Social Scene

Mary Bird • March 17, 2016

Robin and Jay Hammer co-chaired a special evening of celebration at the Mellon Auditorium on March 5 as Washington Performing Arts honored its President Emeritus Doug Wheeler. Following cocktails and a silent auction, National Public Radio’s Nina Totenberg emceed a program with Children of the Gospel Choir and alumnus bass-baritone Soloman Howard. Chef Nora Pouillon created a menu prepared by Occasions Caterers. President & CEO Jenny Bilfield noted that next year will mark the organization’s 50th anniversary. Violinist Midori performed a tribute performance and auctioneer CK Swett raised impressive sums to support WPA’s artistic and educational arts initiatives. [gallery ids="117150,117155,117143,117164" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Friends of Vincent Orange met at the Watson Place home of Johanna and Phil Sfreddo to support his re-election and ongoing legislative agenda. The at-large Council member told the lively group that government efforts can help citizens fulfill their version of Maslow?s hierarchy of needs. “We need more affordable housing, but the city is doing very well,” Orange said. Then, the dancing and talking resumed.

Robert Devaney • March 10, 2016

It was a classic and lively Washington meet-and-greet during the after party for the Feb. 4 opening night of “The City of Conversation” at Arena Stage. The play — which pivots at the Robert Bork nomination to the Supreme Court in 1987 — takes place over a 30-year period in a Georgetown home. Ralph Neas, who was chairman of the Block Bork Coalition, said afterwards the take-away line of the drama was that Supreme Court appointments matter. [gallery ids="102238,129404" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosted its annual Light The Night Walk Awards Party Feb. 4 — World Cancer Day — at Pinstripes, bringing honored heroes and supporters together to celebrate the success of the 2015 Light The Night Walk Presented by BDO.

Fox5’s Tom Fitzgerald emceed the event which featured inspirational remarks from blood cancer survivors and their family members and included awards for top supporters. The 2015 Light The Night Walk raised $2.8 million for LLS’s mission — to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. [gallery ids="102241,129376" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Rebecca and Hugo Medrano, basking in their recent 14 Helen Hayes Awards nominations, simply had a good time Feb. 6 as Noche de GALA presented “Señorita y Madame” by Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott. It reveals the inside scoop on the secret war of cosmetic industry leaders Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein, who make current politics look civilized. There is humor, history, pathos and fine acting by stars Ana Verónica Muñoz and Luz Nicolás, bolstered by the supporting cast. An after party at the theater was an opportunity to savor the biting humor — along with a buffet. [gallery ids="102246,129320,129337,129313,129328,129331" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • February 18, 2016

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held its 17th Washington, D.C., Annual Opening Night Gala Benefit, which featured the Washington premieres of “Open Door” and “Exodus” — along with Alvin Alley’s “Revelations” — at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House Feb. 2. Afterwards, supporters and dancers went upstairs for dinner and more dancing. Proceeds from the gala will support Ailey’s Washington, D.C., programs, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education activities and scholarships to talented young dance students in the Washington area to attend the Ailey School in New York. [gallery ids="102240,129383,129377,129387,129393" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • January 15, 2016

Photos by Jeff Malet for the Historical Society of Washington

The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., celebrated photographer Chris Earnshaw at the Jan. 6 opening of his exhibit at the Carnegie Library building. Called “District,” it is a solo photography show that explores Washington, D.C., during the 1960s and 1970s. “Originally captured on Polaroids and nearly lost to time and neglect, these gritty images show the demolition, desperation, beauty, and energy in the every-day of the era’s capital city,” according to Earnshaw, whose show runs through Feb. 26. [gallery ids="102369,124511,124514" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Washington Winter Show set 2016 off to an elegant start as top antique dealers brought their finest wares to the Katzen Arts Center at American University. This year’s theme, “Through the Eyes of a Child,” highlighted a loan exhibit from Gunston Hall. Supporters at the Jan. 7 preview night not only got a first glimpse but enjoyed temptations provided by Susan Gage Caterers. James Farmer headlined Friday’s lecture and lunch, regaling guests with his tales of entertaining in the Deep South. He also signed his newest work, “A Time to Celebrate.” The Levine School of Music Jazz Band entertained Saturday evening and children enjoyed “Sundaes on Sunday.” The event benefits the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services.
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Georgetowner • January 13, 2016

Elizabeth Webster of the District Council was out and about in Hollywood for its big awards weekend—the People’s Choice Awards and the Golden Globes—to meet her California friends and to promote film production in Washington, D.C. She ran into quite a few stars—but luckily not Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais. [gallery ids="102209,131422,131421" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • January 11, 2016

A studio at the Washington Ballet was turned into a shopper’s delight Nov. 20-22 as the Women’s Committee hosted the Sugar Plum Bazaar, with myriad temptations befitting Artistic Director Septime Webre’s “Nutcracker” to support the ballet’s community engagement programs. Luxury vendors included Anna Weatherly porcelain china and jewelry, Dalton Brody gifts and accessories, Sissy Yates Designs and Ibhana Creations ladies’ fashions. Silent auction items offered a one-hour salsa/meringue dance lesson with two company members. Andrea Rinaldi spearheaded Saturday’s cookies and cocoa for aspiring ballerinas. The Women’s Committee hosted their annual holiday party at the ballet on Friday evening with great success. [gallery ids="102177,132262,132251,132237,132257,132245" nav="thumbs"]