Music 1. Paul Anka: The singer-composer ranges across generations and emotions by crooning “Puppy Love” or reminiscing about “My Way,” the song he penned for Frank Sinatra. After recording countless albums and No. 1 hits, he overflows with material for an evening under the stars.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $48 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872
2. Gipsy Kings: The guitar superstars illuminate the Gypsy dialect of gitana with a world music potpourri of flamenco, Latin, jazz, Cuban pop, reggae and Arabic rhythms.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $42 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872
3. Mid-Atlantic Band Battle 5: The finals to determine the winner among supercompetitive contenders. Standing room only.
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $13; 703-255-1566; jamminjava.com
4. John Jorgenson and Albert Lee: The Gypsy jazz artist and R&B guitarist celebrate the birthday of Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Where: Rams Head On Stage
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $39.50; 410-268-4545; ramsheadonstage.com
Best Brainfood
1. “Triple Crossing”: Sebastian Rotella covered the U.S.-Mexican border for theLos Angeles Timesfrom 1991 to 1996, experience that resulted in his critically acclaimed study of violence and politics,”Twilight on the Line.” In his first novel, Rotella returns to the issues he knows so well, telling the story of a rookie Border Patrol agent who infiltrates a powerful Mexican crime family.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
2. LEGO Architecture: Towering Ambition: Imagine the challenge that Adam Reed Tucker has taken on.Trained as an architect,Tucker rekindled his childhood interest in LEGObricksand began experimenting with them as a medium for his art in 2003. The result of his vision — 15 buildings from around the world made entirely from LEGObricks — is the centerpiece of this exhibition.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Sept. 3
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nmb.org
3. Green Genes Lecture Series — “Good Enough to Eat, Part III”: Trace the global spread of the potato, tomato and chili pepper from the Americas and their important roles in history. Learn about the history and botany of these beautiful and important plant families and how green genes are being used to bring back that great flavor of the tomato from years gone by.
Where: Conservatory Classroom, United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required; code: LH082011; usbg.gov
4. Women by Women: A group exhibit of female artists whose works portray women and explore the ideas of femininity.
Where: Heiner Contemporary, 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: Through Saturday
Info: 202-338-0072
5. “The Gospel Tambourine”: This spirit-filled, hand-clapping, foot-tapping, jubilee-shouting Dance Ministry Production journeys back to the Old Church Landmark. Written, directed and choreographed by Adrian Bolton, “The Gospel Tambourine” is performed by the Adrian Bolton Arts Academy.
Where: The Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15 to $20; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
Best Family
1.”Les Miserables, School Edition”: The musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel is adapted for younger actors. Rated PG-13.
Where: Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel
When: Through Aug. 21
Info: $13 to $15; 301-617-9906; laurelmillplayhouse.org
2. A Look Inside the Sant Ocean Hall: The Sant Ocean Hall is the National Museum of Natural History’s largest exhibit, providing visitors with a unique and breathtaking introduction to the majesty of the ocean.
Where: Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-633-2950; mnh.si.edu
3. Project Learning Tree: Ages 18 and older. Project Learning Tree is an interdisciplinary, environmental education program designed by educators for educators. Its mission is to increase understanding of our environment and stimulate critical and creative thinking as well. For info, call 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 642941
4. Cool Creek Critters: Families, ages 4 and older. Dress to get wet as you spend some time searching for snails, trying to catch water striders and taking a closer look at some creek critters. Your kids won’t want to come home when the program ends, so bring a lunch and stay awhile!
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $3; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 642851-D
5. Wild Ones: Marvelous Monarchs: Come search for milkweeds to see who can find the most caterpillars and who can find the first chrysalis. Then learn to tell males from females.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 24
Info: $3; 703-228-3403; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 642821-C
Best Outdoors
1. Astronomy Quest: Adults and families with children 10 and older. Travel to the darker skies of the Shenandoah Mountains to study the summer skies. Join other astronomy enthusiasts and experts and share their knowledge and telescopes.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15; Registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 642941-L
2. Monarchs and Butterfly Gardening: Meet monarch caterpillars and butterflies up close atHidden Oaks Nature Center. Discover fun facts about their metamorphosis and their preparations for autumn travel to Mexico. Help tag monarchs and learn how to attract butterflies to your backyard.
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St., Annandale
When: 1:30 to 2:30 and 3:30 to 4:30 Sunday
Info: $5; 703-941-1065; registration required
3. Visit Constitution Gardens: Often overlooked by visitors to the National Mall, Constitution Gardens occupies 50 acres of landscaped grounds, including an island and a lake. Trees and benches line the paths to create a tranquil atmosphere and a perfect spot for a picnic. The gardens boast approximately 5,000 oak, maple, dogwood, elm and crabapple trees, covering more than 14 acres. Constitution Gardens was dedicated in 1976, as part of America’s bicentennial celebration.
Where: National Mall between 18th and 19th streets NW
When: Daylight hours any day
Info: Contact National Park Service; nps.gov
4. Key Chain Loop: C&O Canal, Chain Bridge and Key Bridge, Potomac Heritage Trail, Potomac River views: 9.6 miles round trip; 4 hours. Some begin the loop by hiking north and crossing Key Bridge; others go the other direction. Great for hikers, dogs.
Where: See directions on website. Get directions from National Park Service.
When: Any day
Info: Free; National Park Service; 703-289-2500; localhikes.com
5. Battleground to Community: Indulge your inner Civil War history buff. Brightwood Heritage Trail’s 18 poster-size, illustrated signs combine storytelling with historic images and maps for a great afternoon outing. Come and discover the personalities and forces that created thisintriguing urban community.
Where: First sign is at 5427 14th St. NW, at the southeast corner of Kennedy and 14th streets at Colorado Avenue NW
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; [email protected]
Best Theater
1. “Julius Caesar”: The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All. A swift, enthralling political thriller, “Julius Caesar” portrays the life-and-death struggle for power in Rome. Fearing that Caesar’s growing strength and imperial ambitions threaten the Republic, a faction of politicians plots to assassinate him, but when Caesar is killed, chaos engulfs Rome.
Where: Shakespeare Theatre Company, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: Thursday through Sept. 4
Info: Free; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
2. “Uncle Vanya”: The Sydney Theatre Company brings an exclusive U.S. engagement of Anton Chekhov’s enigmatic tale of a love, hope and sometimes poignant, sometimes funny events on a dilapidated Russian family estate.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Aug. 27
Info: $59 to $135; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. “Oklahoma!”: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical once again returns to the Fichandler Stage, full of the fabulous singing and dancing that made it such a hit last fall and featuring many of the same cast members as the original production.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through Oct. 2
Info: $61 to $106; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
4. “Grease”: It’s summer 1958. Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko spend their days at the beach and their nights falling in love. When Sandy transfers to Rydell High in the fall, she’s surprised to find Danny isn’t exactly the guy she fell in love with. This classic summer musical is fun for all.
Where: The Olney Music Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through Aug. 28
Info: $26 to $54; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
5. “The Last Five Years”: The musical explores the relationship, marriage and breakup of an actress and a writer.
Where: Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg
When: Through Aug. 28
Info: $16 to $18; 301-258-6394; gaithersburgmd.gov
Best Gatherings
1. Richard Lewis: This stand-up comedian has been called by Mel Brooks the “Franz Kafka of modern day comedy.” What higher recommendation could you need?
Where: Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Crystal City
When: 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $40; 703-486-2345; synetictheater.org
2. Noche de Buenos Aires Tango Night with DJ Mark Sakowski: Wear 1940s tango fashion and come at 9 p.m. for conversation and cocktails at the bar followed by a dance lesson at 10 p.m. by Carina Losano, instructor at the Embassy of Argentina and official representative of the Tango Academy of Argentina. Show a ticket stub from an earlier Artisphere program that evening and get in for $10.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 9 p.m. cocktails, 10 p.m. dance lesson Saturday
Info: $15 to $20; 703-875-1100; artisphere.com
3. Natural Bridge: Civil War: Visit the monumental National Historic Landmark, the Natural Bridge, to discover why photos don’t do it justice, nor words describe it, why the awestruck Thomas Jefferson bought it … and why Civil War soldiers detoured to see the famous natural wonder.
Where: Natural Bridge, 1410 Applegate Lane, Natural Bridge
When: See website for dates and times
Info: 800-533-1410; naturalbridgeva.com
4. Capitol Steps: One of the area’s favorite comedy groups performs its special brand of in-the-know stand-up comedy.
Where: Ronald Reagan Building and international Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $40.25; 202-312-1555; capsteps.com
5. Dov Davidoff: Davidoff, who has appeared on “Chelsea Lately” and “The Jay Leno Show,” brings his amusingly acute take on life to the Improv.
Where: The Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: Through Aug. 21
Info: $15 to $17; 202-296-7008; dcimprov.com
Galleries
1. From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection: Before strengthening the National Gallery’s holdings with their 1962 bequest, Wall Street banker Chester Dale and his wife, Maud, acquired a remarkable collection of French and American paintings from the 1920s through the 1950s. This show of 81 pieces boasts late 19th and early 20th century French masterworks from Renoir, Modigliani, Cezanne, Matisse and more.
Where: National Gallery of Art, West Building, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through January 2012
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Susan Swartz: Seasons of the Soul: Utah-based painter Swartz’s battle with environmentally bred illness inspired these 13 large-scale works expressing her humble admiration for nature and her plea for its preservation.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Oct. 2
Info: $10, $8 students seniors 65-plus, free for members; 202-783-5000; nmwa.org
3. Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter: This first major Smithsonian show of contemporary Asian-American portraiture includes seven artists’ interpretations of the experience of being an American of Asian ancestry.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through October 2012
Info: Free, 202-633-1000; npg.si.edu
4. Fall and Rise: The Solo Show of Joe Iurato: Iurato uses an original stenciling technique to create works on paper with a distinctive texture. This show considers the value of failure as a learning experience essential for later success.
Where: Art Whino, 120 American Way, National Harbor
When: Through Sept. 12
Info: Free; artwhino.com
5. Refresh: Mike Weber’s mixed-media piece “Grandfather Time” is but one highlight of this collection of new work by some of the city’s most promising artists, including Scott Brooks, Michelle Peterson-Albandoz, Anne Marchand, Mary Chiaramonte and more.
Where: Long View Gallery, 1302 Ninth St. NW
When: Through Aug. 28
Info: Free; 202-232-4788; longviewgallery.com
