Brain Food
1. Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra: Violinist Michelle Kim, cellist Igor Zubkovsky and pianist Anna Ouspenskaya play Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme” and Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano.
Where: Millennium Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 4
Info: Free; 202-457-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. The Allure of Contemporary Japanese Prints: Prints by four artists include 20th-century master Yozo Hamaguchi.
Where: Japan Information and Culture Center, 1155 21st St. NW
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; through Sept. 4
Info: 202-238-6900; us.emb-japan.go.jp
3. The Common Element: Glass and Sculpture: Samples of glass and sculpture from 16 artists from the Washington Glass School and D.C. Glass Works.
Where: ArtDC Gallery 5710 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville
When: Through Sept. 5
Info: 703-217-2006; artdcgallery.com
4. Constructed Color: Amish Quilts: An exhibition, on loan from the International Quilt Study Center of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, of 25 quilt varieties representing three Amish communities.
Where: The Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW
When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Sept. 6
Info: $5 suggested donation; 202-667-0441; textilemuseum.org
Family
1. Preschoolers Day at the Skate Park: A morning just for little ones to roll their scooters and trikes at the skate park or to check out the fire truck and bulldozer on display.
Where: Bohrer Park at Summit Hall, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 5
Info: $3 (residents); $5 (nonresidents); 301-258-6350; gaithersburgmd.gov
2. Sprouts: Fall 2009: Bring your preschooler to the U.S. Botanic Garden for plant-related fun. Sign up for a one-month session and attend four different programs. October will be a repeat of the September programs. Each Wednesday session will include varied activities that may include a story, art activity or walk in the garden. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the nature of the program, participating children must be 3 years of age.
Where: Conservatory classroom, U.S. Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave.
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 (code FC090209) or Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 (code FC100709).
Info: Registration required; 202-255-8333; usbg.gov
3. Arches and Trusses: The Tension Builds: Discover how building forces, materials and structures affect strength and longevity. Participants test building materials and work together to build a brick arch. Most appropriate for children ages 5 and older.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays; 11:30 a.m. Sundays
Info: Free, registration not required; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
4. Wild Ones: Animal Rehabilitation Day: Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to join an exciting nature club in which they can learn about the mysteries of nature. At this session, they will meet some of the animals that are taken into a rehabilitation program and see what happens before the creatures are released back into the wild.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 9
Info: Free; registration required at 703-228-4747; program No. 613751-01
5. Gulf Branch Campfires: The whole family is invited to join the fire ring for old-fashioned fun: stories, animal guests, games, songs and s’mores!
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Sept. 5
Info: $5 per person, $20 max per family; registration required at 703-228-4747; program No. 613651-16.
Galleries
1. Artful Animals: This multimedia exhibit explores the role of animal imagery in African art. There’s a fascinating not-quite-paradox at work here: Animals are often used as representations of different human characteristics, but their depiction is typically based on direct observation of the animals in their natural habitats. And we don’t mean a bear in a Studebaker.
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW
When: Through Feb. 21, 2010
Info: Free; 202-633-4600; africa.si.edu
2. Strange Bodies: Figurative Works from the Hirshhorn Collection: This exhibit of more than 40 pieces drawn mostly from the Hirshhorn’s permanent collection prods at our discomfort and fascination with our bodies, looking at the myriad ways in which artists have chosen to distort the body’s scale, shape, color and form. New pieces have been added since the show’s January debut, so it warrants a second look, to say nothing of a first.
Where: Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through early 2010
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
3. In the Tower: Philip Guston: Philip Guston has worked in many idioms over the course of his five-decade career as a painter, from Works Progress Administration-era mural art to abstract expressionism to a stunning late-period return to figuration. These seven paintings and nine works on paper show us the breadth of his inspiration.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Sept. 13
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
4. Tom Green: Points of View: Prolific D.C. painter and draftsman Tom Green draws from six series made over the course of four decades to curate this best-of featuring “biomorphic acrylics,” screenprints and monochromatic paintings.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 406 Seventh St. NW
When: CLOSING Sept. 5
Info: Free; 202-347-0022; civilianartprojects.com
5. Andis Applewhite: Obtuse Writings: Applewhite’s haunting seriagraphs are inspired by the writings of Carl Jung, scratching at the duality of consciousness and unconsciousness. Artist talk from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 13.
Where: Washington Printmakers Gallery, 1732 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: Through Sept. 27
Info: Free; 202-332-7757; washingtonprintmakers.com
Gatherings
1. Performances by Signature Theatre: Works by composers in Signature’s American Musical Voices Project: Michael John LaChiusa, Ricky Ian Gordon, Joseph Thalken, Adam Guettel, Adam Gwon and Matt Conner. Get a sneak peek at new plays and musicals being developed in the Washington area. Visit the Web site for a complete schedule and the latest updates.
Where: Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 7
Info: Free; 202-457-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Virginia Scottish Games and Festival: Go mad for plaid and celebrate Scottish heritage with bands, dancing and incredible feats of strength. Where else can you watch hulking men hurl logs the size of telephone poles? New this year: Saturday night concert.
Where: Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, Va.
When: 9 a.m. Sept. 5 and 6 (see Web site for details)
Info: $18, $25 two-day pass, discounts available; 703-912-1943; vascottishgames.org
3. Jazz at Olney: Kenia and the Steve Rudolph Trio: World-renowned vocalist Kenia, who defined the essence of pop-accented Brazilian jazz in the 1980s and 1990s, performs accompanied by the Steve Rudolph Trio.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 5
Info: $26; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
4. Brightest Young Things Summer Camp: Local everywhere-always bloggers host a weekly summer camp. Expect: swimming, games, crafts, music and ridiculous sunglasses.
Where: Capitol Skyline Hotel, 101 Eye St. SW
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 5
Info: $10; 202-488-7500; brightestyoungthings.com
5. Herndon Labor Day Wine and Jazz Festival: Leave your own backyard and come experience a novel way to celebrate Labor Day.
Where: Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St., Herndon
When: noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 7
Info: $5, $15 admission for unlimited wine tasting; 703-787-7300; herndon-va.gov
Movies
‘Extract’
Stars: Jason Bateman Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig
Director: Mike Judge
Rated R for language, sexual references and some drug use.
Running Time: 91 minutes
A flower extract plant owner deals with workplace issues and a stream of bad luck, including his wife’s affair with a gigolo.
‘World’s Greatest Dad’
An unsuccessful writer suddenly makes good by concocting fake diaries that turn his son’s accidental death into a poignant suicide.
‘All About Steve’
A CNN cameraman is stalked across the country by a brilliant but eccentric crossword-puzzler.
‘My One and Only’
A 1950s-set comedy in which the glamorous Anne Deveraux embarks on a drive down the Eastern Seaboard in a quixotic search for a wealthy man to fund a new life for her and her sons.
‘It Might Get Loud’
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
‘Still Walking’
The Yokoyamas are a typical dysfunctional family. With a subtle balance of gentle humor and wistful sorrow, the film portrays just how annoying, and exactly how precious, family can be.
Music
1. NSO Labor Day Capitol Concert: Emil de Cou conducts this celebration of the 2009-2010 season with a performance of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” in honor of the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 6
Info: Free, no tickets required. In case of inclement weather, concert moves to Kennedy Center Concert Hall. 202-416-8113.
2. Mose Allison Trio: Called the missing link between blues and jazz, the witty pianist grows better each decade and settles in for a long weekend.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Sept. 3 to 6
Info: $25; bluesalley.com
3. Maysa: The Baltimore-bred smooth jazz artist took her classical performance degree from Morgan State University to Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, then across the pond to Britain and recordings with major artists, followed by her own highly praised solo albums.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 to 6
Info: $39.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
4. Toby Keith with Trace Adkins: Take an “American Ride” with Toby Keith and his fellow Nashville superstar, Trace Adkins of “Celebrity Apprentice” fame.
Where: Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, Va.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8
Info: $18.70 to $25 lawn, $55 in-house; 703-754-6400; livenation.com
Outdoors
1. ‘Princess Bride’: This Friday is the last in the summer series of Prince William Forest Park’s outdoor movies.
Where: Prince William Forest Park, 18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, Va.
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 4
Info: $5 park entrance fee; 703-221-7181; nps.gov
2. Farmers market: Come enjoy farm-fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts and more. The farmers market is located outside on the Third Street Courtyard at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Where: U. S. Department of Transportation
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 8
Info: Free; capitolriverfront.org
3. Old Ebbitt Grill Labor Day Block Party: A Labor Day festival to benefit D.C. Central Kitchen with a full menu of American fare and performances by Mudcat and Bruce in the USA.
Where: 15th and G streets NW
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 5
Info: $75; tickets available at Web site until Sept. 5 (ticket covers drink and food); ebbittblockparty.com
4. Visit Roosevelt Island: One of Theodore Roosevelt’s greatest legacies was his dedication to conservation. Today, this imposing island stands as a fitting memorial to the outdoorsman who was our 26th president.
Where: Accessible only from northbound lane of George Washington Memorial Parkway; entrance north of Roosevelt Bridge
When: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round
Info: Free, limited parking; nps.gov
5. ‘Carter Barron Summer Concert Series: D.C.Blues Society’: The outdoor theater in Rock Creek Park hosts weekend concerts through the summer.
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW
When: Noon Sept. 5
Info: Free, no tickets required; 202-426-0486; carterbarron.com
Theater
1. Kennedy Center’s Eighth Annual Page-To-Stage New Play Festival: More than 40 theaters from the D.C./Baltimore area participate in this festival, whose mission is to present new work. The three-day event offers a series of readings and open rehearsals of plays, musicals and children’s theater being developed by local, regional and national playwrights, librettists and composers.
Where: Various locations within The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 to 7
Info: Free; 202-457-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. “Eclipsed”: Danai Gurira’s play deals with five young Liberian women caught in the midst of a civil war. The captive wives of a Liberian rebel officer form a hardscrabble sisterhood. When a new girl (who can read) arrives and another (who can kill) returns, the group’s possibilities are quickly transformed.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St., NW
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Sept 15; through Sept. 27.
Info: $27 to $56; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
3. “Zero Hour”: Jim Brochu performs his own tribute to the multitalented Zero Mostel, reflecting his many moods, zany humor and extraordinary capacity for wild behavior. Directed by Piper Laurie.
Where: Theatre J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Aug. 29-Sept 27; showtimes vary; check Web site for times
Info: $27.50 to $55; 202-518-9400; washingtondcjcc.org
4. “Artist Descending a Staircase” and “The Oogatz Man”: Longacre Lea presents a pair of one-act plays, the first of which was written by Tom Stoppard; the second is a new play by Kathleen Akerley.
Where: Hartke and Callan Theatres, The Catholic University of America, 3801 Harewood Road NE
When: 7:30 p.m Wednesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; through Sept. 13
Info: $12 to $18; 202-460-2188; longacrelea.org
5. “Camille: A Tearjerker”: Charles Ludlam’s take on the classic 1848 story, Alexandre Dumas fils’ “The Lady of Camillias.” In Ludlam’s version, the story becomes a wild comedy, in which the Parisian courtesan is played in drag, and every ounce of camp is emphasized.
Where: Washington Shakespeare Company, Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Sept. 27
Info: $25 to $50, Saturday matinee pay-what-you-can; 703-418-4808; washingtonshakespeare.org
