Earth, Wind & Fire Honors Duke Ellington School of the Arts
• March 16, 2011

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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• February 23, 2011

   

Ball on the Mall Kick-Off
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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.

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.

K Street Kate Boast Bash!
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K Street Kate celebrated her latest accolades at The Mighty Pint on Jan 18 after being named “DC’s Favorite Social Butterfly” by The Washington Post and “Glambassador” by Glamour Magazine. Congrats Kate! [gallery ids="99599,105031,105028" nav="thumbs"]

Sugar and Champagne
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The Tenth Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair, the brainchild of Chef Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox Restaurant, took place at the Ritz-Carlton on Feb. 1. It is one of the happiest events of the year as pets and their families come together to honor The Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Control Officers and Humane Educators. Holly Morris of Channel 5 saluted the honorees who “make this a better community for us and our animals.” Over forty restaurants participated in what Ellen Gray termed “the best sugar high.” A record number of attendees sampled mobile restaurant treats from food trucks including Cap Mac and Red Hook Lobster Pound before proceeding to the ballroom to enjoy confections and savories from Marcel’s, Restaurant Eve, The Source and Bourbon Steak among many others accompanied by wonderful wines.
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Unique Learning Center Honors Sheila Johnson
• January 13, 2011

Philanthropist and businesswoman Sheila Johnson was honored at the Unique Learning Center’s Model of Excellency Dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park on Nov. 18. Guests enjoyed a rousing performance by the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Men and Women of the Gospel Choir. Ms. Johnson said “thank you for inspiring the kids.” Student speaker Ricco Cloyd, Syracuse University class of 2011, movingly recounted the support he has received saying “I think ULC is a family to me.” A video presentation stated “we love our kids and, beyond that, our kids love us.” For the past 28 years ULC has worked in the Shaw community to change the lives of children who would otherwise slip through the cracks of the public school system. [gallery ids="99571,104842" nav="thumbs"]