Kennedy Center
2700 F St. NW
202-467-4600
kennedy-center.org
National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts the “Roman Carnival” Overture by Berlioz and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and Claudio Bohorquez performs Lalo’s Cello Concerto; Concert Hall; 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; $20 to $85
“First You Dream: The Music of Kander and Ebb”: Six Broadway stars and a 23-piece orchestra celebrate the songwriters; Eisenhower Theater; Friday through July 1; $65 to $125
“Memphis”: The winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, was inspired by dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn.; Opera House; June 12 through July 1; $39 to $115
Barbara Cook’s Spotlight: Cook herself takes the stage for this final Spotlight performance of the season; Terrace Theater; 7:30 p.m. June 15 and 16; $65
The Washington Chorus: Music Director Julian Wachner conducts the chorus and guest vocalists in a multimedia presentation of Italian composer Paola Prestini’s folk opera “Oceanic Verses”; Terrace Theater; 7:30 p.m. June 23; $25
“A Capitol Fourth” The National Symphony Orchestra special guests mark Independence Day by performing patriotic favorites and more, followed by a dazzling fireworks display; West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol; July 4; free
Paris Opera Ballet: On its first American tour in more than a decade, the company performs “Giselle” choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, directed by Brigitte Lefevre, director of dance; Opera House; 7:30 p.m. July 5 to 7, 1:30 p.m. July 6 to 8; $29 to $150
“The Addams Family”: In this musical comedy, a romance shakes up the lives of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch and other spooky family members; Opera House; July 10 to 29; $39 to $115
Jerry Seinfeld: The standup comedian pokes fun at the unimportant, annoying things that clutter our lives; Concert Hall; 7 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4, 9:30 p.m. Aug. 4; $69 to $88
Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Road, Vienna
887-965-3872
wolftrap.org
Bonnie Raitt: The singer-songwriter-slide guitarist and Grammy Award winner performs music from “Slipstream,” her first studio album since 2005, and some of the songs that mark her long career; with Mavis Staples; 8 p.m. June 14; $48 in-house, $30 lawn
“Riverdance”: The beloved Irish music and dance extravaganza plays Wolf Trap for the last time; 8 p.m. June 15 to 17, 2 p.m. June 16 and 17; $40 to $80 in-house, $20 to $25 lawn
“The Pirates of Penzance”: The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players return with one of the wittiest and fun-filled G&S musicals; 8 p.m. June 29 and 30; $32 to $50 in-house, $12 lawn
National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap: Steven Reineke conducts the Music of John Williams, in one of nine NSO at Wolf Trap concerts presented during July and August; 8:15 p.m. July 7; $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
NSO at Wolf Trap: Hamlisch Goes Gershwin: Marvin Hamlisch conducts works by the foremost American composer, with pianist Kevin Cole performing “Rhapsody in Blue”; 8:15 p.m. July 13; $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
Johnny Mathis: The legendary crooner sings some of the songs that have made him a favorite for 50 years, with special guest Brad Upton; 8 p.m. July 20; $45 in-house, $25 lawn
Jackson Browne: The member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame performs some of his recent hits, with special guest fiddler Sara Watkins; 8 p.m. July 23; $50 in-house, $30 lawn
“The Planets — An HD Odyssey”: Emil de Cou, NSO at Wolf Trap conductor, leads the orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington in a performance of Holst’s “The Planets” illustrated by a high-definition film from NASA’s latest exploration of the solar system; 8:30 p.m. July 27; $36 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn
Il Divo: The multiplatinum-selling quartet with members from Switzerland, France, Spain and the United States sings popular favorites from its six albums; 8 p.m. Aug. 9; $50 to $55 in-house, $30 lawn
Barry Manilow: The evergreen pop star performs his signature hits; 8 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17; $75 to $95 in-house; $35 lawn
Alan Jackson: The country superstar singer-songwriter makes his Wolf Trap debut performing the Grammy Award-winning “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” and other Billboard chart toppers; 8 p.m. Aug. 19; $50 in-house, $35 lawn
Al Green: The legend returns with favorites from his gospel, soul and R&B hits that earned 11 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; 8 p.m. Aug. 24; $45 in-house, $25 lawn
“The King and I”: The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about Anna and the king of Siam comes to the Wolf Trap stage; 8 p.m. Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, 2 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2; $40 to $80 in-house, $20 to $25 lawn
“Don Giovanni”: A new production of Mozart’s dramatic comedy about the world-famous womanizer is sung in Italian and set in 21st century America; 8 p.m. June 29 and July 5, 3 p.m. July 1, 7 p.m. July 7; $32 to $85
The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
301-581-5101
strathmore.org
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: The BSO performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”; 8 p.m. June 9; $38 to $98
Michael Mizrahi: The pianist comes to Strathmore for the Washington-area premiere performance of works from his new album, “The Bright Motion”; 7:30 p.m. June 15; $20
CityDance: In “Dreams of the Warrior Princess”, CityDance Conservatory dancers and students of the school will showcase the techniques they have mastered throughout the year, as well as share their artistry and talents; 1 p.m. June 16; $18
CityDance: In “Seeing With Our Hearts,” CityDance Conservatory dancers perform to musical selections ranging from Zap Mama to Astor Piazzola to Tchaikovsky; 7:30 p.m. June 16; $18
Backyard Theater for Children: Snowday: These lively a cappella rockers show and teach kids what a cappella vocal power is all about; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. July 12; $8
Cluster & Afro Blue Vocal Band: After wowing a national audience week after week on NBC’s “The Sing Off,” the Afro Blue Vocal Band returns to its hometown; 8 p.m. July 14; $18 to $38
Backyard Theater for Children: Recess Monkey: A trio of Seattle teacher-musicians, Recess Monkey rocks with songs about things that matter to kids. Get ready to dance, shout and develop a devotion to “kindie rock”; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. July 19; $8
Soul of Summer: Jazz stars Jonathan Butler, Warren Hill and Maysa come together; 8 p.m. July 20; $30 to $68
Backyard Theater for Children: Moona Luna: The lively bilingual New York City band has got Latin flair and a beat both kids and parents will adore; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. July 26; $8
Backyard Theater for Children: Farafina Kan: Its name means “Spirit of Africa”; its music is inspiring. This West African percussion orchestra brings together traditional and modern sounds and stories, drumming and dancing until everyone’s on their feet; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Aug. 2; $8
National Youth Orchestra of Canada: Since its formation in 1956, this internationally acclaimed youth orchestra has set the standard for such ensembles, generating rave reviews, winning awards and launching the careers of many top musicians; 7 p.m. Aug. 9; free
Opera International: “Lucia di Lammermoor”: Donizetti’s great musical masterpiece comes alive in a semistaged production with orchestra, chorus and surtitles. 4 p.m. Aug. 12; $20 to 50
Free Summer Outdoor Concert: UkeFest 2012: Summertime strumming at its harmony-happy-Hawaiian best — that’s this year’s edition of UkeFest at Strathmore. A celebration of the ukulele and the simple joy of making music, UkeFest has become a unique and beloved tradition that brings seasoned musicians and amateurs together and sends melodies soaring into the summer air. 7 p.m. Aug. 15; free
Tribute to Eva Cassidy: Amikaeyla Gaston, Trelawny Rose, Strathmore Artist in Residence Mary Alouette and a group of D.C.’s most talented musicians gather to pay tribute to Eva in this eagerly anticipated Strathmore tribute concert. 8 p.m. Aug. 16; $25
The Birchmere Music Hall
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted
202-397-SEAT (7328)
ticketmaster.com
Kinky Friedman: The Texas country renegade heads out to perform after helping Billy Bob Thornton pen his autobiography; June 11; $35
Patterson Hood: The chief Drive-By Trucker shows off his solo style; June 17; $20
Johnny Winter: The blues guitar master still dazzles; June 22; $35
Sonny Landreth: Slide guitar at its best; June 23; $25
Chris Isaak: Love never hurts so good as it does with this beloved singer-songwriter; July 2 and 3; $89.50
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood: The co-founder of the Black Crows shows off his new band; July 5; $22.50
Zappa Plays Zappa: Dweezil Zappa plays dad Frank’s intricate music; July 8; $65
Shawn Colvin: The Americana singer-songwriter showcases her new music; July 19 and 20; $49.50
Glen Campbell: The country legend stages his final tour; July 22 and 23; $75
Alejandro Escovedo: One of the founders of alt-country has plenty of new music; July 19; $25
9:30 Club
815 V St. NW
Doors open at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
800-955-5566
930.com
Laura Marling: At age 22, this British folk singer is already renowned; June 12; $25
The Hives: The garage rockers tour behind brand-new album “Lex Hives”; June 19; $32.50
Scissor Sisters: The self-proclaimed “scuzzy” rockers are back and controversial as ever; July 2 and 3; $40
The Disco Biscuits: The electronic rockers offer up trance fusion; July 5 (doors at 8 p.m.); $35
Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
410-715-5550
merriweathermusic.com
Foster the People, the Kooks and Kimbra: The Grammy Award-winning indie pop band continues its Torches Tour; 5:30 p.m. June 10; $35 to $45
Jason Aldean: The country singer is joined by Luke Bryan, Rachel Farley and Dee Jay Silver; 6 p.m. July 15; $45 to $59.50
Vans Warped Tour: Dozens and dozens of artists hit this mega-fest; 11 a.m. July 24; $36
Santana and the Allman Brothers Band: The blues rock masters team up; 5 p.m. July 30; $45 to $125
My Morning Jacket with Band of Horses: The psychedelic roots rockers keep the music flowing; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18; $39.50 to $49.50
Jason Mraz with Christina Perri: The Virginia-bred singer-songwriter is a staple on satellite radio; 6 p.m. Aug. 24; $40 to $60
Jiffy Lube Live
7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow
202-397-SEAT (7328)
ticketmaster.com
Dave Matthews Band: Hard to believe this hugely popular group got its start in Charlottesville in 1991; 7 p.m. June 16; $50 to $90
Rascal Flatts: The country hitmakers are joined by Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge; 7 p.m. June 23; $25 to $80
Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper: The English rock gods meet the Midwestern metalhead; 7:30 p.m. June 30; $31 to $92.50
Aerosmith and Cheap Trick: Two of the best rock acts ever join forces; 7:30 p.m. July 3; $35.50 to $155.50
Mayhem Festival: Slipknot, Slayer, Motorhead, Anthrax, As I Lay Dying, Asking Alexandria, and more hit the stage; 1:30 p.m. July 29; $26.50 to $69.50
Linkin Park: The nu metal pioneers tour behind their latest album, “Living Things”; 8 p.m. Aug. 11; $31 to $78.50
Brad Paisley: The country superstar is joined by the Band Perry and Easton Corbin: 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25; $29.25 to $64.75
Best Theater
1. “God of Carnage”: Two upper-middle-class Brooklyn couples meet to discuss an incident of playground violence between their sons. Though the evening begins with polite pleasantries, it quickly descends into primal madness as tempers flare, loyalties shift and the parents devolve into children.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through June 24
Info: $55 to $68; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
2. “The Music Man”: In River City, a fast-talking swindler comes to town to make some money but winds up falling in love and turning into an honest man.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through July 22
Info: $46 to $91; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
3. “Xanadu”: Signature Theatre turns the MAX Theatre into one big disco heaven! It’s 1980, in Venice, Calif. Legwarmers are in and roller skates are way sexy in this zany musical in which Kira, one of seven quirky Greek muses, is sworn to never fall in love with a mortal, but then she does just that!
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through July 1
Info: $73 to $87; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
4. Source Theatre Festival: This annual summer festival presents 24 shows this year: three full-length plays, 18 10-minute plays and three Artistic Blind Dates.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: Friday through July 1
Info: $10 to $20; 202-315-1305; culturaldc.org
5. “Mr. Burns, a post-electric play”: Armageddon has struck, and the grid is down: no TV, no radio, no Internet — how will life go on? For one group of survivors, sitting around a fire and reminiscing about “The Simpsons” proves to be an escape from despair. Miraculously, from their collective memories, a new industry struggles to be born: a crude theatrical re-creation of the digital culture we can’t possibly live without.
Where: Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW
When: Through July 1
Info: $40 to $67.50; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
6. “Home of the Soldier”: This new text-based play commemorates the heroism of our armed forces, following a young American through the landscape of war.
Where: Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: Through July 1
Info: $25 to $55; 800-494-8497; synetictheater.org
7. “Spring Awakening”: Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy and passion.
Where: Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Through July 8
Info: $35 to $40; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
8. “The History of Invulnerability”: Behind every great superhero is a determined creator. This play illuminates the story of Jerry Siegel — the brains behind Superman’s brawn — and the imagined struggle between the creative father and his ubermensch son.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through July 8
Info: $15 to $60; 800-494-8497; washingtondcjcc.org
9. “Puerto Rico…fua!”: This hilarious and satirical take on the most notorious times in history of Puerto Rico spins tales of the Taino natives, the many invaders from the Conquistadors to the United States, and the ups and downs of contemporary life on the Enchanted Island.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: Through July 1
Info: $20 to $40; 800-494-8497; galatheatre.org
10. “The Animals and Children Took To the Streets”: Part Charles Dickens, part Tim Burton, the Bayou is a dystopian metropolis squirming with cockroaches and unrest. With live music, witty performances and stunning interaction between animation and live actors, acclaimed London company 1927’s show is a graphic novel burst to life.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Friday through July 1
Info: $35 to $60; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
11. “The Normal Heart”: Tony winner George C. Wolfe directs Larry Kramer’s Tony Award-winning Broadway production. Fueled by love, anger, hope and pride, a circle of friends struggles to contain the mysterious disease ravaging New York’s gay community. Dismissed by politicians, frustrated by doctorsand fighting with each other, their differences threaten to tear them apart or change the world.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Friday through July 29
Info: $40 to $94; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
12. “Beauty and the Beast”: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: June 12 through 24
Info: $39 to $116.50; 212-239-6262; nationaltheatre.org
13. “The Merry Wives of Windsor”: A bawdy and riotous romp starring the most beloved comic character of Shakespeare’s”Henry IV”: Sir John Falstaff, who decides to simultaneously pursue two of the town’s wealthy wives.
Where: The Shakespeare Theatre, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: June 12 through July 15
Info: $20 to $100; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
14. “Sleuth”: When a wealthy mystery novelist invites his wife’s lover to his elegant and isolated country estate, a bizarre game of cat and mouse begins, then spirals into a complex duel of wits and power plays.
Where: Olney Theater Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: June 13 through July 8
Info: $26 to $49; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
15. Capital Fringe Festival: This annual summer event is unjuried and exists to connect exploratory artists with adventurous audiences by creating outlets and spaces for creative, cutting-edge and contemporary performance in the District.
Where: Various venues throughout the District; see website
When: July 12 through 29
Info: Individual show tickets or multishow passes available (see website); capfringe.org
16. “Red Hot Patriot”: Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Kathleen Turner brings her sizzling blend of sensuality and intelligence to the bravado of newspaper columnist Molly Ivins. A dyed-in-the-wool liberal from deep in the heart of Texas, Ivins’ rapier wit made her one of America’s highest-regarded columnists, satirists and beloved rabble-rousers.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Aug. 23 to Oct. 28
Info: 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
