Brain Food
1. A Salute to the Cherry Blossoms: The Target Performance Stage plays host to a wide range of performances, from Japanese culture groups to local acoustic musicians.
Where: Sylvan Theatre on the grounds of the Washington Monument, Independence Avenue and Raoul Wallenberg Place SW
When: Noon daily through April 11
Info: Free; 877-442-5666; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
2. Community Cherry Blossom Art Show: Blossom inspiration comes to life through the imagination of D.C. public and charter school students, grades one to 12, as seen in their artwork. This gallery show celebrates the creativity of students whose artwork focuses on expressing how the cherry blossom trees in Washington spread the message of good will and friendship.
Where: Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE
When: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; through April 11
Info: Free; 877-442-5666; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
3. Hexagon 2010 — Dancing With the Czars!: For the 55th year, the original political satirical musical comedy revue spoofs recent political events. All proceeds go to charity.
Where: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Performing Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; through April 10
Info: $30; 240-567-5775; hexagon.org
4. I Believe/The Disorder of Things: Contradiction Dance explores human attachment to personal beliefs.
Where: Round House Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
5. Since Darwin: The Evolution of Evolution: The museum celebrates the father of evolution’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking work, “The Origin of Species,” with an examination of the role Darwin’s theories have played in unifying the biological sciences.
Where: National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 1 to 5:30 p.m.; through July 13
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; mnh.si.edu
Family
1. “Fool at the Circus”: Synetic’s new presentation for children is a sequel to last season’s production, “A Classical Fool!” The silent show is set in a circus, based around movement in the style of silent films.
Where: Classika Theatre, 2788 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington
When: 12:20 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through May 16; additional performances at 3:30 p.m. April 10 and 24 and May 1 and 8
Info: $10 to $12; 703-824-8060; classikatheatre.org
2. Book of the Month 2010: “A House is a House For Me”: Come to the National Building Museum for an interactive reading of Mary Ann Hoberman’s book, a whimsical rhyme about different types of homes. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. April 6
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
3. National Park Service: Bloomin’ Junior Rangers: Join National Park Service rangers for fun and activities as they explore the history of the cherry blossoms. The activities are both fun and instructive. Learn about the trees, where they come from and why they are here. This program is intended for children between the ages of 6 and 12.
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area (near paddle boats)
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 11
Info: nps.gov
4. “Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy Show”: An ornate Victorian stage, a time-honored script and antique wooden puppets, painstakingly carved and hand-painted in England, appear under the direction of “Professor Horn,” who also performs amazing feats of legerdemain and plays merry melodies on a vintage hand-cranked hurdy-gurdy.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-783-3372; nationaltheatre.org
5. Masked Bandits: Families with children ages 5 and older, come learn about this rascal, known to some native peoples as “The One Who Washes.” Find out why and make a raccoon mask.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: $3; registration necessary at 703-228-4747; program No. 653510-09
Galleries
1. One Life: Echoes of Elvis: More than three decades after his death, Elvis Presley’s influence on popular culture remains undimmed. This exhibit features interpretive portraits of Elvis from all phases of his 24-year singing career, including pieces by William Eggleston, Red Grooms and others.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through Aug. 29
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; npg.si.edu
2. A.B. Miner: Miner documents his experience of one aspect of sex change surgery — that of the removal of his breasts — in “From There to Here,” a 12-painting series made from photos he took of his chest at regular intervals after the operation.
Where: G Fine Art, 1350 Florida Ave. NW
When: Through May 1
Info: Free; 202-462-1601; gfineartdc.com
3. Gene Davis: Cool: Davis won acclaim for his stripe paintings of the 1960s. This exhibit emphasizes another side of his oeuvre, highlighting his use of muted blues, purples and greens in paintings made between 1959 and 1983.
Where: Marsha Mateyka Gallery, 2012 R St. NW
When: Through May 15
Info: Free; 202-328-0088; marshamateykagallery.com
4. New Work: Katherine Mann, Michael Enn Sirvet & Christian Benefiel: Mann’s paintings are explosions of pattern and color, straddling the line between representation and abstraction. Sirvet’s rigidly geometric forms are shot through with paradoxical but heartfelt reverence for nature. And Benefiel’s sculptures find poetry in reclaimed industrial materials.
Where: Through May 1
When: Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U St. NW
Info: Free; hamiltoniangallery.com
5. Casualty Labs: New Projects: Wondrously strange mechanical sculptures by Austrian artist Galo Moncayo and American University sculpture professor Andy Holtin are displayed.
Where: The American University Museum, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through May 1
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
Gatherings
1. Cherry Blast: An explosion of music, DJs, graphic design, dance, video installations and performance art to celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Where: Warehouse in Adams Morgan, 1701 Florida Ave. NW
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday
Info: $10; pinklineproject.com; cherryblastdc.com
2. Lunchtime Tour of the Conservatory: What do manila folders, Chanel No. 5, vanilla and fossil fuels have in common? The answer is that they all come from plants on permanent display in the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will connect the exotic plant world to everyday life. You might see bananas and coffee ripening on the tree or learn about the next big breakthrough in medicinal plant research.
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: Noon to 1 p.m. April 5, 12, 19 and 26
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; no registration necessary; usbg.gov
3. Classical and 20th-century music: The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents violinist Jocelyn Adelman and pianist Eliza Ching in a special concert. Both performers are active in local and international performance venues.
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $10; 202-547-6839; chaw.org
4. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: One more chance to see the “Greatest Show on Earth.”
Where: George Mason University, Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
When: Through April 4 (see Web site for times)
Info: $14 to $110; 202-397-7328; patriotcenter.com
5. “Einstein’s God”: Join two great radio minds in a public conversation. “Speaking of Faith” host Krista Tippett and NPR’s Michel Martin meet to discuss the questions and discoveries behind Tippett’s new book, “Einstein’s God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit.” Tippett is a journalist, former diplomat and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster.
Where: Shakespeare Theatre Company, Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: 7 p.m. April 5
Info: $33; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
Music
1. Festival Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra and virtuoso pianist Lang Lang performing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 along with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, as part of their nationwide tour.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30 to $60; 703-883-2787; gmu.edu/cfa
2. National Symphony Orchestra: Ivan Fischer conducts the University of Maryland Concert Choir and guest soloists in Bach’s Mass in B Minor.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. Christine Lavin: The witty folk singer-songwriter presents her 25th-anniversary concert with excerpts from her most recent release, “I Don’t Make This Stuff Up … I Just Make It Rhyme.”
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
When: April 2
Info: $20; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. Joseph Lin: The Washington Performing Arts Society presents the award-winning violinist performing the Bach Partitas Nos. 1, 2 and 3 for the Encore Series.
Where: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $40; 202-785-9727
5. Mike Stern Band: The innovative jazz guitarist, a 2010 Grammy nominee, and his band showcase tunes from “Big Neighborhood,” released last August.
Where: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday
Info: $35; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Outdoors
1. Cherry Blossom Festival and Fireworks: Come to a free, three-hour family entertainment festival that includes live musical performances, kids’ craft activities, cuisine from local restaurants and special guest appearances for the kids to enjoy. At 8:30 p.m., all eyes will head toward the sky for a fireworks display. Enjoy the sky spectacle on land at the festival or watch them from the water on the fireworks cruise aboard the Spirit of Washington. The fireworks occur rain or shine; only extremely inclement weather will cause their delay or cancellation.
Where: Southwest Waterfront, 600 Water St. SW
When: Saturday; festival 5 to 8 p.m., fireworks 8:30 p.m.
Info: Free; 877-442-5666; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
2. Lighting of the Lantern: Presented by the U.S. National Park Service and the National Conference of State Societies, the 359-year-old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries and the Cherry Blossom Princesses representing the U.S. State Societies.
Where: Tidal Basin at Independence Avenue and 17th Street SW
When: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: statesocieties.org; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
3. Blossoms by Bike: A two-hour guided tour through the Cherry Blossoms and around the Tidal Basin.
Where: Tour begins and ends at the Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9:30 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 3 p.m. April 5 to 9; 9:30 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. April 10 and 11
Info: $22 to $32; 202-842-2453; bikethesites.com
4. Cherry Chit Chat Runs: Lace up your running shoes and join a park ranger for a 3.5-mile run through the cherry blossoms. Tour highlights include the natural and cultural history of the famous Japanese cherry trees. Please bring your own water. Meet at the Washington Monument.
Where: Meet at base of Washington Monument
When: 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; through April 10
Info: Free; 202-359-7080; no registration necessary; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org; nps.gov/cherry
5. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats: Enjoy the cherry blossoms from a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin. Reserve boats at tidalbasinpaddleboats.com.
Where: Tidal Basin Boat House, 1500 Maine Ave. SW
When: 8 to 11 a.m. through April 11
Info: $10 to $18 per hour, two- to four-passenger boats; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Theater
1. “FIST”: The Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament has three-person improv teams face off in a single-elimination competition.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 11 p.m. Saturday; through April 10
Info: Free to $10; 202-204-7800; washingtonimprovtheater.com
2. “My Name is Asher Lev”: Aaron Posner’s new play is based on the novel of the same name by Chaim Potok. Possessing a prodigious artistic ability, Lev is born into a Hasidic family in post-World War II Brooklyn, where his artistic genius threatens to estrange him from both his parents and his community.
Where: Round House, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through April 11
Info: $25 to $60; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
3. “Golden Age”: Part of the Kennedy Center’s Nights at the Opera series, this play takes place in Paris on the evening of the premiere of Bellini’s opera “I Puritani.” With Bellini are his faithful friend Francesco Florimo and the four singers who came to be known as the Puritani Quartet.
Where: Family Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through April 4
Info: $49; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. “In Darfur”: Based on true events, this impeccably researched chronicle of the unfolding genocide in Sudan is a searing story of humanitarian urgency and compromised journalistic ethics.
Where: Theatre J, Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Noon Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through April 18
Info: $25 to $50; 800-494-8497; washingtondcjcc.org
5. “Reasons to be Pretty”: In this play, Neil LaBute tackles the taboos and unspoken truths of contemporary American life. The play concludes LaBute’s trilogy exploring America’s obsession with physical beauty.
Where: Studio Theatre, 16th St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through May 2
Info: $56 to $59; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
