2006 Holiday Tree @ US Capitol

The lights on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree were lit during a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 6, at 5 p.m. on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol.

This year’s tree is from the Olympic National Forest located in Washington State. The tree was felled in early November and the 65-foot Pacific Silver Fir was placed on a trailer to begin its trek to Washington, D.C. It arrived at the Capitol on November 27.

A tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964, the tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2007.

Click photo to view my 2006 Holiday Tree at the US Capitol photoset.

Washington Blade invites you to The Denim Bar Holiday Sale!

Buy one pair, get the second pair half off! Because you know you like men's jeans ... half off!

70 brands to choose from, ranging from size 25 to 40.

Men's jeans only. Sale ends 12/23.

the denim bar

Banjer Dan returns to Downtown Holiday Market

Having performed at the 2005 event, "bluegrass and beyond" artist Banjer Dan, returns to the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market performers' stage. The photo to the right was taken during Banjer Dan's 13 December 2006 Downtown Holiday Market performance.

According to Banjer Dan's myspace he is scheduled to perform at the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market at 3:45 pm on Saturday, 16 December. And at 4 pm on Tuesday, 19 December and Thursday, 21 December.

Download 2006 Downtown Holiday Market's entertainment schedule in pdf form.

NYC's Gay Erotic Expo . 16 - 17 December

Produced by Steven Levenberg and Matthew Bank of HX Media, LLC, The Gay Erotic Expo is the only mainstream consumer event devoted exclusively to gay adult entertainment and products. The Gay Erotic Expo offers an unprecidented opportunity to promote your company directly to the people why buy your products and services. A perfect compliment to your advertising and marketing efforts, it is the best forum to meet interested, enthusiastic potential customers.

Launched in 2003 in NYC and LA, as a very natural progression and off-spring of the already then highly successful Gay Life Expo, the 2006 Gay Erotic Expo is in its 4th year.

This year, the NYC Gay Erotic Expo takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 16 - 17 December 2006 at the Puck Building. Which is located at 295 Lafayette Street. Saturday hours are from 3 until 11 pm. Sunday, from 1 till 8 pm.

And then there’s all the many after-parties, like Tanner’s Men’s Night, Saturday at Splash (see this week’s Musts), and the Club Expose play party, 6pm till midnight Sunday (250 W 26th St).

With a weekend like that, you’ll need to take the holidays off just to recover!

Contact info is as follows:

HX Media LLC
Expo Division
230 West 17th Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10011
212-352-3535
Steven Levenberg at slevenberg@hx.com.

Michael Berman of Diverse Markets Management

An artist and long time exhibitor at Eastern Market, Michael Berman, Executive Director of Diverse Markets Management, serves as Communications Director for the Flea Market at Eastern Market, and represents out-door exhibitors on the Eastern Market Tenants Council. Michael is involved in many arts related organizations including serving as President of the Downtown Artists Coalition, a principal of Arts Enterprises, LLC and co-founder of both Project Brasas and CAOS. Additionally Michael is a trustee for the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the oldest planning organization in DC. More information about Michael can be found at www.his.com/mberman.

When clicked, the 13 December 2006 Downtown Holiday Market photo will link to a Michael Berman photoset which will feature images that I may take of Berman, in the future.

To contact Michael Berman at Diverse Markets Management call 202-543-3370 or email DiverseMarkets@yahoo.com.

Berman Studios is located at 29 Kings Court #2, in SE, WDC.

15 December Friday's Photo of the Week

2006/07 Holiday Season

US Capitol Holiday Tree

2006 Friday's Photos of the Week

Virginia Ham performs @ Botanic Garden's 'Savor the Season' holiday event

Having just revisited the Downtown Holiday Market for the third time in as many days I'd walk from Penn Quarter to the US Capitol to capture the US Capitol Holiday Tree. En route to the West Lawn I'd stop in at the US Botanic Gardens which is where I'd happen upon the Virginia Ham Barbershop Quartet performing at the Savor the Season's 'Evenings in the Garden' holiday event.

The US Botanic Gardens Conservatory will celebrate "Savor the Season" from 2 December 2006 - 7 January 2007. During which time, on Thursday evenings, musicians will perform throughout the Conservatory.

On Thursday, 14 December Virginia Ham Barbershop Quartet members Drew, Joe, Wes and Mike - from Fairfax VA - serenaded the crowd with Cappella music. To schedule Virginia Ham Barbershop Quartet for special events contact Mike Stoll at 703-395-1097 or email at Mike@MikeStoll.com.

On Thursday, 21 December, from 6 - 8 pm, Lox and Vodka will perform holiday music. And on 28 December Frederick, MD's Frederick Chorale will be featured from 6 - 8 pm.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is located at 245 First Street, S.W., Washington, DC.

National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony . 17 December

A National Hanukkah Menorah is lit on the White House grounds, at the Ellipse during the eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over Syrian oppression more than 2,000 years ago. During Hanukkah, Jews across the world celebrate the miracle of light that burnt for eight days out of a single-days-worth of oil found in the Temple. One Hanukkah candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. The holiday is a celebration of religious freedom and hope.

This year, the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony takes place on Sunday, 17 December 2006, at 4 pm. Admission is free.

Taken on Wednesday evening, 13 December 2006 of the National Hanukkah Menorah's installation, if clicked, the above photo links to my 2006 National Hanukkah Menorah's photoset.

Aaron Grebeldinger, Woodturner, @ Downtown Holiday Market

I first encountered Aaron Grebeldinger, a Woodturner, at Eastern Market on Sunday, 27 August 2006 and had hoped to do a feature pertaining to woodturning and his related history but have not yet proceeded with the project. So, when happening upon Aaron Grebeldinger at the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market I was reminded of that fact.

Aaron Grebeldinger, therefore, represents my second featured exhibitor at the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market.

Dish Caterers / Kirsten's Cafe @ Downtown Holiday Market

While the 2005 Downtown Holiday Market was held at the old convention center site, at the corner of H and 11th Streets, the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market takes place in the Penn Quarter area of NW WDC. On F Street between 7th and 8th Streets which is where the 2006 Arts on Foot was held.

Coordinated by Diverse Markets Management which consists of Michael Berman, Tom Rall, Avner Ofer, Vernon Burnett, and William "Rudy" Coates - all who have connections to the Flea Market at Eastern Market - and in collaboration with Downtown DC the 2006 event will take place (each day) from Monday, 11 December through Friday, 22 December. From 12 noon until 7pm.

The above 12 December 2006 photo depicts Jerry Hollinger who along with Kirsten Poole are the owners of Dish Caterers and Kirsten's Cafe. When clicked, the above photo will link to my 2006 Downtown Holiday Market photo collection.

DCFD - Engine Co 6 - Shaw

Engine Company 6 was organized on February 17, 1879 as a paid company of the District of Columbia Fire Department in the old quarters of Metropolitan Hook & Ladder Company located at 438 Massachusetts Avenue NW . On June 27, 1974 the company moved to their new fire house at 1300 New Jersey Avenue NW. Click photo to view DCFD Engine Co. 6 - Shaw photo project. All which may also be visited at DCFD.

JPG Magazine Issue #7

Issue 7: Shoot Your Self
December 2006 / January 2007

JPG Magazine is one of the most provocative and easily accessed photographers publications around. Anyone, including you or I, may participate in and contribute to the process.

Preview issue 7 at bottom of page.

Design Cuisine & Special Events @ Union Station

When capturing Christmas at Union Station on Saturday afternoon I'd happen upon Design Cuisine setting-up for an event at Union Station. I began my catering career in the fall of 1980 which was a year or so after Hyatt Regency executives Bill Homan, Horst Klein and Steve Veletsis founded Creative Foods. Which, a few years, later would become Design Cuisine.

More than likely if a special event is held at Union Station, it will be in collaboration with Design Cuisine.

The Best of INTHEFRAY 2006

Facing family, facing ghosts
In the United States and many parts of the world, December is marked by a quest for bigger and better things — gifts, bonuses, food, celebrations, decorations, vacations, even donations. Here at INTHEFRAY we indulge by commemorating our readers’ favorite stories of 2006 — all tales of ghosts, family, and image obsession.

Written by Laura Nathan / Buffalo, New York. Published Monday, December 4, 2006

10th Norwegian Christmas @ Union Station

This holiday season from 21 November 2006 through 7 January 2007 represents the 10th year that the Embassy of Norway has commemorated Norwegian Christmas at Union Station in NE Washington DC.

This year features include a Toys for Tots Model Train Display, a Polar Norway Exhibition, Norwegian - American Bazaar, and Norwegian Menu at Center Cafe.

Located at Columbus Circle between North Capitol Street and First Street in NE Washington DC Union Station is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture. Designed by architect Daniel Burnham Union Station began construction opened in 1907 and was completed in 1908.

Paul Olszewski's "Trees of Wonder" @ Macy's Metro Center

Step back in time to remembrances past, when Downtown's department stores were alive with brilliant displays of holiday magic. In that tradition, Macy's Metro Center has inaugurated its first-ever animated holiday windows, "Trees of Wonder".

The windows follow the tale of Sparkle and Twinkle, two elf travelers on their magical voyage to meet Santa Claus through the "Trees of Wonder". As they embark on their escapade, the two experience the magic of Christmas in different fantasy worlds. Traveling through landscapes inhabited by giant animals, dragons and even mermaids, they take part in decorating unique Christmas trees as they celebrate the season.

Designed by Macy's Director of Windows, Paul Olszewski, who last year won both DDI Magazine's Platinum Award for the Best Christmas Window Display in New York and VM & SD Magazine's Best Christmas Windows in International Competition, this year's design promises to be just as spectacular with its interactive elements and magical creativity.

For more information read Downtown DC's 29 November 2005 posting "In the Spirit of the Season".