Long on time and short on plans this weekend? Let The Examiner sort through the options for you. Here are our five best bets for fun this weekend.
Friday: Taylor Carson at IOTA Club & Cafe
Local singer-songwriter Taylor Carson is one of the best around, and IOTA is a great venue for his work, in the heart of Clarendon. Peter Mulvey from Milwaukee opens. 9 p.m., $12.
Need to know: There are two halves to IOTA — the live music room, and the adjacent restaurant, which offers an opportunity for a perfect pre-show dinner.
Details: IOTA Club & Cafe: 2832 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340; iotaclubandcafe.com
Friday: Grande Fete de la Francophonie at the French Embassy
This event is part of the Francophonie 2010 Cultural Festival, which runs through April 1, and features live music headlined by Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys; and food from more than 35 countries celebrating the traditions of the French speaking world. The event this year is also as a fundraiser for Haitian relief. General admission is $30, benefactors are $50, with optional $10 donation for Haitian relief.
Viva la France: To continue the French theme, Georgetown’s Bistro Lepic is less than a mile away.
Details: For more information on the Francophonie Festival, visit www.francophoniedc.org.
Saturday: G40: The Summit Grand Opening Reception
This monthlong art exhibition presented by Art Whino has already kicked off, but it gets into full swing on Saturday. The reception from 8 p.m. to midnight includes a live DJ set from Ancient Astronauts and plenty to eat. If you can’t make it out Saturday, the 75,000 square feet of artistic happenings is open daily through March 30 (excluding Mondays and Tuesdays).
Before and after: If you’re unfamiliar with Crystal City, there’s plenty of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat, all within walking distance of the art event.
Details: G40 is at 223 23rd St., Arlington. For more info, visit www.artwhino.com.
Saturday: Brewers Ball to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
We’ll be the first to say that the $115 ticket into this event is steep, but here are a couple of ways to look at it: Proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is a good thing; and you get food, wine, music and some great beer, all-inclusive. Also a good thing.
After the taps run dry: The Brewers Ball runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, so keep the suds flowing at Black Finn Saloon, which is in stumbling distance. (After $115 in beer, we assume you’ll find a responsible way home).
Details: At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1615 H St. NW); visit www.cff.org/Chapters/metrodc or call 301-657-8444 for info.
Sunday: ‘In the Red and Brown Water’ at the Studio Theater
This is the last day to catch this acclaimed coming-of-age story of a promising female runner from the Louisiana project. Tickets run $46 to $56.
Make a day of it: Following the afternoon performance or before the evening (and final) performance, head to one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner, such as Birch & Barley, a beer lover’s paradise.
Details: Studio Theatre is at 1501 14th St. NW; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org.
