Celebrations and gatherings: Jazz at Soapstone Market, Margery Elfin book talk

by Marlene Berlin

Soapstone Market (4465 Connecticut Avenue) isn’t ready to open yet, but last week it opened its doors to anyone who wanted to listen to some great jazz, drink beer and wine, and sample some appetizers.

The October 25th Jazz at VN event was presented by Van Ness Main Street, and Soapstone turned out to be a great place for the neighborhood gathering. The mood was cheerful and light with the acoustics just right for a local jazz duo. Soapstone owners Tracy Stannard and John Fielding also talked about how they want Soapstone to be a neighborhood hangout; a place where we can sit and enjoy a glass of wine or beer, pick up prepared food for dinner, or dash in for some basic groceries.

Tracy Stannard and John Fielding

The evening’s music was provided by the Levine School’s Levine Entertains, with Anita Thomas on clarinet and Bob Sykes on keyboard.

Some of the crowd who came to take a peek at Soapstone Market and enjoy some jazz.

Then on Sunday, October 30th, neighbors, friends and family gathered at the home of Daniel and Jane Solomon to hear Margery Elfin discuss her new book, A Nation on Trial: France and the Legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.

The late October weather was warm enough to hold the reception outdoors.

We learned about how Alfred Dreyfus’ court-martial became the first international media event, the role of antisemitism in French society at the time and up to the present, and the persistent question of “Who is French?” For more information about the book, check out our Q&A with Prof. Elfin, read Paul Pearlstein’s review and order it online via Politics and Prose or Amazon.

Inside, Margery Elfin said a few words about the process of writing her book before doing the Q&A with FHC editor Tracy Johnke and taking questions from the audience.

This event was sponsored by Forest Hills Connection. Calvert Woodley Wine and Spirits donated the bountiful cheese platter, and many neighbors showed their support for Forest Hills Connection by making donations to our publication. Stay tuned for more such events.

Another Forest Hills Connection event, a holiday bazaar, will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 2 to 5 p.m. More information soon to come.