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.
Now Through 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 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.
March 22, 23, 24
"Annie." 7 p.m. At Hayfield Secondary School. There is a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 24. Tickets are $6/elementary age and younger; $8/students and seniors; $10/adults. This full -scale production features Cristen Centra in the title role, Han von Kolnitz as Daddy Warbucks, Alexis Beard as Miss Hannigan, and more than 65 characters and crew members.
March 22 to 24
Used Book and Art Sale. Thursday, March 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-5950.
Thursday/March 22
Toast to Fashion. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. The event combines a fashion show, marketplace, raffle and cocktail reception. All proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. Sponsored by the Junior Friends of 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
James Madison University Jazz Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Free. Will perform a program featuring the music of Radiohead, Dave Douglas and John Hollenback. Faculty guest soloists will be David Pope, Andy Connell and Bob Hallahan. At Pendleton Hall, Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135, email vdp@episcopalhighschool.org, or go to www.episcopalhighschool.org.
Spring Fling Silent Auction. 6 to 9 p.m. Stratford Landing Elementary will host its annual Spring Fling 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
Concert. 7:30 p.m. Free. The James Madison University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Chuck Dotas, will perform a program featuring the music of Radiohead, Dave Douglas and John Hollenback. Faculty guest soloists will be David Pope, Andy Connell and Bob Hallahan. At Pendleton Hall, Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135, email vdp@episcopalhighschool.org, or go to www.episcopalhighschool.org.
March 23, 24, 25
Opera Double Bill. Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 25 at 4 p.m. Tickets: $30/adults; $20/seniors; $15/students; under 10, free. Fully staged with costumes. In Italian with projected English translations. At Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd. at Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visit repopera.eventbrite.org or repopera.com.
March 23 and 24
"Mulan Jr." 7 p.m. Some 40 children from the upper elementary classes of the Aquinas Montessori School are performing at Carl Sandburg Middle School. Tickets are $5/adults; $3/children. "Mulan, Jr." is set in ancient China. Following an invasion by the Huns, brave Mulan (played on alternate nights by Caroline Schuermann and Kathryn Mechanic) and her sidekick, the mischievous Mushu (Samantha Kadlec) strive to save the Emperor. Directed by Judy Heiser and musical guidance of Dave Futrell. Contact the Aquinas Montessori School at 703-780-8484.
Saturday/March 24
Kids Rummage Sale. 8 a.m. to noon. High-quality used infant, children and maternity gear, gently used clothing, toys, games, books and furniture. Some home furnishings too! Rain or shine. At Fort Hunt Preschool in Alexandria.
Mental Health First Response. 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to recognize early signs of mental health and substance use concerns. At Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3801 Buckman Road, Alexandria. Contact Ann Bahr, phone 703-324-7010, TTY 711.
Tom Rush in Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call the Birchmere at 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com; for tickets, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or order online at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Workout for the Cure. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Sport & Health Club in Alexandria. A $25 donation is requested. Events include 8:05 a.m. Yoga; 8:30 a.m. Cycle; 9:15 a.m. TaeBo; 9:20 a.m. Pilates Mat; 10 a.m. Cycle; 10:30 a.m. Body Pump; 10:30 a.m. Power on Sports Conditioning. Call 703-519-1600 Ext. 103 or email skinner@livewiredc.com.
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.- 4:30 p.m., Friends of Martha Washington Book Sale, Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Contact Lee Mayfield at 703-965-8677.
Walt Whitman and the Civil War. 4 p.m. Free. Presented by Dr. Carrol Peterson, Emeritus Professor of English at Doane College in Nebraska. Part of the Living History Presentation in Old Town. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria. Visit www.nvfaa.org.
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
Third Practice Concert. 7 p.m. Suggested $15 donation. Third Practice brings David Lang's little match girl to Alexandria. Enjoy an evening of renaissance masterworks, followed by this heartrending setting of the classic Hans-Christian Andersen tale. At St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Email: 3rdpractice@gmail.com
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.
Choral Concert. 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $15. Third Practice Vocal Ensemble presents the music of Josquin, Handl, Woollen, and featuring The Little Match Girl Passion by David Lang. At St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4342.
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
Lecture: The Arab Spring. 7:30 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Julian M. Dobbs, the U.S. executive director for the Barnabas Fund, will speak on "The Arab Spring — It's Effects on Christians in the Muslim World and the Growth and Challenges of a Resurgent Islam." At St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church in Alexandria. Visit www.standrewandstmargaret.org.
Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alexandria author Kathie Truitt will have a book release party for her new book, The Hillbilly Debutante CafÈ. At Glory Be, 305 Mill St., Occoquan.
“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.
Beau Soir Ensemble. 7 p.m. D.C. based flute, viola and harp trio, will present a free concert at The Torpedo Factory. They will perform music by Telemann, Debussy, Respighi, and traditional Irish folk music. At The Torpedo Factory, 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Visit www.beausoir.org.
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.
Friday/March 30
String Quartet Concert. 8 p.m. Free. Members of the Air Force Strings will present an evening of string quartet. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil
Saturday/March 31
How to Get To Wonderful. 5:15-6:45 p.m. Ronna Webb, Reiki Master, leads this 90-minute class on creating the life you want. Learn to use your intuition and attract health, success and peace of mind. $47 Alexandria Massage Therapy, 1217 Prince St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-0310.
Palm Sunday Drama. 6 p.m. The Alfred Street Baptist Church will observe Palm Sunday with "Jesus: The Cornerstone of our Faith." At Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred St., Alexandria. Call 703-683-2222 or www.alfredstreet.org.
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.
Archaeology of the Civil War Set. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free program. This will be a full day of informative presentations by experts in the field of archaeology and history. Seating is limited to 200 at the James Lee Center in the Monroe Gymnasium, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Call C.K. Gailey at 703 534-3881, extension 404.
March 31 and April 1
Violinist Midori. Featuring the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra/Symphonic with Kim Allen Kluge, conductor. World premiere of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge’s MEIBUKI — Regeneration featuring student musicians from Alexandria and Arlington Schools and the Arlington Children’s Chorus. 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.
Sunday/April 1
In Concert: "Songs of Sunset." 3 p.m. Tickets are $10/advance; $20/door. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Performed by the NOVA Community Chorus (Dr. Mark Whitmire, Director) with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, featuring Grace Gori, Mezzo-Soprano, and Aurelius Gori, Baritone. Call 703 845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
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.
Monday/April 2
R.E. Lee Camp Dinner Meeting. 6:15 p.m. Cost is $25/person. Author Eric Buckland will be speaking on Mosby and his men. At American Legion Post 24 Hall, 400 Cameron Street at N. Royal St., behind Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria. RSVP to Lawrence Graham at 703-217-7871. Checks should be made out to R.E. Lee Camp #726 and mailed to P.O. Box 4024, Oakton. VA 22124. Payments will be accepted at the door. Visit www.leecamp.org.
Tuesday/April 3
Ice Sculptures. 6 to 8 p.m. The Crystalline World of Ice and Snow in Harbin, China. Morrison House Presents: Tatyana Schremko Schriempf, Torpedo Factory Sculptor. At Morrison House, 116 South Alfred St., Alexandria. Visit Morrison House: www.morrisonhouse.com or 703-838-8000.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, Scott Ramminger and the Crawstickers. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/April 4
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
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.
Joan Osborne. At the Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500.
April 6 to 29
Childhood Memories. Works by artists inspired by their childhoods. Memories are endless: an experience, a trip, a gathering, an animal, a poem, a person or a place that brings one back to a childhood memory. Show exhibits April 6-29; opening reception April 6, 7-10 p.m. Open Thursday-Sunday. Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-838-4827. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org
Saturday/April 7
Firearms Discussion. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free admission. Doug Wicklund, senior curator for the National Firearms Museum, will display John Alden’s actual rifle and talk about it and other arms carried by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. At the Collingwood Library and Museum, 8301 East Blvd. Drive, Alexandria. RSVP by April 5 to KRGroff@CollingwoodLibrary.Org. Be sure to provide your full name and the name(s) of any guests. Presented in partnership with National Firearms Museum in cooperation with The Mayflower Society.
Cleve Francis and Friends. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32.50. At the Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500. Visit www.clevefrancis.com.
Tuesday/April 10
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the Soul Tones of Swing. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/April 11
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/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.
April 13 and 14
Spring Garden Market. Vendors from throughout the mid-Atlantic region will be selling a wide variety of plants as well as garden supplies and garden art. Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. AHS members-only preview night is Thursday, April 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the American Horticultural Society. At River Farm headquarters. Call 703-768-5700.
Saturday/April 14
Magi-Whirl 2012. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with strolling magicians; showtime at 7:30 p.m. Las Vegas Style Family GALA Magic Show staged by Ring 50 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Bishop Ireton High School. Five world-famous magicians — one from Argentina. Tickets are $12/adults, $10/seniors and students — family packs available. At Bishop Ireton High School. Visit 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.
Growing Flowers and Vegetables in Containers. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn how to grow flowers and vegetables in pots, planters or other containers for maximum beauty and bountiful crops on your deck, balcony, porch or patio. Sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, with the support of Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. At the Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. To register, call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com or visit www.mgnv.org
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.
Sunday/April 15
Claudia Schmidt and Dulcie Taylor. 7 p.m. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.focusmusic.org. call 703-501-6061.
Monday/April 16
Masters of Tradition. Celebrating the art of Irish music with seven of Ireland's most compelling musicians, including Fiddler Martin Hayes and singer Iarla O Lionaird. Will appear at The Birchmere Music Hall, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
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.
April 19, 20, 21, 22
Spring Book Sale. The Friends of the Beatley Central Library in Alexandria host "It's Raining Books, Hallelujah." Preview is Thursday, April 19 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Continues Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Prices: paperbacks $1; hardbacks $3. At the Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
April 20 and 21
Colin Hay in Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call the Birchmere at 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com; for tickets, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or order online at www.Ticketmaster.com.
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.
Wednesday/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
Saturday/April 28
YMCA Open House. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join YMCA Alexandria at 420 East Monroe Avenue, Alexandria. Activities include pony rides, train rides, mini-manicures, make a kite station, family zumba, Face Painting, Balloon Sculptures, SeaPerch underwater robotics demo, Healthy Snack Attack Shack, Pirates of Alexandria Scavenger Hunt, and more! . It’s free and open to the public.
Rebuilding Together Rebuilding Day. 8 a.m. Help repair 50 vulnerable Alexandria residents' homes during National Rebuilding Day. Some 1,000 volunteers are needed. Event kicks off at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alexandria. Contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609.
April 28 and 29
Swan Lake Ballet. Performances are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 28, and 2 p.m. on April 29. Tickets are $30/adults; $20/children. Presented by the Virginia Ballet Company and School. At the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus in the Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater. For tickets, visit www.virginiaballetcompany.org or call 703-249-8227.
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.
April 29
Duncan Sheik with Suzanne Vega. Performing songs from his latest album covers 80s, theater works and early catalogue. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com; for tickets, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or order online at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Saturday/May 12
Garden of Light Reception. 3 to 5 p.m. Help put an end to domestic violence by attending the Bethany House reception. Tickets are $55/person. At the Holiday Inn and Suites, 625 First Street, Alexandria. Visit www.bhnv.org or call 703-658-9500.
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.
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.
Sunday/May 13
Mother’s Day Tea at Carlyle House. 2 p.m. Tickets are $27/person. Guests will enjoy finger sandwiches, scones with orange marmalade, banana or lemon tea bread, a Mother's Day desserts of Petite Fours, Cheesecake with Strawberries and Powdered Shortbread Tea Cookies all while sipping special blend spring teas from Tea & Spice Exchange of Alexandria. At Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. Contact Carlyle House at 703-549-2997 or e-mail: carlyle@nvrpa.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.
St. Rita Parish Festival. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., games, raffles, food, white elephant, clowns, moonbounce and dunk-the-priest. At the parish parking lot at 3815 Russel Road, Alexandria.
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.
College of Running and Pre-Race Expo. 12 noon to 6 p.m., at Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Free to the public. Visit exhibits by Alexandria organizations and others. Listen to guest speakers. Sign up for Alexandria Running Festival the next day. See www.mc-coop.org/arf or call 703-927-4833.
Sunday/May 27
Alexandria Running Festival. Half marathon at 7:30 a.m. 5K at 8 a.m., and children's race. Register on-line at www.mc-coop.org/arf or call 703-927-4833. Race-day registration opens at 6 a.m. near Eisenhower Avenue Metro, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue.
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