Brain Food
1. Christopher Linman: The pianist, vocalist and songwriter recently released his CD “Baby It’s You” under his own company C# Productions, performing original tunes and standards from the American songbook.
Where: Millennium Stage, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
When: 6 p.m. today
Info: Free; no reservations required; 202-457-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Bruno Nasta (jazz violinist) followed by U.S. Army Blues (big-band jazz)
Where: National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov
3. Sipriz: The Haitian Sailing Project: The 21-foot wooden sailboat Sipriz, which left southwestern Haiti for the United States March 16, 2009, is on view at the American University through Sunday. Retracing a route of the Haitian “boat people,” the expedition seeks to draw attention to the problems that lead to the ongoing exodus from Haiti, and to understand better the refugees’ experience on the arduous and often fatal passage to Florida.
Where: American University Museum, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; through Sunday
Info: 202-885-1300; www.american.edu
4. Arturo Sandoval: The Afro-Cuban trumpeter is a protégé of Dizzy Gillespie.
Where: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Info: $43 (cover charge not included); 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
5. Architecture of Authority: Richard Ross photographs the DMV, courtrooms and other interiors that make people feel powerless
Where: The National Building Museum, 401 F St., NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Sunday
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nationalbuildingmuseum.org
Family
1. “The Monkeys of Danyang”: In ancient China monkeys and a tricky elderly man battle for ownership over a small town in this children’s play performed by Classika Theatre.
Where: Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St. (Campbell Ave.), Arlington
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 16
Info: 800-494-8497; www.classikatheatre.org
2. Sant Ocean Hall: The Hall educates and inspires visitors of all ages about Earth’s ocean. This exhibition represents the largest renovation in the Museum’s 100-year history. By visiting the ocean hall, you can explore the ocean from the sunlit surface to the darkest depths, from prehistory to today, and from the smallest microorganisms to the biggest animals ever known. Throughout the Hall are exhibits and modules that provide rich educational experiences, including interactives for individual exploration, and areas for self-led and expert-led group lessons.
Where: Sant Ocean Hall, National History Museum, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, second floor
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Dec. 25. Museum closes at 7:30 p.m. certain days in the summer; check Web site for calendar.
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; mnh.si.edu
3. Movie time: Teens are invited to a spooky outdoor movie, “The Uninvited.”
Where: Marlow Heights Community Center, 2800 Saint Clair Drive, Temple Hills, Md.
When: Tonight
Info: 301-423-0505
4. “Civil War Discovery Series: You’re in the Army Now”: Enlist in the Civil War Army, use replica wood rifles to learn to “load in nine times,” how to march as a well-drilled unit and how to conduct a skirmish drill. For children 7-11.
Where: Meet at Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 19
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program # 644355F
5. Remove Alien Plant Invaders: Not all plants are good for the environment. Learn what the troublesome ones look like and help rescue a park. Ages 9 to adult.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; no registration required; info: 703-228-6535
Galleries
1. “The Beffi Triptych: Preserving Abruzzo’s Cultural Heritage”: In gratitude to the United States for its assistance in the wake of the massive April 6 earthquake that ground the landscape of Abruzzo, Italy and claimed more than 300 lives, the Italian government has loaned the NGA this six-century old masterpiece of the religious art. It’s one highlight from the collection of the National Museum of Abruzzo, L’Aquila that suffered only minor damage in the quake.
Where: National Gallery of Art, West Building, Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. “Love, Let Me Count the Ways: Washington Print Club 20th Biennial”: Some 100 prints from American, Spanish, Japanese, French, Norwegian and German artists from the 16th century through the present day comprise this best-of showcase of member collections.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through SUNDAY
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
3. “Almost Surely, Almost Everywhere”: Echo Eggebrecht plays with psychology and the occult. Michael Dax Iacovone and Billy Friebele take a Situationist approach to putting the City of Brotherly Love on video. And Ken Fendell’s multimedia installations must experienced to be disbelieved.
Where: Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U St. NW
When: Through Sept. 12
Info: Free; 202-332-1116; hamiltoniangallery.com
4. “Screenprinting Today: A Regional Survey of Contemporary Screenprints and Related Works”: Dennis O’Neil chooses the most intriguing contemporary screenprints by active DC-area artists, includingWilliam Christenberry, Pepa Leon, Noelle an, Renee Stout, and others.
Where: The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria
When: Through Sept. 6
Info: 703-548-0035; nvfaa.org
5. “‘Scapes: The International Landscape Show”: Nora M. Heimann, chair of the art department at Catholic University, juries this show of works depicting landscapes of every type: “urban and rural, industrialized and primitive, coastal and arid.”
Where: The Art League Gallery, The Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: Free; 703-683-1780; theartleague.org
Gatherings
1. Tribute to Woodstock’s 40th Anniversary: The concert experience that defined an era is coming to life at Strathmore-the Woodstock generation may be 40 years older, but they haven’t lost their groove. Enjoy top-notch artists whose own music emerged from or was influenced by Woodstock, performing musical tributes to some of their favorite Woodstock bands.
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Info: $19 to $22; 301-581-5200; strathmore.org
2. “Unite for a Bite”: Have a meal at a handful of local restaurants and a portion of the proceeds support women in the culinary field.
Where: Various locations around Washington
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 13
Info: 877-927-7787; womenchefs.org
3. Metro DC Dances: This exciting showcase of local dance talent includes performances by Aysha Upchurch, the Life, Rhythm, Move Project, City Dance II, DCypher Dance Collective, Furia Flamenca, Shang Dance Productions and Urban Artistry.
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-426-0486; nps.gov/rocr
4. “Jisne Lahore Nahin Dekha”: A highly acclaimed Hindi drama by playwright Asghar Wajahat. Set in 1947 during the time of partition, the story depicts the strength of human relationships in an atmosphere charged with communal hatred, intolerance, and vendetta. Performed in Hindi and Urdu. A synopsis of the story in English will be included in the program.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30 to $50; 301-294-6151; 202-457-4600; kennedy-center.org
Movies
“The Goods: Live Hard Sell Hard”
Stars Jeremy Piven, Kathryn Hahn, Ving Rhames, David Koechner, Ed Helms
Director: Neal Brennan
Rated R for sexual content, nudity, pervasive language and some drug material
Running Time: 90 mins
Who is Don Ready? Salesman? Lover? Song Stylist? Semi-professional dolphin trainer? Ready is all of the above — except for a dolphin trainer. When he’s asked to help save an ailing local car dealership from bankruptcy, Ready and his ragtag crew descend on the town of Temecula like a pack of coyotes on a basket full of burgers. Selling, drinking, selling and going to strip clubs is their stock and trade. And they do it well.
“Soul Power”
Though the eyes of the world were on “The Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, their ears should have been on Zaire ’74, the mammoth music festival that took place in the shadow of the battle between Mohammad Ali and George Foreman. This documentary chronicles the concerts from big names such as James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers and Celia Cruz.
“Bandslam”
When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banks asks new kid in town Will Burton to manage her fledgeling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her agotistical musician ex-boyfriend at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops a sound of its own with a real shot at success in the contest.
“The Time Traveler’s Wife”
Clare, a beautiful art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was 36, and were married when Clare was 23 and Henry, 31. Impossible but true, because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder: periodically his genetic clock resets and he finds himself misplaced in time.
“Ponyo”
This story, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid,” is already a box-office success in Japan. It’s the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by Noah Cyrus) and her quest to become human.
“Thirst”
Sang-hyun is a priest who cherishes life; so much so, that he selflessly volunteers for a secret vaccine development project meant to eradicate a deadly virus. But the virus takes the priest, and a blood transfusion is urgently ordered up for him. The blood he receives is infected, so Sang-hyun lives — but now exists as a vampire.
“Spread”
High-end lothario, Nikki has slept his way into a life of privilege. He shares his secrets with us as he hosts parties and beds scores of women. During his high times, and seedy, fleabag motels when Nikki has nowhere else to turn, he runs the gamut of Hollywood dreams and nightmares.
“The End of the Line”
In a single human lifetime, we have brought about a change in the oceans far greater than any yet caused by pollution — through overfishing. Now scientists are warning that in less than 50 years, if we go on as we are, the wild resources of the oceans will face total collapse with terrible consequences for both ecosystems and the billion people who depend on seafood for protein.
“District 9”
In District 9, South Africa has become a haven for refugees–from outer space.
Music
1. Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal: Two stars and two bands herald an evening of rock ‘n’ roll fused with acoustic blues when two Grammy icons perform together and alone.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $48 in-house, $30 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
2. Bill Cosby: The 1998 Kennedy Center Honoree and upcoming recipient of the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor dons his side-splitting storyteller persona to relate experiences everyone has endured and can laugh about with their favorite “Dad.”
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. today
Info: $40 in-house, $20 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
3. Crosby, Stills & Nash: The veteran trio rocks along in a program of their greatest hits and some surprises.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $45 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. The Temptations and The Four Tops: The eternal Motown groups recall the hits that continue to unite them on stage and fill the hearts of devoted fans with nostalgia.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $38 in-house, $22 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
Outdoors
1. Comcast Outdoor Film Festival: Comcast and 97.1 WASH-FM co-sponsor this outdoor film festival benefiting NIH charities.
Where: The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda
When: Restaurants open 6:30 p.m. The movies begin about 8:15 p.m..
Info: Free; 301-816-6958; filmfestnih.org
2. Howard County Fair: Includes agricultural, animal and cooking competitions in addition to rides and other entertainment.
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship, Md.
When: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Saturday
Info: $2 to $5; 410-442-1022; www.howardcountyfair.org
3. Clarendon Ballroom: Celebrate summer on the Ballroom’s rooftop deck, and wish four of the Going Out Gurus a happy birthday. Enjoy free cupcakes and a beach trip giveaway, too.
Where: Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 6 to 8 p.m. today
Info: Free; 703-469-2244; www.clarendonballroom.com
4. Outdoor movie: Bring your own popcorn, Raisinets and drinks to this outdoor screening of “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”
Where: Patuxent Community Center, 4410 Bishopmill Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md.
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 301-780-7577; pgparks.com
Theater
1. “A Passion for Justice: An Encounter with Clarence Darrow”: A one-man show illuminating the courtroom passion and intelligence of famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow. The audience becomes the jury as Paul Morella, playing Darrow, tries notorious cases of murder, evolution and civil rights. Renowned for inspiring judges and juries with his eloquence and wisdom, Darrow allows the audience to witness his greatest triumphs, his worst defeats and his most absorbing crisis.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; through Sept. 6; 2 p.m. Aug. 19 and Sept. 2; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 and Sept. 1
Info: $26 to $49; 301-924-4485; olneytheatre.org
2. “A Generational Survey of Young Love“: A play festival including a play by A. R. Gurney (“Love Letters”) as well as by company members Megan Thrift (“Present”) and Joe Baker (“Slow Dance in a Burning Room”).
Where: Keegan Theatre, Theatre on the Run, 3700 South Four Mile Run, Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through Aug. 29
Info: 703-892-0202; www.keegantheatre.com
3. Neutrino Video Project: It begins with a suggestion. Then, Washington Improv Theater’s cameras, actors and crew take to the streets to shoot, edit, score and screen an entirely improvised movie in as much time as it takes you to watch it. Completely unscripted, totally unpredictable and critically acclaimed, the Neutrino instant movie phenomenon is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The only way to see how it all comes together is to be there when it all goes down.
Where: Source Theater, 1835 14th St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday until Sept. 5
Info: $15; 202-204-7770; washingtonimprovtheater.com
4. “Seascape”: On a Long Island beach, Edward Albee’s troubled American couple faces tensions in their relationship as they contemplate retirement. They are joined by another couple-who just happen to be large, scaly, humanoid sea-lizards.
Where: American Century Theater, Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Aug. 22
Info: $25 to $32; pay-what-you-can: 8 p.m. Aug 19; 703-998-4555; americancentury.org
5. “Dead City”: Rorschach Theatre’s update on James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” in which a woman’s life begins to unravel after she finds a letter from her husband’s lover.
Where: Devine Theatre, Georgetown University, 37 and O St. NW
When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; closes Sunday
Info: 800-494-8497; rorschachtheatre.org
