D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining

The political commentator, anchor of MSNBC's "Hardball" and "The Chris Matthews Show," reads from and discusses his recent, bestselling book, "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero," at American University's School of International Service, 3700 Nebraska Ave. NW. A book sale and signing follow.

A discussion on map-making by geographer Matthew Jennings.

The respected, a professor of history at Yale University, discusses his new book, "George F. Kennan: An American Life," in the 6th floor floor auditorium. A reception follows. Call 202-691-4000 or visit www.CWIHP.org for details and to RSVP. At the Woodrow Wilson Center.

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.

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.

Two documentaries are screened, one examining polymath Rabindranath Tagore and the other looks at filmmaker Satyajit Ray's film "Pather Panchali."

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

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.

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."

A lecture on the book "Islam Through Western Eyes: From the Crusades to the War on Terrorism" by author Jonathan Lyons. At the Madison Building.

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.

The co-founders and national organizers of the Tea Party Patriots, Inc. read from and discuss their new book, "Tea Party Patriots: The Second American Revolution," in an event sponsored by the Cato Institute. Call 202-789-5229 or e-mail events@cato.org to RSVP.

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.

Featuring DJ Rob

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

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.

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

"A World of Splendor" reception with food, art, and more, and "Asian Spring Concert" with a variety of performances.

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.

Drumming. Lots of it. With Heavy Breathing.

Create your own trading card. Ages 18+

Rebecca Walker speaks about her book "Black Cool: One Thousand Streams of Blackness."

'70s tribute

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 founding fathers joke-punk are still going for laughs.

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.

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

The Taratibu Youth Association presents the rhythms and music of Tanzania, Ghana, Togo and Benin

Fundraiser featuring DC area chefs. At the Blackburn Center.

The two music groups will perform separately before they combine in the second half of the program. At the Dekelboum Concert Hall.

Joined by pianist Milana Chernyavska, the violinist performs Beethoven, Ysaÿe, and Saint-Saens. Presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society

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.

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

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.

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 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.

Book discussion by Janie Suss.

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.

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.

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.

With Lonnie Liston Smith, Brian Jackson and Mark Adams

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

At the Concert Hall.

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

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