Summer Concerts in Northern Virginia

Summer concerts are found all over Northern Virginia and it's just one of the many benefits of life inside and near the Beltway. Keep in mind that outdoor concerts may be canceled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice.

City of Alexandria

In the City of Alexandria, concerts are coordinated by the City's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Special Events Office. Although Alexandria has many parking garages and lots, the City of Alexandria encourages visitors to historic Old Town to use the Metro rail. Both the Yellow and Blue metro lines stop at the King Street Station in Old Town. From there, visitors can hop on a Metro or DASH bus, but the King Street Trolley is free and fun. Alexandria offers:

The Lunch Brunch Concerts

These concerts are at Canal Plaza in Alexandria VA which is located at 44 Canal Center Plaza. Music starts at noon.

• June 24, 2009     La Tanya Mari (Jazz Vocal)
• July 8, 2009         Legend of Lummy Hallin (Original & Classic Pop/Rock)
• July 22, 2009       2nd Story Band Duo (World Beat Blues)
• August 5, 2009   Chemistry (Jazz)

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Music At Twilight Concerts

Music at Twilight is at Fort Ward Park Amphitheater. Fort Ward Park is located at 4301 West Braddock Rd. Music usually begins at at 7:30 pm.

• July 16, 2009       Ebenezer Baptist Church Evangelical Women's Choir (Choral)
• July 23, 2009        Alexandria Harmonizers (Barbershop)
• July 30, 2009        Irish Breakfast Band (Traditional Irish) Music starts at 7 pm.
• August 6, 2009    All Scottish Night featuring the No.Va. Branch, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Alexandria Pipes & Drums (Traditional Scottish) Music starts at 7 pm.
  

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Ben Brenman Park Concerts

The concerts begin at 7 pm at Ben Brenman Park at the amphitheater. Ben Brenman Park is located near Cameron Station at 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Alexandria VA.

• July 15, 2009      Wes Tucker & the Skillets (Folk Rock)
• July 29, 2009    Steve Smith & the Meteors (Original Blues)

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Arlington County

Rosslyn Music & Farmer's Market

The Farmers Market at Wilson Boulevard & N. Oak Street in Rosslyn VA features lunchtime concerts on Thursdays from May through September 24th. The music begins at a quarter till noon and ends at 1:30 in the afternoon.

• July 2, 2009           Texas Chainsaw Horns    Five Funky Horns & an attitude
• July 9, 2009             Sandra Y. Johnson    Jazz Vocals 
• July 16, 2009           Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy    Original Folk
• July 23, 2009           Robert Jospe    World Beat
• July 30, 2009           Andrew Acosta & the New Old-Time String Band   Folk/Bluegrass
• Aug. 6, 2009           Annie Sidley    Pop/R & B
• Aug. 13, 2009          Magpie   Folk/Swing/Ragtime
• Aug. 20, 2009          Steve Wolf & Swingspeak   Upbeat & Jazzy
• Aug. 27, 2009          Dixie Power Trio     New Orleans Gumbo
• Sept. 3, 2009           Coleman's Cross    Celtic Fusion
• Sept. 10, 2009         Vaughn Nark & Panorama     Contemporary Jazz
• Sept. 17, 2009         The Lovejoy Group   Jazz & Latin Rhythms
• Sept. 24, 2009         David Bach Consort    Smooth Instrumentals

Pentagon City

Pentagon Row in Pentagon City also offers exciting outdoor events, including a 10-week Summer Concert Series.

• July 2, 2009 Fools & Horses rock and roll combined with British pop
• July 9, 2009 Gonzo's Nose 80's and 90's cover band
• July 16, 2009 King Cadillac retro rock and roll
• July 23, 2009 Sloth Loves Chunk high energy rock and roll
• July 30, 2009 Shane Hines and the Trance pop/rock
• August 6, 2009 The Justin Trawick Group singer/songwriter
• August 14, 2009 Brother Shamus bluesy rock
• August 20, 2009 Taylor Carson singer/songwriter

Fairfax County

Not to be outdone, Fairfax County boasts a full schedule of summer concerts.

Spotlight by Starlight

Spotlight by Starlight is at the Mason District Park Amphitheatre located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale VA.

• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's Dixieland Band July 01, 2009
• Dead Men's Hollow July 03, 2009
• NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra July 05, 2009
• Sandra Y. Johnson Quintet July 08, 2009
• Ganga July 10, 2009
• The United States Army Band Blues Jazz Ensemble July 12, 2009
• Knockout King & Bruce Ewan July 15, 2009
• Debi Smith July 17, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 19, 2009
• David Bach Consort July 22, 2009
• Little Red & The Renegades July 24, 2009
• The Capitol Steps July 26, 2009
• Natty Beaux July 29, 2009
• Eastern Standard Time July 31, 2009
• Tonic & Gin A Cappella August 02, 2009
• Tom Principato August 05, 2009
• Andrew Acosta & Speedy Tolliver String Band August 07, 2009
• Falls Church Concert Band August 09, 2009
• The Oscillators August 12, 2009
• Ruthie and the Wranglers August 14, 2009
• The Winstons Band August 16, 2009
• MSG - The Acoustic Blues Trio August 19, 2009
• The United States Navy Band Commodores August 21, 2009
• Jennifer Cutting's Ocean Orchestra August 23, 2009
• City of Fairfax Band Saxophone Quartet August 26, 2009
• Squeeze Bayou August 28, 2009
• Kings Park Band August 30, 2009

For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Lee District Nights

Lee District Nights happen on Wednesday nights at at Lee District Park Amphitheater near Kingstowne and Franconia in Alexandria.

• Rick Franklin & His Delta Blues Boys w/ Mike Baytop July 01, 2009
• King Teddy July 08, 2009
• Alexandria Kleztet July 15, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 22, 2009
• The Nighthawks July 29, 2009
• The United States Army Band Blues Jazz Ensemble August 05, 2009
• Pietasters August 12, 2009
• John McCutcheon August 19, 2009
• The Irish Breakfast Band August 26, 2009

Braddock Nights

Braddock Nights is spread over several venues. The following concerts are at the Lake Accotink Park on Friday nights.

• Hot Society Orchestra of Washington July 03, 2009
• Falls Church Concert Band July 10, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 17, 2009
• NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra July 24, 2009
• National Concert Band July 31, 2009
• Patty Reese Band August 07, 2009
• The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters August 14, 2009
• Kings Park Band August 21, 2009
• City of Fairfax Band Alte Kameraden German August 28, 2009

For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Braddock Nights is also at Ossian Hall Park on Sundays

• HBlues Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 05, 2009
• Filipino-American Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 12, 2009
• Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 19, 2009
• Indonesian Cultral Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 26, 2009
• Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 02, 2009
• Indian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 09, 2009
• Russian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 16, 2009
• Chinese Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 23, 2009
• African Cultural Heritage Nights (at Ossian Hall Park) August 30, 2009

On Fridays Braddock Nights is at Royal Lake Park.

• Mike Seeger July 03, 2009
• Reggie Wayne Morris July 10, 2009
• Robbie Schaefer July 17, 2009
• The Taters July 24, 2009
• Maggie Sansone & Friends July 31, 2009
• Honor By August August 07, 2009
• Night Music August 14, 2009
• Nero August 21, 2009
• Luke Brindley August 28, 2009

For detailed information on any Braddock Night concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Indian Food at the Microcon

Years ago I wrote a game called Battlestorm and as part of the promotion tour, I travelled to game conventions all over the US. The largest and best of these game conventions like GenCon and Origins Game Fair would have 30,000 to 50,000 attendees who come to play games, attend lectures, see old friends and make new friends. It was my first exposure the convention circuit and it made quite an impression on me.

At these game conventions I met many celebrities, mostly actors from science fiction shows and movies, and some authors. In addition I met many gamers from around the country. I didn't often get the chance to play games at these conventions because I was too busy selling my own game, but I did get the opportunity to tour the displays and meet others before the gates opened to the general public.

Today, I don't attend game conventions in a professional capacity, but I still attend one or two conventions a year. My wife Julie and I enjoy the drive up to the Lancaster Resort and Convention Center in Lancaster. Smaller conventions like Historicon and Cold Wars up in Lancaster have perhaps 5,000 attendees. However, these smaller conventions are closer and they still offer a lot of fun. Most conventions last 3 to 4 days. When I was a presenter I would stay for the entire convention, but as an attendee I rarely stay more than 1 day.

Reflecting the fun I'd seen at these conventions, I hatched the idea of bringing a smaller version to Alexandria. Using our group Alexandria Fun with Friends we host a mini-convention on a nearly monthly basis. The Microcon is much smaller in every respect. We usually have 30 to 70 attendees. Instead of taking up space in a convention hall, we usually occupy the Club Room of a local condominium.

Attendees come to learn, teach and share games. Together, we play social games, board games, card games and role-playing games to get to know each other and to have fun. The fun starts at 2 in the afternoon and at dinner time we take a break to eat a meal. At a big convention, vendors are ever-present selling everything from carnie-food to gourmet meals, but our Microcon doesn't have any food vendors.

Many times, Julie has made food like chili or enchiladas or lasagna. Sometimes we have had the food catered. Most recently, the food at the Microcon was provided by Dishes of India, an Indian restaurant located in the Belle View Shopping Center.

If you've never had Indian food, or if you love Indian food, I highly recommend Dishes of India. The lunch buffet is the best way to take a tour of what the restaurant has to offer. The food is generally mild and very "American-friendly", meaning there are options on the buffet which will please the pickiest palate.

For example, you might not like Indian food, but I know you like fire-roasted chicken. Vegetarians will enjoy simple foods like potatoes or green beans will Indian spices.

If you need an event catered, contact Gopal at Dishes of India. I found him to be friendly helpful and accommodating. He tailored a menu to fit our budget and our needs and there was ample food for our attendees.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Sailing the Potomac in late spring

Julie and I went sailing again. This time we put in at the Belle Haven Marina near Belle View condos and New Alexandria.

The marina has plenty of sailboats, canoes and kayaks for rent. They also offer lessons. Check out the spelling on the sign.

We had a great time on the Potomac. The winds were steady and fairly strong.

We were on the river until nearly sundown.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Alden Theatre hosts evening of free classical music

The Alden Theatre in Mclean VA is an intimate performing arts center known for nearly perfect acoustics.  The Alden Theater, located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue in McLean, VA, welcomes visitors. Some of the favorite programs at the Alden Theater include:

• Guest Artist series -- Nationally and internationally known artists perform music, dance and theater.
  
• McLean Kids Performance Series -- Features talented professional performances designed to appeal to kids.
  
• Jammin' Juniors --- These are concerts in McLean Central Park that are geared toward the young and young-at-heart.
  
• Travel and Adventure Film Series --- For a taste of the exotic and far-away come enjoy the Alden Theater. 

Alden Theater is hosting its 34th season of free classical music featuring professional musicians who have won international recognition for their artistry. Don't miss the Young Soloists Recital on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. At this recital alongside artists from the National Symphony, these performance that will showcase the talents of local school-age musicians who are destined for musical greatness.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) presents ...

Alexandria Fun with Friends is going dancing!

On May 15th 2009, several of members of the Alexandria Fun with Friends group will be in attendance along with a friendly crowd of regulars at Studio One. The host welcomes everyone and plays a variety of dances: rumba's, waltzes, foxtrots and swing dances are common here.

The dance floor is quite large and you'll have plenty of opportunities to dance with new partners. The regulars and are members are open and welcoming but no dance instruction is offered here. Those looking for a pick-up scene will be disappointed. It's not that you can't meet and make friends here---you most definitely can. But, this is not a place to find "the hook-up". Those looking for a wholesome active outing with friendly easy-going people will have a great time.

The host and attendees chip in for a potluck of snacks, desserts and nibblings along with some soft drinks. The cover charge is only $5. There is no extra charge for drinks or food. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to bring a drink or snack.

The place is not metro accessible and is located just outside Alexandria in Fairfax County.

For details and RSVP

We'll see you there!

Alexandria's Harry Potter Fans are getting together!

D.A.D.A. is an enthusiastic group of adults fans of Harry Potter. They describe themselves as "somewhat like Star Wars fans in that they're a bit obsessive, dress up in costumes, and go to conventions." One of the members also says, "I like to think we're cuter and less nerdy as a whole."  At any rate, they love "The Boy Who Lived". 

At their next gathering on May 9th, they're having even themed around Harry Potter games.  This includes Harry Potter-themed Clue as well as some Quidditch, and possibly Pictionary and Charades. Attendees should dress casual, hats and brooms are not required. Bring a snack to share, wizard-themed food is entirely optional.

They're also going to watch a short movie clip from "Yes Man". It's from a scene in which Jim Carrey character goes to a Harry Potter party. Yes, they mock those who don't understand Potter, but they also mock themselves.

If you have any other Harry Potter games, they would be most welcome! They're actively looking for someone with a Harry Potter version of "Scene It"?

Here's a quick quiz to see if you qualify to attend this event: 

1. Have you read all seven books and seen all five movies?
2. Do you know the exact date and time when movie 6 is being released? Are you taking off work to see it?
3. Are you a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin? You will be asked.

The whole gang will probably be about 30 or more attendees. For more details about the location and to RSVP check the Alexandria Fun with Friends group.

Cultural Tour of Music Dance and Crafts in Annandale

Come get your ladybug! A ladybug---an international symbol of good luck---will be given to all visitors on Diversity Day.

Annandale is hosting a cultural tour of Asia featuring music and cultural delights from India, Korea, Afghanistan, China and Sri Lanka. This celebration of music, dance and crafts on is occuring on Saturday, April 18 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center's fifth annual Celebrating Diversity Children's Day. The event starts at one o'clock and lasts until four in the afternoon. The cost is only $6 per person. 

The event features:

• Dancers and percussionists from the India International School in Falls Church;
• The Washington Korean Dance Company;
• ErHu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, music;
  
• Hawaiian dancers and musicians;
• Sri Lankan songs and sitar;
  
• Korean Sword Dancers;
  
• Korean Fan Dancing;
• Stories from the Hawaiian Islands expressed in music and hula dance;
  
• "Bollywood" style Indian dancers performing classical, folk and cultural pieces.

Reservations and advance payment are required. Contact Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 7701 Royce Street in Annandale with questions or to make reservations. You can call them at 703-941-1065 for a schedule of events.

Sailing on the Potomac

One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.

The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."

This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:

• four 19' Flying Scots;
• two 25' Catalinas

The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport. SCOW offers classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing.

We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded.

National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners.

There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well.

After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.

Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.

Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.

What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.

We'll be back another day.

If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:

• Potomac Greens
• Marina Towers
• Port Royal
• Alexandria House
• Harborside
• Harbor Terrace
• Potowmack Crossing

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Washington in bloom

Spring is a great time to visit Washington DC. The weather is mild and the world-famed cherry blossoms are beautiful. Here you can see the Washington Monument (and it's reflection). The Monument is hidden behind blossoms, but the reflection is obvious.
One of the best spots for viewing near the Tidal Ponds at the Jefferson Memorial. There are paddle boats here that are fun to rent and a great way to get away from the crowds.