Alexandria Resident Celebrated 100th Birthday
Pat McArtor marked her centennial with a jazz performance at a local Alexandria coffee shop.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Other — General
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Alexandria resident Pat McArtor celebrated her 100th birthday with a jazz performance at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. The retired federal worker sang with the Not So Modern Jazz Quartet to mark the milestone.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the enduring connection between a long-term resident and her community. Celebrating such milestones often reinforces local traditions and community spirit.
Pat McArtor has reached the age of 100 and maintains a weekly performance schedule at the coffee pub. The birthday party tradition at this venue has now spanned 5 years.
The players
Pat McArtor
She is a retired federal health care worker and fourth-generation Alexandria resident who performs jazz weekly.
Not So Modern Jazz Quartet
This musical group performs jazz hits and accompanied McArtor during her centennial celebration.
Christine Ponzi
She is the owner of St. Elmo's Coffee Pub and manages the weekly performance schedule at the venue.
The details
Born at Alexandria Hospital in 1926, McArtor is a fourth-generation resident of the city. She continues to perform weekly on Thursday nights at the coffee shop located in the Del Ray neighborhood.
Timeline
October 10, 1926: Pat McArtor was born at Alexandria Hospital.
October 8, 2026: Pat McArtor celebrated her 100th birthday at a performance.
Industry Dynamics
This performance reflects a broader trend of local independent coffee houses serving as vital community performance spaces for local artists. Such venues provide consistent engagement platforms that bridge generational divides in local entertainment.
Residents can visit St. Elmo's Coffee Pub on Thursday nights to see McArtor perform live in the Del Ray neighborhood. The venue provides an accessible space for local fans to engage with live community jazz.
The takeaway
McArtor's consistent weekly performances demonstrate that creative engagement can remain a vibrant part of life at any age. Her annual birthday tradition underscores the value of maintaining local roots and long-term community presence.
What happens next
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub owner Christine Ponzi intends to continue hosting a birthday celebration for McArtor annually.
Further reading
Explore more local happenings in the Other — General section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ALXnow | Alexandria, Va. breaking news, local events and community happenings.
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