Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Friday/Feb. 2
Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. reception for "Slave Quarters and Other African American Sites" at the Athenaeum Gallery located at 201 Prince St. in Old Town Alexandria. The works illustrate the living spaces of African Americans at the time of slavery as well during as the Jim Crow era.
Opening Reception. 7-10 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. “House of Cards 2” will have items on sale ranging from $5-$50, with a raffle of several cards. Free. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or 703-838-4827.
Saturday/Feb. 3
Roast. Bishop Ireton's "Bull & Oyster Roast" featuring The Fabulous Hubcaps along with food from Jerry D's Famous Barbecue of Baltimore and open bar from 3-6 p.m. All-you-can-eat, -drink, and -dance event and sure to be a good time for all. Tickets are $50/person. For information, contact the president of the BI Fathers Club, Mike Blaine at 571-334-0141 or at blainemj@aol.com. For tickets, contact Mrs. Bush at 703-212-5184 or by e-mail at bushro@bishopireton.org. Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria.
Swordfighting. Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum for this very popular, unique living history program as you learn a skill that George Washington and all 18th century gentlemen must know - swordplay from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 134 North Royal St., Old Town Alexandria. The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display and discussion of 18th-century weapons. This family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your new-found talents. Demonstrations last 1 hour. Last tour starts at 3:30 p.m. $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Special patch available for $3. Reservations required. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call for more information, 703-838-4242.
Theater Performance. "Where Dreams Dwell," A Shakespeare in Washington event. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Robert Aubrey Davis, featuring three versions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Britten, Korngold/Mendelssohn, and Elvis Costello. 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets required, call 703-548-0885 or go to www.alexsym.org.
Historic Re-Enactment. From noon-4 p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Enjoy seeing how John Carlyle and his family interacted with George and Martha Washington during the 18th century. Free. For more information contact Carlyle House curator, Jim Bartlinski at 703-549-2997 or e-mail: jbartlinski@cavtel.net.
Champagne and Chocolate. 7:30 p.m. there will be a concert to benefit Beth El Hebrew Congregation. Cantor Sharon Steinberg, lyric soprano, will be featured. The menu includes champagne and sparkling cider, pre-concert and following the concert, an array of delectable sandwiches, magnificent desserts and beverages. Congregation is located at 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Contact Doug Johnson, leonadougjohnson@yahoo.com or 703-549-0474.
Auction. 7 p.m. St. Louis Catholic School will hold a silent auction featuring a western theme. Food is provided by Outback Steakhouse. Funds go to assist families that need financial assistance. Contact Trish Turgeon at 703-765-4093.
Winter Gala. 6:30 p.m. there will be a silent auction and casino, themed "Casablanca" at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. Dress black-tie. Contact Autumn Brown, 703-549-1000 ext. 218. Visit www.alexchamber.com for price information and to register.
Music Performance. St. Olaf Choir and conductor Anton Armstrong perform at 3:15 p.m. at Episcopal High School. Free.
Sunday/Feb. 4
Walking with Washington. Bob Madison, a volunteer at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum who has researched more than 140 places in Alexandria associated with George Washington, will lead a 15-block guided tour of Old Town exploring Washington's 50-year association with Alexandria. These tours afford the opportunity to see Alexandria as Washington saw it, through the places he frequented when he was here. Meets at the Fountain at Market Square, 301 King St., Old Town Alexandria. From 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. No reservations necessary. For more information, call the George Washington Birthday Event Line at 703-991-4474.
Super Bowl Party. 5-9 p.m. at Patriot Zone Sports Bar on Fort Myer, 214 McNair Road, Fort Myer. This celebration is for service members and their families. There will be gifts and visit by the Redskins Ambassadors. Free buffet. Contact Melanie Carson, USO Metro at 703-696-4839.
Music Performance. Marine Band will perform at 2 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com for more information.
Super Bowl Party. The Santa Claus Yacht Club will host a fund-raising party at Landini Brothers Restaurant, 115 King St. Proceeds will benefit the many charitable ventures by the organization. Doors open at 5 p.m. The party will feature a buffet, prizes and silent auction. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets are $35/person and are available at the restaurant or by calling 703-548-4975.
Super Bowl Party. 5-10 p.m. Mayor Euille's 10th Annual Superbowl Party for Superbowl XLI at Joe Theismann's Restaurant. There will be a full food buffet, door prizes, games, and special guest appearances by theRedskins' Hogettes. $35 Free Agent (1 Ticket), $60 Top Draft Pick (2 Tickets), $100 Hogette's Rate (Family of Four), $250 Franchise Player (4 Tickets), $500 Superbowl MVP (10 Tickets). To RSVP, e-mail friendsofbilleuille@gmail.com or call 703-751-7970.
Monday/Feb. 5
Music and drama performance at 1:30 p.m. In celebration of African American History Month Theatre IV from Richmond, Virginia will be performing Harriet Tubman & The Underground Railroad in the Mount Eagle Gymnasium. Parents and community members are invited and encouraged to attend this special musical drama performed by Theatre IV. For more information see www.TheatreIV.org or contact contact Christy Land at 703-721-2116.
Tuesday/Feb. 6
First Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pat Troy's Restaurant & Pub, 111 N. Pitt St., Alexandria, the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association is holding its First Tuesday Social. Free. Visit www.aglca.org for more information.
Free Concert. U.S. Army band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Brucker Hall, 400 McNair Road, Fort Myer. No tickets required. Call 703-696-3399 or visit www.usarmyband.com.
Science Program. 7-8:30 p.m. at Alexandria Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Free. Program is called "Get Out!-The Benefits of Getting Outdoors to Individuals and Societies." Contact: Rich Bailey or Martin Ogle at 703-528-5406 or e-mail potomac@nvrpa.org.
Thursday/Feb. 8
Open House. New Hope Housing and Mondloch House will have an open house to celebrate Mondloch House's award as Best Housing Program in Virginia. 3-6 p.m. at 3510 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. 703-768-3400.
Music Event. United States Air Force Band will perform at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Free. Visit www.usafband.com or 202-767-5658.
Annual Art Event. 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. There will be tasty treats and original valentines. Generations Dance Studio of Alexandria will perform and give lessons. There will also be a fun scavenger hunt with prizes. 703-838-4565 or www.torpedofactory.org.
Friday/Feb. 9
Fundraiser. 5-8 p.m. Wine and Chocolate Fundraiser benefiting Computer CORE, at Gallerie Michele, 113 King St, Alexandria. Featuring appetizers from Bittersweet and a wine tasting hosted by The Curious Grape. RSVP to info@computercore.org or call 703-931-7846 ext. 108.
Saturday/Feb. 10
Walking Tour. Join City Archaeologist Dr. Pamela Cressey for a two hour guided tour of Old Town Alexandria celebrating the City's rich African American history from 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the Dutch Touch Coffee Shop across from the King Street Metro Station parking lot. This free walking tour is open to the general public. Reservations are required. For additional information, contact Alexandria Archaeology at 703-838-4399.
Storyteller. 10 a.m. join storyteller Vann-Di Galloway at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Listen to stories and enjoy a craft. Free and suitable for children 5-12 years of age with an adult. To reserve a seat call 703-838-4356.
Transformative Journeys. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. participate in a spirituality conference at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria . Feel free to bring a bag lunch and join lunchtime conversation groups, nature walks and yoga. A registration fee/donation of $20 is requested. Contact Gioia Chilton, 703-799-1936, if you are in need of childcare, translation services, accessibility services, or scholarship aid. Register by phone at 703-765-5950, ext. 105.
Railroad Days. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. See the model trains as they journey through miniature towns, scenic hills and valleys. Discuss model railroading with members of the Potomac Chapter, Northern Virginia Model Railroading Club. Call The Lyceum, 703-838-4994.
Black Tie and Tails. Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's 3rd annual gala for dogs and their people will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 625 First St., Alexandria 7:30-11 p.m. Dog fashion show, dog buffet and bar, animal communicator, live and silent auction, swing band and more. Tickets are $125. All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org for details or call 703-838-4774 x216.
Annual Art Event. 1-4 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. There will be tasty treats and original valentines. Generations Dance Studio of Alexandria will perform and give lessons. There will also be a fun scavenger hunt with prizes. 703-838-4565 or www.torpedofactory.org.
Sunday/Feb. 11
Walking with Washington. Bob Madison, a volunteer at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum who has researched more than 140 places in Alexandria associated with George Washington, will lead a 15-block guided tour of Old Town exploring Washington's 50-year association with Alexandria. These tours afford the opportunity to see Alexandria as Washington saw it, through the places he frequented when he was here. Meets at the Fountain at Market Square, 301 King St., Old Town Alexandria. From 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. No reservations necessary. For more information, call the George Washington Birthday Event Line at 703-991-4474.
Music Performance. Presented by the American Youth Philharmonic. 1 p.m. at the at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets required, call 703-642-8051 or visit www.ayporchestras.org.
Book signing and reception. In celebration of George Washington's 275 birthday and the 234th birthday of the Alexandria Historic Christ Church, the Alexandria community is invited to attend an event with Peter A Lillback, Ph.D, author of "George Washington's Sacred Fire." Dr. Lillback will preach at the 5 p.m. service at the church. A discussion and book signing will follow the service. Christ Church is located at 118 N. Washington St. 703-549-1450.
Railroad Days. From 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. See the model trains as they journey through miniature towns, scenic hills and valleys. Discuss model railroading with members of the Potomac Chapter, Northern Virginia Model Railroading Club. Call The Lyceum, 703-838-4994.
Music Concert. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will have a concert beginning at 3 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $15/person. Students 18 and under are free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more. The concert precedes a fundraising dinner at the school that benefits the band.
Annual Art Event. 1-4 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. There will be tasty treats and original valentines. Generations Dance Studio of Alexandria will perform and give lessons. There will also be a fun scavenger hunt with prizes. 703-838-4565 or www.torpedofactory.org.