District Community Events Feb. 5-12, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Thursday 5

BETTE MIDLER PORTRAIT TALK, Maya Foo discusses Richard Amsel's work. 6 p.m., National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

BROADWAY VOCALS, Stanley Bahorek and Leah Horowitz perform works by composer and lyricist Adam Gwon. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

FRENCH VIDEOS, MUSIC, dance to a backdrop of French videos and bring your iPod or other music device to participate in a music-mix contest or show off your amateur DJ skills; plus a performance by baritone Chris Jones, light food and cash bar. Co-sponsored by the Alliance Francaise. 6-9:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $14; in advance, $12. 202-234-7911, Ext. 16 or 31.

"NORTHERN LIGHTS: A MESSAGE FROM THE SUN," discussed by solar physicist Paal Brekke, a senior adviser at the Norwegian Space Center in Oslo; with film clips. 6:45 p.m., Naval Heritage Center, U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $40. 202-633-3030.

WORLD WAR II HISTORY TALK, "Northwest Europe 1944-1945: Popular Memory, Historical Realities," Mark Stout discusses the war campaigns, including the Normandy landings and the drive into Germany. 6:45 p.m., Smithsonian, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $25. 202-633-3030.

"A PORTRAIT OF PORGY," vocalists Alvy Powell and Janice Chandler Eteme star in Jewell Robinson's musical play about the life of baritone Todd Duncan, who first performed the role of "Porgy" on Broadway in Gershwin's folk opera "Porgy and Bess." 7 p.m. today-Saturday, National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. Free; reservations suggested. 202-633-8520 or npgpublicprograms@si.edu.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, discuss the histories of prominent African Americans and Gates's book "In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past." 7 p.m., National Archives, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

"HAVE YOU FOUND HER: A MEMOIR," Janice Erlbaum discusses her book about her volunteer service in a homeless shelter, where she had once lived as a teenager. 7:30 p.m., D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. $9. 202-777-3251.

Friday 6

SMITHONIAN KIDS PROGRAM, for ages 4-8, presentation of stories and songs of the Gullah people from the Georgia Sea islands and displays of gourd animal masks, sea-grass baskets and other artifacts from the Gullah people. 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., Smithsonian, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $6; ages 2-16, $5; 1 and younger, free. 202-633-8700.

"AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES," screening of the PBS video showing how genealogy, oral history, family stories and DNA analysis are used to trace the lineage of African Americans. Noon, National Archives, William G. McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street, NW. Free. 202-501-5000.

CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL, Friday Morning Music Club members perform works by Rachmaninoff, Kodaly and Stravinsky. Noon, Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th St. NW. Free. 202-333-2075.

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON'S TREES, Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of "Trees: The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, D.C.," discusses the history of the city's trees since the late 1700s; the book's illustrator, Polly Alexander, discusses the artistic process involved in her botanical drawings. Noon-1:30 p.m., U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free; registration suggested. 202-225-1116.

ARTS CLUB RECEPTION, for a collection of inkjet prints, paintings and multimedia works by Arts Club members. Reception, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday; exhibit continues, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Feb. 28, Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. Free. 202-331-7282.

"LOOSE ROPE" IRANIAN FILM, about two young men who must take a large cow from downtown Tehran to the northern part of the city or face losing their jobs, in Persian with English subtitles. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Freer Gallery, Meyer Auditorium, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. Free tickets distributed one hour before the screening. 202-633-1000.

CYPRESS STRING QUARTET RECITAL, works by Kevin Puts, Mendelssohn and Beethoven, 8 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium; composer Puts discusses his new work, 6:15 p.m. in the Whittall Pavilion, Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. Free tickets available by phone, with a $2.75 service charge per ticket. 202-397-7328 or 202-707-5502.

"THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT ELECTRICITY," discussed by Phillip Schewe, American Institute of Physics chief science writer; sponsored by the Philosophical Society of Washington. 8:15 p.m., Cosmos Club, John Wesley Powell Auditorium, 2170 Florida Ave. NW. Free. 703-370-5282.

Saturday 7

"AMERICAN ODYSSEY," Ray Owen, in various costumes, performs a musical journey through U.S. history. 9:30 and 11 a.m., National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before each show. 202-783-3372.

ROCK-AND-ROLL FOR KIDS, the RTTs perform. 10 a.m., Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. $5. 202-966-6000.

CHILDREN'S MAGIC LANTERN SHOW, for age 4 and older, Terry Borton of the American Magic Lantern Theater shows projected color images while presenting a live show of drama, music and comedy. 11:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, National Gallery of Art, East Building, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-789-3030.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN FAMILY DAY, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth; create a "presidential proclamation," decipher secret telegrams sent to the Union Army, listen to Lincoln stories, try on a top hat and beard, step onto a podium for your "Gettysburg Address," play games from the Civil War era, meet President and Mary Todd Lincoln and listen to songs that the president liked. Noon-3 p.m., National Archives, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

"MR. LINCOLN'S T-MAILS," author Tom Wheeler discusses his book "Mr. Lincoln's T-Mails: How Abraham Lincoln Used the Telegraph to Win the Civil War"; visitors ages 7-13 will be invited to attend a workshop featuring "Mr. Lincoln's whiskers" and the story of Grace Bedell and her letter to the president about his whiskers; children will also be invited to design a presidential stamp. 1-2:30 p.m., National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Free. 202-633-5533 or npmprograms@si.edu.

TREE IDENTIFICATION WALK, a National Park Service ranger leads a 30-minute walk and teaches how to identify trees by their buds, flowering seasons and twigs. 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Feb. 21, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. Free. 202-426-6905.

POETRY WALK, poet Lane Jennings and Karl Zhang, a professor of Chinese, lead a tour of the area around Goethe-Institut, pointing out sites of German American and Chinese American significance; poets read poems at various sites; a reception with German and Chinese snacks follows at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, 616 H St. NW. 2-4 p.m., Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-289-1200, Ext. 167, or rsvp@washington.goethe.org.

PIANO RECITAL, Simone Dinnerstein performs works by Schubert, J.S. Bach, Lasser and Beethoven, sponsored by Washington Performing Arts Society. 2 p.m., Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $38. 202-785-9727.

BRONX HIP-HOP DOCUMENTARY, for age 14 and older, "The Freshest Kids: A History of The B-boy"; the audience will be invited to participate in a post-screening discussion with B-boys, DJs and MCs from the District hip-hop scene. 3 p.m., Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. Free. 202-383-1828 or rsvp@historydc.org.

A CAPPELLA CONCERT, "Sing Out for Shelter," performance by a cappella groups including Whim 'N' Rhythm of Yale, the Augmented Eight and others, proceeds to benefit the homeless. 8 p.m., Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. $10-$40; 11 and younger, free. 202-364-1419, Ext. 19, or 202-244-5707.

PIANO DUO RECITAL, Gyorgy Kurtag and his wife, Marta, perform works by Bela Bartok and Gyorgy Kurtag. 8 p.m., Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, Coolidge Auditorium, 10 First St. SE. Free tickets available by phone, with a $2.75 service charge per ticket. 202-397-7328 or 202-707-5502.

LOVE SONGS FROM BROADWAY, vocalists Rosa Lamoreaux and Robert Tudor, pianist Betty Bullock and bassist David Jernigan perform tunes from "Brigadoon," "Show Boat," "Oklahoma," "Annie Get Your Gun" and others. 8 p.m., Dumbarton United Methodist Church, 3133 Dumbarton Ave. NW. $30; seniors, $26; students, $20. 202-965-2000 or http://www.dumbartonconcerts.org.

Sunday 8

ROCK CREEK PARK HIKE, a National Park Service ranger leads a 3 1/2 -mile hike to Riley Spring Bridge and discusses the forest's sights. 1 p.m., Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd. NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

CLASSICAL PIANO RECITAL, Wonny Song performs works by J.S. Bach, Norman, Schubert and Debussy. 2 p.m., Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $30. 202-467-4600.

MARINE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, performance of works by Libby Larsen, Telemann and Stravinsky; followed by a tour of the facility; light refreshments served. 2 p.m., Marine Barracks Annex, John Philip Sousa Band Hall, Seventh Street and Virginia Avenue SE. Free. 202-433-4011.

LINCOLN ASSASSINATION TALK, for age 16 and older, historian Anthony Pitch discusses his book "They Have Killed Papa Dead: The Road to Ford's Theatre, Abraham Lincoln's Murder and the Rage for Vengeance," including historical details recently discovered in letters and private papers. 2:30 p.m., Historical Society of Washington, 801 K St. NW. Free. 202-383-1828 or rsvp@historydc.org.

CLASSICAL PIANO RECITAL, Vivian Cheng performs works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach and Brahms; followed by a reception and viewing of "Recyclage," an exhibit of collages made from recycled electronic material by Cleve Overton. 3 p.m., Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. Free. 202-363-4900.

LEFTBANK CONCERT SOCIETY RECITAL, works by Eric Ewazen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Bartok and Shostakovich. 3 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW. Free tickets distributed in the G Street lobby at 2 p.m. 202-633-1000 or 703-536-0222.

MUSIC FROM HUNGARY, Beata Palya sings Hungarian folk and gypsy music with jazz and pop. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324.

CLASSICAL CELLO AND PIANO RECITAL, Josef Feigelson, cellist, and Peep Lassmann, piano, perform Mendelssohn's works for cello and piano. 6:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, West Building Garden Court, 600 Constitution Ave. NW. Free. 202-842-6941.

Monday 9

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, PATENT HOLDER, historian Jason Emerson, author of "Lincoln the Inventor," discusses Lincoln's device to buoy vessels over shoals and how his penchant for inventions helped shape his political beliefs. Noon, National Archives, William G. McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street, NW. Free. 202-501-5000.

AUTHOR'S TALK, Linda Osborne discusses her book "Traveling the Freedom Road: From Slavery and the Civil War Through Reconstruction." Noon, Library of Congress, Madison Building, West Dining Room, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Free. 202-707-5221.

"YELLA" GERMAN FILM, Christian Petzold's story of a woman who leaves behind her small town and failed marriage in search of a promising job and new life, in German with English subtitles. 6:30 p.m., Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh St. NW. $6; seniors and students, $4. 202-289-1200.

Tuesday 10

"LINCOLN AND HIS ADMIRALS," historian Craig Symonds reads from his book; followed by a question-and-answer session. Noon, U.S. Navy Memorial Heritage Center, Burke Theater, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free. 202-737-2300.

CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL, clarinetist Lora Ferguson, violist Elizabeth Pulju-Owen and pianist Patrick O'Donnell perform works by Mozart, Rebecca Clarke and Max Bruch. 12:10 p.m., Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. Suggested donation, $5. 202-347-2635, Ext. 18.

LESBIAN AND GAY CHORUS OPEN HOUSE, the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Washington is seeking members who enjoy singing a repertoire ranging from classical to popular music; no audition necessary. 6:30-8 p.m., Parish of St. Monica and St. James, 222 Eighth St. NE. Free. 202-546-1549 or http://www.lgcw.org.

BARBARA COOK EVENT, the singer discusses her life and musical experiences. 7 p.m., Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $18. 202-408-3100.

GUARNERI STRING QUARTET, a performance of works by Beethoven and Schubert. 7:30 p.m., Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $50. 202-467-4600.

LINCOLN ASSASSINATION TALK, historian Anthony Pitch discusses his book "They Have Killed Papa Dead: The Road to Ford's Theatre, Abraham Lincoln's Murder and the Rage for Vengeance," including historical details recently discovered in letters and private papers. 8 p.m., Naval Lodge Hall, 330 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Free; reservations required. 202-544-1845 or overbecklecture@aol.com.

MIRA TRIO RECITAL, pianist Byron Schenkman leads the trio in a performance of works by Fanny Mendelssohn and her brother Felix, 8 p.m., in the Coolidge Auditorium; Susan Clermont discusses the library's Mendelssohn collection, 6:15 p.m., in the Whittall Pavilion, Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. Free tickets available by phone, with a $2.75 service charge per ticket. 202-397-7328 or 202-707-5502.

Wednesday 11

MUSIC AND TEA, music school faculty and students perform; tea and light refreshments served. 11 a.m., Levine School of Music, THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Free; reservations required. 202-686-8000, Ext. 1068.

A SOLDIER'S MEMOIR, Julius W. Becton Jr. discusses his book "Becton: Autobiography of a Soldier and Public Servant," about his service in three wars, his rank of three-star general, his heading of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and his presidency of Prairie View A&M University. Noon, National Archives, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street, NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

"MY FATHER'S PARADISE" BOOK TALK, Ariel Sabar discusses his book "My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq." Noon, Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, Room 220, 10 First St. SE. Free. 202-707-3779.

"ROUNDHEADS AND PEAKHEADS," Catalyst Theater Company performs Bertolt Brecht's story of the mythical land of "Yahoo," where the government is run by wealthy landowners whose tenants cannot pay their rent. Previews, 8 p.m. Wednesday through Feb. 14; play continues, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. March 14, Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Previews, pay what you can; Feb. 15 and March 15 benefit shows and champagne receptions, $50; other performances, $10. 202-399-7993 or http://www.catalysttheater.org.

Thursday 12

LINCOLN'S 200TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, representatives from the National Park Service lay a wreath, area students recite several of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, and the Federal City Brass Band performs music on Civil War-era instruments, 9 a.m.; rangers perform interpretive programs commemorating Lincoln's presidency, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Free. 202-347-4833.

GOTHIC NOVEL TALK, Drew Hayden Taylor discusses his "The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel." Noon, National Museum of the American Indian, Rasmuson Theater, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-633-1000.

"RUGS FOR COURT AND COMMERCE," museum director Daniel Walker discusses how rugs were woven by artisans for elite people and how carpets were produced for the commercial market. Noon, Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. Free. 202-667-0441, Ext. 64.

"ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE TSAR," Scott Ruby, specialist in Russian and European art, discusses the political and cultural relationship of Lincoln and Alexander II. 12:30 p.m., Hillwood Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. $12; age 65 and older, $10; ages 6-18, $5; 5 and younger, free. 202-686-5807.

SCULPTOR DOCUMENTARY, Paul Sanderson's "Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture," about six of the artist's works, including the "Standing Lincoln" in Chicago's Lincoln Park, the Shaw memorial in Boston, the Sherman monument in New York and the Adams memorial in Washington. 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 15, National Gallery of Art, East Building, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-842-6799.

"ME SEXY" BOOK TALK, Drew Hayden Taylor his book, which is a compilation of several Native American writers' stories about previously taboo subjects, written with humor and insight. 5:30 p.m., National Museum of the American Indian, Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free; tickets required. 202-633-1000.

GEORGE MCGOVERN DISCUSSES LINCOLN, former senator McGovern and book editor Sean Wilentz discuss McGovern's book "Abraham Lincoln." 6 p.m., National Archives, Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street, NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

DESSON THOMSON MOVIE TALK, "Giggles and Sniffles: What Makes a Movie Great?," discussed by film critic Thomson, formerly with The Washington Post, who shows clips of funny and dramatic movies. 6:45 p.m., Smithsonian, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $40. 202-633-3030.

WORLD II HISTORY TALK, "Looking Back: What Did It All Mean?," history professor Williamson Murray discusses the impact of the U.S. operational experience in World War II. 6:45 p.m., Smithsonian, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $25. 202-633-3030.

"THE DUCHESS OF MALFI," performance of the John Webster play about revenge and passionate love. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-15, Catholic University, Hartke Theatre, 3801 Harewood Rd. NE. $12; seniors, $8; students, $5. 202-319-4000 or http://www.drama.cua.edu.

VOCAL, PIANO RECITAL, performance of works by Chopin and Liszt in a candlelit setting, with vocalist Joyce Lundy and pianist Jacob Clark. 7:30 p.m., Levine School of Music, THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. $15. 202-686-8000, Ext. 1615, or http://www.levineschool.org.

THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE RECITAL, the British a cappella quartet performs works by Renaissance composers Orlando de Lassus and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. 7:30 p.m., Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $50. 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324.

-- Compiled by GERRI MARMER

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