Best Music 1. National Symphony Orchestra: Maestro Ivan Fischer returns to conduct the overture from Rossini’s “La gazza ladra” (“The Thieving Magpie”), Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 (“Rhenish”) and Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 performed by Hungarian Jozsef Lendvay Jr., winner of multiple awards.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. AfterWords: Thursday performance followed by free discussion.
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. National Philharmonic: Piotr Gajewski conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring pianist Seymour Lipkin performing the composer’s “Coriolan Overture.”
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $32 to $79; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
3. Miro Quartet: The chamber group and classical percussionist Colin Currie excite listeners with an evening of experimentation and standard repertory. Part of the Fortas Chamber Music Concerts and Chamber Music Across America.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: $32; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
4. Cravin’ Dogs: This is the 25th Anniversary celebration for the indie band from Northern Virginia that began as a gonzo-folk trio. Caldwell Gray and his four longtime colleagues are in top form playing numbers from their new album, “Sounds Like A Wiener!” The special guest, the Michael Clem Trio, features Eddie From Ohio bassist Clem, Rusty Speidel and Thomas Gunn.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $16; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
Also worth noting:
5. John McCutcheon: The beloved singer-songwriter and multiple instrumentalist with six Grammy nominations entertains fans with American folk ballads and his own thoughtful compositions.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $20; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
6. Dumbarton Concerts presents “Pictures at an Exhibition” featuring Trio Solisti performing works by Dvorak, Piazzolla and Mussorgsky.
Where: Historic Dumbarton Church
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $33 regular, $29 students and seniors; 202-965-2000; dumbartonconcerts.org
7. Steep Canyon Rangers: The bluegrass band, fresh from a cross-country tour with comedian/banjo player Steve Martin that included London’s Royal Festival Hall, performs numbers from its latest recording.
Where: Ram’s Head Tavern, Annapolis
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $23.50; 410-268-4545; ramsheadonstage.com
Best Galleries
1. Sam Gilliam: Close to Trees: Pioneering Color Field painter and abstractionist Gillian transforms the entirety of the Katzen’s 7,000-square-foot third floor into an “art forest” of painted, stained, unstretched fabric.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
When: Through Aug. 14
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
2. David Smith Invents: In his first D.C. exhibition in 25 years, sculptor Smith blends disparate techniques with unforgettable results.
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
3. Blinky Palermo: Retrospective: The German postwar abstractionist’s influence is deeply felt in the output of subsequent generations of American artists, but his work has rarely been shown in North America, until now.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through May 15
Info: Free, 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
4. Adam Dwight & Dana Jeri Maier: Off in a Corner: Maier makes intricate ink drawings on bar coasters, while Dwight’s paintings, animation and sculpture document the life of Mothers Against Drunk Driving founder Candace Lightner. Their shared exhibit makes for an unlikely but fascinating combo.
Info: Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW
When: Through May 7
Info: Free; 202-315-1305; flashpointdc.org
5. Robert Rea: A Lyrical Palette: The pine forests and red clay of his Appalachian boyhood are the grist for Rea’s elegant, high-design paintings.
Where: Susan Calloway Fine Arts, 1543 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: Friday through April 16
Info: Free; 202-965-4601; callowayart.com
Best Brainfood
1. What to Listen for in Gustav Mahler, Session II:The Beautiful: Music scholar Saul Lilienstein examines the music of Gustav Mahler. Selections to be heard in this session include Symphony No. 4 and theAdagiettofrom Symphony No. 5.
Where: Theater Lab, Kennedy Center, 2700 K St. NW
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company: The fusion dance company’s performance includes “As I Remember,” a suite of solos with choreography by Anna Sokolow.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $8 to $22; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
3. “The U.S. and Iran: Endless Enemies”: Ambassador John W. Limbert, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the U.S. Naval Academy and one of the American hostages held in Tehran, Iran, in 1979, presents a lecture drawn from personal experience and his most recent book, “Negotiating with Iran: Wrestling the Ghosts of History.” A book signing follows.
Where: Technical Center, Room 136, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville
When: 2 to 3:15 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 301-229-9270; cms.montgomerycollege.edu
4. “The Fear: Robert Mugabe and the Martyrdom of Zimbabwe”: In Peter Godwin’s new book, he again combines journalistic skill, extensive interviews and an intimate knowledge of the country for a vivid look at Zimbabwe in 2008, on the eve of elections Godwin hoped would end Mugabe’s 30-year reign.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. New York City Ballet: The acclaimed New York City Ballet, renowned for its purity, balance and musicality, performs three mixed repertory programs of Balanchine black and white ballets with the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Where: Opera House, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: April 5 to 10
Info: $25 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Best Family
1. Capitol Riverfront Family Fun Day in Yards Park: In association with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this Fun Day is designed for your family to celebrate spring! The event will include lantern making, a moon bounce and other children’s activities.Special performers will come fromLee Hapmudo Studio, experts in martial arts. Other activities includekids crafts, sake tasting, sushi and trapeze school demonstrations.
Where: Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; capitolriverfront.org
2. Move Like Animals Campfire: The whole family is invited to join together for old-fashioned fun. The program will include stories, songs, games, animal guests and s’mores.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; programs Nos. 632851-A and 632851-B
3. Peeper Prowls: Hop on over and learn about amphibians and their life cycles. Venture outside and search for the elusive spring peeper as well as other amphibians that lurk around the pools. Info: 703-228-6535
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program Nos. 632951-K and 632951-L
4. “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: Through April 25
Info: $15; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre.org
5. “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 Sunday
Info: $10 to $12; 800-494-8497; classika.org
Best Gatherings
1.”Orpheus and Euridice”: UrbanArias kicks off its first season with Ricky Ian Gordon’s acclaimed opera, in which an ancient myth is seen through the prism of modern life. In Gordon’s version, Orpheus is a clarinetist, Euridice a soprano. Gordon shows us their domestic bliss before we see them torn asunder.UrbanArias’ production features the 2006 Obie Award-winning cast, including Elizabeth Futral and Todd Palmer.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. April 5
Info: $19 to $22; 888-841-2787; urbanarias.org
2.”Doktor Kaboom!”: “Doktor Kaboom!”takes audiences on an amazing educational tour of modern scientific methods, using comedy while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences. Ages 7 and older.
Where: Family Theater, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Friday through April 10
Info: $18; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. National Garden Tour: Stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the mid-Atlantic region. Enjoy stories surrounding them and learn which would grow well locally in your lawn and/or garden. Please note: This tour is held outdoors. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and bring water. The tour is canceled if it rains. No preregistration required
Where: National Garden Lawn Terrace, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and April 9, 16, 23 and 30
Info: Free; 202-225-83333; usbg.gov
4. “Black Coffee”: In Agatha Christie’s mystery, a physicist with a formula for an atom bomb is murdered. Hercule Poirot is on the case.
Where: Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel
When: Through Sunday
Info: $10 to $13; 301-452-2557; laurelmillplayhouse.org
5. Susan Stockdale: The award-winning children’s book writer and illustrator signs copies of her new picture book, “Bring On the Birds.” Ages three through eight.
Where: The Family Store, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th and Constitution, SW.
When: Noon Saturday
Info: Free; 202-633-2060; mnh.si.edu
Best Outdoors
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival and Fireworks: A fun-for-all-ages event with more than seven celebratory hours of live music and family- and kid-friendly water-related activities designed to entertain and educate, plus food and beverages from neighborhood vendors.
Where: Southwest Waterfront, 600 Water St. SW
When: 1 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, fireworks at 8:30
Info: Free; cherryblosssomfestival.org
2. National Cherry Blossom Festival Day: Come see festival dignitaries throw out the first pitch, deliver the lineup card and say “play ball.” Pregame entertainment in the Centerfield Plaza will feature Japanese cultural elements, and the on-field entertainment will be similarly exciting with new Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche showing off his defensive moves.
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE
When: 1:35 p.m. Sunday
Info: 202-640-7691; cherryblossomfestival.org
3. Beginning Birding: Gather with other beginners to learn the basics of using binoculars, looking at birds and identifying field marks. After each walk you will hear a talk on a different area of interest to birders. Info: 703-243-4342.
Where: Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 6 to 8 p.m. April 6
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632741-B
4. Lafayette Square: When John and Abigail Adams moved into the unfinished White House in 1800, Lafayette Square was the most prestigious address in the nation’s capital. Today, the historic neighborhood around the White House and Lafayette Park showcases distinguished buildings, architecture and sculpture withfascinating and dramatic stories thatreflect the history of the city and the nation. This neighborhood offers you the opportunity tovisit historic homes and siximportant museums, from the Octagon and the Corcoran to the National Center for White House History. Also check outoutstanding examples of diverse architectural styles.
Where: See website for details and map
When: Any day
Info: Free; culturaltourismdc.org
5. Join members of Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk in search of resident birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 6
Info: Free; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632941-D
Best Theater
1. “Art”: In Yasmina Reza’s story of three friends, one man’s purchase of an expensive, abstract painting raises questions about the nature of art and friendship. Set in Paris, the story revolves around three friends who find their previously solid friendship on shaky ground when Serge invests in a new painting. The purchase reveals unsettling secret opinions and conflicting worldviews. As their arguments shift from the theoretical to the personal, this Tony Award-winning comedy examines the pressures friends place on each other.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through May 22
Info: $55 to $81; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
2. “The Resurrectionist King”: It’s 1884 and times are hard at the struggling Theatre Comique. But Vigo Jansen, D.C.’s most infamous grave robber, is determined to put on a one-man show. Written by Stephen Spotswood, the winner of the Mark Twain award for comedy, “The Resurrectionist King” is an amusing backstage drama about life, death and the theft of our earthly remains.
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier
When: Through April 17
Info: $20; getdizzywithlizzie.com
3. “The Glass Menagerie”: Tennessee Williams’ haunting and personal play explores the bonds of family and the complex relationships between love and hope, memory and regret.
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Sunday; through April 17
Info: $25; 703-854-1856; 1ststagespringhill.org
4. “The Elephant Man”: This award-winning play is based on the life of Joseph Merrick, who lived in London in the late 19th century. Severely deformed, Merrick appeared in freak sideshows until admitted to a hospital where a renowned young surgeon befriends him and introduces him into high society.
Where: Harris Theater, George Mason University, Route 123 and Braddock Road, Fairfax
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and April 7, 8 and 9, 2 p.m. April 2, 9 and 10
Info: $15; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
5. “Master Harold and the Boys”: A play by Athol Fugard. The play 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
