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Among rich, melodic piano music and quiet sips of tea are a mellow group of 60 senior citizens enjoying the monthly afternoon tea event at the John Addison Concert Hall at Harmony Hall in Fort Washington.

With white porcelain teapots full of steamy selections like "Constant Comet" and "Earl Grey," the attendees sit, sip, snack and share conversation with their neighbors.

Longtime afternoon tea-goers Harry and Vickie Burton of Accokeek, Cheri Brown of Fort Washington and Edith Wilson of Accokeek ponder on the past, like back when tea breads were homemade and Brown's favorite performer sang while wearing a feather boa.

After the first round of tea has been served, each attendee is presented with a small sandwich, fresh fruit and slice of cake to eat during the performance.

"The entertainment and the little luncheon you get is the best you can get for the price," Wilson said.

In fact, the third Wednesday of the month afternoon tea has been such a success that Harmony Hall has added an ‘Afternoon Tea Series B,' according to Assistant Director of Arts Kelly Smith. Just as the original Afternoon Tea Series, the cost is $15 per person for one afternoon tea event, or $50 per person for five afternoon events.

According to Harry Burton, you have to get your tickets early, which can mean getting in line before they go on sale.

"They say the tickets go on sale at 8 a.m., but sometimes [Vickie] will get here around 7 a.m. to get a guaranteed seat," Harry Burton said. Many of the tea-goers send their money with a friend, like Vickie Burton, who gets in line early for them.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, the Afternoon Tea event on March 18 consisted of Jerry Allen's piano performances, which were composed by famous blind Irish harper Turlough Carolan (1670-1738).

Carolan was "congenial and gregarious" and "a man who loved his drink," Allen said. In addition, vocalist Ericka Ovette shared songs from the Broadway musical "Finian's Rainbow."

"Finian's Rainbow" is about a racist bigot, a greedy senator who wants to take over the land of Rainbow Valley, and is eventually paid off with money stolen from Og, a leprechaun in Ireland. With the loss of his gold, Og starts to lose his immortality and gains lust for whatever woman is nearest. Ovette's rich, throaty voice guides the attendees through both song and story of the twists and turns in the lives of the residents of Rainbow Valley.

"I loved it," said attendee Frank Hicks after the show. "The food is good, but I love the performances."

In addition to enjoying the performances, attendees are welcome to visit the adjoining art gallery.

The gallery's latest features were "Deconstructing Time: Memories" by Acquaetta Williams, "African Americans in the American West" by Al Brown, "Family Portraits" by Jonathan B. French and "The Blackprint" by Ellington Robinson. They were in honor of Black History Month.

The gallery currently features "The Art of Silk Painting," which showcases diverse works in silk painting from several artists. "The Art of Silk Painting" showcase runs through May 30, with a reception for the artists from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

The art gallery's hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There is no charge for the gallery.

The next Afternoon Tea Series event is at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Jim Vandelly is scheduled to show the versatility of the accordion with songs from Russia, Europe and America.

At 2 p.m. April 29, the Afternoon Tea Series features "Aprés, Saxophone Quartet," by saxophonist Jeremiah Baker and harpist Jacqueline Pollauf. Then, at 2 p.m. May 13, the husband-and-wife team Minter & Minter will sing songs from the Great American Songbook.

The St. Charles String Quartet, which is based in Southern Maryland, will perform at Afternoon Tea Series B at 2 p.m. June 24. The St. Charles String Quartet was founded in 2004 by Neil Puzon and Gabe Soloff.

Though Harmony Hall now offers two afternoon tea series, it plans to add a third in the fall, Smith said.

"The people who come here are so talented," Harry Burton said. "It's diverse. It's great."

If You Go

Afternoon Teas at Harmony Hall

When: 2 p.m. on the third Wednesdays of each month, plus other Wednesdays in the B series

Where: Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington

Tickets: $15

Information: 301-203-6070

E-mail Jordan Attebury at jattebury@gazette.net.