Shooting last week’s Urban Daddy DC launch party at the W Hotel was the perfect remedy to a week of postponed-by-snow photo assignments and cabin fever.

DC Editor of Urban Daddy Jeff Dufour holds court with painted models at the Urban Daddy launch Party at the W Hotel on Feb. 12. Photo by Tony Powell

When I got the call from Fingerprint Communications co-chief Barbara Martin, asking if I was free, I jumped on it!

There was a feast for the eyes and ears on the top floor of the W – intricately painted nearly nude models dishing out trays of cupcakes while – influenced by the roaring twenties/hip-hop/rap group – The James Gang – belted out some of the most original music being made today!

But we all really went there to celebrate Jeff Dufour, newly appointed editor of Urban Daddy DC, who along with new wife, PR maven Jayne Sandman, are one of DC’s youngest power couples.

Some of the politicos and night-lifers that braved the snowed-in side streets and snails-pace traffic of downtown DC included: Kastles owner Mark Ein with girlfriend Sally Stiebel, Meet the Press Executive Producer Betsy Fischer, White House speechwriter Jon Favreau, former Obama aide Dr. David Washington with CityDance Executive Director Alexe Nowakowski, Washington Post writer Amy Argetsinger, Hisaoka Communications prez Wendy Gordon, everywhere there couple Juleanna Glover and Christopher Reiter, CNN political contributor Amy Holmes, Marc Adelman, PEPCO VP Kim Watson and sister, JWoW Founder, Jacqui Watson, Rachel Pearson, a newly brunette Pamela Brown, Christina Sevilla, bloggers Emily Miller, Christina Wilkie, and Matt Dornic, my favorite new couple Ashley Taylor and Omar Popal, Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins, Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten , Carlos and Erika Gutierrez, Victoria Michael, Katherine Kennedy, Andre Wells, Lee Brenner, Latin Concepts’ Anna Chaley, Brian Komar, Todd Flournoy, Lydia and Scott Logan, and Elizabeth and hubby Almus Thorp.

Christopher Reiter, Juleanna Glover, Christina Sevilla and Amy Holmes. Photo by Tony Powell

Kaitlyn Ferrara, Jon Favreau and Barbara Martin. Photo by Tony Powell

Gotcha! Meet the men behind the lens

Photographers Kyle Samperton (left) and Tony Powell at the Park Hyatt Hotel. (Photo by Joseph Allen)

On any given night, you can find veteran Washington Life photographers Tony Powell and Kyle Samperton out and about on the Washington social scene, snapping pictures at formal galas and rubbing elbows with the city’s elite. But it’s a lot more than just taking photographs for them – it’s about capturing people in the middle of the capital’s most exclusive events, and providing an intimate glimpse behind the velvet rope to those on the other side.

KYLE: “I find the effort, ingenuity, and talent it takes to create an event as fascinating as the guests themselves. Sometimes, either by a grand statement or a small detail, I’m aware that something wonderful is happening, whether it’s the lighting or the way somebody crosses the dance floor.”

TONY: “There isn’t a job more tailormade for someone with my personality, and while a lot of air-kisses get thrown about, I have been able to forge many meaningful friendships over the years with some of the most important and influential people in Washington.”

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Julius Genachowski and his arts advocate wife Rachel Goslins are the ultimate Washington couple.

By Chuck Conconi

Rachel Goslins and JuliusGenachowski at home with their children Lilah and Aaron. (Photo By Tony Powell)

There’s an accomplished, dynamic, and well-connected husband-and-wife in every administration – a couple you need to know to play the Washington game. In the Age of Obama, that would be Julius Genachowski and Rachel Goslins. Interviewed in their light and airy Cleveland Park bungalow, they don’t shy away from discussing their flurry of social invitations due to their new titles. “We could be out every night in uncomfortable shoes,” Goslins says with a wry smile.

They fit a new “FOB” – Friends of Barack – category. fit a new “FOB” – Friends of Barack – category. Genachowski and President Obama were classmates at Harvard Law School and worked together on the Harvard Law Review. As Genachowski explains, “I witnessed his first campaign in 1990 when he ran for president of the law review and won.” And, he adds, “Even then I knew he would do great things.” They also attended each other’s weddings (Genachowski’s first, that ended in divorce) and the future president’s, to Michelle Obama.

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The Washington Ballet and Bloomingdale’s show-off winter’s coolest looks and local personalities.

Tina D'Souza, David Sutphen

Location: The W Hotel

Photos by Tony Powell

Style Profile: A soigné crowd celebrated the much-anticipated premiere of a documentary by R.J. Cutler that zeroes in on Vogue editor Anna Wintour as she and her impossibly hard-working staff put together the famed September 2007 issue, the largest in the magazine’s history. Of course, the screen style legends were nearly eclipsed by the evening’s very chic guests at the after-party hosted by the Gilt Group. Stylistas: Mary Barth, Lindsay Czarniak, Jessica Gibson, Omar Popal, and Ylan McClintock.

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The Ritz-Carlton

Photos by Tony Powell

Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger

THE EVENT: The Atlantic Council of the United States honored Adm. Michael Mullen, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Russian piano virtuoso Evgeny Kissin at its annual awards dinner, after which Kissin gave a performance. THE GUESTS: Colin Powell, Brent Scowcroft, Henry A. Kissinger, Brig. Gen. Jim Jones, former Polish President Aleksander Krasniewski, Russell and Aileen Train, Donatella Flick, Lloyd Hand, Dan and Rhoda Glickman, Arnaud and Alexandra de Borchgrave, Bob Barnett and Rita Braver.

Napoléon Bistro

Photos by Tony Powell

Omar Popal

THE EVENT: Omar Popal is smart, handsome, charming, a bit mischevious in good hearted way, and oh-so-discreet – just a few of the reasons why 300 of his best pals jammed Napoléon Bistro, his family’s Adams-Morgan eatery, to drink, dine, and dance in honor of the actor/model/restaurateur’s 30th. THE SCENE: The birthday boy watched good-naturedly as a lifetime’s worth of often embarrassing but always wittily encaptioned photos were put together and projected by big brother Mustafa Popal and sister Fatima Popal. Later, clan elders surrendered the premises to late-arriving scenesters who partied until closing in the lower level lounge/discothèque. THE GUESTS: Paul Wharton, Karim Chrobog, Routiza and Bita Vahhabaghai, Carolina Furukrona, Douglas Eldridge, Erwin Gomez, and Will Thomas.

Amb.Klaus Scharioth, Mary Arnold

Location: Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts

Photos by Tony Powell

Berlin Revisited: Twenty years after the fall of Berlin Wall and the reunification of East and West Germany, Wolf Trap’s annual black-tie ball honored all things Teutonic. Nearly 1,000 guests poured onto the vast Filene Center Stage (the second-largest performing arts space in North America), which was spectacularly transformed for the occasion with a “Freedom without Walls” theme that included a towering Brandenburg Gate. Gemütlichkeit: German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth served as honorary host and was toasted by co-chairmen Mary E. Arnold and James C. Nesbitt, who oversaw efforts that raised $970,000 for Wolf Trap’s renowned arts and education programs.

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Bailamos! The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) hosted their annual gala celebrating Noche Musicál Tuesday night at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

By Michael Clements
Photos by Tony Powell

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Supreme Court Justice Sonio Sotomayor and Esai Morales, Photo by Tony Powell

The spicy Pollywood blend of Washington political power players included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and Reps. Xavier Becerra, Loretta Sanchez, and Charlie A. Gonzalez mingled with Hollywood’s top Latino entertainers like Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales. Morales, heartthrob of the classic 80’s film Labamba might have had his most important dance to date when he stepped out to do the Mambó with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (http://www.washingtonlife.com/video/) who, sources tell us, had been practicing her mambo for the past month in preparation for the night. It was Sotomayor’s first foray into the Washington social scene since being appointed the Court’s 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice. “Justice Sotomayor reinforces the notion that you can be successful and still retain your cultural identity. We all know she is a great judge, but, I think she just proved she has some swift moves on the dance floor as well as in the courtroom,” remarked the effervescent Morales. Music for the evening was supplied by Afro-Cuan jazz drummer Bobby Sanabria as well as La India. Sanabria played a rousing rendition of the “Sotomayor Mambó.”

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Location: Capital Hilton Hotel

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Tony Powell

Book Em!: The safest place in Washington — and maybe the country due to the presence of Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. — was during this lunch at the Capital Hilton. Chief of Police Cathy Lanier handed out awards to detectives and officers courtesy of the DC Police Foundation – a non-profit that brings together business, civic, and other professional communities to promote public safety by providing financial and in-kind resources. In Custody: SunTrust’s Scott Wilfong, Geico’s Rynthia Rost and Cheryl Ibanez, John Hill, Natawar Gandhi, Jack Evans, and Ken Sparks.

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Carole Crawford and Beth Ann Moore

Location: Willard InterContinental Hotel

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Tony Powell

They’re Off: Guests dressed in colorful spring and summer finery to celebrate the 141st annual Belmont Stakes at the Willard’s Derby Days fête. Special “Belmont cocktails,” Champagne, and other signature drinks were passed along with tasty hors d’oeuvres as the rapt crowd tuned in for the spectacular race which was broadcast on large monitors throughout the historic hotel’s Round Robin Bar. The Spectators: Andrea Baker, Nancy Dunton, Ann and Gregory Schwartz, Karla Mitchell, Lili Alexander, and Amy Savell.

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Julian Epstein Residence

Photos by Tony Powell

Hill Harper and Julian Epstein

THE EVENT: Local pals feted CSI:NY star Hill Harper at a party honoring his new book, Letters to a Young Sister, which shares the same message of empowerment and respect as his previous best-seller focusing on young black men, Letters to a Young Brother. THE SCENE: Guests mingled in Julian Epstein’s sleek multi-leveled Adams-Morgan loft, admiring the art and outdoor views as the author signed books and spoke of his support of Harvard Law School classmate Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential bid. THE GUESTS: Among those spotted in what was described as a “charged atmosphere” of actors, models, politicos and media types were BET’s LaToya Foster and Andre Showell, D.C. Councilwoman Yvette Alexander, Juleanna Glover and co-hosts Paul Wharton, Michael Hines, Kevin Parker and Jarvis Stewart.

Remember your event forever with photographs by these talented artists.

Group portrait from 2008 Balls and Galas by Clay Blackmore

Joseph Allen
Portrait, event and editorial photography
www.jallenimages.com
joseph@jallenimages (703) 980-8688

Clay Blackmore
Weddings, portrait and editorial photography
www.clayblackmore.com
(301)-670-3232

James R. Brantley
Weddings, portrait, events, and editorial photography
www.jamesrbrantleyphotography.com
jrbrantley@mac.com, (240)476-2285

Luke Christopher
Weddings, portrait, and event photography
www.lukechristopher.com
luke@lukechristopher.com, (202)494-2525

Betsy Spruill Clarke
Portrait, event and editorial photography
www.betsyphotography.com
foto.maven@gmail.com, (240)731-8485

Tim Coburn
Portrait, advertising, and editorial photography
www.timcoburnphoto.com
timcoburn@timcoburnphotos.com, (202)368-4557

Rory Cox
Portrait, advertising, and editorial photography
www.4-optic.com/
erin@4-optics.com, (410) 633-4540

Len Depas
Weddings, portrait and editorial photography
www.lendepasphoto.com
ldepas@aol.com, (202) 362-8111

Michael Domingo
Natural light, portraits, fashion, wedding, events
www.michaeldomingo.com 
michaeldomingo@gmail.com, (530)746-8642

Jonah Koch
Weddings, portrait, editorial and event photography
www.kochfoto.com
jonah@kochfoto.com, (202)674-2428

Gary Landsman
Corporate, advertising and editorial photography
www.garylandsman.com
gary@landsmanphoto.com, (301)-529-6155

David Michele
Wedding and portrait
www.davidmichele.com

Tony Powell
Event, editorial, and Fine Art photography
www.tonypowell.smugmug.com
tonypowells@gmail.com, 301-343-7805

Kyle Samperton
Event and editorial photography, portraits and weddings
irishfoal@aol.com, (301)928-1499

Douglas Sonders
Portrait, advertising, and editorial photography
http://www.sondersphotography.com/
douglas@sondersphotography.com, (703)618-4110

Jim, Mai, Sophie, and Griffin Abdo

Location: Mayflower Hotel

Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: The Washington, D.C. Fathers Day Council and the American Diabetes Association honored five local, notable dads at their annual dinner to assist efforts to prevent and cure the disease. THE HONOREES: developer Jim Abdo, artist William Christenberry, lawyer Robert S. Hall, former National Park Service Director Robert G. Stanton and the late U.S. District Court Judge John Garrett Penn.

Al Neuharth, Tim Russert, and Robert Novak

Location: The Newseum

Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: Four years after breaking ground on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Newseum finally opened with a party every bit as impressive as the $475 million building. Lines stretched down the block, but once inside, the more than 1,800 guests were treated to the cuisine of Wolfgang Puck, opportunities to explore the museum’s many levels and exhibits, and entertainment until the wee hours. THE GUESTS: Andrea Mitchell, Calvin and Jane Cafritz, Charles Krauthammer, Juan and Denise Williams, Debbie Dingell, Gordon and Anne Peterson, Finlay and Willee Lewis, Al Hunt, Newseum architect James Polshek, and Michael and Mary Ann Isikoff, along with representatives of famous media families like the Sulzbergers, Grahams, and Neuharths.

Elizabeth and George Stevens with Norah O'Donnell

Photos by Tony Powell

Elizabeth and George Stevens with Norah O’Donnell  at the launch of author Joe Scarborough’s book The Last Best Hope.

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JIm Kimsey with War of Necessity author Richard Haass

Photos by Tony Powell

Jim Kimsey with War of Necessity author Richard Haass at the reception hosted in honor of his new book.

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George Stephanopoulos, Capricia Marshall, and Beth Dozoretz

Location: The Home of Virginia Shore and Tom Hardart

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Tony Powell

LESSON LEARNED: Authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman celebrated the release of their newly-penned Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success at an outdoor reception hosted by Susannah Shipman, Virginia Shore, and Tia Cudahy. The book encourages women to strive for their own individual balance between home and the workplace in today’s fast-paced society. THE STUDENTS: Harold Ickes, Kathryn Hall with daughter Jennifer Cain, Norah O’Donnell, Richard Wolffe, Mark Whitaker, Hilary Rosen, Ali Wentworth, and Hossein and Dalia Fateh.

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Nancy Brinker and Jill Biden

Location: Vice President and Mrs. Biden’s Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Tony Powell

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Luisa Zarate

Location: Cartier, Tysons Galleria

WL EXCLUSIVE - Photos by Tony Powell

A RARE VIEW: Like the jewels, all eyes were sparkling as guests gathered at Tysons Corner to celebrate “100 Years of Cartier in America” while enjoying an exclusive view of the famed company’s precious jewelry and timepiece collections. Co-hosted by Paula and Robert Hisaoka, the reception benefited the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Smith Farm Center, named in memory of the late PR guru. ON DISPLAY: Mirella Levinas, Jack Davies, Kay Kendall, Fariba Jahanbani, Feri Oveissi, Keyvan Sayadian, and Young Kim.

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Cynee Simpson, Julian Epstein and Michelle Yankey

Location: Luxe Studio, Home of Fendi Casa

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell and Zaid Hamid

TOP OF THE HILL: Is there anything Hill Harper can’t do? The Harvard- educated star of CSI: NY is the author of two inspiring books, Letters to a Young Brother and Letters to a Young Sister, and a formidable philanthropist. This night belonged to his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation – dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and inspiring underserved youth to succeed. REPRESENTING: A heavyweight crowd showed support including hosts Tanya Lombard and Yelberton Watkins, co-host Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Adam Schiff, Darrell Smith, Lamell McMorris, John Orlando, Marie Sylla, Peck Madigan, Tami Boyd, and Ben Jealous.

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Ambassador of Japan Ichiro Fujisaki and Nancy Brinker

Photos by Tony Powell

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Location: Champions and Lincoln Theatre

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

Shake it: Besides the “wow” factor of having both Redskins and Wizards cheerleaders present, the annual fundraiser was a great way to support one of the area’s leading dance companies. The Big Dance: The success of co-founders Amber Yancey and Stephanie Jojokian’s efforts to provide a forum for local dancers to showcase their talents at major media events was evident once again at their annual Lincoln Theatre showcase. With innovative twists on hip hop, modern, and classical movement, CMP remains on the cutting edge of dance in the metro area. Chorus Line: Jimmy Lynn, Thomas Graham, Richard Strauss, Seelan Abraham, and Andre Collins.

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Capital City Ball founders John Dunford and Bruce Fries

Location: The Washington Club

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Tony Powell

ROLL THE DICE: The Polaris Project had luck on its side when ballgoers selected its anti-human trafficking crusade as the beneficiary of the evening’s festivities. Partygoers gambled and gamboled for the cause, joining Miss D.C. Kate Marie Grinold and Olympian Kerri Strug, both strong supporters of the organization. THE PLAYERS: Erin Barnes, Randy Brater, Deborah Sigmund, Alex Kor, Pamela Sorenson, Mike and Cheryl Morehouse, Tanya Sable, Veronica Sanchez, and Gargee Ghosh.

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Michael Saylor, Ashley Taylor, and Winston Bao Lord

Location: Embassy of the Russian Federation

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

RUSSIA WITH LOVE: The tickets for this annual party sold out in less than three days, cementing its status as one of young Washington’s most popular nights of the year. The main party was held at the Russian Embassy (a rare event venue), and featured performances by Burnt Sienna on stage, and the premiere of an original Septime Webre piece of dance, performed by Jonathan Jordan. At midnight, guests were ferried down Wisconsin Ave. to the City Tavern Club, where the Winn Brothers entertained and Emperor vodka provided refreshments till the wee hours. DANCE COMPANY: Czar-level sponsor Tim Owens, Kay Kendall, Pam Pressly, Winslowe Moore, Carl Becker, Matt Fierce, Corinne and Mike Falencki, Marybeth Coleman, Katie Tarbox, Ashlee Reid, Matt Lowe, Tara de Nicolas, Coventry Burke, Bo Blair, and Lorie Peters.

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Pat and Ken Behring

Location: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Tony Powell

LONG TIME COMING: A thousand guests thronged the famed museum’s grand re-opening after a two-year renovation, marveling at the new skylight and balconies surrounding the vast atrium and an awe-inspiring new star spangled gallery for Old Glory. Lots of crowd-pleasers were back, ranging from the First Ladies’ gowns and Thomas Edison’s light bulb to Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. HISTORY BUFFS: Albert and Shirley Small (donors of a new gallery), $80 million benefactor Ken Behring (for whom the facility is now dubbed “The Behring Center”), Mallory and Diana Walker, Katherine Keller, and Ivan and Nina Selin.

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Rep. Steny Hoyer and Miss America Katie Stam

Location: Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Photos by Tony Powell

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Gilan Corn and Aniko Gaal Schott

Location: Spanish Embassy Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Tony Powell

SPANISH DELIGHTS: An exquisite concert by clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester (with soprano Courtenay Budd and pianist Roman Rabinovich), a live auction featuring a biz-class trip to Barcelona, fine wines and food to benefit budding musicians from around the globe. SOLD OUT: All 80 seats, the maximum that could be accommodated in the dining room and conservatory, were spoken for – not bad in these recessionary times.

Donor Patricia Baumand and James Alefantis

Location: Hirshhorn Museum

WL EXCLUSIVE EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell

THE SCENE: The Hirshhorn Museum opened its doors in celebration of Barack Obama’s inauguration and the role that Media Matters played in monitoring the election coverage. Guests had access to the museum’s permanent collection as they rubbed elbows with the nation’s media elite.

THE GUESTS: Al Franken, Arianna Huffington, MOMA curator Rajendra Roy, David Bennahum, Sarah Tanguy, Robert Lehrman, Barney Frank, James Alefantis and David Brock.

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Rep. Kendrick Meek, James Bell, Shepard Fairey and Rep. Barbara Lee

Location: National Portrait Gallery

WL EXCLUSIVE EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell

PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAIT: Excitement was in the air at the National Portrait Gallery as Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE portrait of Obama was officially made part of the museum’s collection. The work, generously donated by Heather and Tony Podesta in memory of his mother, Mary K. Podesta, was unveiled by the artist himself, National Portrait Gallery Director Martin Sullivan, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Podestas.

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Teri Johnson and Nicole McDade

Location: Warner Theatre

Photos by Tony Powell

THE SCENE: President Obama was the acclaimed hero as stars filled the historic Warner Theater to support the network’s 2009 honorees, who included Mary J. Blige, Magic Johnson, and Tyler Perry, and to enjoy celebratory performances by Ne-Yo, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Queen Latifah.

THE GUESTS: BET Chairman and CEO Deborah Lee, Whitney Houston, Gabrielle Union, Angela Bassett, P. Diddy, Monica, and Star Jones.

Ariella Cymerman, Charlotte Rose Lamotte, Talia Startsman, Lila and Jacoba Harris

Location: The Willard Intercontinental Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: After a dazzling spectacle onstage at the Warner Theatre, some of Washington’s young theatre-goers (with parents in tow) delighted in seeing costumed characters from The Nutcracker up close at a cheery tea party held in The Willard Intercontinental Hotel.

THE GUESTS: Septime Webre, Michael Herald, Jack and Sarah Nixon, and Johanne Wilhelmsen.

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Trish and George Vrandenburg

Location: Four Seasons Hotel

Photos by Tony Powell

PLAYING A PART: It was a night for actors and seriously high-end auction items to raise funds for education and audience-building programs on behalf of the 60-plus professional theater companies operating in the capital region.

ACTING UP: Susan and Mike Harreld, Tom Foster, Jane and Calvin Cafritz, Bill Largess, Bob Levey, Jaylee Mead, Trish and George Vradenburg, and actors James Kronzer and Naomi Jacobson.

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John Podesta and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo by Tony Powell

Location: The Fairfax at Embassy Row and Jockey Club Lounge

WL HOSTED EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell, Kyle Samperton, and Joseph Allen

A musical celebration with speaker Nancy Pelosi, John Podesta and Warren Haynes

TRANSITION TOASTS: The week of inauguration festivities kicked off with a Washington Life hosted high-octane gathering of power players who were at the heart of the presidential transition and inauguration planning teams.

THE SCENE: Festivities were co-sponsored by The Atlantic, National Journal, Celebrity Service International, and the Washington Capitals. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Presidential Transition Team Co-Chair John Podesta made remarks before guitar virtuoso Warren Haynes wowed the crowd with two sets, including U2’s “One” in honor of Pelosi and Podesta.

ROLL CALL: Larry Summers, Don and Megan Beyer, Michael Strautmanis, Christine Varney, Michelle Jolin, Michael Warren, Chris Matthews, Marne Levine, Vince Panvini, Todd Thompson, and Sen. Mark Warner, amongst other members of Congress and ambassadors.

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Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh. Photo by Tony Powell.

Location: Kafé Leopold and L2, Cady’s Alley – Georgetown

WL HOSTED EVENT - Photos by Tony Powell and Ira Wexler

A-LIST INAUGURATION DINNER: Perennial Sports & Entertainment and the Impact Film Fund teamed-up with WL for its annual Pollywood dinner bringing celebrities and politicos together after the inauguraton of Barack Obama.

CO-HOSTS: Jessica Alba, Jeffrey Wright, Sarah Silverman, & Hill Harper. Others dining on artisanal cuisine and melding Hollywood and Washington power included Bethany Yarrow, John Pemberton, Jo Cooper, Arnie Wellman, Royal Roth, and Eli Pariser.

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Aerin Lauder and Tory Burch. Photo by Vicky Pombo

Location: Kuwait Embassy Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell and Vicky Pombo

SUNDAY SCENE: Bold-faced names from the political, social, media and diplomatic elite predominated at the evening reception hosted by Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Rima, including Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife Michelle, Donald Graham, Ken and Jackie Duberstein and Leo and Grega Daly. Those hoping to see new faces weren’t disappointed when Obama insiders Peter Orszag and Gen. James Jones were sighted.

MAGIC MOMENT: Society bandleader Peter Duchin accompanying soprano Renée Fleming on the piano in an entirely spontaneous rendition of Someone To Watch Over Me.

Jeffrey Ross and Sarah Silverman. Photo by Tony Powell

Location: FUR Nightclub

WL SPONSORED EVENT - Photos by Tony Powell, Joseph Allen, Nancy Ostertag, and Sterling Elmendorf

IT’S TRICKY: This celeb-filled tribute to comedy and politics was one of the hottest parties of the inauguration. Hosted by Nelly, the concert included performances by Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and Ludacris that rocked the 2,000 attendees.

MAKING AN IMPACT: The event was organized by the Impact Film Fund (IFF) co-founders Kimball Stroud, Jody Arlington, and Jamie Shor, who partnered with Funny or Die and “The Great Schlep,” (starring Sarah Silverman). VIP’s included actress Jessica Alba, Cash Warren, Rep. Linda Sanchez, Lisa Edelstein, Tanya Lombard, and Robert Glennon. The night was co-sponsored by UPS, Toyota, Group Inc. Kaze Design, Vox, and Beck’s – who provided liquid courage in the VIP area.

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Actress Hayden Panettiere

Location: Josephine Lounge

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell

HOB KNOB: Hosted by New York financier and long-time Obama friend and supporter Brian Mathis and his wife Tracey Kemble, as well as Nicole Avant, Kevin Liles, Steve and Candace McKeever, Jacquie Lee, and Hill Harper, this event was one of the hardest-to-score inaugural invites.

IN THE GOLD ROOM: Kerry Washington getting cozy with Gerard Butler as the late-night crowd sipped on Ciroc vodka and Don Julio blanco nightcaps and took home a VIP gift bag that included goodies from Alberto Parada Jewelry, Votivo aromatic candles, Cucina soaps and lotions, Cibu, Bliss, Shiseido, Baby Phat, and Graf Von Faber-Castell. The night benefited Impact Film Fund and was co-produced by Straus/Baker.

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Rosario Dawson

Location: 3333 M Street, Georgetown

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell

PAINT THE TOWN: A star-studded line-up of musical performers from Santogold and De La Soul to Grammy award-winning DJ Moby proved the perfect complement to the art covered walls of ManifestHope: DC. Stars Heather Graham, Tim Robbins, Adrian Grenier, Michael Stipe, and Rosario Dawson mixed with artist Shepard Fairey and Obama administration officials David Strautmanis and David Washington as the 1,500 guests soaked in the energy of the moment. The night was sponsored by Obey Giant, moveon.org, SEIU, Irvine Contemporary Gallery, and included an all-important liquid contribution from the National Beer Wholesalers of America.

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Kai Milla, Vernon Jordan, Valerie Jarrett, Ann Jordan, Richard Parsons, and Janice Cook Roberts

Location: Vernon and Ann Jordan Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos By Tony Powell

HONORING LEADERSHIP: Democratic Party heavyweights and other assorted pals gathered at the home of Vernon and Ann Jordan to celebrate the groundbreaking career of Time Warner Inc. Chairman Richard D. Parsons after he was interviewed at George Washington University by Soledad O’Brien for the next segment of PBS’s series, The History Makers, a national oral history project devoted to African-American leaders.

POWER PACKED: The presence of top Obama advisors guaranteed major buzz as talk focused on speculation about the new administration’s likely economic and foreign policy initiatives as well as various high-level appointments expected in the coming weeks.

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Pegg Hoffman, Michelle and Dr. Phil Schoenfeld, and Jenny Luu

Location: Chevy Chase

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos By Tony Powell

FRESH LOOK: Renu Medspa got its own facelift and friends gathered in Chevy Chase to celebrate with Cointreau-politans (provided by the French liqueur company) and food from Rosa Mexicano. Guests admired the spa’s new look while investigating the latest trends in skincare for both men and women, all available on the premises.

THE FACES: Founder Dr. Phil Schoenfeld and his wife Michelle, Jennifer King, Karen Zuckerman, Sherell Daniels, and Meredith Jacobs.

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Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi

Location: Joe Lockhart Residence, Kalorama

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos By Tony Powell

AGING IN PLACE: Former Al Gore aide and current Glover Park Group partner Mike Feldman celebrated the big four-oh with humor and grace, putting up with various friendly shenanigans at Joe Lockhart’s house that included a trick photo montage showing him progressively aging to the 100 mark and the inevitable snarky comments (“Women want Mike Feldman. Men want to be Mike Feldman.”)

PRESENTS: Quite a few, including “Happy Birthday” recorded by U2 and a rather nice bottle of vintage 1968 wine to mark the occasion from the absent Al and Tipper.

PRESENT: Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi flew in for the party, joining the inevitable Democratic A-Listers plus various media types including Tammy Haddad, Jay Carney and Claire Shipman, and Betsy Fischer.

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Kasia Gasek with designer Tsyndyma

Location: Mazza Gallerie, Chevy Chase

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Tony Powell

ALL FOR THE KIDS: The annual launch of Mazza Gallerie’s Care for Kids Holiday Shopping Card, a discount program benefiting Children’s National Medical Center, featured “Conscious Cuisine” by Rock Creek at Mazza and a chance to view Neiman Marcus’ latest fashions.

THE SHOPPERS: Mazza Care for Kids chairwomen Bonnie DeWitt, Jill Bushkoff, and Carol Dickenson, sisters Kelly and Kathleen Nealon, Todd Bernold, Craig Henson, and Grace Easby-Smith.

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JT Taylor and Harold Ford

Location: Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

THE MAIN EVENT: In what has become one of the city’s top fundraising events, this quintessential boys-night-out raised $2.8 million for Fight For Children, an independent non-profit organization committed to improving education in local schools and keeping kids healthy so they can learn.

READY TO RUMBLE: Boxing greats, sports heroes, beautiful table servers and ring ladies, Redskins cheerleaders, major business leaders, influential politicians, and, of course, boxing, make Joe Robert’s annual smoke and Chivas-filled fundraiser the most anticipated of the fall charity season.

IN THE RING: Jermaine Dupri, Alphonso Maldon, Manny Acta, Dick Butkus, Ken Norton, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Michael Spinks, Jef Zell, Adrian Fenty, Bob Sloan, Bob Pincus, and Gen. James Jones.

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Minerva and Dario Espinal

Location: Dominican Ambassador’s Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos By Tony Powell

FINAL FIESTA: After four years, it’s hard to call the popular ambassador of the Dominican Republic and his wife anything but “Flavio” and “Minerva.” Most of us even say “DR” now! When the Espinals leave Washington in January, all their friends will want to tag along – not just for the warm weather, sunny beaches, and great golf, but because they are so much fun.

SIP AND PUFF: At least there was a chance to celebrate by sampling the country’s best-known exports one last time. Yes, it was cold in the garden, but warm welcomes and big smiles, rich Brugal rum and fat Procigars, and always, the luscious food of chef Altagracia Candelario, made it yet another party to remember. Adios, amigos!

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Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström and Eva Hafström

Location: Embassy residences and the Meridian House

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Tony Powell

THE BALL: Ambassadors from more than 30 countries turned out for the 40th annual Meridian Ball, which raised more than $900,000 to benefit Meridian International Center initiatives to promote global understanding. Known for an attractive younger crowd with distinctly international flavor, the evening began with private dinners at embassy residences followed by desserts and dancing in two separate spaces – fox trots and rhumbas inside and a Motown band under a tent on the lawn. The linden trees were glowing with light in the pebbled courtyard, and the gift bags included leather passport cases and tips on cross-cultural communication – perfect accessories for the cosmopolitan traveler.

THE GUESTS: Sen. Patrick Leahy, Chief of Protocol Nancy Brinker, Walt and Didi Cutler, Bret and Amy Baier, Grace and Morton Bender, and the ambassadors of Mexico, Spain, India, Japan, Switzerland, Chile, and Lebanon.

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Rima Al-Sabah, Laura Bush, and Salem Al-Sabah holding baby Nasser ‘Nino’ Al-Sabah

Location: Kuwait Embassy Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos By Tony Powell

DARLING DAUGHTER: The 10th anniversary celebration of the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School would have passed unnoticed under most circumstances. Having Jenna Bush (a former third-grade teacher there) and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty as guests of honor guaranteed a hefty donor base plus a thank-you dinner hosted by Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife, Rima, that attracted not only Ms. Bush’s mother, First Lady Laura Bush, but her new husband, Henry Hager, as well.

PROGRAM NOTES: A heartfelt tribute for the famously low-profile First Daughter by her slightly elder twin, Barbara Bush, and another for Mayor Fenty by D.C. Schools’ sizzlin’ Chancellor Michelle Rhee were followed by a performance by the Compassionates, White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten’s band, with Dede McClure and Meryl Chertoff providing vocal accompaniment.

Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi

Location: Joe Lockhart Residence, Kalorama

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Tony Powell

AGING IN PLACE: Former Al Gore aide and current Glover Park Group partner Mike Feldman celebrated the big four-oh with humor and grace, putting up with various friendly shenanigans at Joe Lockhart’s house that included a trick photo montage showing him progressively aging to the 100 mark and the inevitable snarky comments (“Women want Mike Feldman. Men want to be Mike Feldman.”)

PRESENTS: Quite a few, including “Happy Birthday” recorded by U2 and a rather nice bottle of vintage 1968 wine to mark the occasion from the absent Al and Tipper.

PRESENT: Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi flew in for the party, joining the inevitable Democratic A-Listers plus various media types including Tammy Haddad, Jay Carney and Claire Shipman, and Betsy Fischer.

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Rich Dutchman and Natalie Koss

Location: Chevy Chase

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Tony Powell

FRESH LOOK: Renu Medspa got its own facelift and friends
gathered in Chevy Chase to celebrate with Cointreau-politans
(provided by the French liqueur company) and food from Rosa
Mexicano. Guests admired the spa’s new look while investigating
the latest trends in skincare for both men and women, all available
on the premises. THE FACES: Founder Dr. Phil Schoenfeld
and his wife Michelle, Jennifer King, Karen Zuckerman, Sherell
Daniels, and Meredith Jacobs.

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Curtis and Amanda Polk

Location: Michel Richard Citronelle

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

UNCORKED: For the second year in a row, the Starlight Children’s Foundation MidAtlantic’s Wine Dinner featured world-class vintages alongside chef Michel Richard’s award-winning nouvelle cuisine, to benefit seriously ill-children and their families. BON APPÉTIT: The parade of delicacies began with a 96-point Krug Brut Grande Cuvée, followed by a seven course feast that included roast duck paired with a 1986 Château Margaux, a paté en croute with truffl e sauce accompanied by a rare 2005 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, and fi nished with a crème brulée paired with a 98 point Baumard – Quarts de Chaume 2005.

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Sheila Johnson and Bill Newman

Location: Salamander Farm, Middleburg, Va.

WL EXCLUSIVES – Photos by Tony Powell 

THE EVENT: Sheila Johnson and Bill Newman’s Hunt Country-style picnic “to celebrate the great work of Sibley Memorial Hospital.”  THE SCENE: Equinox chef Todd Gray fired up the grills to provide BBQ favorites for patrons of Sibley’s Nov. 1 Celebration of Hope & Progress Gala at the Four Seasons amid general enthusiasm about raising funds for the Sullivan Center for Breast Health and a new facility, expected to open in 2013, that will feature individual patient rooms and expanded emergency care facilities.  

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WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

DRINKS ON ME: Partygoers packed the rooftop deck at Shaw District htospot The Space for the Washington launch of BuyYourFriendADrink.com, where buying beverages is a virtual experience. BYFAD founder and CEO Steven Cohn made sure guests were enjoying the drinks, while energetic Red Bull models danced through the night. DOING THE ROUNDS: Winston Bao Lord, Anna Kimsey, Greer Kimsey, Fritz Brogan, and Leslie Green.

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Author Jess Mccann

Location: City Tavern Club

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

CHAPTER 1: Jess McCann’s You Lost Him at Hello is a rollicking ride through relationships, so not surprisingly, the talk of the party among the summer stylist thirty-something crowd was love lost and won. McCann’s book treats love like a sales plan, from promoting the product to closing the deal. For her part, the 31 year-old author is still single, but she has an impressive list of former boyfriends – athletes and millionaires included. Perhaps she’s been too busy closing a book deal than finding a new beau. PAGE TURNERS: Michael Saylor, Winston Bao Lord, Tricia Favro, Kim Becker, Gina Gun, and Tim and Kathleen English.

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Ambassador of Ireland Michael and Marie Collins

Location: The Washington Hilton

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

THE DIPLOMATS DANCE: The Ambassadors Ball has long been an informal “coming-out party” for newly arrived diplomats, a major affair with a lavish auction and a swing band after dinner to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s 30th annual event honored Sens. Orrin Hatch and Byron Dorgan and Reps. Russ Carnahan and Michael Burgess, and the diplomatic hosts were Amb. Denis Antoine of Grenada, and Amb. LaCelia Aritha Prince of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. THE GUESTS: Many of the city’s top diplomats, including ambassadors from Afghanistan, Switzerland, Gabone, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, and Luxembourg.

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Jimmy Smits, Miss D.C. 2008 Kate Marie Grinold, and Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld

Location: Gazuza

WL HOSTED – Photos by Tony Powell

THE SCENE: Noche de Gala may have come to a close, but Reston Limo was waiting to transport guests, including actors Jimmy Smits, Efren Ramirez, and Aimee Garcia, to Gazuza, where the party kept going at a WL-hosted afterparty. Big names socialized with guests at the bar, and everyone enjoyed Bacardi mojitos in the posh lounge and spacious patio, where the scent of hookah smoke filled the late-summer air. THE GUESTS: Actor Diane Minshall, Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins, Jessica Rich, Kristen Cook,  and Jessica Gibson.

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Celines Toribio and Jimmy Smits

Location: The Mayflower Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

MUY CALIENTE!: That’s the idea when it comes to the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ annual gala, the culmination of a series of glamorous events that consistently draws an A-List crowd of Hispanic actors, personalities, and community members to support Latino graduate students in the arts. After a spicy dinner, and between awards presentations, the well-dressed revelers danced to Latin super-star Willy Chirino’s band. THE GUESTS: Norman Dreyfuss, Secretary Carlos and Edie Gutierrez, Bacardi’s Kristin Bodenstedt, Joseph Warren, Bob Ghafouri, Julia Ehrgood, Ford Motor Co.’s Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, and American Airlines Juan Rios.

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Fendi Casa, The Design Center

Photos by Tony Powell

Lindsey and Jay Scott

THE EVENT: Habatat Galleries owners Lindsey and Jay Scott brought some of their most beautiful works (paintings and glass) to Fendi Casa’s showroom at the Design Center where interior designer Dominique Alexander was the guest speaker and Famoso café provided the hors d’oeuvres and Couture Cupcakes the desserts. Tunes by Euro Lounge got everyone in the mood for Ibiza or Mykonos throughout the night, including Fendi Casa’s Ani Schroeder.

Salamander Farm, Middleburg, Virginia

Photos by Tony Powell

William Newman and Sheila Johnson

THE EVENT: One of the most sought after tickets of the charity season, this refined yet casual gathering pairs some of the region’s favorite pastimes – charity, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine – with a list of high-net, high-powered participants. The annual CharityWorks fundraiser was hosted by Sheila Johnson and William Newman at their Middleburg oasis, Salamander Farm. The evening, chaired by Jack Davies, raised over $700,000 to benefit Fisher House, an organziaton providing homes for families while loved ones in the military receive medical care. CharityWorks’ goal for the year is to raise enough money to build a new home on the grounds of the Veteran’s Medical Center in D.C. THE SCENE: Auctioneer Leon Harris had an easy job – simply let the guests enjoy a five-course meal prepared by the region’s top chefs. And the wine? All French, all 100 point-rated by Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, and all eloquently explained, course-by-course, by Master of Wine, Jay Youmans and wine critic Ben Giliberti. THE GUESTS: Judy and Walter Havenstein from BAE Systems, the evening’s lead sponsor, Rosemary and Michael Laphen, Lisa Lutz, Amy and Pierre Chao, Ted and Lynn Leonsis, Marge and Philip Odeen, Pam and Richard Hanlon, and Art Marks.

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