Best Music 1. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts Messiaen’s massive “Turangalila-Symphonie” featuring pianist Cedric Tiberghien and Tristan Murail playing the ondes martenot, an electronic musical instrument invented in 1928 using vacuum tubes to create wavering notes. Regarded as a 20th-century masterpiece, the title is taken from two Sanskrit words referring to love and death.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org.
2. Washington National Opera: Placido Domingo Celebrity Series presents Bryn Terfel, Welsh bass-baritone making his WNO debut in a concert conducted by Domingo featuring works by Donizetti, Gounod, Weil and Gershwin.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Info: Tickets limited; 202-295-2400, 800-US-OPERA; dc-opera.org
3. Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band: The Washington Performing Arts Society presents the Grammy winner and this year’s Grammy nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album performing music to inspire everyone to jump up and dance.
Where: Warner Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25 to $55; 202-785-9727; wpas.org
4. Cathedral Choral Society: J. Reilly Lewis conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring the “Choral Fantasy” and “Missa Solemnis,” the latter composed near the end of his life in total deafness.
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $25 to $80; tickets.cathedral.org
5. National Philharmonic: Piotr Gajewski conducts Grieg’s “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” and the Sibelius Symphony No. 2. Brian Ganz joins the orchestra for Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $32 to $79; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org; kids 7 to 17 are free
Also worth noting:
6. Boyz II Men: From a Philadelphia high school to worldwide recognition, the R&B winners of four Grammy Awards and two nominations continue showing why they were Billboard’s choice as most successful group of the 1990s.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $59.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Best Galleries
1. To Make a World: George Ault and 1940s America: Only after his death in 1948 were the eerie paintings Ault made in the war-torn ’40s recognized for the way they captured the frayed tenor of the times. The works of 22 artists bearing Ault’s influence, from notables such as Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth to lesser-known creators like Dede Plummer and Edward Biberman, cast Ault’s own pieces into sharp relief in this haunting exhibition curated by Yale University art history professor Alexander Nemerov.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through Sept. 5
Info: Free; 202-633-7970; americanart.si.edu
2. DCist Exposed: This fifth annual curated show of outstanding work by contributors to the popular and influential blog’s Flickr collection offers a glimpse at up-and-coming lens talent. Ticket price includes adult beverages or soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Where: Long View Gallery, 1234 Ninth St. NW
When 6 to 10 p.m. March 15 and 16
Info: $10 in advance (recommended), $15 at the door; tenmilessquare.com
3. Green Works: The four artists featured in Green Works use no paint — not this time, anyway. They’re using junk: detritus from construction sites, discarded plastic utensils, junk mail, bottle caps. The resulting sculptures and landfill-scapes give us hope that beauty might still be possible in the world we’re so busy ruining, while instilling a resolve to protect what’s let of it.
Where: Project 4 Gallery, 1353 U St. NW, third floor
When: Through April 22
Info: Free; 202-232-4340; project4gallery.com
4. Philip Guston: Roma: Guston’s 1970-71 residency at Rome’s American Academy was the fertile period that gave us these mysterious and underexhibited paintings, now on view at their sole U.S. venue.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through May 15
Info: $12, $10 seniors and students, free for 18 and younger; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
5. Celebrate Gay Marriage: A juried show of work by 17 DMV artists was organized to commemorate the recent legalization of gay marriage in the nation’s capital.
Where: Foundry Gallery, 1314 18th St. NW
When: Through July
Info: Free; 202-463-0203; foundrygallery.org
Best Family
1. Shimmer Swimmers: A beautiful mermaid, a rabbit who outwits crocodiles and other fascinating sea creatures come to life in the stories, songs and shadow puppets of Lynn Ruehlmann.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; nationaltheatre.org
2. “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake”: If you give a cat a cupcake, he’ll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you’ll give him a bathing suit … and that’s just the beginning.
Where: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Friday through April 25
Info: $15; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre.org
3. “Raptors Up Close”: Get up close and personal with birds of prey. The father-son team of Howard and Jason Caldwell bring fascinating birds and amazing facts to illuminate the secrets of raptors, their many variations, the sport of falconry and their relationship to humans.
Where: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday
Info: $3 to $6; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
4. “The Magic Paintbrush”: Follow the footsteps of an orphan in China who has a dream of being an artist. His wish is granted when a mysterious old man presents him with a unique gift: a magic paintbrush. The brush begins an enchanting journey that tests the boundaries of humility and humanity using a blend of music, dance, gymnastics, Chinese theater traditions and physical storytelling. Ages 4 and older.
Where: Synetic Family Theater, 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through April 3
Info: $10 to $12; 800-494-8497; classika.org
5. “Perseus Bayou”: In this reimagining of the Greek myth, to save his beloved homeland, Perseus Bayou must journey to the edge of the known world and battle the evil Medusa.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn St., Bethesda
When: Through March 13
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
Best Brainfood
1. Saudade: Songs of Love & Longing: Part of “Intersections”: Songs from Latin America and the United States with Cecilia Esquivel, Jose Caceres and Jenifer Deal
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 to $15; 202-399-7993; intersectionsdc.org
2. “Intersections”: “The Blue Angel”: Noted Berlin director Gabriele Jakobi comes to D.C. to transpose a classic of her culture into a contemporary American setting, Black New York. Showcasing professional and top Howard University actors, this workshop production features new musical arrangements and songs by German composer Achim Gieseler and text by Scena Theatre Artistic Director, Robert McNamara.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St., NE
When: Friday through Sunday
Info: $10 to $15; 202-399-7993; intersectionsdc.org
3. Meryle Secrest: Modigliani: A Life: The veteran biographer of cultural figures including Frank Lloyd Wright and Stephen Sondheim, Secrest portrays Modigliani not as a dissolute Bohemian but as a serious modern artist. Grounded in extensive research, this life cements Modigliani’s status as a major painter.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
4. Caribbean film series: The Art Museum of the Americas hosts a Caribbean film series in conjunction with their current Caribbean art exhibit Wrestling with the Image.
Where: Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th St. NW
When: Through March 16; see Web site for schedule
Info: Free; 202-458-6016; museum.oas.org
5. Nowruz! A Persian New Year Celebration: Xanthe Gresham performs tales from the Persian epic poem “Shahnama,” and the Mamak Khadem Ensemble gives two live performances. Other activities include puppet making, board games, dancing and a scavenger hunt.
Where: Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street NW
When: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; asia.si.edu
Best Theater
1.”The Chosen”: A Theater J/Arena Stage co-production, this play is an adaptation of Chaim Potok’s beloved story of two boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Aaron Posner’s award-winning adaptation introduces us to two passionate, intelligent boys on opposite sides of a baseball game. When the game takes a turn, and Reuven is injured by Danny, a unique friendship is born.
Where: Arena Theatre, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: To March 27
Info: $35 to $60; 202-488-3300; theaterj.org
2. “An Ideal Husband”: Oscar Wilde’s wickedly witty comedy revolves around blackmail, political corruption and public and private honor in late-19th-century England, where “an ideal husband” must be above reproach in both spheres. Sir Robert Chiltern is a well-regarded politician happily married to a loving wife. His status as an ideal husband is threatened when evidence of a past indiscretion appears.
Where: Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: March 8 through April 10
Info: $37 to $88; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
3. “The Weir”: Mark Rhea directs this work by Conor McPherson. Set in an Irish pub in a small rural town, the play is a lyrical tribute to Irish eloquence. On a stormy night, four men and a woman take refuge from the weather and drink together, offering proof of the Irish ability to transform time through the telling of stories.
Where: Keegan Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through March 19; St. Patrick’s Day performance added
Info: $35; 703-892-0202; keengantheatre.com
4. “Basra Boy”: Josh Sticklin plays all the characters in this comic and moving play by renowned Irish writer Rosemary Jenkinson. The play deals with the issues in Belfast, the youth of Ireland and Irish attitudes toward the war in the Middle East.
Where: Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
5. “Voices Underwater”: While a storm rages, Emma and Franklin take shelter in an Alabama plantation house where they are haunted by spirits of the past.
Where: Rorschach Theatre, National conservatory for Dramatic Arts, 1556 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: Through April 3
Info: $16.50 to $26.50; 202-3337009; rorschachtheatre.com
Best Outdoors
1. National Zoo’s Amazonia Trail: A baby Giant Anteater was born at the Zoo on Dec. 7 and has already been outdoors with his mother. Pick a warm day (it has to be over 55 degrees with no wind), and you may catch sight of him.
Where: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
When: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Info: Free; nationalzoo.si.edu
2. Birding: Delaware Shore: On this exciting excursion, stops may include Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Mispillion Lighthouse and the Indian River Inlet. Possible sightings are grebes, loons and a variety of waterfowl.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Recreation Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $35; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632841-E
3. Columbia Island: This great exercise trail near Arlington offers a 3.25-mile round trip and cross-Potomac views of Washington. The hike is easy, with few difficult spots. Columbia Island came into being in 1916, when the Potomac River was dredged and the spoils piled up on the Virginia shore. Because the new land formed an island, it automatically became part of Washington, thanks to an ancient law that denies Virginia even part-ownership of the Potomac. Good for hikers and dogs.
Where: Visitor parking along Boundary Channel Drive in Pentagon’s North Parking area. See Web site for directions
When: Year-round
Info: Ranger contact: National Park Service: 703-289-2500; localhikes.com
4. Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve: This 725-acre preserve in Loudoun County features wildlife habitats including wetlands, fields and forests. Nature trails. Some camping. Pets welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
Where: 2108 The Woods Road, Leesburg
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: 703-669-0316; after-hours activities require permit; virginia.org
5. Foggy Bottom: Nestled between Lafayette Square and Georgetown, and just south of Dupont Circle, lies bustling Foggy Bottom. Abuzz with George Washington University students and celebrated for its pathways into Rock Creek Park, this neighborhood is also known for its world-class performing arts venues, fine dining, and political landmarks. The name Foggy Bottom arose from the area’s location next to the river and its marshy banks, which made the area prone to fog at various times of the year.
Where: See Web site for map and directions
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; culturaltourismdc.org
Best Gatherings
1. Mount Pleasant Temporium: Thirty-one crafters set up temporary shop in Mount Pleasant. The store was headed up by Hello Craft, which selected the D.C.-based crafters and artists to sell their wares in this unique design center. Through Sunday, events are held celebrating the Mount Pleasant experience.
Where: Mount Pleasant Temporium, 3068 Mount Pleasant St. NW
When: Through Sunday; see Web site for schedule
Info: Free; mtptemporium.com
2. “Finn McCool”: Presented by Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue, “Finn McCool” tells of a brave hero who fights a bad-ass fairy. A new, original rock ‘n’ roll experience.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW
When: Through March 20
Info: $20; 800-838-3006; woollymammoth.net
3. Flamenco Vivo: A performance by the touring Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company. As guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor, Paco Pena embodies both authenticity and innovation in flamenco and has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form.
Where: Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $25 to $55; 202-397-7328; lisner.org
4. 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. Hosted by 2Deep the Poetess. Tickets are sold at the door beginning at 10:30 p.m. Cash only.
Where: Langston Room, 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
5. “A Garden Well-Placed: A Designer’s Harmony Between House and Garden”: The talk will not happen until March 28, but it’s never too early to register, Landscape designer Xa Tollemache will speak on garden designs of the United Kingdom. Recalling gardener and philosopher Alexander Pope’s message of “always consult the genius of the place,” Lady Tollemache works to incorporate the individual feel of each garden into every design she creates.
Where: Conservatory Classroom, Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., NW
When: 6:30 p.m. March 28
Info: Free; preregistration required; 202-225-1116
