Best Music The Kennedy Center
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts Schumann’s Overture to “Die Braut von Messina” and Symphony No. 2. Violinist Jennifer Koh performs the U.S. premiere of NSO co-commission “Juggler in Paradise,” Augusta Read Thomas’ Violin Concerto No. 3.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 to $85
2. National Symphony Orchestra: Vladimir Ashkenazy conducts William Walton’s “Portsmouth Point” overture, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 and Walton’s Cello Concerto performed by Steven Isserlis.
When: 7 p.m. June 16, 8 p.m. June 17 and 18
Info: $20 to $85
3. “Next To Normal”: This contemporary musical won three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
When: June 28 to July 10
Info: $35 and up
Wolf Trap’s Filene Center
1. “Tcheers for Tchaikovsky”: Pietari Inkinen conducts the all-Tchaikovsky program featuring the Violin Concerto performed by Caroline Goulding, Suite No. 1 from “The Nutcracker” and “The 1812 Overture” with cannons.
When: 8:15 p.m. July 7
Info: $52 in-house, $20 lawn
2. Play! A Video Game Symphony: Andy Brick conducts Award-winning music from favorite video games.
When: 8:30 p.m. July 8
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
3. NSO: Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra and three Broadway divas, Debbie Gravitte, Christiane Noll and Jan Horvath, in songs from favorite shows.
When: 8:15 July 9
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
4. “Sweeney Todd” by Stephen Sondheim: Wolf Trap Opera Company and National Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Moore present the musical thriller.
When: 8:15 July 22
Info: $35 to $70 in-house, $20 lawn
5. Emmylou Harris: The country favorite performs the songs that made her famous.
When: 8 p.m. July 23
Info: $42 in-house, $25 lawn
6. National Symphony Orchestra: Emil de Cou conducts the orchestra and guests the 5 Browns, the sensational Juilliard-trained siblings, performing classical standards.
When: 8:15 July 28
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
7. National Symphony Orchestra: Marvin Hamlisch conducts the orchestra and vocalists Brian Stokes Mitchell and Stephanie R. Block in music from Broadway blockbusters.
When: 8:15 p.m. July 19
Info: $35 to $75 in-house, $20 lawn
8. National Symphony Orchestra: Emil de Cou conducts the orchestra in music from the Oscar-winning film “Casablanca” shown on large screens in-house and on the lawn. Robert Osborne of Turner Classic Movies hosts the program.
When: 8:30 p.m. July 30
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
9. Dolly Parton: The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter performs the hits that crowned her Queen of Country.
When: 8 p.m. July 31
Info: $60 in-house, $35 lawn
10. National Symphony Orchestra: Steven Reineke conducts the orchestra in music to clips from “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Lion King” and other Disney movie favorites shown on large screens.
When: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
11. National Symphony Orchestra: Composer Tan Dun conducts three concertos from his “Martial Arts Trilogy” with scenes from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and other martial arts films on large screens in the house and the on the lawn.
When: Aug. 5
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
12. National Symphony Orchestra: Emil de Cou conducts the orchestra and iconic ’60s activist Arlo Guthrie in “Time For Three,” with emphasis on classical, country, Gypsy and jazz.
When: 8:15 p.m. Aug. 6.
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
13. The Castleton Festival at the Hylton. All three concerts held at George Mason University’s Hylton Center for the Arts, Manassas. Tickets for each performance $30, $45, or $60, or all three for $67.50, $101.25 and $135; 888-945-2468; hylton.org
Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in concert, 8 p.m. July 7
Puccini’s “Il Tabarro” and “Gianni Schicchi,” 8 p.m. July 14
Sesquicentennial Concert: 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas, featuring mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, 8 p.m. July 21.
Strathmore
1. Best of Serenade — Washington D.C. Choral Festival: Both performances feature choirs of national and international prestige. At 4 p.m., audiences will hear Konevets Quartet’s authentic Russian folk and sacred songs; the rich sound of the Grammy-winning Pacific Boychoir; and the Indonesian Youth Choir-Cordana. At 8 p.m., South Africa’s Wits Choir, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and Canada’s jazzy, bluesy Cadence Quartet perform.
When: June 26
Info: Free; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
2. Brian McKnight – Just Me Tour: McKnight, R&B frontman-turned-acoustic wonder, embarks on his Just Me Tour with his sons B.J. and Niko (BRKN RBTZ) and his brother Claude McKnight (Take 6 collaborator).
When: 8 p.m. July 22
Info: $28 to $68 (Stars Price $25.20 to $61.20); 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
3. Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel: The wildly popular Tribute concerts returns with 60 of the D.C. area’s best performers, including Deanna Bogart, Julia Nixon, Lea, Deep River, Margot MacDonald, The Sweater Set, Esther Haynes, Ed O’Connell and Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band, making the music of Simon and Garfunkel, and Paul Simon’s solo works, their own.
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25
Best Theater
1. “Canto al Peru Negro”: This production weaves together the music, history and experiences of Afro-Peruvians, reveling in the rich cultural traditions and stories brought from Africa to Peru and the streets of D.C.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: Through June 26
Info: $20 to $38; 800-494-8497; galatheatre.org
2. “Opus”: The celebrated and world-renowned Lazara String Quartet is struggling to prepare for their high-profile White House performance, when its gifted but volatile violist mysteriously disappears.Grace steps in to replace him, and finds herself mixed up in a cauldron of lies and secrets that’s about to boil over.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through July 3
Info: $26 to $54; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
3. First Light Discovery Program: Theater of the First Amendment proudly announces its 2011 First Light Discovery Program, featuring staged readings from student, community and professional playwrights. This unique program provides playwrights with the opportunity to develop new plays while working with theater professionals.
Where: TheaterSpace, George Mason University, Fairfax campus
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; reservations recommended: theaterofthefirstamendment.org/first-light
4. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: This six-time nominated Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of five eccentric kids vying for first prize, bragging rights and, most important, a trip to the National Spelling Bee Competition.
Where: Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St.
When: Through July 3
Info: $40; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
5. “Purge”: SCENA Theater presents the regional premiere of a play by Sofi Oksanen. Artistic Director Robert McNamara calls “Purge” a “story of love and betrayal … a fable of war, passion and … a woman’s journey to redemption in a seemingly hopeless world.”
Where: H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE
When: Through July 3
Info: $16 to $40; 703-683-2824; scenatheater.org
6. Zeitgeist: Staged readings of new plays in translation: “The Ugly One”: Marius von Mayenburg’s play concerns Lette, who thought he was normal. When the extent of his ugliness is revealed, he turns to a plastic surgeon for help but eventually learns that there is such a thing as too beautiful.
Where: Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh St. NW
When: 7 p.m. June 13
Info: Free; 202-289-1200; [email protected]
7. “Wicked”: Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One — born with emerald green skin — is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for a fabulous time for children 8 and older and their families.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: June 15 to Aug. 21
Info: $35; some standing-room-only seats available for certain performances; check box office for last-minute availability: 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
8. “The Merchant of Venice”: Shakespeare’s playchallenges audiences to look beyond misleading appearances to find the true measure of things. An intriguing story of power and revenge, justice and mercy, true love and duplicity, featuring some of Shakespeare’s most complex and memorable characters.
Where: Shakespeare Theatre, 601 F St. NW
When: June 21 to July 24
Info: $20 to $98; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
9. “Oklahoma!”: Back by popular demand and nominated for 10 Helen Hayes Awards, “Oklahoma!” returns to Arena Stage after its initial sold-out run. Full of some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest songs (“Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “People Will Say We’re in Love”), this production of “Oklahoma!” has been praised for its polished singing and energetic dancing.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: July 8 to Oct. 2
Info: $61 to $106; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
10. “The History of Kisses”:A writer sequesters himself in an oceanfront motel to finish a collection of tales of seaside romance, only to find himself drawn into the romantic and sexual goings-on around him.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: June 15 to July 3
Info: $44 to $65; studiotheatre.org
11. “The Cherry Orchard”: Chekhov looks at societal changes in his final play, considering love, loss and Russian values in the early 20th century.
Where: Quotidian Theatre Company, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda
When: July 8 to Aug. 7
Info: $20 to $25; 301-816-1023; [email protected]
12. “Birds of a Feather”: The play recounts the story of Roy and Silo, the two Central Park Zoo chinstrap penguins who partnered, adopted an egg, hatched it and raised a chick together. Roy and Silo are no strangers to the spotlight. In 2005, they were the subject of a widely contested children’s book,”And Tango Makes Three,”by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. The book, temporarily pulled from school bookshelves in Loudoun County, became one of the most banned books in the U.S.
Where: The Hub Theatre, 931 Silver King Court
When: July 14 to Aug. 7
Info: $15 to $25; 703-674-3177; thehubtheatre.org
13. “Visit to a Small Planet”: This 1957 comedy by Gore Vidal offers keen and witty observations about American and human foibleswhen a space alien, eager to join the Battle of Bull Run, lands 100 years too late in a Manassas, Va., rose garden. Originally a live television drama,”Visit”served as the precursor to such television hits as”My Favorite Martian,””Mork & Mindy,” and”3rdRock from the Sun.”
Where: American Century Theatre, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: July 8 to Aug. 6
Info: 703-998-4555; americancentury.org
14. “POP!”: Who shot Andy Warhol? This musical murder-mystery extravaganza peeks inside the tumultuous artistic revelry of Warhol’s infamous Factory.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: July 22 to Sept. 4
Info: $38 to $43; studiotheatre.org
Best Galleries
1. Lewis Baltz: “Prototypes”/”Ronde de Nuit”: Made in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Baltz’s “Prototypes” series of black and white photos considers the transformation of America’s industrial landscape after World War II. These are complemented by pieces from Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt and Richard Serra, who influenced Baltz’s worldview. “Ronde de Nuit” is a 12-part tableau from the early ’90s exploring the role of surveillance in contemporary culture.
Where: West Building, National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue between Third and Seventh streets NW
When: Through July 31
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Wavelengths: D.C.’s own Gretchen Schermerhorn and Alexandra Radocchio Zealand are among the four artists invited to take over the two-story Honfleur space to create installations based on their own interpretations of the word “wavelength.”
Where: Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE
When: Through July 22
Info: Free, 202-580-5972; honfleurgallery.com
3. Recent Photography Acquisitions: A anonymous donation from last year as well as a donation from Washington Center for Photography founder Sharon Keim has given the Corcoran important new pieces by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Leonard Freed and Alex Webb, among other notables.
Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW
When: Through Aug. 28
Info: $10; $8 students/seniors (62-plus); free for age 12 and under; corcoran.org
4. Evan Reed: Traveling Past PROUN: Visionary wooden sculpture by Reed, influences by architectonic forms seen in Mayan ruins.
Where: Project 4 Gallery, 1353 U St. NW, Third Floor
When: Through July 16
Info: Free; 202-232-4340; project4gallery.com
5. Material Narrative: Victoria Greising complements her concurrent District of Columbia Arts Center show with this immersive installation, wherein old clothes are taken apart and used to transform the gallery into a giant web.
Where: The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center, 1632 U St. NW
When: Through June 13
Info: Free; 202-483-8600; smithfarm.com/gallery
Best Brainfood
1. Fame, Fortune and Theft: Shakespeare’s First Folio: From international intrigue to the source material for everyday phrases such as “the milk of human kindness,” Shakespeare’s First Folio has occupied a prominent place in world culture. Explore the history of this remarkable volume from its publication in 1623 to today.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Info: Free; 202-544-4600; folger.edu
2. David Ignatius: “Bloodmoney”: A journalist and spy novelist, Ignatius has the facts that give his thrillers the ring of truth. In his seventh work of fiction, a young CIA agent is sent to Pakistan to find out who is killing members of an intelligence unit there. As her investigation deepens, she travels throughout the Middle East.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
3. Washington: Symbol and City: The vision of a home for the government became reality on July 1, 1790, when Congress decided to authorize President Washington to select a specific site on the Potomac River — a location that he strongly favored.Come see the National Building Museum’s exhibition detailing the growth of Washington from its beginnings to the present day.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; $5 donation appreciated; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
4. Jose Andres: The local, award-winning chef, owner of the ThinkFoodGroup (which encompasses his restaurants, such as Jaleo and Cafe Atlantico), discusses the National Archives’ new exhibition, “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” in his role as the show’s chief culinary adviser. A book signing follows.
Where: William McGowan Theater, National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-357-5000; archives.gov
5. “Einstein’s Dream”: The play, presented by Spooky Action Theater, follows a young Albert Einstein as he comes up with his famous theories.
Where: Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th St. NW
When: Through June 26
Info: $15 to $20; 301-920-1414; spookyaction.org
Best Family
1. Nature Center’s Creature Feature: Get acquainted with the Nature Center’s live animals and assist in their feeding.All ages.
Where: Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road NW.
When: 4 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-895-6070; nps.gov
2. Gulf Branch Nature Center’s 45th Birthday: Meet owls from the Raptor Conservancy, cut the ribbon on Mr. Owl’s New Home, and enjoy the open forge, birthday cake, crafts, games and music.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; no registration necessary
3. “Civil War Discovery: You’re in the Army Now”: Enlist in a Civil War army and use replica wood rifles to learn to “load in nine times” and how to march as a well-drilled unit.
Where: Meet at Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 6 to 7 p.m. June 15
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747: program No. 642721-A
4. Campfire Cooking: Families, ages 7 and older. Everything tastes better cooked over a campfire. Come learn how to cook some easy and tasty treats outdoors. The center provides the food and firewood; you supply the helping hands.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 624 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $8; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 642951-B
5. “Jack and the Bean-Stalk”: This parody of the famous British folktale and contemporary children’s entertainment is 45 minutes long, aimed at young audiences but with lots of laughs built in for adults.
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean
When: Noon Sunday and Tuesday, noon and 6 p.m. Saturday; through June 19
Info: $15; 703-854-1856; 1ststagetysons.org
Best Gatherings
1. Mid-day Tour in the Garden of Good and Evil: Medicinal and Poison Plants at the United States Botanic Garden: Many important medicines are derived from plants, but too much of a good thing can be dangerous. During a walking tour of the Conservatory and National Garden, an expert will point out poisonous and lifesaving plants. Please note: Portions of this tour may be held outdoors. Please bring sunscreen, protective clothing and water.
Where: Conservatory Garden Court, The National Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: Noon to 1 p.m. June 14
Info: Free; no preregistration required; usbg.gov
2. The 11th Hour Poetry Slam: An opportunity for poetry lovers to enjoy the competitive art of late-night performance poetry. Enjoy two rounds of high-intensity poetry, with the audience choosing a winner. Come enjoy an alternative way to spend your Friday night. Tickets are sold at the door beginning at 10:30 p.m. Cash only.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V streets NW
When: 11 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday
Info: $5; 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com
3. Remembering the Palladium: Hear the sounds of the Palladium Era delivered by Orquesta La Leyenda. The big band specializes in the mambo style made popular by Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. DJ Steven Green from Richmond entertains before, during and after the band’s two sets. Guests are encouraged to wear ’40s-style attire.
Where: Ballroom, Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. NW
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $12 to $15; 888-841-2787; artisphere.com
4. Paul Madonna: “Everything Is Its Own Reward”: Madonna’s second collection of work is continued testimony to this artist’s unique vision. Specializing in pen-and-ink cityscapes, Madonna pairs his haunting graphic work with equally intriguing stories, conversations and meditations.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. June 14
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. “I Wish You Love”: Penumbra Theatre Company takes a look at the state of America in the late 1950s through the music of Nat King Cole.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: June 11 19
Info: $34 to $40; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Best Outdoors
1. “Dirty Dancing”: Front Flicks Outdoor Movies: Come see outdoor movies every Thursday night at sundown. This year: Best of the Oscars.
Where: Tingey Plaza behind the U.S. Department of Transportation, Third and Tingey SE
When: 8:45 p.m. June 9
Info: Free; capitolriverfront.org
2. Friday Evening Concerts: Wind down your week on the river, listening to live music, enjoying food and drinks, and relaxing on the boardwalk.Or stop by the park for dinner and drinks before heading over to a Nationals game. Theconcerts will be held on the Boardwalk Stage and feature avariety of bandsranging from reggae to pop to salsa!
Where: Yards Park, N and Third streets SE
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday to Aug. 19
Info:Free; 202-465-7080; yardspark.org
3. Great Falls Overlook: Walk down the towpath of the C&O Canal a short way and you see a section of the channel narrow where the water really moves. Turn off onto a boardwalk and you start to hear a constant rumble in the distance. The first bridge is across a gorge where the water roars through a chute cut 20 feet deep. Eventually you reach the overlook itself and see the bulk of the Potomac River pouring in great torrents through the gorge. With a sharp eye, you will see the occasional kayaker. On the way back, be sure to pay attention to the unique “swamp on top of a rocky desert” ecosystem that the boardwalk you walk on is designed to protect.
Where: Potomac, Md.; directions on website
When: Any day
Info: localhikes.com
4. Visit Gravelly Point: Take a picnic and enjoy the water, the wildlife and the planes zooming in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at Gravelly Point, just north of Alexandria.
Where: Off northbound George Washington Parkway
When: Dawn to dusk any day
Info: 703-289-2500
5. Midcity at the Crossroads: Shaw Heritage Trail’s 17 poster-size, illustrated signs combine storytelling with historic images. The Shaw neighborhood you will discover is one of the city’s oldest, where traces can be found of nearly every group that has called Washington home. Walkers are encouraged to follow the trail at their own pace, sampling neighborhood character, businesses and restaurants along the way.
Where: First sign is at Seventh Street and Mount Vernon Place NW in front of the Washington Convention Center.
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; [email protected]
