The DC Traveler

I recently wrote about the tall ship Schooner Sultana, which was part of the Alexandria Waterfront Festival.
The replica of a 1796 British Revenue Cutter and Dispatch ship intrigued me, so I did a bit of research.
The original Sultana was built in Boston in 1767, as a Revenue Cutter.  It’s mission was to inspect the holds of cargo ships and ferret out smugglers, who were looking to avoid paying King George’s taxes under the Townshend Acts (1767). Goods imported into America, notably lead, paper, glass and tea (think the Boston tea party), were taxed. The result, colonialists were outraged.  
Typically, …read more

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The U.S. Olympic Women’s Softball team will be playing an exhibition game against the National Pro Fastpitch league champions, the Washington Glory.
Before heading to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the team is touring the U.S., playing some of America’s best teams.
The powerhouse U.S. National team brought home three Olympic gold medals every year since softball was to the Olympic roster in 1996. Additionally, the team has won the World Cup of Softball for the past two years in a row.
This will most likely be the last time to watch an Olympic softball team in …read more

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Remembering today is Earth Day…

Thanks Mother Nature!
Images - from personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti
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In a prominent location on Constitution Avenue, just off The Ellipse, and only a couple blocks from the White House, is the U.S. Second Infantry Division memorial.
The massive marble and flaming gold sword is dedicated to the “Indian Head” soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II, in Korea and during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With nearly 15,000 combat-related deaths throughout its 90-year history, the Second Division has sadly suffered more losses than any other U.S. fighting division.

The U.S. Second Infantry Division first saw action near Verdun, France, in its first taste of combat in World War I, during March of …read more

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At Old Dominion Speedway in suburban Manassas, VA, watch top sportsman, “rails”, motorcycles, and street stock cars race side by side down the 1/8 mile drag strip in the annual Spring Drag Spectacular.
Drag racing is an exciting sport, with multiple classes and levels of performance. National Top Fuel champions run in 1/4 mile in under 5 seconds and hot speeds of over 300 mph.
The first stage of a drag race is the burnout.  Drivers  pour water (not bleach) under their tires and accelerate quickly to quickly spin the tires, creating a huge amount of smoke.  the burnout is …read more

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While it may not be as star studded as Sundance, Cannes, Telluride, or Tribeca, the 22nd annual Washington, DC International Film Festival brings more than 100 feature films, documentaries, shorts and special programs from over thirty nations to explore their music, cultures, people and politics.
For 12 days, starting April 24th, this year’s festival will highlights the cinema of Latin America and, perfect for our upcoming presidential election, politics on film.
The fest also includes several free events, including Filmfest DC for Kids and Cinema for Seniors.
Here’s the list of films and locations. Unfortunately, the fest’s website is a bit frustrating …read more

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The annual running of the Virginia Gold Cup horse races in The Planes, Virginia,about 45 miles from Washington, DC, attracts 35,000 spectators each May. 
It all started in 1922 when eight area horsemen organized a four-mile race through the local countryside. 
Today, the event has grown to seven races run throughout the afternoon, over a formal cross-country racing circuit between two and four miles long. The mostly former thoroughbred race horses jump dozens of fences, railings and hedges, some over 4 feet in height along the grass circuit.   Riders and horses from around the county come to the Gold Cup …read more

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The annual Big Band JAM features 10-days of the big band sounds from world-famous musicians and bands, college, high school, military and area jazz bands as well as tributes to a few legends of the hot sounds of jazz. 
A few of the highlights include performances by The Duke Ellington Orchestra, a special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and its “Tribute to Quincy Jones”.
Check the Big Band JAM schedule for performance information.

Venues include:

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument
Voice of America Stage (Auditorium)
Smithsonian Institution
Grace Episcopal Church
Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. …read more

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A sure of spring, tulips on the National Mall in Washington.

Image - from personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti
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Country music legend and icon of platinum blondes everywhere, Dolly Parton will be hitting the stage at the Patriot Center in suburban Fairfax, Virginia, outside of Washington, DC.
Parton’s concert is a rescheduling of two March appearances (one at the Verizon Center) that she had to postpone due to troubles with her back.
The platinum-blonde with the down-home appeal, is on tour promoting her latest CD, Backwoods Barbie.   With a record 41 top-ten country albums, and more number one singles than any other female country singer, Dolly Parton probably belongs enshrined in Las Vegas, along with other notable American icons of …read more

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