The Connection

Ongoing

“U-Street, the Musical.” Through Feb. 6, 7-9 p.m. at Richard Kauffman Auditorium–Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. U-Street, features 12 original songs and eight dance numbers, bringing light to the issue of homelessness in America. Tickets are $20. Visit www.ustreetmusical.wordpress.com.

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Through Feb. 7. More than 60 Alexandria restaurants offer a $35 three-course dinner or a $35 dinner for two. More than two dozen restaurants are also offering lunch deals at $10, $15 or $20 per person in addition to the dinner specials. Visit www.alexandrirestaurantweek.com for more.

“Birds of a Feather.” Through Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery–Torpedo Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St. The artist focus on things that go together: ham and eggs, bride and groom, etc. Free. Visit www.potomacfiberartsgallery.com for more.

George Washington Birthday Cherry Challenge. Through Feb. 11, various times and various locations around Alexandria. Celebrating George Washington's Birthday, local restaurants offer dishes and beverages featuring cherries in the spirit of the old cherry tree tale. Visit any of the more than 50 participating restaurants during the contest and vote for your favorite cherry based items. The customer sampling the greatest number of competing items will receive the Frequent Cherry Diner Award. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net/cherry-challenge.

“Fred Zafran and Danny Conant.” Through Feb. 14, gallery hours at the Multiple Exposures Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Danny Conant presents compositions inspired by a recent trip to Paris. Fred Zafran’s new work is an allegory of being, time and memory. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

Art League Patrons Show. Through Feb. 14, gallery hours at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. This annual event features 600+ works of original fine art donated by Art League artists, Art League Faculty, and Torpedo Factory artists. The number of tickets sold matches the number of works donated. Prior to the drawing on Feb. 14, the show is on view online and in the Gallery, giving ticket-holders an opportunity to study the artwork and note their favorite pieces, so they'll be prepared to select from the available artwork when their names are drawn. Admission to the gallery is free, tickets for the drawing are $200 for one work of art and one seat, $250 for a couple’s ticket which includes two seats and one work of art. Visit www.theartleague.org/content/patrons_show.

“Mountains: Recent Paintings by Sue Grace.” Gallery hours, through Feb. 22 at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 S. Jefferson St. Sue Grace’s paintings draw inspiration from the West Virginia Mountains and time she has spent there. These paintings represent her fascination with the representational, abstract, and figurative elements of painting. Free. Email Anthony Brock at abrock@goodwinhouse.org.

“No Holds Barred.” Through Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. This exhibit is named for the “don’t hold back, just let go” approach artists Pamela Underhill and Rusty Lynn employ in their artmaking. Free. Visit www.convergence.org for more.

“Color and Shape.” Through Feb. 28, gallery hours at The Associates Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. The Associates Gallery (TAG) February exhibit features two painters – Jill Finsen and Barbara Muth. Both Finsen and Muth paint moments made vivid through color and shape. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Shake Loose.” Through March 6, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. “Shake Loose” features music and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, William Hubbard and William Knowles. It features stories and songs from MetroStage productions including “Three Sistahs,” “Cool Papa’s Party,” “Ladies Swing the Blues” and more. Tickets $55-60. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.

Art Exhibit: “Partnerships.” Through May 15, business hours at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. All artwork is available for purchase through Del Ray Artisans. Artists are donating 20 percent of the purchase price of sold pieces in an equal split between Del Ray Artisans and the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital’s charity of choice, Veterans Moving Forward. Free. Call 703-751-2022 for more.

“Who The Wounded Are.” Through July 11 at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. “Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital” is about people who lived and worked at this site in Alexandria and their real life stories that inspired the PBS show, “Mercy Street.” Tickets are $2-12. Visit www.carlylehouse.org for more.

Thursday-Sunday/Feb. 4-7

“The Outsiders.” 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road. “The Outsiders” follows the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a teen from the poor side of town. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call 703-718-2585 or visit www.westpotomactheatre.org for more.

Feb. 4-March 13

“Wings from Chains.” Gallery hours at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Artists consider the roles and responsibilities in society. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Friday/Feb. 5

“Wings from Chains” Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Celebrate the launch of this exhibit considering the roles of women in society. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

“Trending: Contemporary Art Now!” Opening Reception. at the Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Celebrate this all-media exhibition featuring works by self-identifying women artists. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/target for more.

Mardi Gras in Alexandria. 6-8:30 p.m. at Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. Make a Mardi Gras mask with Metamorphosis Art and Enrichment Center or bring your own and participate in the evening’s Mardi Gras parade. In advance, tickets are $5 for residents, $10 for nonresidents. At the door, tickets are $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/webtrac and register using class code 355203.01.

“Joshua.” 7:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1427 W. Braddock Road. Blessed Sacrament music director John H. McCrary will conduct the Blessed Sacrament festival choir, along with an orchestra of professional DC-area musicians in Handel's oratorio, “Joshua.” Featured soloists are Michelle Kunz and Joshua Hong, Washington National Opera, and Sally Mouzon and Phillip Pickens, San Francisco Opera. Free. Call 703-998-6100 ext. 103.

Feb. 5-28

“All aBoard.” 7-9 p.m. at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Eight board members, Ron Blank, Michele Reday Cook, Kim S. Joy, Stephen Lally, Marlin Lord, Elizabeth Guerry Mead, Kathy Turner and Joan Woodill, display their work. Free. Visit www.delrayartisans.org/show.

Saturday/Feb. 6

Winter Warehouse Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Westin Alexandria-400 Courthouse Square. Each year, the Old Town Boutique District hosts a warehouse sale featuring designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings, and more at up to 80 percent off retail. Admission to the sale is free. Visit www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.comfor more.

Preparing for a Ball. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Explore the tavern where famous balls like George Washington’s Birthnight Ball were held and practice the tasks involved in preparing for a ball. Includes an 18th century dance lesson and a craft to take home. The program begins each 45 minutes. Tickets are $6. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

John Carlyle Birthday Celebration. 12-4 p.m. at The Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Celebrate the birthday of Alexandria town founder John Carlyle with 18th-century dancing, live music, Scottish history and more. Free. Visit www.novaparks.com for more.

“The Green Family of Cabinetmakers.” 1:30-3 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. Learn how the Greens made their money and became a prominent Alexandria family. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1703.

Cissa Paz. 8-10 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Brazilian singer Cissa Paz will lead a concert of Brazilian Carnaval dance music. Tickets are $25. Visit www.thecarlyleclub.com for more.

Sunday/Feb. 7

Walking With Washington Tour. 2-3:30 p.m. starting at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St. Visit George Washington’s hometown, historic Alexandria, and view some of the sites connected to the General, like where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight before returning to Mount Vernon. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Winter Warmer Tea. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 138 N. Royal St. Drink a special blend of tea or a cup of American Heritage Chocolate, eat period-inspired delicacies, with “Mrs. Martha Washington.” During the tea, “Mrs. Washington” will be sharing stories from her life and visiting with each guest. Also take a tour at 2:15. Tea is $35 per person, all inclusive, reservations are required. To make reservations call 703-746-4242 or visit shop.alexandriava.gov.

Monday/Feb. 8

Partners in Art. 2-4 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Creatives gather to discuss art and exchange ideas. Free. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org for more.

Lecture: Women of Alexandria. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. “Women of Alexandria, from Antebellum to the 20th Century” will depict the effect of the Civil War on the lives of Alexandria's women before, during, and after the war. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Tuesday/Feb. 9

Interfaith Dinner. 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Road. Maureen Fiedler, founder and host of public radio’s preeminent religious news magazine program, “Interfaith Voices,” will be the keynote speaker at the Beth El Hebrew Congregation/Fairlington United Methodist Church Interfaith Dinner. Tickets are $15. Email Ron Sturman at rgsturman@msn.com to RSVP.

Workshop: Vegetable Gardening. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th St. South, Arlington. The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, (Arlington and Alexandria) present a workshop for the beginning vegetable gardener. Program will address best practices for site selection, soil requirements and soil improvement, as well as guidance on crop selection and planting schedules. Free. Call 703-228-6414.

Feb. 10-March 13

“A Salute to Primary Colors.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 9 p.m. on second Thursday of each month. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery presents primary colors in all forms including as gifts, jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces. Free. Visit www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

Thursday/Feb. 11

Birthnight Ball Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. In preparation for the Birthnight Ball on Feb,13, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Tickets are $12 per class or $30 for the entire series. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Friday/Feb. 12

Mount Vernon Chocolate Dinner. 6:30-10 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Find a four-course meal in celebration of Valentine’s Day featuring peppercorn crusted steak and triple chocolate cheesecake. Tickets are $125 each. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Saturday/Feb. 13

Beyond the Battlefield Walking Tour. 10 a.m. starting at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Discover the real-life stories and locations of soldiers, citizens, and former slaves that inspired the PBS drama “Mercy Street” in this walking tour of Old Town.Tickets are $15. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more.

Birthnight Banquet and Ball. 5:30-11 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Attend a recreation of a celebration of Washington’s Birthday. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Tickets are $125, $150 for dinner in the same room as the “Washingtons” and $250 for a spot at the same table. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Saturday-Sunday/Feb. 13-14

Presidents Day Weekend Celebration. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway. Join “General Washington” for a sample of “hoecakes swimming in butter and honey,” mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world, take part in Mount Vernon’s largest-ever 18th-century dancing demonstration with costumed characters on the Bowling Green, and more. This event is included in admission: adults, $20; children ages 6-11, $10; and children under 5 are admitted free. Visit www.mountvernon.org.

“The Dramatic.” 8 p.m. on Saturday at Rachel M. Schlesinger Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive, 3 p.m. on Sunday at George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performs love duets from “La Bohème” and “Madame Butterfly” by Giacomo Puccini, Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” Vivaldi's “Double Cello Concerto” and selections from “The Godfather.” Tickets are $5-80. Visit www.alexsym.org for more.

Sunday/Feb. 14

George Washington Classic. 8 a.m. at the US Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Participate in the 10K race or the 2K Fun run. Registration is $10 for fun run, $40 for 10K. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Revolutionary War Reenactment. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Parade Day Open Houses. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., and the Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. Find a collection of herbs and botanicals at the Apothecary museum, see leath water buckets and hand-drawn fire engines at the friendship firehouse, and more. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.

Music in the Gallery: The Navy Concert Band. 2 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. The Navy Band Chamber Music Series features musicians from the U.S. Navy Band. This chamber music recital will feature traditional and modern music for woodwinds and brass. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.

Walking With Washington Tour. 2-3:30 p.m. starting at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St. Visit George Washington’s hometown and view some of the sites connected to the General, such as where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight before returning to Mount Vernon. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Adulteration of Chocolate Tasting. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn more about 18th century tavern beverages and American Heritage Chocolate. Find multiple courses of beverage, chocolate, and food pairings. Tickets are $45. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Art League Patrons Show Drawing. 4 p.m. at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. For 10 days prior to the drawing, the show is on view online and in the Gallery, giving ticket-holders an opportunity to study the artwork and note their favorite pieces, so they'll be prepared to select from the available artwork when their names are drawn. New this year: an app called “Art Thief” that helps build a list of art and keep track of it during the Patron Show drawing. Admission to the gallery is free, tickets for the drawing are $200 for one work of art and one seat, $250 for a couple’s ticket which includes two seats and one work of art. Visit www.theartleague.org/content/patrons_show.

Lenten Choral Evensong. 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Celebrate the season of Lenten. The evensong will feature romantic music by British composers Ley, Stanford, Walford Davies, Walmisley. Free. Call 703-549-3312 for more.

Burlesque-A-Pades in Loveland. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere, 301 Mount Vernon Ave. Burlesque ensemble performs. Tickets are $29.50. Visit www.birchmere.com for more.