Brain Food
1. “Arabesque Winds”: Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, works by Bozza, Barber, Hindemith, Klughardt and Ligeti.
Where: Terrace Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600, kennedy-center.org
2. “To Sleep, Perchance to Dream”: Sleeping and dreaming were topics of abiding fascination to the early modern English. Some viewed dreams as spiritual visions, the way God spoke to humans; others turned to them for evidence of the sinister actions of witches. Dreams were held to predict the future, or show what was occurring far away.
Where: The Folger Shakespeare Library, Folger Great Hall, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 30
Info: Free; 202-544-4600, folger.edu
3. “Fresh – An Exhibition of Urban Contemporary Art”: An exhibition that examines graffiti, pop art, figurative works and lowbrow concepts, all part of the urban contemporary art scene.
Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; open until 9 p.m. Thursdays; through May 31
Info: Free; 703-838-4565, torpedofactory.org
4. My Helsinki: A look at Finland’s capital through the eyes of 12 Washingtonians. The embassy is transformed to highlight the capital city’s cultural, educational, environmental, technological and culinary delights.
Where: Embassy of Finland, 3301 Massachusetts Ave. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: 202-298-5800, finland.org
5. “Giant”: Michael John LaChiusa’s musical adaptation of the American classic by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edna Ferber, “Giant” is the story of a Texas rancher and his Virginia-born wife.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 1 and 7 p.m. most Sundays; check Web site for details; through May 31
Info: $49 to $77; 703-820-9771, signature-theatre.org
Family
1. “Miranda’s Waltz”: The National Symphony Orchestra performs the world premiere of “Miranda’s Waltz,” a new work about Maestro Mouse by composer Susan Kander with dialogue by Mary Hall Surface.
Where: Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 1 and 3 p.m. May 31
Info: $15 to $18; kennedy-center.org
2. “Batworld NoVA”: Join Leslie Sturges and learn all about the bats in our region. There will be live bats on hand.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 8 to 9 p.m. Friday
Info: 703-228-6535; $2; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program # 632502N
3. Feeling Ant-sy?: Follow an ant trail, lift something bigger than yourself, dig a tunnel and practice all things ant.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday
Info: $2; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program # 632402S
4. Puppet Show Extravaganza: Find out what the Gulf Branch menagerie ha been up to this year at its super-duper puppet show.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 2:30 p.m and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: 703-228-3403; $5 per child; registration required at 703-228-4747: program #632402I and program #632402J
Galleries
1. “Cyclical Nature”: Erik Thor Sandberg’s series of large oil paintings celebrates nature’s capacity for regeneration and rebirth. Closes Saturday.
Where: Conner Contemporary Art, 1358-60 Florida Ave. NE
When: Through Saturday
Info: Free; 202-588-8750, connercontemporary.com
2. “Haunted – Mary Chiaramonte”: This latest series of psychologically complex acrylics and watercolors by Radford, Va.-based painter Mary Chiaramonte ripples with erotic tension.
Where: Long View Gallery, 1302 Ninth St. NW
When: Through June 13
Info: Free; 202-232-4788, longviewgallery.com
3. “Kind Favors, Kind Letters”: Tatiana Ginsberg, Lee Emma Running and Kate Carr each used an array of printmaking techniques and handmade paper to create this collaborative, site-specific exhibition, communicating during their preparations via handwritten letter.
Where: Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, 8230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: Through July 17
Info: Free; 301-608-9101, pyramidatlanticartcenter.org
4. “Mary McFadden – Goddesses”: “Design archaeologist” Mary McFadden has drawn on African, Greek and Chinese sartorial traditions to create her inimitable haute couture. This collection of some 40 samples of her work invites the viewers to examine the influence of ancient cultures on her designs.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Aug. 30
Info: 202-783-5000, nmwa.org
5. “Paul Daniel – Kinetic Sculpture”: Baltimore artist Paul Daniel’s angular outdoor “kinetic” sculptures stand watch over Ward Circle at American University’s Sylvia Berlin Katzen Sculpture Garden.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
When: Through Aug. 9
Info: Free; 202-885-1300, american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
Gatherings
1. “A Prairie Home Companion”: Garrison Keillor and company relocate from Lake Wobegon to Wolf Trap for their worldwide radio show.
Where: Wolf Trap, Filene Center, 1551 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Saturday and 5:45 p.m. Sunday
Info: $22 to $48; 703-255-1900; wolftrap.org
2. “28 Exposures”: This photography exhibition features a juried members show of the Exposure Group African American Photographers Association.
Where: Art Institute of Washington, 1820 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington
When: Through May 28
Info: 703-358-9550
3. “The Civil War”: This Tony-nominated musical focuses on the voices of those who lived through the Civil War.
Where: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW
When: Through Sunday; see Web site for times
Info: $25 to $52; 202-426-6924; www.fordstheatre.org
4. “Bach in Cremona”: Violinist Nicholas Kitchen discusses and performs Bach’s sonatas and partitas, with projections of the manuscripts, on five extraordinary instruments in the Library’s Cremonese Collection: the two Guarneris (“Kreisler” and “Baron Vitta-Goldberg”), the “Brookings” Amati, and two of the Whittall Stradivari (“Betts” and “Castelbarco”).
Where: Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium, Ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: 202-707-5502; free but requires ticket from Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com; information at loc.gov.
5. “During the Wet”: Aboriginal bark paintings from the Maningrida community in Australia.
Where: Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through May 30
Info: Free; 202-234-5601; hemphillfinearts.com
Movies
“Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian”
Stars: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria
Director: Shawn Levy
Rated PG-13 for mild action and brief language.
Running Time: 105 minutes
It’s a new night and museum for Ben Stiller, who is joined by several other stars from the original film, as well as new characters from history. The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world’s largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections, ranging from the plane Amelia Earhart flew on her nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic and Al Capone’s rap sheet and mug shot to Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and Archie Bunker’s lounge chair. The movie was filmed on location at the Smithsonian Institution and it opens there, as well. Some of the story takes place inside the National Air and Space Museum and features many objects currently on display.
Smithsonian showings: Lockheed Martin Imax Theatre, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Opens Friday; see Web site for dates and times.
Info: $12.50; 202-633-1000; tickets: 877-932-4629; nasm.si.edu
“The Brothers Bloom”
For as long as they can remember, the Brothers Bloom have had only each other to depend on. From their childhood in a long series of gloomy foster homes to their highflying lives as international con artists, Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody) have shared everything. Stephen brilliantly concocts intricate stories that the brothers live out, but he’s still searching for the perfect con, the one where “everyone gets what they want.” Meanwhile, Bloom yearns for “an unwritten life” — a real adventure, one not dreamed up by his old brother.
“Every Little Step”
The film follows the plight of real-life dancers as they struggle through auditions for the Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line” and investigates the history of the show and the creative minds behind the original and current incarnations.
“The Girlfriend Experience”
Chelsea is an ultra-high-end Manhattan call girl who offers more than sex to her clients. She offers companionship and conversation — “the girlfriend experience.” Chelsea thinks she has her life totally under control, but when you’re in the business of meeting people, you never know who you’re going to meet.
“Summer Hours”
The divergent paths of three siblings collide when their mother, heiress to her uncle’s exceptional 19th century art collection, dies suddenly. Left to come to terms with themselves and their differences, they confront the end of childhood, their memories, background and vision of the future.
“Dance Flick”
“Dance Flick” is a new comedy from the Wayans brothers who are also responsible for such spoof flicks as the “Scary Movie” franchise and “White Chicks.”
Music
1. National Memorial Day Concert: The 20th anniversary gathering and PBS broadcast of performances by acclaimed American musical stars and actors, The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Chorus, the Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, Gen. Colin Powell, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and dignitaries in a program of music, documentary footage and dramatic readings, hosted by Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna.
Where: The U.S. Capitol Building West Lawn
When: 8 p.m. Sunday (gates open at 5 p.m.)
Info: Free
2. National Memorial Day Choral Festival: Z. Randall Stroope conducts a 325-voice festival chorus performing choral classics by American composers.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. John Eaton: The venerable pianist, vocalist, musicologist and humorist plays music from the Great American Songbook and regales the audience with the stories behind the composers and their songs.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday
Info: $25; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
4. Tommy Cecil: Baltimore’s gift to jazz, the creative bassist/composer demonstrates why he is in demand by top artists.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Outdoors
1. Constitution Gardens: This picturesque enclave provides respite for Mall-weary tourists and locals alike. In the middle of a man-made lake is Memorial Island, containing stones that bear the names of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Where: Constitution Avenue and 20th Street NW
When: Open 24 hours a day
Info: Free; 202-485-9880, nps.gov
2. Capitol Riverfront Farmers Market: Shop for farm-fresh produce and baked goods while enjoying lunch on site.
Where: 1 Tingey St. SE (Third and M streets)
When: Every Tuesday from May to November between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Info: capitolriverfront.org
3. Folger Shakespeare Garden: Explore the Folger’s garden, inspired by herbal references in Shakespeare’s plays and also incorporating plants popular in his time, including lavender, creeping thyme and English ivy; a knot garden; and Shakespearean statues by American sculptor Greg Wyatt. Every third Saturday, Folger docents offer insights into plantings, Elizabethan customs and more.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours available at 10 and 11 a.m. the third Saturday of each month, April through October.
Info: Free; 202-544-4600, folger.edu
4. Adventures in Sailing: One of the most relaxing and exciting activities takes place on a simple sailboat, relaxing on the cool waters of the Potomac with the monuments in the background. Begin with basic instructions. Then take to your boats (one captain/instructor per boat) for a 2 1/2-hour sail. All members will sail a 19-foot Flying Scot sailboat.
Where: Meet at the Gazebo next to the entrance of the Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St. SW
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $55; thingstododc.com (click on “Outdoors”)
5. Visit historic Deanwood: Step off Metro’s Orange line at Minnesota Avenue, and you’ll find yourself in a residential neighborhood unlike any other in D.C. With its characteristic, small wood-frame houses on large lots, Deanwood looks like a country town. Here you can enjoy fine green spaces and intriguing African-American history, all within a few subway stops of downtown.
Where: Deanwood neighborhood, Marvin Gaye Park to Minnesota Avenue
When: Any day
Info: Follow self-guided tour signs; details at culturaltourismdc.org
Theater
1. “Radio Golf”: Tackling gentrification and one black man’s bid for elected office, August Wilson’s final play has special resonance in this election year. “Radio Golf” is the culmination of Wilson’s ambitious 10-play cycle covering every decade of the 20th century. Set in 1997, the play follows the life of Harmond Wilks, a charming and powerful politician campaigning to become mayor of Pittsburgh, but as Wilks steps into prominence, his past is just a few steps behind.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday through June 28
Info: 202-332-3300; www.studiotheatre.org
2. “Rosa de Dos Aromas” (“Two Scented Roses”): Area premiere of a comedy by Mexican playwright Emilio Carballido. Two women meet by accident. They have nothing in common É except the same lover.
Where: Teatro de la Luna, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Saturday through June 13
Info: $20 to $30; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
3. “Tartuffe”: Moliere’s classic comedy, in which Tartuffe is believed by the wealthy Orgon to a pious, true religious zealot. By the end of the play, Tartuffe has Orgon’s finances under his control and is about to marry his daughter but at the last moment is unmasked as a hypocrite.
Where: Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday through June 13
Info: $15 to $20; 800-494-8497; journeymentheater.org
4. “Bruise Easy”: Catalyst Theater Company presents this world premiere production. Single, pregnant Tess returns home to suburban hell, only to find that her mom’s missing in action, her loser brother has parked himself on the driveway and they are coached by a weirdly articulate gang of neighborhood children.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
When: Through June 21
Info: $10; catalysttheater.org
5. “The Pavilion”: Craig Wright’s blend of poetry and comedy finds Peter attending his 20-year high school reunion with dreams of winning back the girl he left behind.
Where: 1st Stage Spring Hill, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean
When: Through June 7
Info: $15 to $25; 703-674-3177; thehubtheatre.org
Compiled by Emily Cary, Barbara Mackay and Chris Klimek
