Social Scene

Georgetowner • August 10, 2012

On Wednesday, April 25, Streets of Georgetown and DC magazine celebrated DC magazine’s Men’s Issue and transformed their wardrobe with the latest fashions from all-American clothing brands, such as Hickey Freeman, Hart Schaffner Marx and Bobby Jones. All of these brands can be found in our local retail store, Streets of Georgetown. [gallery ids="100801,124473,124449,124465,124461" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • August 2, 2012

O.K., it began on the dock at Washington Harbour, and there were palm trees on the top deck of the Boomerang Party Yacht, which cruised on the Potomac from north of Key Bridge to south past Memorial Bridge. But life was a beach, as friends and fans of Kate Michael celebrated six years of her D.C. lifestyle website July 22 and enjoyed a two-hour ride with complimentary cocktails on board the boat and personal cans of C.R.E.A.M. whipped vodka bottles with flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, caramel and raspberry. Michael and Nichole Devolites really got into the spirit with a whipping cream match on the top deck — sticky but fun, both agreed. At the party, Michael announced a name change for her site:

“As the site and content mature, our brand should as well. Readers can expect the same voice, the same local fanaticism, and K Street Kate is still at the helm… but we’re going to be known as K Street Magazine when the new site is up and running in August.” After the ride, Michael and friends dined at Peacock Cafe. [gallery ids="100913,128733,128683,128727,128692,128720,128700,128713,128708" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • July 30, 2012

On July 12, Del Frisco’s Grille held a lavish reception at its prime Pennsylvania Avenue location, which officially opened July 14. Music and cocktails greeted arriving guests who enjoyed mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including samplings from a copious raw bar. The Dallas-based group counts 32 restaurants across the country. Executive chef Rob Klink promises market-fresh ingredients on a menu featuring prime steaks, seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine. The spacious indoor space and patio should be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. [gallery ids="102470,120640,120679,120686,120661,120655,120674,120648,120669,120621,120613,120631" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • July 17, 2012

On Friday, July 20, Washington D.C.’s own Warehouse Loft will headline Cassy for an evening of deep and soulful house music, organized by local event gurus Deep Secrets, Nomad and Bejanquest. The line-up of extraordinary talent in the realm of house music includes opening sets by local deejays Chris Burns, Mazi, Solomon Sanchez and Marko Peli.

Deep Secrets co-founder Benoit Benoit said that he and his fellow organizers were proud of the bill they were able to put together.

“This deejay line-up is one of the finest that Deep Secrets has ever been a part of,” Benoit said. “Nomad and Bejan Quest have been terrific partners, and there is no better venue for house music in Washington than the Warehouse Loft. Cassy is legendary in dance music circles, and we are very excited to bring her to the scene.”

Cassy returns to Washington by way of Berlin, Germany, where she has been at the center of the vibrant underground house music scene since 2003. Her recordings have released by internationally recognized labels Playhouse, Perlon, Ostgut Ton and Cocoon. Part of what makes her popular is her ability to make anyone get on the dance floor. She does not subscribe to any one genre, instead she moves deftly between techno, pop and house music. Her party with Deep Secrets last summer drew a capacity crowd, and the organizers this year expect a similar turnout.

“We anticipate a record attendance the night of Cassy’s second party,” according to Sammy X, the manager of the Warehouse Loft. “The other deejays are top-notch too, and we encourage Cassy fans to come out early to enjoy them, as well as beat the line. Deep Secrets, Nomad and BejanQuest have put together one special evening.”

July 20, 9 to 11 p.m., open bar
Warehouse Loft, 411 New York Ave., N.E.
To purchase pre-sale tickets for $15: Tickets
Tickets at the door are $20. [gallery ids="100905,128333" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • July 12, 2012

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a good, ol’ fashioned barbeque or filling up the gas tank to head down to the National Mall, there is no excuse not to have plans this Independence Day. But, just in case you’re drawing a blank this year, check out our list of patriotic parties, entertaining events and joyous jubilees around the D.C. area for some ideas.

Fun For the Family:

On Independence Day, there is nothing more American than spending time with loved ones. For a fun-filled, family affair, head down to Constitution Avenue and 7th Street at 11:45 A.M. for the National Independence Day parade. Let your banners wave by cheering on invited bands, celebrities, military and specialty units and more, as they show their American pride. Go to july4thparade.com to find out more.

Amidst the melodic melee, grab a blanket and a seat on the National Mall for the can’t-miss centerpiece of D.C.’s Independence Day celebration: the fireworks. At approximately 9:10 P.M., the annual Fourth of July fireworks will be launched from the Reflecting Pool area to light up the night sky. For more information on various viewing areas and tips on preparation plans, visit www.nps.gov.

Late Night, Date Night:

More excitement is sure to follow at PBS’s A Capitol Fourth concert at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. From 8 to 9:30 P.M., watch T.V. personality Tom Bergeron host the musical celebration and enjoy tunes from “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, “The Voice” winner Javier Colon, Tony Award-winning actor Matthew Broderick, R&B legends Kool & The Gang, among others. Check out pbs.org for more details.

Looking for something more low-key? All aboard the Boomerang Boat! For an enjoyable evening sailing down Potomac River, grab a date and join the crew for a Fourth of July Fireworks cruise. Dance the night away on the main cabin, marvel at the DC panoramic cityscape, or sip on a signature cocktail at the cash bar. Before meeting at the Georgetown Waterfront to set sail, Click here for more information.

Close to Home:

On July 4, the Citizens Association of Georgetown Concert in the Park features the By & By Band and the Fourth of July Parade. Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. at the basketball courts; concerts begin at 5 p.m. Rose Park, 26th and P Streets, NW.

Take part in the Palisades 4th of July Parade, 11 a.m. Don’t miss the best, little parade in D.C. or America, for that matter, along MacArthur Boulevard. Anyone can be a spectator or participant. Just show up on time at Whitehaven Parkway near Our Lady of Victory School. Marchers preferred; one vehicle per group. (Horses excluded from the rules.) Parade moves north to a picnic at the recreation center. Visit PalisadesDC.org](http://palisadesdc.org/).

Home for the Holiday:

For the holiday homebody, try this festive recipe to add some pizazz to your Fourth of July celebration. Here’s a sweet treat that is perfect for a quiet evening at home or an afternoon barbeque. Although it may appear to be just another vanilla cake from the outside, cut one slice of the patriotic pastry and you’re sure to see fireworks. Check out [glorioustreats.com](http://www.glorioustreats.com/2011/06/4th-of-july-flag-cake.html) for more pictures.

Fourth of July Flag Cake

Recipe:

Vanilla cake mix

Red and blue food coloring

Vanilla frosting

Instructions:

Prepare two Vanilla cake mixes (using any Vanilla cake recipe you love.)

Prepare two 8” cake pans by coating them with a small amount of butter and flour and placing parchment paper in the bottom.

Prepare one batch of batter and color it red.

Divide the batter equally and pour into the two prepared pans.

Bake as instructed by your recipe.

While the red cakes are baking, prepare another batch of batter.

Divide the batter into two bowls and color one of the bowls of batter blue.

Leave the remaining bowl of batter uncolored.

When your red cakes have baked and cooled, remove from pans. Wash and then prepare pans for the white and blue batter.

Bake (You want to end up with one 8” round blue cake, one 8” round white cake, and two 8” round red cakes.)

Slice the two red cakes in half (horizontally), so you’ll have a total of four red layers. Set one aside for one layer, this will not be used for the cake. Cut a 4” circle out of one of the layers. So you want to have two 8” round layers and one 4” round layer.

Cut the white cake in half as well. Then use a 4” cookie cutter to cut a circle out of one of the halves.

Use a 4” cookie cutter again to cut out the center of your blue cake.

You’re ready to assemble your cake when you have: one thick layer of blue with the center cut out, two 8” layers of red, one 4” layer of red, one 8” layer of white, one 4” layer of white.

Assemble cake with a thin layer of frosting between each layer of cake, starting on the bottom with red cake, then white, then red, then blue.

Add some frosting along the inside “ring” of the blue cake to hold in the next two layers which will fit inside the opening.

Fill the hole in the blue cake with a 4” round layer of cake, some frosting, and then the 4” round of red.

Once assembled, frost the cake as desired. Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. [gallery ids="100887,127648" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • June 29, 2012

Washington has many special events but none more heartfelt that the June 13 tribute at the Washington National Cathedral to Norman Scribner, as he ended his 47th season as artistic director of The Choral Arts Society of Washington. Concertgoers were enchanted by organ master J. Reilly Lewis, Robert Shafer conducting works by Richard Wayne Dirksen, Janice Chandler Eteme’s O Patria Mia and the chorus’s “Ave Maria” from Rachmaninoff’s “Vespers.” At a post-performance reception in Hearst Hall, the maestro called his successor Scott Tucker a “kindred spirit.” Scribner said, “Names don’t matter that much. It’s the spirit moving around the room. I hope to see you often on the audience floor.” [gallery ids="100885,127641,127631,127586,127624,127594,127619,127603,127611" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Under the patronage of Permanent Representatives to the Organization of American States Joel Hernández of Mexico and Walter Albán of Peru, Opera Camerata presented a concert version of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” at the OAS June 23. Guests enjoyed wine and a silent auction before the performance, which featured many young Latin American artists already known to D.C. audiences, including Peruvian baritone José Sacín and coloratura soprano Elizabeth Treat. The evening continued with a delectable Latin American repast. [gallery ids="100884,127589,127564,127582,127571,127578" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

In a glorious collaboration, Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet have made magic with their own “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The spell was cast at the June 22 opening, replete with reception, and will continue to delight audiences through August 12. Jean-Marie Fernandez, Anne Marie Parisi-Trone and Evonne Courtney Connolly were the ?Lion Ladies,? ensuring funding for the voyage through the wardrobe. Morgann Rose is a daunting wicked White Witch and designer Eric Van Wyk?s inspired lion puppet Aslan had the audience aroar. Please bring your nearest and dearest of every age to this inspirational marvel.

Jade Floyd • June 27, 2012

Each year, nearly 10 million flights circle the globe, carrying passengers to new locales and old stomping grounds alike. Travel comes with the territory in the District ? dignitaries commute to and from home countries, businessmen and women cross continents to close deals and families spend much-deserved vacations to relax beyond the Beltway. I?ve seen passports filled with enough stamps to rival secretaries of state. Most recently, after a return from a world tour, a friend complained that, with too many stamps, he needed a new passport.

While many of us dream of winters in Whistler, British Columbia, and summer cruises off the Solomon Islands, there is a segment of inner-city youth that will never leave D.C. ? or the Eastern Seaboard. In fact, the idea of needing a passport is even more foreign to them than travelling to a national park. But a number of organizations across the city are now working to address this lack of cultural and geographical awareness by exposing inner-city youth to outdoor and cultural opportunities.

D.C.?s City Kids, for one, offers annual backpacking excursions to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where youth learn mountaineering and life skills on a 62-acre ranch. On June, 20 young girls journeyed to Jackson Hole for a summer filled with outdoor adventure and leadership development courses.
?Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in Wyoming for the summer has exposed me to a life I did not know existed,? said a past City Kids participant. ?Those experiences have given me a new outlook on life. Through the skills developed at City Kids, I know that my actions matter and what I choose to do or choose not to do has repercussions.?

Like City Kids, Wilderness Leadership & Learning (WILL) is also based in D.C. and provides youths with life skill development tools. Primarily working with high school students from under-served neighborhoods in Wards 1, 6, 7 and 8, WILL expose a group of students to the Appalachian Trail for a week-long trip with Steve Abraham, president and founder of WILL. A former attorney, Abraham created the 12 month long, interactive WILL program providing safe after-school time for kids.

?WILL not only enables teens to become aware of the world around them, but also encourages them to become better stewards of the environment,? Abraham said. ?Our programs include environmental learning and service projects on the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, scavenger hunts on the National Mall, canoeing on the Anacostia River, a seven-day backpacking Expedition on the Appalachian Trail and three days at the Chesapeake Bay.?

Travel opportunities exist locally, too. Live It Learn It partners exclusively with high-poverty Title I D.C. public elementary schools and their teachers. It offers classroom instruction and trips to a range of recognized museums and memorials; more than 1,500 students from 21 schools across the District benefit.

?We partner with schools in every quadrant of the city, with the majority located east of the Anacostia River,? said Matthew Wheelock, founder of Live It Learn It. ?Despite having world-renowned monuments, museums, memorials and national parks right in their own backyard, the overwhelming majority of our students have never experienced these places. . . It seemed like such a waste.?

For many of the youth enrolled in these D.C. programs, their first entr?e to travel both near and far stems from the commitment of non-profits focusing on education through travel. You can help them on their journey by donating to these organizations to support flights, bus transportation and needed gear for each kid?s adventure. ?

**HOW YOU CAN HELP**

**City Kids** welcomes donations of gear, including hiking books, fleece tops, twin bedding, saddles and horse tacks. Visit its wish list at www.CityKidsDC.org/donors/our-wish-list

**Wilderness Leadership & Learning** (WILL) is always looking for volunteers to help drive students to events and welcomes online donations at www.WILL-lead.org/friends.html

**Live It Learn It** seeks in-school volunteers and welcomes donations at
www.LiveItLearnIt.org/pages/get-involved.php

*Jade Floyd is a managing associate at a D.C.-based international public relations firm and has served on the board of directors for several non-profits. She is a frequent volunteer and host of fundraising events across the District supporting arts, animal welfare and education programs. Follow her on Twitter @DCThisWeek.*

Georgetowner • June 18, 2012

Conrad Cafritz, Chairman of Modus Hotels, welcomed fortunate guests to a preview of Avenue Suites and the West End’s newest outdoor cocktail destination A Bar. Guests enjoyed lychee martinis accompanied by tempting nibbles. DJ Neekola was joined by New York-based electric violinist Sarah Charness. Highlights were the sun dappled patio and a second floor suite draped in chocolates and desserts where guests could win a weekend stay at Avenue Suites, chef’s tasting at Marcel’s and a gift card to A Bar. [gallery ids="100761,123198,123161,123193,123168,123188,123174,123182" nav="thumbs"]