Social Scene

Robert Devaney • August 20, 2014

For those who love rum and love those who love rum, National Rum Day brought a nice mix of people and mixed drinks. First up was media day Aug. 11, catered by the Mason Dixie Biscuit Company, at Project 4 Gallery on U Street. The 4th Annual Rum Day D.C. hosted a three-day celebration for rum lovers with a Rooftop Rum & Smoke Soiree Aug. 14 atop the Graham Hotel, with the multi-destination Rum Runner Party Bus on Aug. 15 and concluded Aug. 16 with the Rum-B-Que at Jack Rose.

Mary Bird • August 14, 2014

Marking the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the Monaco Boys’ Choir (Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco) gave a concert July 15 in the National Museum of American History’s Flag Hall. A private reception, hosted by Ambassador Maguy Maccario Doyle of Monaco and museum director John Gray, followed. Now in its 40th year, the choir under the direction of Pierre Debat was on a U.S. tour from New York to Miami. The ambassador said, “It is always very exciting when our cultural emissaries come to town.” The 30-member group, ranging from 8 to 18 years of age, also sang at the French Embassy on Bastille Day and at the Children’s National Health Center. [gallery ids="116109,116123,116126,116113,116117,116120" nav="thumbs"]

Erin Schaff • August 7, 2014

Comcast & NBC/Universal took over the Newseum on July 11 for a packed event celebrating the the movie; “Get On Up,” the story of James Brown. The evening started with a cocktail reception, followed by a screening of the film and a panel discusssion moderated by Touré, host of MSNBC’s “The Cycle,” and featuring the director Tate Taylor, star Chadwick Boseman and close friend of the late singer, Reverend Al Sharpton. [gallery ids="101827,139241,139257,139250,139255,139245" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Cheeky Puppy, Dupont’s pet-centric boutique, hosted a pack of adoptable pups on Aug. 2 with the aim of finding them good homes with neighborhood residents. The gathering brought together pups currently living in volunteer foster homes through Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Since 2009, Lucky Dog has rescued more than 6,200 animals from overcrowded shelters. The Cheeky Puppy also donated 10% of sales from the store’s grand opening event in June to the organization.

On Aug. 9, the Cheeky Puppy will host Capitol Canines Animal Rescue from Noon-2 p.m. outside the store at 1709 Connecticut Ave.

Georgetowner •

Canadian Milos Raonic won the men’s and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova the women’s final at this year’s Citi Open Tennis Tournament Aug. 4 — and announcer and publicist Charlie Brotman was saluted for his years of service. [gallery ids="101826,139262,139258" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

In town to play England’s Manchester United at FedEx Field July 29, Italy’s Inter Milan soccer team elebrated at Brooks Brothers’ M Street store July 31 with a private party. Brook Brothers is the official formalwear sponsor of F.C. Internazionale Milano. [gallery ids="101825,139266,139264" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • August 4, 2014

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and Mrs. Jan Matthysen hosted a musicale on April 27 when Opera Camerata presented highlights from beloved operas followed by a special dinner. In his welcoming remarks, the ambassador hailed music as the “the universal repertoire in its most popular dimension.” Executive Director Michael Reilly acknowledged the ambassadors of Portugal and Peru and Princess Obolensky, who participated in a standing ovation for the talented singers and musicians. [gallery ids="102447,121183,121143,121151,121158,121177,121165,121171" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • July 18, 2014

Friends of the National Arboretum welcomed 550 horticulturists, business leaders and members of Congress to its 20th Annual Cookout Under the Stars June 17. Each year, the cookout celebrates a different state. Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden, was honored at the fundraising event, which was held in the Ellipse Meadow below the Arboretum’s dramatic National Capitol Columns. Board chair Barbara Shea said the Arboretum is a place, where “science meets beauty.” FONA provides financial and other vital assistance for the U.S. Arboretum’s research, public education and outreach functions. [gallery ids="116139,116137,116133" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Will on the Hill, the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual bipartisan comedic event, took over Sidney Harman Hall June 17 with special guest actors Nicholas Bruder, Harry Hamlin and Hannah Yelland alongside a host of familiar faces from the halls of Congress and other Washington luminaries. The program began with students from Maryland’s Charles Flowers High School giving a Bollywood slant to a scene from “Henry IV.” They are participating in Text Alive!, a free arts initiative offered by the STC in local schools. The evening, which included a cocktail reception and buffet dinner, raised $465,000 for STC’s community engagement programs. [gallery ids="116143,116141,116146" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • July 16, 2014

Along with family, friends and other chefs, David Guas of Arlington’s Bayou Bakery joined Councilman Jack Evans and his wife Michele at their P Street home July 2 to celebrate the premiere of the Travel Channel’s “American Grilled,” a grilling competition show, where Guas is host and co-judge. The happy crowd enjoyed hamburger sliders and some righteous cole slaw as well as a cake portraying a barbecue grill. [gallery ids="116138,116129,116135,116132" nav="thumbs"]