Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

International Saxophone Symposium

Friday, January 10 to Saturday, January 11
George Mason University Fairfax, Va.

The International Saxophone Symposium, hosted by the United States Navy Band, is held each year in early January. The two-day event, first hosted by the Navy Band in 1978, features a mix of performances, masterclasses and lectures designed for musicians of all ages.

The symposium highlights the prominence of the saxophone in both classical and jazz literature through the two marquee concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, which feature a number of guest artists. Traditionally, Friday night’s concert presents the U.S. Navy Concert Band with a mixture of band pieces and classically-oriented saxophone solos. In previous years, soloists with the Concert Band have included Vincent David, Claude Delangle, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, Timothy McAllister, Otis Murphy, Quatuor Habanera, Donald Sinta and many others.

Saturday night’s concert presents the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble and guest soloists in an evening of big band and jazz music. Past soloists with the Commodores have included Eddie Daniels, Branford Marsalis, Donny McCaslin, Chris Potter and Grover Washington Jr.

In 2003, the Navy Band established the symposium’s College Quartet Series as a way to feature college and university performers. Throughout the symposium, student quartets are featured in their own recitals. Additionally, the High School Honors Recital was established in 2015 to provide an opportunity for high school-aged saxophonists to perform at the event.

The U.S. Navy Band, based in Washington, D.C., is the Navy’s premier musical organization. Staffed with some of the finest musicians in the nation and performing 1,700 times each year, the band represents Sailors deployed around the world and around the clock.

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3 TOTALLY OFF-THE-WALL COCKTAILS YOU NEED TO TRY

The secret behind these delicious adult beverages? Surprising mixers that are surprisingly good for you

They’re cozy, they’re delightfully tasty, and they’re definitely the most unique cocktails you’ll mix this season. Say “cheers!” to the brilliant folks at KAYCO (www.kayco.com), who came up with a trio of toast-worthy mixed drinks starring today’s trendiest beverages – watermelon juice and beet juice.

Wait – did we just say watermelon juice and beet juice? Well, consider today’s unquenchable consumer demand for clean, healthy, and flavorful new refreshment options. Wonder Melon and Beetology have become the “it” drinks when it comes to 100% all-natural superfoods. And they’re flying off the shelves.

Available in a selection of tantalizing varieties, these juice-powered beverages tickle everyone’s taste buds while delivering a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re sensational “straight up” or with ice. So why not push the envelope into cocktail territory?

This holiday season, go ahead and punch up your craft cocktail menu with the Spiced Wonder Melon Vodka Punch, raise a glass (and eyebrows) with the Whiskey Beet Cocktail, or warm up a nippy night with the Beetology Berry Sangria. See recipes below.

All Beetology and Wonder Melon products are cold-pressed, 100% non-GMO, U.S.D.A. Certified Organic, and Certified Fair Trade. They are non-soy, non-dairy, and certified kosher, and contain no preservatives, additives, sweeteners, artificial colors, or flavors.

Check out WonderMelonjuice.com and Beetology.com for store locators and additional product information.

Cheers – To your health!

Beetology Berry Sangria

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh blackberries
1 orange, sliced
1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
½ cup brandy, rum, vodka (optional)
1 (8.75 oz.) bottle Beetology (Beet + Berry, Beet + Cherry, or Beet + Tropical Fruit recommended)
1 bottle red wine
Unflavored club soda or seltzer
Fresh thyme to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Add the blackberries, orange slices, and pomegranate arils to a large pitcher. Add the brandy/rum/or vodka (optional) and Beetology juice and gently muddle to extract the flavors of the fruit into the juice and alcohol.
Pour the red wine into the pitcher and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
When ready to serve, fill a glass ¾-way full with sangria. Top off each glass with bubbly water, if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.
Whiskey Beet Cocktail

Ingredients:

¼ cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
¼ cup fresh cranberries
2 Tbsp. simple syrup (or honey)
4 oz. Beetology Beet+Ginger+Honey Juice
4 oz. Whiskey
Ice
Tonic water
Instructions:

Muddle the pomegranate arils, cranberries, simple syrup (or honey), and beet juice in a cocktail shaker.
Add whiskey to the shaker and fill with ice. Shake well.
Fill two Old Fashioned glasses with ice and strain the chilled cocktail into each glass, dividing equally between the two.
Top each drink with tonic water. Serve garnished with sliced lemon and additional fresh cranberries and pomegranate arils, if desired.
Spiced Wonder Melon Vodka Punch

Ingredients:

½ cup vodka
1 lime, juiced
2 cups Wonder Melon, Lemon-Cayenne flavor
1 cup lemon sparkling water
4 cinnamon sticks
Lime and lemon slices
Instructions:

Combine the vodka, lime juice, and Wonder Melon in a pitcher.
Divide between 4 glasses and top each glass with 2 ounces of sparkling water.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, lemon, and lime slices.

For more information click here

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You Are Not the Father

The adult board game “The Maury Show: You Are Not The Father,” based on the popular daytime talk show, “Maury” hosted by Maury Povich, is available on Amazon.

The show is known for its compelling relationship drama, family issues, infidelity, and signature paternity tests. “The Maury Game: You Are Not The Father” will allow players to clear their name, “Maury” style, with this hilarious party game for adults. The game challenges players to prove their nonpaternity through a series of outrageous accusations and laugh-out-loud arguments. At the end, a paternity test is “performed” and the “results” lie in each player’s Test Results envelope. Play your cards right to increase your odds of innocence and to turn the “Maury” audience against your competitors before the big reveal. Only one will be the father — don’t let it be you!

“‘You Are Not The Father’ celebrates our outrageous guests and the absurd excuses they use on our paternity episodes,” said Povich. “The game is fun, funny, and the best part is, there are no real babies involved.”

“You don’t have to be familiar with the paternity tests on ‘Maury’ to have a great time playing this game,” said Paul Faulhaber, Executive Producer of ‘Maury.’ “As for our die-hard fans, they are going to absolutely love it!”

“Maury” is executive produced by Paul Faulhaber. “Maury” is distributed in national syndication by NBCUniversal Television Distribution and produced by Stamford Media Center Productions, the same production team behind successful NBCU talk shows including “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “The Jerry Springer Show,” and the new “Judge Jerry.”

For more information click here

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Stag Fuel

An all-natural supplement and safer alternative to prescription medications that provide similar results, and just like vitamins promote better health, Stag Fuel gives men more confidence by giving them utmost performance. Stagfuel gets the blood flowing for a better night out, or for a quick boost. The key to their formula is in creating the perfect mixed blend of ingredients to bring forth all of the benefits of the supplement– part nootropic, part supplement, part stimulant. Stagfuel has eliminated the negative side effects that are present in other enhancement drugs and supplements of its kind.

Stagfuel is 100% natural and created entirely in the United States of America, and not subjected to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

For more information click here

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DC Tattoo Expo

Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA

DC Tattoo Expo is back, January 10-12, 2020, and celebrating 10 years of bringing the best tattoo artists to the DC area. More than 400 tattoo artists, including stars of Ink Master, Tattoo Nightmares and for the first time ever, Ink Master Judge Chris Nunez.

If you’re looking to get your next– or first – tattoo or body piercing, don’t miss DC Tattoo Expo #10. The weekend will be filled with incredible art, our crowd-favorite Miss DC Pin-Up Contest, Burlesque performances, a beard contest, live entertainment and as always, a nonstop party! We’ll see you in 2020 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington. Tickets $30 for a day, $40 for Saturday & Sunday or $60 for a three-day pass. Tickets on sale at the door all three days. #dctattooexpo

For more information click here

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Massenet’s Thaïs at Maryland Lyric Opera

Thursday, January 30 to Saturday, February 1
Kay Theatre in College Park The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center 8270 Alumni Dr College Park, MD

A new production of Massenet’s rarely produced Thaïs. Claudia Zahn directs this new production in collaboration with scenic and lighting designer Harry Feiner. Sarah Joy Miller, a rising American soprano who made her Metropolitan Opera debut last season, sings the iconic title role. Louis Otey co-stars as Athanaël, and MDLO Young Artist Institute alumni Joseph Michael Brent, Hunter Enoch, Caroline Hewitt, Sarah Joyce Cooper, and Hayan Kim round out the cast. Music Director Louis Salemno leads the MDLO Orchestra interpreting Massenet’s powerful score.

For more information click here

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Girls Gotta Eat

Friday, January 10 to Saturday, January 11
Lincoln Theater 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC

Why do guys just want to f*ck you once then stalk your Instagram forever? Should you ditch the apps and meet people in the wild? How do you get over a breakup when you feel like you’re gonna die?

These are all topics discussed on Girls Gotta Eat — a hilarious podcast from Rayna Greenberg (@Rayna.Greenberg) and Ashley Hesseltine (comedian + creator of @BrosBeingBasic).

The live show is coming to DC in January. First night sold out so they added a second, which may or may not also be sold out! Hot tix!

For more information click here

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Living the Dream…Singing the Dream

Sunday, January 26 at 7:00 PM
Kennedy Center Concert Hall

The Program:

The Choral Arts Chorus and the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs come together in a concert showcasing the powerful music that has given voice to the voiceless for generations in this 32nd annual choral tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The collaboration of styles, music, ages, and cultures provides a moving performance that will inspire the spirit.

Featured Artists:
Choral Arts Chorus; Scott Tucker, Artistic Director

Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs
Theodore Thorpe, III, Artistic Director, Men and Women of the Gospel Choir
Michele Fowlin, Artistic Director, Children of the Gospel Choir
Stanley J. Thurston, Artistic Director Emeritus, Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs

Ralph Alan Herndon, Piano and Vocals

Save with a Season Ticket Package or a group of 10 or more!

For more information click here

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ArtRave ART MEETS FASHION in Washington

Saturday, December 28 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
ArtRave 1514 -1518 P St NW Washington

ARTRAVE ART MEETS FASHION

ArtRave an art and fashion collective operating in DC, supporting artists locally will be kicking off its 9th annual ensemble of both emerging and established artists, designers, handmade crafts, unusual finds & now the addition of farm fresh products, hot & cold menus, gourmet products & a test kitchen free sample area.

Categories: Kids & Family | Festivals | Art Galleries & Exhibits

This event repeats weekly on Saturdays until Dec 28, 2019: Dec 28

For more information click here

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My Fair Lady

Friday, December 20 at 7:30 PM to Sunday, January 19
Kennedy Center – Opera House – Washington, DC

The North American tour of Lincoln Center Theater’s My Fair Lady revival officially opens at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., December 19, following an initial kickoff in Syracuse, New York. Check out highlights in the pictures below (click a pic to view larger size).

The production, directed by Barlett Sher, stars Shereen Ahmed as Eliza Doolittle and Laird Mackintosh as Professor Henry Higgins. “Shereen Ahmed is a luminous and revelatory Eliza who, with Laird Mackintosh, a witty and happily misogynistic Higgins, make for an electrifying evening,” Sher says.

Shereen Ahmed and Laird Mackintosh.jpg
Shereen Ahmed and Laird Mackintosh
The cast also features Leslie Alexander as Mrs. Higgins, Adam Grupper as Alfred P. Doolittle, Wade McCollum as Professor Zoltan Karpathy, Kevin Pariseau as Colonel Pickering, Gayton Scott as Mrs. Pearce, and Sam Simahk as Freddy Eynsford-Hill.

Rounding out the cast are Mark Aldrich, Rajeer Alford, Colin Anderson, Polly Baird, Mark Banik, Michael Biren, Shavey Brown, Anne Brummel, Henry Byalikov, Mary Callanan, Jennifer Evans, Nicole Ferguson, Kaitlyn Frank, Juliane Godfrey, Colleen Grate, Patrick Kerr, Brandon Leffler, Nathalie Marrable, William Michals, Rommel Pierre O’Choa, JoAnna Rhinehart, Sarah Quinn Taylor, Fana Tesfagiorgis, Michael Williams, and John T. Wolfe.

This revival draws heavily on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, which inspired the Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe musical.

The Broadway production earned five Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Revival of Musical. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival; five Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical Revival; and three Drama League Awards, including Best Musical Revival. After opening at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in 2018, My Fair Lady played 548 performances, closing July 7, 2019.

The revival features choreography by Christopher Gattelli, sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder, and sound by Marc Salzberg. Music supervision is by Ted Sperling, featuring the musical’s original musical arrangements by Robert Russell Bennett and Phil Lang, and dance arrangements by Trude Rittmann. Orchestration adaptation is by Josh Clayton and music direction is by John Bell.

Subsequent stops through August 2020 include Nashville, Minneapolis, Chicago, Orlando, Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco.

For more information click here

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God Wants You to Get the Most out of Life Before It Gets the Most out of You!: Conquering Life’s Challenges… by Marty Ritzke

“God Wants You to Get the Most out of Life Before It Gets the Most out of You!: Conquering Life’s Challenges…” by Marty Ritzke is a motivational, Christian book that encourages readers to overcome life’s challenges and maintain a strong connection to God. Ritzke presents this in a unique manner by including both Scripture along with her own photography of God’s creations (animals). She also includes an order form so readers can enjoy her photography as artwork that they can display in their own homes.

For more information click here

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How to be a Legendary Teacher by Adam Prociv

Adam Prociv, who spent almost 15 years in early childhood education and a further 8 years in primary education, recently wrote: “How to be a Legendary Teacher.” This entertaining guidebook includes advice for teachers and those interested in becoming teachers as well as personal stories from his teaching experience. In his book, Prociv discusses essential teaching tips such as: having positive energy in the classroom, challenging yourself as a teacher, providing students with the opportunity to speak when they have been in trouble and many more insightful topics that will successfully prepare readers for careers as teachers. He also touches on the challenges he faces as a male teacher and provides advice for other males in his field.

For more information click here

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