Transcript
Weekend Now
A Weekend Is More Than Two Days
Friday, October 13, 2006; 11:00 AM
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
Join the Weekend staff online this Friday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.
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There's a lot going on this week. It's time for Howard University's annual homecoming celebration , which is always one of the big events on Washington's social calendar. Also, the Green Festival is at the D.C. Convention Center; Stephen Wade celebrates the music of Hobart Smith at the Birchmere; "The Bluest Eye," a play based on the Toni Morrison novel, is making its East Coast premiere at the H Street Playhouse; "Reel Affirmations," a D.C. gay and lesbian film festival is taking place; and, of course, there are a ton of new movies, music and DVDs . Got questions? Just ask us.
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Weekend Now
A transcript follows.
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Curt Fields: Hello, welcome to Weekend's weekly chat. Step right up with any questions or comments you may have. We can offer our opinion on music, movies, theater, art, and other entertainment options in the area. And, even if you don't have a question, offer us your opinion -- tell us what you like and dislike about Weekend.
Let's get to it ...
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Leesburg, Va.: So, any of you going to see Streisand? Is she still relevant today?
Scott Vogel: OK, full disclosure -- Mom has flown across the country to see Babs, and somewhere in the Vogel family archives there exists a thoroughly exhausted Betamax version of "Funny Girl" that ought to have been put out of its misery long ago. In short, "relevant" is too weak a word for what Streisand is, at least where the Vogel matriarch is concerned. Tickets are still available, by the way, as are second mortgages, the latter of which are necessary to purchase the former. Concert starts at 7:30 tonight.
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Fairfax County, Va.: With some of the Baltimore Museums dropping admission fees, what should we see first?
Michael O'Sullivan: There's one new show at each of the two now-free Baltimore museums I think is worth checking out. As long as you're driving up, why not see them both? DC artist Dan Steinhilber's kinetic sculpture of styrofoam packing peanuts at the BMA is way cool, while the Walters has an "experimental" installation of Gustave Courbet's landscapes involving dramatic "mood" lighting and specially composed ambient music. The pictures are divided into four theme rooms: spring, fall, winter and summer, with corresponding wall paint colors, subtle lighting effects and sound (by students at the Peabody Conservatory). It's a very striking presentation. Both shows are a mix of high and low tech. I'll be writing about for the 20th.
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At the cinema: So how does the new Capote movie compare to the first one? Better or worse?
Michael O'Sullivan: Hunter says it's a close second to "Capote." I think "Infamy" is just as good, but that Toby Jones' performance as Capote is even better than Philip Seymour Hoffman's. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that they gave out the Oscar prematurely. As the saying goes, the second mouse gets the cheese.
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Curt Fields: Michael meant "Infamous" by the way. He's got "Infamy" on the brain because he wrote about a DVD of that name for today's section.
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Baltimore, Md.: Does Joan Jett still rock as hard as before?
Curt Fields: long version: Well, she still rocks hard enough to keep her fans happy. I ran into someone a couple of weeks back at a different concert who mentioned she was a fan and planned to see her this week. This fan said she'd been to several Jett shows through the years and said every one was fun. She even pointed out that at a show with a low turnout Jett cranked it up and rocked for the whole set, making sure the people who were there had a good time.
And reviews of her latest indicate she's sticking to her trademark sound. Short version: yes
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Media, Pa.: Fusebox and now Numark Gallery, arguably two of D.C.'s top galleries, have closed or announced closure in 2006. And Fraser Gallery closed its Georgetown space and now operates out of Bethesda, Md.
Is the D.C. art scene in trouble? Why are so many good D.C. art galleries suddenly closing?
Michael O'Sullivan: DC art scene in trouble? Have you been to the 14th Street Arts District lately, as the galleries near Logan Circle are calling themselves? On a recent Saturday night, when they were having their joint openings, many of the galleries, especially in the 1515 14th Street building, were packed to overflowing. Cheryl Numark is closing because of a mix of personal, professional and health reasons, but attributes some of her decision to close her gallery at the end of the year to the rising influence of art fairs (which tend to favor smaller works over large, site-specific installations). Fusebox closed when the owners relocated.
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Washington, D.C.: I'd love to go to an event for Howard's homecoming. Which is the can't-miss of the weekend -- I'm too busy these days! Ugh.
Curt Fields: Personally I think any time you have the chance to see the Roots you should take advantage of it. They're amazing live.
Of course, the lineup for Yardfest is looking pretty fine too.
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Potomac, Md.: I'm tired of all the usual shopping haunts (Nordies, Tysons, you know). Any suggestions for someplace new I can take my credit card to?
Ellen McCarthy: Yes, but only if you promise to bring us back something nice.... Okay,if you haven't been to the new "Collection at Chevy Chase," which has ritzy stores like Max Mara and Louis Vuitton, you should check that out, if only for the experience. And the U and 14th Streets corridor has lots of interesting (read: non-chain clothing and home decor shops. We had a shopping story a few months back that might offer some inspiration...
Curt Fields: and if you want brand new, there's a boutique that's supposed to be opening this weekend on 14th St NW (near S Street) called Redeem. It's planning to carry some hip brands.
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Haunted Houses : Eeekkk, it's Friday the 13th and my husband really wants to go to either a haunted house or a haunted forest. We live in Alexandria. Any good ones in the area that aren't like a two-hour drive and area worth it? I heard of one in Sterling but not sure it's worth it. Suggestions?
Twila Waddy: There are the Alexandria Colonial Tours, Ghost and Graveyard Tours. They have tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:00. Some of the these are walking tours. One ends in a graveyard. You can find out more information at this site Also, we ran a story on ghost tours a few weeks ago. Here is the link Alexandria Colonial Tours to the story. I hope you have a good and scary time.
Twila Waddy: I have a small correction the link to the Alexandria tours is here
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Alexandria, Va.: Please tell me there's an event or attraction that will distract my kids from wanting to see the Disney Princesses on ice ... Thanks!
Scott Vogel: How about something that will allow you to take advantage of the crisp autumn weather? Which leads me to all the fall festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches that are an annual rite of passage for Disney-surfeited parents like yourself. I won't be able to speak from personal experience about the Cox Farm Fall Festival until next week -- that's in Centreville -- but I can tell you that my six-year-old is looking forward to the hay rides, etc., with an anticipation bordering on hysterics. For many more ideas, check our "With the Kids" section in today's Weekend.
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Washington, D.C.: New to the area ... I haven't been out at Adams Morgan yet, what are great places to check out for some dancing ... I like House, Latin, reggaeton, Hip-Hop and good cocktails. Are there any nice lounges for chatting and catching up with friends?
Thanks
Ellen McCarthy: You should find all (at least most) of the above in Adams Morgan. Bossa and Bourbon are both worth checking out when you feel like slow sipping. Habana Village has great music and salsa dancing. Chief Ike's Mambo Room on Columbia Rd. can sometimes feel a bit like a college party, but it's always a riot. Any other favorites out there for our newcomer?
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Washington, D.C.: Moving into a new place and need some new furniture -- I've heard that church bazaars are a great place to find bargains. Do you know of any going on this weekend in D.C. that would be worth checking out?
Twila Waddy: If you looking for some good deals try the Fall Bazaar Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. It is happing on today and Saturday from 11 to 9 and Sunday from noon to 6. The church is located at 10620 River Rd., Potomac. 301-765-9188.
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Washington, D.C.: I'm out of the loop -- what Baltimore museums are dropping entrance fees? Any chance the exorbitantly-priced aquarium is among them? It's $27!
Michael O'Sullivan: Alas, no change in the admission policy at the aquarium. The two museums that just became free are the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum.
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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: I need some suggestions for some free things to do this weekend, for either day or evening this Saturday and Sunday. Music and visual art are of the most interest to me, but I'm always open to other ideas-thanks
Michael O'Sullivan: I'll weigh in on the visual art part. Baltimore is place to be these days, with a new policy of free admission at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum. See my previous answer about the Steinhilber installation at BMA and the Walters's Courbet show, which opens Sunday. The American Visionary Art Museum has a new show too, but it's not free. The Gustave Courbet show at the Walters incorporates visual art AND music, so you get of your sides satisfied. I highly recommend it.
Joyce Jones: The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage is always good for free music. On Sunday it's jazz vocalist Mabel "May" Knott and her band. That's at 6 p.m..
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Washington, D.C.: Drumlines! Drumlines! Drumline! It's not about the game but the Marching bands! How does Howard's rate?
Class of '74.
Curt Fields: Well, Howard's is good enough that DMX wanted them in one of his videos a couple of years or so ago (the idea got squashed by university officials though) and the band has been in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
Of course, the real measuring stick is how many people go to the concessions stands at halftime. The answer: not as many as at most games.
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Washington, D.C.: Hello. My parents live in a different time zone so they sleep during the day and go out at night when they come to visit here. Is there a hotel where guests can sleep during the day with no housekeeping interruption?
Christina Talcott: I don't have any specific recs for you, but when I've traveled and wanted a little mid-day peace and quiet, hanging the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob does the trick. Your folks should also check with the front desk or the manager to arrange a time for housekeeping to visit their room, if necessary. Any chatters have favorite, extra-accommodating hotels?
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Halloween: I am a relative newcomer to the Washington, D.C., area and have heard a few stories of people taking their kids trick or treating on Embassy Row. Do you have any detailed information you can provide, or confirm if the embassies participate?
Thank you.
Scott Vogel: First off, this is a great question. I have heard rumors about Embassy Row as well, but have never been able to confirm much information on this (although I can tell you that last year the French ambassador's home featured butlers handing out gold-foiled chocolates!) One thought is to call the various embassies on Massachusetts Ave. Anyone else out there have any ideas?
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Washington, D.C.: Any suggestions for a restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria where two couples can enjoy food and conversation?
Michael O'Sullivan: My wife and I like the Majestic Cafe , 911 King Street, for meeting friends.
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Washington, D.C.: A friend e-mailed me that O'Sullivan was on the radio talking about the Manon Cleary exhibition. But they didn't tell me the station and I missed it. What radio station? Was it NPR?
Michael O'Sullivan: It's Washington Post Radio, WTWP. 107.7 FM and 1500 AM. Weekend staff members are on the air most Thursday afternoons between 2 and 3.
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College Park, Md.: You asked for likes and dislikes ...
like: music interviews, concert tips
dislike: outdoorsy stuff
Joyce Jones: We sure did. Thank you. Come on, let's have some more feedback, people...
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Washington, D.C.: I am confused about the Edison Place Gallery. Is that a museum?
Michael O'Sullivan: No. Edison Place Gallery is a 4,100-square-foot gallery in PEPCO's downtown headquarters building (entrance on 8th Street NW between G and H). The Cleary show there was organized by the Washington Arts Museum, an organization that does not have a bricks-and-mortar presence.
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Fairfax, Va.: Hi! Want to check out some costume stores this weekend for a Halloween party ... any "can't miss" places you would recommend in Northern Virginia? Thanks!
Scott Vogel: I hear really good things about Masters Costumes, which has five Northern Virginia locations and has been in the business a long time. And while we're on the subject, Weekend has an upcoming cover story -- which hits newsstands on Oct. 27 -- spotlighting the area's best costume shops. Don't miss it!
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washingtonpost.com: Masters Costumes
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Boyds, Md.: Weekend Deities, thanks for all!
I want to go for a long bike ride this weekend on rural country roads, soaking up whatever leaf color can be found, within an hours drive of Germantown, Md. I've ridden the roads around Sugarloaf and have hopped on the canal at the Monocacy Aqueduct, but I'm looking for something new. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your wisdom!
Christina Talcott: It's a little more than an hour away, but the Northern Central Railroad Trail, from north of Baltimore to the Pennsylvania line, sounds amazing. Or the Washington, Annapolis and Baltimore trail could be nice. Go to waba.org for trail maps and inspiration. Have fun!
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Rockville, Md.: Many years ago when I was training for intelligence duties my class work included meetings in hotel rooms. I soon found that any time I put the "do not distrub" sign on the door that within 15 minutes someone would be in with towels or something to see what I was doing. Seems that curiosity was the winner every time. I did much better with no sign at all. Since there were several of us training in this southern city, it may have been a local thing. But I never put the sign out if I don't want to be disturbed.
Christina Talcott: Ha! Thanks for the warning!
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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hey, how long is the Steinhilber on display at the BMA? Did the Roombas make it into the piece?
Michael O'Sullivan: Through Feb. 18, 2007. Yes, there are about a half-dozen Roomba robotic vacuums in the piece, burrowing around under mounds of styrofoam packing peanuts. Funny and creepy.
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Washington, D.C.: Does Toby Jones get that high-pitched southern accent right?
Michael O'Sullivan: Spot on, as his fellow Brits would say. You would never know he's English. He did 90-minute vocal warmups every day, he says, and stayed in the voice, but not in character, all day long during the shoot.
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I dislike: the seemingly reduced coverage of local film festivals. You used to write previews of most of the medium to big ones and now it seems like you only give us a dozen lines telling us the time and location.
Joyce Jones: Good to know. We put a lot of effort into our movie coverage because films are popular with lots of readers. That's why we have a review (though short, i know) of every film opening in town each week -- including all the indies. We try to give space to indies and festivals in our Film Notes column. We've also done cover stories from time to time on individual film festivals. However, your comment is noted and we'll do our best.
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Washington, D.C.: Are any of the rat paintings for sale in the Manon Cleary exhibition?
Michael O'Sullivan: Check with her dealer, Christopher Addison. Addison/Ripley Fine Art . 202-338-5180.
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Love Fall: For the people who want to ride their bikes under the beautiful fall colors, go to the Harpers Ferry, W.Va., area. Or try the Catoctin Mountain area.
Christina Talcott: Great suggestions!
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Washington, D.C.: Wow. It's looking like a perfect fall weekend. Can you guys suggest some outdoor things that are cheap or maybe free?
Twila Waddy: If you looking for something that is outdoors and free you can check out the autumn leaves this time of year. The leaves are starting to change and can make for some nice viewing. You can hit any park in your area or try out places like the The National Arboretum on New Your Avenue. Also, there is the Wildlife Festival at the National Wildlife Refuge. There is no fee to get in and all of the activities and exhibits are free. You only pay for your food. There will be nature hikes, exhibits, etc.. You can reach them at 703-490-4979.
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Likes and Dislikes: Likes: Nature, animals, quiet, outdoors, picnics, and water.
Dislikes: loud music, crowds, obnoxious people and super egos.
Joyce Jones: We're loving this. Keep em coming.
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Re: likes and dislikes: Dislike: music interviews, concert tips
Like: outdoorsy stuff
(And I'm not doing this just to be difficult. These are my true feelings!)
Curt Fields: Another opinion, the exact opposite of an earlier one. And thus you see our weekly publishing challenge ... how do we make sure there's something in the section for both readers (and all the others). We try. And your feedback does help!
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Washington, D.C.: What are your thoughts on the Small Press Expo? I do enjoy reading independent comics, but is the Expo itself worth the trek (and entrance fee)?
Ellen McCarthy: I've never been to this, but the trek doesn't seem so bad. It's at the North Bethesda Marriott and a one day admission ticket is $8, so that might be worth it for a few hours of fun. Anyone out there have a first-hand review?
Joyce Jones: My take is that if you're really into graphic novels, comics and cartoons, you'll be in heaven at this event. If you either are a big fan or maybe want to be a graphic novelist yourself, this is a great event. At the same time, even if you're not a fan and you're looking for something cool and unusual to get into this might be the place for you.
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Alexandria, Va.: Like:
Outdoorsy stuff (we Washingtonians spend all week in windowless federal buildings, we need to GET OUT)
Tom the Dancing Bug
Dislike: Nothing comes to mind. Keep up the good work!
Twila Waddy: I am with you with the outdoors stuff. And if it is free it is even better.
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Washington, D.C.: Trick or Treating nirvana can be had in the Mt Pleasant neighborhood. Lamont St is closed to traffic and literally thousands of kids and adults ...it looks like a movie set. And a very good chance of running into local rock stars and artists.
Ellen McCarthy: Thanks for the reminder. MtP is a great spot for trick or treating, and an even better one for people watching.
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Anonymous: Good Morning! I'd like to comment on an idea that Toby Jones touches upon in the interview. He said "It seems a weird thing, that if you like something very much, you can't like something else as well. It's like you're only allowed 10 good things, and you have to lose one every time something good comes into your life." In game theory, this framework is known as "zero-sum" and that people in the zero-sum mindset feel justified for increasing or maintaining competitive conflicts. Adherents of a zero-sum mindset have a difficult time genuinely celebrating the successes of others, since if someone else does really well then they figure that probably means, "there goes my chance." We have many cultural systems in place that operate on this zero-sum framework and society is suffering for it. Artists who buy into the existing system come to believe that this suffering is inherent in a creative identity. As John Lennon said in his Playboy interview before his untimely death, many people become enslaved to the image of what the artist is supposed to do and a lot of people end up killing themselves churning out product doing the same thing for x number of years until they either get their reward. Journalist and prize-winning author Robert Wright has written a book on the opposite scenario (see Nonzero ). A zero-sum attitude also seems to produce lazy forms of criticism. It's extremely safe to say that an Academy Award-winning film or actor is better than an unknown, or that an artist who has had a retrospective in a museum is better or more deserving of accolades than one who has toiled away in relative obscurity or that a song on the radio is better than the one that no one has heard from the same disk. I'd love to hear either Mr. Harrington's or Mr. O'Sullivan's comments as to how they feel about giving a winnerloser label to an artist. Is it easier to say something is bad rather than to hunt for what is good? Can't X be good while Y is also good?
Michael O'Sullivan: I strongly resist the mindset you describe and don't like applying the "winner" or "loser" lable. Gore Vidal phrased the attitude well, when he said "It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail." Toby Jones says he loves this quote, but clearly does not agree with it. I don't either. I think saying what's wrong with something is easy. Tell me what's right with it, if anything. Much harder.
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Washington, D.C.: Taking my girl to Streisand tonight. Any recommendations on a quick-yet-festive bite to eat in the area? We plan to get down there by 6:15-ish. (No Asian food, please.)
Scott Vogel: You might have trouble getting a table in the main dining room at the District ChopHouse (at 7th and E), but reliable sources tell me that you don't need reservations at the bar. Other favorites among Weekenders are Matchbox (at 7th and H) and Rosa Mexicano (at 7th and F) Enjoy the show -- and remember, you've only got an hour to eat!
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SW, Costumes: Don't forget to check out Arena stage, in SW they are having a costume clean-out this weekend!
Scott Vogel: Costume seekers, take note!
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Twila Waddy: Anyone interested outdoor fall activities should check out the story we did a few weeks ago. It has information on were to check out the changing leaves if that is your thing or finding the perfect pumpkin. Here is the link
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Washington, D.C.: Isn't Joan Jett originally from Wheaton and went to Wheaton High School? She must be pushing 50 if not over already.
Richard Harrington: 48 and we should all have that rock and roll spirit pushing 30, 40, 50 or 60.
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Washington, D.C.: I have been told that beginner art collectors should start collecting with photography and emerging artists.
Are there any good photography shows by D.C.-area photographers about to open soon?
Michael O'Sullivan: There's an upcoming exhibition of photographs by Frank Hallam Day that looks good at Addison/Ripley Fine Art .
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Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Dislikes: Hollywood celebrity interviews, reviews of the same movies (or plays) that Style section reviewed the day before.
Likes: Focus on local celebrities, gallery and museum reviews, local events heads-up
Joyce Jones: thanks. a couple of clarifications we don't review plays (we do run a list of capsules of plays that have been reviewed in the Post), and since most movies open on Friday, you aren't seeing a review the day after.
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SW D.C.: oh yeah, likes and dislikes -- here's a comment
I totally love when there are local special guests -- I used to worship this chat when Brace did it b/c he was always getting local club owners and musicians on to tell their battle stories. Now Mr. Brace was not well versed in many other arts other than music and carousing. I miss having an opportunity to interact with locals. Adding local artists, gallery owners, actors and other interesting promoters of arts and entertainment would be great! I was always learning fantastic things about the history of culture in D.C. in the past 30 years on that chat because of the guests. I barely ever tune into the chat nowadays because it's usually the same old stuff.
Christina Talcott: You're right, Eric did have some fun folks on his chats. That's something for us to think about for our fledgling chat. Don't forget, our own Richard Harrington's got a bottomless well of knowledge, especially when it comes to the local music scene. And the rest of us have various expertises, from the HU drum line to the Streisand catalogue. In any case, I'm glad you stopped in today.
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Curt Fields: That wraps up another chat. Be sure and come back next week with your questions and comments. And don't forget to listen to us on Washington Post Radio on Thursdays at 2pm (1500 AM, 107.7 FM).
Next week's issue will have a cover story on adding a little diversity to your nightlife. And of course we'll have all the other usual bases -- new movies, dvds, music, theater, art and kid-friendly activities -- covered as well.
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Washington, D.C.: Since Numark is closing, what horse is Dan Steinhilbur gonna be riding?
Michael O'Sullivan: Contact Numark Gallery .
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