Pamela's Punch satisfies your thirst for the latest juice on the coolest places, people and events in the Washington, DC community. Find out what's hot – and what's not – as told through the experiences of a few social butterflies.
Hat photo courtesy of Carol Joynt Read My Bio »
Where to Go, What to Do
PUNCH PICK OF THE WEEK: Get away! You know you want to and you deserve to. I mean, everyone else has escaped from DC, why can't you? You definitely can now with the deal that BuyWithMeDC is offering with Reston Limousine. Here's the breakdown:
$17.50 for a Public Wine Tour Ticket (Value $35) Discount 50%
$337.50 for a Private Wine Tour for up to 25 People (Value $675) Discount 50%
I always knew I was destined for the Red Carpet (pictured above on the right with Laura Oyini and Arch Campbell in the middle)! And so I knew I was in the right place for Oscar Night Sunday evening, March 7, 2010 at theNational Museum of Women in the Arts. Oscar Night DCprovided we snow survivors the opportunity to get dressed in our finest, walk the red carpet, sip champagne, and view a live telecast of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in perfect style. The lovely Pamela Brown, news ABC7/WJLA-TV anchor (and fellow Tar Heel) served as our guest emcee for the evening. Cameras were definitely flashing everywhere, and everyone looked amazing.
A silent auction allowed attendees to bid on items, such as a Kobe Bryant Autographed NBA basketball, a gourmet dinner for eight prepared by Chef Laurent Lhuillier, 2005 National Pastry Champion, a doggie gift basket from Barkley Square, a mink shawl from Miller’s Furs, or two 18-hole rounds of golf at Dominion Valley for four. Pictured above Angie Goff from WUSA 9
Although my pick, Avatar, didn’t take home “Best Picture”, Oscar Night DC was definitely a winner. Pictured above: Greg Baroni and Linda Mathes – CEO of Red Cross National Capital Area
The American Red Cross within the National Capitol Region, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people in our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Funding from Oscar Night DC will be used to benefit local communities around the national capital region.
Pictured above the scene at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
Granted, the Oscars are in full swing as I write this and there are plenty of red carpet events going on tonight. I’m sorry to have personally missed the annual Oscar Night DC (R) benefiting the Red Cross of the National Capital Area, an event which I was involved with for 3 years, since it’s inception.
Thanks to everyone who came out to last Thursday evening’s Countdown to the Oscars atFitness Togetherbenefiting the American Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund. Close to 300 people made it by over the course of three hours to enjoy tastes by Mie N Yu, Cafe Milano, Sweetgreen, and libations from Moet & Chandon, Paradise Springs Winery, Anheuser Busch Select 55, Bacardi 42 Below, Muscle Milk, Honest Beverages film screenings in the courtyard and swag bags. There are more details in the nice article Emily Miller wrote in The Georgetown Dish and the DC Hotspots video below. Thanks to Washington Life, Atlantic Valet and all of the sponsors and you for donating thousands to the cause.
march 4th 6pm-9pm countdown to the oscars red carpet event presented by fitness together, washington life magazine, cafe milano and other sponsors. cocktails and healthy apps. 3222 n street, nw with theater viewing. $25 suggested donation. 100% goes to american red cross haitian earthquake relief effort. hollywood goodie bags courtesy of the motion picture studios. limited space. rsvp to rsvp@washingtonlife.com
march 5th 6:30pm bustin’ loose preview cocktail party at the waterview conference center in rosslyn va. i join emcee paul wharton on stage. entertainment by trustfall. $60 donation at the door. proceeds benefit georgetown lombardi breast cancer research. learn more and register here: http://livebreathedancepresents.com/
march 7th 7pm 3rd annual oscar night (R) dc at the national museum of women in the arts. walk the red carpet and watch the award show in style all for the american red cross of the national capital area. this is the only official-academy-sanctioned viewing party in the area. great silent auction and tons of food and drink. black tie. pamela brown of wjla emcees with arch campbell covering. http://www.redcrossnca.org/
march 10th 6pm-9pm shoog-athon at l2 in cady’s alley. cocktail benefit for shoogie, the tail of my wiener dog. the washington ballet’s artistic director septime webre pays homage to his home state of texas with this collaboration of the ballet and corcoran college of art and design’s graduate program in interior design. this is part of the 7×7 series whose production will run april 21-25th. raffle prizes. $10 suggested door donation for washington ballet. please rsvp to leah@l2lounge.com. www.washingtonballet.org
march 11th 6:30pm eat, drink & be cherry pink tie party at the w hotel. join chefs charlie palmer and art smith for cherry inspired plates and cocktails from restaurants around the area. participate in the silent auction. live entertainment. all proceed benefit the national cherry blossom festival. be sure to wear your pink. learn more and register here: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=951
march 16th 7:30pm-9:30pm fashion for paws fundraiser for fundraising model lena aburdene. hudson restaurant & lounge. free glass of champagne for all. happy hour specials during event’s entirety, including 20% off bar menu. themed speciality cocktails for $7 apiece charlie’s angel, lucifer’s wicked potion, buddy’s bow wowzer. $10 minimum donation suggested. can’t make the event and want to donate? please click on http://whsdc.convio.net/site/TR/RunwayShow/FashionforPaws?px=1001593&pg=personal&fr_id=1040. general admission tickets are still available for $85 for the april 10th show.
Feb 24
Directors and Producers and Actors! Oh My! Part IV
Saturday was to be the day that we finally got around to doing what most people do when attending Sundance: SCREEN FILMS. The rest are there to party, ski, snowboard, and unabashedly star gawk. Speaking of stars, that morning I grabbed the local paper which politely compiled a list of the expected A, B, and C list movie stars in some type of order (by films then in alpha order-and I mean by last name, not by ranking). It was a star stalker’s dream come true. The only thing missing was a list of the hotels and houses where the objects of desire were staying. Not that I would have used it or anything … really.
The first film we were to lay eyes on while in the snow drifted Park City, wasGet Low, the much talked about Robert Duvall humorously haunting piece which was loosely based on a true story. This was a must-see for us because as Washingtonians, we have a loyalty to the great Bobby Duvall on the big screen. The iconic actor resides with his gorgeous Argentine wife, in The Plains, VA. While rather low-profile and keeping to themselves, the couple have been spotted at various charity fundraising events, the Blue Duck Tavern(rumored to be one of their favorites) and right wing functions. The Oscar winner is an outspoken conservative.
Like the mailman, we were going to ignore the cold, sleet, snow, and inclement weather that crossed our path, making it challenging to drive to the Eccles Theater. As David, Andy, Susan and I pulled into the full parking lot (and made our own parking space, thank you) we took note of the obnoxiously long lines outside of the building. “Um, no way am I standing in that B.S.,” I remarked. As luck would have it, we had arrived late enough that as soon as we hoofed it across the parking lot, the lines had started to move forward. Granted, as with all events like this, there was a bit of mass confusion as in “which is the right line?” and “where are we going to get 4 seats in a row?” Turns out we were in the correct line and the answer to the second question was unfortunately, in the balcony.
No matter. The screen was gi-normous. The absolutely packed theater was buzzing with excitement because we collectively knew Get Low had to be an epic masterpiece. With a cast like Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek, this Aaron Schneider directed picture was sure to be Oscar-worthy. I mean, how could it not? It was a formula for success. As the lights turned down, you couldn’t hear a breath in the audience. Spoiler alert: I’m not going to give you one.
You can read all about the movie on any internet page, IMDB, or even the reviews from Sundance. I’ll frankly say, it’s a movie I’d like to see a few more times. It was also a good thing I brought my trusty dusty tissues because I needed them. Basically, the setting is in the 1930’s and Duvall plays the old hermit, Felix, so well and so endearingly with such subtle humor, that you immediately feel a connection to him. Connection to a hermit? That’s the humanizing element to this film. After learning of an old friend passing, Felix decides to hold his own funeral…while he’s alive. He’s acutely aware that the entire town folk have spent a good deal of their otherwise boring lives creating stories about who he is, what his past has entailed, and what he is capable of. Felix has the means (and I mean stashed dollars) to pay Bill Murray, who plays a funeral parlor director whose business is in the process of dying a slow death, for this service. This is Felix’s opportunity to bring every town person together for a “let’s get everything out on the table” scenario. Who does a living wake? Who thinks it’s a bright idea to play “what do you really think about me?” Perhaps someone who thinks he has nothing else to live for.
The acting, the attention to detail for this time period, the timing, the delivery, the touching emotional moments that were so much about everyday life, death, love, anger, spite, fear, forgiveness, looking back and moving on, were without a doubt outstanding. I admit that I lost it at the end. There are only certain movies that can illicit my tears (usually involving animals and old men, for some reason) and this was no doubt one of them. When the main stars came out onto the stage, including Lucas Black, Murray, Duvall, Spacek (pictured above) and the director Schneider, there was a roar of applause. Our group sneaked out during the Q&A because we had yet another film to attend.
The next movie was Climate Refugees, which was back in town at the Library off of Main Street. By now, not only was it dreary and gray out, but the crowds had begun to reach the level of RED ALERT. DANGER DANGER WILL ROGER. The streets were filled with furry hats, boots, tipsy loud shouting groups, and slush. Did I mention the slush? We parked back up at the church again with David’s parking pass and made it down the street in the freezing slippery sidewalks and the throng of people. Our group of four made it finally to the Red Carpet Main Event at the bottom (of course) of Main, where we met up with Nicole Boxer (pictured below with David and me on the couch), daughter of Senator Barbara Boxerand producer of Climate Refugees.
During Climate Refugees’ reception we mingled with Michael Nash, Justin Hogan, his business partner and Keith Kohn the movie’s score producer and MichaelMollura the composer (pictured above). Lester Brown (above with Michael), one of the climate change experts who was interviewed extensively for the documentary, which took 2 years to film and a year to edit, chatted with guests in the small private reception. As I looked around and met some folks, you know, doing the Metro advertising campaign: Take the time to get to know the person beside you (I figured this was a safe environment to do so), I conversed with industry professionals and Michael’s sisters (pictured above) who had come from all over the country to support him. We couldn’t tell if there were a lot of movie people or “save the environment” people in the room. I ventured to guess that the majority hailed from the movie world.
The entire group hauled their vodka filled bellies to the Library for the screening. We were left to hang out in a makeshift green room while the rest of the audience were seated. Then about 50 of us were escorted into reserved seats more towards the back of the auditorium. Here I spotted Dan Glickman, the newly announced, as in brand newly announced Refugees InternationalPresident. Not one to be known for being shy, I immediately stood up and spoke loudly, “Mr. Glickman! Mr. Glickman!” After introducing myself (and probably frightening him with my aggressive behavior) and congratulating him on is new position – he had just left the Presidency at theMPAA- it was time to connect Michael and Mr. Glickman. “Michael! Michael!” I think by now, the people sitting around me were more than annoyed. “Michael, you have got to meet Mr. Dan Glickman, the new RI President and past president of the MPAA. Oh, and don’t move. I need a picture of the two of you.” (as you can see the product above)
Proud of my good deed for the day (Michael is screening Climate Refugees to the RI Young Humanitarian Circle and speaking to some of the major Climate Center donors in March) it was time to settle in to the introduction of the documentary. Michael spent about 2 minutes in a clever, engaging introduction. We watched the film which candidly, for a documentary is not a short 80+ minutes of time spent in your life, however it is content filled and quite an education. It stirred the standing room only audience so much, that the hands flew up during the Q&A. Now, remember I wondered where the environmental people were during the reception? Well. We found them. Senator Boxer, who had flown in especially for the screening and who had also introduced it during the IMPACT Film Festival in DC last year, made her way up gracefully to answer a few of those environmentally/politically charged inquiries.
Once again, David, Andy, Susan and I sneaked out. Heck it was late, we had an after party to get to and we were more or less starving. Note to self: 11pm on the Saturday night of Sundance opening weekend is probably not the best time to find a bite to eat, unless you think eating dirty snow is sufficient. We trudged up Main (after spending the better part of 20 minutes looking for a cab) and literally walked into every food serving venue. “No room in the inn” was the line we received back, or the kitchen was closed, or there was a private affair booked, or… the best one: sure, but it’s a 45 minute wait. Our group felt hopeless. Then, like a beacon of pizza light, it came upon a midnight clear: Red Banjo. Shhh. It’s our little secret. Yes, we ate pizza and salad and downed beer and wine at the Red Banjo with kids who were probably still in college. As we looked around, we commented on the collegiate-like atmosphere that surrounded us. But now was not the time to bring out the snob card. Starvation trumps elitism. At least it does in my book.
Then came the after party. But first came another trudge uphill and a virtual attack on a taxi van, which by the way, provided us with a 1 mile ride (if that) to our destination. This taxi. This taxi. This taxi was the taxi, the one glorious one we’d heard so much about: The MUSIC TAXI. Unfortunately, our ride took all of 2 minutes and 1 minute of that was backing up and turning around in a driveway. David got the driver’s number for our Sunday evening travel needs. That David. He’s so smart and forward thinking.
We entered this after party as wide eyed as children about to frolic in Disney World for the first time. Let’s take a moment here. Now, I have watched enough CW and teen movies in the 80’s to recognize a “house party” and I mean one of those that when you see it onscreen, you roll your eyes and go, “yeah right. like that would ever happen.” Let’s be clear. This was one of those parties. I mean, minus the lampshade wearing and chandelier swinging, pretty much everything else was happening and it was no holds barred and just a P.A.R.T.Y. A party in a rented house whose owners are most likely still paying for the damage. But hey, as they say in the movies: Not my problem (nor did I contribute to any of the damage I’m sure, thank you).
The house was rockin’, the vodka drinks being poured by lovely ladies in barely-there attire were flowing and the dance floor packed. There was even a photo session with costumes. Strangers were grabbing each other (yes, I was picked up by someone whom I’ll nickname the “Pick Up Artist” – he used the same lines on every girl at the party I witnessed and overheard later) to share in the sessions. Everyone was open, inviting, celebratory. There was not a care in the world.
“So, I just asked this girl if she liked the movie,” David said to me, after a quick sip and glancing around.
“And?” I responded, catching a glimpse of some guys doing strange poses in the hallway over a Red Bull can.
“She said, ‘What movie?’” he answered incredulously. “Of course I explained to her that I was speaking of Climate Refugees, the MOVIE WHOSE AFTER PARTY WE WERE ATTENDING. And she had no idea what I was talking about, but all the same, was happy to tell me that this was her party, her house she rented.” We both shook our heads. Later, I asked the Pick Up Artist the same question and received a blank stare: What movie?
As I said before, some people were there for the partying …
Checking out the room, I noticed that while my friends, including Michael, Justin and the rest of the Climate Refugees folks were dressed appropriately in cold weather attire, because well, it was about 10 degrees in January, the rest of these party goers were donning something that reminded me of the cast of Gossip Girl: Miami if there were ever to be that show, and let’s hope there’s not. To complete the shot taking, break dancing, grinding group of 20-something year olds’ fun, there was even a tiny Alice in Wonderland-like door, which I heard led to a world of misbehavior. Alas, finally it was time to go. But before exiting, we caught glimpses of reality show stars through the paparazzi pile and some “rap star” complete with his entourage. And after exiting, we caught a frightful scene of a girl fight, similar to that of the Bad Girls Club meets Cops! minus, but badly needing the cops, outside. Yes, had these girls been on network television it would have been all: “BLEEP! BLEEP! BLEEP! and BLEEP! BLEEP!” They also wore outfits that resembled the Jersey Shore gone off the deep end. It was so time to go home.
Again, what a party. What a night. At least I knew that our tummies would be full with the Stein Eriksen Lodge brunch the next day … but first, some necessary shopping.
february 25th-28th the great gatsby at the kennedy center performed by the washington ballet. take in artistic director septime webre’s original choreography in this sexy, fun, daring f. scott fitzgerald jaunt. tickets are available: http://www.washingtonballet.org/_webapp_1659501/The_Great_Gatsby
february 28th 8pm masters of persian music at concert hall in the kennedy center presented by the washington performing arts society. kayhan kalhor on kamancheh and hossein alizadeh on tar are joined by remarkable young vocalist hamidreza nourbakhsh. http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showEvent&event=WKWAN
march 5th 6:30pm bustin’ loose preview cocktail party at the waterview conference center in rosslyn va. i join emcee paul wharton on stage. entertainment by trustfall. $60 donation at the door. proceeds benefit georgetown lombardi breast cancer research. learn more and register here: http://livebreathedancepresents.com/
march 7th 7pm 3rd annual oscar night (R) dc at the national museum of women in the arts. walk the red carpet and watch the award show in style all for the american red cross of the national capital area. this is the only official-academy-sanctioned viewing party in the area. great silent auction and tons of food and drink. black tie. pamela brown of wjla emcees with arch campbell covering. http://www.redcrossnca.org/
march 11th 6:30pm eat, drink & be cherry pink tie party at the w hotel. join chefs charlie palmer and art smith for cherry inspired plates and cocktails from restaurants around the area. participate in the silent auction. live entertainment. all proceed benefit the national cherry blossom festival. be sure to wear your pink. learn more and register here: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=951
