Opera Camerata Presents Don Giovanni
• November 6, 2012

The wrath of the weather gods could not daunt Opera Camerata loyalists who ensured that Don Giovanni would be presented at the residence of Ambassador of Portugal and Mrs. Nuno Brito on Sept. 8. The Ambassador welcomed guests to a “nice soirée” as he thanked the volunteers. Executive Director Michael Reilly noted that “only mad dogs, Englishmen and opera lovers would come out on an evening like this.” They were well rewarded with a reception and a performance featuring “equal opportunity seducers.” Artistic Director Gregory Buchalter conducted the orchestra and an accomplished cast of young artists and seasoned professionals tented in the embassy gardens. [gallery ids="100991,132013,132028,132004,132033,131996,132039,131987,132046,132020" nav="thumbs"]

Knock Out Abuse Kicks Off at Café Milano
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On Sept. 12, Café Milano hosted the ladies of Knock Out Abuse Against Women. Charrisse Jackson-Jordan and Michelle Schoenfeld will co-chair the 19th annual gala where over 750 of Washington D.C.’s most prominent women gather at the Ritz Carlton on Nov. 1 to support victims of domestic violence. In 19 years, co-founders Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen have raised over 6.5 million dollars to restore dignity and respect to thousands of victims of domestic violence in the National Capital Area. Leon Harris of ABC7 News said that Saks is a new sponsor this year and will feature “50 shades of red attire.” The evening is a true celebration of the power of women to effect change for the most vulnerable women and children in our community. [gallery ids="102481,120385,120362,120370,120353,120378,120390,120397,120404" nav="thumbs"]

Suri Book Signing
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Suri’s Burn Book, the much-anticipated book version of the popular tumblr, was launched on Sept. 5 at A Bar, the spiffy lounge at Modus Hotel’s newest addition, Avenue Suites. Author Allie Hagan, who calls DC her home, met her ardent fans and signed copies of the book which narrates life from the “point of view” of Suri Cruise. The fashionable guests enjoyed custom Georgetown Cupcakes, a bar menu dedicated to Suri (the Suri Cocktail was made from champagne, St. Germain and edible pearls), and an in-person account of what the author’s lawyers deemed too risky for publication. [gallery ids="100992,132070,132035,132063,132042,132057,132050" nav="thumbs"]

Kara by Erwin Gomez
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Erwin Gomez opened his latest beauty lounge, Karma on 24th Street in the West End, with an overflow reception on Sept. 12. Gomez’ celebrity clients have included Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand and Eva Longoria among others. He has partnered in this new venture with Vinoda Basnayake, Brook Rose, Kunal Shah and Charlie Paret. Guests enjoyed Belvedere Lemon Tea cocktails, Terrazas wine and hors d’oeuvres from RSVP Catering before departing with cosmetic laden goodie bags.

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Wolf Trap Ball: A Retirement Bash for CEO Terre Jones
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The stage was set . . . for a ball, the 2012 Wolf Trap Ball that celebrated the “17 Years of Leadership, Innovation and Vision” of Terre Jones, Wolf Trap president and CEO, Sept. 15.
Jones will retire in December and move to Santa Fe with his wife Polly. We should be lucky to have such a retirement party that included sorrel jelly with caviar, lobster fricassee and California smoked bison tenderloin — and dancing and music and more dancing. After all, we were on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. John Lee, Wolf Trap Foundation board chairman, greeted the guests and the honoree. Wolf Trap Associates board chairman Peter Lauria listed the embassies represented in the room as well as current and former government officials — and the corporate sponsors. In honor of Jones, Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary got the group singing to lyrics like “one love, many hearts.” And the song Jones aptly chose to lead this night’s song list? The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends.”
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Yelp Fantasy Land
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Cocktails, moonbounce and haircuts, oh my! These are just a few elements that accompanied the food trucks, unicorns, DJs and more that made up the Yelp Fantasy Land. Businesses, beware! Yelp is showering love on those known as the Yelp Elite. The Elite are the ones who share the most experiences on yelp — which we all use to get the skinny on new and old businesses. This Fantasy Land, nuzzled in the Atlas District at Atlas Heights, was the ultimate adult playground to show appreciation to those who give us the low-down on Yelp.
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Suitsupply Celebrates 3rd U.S. Store Opening
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Suitsupply opened its third U.S. store Aug. 30; the others are in New York and Chicago. Next to the Four Seasons Hotel at 2828 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., at the corner of M and 29th Streets, the store showed off its affordable and custom men’s clothing and celebrated with food, such as hamburger and crab cake sliders, from the hotel, Dutch-inspired drinks and Heinekens and DJ-driven music that included Michael Jackson. The well-dressed crowd of guys and a few of their gals checked out the bright and smarty arranged retail space that features a tailor in the center of the shop, ready to fit your suit while you wait. The Amsterdam-headquartered men’s clothing company combines nicely priced suits (compared with traditional leaders such as Armani) with attention to detail and service — and outfitted the Dutch Olympic team for the London Games. [gallery ids="100967,130841,130837" nav="thumbs"]

Mitchell & Gold Showcases Tina Palmer’s Art
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On Aug. 29 fans of artist Tina Palmer were fortunate not only to view her newest art at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, with a more than generous 30% of sales donated to the Washington Humane Society, but also to sample some of the best gallery food ever provided by Purple Onion Catering, an all “people food” event including the chocolate doggie bones. Tony Cord recognized all those who contributed to this special event honoring an artist whose work was selected for the model condo at Trump World Tower in Manhattan. [gallery ids="102476,120549,120541,120554" nav="thumbs"]

Marion Bryce Award
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Bessie Phillips receives the Marion Bryce Award for Volunteer Service from Michael Kahn, the Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, at the Sidney Harman Hall in Washington on Aug. 23.

After Dark @ THEARC
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Art insiders and supporters “crossed the bridge” on Sept. 15 in specified “after dark chic” attire for the seventh anniversary celebration of THEARC. Following a sun dappled reception, guests enjoyed a program that included young dancers from the Arts and Technology Academy in Rock My Soul choreographed by Alvin Ailey, The Washington Ballet’s Brooklyn Mack dazzling in Le Corsaire and SE Washington native Denise Graves’ bewitching renditions of Summertime and Habañera. Mayor Vincent Gray presented Gina Adams of FedEx Corporation with the Building Bridges Across the River award for her ongoing commitment to the community. [gallery ids="100989,131906,131921,131898,131928,131889,131935,131881,131941,131914" nav="thumbs"]