The List: Nov. 5-11
November 5, 2009
Brain Food
1. Chuck Redd: A D.C. favorite, this vibraphonist leads his own ensemble, providing swinging renditions of old favorites and original jazz gems.
Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 6
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Cross Cultural Conversations: Perspectives on China: Three seasoned observers of the relationship between the U.S. and China (James Fallows, Orville Schell and Rachel DeWoskin) share their perspectives in an evening of conversation moderated by Sam Litzinger. Reception to follow.
Where: The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10
Info: $12; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
3. "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!": The Hub Theatre presents Dario Fo's politically charged satire about women who rebel against the high price of food.
Where: ArtSpace, 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
When: Through Nov. 22
Info: $15 to $20; 703-674-3174; thehubtheatre.org
4. "Lost in Yonkers": Neil Simon's award-winning coming-of-age comedy, in which two brothers are left to fend for themselves in a dysfunctional household with their formidable immigrant grandmother, sweet but simple-minded aunt and hoodlum of an uncle.
Where: Theater J, Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. most Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through Nov. 29.
Info: $27.50 to $55; 202-518-9400; washingtondcjcc.org
5. "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure": Steven Dietz's adaptation of an 1899 play by Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette won the 2007 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Mystery Play.
Where: Wayside Theatre, 7853 Main St., Middletown, Va.
When: Through Nov. 7
Info: $19 to $30; 540-869-1776; waysidetheatre.org
Family
1. Encampment of the 3rd US Regular Infantry: Everyone is invited to drop in and visit with the 3rd U.S. Infantry to celebrate Veterans Day a few days early. Enlisted for five years at $13 a month, the Regular Units were the professional backbone of the largely volunteer armies of the Civil War. Visit a camp with military and civilian re-enactors while they portray scenes from everyday life.
Where: Fort Ethan Allen Park, 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: Free; 703-243-4342; no registration necessary
2. Long Branch's 37th Birthday Bash: Come to the Nature Center's 37th Jubilee. Participate in a scavenger hunt, meet the animals on display, make a craft and help blow out the candles on a tasty treat. Cake will be cut at 2:30 p.m. For children 3 and older.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: Free; reservations required at 703-228-4747; program No. 613751-23
3. Kids Euro Festival: A Celebration of European Arts and Culture for Kids:
One of the country's largest performing arts festivals for children presents more than 150 free events in and around Washington, D.C. It will feature opera, storytelling, puppetry, dance and acrobatics designed for children ages 4 to 12. Staged through the cooperation of 27 European Union embassies and more than 20 major local cultural institutions.
Where: Venues throughout Washington
When: Through Nov. 10
Info: Free; 202-944-6558; kidseurofestival.org
4. The Fall Hunt: Children ages 6 to 10 can learn about the Virginia tradition that runs from the Algonquians to the present day, then go "hunting" and enjoy some venison stew.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: $5; registration required at 703-228-4747; program Nos. 613612-09 and 613612-10
5. "El Gato y la Gaviota" ("The Cat and the Seagull"): A Teatro de la Luna production by Jacqueline Briceno. An oil-covered seagull struggles from the ocean to find a safe place to save her egg. She flies to a balcony where a friendly cat promises to care for the baby bird until it hatches. In English and Spanish.
Where: Theatre Two, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 and 14
Info: $10, children 4 and younger free; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
Galleries
1. The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900: Mournful and psychologically intense, The Darker Side reminds us that concurrent to the Impressionists' veneration of the out-of-doors, other artists -- sometimes the same artists, in the case of Mary Cassat or Edgar Degas -- probed the landscape of the psychological with equal sensitivity. Most of these 100-plus pieces were originally seen in collectors' homes rather than salons or galleries.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Jan. 18, 2010
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection: Japanese fashionistas Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto sparked a sartorial paradigm shift in the late '70s and early '80s with their avant-garde designs. This exhibit, culled from the collection of art dealer Mary Baskett, features specimens of cutting-edge Japanese clothes from the 1960s to the present.
Where: The Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW
When: Through April 11, 2010
Info: Free; $5 donation suggested for non-members; 202-667-0441; textilemuseum.org
3. Recycled as Art: Donna McCullough makes dresses out of old buckets and oil cans, the epitome of this show's theme: beautiful objects created from found materials. Also features contributions by Heidi Fowler, Ed Gross and Sabyna Sterrett.
Where: Barry Gallery, Marymount University, Reinsch Library, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
When: Through Dec. 3
Info: Free; 703-284-1561
4. Moving Perspectives: Shahzia Sikander / Sun Xun: Chinese artist and animator Sun Xun ruminates on the concepts of mortality and collective memory and consciousness, while Pakistain's Shahzia Sikander brings a modern charge to the form of miniature painting.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW
When: CLOSING Nov. 8
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
5. Graphic Masters II: Highlights from the Smithsonian American Art Museum: Watercolors, drawings and pastels circa 1920 to '69, illustrating the depth and richness of SAAM's permanent collection.
Where: The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through Jan. 10, 2010
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu
Gatherings
1. American Freedom Festival: Country stars Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack and Phil Vassar headline this concert to benefit veterans organizations.
Where: George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: $34.50 to $99; 202-397-7328; patriotcenter.com
2. The Overwhelming Sublime in Burtynsky's Images: To complement the exhibition Edward Burtynsky: Oil, Kirk Pillow, provost and dean of the Corcoran College of Art and Design, discusses the notion of sublimity in both the subject matter of Burtynsky's photographs and in the works themselves.
Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 5; exhibit continues at the museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday to Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; through Dec. 13.
Info: 202-639-1700; corcoran.org
3. Great Race Scavenger Hunt of Washington, D.C.: An annual favorite, teams are given a list of several items to retrieve. The list will also contain a location where each team must check in by a certain time. Throughout the day, at each location, points will be calculated and teams will be given a different list of items to retrieve and take to the next location. Prizes go to the top two teams.
Where: Meet at top of escalator of the Dupont Circle Metro station's south exit
When: 11:30 to 5:30 Nov. 7.
Info: $27 (price subject to increase); thingstododc.com
4. 22nd Annual Washington Craft Show: Leading craft artists from 34 states and the District have been selected for the massive juried show.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 6; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $8 to $15, children under 12 free; dcconvention.com
5. Green Community: The health of our communities and our planet depends on how we plan, design and construct the world between our buildings. This exhibit explores the origins of our precarious ecological situation and introduces communities large and small where citizens, political leaders, planning and design professionals, developers, and government agencies are working together for a more sustainable future.
Where: The National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Nov. 29
Info: $5 suggested donation; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
Movie
"Men Who Stare at Goats"
Stars: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey
Director: Grant Heslov
Rated R for language, some drug content and brief nudity
Running Time: 93 minutes
A reporter (Ewan McGregor) delves into the world of psychic military regiments during the Iraq War in this adaptation of the Jon Ronson book.
Music
1. Washington National Opera: "Gotterdammerung" in concert featuring Ian Storey, Irene Theorin, Gordon Hawkins and Alan Held.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House
When: 5 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 15
Info: $40 to $210; 202-295-2400, dc-opera.org
2. National Symphony Orchestra: Alexander Vedernikov conducts Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5 and Vadim Repin performs the Brahms Violin Concerto.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 5; 8 p.m. Nov 6 and 7
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. Michael Feinstein's The Sinatra Project: A tribute to "Old Blue Eyes" by The Great American Songbook archivist backed by a big band, presented by WPAS.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $30 to $65; 202-785-9727; wpas.org
4. Chad and Jeremy: The British duo, purveyors of blues, rock and satire, think of summer days again as they perform music from "Ark-eology," their tribute to the release four decades ago of their hit album "The Ark" and "Of Cabbages and Kings."
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 6
Info: $25; wolftrap.org
5. Janis Ian: From "Society's Child" and "At Seventeen" to "Breaking Silence," the exceptional singer/songwriter wears her Grammy Awards well and continues waving the banner for talented ugly ducklings.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: $25; wolftrap.org
Also worth noting:
6. The Washington Chorus: Julian Wachner conducts the Grammy Award-winning chorus in The Essential Puccini, selections from favorite operas.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 5 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $15 to $60; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
7. Dar Williams: The pop folk diva with 15 albums to her credit sings and writes about things she feels and believes.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7
Info: $35; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
8. Left Bank Concert Society: Violinist David Salness and Sally McLain, violist Katherine Murdock and cellist Evelyn Elsing are joined by violist Maria Lambros and cellist Ken Slowik for a program of music for strings by Arnold Schoenberg, Beethoven and Richard Strauss.
Where: Historic Dumbarton Church
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: $32 regular, $28 students and seniors; 202-965-2000; dumbartonconcerts.org
Outdoors
1. Visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove: Formerly known as Columbia Island, the park was renamed in honor of Lady Bird Johnson and her campaign to beautify Washington, D.C. The Grove is the site where the Johnsons often stopped to admire the city.
Where: Near the Pentagon and Arlington Memorial Cemetery; entrance from George Washington Memorial Highway
When: Daylight to dusk year-round
Info: Free; 703-289-2500; npd.gov
2. Friday Night Margarita Moonlight Cruise on the Potomac: Before the weather gets too cold, enjoy one more fall weekend with a special evening consisting of: a cruise around the nation's capital; tasty margaritas; and a post-party at two of Georgetown's hottest nightclubs!
Where: Boat leaves from Washington Harbor (in Georgetown), 3050 K St. NW
When: 8:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nov. 6
Info: $30 (price subject to increase); thingstododc.com
3. Capital Sites: Experience Washington's history and culture by bike. This tour provides an overview of the city as you bike to and learn about the major sites on and around the National Mall, including the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument and more. Learn about interesting exhibits, local events, and practical touring tips from your guide.
Where: Meet at rear plaza, Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave.; trip is seven to eight miles
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily
Info: $40 adults; $30 children 12 and under; price includes bike, helmet, water, snack; 202-842-2453; bikethesites.com
4. "Fall in the Forest": Fall leaf color is one of the glories of deciduous forests. Come hear this discussion of how leaves change color, why most local trees lose their leaves in autumn and what happens to all those fallen leaves you don't rake up!
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $5; registration necessary at 703-228-4747; program No. 613741-05
5. "Take Action: Remove Invasive Plants": For adults and teens. Help keep Gulf Branch Nature Center free of litter and destructive invasive plants. You'll see the steady recovery and return of healthy trees, wildflowers and wildlife.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: Free; 703-228-3403; no registration required.
Theater
1. "26 Miles": A new play by Tony Award nominee Quiara Alegria Hudes. An '83 Buick Regal may be an unlikely place to find out what family really means, but when Beatriz and her estranged daughter head west on a spontaneous cross-country road trip, neither is prepared for what lies ahead. "26 Miles" is a reminder that the best souvenirs on the road of life are the relationships we make along the way.
Where: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Nov. 22
Info: $25 to $50; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
2. "Of Mice and Men": Keegan Theatre presents John Steinbeck's dramatization of his novel, set in California during the Great Depression. "Of Mice and Men" is the story of two displaced ranch workers traveling from place to place and job to job as a result of the economic recession, unlikely friends united by their dreams.
Where: Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; through Nov. 29
Info: $25 to $30; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
3. "Nuestra Se?ora de las Nubes" ("Our Lady of the Clouds"): Bruno and Oscar meet and discover that they were both were residents of the same town. Devoted and marginalized by the country that exiled them, they band together to re-create their lives. In Spanish with simultaneous translation. A presentation of Teatro Guloya, Sto. Domingo. Part of the International Festival of Hispanic Theatre.
Where: Theater Two, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 5 to 8; 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 7
Info: $25 to $30; festival pass: $60 to $150; 703-548-3092; teatodelaluna.org
4. "A Flea In Her Ear": Feydeau's 1907 Belle Epoque farce is updated by David Ives to take place in the roaring '20s, set to the rhythm of the Jazz Age. Feydeau's multiple opening and closing doors and word play remain, and an improbable collection of speech impediments and foreign accents are added to heighten the sense of the absurdity of "l'amour."
Where: Constellation Theatre, The Source, 1835 14th St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15 to $25; 800-494-8497; constellationtheatre.org
5. "Much Ado About Nothing": Shakespeare's brilliant comedy about romance and independence is given a Caribbean setting in this production. In the end, love conquers all, but not before lovers Beatrice and Benedick conceal their attraction to one another behind a "merry war" of wit.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Check Web site for performance schedule. Through Nov. 29
Info: $37 to $53; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
