Brain Food
1. Art + Coffee: Take a tour or hear a talk in the Luce Foundation Center for American Art and enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea in this elegant space. Beverages served until 3:30 p.m. except during special events. Meet in the F Street Lobby.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-633-7970; americanart.si.edu
2. Round the Corner: Industry Gallery’s inaugural exhibition will feature the first solo U.S. exhibition by Shlomo Harush, which will feature 20 unique, handcrafted stainless steel and aluminum works that examine sculptural aspects of conventional seating units.
Where: Industry Gallery, 1358 Florida Ave. NE
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday (opening)
Info: 202-399-1730; industrygallerydc.com
3. United States Air Force Band: Members of the premier ensemble perform.
Where: Millennium Theater, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. Remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr.: Sponsored by a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, this event is offered by the GLBT Arts Consortium and will include offerings by Fortissima, Capitol Hill Youth Chorus, Nuance, Jubilee Singers of All Souls Unitarian, Pamela Jafari and others.
Where: Capitol. Hill Presbyterian Church, Fourth and Independence Avenue SE
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 19
Info: Free; 202-547-4102; dcglbtarts.org
5. In Isabel’s Field: Printmakers Inc. will honor the work of original member Isabel Field with this show. Each member has taken one of Field’s prints and added her personal touch to Field’s work. The studio will also have on display Tools of the Trade. Plates, proofs and tools will help show the various methods of printmaking the artists use in the studio.
Where: Printmakers Inc., Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Feb. 28.
Info: Free; 703-683-1342; torpedofactory.org
Family
1. Children’s Theater Festival: Six hours of theater and activities to delight children. Beginning at 11 a.m., children can demonstrate their talents at painting, drawing, reading and storytelling. At noon “The Cat and the Seagull” will be performed (second performance at 4 p.m.). At 2 p.m., Los Quetzalitos (a children’s Mexican dance group) and Las Lunitas (children who have participated in La Luna’s Bilingual Theater Workshops) will take the stage. Lobby activities will resume after their showcase. Food and drink available throughout the day. Book sale and various crafts also available.
Where: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
2. “Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly”: Bring your little aviators to explore birds’ hollow wings and the first aeroplanes with wacky Professor Wingnut and his friend Seymour the Seagull. This interactive show takes place right in the gallery with master arts educator and crazy guy Oran Sandel. Tour the galleries after the show.
Where: Gallery 109, National Air and Space Museum, Fourth Street and Independence Ave. SW
When: Jan. 21 and 22; see Web site for times
Info: Tickets required; 202-633-1000; nasmsi.edu/events
3. National Building Museum: On your next visit to the NBM, check out one of the museum’s new Family Tool Kits. Designed for families with children of many ages, each family or group will get its own tool kit loaded with lots of cool things to help explore the architecture of the museum’s historic home by seeing, moving, touching and doing. Choose a tool kit to fit your fancy!
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free for members; $5 checkout fee per tool kit for nonmembers; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
4. Flying Squirrels: In the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, flying squirrels dwell but are rarely seen. After an indoor presentation, tiptoe outside with a guide to see these little acrobats glide in for an evening meal. Family discount with phone registration.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $5; registration necessary at 703-228-4747; program Nos. 623605-K and 623605-L
5. Snakes Alive: Families with children 4 and older — find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about these reptiles. You’ll have a chance to meet some up close, if you choose.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $1; registration necessary: 703-2284747; Program No. 623605-BB
Galleries
1. In the Darkroom: Photographic Processes: This survey of photographic technology from inception to modernity features 90 images, from a seminal William Henry Fox Talbot photogenic drawing to Andy Warhol’s iconic Polaroid self-portrait.
Where: West Building, National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue between Third and Seventh streets NW
When: Through March 14
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present: Organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art, this touring exhibit aims to promote greater harmony between the Mexican-American and African-American communities through recognition of the shared elements of their histories.
Where: Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE
When: Through July 4
Info: Free; 202-633-4820; anacostia.si.edu
3. Barbara Liotta: Icarus: Suspended above the main gallery of the Phillips house, abstract sculptor Barbara Liotta’s “Icarus” references the eponymous Greek myth but also instigates a more modern dialogue with its neighbors in the collection: Eugene Delacroix’s “Paganini,” Amedeo Modigliani’s “Elena Povolozky” and Chaim Soutine’s “Woman in Profile.”
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through Jan. 31
Info: $12, $10 for students and seniors 62-plus, free for 18 and under; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
4. Kerry Skarbakka: The Struggle to Right Oneself: A Survey: Kerry Skarbakka’s photos straddle the line between self-portrait and performance art, casting the artist in scenes wherein order is just beginning to cede to chaos.
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 30
Info: Free; 202-332-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
5. Graft: Roxy Paine’s “Dendroid” — the artist’s preferred term for his treelike steel sculptures — is the first contemporary work to be installed in the Sculpture Garden’s 10-year history.
Where: Sculpture Garden, National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW
When: On view indefinitely
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
Gatherings
1. KanKouran West African Dance Company: The company presents its annual performance in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $8 to $22; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
2. Brother Shamus: The quintet blends folk, rock and funk into an uplifting sound.
Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. International Motorcycle Show: Check out big-bore racers from Ducati, early glimpses of next year’s commercial models and high-mileage transportation alternatives in the scooter pavilion.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $6 to $30; 202-249-3400; dcconvention.com
4. Investigating Where We Live: Examine the neighborhoods of D.C. from the perspective of a young adult.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: Through Jan. 18
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
5. Alexandria Restaurant Week: Alexandria gets into the dinner-deal game with a Restaurant Week of its own. Fifty restaurants participate in the celebration, in which three-course dinners (or, at some restaurants, dinners for two) are available for $35.
Where: Old Town Alexandria, King and Royal streets, Alexandria
When: Through Jan. 24
Info: alexandriava.gov
Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Michael Stern conducts the orchestra in Barber’s groundbreaking single-movement Symphony No. 1 and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. Pianist Emanuel Ax performs Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 2.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 1:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Grappelli & Reinhardt: Hot Jazz: Fiddler Mark O’Connor, his band Hot Swing and the Django Reinhardt Festival artists revisit the incredible 1930s duo Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt for an evening of smoldering jazz.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 5:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday
Info: $45; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. Daedalus Quartet: The Discovery Series presents the vibrant new American string quartet in residence at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University and 2007 winner of both the Martin Segal Award and the Guarneri String Quartet Award.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 15
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. John Jennings & Friends: Winner of multiple Wammies (Washington Area Music Association Awards), the hometown folk musician was guitarist in Mary Chapin Carpenter’s band and sang backup for the Indigo Girls, Janis Ian, Bill Morrissey and many others before producing and recording 11 Top 10 singles and two Grammy-winning albums.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $22; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
5. Eddie From Ohio: The popular Virginia-based ensemble holds court for three days with guests The Honey Dewdrops on Friday, Jake Armerding on Saturday and Caravan of Thieves on Sunday.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Info: $35; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Outdoors
1. “Perfect Conifers for Urban Gardens and Containers”: Conifers provide striking color and form in your small garden or container during the winter. The diversity of colors ranges from green to gold to blue, and forms include spreading, weeping and upright. A horticulturist will start this talk and tour with a brief presentation inside and then guide you through the collection, where you will learn about the great diversity of these winter gems and how you can use them in your garden. Registration required.
Where: United States National Arboretum, Auditorium and Grounds, 3501 New York Ave.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $12 ($10 for members); 202-245-4521; usna.usda.gov
2. Skate at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: The Ice Rink is now open through mid-March, weather permitting. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system.
Where: The National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW.
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Info: $6 to $7; skate rental and lockers available; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
3. Bilateral Engagement: Indoor and outdoor sculpture presented with the Washington Sculptors Group.
Where: Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday
Info: Free; 202-458-6016; museum.oas.org
4. Battleground to Community: Brightwood Heritage Trail: Lace up your walking shoes and follow the signs on this self-guided trail. Indulge your inner Civil War buff in one of D.C.’s early communities, where you’ll see the site of the only Civil War battle to take place within the District of Columbia. Eighteen 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 this appealing urban community.
Where: The first sign is located at 5427 14th St. NW, at the southeast corner of Kennedy and 14th streets at Colorado Avenue NW. The 90-minute, self-guided tour loops through the Brightwood community and ends at the southwest corner of Georgia Avenue and Peabody Street NW. The trail is easily reached by Metrobus 70 or 71.
When: Any day
Info: Free; culturaltourismdc.org
5. Full Moon Hike for Groups: This 4-mile, mildly strenuous hike is a magical trip through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Discover how the striking landscape of the arboretum changes under the moon and stars. This is a brisk walk over often hilly and uneven terrain, so wear good walking shoes. Held rain or shine. Not recommended for children. Maximum: 25 people. $550 per group. Registration required.
Where: National Arboretum Grounds, 3501 New York Ave.
When: 8 to 10 p.m. Jan. 29
Info: 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov
Theater
1. “I Am My Own Wife”: Doug Wright’s play tells the true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite who managed to survive both Nazi rule and the repressive East German Communist regime. Von Mahlsdorf was an iconic figure who created a safe space in the bowels of her antiques museum for East Berlin’s “undesirables” — homosexuals, cross-dressers and prostitutes. But in order to survive, she sacrificed her ideals, becoming an informer for the East German secret police. In this one-man show, Andrew Long reveals Charlotte’s determination and complexity.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through March 7; see Web site for dates and times
Info: $47 to $71; 703- 820-9771; signature-theatre.org
2. “Will Success Spoil Rock Hudson?”: George Axelrod’s 1955 comedy is a Faustian spoof, combining classic romance, slapstick comedy and the suspense of a duel with the devil.
Where: American Century Theatre, Theatre II, Gunston Arts Center
When: Through Feb. 6
Info: $26 to $32; 703-998-4555; americancentury.org
3. “Black Voices: Stories We’re Planning to Tell”: The Arena Stage American Voices New Play Institute in partnership with Georgetown University’s Theater and Performance Studies Program presents this gathering, following a private, two-day convention of 30 of the nation’s leading black playwrights and artistic leaders. The public session will share discussion points from the private session and will feature playwrights Lydia Diamond, Marcus Gardley, Paul Notice II, Rha Goddess and others reading from their own works in progress.
Where: Gonda Theatre, Davis Performing Arts Center, Georgetown University
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org/about/news/black-voices.shtml
4. “Rent”: Jonathan Larson’s rock opera based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” “Rent” tells the story of one year in the life of friends living in New York City in the 1990s. In that year, the group deals with love, loss, AIDS and the power of friendship.
Where: Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Through Jan. 30; see Web site for details
Info: $30 to $40; 202-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
5. “The Screwtape Letters”: C.S. Lewis’ popular novel, about a trainee in Hell learning about the devil’s mission on Earth, takes the stage.
Where: Lansburgh Theater, 450 Seventh St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through Sunday
Info: $20 to $60; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
