The 26th Annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival
Doc Nix (Michael Nickens) and Mason Dance Company members
Christian Perez playing during Spotlight on the Arts Musicale
Main Street Community Band in theSPACE at Old Town Plaza
Today the city of Fairfax launches its 26th annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival—50 visual and performing arts events taking place in venues throughout the city over the next three weeks.
From fan favorites like “Polka ‘Til Ya Drop” on April 23 by the Alte Kameradan German Band (polka-wear is encouraged) to more edgy gigs like “Avant Fairfax” also on April 23, an evening of experimental underground music (we hear rocks are sometimes used as drums by this eclectic mix of up-and-coming musicians), the festival runs an impressive aesthetic gamut—and it does so with élan.
“I’ve been to events I’m quite sure I would have never gone to on my own,” says Ellen Brouwer, event co-chair with Kevin Murray of Theatre of the First Amendment, which will be performing “Live Wire” April 17 as part of the festival. And that’s the point says Brouwer, who is in her 26th year as part of the steering committee. This festival is all about trying something new like the evening of civil war-era music performed on antique whistles Brouwer attended last year at Historic Blenheim Civil War Interpretive Center. “There is much more going on with the arts in this area than people think,” says Brouwer. “We want people to know they don’t need to drive into D.C. for high-quality arts events.”
Participation in the festival is at an all-time high this year. A steering committee of 12 seeks out arts groups and fields applications (arts organizations do not pay to take part). How do they choose? “That’s why we have 50 events,” laughs Brouwer, “because we hate to turn anyone down!” An operating budget of $20,000—comprising contributions from individuals and the business community—funds the events, which take place both in historic buildings like Fairfax’s Old Town Hall, and in its newer facilities like the recently-opened Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center and George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. Many events are free, while others are reasonably priced.
Unoccupied commercial spaces have also been enlisted to host exhibits and performances. Adam Lister, whose eponymous gallery is located in what is known as “The Space”—an unused portion of a new development in Old Town Fairfax—will present an exhibit titled, “Super Specific” during this year’s festival (gallery reception on April 13). Says Lister: “This show highlights new approaches to site-specific working methods, offering a look at technology-based artworks and interactive modes of visual expression.”
Local businesses including The Auld Shebeen, an Irish pub, get in on the act too and host events: a bluegrass festival will take place there on April 17. Other events to look for include “Paint the City” on April 2, an opportunity to see the creative process in action as local artists set up easels throughout the City of Fairfax, “Spotlight on Virginians Concert” on April 16 by the City of Fairfax Band at the Fairfax High School Auditorium, and “Art in the Park” on April 30, presented by the Fairfax Art League and a joint exhibition presented by Fairfax Art League and Fairfax High School.
If that isn’t enough to entice you to go, says Joanna Ormesher, Spotlight executive director and cultural tourism and marketing director for the city of Fairfax: “We’re breaking down the boundaries between art forms, we have something for all tastes and ages—it’s truly exciting.” And besides, how often do you get to wear that polka costume?
26th Annual Spotlight on the Arts – Calendar of Events
This schedule is subject to change – for more information, please visit FairfaxSpotlight.org. Ticket prices vary – please visit the websites provided for each event for ticketing information.
Paint the City
Saturday, April 2, 2011, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Various locations throughout the City of Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Artists will be setting up on the streets of Fairfax, capturing the City’s buildings, storefronts, sidewalks, parks, gardens, landscapes, people, and history in celebration of Fairfax’s 50th year as a city! Selected artwork will be part of the silent auction at the Mayor’s Ball on April 15. Professional and amateur artists (age 18 and up) must register by March 25 by contacting Joanna Ormesher at [email protected]
The Mayor’s Ball in collaboration with Spotlight on the Arts
Friday, April 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Truro Church Spring Arts Festival
April 15–17, 2011
Truro Church
10520 Main Street, Fairfax
(703) 273-1300
Fairfax High School Spotlight Show
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 12 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Fairfax Art League Reception and Awards
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Spotlight on Virginians Concert
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Fairfax High School
3501 Main Street, Fairfax
(703) 757-0220
This “Spotlight on the Arts” concert shines on Virginia talent, including the winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition and the contributions of Virginia composers. The evening showcases the premiere performance of a newly commissioned work by Travis Cross, director of the Virginia Tech Wind Ensemble, and a reprise performance of Mark Camphouse’s (George Mason University) “Foundation,” commissioned and premiered by the band in 2006. A “Meet the Composers” panel discussion precedes the concert.
Mason Dance Company – Spring Concert
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Harris Theater, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus
(888) 945-2468
Theater of the First Amendment – “Live Wire”
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 4 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
(888) 945-2468
An authentic live performance of material from the Federal Theatre Radio Division Archives of the 1930s. Directed by Rick Davis.
4th Annual Bluegrass Festival
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 6 p.m.
The Auld Shebeen
3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
(703) 293-9600
George Mason University Singers
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Harris Theater, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus
(888) 945-2468
Commission on the Arts: John Mason Arts Achievement Award, Reception & Recital
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Friday Morning Music Club on Thursday Morning at Old Town Hall
Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11 a.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Reclaimed & Renewed: An Art Show
Friday, April 22, 2011 at 6–10 p.m.
The Old Fire Station #3
3988 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 385-2712
A salvage art show to celebrate Earth Day. Free for all to attend; location is also a full-service restaurant on the lower level. Artists interested in participating must contact Luci Blodgett at [email protected]
Avant Fairfax
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 5 p.m.
theSPACE
3950 University Drive, Fairfax
(571) 232-2086
A concert featuring the best of independent music artists from the greater Washington, D.C. area.
“Polka ‘Til Ya Drop”
Alte Kameradan German Band
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 7 p.m.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 385-7858
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 8 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
(888) 945-2468
4th Annual Lace Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Music Link Recital
Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 3 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Fairfax High School Arts Awards & Reception
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC)
“A Little Night Music”
Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 7 p.m.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 385-7858
Fairfax Saxophone Quartet
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
NOVA Springfield Annandale Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Ernst Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus
(703) 323-3159
Mason Players – 10-Minute Play Festival
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
TheatreSpace, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus
(888) 945-2468
Original works written and directed by students.
Woodson Players – “The Odd Couple” By Neil Simon
April 29 & 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
April 30, 2011 at 2 p.m.
May 6 & 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
May 7, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Woodson High School
9525 Main Street, Fairfax
(703) 503-4600
Acting For Young People – “The Fisherman and his Wife”
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11 a.m.
theSPACE
3950 University Drive
(703) 307-5332
Fairfax Art League – “Art in the Park”
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 12–5 p.m.
Kitty Pozer Garden (next to Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax)
“Jump for Joy”
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
Big Band Sounds from Fairfax High School & Woodson High School
Trisha Brown Dance Company
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 8 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
(888) 945-2468
American Youth Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(571) 423-3792
Main Street Community Band Lawn Concert
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 2 p.m.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 385-7858
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel – “1911: A Century Celebration”
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 7 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
(888) 945-2468
Old Town Hall Children’s Performance – Mr. Skip
Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive
(703) 273-6097
Fairfax Art League Exhibition & Fairfax High School Show
April 16–May 3, 2011, Hours vary
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive, Fairfax
(703) 273-6097
FXPlayers – “Grease”
May 6–7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
May 8, 2011 at 2 p.m.
May 13–14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax High School
3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax
(703) 219-2200
An Evening on the Civil War Home Front with Sior-Og
Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Historic Blenheim & the Civil War Interpretive Center
3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
(703) 591-0560
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 8 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
(888) 945-2468
