D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining

Valentine

Valentine's hater?

Don't worry. We've got a list of anti-Valentine's Day events, including Smiths/Morrissey cover bands.

Photo: Yui Mok/Associated Press

Oscar shorts

Oscar shorts

Our guide to catch up on all the Oscar-nominated shorts, including "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom."

Photo: Shorts International

 
 
Winter's best
Take a twirl on the ice, fire up the fire pit, indulge in rich hot chocolate or warm up with soup.
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New boutique pizzerias have raised the bar for capital city pies. Here's where to find the city's best pizza.

Going Out Gurus

GOG BLOG

Free and Easy: Grammy-winning folk and the Iranian film festival

February 12, 2012

Free this week: catch a performance by the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the closing of the Iranian film festival.

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Events for Today February

  • Mon 13
  • Tues 14
  • Wed 15
  • Thurs 16
  • Fri 17
  • Sat 18
  • Sun 19

Today's Editors' Picks

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    Dirt Farm Presents: Last-Minute Valentine! - Exhibit
    If you've ever visited Galaxy Hut, you've seen paintings by Ben Claassen, the artist behind the syndicated cartoon "Dirt Farm." For the first time in years, Classeen will be displaying all new art on the Hut's walls, which calls for a celebration. Aside from the great beer and low-key vibe that the bar is known for, the Last Minute Valentine party will feature music by the Torches and Third Channel, the solo project of the Aquarium's Jason Hutto, standup comedy by Mickey Free and Ellie Beziat and a "Valentine's Day Sappy Love Mix" between entertainers.
    Galaxy Hut | Arlington, VA
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    Matthew M. Aid - Book Event
    The intelligence historian and expert reads from and discusses his new book, "Intel Wars: The Secret History of the Fight Against Terror." A book signing follows.
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
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    Capitals - Sports Events
    Vs. the San Jose Sharks
    Verizon Center | Washington, DC
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    Nathan Englander - Book Event
    The award-winning writer reads from and discusses his new collection of stories, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank." Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door or two free with purchase of the book. For details, call 202-408-3100; to RSVP, visit www.sixthandi.org.
    Sixth and I Historic Synagogue | Washington, DC
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    D.C. Meat-Free Week - Food Event
    If Meat Week didn't fit your dietary practices, D.C. Meat-Free Week offers barbecue, beer dinners and vegan chocolate fondue.
    Various locations | Washington, DC
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    CONQUERING THE 14 - Miscellaneous Event
    Mountain-climber Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner shares her experiences. At the Grosvenor Auditorium.
    National Geographic Society - Grosvenor Auditorium | Washington, DC
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    Pan American Symphony Orchestra - Music Event
    Performing works by Latin American composers. At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Eli Saslow - Book Event
    The Washington Post staff writer reads from and discusses his recent, bestselling book, "Ten Letters: The Stories Americans Tell Their President." A book signing follows.
    Northeast Branch Library | Washington, DC
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    Mothertongue - Miscellaneous Event
    "Anti-Valentine's Day Slam"
    Black Cat | Washington, DC
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    Mothertongue's Anti-Valentine's Day Slam - Bar/Club Event
    An all-female lineup of poets and storytellers wax poetic about love.
    Black Cat | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Tues, February 14

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    Civilization (all you can eat) Cheap Date Night - Miscellaneous Event
    Woolly Mammoth Theatre's regular Cheap Date night returns on Valentine's Day, making tickets to the Feb. 14th show of "Civilization (all you eat)" are all $20.
    Woolly Mammoth Theatre | Washington, DC
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    Anti-Valentine's Day Party - Miscellaneous Event
    In the midst of a remodel, Bar Pilar nixes cupid in favor of a night of hilarious wallowing, with "bitter" and "sour"-themed cocktails and desserts and plenty of breakup songs. Think: Cupid's Broken Arrow with rum, sugarcane citrus soda and housemade bitters, citrus-pickled melon and mint, and desserts such as the bittersweet chocolate terrine with burnt orange sabayon and maldon.
    Bar Pilar | Washington, DC
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    Valentine's Day Dinner and Performance by Julia Nixon - Miscellaneous Event
    Listen to Julia Nixon perform during a set two course meal, with a complimentary slice of red velvet cake for each guest.
    Melody Tavern | Arlington, VA
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    Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University - Music Event
    Performing works by Cy Coleman. At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Valentine's Day dinner at Zentan - Miscellaneous Event
    A four-course, Valentine's Day dinner with an Asian twist includes red snapper with rose essence and beet; short ribs with chicory, truffles and horseradish and house-made truffles.
    Zentan at the Donovan House Hotel | Washington, DC
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    Valentine's Day Dinner - Miscellaneous Event
    A price-fixe, five-course dinner includes warm Kumamoto oysters with creamed basil; steamed Maine lobster with Japanese turnips, bok choy and yuzu vinaigrette; and more. Reservations strongly recommended.
    J&G Steakhouse | Washington, DC
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    Valentine's Day at The Butcher's Block - Miscellaneous Event
    A Valentine's Day to-go menu of Chris Watson's food, along with a selection of pastries and wines.
    The Butcher's Block | Alexandria, VA
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    Valentine's Day dinner - Miscellaneous Event
    A five-course menu includes options such as pepper-crusted tuna tataki with cauliflower puree, watermelon radish and ginger vinaigrette; Maine lobster ravioli with artichoke and sundried-tomato ragout and lobster cream; and roasted New Frontier Bison strip loin with potato and apple gratin; while the dessert course features red velvet souffle.
    Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier | Alexandria, VA
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    Valentine's Day Romance & Dining - Miscellaneous Event
    The Happy "H"ours consists of a chocolate fountain, complimentary glass of champagne, and cash-bar, and the Sit-Down Dinner consists of a four-course meal, caviar bar, chocolate fountain, and dessert buffet.
    The Mansion on O Street | Washington, DC
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    Valentine's Day dinner - Miscellaneous Event
    A five-course, price-fixed dinner that stays true to the restaurant's French theme, offering diners such options as saffron risotto with mascarpone cheese and gold leaf, butter poached lobster with almond cream and tomato tartar, and pepper-crusted fillet of beef with dark chocolate sauce.
    Cafe du Parc | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Wed, February 15

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    Joe Torre on Managing Major League Baseball - Miscellaneous Event
    Moderated by Phil Hochberg, Joe Torre gives a discussion on managing major league baseball. At the Lisner Auditorium.
    George Washington University - Lisner Auditorium | Washington, DC
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    Angela Y. Davis - Book Event
    The activist, professor and writer, author of "Are Prisons Obsolete?" and "Women, Race, and Class," presents the James Farmer Visiting Professor Lecturer and Black History Month Keynote. At the Dodd Auditorium.
    University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg, VA
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    The Story of Gitanjali and Pather Panchali: A Living Resonance - Miscellaneous Event
    Two documentaries are screened, one examining polymath Rabindranath Tagore and the other looks at filmmaker Satyajit Ray's film "Pather Panchali."
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Emerson String Quartet - Music Event
    Joined by pianist Wu Han, the quartet performs selections from Haydn, Brahms, and Schumann. Presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society
    The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
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    Moombahton Massive XII - Music Event
    Featuring Nadastrom, Sabo, Munchi, Heartbreak and Jen Lasher
    U Street Music Hall | Washington, DC
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    Cartography: From Ptolemy to Crisis Mapping - Miscellaneous Event
    A discussion on map-making by geographer Matthew Jennings.
    S. Dillon Ripley Center - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
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    MONSTER VALENTINES/MONSTERS IN LOVE - Miscellaneous Event
    Part of Art After School. Create monster-themed Valentines. Ages 7-12. Drop-ins welcome.
    BloomBars | Washington, DC
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    John Nichols - Book Event
    The Washington correspondent for the Nation magazine reads from and discusses his new book, "Uprising: How Wisconsin Renewed the Politics of Protest, from Madison to Wall Street." A book signing follows. Sponsored by Teaching for Change, Busboys and Poets, and Progressive Democrats of America.
    Busboys and Poets | Washington, DC
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    Tim Weiner - Book Event
    The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter discusses and signs his new book, "Enemies: A History of the FBI."
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
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    Social ballroom dance - Miscellaneous Event
    Lesson at 7:30
    Hollywood Ballroom | Silver Spring, MD

Highlighted Events: Thurs, February 16

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    Sleigh Bells - Music Event
    NOTE: This show has been postponed. With Liturgy and Black Bananas.
    9:30 Club | Washington, DC
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    O'Brother - Music Event
    Noisy, fuzzed-out and brooding. With Junius and Black Clouds.
    DC9 | Washington, DC
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    Discover Ellington: Robert Glasper - Music Event
    A pianist who continues to push jazz and hip-hop closer to each other.
    The Mansion at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
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    Laughter On the 23rd Floor - Performing Arts
    Neil Simon's play, presented by Keegan Theatre, gives the audience a peek into the television show writer's room of "Your Show of Shows."
    Keegan Theatre at Church Street | Washington, DC
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    Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance - Performing Arts
    At the Eisenhower Theater.
    The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Jane Cox--Lost Towns of the Chesapeake - Miscellaneous Event
    A talk by Jane Cox on the discovery of lost towns and what is being found at Pigs Point.
    Calvert Marine Museum | Solomons, MD
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    Shadow Commander: The Epic Story of Donald D. Blackburn-Guerrilla Leader and Special Forces Hero - Book Event
    Author Mike Guardia discusses his book about Donald Blackburn.
    International Spy Museum | Washington, DC
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    Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Music Event
    Conductor James Gaffigan with pianist Lise de la Salle Brahms present a program of Mozart, Wagner, and R. Strauss
    The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
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    Artist Talk: J.J. McCracken - Exhibit
    Artist J.J. McCracken talks about her work in the exhibition "Thirst."
    Brentwood Arts Exchange at Gateway Arts Center | Brentwood, MD
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    Jamal Joseph - Bar/Club Event
    The 1960s student radical activist and former Black Panther Party member reads from and discusses his new memoir, "Panther Baby: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention." Joseph is currently the chair of Columbia University's School of the Arts film division; call 202-364-1919 for details.
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Fri, February 17

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    Iranian Film Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    See nine contemporary Iranian films, including some of this past year's critics' picks. At the Meyer Auditorium.
    Freer Gallery of Art - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
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    Peter and the Wolf - Performing Arts
    There is no better way to introduce kids to the magic of classical music than to show them a play like "Peter and the Wolf" where each animal gets its own distinctive instrument. What is special about the Puppet Co.'s "Peter and the Wolf" is that all the strings are pulled by just one man -- Christopher Piper. Best for ages 4 to 11. At the Puppet Co. Playhouse.
    The Puppet Company Playhouse | Glen Echo, MD
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    Laughter On the 23rd Floor - Performing Arts
    Neil Simon's play, presented by Keegan Theatre, gives the audience a peek into the television show writer's room of "Your Show of Shows."
    Keegan Theatre at Church Street | Washington, DC
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    Timothy Stanley - Book Event
    The writer, a historian of the United States at Oxford University, reads from and discusses his new book, "The Crusader: The Life and Tumultuous Times of Pat Buchanan." He will be joined by the subject of his book, political commentator Patrick J. Buchanan. Call 202-364-1919 for details.
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
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    Commedia Romeo and Juliet - Performing Arts
    Performed by Faction of Fools Theatre Company. At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Right On Band - Music Event
    '70s tribute
    The State Theatre | Falls Church, VA
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    Rebecca Walker - Book Event
    The store is hosting a panel discussion on the new book, "Black Cool: One Thousand Streams of Blackness," with the author, Rebecca Walker, and Helena Andrews, Jamyla Bennu and Johnica Reed. A book signing follows; call 202-387-7638 for details.
    Busboys and Poets | Washington, DC
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    Chopin Vodka Dinner - Food Event
    A four-course meal will be paired with several varieties of vodka.
    DC Coast | Washington, DC
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    America's National Parks: Through the Artist's Lens - Music Event
    A quartet of Wolf Trap Opera Company alumni joins pianist Kim Witman and features the photos of Terre Jones.
    Wolf Trap - The Barns | Vienna, VA
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    Complexions Contemporary Ballet - Performing Arts
    Choreographer and artistic director Dwight Rhoden and artist-in-residence and artistic director Desmond Richardson lead dancers through a mix of methods, styles and cultures. At the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
    Center for the Arts - George Mason University | Fairfax, VA

Highlighted Events: Sat, February 18

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    Aeroplane - Music Event
    The Belgian DJ duo was the first headlining act at U Street Music Hall and returns to spin more worldly dance music. With Cassian and DJ Provoke.
    U Street Music Hall | Washington, DC
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    Peter and the Wolf - Performing Arts
    There is no better way to introduce kids to the magic of classical music than to show them a play like "Peter and the Wolf" where each animal gets its own distinctive instrument. What is special about the Puppet Co.'s "Peter and the Wolf" is that all the strings are pulled by just one man -- Christopher Piper. Best for ages 4 to 11. At the Puppet Co. Playhouse.
    The Puppet Company Playhouse | Glen Echo, MD
  • Show/hide event description
    Laughter On the 23rd Floor - Performing Arts
    Neil Simon's play, presented by Keegan Theatre, gives the audience a peek into the television show writer's room of "Your Show of Shows."
    Keegan Theatre at Church Street | Washington, DC
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    Rebecca MacKinnon - Book Event
    The author, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation (focusing on global internet policy), discusses and signs her new book, "Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle For Internet Freedom."
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
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    Dead Milkmen - Music Event
    The founding fathers joke-punk are still going for laughs.
    U Street Music Hall | Washington, DC
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    Steve Weeks - Music Event
    Laugh, sing and dance at this interactive event.
    Jammin' Java | Vienna, VA
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    Kronos Quartet & Alim Qasimov Ensemble - Music Event
    The two music groups will perform separately before they combine in the second half of the program. At the Dekelboum Concert Hall.
    Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland | College Park, MD
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    Play With Your Food - Miscellaneous Event
    In Kids conjunction with Strathmore's exhibit "You Are What You Eat," kids can learn how to make edible portraits. Best for ages 6 to 11.
    The Mansion at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
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    Washington National Opera - Performing Arts
    Members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program preview highlights from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. At the Millennium Stage.
    Millennium Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
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    Discover Engineering Family Day - Miscellaneous Event
    If the tiny engineer in your life is starting to outgrow the Lincoln Logs, take them to the National Building Museum's annual hands-on festival of all things mechanical. Learn about aerodynamics, design a safety structure that can withstand a tsunami, build a suspension bridge and make slime while learning about semi-solids from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW (Metro: Judiciary Square). 202-272-2448. www.nbm.org. $5 donation suggested.
    National Building Museum | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Sun, February 19

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    Iranian Film Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    See nine contemporary Iranian films, including some of this past year's critics' picks. At the Meyer Auditorium.
    Freer Gallery of Art - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
  • Show/hide event description
    Peter and the Wolf - Performing Arts
    There is no better way to introduce kids to the magic of classical music than to show them a play like "Peter and the Wolf" where each animal gets its own distinctive instrument. What is special about the Puppet Co.'s "Peter and the Wolf" is that all the strings are pulled by just one man -- Christopher Piper. Best for ages 4 to 11. At the Puppet Co. Playhouse.
    The Puppet Company Playhouse | Glen Echo, MD
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    Phillips Camerata - Music Event
    Chamber music written between 1890 and 1921. At the West Building Garden Court.
    National Gallery of Art | Washington, DC
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    Celebrity Surf 'n' Turf Dinner - Miscellaneous Event
    A three-course dinner with current and former Redskins players and other celebrities raises money for A GRAN Foundation.
    The Palm | Washington, DC
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    Arco Voce - Music Event
    The ensemble performs Bach's Fifth "Brandenburg" Concerto and vocal works with soprano Rosa Lamoreaux.
    Phillips Collection | Washington, DC
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    Capital Wind Symphony - Music Event
    The Symphony presents a program that includes Berlioz, Verdi, and John Philip Sousa.
    Vienna Presbyterian Church | Vienna, VA
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    Spectacular snowflakes crafts - Miscellaneous Event
    For ages 8-10, take an outdoor walk to search for snowflakes and learn how they are formed. Create your own craft
    National Wildlife Visitor Center | Laurel, MD
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    Teddy Bear's Picnic - Performing Arts
    At the Puppet Co. Playhouse.
    The Puppet Company Playhouse | Glen Echo, MD
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    The 26th Annual Wammies - Music Event
    The Washington Area Music Association has always appeared to be a fairly insular organization. The group's annual awards are voted on by its own members (anyone can join for $35), and the nominees and winners of the Wammies, predictably, reflect the membership. But taking a look at the 2012 ballot and seeing Bluebrain, Oddisee, Tittsworth, Fat Trel, Gods'illa, Office of Future Plans, the Caribbean and Deleted Scenes, the impression is that WAMA is at least trying to break outside of its comfort zone. The 26th annual awards show is at 8 p.m.
    The State Theatre | Falls Church, VA
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    Mary L. Druzdiak - Book Event
    The author, a professor of law, history and political science at the University of Southern California Law School, reads from and discusses her new book, "War Time: An Idea, Its History, Its Consequences." A book signing follows.
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
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