Our Picks

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Can't Miss

1. YO MAJESTY

[CONCERT] This trio of lesbians from Tampa turns rap -- and its chauvinistic and homophobic tendencies -- on its head. But don't expect any conscious coffeehouse hip-hop. These women rock an ingenious hybrid of crunk, electro and punk attitude that is tailor-made for filling dance floors and testing the limits of car stereos.

Today at 9:30 p.m. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $10. 202-388-7625.

2. THE DARJEELING LIMITED

[MOVIE] We love Wes Anderson. From "Bottle Rocket" to "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou," his mix of character, quirk and nostalgia has always hit the mark. For his newest feature, the tale of three estranged brothers traveling across India by train, he calls on some of his favorite actors, including Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman, as well as noteworthy newcomers Adrien Brody and Natalie Portman. For those who can't wait until Friday, a 13-minute prologue, "Hotel Chevalier," is available as a free download through iTunes.

Opens Friday.

3. PATRICK WOLF

[CONCERT] The young British export is something of a pop music phenom. A multi-instrumentalist, he has at turns been a member of a preformed pop group, a homeless sonic experimenter and a rising indie icon. (Though with his knack for intricate, catchy orchestral tunes and intelligent lyrics presented in earnest, dulcet tones, the pedigree hardly matters.) With Bishi.

Monday at 8 p.m. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $15. 202-667-7960.

4. LASTING FOUNDATIONS: THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE IN AFRICA

[EXHIBIT] This exhibition, developed by the Museum for African Art in New York and held at the National Building Museum, looks at the relatively unexplored architectural traditions of Africa, from mosques and churches to traditionally furnished private spaces. The show examines the innovative ways Africans have built their homes and public buildings, how the structures have been adapted to the landscape and what their symbolism is.

Opens Saturday. Through Jan. 13. National Building Museum, Fourth and F streets NW. Free. 202-272-2448.

-- Justin Rude

Critics' Choice

JOURNEY THROUGH THE RUSSIAN FANTASTIK

[MOVIE] Anyone who has been through the looking glass known as Russia, pre- or post-Soviet, will get a chuckle out of "Zero City." Karen Shakhnazarov's 1988 satire takes a wry look at Communist culture's penchant for revisionist history, absurd bureaucracy and everyday surreality. This mordantly hilarious black comedy, which winds up the National Gallery's "Russian Fantastik" film series, stars Leonid Filatov as a Moscow engineer who is sent to a provincial city on business, only to embark on an increasingly bizarre journey populated by naked secretaries and other slightly menacing non sequiturs.

-- Ann Hornaday

Today at 4:30 p.m. National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-842-6799.

ELIZABETH COOK

[CONCERT] It's not for nothing that Grand Ole Opry old-timers adore Elizabeth Cook. She's something like a modern-day Dolly or Loretta, specializing in tough, twangy neo-traditional country music. In an earlier era, Cook might have been a Nashville star, but Music Row seems to have decided that she's "too country" for the slicked-up format circa 2007. Her latest album, "Balls," is full of smart, funny, gutsy songs that you won't see in the CMT Top 20. Such a shame. Cook opens for Rodney Crowell, who produced the brilliant "Balls."

-- J. Freedom du Lac

Wednesday at 8 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. $25. 703-218-6500 or 703-938-2404.

Date in a Box

WHAT: These Indian and India-inspired films and dance performances may have you wondering if you're in Delhi, not D.C., this weekend.

FIRST: A pair of films opening Friday feature the world's second-most-

populous country. The Darjeeling Limited follows brothers on a spiritual journey across the subcontinent. (See Can't Miss.) Vanaja stars Mamatha Bhukya as an ambitious young woman who gets herself hired as a maid in the home of a famous dancer in order to follow her dreams of being onstage. (See Movies.)

THEN: Saturday at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, the Tehreema Mitha Dance Company presents contemporary takes on traditional Indian dance. (See On Stage.)

FINALLY: Heritage India's mix of traditional dishes and updated street food is the perfect match for the weekend's entertainment options. (1337 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-331-1414; 2400 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-3120.)

And More ...

[Concerts]

YO MAJESTY-- See Can't Miss.

HENRY ROLLINS-- Monday-

Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The spoken-word beefcake, Renaissance man and D.C. native continues the talk-laden shows that have been his bread and butter for the past few years. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $25. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328.

DEVENDRA BANHART-- Monday at 8 p.m. The neo-folk luminary is known for his dramatic and ambitious yet simple compositions. Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $27.50. 202-408-3100 or 202-397-7328.

PATRICK WOLF-- See Can't Miss.

JOS¿ GONZ¿LEZ-- Tuesday, doors at 7:30 p.m. The Swedish singer-songwriter with Argentine roots supports his recently released "In Our Nature." 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $20. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566.

ELIZABETH COOK-- See Critics' Choice.

THE BLOW-- Thursday at 8 p.m. Khaela Maricich's pop compositions feature electronic textures, playful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With Saturday Looks Good to Me. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. 202-667-7960.

MATTHEW DEAR-- Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The Detroit electro mastermind brings his backing band, the Big Hands, to help him support his latest LP, "Asa Breed." With Mobius Band. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. $10-$12. 202-388-7625.

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.

[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.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE RUSSIAN FANTASTIK-- See Critics' Choice.

ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL-- Opens Thursday. Through Oct. 7. Feature and documentary films from around the world take center stage, and an art market and musical performances add to the draw. For a schedule, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com. National Geographic, Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. $9-$63, seniors and students $7-$45. 202-857-7700.

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD-- The dramatic western starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck explores the life and times of one of America's most celebrated outlaws.

THE DARJEELING LIMITED-- See Can't Miss.

FEEL THE NOISE-- Omarion stars in this tale of a young South Bronx man who dreams of making it as a rapper.

THE HOTTEST STATE-- Ethan Hawke wrote and directed the film starring Mark Webber, Jesse Harris and Laura Linney about a young Texan actor trying to make it in New York while struggling with a relationship with a musician.

IRA & ABBY-- The quirky romantic comedy starring Chris Messina and Jennifer Westfeldt examines marriage and monogamy in the relationship of a neurotic Jewish man and his twice-divorced spouse. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

LUST, CAUTION-- Ang Lee's first film since taking home an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain" is an espionage thriller set in World War II-era Shanghai. Starring Asian cinema icon Tony Leung and rising Taiwanese star Tang Wei. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. $6.75-$9.50. 301-652-7273.

VANAJA-- Mamatha Bhukya plays the title character in director Rajnesh Domalpalli's tale of a 15-year-old lower-caste Indian girl who yearns to become a dancer. In Telugu with English subtitles. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

[On Stage]

THE WORD BEGINS-- Opens Tuesday. Through Dec. 2. Drama, sketch comedy and hip-hop culture combine in this spoken-word performance written by and starring Steve Connell and Sekou (tha Misfit). Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $41-$63. 703-820-9771 or 800-955-5566.

OPERA LAFAYETTE-- Thursday at 8 p.m. Sopranos Ah Young Hong and Heidi Grant Murphy perform with tenor Jean-Paul Fouch¿court and baritone William Sharp in this re-creation of the 18th-century French celebrations at Versailles. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. $21-$55. 301-581-5100.

ARTEFACTS DANCE COMPANY-- Saturday at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. The group performs excerpts from "Exit and Enter Amour" along with a premier work, "Mas Kawin, the Illuminated Dowry," on Saturday. On Oct. 7 is a shorter program with student performances and social dances. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $10-$15. 202-362-3042.

BALLET FOLKL¿RICO DE M¿XICO-- Saturday at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. Dances from the pre-Columbian era, the Hispanic Viceroy period and the Revolutionary years inspire the choreography of Amalia Hern¿ndez's dance troupe, which seeks to capture the rich and diverse cultural traditions of its native land. George Mason University, Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. $22-$44. 703-993-8888 or 888-945-2468.

TEHREEMA MITHA DANCE COMPANY AND DAKSHINA/DANIEL PHOENIX SINGH DANCE COMPANY-- Saturday at 8 p.m. The local dance troupes perform contemporary works intended to explore the limits of traditional Indian dance. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown. $20-$25. 301-528-2260.

[Sports]

CAPITALS-- Today at 5 p.m. The final preseason game, against the Ottawa Senators. Saturday at 7 p.m. Regular-season home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. $9-$169 today. $35-$95 Saturday. 202-397-7328. (For more on the Capitals, see SnapShot, Page 5.)