Best Galleries 1. Barry D. Lindley: Water Marks: The effect of water on natural and man-made objects is watercolorist Lindley’s abiding visual interest.
Where: The Art League Gallery, The Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: Through April 4
Info: Free; 703-683-1780; theartleague.org
2. Linn Meyers: The Adjacent Possible: Meyers renders her geometric patterns of lines in ink on mylar, creating the illusion of three dimensions.
Where: G Fine Art, 1515 14th St. NW
When: Through Aug. 7
Info: Free; gfineartdc.com; 202-462-1601
3. Jason Falchook: Laying Tracks: In these 16 small photos, Falchook explores the city through its crumbling angles, oil-rippled puddles and distorted reflections.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 1019 Seventh St. NW
When: Through April 9
Info: Free; 202-607-3804; civilianartprojects.com
4. Approximate Landscape: Photographer Christoph Engel shoots farms and golf courses from high overhead, approximating the “transcendent gaze” of the Almighty while ruminating on the consequences of human intervention in the natural world.
Where: Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh St. NW
When: Through April 29
Info: Free; 202-289-1200; goethe.de
5. Image/Frame/Memory: Portrait and documentary photographers Curtis Knapp, Gerard Malanga, Billy Name and Kate Simon offer surprising new angles on familiar celebrity subjects from Dennis Hopper to Clash frontman Joe Strummer.
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW
When: Through April 16
Info: Free; 202-332-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
Best Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts and plays Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and the orchestra accompanies soprano Twyla Robinson and baritone Matthias Goerne in Alexander Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony. The texts of the seven movements are taken from “The Gardener” by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore in a German translation. Part of the Maximum India celebration.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Sunday; discussion following Thursday performance
Info: $20 to $85; 202-4657-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. Boston Symphony Orchestra: The Washington Performing Arts Society presents the orchestra, James Levine, music director, performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 (“Jupiter”) and Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 (“Rhenish”).
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $57 to $125; 202-785-0727; wpas.org
3. Cuarteto Latinoamericano: The Discovery Series presents the award-winning ensemble from Mexico, known worldwide as the finest string quartet from Latin America. The program includes works by Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla, Revueltas, Ponce and Ginastera.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 800-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
4. Danu: Direct from Ireland’s County Waterford, the youthful ensemble plays traditional flute, pipes, fiddle, button accordion and bouzouki while singing songs from the past, others by contemporary Irish songwriters, and originals by the band.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $22 to $44; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu; family-friendly; youth through 12 are half-price when accompanied by an adult
5. Kem: The R&B jazz artist moves forward with songs on his latest CD about love, faith, God and the human condition. Guests include Mint Condition, the R&B/soul band from the Twin Cities, and vocalist Ledisi.
Where: DAR Constitution Hall
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $113 to $350; 202-397-SEAT (7328), 703-573-SEAT
Best Brainfood
1.”Terminus”: The Abbey Theatre presents Mark O’Rowe’s contemporary verse play about three Irish people thrown into an alternative world.
Where: Clarice Smith performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive, College Park
When: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Info: $36; 301-405-2787; claricesmithcenter.umd.edu
2. Politics and Literature: Panelists Salman Rushdie andNayantara Sahgalexamine the roles history and politics play in a writer’s imagination andthe importance of religion, gender, class and caste in this discussion moderated by Ahdaf Soueif. Part of the festival Maximum India. Entrance on first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. E. O. Wilson: The Environmental Film Festival is sponsoring a lecture by the Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist and author of fiction and nonfiction. He will discuss his most recent books, “The Leafcutter Ants: Civilization by Instinct” and “Kingdom of Ants.”
Where: Baird Auditorium, National Museum of National History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000
4. Julie Orringer: “The Invisible Bridge”: In her second book and first novel, Orringer charts the lives and loves of Hungarians in Paris in the 1930s in such a fresh and compelling way that it make the certainties of World War II seem like surprises. This event marks the paperback release of this vivid and accomplished book.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. Gayle Tzemach Lemmon: The journalist, a fellow and deputy director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations, reads from and discusses her new book, “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe.” A book signing follows.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 555 12th St. NW
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: 202-347-0176; barnesandnoble.com
Best Family
1. Kindercise: Song and dance superhero Kinderman uses African call-and-response and his disco king background to create this lively show, involving even the tiniest tots in his act.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; nationaltheatre.org
2. The Singing Lizard: The Singing Lizard’s live shows are fast-paced, fun and full of exciting songs that both kids and adults enjoy. Her goal is to encourage kids and adults to use their imagination and interact with the music. The Singing Lizard comfortably inhabits her own sound somewhere between eclectic electronica and cheery soul.
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. NW
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday and April 16
Info: 202-547-6839; chaw.org
3. Science You Can Sing To: Explore the stars and space with the interplanetary tunes you’ll learn in this energetic, fun show.
Where: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Friday
Info: $3 to $6; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
4. Family Fishing Workshop: Get ready for a season of fishing fun! The basics of fishing will be covered with adults while an entertaining and educational program goes on separately for kids. Then everybody joins up for some hands-on practice.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program; No. 632851-J
5. Salamander Search: Go searching in the park for salamanders, snakes and other creatures coming out of hibernation. Info: 703-228-3403
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 4 to 5 p.m. March 23
Info: $3; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 632821-A
Best Gatherings
1. “My Thoughts Be Bloody: The Bitter Rivalry Between Edwin and John Wilkes Booth That Led to an American Tragedy.” Author Nora Titone reads from and discusses her book. A book signing follows.
Where: William G. McGown Theater, National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: Noon Friday
Info: Free; seating on a first-come, first-served basis; 202-357-5000; archives.gov
2. “Integration:An Evening of Fresh Scenes”: Fresh Produce, a University of Maryland theater group, puts on selected scenes from some of the most renowned and provocative playwrights in the business that strike at the heart of such topics as race, gender and love. The scenes will be performed by the university’s new class of theater majors.
Where: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive, College Park
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 301-405-2787; claricesmithcenter.umd.edu
3. “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”: Join Morgan Spurlock and Ralph Nader for a special screening of the film from acclaimed filmmaker Spurlock (“Super Size Me”). Admission benefits the Center for Study of Responsive Law.
Where: Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 14th and V streets NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $20; 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com; csrl.org (to purchase tickets)
4. “The Chosen” post-show discussions: A conversation with writer/historian Jenna Weissman Joselit, in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-488-3300; theaterj.org
5. Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World: A traveling exhibition developed by the American Society of Botanical Artists, explores the conservation efforts of scientists and illustrators around the globe to preserve threatened and endangered plants.
Where: Conservatory Classroom, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; Preregistration required; 202-225-1116; program No. LA032011; nfusbg.org
Best Outdoors
1. Amphibians of Arlington: For adults and teens. Learn to identify the common amphibians in our area and where to find them. You’ll get a CD of Virginia frog and toad calls to take home to help you remember their calls. Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $10; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 632841-A
2. Beginning Birding: Gather with other beginners for one or more informal presentations and walks, which teach the basics of using binoculars, looking at birds and using guides. After each walk, you’ll hear a topic of special interest. (March 23: Bird Walk and Optics)
Where: Meet at Fort C. F. Smith, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 6 to 8 p.m. March 23 (thereafter April 6 and 20)
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632741-A
3. Cunningham Falls: This 1.25-mile round trip features large, rocky outcrops, peaceful 78-foot waterfalls and an easy return hike. Approaching the trail head, you are confronted with two choices: the strenuous hike over the mountain via the Cliff Trail or the easy walk along the Lower Trail. The rock outcrops are truly wonderful. The basalt is among the oldest aboveground exposed stone formations in the world and really makes for some interesting and exciting exploration. It is surrounded by magnificent maples, oaks, poplars and hickories. The descent to the falls is rough and may require some careful footing and handholds. But once reaching the falls, you will be greeted by a peaceful boardwalk and viewing/seating area where you can relax and enjoy the natural splendor of the falls.
Where: Near Thurmont, Md.
When: Year-round
Info: Ranger contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources; 301-271-7574; localhikes.com
4. Benjamin Banneker Park: At the edge of the L’Enfant Promenade is a circular park with a fountain and a wonderful view of the Potomac River. This park is a memorial to Benjamin Banneker, the black man who assisted Andrew Ellicott in surveying the District of Columbia in 1791. Pierre L’Enfant designed the city based on the boundaries set forth by Banneker and Ellicott’s survey.
Where: 10th and G streets SW
When: Sunup to sunset any day
Info: Free; dc.about.com
5. Mount Pleasant: With its main streets and town square, Mount Pleasant still feels like the village it once was. But it has also seen lives as a fashionable streetcar suburb, a solid working-class neighborhood and an enclave of counterculture politics. Today, Mount Pleasant is best known for itslife and energy, beckoning with authentic Salvadoran mariachi bands, genuine bodegas, and restaurants bringing theflavorof Central America to the nation’s capital. Architecture buffs will find that Mount Pleasant’s trademark row houses and apartment buildings have survived remarkably intact. In fact, the entire neighborhood is protected as a historic district.
Where: See Web site for map and directions
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; culturaltourismdc.org
Best Theater
1. “Penelope”: “New Ireland: The Enda Walsh Festival” begins with Walsh’s take on Homer’s “Odyssey.” It’s been 10 years since the end of the Trojan War, and Odysseus still isn’t home. And his wife, Penelope, refuses to choose another husband from the many suitors who have courted her for a decade. As the suitors gather around her drained swimming pool where they live, they contemplate their histories and mortality.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through April 3
Info: $44 to $65; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
2. “Master Harold … and the Boys”: The play by Athol Fugard takes place in South Africa during the era of apartheid and depicts how racism and bigotry threaten to destroy the dignity of the human spirit.
Where: Quotidian Theatre Company, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda
When: Friday through April 17
Info: $20 to $25; 301-816-1023; quotidiantheatre.org
3. “Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog”: Come witness the infamous Dr. Horrible, the aspiring villain determined to dominate the world. Will he be thwarted or will he succeed?
Where: Landless Theater, D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Through March 27
Info: $25; 202-462-7833; landlesstheatre.org
4. Del Uruguay con Humor”/”From Uruguay With Laughter”: “Atrevidos” (“Three Rascals”): “Three Rascals” is a music/poetry/monologue revue that takes the audience on a musical history tour from the 1960s to the present. In Spanish with live English dubbing.
Where: Teatro de la Luna, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday; through March 26
Info: $20 to $30; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
5. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”: Come have a drink with Martha and George and watch them skewer one another and lay bare the problems of their marriage in this most famous of Edward Albee’s plays. A Steppenwolf Theatre production.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through April 10
Info: Tickets start at $55; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
