Brain Food
1. NSO Pops: The Music of “The Music Man,” Marvin Hamlisch, conductor: Songs from Meredith Willson’s Tony Award-winning blockbuster musical are performed in concert by the NSO Pops, including “Seventy Six Trombones,” “Goodnight, My Someone,” “Till There Was You” and more.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., N.W.
When: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 28
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. A Chanticleer Christmas”: Medieval and Renaissance music mingles with American spirituals, 13th-century motets and favorite Christmas carols.
Where: Concert Hall, Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Route 123 and Braddock Road, Fairfax
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: 888-945-2468; gmu.edu/cfa
3. Maize of the Americas: Learn about the Americas’ contributions to cuisine — from chocolate to corn to chilis — through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Fourth Street and Independence Ave. SW
When: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27-29
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
4. Bob Boguslaw’s Real Live Jazz Quintet: Led by the classically trained pianist who performs regularly with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, this group brings a grace and eloquence to its improvisational jazz jams.
Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
5. Call Mr. Robeson: A Life With Songs: A look at the life of actor, singer and civil rights pioneer Paul Robeson.
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Through Nov. 29
Info: 800-838-3006; dcartscenter.org
Family
1. Baby Crested Tinamous: With the arrival of an adult female five months ago, National Zoo staff were pleased to have two tinamou babies hatch on Oct. 30 and 31. With this species, the female lays olive-green eggs, then leaves them. The male assumes the responsibility for the offspring; this one has done well as a first-time father. The chicks and their dad can be seen together at the Bird House.
Where: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info: Free; 202-633-4800; nationalzoo.si.edu
2. “Disney’s Mulan”: Mulan is born into a traditional ancient Chinese family, but when her war-wounded father is called up to fight the Huns, Mulan knows her true duty is to pretend to be a boy and join the army in his place. The ancestors send her a lucky dragon to keep her safe, but it’s Mulan’s independent streak and wits that consistently win out over brawn.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: Through Jan. 10
Info: $10 to $21; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
3. “The Little Bread Hen”: Inspired by the classic tale of “The Little Red Hen,” this version reveals the truth about what really happened that fateful day when a chicken decided to bake a loaf of bread. Were the other farm animals just lazy or was there something else stewing in the barnyard? Journey to a small European bakery and hear the answers to these questions.
Where: Discovery Theatre, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive NW
When: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 27
Info: $4 to $10; 202-633-3030; discoverytheater.com
4. Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”: Enjoy the seasonal favorite with the entire family.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Nov. 29
Info: 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
5. Light Up Washingtonian: See the tree-lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus kids performances, face painting and hot chocolate.
Where: Washingtonian Center, Rio Boulevard and Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: Free; washingtoniancenter.com
Galleries
1. Judith Leyster 1609-60: This is your last chance to catch this stunning overview of the work of Judith Leyster, whose reputation has survived for four centuries on the strength only about 20 paintings. Besides superb technique, Leyster had a gift for storytelling, capturing intimate, fleeting, human moments.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: CLOSING SUNDAY
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Elements of Nature: Equines and Still Lifes by Clarice Smith: Twenty indelible paintings that celebrate the tranquility of the natural world, in the tradition of Manet or Sargent.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Jan. 10
Info: $10, $8 seniors (60 and older) and students, free for members and under age 18; 202-783-5000; nmwa.org
3. Anne Chan and Michael Dax Iacovone: New work by two Hamiltonian fellows: Photographer Anne Chan shrugs off the monotony of desk life, while Michael Dax Iacovone uses maps and equations to guide his camera.
Where: Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U St. NW
When: Through Dec. 5
Info: Free; hamiltoniangallery.com
4. Phil Nesmith: Flight Patterns: Allegories of flight, fragility, evanescence, materiality and time imprinted on glass plate without the use of a camera. Nesmith’s dryplate photograms must be seen to be believed.
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 12
Info: Free; 202-332-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
5. Cole Sternberg: Los Angeles artist Cole Sternberg examines human rights and the vagaries of international law in watercolor, spray paint, ink and indignation.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through Dec. 20
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
Gatherings
1. Bob Perilla’s Big Hillbilly Bluegrass: International veterans of stage, screen and television, this group’s performance highlights include a screen appearance in Chris Rock’s “Head of State,” a live television gig with Earl Scruggs, multiple Kennedy Center concerts and a residence at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. At the request of the U.S. Department of State, Big Hillbilly Bluegrass has toured the world as America’s de facto Bluegrass Ambassadors.
Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 26
Info: Free; kennedy-center.org
2. “Flamenco en Familia”: Lectures and demonstrations for the whole family in guitar and castanets by local flamenco artists. Led by Natalia Monteleon and ArteFlamenco Company.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: Free; 800-494-8497; galatheatre.org
3. Declan O’Rourke: Solas Nua presents an evening of music with Declan O’Rourke, one of Ireland’s most beloved musicians.
Where: Gibson Guitar Room, 709 G St. NW
When: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30
Info: 800-494-8497; solasnua.org
4. The Real Story of the Superheroes: Photographer Dulce Pinzon draws inspiration from comics with a group of photos that portray immigrants as superheroes. This gallery promotes art as a tool for healing.
Where: Healing Arts Gallery, 1632 U St. NW
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; through Nov. 28
Info: 202-483-8600; smithfarm.com
5. Food drive: The nonprofit organization Our Daily Bread is partnering with Combined Properties to host a series of food drives in Fairfax City. Six Fairfax County organizations will collect nonperishable items to stock their pantries to help needy families during the holidays.
Where: Courthouse Plaza, 10376 Willard Way, Fairfax City
When: Through Dec. 12.
Info: 703-273-8829; our-daily-bread.org
Music
1. NSO Pops: Marvin Hamlisch with Broadway stars Shirley Jones and Rebecca Luker in The Music of “The Music Man,” a review of Meredith Willson’s best-known songs.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 1:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 27, 8 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: $20 to $880; 202-467-4600, kennedy-center.org.
2. The Seldom Scene & Dry Branch Fire Squad: The award-winning SS bluegrass ensemble is frequently seen and heard on stages before wildly appreciative audiences. Beloved nationwide, it makes a happy Thanksgiving even happier during the hot pickin’ weekend with its work ethic DBFS buddies.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27-28
Info: $29.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
3. John Eaton: The Glorious Songs of Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern performed and interpreted by Washington’s favorite jazz pianist and storyteller, John Eaton, in the first of three unforgettable forays into his American Popular Songs series.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: $28; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas features the impeccable voices of the multiple Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble celebrating its 32nd season with holiday music from Medieval and Renaissance times, 13th-century motets, American spirituals, and favorite carols.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 28
Info: $24 to $48; 888-945-2468; gmu.edu/cfa
5. The Grandsons: General Admission Dance headed by the local quartet named the 2008 group Artist of the Year by Washington Area Music Association includes numbers from its latest recording, “Live at the Barns: The Legendary Wolf Trap Recordings Vol. 2.”
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 27
Info: $16; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
Also worth noting:
6. Alex Bugnon: Smooth jazz from the Swiss-born winner of two Soul Train Music awards who neatly mixes jazz, funk, R&R and soul for an ear-teasing experience.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Nov. 27 to 29
Info: $27.50; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Outdoors
1. The National Garden at the United States Botanic Gardens: Stroll through the beautifully planned National Garden. On Oct. 1, 2006, the National Garden opened to the public. This facility, located on three acres west of the Conservatory site, is a showcase for unusual, useful and ornamental plants that grow well in the mid-Atlantic region.
Where: United States Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
2. Full Moon Hikes: Register now for the early December hikes. They fill up fast! This 4-mile-long, 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 of the night sky. Your guide will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. This is a brisk walk over often hilly and uneven terrain, so wear good walking shoes. Held rain or shine. Not recommended for children.
Where: National Arboretum
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2
Info: $22, $18 for FONA members; registration required; 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov
3. A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail: Fifteen poster-size street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood. The 90-minute, self-guided tour will bring you along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, up 49th Street, and along Sheriff Road back to Minnesota Avenue and the Metro station.
Where: To find Sign 1 on the trail, ride Metro’s Orange Line to the Minnesota Avenue station and then hop on the U8 Metrobus to Nannie Helen Burroughs and Division avenues NE. Walk one block south to Foote Street, at the edge of Marvin Gaye Park.
When: Continuous
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; [email protected]
4. Elizabethan Garden: The tours have stopped for the season, but you can still explore the Folger Shakespeare Garden, inspired by herbal references in Shakespeare’s plays and incorporating plants popular in his time, like lavender, thyme and English ivy.
Where: The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Continuous
Info: 202-544-7077; folger.edu
5. Eastern Market: The Eastern Market, completed in 1873, was designed by Adolph Cluss, a prominent local architect. Today, Eastern Market is one of the few public markets left in Washington, D.C., and the only one retaining its original public market function. The market includes: South Hall, where local merchants offering everything from fresh produce and flowers, to delicatessen, bakery, meat, poultry, cheese and dairy products; Market Lunch, renowned for its crabcakes and blueberry pancakes; North Hall, an arts and community center. Weekend Farmers Market: Open-air, fresh, local produce year-round.
Where: Eastern Market, 225 Seventh St. SE
When: Closed Nov. 26 and 27, reopens Nov. 28; check Web site for times
Info: easternmarketdc.com
Theater
1. “A Christmas Carol”: Join the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Signature Theatre’s Michael Baron directs a new staging that captures the magic and joy of Dickens’ classic. During the run of “A Christmas Carol,” Ford’s Theatre has partnered with Bread for the City to create a donation drive. Patrons can make monetary donations during curtain calls Dec. 1 to 6 or at Ford’s Box office. In exchange for a $10 contribution, patrons can receive $5 off a single ticket to “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 29 to Jan. 3.
Where: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 3, 2010.
Info: $30 to $56; fordstheatre.org
2. “August: Osage County”: Estelle Parsons stars as the matriarch of an extended clan approaching meltdown in this gripping and darkly funny tale that won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play.
Where: Eisenhower Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Dec. 20
Info: $25 to $80; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. “As You Like It”: Shakespeare’s brilliant comedy full of romance, poetry, wisdom and a very happy ending, all found in the magical forest of Arden. In director Maria Aitken’s version, the forest of Arden becomes the America where generations of immigrants have sought freedom and peace.
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, The Shakespeare Theatre, 610 F. St. NW
When: Through Dec. 20; see Web site for dates and times.
Info: $20 to $80; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
4. “Camelot”: With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, this famous musical takes you inside the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur’s dream of creating a utopian kingdom is complicated by the love between Queen Guinevere and Arthur’s favorite knight, Sir Lancelot.
Where: The Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through Jan. 3
Info: 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
5. “Show Boat”: Jerome Kern’s and Oscar Hammerstein’s “Show Boat” is a lyrical masterpiece about the loves and heartbreaks of three generations of show folk on the Mississippi River.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through Jan 17; no evening performance Nov. 26, Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; extra performances 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and Dec. 28.
Info: $52 to $76; 703-573-7328; signature-theatre.org
