Here’s something to look forward to: When the pandemic is over, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra plans to kick off its next season with Beethoven’s triumphant Symphony No. 9.
That concert is planned for Saturday, October 3, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, but in the meantime, the 85-person orchestra just canceled the remainder of its performances for its 76th season, including on May 16 and 17 and the “Brandenburgs & Brew” concert on June 12.
Mayor Marries Couple in Socially Distant Ceremony — “Alanis sang about rain on your wedding day. I’m not sure she envisioned THIS. It was such an honor to put on real pants (first time in weeks!), grab my mask and walk to Parkfairfax to marry a wonderful couple whose original plans were scrambled. Congrats!” [Facebook]
‘Mind The Mat’ Hosting Virtual Meditations at 9 a.m. — “Join MtM Monday-Friday mornings for this free 15 minute guided mediation to start your day off right.” [Facebook]
ACPS Adjusts Hours for Grab & Go Meals — Beginning on Monday, April 20, meals will be available 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cora Kelly School, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jefferson Houston School, T.C. Williams High School and William Ramsay Elementary School. [Twitter]
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Nearing $50K Goal — “Thanks to the generosity of the Alexandria community, the Scholarship Fund awards approximately $1 million in scholarships to T.C. Williams graduates each year. Most of our scholarships range from $12,000 to $20,000 over four years and can often mean the difference between a student being able to afford college, or simply staying home. Thank YOU for Giving.” [Scholarship Fund]
These days, Del Ray jazz musician Jack Kilby is so busy in his home studio that he can hardly leave the house, which is convenient during a pandemic.
The 30-year-old award-winning bandleader, musician and arranger is working on three sound projects for clients at his Crab Shack Music studio and teaching music students privately and for Rock of Ages Music. Kilby, who was raised in Alexandria and graduated at T.C. Williams High School before attending the University of Virginia, plays piano, drums and trumpet.
Alexandria’s music schools have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and are offering their classes online.
“Going online seem to be working out pretty well,” Rock of Ages Music owner John Patrick told ALXnow. “Generally speaking, it seems as if people are happy to at least have something for their kids to do that’s fun and educational.”
The Squirrel Nut Zippers brought their raucous, Vaudeville-inspired show to The Birchmere in Del Ray last night, performing their entire first album “Inevitable,” in order, to a sold-out crowd.
The lineup, fronted by original bandleader and songwriter Jimbo Mathus, features an eight-piece ensemble, including guitar, keyboards, drums, upright bass, banjo, horns, fiddle, ukulele, and saw. Yes, a saw.
Half of Popular Duo to Perform at Birchmere — “On the evening of June 24, 1964, Washington was engulfed in Peter and Gordon-mania. Midway through the British duo’s performance at the Alexandria Roller Rink, a desperate Jack Alix, DJ at WEEL radio, halted the music and begged the crowd to please stop pushing. ‘I do remember it was a good gig, where the audience was crazy, with screaming girls throwing themselves at the stage and all that stuff,’ said Peter Asher, calling from his Malibu, Calif., home.” [Washington Post]
Alexandria Man Charged in Arlington Incident — “A 69-year-old Alexandria man is facing a felony charge after police say a minor, two-vehicle crash led to a physical altercation along Lee Highway… [The man] punched a window on the other car several times, then ‘produced a knife and allegedly attempted to strike the victim,’ according to Arlington County Police.” [ARLnow]
February’s here, but you don’t have to go through the winter dour and alone. There’s plenty of exciting acts coming to The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue) in Arlandria.
One of the most high profile is Digable Planets, a Grammy-winning hip hop trio from the late 1980s. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24. Tickets are $55.
When Riverside Taco comes back to the Alexandria waterfront this spring, it could be expanded into a new music venue.
The eatery currently consists of the Airstream trailer that dispenses tacos, soft drinks, and beer — seasonally — as well as a 90-seat picnic table area. A new special use permit (SUP) requested for Riverside Taco would allow the market to host live acoustic entertainment.
Reminder: School and Trash Collection Delays — Alexandria public school students are preparing to go to school after a two hour weather delay this morning. Curbside trash and recycling collection, meanwhile, may be delayed today and Thursday after being suspended Tuesday afternoon. [Twitter, Twitter]
Wind Advisory Issued for Alexandria — Alexandria and surrounding areas are under a Wind Advisory from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Gusts of up to 50 mph are possible, which could cause trees and power lines to topple, forecasters say. [Twitter]
A sing-along celebration this weekend will feature a live band backing up you — the audience — as the chorus.
Alexandria’s 2019 Holiday Sing-Along, hosted by the Del Ray United Methodist Church at 100 Windsor Avenue, is a free holiday concert presented by the Alexandria Citizens Band.
