PotomacLifestyle.com
FEBRUARY 2019
Arts + Makers Issue MASTERFUL MAKERS
THE ARCHITECTURE OF ACOUSTICS
ROMANTIC SANTORINI FOR THE LOVE OF DESSERTS
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER
KC Cole | KC.Cole@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Melissa Lauren | Melissa.Lauren@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melissa Lauren, Nicolette Martin
Curating Creativity
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janna Ashton, Marketta Ebert, Alan Karchmer, Jim Saah, Jim Norris, Ron Solomon, Tanita Strahan, Richard Termine
FEBRUARY—IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN POTOMAC AND THE SURROUNDING WASHINGTON D.C. METRO AREA. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented creatives who beautify our community with their work. Whether it’s local theater performances, music, visual arts or handmade masterpieces from local artisans, we were inspired by the creative culture in Potomac’s backyard. We hope you find inspiration from the creative people highlighted on these pages and venture out to experience the arts. Consider this issue your guide to all things artsy, and behold the beauty while you make memories celebrating the arts. Call for Artists: Like our Facebook page @PotomacLifestyleMag and stay tuned to find out how you can enter our upcoming Cover Story Contest. Please submit photos with the following themes: Summer, Kids and Pets. We are accepting entries from photographers of all ages and abilities. Good luck!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
Happy Reading!
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
KC Cole, Publisher
John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Jewelry from Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams. Original designs by Master Jewelry Designer Irwin Gross.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANNA ASHTON 4
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
PotomacLifestyle.com
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019
FEATURES 18 Masterful Makers Shimmer Structure + Brushstrokes
24 The Architecture of Acoustics Music Center at Strathmore
28 To Dessert Lovers from City Perch + Bar A Valentine: Infinity Raspberry Cake Recipe
30 28
30 Romantic Santorini Plan Your Romantic Getaway to the Historic Island in the Aegean Sea
18
24
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
14
Giving Back
24 Back Stage 28 Culinary Creations 30 Travel Destination 32 Lifestyle Calendar
GOOD TIMES
KIDfest KIDfest, presented by Montgomery County's KID Museum, brings together makers, scientists, artists, community leaders and families for a day of hands-on activities and presentations designed to spark imaginations and inspire the next generation of artists and innovators. Attendees experienced the latest in robotics, engineering, biotechnology, sustainability, interactive art and more. KIDfest is held every September, in Silver Spring's Veteran Plaza. Kid-Museum.org/KIDfest PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARKETTA EBERT
The World of Montgomery Festival The World of Montgomery Festival celebrates numerous diverse cultures of our area through traditional arts, multicultural music, food, dance and hands-on activities. Held at Montgomery College Rockville every October, the free festival allows visitors to experience “International Village” organized by KID Museum. Activities include experiencing traditional arts demonstrations and performances and hands-on crafts highlighting featured countries. WorldOfMontgomery.com
8
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
THE THEMARKET MARKET ATAT RIVER FALLS FALLS RIVER
Includes Both
HOMEMADE & SOUPERGIRL!
AROUND TOWN
FIVE COLLEGES IN MARYLAND RANKED BEST ON EARTH U.S. News & World Report has ranked five Maryland universities among the best on Earth. The annual rankings compared 1,250 schools across 75 countries. Johns Hopkins University was ranked the best college in Maryland, with an overall ranking of 12th in the world. "Schools that prioritize quality academic research remain at the top of the rankings," U.S. News Chief Data Strategist Robert Morse said in a release. Here's how Maryland did on the "Best Global Universities" list, according to U.S. News & World Report: Johns Hopkins University Ranking: 12th in world University of Maryland College Park Ranking: 51st in world University of Maryland Baltimore Ranking: 214th in world University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Ranking: 627th in world Uniformed
Services
University
of
the
Health Sciences Ranking: 898th in world The United States boasted four of the top five spots in the global rankings. Massachusetts was home to the top two in the world (Harvard and MIT) while California boasted three of the top six universities (Stanford, UC Berkley and California Institute of Technology).
MONTGOMERY COUNTY AMONG BEST IN NATION FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY County
Executive
Ike
Leggett
recently
announced that Montgomery County has maintained its Triple-A bond rating for 2018 from all three Wall Street bond rating agencies. Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s all affirmed the “AAA” rating—the highest achievable—for the County. They all termed Montgomery County’s outlook as “stable.” The Triple-A bond rating enables Montgomery County to sell long-term bonds at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the bonds. The rating also serves as a benchmark for numerous other financial transactions, ensuring the lowest possible costs in those areas as well. CONTINUED >
10
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Recently SOLD Potomac Properties FOR AT LEAST 100% OF ASKING PRICE!
This data is a sampling of sold properties from November to December 2018. Source: IRES MLS system. SUBDIVISION
ORIGINAL PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
Regency Estates
$700,000
$722,000
103%
46
5
3.5
Potomac Outside
$665,000
$683,800
103%
81
3
3.5
Regent Park
$688,000
$703,000
102%
4
5
3
Kentsdale Estates
$1,195,000
$1,220,000
102%
12
4
4.5
Regency Estates
$779,000
$790,000
101%
18
4
2.5
Potomac Village
$1,225,000
$1,235,000
101%
30
4
4/2
Beverly Farms
$675,000
$680,000
101%
15
5
2.5
Bedfordshire
$968,900
$973,000
100%
8
5
3.5
Horizon Hill
$719,000
$720,000
100%
21
4
3.5
Potomac Village
$839,000
$840,000
100%
43
3
3.5
Fallsreach
$899,999
$900,000
100%
10
5
4/2
Avenel
$1,295,000
$1,295,000
100%
32
5
5.5
Park Potomac
$1,500,000
$1,500,000
100%
30
4
3/2
Avenel
$1,249,000
$1,249,000
100%
16
3
3.5
How to Sell Your Potomac House Without An Agent And Save the Commission Potomac, MD - If you've tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the "For Sale by Owner" sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren't from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other "For Sale by Owners", you'll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can't possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn't easy. Perhaps you've had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don't give up until
you've read a new report entitled "Sell Your Own Home" which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You'll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you'll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You'll find out what real estate agents don't want you to know. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1855-978-6235 and enter 7017. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself.
This report is courtesy of Jonathan Lahey - Re/max Fine Living. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright Š 2018
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Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
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AROUND TOWN
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES EARNS NATIONAL INNOVATION AWARD Montgomery County Public Libraries received an Honorable Mention Award in the “Civic and Community Engagement� category from the Urban Libraries Council for the Reading and Educating to Advance Lives: REAL Change program. The award is part of ULC’s Innovations Initiative that showcases leading “best� and “next� practices that demonstrate the value and impact of public library service in the 21st century. The practices embody ideas, approaches and insights that other libraries can adapt. The REAL Program, coordinated by the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Heyman Interages Center, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and MCPL, helps children and families make good use of time while waiting for HHS services at four County offices. It provides community book collections, information resources on literacy and healthy habit development for caregivers, and guidance on using the public library. More than 3,000 children and families have used REAL program services
TH E
Lisa
Vogel
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and resources since 2016, including connecting with volunteers and accessing more than 2,000 books. The collaboration has also strengthened relationships with partner organizations, their staff and volunteers.
MONTGOMERY DLC RAISES MORE THAN $13,000 FOR MCPAW ANIMAL CHARITY The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control, in partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Breakthru Beverage Group, raised $8,000 throughout 2018 to support the nonprofit Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being. The partnership’s efforts increased the two-year total of contributions to MCPAW to more than $13,000.
Throughout August 2018, for every bottle of Tito’s
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Vodka sold at DLC retail stores, $1 was donated to
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(Prince William Parkway, 1 Mile West of Old Bridge Road)
MCPAW (up to $5,000). The full $5,000 donation was reached. In addition, 25 local restaurants joined the campaign by featuring Tito’s drink menus, raising
OUR SECOND LOCATION, US-1 SOUTH AT PORT POTOMAC | OPENS WINTER: 2019
another $1,000. The 2018 DLC campaign also raised more than $2,100 from donation boxes placed at the 25 DLC retail stores, for a total of more than $8,000. MCPAW aims to reduce the number of pets that come into the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, protect and provide for the animals while they are in the center, and
educate and engage the community in animal welfare causes. Learn more at MCPAW.org. February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
13
GIVING BACK
Photo Credit: Richard Termine
14
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Notable Lessons from International School of Music ARTICLE MELISSA LAUREN | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD TERMINE
SINCE 2004, THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITIES OF BETHESDA, CHEVY CHASE, POTOMAC, ROCKVILLE AND
THE
REST
OF
THE
WASHINGTON D.C. METROPOLITAN AREA. The International School of Music has been voted Best in Music Instruction by Washington Families and by U.S. Commerce Association. Its top-rated instructors are hired not just for their performance and teaching experience but also for their creative and nurturing approach that makes music lessons fun and engaging. Lessons are custom tailored to fit students’ needs and musical aspirations.
CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
15
GIVING BACK
(CON TI N U ED)
Teachers are versatile, so they can accommodate instruction in a variety of musical genres including classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk, blues, Broadway music and more.
Photo Credit: Richard Termine
The International School of Music offers individual music instruction in voice and all Photo Credit: Richard Termine
instruments (piano, violin, guitar, viola, cello, flute, drums, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, banjo, ukulele, etc.) in addition to preschool music programs for toddlers and preschoolers, ISM Ensemble Music Program and an Adult Music program. Music lessons are offered to students of all ages (children, teens and adults) and all levels of ability (from beginners to advanced). The school’s engaging and flexible curriculum provides structure and goals, motivating students to do their best. Students receive trophies, certificates, ribbons and medals celebrating their achievement and progress in their studies. ISM provides a wonderful music community where students can collaborate with other musicians; play in ensembles or bands; attend group classes, workshops and master classes; and participate in their Ambassador Program which offers students the opportunity to perform in nursing homes and nearby community places. ISM offers fantastic performance opportunities, from casual student recitals to
16
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
honors concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. In fact, the International School of Music performed its recital recently at in the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center this past December. The upcoming Carnegie Hall performance is July 13, 2019. “We wanted to build a school program that responds
Custom Jewelry Design
“You Dream it- We Create It”
to the community’s needs and provides music education that children will love for the rest of their lives,” says Inja Stanic, president of the International School of Music. Their programming helps children of all abilities and ages flourish and serves to supplement musical education students receive at their public or private schools. President Stanic stresses the significance of musical education. “It’s part of a well-rounded education that teaches
International and National AwardWinning Designer
Irwin Gross
designed Liberace’s famous piano ring!
students social and analytical skills.”. The International School of Music has a wonderful early childhood education program. Learning music is best learned early just like learning a language. Classes help young children develop an understanding of how music works using games and dancing. Kids learn fundamental concepts of music and learn to make distinctions between fast and slow tempos and high and low notes while devel-
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oping fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Plus, they learn how to listen to music. Early ear training skills are honed almost automatically similar to a language immersion program. Their youngest students have enjoyed traveling on a musical voyage and learning about the vast array of musical instruments. This also helps to develop their worldview and understanding of various cultures. Kids ages 3 to 10 years old can partner with their parents in class. It is a lovely way for parents to bond with their children. There is also a Keyboard Kaleidoscope class for 4- to 5-year-olds and a Glee Club for 4- to 7-yearold students that teaches singing with group movement. ISM has two convenient locations Summer Place in Bethesda, and their new location in Cabin John Village opened last month (previously at Montgomery Mall). Additionally, as a convenience to parents, they have the ability to schedule siblings and family members simultaneously.
Ask about the wax proof process.
President Stanic mentions that some of their gradmusicians, and some former students are teaching their
(301) 907-8114 goldsmithsdealersindreams.com
own students. She is proud to say that all students have
Located in the Bethesda Place Shops
moved on from the experience with fond memories.
7700 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, Maryland
uates are touring all over the world as professional
Although some students do not have goals to become a professional musician or have a musical career, their lives have been enriched as a result of the experience. Students cherish the notable lessons they have learned at International School of Music, many of which have been translated into life lessons. Learn more at ISM.org.
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
17
Photo Credit: Janna Ashton
SHIMMER STRUCTURE + BRUSHSTROKES ARTICLE MELISSA LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY JANNA ASHTON AND
ASTERFUL
AKERS
TANITA STRAHAN
18
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Photo Credit: Janna Ashton
IRWIN GROSS, Master Jeweler at Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams Irwin Gross, owner of Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams, is an international and national award-winning master of his craft, jewelry design. He won the National Diamonds Today Award for a diamond stud earring set he designed in 1984. He later won the Diamonds International award for his innovative idea—creating a floating effect with a diamond stud and pear-shaped diamond on a long piece of gold with a hole in it upon which the jewel floats. This design has now become commonplace in the jewelry industry. Irwin has a vast knowledge of unique and unusual gemstones in addition to an expansive inventory of gemstones. He not only creates brand-new jewelry designs using sophisticated gemstone cuts, Irwin also specializes in repurposing pieces of jewelry and giving them new life. He collaborates with his clients and draws up his designs based on their combined ideas. He then forms a proof out of wax to show the client how the design will look in three dimensions. Irwin has found his process as an artist, sharing in the sentimental stories of his clients’ treasures and creating new pieces of art, has been quite a rewarding experience. The relationships he has built are worth more than gold. One such fascinating friendship developed with Liberace, the famous piano player, or Lee, as his friends called him. Irwin designed Liberace’s original piano ring. Lee’s mother gave him her ring, a ballerina ring. The ring is called a ballerina ring because there’s a center stone in it and baguettes undulate around the center of the ring, which resembles a tutu. Upon view, Irwin suggested he change the ring into a piano realizing the straight baguette diamonds could make striking keys. Lee fell in love with the idea. Irwin later designed a new piano ring for the musician this time with tapered straight baguettes that were longer on one side with shorter black onyx illustrating the sharp keys on a piano. This second design featured the star’s initials in script and filigree on the top of the piano. Perhaps Irwin’s most special design was his first creation, a redesign of his mother’s rare black opal ring that he accidentally cracked as a “rambunctious 8-year-old.” His uncle worked in the jewelry business, and Irwin convinced his uncle to let him learn the business
THE CREATIVE PROCESS IS MUCH LIKE
at age 15. From that moment on, Irwin worked hard learning all he
THAT OF ALCHEMY—CREATING SOME-
could about jewelry design. He worked two summers as an appren-
THING OUT OF NOTHING AFTER THE
tice and created his first design with the help of the store’s expert
ARTIST’S MUSE STRIKES WITH INSPI-
goldsmith. Over the irregular crack, a gold olive branch design made
RATION. Creation is a way for the artist
the black opal whole again, the branch budding with diamonds as
to fully form souvenirs emblematic of their
flowers. Irwin used his earnings from two consecutive summers
experiences in daily life using their imagina-
as a deposit on the ring’s makeover. When Irwin presented the gift
tion. These objects become unique treasures
to his mother, she cried tears of joy. She had never scolded him for
shared with the eye of the beholder. The
the accident, and he was proud to offer her the symbolic olive branch
following pages light up with color and form
and make a shining memory. Ultimately, this happy accident led Irwin
celebrating the vibrancy of the artisans, craft-
on a path to create works of art commissioned by Frank Sinatra,
ers and master artists bursting with passion
President Nixon, President Reagan and many others. Learn more
in and around the Potomac community.
at GoldsmithsDealersInDreams.com.
CONTINUED > CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
19
MASTERFUL MAKERS
(CON TI N U ED)
Photo Credit: Tanita Strahan
She instantly fell in love with the process. “I love working with my hands. If you have a natural desire to learn something new and you are motivated, you can learn anything,” Wanda says. She pored over woodworking books from the library and later watched many YouTube tutorials. She “upcycled” her friend’s barn door into a farmhouse table. Word of mouth traveled among friends, and they started commissioning work. In 2015, this evolved into her business, Wandaful Home Designs. She continues to study carpentry and builds farm tables, end tables, headboards, coffee tables, night stands, cabinets, dressers and more. She even has fun making seasonal holiday decorations from wood. Wanda has also built a great motto for life: “If you have a passion for something, focus on your goal, work hard, and the opportunities will present themselves. Then you can get to the next level.” What’s next for Wanda? She’s starting her own YouTube channel soon to pay forward what she has learned about refinishing and building furniture from the ground up. Custom pieces are available for local pickup and can be ordered online. Learn more at WandafulHomeDesigns.com.
WANDA HUTCHINS-STRAHAN ‘Wandaful’ Home Designs Wanda Hutchins-Strahan has become quite an accomplished self-taught woodworker. If someone had told her that she would become passionate about woodworking years ago, she wouldn’t have believed them. “I’m petite. I’m not strong,” she says with a gentle laugh. But her eye for design is strong, and her pieces of furniture are robust. She started repurposing furniture in her 20s out of necessity. She had inherited a heavy oak cabinet and it “wasn’t my style at all.” Wanda painted and distressed the cabinet and finished it with slate stone on top. Through trial and error, she refinished her first piece and was happy with the result. Photo Credit: Tanita Strahan 20
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Photo Credit: Tanita Strahan
Photo Credit: Tanita Strahan
CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
21
MASTERFUL MAKERS
(CON TI N U ED)
Photo Provided
NIMI TREHAN Fine Art Nimi Trehan’s work accomplishes what any great artist hopes
wall hangings, and batik paintings. After moving to the United
for. Her paintings emote soul and story. With their splashes of
States, she continued work in interior design, predominately
vibrant color and tactile texture on the canvas, her pieces are
for the corporate, healthcare and federal sectors. She incor-
reminiscent of what one envisions in their dreams. Nimi has won
porated art and photography as significant elements in her
numerous awards acknowledging her artistry.
designs, often designing total interiors around art or used
Nimi grew up in New Delhi, India, where she studied inte-
22
photography to project the corporate image.
rior design at Women’s Polytechnic. In India, she primarily
Currently, she is totally focused on her interest in art and is
worked in residential interiors and product design. She par-
continuously refining her skills and evolving her style. Prominent
ticipated in several exhibits featuring furniture, carpet and
Washington D.C. artists including Michaele Harrington, Beverly Ryan,
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Color and Chaos, Photo provided
Marsha Staiger, Robert Liberace, Michael Farrell, Mary Staley and Tendai Johnson and Mira Hecht have guided her. She is a member of the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia; Glen Echo Park in Maryland; and of the Society of Layerists in Multimedia. She maintains her studio and gallery in Potomac, Maryland. “Throughout my life, my instincts have compelled me to return to art to express my observations and emotions on canvas. I create expressionist figurative work and complex abstract forms in my paintings, valuing expression over perfection. The vibrant colors of my native India are central to my self-expression. Dynamic lines also dominate,” Nimi notes in her Artist’s Statement. She goes on to explain that her brushstrokes emphasize emotions with color and rhythm as primary tools, the paintings carry hidden meanings and mystical symbolism. Nimi’s paintings truly evoke a visceral reaction upon view. Depending on the work, the paintings offer up an experience that could be provocative or soothing; the viewer becomes awestruck, the viewer becomes curious, the viewer becomes inspired. No matter what feeling the viewer experiences, the viewer becomes enamored with Nimi’s art. Learn more at NimiTrehan.com.
Aurora, Photo Provided
Allure, Photo Provided February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
23
BACK STAGE Photo Credit: Ron Solomon
ARTICLE MELISSA LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY JIM MORRIS, JIM SAAH AND RON SOLOMON
The Architecture of Acoustics MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE
THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE IS RENOWNED FOR ITS INNOVATIVE ACOUSTIC DESIGN. The design in and of itself is its own art installation. Every form, shape and space has a significant function to balance sound while allowing for a dynamic range of sounds to be experienced. The high notes are crisp and not tinny, and the low notes are warm and full-bodied without fading away too soon. Arrangements and orchestrations are easily heard note for note from every seat in the house. If an acoustician has accomplished their myriad of tasks to design a musical hall accurately, there is no bad seat in the house; meaning everyone in attendance should be able to receive the same notes in hearing at the exact same time. Magical synchronicity? Maybe a touch of that, but mostly the architecture of acoustics is a science. The architectural, structural and mechanical design of the entire building was determined by the requirements of the acoustic engineer. The shape of the floor, walls and roof; the wood flooring; and even the type of paint were dictated by acoustic specifications. Acoustician Carl Giegold was one of the collaborators on the project. He offers a quick lesson on acoustic design. The reverberation time in this space is two seconds. This is the time it takes for a sound to be appropriately full, correctly received by the listener, and enveloping mid-frequency around middle C on the keyboard. Reverberation time is most commonly known as the amount of time it takes an impulsive sound to decay by 60 decibels. Human hearing decreases at lower frequencies, so lower frequencies require a longer decibel time in order to maintain acoustic warmth without early sound decay. 24
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Design elements help the sound soar and function appropriately. For example, the roof was raised over the third balcony in a swooping shape to offer more resonance. The metal ceiling offers 12 feet of volume in its attic which marries with mid-level volume to create dynamic sound. The tall rear wall serves to push the sound back toward the front of the hall for the benefit of the performer, so they are better able to hear their notes. An adjustable bank of acoustic reflectors hangs above the stage’s platform and highlights the long, graceful curve of the roof creating additional resonance. Reflectors cover the orchestra over the first few rows, which helps sound resonate for those seated in the balconies. In the Strathmore, sound travels up to one-half mile before it can be heard. Another variable to take into consideration is that the people in attendance absorb sound. Wool banners and velour curtains absorb sound during amplified performances to avoid overmodulation. Sound responds to the exposed concrete curves and undulations of the wall. The hall’s concrete walls are 16 inches thick to improve acoustics. The purple ceiling is made of brass mesh and can hide volume diffusing the sound. The ceiling canopy can be deployed at different levels. “This custom canopy technology has really only been around for the last 50 years,” Carl says. The state-of-the-art theater equipment system comprises 98 motors, which varies the acoustics within the concert hall, making specific adjustments for amplified rock shows as well as acoustic orchestral performances.
Photo Credit: Jim Saah
Photo Credit: Jim Morris
If you think about it, seated in the Strathmore awaiting the first note, one is actually inside a shape-shifting, movable sculpture. The mechanical design elements achieve acoustic excellence and can be controlled with a handheld touchscreen device. The Music Center at Strathmore is visually stunning and glows almost gold. The music performed in the space sounds golden too thanks to the architecture of acoustics. Strathmore.org
SONIC SCIENCE TERMS Acoustician: a physics expert in the properties of sound. Reverberation: length of the decay, or reverberation time, receives consideration in the architectural design in order to achieve optimum performance and experience of sound. Acoustic Reflector: a passive device used to reflect and focus sound waves.
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
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Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
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February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
27
CULINARY CREATIONS
To Dessert Lovers from City Perch + Bar A VALENTINE: RASPBERRY INFINITY CAKE RECIPE ARTICLE MELISSA LAUREN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 28
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
CREATE
THIS
SPECTACULAR
DESSERT
FOR
YOUR
BELOVED
THIS
VALENTINE’S DAY, OR BETTER YET, ENJOY THIS TASTY MASTERPIECE AT CITY PERCH + BAR WHILE YOU ENJOY ROMANTIC AMBIANCE DURING DATE NIGHT. They have an extensive dining menu and a wide variety of wine and cocktail choices. Here’s the recipe for their Raspberry Infinity Cake. After making your favorite vanilla cake, marry the layers with this recipe for Raspberry Buttercream and dress the cake with the buttercream. Freeze the cake and then top it up with the scrumptious Raspberry Mirror Glaze.
Raspberr y Buttercream
Raspberr y M i r r o r G l a z e
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
+ 1 cup egg whites
+ 1 1/4 cups raspberry puree
+ 3/4 cup granulated sugar
+ 1 1/4 cups sweetened condensed milk
+ 1/2 cup shortening
+ 3/4 cup orange juice
+ 2 cups unsalted butter
+ 3 cups granulated sugar
+ 2 cups raspberry reduction
+ 2 tablespoons lemon zest + 1 1/4 cups water
DIRECTIONS
+ 4 tablespoons powdered gelatin
1. Place egg whites in mixing bowl. Add sugar
+ 3/4 cup white chocolate
and whisk to combine. Place egg white mix-
+ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
ture over hot water bath and whisk. Mix gently
+ 2 teaspoons red food coloring
to dissolve sugar. 2. Place egg white mixture into bowl and mix
DIRECTIONS
for 1 minute on low speed.
1. Mix gelatin in water in bowl.
3. Whip on speed 2 until egg whites reach
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberry
full volume.
puree, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, orange
4. Slowly add shortening on speed 2.
juice and lemon zest. Heat until bubbles start to
5. Slowly add cubes of butter on speed 2 and
form. Remove from heat.
mix until smooth.
3. Add gelatin to saucepan ingredients and mix.
6. Add raspberry compound. On speed 1, mix
4. Place white chocolate into mixing bowl.
fully into a mousse-like texture.
5. Pour saucepan mixture over white chocolate.
7. Spread buttercream in between your cake
6. Blend until smooth.
layers and cover cake. Freeze cake.
7. Strain mixture with mesh strainer. 8. Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. 9. Let cool to a smooth pour. Don’t let it get tacky. 10. Pour glaze over cake on baking tray. Tap tray to remove excess glaze. Transfer to serving dish. 11. Get creative! Have fun decorating the cake with raspberries. City Perch staff recommends you pair this slice with their Love Potion Cocktail. Find the recipe on Facebook @PotomacLifestyleMag, our Valentine’s gift to you! Learn more at CityPerch.com.
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
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RSomanatnortiinc i
TRAVEL DESTINATION
PLAN YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO THE HISTORIC ISLAND IN THE AEGEAN SEA
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
30
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
Photo by George Desipris on Unsplash
Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash
dine
Photo by Tom Grimbert on Unsplash
stay
experience
SUN ROCKS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
SUNSET VIEWS
Just a short stroll from the Sun Rocks
Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is considered
About 25 minutes up the coast is where
Boutique hotel is this restaurant dedicated
one of Santorini’s most romantic hotels.
you can catch sights of what people often
to creating the perfect combination of flavors
The elegant couples-only cliffside hide-
refer to as arguably the best sunsets you’ll
and atmosphere to create unique moments
away—named
Traveler
ever see. Catch some of the best pan-
in Santorini. Ranked on Trip Advisor’s top
Readers’ Choice 2018 award winner—
oramic views of Santorini from 15th-cen-
10 romantic restaurants in Santorini, Casa
features luxe, minimalist rooms and suites
tury Byzantine castle ruins. Situated on
di Te is inspired by Greek modern cuisine,
carved into the side of a volcanic cliff
the side of caldera cliffs, Oia village offers
Mediterranean cuisine and a touch of local fla-
featuring amazing caldera and sea views.
tons of breathtaking viewing spots. Be
vor. Start with steamed mussels with saffron
SunRocks.gr
sure to get there well before sunset—
CASA DI TE
a
Condé
Nast
and Assyrtiko wine, followed by sea bass fillet
because of the area’s sundown popularity,
fricassee with greens and lemon sauce, and
you’ll find crowds of people gathered on
finish it off with Semolina halva in a kadaifi
streets, rooftops and stairs anticipating
nest with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup.
the one-of-a-kind experience.
CasaDiTeSantorini.com
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
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1 BROADWAY GOLD: TRACY LYNN OLIVERA
BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
Award-winning Signature Theatre fave
Tracy
Lynn
Olivera
spins
Broadway Gold with her distinc-
tive silken sound to bring the likes of
Stephen
Bernstein,
Sondheim, Frank
Leonard
Loesser
and
Rodgers and Hammerstein to life as she glorifies memorable music from
the
Broadway
stage
with
her unique storytelling and wry humor. BlackRockCenter.org
FEB 2 - MAR 10 HUCKLEBERRY FINN'S BIG RIVER Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo
Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Touching and timeless, this tale of friendship against all odds is recreated for young audiences. Various dates and times through March 10. AdventureTheatre-MTC.org
7 OPERA LAFAYETTE PRESENTS HANDEL'S "RADAMISTO"
Opera Lafayette, Washington, D.C.
For the first time, Opera Lafayette brings its original perspective to a repertoire favorite of Handel, a drama about the taming of a powerful and ambitious king. Composed by George Frideric Handel. Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym, based on L’amor tirannico by Domenico Lalli and L’amour tyrannique by Georges de Scudery. OperaLafayette.org 32
Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019
FEBRUARY
8 THE FOOD OF LOVE: ROMANTIC MUSIC OF THE RENAISSANCE Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
As a prelude to Valentine’s Day, Folger Consort offers a magnificent buffet of romance and poetry in the gothic splendor of the Washington National Cathedral with chansons and madrigals on food, drink and love by French and Italian Renaissance composers such as Janequin and Lasso with celebrated vocal ensemble Les Canards Chantants and viol consort Arcadia Viols. Cathedral.org
10 CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors the Lunar New Year with this free celebration held right in the center of Chinatown. The list of activities is long: traditional paper cutting, an art scavenger hunt, red paper lantern-making and panda crafts. Artists will perform traditional music, Sichuan opera and acrobatics.
11 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Freer Sackler Gallery
The recently reopened Freer|Sackler, known for the finest Asian art, rings in the Year of the Dog with the fourth annual Chinese New Year celebration. The event will highlight the arts and culture of the Sichuan Province, home to giant pandas. There will also be live performances of opera, acrobatics and puppetry, and the opportunity to view Chinese art exhibitions. CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Potomac Lifestyle
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18 2017
CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE AND FESTIVAL Chinatown, Washington, D.C.
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
This annual parade in Gallery Place
is one of DC’s signature Chinese New
Year
celebrations.
Expect
Chinese folk dancers, beauty queens,
firecrackers, kung fu demonstrations, floats (including lions and dragons) and plenty of pageantry
as the procession winds through
Chinatown. Parade takes place at H Street Northwest and Sixth Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. Call 202.638.1041 for more information.
23
SIDING WINDOWS ROOFS DOORS
PLAY IN A DAY
Imagination Stage, Bethesda
Area theater companies will write, direct, rehearse and perform original plays based on similar themes in only
By
24 hours. The plays will be presented at the 15th annual Play In A Day, a one-of-a-kind theatrical event. Play In A Day kicks off on Friday. Playwrights, directors and actors
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create overnight. The show must go on after the brief rehearsal. Bethesda.org/Arts/Play-In-A-Day
23 WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS. CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
The Wizards will take on the Charlotte Hornets in the heart of Chinatown at Capital
One
Arena,
rocking
special jerseys in honor of Chinese New Year. The Wizards look to John Wall and Bradley Beal to lead them to yet another victory as they square off against Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker and the Hornets. CapitalOneArena.ViewLift.com
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Potomac Lifestyle | February 2019