Make Room on the Streets of Georgetown
• September 22, 2011

Yet another high-end men’s retailer is moving into Georgetown this September, according to the Washington Post. HMX Group’s store Streets of Georgetown will join the ranks of Jack Spade and Brooks Brothers, other newcomers to the M Street and Wisconsin Avenue menswear scene.

The new location will sell all six of HMX Group’s labels: Hickey Freeman, Hart Schaffner Marx, Bobby Jones, Exclusively Misook, Coppley and Christopher Blue. The brands range in style and price from very high to more moderately priced suits and casual-dress attire.

The company, which is based in New York City, is opening a similar store in Beverly Hills. Streets of Georgetown will replace Reiss at 1254 Wisconsin Ave., NW.
“There’s a new paradigm for the specialty store,” said Joseph Abboud, president and chief creative officer of HMX, to the Washington Post Aug. 21. “We want to show the full breadth of these brands in a laboratory, where we can try new things, test new things and see what the market will bear.”

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‘Tosca’ at the Washington National Opera
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There are at least three good reasons to see the Washington National Opera Company’s production of “Tosca” at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House.

They are Patricia Racette, Alan Held and Frank Paretta, the principals in this hugely popular and classically melodramatic opera. The fourth is Giacamo Puccini once again displaying all the reasons why he’s up there with Wagner, Verdi and even Mozart as composers of enduring operas.

“Tosca”— one of Pucinni’s three great operas that includes “La Boeheme” and “Madame Butterfly”—is probably the least familiar among his works, maybe because of its less comfortable setting (Rome in the time of the Naoleonic forays into Italy in the early 19th century) and because it isn’t stuffed with long arias or overly crowded with secondary characters. It’s Tosca, her boyfriend and her nemesis, and the rest are window dressings with lesser functions.
But Tosca, an almost feverishly passionate and direct woman, volatile as a volcano, is the main show.

She is an artist, a renowned singer (from whence we get the word diva, apparently), who’s in love with another artist, the appealing painter Cavaradossi, who sings like an angel on top of everything else. But then there’s Count Scarpia (a villain by any other name, but especially this one), the chief of the secret police, relentless, cruel, completely amoral, who’ll torture and kill anyone who gets in the way of what he wants. In this case, he wants Tosca and he’s got Cavaradossi, who’s hiding a rebel in his estate.

Scarpia puts Tosca in an impossible situation—he promises to let Cavaradossi go—staging a “fake” execution” if she succumbs to his advances, although he’s already come closing to raping her. But Scarpia has underestimated his prey even as she’s appearing to agree to the devil’s bargain.

And so it goes—love, murder, passion, betrayal and it all ends very badly, about as badly for all concerned as you get. “Tosca” puts the T into operatic tragedy to say the least. But this is what we want in tragedy—the fun and the kind of feeling and music can you get out of a happily-ever-after. Imagine if Romeo and Juliet had lived and gotten married. Not so much.

Puccini is every the innovator here: the arias—including the famous duet in the last act—are nothing less that focused, concise and powerful, not leaving room for anything less than powerful emotions. “Tosca,” like the upcoming “Lucia di Lammermoor,” is of course in the grand tradition of high dudgeon melodrama, full of improbabilities not the least of which was someone charging on stage announcing that “we’ve lost the battle.” “What battle?” you might ask, but never mind. A little thing like that never stopped lust, lost love and mayhem.

And Racette—who’s known far and wide for her “Tosca”—justifies the acclaim with her beautiful soprano voice, singing strongly and clearly, with very little, if any, showboating and a consistent acting performance that makes Tosca a full-bodied, full-blooded character.

Held, a bass—baritone who’s building a solid resume with Wagnerian performances, makes an imposing Scarpia, a man with giant appetites and a fierce, dangerous quality. He’s bigger than life and casts a huge presence. He’s answerable to no one, and you get a good idea of that when he sings of his plans and desires for Tosca wile a “Te Deum” can be heard in the background.

Tenor Frank Paretta, mainly through his gorgeous singing and his chin-out stances of bravery makes Cavaradocci a heroic, romantic figure.

You can also get a glimpse of opera legend Placido Domingo, no longer the man in charge at the WNO, but conducting for this production.

“Tosca” is the first WNO production in its new affiliation with the Kennedy Center and it’s a popular choice and a focused execution that delivers the considerable virtues of the work, it roars with melodrama, and affecting singing and performances.

Between Rain Drops, Fashion’s Night Out Parties On
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The show went on Sept. 8 despite the seemingly endless rain. Fashion’s Night Out in Georgetown involved businesses up and down Wisconsin Avenue and east and west along M Street. From Urban Chic down to M29, from a book signing at Appalachian Spring to fashion shows at Betsey Johnson and at the Latham Hotel, and over to the PNC parking lot for a photo booth and the Georgetowner office for a model shoot by Patrick Ryan, fashion fun-seekers checked out the scene. Dean & Deluca offered food and wine along with a deejay, and L2 Lounge was the place for the pre-party to kick off the night.

Started two years ago in New York, Fashion’s Night Out came to Georgetown last year with the help of the Georgetown Business Improvement District and other businesses. The Georgetown BID took the lead again this year. The co-hosts involved some favorite, fashionable usual suspects: Mary Amons, Annie Lou Bayly, Katherine Boyle, Kelly Collis, Marie Coleman, Rachel Cothran, Jeff Dufour, Lynda Erkiletian, Angie Goff, Walter Grio, Philippa Hughes, Samy K, Svetlana Legetic, Kate Michael, Sarah Schaffer, Janice Wallace, Andre Wells and Paul Wharton.

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Fall Arts Preview at The Ralls Collection
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The Georgetowner would like to thank everyone who came to our Fall Arts Preview event last Monday at The Ralls Collection. Our beautiful venue was made even better by a night filled with wonderful company. A special thanks to Marsha Ralls for hosting the event and to all the companies and organizations who donated prizes for our raffle drawing. [gallery ids="100289,107432,107453,107437,107449,107442,107446" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Roundup August 25, 2011
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War of 1812 Commemoration: Self-Guided Themed Tours

August 27, 2011 | 11-3PM |

Washington in flames could be seen as far away as Baltimore on August 24, 1814. Honor the anniversary of Dolley Madison’s flight, first to “Belle Vue” (today known as Dumbarton House), as the British advanced on Washington. Learn about the capital city during the War of 1812. After touring the museum, enjoy a sampling of “Dolley Cake,” Mrs. Madison’s favorite, a delicious caramel confection – while supplies last! Regular admission fee applies.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Sunday Community Yoga Class

August 28, 2011

Leanne Davis, our quarterly instructor and local yoga guru, leads a Vinyasa flow class, this and every Sunday in our in-store studio. Everyone is welcome; class is suitable for beginners and those more experienced in their practice. Bring a mat. Bring some water. And join us!

Address

Lululemon Athletica

3265 M St NW

Heidi Martin Sings George Gershwin!

September 1, 2011

Join us for a seated concert in the contemporary Belle Vue Room ballroom at Dumbarton House for our first-ever Gershwin concert. Chanteuse Heidi Martin will delight with classic Gershwin standards such as “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” and many more! Two sets of different music, and you are welcome to attend one or stay for both! Fee,concessions cash sales only.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Wine in the Water Park

September 2nd, 2011 at 07:00 PM | Free Admission |

Wine in the Water Park brings the mood-setting, ambient music of DJ Adrian Loving, wine and beer carefully selected by the Washington Wine Academy, and free snacks from Jaleo to the Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive). Taking place every Friday in September (September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the event gives residents, office workers, and visitors a great place to unwind after the work week.

Address

Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive)

International Salute Gala Dinner
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On August 24, 2011 at the National Building Museum, the National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. has created the International Salute Gala Dinner to honor global leaders for peace. This formal dinner will initiated five days of Dedication events and commemorates the men and women who continue to pursue the dream of global peace and social equality, a goal championed by Dr. King in his universal message. [gallery ids="100277,107099,107115,107111,107107,107104" nav="thumbs"]

Obama’s Georgetown Visit Upsets Some Residents
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Yesterday evening, President Obama attended a fundraiser for the Democratic Party in Georgetown. The fundraiser was in the home of Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, former ambassador to Portugal, in northeastern Georgetown. Visits by Obama are usually welcomed in the area, but yesterday surrounding streets were closed for a long period of time, preventing people from getting home. One of the residents in the area, Ronda Bernstein, expressed her discontent in a Georgetown forum saying, as quoted in the Georgetown Patch, that “…it is UNACCEPTABLE for them to close off the sidewalks to those of us who live here and need to get home because the President is being entertained.”

Be The Georgetowner’s Next Top Model
• September 21, 2011

In celebration of Georgetown’s Fashion Night Out, The Georgetowner & THE Agency are in search of “Georgetown’s Top Model.” Join us for a photo shoot and get your chance to win the cover of The Georgetowner.

“Georgetown’s Top Model”

Thursday Sept. 8th

6 to 8 p.m.

The Georgetowner Offices

1054 Potomac St., NW

Washington, DC, 20007 (next to Dean & Deluca)

The judging panel will include THE Agency, noted fashion photographer Yvonne Taylor, and The Georgetowner’s editorial staff. All images will be uploaded to The Georgetowner’s Facebook page and image with the most likes along with the judge’s votes will win a professional photo shoot and be featured on the cover of The Georgetowner. All other photo entries will be seen online at Georgetowner.com.
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Weekend Roundup: September 15, 2011
• September 19, 2011

Living In Pink’s 8th Annual Luncheon & Boutique

September 23 at 10:30-2:30 p.m. | Event Website

Living in Pink was founded by Michele Conley to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Having participated in the Peeke Performer’s, led by Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, Michele found she had a lot in common with other mothers and businesswomen who were breast cancer survivors. Conley found that the fight against breast cancer is a journey that can be a surprisingly positive life-changing experience for the patients, their family and friends.

The goal for Living in Pink is to help find a cure so that the next generation of women will not have to endure the emotional and physical pain of breast cancer surgery and treatment.

Address

FAIRMONT WASHINGTON HOTEL

2401 M Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20037

John Legend to Salute D.C. Public Schools

September 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Event Website

D.C. Public Education Fund (‘the Education Fund’) today announced the addition of Grammy award-winning recording artist and philanthropist John Legend to the program for the second annual A Standing Ovation for D.C. Teachers event.

“Great teachers can make all the difference in a child’s education,” John Legend said. “But too often those teachers are not celebrated for their hard work and commitment to student achievement. They deserve to be recognized for their efforts in the classroom.”

Address

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20566

The Wanamaker Wet Electronic Music and Water Festival

September 18 at noon | $25-$149 | jessica@neuprofile.com | Tel: 646-842-0438 | Event Website

The Wanamaker Wet Party, in partnership with Rock the Vote and Metromix DC, presents an end-of-summer electronic music and water festival from 12: held outdoors at the Yards on the Park near Nationals Stadium from 12:00 PM to 10 PM. Attending guests will enjoy access to the Yards fountain, water games, a giant foam pit and ten straight hours of live international and local DJ talent including Sultan + Ned Shepard, Serge Devant and Tatiana Fontes. Additionally, the day will include an opportunity for attendees to win gift certificate and cash prizes by participating in a swimsuit model competition with designer swimwear provided by east coast fashion retailer South Moon Under and judged by the festival’s Master of Ceremonies Bianca Chardei of America’s Next Top Model fame and South Moon Under. The festival will also celebrate the launch of presenter Rach Events’ new software application providing free online table and bottle reservations at nightclub venues throughout the city. Guests will get a sneak peak of their new software application and will have access to specific table reservation locations throughout the venue via a smartphone phone or computer at www.RachEvents.com

Address

Yards on the Park, Washington, D.C.

Vintage Crystal: A Taste of Wine and Jazz

September 18 at 2 p.m. | $20.00 | Event Website

Vintage Crystal: A Taste of Wine and Jazz highlights the wines of Spain, Argentina and Chile. Patrons have the opportunity to taste 30 different wines from the cellar of the Jaleo Wine Store, as well as enjoy samples from more than 20 different local restaurants. Latin jazz music from Trio Caliente, salsa dancing from the Salsa Room, and wine classes from the Washington Wine Academy will round out the day. Tickets can be purchased at the event.

Address

220 South 20th Street, Arlington, Va.

An Afternoon of the Arts Fundraiser

September 18 at 4 p.m. | $35 | aginsberg@sjcs.org | Tel: 202-274-3460 | Event Website

Please join the board of directors of St. John’s Community Services-D.C. in an afternoon of musical talent by violinist Holly Hamilton of the National Symphony Orchestra and pianist Carol Barth, board of directors and Founders Board member.

A silent art auction will feature paintings by artists from the former ARTiculate program.

Donations to fund the advancement of community support and opportunities for people living with disabilities in Washington, D.C.

www.sjcs.org

Address

HEARST AUDITORIUM

National Cathedral School

3612 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Jaleo Celebrates Summer’s End With The Eighth Annual La Tomatina Festival

September 19 at 11:30 a.m. | Dishes range from $8-$12 | Tel: 202-628-7949 | Event Website

From Sept. 19 through Oct. 2, José Andrés and the culinary team at Jaleo will be hosting the two-week event that celebrates the bounty of delicious tomatoes with a taste of Spain. Paying tribute to the famous tomato battle that takes place in Buñol, Spain, Jaleo will feature a variety of tomato specials using the ripest and juiciest tomatoes plus tasty tomato-based cocktails. Additionally, Jaleo will conduct tomato demonstrations at local farmers markets.

Guests of La Tomatina will experience tomatoes via tempting tapas specials. The dishes, ranging in price from $8 – $12, will be available during the two-week long celebration including: Tartar de tomate con huevas de salmón, Tomato “tartar” with trout roe; Tomates rellenos de cangrejo, Campari tomatoes stuffed with crab, and Pinchitos de sandia con caviar de tomate, Watermelon and tomato “caviar” skewer.

Address

Jaleo Locations:

480 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.

2250-A Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va.

Rag & Bone Celebrates Its Georgetown Opening
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A private reception to celebrate the official opening of Rag & Bone’s first store in the U.S. outside New York took place at its new M Street location in Georgetown on Sept. 13. The store has been open since May.

The evening also marked the unveiling of the D.C. DIY Project. In conjunction with the Georgetown opening, Rag & Bone selected Washingtonians with great style to photograph themselves in pieces from the Fall and Winter 2011 collection for local spin on the DIY Project.
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