Weekend Now

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 fun things to do and we're happy to talk to you about it.

Join the Weekend staff online this Friday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

This week we bring you our annual calendar of holiday events to make planning your December easier. Also, Richard Harrington chats with the one and only Patti LaBelle, who has a new gospel album and is coming to Landover; Eve Zibart visits Bob's 88 Shabu Shabu in Rockville; and Christina Talcott talks with actor Morgan Freeman.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

A transcript follows.

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Curt Fields: Hello. We didn't have a chat last week because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but now we're back like Jay-Z. We're glad you found your way back as well. We're here to answer your entertainment-related questions. So let's get to it ...

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Silver Spring, Md: Hi

I'm going to the Wizards game tonight with some friends. Could you suggest some good bar/lounge to go to afterwards in the Gallery place area? Prefrrably a place not to expensive like IndeBleu.

Thanks!

Jenny Abella: There are plenty of affordable places in the area. You can hang out at Clyde's, conveniently located next to Verizon. Yes, it seems packed, but I've always been able to snag a seat or three at the bar. There's also the Irish pub Fado, RNR Lounge (formerly Coyote Ugly) and RFD, which is owned by the beer-centric Brickskeller peeps. Lucky Strike is a bowling alley and lounge, so you can knock down some pins as well as drinks. Have fun... Go Wizards!

Eve Zibart: There's Rosa Mexicano right across the street, Zaytinya, with all its tapas, and Finn and Porter serves late, too--so does the bar at Acadiana....

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NoVa: Hi Weekenders,

I asked the GOG's this question too, but they suggested markets when I will be out of town. Do you know of any art fairs or markets that will be open this weekend? I love to do my Christmas shopping there! Particularly in NoVa or D.C.

Thanks!

Joyce Jones: Hey, there are several holiday sales, as well as many bazaars and crafts fairs this weekend. I'll give you a few ideas here, but for a more complete list, take a peek at the What's Doing list in today's Weekend (page 57). Tear it out and take it with you. We will also put up a link to the list.

Here are a few in NoVa:

1. Christmas Marketplace, Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. today, 10-5; Sat. 9-5.

2. Fair Trade Gifts Fair, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington. Sun. noon-4.

3. Arlington Artists Alliance, Ft. C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington. Friday, 6-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun., noon-4.

Good luck with your shopping.

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Rosslyn, Va.: Hi there! I was just wondering where can I sign up to volunteer on Christmas Day? This year I thought it would be great for my aunt and I to volunteer our services together. We're both young (23 and 36) so painting and what not is not a problem for us. Thanks in advance!

Eve Zibart: try looking on www.washingtondcjcc.org/volunteer for some ideas....food banks often need servers or people to drive meals to seniors or the disabled.

Jenny Abella: You can also check out Greater DC Cares, which lists several opportunities. What a great way to spend the holiday -- helping others. A link to follow shortly...

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Leesburg, Va.: What's this about the Wiggles breaking up?

Curt Fields: Don't panic! They're not breaking up although there is some sad news for Wiggles fans (who tend to be in the 2- to 5-year-old range for those of you wondering who we're talking about here). Greg Page, the one who wears the yellow shirt, announced he's leaving the group because of illness. Something called "orthostatic deficiency" (spelling approximate!)which caused fainting spells and the like because his heartbeat wasn't being properly regulated by his brain (if only Gene Weingarten were around this a.m., he no doubt could offer loads of interesting facts about the condition).

Anyway, plans are for Greg's understudy (Sam) is set to take his place.

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Rockville, Md.: Do you have any suggestions of bars (preferably in Bethesda or Metro-accessible) that will be showing the Maryland-Notre Dame basketball game instead of football Sunday night?

Ellen McCarthy: Just talked to the folks at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Bethesda and they said they'll definitely be playing the game on Sunday.

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Washington, D.C.: New in town ... Is it too late to get tickets for the Christmas tree lighting by the White House? What else is going on down there?

Jenny Abella: Ooooh, my guess is you're out of luck, as tix for the reserved seats have already been distributed. But fear not: Standees are welcome (it's Thursday at 5 on the Ellipse). And if you can't get down there then, it's open daily through New Year's. And starting Dec. 8, there are performances by local choruses and bands most evenings through Dec. 23. If you haven't been, go check it out. Big, pretty tree, surrounded by little trees decorated for every state and territory. Welcome to D.C.

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washingtonpost.com: What's Doing?

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Alexandria, Va.: Trying a neighborhood I'm not familiar with. I know Bethesda is loaded with restaurants. Do you have any favorites there?

Eve Zibart: Lots! Persimmon, Tako Grill, David Craig, Black's Bar & Grill, Centro, Sweet Basil, Passage to India....

Curt Fields: And I like Raku. Was just there again last night in fact.

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Eve Zibart: PS for Maryland-Notre Dame: Willie & Reed's tends to have almost every game going on some screen or other, so they said they're good to go, too.

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washingtonpost.com: Greater DC Caresx

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Leesburg, Va.: That illumination at the Antietam field looks really pretty. Is it free?

Twila Waddy: The illumination at Antietam is free. However, donations are accepted. Keep in mind in case of bad weather it will be held at the same time, 6 to midnight, on Dec 9.

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Worth it?: Potential gift is the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" DVD ... What's on it though? Any good extras?

Michael O'Sullivan: Bloopers, a pre-production diary, a production journal, a Jerry Bruckheimer photo diary, featurettes about Davy Jones, the making of the Kraken and the Bone Cage, "secrets and legends" about Jack Sparrow from Depp and others, a commentary track by the screenwriters. (Screenwriters? That's the best they could do?) Oh, and--be still, my heart--"limited edition" 3-D packaging.

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Alexandria, Va.: Do you know what theater "Doubt" will be shown in and when tickets will go on sale? All I can find on the show's Web site is that it will be performed in Washington from March 13th through 25th. Thanks.

Eve Zibart: It's going to be the National Theater but tickets aren't available yet, so keep checking back.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for taking my question. I have a friend visiting this weekend for the upteenth time so I am looking for some fun and different things for us to do besides going to the Smithsonian and to Georgetown. Any suggestions for two 26 year old girls? For dinner? Day activities? Thank you!

Jenny Abella: Sounds like y'all are looking for some fun. During the day, you could go check out the baby panda (always a crowd pleaser). Or take the Metro over to Alexandria on Saturday, where they're having their annual Scottish Christmas Walk. You'll never see so much plaid in your life! And there are other fun events (a marketplace, a house tour) surrounding it.

For dinner, you could try Chloe in Adams Morgan or Zaytinya in Chinatown.

Saturday night, get your groove on to Los Amigos Invisibles blending jazz, fun, Latin pop songs at the Black Cat.

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New York, N.Y.: I am only in WDC during the week for biz -- anything I could look forward to this coming Mon?

Eve Zibart: A favorite freebie is the Merry TubaChristmas at 5 at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage...and the light displays and concerts inside the Mormon Temple are always a big draw.

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Bah Humbug (for now): I don't want it to be the holidays just yet! What can I do this weekend that has nothing to do with the holidays?

Ellen McCarthy: I'm in denial myself. It's too warm out to think about holidays. How about a cooking class? On Saturday afternoon you can learn to make a four course Thai dinner with the folks from Things To Do DC. There are also a ton of interesting movies out right now, and you know there won't be too much time for that once the holiday parties get rolling. Why not go see "Candy" or "Casino Royale?"

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washingtonpost.com: thingstodo

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Alexandria, Va.: Do tickets for any of the Messiah singalongs get sold out well in advance?

Eve Zibart: Especially the Kennedy Center one--the tickets are free, but the line forms fast (that will be NEXT Saturday, see page 30). The first one, tomorrow at the First Presbyterian Churfch in Arlington, might be a good bet because it's so early, so if the music itself is your passion, start there.

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Alexandria, Va.: Do you have a list of times and places for mall Santas?

washingtonpost.com: Holiday Guide: Santas ( Post, Weekend, Dec. 1)

Joyce Jones: In today's Weekend, page 32, there's a list of Santa events, such as brunch with Santa, including lots of things at community centers (see link below). For info on Mall Santa's, you should visit the mall Web sites. For instance, I just looked at the Tyson's Corner site and their Santa is available Mon-Sat. 10-8 (with cookie breaks from 1-2 and 5-6). As well as Sundays 1-3 and 4-6.

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Arnold, Md.: Have any good ideas for stores that just sell Christmas decorations in the Baltimore/Annapolis area besides Nursery's?

Eve Zibart: There's a place in downtown Annapolis called Christmas Spirit...on Main Street.

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Silver Spring, Md.: So, which "Nutcracker" is the 'don't miss' one this year for a family of four with a son and a daughter? Where are you all going?

Joyce Jones: Our dance/theater columnist Lisa Traiger writes:

Our region's top-of-the-line "Nutcracker" is The Washington Ballet's at THEARC tonight and then at the Warner through Dec. 23. What makes it doubly special is that director Septime Webre makes his version distinct to our home city, circa 1882. Set in a Georgetown mansion, the Nutcracker is George Washington, the Rat King, King George, and the rats are British Red Coat soldiers. Act II features Cherry blossoms, Anacostia Indians, and frontiersman. I'm excited to see it also because of last year's cancellation due to a dancers strike, which was amicably resolved.

If you want to remain in Maryland, the Olney Ballet Theatre's Pat Berrend has restaged the original Mary Day "Nutcracker," which was created on the Washington Ballet decades ago. (I remember dressing up in velvet and patent leather to see it at Constitution Hall.) It's at the Olney Theater Dec. 8-22.

And finally, Maryland Youth Ballet's longstanding version at Montgomery College's Parilla Performing Arts Center is great for younger families with a real homey party scene. It's Dec. 22-30.

I usually attend a couple of Nutcrackers every year, including the one my daughter dances in at American Dance Institute.

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washingtonpost.com: The Nutcracker

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Arlington, Va.: Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me out. Last year Citronelle hosted a dessert party that benefited a toys for kids program (can't remember the name of the organization). You bring in a toy, unwrapped, and get to sample all of Michel Richard's delicious desserts and eggnog. Do you know if they will be doing this again this year? I hope so because I've been looking forward to it for an entire year!

Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Yes! It will be Dec. 9 from 1-3; if you'd like to know what's on the suggested toy list for St. Jude's, call Mel Davis at the restaurant, 202-339-6304...with your toy, you get Champagne, eggnog, sweets, etc. Thanks to you and Michel for this tradition.

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Arlington, Va.: So did you talk to Kelly Willis about that Claritin commercial? what's up with that?

Richard Harrington: Yup, and here's what she said: the add was supposed to be for some other duo--she thinks Brooks & Dunn--but at the last minute there was an opening, crew and site already set in Texas. Director of the video was a fan, suggested them and they did it on very little notice. kelly joked that it was three months to the day after she'd given birth so she "girdled up" and did it. Happy to have a payday. Weirdly, folks in airports always recognize bruce as "the Claritin commercial guy" but even is she's standing right next to him, they don't recognie her!

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Are there any art exhibits with a holiday theme? Doesn't have to play it straight. Could be (would prefer in fact) a twisted version of the season.

Michael O'Sullivan: I can't say I've heard of any holiday-themed art, twisted or straight.

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Washington, D.C.: So which of those Christmas music shows in the clubs look most promising?

Richard Harrington: Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison for sure; guitarist Bill Kirchen should be great fun; always the Ellington Nutcracker and Stan Kenton Christmas shows at Blues Alley; Raul Malo has the great voice, now addressed to specific material; and Aimee Mann should be sufficiently odd and melancholy.

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Falls Church, Va.: I have a 2 1/2-year-old and would like to take him to see many of the holiday decorations throughout D.C. That being said, since his attention span is short, are there any decorations you would recommend seeing that a 2 1/2-year-old would enjoy?

Eve Zibart: What about Union Station? trees, model trains, and a nearby food court in case of a breakdown.

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Washington, D.C.: Is the Scottish walk (and especially the house tours that I think you mentioned) near the Metro? Or is it far away, especially considering I don't know Alexandria that well?

Jenny Abella: You can get off the Metro at the King Street station and can follow the crowd. Should be about a 10 minute walk or so to the parade route. You can also check to see if the Dash About shuttle that runs to Old Town is running. Have fun! You can find more info in the link to follow shortly.

Eve Zibart: I've been told that, yes, the DashAbout will be making the circuit, so go for it! (also, the Schooner Virginia is open for touring, and there's a living history open house with Revolutionary encampment at Carlyle House.)

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washingtonpost.com: 36th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

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Shopping help: Where's the best place to buy cool makeup in town? I'm more boutique than mainstream.

Ellen McCarthy: More boutique than mainstream, huh? Does that discount places like Bluemercury? You might want to think about hitting your favorite spas or salon--usually they have interesting brands that you might not find at the mall. Any other suggestions from chatters?

Curt Fields: Lush has some interesting product as well. Although I think it tends to be more lotions, shampoos and such than makeup. But it's a good spot.

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Concertgoer: Tell me more about the Santa Jam at the State, please. What kind of music is it gonna be?

Richard Harrington: think rockin' Christmas, wth the Nighthawks, Tom Principato, singers Mary Ann Redmond, Tommy Lepson and Mary Shaver, bluesman Linwood Taylor. think high energy....for a good cause, of course, Northern Virginia shelters fr women and children.

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Bethesda, Md.: Does Royal Mile Pub still do its Scotch tastings?

Eve Zibart: Yup...every Thursday!

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Baltimore, Md.: Any good exhibits in the art museums down your way?

Michael O'Sullivan: A must-see: "Joseph Cornell: Navigating the Imagination" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum is an excellent show. Strongly recommend it. He's the guy known mainly for little box constructions using found objects.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hey! What's going on in Annapolis over Christmas and New Year's? My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary and want to know what to do. Thanks!

Twila Waddy: The city has several annual events set for Christmas and New Year's. If you are into light shows, there is the Boat Light Parade on Dec. 9. Also, the Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, that runs until January, 1. There is ice skating at the Navy Academy and Glen Burnie Town Center. The city holds Midnight Madness I and II in Dec 7 and 14. There are music and food, and the stores stay open late for shoppers. I hope you and husband have a good time.

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washingtonpost.com: Hometown Annapolis.com

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Washington, D.C.: Just wanted to thank you for your NYC suggestions two weeks ago! We really enjoyed the harbor tour, and the Christmas displays in the windows were great (especially liked Lord and Taylor), although I think everyone else had the same idea on Saturday. I've never seen so many people on a sidewalk before!

Eve Zibart: We live to serve!

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Eeek: There are too many choices of what to do during the holiday season! What are your can't-miss events of the holidays?

Jenny Abella: I know, right? For me, my faves are: catching any of the performances down by the National Christmas Tree, seeing the train display at Union Station, touring a historic house done up for the holidays (like Mount Vernon), and attending a Christmas concert (I'm hoping to go to one at the National Cathedral this year). Sorry, I'm not a dance person, so no "Nutcracker" for me...

Twila Waddy: There is alot to do during the holiday season. And never enought time. I plan on attending a concert at the National Cathedral. I hear the music is wonderful. Also, I loved the see either the Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol this year.

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Mclean, Va.: Love the chat! I was wondering if you have heard of any restaurants doing special New Year's Eve dinners and if so, where can I get more information? I know it may be kind of early for this, but I like to get a start on my holiday planning!

Thanks!

Eve Zibart: They're starting to trickle in...one place to look is www.godcabout.com--they havelinks to several listings already. I'd also call your favorite places, or a splurge you've been saving for, but I'd get on it soon.

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Washington, D.C.: I have great tickets for the BB and T basketball classic at Verizon Center on Sunday. There are three games starting around 1:00 p.m. Would you know if those with tickets can come and go throughout the day? I may want to step out for a break between games and eat in a nearby restaurant. Any suggestions for where to go?

Ellen McCarthy: Yep, you're free to leave the building. The folks at the Verizon Center say you need to keep your ticket with you and you'll get your hand stamped when you leave, but you're absolutely allowed to come and go. Fado and Matchbox are both good choices nearby. The District Chophouse is just down the street and Clyde's is always a safe choice. Have a great time!

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Alexandria, Va.: I am hiring a caterer to do a cocktail party. What is an appropriate tip for the server and food prep person? We're paying for them already, but I'm not sure what cut they get of that, and I want to be nicely generous!

Eve Zibart: According to the nice folks at Design Cuisine, it sort of ranges depending on the amount of work they have to do...if you had a slew of waiters, only $25 or so, but if it's only a couple doing pretty heavy duty, then $50-$100--more if it's really elaborate stuff (though a cocktail party seems fairly simple). You can put it in envelopes and hand it to them directly to make sure. (And on behalf of all such workers, they said to thank you!)

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Anonymous: Michael -- I loved your review of the work by African American artists in the Exchange show. I tried to find them online and they seem to have no Web foot print. I really wish that the WPA had covered this on their Web site

Michael O'Sullivan: Thanks. They're not all African American artists in that show. The WPA/C website does have something on the "Exchange" series, but it's very limited.

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Washington, D.C.: Is it true that there are some D.C. artists in the book show at the Women's museum?

Michael O'Sullivan: Jordan Tierney, who now lives in Baltimore, but used to live down here, has nice work in that show.

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Curt Fields: It was fun, people. Do come back next week. And don't forget we're on Washington Post radio on Thursdays at 2pm (1500 AM, 107.7 FM) and we seldom ever play sappy love songs or annoying seasonal novelties so tune us in.

Thanks for chatting with us. And be sure and check out next week's Weekend -- after you finish today's of course -- because we'll have film critic Stephen Hunter previewing the holiday movie releases. Until then ...

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Anonymous: S. Ross Browne -- this is who I am trying to find and I wish the WPA-C had pictures and bio info about people in the Exchange show. I know WPA-C doesn't have a space, but they do online

Michael O'Sullivan: WPA/C, are you listening?

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