Jul 03, 2009  |  By: Amy Cavanaugh  | COMMENTS     

Barbie convention kicks off this week

The 2009 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention is at the Marriott Wardman Park in D.C. this year, and it coincides with Barbie’s 50th birthday. While the event, which runs July 7-11, is sold out, public day is Saturday, so it’s still possible to attend. Admission is $7, and public day runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dealers and collectors from all over the world will be attending and there will be door prizes, photo opportunities and other activities. The Generation of Dreams dress and doll will make its debut at the convention. The doll, designed by Robert Best, showcases 50 years of Barbie’s most notable moments.

For more info, visit www.barbieconvention.com.

CAMP Rehoboth hosts art party this weekend

As part of CAMP Rehoboth’s Whole Lotta Love Weekend on July 3 and 4, they’re hosting LottoHEART, in which more than 200 artists created postcard-sized works of art, each for sale for $100. The works, 15 percent of which are by artists whose work is in museums or major collections, are given out by lottery, and winners only have seconds to choose the pieces they want. Those who can’t make it to Rehoboth, can buy a “blind date” ticket, and will receive a randomly selected piece of art. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 3 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. There’s also an open bar, food and entertainment.

The weekend also features the BIG LOVE Dance, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on July 4 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Music is by Julian Marsh and there’s an open bar.

For more information and tickets to both events, visit www.camprehoboth.com.

‘Forever Plaid’ special screens Thursday

“Forever Plaid,” a popular off-Broadway musical, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special screening at area movie theaters on July 9 at 8 p.m. The show is the story of the Plaids, a 1950s all-male singing group who come back from the dead to perform a show they never got to while alive. Two of the cast members, Larry Raben (“Sparky”) and David Engel (“Smudge”), are gay and have been a couple for more than 20 years.

The special features members from the original cast introducing the event live from the red carpet at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia followed by a taped 20th anniversary performance of “Forever Plaid.” The evening will wrap up with a live performance of musical numbers that were never staged during the show’s off-Broadway run, as well as a live coast-to-coast in-theater singalong.

Locally, AMC, Hoffman 22 with IMAX in Alexandria, AMC, Tyson’s Corner 16 in McLean, Regal, Ballston Commons 12 in Arlington, Regal, Fairfax Towne Center in Fairfax, Regal, Bowie Crossing 14 in Bowie and Regal, Germantown 14 in Germantown will be screening the special.

Tickets are $18 and available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. 

‘Lunch Around the World’ is this weekend

Coinciding with the Elton John/Billy Joel concert at Nationals Stadium is the fourth annual Washington/Baltimore Lunch Around the World fundraiser for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The July 11 event will be at Banana Café & Piano Bar, 500 8th St., S.E., from 1 to 4 p.m. The $25 cost includes a buffet lunch.

The event also includes a chance to purchase Elton memorabilia, Elton trivia, a singalong and an Elton Jeopardy Game. Attendees can also make a donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Elton will not be in attendance.

To register for the event, e-mail 2009LATWDC@cox.net, and provide your name and the number of people in your party.