Events

Russian writers will read from their works and talk about art and more in contemporary Russia.

The author, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, reads from and discusses his latest book, "In the Shadow of Du Bois: Afro-Modern Political Thought in America," in the museum bookstore, 202-633-5450. A book signing follows.

By Sarah Coster. Collection includes mourning rings and silk needlework.

Moderated by Phil Hochberg, Joe Torre gives a discussion on managing major league baseball. At the Lisner Auditorium.

At the Millennium Stage.

Georgetown University will host a reading and discussion with a group of prize-winning Russian authors, who are touring the East Coast to speak on artistic freedom and expression in modern Russia, in this panel discussion featuring Dmitry Biryukov (Novosibirsk), a journalist, novelist and formerly editor-in-chief of the journal Science First-Hand; Irina Bogatyreva (Tatarstan), writing on issues affecting Russia's younger generation (including the hitchhiking subculture); Alisa Ganieva (Dagestan), winner of Russia's prestigious Debut prize; and Igor Savelyev (Ufa), a crime reporter for his local news agency and novelist. The event will take place in the Intercultural Center, conference room #462. Also reading will be Olga Slavnikova, program director of the Debut Prize and herself a leading writer, as well as winner of the Russian Booker Prize. A reception follows at 6 p.m. For details, visit www.causaartium.org.

The baritone and pianist perform a rendition of Schubert's "Die Winterreise.". At the Terrace Theater.

Featuring Nadastrom, Sabo, Munchi, Heartbreak and Jen Lasher

Jazz concert. At the Sidney Harman Hall.

Noisy, fuzzed-out and brooding. With Junius and Black Clouds.

A pianist who continues to push jazz and hip-hop closer to each other.

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."

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.

Solo project of Jann Wasner, singer/guitarist for Wye Oak. With Other Colors and Foul Swoops.

Conductor James Gaffigan with pianist Lise de la Salle Brahms present a program of Mozart, Wagner, and R. Strauss

Artist J.J. McCracken talks about her work in the exhibition "Thirst."

The journalist and writer reads from and discusses "Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season" as part of the 2012 season of the Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series, 540-654-1065. A book signing follows. At the Dodd Auditorium.

The broadcast journalist, joined by Courtland Cox and Freddie Greene Biddle, discusses her new book, "Redefining Black Power: Reflections on the State of Black America." A book signing follows.

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.

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."

So steeped in the language and legacy of Duke Ellington is Broadway's Brian Stokes Mitchell, he named his son for the jazz legend. "What's great about the name [Ellington] is everything that's great about Duke's music," he told the Post's Jess Righthand. "It's got this implied royalty to it, and an implied depth." That level of appreciation more than qualifies Mitchell to perform an evening of the Duke's greatest hits at 8 p.m.

A quartet of Wolf Trap Opera Company alumni joins pianist Kim Witman and features the photos of Terre Jones.

A four-course meal will be paired with several varieties of vodka.

'70s tribute

Performed by Faction of Fools Theatre Company. At the Millennium Stage.

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.

Miami-based house and techno DJ Robbie Rivera, known for his pumping Juicy Beach parties on the sands of Nikki Beach, is heading up to frigid Washington D.C. to spin at Josephine.

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."

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 Workhouse Arts Center hosts a cooking class with dinner. A 30-minute ballroom dancing lesson at 7:30 p.m. precedes the two-hour class, with a 30-minute open dance session after the class.

Fundraiser featuring DC area chefs. At the Blackburn Center.

An 18th century-style ball with English country dancing. Banquet sold out.

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.

Laugh, sing and dance at this interactive event.

L'Academie de Cuisine holds an information session on its daytime and evening professional pastry arts program with admissions and financial aid staff.

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.

Pizzeria Paradiso breaks out some of its most potent beers for a two-day celebration of barleywine.

See nine contemporary Iranian films, including some of this past year's critics' picks. At the Meyer Auditorium.

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.

Book discussion by Janie Suss.

The Symphony presents a program that includes Berlioz, Verdi, and John Philip Sousa.

A three-course dinner with current and former Redskins players and other celebrities raises money for A GRAN Foundation.

For ages 8-10, take an outdoor walk to search for snowflakes and learn how they are formed. Create your own craft

Discussion led by Faiz Shaki. Part of Coffee, Controversy and Conversation (CC&C) and "Immigration Month."

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.

Pizzeria Paradiso breaks out some of its most potent beers for a two-day celebration of barleywine.

The Cheese Course hosts a class on six seasonal cheeses paired with three wines and various food.

See and take pictures of The Jefferson building's Main Reading Room. At the Jefferson Building.

At the Concert Hall.

Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats discusses and signs copies of her new book, "Sticky Fingers' Sweets: 100 Super-Secret Vegan Recipes."

Open houses include: Gadsby's Tavern Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum at 11AM, and Friendship Firehouse Museum and The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, at 10AM.

Les Dames d'Escoffier hosts an event with New Orleans native Chef David Guas, who will talk about Mardi Gras food traditions and do a cooking demo.

On the same day as the George Washington parade, you can take a tour of the Carlyle House.

Put your memory skills to the test.