Pictured above: Carrie Garland and Alexandria-based artist Rich Moore By F. Lennox Campello After restaurants, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, an art gallery is the “second most likely to fail business in the Unites States. And running an art gallery is not an easy task – as Washington Post former and legendary Arts editor John Pancake once told me, it is a “heroic act.” In fact, opening and running an independent, fine arts gallery ethically and properly is an act of love and passion for the arts. And once open and running, cracking the code and getting people to actually buy a piece of original artwork is a very difficult process, and unfortunately for the galleries and for artists, they only control a small part of it. The most difficult part is getting people to actually know that there are galleries, and openings, etc. Getting the potential buyer to the gallery, or aware of the gallery or artist, is the key, and of course the most difficult part. There are parts of the world where you haggle the price of everything and every time! And to add insult to injury, there are apparently only two things in American culture that people seem very adept at haggling for: cars and art. I once walked to a line of taxis in Bahrain and asked the first cabbie on the line how much to take me to the Souk (market place area of the city). I had been advised that it should be about 20 dinars. “100 dinars”, he responded dragging deeply from his cigarette. After 10 minutes or so of animated haggling, we settled for 20 dinars. The next day, I wanted to go back to the market place, and seeing my cabbie again on the line, I walked…
From the origins of “Auld Lang Syne” to traditional foods, find out more about the history of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. What does “Auld Lang Syne” mean? Why do we sing the song at midnight on New Year’s Eve? “Auld Lang Syne,” the title of a Scottish folk song that many English speakers sing at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, roughly translates to “days gone by.” The poet Robert Burns is credited with transcribing, adapting and partially rewriting it in the late 18th century. Its lyrics, which rhetorically ask whether “auld acquaintance” should “be forgot,” have been interpreted as a call to remember friends and experiences from the past. Though sung on New Year’s Eve since the mid-19th century, it became firmly cemented as a holiday standard when Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians played it during a radio broadcast from New York’s Roosevelt Hotel at midnight on December 31, 1929. The band went on to perform the hit every year until 1976, and loudspeakers continue to blast their rendition after the annual ball drop in Times Square. Who were the first to make resolutions for the new year? People have been pledging to change their ways in the new year—whether by getting in shape, quitting a bad habit or learning a skill—for an estimated 4,000 years now. The tradition is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. (They would reportedly vow to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.) The age-old custom of breaking one’s newly formed resolutions within several months—a fate that befalls the majority of would-be reformers, according to statistics—probably originated shortly thereafter. When was the first New Year’s Eve…
By Miriam R. Kramer January can be dreary—the beginning of a slog towards spring. I have always looked at it as a time for enthralling, escapist fare. When I heard about Sebastian Junger’s In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face With the Idea of an Afterlife, however, I sidestepped into a fascinating memoir about his near-death experience (NDE). Then I dove into From Here to Eternity by L.A. mortician and amateur anthropologist Caitlin Doughty, which looks at the way humans handle death around the world, particularly in a non-Western context. In The Year of Magical Thinking, the brilliant Joan Didion writes about coming to terms with her husband dying. These three remarkable works approach difficult terrain from strikingly different angles. They also are all, ironically, reassuring in their clear-eyed approach to the one event none of us can avoid. What unites them is their honesty, their curiosity, and their ability to illuminate the emotional, cultural, and existential dimensions of mortality. Read together, they form a kind of triptych: the near‑death experience, the cultural encounter with death, and the intimate aftermath of loss. Each book stands powerfully on its own, but in conversation with one another, they offer a surprisingly hopeful and deeply human exploration of what it means to live with the knowledge of death. Sebastian Junger’s In My Time of Dying is the most immediate of the three, a gripping account of his own brush with death after a ruptured aneurysm. Junger has long been known for his immersive, clear-eyed journalism, but here he turns his clinical eye inward. What makes this work so compelling is not just the emergency, though he describes it with vivid clarity, but the philosophical questions it forces him to confront. Having grown up with his father’s atheism, he begins…
By Ron Powers In 1979, Bob Seger unleashed one of the most enduring feel-good anthems in rock history with “Old Time Rock & Roll,” a track that would become a cultural fixture far beyond its initial release. Written by George Jackson and Thomas Jones and reshaped by Seger’s unmistakable vocal grit, the song found its way onto the album Stranger in Town and quickly became a fan favorite. Though Seger initially saw it as a simple, straight-ahead rocker, audiences connected instantly with its nostalgic message and unfiltered energy. Driven by its pounding piano riff, no-nonsense groove, and Seger’s soulful, sandpaper-rough delivery, “Old Time Rock & Roll” captured a timeless spirit that still electrifies crowds decades later, securing its status as one of the most iconic tracks in American rock music. Bob and the boys get things rolling with felt covered hammers pounding down on the strings of Randy McCormick’s grand piano. This is quickly followed by Seger’s slap-back-echo soaked voice belting out the line, “Just take those old records off the shelf”. Midway through this first line, the full band starts bopping along with a straight forward drum beat and (you guessed it) an old time rock and roll bass line and guitar lick. Seger’s raspy and powerful vocal performance mixes with the rock solid performance of his band to generate a groove that digs in like no other song I’ve heard. It’s a rare tune indeed that can hook the listener so deeply before the first chorus even starts. For the chorus, background singers accompanied Seger adding depth and width to the song’s central hook. This gives the song a touch of gospel church power without the fire and brimstone. Meanwhile, the piano dances around the mix with a boogie-woogie feel reminiscent of Fats Domino. Additionally, we hear touches…
Photo above by Lani Gering Alexandria delivers a high-value winter escape that blends romance, culture, global dining and immersive historic storytelling—without the crowds or the cost of peak-season travel and some of the best hotel rates of the year. Early 2026 also marks the start of America’s 250th commemorations in George Washington’s adopted hometown, offering powerful new perspectives, including the stories of Black Americans who shaped Alexandria and the United States. Add in new wellness offerings and dining spots, and Alexandria becomes a compelling canvas for national audiences looking for high-value, meaningful winter travel. Alexandria invites travelers to discover their own story. Here are a few of the highlights of what is taking place this month. January 18th Preservation of Carlyle House: What if we could do it over? Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 12 pm – 3:30 pm On January 18, 1976, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority opened Carlyle House after a six-year restoration. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, join us for a 1976 museum price of $1 per person and learn about the preservation of Carlyle House from our experts. Registration not required. Last entrance at 3:30pm Through January 25th A Winter’s Walk Weekly Thursday through Sunday The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street 12 pm – 4 pm The Athenaeum Gallery Presents The Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region’s “A Winter’s Walk” exhibit featuring work by: Joseph Bailey-Esther Carpi-Anne Clippinger-Karen Coleman-Liz Cusell-Nancy Davis-Marcia Dewitt-Joan Maps Ducore-Cheryl Exley-Margaret Farr-Gail Goodrich Harwood-Mary Page Hickey-Ann Lesciotto-Joan Mathys-Elena Maza-Borkland-Marsha Ogden-Cynthia Rice. Visit us online at NVFAA.org. Through February 28th Ice Skating at Cameron Run Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Looking for a unique winter activity? Enjoy outdoor daytime ice skating in Alexandria, just minutes from Old Town. Warm up with a hot chocolate or make your own s’mores over the firepit. This fun winter experience…
By F. Lennox Campello It’s December, and as usual, and since 2006 – by the time this article hits the streets, I’ll be in Miami for the Art Basel week of Miami art fairs – the big dance of the artworld! The last decade or so I’ve been doing some of the prime fairs in the area: Pulse, Volta, Scope, Art Miami Context, etc., but in the beginning, it was Aqua, which is held at the trendy Aqua Hotel on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach and which is owned by the same folks who run Art Miami… and Aqua is now Aqua Art Miami! Those giant other fairs demand a lot of physical labor, and thus this year, I and my two compadres, Steve Wanna and Erwin Timmers, decided to “go back” to our roots and do Aqua again. We’re in room 109 on the ground floor – which makes life so much easier for set up and packing up on Sunday! In my opinion, Aqua is also the best Miami fair for emerging artists, and in my experience, it gets packed and the celebrities do love to attend Aqua! Over the fairs we’ve sold work to Rachel Maddow, John Malcovitch, and others. Also, Aqua seems to have a great “wake effect.” If you read this with column any regular emphasis, then you know that in the past, many times I have discussed the worldwide art fairs and the reason why contemporary artists need to be in them and why there are so many positive things that come out of them – other than sales – even after the fair is over. As a sailor, I compare it to the wake that a ship leaves on the ocean… a wake that most landlubbers don’t realize is sometimes noticeable for hundreds…
In the spirit of the season, we want to extend to every last person “From the Bay to the Blue Ridge and Beyond” who peruses these print pages or scrolls through those online or keeps up with our Facebook and Instagram activity, the happiest of holidays! We want to leave you laughing in 2025 and think this piece written by Frances Kilpatrick will do just that! We can’t take ourselves too seriously these days…. Bob & Erin – Lani – Peppercorn Christmas Calories – A Holiday Fantasy By Frances Killpatrick Tired of all of the internet advice and reading wimpy women’s magazines – including the sage advice of the OTC Fitness gurus who pen columns for this pub – and their annual rehash of advice on how to handle calories and parties during the holiday season? You know, like “drinking three gallons of water before a party.” You must admit it works. Very few party givers set up that yummy buffet table in the bathroom, where you will spend your fun-filled evening! What do these self-appointed nutrition “experts” know anyway? Their idea of a fun party is trying out tofu recipes on defenseless laboratory animals. True believers in the holiday spirit know this simple fact: Certain holiday situations totally cancel out normal caloric considerations. For example, there are absolutely NO calories in: – Food sold for charity. This includes candy, fruit cakes and pizza kits. Of course, go easy on those oranges and grapefruit! – Food made by a co-worker who says, “I stayed up ‘til 3 a.m. baking these damned cookies and somebody in this office better eat them!” – Food or drink served at a party for which you have received a written invitation. – Cider, hot chocolate and doughnuts which you have to eat because the damn…
By Ron Powers In 1987, Billy Idol smashed into the charts with his version of “Mony Mony”: a cover of the ’68 classic by Tommy James & The Shondells. Idol’s version vaulted to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, dethroning a chart-topping rival along the way. Digitally infused with dance-rock punch and Idol’s snarling vocal edge, the track became a stadium chant and party-anthem in one, complete with its notorious shouted call-and-response break. What began as a garage-rock number gained new life as a defiant ’80s classic, melding raw rock grit with pop euphoria and sealing its place in the era’s sonic DNA. Billy and his band get things going with a growling one note bass line accompanied by a four-on-the-floor drum beat. Light tambourine is also added while the kick drum and snare get the listener pumped up. After four quick measures Billy’s iconic rock ’n’ roll vocals hit the speakers with the lines “Here she comes now sayin’, “Mony, Mony” / Shoot ’em down, turn around, come on, Mony”. Blasts of new wave synth chords are also peppered around the verse giving this 1960s hit a proper 1980s shine. As the song winds toward the chorus a pre-chorus featuring a faster vocal melody line is added which helps the energy build. Single strummed distorted guitar chords also ring out and further expand the sound and energy. Finally, we hear Idol shout out the line, “I said yeah” which is echoed by female backing vocalists. This creates a crescendo of fun that finally bursts into the classic rock ’n’ roll chorus of “Mony Mony”. For the chorus a walking guitar line mixes with the drums and creates carefree danceability in the music. This provides a perfect bed of sound for Billy and his background singers to let loose…
By Miriam R. Kramer Who is writing fantasy accessibly and well these days for those of us wishing to immerse ourselves? If you are taking vacation or skipping holiday parties, this is a fun time to delve into the work of V.E. Schwab. About ten years ago she began the Shades of Magic trilogy, comprising A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. She eventually created the first book in a sequel trilogy. The Fragile Threads of Power triumphantly fulfills the promise of the first series seven years into the future. At the heart of the Shades of Magic trilogy lies an ingenious concept: four parallel London’s—Red, Grey, White, and Black—each existing in its own dimension and distinguished by its relationship to magic. Red London pulses with life and magical energy, a city where magic is woven seamlessly into everyday life. In this kingdom magicians wield air, earth, wind, water, and bone magic. Grey London, reminiscent of historical London during the reign of George III, is mundane and devoid of sorcery. White London is cold, brutal, and fading, its people fighting desperately for control of dwindling magical resources. Black London, once vibrant, has been consumed by its own unchecked magic into ashes and dangerous magical remnants. Schwab’s plotting is consistently gripping. A Darker Shade of Magic introduces us to a sharp, adventurous tale of smuggling, sorcery, and political intrigue. By the time we reach A Gathering of Shadows, the narrative embraces a lavish magical tournament that crackles with tension and character growth. A Conjuring of Light—epic, emotional, and relentless—delivers one of the most satisfying fantasy conclusions in recent memory as the Antari magicians battle magic that has developed a personality and lust for ultimate domination. With The Fragile Threads of Power, innovations build upon…
By Mark Edelman The holiday season sashays on with standard Christmas fare and some new entries on stage this month. Give the gift of theater this Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Pancha Ganapati. Like Dicken’s ghosts, the list below will point you the way: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Signature Theatre Now thru Jan 25 Tevye, a poor milkman, has a few problems. Foremost on his mind are three daughters for whom he must find husbands. He wonders whether or not his wife Golde really loves him and the Cossacks are threatening to burn down the neighborhood. What’s a milkman to do? Will a shared community and history provide some solace in the face of a changing world? It’s not surprising that Tevye’s tale keeps coming back every few years to remind us what hope and humanity really mean. A classic. Tickets at http://www.sigtheatre.org THE MOTHER PLAY Studio Theatre Now thru Dec 21 DC favorite Kate Eastwood Norris plays the eponymous parent in Pulitzer Prize-winning (and DMV native) playwright Paula Vogel’s touching odyssey through the DC suburbs from one roach-infested apartment to another. Life with Mother never sounded so frustratingly funny in this wry, savage, and surprisingly tender tome. Tickets at http://www.studiotheatre.org HO HO HO HA HA HA HA Woolly Mammoth Now thru Dec 21 Funny lady Julia Masli returns to Woolly with a festive edition of her award-winning show, direct from a wacky engagement at New York’s Public Theatre. As usual –unusual is more like it; unpredictable, too– Masli invites audiences to bring their holiday problems to the stage for a hilarious and surprising solution. A completely different show every night keeps Juli on her toes—or someone’s toes. Tickets at http://www.woollymammoth.net A CHRISTMAS CAROL Ford’s Theatre Now thru Dec 31 The holiday classic returns for another season of soul-searching and merry making with Scrooge, the Cratchit…
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