Washington Men’s Camerata Celebrates Its Big 3-O
• December 23, 2014

Men’s Camerata president and founder Brad Spencer hosted the Camerata’s 30th anniversary season at his home Dec. 1. The group seeks to perform, promote and preserve the rich legacy of men’s choral music through a variety of initiatives. The past season was highlighted by three performances with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall of the rare Piano Concerto by Ferrucio Busoni, one of the largest works ever written in this genre in which a men’s chorus sings in the final movement.
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Choral Arts Holiday Concert Stuns, Enchants
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The Choral Arts Society of Washington’s 34th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala at the Kennedy Center Dec. 15 was, to quote artistic director Scott Tucker, “a rich and varied treat.” This year’s embassy sponsor was Argentina and Ambassador Cecilia Nahón’s country’s music was presented by the Pan American Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sergio Alessando Bušje. A special highlight was the appearance of Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, whose guitar renditions of traditional carols were stunning. He capped the concert with a rousing encore of “Jingle Bell Rock,” before the elegant crowd headed to the Roof Terrace for a silent auction, dinner and dancing.
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Gala Honors American and Russian Luminaries of Photojournalism and Cinematography
• December 5, 2014

On Nov. 19, The American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) and American University’s Initiative for Russian Culture (IRC) co-hosted a black-tie gala event at the National Geographic Society honoring the role photojournalism and cinematography play in promoting greater cultural understanding between the U.S. and Russia. Film Director Karen Shakhnazarov received the Foundation Award for his contributions towards Russia’s rich history of cinematic achievements in culture and film and Gilbert M. Grosvenor received the Foundation Award on behalf of the National Geographic Society. [gallery ids="101944,135952,135948,135955" nav="thumbs"]

National Women’s History Museum Presents 2014 Living Legacy Awards
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The National Women’s History Museum presented the 2014 Living Legacy Awards at the 4th annual NWHM de Pizan Honors at Arena Stage on Nov. 17. The de Pizan Honors recognizes trailblazing women with an award named for Christine de Pizan, who in 1405 became the first Western woman to write about women’s history and to earn a living as an author. The goal of the nonprofit National Women’s History Museum is to build a permanent museum on or near the National Mall to herald and display the collective history of American women.
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Howl-O-Ween at the Fairmont
• November 7, 2014

The Fairmont Hotel, Washington, D.C., was canine costume central as indulgent pets enjoyed peanut butter doggie biscuits and their proud humans sipped “Witches’ Brew” in the hotel’s courtyard at the third annual holiday event. First prize for creativity went to the Parker family representing the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team with Liberty as “Rufferee.” [gallery ids="101917,136214,136223,136220" nav="thumbs"]

A Toast to Hope
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Hope Connections for Cancer Support, formerly The Wellness Community before merging with Gilda’s Club, held a wine, chocolate and cheese tasting at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on Oct. 29. Paul’s Wine and Spirits provided the wines and SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier the chocolates. Hope Connections offers no cost professionally facilitated programs to help patients and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of cancer. [gallery ids="101916,136231,136233,136225" nav="thumbs"]

National Museum of Women
• November 6, 2014

Sally Jones and Irene Natividad co-chaired NMWA’s Fall Benefit on Oct. 30, featuring a dinner performance by concert and cabaret star Karen Akers, to benefit the Shenson Chamber Music Concerts led by Artistic Director Gilan Tocco Corn as well as education programming and the upcoming groundbreaking exhibition Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea. Following a standing ovation¸ Akers accepted the museum’s Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts from Founder Wilhelmina Cole Holladay by quoting Tommy Tune, “I find this very encouraging.” [gallery ids="101912,136258,136265,136252,136263" nav="thumbs"]

Fall Gala Guide
• October 23, 2014

OCTOBER 16
Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation 4th Annual Blue Hope Bash
The Foundation will host its annual evening of hope, inspiration and celebration bringing together supporters, friends and special guests to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer prevention and research. Four Seasons Hotel. Call 855 610-1733.

OCTOBER 17
USO Gala
This star-studded event celebrates the USO. It features well-known entertainers from USO celebrity entertainment tours and recognizes a special volunteer, as well as honorees selected by the Senior Enlisted representatives from each branch of the armed forces for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty and heroism. Washington Hilton Hotel. Call 703 740-4970.

OCTOBER 17
46th Annual Meridian Ball
The ball brings together top policy makers, private and public sector leaders and the diplomatic corps to build relationships and support Meridian’s mission of promoting global leadership. Guests dine at ambassador-hosted dinners or Meridian’s White-Meyer House before gathering for dessert, dancing and conversation at Meridian House. Meridian International Center.
Call 202 939-5892.

OCTOBER 18
Imagination Stage Gala
Imagination Stage students and professionals present an original show followed by a lavish reception and silent auction. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Imagination Stage’s theatre and arts education programs, which reach over 100,000 children in the Washington, DC region each year. Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD. Call 301 280-1626.
 
28th Annual Lombardi Gala
The 28th Annual Lombardi Gala benefits the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Louis M. Weiner, M.D., Director. This black-tie dinner dance features a cocktail reception and extensive silent auction as well as the presentation of awards to leaders in the fight against cancer. All proceeds fund cancer research, education and treatment at Lombardi. Washington Hilton Hotel. Call 202 678-2604

OCTOBER 24
LUNGevity’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala
The Gala raises funds to support lung cancer research that will offer new hope in treatment and survivorship. Guests will enjoy the best of Broadway for a spectacular evening of dancing, celebration and inspiration. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Call 240 454-3105.

Georgetown Gala
The annual black tie Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) event celebrating Georgetown and CAG’s mission of historic preservation and improving the life of the community will honor Jack and Michele Evans. The “Fly Me to the Moon” theme will give the gala a cool Rat Pack/Mad Men vibe in its cocktails, gourmet Italian dinner buffet, fabulous entertainment, unique live auction items and hip After Party. Embassy of Italy. Call 202 337-7313.

OCTOBER 25
NIAF 39th Anniversary Awards Gala
Past honorees have included Sophia Loren, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Lee Iacocca, Robert De Niro and other notables in business, sports and entertainment. NIAF serves as a unified voice for the Italian American community, promoting heritage and offering educational and youth programs. Washington Hilton Hotel. Call 202 929-3102.

Shakespeare Awards: John Hurt, Stacy Keach and Diana Rigg
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Three theatrical legends were recognized with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the Harman Center for the Arts Gala Oct. 5. John Hurt and Stacy Keach received their awards from artistic director Michael Kahn. Master of ceremonies Judith Light accepted on behalf of Diana Rigg, who was unable to attend. The Beech Street Foundation received the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. Following the program, guests went to the National Building Museum with decor inspired by Leonato’s garden from “Much Ado About Nothing.” The gala raised more than $1 million for the theater’s art education programs

Rural Society, Steakhouse at Madison Hotel, Lassoes the Crowds
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Iron Chef Jose Garces’s arrival on the Washington dining scene with the opening of Rural Society in the Loews Madison Hotel has been a resounding success. The steakhouse takes its name from an annual event in Argentina that honors the nation’s gaucho culture. The chef as well as the chairman of Loews Hotels Jonathan Tisch were on hand for the Oct. 1 opening party in the handsome restaurant that features South America’s traditional cuisine, along with food prepared on a $20,000 wood-fired grill. To paraphrase Tisch’s concluding remarks, the best indication of a restaurant’s success is “patrons” on the seats. That is clearly the case at Rural Society. [gallery ids="101880,136870" nav="thumbs"]