 | | | | | | | | | | BARS & CLUBS |  | Brickskeller: 1,000 bottles of beer on the wall -- give or take.
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| |  |  Culture Clubs
By Maura McCarthy and Jen Chaney
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Thursday, January 23, 2003
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Young members groups at area arts institutions would never tout themselves as "singles clubs." Their interests are higher minded: They want to raise your interest in local culture at the same time as they raise funds. That said, many of their activities attract area professionals -- members and nonmembers -- seeking to socialize. Should you meet a new romance or friend, you'll no doubt be better acquainted with the city's cultural riches. That in itself is quite a find. Corcoran 1869 Society | D.C. Play | Friends of the National Zoo Young Professionals | Historical Society City Guild | National Symphony Orchestra NSOvation | Phillips Contemporaries | Smithsonian Young Benefactors | Washington Ballet Jeté Society Corcoran 1869 Society
Named for the founding year of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the 1869 Society seems to attract a friendly and occasionally frisky crowd. Monthly happy hours -- held in and outside the museum -- draw individuals that are eager to engage, if not with the art certainly with one another. Membership benefits include sneak peeks at new exhibitions, such as last year's crowd pleaser, "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years."
Read more about the 1869 Society and its events D.C. Play
It’s hard to find a date, but it’s often harder to find a companion -- friend or otherwise -- who wants to go to the theater. D.C. Play attempts to solve both problems. With free membership and a massive e-mail list, this group of mostly single professionals between the ages of 21 and 39 plans regular (and reasonably priced) outings to see local plays. And that means plenty of opportunities to give standing ovations and build lasting relations with fellow play dates.
Read more about D.C. Play Friends of the National Zoo Young Professionals
They're hardly a savage bunch, but the Young Professionals of FONZ do have a wild side. With past evening events titled "Living La Cheetah Loca," "They Might Be Giant Pandas" and "Gorillas Just Want to Have Fun," their after-hours parties celebrate the zoo's residents while members and their guests enjoy drinks and light dining. Exclusive tours and evening lectures are also open to members.
Read more about the Young Professionals of FONZ and their events Historical Society City Guild
Though smaller in size than other young members organizations, the Historical Society of Washington's City Guild is no less busy. The group took their original name -- the Bootleggers -- from the brewing business of Christian Heurich, the original owner of the mansion that is the Society's home. But as the Historical Society developed -- its City Museum opens later this year -- so has the Guild. Today this cultural forum sponsors walking tours, lectures and, of course, parties. Read more about the City Guild and its events National Symphony NSOvation
On the calendar for young patrons of the National Symphony Orchestra are a concert at the Kennedy Center, a backstage tour, a black-tie gala and the Midsummer's Night Garden Party. Members, usually in their twenties and thirties, also attend cocktail parties and a picnic supper at Wolf Trap.
Read more about NSOvation and its events Phillips Collection Contemporaries
For their first formal gala, the Phillips Collection Contemporaries sure know how to throw a party: Last year's Black and White Ball lit up the Finnish Embassy. First held three years ago, the Cosmic Casino fest was such a hit it's now an annual event. More-subdued activities include free entry into the museum's Sunday concerts and First Thursdays, when the Phillips stays open late, offering both exhibitions and libations.
Read more about the Phillips Collection Contemporaries and their events Smithsonian Young Benefactors
As the largest young members organization in Washington -- more than 1,200 strong -- the Smithsonian Young Benefactors host multiple events each month. The instant name recognition of the institution draws a cultured crowd and those simply curious about Washington. Activities include seasonal parties inside Smithsonian museums (complete with bands and open bar), happy hours at area restaurants, museum tours, exhibition previews and special events.
Read more about the Young Benefactors and their events Washington Ballet Jeté Society
Three Friday night performances at the Kennedy Center and invitations to post-performance parties are a few perks of membership in the Washington Ballet's Jeté Society. Offstage, younger patrons enjoy the popular Beer and Ballet nights three times each season: a company rehearsal followed by an in-studio reception sponsored by the Capital City Brewing Company. Annual events include Bowling With Ballerinas and a benefit and live auction, where everyone dances -- disco style.
Read more about the Jeté Society and its events | | |
