The List -- Jan. 15-21

"Untitled" by Robert Gober, 1990. -- Courtesy Photo

Brain Food

1. Limón Dance Company: A leading force in American dance, Jose Limón stunned the world with his intense choreography. This program is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Limón's birth.
Where: The Opera House, The Kennedy Center, 2700 K St. NW  
When:  8 p.m. Jan. 16 and 17.
Info: $22-$65; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org

2.  Chris Abani and lê thi diem thúy: The authors, the first a Nigerian novelist and the second a novelist and poet from Vietnam, discuss themes of loss and dislocation as they read from their latest works.
Where: The Folger Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16
Info: $15; 202-544-4600; www.folger.edu

3. "Orpheus in the Underworld": An In-Series full production of the hilarious satirical operetta by Jacques Offenbach. Orpheus and Eurydice, married for years, are tired of each other. When Eurydice is kidnapped by her lover Pluto, the god of the underworld, meddlesome Public Opinion forces Orpheus to go to her rescue. Bacchus sorts things out in the final bacchanal, can-can and all.
Where: Atlas Theatre, 1333 H St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Jan 17 and 24; 3 p.m. Jan 18 and 25.
Info: $20-$39; 202-399-7993; www.atlasarts.org

4. Martin Luther King Celebration at the Lincoln Theatre: Remembering Martin Luther King's legacy through song. A choral tribute by the Choral Arts Society of Washington and other area musicians.
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW
When: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15   
Info:  www.lincolntheatre.org

5. "Am I Black Enough Yet?": Clinton Johnston's s play takes a comedic look at the realities of African-American life. 
Where: Theatre on the Run, 3700 S Four Mile Run, Arlington, Va.
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays thrugh Feb. 9 
Info: $25-$28; 202-7333-7009; www.chartertheatre.org

Family

1. Out of Many: For this festival, NMAI has partnered with the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Latino Center, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, and the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Together, they offer: traditional music and dance from Cambodia, African dancers from Senegal, Cherokee storytellers, a mariachi ensemble, Native Hawaiian music and dance and much more.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian Institution, 4th St. and Independence Ave.
When: 10-5:30 p.m. Jan. 17-19
Info: Free; 202-633-1000

2. NSO Teddy Bear Concert: "More Tunes 'n (Pig) Tales": Join two NSO principal musicians--violinist Marissa Regni and harpist Dotian Levalier--as well as Marissa's father Albert Regni on the saxophone, as they show how different sounds, melodies, rhythms, and instruments can be used to bring a story to life.
Where: The Family Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18 
Info:  $18; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org

3. Children's Theater Festival: Artistic activities, a theatrical celebration of Abe Lincoln (bi-lingual), lunch, and "Hansel and Gretel" (bi-lingual).
Where: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington
When: 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 17
Info: $10 per show; 703-548-3092; www.teatrodelaluna.org

4. Striking Viking Story Pirates: Created in 2003, this show uses stories written by kids, adapted and performed by adults. In celebration of the upcoming presidential inauguration, the Story Pirates will select five election-themed stories by DC area students.
Where: The Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW
When: 6 p.m. Jan. 17
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org

5. Fluorescence & Bioluminescence in Nature: For adults with children ages 9 and older. Join Northern Virginia Mineral Club member Barry Remer to find out what makes rocks, minerals and some creatures glow in the dark
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center,3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 1-2 p.m. Jan. 17 
Info: $2 fee; 228-4747; www.registration.arlingtonva.us

Galleries

1. "Strange Bodies: Figurative Works from the Hirshhorn Collection": This exhibit of more than 40 pieces drawn mostly from the Hirshhorn's permanent collection prods at our discomfort and fascination with our bodies, looking at the myriad ways in which artists have chosen to distort the body's scale, shape, color, and form.
Where: Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh St. and Independence Ave. SW
When: Through early 2010
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; www.hmsg.si.edu

2. "Winslow Homer: Four Views of Nature": These four paintings by one of the "anonymous Americans" whose output Charles Lang Freer acquired only selectively, are must-sees ¬– particularly the stunning, monumental oil "Early Evening," which took Homer 16 years to complete.
Where: Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive and 12 St. SW
When: Through May 25, 2009
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; www.asia.si.edu

3. "Carole Wagner Greenwood: Ghosts and Circumstance": Sculptor (and professional restauranteur!) Carole Wagner Greenwood presents new works in beeswax, plaster, and found materials in this, her first solo exhibition in six years.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 406 7th St. NW, 3rd Floor
When: Through February 7, 2009
Info: Free

4. "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over the River, a Work in Progress": You've only 10 days left to check out this revelatory look into the process and method of famed international artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude as they make ready to suspend silver fabric panels over the Arkansas River in Colorado.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through January 25, 2009
Info: $14 / $12 students and seniors 62+ / Free for 18 and under; 202-387-2151; www.phillipscollection.org

5. "An Ideal Mix-Up": Check out the Nevin Kelly Gallery's posh new Columbia Heights location with this winter show of gifted gallery regulars, including Mary Chiaramonte, Ellyn Weiss, and others.
Where: Nevin Kelly Gallery, 1400 Irving St. NW, #132
When: Through Febuary 24, 2009
Info: Free; 202-232-3464; www.nevinkellygallery.com

Gatherings

1. Annual Celebration of Martin Luther King: The Smithsonian Latino Center celebrates the life of the civil rights hero, in conjunction with their online exhibit "Los Tesoros Mexicanos del Smithsonian" (Mexican Treasures of the Smithsonian). Baldemar Velasquez, President of Farm Laborers Organizing Committee, is the featured speaker.
Where: Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Jan. 15
Info: Free; 202-633-4875; www.anacostia.si.edu

2. Visions of Justice and Freedom: Fifth Annual Shabbat in honor of Martin Luther King. The service features a keynote speech by civil rights activist Peter Edelman.
Where: Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 
Info: Free; reservation required; 202-408-3100; www.sixthandi.org

3. Obamarama: The DC Blues Society is sponsoring this celebration featuring entertainment by C.W. Harrington & Band.
Where: Chick Hall's Surf Club, 4711 Kenilworth Ave., Bladensburg, Md.
When: 8:30 p.m Jan 17 until 12:30 a.m. Jan. 18
Info: $12; 301-927-6310; www.dcblues.org

4. Sweet Honey in the Rock: Annual Children's Concert. People of all ages can't resist Sweet Honey's blend of spirituals, rap, blues and ballads, which tell stories of strength and hope. This concert is considered one of the events coinciding with the Obama inauguration.
Where: Peopl e's Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St NW
When:  2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 17 
Info: $12; 202-785-9727; www.wpas.org

5. Inaugural Ball for the Rest of Us: If you don't want to pay those high prices at other balls, come party with like-minded celebrants aged 21-35. Wear cocktail attire (it's a ball, after all) and enjoy a DJ, jazz reception, open bar, dancing and hors d'oeuvres.
Where: Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20
Info:  $50 if purchased before Jan. 18; www.washingtondcjcc.org

Movies

"Last Chance Harvey"
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, James Brolin
Director: Joel Hopkins.
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
Running Time: 99 minutes
New Yorker Harvey Shine is on the verge of losing his dead-end job as a jingle writer. Warned by his boss that he has just one more chance to deliver, Harvey goes to London for a weekend to attend his daughter's wedding but promises to be back Monday morning to make an important meeting — or else. Harvey arrives in London only to learn his daughter has chosen to have her stepfather walk her down the aisle instead of him. Doing his best to hide his devastation, he leaves the wedding before the reception in hopes of getting to the airport on time, but misses his plane anyway. When he calls his boss to explain, he is fired on the spot. Drowning his sorrows at the airport bar, Harvey strikes up a conversation with Kate, a slightly prickly, 40-something employee of the Office of National Statistics. Kate, whose life is limited to work, the occasional humiliating blind date and endless phone calls from her smothering mother, is touched by Harvey, who finds himself energized by her intelligence and compassion. The growing connection between the pair inspires both as they unexpectedly transform one another's lives.

"Notorious"
In just a few short years, The Notorious B.I.G. rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. B.I.G. was a gifted storyteller; his narratives about violent life on the streets were told with a gritty, objective realism that won him enormous respect and credibility. His stories were universal and gave a voice to his generation.
Rated R

"Defiance"
Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. Rated R

"Che"
Led by Fidel Castro, a band of 80 rebels sails to Cuba. Among these young rebels is Argentine physician, Marxist and soldier Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Nation-less, strapped for resources and fueled only by determination, the group engages in swift, bloody battle to free the Cuban people from the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Not rated

"Hotel for Dogs"
When their new guardians forbid 16-year-old Andi and her younger brother, Bruce, to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog, Friday. The resourceful kids stumble on an abandoned hotel and, using Bruce's talents as a mechanical genius, transform it into a magical dog paradise for Friday — and eventually for all Friday's friends. When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering "who let the dogs in." Rated PG

"My Bloody Valentine"
Tom Hanniger returns to Harmony on Valentine's Day, still haunted by the deaths he caused. Struggling to make amends with his past, he grapples with unresolved feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Sarah, who is now married to his best friend, Axel, the town sheriff. But tonight, after years of peace, something from Harmony's dark past has returned. Rated R

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop"
A single, suburban dad tries to make ends meet as a security officer at a New Jersey mall. It's a job he takes very seriously, though no one else does. When Santa's helpers at the mall stage a coup, shutting down the megaplex and taking hostages (Paul's daughter and sweetheart among them), Jersey's most formidable mall cop will have to become a real cop and save the day.
Rated PG

Music

1. Carlene Carter: The daughter of June Carter and Johnny Cash carries on the family bluegrass tradition merged with her own brand of rock and roll, pop and country heritage in her latest album, "Stronger."
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org.

2. National Symphony Orchestra: Ilan Volkov conducts the NSO in Works by Stravinsky and Crumb and pianist Leif Ove Andsnes performs the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: $20-$80; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org

3. Metropolitan Opera singers Patricia Risley and Keith Phares: The mezzo-soprano and baritone, Wolf Trap Opera alums, perform with pianist Kim Pensinger Witman.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org

4. Metropolitan Opera Auditions: The 2009 Middle Atlantic Regional Finals of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions features young singers competing for prizes and a finalist position by performing two arias before a panel of judges.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org

5. Eddie from Ohio: The popular home-grown ensemble takes over for a long weekend, joined by Jake Armerding on Friday & Saturday, Red Molly on Sunday.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Info: $35; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com

Outdoors

1.The Presidential Inauguration Parade: An American tradition honoring the newly sworn in President and Vice President. The event will include a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens' groups, marching bands, and floats. The inauguration parade is open to the public and will be televised so that millions of Americans can view this special event.
Where:  Pennsylvania Ave., NW; viewing stands between 3rd and 17th Streets
When: 2:30 p.m. (approximately) Jan. 20
Info: Free; tickets not required.

2. If you're in town for the Inauguration, explore the charming, 19th century neighborhood of Capitol Hill—just don't do it on Jan. 20! East Capitol Street runs through the center of this neighborhood and Pennsylvania Ave. radiates in another direction. You'll find Union Station, the Folger Shakespeare Library and theatre, the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum and much more.
Where:  See website for map 
When: any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; www.CulturalTourismDC.org

3. Inaugural Water Taxi: Can't think how to get to the Mall in DC with all those closed roads and bridges? Try taking a water taxi. It's pricey, but reliable as long as it doesn't rain--because you can't bring an umbrella!
Where: The Potomac Riverboat Company, 205 The Strand, Alexandria
When:  Service begins at 6 a.m. Jan. 20 and returns to Alexandria about 6 p.m.
Info: One-way tickets: $50; Roundtrip: $90; 703-684-0580; www.potomacriverboatco.com
   
4.  Village in the City: Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail: Discover a neighborhood celebrated for its cultural diversity and charming streets when you follow Village in the City: Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail. Locate 17 poster-sized street signs combining storytelling with historic photographs and maps along the way. This 90-minute, self-guided tour, loops through a community with a main street and central square which still feels like a village.  
Where: The first sign is at 16th and Harvard Streets NW, 3 blocks from the Columbia Heights station on Metro's Green line. 
When: any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; www.CulturalTourismDC.org

5.  Flea Market at Eastern Market: This flea market, built in 1873, is the last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. It presents antiques, arts, collectibles, crafts, and imported goods for sale. During its more than 22 years management of the Flea Market at Eastern Market, the organization has received wide recognition for the quality and diversity of its exhibitor and product mix.
Where: 7th Street and North Carolina Ave. SE
When:  10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays
Info: Free; 703-534-7612; www.easternmarket.net

Theatre

1. "The Little Dog Laughed": Douglas Carter Bean has written an outrageous send-up of Hollywood in this satire of ambition, truth and illusion in America's celebrity-obsessed culture. Holly Twyford takes on the role of the fast-talking agent Diane, whose client might make it big if he can manage to keep his private life private. When he seems to unravel with love, Diane skillfully manages to manipulate him back in line in her endless pursuit of power and money. 
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays.
Info: $44-$71; 703-573-7328; www.signature-theatre.org

2. "Next to Normal": A contemporary musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and cronfronts the world. A well-put-together combination of music  and achingly powerful feelings.
Where: Arena Theatre, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington  
When: 8 p.m. Jan 15-17; 2 p.m. Jan. 17 and 18; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18
Info: $47-$66; 202-488-3300; www.arenastage.org
 
3. "Dai" ("Enough"): Written and performed by comic chameleon Iris Bahr, this show takes place in a Tel Aviv café only minutes before a terrible calamity. Through her comic talents, Bahr is able to bring alive a wide diversity of accents and attitudes and enliven a broad cross-section of humanity.
Where: Jewish Community Center, 1501 14th St. NW 
When: 7:30 Jan. 14-17; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan 18
Info: $36-$45; 202-518-9400; www.washingtondcjcc.org

4. "The Seafarer": Words swirl in Conor McPherson's comedy about haunted Dublin, as four Irish mates—one truly blind, the others just blind drunk—play poker with the Devil on Christmas Eve.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW
When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; extra performances Jan 27, Feb. 3, 10 and 17.
Info: $34-$61; 202-332-3300; www.studiotheatre.org

5. "The Cherry Orchard": Set at the end of the nineteenth century, Chekhov's drama focuses on Madame Renevskaya, an aristocrat who must sell her family's property in order to pay the mortgage. Although the play contains comic elements, it remains one of Chekhov's most poetic treatments of loss and cultural decay.
Where: Washington Shakespeare Theatre, 601 South Clark St.
When: Jan. 22-Feb. 15
Info:  $25-$30; 800-494-8497; www.washingtonshakespeare.org

— Compiled by Emily Cary, Chris Klimek and Barbara Mackay