The Connection

Ongoing

“Medieval Story Land.” Through Jan. 30, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturdays at Port City Playhouse, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Red Knight Productions presents “Medieval Story Land,” a parody of the medieval fantasy genre. Tickets are $18 and $20. Visit www.portcityplayhouse.com for more.

“True Colors: Like a Rainbow.” Through Jan. 31, Gallery hours at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans’ artists use colors of the rainbow for inspiration. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/True.

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital Art Show. Through Jan. 31 at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. The artwork is on display in waiting areas and examination rooms as a part of Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls program. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.

“Celebrating What We’re Made Of.” Through Jan. 31 at The Associates Gallery, 105 N. Union St. This show features mixed media artist and TAG member Karen Fitzgerald, who creates art from recycled materials. Using everything from junk mail to food packaging, Fitzgerald’s art celebrates the small things that make up our everyday lives. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Muted.” Through Jan. 31, gallery hours at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. “Muted” will showcase the artist’s ability to focus on using a limited palette, exploring subtle composition, pursuing soft representation or discussing thoughts that are not expressed strongly or openly. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org 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.

“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.

“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.

Jan. 28-Feb. 11

George Washington Birthday Cherry Challenge. 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.

Jan. 28-March 6

“Shake Loose.” 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.

Friday/Jan. 29

Civil War Wine Dinner. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Start your evening in the museum for the first course and conversation with Gray Ghost Vineyards. Then head down to the restaurant’s main dining room to experience more wine and great food inspired by the 19th century. Tickets are $100. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

The Fabulous Hubcaps. 8 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Oldies and classic rock show band. Tickets are $25. Visit www.thecarlyleclub.com for more.

Jan. 29-Feb. 6

“U-Street, the Musical.” 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.

Jan. 29-Feb. 7

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Neighborhoods throughout Alexandria — including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End. 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.

Saturday/Jan. 30

“Explore the Real Mansion House.” 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Go behind the scenes and learn about the true story of the nurses, doctors, soldiers and Alexandrians who star in PBS's series “Mercy Street.” The program will begin in one of the original lobbies of the hospital, normally closed to the public. Tickets are $10 for Alexandria Historical Society members and friends of the Carlyle House, $20 for non-members. Visit www.alexandriahistoricalsociety.org for more.

Artist Workshop: “No Holds Barred.” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Learn to make box sculptures. Supplies will be provided. Free. Visit www.ourconvergence.org for more.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Seminar. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Ferguson Lighting Gallery, 5650 General Washington Drive. Gain insight into the latest trends and the different levels of kitchen and bath remodeling. Also learn more about time frames and project budgeting. Free. Visit www.casedesign.com for more.

“Northern Virginia Women in the Civil War.” 2-3 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Prof. Alice Reagan discusses the changes in lifestyle for women during and after the civil war. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1704.

Sunday/Jan. 31

Alexandria’s Destination Bridal Showcase. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Experience live music, talk with professionals in the areas of floral design, cake design travel, event planning, and more. Tickets are $10. Visit www.carlyleclub.com for more.

Wonders of Science. 1-4 p.m. at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Visit the Apothecary and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, find out how they were used and if they worked. During the hour-long tours, Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical-reenactment society, will conduct 18th century scientific demonstrations. Tickets are $6. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Jan. 31-May 15

Art Exhibit: “Partnerships.” 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.

Tuesday/Feb. 2

Art Extravaganza. 7-9 p.m. at West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road. This event will feature a “Tuesday Night Live” performance, a parody of “Saturday Night Live.” featuring students from TV Production, dance, and theater classes performing musical numbers, sketch comedy, dance, and a digital short. Attendees can participate in the West Potomac Super Art Fight and paint with light, paint like Jackson Pollock, play with pixels and clay; and learn how to play guitar during a mini lesson by a guitar student. Free. Contact principal Alex Case at 703-718-2500 or abcase@fcps.edu or event liaison Amy Stoll at aestoll@fcps.edu.

Wednesday/Feb. 3

Lecture: Medical Care During the Civil War. 7:30 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Learn about medical practices of the Civil War era and military hospitals in urban settings like wartime Alexandria by attending a lecture entitled “We are not Butchers: Military Surgeons of the Civil War.” In honor of the PBS drama series, “Mercy Street.” Tickets are $5. Visit www.historicalexandria.gov.

Feb. 3-14

Art League Patrons Show. 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.

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.

Thursday/Feb. 4

Salon: An Artful Conversation. 6-8 p.m. at The Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Judith HeartSong’s Salon: An Artful Conversation is a monthly meeting of artists, writers, and arts professionals. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Heroines of Mercy Street.” 7 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. “Heroines of Mercy Street,” a new book by historian Pamela Toler, tells the true stories of some of the nurses at the Mansion House Hospital, Alexandria’s largest during the Civil War. Ask questions and learn more. Visit www.visitalexandriava.com/mercystreet.

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.

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

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.