E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
Month of March
Radiance Yoga Classes. $5 for all weekday morning classes during month of March. For classes starting from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for class. At Radiance Yoga, 110 King street, Alexandria. Visit www.Radiance-yoga.net or call 703-535-8282.
March 2 to April 1
20 Years on The Avenue. The 20th Anniversary Committee invites you to celebrate DRA’s 20 years on “The Avenue” with past and present masterpieces. This member-only show runs from March 2-April 1, 2012 and will be juried from outside our DRA family of members. Opening Reception for the “XX” show on Friday, March 2, 7-10 p.m. and will feature local jazz band “Veroneau”. (www.VeroneauMusic.com). Running March 3- April 1 special exhibits of Del Ray Artisans’ history will be featured. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
March 3 to 18
March Madness. Features 200 panels of artwork each $150, a free kids art activity on March 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Art Party on March 16, from 7-10 p.m., featuring prizes, music, food drinks and more. The Art Party will be located in the main hall of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, outside of the Target Gallery. Cost is $15/advance; $20/door. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/marchmadness.
Thursday/March 8
Ten Thousand Villages Celebrates Women in March. The store at 915 King Street in Old Town Alexandria will donate 15 percent of its sales to the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program. In honor of International Women's Day. The store is opened 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2nd Thursday Art Night: Child's Play. 6 to 9 p.m. The Torpedo Factory hosts the launch of Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts with an evening of gallery receptions, fun activities, live music by local teen Keira Moran, and more. At the torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565.
Bob Sima. 7 p.m. Poet, observer, scribe, and sometimes reluctant healer all bundled up into one singing/songwriting bundle of energy. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit nvfaa.org.
March 8, 9, 10, 11
Antiques in Alexandria. Featuring 50 nationally recognized exhibitions. Benefits three charities. Thursday, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Pre-Show Party; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At The Waterford, 6715 Commerce St., Springfield.
Friday/March 9
Artisan Beer Tasting and Silent Auction. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50. At the Campagna Center. If you wish to pay by check, mail to: The Campagna Center, Attn: Lee Stenberg/NN Event, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. All proceeds benefit New Neighbor's ESL and Family Literacy Programs.
Rock Against Hunger. 7 p.m. Concert will feature local band Black Moon Tonic and the St. Luke's Outreach Committee will designate 100 percent of the funds to be divided among local nonprofits — United Community Ministries, New Hope Housing, and Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services. Tickets are $15/adults; $10/students.
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.
March 9-10
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Tickets are $5. Show times are March 2, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Matinee on March 3 at 2 p.m. At St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Upper School, Chapel/Performing Arts Center, 1000 St. Stephen's Road, Alexandria. Visit www.sssas.org/arts.
Saturday/March 10
"Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai" Film Screening. 4:30 p.m. Part of Movies with a Mission. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
House Storybooks. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Alexandria Black History Museum is offering a fun activity to help kids tell stories about a favorite house or building. Local artist and writer Sushmita Mazumdar will hold a workshop for children ages 6 through 12; adult family members are welcome to join in. Sushmita will show how she makes books that are houses for all kinds of creatures and all kinds of stories. Then kids will learn how to make their own “House Storybook.” At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
Call 703-746-4356.
Art Auction. 8 p.m. Free. The Art Auction features original works of art by Rob Vander Zee and twenty-five local Washington, D.C. artists known as the Vander Zee Gallery Painters. At Vander Zee Gallery, 105 S. Lee St., 3rd Floor, Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.vanderzeeart.com/artauction.
Tracing 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.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
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.
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction. 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $9/adults; $6.50 for kids 5-12; $4.50 for Scouts and siblings; $7.50 for parents of Scouts. Come enjoy Spaghetti (with your choice of butter, vegetarian or meat sauce, or meatballs and sauce), Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, Antipasto Bar and Tiramisu/Cannoli's for dessert. All made from scratch. Sponsored by Clifton Presbyterian Church.
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.
Teenage Suicide Awareness. 5 p.m. Aldersgate Church Community Theater and The Aldersgate United Methodist Church Youth Group will host a panel discussion on Teenage Suicide Awareness and Prevention following the performance of "Romeo and Juliet." At the Guback Center of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Monday/March 12
Relay For Life Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Organizational meeting to engage volunteers in recruiting and assembling teams, seeking community support, coordinating logistics, securing donated refreshments and prizes, planning entertainment and lending support. At Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Contact Nikkii Greenleaf at 301-982-2116, or visit RelayForLife.org/AlexandriaVA. The actual Relay For Life of Alexandria will be held at West Potomac High School on June 16.
Tuesday/March 13
"Heaven Can Wait" Benefit. 8 p.m. The Board of Lady Managers of INOVA Alexandria Hospital will host a special performance. At the Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria. Tickets are $25. All proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital Surgical Services. Contact Barbara Brenman at 703-548-9485.
Concert. 7:30 p.m. "When the Saints Go Marching In" featuring the NOVA Jazz Combo, the NOVA Faculty Jazz Ensemble and NOVA Community Chorus. Also the Northern Virginia premiere of Jazz Mass by Mark Whitmire. At the Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Call 703-845-6097.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With Mike Surratt and ECB. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/March 14
Achieving Your Vision Rehabilitation Goals. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Join Dr. Alexis Malkin, a low vision rehabilitation specialist with POB's Low Vision Learning Center, for a discussion about what services and resources can help individuals make the most of the their sight. Hosted by the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. At the Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1760.
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Thursday/March 15
Landscape Design for Pollinator Diversity. 7:30 p.m. Join Susan Abrams for a slide lecture that will showcase the use of native plants in area landscapes to enhance
wildlife diversity, with particular emphasis on enhancing pollinator diversity. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.
March 16 to 25
Repertory Opera Theater. Presents Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." Fully staged with costumes. In Italian with projected English translations. Friday, March 16 and 23 at 7; Saturday, March 17 and 24 at 8; Sunday, March 18 and 25 at 4 p.m. Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors, $20; Students, $15; under 10, free. At Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd. and Quaker Lane, Alexandria.
Friday/March 16
Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Owen Hammett will conduct the live band. Light refreshments will be provided by "ManorCare Health Services - Alexandria. $4 at the door. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Celtic Concert. 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring Scottish Gaelic singers, the Celtic folk band Na Maragan and other musicians, including CËilidh in the Kitchen and Scott Morrison of the Maryland-based group DÏleab PhrÏseil. Sponsored by the Gaelic Society of America. Tickets are $12/person; $25/family. At the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Contact Bill Cassidy 703-717-0074 or WillBCassidy@gmail.com.
Through March 16
Join the League of 25. The Art League launches their latest arty fundraising initiative, a new society of 25 supporters who pitch in $100 a piece to fund an Art League Gallery exhibit while having some fun. The inaugural exhibition sponsorship is for the environmentally conscious “Earth,” which opens on April 12 with a reception featuring a recycled art challenge, with teams of League of 25 members competing in a sculpture making relay race. Donations are requested by March 16. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; www.theartleague.org, 703-519-1741.
March 16-18
Get to Know a Great Dane. At the Super Pet Expo at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL).
Saturday/March 17
"Her Story: Women in Action." Cost is $6/person. A panel of former Girl Scouts will share their memories of Girl Scouting and how scouting empowered them. Participants will learn about Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of American Girl Scouting, by looking at a timeline of her life. Two sessions: 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.; and 3 to 4:10 p.m. Advance registration at www.alexandriahistory.org or by calling 703-746-4994. At the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Steven Gellman in Concert. 8 to 10 p.m. At St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com or call 703-739-9268.
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.
Spring Kid's Rummage Sale. 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $1. At Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Proceeds from the door will go to Mondloch House, a community shelter that helps the homeless. There are a few tables still available. If you are interested in selling children's items and would like more information, contact Jen at jakelley19@gmail.com.
Choreographers Collaboration Project. 7 p.m. Presents The Science Project, a Modern Dance Concert. This concert is the culmination of a season creating dances based on science concepts, and exploring "science as inspiration" for other art forms. Tickets are $10/adults; $5/ages 12-17. At T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King street, 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
In Nature's Realm. 2 p.m. The Marine Chamber Orchestra performs. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NVCC, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com
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.
Monday, March 19
Mini Open House. 1 p.m. At Hollin Hall Senior Center. Tour Hollin Hall Senior Center with Jan Kestyn, enjoy refreshments, and peek in on some ongoing sessions. Bring a friend! An opportunity to participate in programs on this day. Call 703-765-4573.
Historian Ted Pulliam. 7:30 p.m. Free. Will discuss Alexandria's beginnings in Historic Alexandria: An Illustrated History. At Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1705 or visit the library online at www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
“The Alexandria Beat: Our Evolving Press.” Rodger Digilio, Alexandria News; Shannon McLoone, Old Town Patch; Michael Lee Pope, Alexandria Gazette Packet/WAMU; and David Sachs, Alexandria Times. Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue. Reception at 6:30 p.m., Dinner (members with reservations by March 13: $28; with reservations after deadline: $33; without reservations: $38/non-members with reservations by March 13: $33; after deadline: $38; without reservations: $43) at 6:45; Program ($5 non-members) 7:15 p.m. Dinner reservations required. Contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089 or agendaalexandria@aol.com.
March 19 and 20
Jewelry Sale. All Jewelry by Toby of Masquerade, $5. Sponsored by The Board of Lady Managers of INOVA Alexandria Hospital. All proceeds go to the purchase of new anesthesia machines for the hospital's surgical services. Monday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 20, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. At INOVA Alexandria Hospital, Education Rooms 1 and 2.
Tuesday/March 20
Mount Vernon Evening Lions. 7 p.m. The speaker will be from the Fairfax County Police Department who will give tips on personal safety. Meets at Pema's Restaurant for dinner. Contact Andrea Corsillo at 703-960-4973.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the Hangover Royale Band. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Mount Vernon Genealogy Meeting. 1 p.m. Free. Speaker Marie Varrelman Melchiori will describe the important finding aids to NARA (National Archives Records Administration) Records. Meet at Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Wednesday/March 21
Mount Vernon Pyramid Chorus Concert. 7 p.m. Free. Each year, the choruses from Mount Vernon High School, Walt Whitman Middle School, and their feeder elementary schools put on a joint concert for the Mount Vernon Community. This year the theme is "Rainbow Connection" and the choirs will feature music from all around the world. Contact Judi Belzer at Judith.Belzer@fcps.edu.
"Have Trunk, Will Travel." 9:30 a.m. The Alexandria/Mount Vernon Antiques Club will feature "Have Trunk, Will Travel" with Mr. Fred Murry, a Curator, Historical Authority and restorer of antique trunks. The public is invited. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria.
George Washington Lecture. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12/person; $10/members. Join Dr. Peter Henriques, Professor Emeritus of History from George Mason University, as he continues to explore the many facets of the “Father of our Country” through his lectures. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Tickets may be purchased by calling 703-746-4242 or through the online shop at www.gadsbystavern.org.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the Smokin' Polecats and Marianna Previti. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
March 22 and 23
"Godspell Junior." 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by St. Louis Catholic School. Tickets are $3/students and seniors; $5/adults. Visit www.stlouisgodspell@gmail.com. At 2901 Popkins Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-768-7732.
Thursday/March 22
Toast to Fashion. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. All proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. At Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria. Visit www.campagnacenter.org.
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.
Friday/March 23
Spring Fling Silent Auction. 6 to 9 p.m. Stratford Landing Elementary will host its annual Spring Flint Silent Auction and Ice Cream Social. At 8484 Riverside Road, Alexandria. Contact Beth Day at 703-801-8806/beth.day001@verizon.net or Frances Sankey at 703-799-0969/ frances.sankey@gmail.com
Saturday/March 24
Invasive Exotic Plants. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Join National Park Service ecologist Erik Oberg and Audubon Society of Northern Virginia naturalist Cliff Fairweather to learn how to halt the invasion of exotic plants. At the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. To attend, RSVP to chair.er@mvcca.org or call 703-360-0691.
Tauxemont Preschool Silent Auction. 6:30 to 11 p.m. Sponsored by the Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool. To be held at the Collingwood Library & Museum, 8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. Visit www.tauxemont.org/auction.
Rum Punch Challenge. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50/person. Enjoy different rum punch creations from local restaurants and distilleries and vote for your favorite. Rum Punch Challenge participants include reigning champ Dogfish Head, returning competitors Bacardi, Bittersweet, FireFlies, and Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, and first-time challenger Red Rocks. Guests will also enjoy food – both period and modern – as well as a silent auction. At Gadsby's Tavern. Reservations required. Call 703-746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Wedding Wishes Vendor Event. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour Carlyle house, enjoy tea blends from The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria, enjoy delicious creations from Occasionally Cake and admire the designs of area florists. At Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Friends Book Sale, Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road.
Into the Light. 8 p.m. Fairfax Choral Society will perform Beethoven's Elegischer Gesang, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star, Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, and Dolly Parton's Light of a Clear Blue Morning. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria.
Wonders of Science Demo. Visit the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon's blood, and find out how they were used. Admission is $6. Reservations can be made at 703-746-3852. At 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703-746-3852.
McLean High School Historical Reenactment Society. 1-4 p.m. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Members of McLean High School’s historical reenactment society will conduct scientific demonstrations about science in the 1700s. Explore the Apothecary and its large variety of objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood. $6, includes a tour of the museum.
Reservations required at 703-746-3852.
Runway Modeling Workshop. For Beginners - Ladies Ages 13 and up. Learn the basics: model stance, poses, runway walk, turns, posture and more. Pre-register between Feb. 6 and March 23. Sponsored by Walk This Way Productions/Kalaj. Held in Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-927-2927.
Sunday/March 25
Sunday Night Salsa. 7 p.m. Dancing, instructions, food, drink and fun. Join in a hot night of salsa dancing and instruction from Martin Zuniga and his 8-piece band. At Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria. Cost is $50/person or $40/person if purchased before March 10. Call 703-998-6460. Visit www.agudasachim-va.org/salsa.
Castles in the Air. 2 p.m. U.S. Marine Band performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NVCC, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com
Longaberger Basket Bingo. Features 20 regular games for gift-filled Longaberger baskets. Also Specials, Raffles and Door Prizes. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Doors open 1 p.m.; bingo starts at 2 p.m. Sponsored by the West Potomac High School band. At West Potomac High School cafeteria, 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria. Details and advance ticket sales at www.wolverineband.com or 703-799-8394.
At the Ballet. 4 p.m. The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at the Memorial Theater, George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Visit www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.
Tuesday/March 27
“New Beginnings” Poetry Presentation. 10:30 a.m. Join the “Tuesdays at Two” Writing group for a special Poetry presentation titled “New Beginnings”. Peter Lattu as well as many talented local writers and avid poetry lovers will be represented. Open to the Community! At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573 to reserve a seat.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, Swingin' Lincolns. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Rachael Yamagata. Will be performing from her album, Chesapeake. 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/March 28
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Singer Amy Obenski. 7:30 p.m. Free. Part of her Carbon Conscious Tour. At St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-739-9268.
Author Michael Lee Pope. 7 p.m. Will discuss his book, "Hidden History of Alexandria." At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
Saturday/March 31
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. A Salute to Henry Fillmore and Edwin Franko Goldman with principal guest conductor Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel 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.
March 31 and April 1
Violinist Midori. Featuring the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Kim Allen Kluge, conductor. Tickets are $40/adults; $10/students; $5/children. Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 at 3 p.m. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.
April 1
A Celebration of Bulgarian Culture. Hopa Tropa Kukerica at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Playing with Kukerica, workshops at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Includes puppetry, folk objects, song, dance, and food. Featuring: Amie Cazel, Daria Kondova, Konstantin Hadjipanzov, Daniel Rovin and Gwendolyn Torrence. At the Masonic Theater at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 3 p.m. Tickets are $20. Featuring Claude Debussy’s Nocturnes, Gustav Holst’s Concerto for Two Violins with violinists Marc
Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, Composition Competition Finalist Charles Bestor’s Variations for Orchestra conducted by U.S. James; and Frederick Delius‘ Songs of Sunset conducted by Dr. Mark Whitmire with the NOVA Community Chorus,
mezzo-soprano Grace Gori and baritone Rex Gori. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria. Call 703-799-8229 www.wmpamusic.org.
April 4
Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults; $5/children. Featuring Elisabeth de Merode (flute) and Laurent Tardat (violin). At Lyceum Hall, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria.
Thursday/April 12
Explore Activities for Seniors. 10:30 a.m. At Chinquapin Park Recreation Center, 3210 King St., Alexandria. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
Saturday/April 14
La Vegas Style Family GALA Magic Show. At Bishop Ireton High School. Sponsored by Ring Ring 50 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Bishop Ireton. Five world-famous magicians — one from Argentina. Tickets are $12 for adults, less for seniors and students — family packs available. For details and to buy tickets go to http://www.magi-whirl.org/gala/
The Grandest Congress: The French and Indian War in Alexandria. Noon to 4 p.m. Donation of $5. Spring, 1755: Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America convened a meeting of five colonial governors at John Carlyle’s Alexandria home. Among Braddock’s objectives was to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Carlyle called this gathering “the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent.” Peek in on the meeting inside and enjoy the sights and smells of 18th-century style food being prepared for a grand dinner for Braddock and the Governors. Costumed interpreters will be on site to answer your questions.
Explore Alexandria's Firefighting History. 1 p.m. Tickets are $6/adults; $4/youth. The walking tour, "Blazing a Trail: Alexandria's Firefighting Past." As they walk through Old Town, participants will learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria and stop at historic buildings that once served as fire stations. At Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred St., Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net or by calling 703-746-4994.
Tuesday/April 17
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Free. Speaker Robert D. McLaren presents a lecture on DNA Testing for Genealogy: The Basics. Meets at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Contact Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Saturday, April 21
Author Event. 2 to 4 p.m. Local author Tansil Johnson will sign and discuss her new books, Who Is Mooma? And Mooma and the Mouse. At Charles Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria.
MVHS Class of 2012 Spring Mulch Sale. $5/bag - 3 cubic feet, double shredded hardwood bark mulch. Orders of 10 bags or more will be delivered to select ZIP codes. For more information or to order, send a note to mvhsmulchsale2012@gmail.com or call 571-214-4348. Proceeds will support the senior class All Night Grad Party.
Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Carlyle House. An exciting mix of herbs and vegetable plants from Mount Vernon and Layng & Company will be available for purchase. Bring your family and participate in child-friendly activities, listen to performances by area musicians and living historians throughout the day, as well as shop for items made by local artisans and crafters. This event is free, however admission for the House tour is $5 for adults; $3 for children 5-12 years old; free for children 4 & under or free with your Alexandria Garden Day ticket. This event will take place rain or shine. Carlyle House Historic Park is at 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria.
April 25
Author Andrew Wingfield. 7 p.m. Come and hear local author Andrew Wingfield speak about his book Right of Way: Stories, winner of the Washington Writers Publishing House 2010 fiction prize. At the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or www.alexandria.lib.va.us
April 28 and 29
Carpenter's Shelter Cook-Off and Race. Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m. is the Run for Shelter 10K and One-Mile Fun Run. The 10th Anniversary Cook-Off Celebration is Sunday, April 29 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets for the Cook-Off are $40/adults; $10/children under 12. Registration is $40 for 10K and $20 for Fun Run. To register, visit www.runforshelter10k.com. All proceeds benefit Carpenter's Shelter and its work on behalf of homeless individuals, children and families. For the Cook-Off, visit www.carpenterscookoff.com. For general inquiries, contact Alex Stevens at alexstevens@carpentersshelter.org, 703-548-7500, ext. 204, or on Twitter @cookoff2012.
Saturday/May 12
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With pianist Adam Golka. Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem, Debussy's La Mer, Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand, and Elgar's Enigma Variations. Free pre-concert discussion for ticket holders at 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$55. info@fairfaxsymphony.org.
Thursday/May 17
Clifton Charity Homes Tour. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Featuring homes in and surrounding Clifton. Tickets are $25/advance; $30/day of tour; single home admission is $10. Presented by the Clifton Community Woman's Club. A "Wine Down" will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at Paradise Spring Winery. Lunch will be available at Clifton eateries; the Paradise Springs Winery will also be offering box lunches with a prior RSVP. Visit the CCWC website: www.cliftoncwc.org
Saturday/May 19
Continuing Education for Seniors. 9:30 a.m. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 13.
Saturday/May 26
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. A Salute to Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore and John Philip Sousa. 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.
June 3
I've Got Rhythm…I've Got Music. 4 p.m. The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at the Memorial Theater, George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Visit www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.
Saturday/June 16
Author William Connery. 10 a.m. Friends of Alexandria Archaeology hosts William Connery, who will speak about his recent book, “Civil War Northern Virginia 1861.” At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Free but reservations required. Visit archaeology@alexandriava.gov