Brain Food 1. “Lucy’s Playlist”: Choreography by Lucy Bowen McCauley to pop and rock songs. Thursday’s performance includes a backstage pass and free snacks.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. June tonight-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $20 to $37; 703-524-4641
2. Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Law & Order: Special Opera Unit”: The Washington Savoyards present an evening of Gilbert & Sullivan’s music dealing with Law & Order. Beginning with Trial by Jury followed by selections from Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Presented cabaret style with performers from the Savoyard’s past, present and future.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: Through Sunday
Info: 202-674-7023; atlasarts.org
3. Nature Lover’s Book Club: “Essays on Dirt”: If you love a great book as much as a great hike, this event is for you. Meet with others on the third Thursday of every month for fun and friendly discussions of writings about the natural world.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 7:30 p.m. June 18
Info: 703-228-3403; registration required at 703-228-4747; program #64364Jay Ambrose,Conservatives,Liberals,Democrats,Politics,Republicans.
4. “Partial Eclipse”: A rock song cycle by Matt Conner, directed by Eric Schaeffer. Written by the coposer of the musical “Nevermore,” “Partial Eclipse” is an evening of songs about 6 strangers, all on the never-ending quest for love and happiness.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through Saturday
Info: 703-573-738; signature-theatre.org
5. “Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Synetic Theater chooses the Bard’s fantastical comedy for the fourth installment of the troupe’s “Silent Shakespeare” series.
Where: Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: 703-824-8060; kennedy-center.org
Family 1. Kickoff Event for Kids’ Restaurant Week: The new dining promotion kicks off with a family-friendly event that includes cooking demonstrations, tastings and hands-on activities for the youngsters.
Where: Eastern Market, 7th Street SE
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: www.easternmarket.net
2. Saturday Morning at the Movies: Mandy the Clown and “Rise of the Silver Surfer”: This monthly series features a 30-minute audience-participation performance, followed by a family-friendly film.
Where: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, Md.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Info: 301-277-1710; pgparks.com
3. “Feeding Frenzy”: Create an afternoon picnic for the animals that live at Long Branch Nature Center. What adaptations have these animals made for eating their food? Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $1; registration required; program #64375Jay Ambrose,Conservatives,Liberals,Democrats,Politics,Republicans; 703-228-4747
4. “Aesop’s Fables-With Applause Unlimited”: Three of Aesop’s most loved fables -“The Hare and the Tortoise,” “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,” and “The Grasshopper and the Ant” spring to life with the adorable puppets of Applause Unlimited. Performed by co-founder Christopher Hudert, these classic tales delight and teach wonderful lessons. For ages 4 to 8.
Where: Ripley Center, Smithsonian Museum, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
When: 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Friday
Info: discoverytheatre.org
5. Summer Scavenger Hunt: School’s almost out and summer is nearly here. The evidence is all around if you know where to look. Have fun and search for signs of summer. Ages 6-12. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: $3; registration required; program # 64375Politics,Republicans
Galleries 1. “Jaromir Funke and the Amateur Avant-Garde”: Amateur photography flourished in Europe between the two World Wars, largely due to the influence of Czech shutterbug Jaromir Funke (1896-1945). This exhibit of 70 photos from the Czech/Slovak amateur movements of the 1920s and 30s includes memorable shots from Josef Sudek and Eugen Wiskovsky.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through August 9
Info: Free; More information: (202) 737-4215 or www.nga.gov
2. “PAPER JAM: The Art and Grime of the East Coast Rock Poster”: Anthony Dihle, mastermind of the D.C. silkscreen poster operation Dirty Pictures, curates this show of eye-popping showbills from 27 Mid-Atlantic artists, commemorating concerts from bands and artists both famous and obscure.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 406 Seventh St. NW
When: Through June 27
Info: Free; 202-347-0022; civilianartprojects.com
3. “Gary Knox Bennett: Call Me Chairmaker”: Furniture designer Garry Knox Bennett presents 52 whimsical, structurally ingenious chairs, each of them at least as satisfying to gaze upon as to sit upon.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through August 16
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; www.american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
4. Works by William Dunlop and Donald Depuydt at Gallery Plan B: William Dunlop’s oil and graphite paintings combine rigid geometry with an expressive brushstroke. Printmaker Donald Depuydt, meanwhile, creates images evocative of ancient ruins and sacred rites.
Where: Gallery Plan B, 1530 14th St. NW
When: CLOSING Sunday
Info: Free; 202-234-2711; galleryplanb.com
5. “Flora: Growing Inspirations”: This juried show of stylized plant-inspired sculptures would be worth seeing even if it weren’t nestled in one of the District’s most beautiful environs.
Where: The United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: Through Oct. 12
Info: Free; 703-225-8333; usbg.gov
Gatherings 1. Love Calls Us To The Things of This World: New works of tapestries made from found objects by Louisiana artist Shawne Major.
Where: Irvine Contemporary Gallery, 1412 14th St., NW
When: Rhrough June 13
Info: 202-33-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
2. Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac — Aztec dance ensemble: Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac (which translates from the Aztec language as “School of the Blood Moving in the Heart”) performs thoroughly researched recreations of ancient Aztec music and dance from Mexico. The members of OYC are from various parts of Mexico; they see their troupe as a chance to teach both Mexicans and Americans about their shared indigenous history.
Where: Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium, Ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
When: noon to 1 p.m. June 18
Info: Free; 202-707-5510; www.loc.gov
3. Melissa Burley: This resident sculptor will be displaying new work.
Where: Montpelier Arts Center, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md.
When: Through June 25
Info: 301-377-7800
4. Jazz on the Mall: Terence Blanchard and Irma Thomas are among the performers giving free concerts as part of the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival.
Where: National Mall between U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial
When: June 13 and 14
Info: 202-232-3611
5. “Art Into Life, Life into Art”: Painting/Drawing, Prints/Silkscreens; a 25-year survey of the career of Lou Kaplan, a painter active in the D.C. art community.
Where: Edison Place Gallery, 701 Ninth St. NW
When: noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; through June 26
Info: Free; 202-872-3396; www.pepco.com
Movies ‘The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3’
Stars: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, James Gandolfini
Director: Tony Scott
Rated R for violence and pervasive language.
Running Time: 106 minutes
Denzel Washington stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. John Travolta stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there’s one riddle Garber can’t solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape?
‘Away We Go’
Exploring the comedic twists and emotional turns in one couple’s journey across contemporary America, “Away We Go” follows ;ongtime (and now thirtysomething) couple Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph). The couple are going to have a baby. The pregnancy progresses smoothly, but six months in, the pair is put off and put out by the cavalierly delivered news from Burt’s parents Jerry and Gloria (Jeff Daniels and Catherine O’Hara) that the eccentric elder Farlanders are moving out of Colorado — thereby eliminating the expectant couple’s main reason for living there.
‘Imagine That’
A financial executive suddenly loses his confidence and finds his career going down the drain. He discovers the answers to his problems within the imaginary world created by his daughter.
‘The Song of Sparrows’
Karim works at an ostrich farm outside of Tehran, Iran. He leads a simple and contented life with his family in his small house, until one day when one of the ostriches runs away. Karim is blamed for the loss and is fired from the farm. Soon after, he travels to the city in order to repair his elder daughter’s hearing aid but finds himself mistaken for a motorcycle taxi driver. Thus begins his new profession: ferrying people and goods through heavy traffic.
‘The Merry Gentleman’
Running away from a troubled marriage, Kate Frazier (Kelly MacDonald) hopes to find anonymity with a new home and a new job in Chicago. Despite friendly flirtation from co-workers and others, the shy and reserved Kate keeps her distance, avoiding questions about her sudden arrival and her recent past.
Music 1. Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes: The Canadian rocker’s latest album, “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane,” adds a slick twist to his discography with imaginative treatment of traditional country and bluegrass styles along with secret songs from his unfinished commission for the Royal Danish Opera about the life of Hans Christian Anderson. Costello is joined by Jerry Douglas on dobro, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Mike Compton on mandolin, Jeff Taylor on accordion and Dennis Crouch on double bass.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. tonight
Info: $45 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; www.wolftrap.org
2. Dave Brubeck Quartet: “Take Five” to bask in the compositions and improvisations performed by the foremost experimental jazz pianist and his group, rescheduled from April 18.
Where: Warner Theatre
When: 8 p.m. tonight
Info: $40 to $80; 877-598-8696; livenation.com
3. BSO: Marin Alsop conducts selections from the Wagner Ring Cycle and pianist Yefim Bronfman performs the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. tonight
Info: $30 to $85; 877-276-1444
4. National Philharmonic Chorale: Stan Engebretson conducts Rachmaninoff’s “Vespers,” a masterpiece of Russian Orthodox music.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $29 to $79; 301-493-9283; nationalphilharmonic.org
5. An Evening with Lynda Carter: The Wonder Woman turned cabaret chanteuse returns home for another jazzy evening of scintillating interpretations of pop classics.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $45 to $75; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Also worth noting:
6. Gipsy Kings: Direct from the south of France where flamenco inflames hidden passions, the band of Reyes and Baliardos family guitarists incorporate Western pop and Latin rhythms as they play and sing with the earthy verve inherited from their forefathers.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $42 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
7. The Ultimate Doo-Wop Show: Dig the poodle skirts out of mothballs and dust off the white bucks to make way for nine masters of oldies whose moves and memorable harmonies will propel the audience out of their seats: The Drifters, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts, Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs, The Clovers featuring Harold Winley, Randy & the Rainbows featuring Randy Safuto, The Marcels, The Edsels and The Blue Suede Orchestra.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $40 in-house, $22 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
8. Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys: Bluegrass banjo icon Dr. Ralph Stanley, 2002 Grammy Award winner for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and his celebrated Clinch Mountain Boys play Old Time music that’s up to snuff in the 21st Century.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $35; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com.
Outdoors 1. “The Forest Understory”: Nature for Beginners: Adults. Meet the second Sunday of each month to learn the ten most common items in a different nature category. Discover names and enough natural history to make you feel like a naturalist superstar.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; registration required; program #643641D; 703-228-4747
2. Take Action: Adopt and Area! For adults and teens. Become a trained volunteer and keep a special patch of parkland free of litter and destructive invasive plants. Train on the second Sunday of each month. Once trained, you can work in your area anytime it’s convenient.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington
When: 1 to 3 p.m. second Sunday of each month (June 14, July 12, Aug 9)
Info: 703-228-3403.
3. Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour: The Union Army of the Potomac tried to flank the Confederate army and move on Richmond. However a Confederate counter-attack resulted in a southern victory. Visit this national park and follow the course of the battle.
Where: Vans leave from Lubber Run Recreation Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; program #64434Jay Ambrose,Conservatives,Liberals,Democrats,Politics,Republicans; registration necessary at 703-228-4747
4. All You Can Eat Crab Fest and Cruise: Do you like seafood? Get together for a crab feast and a memorable cruise on the Potomac River, enjoying sweeping views of the Washington skyline and monuments. Cruise departs from Georgetown and returns 2 hours later.
Where: Meet at end of 31st Street NW in Georgetown. Boat will be docked at the westernmost point (to your right as you face the Potomac). The boat is the Nightingale.
When: 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $68; thingstododc.com
5. Evening Tour of the National Garden: Join Susan Olling, USBG Volunteer, and stroll through the National Garden to see native plants of the Mid-Atlantic region. Hear the folktales and stories that surround these plants. Please Note: This tour is held outside in the garden. Please bring sunscreen, protective clothing, and water. Tour is canceled if it rains.
Where: National Garden Lawn Terrace, United States Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 15, 22, 29
Info: Free; No pre-registration required; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
Theater 1. “The Last Cargo Cult”: Created and performed by Mike Daisey, directed by Jean-Michele Gregory. Fearless gonzo journalist Mike Daisey travels to a tiny South Pacific island to take part in a festival of the John Frum Cult, where islanders use cargo left by American GIs. As they build meticulous replicas of Western engineering out of bamboo and re-enact scenes from internet broadcasts, these islanders summon American power through sympathetic magic.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Info: $15; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
2. “1001”: Rorschach Theatre offers a new take on the tale of Scheherazade, moving back and forth in time between the heroine of legend and a Palestinian graduate student in New York City.
Where: Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets NW
When: Through June 28
Info: 800-494-7497; rorschachtheatre.com
3. “Five Flights”: By Adam Bock; directed by Shirley Serotsky. This lyrical play explores what happens when a family must decide what to do with a dilapidated monument to the love of their late mother: an aviary. Will this flock find its way home?
Where: Theatre Alliance, 1365 H St. NE
When: Through June 28
Info: $15 to $20; 202-399-7993; theateralliance.com
4. “Crazyface”: In his play, the title character journeys through a fantastical world of clowns, angels and spies.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St., NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $30; 202-204-7741; sourcedc.org
5. “Caught Red-Handed”: Tim Loane’s play in a free reading series commissioned by Tinderbox Theater of Belfast. Presented by Solas Nua Theatre.
Where: 1409 Playbill CafZ, 1409 14th St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Info: Free; www.solasnua.org
