Best Galleries 1. A New Look: Samuel F.B. Morse’s Gallery of the Louvre: American inventor Samuel F.B. Morse — as in, Morse Code — was also an accomplished painter. His painting of the Louvre’s Salon Carre depicting the various masterworks that Morse “reinstalled” there has been newly restored and will be on view near the East Garden Court for the next year.
Where: West Building, National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: July 3 through July 2012
Info: Free, 202-737-4215, nga.gov
2. E * CO: Latin American and European photographers share their images of polluted rivers, the aftermath of torrential rains, and the environmental consequences of Eastern European nuclear plants in this powerful exhibition of ecologically themed camerawork.
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
3. Wavelengths: D.C.’s own Gretchen Schermerhorn and Alexandra Radocchio Zealand two of the four artists invited to repurpose the two-story Honfleur space for their own installations based on their own interpretations of the word “wavelength.”
Where: Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE
When: Through July 22
Info: Free, 202-580-5972; honfleurgallery.com
4. Andis Applewhite: Freedom: Applewhite’s silkscreen variants on the American flag interpret what Old Glory has stood for throughout the decades and centuries.
Where: Washington Printmakers Gallery at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 3230 Georgia Ave, second floor, Silver Spring
When: Through July 31
Info: Free, 301-273-3660, washingtonprintmakers.com
5. Jeremy Flick: A Unified Theory of Everything: Jeremy Flick’s site-specific painting on the wall of the gallery courtyard blows up the patterns printed on the interior of security envelopes, referencing both Pop Art from the 20th century and the death of privacy in the 21st.
Where: Conner Contemporary Art, 1358 Florida Ave. NE
When: Through Saturday
Info: Free, 202-588-8750; connercontemporary.com
Best Music
1. “Mamma Mia!”: The Abba musical that continues winning new fans around the world returns with “The Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “I Had a Dream” and all the favorite songs that keep audiences clapping in rhythm and clamoring for more.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 2 and 8 p.m. Thursday to July 3.
Info: $55 to $70 in-house, $20 lawn at 877-965-8727 or wolftrap.org
2. A Capitol Fourth: Rehearsal of the star-studded show to be telecast on Monday, July 4, minus the fireworks. Artists include Grammy- and Emmy Award-winner and banjo player Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Jimmy Smits, Josh Groban, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard, Kelli O’Hara and the cast of the Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet,” all backed by the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly.
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free
3. Rosanne Cash: The singer/songwriter/author, Johnny’s eldest daughter, goes far beyond country with a Grammy Award, 11 No. 1 hits and more surprises on the way. McLean-based pop singer/songwriter Chelsea Lee opens.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $39.50 at 703-549-7500 or birchmere.com
4. Eric Roberson: Howard University grad best known as R&B and soul artist.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $29.50 at 703-549-7500 or birchmere.com
5. Eric Felton Jazz Orchestra: The Big Band Sound of World War II returns for two evenings of nonstop dance music.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $25 at 202-337-4141 or bluesalley.com
Best Brainfood
1. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival: A special annual event sponsored each June and July by the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage celebrating cultural traditions around the world. The Folklife Festival includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2011 program are Colombia and rhythm and blues.
Where: National Mall between eventh and 14th streets NW
When: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to Monday and July 7 to 11. Evening events begin at 5:30 p.m.
Info: Free; 202-633-7484; festival.si.edu
2. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens: Mount Vernon celebrates Independence Day with daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. For the first time ever, visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired during the finale of the National Concert Band of America’s performance. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military re-enactments, a special wreath-laying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from “General and Mrs. Washington.”
Where: Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4
Info: Free to $15; 800-429-1520; mountvernon.org
3. Fourth of July in Vienna: Arts and crafts, food, live music, vendors and games. Main stage and children’s stage. Car show.For first-time visitors, Vienna is full of historic places to see.
Where: Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna
When: Celebration starts at 11 a.m.; Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Southside Park on Ross Drive
Info: 703-255-6360; vienna.gov
4. Tyler Cowen: The Great Stagnation: For all the excitement of smart phones and social media, are the new intellectual technologies as innovative and productive as those of the past? In this concise, thought-provoking look at recent economic history, the George Mason University professor argues that the pace of change has stalled.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. July 5
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. “To Catch a Thief: Recovering the Durham First Folio”: Steven Galbraith, Folger’s curator of books, and Renate Mesmer, acting head of conservation: Stolen in 1998 from an exhibition case, 10 years later the Durham First Folio arrives at the Folger in the briefcase of a man in Fendi sunglasses looking for an appraisal. Thus begins a tale of Cuban mistresses, FBI and Scotland Yard detectives, a trial, and the eventual repatriation of the book to Durham. Folger staff share how they knew this copy was the Durham First Folio in a fascinating story of rare book forensics.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE
When: 7 p.m. July 7
Info: Free with reception and exhibition viewing to follow; folger.edu
Best Family
1.Hunting Herons Hike: Families with children ages 8 and older. Search out these amazing birds and other denizens of the Potomac’s floodplain as the heat of the day passes. Bring water and a snack and dress to get muddy as you go off-trail. Register children and adults.
Where: Participants will get directions on registration
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: $3; 703-228-4747; Program #642851-B
2. Bald eagles campfire: The whole family will enjoy this campfire, which includes, stories, songs, special animal guests and of course “s’mores!”
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center Campfire, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #642851-G
3. Archery: For children ages 6 and older. Do you imagine yourself as Robin Hood hunting the king’s deer? Or are you an Algonquian stalking a black bear? Stop by and rent a bow for 30 minutes to enjoy some archery practice. Guidance provided if needed.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. Arlington
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $5 per ? hr. bow rental; reservations suggested: 703-228-4747; Program #642821-G
4. The Wind in the Willows: Go on a wild ride with Mr. Toad! It’s early in the 20th century, and Mr. Toad embraces the motor car with reckless abandon. When it is clear that he is on a road to disaster, Toad’s friends Mole, Ratty and Mr. Badger decide to intervene. Can they save Toad from himself? This musical event is faithful to the classic novel. Enjoyed by ages 4 and older.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: Through Aug. 14
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
5. “Charlotte’s Web”: E.B. White’s popular tale of love and devotion takes theatergoers to Zuckerman’s Farm, where the delightful runt pig Wilbur appears headed for the dinner table, as main course, not as guest. Yet he is saved by the remarkably crafty spider,
Charlotte, and the whole town begins talking about it. Some pig!
Where: Adventure Theatre, 7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through Sept. 5
Info: 301-634-2270; [email protected]
Best Gatherings
1. Uncle Sam Jam: In order to accommodate the success and growth in its second year, The Uncle Sam Jam is moving from D.C.’s waterfront to the National Harbor. Five bands, three stages, DJs, fireworks, food and craft trucks.
Where: National Harbor, see website for directions.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15 to $60; unclesamjam.com; nationalharbor.com
2. Celebrate the 4th of July in the cooler suburbs: Music performances, food, games and activities for kids. Great fireworks display.
Where: Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
When: Grounds open at 6 p.m.; fireworks at dark.
Info: Free; 703-790-0123
3. Tuesday Night Open Mic: For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V streets NW
When: 9 to 11 p.m. July 5
Info: $4; 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com
4. Creating Hypertufa Containers: Have you ever wanted to create your own container to use on your porch or in your garden? Spend the afternoon learning the steps of creating a lightweight concrete hypertufa container. They are easy to make at home in nearly any shape and size you want. Each participant will make one 12-inch x 12-inch container to take home.
Where: The National Botanic Gardens, National Garden Lawn Terrace, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 1 to 3 p.m. July 6
Info: $20 to $25; pre-registration required; code: WH070611; usbg.gov
5. “Justin Martin – Genius of Place”: In his third biography, the author of lives of Ralph Nader and Alan Greenspan turns to Frederick Law Olmsted. Journalist, social reformer, and, after 1863, a master “landscape architect,” Olmsted crafted nature to suit urban needs, creating Central Park, the Emerald Necklace in Boston, the Stanford University grounds, and our own National Zoo.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. July 6
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
Best Outdoors
1. Fourth of July Parade: The parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIPs. The event kicks off a full day of spectacular Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall.
Where: Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW
When: 10 a.m. public access to parade route; security check point; parade starts at 11:45 a.m. Monday.
Info: 800-778-7373; july4thparade.com
2. National Freedomfest: A great lead-up to the national fireworks; 30 bands and DJs. Children under 12 free. Food and craft vendors.
Where: Yards Park, see capitolriverfront.org for directions.
When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday
Info: $19.99 to $49.99; nationalfreedomfest.com
3. Fairfax County Fourth of July: Fairfax County will honor our nation’s independence with a major fireworks displays to be held at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. The community is invited to celebrate their freedom with friends and neighbors.
Where: Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
When: Monday (rain date Tuesday); Grounds open at 7 a.m.; Water Mine opens at 10 a.m.; fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Info: 703-471-5415; fairfaxcounty.gov
4. Happy Hour Hikes: Adults, 21 and older. If you love a great beer as much as you love to hike, why not leave work early this week? On the first Friday of every month you can begin at Clarendon for a caffeine blast or a cocktail then load up into a nature center van and hit a hiking trail from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Info given out at registration
When: 4:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #642841-G
Best theater
1.”Completely Hollywood (abridged)”: The Reduced Shakespeare Company, aka “The Bad Boys of Abridgement” return with their clever satire of show biz, taking on 175 movies in 100 minutes.
Where: Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: $39 to 49; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. “Tales of the Lincoln”: Storyteller Jon Spelman brings his one-man show to Ford’s Theatre for two performances. The 30-minute program touches on many legends of Abraham Lincoln and is offered during daytime visits to Ford’s Theatre. Tickets may be obtained free at Ford’s box office the day of performance or through Ticketmaster; seating on first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW
When: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: Free; 800-982-2787; fordstheatre.org
3. “Six Degrees of Separation”: Staged reading. The Phillips collection celebrates its Kandinsky exhibition with a reading of John Guare’s play in which a young con artist winds his way into the home of New York art dealers. Post-reading discussion follows.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: 6:30 p.m. July 7
Info: $8 to $20; phillipscollection.org
4. Source Festival: A collection of 10-Minute Plays, three full-length plays and artistic blind dates make up this theater festival, which is famous for finding new work and new artists from around the country and from Washington.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: Through Sunday (see website for times).
Info: $10 to $125; 866-811-4111; sourcedc.org
5.”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: This six-time nominated Tony Award winning musical tells the story of five eccentric kids vying for first prize, bragging rights and, most important, a trip to the National Spelling Bee Competition.
Where: Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Through July 9
Info: $40; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
