Party Digest

June 21, 2008, 11am - 9pm & June 22, 2008, 11am - 7.30pm.

Grill Gladiators Fight to the Ash as Smokin' Spectacle earns Thumbs Up at Safeway’s Barbecue Battle XVI.

Many battles have been fought over the centuries, but none more delicious than the one now simmering just below Capital Hill in Washington. The BBQ sauce will be at full boil the first weekend of summer, June 21st and 22nd, 2008, when the Safeway Barbecue Battle transforms historic Pennsylvania Avenue into a colossal arena of food, music, interactive exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and sensory pleasures fit for an Emperor!

The Barbecue Battle is not only a Washington tradition, but one of the world's largest contests of its kind, challenging local, regional, national and international barbecue enthusiasts to battle or behold the National Barbecue Championship contest. Both locals and visitors can follow the savory smell of barbecue downtown to enjoy a weekend of free food samples in the Safeway Sampling Pavilion, celebrity chefs, and on-going cooking demonstrations on multiple stages. Top barbecue restaurants and caterers from across the country offer every type of lip-smacking, multi-napkin barbecue, while 30 fantastic rock, R&B, jazz, and blues bands perform on three stages. 

This year's musical entertainment includes rock icon, Leon Russell, smooth jazz star Roy Ayers, Washington's own "Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown, boogie-woogie master Deanna Bogart, New Orleans bluesman Eric Lindel, and young rockers Fools & Horses and Jimmies Chicken Shack along with lots of great local bands. The Battle also hosts scores of thrilling interactive exhibits including the NBA Nation Basketball Tour, unique Americana and mobile tours, along with children’s games, attractions and surprises to round out the family fun. There's so much to eat, see and do at the Battle you'll need two days to experience it all!

For the first time ever this year, the nation's two largest competition barbecue organizations - The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) and the Memphis in May world barbecue contest (MIM) - will pit teams against each other to vie for the title of National Barbecue Champion. Tens of thousands of cheering spectators will watch the Nation's bravest and best barbecue battalions battle for over $40,000 in cash and prizes. Safeway's "duel" sanctioned clash of the smokers will pit northern and southern camps against each other right on our country's historic Mason-Dixon Line. Past Safeway Barbecue Battle competitors have traveled from as many as twenty-nine states to compete in the top-tier contest.

The Safeway Barbecue Battle has been voted a "Top 10 BBQ Event" by The Travel Channel and Discovery.com and has been featured on broadcasts all over the world. The Battle is the largest annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Metropolitan Police Clubhouses, and has raised almost a million dollars mostly for the Clubs and a few other life-changing organizations in past years. 

Event tickets are only $10 per adults, $5 per kid 6-12, and FREE for children under 6. Admission includes a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs, lots of free food samples, all the great live music, six cooking stages, celebrity chefs, family fun and entertainment for all ages. Event hours are: Saturday, 6/21, 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday, 6/22, 11 am to 7.30 pm. 

Details: Call event info line: 202/828-3099.

Visit: www.bbqdc.com for more information.

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May 7, 2008, 6pm onwards.

Grammy Award-winning artist Patti La Belle will be the featured entertainer when the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) honors U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, (D-Iowa), Sheila C. Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hospitality, LLC, and Elliott Sigal, M.D., Ph.D., President of Research and Development, Executive Vice President, and Chief Scientific Officer of Bristol-Myers Squibb for their efforts to bring national attention and resources to lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans. CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Soledad O'Brien will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Presenting the awards will be U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, (R-Pa.); Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health; and Sally Susman, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Pfizer Inc. Notable guests will include Angela Burt-Murray, Editor-in-Chief, Essence Magazine; Randall Winston, Executive Producer, "Scrubs," and a LFA Board Member, and Mercedes Yvette, 2004 Runner-up, America's Next Top Model.

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Dr. Annette Shelby and Congressman John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Debbie Dingell are the 2008 Honorary Chairs of the gala, which this year has raised more than .4 million for lupus research and education programs. U.S. Senator Robert Bennett (R-Utah), Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) and Leslie Meek, Esq. are the Honorary Congressional Committee Chairs. Other members of Congress and Congressional staff, national corporate leaders, federal officials, national women's and health organization representatives, research scientists, and individuals with lupus are among the expected 600 guests.

Richard H. Cooper of the Cooperfund, Inc., is serving as event chair for the 2008 gala, leading a gala committee of 50 individuals and corporate philanthropists to raise funds for LFA programs. Lupus is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissue and organs, which can lead to debilitating pain, organ failure, and death. More than five million people worldwide have lupus. Despite the prevalence of lupus, there has not been a new treatment approved for the disease for more than four decades.

The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and a cure for lupus, and providing support and services to all people affected by lupus. The LFA conducts programs of research, education advocacy.

The awards will be presented on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC. 6pm Butterfly Reception & 7pm Dinner. Cocktail Attire.

Individual Tickets are $500 per person, which includes Butterfly reception, dinner, entertainment, and listing in the Gala program. Sponsorships are available.

* EVENT CO-CHAIR: $50,000 - 2 tables of 10 (priority seating), opportunity for VIP placement at your table, opportunity to provide premium gift item for Gala attendees, Butterfly reception for 20 guests, prominent recognition at Gala, one full-page color ad and listing in Gala program, recognition in Lupus Now® and Annual Report.

* PLATINUM SPONSOR: $25,000 - 1 table of 10 (priority seating), Butterfly reception for 10 guests, prominent recognition at Gala, one half-page color ad and listing in Gala program, recognition in Lupus Now® and Annual Report.

* GOLD SPONSOR - $10,000 - 1 table of 10 (preferred seating), Butterfly reception for 10 guests, special recognition at Gala, one quarter-page color ad and listing in Gala program, recognition in Lupus Now® and Annual Report.

* SILVER SPONSOR - $5,000 - 5 tickets, Butterfly reception, special listing in Gala program, recognition in Lupus Now® and Annual Report.

All seating will be reserved prior to the Gala. Guests are asked to check in at the Gala Registration Table at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Details: Contact Paola Williams: 202/349-1158 or E-mail: williams@lupus.org.

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May 9, 2008 - May 24, 2008, Fridays & Saturdays at 7.30pm & Sundays at 2pm.

Tapestry has decided to bring down the final curtain and disband after 12 wonderful years. Our final show is Richard III. This is an exciting show, directed by Susan Schulman with Andy Greenleaf in the role of Richard. Other performers include Jay Tilley as Buckingham, Ty Hallmark as Lady Anne, and Christine Lange as the Duke of York. We hope to share our final bow with you.

Tapestry is also proud to announce that the Sunday, May 18 performance will benefit the Bob Morrison Photography and Visual Arts Award, a scholarship program awarded on an annual basis to a student from George Mason High School who plans to pursue higher education in visual arts.

Richard III will showcase from May 9, 2008 - May 24, 2008, Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30pm & Sundays at 2pm.

The Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Tickets are $13 seniors and students & $15 regular adult.

Details: 703/960-3398. Reservations not necessary.

Visit: www.tapestrytheatre.com or www.tapestryrichard3.net for more information.

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May 10, 2008, 10am - 4pm.

Sponsored by the Ballston - Virginia Square Partnership, The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market runs Second Saturdays from May to October in Welburn Square, at N. Fairfax and Stuart Street, across from the Ballston Metro station.

Now in its fifth year, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is pleased to present visitors with the best of the best of the area's local artists, artisans and independent designers. It is truly a unique shopping experience where you can peruse an array of handmade items sold by the artists who make them. Artists are selected by a jury from a large pool of submissions to ensure a quality market with items for men, women, adults and kids alike!

Items you will find at the market on May 10, 2008 include silkscreened men's and women's tees by Fresh Produce, artisan jewelry from vendors like Dandelion Bleu and Inedible Jewelry, recycled glass bottle cheeseboards by Mary Ellen Larkins, handmade soaps by Penelope Spa, and your very own backyard cornhole set by J & J Cornhole Boards. Mother's Day is the 11th and the market is a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift!

For a full list of market vendors, check out the Market's blog here: www.ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com

This year we are also pleased to continue our free concert series between the hours of Noon and 4pm. On May 10, 2008 we present you with Rock-n-Romp! A family friendly rock concert featuring local indie rock bands playing music that is both kid and adult friendly! This Month's headliner is a DC favorite, Exit Clov, Visit: www.exitclov.com

Come out and enjoy the festivities! This event is FREE, open to the public and handicapped accessible.

Details: 703/528-3527 or E-mail: ballstonvasquare@gmail.com

Visit: www.ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com for more information.

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May 18, 2008, Noon - 7.30pm.

Community Residences (CR), a leading non-profit organization providing housing, programs and services for individuals with intellectual, mental and physical disabilities as well as the homeless in Virginia and Maryland, presents the 21st Annual Taste of Arlington to be held Sunday, May 18, 2008 from Noon to 7.30 pm, Rain or Shine.

The Taste of Arlington is a lively family event that brings the community together for a day of tasty food and fun as they help their neighbors in need. Last year, more than 12,000 people attended the event, sampling cuisine from 40 area restaurants. Kids Korner features fun and exciting activities for the kids and local bands will provide all day 'live' entertainment.

Last year's "Best of the Best" Grand Prize Winner was Sangam, followed by Carlyle Grand Cafe in second place and Rocklands BBQ & Grilling Company in third. This year a new award category "People's Choice Award - Most Popular Restaurant" will be introduced. In addition to guest panel judging for the "Best of the Best" awards, the restaurant that receives the most Taste tickets from patrons will receive the coveted new award.

Advanced tickets on sale at www.TasteOfArlington.com beginning March 17. Admission to the event is FREE. Anyone wanting to sample the delicious cuisine and beverages must purchase Taste tickets. Pre-event discounted tickets ($20/- for 12 Taste tickets) go on sale March 17, 2008 at www.TasteOfArlington.com. One ticket is exchanged for one 'Taste' of food or non-alcoholic beverage and two tickets are exchanged for each alcoholic beverage. Tickets are $2/- each on event day and can be purchased at ticket booths in multiple locations. Pre-event tickets purchased online will be picked up at ticket booths with your printed receipt.

Parking for the Taste of Arlington is available all day for $1 at the Ballston Public Parking Garage, and the event is located on the Metro Ballston-MU (Orange lines) and on the Metrobus Route 38B, across from the Ballston Common Mall and on Wilson Boulevard.

Visit: www.TasteOfArlington.com for more information.

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Do-It-Yourself Kits Make Designer Teez Unique and Affordable. Fashion-savvy kids will be making room in their dressers this summer for the latest wearable trends from Mugwaz, a decorate-it-yourself brand that produces inventive craft-fashion-fusion kits for girls and boys. The new Mugwaz Teez kits let kids express themselves with three hip, color - em-yourself T-shirt designs.

"Mugwaz kits inspire kids to be creative and have fun", says Bree Altman, Mugwaz founder and president. "When they're done, they have a cool T-shirt that they made themselves and will be proud to wear! Every child is one of a kind, so why shouldn't their shirts and accessories be, too?"

Named after Altman's pug, Mugwa, Mugwaz is a leader in the craft-fashion-fusion market. Since 2004, the company has grown from the original Mugwaz flip-flop decorating kits to include Bagz, Beltz, Take-Out Linkz and now Teez.

The 100% cotton Teez come in three designs ready to be jazzed-up by aspiring designers and young crafters alike:

* Whimsical girls can show off their artistic side with the "funky diva" shirt. The necklaces printed on the shirt have lots of charms, including hearts, butterflies, clocks and even a "mug" - shot of the company's namesake pooch.

* For the little sophisticate who wants a more "bling" design, check out the "glam goddess" shirt with its huge gem and strings of giant pearls.

* Boys and girls will have fun decorating the "business casual" style. This geek-chic tee features a collar and buttons, a "Hello. My name is…" tag, a slightly askew tie and a pocket that can be embellished with drawn-on pens, campaign buttons, patches, badges and more.

Kids can practice their artistic skills and let their imaginations run wild while creating these wearable masterpieces. Building on the existing line, Mugwaz Teez are another excellent gift, a rainy-day activity, an innovative party favor, a great way to exercise creativity with parents, family, friends, a bunk, scout troop or cheerleading squad - or a "to-do" for kids at wedding receptions and other events where activities are traditionally centered around adults.

Mugwaz Teez come boxed with six non-toxic, washable fabric markers -- neon for girls and solid colors for boys. Available in sizes 6-12, each kit retails for an affordable $18. The tagless, all-cotton tees are soft and easy to care for, too.

Mugwaz Teez will be available in June. Until then, more information is available at www.mugwaz.com.

Visit:www.mugwaz.com/products for more information.

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Are you interested in promoting that special Mother's Day spa package or that popular Cookbook for Mom's who love to cook? Here's your only opportunity to go public with your products & services to 500,000 readers NATIONWIDE through PartyDigest, Inc.

Ask us how you can have your products and services featured in our Mother's Day Special Gift Guide, TODAY!!!

Details: Contact: Lak Vohra: 703-310-7542 or E-mail: Lak@partyDigest.com

HURRY!!!

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