Our Picks

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Can't Miss

1. YO LA TENGO

[CONCERT] It's hard to believe that the Hoboken, N.J., indie rockers have been making music for more than two decades -- almost as long as "indie" has been a buzzword. The band's show at the Birchmere, a much more intimate venue than its fans are used to, is something of a celebration of that long career.

The mostly acoustic set will feature selections from YLT's entire catalogue as well as stories from the group members about their life as a band.

Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $25. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328.

2. SLEUTH

[MOVIE] In 1972, Michael Caine played a young Lothario lured to the home of his lover's husband for a deadly game of wits. In Kenneth Branagh's remake, Caine changes roles and takes on the part of the bitter husband, with Jude Law as his young, virile prey.

Opens Friday.

3. ROLAND MESNIER

[LITERATURE] The former White House executive pastry chef discusses his new book, "Roland Mesnier's Basic to Beautiful Cakes," and shows aspiring cooks how to use simple recipes to create desserts that can be dressed up for any occasion. Oh, and there's cake.

Thursday at 7 p.m. Olsson's, 2200-G Crystal Dr., Arlington. Free. 703-413-8121.

4. PAMINA DEVI: A CAMBODIAN MAGIC FLUTE

[ON STAGE] Sophiline Cheam Shapiro reimagines Mozart's "The Magic Flute," transporting the opera from imperial Vienna to Cambodia's Angkor region. Thirty-two ornately costumed dancers, musicians and singers chronicle the title character's journey as she transcends rivalries and seeks out a middle path to justice. In Khmer with English surtitles.

Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. University of Maryland, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Kay Theatre, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. $35, seniors $33, students $7. 301-405-2787.

Critics' Choice

NOSFERATU, A SYMPHONY OF HORROR

[MOVIE] There are ways to celebrate Halloween other than sitting at the front door and dispensing candy. You could, for instance, watch a silent horror film the way it was meant to be experienced: in the dark and huddled with other people as live music plays. Take a date Friday night to "Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror," F.W. Murnau's atmospheric black-and-white 1922 classic starring Max Schreck as the vampire Count Orlok, and watch the interplay of images with the notes and tones of Silent Orchestra.

-- Desson Thomson

Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. $20. 301-495-6720.

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY

[ON STAGE] The company marks 80 years with three powerful works from Graham's earliest decades Friday at George Mason University. The evergreen "Appalachian Spring" (1944) will be among them -- not content to be a classic, it is the company's calling card -- along with the less frequently performed "Embattled Garden" (1958), in which love, as well as sin, blooms in the Garden of Eden, and "Sketches From 'Chronicle,' " one of Graham's anti-fascist works from 1936.

-- Sarah Kaufman

Friday at 8 p.m. George Mason University, Center for the Arts, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. $20-$40. 703-993-8888 or 888-945-2468.

Date in a Box

WHAT: Middle Eastern art, food and film make for a great downtown date this weekend.

FIRST: Meet at the Freer, where the ongoing exhibition Arts of the Islamic World features fantastic examples of architecture, calligraphy, illustrations, ceramics, metalwork, glass, textiles and ivory art dating from the 9th to the 17th centuries. (Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. Free. 202-633-4880.)

THEN: Enjoy falafel sandwiches and kebabs in a laid-back setting at George's Townhouse. (1205 28th St. NW. 202-342-2278.)

FINALLY: Filmmakers from the Arab world are the subject of the Arabian Sights Film Festival, which includes selections from Lebanon, Egypt, Oman and Tunisia. (See Movies.)

And More ...

[Concerts]

. . . AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD AND WITCHCRAFT-- Today at 8 p.m. What was previously two shows (one upstairs and one down) has been combined into one main-stage lineup that is going to make earplug sales in the District skyrocket. With Saviours. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12. 202-667-7960.

THE SHINS-- Monday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for Zach Braff's favorite Portland, Ore., indie-pop act also include first-come access to Tuesday's Spoon show at the 9:30 club. With Spoon and Vetiver. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. $30-$45. 410-715-5550 or 202-397-7328.

YO LA TENGO-- See Can't Miss.

COWBOY JUNKIES-- Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. The oft-touring country-grounded traditionalists released their latest album, "At the End of Paths Taken," earlier this year. With the Wood Brothers. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $45. 703-549-7500 or 703-573-7328.

JENS LEKMAN-- Thursday at 8 p.m. The Swedish pop-music mastermind continued his hot streak this month when he released the sophisticated, whimsical and delicate "Night Falls Over Kortedala." Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $12-$14. 202-667-7960.

THE BEAT DOWN-- Thursday at 9 p.m. The monthly hip-hop producer showcase features local talent touting their hottest beats. Chief Ike's Mambo Room, 1725 Columbia Rd. NW. $10. 202-332-2211.

THE TRAGICALLY HIP-- Friday, doors at 8 p.m. The masters of Canadian adult alternative show why they are still going strong after nearly 25 years and 11 albums. 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $25. 202-393-0930 or 800-955-5566.

THE JUMP OFF-- Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Last Gentlemens Club and Rush Entertainment present a night of live hip-hop featuring performances by Los Angeles's Physical Minds and local MCs GodGiven and Tnyce. Jammin' Java, 232 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. $15. 703-255-1566.

[Exhibits]

OPTIONS 2007-- Closes Friday. The Washington Project for the Arts\Corcoran's biennial exhibition of art by under-recognized and emerging regional artists includes work by Taylor Baldwin, Anne Chan, Eli Kessler, Siobhan Rigg and Sayaka Suzuki. Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth St. NW. Free. 202-872-3396.

OVER THE TOP: AMERICAN POSTERS FROM WORLD WAR I-- Opens Friday. Through Feb. 3. The four Liberty Loan campaigns, the War Savings Stamp program, the Victory Loan and support for the Red Cross are the focus of an exhibition of 45 war bond posters. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

WILD CHOIR: CINEMATIC PORTRAITS BY JEREMY BLAKE-- Opens Saturday. Through March 2. A series of cinematic portraits produced in collaboration with Malcolm McLaren by the New York-based, locally born artist whose mysterious death this year made headlines. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. $6. 202-639-1700.

MOIETIES-- Through Nov. 15. Artists Elizabeth Kendall, Judit Varga and Mila Kagan built large, intricate works out of smaller, separate pieces. Cross Mackenzie Ceramic Arts, 1054 31st St. NW. Free. 202-333-7970.

WACK! ART AND THE FEMINIST REVOLUTION-- Through Dec. 16. The National Museum of Women in the Arts' largest exhibition to date explores the role of feminism in contemporary art between 1965 and 1980. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000.

ALL FAITHS BEAUTIFUL-- 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.

[Literature]

For more events, see the Literary Calendar in today's Book World.

ROLAND MESNIER-- See Can't Miss.

WALTER MOSLEY-- Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday at 6:30 p.m. The popular author of the Easy Rawlins mystery series discusses the 10th release, "Blonde Faith," in which Easy deals with one friend accused of murder and another who leaves his daughter on Easy's doorstep. Thursday at Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-364-1919. Friday at Karibu Books, the Mall at Prince George's, 3500 East West Hwy., Hyattsville. 301-559-1140. Both free.

[Miscellaneous]

NSO CELEBRATIONS!-- Opens Thursday. Through Oct. 28. The Women's Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra presents this fall design, entertainment and gifting event. It features vignettes and table settings by the D.C. Ritz-Carlton, Ridgewells and 20 noted interior designers, including Camille Saum, Kelley Proxmire and Basha White. There also will be seminars on entertaining, decorating and floral design. Woman's Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase. $15-$20. 202-416-8148.

[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.

C'EST CHIC!-- Opens Tuesday. Through Nov. 1. More than 20 films and shorts are included in this festival of contemporary French cinema, in its second year. Highlights include the documentary "Lagerfeld Confidential," about the influential designer. Films in French with English subtitles. For details, see http://www.cestchic.org. $10-$90. 202-944-6091.

DAN IN REAL LIFE-- Steve Carell stars as a widowed family advice columnist who falls for a beautiful stranger (Juliette Binoche), only to discover she's dating his brother (Dane Cook).

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO-- Director and co-writer Daniel Karslake uses the experiences of five Christian families, including that of former House majority leader Dick Gephardt, to reconcile homosexuality and Biblical scripture in this documentary. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

KURT COBAIN ABOUT A SON-- Told in Kurt Cobain's own voice, this film transforms 25 hours of conversation between Cobain and journalist Michael Azerrad into a firsthand account of the late rocker's successes, failures, thoughts and experiences. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75-$9.50. 202-452-7672.

MR. UNTOUCHABLE-- This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of Harlem's Nicky Barnes, a junkie turned multimillionaire drug lord who ruled the heroin industry in 1970s New York and earned the nickname "The Black Godfather."

MUSIC WITHIN-- Ron Livingston stars as Richard Pimentel, a brilliant public speaker who returns from Vietnam severely hearing-impaired and dedicates himself to improving the lives of Americans with disabilities.

SLEUTH-- See Can't Miss.

NOSFERATU, A SYMPHONY

OF HORROR-- See Critics' Choice.

ARABIAN SIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL-- Through Nov. 4. Twelve features and nine short films from the Arab world, including "Al Boum," the first feature film from Oman. Films subtitled in English. For details, see http://www.filmfestdc.org. Loews Cineplex Dupont 5, 1350 19th St. NW. $9-$81. 202-872-9556 or 202-724-5613.

[On Stage]

JOY OF MOTION DANCE CENTER'S 31ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT-- Today at 4 p.m. Jazz, hip-hop, Middle Eastern, tap, flamenco and contemporary dance are part of the center's birthday bash. Features performances by CrossCurrents Dance Company, Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. and Edgeworks Dance Theater. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. $35-$40. 202-333-6801 or 202-399-7993.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE-- Opens Tuesday. Through Nov. 4. Six teens learn that winning isn't everything in this Tony Award-winning interactive musical comedy. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $41.50-$86.50. 202-628-6161.

PAMINA DEVI: A CAMBODIAN MAGIC FLUTE-- See Can't Miss.

HEARTS-- Opens Friday. Through Dec. 2. Tim Vasen directs Willy Holtzman's tale of four World War II veterans linked by a card game and a lifetime of memories. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore. $10-$60. 410-332-0033.

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY-- See Critics' Choice.

TANGO BUENOS AIRES-- Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Considered one of the most authentic tango companies, the troupe's 12 dancers, six musicians and singer will trace the history of the Argentine tango. Friday at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. $32-$58. 301-581-5100. Saturday-Oct. 28 at George Mason University, Center for the Arts, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. $22-$44. 703-993-2787.

EDWARD II-- Opens Saturday. Through Jan. 6. Christopher Marlowe's Edward II is a stubborn, ineffectual king who overlooks the threats to his crown. Gale Edwards directs. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. $23.50-$79.75. 202-547-1122.

ARTS UNITED OF WASHINGTON-- Saturday at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Inspired by Jack Kerouac's "On the Road," performers from across the country provide snapshots of American life through song, dance and photography. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. $22, seniors, students, artists and teachers $17, children $10. 202-269-1600.

[Sports]

CAPITALS-- Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Friday at 7 p.m. against the Vancouver Canucks. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. $10-$225. 202-397-7328.