Washington roundup
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jewel testified at a House subcommittee hearing Tuesday on “disconnected and disadvantaged youth.”
“I experienced homelessness firsthand,” she said in prepared testimony, depressing the crowd with her timeline of tragedy.
“When I was 15 years old, I received a vocal scholarship to attend Interlochen in Michigan. I always enjoyed performing solo, and one spring break I took a train and hitchhiked in Mexico, earning money singing on street corners.
“Many twists and turns later, I moved to San Diego, and because of a series of unfortunate events, I ended up living in a car. My car was then stolen, so I had to borrow $1,000 from a friend to buy a van, which ended up becoming my home. Living in a van was not romantic. I washed my hair in public bathroom sinks.”
Other celebs spotted around town Tuesday night:
- Bill Cosby giving the keynote address for the D.C. College Access Program graduation party at the J.W. Marriott.
- “Seinfeld” alumnus Jason Alexander serving as emcee for the Take Back America gala dinner at the Washington Hilton.
- Tony Bennett performing for a group of 125 at a benefit for Aid Darfur at the House of Sweden in Georgetown. This morning, Bennett will be presented with the a humanitarian award at National Geographic.
