Entertainment Calendar: Alexandria, Mount Vernon

Editor’s Note: Be aware that many events could be cancelled as precaution to the spread of COVID-19. Please check before heading to events.

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

Ongoing

Plant Clinic. March 17 to Oct. 27, Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Extension Master Gardeners are staffing a plant clinic every Tuesday evening, beginning March 17 and ending October 27. A plant clinic is a place to get lawn and gardening advice, help in dealing with plant diseases and insect pests, soil test kits, and free flower and vegetable seeds.

“The King’s Shadow.” Now thru April 19. 8 p.m. At The Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. In this season, Shakespeare’s Histories: “The King’s Shadow” runs January 2nd - April 19th, 2020; “Richard the Second” runs January 2 - April 18, 2020; “Henry the Fourth, Part 1” runs January 30 - April 18, 2020; “Henry the Fourth, Part 2” runs February 13 - April 19, 2020; and “Henry the Fifth” runs March 12 - April 19, 2020. These plays follow the troubled passing of the English crown from the philosopher King Richard II, to the conqueror King Henry IV, to his rogue son, Prince Hal. With his father’s deeds looming over him, Hal indulges in a reckless adolescence that tarnishes his reputation. But when the time comes to rule, Hal must take control of how history will remember him, unite his country, and become the legendary King Henry V. Tickets are $35. Contact boxoffice@bravespiritstheatre.com or www.bravespiritstheatre.com.

Life Drawing Sessions. Now thru Dec. 9. At Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Looking for a chance to hone your figure drawing skills? Del Ray Artisans offers a range of open life drawing sessions for just this purpose. Just drop in for the session and bring your supplies to draw or paint the live models. Fee ranges from $8-$12. All skill levels are welcome. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/life-drawing

Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit. March 6-29. Opening reception Friday, March 6 from 7-9 p.m. At Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Have you ever looked at a piece of art and your imagination immediately starts to wander? Narrative art tells a story, either as a moment in an ongoing story or as a sequence of events unfolding over time. A picture is worth a thousand words; Tell Me a Story will take you on an imaginative journey. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 12-6 p.m., Fridays 12-9 p.m., Saturdays 12-9 p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Visit www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.

Student Art Exhibit. Now thru March 28. At the Gallery at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. The Alexandria All City High School Art Exhibition hosted by the Convergence Arts Initiative returns Feb. 7 – March 28 for its fifth year. 2020’s experience will feature 90 Alexandria high school students representing six high schools including public, private, and independent spanning over 10 different mediums of art. Returning for 2020’s collaborative event are students from Bishop Ireton, Episcopal High School, T.C. Williams, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, Commonwealth Academy, and The Howard Gardner School. Artists Reception: Friday, Feb. 21 from 7 – 9 p.m.

Beginning March 1

Water Taxi to the Wharf. Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria. Monday through Sunday, beginning March 1. Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to stroll among the cherry blossoms and take part in events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, including the Blossom Kite Festival. Potomac Riverboat Company by Hornblower offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station. Departures beginning at 6:40 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends; Admission: starting at $13 one-way; $21 round-trip for adults.Call 888-809-7109; Visit potomacriverboatco.com

Now thru March 23

“Head Over Heels.” 8 p.m. At Ainslie Arts Center | 3900 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. “Head Over Heels” is a celebration of love set to the music of the Go-Go's. Based on Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia, the royal family risks losing their "beat” and must journey to discover the key to their realm’s survival. Like in most musicals, it may have been in them the whole time. With hits like, "We Got The Beat," "Mad About You," "Vacation," and "Our Lips are Sealed," you'll be dancing along in your seat. Tickets $30/$40. For tickets, visit https://www.monumentaltheatre.org/shows-events

Now thru April 5

March Flora/Fauna Exhibition. At The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Meet the artists and art patrons at the opening reception March 12 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The Art League is ushering in Spring with two nature-themed exhibits guaranteed to delight the senses and inspire creative fun. March Flora/Fauna features artwork from members that explores plant and animal life, and the delicate balance of the natural world. They are thrilled to be partnering with The Enchanted Florist, who will be creating floral arrangements to compliment the exhibit and fill the gallery with a hint of spring. The arrangements will be available for sale, with 10 percent of the proceeds going to support Outreach programming. Outside the Lines is a dynamic, interactive exhibit created by illustrator and Art League instructor Chris Bonnell. For it, he reimagines popular D.C. and Alexandria landmarks taken over by lush plants and fantastical animals. Visit the website:

https://www.theartleague.org/blog/2020/01/16/march-flora-fauna-exhibit/

March 13 to 31

March150 Special Exhibition and Art Sale. At Target Gallery, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Sneak Peek: Friday, March 13 – Saturday, March 14 until 5 p.m. Opening & Art Party: Saturday, March 14; 7 – 10 p.m. with VIP access beginning at 6 p.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center’s annual exhibition and art sale, March150, returns to Target Gallery for the 10th year. Proceeds benefit future exhibitions and programs at Target Gallery and the Art Center. All work in the exhibition is created on gallery-supplied 10” x 10” panels and is priced at $150. About 200 original works are created by artists of every ability from the greater metropolitan area. Professional, emerging and amateur artists participate with artworks featuring a diversity of topics and media, including painting, photography, etching, mixed-media, fiber and more.

March 14 to April 19

”Henry the Fifth.” Presented by Brave Spirits Theatre at the Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. The final chapter of The King’s Shadow is about to begin. “Henry the Fifth” completes the first season in Brave Spirits Theatre’s two-year project to stage Shakespeare’s eight history plays about the Wars of the Roses. Tickets are $35. Visit www.bravespiritstheatre.com

Thursday/March 19

Celebrate Living Legends. 6:30 p.m. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Meet and congratulate this year's newest Living Legends of Alexandria: Carol and Ryan Bailey, Frank Fannon, Magaly and Tom Hirst, Rosa Landeros, McArthur Myers, Virginia and Richard Obranovich, Bill Reagan, Donald Simpson Jr., Lindsey Swanson and Katey Halasz. Tickets $65. RSVP at https://alexandrialegends.org/

Friday/March 20

Art on the Vine. 7 to 10 p.m. At The Art League Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. The Art League’s acclaimed local sommelier curates an artistic wine-tasting experience inspired by the art in The Art League’s gallery. Enjoy the party and discounts on wine and artwork that night. Admission: $45. Call 703-683-2323 or visit the website: theartleague.org

March 20 to April 4

”By the Seashore.” Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 10 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. At the Convergence Main Building, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. “By the Seashore” takes us on a magical journey to a place children love to visit -- the beach! Young audience members are invited to explore all the amazing things we find on the shore, in the ocean, and in the sky; from birds and fish, to sand and water, and everything in-between. Using an imaginative mix of puppetry, movement, and sound, this sensory-filled production is specifically designed for babies and young toddlers. Tickets are $8. Discounts for groups and active duty military families are available. Purchase tickets here: http://www.artsonthehorizon.org/by-the-seashore-2020 or call 571-549-1270.

March 20 to April 12

Cherry Blossom Rides with Pedego Electric Bikes. Departs 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. At Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria. Pedego Electric Bikes will offer two to three-hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms, including riding through East Potomac Park. Pedego bikes offer an up-close-and-personal view of the blossoms, without the exertion of regular bikes or the stress of traffic and parking. Helmets and bike locks are included. Credit card and ID are required for rentals. Arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Contact Pedego Alexandria to reserve a private group tour. Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders). Call 571-312-5168 or visit the website: pedegoalexandria.com

Beginning March 21

Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms. Saturdays and Sundays, departing at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria. Admission: starting at $18 one-way; $32 round-trip for adults. Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Washington Monuments Cruise from Potomac Riverboat Company by Hornblower. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past Hains Point and head onward to Georgetown. Call 888-809-7109 or visit the website: potomacriverboatco.com

Saturday/March 21

Scholarship Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At The Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria. Sponsored by NOVA Section, NCNW, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Tickets: $60.00. Visit www.novancnw.org or contact Sharon Goode at 703-399-1112.

Women’s History Bike Ride. 1 to 3:30 p.m. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria. Celebrate Women's History Month by riding to sites associated with women's suffrage and Alexandrian women who served in government. This family-friendly ride is organized by Alexandria's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Alexandria Celebrates Women and the Alexandria Spokeswomen. Costumes from 1920 are encouraged as are decorations in the colors of the women's suffrage movement: purple, gold and white. Details and registration at bit.ly/ALXwomenshistory. Admission: Free

Country-Western Dance. 6-9:30 p.m. At Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria. The Northern Virginia Country-Western Dance Association will hold a benefit dance. There will be a potluck dinner (please bring a dish to share) and no lessons. A DJ provides music. Couples and singles of all ages welcome. Admission $20 per person. No free passes. Net proceeds from the dance go to our annual benefit. Smoke-free, alcohol-free. BYO refreshments. Fundraiser raffles. For more details see www.nvcwda.org .

MVUC Silent Auction. 6:30-8:30 p.m. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Auction items include artwork, theatre tickets and weekend getaways. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Dress in your favorite ‘20s attire. Free entry.

A Tour of Italy. 7:30-10:30 p.m. At George Washington Masonic Memorial Theatre, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. With its rich history of operas, overtures, and

symphonies, perhaps no country is better known for its classical music than Italy. For the eighth annual Gala Concert and Silent Auction, SONOVA takes you on a Tour of Italy. Maestro Dokken will be joined by Italian Guest Conductor Matteo Parmegianni to lead both the Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia Chorale. Visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4328185 to buy tickets. Refreshments are included in the price of tickets. Cost is $45 for Adults, $40 for children and seniors.

Sunday/March 22

Concerts at St. Luke's. 5 p.m. At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria. The concert series presents Seven Mile Walk, a contemporary Christian ensemble, featuring original songs by Andreas Barrett, Director of Contemporary Music at Aldersgate UMC and John Jackson. An exciting up-tempo toe tappers, transparent ballads, and songs that find their roots in the musical language of the Shenandoah Valley. A reception will follow. Cost: $20 Adult; $15 Senior; free to students 18 and under. Visit the website: www.saintlukeschurch.net/events

Thursday/March 26

Key Success Factors For Sales & Business. 12-1:30 p.m. At Intelligent Office of Alexandria, 2800 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 220, Alexandria. Steve Smith, owner of a Fairfax Sandler Training Center, will discuss key factors for achieving success in sales and business. Topics will include the Success Triangle of Behaviors, Attitude and Techniques, the Sandler Selling System, and the interaction of buyers and sellers. Cost is $20. Call 703-224-8800.

March 26 - May 3

Paintings by Michael Spears. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St, Alexandria.

Visual Music: Paintings by Michael Spears featuring his latest works inspired by the influence of religion on R&B of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Michael asks: Does the prodigious infusion of R&B into current wide-reaching marketing strategies (TV/radio commercials) suggest more than is immediately apparent? Michael believes that the mesmerizing rhythms and melodies, marvels in their own right, are intertwined with lyrics that satisfy the universal appeal of hope and a better tomorrow. The opening reception is Sunday, March 29 from 4 - 6 p.m.​

Friday/March 27

Mt. Vernon Swing Band. 7:30-9:30 p.m. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Live music and dancing presented by the Hollin Hall Senior Center Advisory Council. Cost is $4 at door. Open to the community.

Saturday/March 28

Cherry Blossom Jubilee. 12-5 p.m. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Every year, the region shakes off winter with the arrival of the world-famous pink and white cherry blossoms. The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts an Alexandria satellite celebration for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Join the fun with a lively afternoon of hands-on activities, performances and inspired works of art to shop and explore from all three floors. Call 703-746-4590 or visit the website: torpedofactory.org

Past Lives Workshop. 1-2:30 p.m. At Sacred Circle Books, 919 King Street, Alexandria. Ever wonder if you have lived before? You are invited to experience an engaging and highly participatory workshop that explains the need for many lifetimes in Soul’s evolutionary journey and offers take-home techniques for recalling your past lives. This workshop is sponsored by Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom. Open to the public, free of charge. Call 703-916-0515 or visit www.eck-va.org/local-events/ and select Northern Virginia on the left.

Sunday/March 29

Martin Smith Forum. 10-11 a.m. At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria. Series with the Rev. Martin Smith, renowned spiritual writer and teacher.  In this series, Hope: Heart of the Gospel, Gift of the Spirit, they will explore the core gift of the Spirit that deserves at least as much attention as Faith and Love—even more in these times of anxiety about our future. All are welcome. Free. Visit the website www.stpaulsalexandria.com

Marine Chamber Orchestra: Groundbreakers. 2 p.m. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria.

March 30-May 3

Celebrating Diversity. At Scope Gallery, 105 North Union Street, Ground Floor, Studio 19 of the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria. Scope will be joining in this year’s BunnyFest at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a celebration of bunnies, displaying rabbit-ware and bunny sculptural pieces. The April 11 event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., highlights the artistry of long-eared friends and includes live demonstrations, hands-on activities and visiting rabbits from Friends of Rabbits Rescue. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 are late-night closings of 9 p.m. Call Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288, visit www.scopegallery.org.

Saturday/April 18

32nd Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hosted by the Alice Ferguson Foundation, 2001 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek. The Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup has become a catalyst for progress that ignites people’s interest and passion for the environment and community action. The largest regional event of its kind, the Cleanup provides a transforming experience that engages residents and community leaders and generates momentum for change.The Potomac River Watershed Cleanup has grown from a small shoreline cleanup at Piscataway National Park to a watershed wide network. What started as a few cleanup events along the Potomac River is now a regional event spanning Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. If you can't make this date or location check out PotomacCleanup.org to find another cleanup near you.

Friday/June 12

ASO Presents: Brandenburgs & Brew. 7:30-9:30 p.m. At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria. Under the direction of Music Director James Ross, members of the Alexandria Symphony present Brandenburg Concertos No. 3

and 6, Handel’s Entrance of the Queen of Sheba and Alexander’s Feast. Cost is $40/adults; $5/youth. Visit the website: www.alexsym.org

Classes & Workshops

Community Dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Live music. $4. Call 703-765-4573.

Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers a range of open life drawing sessions for anyone to develop life-drawing skills further. Drop-in for the session and bring supplies to draw or paint live models. Fee ranges from $8-$12. All skill levels are welcome. Del Ray Artisans is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for a schedule.

The Harmony Heritage Singers (Mount Vernon Chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society), a daytime, a cappella, Chorus, rehearses on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, monthly, at Sherwood Hall Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomers welcome for fun or to book for a performance. visit www.HHSingers.org, or call Bruce at 703-352-5271.

More Ongoing

Post-Grad Residency Program. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria. For the fifth year, the Torpedo Factory Art Center welcomes four emerging artists to participate in the Post-Grad Residency Program: J Houston, Michaela Japec, Nava Levenson, and Kim Sandara. The jurors were Nicole Dowd, program director at Halcyon Arts Lab, and Leslie Holt, artist and co-director of Red Dirt Studio. This competitive juried program provides three months of exclusive access to a studio in the Art Center. Therein, artists can create and sell work, interact with the public, and connect with other arts professionals. The residency is unique for addressing the critical post-graduation juncture in an emerging artist’s career, offering an opportunity for professional development, networking, and a chance to define their practice outside of the academic context. The program culminates in a group exhibition in Target Gallery, the Torpedo Factory’s contemporary exhibition space, Nov. 8-Dec. 8.

Revolutionary War Medals. Through March 2020 at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mt. Vernon. Now on view in Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds Education Center is an exhibition featuring 30 rare medals from the American Revolution and the early republic. War and Peace in Miniature: Medals from the American Numismatic Society is an unparalleled collection that highlights the remarkable heroes and events from the Revolutionary War and the new nation’s diplomatic endeavors. Visit mountvernon.org/warandpeace.

Tours of the Freedom House Museum. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. at Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke St. The Freedom House Museum was once the headquarters and holding pen for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States, Franklin and Armfield. The building is currently owned by the Northern Virginia Urban League and together with the Office of Historic Alexandria. Visit the museum in this historic reminder of slavery. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Museums for more.

“Alexandrians Fight the Great War.” Various times at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 South Washington St. This new exhibition traces the experiences of local people during the first World War. The homes, hospitals, factories and shipyards of wartime Alexandria come back to life through the use of rare images, archival and modern-day video clips, quotes from participants, original objects including weapons, period music, and scale models. Call 703-746-4994 or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.

“Before the Spirits are Swept Away.” Various times at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. This exhibition, featuring 20 of Sherry Sanabria’s African American historic site paintings, is made possible by the Sanabria family, who generously donated 23 of her paintings to the Alexandria Black History Museum. These paintings are part of Sanabria’s “Sites of Conscience” series, which has as its focus African American heritage, prisons, concentration camps, and mental hospitals. Free, but donations are appreciated. Call 703-746-4356.

Mercy in Alexandria Walking Tour. Sundays at 1:30 p.m. at Alexandria visitors Center, 221 King St. Experience an inside access tour of 19th century Alexandria. Inspired by the PBS mini-series "Mercy Street," accompany a trained military historian through Civil War-era Alexandria and learn the actual history behind the TV show. Short tours are $15, private tours for five are $149. visit www.dcmilitarytour.com for more

The Lyceum: 175 Years of Local History. Ongoing, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. On view in the museum’s Coldsmith Gallery, the historical objects and images featured represent The Lyceum, the community at work, and commemorations and celebrations. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are invited to “be the curator” and think about why the various artifacts are in the museum’s collection, and about how tangible representatives of the past help tell the story of Alexandria’s history. Free. visit www.alexandriahistory.org for more.

Pick-Up Hockey. Ongoing, Wednesdays and Fridays 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mount Vernon Ice Skating, 2017 Belle View Blvd. Play hockey with other hockey buffs, hitting slap shots and learning puck handling skills that the pros use. Players must have full equipment. 16 and older. visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mtvernon/ or call 703-768-3224 for more.

Medical Care for the Civil War Soldier Exhibit. Ongoing at the Fort Ward museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. ongoing exhibit which features original medical instruments and equipment from the Civil War period and information on Union Army hospital sites in Alexandria. Free. visit www.alexandriava.gov/fortward for more

Alexandria’s Nurses and Hospitals During the Civil War. Ongoing at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. An exhibit on the life of Clarissa Jones, a nurse at The Lyceum hospital during the Civil War. The true story of a nurse in Alexandria during the war, drawing parallels with characters portrayed in the PBS drama “Mercy Street,” with references to the experiences of other nurses, such as Anne Reading, who worked in the Mansion House hospital, and Jane Woolsey, who served at the Fairfax Seminary hospital. Admission is $2. visit www.alexandriava.gov/lyceum for more.

Shield of Earth: Defending the Heart of the Union exhibit. Ongoing, museum hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Sundays, noon-5 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road. Highlights of the exhibition include military passes issued by Provost Marshal’s Office, construction tools, and original photographs of some of Washington’s defenders. 703-746-4848 or www.fortward.org.

Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital exhibit. Ongoing, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays, noon-4 p.m. at the Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. Come see the site that inspired “Mercy Street,” the new PBS’ series inspired by real events that took place at Carlyle House. www.carlylehouse.org or call 703-549-2997

Color Disorder Exhibit. Ongoing, Thursday through Sunday, noon-4 p.m., Sundays, noon-4 p.m. at the The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. A joint exhibition of artists Katie Baines and Amy Chan who use diverse painting materials such as acrylic, gouache, airbrush and screen print to build energized abstract paintings. Visit www.nfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Flamenco Show. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at La Tasca, 607 King St. Watch dancers and guitarists perform traditional flamenco. Free to attend. Call 703-299-9810 or visit www.latascausa.com.

French Movie Night. Every Thursday, 7 p.m. in the back room of Fontaine Caffe and Creperie, 119 S. Royal St. View a French film. Free, no reservation necessary. Call 703-535-8151 or visit www.fontainecaffe.com/reviews.html.

Their Fates Intertwined: The Lees of Alexandria in the War of 1812. Wednesday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Lee-Fendall House and Gardens, 614 Oronoco St. A new exhibit on the experiences of the Lee family in Alexandria during the War of 1812 examines the contributions of Alexandria’s citizens during the conflict that led to the writing of our national anthem through the lives of this iconic Virginia family. visit www.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789.

Alexandria Cars and Coffee invites car enthusiasts to meet for coffee at Hollin Hall Shopping Center in front of Roseina’s, 1307 Shenandoah Road. Owners of classic cars, hot rods, exotic cars, motorcycles and more meet to share car stories and drink coffee. Group meets the first Sunday of every month. 8:30-11 a.m.

Fifty Years of Collecting. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 12-5 p.m. Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. An anniversary exhibit of objects from the Fort Ward collection. Free. visit www.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.

Dinner for the Washingtons. 11 a.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. A walking tour that goes behind the scenes to find out how food was prepared and served before the era of microwaves and TV dinners. $7 in addition to estate admission. visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Evenings at the Athenaeum. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. 7 p.m. Second Thursday of every month. visit nvfaa.org to view concert calendar and listen to upcoming Second Thursday Music artists. Visit www.nfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

The Monday Morning Birdwalk takes place weekly, rain or shine (except during electrical storms, strong winds, or icy trails), at 7 a.m. (8 a.m. November through March), is free, requires no reservation and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking lot at the park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Direct questions to park staff during normal business hours at 703-768-2525.

Civil War Sundays. 1-5 p.m. at Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union St., #327. Learn more about the Civil War as it occurred in Alexandria. Find dioramas, newspaper articles and more Free. visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

Wake Up Wednesdays featuring The Pop Up Cafe. 7-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday's near the King Street Tunnel - Carlyle Entrance located near 2000 Duke St. near Motley Fool. The cafe will feature coffee, live music to help commuters start the day off right and donuts from Sugar Shack. Email maurisapotts@gmail.com.