Events

Rosslyn Jazz Fest Returns Saturday, Prompting Street Closures

By Vernon Miles

The Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns tomorrow (Satuday).

The annual festival, expected to bring in over 10,000 people to Arlington’s Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway), will run from 1-7 p.m.

The festival will feature jazz music from artists like Cory Henry and The Funk Apostles, Orquesta Akokan, True Loves, and Aztec Sun. The Rosslyn Business Improvement District put together a playlist to give attendees a sampling of the music.

In addition to the live music, bar areas will be set up to serve wine and beer, and several local food trucks will be set up in the area.

The festival is also accompanied by several street closures. According to Arlington Police:

  • Eastbound lanes of Lee Highway, between Fort Myer Drive and N. Lynn Street, will be closed from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Detour signs will be posted.
  • N. 19th Street, between Fort Myer Drive and N. Moore Street, will be closed from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Exit 73 from Eastbound Rt. 66 to Rosslyn will be closed from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • Eastbound Lee Highway will be closed at N. Rhodes Street from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Drivers are highly encouraged to use N. Veitch Street or N. Rhodes Street as alternate routes to access the Courthouse or Rosslyn areas.
  • DETOUR: Local traffic within the closure zone wishing to access Rt. 66 or the Key Bridge by way of Lee Highway EAST should exit Lee Highway at 1) N. Veitch Street, 2) N. Rhodes Street, 3) N. Quinn Street, or finally 4) Fort Myer Drive and use Wilson Blvd to access N. Lynn Street.

Attendees of the event are encouraged to use Metro or other forms of transportation to get to the event. Street parking in the area will be restricted, with motorists encouraged to keep an eye out for temporary “no parking” signs.

Photo via Rosslyn Business Improvement District

National Chamber Ensemble Announces 2018-2019 Season

By Vernon Miles

The National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) is returning to Arlington with a recently announced suite of performances covering the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods.

The concerts will be held in Theater 1 of the Gunston Arts Center (2700 South Lang Street).

The NCE was founded in 2007 with the goal of connecting artists and their audience with concerts in a more intimate setting. The musicians share anecdotes about the composers and music. In a statement on the upcoming season, Artistic Director Leonid Sushansky said the goal this year is to take audiences on a trip through various eras to allow them to compare and contrast how the music has evolved over time.

The season launches on Oct. 20 with “Masters of the Italian Baroque”, featuring works by Vivaldi, Corelli, Albinoni and Pergolesi.

Following the theme of “Musical Adventures Through the Time Machine”, on Feb. 9 the series will move into the Romantic era with hits by Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens and Dvorak.

The “Viennese Classics” hits March 23 with music by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven and “The Contemporaries” season finale concert on May 4, which includes the premiere of Alexander Goldstein’s new “Crossover Piano Trio” as well as the premiere of a new choreographed work with Bowen McCauley Dance, set to the music of Igor Stravinsky.

On Dec. 15, the NCE will hold a “Holiday Time Warp” concert that brings the holiday music of the various eras together. The concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd).

String players between the ages of 12 and 18 are also invited to compete for the “Outstanding Young Artist Achievement Awards” and a scholarship. Applications are available online and due Nov. 19.

Season subscriptions to the NCE are $135 through Sept. 14 and $145 after. General admission is $36 for adults and $18 for students. Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling 703-685-7590. Tickets are available online.

Arlington Agenda: September 4-9

By Vernon Miles
Crowds at Rosslyn Jazz Fest in 2018 (courtesy Rosslyn BID)

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

Coastal Tales: Scratching the Surface
Lee Arts Center (5722 Lee Highway)
Time:  6:30-8:30 p.m.

Westen Muntain and Shirley Gromen use printmaking and ceramic techniques to reveal stories of life in or around the ocean.

 

Thursday, Sept. 6

Social Walk + Happy Hour on Columbia Pike
Across from Bob & Edith’s Diner (962 S Wayne St)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Explore Arlington neighborhoods and what makes them unique. This month, WalkArlington is checking out Columbia Pike. The event is free for people of all ages and abilities and registration for the event is required.

Saturday, Sept. 8

David Krugler – Rip Angels From Heaven
One More Page Books (2200 N Westmoreland St)
Time: 2-3 p.m.

We welcome back historian, novelist and teacher Dr. David Krugler to share from RIP ANGELS FROM HEAVEN, the second book in his series of World War II spy thrillers featuring Lieutenant Ellis Voigt of the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Celebrating America’s Army: An Evening with Heroes and Voices
Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (Jackson Ave. and Sheridan Ave.)
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrating America’s Army: An Evening with Heroes and Voices is a FREE concert that communicates the Army’s proud heritage, sacrifice, and traditions to the American public.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2018
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Hwy)
Time: 1-7 p.m.

Join over 5,000 music fans for a day of dynamic performances in Arlington’s largest urban park – Gateway Park. Come hear live music performed by Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Orquesta Akokán, True Loves and Aztec Sun.

New Crystal City Oktoberfest Planned for Next Month

By Vernon Miles

Northern Virginia’s largest Oktoberfest is coming to Crystal City. On Sept. 29, 220 20th Street will play host to the first time to over 100 craft beers from over 50 regional breweries.

Tickets to the event are $30 if purchased in advance, or $45 at the door. Tickets give visitors entry into the festival and live entertainment, as well as ten beer sampling tickets along with a custom mug to fill.

VIP tickets, $50 in advance or $65 at the door, includes 15 beer sampling tickets, early access, a private tent and private bathrooms.

In addition to German food, the Oktoberfest will host various food trucks serving things like New York-style pizza or tacos.

But the Crystal City Oktoberfest isn’t the only one in Arlington this fall. In the wake of the closure of Capitol City Brewing, hosts of Shirlington’s annual Oktoberfest, New District Brewing is taking up the mantle and expanding its “Arlington ValleyFest” on Sept. 30.

The festival will take place at 2709 S. Oakland Street. While the event will have plenty of beer, the focus will also be on promoting local arts.

Meanwhile, on Oct. 20, the Copperwood Tavern on 4021 Campbell Ave. will also be hosting their “Shucktoberfest”, an event co-sponsored by Northern Neck’s Waverly Point Oyster Company, highlighting beer and oysters as a major draw.

Photo via Crystal City BID

Arlington Agenda: August 27-September 2

By Vernon Miles

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

Sweet Reads: A Literary-Themed Candy Diorama Contest
Connection: Crystal City Library (2117 Crystal Plaza Arcade)
Time: 6-7:45 p.m.

Join the Library and PBS’ “The Great American Read” to make a candy-filled diorama, recreating your favorite fictional scene! Bring a shoebox, and we will provide the candy and crafts to create your vision. When you’re finished, enter your masterpiece in our contest (K-5, Teen, or Adult), judged by our librarian and PBS staff for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Thursday, Aug. 30

Advance Screening: The Great American Read
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Join PBS and WETA TV 26 for an exclusive advance screening and discussion of “Who Am I,” the first themed episode leading up to the grand finale of The Great American Read. The one hour documentary explores the question: How do the books we love answer the question, “Who Am I?”

Friday, Aug. 31

Columbia Pike Movie Nights: The Wizard of Oz
Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S Dinwiddie St)
Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a musically marvelous movie every Friday Night just after sunset. In case of inclement weather, please check our Facebook or Twitter pages to find out about possible cancellation. We make that call typically by 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 1

Roosevelt Island Parkrun
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.

We are a free, weekly, timed 5K that takes place every Saturday morning at 9am at Roosevelt Island parkrun. Register one time ever on www.parkrun.us for your personal athlete barcode & bring with you to every parkrun.

Kennan Garvey Memorial Bike Ride Rolls Along This Saturday

By Vernon Miles

The fifth annual Kennan Garvey Memorial Ride is planned for this Saturday (Aug. 25). The bicycle ride along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail will raise money to help Phoenix Bikes afford a new van to help transport students and day to day operations.

Rides range from 15 miles to the full length of the trail. Every 15 miles, volunteers greet riders with water, snacks, maintenance and high fives.

Online registration has closed, but participants can register at the race for a $100 donation and a $25 entry fee. Donations can also be made for teams or individuals.

The ride commemorates Kennan Garvey, an avid cyclist and late husband of County Board member Libby Garvey, who died of a heart attack in 2008. Kennan Garvey was a supporter of Phoenix Bikes, a non-profit that aims to educate the community about biking and help make it more affordable, and the fundraiser in his name has helped Phoenix Bikes afford a new location in the Arlington Mill Community Center.

This year, the goal is to replace the van currently used by the facility. The current van helps transport students to and from bike clubs, races, and special events as well as picking up and delivering donated bicycles.

“Although I’m very close to being able to ride my bike again, my new knee isn’t bending quite enough for me to ride this year…but I signed up anyway,” said Libby Garvey. “I’ll be there for the beginning and plan to help out at one of the rest stops on the ride.”

Courtesy photo

‘Saturday Night Live’ Veterans Highlight Drafthouse’s New Lineup

By Alex Koma

There’s good news for lovers of laughter — Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is rolling out its lineup of comedians for the fall and winter.

The Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) has confirmed performances from a variety of well-known stand-ups over the coming months.

Darrell Hammond, a staple of “Saturday Night Live” with a famous impression of President Donald Trump, will swing by from Dec. 7-8.

The venue will also play host to Natasha Leggero from Nov. 16-17. She’s the creator and star of Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” and recently co-starred in the Showtime series “DICE.”

Earlier that month, SNL veteran and longtime TV actor Jay Mohr will appear at the Drafthouse. He’s slated to perform from Nov. 1-2.

Yvonne Orji, co-star of the HBO comedy “Insecure,” will perform from Oct. 5-7. Alex Moffat, a current SNL cast member, will appear tonight (Aug. 24) and Saturday (Aug. 25).

The Drafthouse has its full lineup of events available on its website.

Workout Fundraiser Planned for Local Hotel Manager and Advocate

By Vernon Miles

An ’80s themed bootcamp will take place in Rosslyn tomorrow to honor Ralf Hofmann, a man remembered as a passionate advocate for Arlington’s homeless and recent immigrants.

Hofmann, a former General Manager at the Hyatt Centric Arlington who was very active in several local charities, passed away on July 30 after a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. All proceeds of the bootcamp will go towards a GoFundMe set up to support his wife, Heather, and their two sons.

The bootcamp will be held in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway). Sign in for the event starts at 6:30 p.m., with the workout starting at 7:30. A raffle afterwards will give attendees a chance to win a weekend stay at the Hyatt Centric, free dinner at Cityhouse, or a month of free coffee from Key Bridge Terrace. Attendees are encouraged to wear ’80s themed workout attire and plenty of neon.

Hofmann worked in culinary arts for over 30 years, working in the Hyatt Centric as executive chef before becoming general manager. In his work at the hotel, he regularly partnered with groups like the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) and served on the board of La Cocina, a program that offers local latino immigrants a bilingual course in job training and language skills.

“We approached [the Hyatt Centric] to become a partner, meaning they hire our students for internships,” said Paty Funegra, CEO of La Cocina. “Ralf right away pushed to sign that agreement. They hosted our students there in the kitchen, and when he got promoted to operations manager, he approached me to offer more help. ‘I’m here,’ he told me, ‘can I help you in any other capacities?'”

Funegra said Hofmann was one of La Cocina’s biggest advocates, and was active in helping the group fundraise.

“He was my mentor,” said Funegra. “He was very generous, very open. He had a big heart, and cooking was his passion.”

Funegra said that Hofmann himself was an immigrant and that he was very conscious of trying to offer opportunities to others. Hofmann had a large collection of cooking books, which he donated to La Cocina to form the start of their library at their new facility at 3507 Columbia Pike. Funegra said they will be naming it the Hofmann Family Library in his honor.

Kathy Sibert, CEO of A-SPAN, said Hofmann was a driving force behind having the Hyatt host events for local charities and holding donation drives. For those in A-SPAN ready to work, Hofmann made sure there were internships available.

“Ralf was very involved,” said Sibert. “He worked on all of these things. He came to the events and really set the tone with his staff: to be very involved in the community.”

“We thought the Hyatt might be a good relationship, but Ralf really brought it to a personal level,” said Scott Miller, senior director of development at ASPAN. “He was absolutely the first to offer up an internship program, giving people a second or third chance. That was one of our first corporate partners for an internship. There are a lot of hurdles to jump, you had to get that person willing to raise their hand and say, ‘I’ll be your champion.’ Without Ralf’s help, we wouldn’t have had those jobs and internships, and those people wouldn’t have had their second chance. He opened up their facilities. It was his willingness to take that chance and be that champion with them.”

As a manager, Miller said Hofmann was very inclusive and made sure everyone had a voice and felt included.

“It was never a manager talking down to people, it was seeing people eye to eye,” said Miller. “He wanted to make sure people felt comfortable and friendly.”

Miller said whenever someone new would start working at the Hyatt Centric, Hofmann would make sure they had a “coffee break buddy”, someone who could help show them around and make sure they didn’t feel isolated.

According to his friends, Hofmann was also a very smart dresser.

“He would always wear beautiful suits; tailored with a handkerchief,” said Miller. “One time, we borrowed a riser for our open house… When we finally got it back to him, it must have been 100 degrees outside. The hospitality people were out there doing other stuff, and he’s out there in his expensive suit moving it by himself.”

Miller said Hofmann tore part of his suit moving the heavy riser, but that he was dismissive of it.

“That was Ralf; willing to help,” said Miller. “He wouldn’t pull someone off desk duty if it was something he could do himself.”

Photo via Rosslyn BID

County Plans ‘Disaster Relief Trials’ to Test Cyclists

By Vernon Miles

When disaster strikes, roads are often one of the first necessities hit. Gridlock or damage to streets can make them impassible for cars.

And on Sept. 29, the county will host “Disaster Relief Trials” to simulate just such an emergency in Arlington. Participants will need to climb onto their bikes and travel across the county carrying food, water, medical supplies and messages to those in need. To do so, they will need to navigate without a GPS and traverse simulated dangerous terrain.

The challenge starts and ends at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, from which participants will ride out to various checkpoints and be forced to overcome an obstacle. This could be a physical barrier like a downed tree or something like high water at least 15 cm deep.

Additional challenges include delivery of a message, successfully using a fire extinguisher, and wound packing. Points are awarded based on weight of supplies transported and emergency preparedness challenges completed. The top three finalists in each category will be awarded prizes.

Registration costs for the event varies based on category.

  • Responder I (Individuals, traditional bicycles) – Single Adult on standard bike, including bike racks, panniers, body packs, etc. Registration costs $40.
  • Responder II (Individuals, cargo bicycle, and/or trailer) – Single Adult on cargo bike (front bucket or longtail), or standard bike with trailer. Registration costs $40.
  • Family Responders (1-2 Adults, 1-4 children under age 14, any style of bikes) – Up to 2 adults and between 1-4 children under the age of 14, any style of bikes. Registration costs $75.
  • Team Responders (2-3 Adults, any/all bike types) – Teams of 2-3 adults, any/all bike types. Registration costs $75.
  • Citizen (Individual) – Single Adult with no cargo or checkpoint requirement; complete as many Emergency Preparedness Challenges as you want; non-competitive. Registration costs $10.

With a focus on bicycling through disaster zones, GPS systems and electronic assist bicycles are not allowed (or batteries for e-bikes removed). Registration is available online.

PARK(ing) Day 2018 Applications Now Available

By Vernon Miles
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On Sept. 15, stretches of Arlington’s on-street parking will be transformed into pop-up parks for the annual PARK(ing) Day event, and applications are now available to turn your bare asphalt into a roadside oasis. 

There are many restrictions on which spots are eligible and what kinds of decorations can be included on-site. The parking spaces must be legal parking spots that aren’t reserved for other uses, like rush hour, handicap, or loading zone spots. Parking spaces also can’t be located at the end of the street block.

The site must occupy a minimum of two parking spaces (40 feet) with a 10-foot buffer on each side. The zones must be separated from the street and other parking spaces by traffic barrels, which can be rented from Arlington County at the time of the application.

The Arlington County Division of Transportation offers several suggestions and restrictions for what can or can’t be placed in the pop-up park. Items prohibited include:

  • Distractions to drivers, like banners, balloons, flashing lights, flying items and free standing tents
  • Open flames of any kind or generators
  • Loose or uncovered material, like sand, gravel, mulch or stone
  • Free-standing umbrellas
  • Sidewalk storage or overflow of activities
  • Physical structures that damage the surface or create a hazard, like slippery surfaces or tripping hazards.
  • Activities that are dangerous or restricted by county code
  • Any vending or merchandise displays.

PARK(ing) Day begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15. By 3:30 p.m. of PARK(ing) Day, the park space must be completely restored back to a parking space, with all trash and materials removed from the site.

Permits cost $36.70 and can be filed in person or online. Two temporary “No Parking” signs can be rented for $27, and traffic barrels rented at $5.40 per barrel.

Applicants are also charged a fee for the impacted meters, with $16.20 for meters with a time limit of four hours or less, or $11.90 for meters for more than four hours. Applications must be submitted by next Friday (Aug. 31).

Photos via Arlington Department of Environmental Services

Arlington Agenda: August 20-26

By Vernon Miles

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Tuesday, Aug. 21

Upcycled Bicycle Belts
Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join members of Bike Arlington to learn how to create a belt using old bicycle parts. All materials and tools provided. Makers can keep the belts they make at the workshop. Registration required. For adults and teens in grades 6 and up.

Wednesday, Aug. 22

Small Business Roundtable
Arlington Chamber of Commerce  (2009 14th st, North)
Time: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Chamber’s monthly Small Business Roundtable offers an important educational opportunity to smaller businesses. The roundtable is free to members but space is limited and registration is requested. The topic of discussion changes monthly, allowing attendees to learn how to enhance their business and increase their success in a different way each month! This month’s topic: “Cyber Liability, Cyber Security, and Your Business’s Exposure,” presented by Matt Stephens of Clarke & Sampson, Inc.

Thursday, Aug. 23

Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S Arlington Mill Dr)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Get your pet’s rabies vaccine and microchip at AWLA! Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate, not a tag) to get a three-year rabies shot. Without it, your pet will receive a one-year shot. Waiting is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. All dogs must be on leash and cats must be in carriers. Rabies shot:$10.00. Microchip (including registration): $35.00.

Saturday, Aug. 25

Urban Agriculture: Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening
Westover Library (1644 North McKinley Road)
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

What to plant when the weather starts to cool? Join us for this popular session & learn strategies for success. Think healthful greens like kale, collards and a wealth of lettuces. Fall is a delightful time to garden, with cool autumn days & waning pest populations. Learn inexpensive techniques to extend your harvest and even how you can enjoy some of your crops in the dead of winter! Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. RSVP for an event reminder; attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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