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.
Thursday/May 10
Carey Creed. 7 p.m. With Lynn Hollyfield and Bob Williams. Part of the Second Thursday Music at The Athenaeum in Alexandria.
National Foster Care Month Appreciation Event. 6:15-8 p.m. Adolescent and Family Growth Center, Inc. (AFGC), in honor of National Foster Care Month, will pay tribute to families and the amazing work of its therapeutic foster parents. Join us and see how: "Kids Grow Better in a Family." Call 703-425-9200 or visit www.afgcinc.com.
Belle Haven Women's Club Spring Fashion Show. "Bright, Bold and Beautiful." Cocktails 6:30 p.m.; Dinner and Fashion Show 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Bloomingdales. Tickets: $60/members; $70/guests. No tickets will be sold at the door. Send checks payable to BHWC, c/o Fran Slade, 6016 Grove Drive, Alexandria, VA. To be held at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria.
May 10, 17, 23, 31
“Tea” Talk. 10:15 a.m. Experience the world through Tea with your guide, Lee Maguire. Join tea aficionado and Hollin Hall Senior Center Assistant Lee as he leads this four-part series about the world’s second cheapest drink. Learn about the history of tea, its role in society, and how it has even changed history. Participate in blind tea tastings and help decide what tea best captures the essence of Hollin Hall Senior Center. At 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Friday/May 11
Bid and Win Dinner/Auction. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The Cocktail Social and Silent Auction will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A Buffet featuring London Broil and Chicken will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. and the night will cap off with a Live Auction. Tickets are $40 each. Sponsored by the Fort Belvoir Officers' Spouses' Club. At 5500 Schulz Circle, Fort Belvoir. To reserve your tickets or offer an item for donation contact Boscfundraiser@gmail.com or 540-847-1467.
Music for Oboe. 8 p.m. Free concert. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. Call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.
Benefit Concert for Haiti. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. NSO Concert Master Nurit Bar-Josef and acclaimed pianist Rohan De Silva are guest artists for this National Chamber Players concert featuring Fritz Kreisler's Schˆn Rosmarin, Liebesleid, Sicilienne and Rigaudon, "It Ain't Necessarily So," by George Gerschwin and arranged by Jascha Heifetz, and AntonÌn Dvoř·k's Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81. At Pendleton Hall, Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.episcopalhighschool.org.
May 11, 12
"Crazy for You." Tickets are $5/students, seniors; $10/adults. Presented by T.C. Williams Drama Department. Show dates are May 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door. The whole family will enjoy this upbeat show, which features a humorous plot, impressive dance numbers, and unforgettable songs, including “I Got Rhythm” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Saturday/May 12
Women's History Walking Tour. 1 p.m. Join the Alexandria Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission for a Women's History Walking Tour. The one and a half mile tour will start at the Ramsey House Visitors Center, 221 King Street, Alexandria, and will end at the waterfront approximately an hour and a half later. Transportation will be provided from the waterfront to a reception with light refreshments at the historic Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For reservations, call Sarah Watson at 703-746-3123 or email Sarah.Watson@alexandriava.gov.
Free Bee Yard Sale. 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., the Free Bee “Shop for Free” Yard Sale" being held at the Faith United Methodist Church Campus, 7010 Harrison Lane, Alexandria. The Woodlawn Faith United Methodist Women (WFUMW) have collected donated items, and will set them out on tables like a traditional yard sale, but everything is free. Contact Maria Teel, President of WFUMW at 703-496-6380.
Barbershop Chorus Concert. 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is $20. Fairfax Jubil-Aires present “A Salute to the Troops and Moms.” At the Ernst Theater, NVCC Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Order tickets at: www.fairfaxjubilaires.org or call Ron at 703-975-7844; tickets also can be purchased at the door.
Princess for a Night. May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again on Monday, May 14 from 2:15 to 5 p.m. The "Princess" program at West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Entrance #13, Alexandria, allows high school students to shop for prom dresses, handbags, shoes and jewelry — all free. Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Katie Basinski, School Social Worker at 703-619-3304 or kabasinski@fcps.edu.
Jazzercise Fundraiser. 10 to 11 a.m. Fundraiser where 100 percent of donations go to the American Cancer Society. At Waynewood Elementary Gymnasium, 1205 Waynewood Blvd., Alexandria. Contact Peg Frydenlund 703- 765-5659 or peg2011@verizon.net.
"This Old House." 10 a.m. Watch episode 2 of "This Old House" that was filmed in Alexandria. General contractor Tom Silva heads to Alexandria to restore the windows in a home built by George Washington. Afterward, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a water filter at a kitchen sink. Airing on WETA-TV 26 and WETA HD.
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.
American Balalaika Symphony Spring Concert. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20/advance; $25/door. Peter Trofimenko and The American Balalaika Symphony welcome Spring with How a Peasant Went to a Fair — An ordinary tale told through extraordinary music. Travel back in time to a place where the pace was slow, the pleasures simple, and spring, a time of wonder and delight. With works by Andreyev, Tsygankov, Shalov, Gorodovskaya, Kachalin and more. Featuring ABS balalaika soloist Ekaterina Borodulina. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center,
3001 Beauregard St (NVCC Campus), Alexandria. Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter.
BBQ Fundraising Dinner. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Admission is $10. The Women's Auxiliary of the Salvation Army Alexandria is hosting its BBQ Fundraising Dinner. Dinner is sponsored by RockLands Real Barbeque. Show Military ID at the door and receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through Auxiliary Members or calling TSA at 703-836-2427. Event is held at The Salvation Army Citadel Corps, 1804 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
Symposium on Historic Clothing. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Historic Pohick Church Docents Guild is sponsoring a "Symposium on Historic Clothing at Historic Pohick Church" covering the 18th and early 19th centuries. Speakers for this event are costume historians Mary Doering, Colleen Callahan, and Newbie Richardson. Tickets are $75 ($65 for students), which includes lunch and a tour of the church. Deadline for registration is April 27, and space is limited. For ticket information contact Charlotte Knipling at 703-339-8196 or c.knipling@gmail.com.
Folk Trio We're About 9. Meets at 7 p.m. Trio of Katie Graybeal, Brian Gundersdorf and Pat Klink. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Rd., Alexandria. Visit www.FocusMusic.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.
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.
Community Yard Sale. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rent a yard sale space for $15 (1 space) or $25 (2 spaces). At Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Donations can be dropped off the morning of the yard sale between 7-8 a.m. only. For more information, email Mike at michael.diggins@hotmail.com.
Civil War Crimean Oven Lecture. 1 p.m. Admission is $10. Fort Ward Museum will sponsor a lecture on “The Story of Alexandria’s Civil War Crimean Ovens and Camp California.” The lecture will be presented by Wally Owen, Assistant Director at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.fortward.org, or call 703-746-4848.
May 12 and May 13
"Biblical Girl: Eve’s Big Fat Family Reunion." Eve’s daughters – and a few sons – come home to the Garden of Eden for a holiday family reunion in this engaging new musical. Two workshop performances, Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 13 at 3 p.m. Free and open to the public; cash donation requested at the door. In the LAB at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria.
Sunday/May 13
AYPO Suite Meditations Concert. 3 p.m. The American Youth String Ensemble, led by Conductor Cheri Collins, and the American Youth Concert Orchestra, led by Conductor J.D. Anderson, celebrate Mother’s Day with “Suite Meditations.” The program includes Spata’s Violet's Tango, Jarrett’s Meditation, Copland’s "Hoedown" from Rodeo, Bizet’s L'arlesienne Suite No. 2, Khachaturian’s Gayane Ballet Suite, and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $5 for students (including college with ID), free for ages 5 and under, and free for music teachers. Tickets at www.aypo.org/events or at the door. At Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria.
"Introspection and Masculinity." 7 p.m. Nationally known cellist, Jonathan Aaron Cain, joined by Ukrainian pianist, Alexei Ulitin. The event is free but donations are accepted and will be applied to the MVUC Piano Restoration Fund. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria.
Mother's Day Open House. 1 to 5 p.m. Free. Take in the artwork while strolling through studios and galleries as you enjoy a lively Mother’s Day afternoon filled with treats and sweets, artist demonstrations, and special spring activities. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565, www.torpedofactory.org.
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
Sunday in the Woods Concert. 4 p.m. Premieres, two Debussy works as arranged for orchestra: Diane Overture (world premiere) and Operatic Love Duet from Diane au bois (U.S. premiere). Tickets are $25/adults; $20/seniors. At the Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Visit www.virginiachamberorchestra.org.
Tuesday/May 15
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With The Thrillbillies. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Mt. Vernon Evening Lions Meeting. Social at 6:30 p.m.; Dinner at 7 p.m. Interested persons are welcome to attend. At Pema's Restaurant, 8430 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Contact Andrea Corsillo 703-960-4973.
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Free. John Philip Colletta will present, "Turning Biographical Facts into Real Life Events." This lecture demonstrates how to turn biographical facts into the real-life experiences they were; how to gather together and evaluate evidence about a particular event, including its historical context, to “individualize” every ancestor in your family tree. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, in Alexandria. Contact Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or mailto:publicity@mvgenealogy.org publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Wednesday/May 16
Dark Star Orchestra. Doors open 6 p.m.; Show at 7:30 p.m. Special acoustic show. Continues The Grateful Dead's Live Experience. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria. Call 800-745-3000. Visit www.birchmere.com.
Dragonfiles and Damselflies. 7:30 p.m. Learn about the arthropod aerialists of the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve — dragonflies and damselflies like blue dashers, prince baskettails and eastern amberwings — from a presentation by Chris Hobson, Natural Areas Zoologist with Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program. Sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the National Park Service. At Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-2525. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Square Dancing Lessons. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Presented by the Boomerangs Square Dance Teaching Council. At the Lincolnia Center, 4710 North Chambliss St., in Alexandria. Call Nancy at 703-573-8378 or email tom.nancystafford@cox.net.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, The Cutaways. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Thursday/May 17
Mount Vernon At-Home Gala. 4 to 7 p.m. Includes music, food, auctions and raffle. Tickets are $35/members; $40/non-members. Mount Vernon At Home is a nonprofit organization that helps seniors 'age in place.' Held at George Washington's River Farm. Advance reservations required; call 703-303-4060 or email info@mountvernonathome.org.
Ascension Day Choral Evensong. 7:30 p.m. Grant Hellmers, Organist-Choirmaster, will direct the Adult Choir in an Ascension Day Choral Evensong. Donations of non-perishable foods will be accepted for St. Paul’s Lazarus Ministry. At St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 South Pitt St., corner of Pitt and Duke Streets in Old Town. Call 703-549-3312, grant@stpaulsalexandria.com.
“Pennsylvania Railroad.” 10 a.m. Model Railroad Club presents the story of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the history of the famous Broadway Limited Passenger Train, the Pennsylvania Railroad and World War II, and HO display of PRR Locomotives and Cars. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Spring Flower Show. 12 to 3 p.m. Free. At Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8532 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Presented by the Garden Club of Waynewood, which is celebrating 50 years of gardening, education, service and friendship.
Consciously Exploring Your Legacy. 10:30 a.m. Free. Bev Hitchins of Alexandria is a professional organizer who will show seniors how to shed light on clutter so they can let go and move on. At The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 703-845-5000.
Friday/May 18
Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Owen Hammett will conduct the live band. Light refreshments will be provided by Sunrise @ Mount Vernon. Cost is $4 at the door. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Music for Woodwind Quintet. 8 p.m. Free. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. Call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit homepage: www.usafband.af.mil www.usafband.af.mil
Saturday/May 19
Kingstowne Canvases for a Cause. 2 to 6 p.m.
Dr. Nikki Waddell will be holding an Open House to showcase her practice, and her not-for-profit art gallery, Kingstowne Canvases for a Cause. A part of Dr. Waddell’s practice is providing a service to the community and one of many ways she does this is by providing a platform for local artists to showcase and auction off their work. The office is at 5901 Kingstowne Village Parkway, Suite 300, Kingstowne.
Princess for a Night. May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again on Monday, May 21 from 2:15 to 6 p.m. The "Princess" program at Mount Vernon High School (Room H208), 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, allows high school students to shop for prom dresses, handbags, shoes and jewelry — all free. Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Katie Basinski, School Social Worker at 703-619-3304 or kabasinski@fcps.edu.
Bra Drive. Bloomers of Alexandria will conduct its annual Bra Drive benefitting the BraRecyclers. The bras are distributed around the world to deserving women and girls in transition. Customers who donate gently used bras will get 20% off a new bra. At 924 King Street, Alexandria. Contact Bloomers’ owner Kim Putens (202-297-9090) or kim@shopbloomers.com.
Kelley Cares 5K Run/Walk. 8 a.m. at George Washington Middle School. A fundraiser for the Therapeutic Recreation Program of Alexandria. Registration can be completed online at kelleycares.org. The Kelley Cares Foundation is a mission of love for Kelley Swanson. Call 703-772-0638 or email Lindsey.Swanson@gmail.com.
BPAC Ride. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bring a bicycle, water and a sense of adventure. The group will do an 18-mile ride up to D.C. to try out the protected bike lanes on Pennsylvania Ave. and 15th St., NW. RSVP to jonathan@jonathankrall.net
Open House. 4 p.m. With refreshments and hors d' oeuvres. At the Hermitage of Northern Virginia, 5000 Fairbanks Ave., Alexandria. RSVP by May 16 at 703-797-3815.
The Planets. 8 p.m. Tickets are $35/adult; $30/senior; $10/stuent. Featuring Kim Allen Kluge, conductor; Carlos Rodriguez, piano; Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Holst: The Planets. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Estate Planning and Life Transitions Seminar. 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Free. Presentations by expert attorneys, certified financial planners, stock brokers and others. A catered lunch is available ($15 each/$25 couple) by pre-purchase when you register. Hosted by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Collingwood at Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Visit www.aldersgate.net or 703-765-6555.
Lion Chef Invitational. 7 to 10 p.m. Professional and amateur chefs alike will compete using the “not-so-secret” ingredient: lemons, in five categories: cocktails, appetizers/soups, main course, dessert, and African dish. Funds raised by the event will be used to support the programs in FHSSA, which focuses on expanding access to palliative care services in Africa. At the Madison Building Atrium of the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. Call 703-647-5167 or visit www.fhssa.org/lionchef2012.
Boutique's Give Back Charity Day. Some 30 retailers from the Old Town Boutique District and 30 charities will be participating. On this day, retailers will create an activity or promotion in their stores that would benefit that charity of choice. To be held at participating stores in the Old Town Boutique District. A listing of shops and charities is at www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com.
Sidewalk Sale for ALIVE. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On South Payne street between Commerce and Prince Streets, Old Town Alexandria. Rain date Sunday, May 20. Donations are welcomed. Bring to the Ice House, 200 Commerce St., Saturdays May 5 and 12 from 9-5 p.m., Sundays May 6 and 13 from 1-5 p.m. Call 703-684-1430 or email alivehouse@alive-inc.org or more information and for pick up of large items. A fundraiser to benefit ALIVE! House Women's Shelter.
Continuing Education for Seniors. 9:30 a.m. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org 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.
Talk on School Desegregation. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join AARP, NAACP, DOVE, and Urban League of Hampton Roads at a “School Desegregation: Learn, Preserve, and Empower” event. At Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Registration is required. Call 1-877-926-8300.
Fort Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Soldier-led tours of historic Fort Ward will be held in honor of Armed Forces Day. The tours will feature museum staff member Kevin Moriarty in Union uniform, providing an orientation to the defenses of Washington and a guided tour of historic Fort Ward, one of the largest of the forts that guarded the Federal capital during the Civil War. At Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.fortward.org, or call 703-746-4848.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 3 p.m. Cost is $20. Presenting Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with violinist Marlissa Del Cid, Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6, and 2011 Composition Competition Winner Jonathan Kolm’s Renewables. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Visit www.wmpamusic.org.
Spring Virginia Native Wildflower Sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Native trees, shrubs, ground covers, ferns and wildflowers will be for sale by the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Visit www.vnps.org or call 703-642-5173.
Historic Huntley Re-opens. A rare architectural gem, Huntley House, located at 6918 Harrison Lane in Alexandria, will open to the public on Saturday, May 19. This is a significant accomplishment after the property, which was acquired by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1989, sat vacant for many years waiting for funding to enable historic restoration. The house is a federal period villa built in 1825 for Thomson Francis Mason, a grandson of George Mason. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites. Historic Huntley was used as a summer retreat, troops of the 3rd Michigan infantry camped at Huntley during the Civil War and later the property was farmed. It changed ownership several times, and in later years, after being abandoned, it suffered considerable vandalism.
Sunday/May 20
Stories and Music in the Garden. 4 to 6 p.m. Set amid an enchanting boxwood garden, Stories and Music in the Garden offers lively storytellers, entertaining musicians, and delicious refreshments for kids of all ages. At Fort Hunt Preschool, on the grounds of the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Visit www.forthuntpreschool.com or call 703-768-7584
Family Walk for Childhood Cancer. Noon to 4 p.m. Speakers and family activities such as arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, magic show, 26 ft. rock climbing wall, games, raffles, and a walk around the track to show support for the cause. To benefit Mattie Miracle Foundation and fund a ChildLife Specialist position at Georgetown University Hospital. Admission is $25 Adults/$15 children. Includes T-shirt. At St. Stephen’s upper campus, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria. Visit www.mattiemiracle.com
Women's Day. 11 a.m. Featuring the Rev. Dr. Jean Robinson-Casey. Lunch will be served. At Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, 606 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Call 703-836-7332.
Jazz at Meade. 4 p.m. Donation is $15. Featuring Kenny Sanders and Friends. At Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, 322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-1334 or visit http://www.meadechurch.org.
Marty Nau Jazz Trio. 3 to 5 p.m. Will be performing at Paul Spring Retirement Community, 7116 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Admission is free and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Call 703-768-0234.
Workshop on How to Prune Trees, Shrubs and Perennials. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.. Join Master Gardeners, Tree Stewards, and VCE Extension Agent Kirsten Buhls at a workshop that provides hands-on experience in pruning small trees and shrubs and deadheading/cutting back perennials. Bring your own pruning tools (hand pruners, lopping shears, pruning saws) if available. At 2416 Ridge Road Drive, Alexandria. To register, call 703-228-6414 or visit www.mgnv.org.
The Songs of Bob Dylan. 7 p.m. A Hungry for Music benefit featuring Chatham Street, Tim Bracken, Willie Barry and Rod Deacey. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.focusmusic.org www.focusmusic.org or call 703-501-6061.
Spring Concert. 7 p.m. The Wakefield Chorale will present its annual Spring Concert — 30 Years of Song with "Our Music Man." Tickets available at door. At the Ernst Cultural Center, Annandale Campus, NOVA Community College. Call 703-451-7917.
Cosmic Quest. 2 to 4 p.m. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Children’s Arts Festival, “Cosmic Quest,” at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. in Alexandria. In addition to activities that range from face painting, yoga, and an instrument petting zoo, the symphony will present two concerts featuring selections from Holst’s The Planets. Tickets $5, free parking.
Monday/May 21
Mini Open House. 1 p.m. Tour Hollin Hall Senior Center with Jan Kestyn, enjoy refreshments, and peek in on some ongoing sessions. An opportunity to participate in programs on this day. Questions? Call 703-765-4573.
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Free. John Philip Colletta will present "Turning Biographical Facts into Real Life Events. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Information about the meeting, the Research Center and MVGS can be found at http://www.MVGenealogy.org. Call Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org.
Agenda:Alexandria. “A Fireside Chat with New City Manager Rashad Young" Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue. Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner (members with reservations by May 15: $28; with reservations after deadline: $33; without reservations: $38/non-members with reservations by May 15: $33; after deadline: $38; without reservations: $43) at 6:45; program ($5 non-members) 7:15. Dinner reservations required. For information or reservations, email agendaalexandria@aol.com or contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089.
Wednesday/May 22
Boating Safety Courses. An eight-week comprehensive safety course which includes basic piloting and navigation. Three classes will be held at various locations in Northern Virginia beginning on May 22, July 24 and Sept. 25. Fee is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Contact Sean Gallagher at education@NVSPS.org or 703-625-1500.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, Blue Suede Bop. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/May 23
Mount Vernon at Home. 2 p.m. An information session on this fast-moving grassroots movement for residents to age in place in their community. Come hear about the organization and how you can become a member or about the volunteer opportunities. Call 703-303-4060 or email info@mountvernonathome.org. Meets at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria.
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 May 24
Confederate Memorial Day. 6 p.m. Service of Remembrance hosted by the Gen. Samuel Cooper Chapter #105 MOS&B at Christ Church in Alexandria at the intersection of N. Washington St. and Cameron St., Alexandria. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the service will start soon thereafter followed with a presentation at the mass grave in the churchyard. A garden party catered by Dixie Bones will follow at the Mary Custis Lee UDC R.E. Lee Camp Hall located 4 blocks south from the church at 806 Prince St. The service at Christ Church is funded by the Samuel Cooper Chapter of the Military Order of Stars and Bars and is of no cost to you; the cost of the Garden Party is $25/person. RSVP to Quartermaster, Lawrence Graham, P.O. Box 4024, Oakton, VA 22124. Phone: 703 217-7871 email: lawrence@goccim.net
Civil War Concert. 7 p.m. Free. Featuring the Washington Revels Heritage Voices at Fort Ward's Amphitheatre. Their repertoire of Civil War music includes military and patriotic songs, African American spirituals, and popular folk tunes from the period. Fort Ward Museum and Park is located at 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.fortward.org, or call 703-746-4848.
Saturday/May 26
Virginia Grand Military Band. 8 p.m. Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria. "Memorial Day Salute" performing works by Sousa, Gilmore and Liszt. With special guest, John Philip Sousa IV. Adults $20. - Band directors, students and under 18 free. Call 703 426-4777. www.vgmb.com.
Unsinkable Women, Stories and Songs of the Titanic. 8 p.m. A one-woman show written and performed by actress Deborah Jean Templin, who toured with the Broadway production of the musical “Titanic.” The 90-minute program tells the story of nine different women who sailed on the ill-fated luxury liner. Tickets are $35. Visit www.victoriansocietyatfallschurch.com or contact Terry Hooper at 703-241-2751. To purchase tickets, mail your check, made out to the VSFC, to P.O. Box 7436, Falls Church, VA 22040 Attn: Unsinkable Women. At The Lyceum in Alexandria.
Yard Sale. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. At Del Ray Artisans’ gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, rain or shine. Profits support Del Ray Artisans. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/YardSale or Fundraising@TheDelRayArtisans.org
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 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
1964 The Tribute. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. A tribute to the Beatles live. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.1964site.com.
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.
Tuesday/May 29
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. Featuring the band, The Grandsons. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.
Wednesday/May 30
DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.
Author Talk. 7 p.m. Come and hear local author Chet Nagle speak about his book, The Woolstorters’ Plague & The Iran Covenant. At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-1702 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us
Friday/June 1
Dr. John in Concert. 7:30 p.m. At The Birchmere. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www. Birchmere.com.
Contribute to Time Capsule. Youth up to age 18 are invited to submit an essay or art work representing the present day library. Submit on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Entries should be submitted at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Entries will be placed in the time capsule to be opened in 50 years. Deadline to enter is June 1. Call 703-768-9840.
Saturday/June 2
Volunteer Training. Curious about early American medicine and health? Then consider volunteering as a tour guide at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary in historic Old Town Alexandria. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, at 105-107 South Fairfax Street, is hosting a new volunteer training June 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This three-hour class includes a tour and the basics of giving museum tours. Pre-registration is required. Volunteers can complete an application online through www.apothecarymuseum.org or email Michele.longo@alexandriava.gov. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703-746-3852.
Sunday/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 www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.
Saturday/June 9
Wine Tasting Event. While sipping a variety of wines and tasting an array of cheeses and charcuterie, you can walk around the boat-building workshop sponsored by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. Tickets are $45; $55 after June 1. Sponsored by Grape + Bean of Alexandria. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/243578 or phone 1-800-838-3006.
Wednesday/June 13
Jamie McLean Band. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Will be playing "Live at Gibson" CD Release. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.
Friday/June 15
Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $4/door. All are welcome. Owen Hammett will conduct the live band. Light refreshments will be provided by Spring Hills at Mount Vernon. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
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 HYPERLINK mailto:archaeology@alexandriava.gov archaeology@alexandriava.gov
June 22 to 23
SkateFest / Sk8 For a Cause. A fundraiser for the Children's Hospital National Medical Center. After completing the Sk8 For a Cause 4-checkpoint course through Wakefield Skate Park, skateboarders, their families and friends enjoy a day of skateboard competitions, vendors, food, demos, auctions, music and more. Visit www.skatefestfairfax.com
Saturday/June 23
Alexandria Food and Wine Festival. Noon to 5 p.m. At John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, in Old Town Alexandria. This is a free event to attend; however tickets are needed to sample food and beverages. Each booklet is comprised of a total of 25 taste tickets at the price of $20. Each food item costs between 1 to 5 tickets. Participating Restaurants and wineries includes: Restaurants--The Chart House, Delia’s, San Antonio Bar and Grill, Walker’s Grille, Clydes at Mark Center, Rita’s, Indigo Landing, La Tasca, and Jamieson Grille; Wineries—Mattaponi Winery, Unicorn Winery, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Glass House Winery, DelFosse Vineyard and Winery and Cedar Creek Winery. Call 703-624-0245 or visit www.alexandriafoodandwine.com.
June 23
Del Ray Music Festival. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A wide variety of music, including: jazz, blues, folk, country, Latin, reggae, and rock. Also food and games. To be held on the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. Del Ray Music Week will be taking place from June 18-22, will host over 30 local musicians and bands as they perform along “The Avenue” at local Del Ray businesses from 5 to 10 p.m. Visit www.delraymusicfestival.com.
Tuesday/June 26
Hands on History Tent. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come build your own model sailboat and race it against others. Other activities include designing a flag, writing with a quill pen and trying on colonial clothes. The event is free, sailboat craft $5, and designed for children ages 3-12. At Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or e-mail: carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Open Through September 2013 – Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria Exhibition
Open daily at The Lyceum, “Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria” examines life in an American town seized and held by its own Federal government, following Virginia’s decision to secede from the Union in May 1861. See how Robert E. Lee’s hometown of Alexandria was transformed literally overnight from a bustling commercial port into a supply, hospital, and transportation center for the Union Army, and find out why Alexandria became a destination for African Americans seeking freedom. The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street) is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.
Open Through 2012– The Marshall House Incident Exhibition
This exhibit at Fort Ward features objects from the museum collection, like a star from the flag that had flown over Marshall House, and loan items from the Mary Custis Lee Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, to tell the notable story about the event that launched the Civil War in Alexandria. Fort Ward Museum (4301 West Braddock Road) is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.