Fans Mob D.C. Premiere of ‘White House Down’
• April 11, 2016

A very fitting white carpet was rolled out June 21 for the D.C. premiere of Roland Emmerich’s new action flick, “White House Down.” After all, it is the White House and other locales shown in the film, such as the Capitol building. The White House earlier played host to a screening of “White House Down.”

But on Friday night, June 21, the AMC Loews Georgetown theater welcomed stars Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Joey King for the first stop on the “White House Down” press tour. And it was a mob scene on K Street near Wisconsin Avenue.

Fans screamed requests of marriage and “I love you” from the sidewalk as star after star stepped onto the white carpet. Others were quick to call out to favorites like Tatum and Foxx, holding out their smart phones to take “selfie” pictures, still screaming in shock and joy after each star then continued down the carpet. An open-top, double-decker bus passed by just in time and got stuck in traffic long enough for each passenger to snap pictures and get the best view of the action.

The stars were welcomed by screaming fans–and also by the likes of federal officials, including Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, who said she hasn’t seen any of Tatum’s previous films but added at Friday’s D.C. premiere, “I will now.”

Tatum was the first to be cast by Emmerich, who also directed “Independence Day” and “The Patriot,” as U.S. Capitol Police officer, followed by Foxx, who was thought to be the perfect fit for the role of the African American president.

Joining Tatum and Foxx on the big screen is Gyllenhaal, playing a secret service agent, and Joey King, playing Tatum’s movie daughter.

Gyllenhaal spent her Friday afternoon before the premiere catching up with a friend in D.C. and exploring the National Mall. “I didn’t realize how patriotic I am,” she said. “My high school American history was all coming back to me.”

Emmerich brings an all-star cast and classic location to the big screen, with the challenge of setting his film apart from others surrounding D.C. and terrorism.

Writer James Vanderbilt wanted, “to just make [‘White House Down’] a big, summer, thrill-riding type movie and that’s, I think, what probably differentiates us from some of the other films.” Recent Washington, D.C., action flicks that center on the president and the White House include “Olympus Has Fallen.”

The film is loaded with action scenes, but Joey King insists it’s much more than just another all-action, all-violence movie. “There are so many great scenes,” King said. “There are so many action-packed scenes. There’s so many nice, sweet scenes. It’s hard to say. There are so many funny scenes, too.”

“We had a great time,” said producer Brad Fischer. “And we hope that people have as much fun watching it as we did making it.”
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Jane Austen Is Very Becoming at Dumbarton House
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June 12 marked the beginning of the second annual Jane Austen Film Festival at Georgetown’s historic Dumbarton House.

The Jane Austen film series is sponsored by Long & Foster, exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. Thanks to its support, admission to any of the film showings at the film festival is absolutely free.

Jane Austen and Dumbarton House are a perfectly historical fit. While Dumbarton is circa 1800s American history, it greatly suits the style of Jane Austen, circa 1800s England.

Each film on the summer is held on the lawn of the North Garden at Dumbarton House. The film starts at sunset and is accompanied by concessions from local restaurants. At the opening night showing of “Becoming Jane,” guests of Dumbarton House sipped white wine and champagne from Tradewinds Specialty Imports and dined on crêpes from Café Bonaparte and lobster-shrimp rolls from Luke’s Lobster on laid out blankets.

“Mansfield Park” will be shown on the lawn for the second night of the film series on Wednesday, July 10. Returning for the second year of the film series will be one of Jane Austen’s most well-known stories, “Pride & Prejudice” on August 7.

Stay Seaside Safe and Sound-side at Sanderling
• January 16, 2015

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, Sanderling Resort in Duck, N.C., presents its new multi-million dollar rebrand, spanning from ocean to sound. Since its opening in 1985, Sanderling Resort has had the comfortable feel of a family beach house, with all of the perks of a luxury getaway resort.

Sanderling revamped AAA Four Diamond Left Bank, now Kimball’s Kitchen, highlighting a decadent selection of steak and fresh seafood. Kimball’s Kitchen includes a raw bar with an oyster selection among steak and seafood dishes accompanied by the full hospitality of southern sides. Kimball’s Kitchen could be called Lawrence’s as chef de cuisine John Lawrence will now be gracing the kitchen.

The restored 1899 United States Lifesaving Station turned restaurant of the same name, “Lifesaving Station,” presents the renovated Lifesaving Station Deck as well as the new second floor No.5 bar, overlooking the sound.

The brand new Lobby Bar, serving the Lobby and Patio Deck, will play host to the perfect patio accessory, a fire pit.
The Sanderling Signature Cocktail “Keepers Watch” saves all from the heat of the season, available at the Livesaving Station and SandBar. With honey pecan infused Jim Beam, Bleinheim Ginger Ale, and a slash lemon and lemon wedge garnish, Sanderling goers are in for a sweet treat.

Sanderling’s pool facilities received an upgrade with six new South Wing rooms situated next to the new adults-only heated Tranquility pool, a perfect grown-up getaway. Nine rooms will provide immediate access to the new Resort Family pool. There is also a heated indoor pool at the spa for stormy beach days.

Speaking of the beach, those who stay at Sanderling have private beach access with beach valet for all of their seaside needs. New to this 2013 version of Sanderling, guests have no need to leave the property to partake in water activities including surfing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and more either on the Atlantic or the Currituck Sound.

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Muth’s Hunger Strikes Result in Waiving Right to be Present
• April 30, 2014

The hunger strikes of Albrecht Muth, accused of murdering his wife, Washington socialite and Georgetown resident Viola Drath, are serving to be useful for the prosecution.

The Associated Press first reported that prosecutors in the case have advised that D.C. Superior Court Judge Russell F. Canan see Muth’s hunger strikes as a knowing waiver of his right to be present at his trial.

A veteran journalist and married previously to an Army colonel, Viola Drath was found dead in a bathroom of her home on Q Street — which is now up for sale — in August 2011 after being strangled and beaten at age 91. She and Muth were known around town for their dinner parties at her home with a mix of political, diplomatic, military and media VIPs. Drath was 44 years older than Muth.

Seen around Georgetown in faux military garb, Muth was perceived by neighbors and shopkeepers as, simply, a oddball. In recent years, he said that he was a member of the Iraqi Army. He went so far as to have arranged a 2010 ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for Iraqi Liberation Day.

Muth has been on periodic hunger strikes in a mental asylum cell. His hunger strikes began in December after he was ruled competent to stand trial. In March of this year, a doctor deemed Muth too weak to stand trial. The trial was postponed indefinitely.

Now with the ruling that Muth does not have to be present in order for his trial to proceed, details behind Drath’s mysterious murder will likely come to light.

The trial in the murder of Drath is set to begin in December, more than two years after her death and the arrest of Muth. The charge against Muth is that of second-degree murder in the death of Drath.

From A to Zeina
• January 17, 2014

Zeina Davis, event coordinator and marketing manager, wants to give each person a customized experience when he or she enters Malmaison. Being a family-run company gives Malmaison an extra je ne sais quoi.

“It is truly a family run business and each person within the family is involved with every aspect from the overall concept to the day to day functions,” says Davis. It is a team effort every step of the way, from preparation, to execution and follow-up.
Davis works to partner with Georgetown and D.C. businesses to bring a variety of open, ticket and private events to the chateau of cuisine that is Malmaison. As event coordinator and marketing manager, Davis is “involved in all operations outside of lunch and dinner.”

Malmaison is divided into trois (three) sections: the cafe, the dining room and the upper bar area. “The cafe runs as its own entity,” Davis says. She assures us that Malmaison is all about full-scale event planning, not just petite soirées.
Malmaison is equipped to host any type of event, from weddings to book signings, to wine tastings and more. The garage looking doors that lead into the quaint Parisian-style restaurant can be used as screens for Twitter feeds or general projector screens to meet the needs of a client.

“We’ll mold to whatever they’re asking for,” says Davis.
The restaurant is developing a music program to make its nightlife scene “more than just a fun night,” says Davis, who wants Malmaison to be seen as more than a restaurant. Its nightlife scene should not just be throwing a party just to throw a party. “It should be a cultural experience,” she says.

Davis wants for those having dinner at Malmaison to say, “I’d love to have an event here,” and those at an event to say, “I would love to have dinner here.”

Northern Neck, Full of Summer Surprises
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Self-described as “the road less traveled,” Virginia’s Northern Neck is a premier destination for art and culture experiences outside all of the hustle and bustle of the District. Make a day or a weekend trip out of heading down to the Northern Neck to see what summer 2013 has to offer.

Summer Beach Bash at Ingleside Winery
Take a trip out to Oak Grove, Va., on June 22 for a summer kickoff. There will be live beach music in the courtyard, wine tasting and an optional dinner. You can reserve a dinner reservation or bring your own picnic to the party. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door (music only). Dinner costs $15 (advance reservations).
Ingleside Winery, 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Va. 22443

Wine Tasting and Water Exploration at Cat Point Creek
Have a swimming time and taste some wine on June 29 at Cat Point Creek in Richmond County, Va. Paddle your way down the creek to take part in a wine tasting at Belle Mount Vineyards. Make a reservation by June 25 to wine, dine, and explore one of Northern Neck’s vital habitats. The cost of this waterside adventure is $40 per person with reservation only.
Northern Neck Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 125 Lancaster, Va. 22503 804-462-0979

Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department 77th Annual Carnival
Pick one or a few nights between July 25 and August 3 to join all the fun in Kilamarnock for this nine-day carnival extravaganza. Help support the Kilamarnock Volunteer Fire Department while taking part in old-fashioned games, riding carnival rides and eating great food. Admission to the carnival is free, but tickets are required for games and food.
Waverly Avenue, Kilmarnock, Va.

Irvington Crab Festival
Grab a hammer and get ready to start pickin’ the best on July 27 at the Second Annual Irvington Crab Festival. Groove to live music from Jumbo Lumb Daddy while enjoying all-you-can-eat steamed jumbo crabs, and listen to Backfin Boys while enjoying barbecue. Proceeds form the Irvington Crab Festival were benefit the Steamboat Era Museum. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door day of. Tickets for kids 12 and under are $5.
Steamboat Era Museum, 156 King Carter Drive, Irvington, Va. 22480

Music by the River at Belle Isle State Park
Bring your picnic blanket and jive your way to Rappahannock Crossing’s Belle Isle State Park to take in the nature and bluegrass musicians from the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula. It is a family-friendly setting, and it is encouraged and accepted to play games with family and kids during the concerts. The event will take place most Saturdays, starting July 13. Visit www.NortherNeck.org for a full list of dates and performances for Music By The River. Admission for all is free.
Belle Isle State Park 1562 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster, Va. 22503

Mixing and Mingling at Citi Open
• November 7, 2013

The W Washington D.C. rooftop was the hard court on July 28, hosting WTA and ATP tennis celebrities and VIPs. The 2013 Citi Open Player Party opened the P.O.V. rooftop terrace and lounge for guests to get excited about the Citi Open tournament, which began earlier that day. Juan Martin Del Potro, the seventh-ranked player in the world, was among the hundreds of players in attendance. Mayor Vincent Gray was among D.C.-ers mixing and mingling with players. The Citi Open is a part of the Emirates Airlines U.S. Open Series, leading up to the U.S. Open. [gallery ids="101412,154874,154870" nav="thumbs"]

K Street Kate’s 7th
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K Street Magazine’s Kate Michael celebrated the magazine’s seventh anniversary with a “Seventh Inning Stretch” celebration at ArtJamz in Dupont Circle. Attendees sipped Van Gogh Vodka and began painting a blank wall in the studio. When an entire wall at Art Jamz was covered with guests’ artwork, Michael’s white shirt was a blank canvas no more as everyone waited to take a turn at painting her. At this “pay what you want event” a portion of all donations benefited the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. [gallery ids="101413,154896,154877,154892,154888,154883" nav="thumbs"]

‘A Cause, Not Just a Fashion Show’ for Diabetes Research
• September 12, 2013

Fashion lovers and philanthropists alike flocked to Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show June 6 to support the American Diabetes Association’s National Capital Area Step Out to Stop Diabetes.

It was a night of fashion, community and philanthropy, hosted by Stacy Adams and her personal fitness training business, Fitness Together, in the center of Georgetown Court between Prospect and N Streets. The event featured displays of Mark Roscoe Design’s custom neckwear and fine women’s couture line, followed by an after-party fashion show at Karen Millen on Wisconsin Avenue.

Chicago-based couture designer Mark Roscoe, who has been involved in the fashion industry for 30 years, is also still a full-time, practicing trial lawyer. His family, among those of others in attendance, has been greatly affected by diabetes. Fifty percent of the items purchased or ordered from his Roscoe’s line and other proceeds, including privately donated items from the evening, benefited the American Diabetes Association.

Among those present were celebrity guest host Paul Wharton of Paul Wharton Style, Michelle Obama’s makeup artist Carl Ray, L.A. writer Liz Fraley, fresh off of covering the Cannes Film Festival, former NFL player John Booty and Rokas Beresniovas of the Georgetown Business Association. Those sporting Roscoe Designs ties included ABC7’s Scott Thuman and Mr. District of Columbia 2012 Hirsh Singh.
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See and Know Leroy Justice at DC9
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It all started at a poker game. Leroy Justice front man, Jason Gallagher, went to a poker game in Manhattan’s Lower East Side with his brother-in-law. From then on, Gallagher “kind of became the Neil Young to their Crazy Horse.” Despite the evolution of Leroy Justice’s sound, with each change up it “always sounded like us … like Leroy Justice,” Gallagher said.

Returning to D.C., Gallagher and the band hope to reunite with former band member, Michael Kelly, who stars in “House of Cards.”

“I think we’re just figuring out how to get our music to people,” Gallagher said. “I think we can win people over if we can get our music to new people. That’s why we play shows.”

What’s next for Leroy Justice? The five-member, New York-based band will be making its way down to D.C. club, DC9 on June 20 for the Monk Czech Release Party (Dominion Brewing & Dawson’s Liquor Beer Collaboration).

“If you haven’t seen us live, you haven’t seen us,” explained Gallagher. “If you haven’t seen us live, you don’t know Leroy.”

For ticket information for Leroy Justice’s show at DC9, visit www.dcnine.com