: “Taking Shape.” 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Art League Gallery, 105 N Union St. This exhibit features three-dimensional works by Art League member artists. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org.

Friday/Aug. 7

Purple Heart Day. 12:40 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Mount Vernon celebrates Purple Heart Day with a musical performance by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and the U.S. Army Band. The ceremony will feature remarks from “General Washington” and other military officials. RVSP to Melissa Wood at mwood@mountvernon.org or 703-799-5203.

FLY-Summer Performance. 6 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. 4915 East Campus Drive. The Metropolitan School of the Arts will be performing. Admission is free. Call 703-339-0444 or visit www.metrofinearts.com.

“Au Naturel” Exhibit Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. Attend the opening ceremony for the “Au Naturel” exhibit. Admission is free. Visit www.TheDelrayArtisans.org.

Bruce Givens Performance. 7 p.m. at Blackwall Hitch Alexandria, 5 Cameron St. Acoustic artist Bruce Givens will be performing. Free. Visit theblackwallhitch.com.

Rachel Kline and Oklahoma Car Crash. 7:30 p.m. at Convergence, 1801 Quaker Lane. Local musicians perform in honor of a tour launch. Tickets are $5-7. Visit www.ourconvergence.org.

Kim Waters. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Music by Maryland-born saxophonist and jazz performer Kim Waters. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.

Four Mile Summer Movie Festival. Movies start at dusk and are shown at the Four Mile Conservatory Building, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave. National Community Church's Inaugural summer movie festival is co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria. Film schedule is as follows: Friday, Aug. 7, “Mcfarland USA” and Friday, Sept. 11, “Cool Runnings.” Bring a blanket or chair. Free. Visit www.theaterchurch.com.

Aug. 7-30

“Au Naturel” Exhibit. First Thursdays, 12-9 p.m., Thursdays, 12-6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 12-9 p.m., Sundays, 12-6 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. View artwork made in the “Au Naturel” or minimalist style. Admission is free. Visit www.TheDelrayArtisans.org.

Friday-Sunday/ Aug. 7-9

Arts on the Horizon presents: “Space-Bop.” Friday -10:30 a.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Sunday – 10:30 a.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Join Arts on the Horizon for a sneak peak of “Space-Bop,” set to open in February 2016. “Space-Bop” takes place under the stars and employs hip-hop artist help tell a story that will help children appreciate the beauty of the night sky. The show is geared towards infants and toddlers. Tickets are $3. Visit www.ArtsOnTheHorizon.org

Saturday/Aug. 8

Cooking Event. 10-11:30 a.m. at Old Town Farmers’ Market, Market Square, 301 King St. Sample food from Chef Antonio Carluccio, from Carluccio's Restaurant. Free. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/OldTownFarmersMarket.

Canine Cruise. 11 a.m. at Alexandria City Marina, 1 Cameron St. The family dog is welcome to join in on an hour-long cruise through the Alexandria Seaport. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children. Dogs ride free. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.

Irish Festival. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The Ballyshaners of Alexandria will host a full day of Irish music, dance, food and more. Visit www.ballyshaners.org/festival.

One Love Festival. 12-6 p.m. at Braddock Road Field, 400-594 E Braddock Road. This community event is held in honor of Lenny Harris to continue his legacy. Performers and vendors will be on site along with entertainment for children. Free. Visit www.actionalexandria.org/event/one-love-festival or email javierel@verizon.net.

Jane Austen Ball. 8 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Listen to live period music and watch or perform a variety of English Country dances. Tickets are $45 Visit www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern or call 703-746-4242.

Sunday/Aug. 9

Performance by Peter Omelchenko. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S Washington St. See Peter Omelchenko perform, accompanied by pianist Jonathan Laird. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit www.balalaika.org.

Collective Delusion. 7 p.m. at Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Road. Local band plays songs from the past and present. Admission is free. Visit www.collectivedelusion.net.

Monday/Aug. 10

Mount Vernon Children's Theatre Auditions. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. Auditions for the production of “Mary Poppins.” Ages 8-10 tryout from 5:30-7 p.m., ages 11-18 from 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Visit www.mvcct.org.

Beer Science Class. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Port City World Headquarters, 3950 Wheeler Ave. Take a “mini class” on the principles of yeast and fermentation as they pertain to beer. Admission is $20. Visit www.portcitybrewing.com for more.

Wednesday/Aug. 12

Alexandria Moms Club Open House. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 2001 Sherwood Hall Lane. The MOMS Club of Alexandria South serves at-home parents and parents who work part-time or have home-based businesses and who reside in zip codes 22303, 22306, and 22307, Learn more about what MOMS club has to offer. The event will be held at the church's playground. Popsicles and drinks will be provided. Free. Call 571-217-4171, email southalexmoms@yahoo.com or visit www.southalexandriamomsclub.webs.com for more.

Levi Stephens Performance. 7 p.m. at Blackwall Hitch Alexandria, 5 Cameron St. Singer-songwriter, Levi Stephens, will be performing. Free. Visit theblackwallhitch.com.

Thursday/Aug. 13

Art Exhibition Reception. 6-8 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St. Texas-based artist Leigh Merrill will be hosting a reception and Q&A at her photography and video solo exhibition Cloud Seeding. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.com for more.

Dog Days of Summer. 6-9 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St. Adoptable dogs and pet care information will be available at this Second Thursday Art Night, also featuring dog-based art, gallery exhibits and one-man band Alex W. Young. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org.

Opening Reception: “Scapes” and “Taking Shape.” 6:30- 8 p.m. at The Art League Gallery, 105 N Union St. Meet the artists. Refreshments will be served. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Listen to traditional New Orleans-style jazz by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.

Friday/Aug. 14

Austin Ellis Performance. 7 p.m. at Blackwall Hitch Alexandria, 5 Cameron St. Artist Austin Ellis will perform. Free. Visit theblackwallhitch.com.

Titan Takeover Teen Night. 7-10 p.m. at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W Reed Ave. Featuring foods, events and giveaways. Free; food and raffle tickets are available for purchase. Recommended for teens. Text "Titan" to 30644 or email kim.hurley@alexandriava.gov by Aug. 12 to attend.

Dry Branch Fire Squad and Lou Reid & Carolina. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Music by Dry Branch Fire Squad and Lou Reid Carolina. Tickets are $25. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.

Dixie Boys Melody Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Community Church, 6731 Beulah St. See the Dixie Boys Melody perform. Free. Visit www.mountcalvary.cc or call 703-971-0165.

Friday-Sunday/Aug. 14-16

The Complete Works of Shakespeare. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lee District Amphitheater 6601 Telegraph Road. Matinee times on Saturday and Sunday are at 2:30 p.m. Watch all 37 Shakespeare plays performed by three actors with a comedy twist. Admission is $10. Mature audiences only are requested due to language. Visit www.100minutesofshakespeare.eventbrite.com for tickets.

Saturday-Sunday/Aug. 15-16

Trunk Show: Candace Edgerley. 10 a.m-6 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St. An artist hosts a meet-and-greet, and displays scarves inspired by a recent trip to India. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/event/trunk-show-candace-edgerley/ or call 703-836-5807.

Saturday/Aug. 15

Sly45 Performance. 7 p.m. at Blackwall Hitch Alexandria 5 Cameron St. Sly45 is a Baltimore-based band that plays songs from the ’50s and ’60s. Free. Visit www.theblackwallhitch.com.

Laughing With Art: Blind Contour Drawing. 7 p.m. at Convergence, 1801 Quaker Lane. Attend a ladies-only blind contour drawing session. Supplies are provided with the $45 fee. Visit www.ourconvergence.org for more.

Marine Chamber Orchestra Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. at The Schlesinger Center, 4915 East Campus Drive. The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra continues its summer concert series. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter.

Tank. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Come enjoy some R&B and soul from the singer, songwriter and producer Tank.

Tickets are $25. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.

Sunday/Aug. 16

Medical Musical Group. 3 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria. The Medical Musical Group, an ensemble of doctors, nurses, and medical students, will be performing. There will be a pre-concert beginning at 3 p.m., concert at 4 p.m. Tickets required. Call 800-965-9324 or visit www.medicalmusical.org.

B.B. King Tribute. 6 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Blue’s artists perform B.B. King’s music in a tribute concert. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Purchase at www.thecarlyleclub.com.

Edwin McCain (Trio) with Jenn Grinels. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. The rock and indie rock artist, Edwin McCain performs. Tickets are $29.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.