Our Picks

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Can't Miss

1. Edward P. Jones

[Literature] The local author, whose incredible novel of the antebellum South, "The Known World," earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 2004, gives back to the annual publication that helped him start his career by selecting and introducing the stories in the collection "New Stories From the South: 2007 -- The Year's Best."

Monday at 7 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

2. Billy Joe Shaver

[Concert] Fellow musicians have long recognized this rough-hewn singer- songwriter's lyrical genius. Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson are just a few of the many greats who have covered the 68-year-old Texan's songs. The opportunity to see the entertaining Shaver in this intimate venue is sure to be a treat for country fans.

Tuesday at 8 p.m. Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. $25. 703-255-1566.

3. New Orleans Rebirth 5K Run, Walk & Festival

[Sports] Lend a helping hand, learn about hurricane recovery efforts and outpace the competition. This charity event, which accepts registrations through race day, also features live jazz, children's activities and food.

Saturday at 9 a.m. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria. Festival is free; $25-$30 for race registration. 703-836-1463. For details, visit http://www.gulfcoastreliefrun.com.

4. Bonde Do Role

[Concert] Though some of the favela-funk fervor has died down since it first made its way to North America, Brazil's Bonde do Rol? remains a hot ticket. The trio's heavy beats, pushing bass and quirky vocals make for a lively stage show. The band, supporting its youthful, impatient album "With Lasers," brings a sweaty, dance-floor groove that's a perfect end-of-summer sound. With Plastic Little and Edie Sedgwick.

Tuesday at 8 p.m. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. 202-667-7960.

5. I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With

[Movie] Jeff Garlin of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" wrote, directed and stars in this romantic comedy about a Chicago actor struggling with work, diet and relationship woes. Performing opposite Garlin is it-comedian Sarah Silverman, but the supporting players also shine. Garlin must have cashed in a lot of favors from his comedy buddies, because the cast boasts a full lineup of Second City alums as well as actors from "Little Miss Sunshine," "Strangers With Candy" and "The Simpsons."

Opens Friday. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

-- Justin Rude

Critics' Choice

PANGS OF THE MESSIAH

The shattering "Pangs of the Messiah" was such a hit for Theater J this summer that the company has brought it back for an encore. Israeli playwright Motti Lerner sets his drama in the West Bank of the near future, in which a peace accord is finally being signed and the fate of an Israeli settlement hangs in the balance. The production abounds in insight -- and searing performances.

-- Peter Marks

Through Sept. 16. D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. $15-$50. 800-494-8497.

EDWARD HOPPER

If Edward Hopper isn't the greatest American artist before World War II, he's in the running for the title. After all, his paintings pretty much define our view of U.S. cities in the days of jazz and swing, with anomie beneath their vim. You can judge him yourself next week when the National Gallery launches its major retrospective of the painter's work.

-- Blake Gopnik

Opens Sept. 16. Through Jan 21. National Gallery of Art, East Building, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

And More ...

[Concerts]

ONE LOVE REGGAE FEST-- Today at 4 p.m. The day-long show includes appearances by Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band, Rraw Dawg, Kimberly Gregory, Gangsta Marv and the Flames. Crossroads, 4103 Baltimore Ave., Bladensburg. $40. 301-927-1056.

AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE-- Today at 7 p.m. Contestants from the ubiquitous Fox talent show perform, including Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Phil Stacey, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh and Sanjaya Malakar. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. $42.50-$72.50. 202-628-3200 or 202-397-7328.

AESOP ROCK-- Monday at 7:30 p.m. The Def Jux star, a favorite of the backpacker set, brings his new material from "None Shall Pass" to the masses. With Cage and Blockhead. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $20. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566.

BONDE DO ROL?-- See Can't Miss.

BILLY JOE SHAVER-- See Can't Miss.

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS-- Wednesday at 7 p.m. The playful, quirky pop-rockers perform tunes from their newest album, "The Else," their 14th studio release. With Oppenheimer. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl., Baltimore. $20-$22. 410-244-8854.

RAHEEM DEVAUGHN-- Wednesday at 8 p.m. The local vocalist is a mainstay of the D.C. soul scene. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $15. 202-667-7960.

BLACK LIPS-- Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 9 p.m. The psychedelic punks, who mix blissful noise with a bit of menace, are touring in support of their new album, "Good Bad Not Evil." (See Media Mix for a review, Page 8.) With the Selmanaires. Friday at Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore. $15. 410-327-8333. Saturday at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. 202-667-7960.

MACY GRAY-- Friday at 8 p.m. The idiosyncratic soulstress is always good for a surprise or two. With the Brand New Heavies. DAR Constitution Hall, 18th and C streets NW. $53. 202-628-4780 or 202-397-7328.

YOUNG JEEZY-- Friday, doors at 8 p.m. The Atlanta-based rapper may be sticking to a rather familiar stories-from-the-streets formula, but so far it seems to be working for him. Love, 1350 Okie St. NE. $20-$60. 202-636-9030 or 877-714-7668.

CHOPTEETH-- Friday at 9 p.m. The local Afro-funk ensemble is known for filling the dance floor. With the Rootworkers. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $10. 202-667-7960.

TI?STO-- Saturday at 3 p.m. The superstar Dutch DJ spins trance on a massive outdoor stage. Love, 1350 Okie St. NE. $40-$45. 202-636-9030 or 202-271-1171.

[Exhibits]

BROADCAST-- Opens today. Through Nov. 18. A group show explores the way artists have harnessed and challenged the power of television and radio since the late 1960s. Contemporary Museum, 100 W. Centre St., Baltimore. $5, students $3. 410-783-5720.

A QUEST FOR FABULOUS: THIRTY YEARS OF COLLECTING, 1977-2007-- Opens Tuesday. Through Dec. 30. In celebration of its 30th anniversary as a public museum, the former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post displays paintings, works on paper and decorative art objects acquired during that time. Hillwood Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. $12, seniors $10, students $7, children $5. 202-686-5807.

OPTIONS 2007-- Opens Thursday. Reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Through Oct. 26. The Washington Project for the Arts\Corcoran presents its biennial exhibition of art by under-recognized and emerging regional artists, including Taylor Baldwin, Anne Chan, Eli Kessler, Siobhan Rigg and Sayaka Suzuki. Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth St. NW. Free. 202-872-3396.

KINDRED SPIRITS: ASHER B. DURAND AND THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE-- Opens Friday. Through Jan. 6. The first exhibition devoted to the 19th-century artist in more than 35 years revisits his contribution to landscape painting. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

ANSEL ADAMS-- Opens Saturday. Through Jan. 27. About 125 photographs from the collection of William H. and Saundra B. Lane showcase the influential photographer's six-decade career. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. $14, seniors and military $12, students $10, six and younger free. 202-639-1700.

EAST OF THE RIVER: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE-- Opens Saturday. Through Nov. 9, 2008. In honor of its 40th anniversary, the museum presents a large show that explores the development of communities east of the Anacostia River in terms of the struggle over land: who owns it, who controls it and who profits from it. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Free. 202-633-4820.

EDWARD HOPPER-- See Critics' Choice.

[Literature]

EDWARD P. JONES-- See Can't Miss.

EUGENE DRUCKER-- Saturday at 2 p.m. The world-renowned violinist signs his debut novel, "The Savior." Borders, 8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. Free. 703-556-7766.

MATT BAI-- Saturday at 6 p.m. The author discusses and signs his newest book, "The Argument: Billionaires, Bloggers and the Battle to Remake Democratic Politics." Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

[Miscellaneous]

ADAMS MORGAN DAY-- Today, noon-7 p.m. Local musicians perform jazz, salsa, Latin rock, bluegrass and other musical styles. With arts and crafts vendors. 18th Street between Columbia Road and Florida Avenue NW. Free. 202-232-1960.

GREAT FREDERICK FAIR-- Opens Friday. Through Sept. 22. Concerts, agricultural exhibits, midway rides and other activities. Frederick County Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. $5-$60. 301-663-5895.

ARTS ON FOOT FESTIVAL-- Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The works of 70 local artisans, food from more than 30 restaurants, music performances and hands-on arts and crafts activities are a part of Penn Quarter's 15th annual neighborhood showcase. Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-638-3232. For a schedule, visit http://www.artsonfoot.org.

18TH CENTURY CRAFT FAIR-- Opens Saturday. Through Sept. 16. A re-creation of an early-American marketplace with more than 50 juried artisans, live entertainment, sightseeing cruises on the Potomac River and more. Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. $13, ages 6-11 $6. 703-780-2000.

[Movies]

Films open Friday and are in general release unless otherwise noted. Opening dates subject to change. Checkhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/moviesor Friday's Weekend section for details and complete movie listings.

DC SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL-- Opens Thursday. Through Sept. 20. This year the festival features 89 films and seven live script performances by filmmakers from 14 countries. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE-- Star-crossed lovers are swept up into the emerging antiwar and counterculture movements of the turbulent 1960s, from the dockyards of Liverpool and the psychedelia of Greenwich Village to the streets of Detroit and the fields of Vietnam. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. $6.75-$9.50. 301-652-7273.

THE BRAVE ONE-- After a brutal attack leaves New York radio host Erica Bain (Jodie Foster) badly wounded and her fiance dead, she begins prowling the city streets at night to track down the men she holds responsible. The entire city soon becomes riveted by her vigilante exploits.

EASTERN PROMISES-- Director David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen reteam for a crime thriller set in the London underworld in which a mysterious and ruthless killer crosses paths with a midwife (Naomi Watts) trying to right a wrong.

THE HUNTING PARTY-- Richard Gere and Terrence Howard star in the Richard Shepard film about a TV news reporter and a former colleague who embark on a dangerous mission to locate one of Bosnia's most wanted war criminals.

I WANT SOMEONE TO EAT CHEESE WITH-- See Can't Miss.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON-- Never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with surviving astronauts tell the inside story of the Apollo space program. Winner of the World Cinema Audience Award for best documentary at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH-- Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon star as a war veteran and his wife who search for their son, a soldier recently returned from Iraq who has mysteriously disappeared. Charlize Theron plays a helpful police detective.

LIVE-IN MAID-- Director Jorge Gaggero's film tells the story of a spoiled socialite trying to prevent the maid who has served her for nearly 30 years from leaving. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. $6.75-$9.50. 301-652-7273.

[On Stage]

METRO DC DANCE AWARDS-- Monday at 7:30 p.m. An awards ceremony and dance showcase feature performances of ballet, West African dance, modern dance and other styles. Artists include Culture Shock, Edgeworks Dance Theater, Joy of Motion Dance Center's Youth Dance Ensemble, Silk Road Dance Company and Nejla Y. Yatkin/NY2Dance. Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $30. 202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324.

CIRQUE DREAMS: JUNGLE FANTASY-- Opens Tuesday. Through Sept. 16. Aerialists, contortionists, strongmen and balancers continue the tradition of circus entertainment. Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW. $37-$57. 202-783-4000 or 202-397-7328.

THE LOST SONGS OF BROADWAY-- Wednesday-Saturday. Signature Theatre kicks off its cabaret season with a collection of tunes cut from favorite musicals, classic songs from lesser-known shows and a few surprise winners from Broadway flops. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $28. 703-820-9771 or 800-955-5566.

PANGS OF THE MESSIAH-- See Critics' Choice.

[Sports]

REDSKINS-- Today at 1 p.m. The team kicks off the new season at home against the Miami Dolphins. Tickets are $62-$983 via http://www.stubhub.com, but it's really too early to deal with FedEx Field parking, so instead take in the game on CBS.

D.C. UNITED-- Today at 3 p.m. against the New England Revolution. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Real Salt Lake. RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. $18-$45. 202-397-7328.

CAPITALS-- Friday, 10:30 a.m. Training camp opens with a Fan Fest that will be broadcast by DC101's "Elliot in the Morning." Includes giveaways, activities and autograph sessions. Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington. Free. 571-224-0555.

NATIONALS-- Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves. RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. $5-$130. 202-397-7328.

NEW ORLEANS REBIRTH 5K RUN, WALK & FESTIVAL-- See Can't Miss.