Latest News

Georgetowner •

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.”

Gary Tischler •

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.

Georgetowner • 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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Georgetowner • 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.

Georgetowner •

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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Gary Tischler •

If asking yourself what’s there to do this weekend, we’ve got an answer for you:

PLENTY! A LOT! SO MUCH THAT IT MAKES YOU CRAZY!

Why, there’s an arts festival, a big neighborhood festival, 9/11 memorial events, the start of the NFL Football Season and the start of the Washington National Opera Season, plus the beginning of the season for a number of theater companies and probably a few other things we just plain forgot about.

Check it out: The Penn Quarter Arts on Foot Festival for 2011 is a neighborhood and city institution that this year has expanded to two days in the buzz-filled, hyper-energized downtown area which encompasses a multitude of restaurants, the Verizon Center, theaters and museums on a daily basis.

As always, the Festival includes an art market, live performances on stages at the festival and a showcase of the work of some 25 area theaters in the elegant Harman Hall, home to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. There will be artist studio showcases, food and wine to buy and food and wine to appreciate by way of demonstrations by top D.C. Chefs and sampling. The weekend will also offer 9/11 commemorative events. Things start at 11 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A festival of another sort, but with equally strong traditions, is the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, in which D.C.’s most diverse and eclectic and ethnic neighborhood showcases its music, its food, its customs and its people from a stretch of 18th Street at Columbia Road to Florida Avenue. Here’s where the streets famous restaurants and clubs like Madam’s Organ and Columbia Station become a part of the scenery. You can smell its heavily spiced foods even before you get there. There’s also a dance plaza, art shows, kid fair and lots of cultural demonstration and no doubt an elected official or two. Listen to the sounds of the rumba, salsa, blues and rock and roll and rap, yo.

On Saturday, the Washington National Opera opens its season—now affiliated with the Kennedy Center—with “Tosca” in the old style: suits, ties, some tuxedos and gowns and grand Puccini music at the KC Opera House.

If Sunday weren’t busy enough, there’s the 5th annual Unity Walk, an inter-faith, cross-cultural commemoration of Sept. 11 with an eye toward peace and understanding. The bulk of the march takes place on Massachusetts Avenue, with stops at synagogues, the National Cathedral and the mosque. Speakers include the Rev. Mpho Tutu and Arum Gandhi.

The National Cathedral will also be holding special events, concerts and services on the occasion of memorializing the 9/11 attacks.

That’s just a taste. Don’t stay in indoors. It’s bound to stop raining sometimes. But if must stay indoors or in a sports bar, the college and NFL football season kicks off officially this weekend, plus there’s the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament and major league baseball, including Nationals, soon may they win.

Check out photos by Jeff Malet from Arts on Foot Festival!

Enjoy!

Georgetowner • September 13, 2011

PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world whose “Glass Walls” exhibition is currently in place on the Mall, has turned its attention to Georgetown’s Dean & Deluca. The high-end grocery store is one of the few places in D.C. that sells foie gras, which many cherish as a delicacy but which PETA believes is associated with extreme animal cruelty and should be banned across the nation.

According to statements made issued by PETA, the production of foie gras causes great distress to ducks and geese, which are often confined in small cages and force-fed so that their livers grow beyond the average size. PETA states that during their second month of life, birds in foie gras farms are fed foods high in protein and starch, intended to hasten the rate of their growth. Following this period, the birds begin the “gavage” phase, which entails being force-fed up to four pounds of grain and fat each day. This diet causes the birds’ livers to grow 10 times larger than they normally would and drastically increases birds’ mortality rates.

PETA’s investigations of foie gras farms have revealed many tortured animals, including some with holes in their necks from the force-feeding tubes. In New York, a PETA investigation uncovered numerous ducks crammed into under-sized cages, their beaks bleeding from the wired cages and their wings twisted and broken from the overcrowding. According to PETA, the animal abuse associated with producing foie gras is so extreme that the product is prohibited in 15 counties.

In an effort to rally against Dean & Deluca, PETA is urging its supporters to write letters to Dean & Deluca stores around the country, condemning their sale of foie gras. On its website, PETA provides a sample letter for its supporters to send to president of Dean & Deluca, Justin Seamonds, to pressure him to stop selling the delicacy. It reads:

“I was shocked to hear that Dean & Deluca sells foie gras in your U.S. stores, despite the fact that its production is illegal in more than a dozen countries and that your company is fully aware of the extreme suffering inherent in producing it….Please put an end to Dean & DeLuca’s complicity in the torture of birds by removing foie gras from your company’s shelves immediately.”

PETA has also released a video on its website showcasing the mistreatment of birds on foie gras farms. The video contains footage revealing the conditions in which the birds live and showing farmers placing long feeding tubes down the birds’ throats.

Dean & Deluca has not met with PETA’s demands and does not plan to do so. The general manager of the Georgetown’s Dean & Deluca, Eric Forsythe, believes the store must continue to cater to the many D.C. residents who rely on his store to buy foie gras.

Forsythe also states that the store is committed to “looking for the best quality” foie gras, and receives its product from a variety of different farms depending on its quality.

Robert Devaney •

An ice skating rink has been talked about at Washington Harbour almost since its creation in 1987. Sounds like a great idea, even to Washington Harbour’s original architect, Arthur Cotton Moore, who also created Canal Square on M Street and 31st Street and renovated the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office building and the Phillips Collection, among others.

At the Aug. 29 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2e) meeting, the current owners of Washington Harbour, MRP Realty, displayed plans for the lower plaza, which includes the water fountain, pool and tower – and an outdoor ice skating rink. Plans for the office-condo complex with its prime spot on the Potomac, seek to “reduce seasonality,” said Charles McGrath of MRP Realty, and make it “more family-friendly” along with minor design changes in the structure itself. Adding white noise to the retail parabola, the fountain would be re-done with programs for water shows as well as become – between November and March – a skating rink (with the Zamboni machine stored in the re-designed base of the tower). Designers of the 11,000-square-foot rink look to ideas from those at the Sculpture Garden, Reston Town Center and Rockefeller Center; it would be the largest ice sheet in D.C. Dockside restaurants will get new cantilever awnings for outdoor bars. Increased foot traffic was a concern, to which McGrath quipped: “Beers are going to have to be more expensive to offset the costs.”

However, while favoring an ice rink at Washington Harbour, architect Moore brought his own artwork and argued, “Everything can be done without demolition.” In some re-designs, he cited “terrible proportions” and the “uglification of the tower.” Some architectural features of the complex would be removed.

Generally, condo owners and businesses at the complex welcomed the ice rink and other plans — happy that an owner would be willing to revive and reinvest in the landmark destination. The over-all renovation is estimated at $30 million. Restarantuer Greg Casten was supportive, while condo owner Marty Sullivan disagreed, saying it is “out of scale and out of character” for the place.
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Georgetowner • September 12, 2011

As an extention of Georgetown’s Fashion Night Out, The Georgetowner & THE Agency are in search of “Georgetown’s Top Model.” Here are some of the lovely ladies who came to our photo shoot last Thursday, but the search is ongoing! Follow us on Facebook to for updates.

The judging panel for the contest includes 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.