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More than 20 operator proposals received for Alexandria’s new tech accelerator

By Emily Leayman
The Alexandria skyline (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A program operator for a new tech startup accelerator will be selected in mid-April after the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership received numerous applications through its request for proposals process.

AEDP is launching the accelerator program to support new tech startups based in the city — the first direct support the organization has provided for startups in these industries. Attracting high-growth industries and boosting support for entrepreneurs is one of the strategies in ALX Forward, a roadmap for the city’s future economic growth recently approved by City Council.

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New startup accelerator program seeks to foster tech company growth in Alexandria

By Emily Leayman
The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard (staff photo by James Cullum)

An accelerator program to support new tech startups is launching in the city, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership announced today (Wednesday).

The program will provide mentorship, coaching, technical support, capital connections and structured founder engagement for up to 15 startups over four to six months. It will serve startups in high-growth sectors such as robotics, aerospace, quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), energy tech, computer services, cybersecurity and defense.

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ASO to play Mozart, Joplin and Mendelssohn at November concert

By James Cullum
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra plays at the city's birthday celebration at Oronoco Bay Park, July 12, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The music of Amadeus Mozart, Scott Joplin, and Felix Mendelssohn is coming to Alexandria next month.

On Nov. 8 and 9, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will play its second concert of the season with special guest Michael Rusinek, principal clarinetist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, who will play Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The concert includes Joplin’s Overture to Treemonisha and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian.”

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‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band preps for presidential inauguration in Alexandria

By James Cullum
Alexandria resident Gunnery Sergeant Kristin Bowers, assistant principal clarinetist with the "President's Own" United States Marine Band, practices for the day of the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has a full schedule for inauguration day on Monday (Jan. 20), and they’re getting ready for the big day in Alexandria.

The band spent two days rehearsing for their 57th inauguration day at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Their schedule includes the swearing in of President-elect Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue and the inaugural balls.

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Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City Council sworn into office amid ‘backdrop of deep uncertainty’

By James Cullum
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, with her family, takes the oath of office, Jan. 2, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the new City Council were sworn into office on Thursday (Jan. 2), ushering in a new era of city governance with the new year.

Gaskins is the first Black woman to be elected mayor of the city. She stood alongside her husband and two children and took the oath of office from Clerk of the Court Greg Parks onstage at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 E. Campus Drive) at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus.

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Alexandria’s new City Council is getting sworn in today

By James Cullum
The Democratic slate for City Council after the primary is (left to right) Canek Aguirre, Abdel Elnoubi, Kirk McPike, Jacinta Greene, Alyia Gaskins, John Taylor Chapman and Sarah Bagley (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s new City Council will get sworn into office today.

Here’s what you need to know about the installation ceremony.

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Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Conductor extends contract to 2027… and gets new job in Philadelphia

By James Cullum
Jim Ross, conductor of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, at Alexandria's birthday celebration at Oronoco Bay Park, July 10, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

For all intents and purposes, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor James Ross isn’t going anywhere.

Actually, this fall Ross is starting work as the director of orchestral studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He also just renewed his contract in Alexandria another three years. Ross says that his new contract in Philadelphia stipulates that he will be allowed to return to Alexandria the week before a symphonic performance in order to get the orchestra ready.

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New ARHA program helps residents access Alexandria history and college credits

By Vernon Miles
Professor Elizabeth Clark-Lewis leading a class (photo courtesy Mike Johnson)

A new program is helping Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA) residents get access to college classes.

ARHA has a new partnership with the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and the Social Responsibility Group (SRG) that’s allowed a group of 15 ARHA residents to enroll in classes and start getting credits for an associate degree.

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‘The Nutcracker’ and other live music favorites coming to Alexandria this weekend

By James Cullum
Alexandria Symphony Presents the Nutcracker (courtesy photo)

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s holiday program promises to bring an eclectic selection this weekend.

ASO will take the stage on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, followed by a 3 p.m. performance at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial.

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