Gazette Packet Alexandria

Home , A Love Like Ours, Rose Hill Drive, Thomson Francis Mason

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ArtsArts ❖❖ EntertainmentEntertainment ❖❖ LeisureLeisure

Art in the Area Calendar, Page 4

Local Eateries Food & Drink, Page 2

JazzyJazzy DayDay Enjoy the 31st annual Memorial Toast of Time Day Jazz Festival. Outdoors, Page 2 Outdoors,Outdoors Page,Page 3

Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 ❖ 1E Food & Drink Around Town Historic Tours On Sunday May 18 from 2-4 p.m., enjoy this twice-a-year opportunity to visit What’s In A Name? Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Lane, a Federal-style unrestored villa built in Alexandria restaurateurs explain the names of their eateries. 1825 for Thomson Francis Mason, a grandson of George Mason. Children of By Julia O’Donoghue is named after the original location in Phila- opened in 1935 but she does know that the all ages will enjoy the puppet show fea- The Gazette delphia, which was opened by Samuel and name has stayed with the restaurant turing Thomson Francis Mason and Sarah Bookbinder in 1865 to feed through several owners. some of his family. Free Admission. Rain aming their business is one of watermen. “I don’t have a lot of research but they or shine. Light refreshments. 703-768- the most important decisions “It has become a Philadelphia tradition say it was because they had cedar trees 2525. Na restaurant owner makes. and we are carrying on that name,” said around it. There are still a couple of cedar When picking a name, many Whitcomb. trees but they are old. There are not a lot of School Art take into consideration where it would fall He added that he was unsure if the Book- trees like their used to be,” she said. in the phone book and whether customers binders’ ancestry were ever involved in The second annual T.C. Williams High can remember it easily. making books themselves. School Student National Art Honor So- For several, the decision is also more in- “Many people do mistake us for some sort Eamonn’s Dublin ciety Member Exhibit will be on display timate, according to Ishi Patterson, the Res- of bookstore. We get phone calls with all through May 18 at the Del Ray Artisans taurant Association of Metropolitan sort of questions about Chipper (728 King Gallery at the Nicholas Colasanto Cen- Washington’s member services director. what types of books we ter, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. For more St.), Restaurant “A lot of people name restaurants person- sell or bind,” he said. information, contact the T.C. Williams ally after either themselves or family mem- Art Department at 703-575-3411. Eve (110 S. Pitt bers,” she said. Here is what some local business leaders Cedar St.) Bike To Work had to say about the names of their own Knoll Inn, When Meshelle and Cathal The City of Alexandria annually rec- Alexandria restaurants: Armstrong were trying to come up ognizes national Bike to Work Day. The 9030 Lucia with a name for their upscale fine City of Alexandria’s pit stop will take Bookbinder’s, 109 S. dining restaurant four years ago, place from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Mar- Lane their three-year old daughter Eve ket Square (301 King St.). Saint Asaph St. When Beatrice Flores suggested they name the restaurant For more information and to register Bookbinder’s has nothing to do with bind- bought the Cedar Knoll after her. for Bike to Work Day, visit ing manuscripts. According to manager Inn 14 years ago, it already had its name. www.alexandriava.gov/localmotion or Donny Whitcomb, the Old Town restaurant Flores said she is not quite sure why the See Restaurants, Page 6 call the City’s Department of Transpor- name was chosen when the restaurant tation and Environmental Services at 703-519-3400. Book Events Gourmet For A Good Cause There are a variety of book events hap- pening in Alexandria and Mount Vernon By Chuck Hagee libraries over the next few days. Of note Gazette are: * Monday, May 19: Mystery Group. ampagna Center’s 38th annual 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, C “Toast to Alexandria,” gourmet 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Adults discuss food and wine tasting event will “Edge of Midnight” by Charlene Weir. be held Sunday, May 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 Free. 703-768-6700. p.m. at Collingwood-on-the-Potomac, 8301 *Monday, May 19: Book Discus- East Boulevard Drive, Mount Vernon Dis- sion. 7 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 trict. Commonwealth Ave. Discuss “The A wide array of area eateries, vineyards Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman. and breweries Free. 703-838-4566. will be repre- *Tuesday, May 20: Mother-Daugh- sented offering ter Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at John their specialties. Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Some of those

Enjoy a lively book discussion on participating in- File Photos “Janitor’s Boy” by Andrew Clements. Call clude: Ben & for title. Ages 9-11. Free. 703-971-0010. Jerry’s Ice Cream, Bitter- sweet, Photo by Louise Krafft/ Chadwicks, Del Rick Taylor serves up chili from Hard Times, while on the left Gazette Packet Merei Grille, Clay Sumner wears a hat made in St. Lucia. ON THE COVER: Juanita Will- Dishes of India, iams performed onstage with Hard Times Cafe, Gravatt. Proceeds from the event, available: the Fred Hughes Trio at last Murphy’s, one of the Center’s primary * Patron $85 each includes parking on the years Memorial Day Jazz Overwood, Res- fundraisers, co-chaired this year grounds and a Patron bag Festival. taurant Eve, by Nicole Palya and Brandi Gra- * General Admission $55 per person in Staff Bombay Curry ham Pensoneau, benefit the vari- advance or $65 at the door Company, Buzz, ous programs of the Campagna Raffle tickets are available at $10 each or Editor: Rebecca Halik Calabash, Center. 3 for $25. Parking and a complimentary Photo Editor: Louise Krafft Rustico, Various ticket options, which shuttle is provided at Aldersgate United Film: Matthew Razak Staff Writers: Michael Lee Pope, Southside 815, Indigo Landing, Tasteful can be purchased by visiting Methodist Church, 1301 Fort Hunt Road, Chuck Hagee, Brad Hathaway, Mary Anne Affairs, Majestic Cafe and Stardust. www.campagnacenter.org/en/84/ located at the corner of Collingwood and Weber. Entertainment will be provided by Wil default.aspx or calling 703-549-0111, are Fort Hunt roads.

2E ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 Music Festivals

Bring a picnic basket to Fort Ward Park on All That Jazz Memorial Day for an afternoon delight.

By Michael Lee Pope and relaxing afternoon in the park.” File Photo Gazette Packet The Difficult Run Jazz Bank will kick off Clown entertains at last year’s the show, supplying a up-tempo assortment festival. he lush outdoor amphitheater of big band and swing favorites. Next on at Fort Ward Park will feature the list is the Larry Brown Quintet, one of Ta wide array of jazz musicians the most popular straight-ahead jazz quin- next weekend for the 31st an- tets in the Washington region. They’ll be nual Memorial Day Jazz Festival, everything followed by the Sandra Johnson Quintet, from big band and swing to world and con- and the festival will conclude with the Al temporary styles. The annual festival is one Williams Quartet. of the city’s longest running and most popu- “The band shell at Fort Ward Park creates lar, with a host a very nice setting for of food vendors a jazz festival, and it’s and children’s a great time of the activities. The A Jazzy Afternoon year,” said Larry concert is from The 31st Annual Memorial Day Jazz Fes- Brown, whose quin- 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., tival will be on from 1 to 7 p.m. on May 26 tet won two but organizers at Fort Ward Park at 4301 W. Braddock “Whammy” awards say those who Road. For more information about the fes- last year from the want a front- tival, call the city’s special events hotline at Washington Area row seat should 703-883-4686. Music Association for show up about best jazz group and of jazz and the history of the distinctly Road. In case of inclement weather, the fes- an hour early. best jazz recording. American art form. tival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s “People start ambling into the park “It’s free jazz! How can you top that?” Parking will be available on both sides of Kauffman Auditorium, at 1108 Jefferson St. around noon to find a good spot,” said Tom Grooms, radio personality with West Braddock Road, and additional park- For more information on Alexandria’s an- Sheryl Lawrence, special events supervisor Smooth Jazz 105.9, will host the event and ing will be available at the Minnie Howard nual Memorial Day Jazz Festival, call the with the city government. “It’s a really nice provide quick lessons about different kinds School, located at 3801 West Braddock special events hotline at 703-883-4686. Tyrell Channels Music Greats

Steve Tyrell has performed at many different night. Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra, plus the great R&*B singers of the hot spots in the country and is bringing his Best compliment about a per- early 60’s: Ben E. King, Chuck formance? Jackson, Jerry Butler Sam music to Alexandria. Nancy Sinatra waving her arms at the Cooke, and Otis Redding. Hollywood Bowl telling me that my teve Tyrell will be performing at the As I said earlier, I started singing in my version of her Father’s classic song “Fly Where have you SBirchmere on Monday, May 19. He first bands when I was 15 years old. Me To The Moon” that I had just sung toured? draws inspiration for his music from was great. I have toured music greats like Quincy Jones, Frank What is it that you love about virtually all Sinatra and R & B singers from the 60s. His performing? What is your favorite over the CD “Back to Bacharach” comes out on June I feel it’s a privilege to be able to play piece of music and why? world, and 24. For more, visit www.birchmere.com. your music live for people, and that inter- Almost any Ray Charles next month I action between me and the audience (which song. am going back Introduce yourself: changes every night from one show to the to Asia and Ja- Hey, my name is Steve Tyrell. other) is my favorite thing about playing Who would you love to pan for the live. I also love the idea that, in a lot of play with? Why? second time. How did you get your start in cases, I am bringing the Great American I would love one day to music? Songbook to young audiences that may have a concert with Alicia Anything I started singing in two bands when I was have never experienced this music before. Keys. Her music is fresh and special a teenager in high school in Texas and made soulful, but yet she is rooted about the my first recordings when I was 15 years old. What is your best memory when it in the tradition of the Great upcoming comes to music? American Music of the past. show at the How were your musicians chosen? There have been a few: Producing and I loved the way she opened Birchmere? Being a veteran record producer most of working in the studio with Ray Charles, the Grammy’s this year with I will be pre- my life, I have been exposed and have singing at the Hollywood Bowl with Quincy the Frank Sinatra Song. That miering songs worked with some of the greatest musicians Jones the night Frank Sinatra was inducted shows what I am talking about. I also from my latest of all time. I try and use this experience into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, and love Amy Winehouse, Diana Krall, and album “Back when I’m making my albums. On my first playing last Monday night with the New Tony Bennett. To Bacharach” six albums, I have tried to blend some ex- York Pops Orchestra at Carnegie Hall at the which I am ex- tremely proud tremely talented young musicians with request to the Steinbrenner family in a trib- Describe your sound: of as I was a part of the creation of that music legends like Clark Terry, Plas Johnson, ute to my favorite team— the New York Most everything I do has some blues in- music in the first place. Burt Bacharach, Hal Toots Thielmans, Quincy Jones, Dr. John, Yankees. fluence whether it be pop music, R&B, or David, and Dionne Warwick were my men- Sweets Edison, Chris Botti, and Dave Koz. Country. So I would say my sound is rooted tors in pop music. Where is your favorite place to in the blues. How long have you been perform- play, either publicly or personally? ing? Wherever I’m playing that particular Biggest musical influences: — Rebecca Halik

Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 ❖ 3E Calendar

E-mail announcements to the Gazette, Children up to age 5 can bring a lunch www.focusmusic.org or 703-380- Music Performance. 3 p.m. at 7 p.m. at John [email protected]. and listen to stories. Free. 703-971- 3151. Washington Street United Methodist Marshall Library, Photos and artwork are encouraged. 0010. Paint Alexandria. The Art League will Church, 115 S. Washington St. 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the fol- B is for Books. 10:15 a.m. at Sherwood lead demonstrations and instructional Features music by the Chancel Choir Enjoy a lively book lowing week’s paper. Call Rebecca Halik Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall sessions for any artist from 10 a.m.-5 and more. Free but canned goods discussion on at 703-917-6407 with questions. Lane. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy p.m. at various events around town. accepted. Visit www.wsumc.com or “Janitor’s Boy” by stories and activities to celebrate $40/unlimited sessions. Visit 703-836-4324. Andrew Clements. Children’s Book Week. Free. 703-765- www.theartleague.org for more. Memorial Ride. 2 p.m., families can Call for title. Ages 9- ONGOING 3645. Spring Wine Festival and Sunset enjoy an 8-mile casual bike ride. Meet 11. Free. 703-971- Bike Ride. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. at Music Performance. 12:15 p.m. at Tour. 6-9 p.m. at Mount Vernon at Jones Point Parking lot. In memory 0010. Cameron Run Regional Park Parking Market Square, 301 King St. Features Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial of Ellen Pickering. Free. Fantastic Me. 10:30 lot, 4100 Eisenhower Ave. Come ride students from local and visiting Highway. $30/person. Enjoy wine Music Performance. Natalya Shkoda a.m. at Kingstowne on the Holmes Run Greenway. Anyone schools. Free. 703-883-4648. from 16 wineries, music and more. will perform at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. can ride, children under 18 must be Book Sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Barrett Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703- 201 S. Washington St. She will Children ages 13-23 months can enjoy accompanied by an adult. Free. Ride Library, 717 Queen St. Browse 780-2000. perform music by Viktor Kosenko. stories and more. Free. 703-339-4610. either 5.6 miles or 6.9 miles. Visit through a variety of books. 703-519- Tea with Martha Washington. 3 p.m. $20/person. Time For 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, http://bike.meetup.com/288 or call 6000. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. 5005 Duke St. For children ages 24-36 Time For 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, Enjoy tea, food, months. Free. Registration required, Susan Schneider, BikeWalk MONDAY/MAY 19 Alexandria, at 202-403-1148. 5005 Duke St. For children ages 24-36 and dancing 703-519-5900 ext. 4. months. Free. Registration required, with Mrs. Writer’s Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Story Time. 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at Visit George Washington’s Distillery 703-519-5900 ext. 4. Washington. Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth & Gristmill through Oct. 31 from 10 Party attire Adults can read material aloud for Ave. For children up to age 4. Free. requested. $20/ feedback. Free. 703-339-4610. 703-838-4566. a.m.-5 p.m. See how whiskey got SATURDAY/MAY 17 started. $4/adult; $2/child. Get person. Mystery Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at Burke Library, discounts with admission to Mount Pancake Breakfast. 7-10 a.m. at Reservations Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt 4701 Seminary Road. Free. For Vernon Estate. Visit United Methodist Church, 100 E. required, Road. Adults discuss “Edge of children ages 2-3. 703-519-6000. www.mountvernon.org for more. Windsor Ave. Enjoy an all you can eat www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838- Midnight” by Charlene Weir. Free. Mother Goose Time. 9: 30 a.m. at breakfast. $5/adult; $3/child. E-mail 4242. 703-768-6700. Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. For Take a seasonal walking tour from 10 [email protected] or 703-549- Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. children ages 12-24 months. Free. a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. 2088. Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. For 703-838-4555. This 30-minute tour explores a variety Family Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lee- Lane. Children and adults 12 and up children ages 12-23 months. Free. Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco can learn how to play. Beginners and Registration required, 703-519-5900 of contributions. Free. Visit WEDNESDAY/MAY 21 www.mountvernon.org for more. St. Take part in arts and crafts, tours advance players welcome. Free. 703- ext. 4. and more. Adults are free with 765-3645. Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Fashion Show. Thomas Jefferson High Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring children, children ages 5-17 $2. The woodwind quartet will perform on Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at Masonic Memo- Historic Huntley Open House. 2-4 Library, 5005 Duke St. Free. 703-519- School, 6560 Braddock Road, will hold Children under 5 free. Visit p.m. at Historic Huntley, 6918 5900 ext. 4. a fashion show to benefit the Autism Road, is holding a children’s rial. Free. gardening program every Monday www.LeeFendallHouse.org or 703- Harrison Lane. Enjoy a puppet show Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Duncan Society of America. 7-9 p.m. $6/ 548-1789. featuring Thomson Mason and his Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. advance; $8/door. Visit from 2-4 p.m. through May 19. more. Visit Artist Reception. 4-8 p.m. Gallery Mesa Verde Murder. 7 p.m. Sherwood more. Benefits Fort Hunt Little family. Free. Enjoy light refreshments. Discuss “The Zookeeper’s Wife” by www.tjhsst.edu/fac or 703-750-8300. Children between 8-12 years old can www.parklawncommunity.org for West, 1213 King St., presents Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall League. Free. 703-768-2525. Diane Ackerman. Free. 703-838-4566. Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at John get garden lessons, do hands-on more. “Nature’s Journey” from May 7 Lane. Meet southwestern characters, Toast to Alexandria. 4-7 p.m. at Mother Goose Time. 9: 30 a.m. at Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill activities, and grow your own garden Home Run Derby and Family Day. through June 1. The exhibit showcases gather evidence and find out Collingwood-on-the-Potomac, 8301 E. Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. For Drive. Stories, fingerplays and with help from Green Spring staff and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at landscapes, lotus and flowers by whodunit. Adults. Free. 703-765-6700. SUNDAY/MAY 18 Boulevard Drive. Taste wines, food children ages 12-24 months. Free. activities. Children ages 13-23. Free. Master Gardeners. $70/student. Call Darsey Field and Darlene Kaplan. Free. Visit Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Green Music Performance. Focus Inn and more from local restaurants and 703-838-4555. 703-971-0010. 703-642-5173 to register. Hollin Hall Fields. www.gallery-west.com or 703-549- Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Springs presents John Flynn with Spencer vineyards. For tickets visit Book Discussion. 7:15 p.m. at John Includes races, 6006. Road. The Old Dominion Bates at 7 p.m. at Church of the www.campagnacenter.org. or 703- Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Every Tuesday and Thursday through photos, moon Hand Dance Social. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at Chrysanthemum Society hosts this Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. 549-0111. Proceeds benefit Campagna TUESDAY/MAY 20 Drive. Enjoy a lively book discussion. October from 5- 8 p.m. at Hotel bounces, food and Monaco Alexandria, enjoy Doggie Holiday Inn Hotel, 625 First St., sale. Free. Visit www.odcsmums.org or $15/general; $12/member. Visit Center. Mother-Daughter Book Discussion. Adults. Free. 703-971-0010. Happy Hour. Enjoy doggie treats Alexandria. Enjoy cash bar, live music, 703-560-8776. and human treats. dancing and more. $20/advance; $25/ Kinship Care Family Cookout. 11 door with non-perishable food being a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Join City archaeologists and trained accepted. Visit www.ktsvacations.net Gum Springs volunteers for an exciting program for or 703-772-4023 . Community Center, kids of all ages at Alexandria Paint Alexandria. The Art League will 8100 Fordson Road. Archaeology Family Dig Days. Be lead demonstrations and instructional Grandparents, aunts, part of the fascinating archaeological sessions for any artist from 10 a.m.-5 uncles and others investigation and discover firsthand p.m. at various events around raising a child for

the hidden clues left behind by the town. $40/unlimited sessions. another family people who lived and worked there Visit www.theartleague.org for member and children hundreds of years ago, by helping more. ages 3-12 can participate in this free screen excavated soil. Monthly Family Spring Wine Festival and event. 703-324-3517. Dig Days will be held from 1:30 p.m. Sunset Tour. 6-9 p.m. at All Alexandria Reads. 10 a.m. at to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Washington Masonic National Mount Vernon Memorial Commonwealth Ave. Get clicker Highway. $30/person. Enjoy training or enjoy pet massages at 11 Every Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2008 dates are on wine from 16 wineries, music a.m. and noon. Free. Saturdays: May 31; June 14; July 12; and more. Visit Book Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Barrett Aug. 16; Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. $5/ www.mountvernon.org or Library, 717 Queen St. Browse survival person and spots fill up fast. Call 703- 703-780-2000. through a variety of books. 703-519- 838-4399 or visit Family Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 6000. www.alexandriaarchaeology.org to Lee-Fendall House, 614 Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. Time For reserve a spot. Oronoco St. Families can 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 kit enjoy arts and crafts, tour, costumes, Duke St. All ages. Free. Registration author signing and more. Adults free required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4. FRIDAY/MAY 16 when accompanied by children. $2/ Puppy Puppets Craft. 2-5 p.m. at Music Performance. The Mount child. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. should Vernon Swing Band will perform from or 703-548-1789. Free. For children ages 4-12. 703-519- 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Del Ray House Tour. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6000. Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. $4/ Tour 11 houses in the original Town Yard Sale. Deer Run Crossing include person. 703-765-4573. of Potomac. $15/advance; $20/day. community will be holding a yard sale May Fete Celebration. 6-8:30 p.m. at Visit www.delraycitizen.org for more. from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Free. Browse Aquinas Montessori, 8334 Mount Celebrate Asian Heritage Month. through toys, goods, books and more. Vernon Highway. Enjoy food, 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, Walk For the World. a sense entertainment, theatre performance 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Families can 2 p.m. at Belle Haven and more. 703-780-8484 for listen to a paper crane story and then Marina Park, 1100 Belle reservations. make origami paper cranes. Free. 703- View Blvd. Families and Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at 971-0010. pets can participate. of Bishop Ireton High School. The United Puppetopia. 3 p.m. at Martha Donations encouraged. Visit wfp.org States Air Force Band will perform a Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt or fighthunger.org for more. free concert featuring Alexandria Road. All ages can enjoy tales for book Workshop. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at humor. native SMSgt Bill Marr. Visit lovers. Free. 703-768- Calvary Presbyterian Church, 6120 N. www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767- 6700. Kings Highway. Partake in a workshop 5658. Book Discussion. on solutions to fight global hunger. Spring Wine Festival and Sunset 10:30 a.m. at Register at www.bread.org/rsvp or 1- Tour. 6-9 p.m. at Mount Vernon Sherwood Regional 800-82-BREAD. Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Library, 2501 Del Ray House and Garden Tour. 11 Highway. $30/person. Enjoy wine Sherwood Hall a.m.-5 p.m., tour 11 of Del Ray’s from 16 wineries, music and more. Lane. Discuss historic homes and gardens. $20/ Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703- “Breath, Eyes, person on the day of the tour. Visit 780-2000. Memory” by www.delraycitizen.org for more. Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Edwidge Danticat. Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parklawn Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-765-6700. Community. Browse toys, books and

4E ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 ❖ 5E Food & Drink Restaurant Names From Page 2 Duncan was attracted to the name because it had “At first, we all laughed. Then, it just fit with all of incorporated “wood” in its title. us. This is our labor of love. Why shouldn’t we give “The reason it sort of caught my ear is because we it that name?” said Meshelle Armstrong. use wood cooking. We have a wood-fired grill and After having named one restaurant for their daugh- wood-fired oven,” said Duncan, who is a partner in ter, the Armstrongs decided they should open a sec- Old Town’s Overwood. ond place to name after their son. So two and half Duncan also thought the name would reflect the years after starting Eve, they opened the casual, simplicity of the American cuisine he hoped to pro- walk-up eatery Eamonn’s. duce at the new restaurant. “It is noisy, kind of like my son,” said Meshelle “We wanted a one-word name if we could find one. Armstrong of the chipper. It would reflect the simplicity of the food,” he said. Armstrong said naming their businesses after their In the end, Duncan found through a Google search children has a few other perks. Both staff and pa- that several restaurants were already named trons really understand how important and special Underwood but he could not find another one that their restaurants are to the owners. was called Overwood. Los Tios Grill, 2615 Mount Royal Restaurant and Ca- Ver non Ave. terers, 735 N. Saint Asaph In Spanish, “los tios” means “the uncles.” St. “I was trying to find a easy and short name for the restaurant. … Royal Restaurant may be on Saint Asaph Street now Maybe I picked but for the first 60 years of its lifetime, the ca- the name because sual American eatery was located on Royal I have too many Street. The Royal turns 104 years old this year uncles,” said res- and has only been at the Saint Asaph location taurant owner for the last 44 years. German Mejia. “We were on Royal Street next to City Hall Mejia’s father until 1964. That is how the Royal got its name,” has six brothers and nine sisters. The restaurant said Chris Euripides, the restaurant’s manager. owner is also an uncle himself, with six brothers and four sisters of his own. Tempo, 4231 Duke St. “My uncles were everywhere when I was a kid. I Restaurant owner Wendy Albert and her husband have a very close family,” said Mejia, who said many Cerge were originally interested in naming their Ital- of his uncles live near the Salvadorean and Tex-Mex ian-inspired restaurant after a close friend, Yannick. restaurant and visit it frequently. Unfortunately, few people could pronounce the name Mejia said he has also sought to create a family- correctly and it would place them at the end of the friendly atmosphere at Los Tios, which is reflected list in the phone book, said Wendy Albert. in the name. After they abandoned their first name selection, the Alberts decided to look restaurant names that started with the letter “t.” Cerge Albert had spent several years working at Terrazza and Tiberio restaurants, which are run by Giulio Santillo. All of the Santillo’s restaurant names start with the letter “t” and Cerge Albert wanted to allude to his work at Santillo’s businesses by also naming his restaurant with a “t.” Overwood, 220 N. Lee St. “We finally settled on Tempo. It meant contempo- rary modern cuisine but it did not really label us Ryan Duncan was considering investing in a new strictly Italian,” said Wendy Albert, whose eatery fea- restaurant when he visited a “great little restaurant” tures Northern Italian and French cuisine. called Underwood in California’s Sonoma Valley.

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6E ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 Stage

Signature’s ‘Glory’ We Have What’s For Dinner Thanks for coming in! Lasts One Day Dinner hours 2:30 - 9:30 P.M. Monday - Homestyle Night We're close to you! Broadway doesn’t take to intimate musical. Beef Stew & Fresh made from scratch 1 ⁄ 2 Lb. Burgers We have ample free parking by Brad Hathaway show. Tuesday - Big Fat Greek Specials Night THE CONNECTION Athenian Chicken Roast Leg of Lamb and Carry out – Call The record books will document that the show had Baklava for Dessert 17 previews and one official performance - the open- ahead and it he four-character musical “Glory Days” ing, which turned out to be the closing performance. Wednesday - All-American will be ready. which made history by transferring intact It was the first Broadway credit for three of its four Meatloaf, Milk Shakes and Apple Pie from the Signature Theatre in Shirlington T cast members, Steven Booth, Adam Halpin and Jesse Thursday - Italian Night (703) 548-1616 to Broadway simply didn’t capture the JP Johnson. Andrew C. Call had previous credits in- Calamari and Lasagna fancy of either the New York critics or the Broadway cluding another short run musical, “High Fidelity,” Dine In or ticket buyers. which lasted only two weeks on The Great White Friday - South of the Border Specials The Best Quesadillas Made w/Chicken, Carry out The show, which had its world premiere in Janu- Way. Seafood or Spinach ary at Signature Theatre, was a one-act, one-set, four It was the second Broadway show for Signature person show about the night when, after their first Theatre’s artistic director, Eric Schaeffer, who directed Saturday - Steak and Chop Night year of college, four young men who were buddies this production and also directed the revue of Best of the Grill - Prime Rib, Chicken and Yes, we take in high school reunite and discover how they have Stephen Sondheim material “Putting It Together,” tender Pork Chops begun to grow apart as they mature at different rates. which ran for three months with Carol Burnett head- It was well received by critics and theatergoers alike ing the cast in 1999. during its scheduled one-month run here in “Glory Days” marked the Broadway debuts for its N. Washington Street Shirlington. young writers from Montgomery County, James W. After two weeks of poor attendance at preview Gardiner who wrote the script, and Nick Blaemire 7 blocks North Madison St. performances in the 623-seat the Circle in the Square who wrote the songs. Blaemire is also making his King Street WE ARE HERE Theatre in New York, the musical had its official Broadway debut as a performer this season as a mem- Old 734 North Saint Asaph St. opening on Tuesday evening, May 6 after which the ber of the cast of the musical “Cry-Baby” which Town N. Saint Asaph Alexandria, Va. 22314 producers, considering both the lack of ticket sales opened at the Marquis Theatre just five blocks from The Royal and a host of negative reviews, decided to close the the theater where “Glory Days” has now closed. Local Theater

Know of something missing from our theater listings? E-mail listings to Alexan- ❀ ❀ dria and Mount Vernon Gazette at ❀ ❀ [email protected]. OLD TOWN’S FAVORITE ❁ Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Rebecca Halik at 703- COUNTRY FRENCH RESTAURANT 917-6407 with any questions. Other News Act III Theatre Company is holding auditions for “A Year with Frog and Toad” for men and women ages 15 and up on June 2-3 from 7-9 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. 703-548-1154. Old Town’s most authentic country Just Starting French restaurant since 1983 Keegan Theatre presents “Clos- ing Time” through June 7 at Theatre on the Run, 3700 Four Mile Run Drive. Showtimes are Thursdays-Satur- Early Spring Specials days at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. $20/person; $15/student, senior. Visit www.keegantheatre.com for more. Dover Sole • Bouillabaisse The Children’s Theatre presents “Winnie the Pooh” from May 30 through June 8 at Thomas Jefferson Frog Legs • Beef Wellington Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays Coq au vin • Soft Shell Crabs and Sundays at 3 p.m. $10/adult; $8/ child, student, senior. Reservations rec- ommended, 703-548-1154. Chef Specials • Cold Salmon Platter Ongoing Events See “Richard III” through May ❁ 24 at the Nannie Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 127 N. Washington St., Old Town • 703-548-4661 at 2 p.m. $13/senior and student; $15/ Smoke Free Restaurant ❀ adult. Visit www.tapestrytheatre.com or www.tapestryrichard3.net or 703-960- www.lerefugealexandria.com ❀ 3398. ❁

Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008 ❖ 7E nd Note Mount Vernon resident Accounting, Nashville Style balances work and music.

Michael K. Bohn committee for cians, who abound in Nashville, and The Gazette Washington’s Boys professionally record the four songs. and Girls Clubs “We used to approach publishing com- ompliance audits. Cash flow and serves as the panies ourselves with the demo record- analysis. Financial perfor- treasurer of the ings, but now we use a part-time “song Cmance assessments. Form 990 Pentagon Memo- plugger” since both of us have to re- and 990-T return preparation. rial Fund. turn home to our day jobs.” Also, they These are a few of the tasks that John As his profes- formed Rider Publishing, a company to Langan, CPA, confronts every workday at sional career pro- further advance their songwriting en- his accounting firm. Regulations, logic, and gressed from an terprise. numbers—zillions of numbers—drive his accounting major Still looking for their first recorded workday. After dinner, at home in his base- in college to finan- and released song, called a “cut” in the ment, he turns to a parallel world, one filled cial manager, business, Langan and Smith enter with music, emotions, and words. There, a Langan developed songwriting contests as one means of piano is his accompaniment, not a com- as a musician as publicizing their work. They won the puter, as he tinkers with lyrics for a new well, starting as an 2004 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest coun- song: eleven-year-old pi- try silver award with “To Love,” and that ano student in contest’s 2005 country gold award for Baby on my radio West Hempstead, “Someone You Loved.” In the 2005 You coming through real strong Long Island. Country Music Television/Nashville In our favorite song “My father of- Songwriters Association International Another haunting memory fered to pay for Listener’s And it’s reminding me a love like ours the first set of les- Choice compe- Also, there is Only comes along sons for any in- tition, they Sometimes. © strument for me won honorable a big and my brothers mention for If there is a good example of man’s right and sister,” he At night, John Langan writes country music and plays in “She Rode the crossover and left brain distinctions, it’s Mount Vernon said. “I chose the the dance band “Who’s Ya Daddie?”. Bull.” resident John Langan. By day, John is a piano and my in- Photos by Michael Bohn More re- between pop mild-mannered accountant, albeit a mod- structor taught at cently, the team ern one without the green eyeshade. At Juilliard. She held her students’ recitals at other people’s songs. John wanted to cre- was a finalist and country night, he’s Johnny, a prize-winning coun- Carnegie Hall, so I achieved every serious ate, not just imitate.” and runner-up now. Country try music songwriter. Not quite Clark Kent pianist’s desire early in my music life.” Why country? And why a Long Island guy in the 2008 and Superman, but certainly a study in con- As a teenager in the late 1970s, singer/ with a lingering “New Yawk” accent? Country Music today is often trasts. songwriters Billy Joel and Elton John in- “Chuck Television con- Langan is the principal in charge of the spired Langan taught me test with just pop non-profit and government services group away from the beauty “Sometimes.” of LarsonAllen, the nation’s eighteenth larg- classical music More Information and“We are writing music with a est public accounting firm. He supervises to pop. He also Listen to Langan and Smith songs at subtleties better songs,” 150 professionals, who serve 2,500 clients. discovered, as www.riderpublishing.com. Information about their of country Langan said. steel guitar He assumed the position last year when he many teens bands is at http://whosyadaddie.com/index.html and music,” “Feedback merged his own company, Langan Associ- have, that play- www.brandystills.com. Langan within the in- and a fiddle.” ates, with LarsonAllen. ing in a band said. “It dustry is good, — John Langan Additionally, Langan is a former board was cool. had al- especially for member of the American Society of Asso- While rehearsing Joel’s “Stranger” for the ways been ‘three chords and the truth,’ or two guys who don’t live in Nashville. A ciation Executives and the Greater Wash- Junior Ring Dance at Maria Regina Catho- ‘real stories about real people,’ but it’s still Grammy Award-winning country ington Society of CPAs. He chairs the audit lic High School, Langan noticed girls drift- about getting a story across and moving songwriter has encouraged us to con- ing into the auditorium and people in three minutes. Besides, young tinue and helped us make high-level clustering near his piano. “I people listen to it now.” industry connections.” found that piano nerds could “A lso, there is a big crossover between pop Langan also performs, most often in get girls, and music gave me and country now,” Langan continued. the dance band “Who’s Ya Daddie?” confidence,” he confessed. “Country today is often just pop music with Neighbor and fellow accountant Tom As a young auditor in the a steel guitar and a fiddle.” Langan said Southard recruited Langan to be the Washington office of the inter- “pop country” arose in the late 1980s, cit- band’s keyboard player. “We play mostly national accounting firm ing Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Kenny rock and soul, songs from the 1960s, Arthur Anderson in the 1980s, Chesney as top singers in the genre. “Listen 70s, and 80s,” Langan said. His playing he met another accountant to them and you’ll get a feel for the music.” is yet another part of his multi-faceted and musician, Chuck Smith. After years of informal playing and com- life—spreadsheets, sheet music, and They performed together at posing, Langan and Smith began serious play lists. parties and became friends. collaboration on country songwriting in “Music is a great outlet for John,” said Smith, who now lives in 2000. After a few years of experimenting, his wife Cindy. “I’m impressed with his Ashburn, has always been a their routine has settled into an annual pro- talent and fully support what is obvi- country music performer, and cess. ously more than a hobby.” The two met his current group, Brandy Stills “We write about twelve songs a year,” at Arthur Anderson, married in 1986, Band, plays country gigs Langan explained. “We record “scratch and have a son, Patrick, a JMU fresh- around the Washington area. demos” for eight of them in either Chuck’s man, and a daughter, Mary, a freshman “‘Let’s write music, not just home recording studio or mine. We then at West Potomac. They live near the Mount Vernon resident John Langan’s day job play,’ John said to me one day,” pick our four best and head to Nashville.” Cedar Knoll Inn on the Mount Vernon is managing a division of the accounting and Smith said. “Most local bands They book a recording studio, hire good Parkway. In addition to the keyboard, consulting firm, LarsonAllen. and performers just cover “demo singers” and first class studio musi- Langan also plays golf.

8E ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ May 15-21, 2008