Brain Food
1. “Roseanne Cash: Composed — A Memoir”: For 30 years as a musician, Cash has enjoyed critical success. In her latest book, Cash writes about her upbringing as the child of country music legend Johnny Cash and the stepdaughter of June Carter Cash. Her memoir recounts the long process of finding her place in the music industry.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Info: Two admission tickets free with book purchase, $10 each without book purchase; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
2. Jamie Ford: The author reads from his latest novel, “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” as part of the season’s final Open Door Reading event. A book signing follows.
Where: The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: Free, reservations recommended; 301-654-8664; writer.org
3. “Ride the Divide”: A showing of the film about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, covering 2,700 miles from Banff, Canada, to a dusty Mexican border town. The film follows three characters’ experiences and shows beautiful mountain scenery. Followed by a question-and-answer session with director Hunter Weeks, producer Joe Cantwell and Tour Divide champion Matthew Lee.
Where: Arlington Cinema ‘N Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
When: 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday
Info: $10; 703-486-2345; arlingtondrafthouse.com
4. “The Talented Mr. Ripley”: Atlas Saturday Night Movies, Cinema al Fresco Staycation Series features the American film noir classic about a young man in the 1950s in New York City who is sent by a wealthy man to Italy to persuade his son to return to the United States.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; series continues Saturday nights through Sept. 4
Info: $6; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
5. “No Rain in the Amazon”: Drawing on his expertise of South American politics, Nikolas Kozloff argues that cooperation between the world’s countries is essential in turning back the tide of climate change and that the fate of the planet depends on our response to environmental problems within the Southern Hemisphere. Book signing follows discussion.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V streets NW
When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11
Info: Free; busboysandpoets.com
Family
1. Calling Crickets Campfire: Bring the whole family to this old-fashioned program with songs, games, animal guests and s’mores.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center Campfire Ring, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Friday
Info: $5; $20 maximum per family; registration necessary at 703-228-4747; program 643550-09
2. 10 a.m. Woodley Park Metro Meetup: Join park volunteer Kevin and his therapy dog Ava at the Woodley Park Metro station, then walk to Montrose Park and beautiful Dumbarton Oaks. Ages 7 and older. Dog-friendly.
Where: Woodley Park Metro station
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-895-6070; nps.gov/rocr
3. “Snoopy Come Home”: The Atlas Arts Center 1970s Family Series Film Program: Saturdays will be double-feature days. The early show will be the 1970s Family Film Series featuring kid-friendly movies.
Where: Atlas Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: $6; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
4. Sunset Serenades: Every summer, people flock to the National Zoo’s Lion/Tiger Hill for summer concerts. Performances range from jazz and folk to blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Bring a picnic or purchase food and drinks from zoo vendors. Thursday: The Grandsons
Where: The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: Free; 202-633-4480; nationalzoo.si.edu/Education
5. Amazing Arches: Build a Life-Sized Arch in the Great Hall: Arches are an iconic architectural feature in the museum’s Great Hall and around the world. But have you ever wondered just how they work? Discover the arch’s secrets for yourself by constructing a 7-foot-tall, soft-block arch in the museum’s Great Hall. Fun for all ages!
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
Galleries
1. Guido Van der Werve and Hiroshi Sugimoto: Works from the Permanent Collection: Dutch provocateur Van der Werve’s 2007 “Nummer Negen (#9) The Day I Didn’t Turn with the World” is paired with five works from Japanese artist Sugimoto’s “Seascapes” series, creating a visual harmony where Sugimoto’s large-format, monochromatic images complement his film.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Ongoing
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. Beat Memories: The Photographs of Allen Ginsberg at the National Gallery of Art: Ginsberg’s personal library of about 80 monochrome photographs of himself and fellow literary travelers like William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac, is catalogued and exhibited for the first time. Since you’re not going to say it, we will: beats working!
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Sept. 6
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
3. Honoring LaFayette: Contemporary Quilts from France and America: This show features French and American quilts made to venerate the Marquis de LaFayette, the Frenchman whose support for the cause of American independence helped convince France to join forces with the young United States in the Revolutionary War.
Where: Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, 1776 D St. NW
When: Through Sept. 4
Info: Free; dar.org/museum
4. Pousette-Dart: Predominantly White Paintings: Now seldom seen, Richard Pousette-Dart’s otherworldly early-1950s paintings — created from a chalky palette using very little paint — look like faded hieroglyphs from a vanished culture.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through Sept. 12
Info: $12, $10 students/seniors 62-plus/military, free for museum members and visitors age 18 and under; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
5. Norse Soul — The Legacy of Edvard Munch, Social Democracy, Old Myths, Anarchy, and Death Longings: A fine companion exhibition to the National Gallery of Art’s Master Prints show of Munch’s work, this survey follows contemporary Norwegian art from the 1930s through the present via four representative artists: Arne Ekeland, Marianne Heske, Bjarne Melgaard and Marthe Thorshaug.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through Oct. 17
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
Gatherings
1. “Babylon Central”: Thievery Corporation’s Eric Hilton steps away from the DJ booth and moves behind the lens as director of a film bursting with geopolitical intrigue.
Where: The Fridge, 516 Eighth St. SE
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $8; 202-664-4151; babyloncentralfilm.com
2. Tango Concert: Music and dance performance by QuinTango, sponsored by the Alexandria Performing Arts Association.
Where: Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 703-505-0700; alexandriava.gov
3. Studio Theatre Annual Garage Sale: Get one-of-a-kind items, including fabulous costumes, props, electronics, furniture and antiques from Studio Theatre’s 2009-10 season productions: “Adding Machine,” “The Solid Gold Cadillac,” “In the Red and Brown Water,” “American Buffalo,” “Legends!” and more.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: 202-232-7267; [email protected]
4. “Eight”: You get to decide which of eight monologues you will see, based on excerpts in a ballot. All of these monologues feature young, crumbling lives in an economically devastated society. Barely employed Bobby just wants to make a decent Christmas for her kids. Astrid cheats on, but can’t leave, her disappointing husband. The weakest link is Jude, a teenager who falls for a much older woman. Only Millie, a prostitute catering to the dying British elite, can thrive in this world. She’s a reluctant vulture, feeding off what’s left.
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Aug. 12 and 13; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday and Aug. 14
Info: $10 to $15; 202-462-7833; dcartscenter.org
5. Open Source: Enjoy a full day of meeting local artists at the Source. See theater, improv, music and dance through workshops and performances for all ages.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-315-1321; sourcedc.org
Movie
‘The Other Guys’
Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Adam McKay
Rated PG for crude and sexual content, language, violence and some drug material
Running Time: 107 minutes
NYPD detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the baddest and most beloved cops in New York City. Two desks over and one back sit Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). Every cop has his or her day, and soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into a seemingly innocuous case no other detective wants to touch that could turn into New York City’s biggest crime. It’s the opportunity of their lives, but do these guys have the right stuff?
Music
1. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony: Conductor/creator George Daugherty and the National Symphony Orchestra celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Bugs Bunny on Broadway” with this sequel featuring “Looney Tunes” characters, the Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and the Jetsons cartoons in such “kwazy” adventures as “The Rabbit of Seville,” “Bedrock Ballet” and a theme-song montage.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday
Info: $32 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
2. The Music of James Bond: Carl Davis conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in theme songs from James Bond films “Goldfinger,” “Casino Royale,” “Dr. No” and others, with vocalist Mary Carewe.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8:15 p.m. Thursday
Info: $42 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
3. Hippiefest: A Concert for Peace and Love: This festival Jack Bruce of Cream, together with War, Mitch Ruder, Rare Earth and a musical fusion of rock, jazz, Latin and R&B to break down barriers.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $42 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. Desert Rose Band: The reunion tour of the group founded by Chris Hillman of the Byrds features its signature country rock style played by original members Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Jay Dee Maness, John Jorgenson, Bill Bryson and Steve Duncan from the hit ’80s albums.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $39.50; 703-549-7500, birchmere.com; ticketmaster.com
5. The Freddie Cole Quartet: Nat’s youngest brother, a classically trained jazz pianist to behold and exclaim over, is back for four electrifying days.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Info: $25; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Outdoors
1. Hike Dark Hollow, Shenandoah National Park: This moderate hike promises two waterfalls and lots of wildlife. The hike is a 5.5-mile round trip on a well-maintained trail and should take three hours.
Where: Drive to Big Meadow, South of MP51 on Skyline Drive. Follow signs to amphitheater, where trail head is located.
When: Year-round
Info: 540-999-3500; localhikes.com
2. Living Earth Festival: This weekend-long event features a fresh-produce market, fine-art market, hands-on activities for kids and families, a cooking competition, and concert on Saturday at 6 p.m. with Dumpstaphunk, led by keyboardist Ivan Neville.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: 1 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
3. Legg Mason Tennis Classic: A group tennis outing to one of the nation’s most famous tournaments. Ticket is good for reserved seating for singles final (1 p.m.) and doubles final to follow (center court seating).
Where: William H. G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, 16th and Kennedy streets NW
When: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $55; thingstododc.com
4. “Ironman”: Part of the superhero series in Movies on the Potomac: Family Sundays. Movies at sunset on the National Harbor waterfront. Series runs through Sept. 26.
Where: National Harbor, Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill
When: Just after sunset Sunday
Info: Free, lawn chairs recommended; 877-628-5427; nationalharbor.com
5. Golf, Anyone? Whether you’re a beginner or have had a lot of experience and just want some expert advice, this event is for you. The program for beginners covers information on the correct grip, stance and setup from a PGA professional. Beginners and more experienced players will be assessed and given one-on-one attention from the pros.
Where: Olney Golf Park, 3414 Emory Church Road, Olney
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: $55; thingstododc.com
Theater
1. “Noises Off”: Michael Frayn’s hilarious comedy uses the concept of a “play within a play” to show how the cast’s and crew’s offstage antics and personalities affect the onstage performance.
Where: Keegan Theatre, Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through Aug. 22
Info: $25 to $30; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
2. “The Mikado”: Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular opera takes place in Japan, where a wandering musician, Nanki-Poo, falls in love with Yum-Yum. The musical contains some of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most favorite music (“A Wand’ring Minstrel I,” “Three Little Maids,” “The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring” and “Here’s a How-De-Do”) and most imaginative characters.
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE
When: 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and Aug. 12 and 14; 3 p.m. Saturday and Aug. 14
Info: $20; ($10 Aug. 7 matinee); 202-547-6839; chaw.org
3. “Passing Strange”: This musical follows a rock musician on his quest for authenticity, as he travels from Los Angeles to Europe and home again. From singer-songwriter Stew comes a new kind of musical.
Where: The Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: $33 to $43; 202-232-7267; studiotheatre.org
4. “The Savannah Disputation”: In this contemporary comedy, a Pentecostal missionary gets more than she bargains for when she drops in on two Catholic spinsters and sparks a crisis of faith. The sisters enlist the help of their naive parish priest, setting the stage for a theological showdown about what it means to truly believe.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday; through Aug. 22
Info: $26 to $49; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
5. “Avenue Q”: The Broadway musical, whose irreverent book and score deal with the lives of young people who struggle to survive in New York City, as told by a cast made up of actors and puppets.
Where: The Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Aug. 15.
Info: $20 to $87; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
