Our Picks

COMMON-- Friday, doors at 6 p.m. The Chicago MC gives a lot of love to the District. No complaints here. Love, 1350 Okie St. NE. $20. 202-636-9030.

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND MARC ANTHONY-- Friday at 8 p.m. The pop music power couple performs. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. $38.50-$88.50. 202-628-3200 or 202-397-7328.

ERIN MCKEOWN-- Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Fredericksburg native's newest release, "Sing You Sinners," is a collection of reinterpretations of such American classics as Fats Waller's "If You a Viper" and Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things." Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $22.50. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328.

[Exhibits]

J.M.W. TURNER-- Opens Monday. Through Jan. 6. The British painter (1775-1851), known for his seascapes, is the subject of a comprehensive retrospective, the largest ever for the artist in the United States. National Gallery of Art, West Building, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

GOING WEST! QUILTS AND COMMUNITY-- Opens Friday. Through Jan. 21. An examination of the role quilts played in the lives of American frontier women. Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

ALL FAITHS BEAUTIFUL-- Opens Saturday. Through Aug. 31. Artists from a variety of religious traditions address the theme of belief in more than 500 works. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. $12, seniors and students $8, ages 6 and younger free. 410-244-1900.

LASTING FOUNDATIONS: THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE IN AFRICA-- See Can't Miss.

ORIGIN AND THE LANDSCAPE-- Through Dec. 14. Master printmaker Lou Stovall, whose studio is in Cleveland Park, is the subject of a show that examines his award-laden career and commitment to the local arts community. Howard University Gallery of Art, Chiders Hall, 2455 Sixth St. NW. Free. 202-806-7070.

[Literature]

CHRIS MATTHEWS-- Friday at 7 p.m. The "Hardball" host discusses his book "Life's a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success." Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

[Miscellaneous]

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL-- Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., through Oct. 21. Musicians, jugglers, magicians, artisan displays, food vendors and jousting tournaments are all part of the re-creation of a 16th-century English village. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Crownsville. $18, seniors $15, ages 7-15 $8. 800-296-7304.

INFUSION HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL-- Today, noon-7 p.m. A barbecue battle and chicken wing cook-off are accompanied by live music from Danny Caron and a croquet tournament. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda. $15. 301-581-5100 or 240-401-0973.

ART ON THE AVENUE-- Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts and crafts, live music, a pie-baking contest, artists' demonstrations and children's activities are part of this neighborhood celebration. You had us at pie-baking contest. Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte avenues, Alexandria. Free. 703-683-3100.