Best Music 1. “A Prairie Home Companion”: Garrison Keillor opens the Wolf Trap summer season with his popular Minnesota Public Radio/WAMU show live on stage with Guy Noir, the All-Star Shoe Band and featuring special guest the Wailin’ Jennys.
Where: Filene Center, Wolt Trap
When: 8 p.m. Friday, and 5:45 p.m. sharp Saturdayfor live broadcast.
Info: $40 to $54 in-house, $25 lawn at 800-WOLFTRAP (965-3872) or wolftrap.org.
2. Memorial Day Capitol Concert: The National Symphony Orchestra celebrates Memorial Day with a concert featuring special guests, patriotic favorites, classical masterworks and more.
Where: West Lawn of U.S. Capitol
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free, no tickets required
3. National Memorial Day Choral Festival: The Festival Chorus conducted by Craig Jessop and the U.S. Army Orchestra conducted by Lt. Col. John Clanton perform great American music by John Williams, Robert Russell Bennet, Howard Hanson and others.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free at 800-395-2036 or visit music celebrations.com/May29.
4. America: The iconic folk rock band is back with “A Horse With No Name” and other hits.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Info: $69.50 at 703-549-7500 or birchmere.com.
5. Washington International Piano Competition: The Friday Morning Music Club Foundation presents six final soloists for the award.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: Tickets on first come, first served basis distributed in front of the theater before the performance. Information: 202-332-3133 or [email protected]
Best Galleries
1. Directions: Grazia Toderi: These two video projections from Italian artist Grazia Toderi emerge indirectly from her memory of watching the first moonwalk on television as a child.
Where: Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Sept. 5
Info: Free, 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. Ann Tarantino: SuperNatural: Pennsylvania-based artist Ann Tarantino’s willowy, kinetic works are created using paint sprayed from a bottle, manipulated by air compressor, or sometimes pushed across the paper by her own breath, giving them an airy, elegant texture.
Where: Curator’s Office, 1515 14th St. NW, second floor
When: Through June 5
Info: Free, 202-360-2573; curatorsoffice.com
3. Terri Weifenbach: Woods II: Twenty-one photographs documenting the beauty of the autumn and winter woodlands in and around D.C.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 1019 Seventh St. NW
When: Through June 4
Info: Free, 202-347-0022; civilianartprojects.com
4. Joe Ovelman: Coming Home: Joe Ovelman’s wood and mixed-media sculptures probe changing social norms around sex, taking their form, says the artist, from devices once used to protect the anonymity of participants in casual encounters.
Where: Conner Contemporary Art, 1358 Florida Ave. NE
When: Through July 2
Info: Free, 202-588-8750; connercontemporary.com
5. Jenny Freestone: New Prints: Jenny Freestone’s indelible lithography, photogravure, etching and other forms of printmaking explore the synthesis of the man-made and natural worlds.
Where: Washington Printmakers Gallery at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 3230 Georgia Ave, second floor, Silver Spring
When: Closing Sunday
Info: Free, 301-273-3660, washingtonprintmakers.com
Best Brainfood
1. Ballet Nacional de Cuba: The company returns to the Kennedy Center for the first time in 10 years to perform two programs, including “Magic of Dance.”
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: May 31 through June 5
Info: $25 to $99; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Matthew Algeo: The President is a Sick Man: Algeo reveals how Grover Cleveland spent the Fourth of July in 1893: Cleveland disappeared from public view and had surgery for cancer. When the secret operation was reported, Cleveland denied it and the public believed him. Twenty-four years later, Cleveland’s surgeon admitted the truth — and still no one believed it.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
3. Gallery Talks — Gauguin: Mythmaking through Painting Technique: Carol Christensen. 45 minutes.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fouth Street and Constitution Avenue NW, East Building ground Level, Information Desk.
When: 11 a.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
4. Experience Nature Through the Art of Photography: The annual Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards competition recognizes the passion and dedication of nature photographers. This celebration of creative talent and discovery has become one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind, uncovering new photographers and new perspectives from around the globe.
Where: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, 10th and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Sept. 25
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; mnh.si.edu/exhibits/natures-best
5. “Night and Day”: Washington Shakespeare Company’s production of Tom Stoppard’s rarely mounted 1978 play looks at a British newspaper strike through the prism of journalists covering a civil war in Africa, and introduces us to the a scintillating, witty ex-patriate wife of a British mine owner.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. NW
When: Through July 3
Info: $25 to $35; 888-841-2787; artisphere.com
Best Family
1.”A Year with Frog and Toad”: Frog and Toad explore the seasons and learn lessons along the way in this musical.
Where: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through June 5
Info: $15; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre.org
2.”Jack and the Beanstalk”: A parody of the famous British folk tale and contemporary children’s entertainment. 45 minutes long, aimed at young audiences but with lots of laughs built in for adults.
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean
When: noon on Sundays and Tuesdays beginning May 29; noon and 6 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.
and 2 p.m. Memorial Day
Info: $15; 703-854-1856; 1ststagetysons.org
3.Gemstone Club: Budding geologists and gem lovers, ages 7 to 11. Join for a month or a year of fun and collecting. Examine polished gems and uncut crystals. Learn about geology, mining, legends and literature for each gem. June 1: Pearl.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 1
Info: $8; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #642821-J
4. “The Mystery of the Well”: 1920s Chicago gangsters visit a small town in India believed to have a magical well. Is the legend of the well true? Will the gangsters take over the town? Through Bollywood-style song and dance the townspeople overcome obstacles and discover the true power of
the well. Ages 6 and older
Where: Ripley Center, Smithsonian, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW
When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: $3; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
5. “George and Martha … Tons of Fun!”: Inspired by the stories by James Marshall, the musical shares the whimsy and camaraderie of George and Martha, who are the best of friends. Well,
most of the time. For ages 3 and older
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: To May 28; see website for dates and times
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
Best Gatherings
1 “Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them”: The American Ensemble Theater presents Christopher Durang’s play about a young woman who becomes suspicious of her family members.
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE
When: Through June 11
Info: $8; 202-547-6839; chaw.org
2. “Walls Speak: The Narrative Art of Hildreth Meiere”: Hildreth Meiere (1892-1961) found her muse in monumental buildings: their domes, ceilings, walls, windows and floors were her canvas. A master of scale, she is best known for conceiving murals and mosaics of arresting beauty, combining glittering hues and flowing forms.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: Weekdays: 10 am. to 5 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Nov. 27
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nbm.gov
3. “National Garden Tour”: Stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the mid-Atlantic region. Enjoy stories surrounding them and learn which would grow well locally in your lawn and/or garden.Please note:This tour is held outdoors. We suggest wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and bringing water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat (heat index of 95 degrees or higher/Code Red weather alert).
Where: National Garden Lawn Terrace, Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; no pre-registration required; usbg.gov
4. Tayari Jones: Silver Sparrow: In her third novel, Jones chronicles the families of a bigamist. James’ daughters are born four months apart and despite his best efforts to prevent it, meet and become friends. While they share a biological father, their material and emotional circumstances are strikingly different, and Jones skillfully contrasts their distinct coming-of-age stories.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. May 31
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. “Ruined”: Lynn Nottage’s potent, Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a bar in the outback of strife-torn Congo makes its regional debut in a new production directed by Charles Randolph Wright.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through June 5
Info: $55 to $85 based on availability; 202-488-33000; arenastage.org
Best Outdoors
1. The Yards Park’s 15 Week Concert Series: Spend your Friday evenings on the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae and more. Food by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ. Enjoy the Kids Activity Zone with your children.
Where: N and Third streets SE
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays
Info: Free; capitolriverfront.org
2. Local Bird Walk: Adults, 14 and older. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn parks in search of resident birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 8:30 to 11 a.m. June 1
Info: Free; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program # 642941-D
3. Gabrill State Park, Black Locust Trail: This trail warmly invites the hiker as it opens to the northwest with a gentle rise and an abundance of magnificent mountain laurel. While the northward trek toward Bootjack Spring is an easy to moderate jaunt, the gain and the sometimes very rocky path makes this portion of the hike less than pleasant for young hikers. Beginning at North Frederick Overlook the remainder of the hike is more leisurely with an overall descent back south toward the trailhead.
Where: Near Thurmont, Md.
When: Any day
Info: Contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources; 301-271-7574; localhikes.com
4. Visit Gravelly Point: Take a picnic and enjoy the water, the wildlife and the planes zooming in and out of Ronald Reagan Washinton National Airport at Gravelly Point, just north of Alexandria.
Where: Off northbound George Washington Parkway
When: any day, dawn to dusk
Info: 703-289-2500
5. “Difficult Run”: Variety is the word to describe this 4.8-mile round-trip hike. Descend to Difficult Run and follow it as it winds to the Potomac River. After a short, steep climb to the ridge, follow the rim of Mather Gorge toward Great Falls, a channel believed to be 180 million years old. Pass by remains of Matildaville, named by Lighthorse Harry Lee in honor of his wife, and the Potowmack Canal, planned by George Washington and operated for 26 years before being bought out by the Chesapeake and Ohio Co. Follow the trail as it winds along to Great Falls. For hikers, dogs, bikes, horses.
Where: McLean
When: Year round; localhikes.com
Info: Contact: Great Falls Visitors Center: 703-285-2965; localhikes.com
Best Theater
1.”Venus in Fur”: David Muse will direct David Ives’ play, heralded as one of the best productions of 2010. Inspired by Leopold von Sache-Masoch’s notorious erotic novel of 1870, this play is an exploration of desire and control, seduction and gamesmanship.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: To July 3
Info: 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
2. “Follies”: Winner of seven Tonys,”Follies”is one of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s greatest works. All of life’s might-have-beens take center stage as two couples rehash past times and favorite songs amid the crumbling magnificence of their old theater.
Where: Eisenhower Theater, the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: To June 19; see website for dates and times.
Info: $45 to $150; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. “Cyrano”: This French romance centers on a fascinating and poignant love triangle. Cyrano secretly adores Roxanne but fears she could never share the sentiment because of his legendary nose. Instead, he uses his gift for wit and wordplay to help his tongue-tied friend Christian woo her. Will she be won by Christian’s appearance or Cyrano’s soul?
Where: Folger Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SW
When: To June 12
Info: $30 to $60; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
4. “A Time to Kill”: A stage adaptation of John Grisham’s best-selling courtroom drama that considers the meaning of justice when a man takes the law into his own hands following an unspeakable crime committed against his daughter.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: To June 19
Info: Tickets start at $55; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
5. “Tennessee Continuum”: Washington Shakespeare Company’s production of a double bill of one-act plays by Tennessee Williams, “Portrait of a Madonna” and “Gnadiges Fraulein.”
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. NW
When: To July 3
Info: $25 to $35; 888-841-2787; artisphere.com
