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May 2016
Smithsonian at Little Washington: Kenneth Slowik
As the 24th season of the Smithsonian at Little Washington concert series comes to a close, Kenneth Slowik will perform compositions by the great Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach on Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m. Slowik will be playing on cello and harpsichord.
Kenneth Slowik is an American cellist, viol player, and conductor, Curator of Musical Instrument Collection at the National Museum of American History and Artistic Director of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society. He will be playing a German-styled harpsichord made by Thomas and Barbara Wolf, of The Plains, and modeled after an instrument made in Hanover in 1738 by Christian Vater. Slowik says, “It’s a beautiful instrument, sonorous, yet with wonderfully clear articulation—just about perfect, chronologically and sonically, for Bach.”
A highly valued feature of all the concerts in the Smithsonian at Little Washington series is the commentary which Kenneth Slowik provides throughout the program. His remarks shed light on the glorious music and the life and times of the featured composers. Slowik was the recipient in 2011 of the Smithsonian Secretary’s Distinguished Research Lecture Award, and the remarks during the concerts at the Theatre at Washington, Virginia, are generally a shortened version of the talk which precedes each of the concerts heard in Washington D.C.
www.TheatreWashingtonVA.comBook Talk by Howard Means: 67 Shots – Kent State and the End of American Innocence
Join us on May 4 to hear Howard Means discuss his latest book, 67 Shots – Kent State and the End of American Innocence, on the 46th anniversary of the Kent State Shootings. Using the university’s recently available oral-history collection supplemented by extensive new interviewing, Means tells the story of this iconic American moment through the eyes and memories of those who were there, and skillfully situates it in the context of a tumultuous era.
Admission is Free
Children 12 years and below must be accompanied by an adult
Date & Time:
Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 PM | Doors open at 6:00
“Reflections on Glass”
“Reflections on Glass” is an extraordinary 9-week exhibit of contemporary art glass by 20 outstanding glass artists at The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg, Virginia. The exhibit will include works in all glass media, including blown glass, stained glass, kilnworked glass, flameworked glass, glass sculpture and coldworked glass. “Reflections on Glass will open Thursday, May 5, and run through Sunday, June 26. There will be an Artist’s Reception from 4 – 8pm on Saturday, May 7, and Gallery Talks and Demos on Saturday, June 4, from 1 – 4pm.
The French Horse from Géricault to Picasso: Works from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) will feature an equine-themed exhibition containing artwork from the Virginia Museum of Fine Art’s (VMFA) own collections. More than 40 major paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by artists as varied as Pablo Picasso, Antoine- Louis Barye, Edgar Degas, and Théodore Géricault represent every major movement in French art from Romanticism to Fauvism. The exhibition is free to the public. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 6th from 6:oo-8:oo pm at the NSLM. There will also be a coffee reception and gallery lecture by a VMFA curator for the exhibit on Saturday, May 7th from 10:00-11:30 am at the NSLM. The exhibition is from May 6 to July 31, Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
http://www.nationalsporting.orgA Consideration of Bees
A Consideration of Bees – May 6 – 28, 2016. Reception – Friday May, 6th, 5-8 PM
Robin Braun, Mary Early, Blake Hurt, Matt Lively, Jason McLeod, Richard Knox Robinson, Suzanne Stryk, and Elsabe Dixon with German Perilla are among the artists featured in this group exhibition that explores bees as both a source of delight and inspiration, as well as serving as a platform for understanding more about the bees themselves; how they perform in their colonies, what is presently occurring to jeopardize their existence, and what is being studied on behalf of attempts to save them.
chromaprojects.comImaginings Show at Art First Gallery
On First Friday in Fredericksburg an opening reception will be held for local artist Sheryl Crowell. Best known for her sensitive and subtle manipulation of acrylic paint in images of archetypal women and children, for this show, Sheryl used whimsical and unlikely materials to generate a creative series of “party animals”. The exhibit, along with new works from 24 fellow member artists, is on display from 11 to 5 every day in May.
www.artfirstgallery.comSpring Gallery Walk in Downtown Manassas
Come out and enjoy this FREE biannual event! The merchants of Historic Downtown will be displaying artwork by local, featured artists. Follow the balloons to each destination. This year, we have partnered with the Prince William County Arts Council to bring in even more art! Dancers, singers, visual art, and more will be featured inside and outside in the streets at this year’s event!
http://visitmanassas.org/event/spring-gallery-walk/?instance_id=106402Bluegrass & BBQ Series Featuring Bud’s Collective
Join us for a night of Bluegrass & BBQ with Bud’s Collective!
Bud’s Collective is a powerful group of pickers from the hills of West Virginia. While their music reflects roots firmly planted in Bluegrass tradition, they do not hesitate to add to it in ways all their own. Playing a tasteful mix of front man Buddy Dunlap’s original material and popular hits ranging from Stevie Wonder to Alabama and all points in between, Bud’s Collective has been making waves in the music scene since the inception of the group in 2012.
Date & Time:
Friday, May 6 | Doors open at 7:00 and concert starts at 8:00 PM
Award-winning BBQ from Jordan Springs Market be available for sale from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Ticket Prices & Info:
All Tickets are General Admission
$15 in advance until 3:00 PM on the day of event
$20 at the door
Children: 12 years and below are free when accompanied by an adult
91st Running of the Virginia Gold Cup
One of the nation’s largest steeplechase races celebrates its 91st anniversary this year on Saturday, May 7, 2016. More than 50,000 people will gather at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia to socialize and watch some of the finest horses in the world compete over the lush green course. Held every year on the first Saturday in May (the same day as the Kentucky Derby), the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop.
Race day features six hurdle and timber horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races, tent, tailgate and hat contests, and over 30 vendor booths for shopping.
Montpelier Wine Festival
The best wineries in Central Virginia come to one place for family fun and tastings. Held annually on the grounds of Montpelier, the Festival has arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and children’s entertainment and rides all day. Co-hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website for the full schedule of events at http://www.montpelierwinefestival.com.
http://www.montpelierwinefestival.com.Pamper your Mother at Narmada Winery
Complimentary winetastings for Moms all weekend! Live music Saturday from 3-6pm by Martha Capone and Sunday 2-5pm by Davis Bradley. Food specials happening all weekend and Henna Tattoos on Sunday 2-4pm.
Narmada’s signature wine MOM – an appealing white wine with tropical notes of pineapple and passion fruit – makes a great gift for Mom, Grandmom, Mother-in-Law, and, hey, you’re a Mom too, right? We’re offering 15% savings on each bottle so why not stock up?
We hope to see you all on Mother’s Day!
Happy Hours at Keswick Vineyards
Every Sunday from May through October Keswick Vineyards is host to Yappy Hours! A family oriented event where local animal shelters and societies will bring their dogs in need of homes to play with patrons and other dogs. A portion of sales in the tasting room are donated to the visiting shelter, and guests are always encouraged to bring their own animals. The new dog park makes for a great space to let animals run free and get exercise while you enjoy your Virginia wine and enjoy the country-side views.
http://www.keswickvineyards.com/Events/Winery-Events/Yappy-HoursBeatlemania and the ballet “Cinderella” at Culpeper State Theatre
Beatlemania Now!, the world’s best Beatles cover band. Friday, 8 p.m. http://culpepertheatre.org/event/beatlemania-now/
Manassas Ballet Theatre Performs “Cinderella” Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. http://culpepertheatre.org/event/manassas-ballets-cinderella/
http://culpepertheatre.org/Mozart’s Opera “Cosi fan tutte” by Ash Lawn Opera
The summer season kicks off with Così fan tutte, one of Mozart’s most memorable operas. The witty and heartfelt story begins with a game of love and seduction when two young men decide to test their fiancées’ fidelity, only for both couples to discover the fickleness of attraction. For the first time, Ash Lawn Opera will take its mainstage opera on the road, with a fully-staged performance of Così fan tutte at The Paramount Theater for performances on July 10, 13, and 15. This comedic classic, full of mistaken identities, deceptive servants, jealous lovers, and sublime music, is a production you won’t want to miss.
ashlawnopera.orgEagles, Beetles, and Wild Edibles
Join Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) on a nature walk with Joella and Michael Killian of the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Biological Sciences on Saturday, May 14, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. We meet at the FOR home office and hike FOR’s trails and the canal path. We explore birds, plants, insects and natural edibles along the Rappahannock River. All ages and families are invited. The backup date is the next day. The cost of the event is $5 per individual and $10 for families, or $4 and $8 for FOR members. For more information call (540) 373-3448. Please pre-register at www.riverfriends.org.
www.riverfriends.orgFauquier County Historic Property Research Workshop
In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month and the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Fauquier County Community Development Department and the Architectural Review Board, in partnership with the Warrenton Architectural Review Board, will present the Fauquier County Historic Property Research Workshop on May 14 in the historic Warren Green Hotel.
Michael Spencer, Associate Professor at the University of Mary Washington, will speak about dating building materials and using nondestructive forensic technologies to document historic structures. Professor Spencer’s research has involved such new technologies as infrared thermography (IRT), resistance drilling, and micro-timing.
Wendy Wheatcraft, Fauquier County Preservation Planner, will present different methods of property research and outline the various primary source materials available in Fauquier County.
http://www.fauquiercounty.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/7059/Historic Property Research Workshop
Have you ever wanted learn more about the history of your property? Join us as we celebrate our historic places and National Historic Preservation Month with a public workshop in downtown Warrenton. Learn how to date a historic property using various archival sources. Michael Spencer, Associate Professor at the University of Mary Washington, will speak about dating historic building materials and using nondestructive forensic technologies when documenting structures. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Fauquier County Planning Division at (540) 422-8210 or wendy.wheatcraft@fauquiercounty.gov.
Twilight Polo at Great Meadow
Presented by Greenhill Winery and Vineyards
It’s Saturday night. Looking for affordable fun for everyone? Whether you’re a family of 4, on a hopeful date, looking to wine and dine clients, or just looking for THE place where everyone will be, Twilight Polo is for you.
First, arena polo is super fast and right under your nose. Secondly, everyone watches from an elevated berm that is tree-lined and covered with a lush carpet of grass. Bring a blanket and basket for a personal party, or reserve a railside box for 6. You’ll be arm and arm with friends like you, looking for a hot time on a cool night. Bring the kids! They love the massive tug ‘o war in the arena at half time. Cheer for our mascot, Polo Bear who leads the kids on a 2-lap race around the arena! Plan to stay late. After the feature match, everyone dances in the pavilion to
the DJ.
And throughout each evening Greenhill Winery will be on site with a selections of wines available for your purchase and enjoyment. What could be more perfect? Virginia wine in Virginia horse country while cheering your favorite polo team!
2016 Twilight Polo Themes
May 14 – Military Appreciation Night
May 21 – Red & White Night – Presented by Greenhill Winery & Vineyards
May 28 – College Night (wear your college/university gear with pride!)
June 4 – Spy vs. Spy / James Bond
June 11 – Disney
June 18 – Hawaiian Luau
June 25 – 70’s Disco
July 16 – Pirate Night
July 23 – 80’s
July 30 – Superheroes & Supervillains
August 6 – Preppy in Pink/Ladies Night
August 13 – Cowboy Chili Cook Off
August 20 – Beach Party
August 27 – Fiesta
September 3 – Star Wars
September 10 – Antique Car Night
September 17 – Closing Night!
Photo by Tony Gibson, 22gates.com on behalf of the Great Meadow Foundation
http://www.greatmeadow.org/events/twilight-polo/Bistro Night every Friday at Doukenie Winery
Every Friday night April – end of September @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come out with family and friends to see what all the talk is about and bring your dancing shoes!
Join us at Doukenie Winery for a wonderful evening of live music and foods prepared by one of our many fine food vendors. Listen to music, relax by our glistening pond, and soak in the scenery while sitting outside on our deck, patio or picnic area. Bring your family and friends! See the website for food and music details www.doukeniewinery.com
Legends by Lantern Light
Mosby Heritage Area’s costumed interpreters bring stories of Warrenton’s Civil War experiences alive in the first person in a walk around the Old Town. We’ll also look at the years just after the War when controversy, and John Mosby, moved to town. Learn how our historic landscape can tell us stories.
https://www.facebook.com/events/265716870430732/