NOW THROUGH Feb. 26
Love, Politics & Scrabble. The Games People Play, juried art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans, inspired by the games people play throughout life. Del Ray Artisans’ opening reception is Friday, Feb. 3, 7-10 p.m. This juried show explores the numerous games people play in life, whether power, Monopoly, manipulation, poker, Angry Birds, baseball, or gossip. The community is invited to ‘get their game on’ at Art Games on Feb. 10 and Game Talks on Feb. 25. The exhibit and Marketplace, with artful Valentine Cards, closes Feb 26. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or 703-838-4827.
Thursday/Feb. 9
Kevin Dudley with Special Guest Rickie Simpkins. 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Born in Dallas, Texas, now residing in Virginia, Kevin plays guitar and sings about love, death, diners and most everything in between. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit nvfaa.org.
African American Dollhouses. Take in the memories of the historic Parker-Gray neighborhood with this exhibition of miniature dollhouses by Sharon J. Frazier and Linwood M. Smith at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Frazier and Mr. Smith at the opening reception, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to all, and those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 703-746-4356. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
Valentine's Wine Reception. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jane Cahill of The Winery will discuss sparkling and dessert wines popular for Valentine's Day. Tickets are $30. At the Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronco St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendall.org.
Musician Kevin Dudley. 7 p.m. Will perform "Texarkana Diner." With guest Rickie Simpkins on fiddle and mandolin. At the Athenaeum, 201 S. Prince St., Alexandria.
Made With Love. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Fall in love with a unique work of art as you browse open studios and galleries and enjoy an evening, complete with flowers, candy, live music, and more. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Visit www.torpedofactory.org; 703-838-4565.
Friday/Feb. 10
Superdance Assembly. 8:30 a.m. A 12-hour dance marathon fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Bishop O'Connell High School. The 12 hours is packed with live bands, DJs, games and much more. At Bishop O'Connell High School, 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington.
Art Games. ‘Get your game on’ at Del Ray Artisans’ Art Games on Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30-9:30 p.m. where Art Bingo will be played after an artful mixer game. $7 donation; light refreshments; adults 18 +. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org
Saturday/Feb. 11
Community Open House. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citizens can learn about plans for Alexandria’s Beauregard Corridor at a free Community Open House, to be held under white tent at the Shops at Mark Center, 1452-1480 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Representatives from the property owners for the redevelopment sites and their consultants will be on hand to answer questions about the Beauregard Corridor Plan.
"Alexandrians Have a Heart." Valentine's Weekend Clothing and Canned Food Drive. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by Councilman Frank Fannon. Held in the parking lot at 225 South Henry Street in Old Town behind the Suntrust Mortgage building. Donations will go to Christ House, Carpenter’s Shelter and ALIVE Food Bank. Contact John O'Neal at 703-927-0846.
Chairman's "Giving Back" Gala. Sponsored by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. VIP Champagne Reception 5:30-6:30 p.m. (separate registration required or upgraded table purchase); Gala Reception 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Gala Dinner, Dancing and Live Auction 7:30 p.m. - Midnight. At the Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria.
Recital: For Art, For Love. 7:30 p.m. With Karin Paludan, soprano; Wes McCune, piano. Tickets are $20/adults; $15/seniors; $10/students and teachers. At St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4342.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Bishop Ireton Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Featuring the bands, Black Moon Tonic and Big Bad JuJu. Sponsored by the BI Athletic Boosters Club. Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. At Bishop Ireton School Gym, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Tickets at door are $25/person; $50/couple. Online tickets at www.liveatbishopireton.com.
Genealogy Lecture. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $5. Genealogist Char Bah will examine the family histories of four Alexandria women who were influential in the city’s African American community. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., in the Parker-Gray Historic District in Alexandria. Call 703-746-4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
Swordsmen's Rendezvous. Every half hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is $6/person, ages 5 and up. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703-746-4242. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 North Royal Street, Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Alexandria Coin Show. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be 50 tables with U.S. coins and currency, world coins, banknotes, ancient coins, hobby books, gold, silver, medals, tokens and collectibles. This is open to the public. An educational presentation is provided. Prizes and coins are given away for attendees. At the Hampton Inn & Suites on the corner of the I-495 beltway and Route 1, Alexandria. Visit the Alexandria Coin Club website at www.alexandriacoinclub.com.
Clarinetist Richard Stotlzman. With the ASO and Mozart's Requiem. Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35/adults; $30/seniors; $10/students. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria.
Feb. 11 thru 19
Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band. Feb. 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 at 3 p.m. Presented by the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theater. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Tickets: $10 available at the door only. Visit www.MVCCT.org.
Feb. 11 and 12
Living Legends and Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Collaboration. ASO is presenting "A Prescient Revelation," Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria. The concert features Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Requiem. The 2012 Living Legends of Alexandria portraits will be unveiled for the first time on Feb. 11 at the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's concert. For tickets to the concert, see http://www.alexsym.org/buyTix.shtml.
The 2012 Legends are: Bob Calhoun, Al Grande, Harry "Bud" Hart, Wendy McGann John, William "Bill" Kehoe, Allen Lomax, Jimmie McClellan, Pat Miller, Mike Oliver, Lillian Stanton Patterson, Joseph S. Shumard, The Steuerle Family, and the team of Dorothy Turner and Gwen Menefee-Smith.
Mattress Sale Fund-raiser. West Potomac High School is holding a Mattress Sale Fund-raiser. Profits go to the 2012 All-Night Graduation Celebration and Dance Team. Featured are Pillow-Top, Plus Top, Orthopedic, Latex and Memory Foam Sets. Prices start: Twin $199; Full $289; Queen $299; and King $499. Email CFSVirginia@gmail.com.
The ANGC web site is http://wphs-ang.weebly.com/index.html
Sunday/Feb. 12
Basket Bingo. 2 p.m. A set of 20 bingo cards and a door prize ticket are included with admission. Proceeds support the Class of 2012 All-Night Grad Party. At Mount Vernon High School cafeteria (door #4), 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria. To purchase tickets, contact Paula Weinberg at MVHSBasketBingo@gmail.com or call 703-298
Victorian Valentines. 1 to 4 p.m. Explore the customs of Valentine’s Day at the Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street. Practice your romance etiquette and make a craft to take home. Admission is $5 per person. Call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendall.org.
1593.
Capitol Steps Perform. 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. Net proceeds support the Alexandria Country Day School's eighth-grade class trip to Puerto Rico. At Bishop Ireton H.S. Theater, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. To order tickets email or call Shirley Shammas: sshammas2@verizon.net or 703-405-4836.
Paul Robeson Play. Actors Hugh Staples and Michael Hill will bring Paul Robeson to life in a one-night performance of "Paul Robeson, A Play by Philip Dean Hayes" at the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. A dinner will begin at 5 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by the 90-minute show. After the performance, Mr. Staples and Mr. Hill will answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $65/play and dinner; $30/play only. Call 703-548-8899 or visit www.thecarlyleclub.com.
Tuesday/Feb. 14
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors. In conjunction with the monthly senior lunch program at Christ Church, 118 North Washington St., Alexandria. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
Burlesque-a-Pades. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50. At the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 or call 703-549-3701.
Wednesday/Feb. 15
Starting a Vegetable Garden Indoors From Seed. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. At the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. To register, call 703-228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. Visit http://mgnv.org.
Alexandria/Mt. Vernon Antiques Club Meeting. 9:30 a.m. Free. Features Marvel Luykx with her antique Valentines collection. Learn the history, and how the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day evolved. Bring your own antique Valentines to share. Sponsored by the Mount Vernon Antique Arts Association. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, The Thrillbillies. At Nick’s Nightclub, 642 South Pickett Street, Alexandria.
"Ask The Expert" Lecture. 6 p.m. Free. Join Corey Wallach, MD, for a community class entitled "New Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain." At Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Call 1-855-My-Inova (694-6682) or visit inova.org/asktheexpert to register.
Hospitality Summit. 8 to10:30 a.m. The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) presents "Staying Power: The Future of Lodging and Hospitality on the Richmond Highway Corridor." At the SpringHill Suites, 6065 Richmond Highway in Alexandria. Contact SFDC at 703-360-5008 or visit www.sfdc.org.
Starting Your Vegetable Garden Indoors From Seed. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the basics of successful plant propagation, including seed selection, requirements for germination, tips on transplanting, and the importance of hardening plants before moving them outdoors. At the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Rec Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. To register, call 703-228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. Visit http://mgnv.org
Thursday/Feb. 16
Beverley Hills Garden Club. 10 a.m. to noon. Meets in the Fellowship Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. The program will be "Garden Therapy" and members will be creating small floral designs to donate to Goodwin House. Supplies will be provided and a light lunch will be served. Beverley Hills Garden Club meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at Westminister Presbyterian. All are welcome.
Plants and Pollinators: A Perfect Partnership. 7:30 p.m. Laura Beaty, VNPS Potowmack Chapter propagation chair will present a slide lecture that will feature the bloom sequence of local natives and highlight their importance to local pollinators. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.
Friday/Feb. 17
Open House. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit West Potomac Academy's career and technical education classes; meet with instructors; talk with students; become a business partner. At West Potomac Academy, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. Call 703-718-2750.
Artist Trading Card Night. 7 to 9 p.m. Make and swap artist trading cards from playing cards. Led by Theresa Kulstald. Refreshments. Free. Adults 18-plus. At Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org
Saturday/Feb. 18
Colonial Tea. 2 to 4 p.m. The tea will be followed by a Living History program featuring a Fashion Show of 18th Century Clothing and a Presentation on Deportment. Presented by the Historic Pohick Church Docent Guild. Tickets are $25/adults; $10/children. At Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton.
Mardi Gras Fundraiser. 7:30 to 10 p.m. The Mount Vernon District Democratic Committee sponsors this event to raise funds to elect Democrats in the Mount Vernon District. At Don Beyer Volvo, 7416 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.
George Washington Birthnight Banquet and Ball. 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The evening includes a three-course 18th-century banquet by Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, English country dancing, toasts, a special 18th-century style dessert collation, and character re-enactors – including General and Mrs. Washington. "After-five" attire is encouraged; period costumes are optional. Tickets are $100/person; $50/ball only. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 North Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-746-4242.
The Marsh in Winter. 1 to 3 p.m. Free. A nature walk at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, led by Martin Ogle, Chief Naturalist at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Will discuss winter tree and plant identification, look for ducks, geese and eagles, and examine winter marsh ecology. Meet at 1 p.m. at the entrance to the Haul Road (the walking path into DMWP), just south of the Belle Haven parking lot. Call 703-329-1748 or visit www.fodm.org.
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. A Salute to Karl L. King and Leonard B. Smith. Admission is $20. At the Rebecca S. Wilburn auditorium at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Call 703-426-4777 or visit www.vgmb.com.
Sunday/Feb. 19
Marty Nau Quartet. 10:55 a.m. Part of Worshipful Jazz Sunday at Heritage Presbyterian Church. Always held prior to Lent, this is a community favorite that features non-traditional worship with jazz and gospel music. Heritage Presbyterian is located at 8503 Ft. Hunt Road, 703-360-9546, www.heritagechurchva.org.
Barbershop Harmony Concert. 3 p.m. Free, offering taken for United Community Ministries. In classic barbershop style, the 40-member Harmony Heritage Singers do favorite songs from days gone by such as "Delta Dawn" and the Beach Boys hit, "Barbara Ann." In honor of Presidents Day, there will be patriotic music, including "America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The men’s chorus, also known as the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, presents over 25 performances a year in the Washington area. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria 22307. Call 703-765-4779. Email brandtron@verizon.net.
Baroque to Jazz. 4 p.m. Virginia Chamber Orchestra's Winter Concert. Featuring Grieg’s Holberg Suite, selections from Handel to Ellington. Tickets are $20/adults; $18/seniors. At the Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Call 703-758-0179.
"Hail to the Chief." 2 p.m. Presented by the U.S. Marine Band. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 3 p.m. Admission is $20. Conducted by U.S. James, presenting Cesar Franck’s Symphony in D minor, The Washington Saxophone
Quartet in Bob Mintzer’s Rhythm of the Americas, Composition Competition Finalist Johathan Blumhofer’s Diversions, and Haskell Small’s Scraps. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria. Call 703-799-8229 or visit www.wmpamusic.org.
Singer-songwriter Bob Franke. 7 p.m. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. The workshop ($60 general, discounts are available) will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.focusmusic.org or 703-501-6061.
Blood for Blackie Blood Drive. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In memory of Blackie Davis. At Crowne Plaza in Old Town.
Monday/Feb. 20
Free Tour of Carlyle House. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Celebrate George Washington’s 280th birthday in Old Town Alexandria. Enjoy the annual George Washington parade and tour the Carlyle House. At Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or e-mail: carlyle@nvrpa.org
Tuesday/Feb. 21
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Speaker Charles Mason will discuss, "Mapping the Neighborhoods to Understand Our Ancestors' Lives." At the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Unknown No Longer Workshop. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Attend a workshop to learn how to use Unknown No Longer: A Virginia Slave Name Database. This free database is the latest step by the Virginia Historical Society to increase access to its varied collections relating to Virginians of African descent. Dr. Lauranett Lee, curator of African American History, and Paige Newman, assistant archivist, will highlight some of their research findings and provide tips on how to navigate the database. Reservations are required. At the Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum. Call 804-340-2280, or email pnewman@vahistorical.org.
Wednesday/Feb. 22
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Ash Wednesday Services. 7:30 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., and with choir at 7:30 p.m. At St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 South Pitt St., Old Town Alexandria. Contact St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Grant Hellmers, Organist-Choirmaster, at 703-549-3312, grant@stpaulsalexandria.com.
Alexandria PTA Council Summer Camp Fair. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Some 50 exhibitors will represent a wide range of campus, including day and overnight campus. At the cafeteria of TC Williams Minnie Howard Campus, 3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Contact Marianne Hetzer at alexptaccamp@comcast.net.
Author Discussion. 7 p.m. Kenneth T. Walsh discusses his book, Family of Freedom: Presidents and African-Americans in the White House. At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702.
"Ask the Expert" Lecture. 6:30 p.m. Free. Join Nitin Goyal, MD, on "Osteoarthritis and the Latest Techniques in Joint Replacement". At Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Call 1-855-My-Inova (694-6682) or visit inova.org/asktheexpert to register.
Thursday/Feb. 23
AAUW Lecture. 7 p.m. Speaker Holly Kearl, who works as a program manager for AAUW in the Legal Advocacy Fund department, will talk about sexual harassment at school and on the streets. At the Mt. Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria.
Colonial Republican Women's Club. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Meets at the Virginia Hills Administration Center (Old Virginia Hills School), 6520 Diana Lane, Alexandria. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., the meeting 7 – 9 p.m. Contact Debbie at 703-768-1934 or dbodlander@hotmail.com.
Brain Health and Memory Tips. Noon. Susan Wranik, MS, will present "Save Your Memory and Your Mind, 7 Steps to Better Brain Health." A luncheon is open to the public with advance reservations. Attendance is free and seating is limited. For information or reservations, call 1-877-254-9840. At The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria.
Friday/Feb. 24
Variety Show. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. The show will feature The Arya International Dance Academy, Batala DC, Capoeira Candeias and Salsa Vive. There will also be a food-tasting extravaganza. At Carl Sandburg Middle School.
Saturday/Feb. 25
Civil War Recruiting Day. From 1 to 4 p.m. Soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry, Company K, will talk about a soldier's uniform and equipment, demonstrate drills and explain the roles of military and civilian reenactors. At Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.
"Lincoln's War at Washington's Boyhood Home." 10 a.m. Archaeologist Paul Nasca presents a free Java Jolt lecture co-sponsored by Friends of Alexandria. Reservations are requested, and can be made by emailing archaeology@alexandriava.gov or calling 703-746-4399. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union St., #327, Alexandria.
A Cappella Contest. 7:30 p.m. 28th Mid-Atlantic Regional Harmony Sweeps "A Cappella" Festival and Competition. Groups specializing in Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Beat Box, Doo Wop, Barbershop and Comic. Visit www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/dc.html. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria.
Book Lovers Love Music and Food. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Friends of the Beatley Central Library will hold a "Book Lovers Love Music and Food" CD and Cook Book Sale at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Single CDs, $1.00; CD Packaged Sets (5 +), $5; Hardcover Books, $3; Paperbacks, $1. Call 703-746-1742 or www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
Game Talks. 3 to 5 p.m. Local experts will present several short talks on some of the common games people play throughout life. Following the talks will be an interactive game experience and light refreshments. This event is part of the "Love, Politics & Scrabble" exhibit which runs through Feb. 26. Suggested for adults 18 and older. Free. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org
Silver Anniversary Ball. 6 p.m. to midnight. Dinner, dancing silent and live auctions and honorary guest Patsy Ticer. Sponsored by the Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria. Tickets are $200/each or $150 for first-timers. To benefit the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. At the Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Call 703-548-7454 or email jring10@comcast.net. Tickets also available at www.alexsym.org
Sunday/Feb. 26
"The French Connection." 2 p.m. Presented by the U.S. Marine Band. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com.
Hot Tuna in Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. At the Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.
Tuesday/Feb. 28
Quilt Presentation. 12:30 p.m. Free. Jean Ann Wright, retired Editor-in Chief of Quilt Magazine, will present a fun-filled trunk show and program "Quilts in My Suitcase: The Life of a Traveling Quilt Editor." The MVQU program will be filled with stories, adventures and quilts made while on the road as a quilt magazine editor. MVQU meets at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Contact MVQUPresident@gmail.com.
Wednesday/Feb. 29
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
"On the Shoulders of Giants" - The Harlem Rens, an all-black Harlem Renaissance basketball squad. 10:30 a.m. This film documents the segregated world of pro hoops during the 1930’s and follows the Rens on their way to becoming pro basketball's first world champions. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Thursday/March 1
Gala Benefit. 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $125. Featuring "Mad Men" theme celebrating the style and sophistication of the 1960s. With a Silent Auction, a Mini Raffle, "Be A Star" station where patrons can buy gifts that benefit the Center, and a Cocktail Buffet. Hosted by the Center for Alexandria's Children, a child-friendly facility that protects children and strengthens families by coordinating the investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. At Virtue Feed and Grain, 106 South Union Street, Alexandria. Visit http://madforalexandriaschildren.eventbrite.com.
Friday/March 2
David Bromberg Quartet. 8 p.m. Indie Singer-Songwriter Marye Lobb will be the opening act. Bromberg will perform from the new CD, Use Me. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500.
Mardi Growl Gala. 7 to 10 p.m. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hosting its 2012 Mardi Growl Gala and fundraiser at the Terminal A at Reagan National Airport. Last year's event raised $80,000 for the League. The proceeds from this event provide for thousands of animals throughout the year. Becky's Pet Care is giving away two tickets and a parking pass. Anyone is eligible to win. Enter by going to Facebook (facebook.com/beckyspetcare) and write on the wall saying you would like to enter the Mardi Growl ticket raffle. Or send an email to Jenny@beckyspetcare.com. For details, visit www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/MardiGrowl.
March 2, 3, 4
"Once Upon a Mattress." Tickets are $5. Sandburg Middle School presents the musical version of the fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea." Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 4 at 2:30 p.m. At Carl Sandburg Middle School. Call 703-799-6241.
Saturday/March 3
One God Ministry Church Grand Opening. 10 a.m. to noon. At new Alexandria building location at 6318 Grovedale Road, Alexandria. Visit www.onegodministry.org.
Fun Dog Show. Presented by Barkley Square. Email grayson@karingbykristina.com to receive the official sponsorship form. In the Market Square in Old Town Alexandria.
Wednesday/March 7
National Nutrition Month and You. 10:30 a.m. Presented by the Senior Citizens' Resource Center. At Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
Musician Ruthie Foster. Will celebrate the release of her new CD, Let It Burn. At The Birchmere in Alexandria.
Friday/March 9
Wine and History. 6:30 p.m. The Mount Vernon Inn’s inaugural wine dinner, A Well-Stocked Cellar: Dinner and Wine Tasting at Mount Vernon, begins with a private reception and remarks from Mount Vernon staff. Following the reception, guest will move up to the Mansion for a private tour that includes Washington’s cellar. Concludes with a special four-course dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn with historic commentary between courses from Mount Vernon staff. Tickets are $110 and include tax and gratuity. Available beginning Feb. 1 through www.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Saturday/March 10
Trace Your Civil War Ancestor. 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Learn how when experts from the National Archives and Records Administration present "Tracing Your Civil War Ancestor" at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-746-4848 to make reservations. Visit www.fortward.org.
Boating Safety Class. A class which meets the boating education requirements of Virginia, Maryland and D.C. is offered the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Alexandria. Students receive a manual, a certificate and card showing class completion and a free membership to BoatUS. The cost is $40/student ($60 if a couple share the manual). Contact Rich Miller at 703-780-3765 or (eaglesailor75@cox.net).
Kids' Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great bargains on strollers, bikes, furniture, books, games, shoes, maternity, sports, safety equipment and other baby gear. At Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Parents of Multiples (www.nvpom.org). Contact sale@nvpom.com.
Swordsmen's Rendezvous. Every half hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is $6/person, ages 5 and up. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703-746-4242. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 North Royal Street, Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Sunday/March 11
Veterinary Medical Career Fair. 2:30 to 5 p.m. For any high school or undergrad student with an interest in the veterinary medical profession. At the Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Visit www.aavmc.org or diversitymatters@aavmc.org.
Saturday/March 17
Mighty and Future Shock Youth Showcase. High-energy Hip-Hop and street dancing from dancers across the U.S. Groups include Future Shock and Mighty Shock DC, Future Shock Ottawa, Future Shock Atlanta, Future Shock LA, Beat Ya Feet Kids, Dimensions Dance, and more. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With pianist Rick Rowley. Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919 version), Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Sibelius' Symphony No. 7, and Sibelius' Finlandia. Free pre-concert discussion for ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$55. info@fairfaxsymphony.org.
Sunday/March 18
Celtic Group Runa. 7 p.m. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At the Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.focusmusic.org or call 703-501-6061.
Barbershop Chorus Concert. 3 p.m. The Harmony Heritage Singers, a 40-member men's "barbershop" chorus, will present a concert at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, in support of United Community Ministries. The program will feature patriotic music such as "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as well as popular songs from days gone by such as "Delta Dawn," "Country Roads," and the Beach Boys gem, "Barbara Ann." Bix Doughty, 98-years old, is scheduled to sing an audience favorite, "Old Bones." There is no admission charge; a free-will offering will be taken to benefit United Community Ministries, a local agency that serves families in crisis, the homeless, and those in poverty who live near U.S. Route 1. Information from Ron Brandt, 703-765-4779, brandtron@verizon.net.
Thursday/March 22
Meet the Legends Reception. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Honoring the 2012 nominees. Reservations by March 15: $40/$75 for two; after March 15: $50/$95 for two. The 2012 Legends are: Bob Calhoun, Al Grande, Harry "Bud" Hart, Wendy McGann John, William "Bill" Kehoe, Allen Lomax, Jimmie McClellan, Pat Miller, Mike Oliver, Lillian Stanton Patterson, Joseph S. Shumard, The Steuerle Family, and the team of Dorothy Turner and Gwen Menefee-Smith. At the Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulaney St., Alexandria.