Social Scene

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.
[gallery ids="117294,117253,117301,117261,117269,117276,117284,117288" nav="thumbs"]

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"]

Georgetowner • January 11, 2016

The Library of Congress awarded 82-year-old Willie Nelson, country music singer and songwriter, the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song — its top musical award. Nelson is the seventh recipient of the prize. A stirring musical tribute was held Nov. 18 at DAR Constitution Hall.

Mary Bird •

The American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) saluted its outgoing longtime chairman, James W. Symington, at the Russian Ambassador’s residence on Nov. 17. U.S. Ambassadors to Russia John Beyrle and Thomas Pickering were among the speakers on a program that also featured renowned Russian bass from the Mariinsky Theater Askar Abdrazakov. Recalling his student days singing folk songs in Russian parks, the honoree said, “I was hooked on Russia before I went and ever since.” He capped the evening by performing “Moscow Nights” before guests departed with a signed copy of his book, “Heard and Overheard: Words Wise (and Otherwise) with Politicians, Statesmen¸ and Real People.”
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Mary Bird •

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"]

Mary Bird •

The Washington International Piano Arts Council celebrated the culture and music of the Americas at its annual gala held on Nov. 13 at the Organization of American States. WIPAC’s board chair and founder Chateau Gardecki expressed her appreciation to the co-chairs: OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cusia, Jr. Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Festival of Music and the Washington International Piano Competition for talented amateur pianists from around the world. [gallery ids="102178,132229,132240,132236" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

A Yuletide gathering of friends and colleagues by the D.C. Council’s Elizabeth Webster along with her co-hosts Kimberly Skyrm and Yuriy Zubabev celebrated the Washington debut of “Beverly Hills Christmas,” just in time for the big day, at Paper Moon Restaurant in Georgetown Dec. 22.

The movie, starring Dean Cain, Vincent De Paul, Donna Spangler and Ravin Spangler, is a sweet Christmastime story of life and death and of mother and daughter — and illustrates the power of redemption and unconditional love, revealing the true meaning of Christmas.

“Beverly Hills Christmas” premiered Dec. 6 on UPtv. [gallery ids="102207,131429,131431" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • December 23, 2015

The Trees for Georgetown’s Sept. 24 Fall Fling was hosted by Tom Anderson and Marc Schappell at their updated and historic home at P Street, also known as the Bodisco House. Headed by Betsy Emes, Trees for Georgetown is celebrating its 26th years as a committee of the Citizens Association of Georgetown. The group provides maintenance services for trees in the oldest neighborhood in Washington, D.C., and it has planted more than 2,500 trees. [gallery ids="102204,131486,131469,131474,131445,131453,131461,131479" nav="thumbs"]