Z-vents February 2020
Check out all the awesome events going on this month in Alexandria!
Alexandria, VA – Check out all the awesome events going on this month in Alexandria!
February 7
The 2020 Yale Whiffenpoofs
7:30 pm
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Dr.
The Alexandria Harmonizers present the 2020 Yale Whiffenpoofs. This legendary ensemble, now with women, is the world’s oldest collegiate a cappella group and is acclaimed for its excellence. These 14 senior Yale students are continuing a tradition that began in 1909. The “Whiffs” have become one of Yale’s most celebrated traditions. They perform more than 200 concerts annually across six continents – singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards and other hits from across the decades. The award-winning Alexandria Harmonizer chorus, now in its 72nd year, will also perform. Don’t miss this opportunity for an evening of fun and a high level of a cappella ensemble artistry. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-alexandria-harmonizers-present-the-yale-whiffenpoofs-tickets-86754504057?aff=aff0evvnt $30
February 7
(His) Story: Presented and Hosted by C. Thomas
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
The Athenaeum
201 Prince St.
Join us for (His) Story, an all-black man showcase sharing stories through poetry. These stories are a celebration and testament to the strength black men have gained over years through wisdom, pain, and struggle. Featuring:13 of Nazareth, Rodrick Minor, Khalil Houston, and Micah Powell. For More Information: https://www.nvfaa.org/happening. Buy Tickets at: https://www.nvfaa.org/events/his-story $10
February 8
Happy 300th Birthday John Carlyle!
12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St.
Join in to wish a very happy 300th birthday to Alexandria town founder, Col. John Carlyle. Festivities include 18th-century dancing, live music, and a birthday treat! Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
February 8
Under the Same Roof: Enslaved and Free Servants at The Lee-Fendall House
2:00 pm-3:15 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
Explore the Lee-Fendall House from the perspectives of the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked in the home as domestic servants, both before and after the Civil War. Hear the stories of the many people who built and shaped the Lee-Fendall House over the course of its history. $10
February 8
Alexandria Warehouse Sale
9:00 am-4:00 pm
The Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Deemed the region’s “Super Bowl of Shopping Event” (always occurring the Saturday of Super Bowl weekend), the winter deals event is the fun, yet casual, free to enter event that includes a variety of new boutiques and retailers throughout the Metro region. Deal seekers will find the very best from Alexandria’s and the regions finest retailers and indie brands with various brands of clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings and more up to 80 percent off retail prices. Experienced sale shoppers line up early in the morning to get first grabs at top label merchandise. The sale has a steady pace of shoppers. Folks that decide to wait until the last few hours of the sale can score even more markdown deals with merchants looking to move seasonal merchandise.
February 8
Film Screening and Discussion – The Rape of Recy Taylor
11:00 am Alexandria’s History Museum at the Lyceum,
201 S. Washington St. In 1944, African-American wife and mother Recy Taylor was gang raped by six white men in Alabama. She had the courage to speak out against her attackers, but by doing so placed herself and her family in danger. This film examines the dangers faced by African American women in the South and the role Rosa Parks played in this story. $10
February 9, 16, 23
George Washington’s Alexandria Tour
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Torpedo Factory south entrance 101 N. Union Street Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This 90-minute guided walking tour will explore sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues, including John Fitzgerald’s warehouse, Captain’s Row, Gentry Row, the Apothecary shop, Ramsay House, Market Square, the Carlyle House, Wise’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Gadsby’s Tavern, and Washington’s townhouse. The tour begins behind the Torpedo Factory’s south entrance, in front of Vola’s Dockside Grill. No reservations required. Offered by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. Contact 703.599.4010 or [email protected] for further information. Free
February 9
The Poetry and Works of Langston Hughes: Performed by Charles Williams
3:00 pm
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church
1909 Windmill Lane
Honor Black History Month with a special performance of the poetry and works Langston Hughes; poet, novelist, playwright, lyricist, and activist who was one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form known as Jazz Poetry. The program features Charles Williams, celebrated vocalist, accompanied by Gary Prince on guitar. Williams is well known throughout the region for his portrayal of Langston Hughes’ works. Through his music and verbal interpretation, get a glimpse into one of the most important writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance movement. Tickets: MVUCtickets.brownpapertickets.com $25
February 14
My Queer Valentine
7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
This Valentine’s Day, include the Art Center in your evening plans. Start with Target Gallery’s reception for My Queer Valentine, a playful but poignant show exploring non-heteronormative relationships. Stay to enjoy an evening of interactive performance art, a photo op at our kissing booth, DIY art-making activities, a raffle to support local LGBTQ+ organizations, and dance party in the last hour. Free
February 15,16
ASO Presents: Schubert & Mozart
8:00 pm-10:00 pm
February 15-8:00 p.m. Schlesinger Concert Hall 4915 E Campus Drive
February 16-3:00 p.m. George Washington Masonic Memorial 101 Callahan Drive
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Alexandria Symphony offers an intimate performance, conjuring a serenade at sunset. Mozart’s Serenata notturna evokes boisterous Austrian party music while classical guitarist Berta Rojas calls forth Latin warmth with Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Concerto No. 1. Maestro Ross premieres his arrangement of Florence Price’s String Quartet in G major, expanded for orchestra. An ardent admirer of his Viennese predecessor, Schubert with his Fifth Symphony mirrors the elegance of Mozart’s serenade. www.alexsym.org $20-$85
February 16
Apothecary Geek Tour: An Outlandish Tour
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St.
Learn about the role of 18th century female healers on this tour that focuses on the herbal medicines featured in Diana Gabaldon’s celebrated Outlander series of novels. Find everything from cascara to dauco seeds. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Please arrive between 10:45-11 a.m., as the museum is not open to the public until 1 p.m. and the doors will be locked when the tour begins at 11 a.m. Tickets available online at www.alexandriava.gov/shop/events. Advance purchase recommended as space is limited. $15
February 16
Murphy’s Fundraiser for 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Murphy’s Irish Pub
713 King St.
Visit Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub for a fundraiser benefiting the 39th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria, Va. The Ballyshaners 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in Alexandria on Saturday, March 7, 2020 and will feature the Fun Dog Show prior to the Parade kick-off. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come early to enjoy these events, at one of the DC area’s finest Parades. The
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”). The Ballyshaners is a not-for-profit group that seeks to promote and preserve Irish heritage and culture.
February 20
George Washington: Commander-In-Chief
7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
Professor Peter Henriques will examine how George Washington, despite his limited experience and numerous mistakes, was somehow able to overcome obstacles to win independence for the new country that he committed himself to without reserve. Henriques will discuss Washington’s view of a professional army, the need to win over the general populace, and the necessity of civilian control of the military, as well as how his actions at Trenton and Princeton saved the American cause. $12 per person, $10 for GTMS members/GTM volunteers
February 22
From Kepi to Cartridge Box: Outfitting the Men Of Fort Ward
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Museum interpreters in Union uniform will describe the clothing, military accessories and equipment of the Federal soldiers who were stationed at Fort Ward throughout the Civil War. Hands-on reproduction items, intricately detailed model soldiers, and original objects on exhibit will be featured. Free
February 23
Tell Me Your Name at Carlyle House
3:30 pm-5:30 pm
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St.
Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and his plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts to connect with descendants. Space is limited and advanced registration is highly recommended. Online registration with the possibility of a refund ends on February 21st. Tickets can be bought at the door.
February 27
A Civil Right During the Civil War Colored Troops & Alexandria National Cemetery by John Chapman
7:00 pm-8:00 pm
The Athenaeum
201 Prince St.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Proprietor of Manumission Tour Company John Chapman will lead a conversation on the struggles of African-American soldiers as they fought for rights to be buried in the soldiers cemetery. When the Alexandria National Cemetery was begun in 1862, only white soldiers were eligible to be buried there, even though it was yards away from L’Ouverture Hospital, a Civil War hospital for black soldiers. By the end of the Civil War, there were over 200 graves of US Colored Troops that had integrated into the cemetery. Information: https://www.nvfaa.org/happening Athenaeum Members, Friends of Fort Ward & Friends of Carlyle House: $10 per event Tickets:
March 1
Apothecary Geek Tour: Pharmacy Nerds
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St.
Tour this historic apothecary with a museum volunteer who is also a pharmacist. The tour will focus on historical medicinal ingredients still used in modern medicine and also include information about the Stabler and Leabeater families who operated the business. Great for both first time and returning visitors; recommended for adults only. Tour time is 11-12; please arrive between 10:45 and 11 AM. The museum does not open to the public until 1 PM, so the doors are locked at 11 when the tour begins. Tickets available online at www.Alexandriava.gov/shop/events. Advance purchase is recommend
