Capitol Careaoke
• March 16, 2011

To benefit Childhelp on Feb 22, 2011 [gallery ids="99620,105109,105125,105121,105114,105117" nav="thumbs"]

The Fairmount Celebrates Weddings
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On Mar. 1, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. held its 5th annual Sip & Sample event showcasing wedding and social trends for the season.  The Colonnade Room, where over 1000 weddings have taken place, was filled with wedding planners, clients and future brides-to-be.  Kelly Jenkins of Capital Decor and Events and Rose Rabin of Party Rentals decorated with gorgeous floral arrangements, unique table settings, creative lighting and new seating options. Hitched provided a bridal fashion show as The Fairmont featured new wedding fare including cakes, menu tastings and cocktails creations.  The annual event is the brainchild of the hotel’s Director of Catering Bob Mikolitch. [gallery ids="99619,105104,105111,105108" nav="thumbs"]

Helen Hayes Awards Nominations
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On Feb. 28, the 2011 Helen Hayes Awards Nominations were fittingly announced in the Helen Hayes Gallery at the National Theatre where the actress saw her first play. Chairman of the Board Victor Shargai termed Washington theatre amazing and said that it not only entertains, it transforms. He went on to announce that No Rules Theater Company and Factory 449 would each receive the 2010 John Aniello Award for outstanding emerging theater company. The Folger Theatre’s three productions all received nominations for outstanding resident play. President and CEO Linda Levy Grossman said the organization will be undergoing significant changes in coming months. A Helen Hayes stamp will be official released at the 27th Helen Hayes Awards of Apr. 25. [gallery ids="99618,105094,105110,105106,105099,105103" nav="thumbs"]

Earth, Wind & Fire Honors Duke Ellington School of the Arts
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In preparation for their 40th Anniversary Concert Celebration which raised $500,000 for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts at the Kennedy Center on Feb. 24, the legendary band held a master class at the school the preceding day. For over four decades, Earth, Wind & Fire has captivated audiences through its blend of soul, funk, gospel, blues, rock, and jazz. The concert was the latest installment in the Performance Series of Legends that has featured David Chappelle, Denyce Graves and Stevie Wonder as a revenue source for the school. Founded in l974, Duke Ellington is the only D.C. high school that provides pre-professional arts training and college preparation to more than 500 talented area students and can boast a 98% graduation rate with 95% of its seniors being accepted into colleges, universities and conservatories.
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Ball on the Mall Kick-Off
• February 23, 2011

On Feb. 16, the L’Enfant Society chose Cities on 19th Street to host the 2011 Ball on the Mall Kick-Off Event. Now in its third year, the Society has raised $700,000 to support the Trust for the National Mall. The Trust is the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall. The goal is to build awareness of the current disrepair and make the Mall the best park in the world. This year’s Ball will be held of May 7 on the National Mall.
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The Washington National Opera
• February 22, 2011

“Madame Butterfly”
February 26 – March 19

“Iphigenie en Tauride”
May 6 – May 26
Placido Domingo himself, departing as head of the WNO at the conclusion of this season, will perform in this Greek tragedy, composed by Christoph William Gluck. Running for eight performances, Domingo sings alongside soprano Patricia Racette.

Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale”
May 13-27
For something lighter, try this classic comic opera starring renowned American bass-baritone James Morris.

Placido Domingo Celebrity Series
February 27 & March 12
Domingo’s lasting legacy, his vocal celebrity series, will this time feature tenor Juan Diego Florez, February 27, and Welsh Bass Baritone Bryn Terfel, March 12.

The Washington Ballet performed “Le Corsaire”
April 6 – 10

The Georgetowner 2nd Annual Photo Competition Reception
• February 11, 2011

The Georgetowner hosted its 2nd Annual Photo Competition at Farmers and Fishers with a fabulous spread and photo exhibit. Guests received post cards of top entries including the winning image by Jeff Kouri. [gallery ids="99598,105030,105024,105026" nav="thumbs"]

Shen Yun
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Shen Yun Performing Arts opened its return tour to the Kennedy Center with a by invitation program on Jan. 25. The troupe, which was founded in New York in 2006, has assembled world-class dancers, choreographers, singers and musicians to reclaim and renew the divinely-inspired cultural heritage of China. The performance was followed by a reception with the artists. [gallery ids="99601,105034,105036" nav="thumbs"]

RAMW at the Mexican Cultural Institute
• February 10, 2011

The theme of this year’s Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s 2011 gala, Carnevale da Cuisine, was announced at a Fiesta Night at the Mexican Cultural Institute on Jan. 24. Mexico showcased the cuisine of Executive Chef Pati Jinich executed by Main Event Caterers. RAMW President Lynn Breaux hailed the “warm and toasty environment on a cold night” as guests partied contentedly. The gala will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on June 26 with awards granted to 16 categories of local culinary and beverage superstars.