Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

Weekend Section: Capital Fringe Festival. Eddie and the Cosmos Lounge Act. (Mark Finkenstaedt - Mark Finkenstaedt)

The staff of Weekend , The Washington Post's weekly entertainment guide, covers what's happening in the Washington area. We'll field your questions on everything in the section from performances and new DVDs to weekend getaways and kids' activities. We write about all kinds of tun things to do and we're happy to talk to you about it.

The Weekend staff was online Friday, July 7, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

This week's Weekend heads to DC's inaugural Fringe Festival, which is jam-packed with shows of all kinds. Way too many for just one writer, so we used a tag-team approach to preview some Festival offerings. Also, Ellen McCarthy writes about outdoor opportunities to socialize and catch some free (or almost-free) entertainment in our Nightwatch feature, Richard Harrington talks to the chart-topping India.Arie, Eve Zibart reviews Indique Heights in Friendship Heights, Michael O'Sullivan writes about new exhibits at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Embassy of Australia, and we talk with actor Jason Lee. And if that's not enough to chat about, we've got dogs playing Frisbee.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

A transcript follows.

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Curt Fields: Hello! Welcome to the weekly electronic gathering we like to call Weekend Now. We're glad you stopped by. You're welcome to just lurk and read but it'll be even more fun if you talk to us.

Want to talk about the Fringe Festival? Tell us what shows you're looking forward to seeing. Have you been to other cities' fringe fests and have experiences to share?

We can also chat about India.Arie, Jason Lee, entertaining new DVDs, movies, restaurants or any other topic we cover.

Here we go ...

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Curt Fields: Some questions and answers coming momentarily. Everything you've heard about writers and deadlines is true...

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Dupont Circle: Loved the Fringe festival guide! Thanks. I see several I want to go see. Is there one you think is a can't miss show?

washingtonpost.com: Fringe Festival Guide

Scott Vogel: First off, thanks for your kind words on our package, which includes a really neat Web component. If you haven't seen it yet, here's a link .

Your question is not an easy one to answer, but as I've always been amazed at the dearth of political theater in this town, I'm very excited about the set of plays about Vice President Cheney known as "You Don't Know Dick."

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Washington, D.C.: Is Fraser Gallery closing?

Michael O'Sullivan: No, it will continue under the direction of Catriona Fraser. Her former business partner (and ex-husband) Lenny Campello is moving on.

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Undisclosed Secret Location: KC and the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor and Sister Sledge at NISSAN? Do I need to dig out my old bell bottoms. Shouldn't they be playing somewhere smaller?

Richard Harrington: For some Nissan shows, they only sell Pavilion seats, no lawn. But this one includes lawn seats, and there will apparently be lots of room. As for the bell bottoms, it's likely that they, too, might need to find something smaller....

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Washington: Hey guys, hopefully you can come through for me as you always have. Looking for something outside (if the rain holds), free/low cost, Metro accessible, not an every day thing (i.e., not the Mall).

If it's something where I won't feel weird by myself, that's even better. Thanks so much!

Ellen McCarthy: Hey there, you know we don't want to disappoint a loyalist. But you don't say when you're looking for said outside-low cost-metro accessible event. Tonight? The Brian Settles Quartet is playing at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden. Tomorrow? Fringe, Fringe, Fringe. Alain Nu's Circus of the Mind show is free... he'll go on at 6 and 7:30 p.m. at the National Theatre. Check out Curt's profile in today's section.

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Fairfax, Va.: I'm looking for a good Pakistani restuaruant. Are there any in the D.C. area? Thanks!

Christina Talcott: Do you have anything in particular you're craving? For Pakistani food in general, here are some suggestions: I like Mayur Kabab House at 1108 K St. NW (202-637-9770) for their cheap buffet. There are a couple of places near Eastern Market that serve Pakistani food: Aatish on the Hill (202-544-0931) and Capitol Hill Grill & Tandoor (202-547-3233), but I haven't tried them. Years ago I used to go to Food Factory on Rockville Pike, which serves Afghani and Pakistani dishes. It looks like the Rockville one is closed, but there are Food Factories in Arlington (703-527-2279) and College Park (301-345-8888). Anyone have another suggestion?

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Springfield, Va.: Hi everyone, I hope you get to my question! I need a suggestion for dinner, it will be two friends and myself, we're college students so we want a young crowd, and not to expensive, probably in D.C. around U St. or a place nearby.

- another note, my friends are not adventerous, but I am, is there anything that can accommodate all of this?

Thank you!

Eve Zibart: The U Street area ought to offer almost anything you'd like, including some places where some can be braver than others. Among good bets: Coppi's Organic, 1414 U, fresh veg/pasta/wood grilled pizzas; Tabaq,1336 U, mid-East/Mediterranean tapas; U-topia, 1418 U, jazz and good American pub-plus; Polly's Cafe, 1342, similarly broad but good eclectic....for more adventure, Dukem Ethiopian, 12th and U....enough to start you?

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McLean, Va.: I'd like to explore some galleries specializing in local artists and it would be great if there was a wonderful restaurant nearby. Any suggestions?

Michael O'Sullivan: Viridian, in the same building as a bunch of galleries (Hemphill, G Fine Art, Curator's Office, Adamson) at 1515 14th Street, is not bad. The exhibitions there aren't always devoted to area artists, but often are. The building is also very near Irvine Contemporary and Transformer.

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Alexandria, Va.: Anything good going on in D.C. galleries this weekend? Any good group shows?

Michael O'Sullivan: I like a number of works in "Conversions," a new group show co-sponsored by the Washington Project for the Arts/Corcoran at the Ellipse Arts Center (4350 N. Fairfax Dr., near the Ballston Metro). It's an assortment of site-specific installations on the loosey-goosey theme of "spatial interpretation," and it'll be up through Sep. 29. Of special note: works by Renee Butler, Ami Martin Wilber, Kathryn Cornelius and Michele Kong.

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Kensington, Md.: Hi -- What do this this weekend (now that the pool is out because of rain) with an almost two-year-old? I am not interested in heading into town though the Fringe Festival sounds cool.

Thanks!

Scott Vogel: Don't rule out the Fringe Festival, as there are several kid-friendly shows (again, see the Fringe Festival Web page for details). As well, there will be all sorts of "Pop-Up Dances," spontaneous terpsichorean acts, all over town but mainly around the Warehouse Theater, which might be considered Fringe central.

Here's another idea. There will be "Green Kids at Market Day" events at 5 area farmers markets this weekend. They're a great way for kids to learn about the importance of eating healthy foods, but if that makes it sound boring, it's not! Expect things like treasure hunts throughout the markets, ice cream, the chance to build veggie "bugs," and more. For further information, visit the Les Dames d'Escoffier

Web site

.

Curt Fields: Also, the 17th annual Montgomery County Farm Tour is this weekend. It runs from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 13 farms are open Saturday and 9 on Sunday. Hayrides, pony rides, live music and farm-related demonstrations. You can also pick your own peaches, blackberries, flowers, plants, and other goodies.

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Talcottville, Conn.: Since we're on the topic of food, can anybody out there recommend both the best funnel cake in the area and the best Ethiopian food? I guess you could say I have eclectic tastes ...

Christina Talcott: Wow, who knew there was a Talcottville, Conn.? Is it near Talcott Mountain? I bet it's a cool town, wherever it is... I have yet to find a regular provider of funnel cake outside a theme park, but a good stand-in is the fry bread at the American Indian Museum. As for Ethiopian, I love Meskerem on 18th Street for the front-window people-watching, Lalibela on 14th for its patio. Anyone else have a favorite?

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm really getting into playing online Scrabble against strangers, much to the chagrin of my sweetie. Sometimes I stay up all night battling with my vocabulary. Just curious, but can anyone help settle an argument I'm having -- is it really antisocial to play games online? (Sweetie obviously says yes, I say no.)

Curt Fields: Just remember, moderation in all things. If you look at your sweetie and think only of the point value their name would bring if it hit a triple-word square, then you're probably playing too much.

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Downtown, office: I know you usually do dinner spots, but is there a place in the Farragut North area where I can get a good Cuban sandwich on a lunch hour?

Eve Zibart: Well, you missed Havana Breeze, which would have been ideal....You might be able to put something fairly similar together at High Noon on the square, Could you go a little farther? Ceiba's at 14th and G, and the Cubano's a staple.

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Great Falls, Va.: I hear that there's a major gallery art fair coming to D.C. soon ... but can't find anything online or in the newspaper.

Have you guys heard anything about this art fair?

Michael O'Sullivan: You're right. It's coming April 27-30 of next year to the Washington Convention Center. More info here.

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Silver Spring, Md.: My friend is in town and I'm looking for some things to do with her this summer.

We were planning to get together at Duport Circle. Any recommendations that don't include overeating. I'm trying to cut some calories.

Ellen McCarthy: Hmmmmm, how about waiting until the sun goes down and then touring the monuments at night, via Segway. Could be a great way to play host and see the city from a different angle yourself. And did we mention there's a little something called the Fringe Festival going on this week? I'm just saying....

Eve Zibart: The five corners of M Street, Connecticut and Jefferson just south of the Circle is a hub of clubs--how about dancing those pounds away?

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washingtonpost.com: Washington, D.C. Segway Night Tour

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Hiking: Do you know of any good parks in Southern Maryland for a picnic and hike? I want to soak up the sun before summer ends for good!

Twila Waddy: Hi. You are right about getting out before the summer is over. We are alreay almost done with July. Some parks to try out in Southern Maryland are Cedarville State Park, 301-888-1410. There are 19.5 miles of marked trails for hiking and biking. Picnic tables and grills are available. There is also the Greenwell State Park, 301-373-9775. The 596-acre park is located on the Patuxent River in St. Mary's county. Hiking, fishing and picnicking is allowed.

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Washington, D.C.: Are there any waterparks in the area that you would recommend for a family with a 4-year-old? Thanks.

Scott Vogel: Glad you asked! My six-year-old and I have made it our special project this summer to hit each and every water park in our area. (Hey, it's something to do.) The best ones -- according to him -- are Cameron Run Regional Park (enormous pool that's less than 2 feet deep throughout), Splashdown Waterpark in Manassas (lots of water fun for wee ones), and of course Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags. Would love to hear about more, though, as we're running out of places to go!

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Arlington, Va.: I hope ya can help!

My daughter's friend's mother has been helping me out a lot by picking up my daughter after the camp, etc., and I'd like to get her a gift certificate from a Turkish restaurant. You know of any good ones?

Eve Zibart: Cafe Divan at the top of Georgetown is nice; if you're farther out, Kazan in McLean or Nizam's in Vienna are longtime reliables. There's also Anatolia on Capital Hill, but I'd put that lower down.

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washingtonpost.com: Southern Maryland Publc Lands

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Washington, D.C. : I applaud your story today and only wonder why you don't do more about our incredible theater scene. But I'll take what I can get!

Scott Vogel: Trust me, deciding what to put on our On Stage page each week is an eternal dilemma, what with all the worthy offerings out there. And all of the arts scenes in town seem to be exploding! But theater has always been a core commitment of Weekend, and it always will be.

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Eve Zibart: More on Ethiopean fare: The area around Ninth Street and U has pretty much replaced 18th Street as DC's "Little Ethiopia." Next Friday's Fare Minded review, in fact, is of one of the most comfy, Etete; and there will be a list of others nearby as well. I mentioned Dukem above. Zed's in Georgetown isn't perhaps all it used to be, but very comfortable for first-timers. And if you're a suburbanite, Langano in Silver Spring is very near the Metro.

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Washington, D.C.: I was kinda confused by the description of the deaf guy who is going to be putting on a musical in the Fringe Festival. Did he go deaf because of 9/11? Did the explosions in N.Y. make him go deaf??

Eve Zibart: Hi--sorry, we had to keep to such a small space it might not have been clear. No, Jay began to lose his hearing in his 20s, much like Beethoven, in fact; and it began to progress more rapidly in his 30s. He was pretty much profoundly deaf by 9/11.

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Cuban Sandwitch: Doesn't Bread Line have them?

Eve Zibart: Not much farther away, either, good point--about 18th and Penn. Not sure whether Clyde's on the Walk has one (Gallery Place) but that might be a possibility.

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Washignton, D.C.: I went to the party for the Fringe Festival last night at the Avenue and got frisked at the door. I don't drink anymore and don't go out to clubs. Is this frisking standard practice in all D.C. clubs now because of the crime emergency? >Or has this just been going on since I stopped drinking?

Ellen McCarthy: Wait, there was frisking? I knew I should've gone to that!! kidding, kidding. No, this is not standard practice for ALL DC clubs. But maybe it's becoming that way. Any one else out there seen tighter security at local night spots lately?

Curt Fields: Ah yes, you never forget your first frisking (mine was in the early '90s at an Ice-T show.

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For the Pakistani food seeker: The Kabob Palace in Crystal City was recommended to me by a cab driver. It's where all the cabbies go.

Eve Zibart: As for chicken tikka, most Indian restaurants can help you (see today's Fare Minded, for instance.)

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Same place as before: As a beginning art collector, I'm interested in buying original art by art students.

Do the art schools ever have any exhibitions where they actually sell the work of art students? How would I find this out and where?

Gracias very much

Michael O'Sullivan: Both MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) in Baltimore and our own Corcoran College of Art + Design have spring thesis exhibitions, along with pretty much every other college that has an art department (GW, GMU, Catholic, AU, etc.). Several area commercial galleries have recently started jumping on the bandwagon started by Conner Contemporary a few summers ago of showing (and selling) works by students fresh from area art schools. Conner's "Academy 2006" opens Aug. 4. The Arlington Arts Center's "New Art Examined: Works by 2006 MFA Graduates in the Md-Atlantic Region" runs through Aug. 5. I beleve the new gallery Project 4 is also planning an exhibition of work by recent art school grads.

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Washington, D.C.: I have never seen Van Morrison live and he is coming here to the Patriot Center. I'm very tempted to go, but he can be, um, somewhat erratic as a performer. Do you have any feel for what his shows are like these days?

Thank you.

Richard Harrington: The Mercurial Morrison! It's always been a risk/reward situation with Van: some night's, he into the zone, locked tight with his band, into the mystic as it were. And sometimes he's got something on his mind that won't let him connect to the music, the audience or, it seesm, the world at large. Only recent review I found was from a London show in February in which he served up a good amount of material from his new country standards album and some classics, including "Moondance." When he's on, he's amazing so it worth the risk.

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Maryland: I'm about to go on a week-long beach vacation. Do you have any tips of things to do during the long car ride (especially for kids).

Christina Talcott: Kudos for steering clear of the DVD trap for car trips. Long rides can be a drag sometimes, but they're also a great way for kids to see something new. And there's so much to see on the way to the beach, with the farms and the bridges and, well, all the other cars heading east. "I Spy" and "20 Questions" are classics. Mad-Libs are a great way to pass the time and work on grammar and vocab. This site has a bunch of suggestions, too: http://familyfun.go.com. If you're heading to the Delaware beaches, stop at Holly's on Kent Island. They have amazing fried chicken, but they also have placemats with a states-and-capitals game. It's more fun than it sounds.

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Eve Zibart: Yikes! missing brains this morning....I have a Turkish godmother and for her birthday I took her to Zaytinya and she had a great time. Sorry (pass the coffee pot!)

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Washington, D.C.: Ever thought about doing a cover story on Open mic nights?

Ellen McCarthy: Interesting suggestion. Where can we catch your act??

Curt Fields: We did one a year or two ago on comedy club open mics.

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Talcottville, Conn.: Yes, Talcottville is the coolest place ever, even though most people just think it's some exit from the N.Y. to Boston cheapie Chinatown bus. There's a donut shop in town that sells Funnel Cake (they call it fried dough too, but it's the same thing), but I haven't found funnel cake beyond Six Flags since moving to the area. I was hoping to put some Ethopian-style chick peas on funnel cake. Don't ask. I just know it will be good.

Eve Zibart: You could also try a Middle Eastern place for hummus (and no, it doesn't sound weird to me at all--you should see what ethnic foods I mix!) Or even an Italian and get the white bean/tomato salad?

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Fairfax County: I liked the big article about the re-opened Portrait Gallery and American Art museums. Was there anything special you saw in the "not on exhibit" collection that you thought merited more public display? Do you know if any special shows or traveling exhibitions are on the schedule?

Michael O'Sullivan: I assume by the "not on exhibit" collecton, you're referring to the "open storage" of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art. Considering that there are 3,300 objects on view there--several times more than in the museum proper--there's tons to see, and too many special things to list them all. But I'll give you one: "Honore Sharrer's "Tribute to the American Working People." Odd, a little bit obscure and wonderful. The Luce Center is my favorite thing about the new Reynolds Center. It's hard not to find something you'll absolutely love.

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Newport, R.I.: I just want to say that MY sweetie won't stop playing Dance Dance Revolution because she's revolting against the fact that I refuse to take her dancing. I'd much rather she take up online scrabble at this point.

Curt Fields: Hmmm ... seems to me watching her do DDR has got to be more entertaining than watching her puzzle out a Q word that doesn't use a U (there are some, btw, for the non-Scrabble playing folks among us). But maybe that's just me.

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi All! Im really excited about going to Artscape tomorrow to see Goapele and Common, but need help. What would be the best way to get to Baltimore from Northern Virginia for the night show? Thanks for your help!

Christina Talcott: If you're car-less, or you just don't want to drive, you can take Amtrak and either walk (it's about 15 minutes) or take the light rail to the show. The train's about $15 each way, and you can probably catch the 11:42.

If you're driving, take 495 and either the Baltimore-Washington Parkway or I-95. Here are the directions from www.artscape.org:

From the South of Baltimore: Take I-95 North towards Baltimore, then I-395 North towards the Baltimore City, bear onto Martin Luther King Blvd. traveling north, crossing over Howard street continuing towards Mount Royal Avenue, ARTSCAPE will be on your left.

Have a great time!

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: : Where can we find duck pin bowling around here?

Scott Vogel: Thanks for your question. Believe it or not, duckpin bowling is not entirely dead. In fact, it seems to be conspicuously undead in the Baltimore-Washington area for reasons that remain unclear. Two places to check out are Silver Spring's White Oak Duckpin Lanes and Baltimore's Patterson Bowling Center.

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washingtonpost.com: White Oak Duckpin Lanes

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Re Beach Trip: Go to the a dollar store and buy some of the cheap trinkets and what not especially the multipacks used for parties. Wrap them up. When the kids start to get antsy give them one to play with.

Another game I played with my kids was a variation of Chain reaction. One person starts and it goes around the car. ex

Yellow-bus-stop-go-crazy-glue-gun-shot-put-down-etc.

Curt Fields: Some more ideas for keeping the kids sane in the car.

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washingtonpost.com: Patterson Bowling Center

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Eve Zibart: Also new at the Portrait Gallery, in the Luce area/cafe: music by longtime sax favorite and hometowner Buck Hill (best known, if unfairly, for his work with Shirley Horn) and his quintet, the third Thursdays of the month from 5-7, with some wines by the glass and new acquisitions to view in one of the nicest rooms around. The program is still shaking down, for info check with the museum.

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Michael O'Sullivan: Oh, and I forgot to add this to my answer to the question about upcoming special exhibitions at the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. There's a Joseph Cornell exhibition coming this fall to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and a show on Saul Steinberg (one of my favorites) in April of next year. Don't miss either one of those.

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Laurel, Md.: As I was looking for places to take my kids (5 and 7) for a nearby weekend getaway, I came across Rocky Gap Resort in Cumberland, Md. Do you know of it? Have you been there? Any thoughts about the place is appreciated. Thank you.

Still Looking

Twila Waddy: Hi. I have not been there. But, from what I have read it sounds like a wonderful place to go. Is there anyone out there that has been?

Eve Zibart: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a little farther, just over the line in Pennsylvania, and they have a ton of stuff to do for all ages (get them settled in the kids' area and head to the spa!)

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi again,

For Pakistani food, I'm searching for chicken karahi as well as chicken tikka. Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to try them out!

Christina Talcott: I've never had chicken karahi - it sounds delicious. A random web search turned up a place called Mehran, at 2138 Pennsylvania, with chicken karahi on the menu. If you go, please come back and give us a report!

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Fairfax, Va.: I hear there is an art show (it may be part of Fringe Festival, but you all don't have it listed). It's some sort of hang your own art and you don't really have to be an artist. Do you know where that is?

Michael O'Sullivan: Maybe you mean "1460 Wall Mountables" at the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th Street? You get a two-foot square space to hang something for ten bucks. It opens July 28. Installation dates are July 26-28. Check it out here here

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Washington, D.C.: I was wondering if you guys know the name of the Pottery shop in SE where you can paint your on pottery? Is in good to take kids there? Doe you know of any other places?

Eve Zibart: Perhaps you're thinking of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in the old French school on Seventh Street? It might also be that the Eastern Market potters have some kids' activities There are Color Me Mine franchises in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, etc. . . .

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Curt Fields: Well folks it's been an especially fun chat with you this week. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Check back with us again next Friday. Now, after all the food talk, if you'll excuse us, we're going to make a mad dash for some nearby restaurants. Until next week, have fun.

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