E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.

Wednesdays

Summer Rehearsals. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 6, 13. Potomac Harmony Chorus will host a series of open rehearsals at The Hermitage Auditorium, 5000 Fairbanks Avenue, Alexandria. Each week through May and June, women (13 years and up) are invited to join the chorus on the risers to learn how to sing four-part a cappella, barbershop harmony style. Call 703-764-3896 or email chorus@potomacharmony.org or www.PotomacHarmony.org.

Thursday/May 31

“Tea” Talk. 10:15 a.m. Experience the world through Tea with your guide, Lee Maguire. Join tea aficionado and Hollin Hall Senior Center Assistant Lee as he leads this four-part series about the world’s second cheapest drink. Learn about the history of tea, its role in society, and how it has even changed history. Participate in blind tea tastings and help decide what tea best captures the essence of Hollin Hall Senior Center. At 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.

"Then, Life Gave Me Lemons." 6 to 8 p.m. A night of shopping, sushi, sweets and more! At Lou Lou Boutique of Old Town, 132 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-299-9505. To RSPV, go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3582636763

May 31, June 1-2

West Potomac Spring Show. 7 p.m. "Now & Then, 50 Years of Hits, 1962-2012." Presented by the West Potomac High School choral groups. Produced by Ernest Johnson and Gennifer DeFillipo, choreographer. At Springbank Auditorium at West Potomac High School. Tickets are $10/advance; $12/door. Online tickets are available at www.westpotomacchoirs.org.

Friday/June 1

Dr. John in Concert. 7:30 p.m. At The Birchmere. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www. Birchmere.com.

Contribute to Time Capsule. Youth up to age 18 are invited to submit an essay or art work representing the present day library. Submit on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Entries should be submitted at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Entries will be placed in the time capsule to be opened in 50 years. Deadline to enter is June 1. Call 703-768-9840.

Saturday/June 2

20th Annual Alexandria Armenian Festival. 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy eating freshly barbequed kebabs and delicious Armenian foods, watching the Arax Armenian Dance Ensemble in colorful costumes, hearing talented folk singers Vivian Chakarian, Emma Soghomonian and Edita Kalayjian, hearing acclaimed clarinetist Mihran, and seeing cultural exhibits and videos -- and much more -- at the 20th Annual Alexandria Armenian Festival. Co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee and the Knights of Vartan. At Market Square in Old Town, 301 King Street in front of City Hall. Visit www.armenianfestivals.com.

Mosaic Harmony. 7 p.m. Tickets are $25/advance; $30/door. A Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. An interfaith, multicultural community choir that draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to lift the spirits. At Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at http://mosaicharmony.org/tickets.php. contact promotions@mosaicharmony.org or call 301-717-1221.

Buy, Sell, Trade Event. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Aunt E's Closet. Come buy, sell, trade jewelry, cosmetics, crocheted items, electronics, games, clothing, books, household items, etc. At Meade Episcopal Church, 322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria. Call Dana Dishman at 571-447-8317.

"We're Still Here: Celebrating an African American Community at Fort Ward." 1 to 4 p.m. Free. A commemorative program recognizing the post-Civil War African American community known as "The Fort" at Fort Ward. Program held on the front lawn of Fort Ward Museum, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave site of Clara Adams, a matriarch of the community who was born on June 2, 1865. The program continues in the Park amphitheatre where public remarks will include an overview of the history of “The Fort” families, remembrances of and reflections on daily life in the area by individuals who lived on the site or whose ancestors resided there, and a performance by the Oakland Baptist Church Choir. Fort Ward Park is at 4301 West Braddock Road.

Volunteer Training. Curious about early American medicine and health? Then consider volunteering as a tour guide at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary in historic Old Town Alexandria. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, at 105-107 South Fairfax Street, is hosting a new volunteer training June 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This three-hour class includes a tour and the basics of giving museum tours. Pre-registration is required. Volunteers can complete an application online through www.apothecarymuseum.org or email Michele.longo@alexandriava.gov. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703-746-3852.

An Introduction to the 532Yoga Teacher Training Program with Suzanne Leitner-Wise. 3-5 p.m. $20 if pre-registered. Visit www.532Yoga.com suzanne@532Yoga.com. Call 703-209-0049. At 532Yoga, 532 N. Washington St., Suite 100, Alexandria.

Sunday/June 3

Core and More! 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Work hard and feel GREAT at this Yoga/Pilates workshop. No experience necessary. $35 if pre-registered. Visit www.532Yoga.com suzanne@532Yoga.com. Call 703-209-0049. At 532Yoga, 532 N. Washington St., Suite 100, Alexandria.

Come Fly, Drive, Float or Spectate. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your RC Planes, RC Helicopters, RC Trucks, RC Cars, Free Flight Planes, Control Line Planes, RC Boats and more. At West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. Contact engineering teacher Joseph Franco at jfranco@fcps.edu or visit www.westpotomacengineeringstore.com.

KIN: Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50. With special guest Steuart Smith. At The Birchmere. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www. Birchmere.com.

I've Got Rhythm… I've Got Music. 4 p.m. The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble performs at the Memorial Theater, George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Visit www.vabronze.org www.vabronze.org or call 1-888-824-2541.

Tuesday/June 5

Author Talk. 7 p.m. Author Barb Winters will talk about her book Letters to Virginia: Correspondence from three generations of Alexandrians from before, during and after the Civil. Stories of the Eaches, Fendalls and Tacketts. At Patrick Henry Library. Call 703-938-0405.

“What the Heck is a Sesquicentennial?” 6 to 8 p.m. Morrison House presents author William S. Connery who will discuss the details of his book on the Civil War Sesquincentennial. At Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.morrisonhouse.com or call 703-838-8000.

Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $10. With the band, Bluejazz 2012. At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.

Wednesday/June 6

"The Maltese Falcon." 7 p.m. Free. Part of the monthly Film Noir Series at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. After the movie, viewers are invited to discuss the film at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub at 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746 -1705

DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.

"A Hero's Welcome: A Story of Friendship, Gratitude and Remembrance." 7 to 9 p.m. The film explores the impact of D-Day, 60 years later, on the Franco-American relationship through interviews with veterans, French citizens and American visitors to Normandy. Presented by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. At The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria.

Friday/June 8

Musician Jonathan Coulton. 7:30 p.m. With Justin Townes Earle. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www. Birchmere.com.

Valentina Lisitsa, Pianist. 7:30 p.m. Free; unreserved seating. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit www.wpc-alex.org.

Saturday/June 9

Field Orientation. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Required of all volunteers interested in excavating. Must be at least 16 years old. Free, but reservations required.

Archaeology@alexandriava.gov.

70th Anniversary Homecoming and Ice Cream Social. 4:30 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy ice cream for dessert. And bring any old photos or albums that you can share. At Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool, 7719 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Email tauxemontcoop@gmail.com or www.tauxemont.org

Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Keynote speaker is ex-Gov. Tim Kaine, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. Also honored will be Vice Mayor Kerry Donley and City Councilman Rob Krupicka, who are leaving the City Council this year. Tickets are $125. At the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria.

Wine Tasting Event. While sipping a variety of wines and tasting an array of cheeses and charcuterie, you can walk around the boat-building workshop sponsored by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. Tickets are $45; $55 after June 1. Sponsored by Grape + Bean of Alexandria. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/243578 or phone 1-800-838-3006.

Monday/June 11

Author Talk by Lyle Smythers. 7:30 p.m. Author of Feasting with Panthers. At Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria. Call 703-746-1705 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Kinky Friedman. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. At the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Tuesday/June 12

Start, Manage, Grow Your Business. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Free. At The Mary G. Gates Learning Center/United Way Worldwide, 701 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria. Registration required. Call Pat Melton, 703-778-1292 or through www.alexandriasbdc.org.

Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $10. Featuring King Teddy. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria.

Wednesday/June 13

DJ Dance Party. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. With DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick's Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St., Alexandria.

Paul Thorn. 7:30 p.m. With Jamie McLean. Tickets are $25. Will perform the new release, titled What the Hell Is Goin’ On? At The Birchmere. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. At The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www. Birchmere.com.

Jamie McLean Band. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Will be playing "Live at Gibson" CD Release. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Thursday/June 14

Tony Denikos. 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Part of Second Thursday Concerts at the Athenaeum. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035. Visit nvfaa.org.

Friday/June 15

Pat McGee Trio. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $55 ticket includes all food and concert admission. At Jackson 20 Restaurant, 480 King St., Alexandria. Tickets are still available via CityEats at http://www.cityeats.com/dc/restaurant_offers. Visit www.jackson20.com or call 703-842-2790.

Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $4/door. All are welcome. Owen Hammett will conduct the live band. Light refreshments will be provided by Spring Hills at Mount Vernon. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.

June 15 and 16

Vince Gill. 7:30 p.m. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Fest Too. A DIY music and arts festival with 30 bands and artists. Tickets are $8/Friday; $10/Saturday. Hours are June 15 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; June 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. At The Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visit festtoo.tumblr.com.

Saturday/June 16

Java Jolt: Civil War Northern Virginia 1861. 10 a.m. Lecture and book signing with William Connery, with light refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology. Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327. Free, but reservations required. Archaeology@alexandriava.gov.

Gum Springs Community Day. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Featuring music, food, demonstrations, children’s activities and other informational activities along with a vendor fair. The swimming pool will be open from noon to 7 p.m. At Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park, 8115 Fordson Road, Gum Springs. Visit www.newgumspringscivicassociation.com.

Marine Chamber Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Call 703-845-6156 or www.schlesingercenter.com

CASA Info Session. 11 a.m. to noon. Fairfax CASA trains volunteers to advocate for a child’s best interests in Court. Meeting at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For reservations or information, contact Elisa Kosarin, Associate Director – Recruitment and Training, at 703-273-3526, ext. 22, ekosarin@casafairfax.org, or visit www.fairfaxcasa.org.

Juneteenth Celebration. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Music, entertainment, vendors, food. A history of Juneteenth and Multicultural Health Fair. At Jefferson-Houston Elementary School, 1501 Cameron St., Alexandria. Call Randy Stephens at 703-501-3431.

Tuesday/June 19

UCM Fundraiser. 5:30 to 10 p.m. When you eat at Teaism, 15 percent of the sale from your meal will be donated to United Community Ministries (UCM). At Teaism in Old Town Alexandria, 682 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria. Call 703-684-7777.

"All the King's Women." 7 p.m. Cost is $30. Wine and cheese reception in the Green Room and a benefit performance. Silent auction. Enjoy a night at the theatre and help support Carlyle House Historic Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, or by calling 703-549-2997. Visit www.nvrpa.org.

Mt. Vernon Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. Free. Constance Potter will give the presentation, World War I Graves Registration and Gold Star Mothers. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call Phyllis Kelley at 703-660-6969 or publicity@mvgenealogy.org

June 22 to July 8

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Presented by Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT). Show times are Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. (June 22, 23, 29, 30, and July 6 and July 7); Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. (June 24, and July 1 and July 8). Online Tickets $17/adults; $14/youth/senior; Box Office Tickets $18/adults; $15/youth/senior. At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Rd., Alexandria. . Visit www.acctonline.org or call 703-660-2611.

June 22 to 23

SkateFest / Sk8 For a Cause. A fundraiser for the Children's Hospital National Medical Center. After completing the Sk8 For a Cause 4-checkpoint course through Wakefield Skate Park, skateboarders, their families and friends enjoy a day of skateboard competitions, vendors, food, demos, auctions, music and more. Visit www.skatefestfairfax.com

Saturday/June 23

Oral History Volunteers Sought. 10 a.m. to noon. Alexandria Legacies, the City's Oral History Program collects personal oral histories of long-time residents. Interviewer and transcriber volunteers are needed to assist in the collection process. Meets at the Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., Third Floor, Alexandria. Call 703-746-4399. RSVP to: jen_hembree@hotmail.com by June 15th to reserve your seat.

Sonny Landreth. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Featuring songs from his 11th album, Elemental Journey. At The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Ballet Auditions. 12 noon. Gifted and Talented Auditions at the Alexandria Ballet: Auditions will take place for placement in levels I and II, for ages 9-14, for ballet classes starting in Fall 2012. Two full scholarships are available, one for a girl student and one for a boy student. Auditions are at the Forever Dancing Studio, 5818 B Seminary Road, Bailey's Crossroads. Call 703-379-8997.

Alexandria Food and Wine Festival. Noon to 5 p.m. At John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, in Old Town Alexandria. This is a free event to attend; however tickets are needed to sample food and beverages. Each booklet is comprised of a total of 25 taste tickets at the price of $20. Each food item costs between 1 to 5 tickets. Participating Restaurants and wineries includes: Restaurants--The Chart House, Delia’s, San Antonio Bar and Grill, Walker’s Grille, Clydes at Mark Center, Rita’s, Indigo Landing, La Tasca, and Jamieson Grille; Wineries—Mattaponi Winery, Unicorn Winery, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Glass House Winery, DelFosse Vineyard and Winery and Cedar Creek Winery. Call 703-624-0245 or visit www.alexandriafoodandwine.com.

Del Ray Music Festival. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A wide variety of music, including: jazz, blues, folk, country, Latin, reggae, and rock. Also food and games. To be held on the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. Del Ray Music Week will be taking place from June 18-22, will host over 30 local musicians and bands as they perform along “The Avenue” at local Del Ray businesses from 5 to 10 p.m. Visit www.delraymusicfestival.com.

Tuesday/June 26

Hands on History Tent. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come build your own model sailboat and race it against others. Other activities include designing a flag, writing with a quill pen and trying on colonial clothes. The event is free, sailboat craft $5, and designed for children ages 3-12. At Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or e-mail: carlyle@nvrpa.org.

Friday/June 29

Serenade! Festival. 7:30 p.m. "Opening Celebration" with a welcome address by Alexandria's Mayor W. D. Euille. Take a trip around the world with this opening festival concert that will feature exciting and unique performances presented by choirs from Canada (Countermeasure and CantarÈ Children's Choir), Colombia (Verata e Liberi), Australia (Young Adelaide Voices) and the USA (Boston City Singers). At St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 South Pitt Street, Old Town Alexandria.

Serenade Festival. 12 noon. Free. Lunch time treat at Alexandria's Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria.

Saturday/June 30

Serenade Festival's "African Evening." 6 p.m. Free. In partnership with Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Classical Movements will present two exhilarating choirs from Africa (Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society and Voices of Namibia). At Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred Street, Alexandria.

How to Get To Wonderful. 5:15-6:45 p.m. Ronna Webb, Reiki Master, leads this 90-minute class on creating the life you want. Learn to use your intuition and attract health, success and peace of mind. Cost is $47. At Alexandria Massage Therapy 1217 Prince St., Alexandria; 703-548-0310.

Sunday/July 1

Serenade Festival. 11 a.m. The Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society will join the 11 a.m. Sunday service with the Alfred Street Baptist Church choirs. At Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred Street, Alexandria.

American Doll Tea. 1 p.m. Cost is $15/person. Guests will enjoy a menu of finger sandwiches, scones, lemon tea bread, and an assortment of desserts all while sipping a special blend of spring teas from Tea & Spice Exchange of Alexandria. At Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or e-mail carlyle@nvrpa.org.

Thursday/July 5

Chris Robinson Brotherhood. 7:30 p.m. Will perform from their new album, Big Moon Ritual. At the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Wednesday/July 11

Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity." 7 p.m. Free. Part of the monthly Film Noir Series at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. After the movie, viewers are invited to discuss the film at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub at 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746 -1705

Used Book Sale. 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For children and teens. Hardbacks: $1; paperbacks, .50 cents with discounts for books bought by kids. Sale will be held at the Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Contact 703-746-1702 or www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Aug. 1

"The Postman Always Rings Twice" with Lana Turner and John Garfield. 7 p.m. Free. Part of the monthly Film Noir Series at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. After the movie, viewers are invited to discuss the film at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub at 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746 -1705.

Sept. 5

"Out of the Past," starring Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, and Jane Greer. 7 p.m. Free. Part of the monthly Film Noir Series at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., in Del Ray. After the movie, viewers are invited to discuss the film at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub at 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746 -1705.

Open Through September 2013 – Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria Exhibition

Open daily at The Lyceum, “Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria” examines life in an American town seized and held by its own Federal government, following Virginia’s decision to secede from the Union in May 1861. See how Robert E. Lee’s hometown of Alexandria was transformed literally overnight from a bustling commercial port into a supply, hospital, and transportation center for the Union Army, and find out why Alexandria became a destination for African Americans seeking freedom. The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street) is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Open Through 2012– The Marshall House Incident Exhibition

This exhibit at Fort Ward features objects from the museum collection, like a star from the flag that had flown over Marshall House, and loan items from the Mary Custis Lee Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, to tell the notable story about the event that launched the Civil War in Alexandria. Fort Ward Museum (4301 West Braddock Road) is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.