Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

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 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.

The Weekend staff was online Friday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

Submit your questions and comments any time before or during the discussion.

This week Richard Harrington writes about the 10th anniversary of the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage and bluesman Corey Harris at Blues Alley; Eve Ziebart reviews a new sushi bar, Saki, in Adams-Morgan; Ellen McCarthy interviews actor Dylan McDermott who discusses his new horror movie, "The Messengers"; and Michael O'Sullivan explores technology meeting art at a contemporary museum in Baltimore.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Curt Fields: Hello all and welcome to the Weekend Now chat. It's a little chilly outside but maybe we can get some coversation going to heat things up.

To borrow a line a from the immortal Iggy Pop ... all aboard for fun time. Let's chat!

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Washington, D.C.: Okay, so "Because I Said So" has been panned everywhere. It still won't stop me from seeing it. But to balance it out, what good movie should I see this weekend?

Jenny Abella: Yeah, "Because I Said So" is not a critical darling, but to each her own, I say. Go for it. If you want quality, too, good new releases include "Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple," a doc about the Jonestown tragedy, and "Lions 3D: Roar of the Kalahari," an Imax film at the Natural History Museum about, well, lions.

You could also try the Best Picture Oscar nominees ("Letters From Iwo Jima," "The Queen," etc.) If you're looking for pure fun, though, try "Smokin' Aces." Anyone else have suggestions?

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College Park, Md.: Man, only two weeks ago there more good movies than I could fit in my schedule. Now there seems to be nothing at all. What happened?

Curt Fields: It's the post-Oscar Contender dump. In December all the quality films get rushed out to make it in time for an Oscar nom.

Then in January and Feb, there's usually not much quality left in the cupboard. Get a DVD instead and catch up on the good stuff you may have missed earlier.

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Germantown, Md.: Couldn't really tell from the story. Would a smart three-year-old enjoy the Frederick walk?

Jenny Abella: I think so. There's more to do than look at art, not that the little tyke wouldn't enjoy that, too. Saturday's walk will feature 23 ice sculptures on the sidewalks of Frederick, as well as live music (provided it's not below 40 degrees out there) and activities. And also free hot chocolate... what kid -- or adult -- wouldn't enjoy that? Bundle up and have a good time.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I have a modest suggestion -- a weekly column that compiles free events -- yes, one can scan all the listings for free events, but that is very inconvenient. How about it?

Joyce Jones: A modest and good suggestion. We are lucky to live in a place that has so much free entertainment. As noted in our cover story today, there's the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage free performances each evening, 365 days a year. Unprecedented. No other city does it. Also, our terrific Smithsonian Museums are all free. It's such a shock for us locals to go off to New York and have to pay to visit the museums. Beyond that, there are free events elsewhere each week. We've considered creating icons (similar to the stars we use on the movie or theater mini reviews) that would denote something special about an event whether it's a "pick" or "free" or "great for families." But the wealth of free events can make that a daunting task. But you make a good point, that it would be good to have some way to find free events quickly. We'll work on it.

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washingtonpost.com: A Walk on the Artsy Side in Frederick ( Post, Feb. 2)

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Arlington, Va.: Do people really use all those listings you ptint? Couldn't you do more reviews instead?

Joyce Jones: Good question. Weekend is in its 30th year and continues to be very popular. The section has always had extensive listings. But we do ponder how people use the section, and we do ask ourselves the very question that you've asked from time to time. I gather you'd preview more stories. More opinions on this? Please feel free to tell us how you use Weekend.

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Joyce Jones: Just a reminder. Our Movie Contest is in it's last week. The deadline for entering is Wednesday. Many, many people have told us their favorite all time movie, and they are backing up their choices in a short essay (100 words or less). If you haven't already entered, you can read about the contest and enter on the Weekend page here on washingtonpost.com.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Okay -- So I already searched on WaPo.com and I can't find anything about this really absurd question ...

A friend of mine is coming in from Brooklyn tonight for the weekend. She told me she has a big craving for chicken fingers (?!) and she requested that we go out to eat at a restaurant that has really good "just fried, hot and crispy" chicken fingers. I was thinking maybe Ben's Chili Bowl but it's not on the menu ... anyway, I'm at a loss. So, if you guys (or any chatters) know of someplace that serves memorable chicken fingers, I'd be forever in your debt! Thanks!

Eve Zibart: I usually see them at sports bars or beer pubs, the Philly cheesetake kinds of places; and a lot of times seafood places that fry shrimp also fry chicken strips (Phillips on the waterfront, for example). Try Vida, the Dubliner and Murphy's, Barking Dog and Wilie & Reed's in Bethesda. Be sure to check the children's menu if you call a favorite place, because a lot of times that's where the tenders are.

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Arlington, Va.: What's the must-see stage show in town these days?

Scott Vogel: In the realm of theater, Shakespeare Theatre's "Richard III" has received glowing reviews, and Signature Theatre's "Into the Woods" offers you the chance to see a brand-new, state-of-the-art theater space and its top-flight inaugural production.

Meanwhile, dance aficionados won't want to miss Alvin Ailey's visit to the Kennedy Center this week. Both "The River" and "Revelations," powerful choreographic explorations by Ailey, are on the bill, along with a piece by Twila Tharp. Performances begin Tuesday.

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Falls Church, Va.: Tell me the truth -- is PX requiring jackets yet?

Ellen McCarthy: Yep. Just talked to the folks over there and they would like you guys to bust out your sportmcoats upon arrival. Awww, come on, it's cold--you'll appreciate the extra layer.

Curt Fields: Besides, it never hurts to pretend your smooth. Even if you're not. Think of it as marketing.

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Clarendon, Va.: How do I use it?

I look at the movie listings and I'll check to see who's playing at Iota since it's close by. Otherwise I just read the music stuff, and sometimes the big story on the front if it looks interesting.

Joyce Jones: Thanks. We try to cover entertainment thoroughly so that people can go for what they are most interested in but also have access to things that might be new to them and might interest them if they learn more.

More insights?

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Bethesda, Md.: Who is Lisa Traiger?

Scott Vogel: Lisa is one of the many freelance writers who contribute to our section on a regular basis, and while her special interest is dance, she's been conscripted to write on a variety of subjects...

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Inside the Beltway: I enjoyed the review of the cell phone show, because it raised a couple of points about the nature of producing art. We usually think of artworks as very personal and individual. Does the group nature of the works -- whether created by a specific group or open to the involvement/editing/wiki-work of the audience change the aesthetic criteria for evaluating them? Per your point that you hope Cell: block will improve as it gets more input, isn't it more likely to get worse? And how does the sponsorship by a cell phone company affect the merits of the show?

washingtonpost.com: 'Cell Phone': Art in the Palm of Your Hand ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 2)

Michael O'Sullivan: Interesting points, all. Many art exhibitions have sponsors these days, and a show like this, that is so heavily reliant on technology, wouldn't be cheap to mount. In other words, it needs a sponsor. I question the participation of Nokia (not the only sponsor, by the way--there's also Tessco and Wirefly) only because of the prominent inclusion of all those fancy Nokia cellphones playing all those little "Connect to Art" videos by people like William Wegman and Nam June Paik. That part kind of looks a little bit like a showroom.

I think we're thinking less and less these days of art as something personal or individual. There's a movement afoot, and has been for some time, of art made by collectives and collaboratives. This is just one manifestation of that. The aesthetic criteria don't really change either, I think. True, something like "cell:block" might only get worse--garbage in, garbage out, as they say-- but I think it's pessimistic to automatically assume it will. Besides. whether it does or doesn't, the real "art" isn't necessarily in the qality of the images that people email in, but in the empowering IDEA of it: that we're all walking around with art-making tools in our pockets.

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washingtonpost.com: Movie Contest

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Washington, D.C.: Seems like some artists perform on the Millennium Stage right before they hit it big (Norah Jones, etc.)... Any rising stars coming up on the schedule to look out for?

Richard Harrington: always hard to tell, of course, but check out jazz singer Catherine Russell Feb.9; looking far ahead, since they're still in high school, but given a listen to the students from Duke Ellington High March 5 in an all-Ellington program; and May 5 marks the return of jazz trumpeter Christian Scott, who performed at Millennium Stage as a Berklee student in May 2002 and is up for a Grammy next week...

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Bowie, Md.: I read Style for the comics and you to find out what's going on. And sports.

Joyce Jones: Thanks. You've come to the right place if you want to know what's going on. That's our thing.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: You could get rid of all those piano playing recitals. I imagine the only people going to them are the player's relatives and already know when and where it is.

Joyce Jones: Interesting point. Any piano recital fans out there with another view?

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Washington, D.C.: On Saturday my boyfriend and I are planning to visit the Air and Space Museum and then head over to catch a move at Gallery Place. I'm looking for an inexpensive place to grab a late lunch or early dinner in either area. Any suggestions?

I'm also lost on what movie to see -- is this a slow movie opening week or is it just me?

Jenny Abella: Matchbox (713 H St. NW) is a great place to grab some pizza as is Ella's (901 F St. NW). Clyde's is a good stand-by too. And no, it's not you, there've been a few slow movie weeks recently. But there are some options: "Babel" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" if you want to see Oscar-caliber movies, and "Dreamgirls" too at Gallery Place. Or head to E Street Cinema, which has the excellent "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Queen" and "Notes on a Scandal."

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Alexandria, Va.: That "Cell Phone" exhibit sounds cool. Can you tell me more about it?

Michael O'Sullivan: The "Cell Phone" show is possibly the first of its kind: an exhibition of art made for by and about wireless technology. As such, it's less about objects or images (though there are those things) than intangibles like the nature of our bodies vis a vis technology; the invisible connections to each other; our own potential as "artists" (not a new idea, by the way); and the idea of art as something experiential rather than something you dust. Among the show's interesting pieces (one not written about in the review and not optimally experienced at the museum becase of the ambient noise) is a recording of a sound performance by Golan Levin called "Dialtones: A Telesymphony." Upon arrival at a hall, concertgoers surrendered their cellphones, which were then reprogrammed with new dialtones. They were then told where to sit, and during the concert a computer called their numbers in a particular sequence, creating a surround-sound musical composition. A lot of the art here isn't art you just look at, but art you are an active participant in making.

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Annapolis, Md.: Ugh. I've got the winter blues. Not much to do and unpredictable weather. I want to get out of town! Anywhere interesting to go? I live in Annapolis, so no water necessary. Thanks.

Christina Talcott: What about popping up to Baltimore? If you haven't been in a couple of months, why not go to Little Italy, where you can get some fresh pasta and see the newly-renamed Via Nancy d'Alesandro Pelosi? Then visit the Walters and the Baltimore Museum of Art, both of which are now free. A visit to the wild and wacky American Visionary Art Museum is always good for a dreary day. More suggestions coming up.

Joyce Jones: If you hit Baltimore, you can also check out "Cell Phone: Art and the Mobile Phone" exhibit (see story in today's Weekend) at the Contemporary Museum (100 W. Centre St.). And remember, the Walters and Baltimore Museum of Art have recently become free!

Scott Vogel: I have a terrible case of the winter blues myself, Annapolis, but found them magically lifting in the 80 degree temperatures and heavily humidified atmosphere of the Natural History Museum's "Orchids: Take a Walk on the Wild Side" exhibit. From the moment you enter that little sliver of tropical paradise just off the museum's main entrance, your jaw drops open at the sheer variety of species, not to mention the clever, naturalistic ways in which they're displayed. The exhibit is up through April -- but go early in the day to avoid crowds.

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NoVa: Speaking of free, what are a couple of the best free options this weekend?

Eve Zibart: Two quick ideas: You have just till tomorrow to see the great collection of Herblock's cartoons at the Library of Congress; and free jazz tonight at 6 at the National Georgraphic.

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Re: chicken fingers: I know that they have good chicken fingers on the menu at RiRa Irish pub in Bethesda and Clarendon ... They also have something called a appetizer sampler that has cheese fries, chicken fingers, chicken wings. (I think) The sampler might only be on the bar menu so you might want to call and find out.

Eve Zibart: ah, cheese fries! brings my youth back to me in a really bad way!

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Baltimore, Md.:"Left Behind"? Isn't that the Christian video game that had some controversy around it? How is it?

Curt Fields: It's based on the best-selling "Left Behind" book series. We reviewed it recently and our reviewer said it was an okay RTS game, but it had a few drawbacks PLUS it requires a really powerful computer system to run on.

You can either play on the side of Satan and his minions or you can play on the side of the righteous and try to convert the bad guys.

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Listings: I use the listings. When we finally manage to get a sitter, we just browse through them and try to find some interesting, random, thing to do.

But, the movie listings are a pain. Does anyone really know the BRAND of theater they are going to? By city would be so much better. As I recall, that's how the L.A. Times does it.

Thanks.

Joyce Jones: Thanks you. Sounds like you use the listings the way we would expect. On the movie guides, those are paid advertising and designed by the ad department. We'll pass your point along.

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Washington, D.C.: Movies I recommened.

The Good Shepherd (HIGHLY recommend this one)

The Queen

Volver

All worth seeing.

Jenny Abella: All excellent suggestions -- "Volver" is on my to-see list. Thanks for writing in! Anyone else have suggestions for this slow movie week?

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Curt Fields: It's been pointed out to me that our review of Left Behind ran today. So I should've said VERY recently. Sorry about that.

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Eve Zibart: PS to Gallery Place movies meals: if you're thinking that sort of limbo time between late lunch and dinner, what about Teaism? It's a little different, not too heavy; or Jaleo, where you can nibble just as much as you want.

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Washington, D.C. Hey guys,

I'm heading to the Justin Timberlake concert tonight. Do you know what time he's supposed to take the stage?

Richard Harrington: Pink goes on 7:30 to about 8:15, Justin around 8:30, to 11.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you give me more information about the Gargoyle's Den at the National Cathedral? I see it listed every week and am wondering what are the hours, is it only at certain times or just walk in, and where it is actually located on the grounds of the cathedral? Any other information (how long the activity might take) would be welcome too. Thanks! I really enjoy the Weekend section and now the online chat as well.

Twila Waddy: Thanks for the kind words. The hours for the Gargoyle'd Den are from 10:00 am to 2 p.m. The first part of the program is the workshop. They have stone carving and the kids make their own gargoyle to take home. It is held at the Crypt Classroom. After the workshop, kids explore the Cathedral with a scavenger hunt guide. The Cathedral is a beautiful place and kids should have a great time there.

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Alexandria, Va.: Just wondering if any of you have been to the Chocolate Extravaganza buffet (or whatever it's called) at the Ritz Carlton downtown on Friday nights -- it sounds awesome, but $35/person?! Goodness, that's a lot for dessert. Any first-hand knowledge of whether it's worth it? Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: I haven't been to this, but it sounds pretty indulgent. I'd say you could get your $35 worth if you're a real chocolate lover. So the scoop is that they lay out an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet every Friday night in February and March, with a bunch of rich desserts. Not something you'd want to do every week, probably, but could be a great treat if you're in the mood. (Mmmmm...white chocolate and lime tart, dark chocolate mousse...)

If you're looking for a less expensive night of sugarplums and whatnot, head to CakeLove some Wednesday for their weekly chocolate happy hour. All the chocolate desserts are 30% off.

Eve Zibart: And you should know that the chocolate decadence includes "liquid chocolate" -- i.e, chocolate martinis, so pace yourself. (And let us know what you use to come down from the high later!)

Curt Fields: Anything that combines Chocolate and Extravaganza has to have something going for it!

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Eve Zibart: I just saw "Pan's Labyrinth" last night, and while it is GRIM in places, it's fascinating. Not a first dater, probably.

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washingtonpost.com: Washington National Cathedral: Gargoyle's Den

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Annapolis, Md.: So how good a singer is Jeff Daniels anyway?

Michael O'Sullivan: I saw him and interviewed him at the Ram's Head in Annapolis a while ago, close to when "The Squid and the Whale" came out. He's not at all bad. He's probably a better songwriter than a singer, but he has a good voice, and as an actor, he really "sells" his songs, many of which are wryly comic narratives based on his life as an actor.

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Scott Vogel: by the way, with regard to the above question, chocolate lovers of all stripes -- but especially those on a budget -- would do well to check out this weekend's chocolate lover's festival in Fairfax. Haven't been to this one myself, but the list of events is certainly impressive. Check out their Web site for more information:

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washingtonpost.com: Jeff Daniels Review

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washingtonpost.com: Chocolate Lovers Festival

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Michael -- are there any pics of Mitch Parker with GI in that punk book?

Michael O'Sullivan: You mean from the "Punk Love" book and art show that opens tonight at Govinda Gallery in Georgetown? I didn't recognize Parker (Government Issue and other bands) in any of the pictures, but Susie organ's shots were taken over 20 years ago. We've all changed (hopefully!) a little in that time.

Michael O'Sullivan: I mean Susie HORGAN.

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Gallery Place pet peeve: Why does no one at the W.P. recoomend eating in Chinatown when people ask 'I'm going to the movies in Gallery Place/a play at the Shakespeare theatre.' Also Chinatown is very cheap. We've got this tiny yet vibrant Chinatown and we seem to be doing our best to kill it off. My fav restaurant in Chinatown is Eat First.

Eve Zibart: Actually, we do mention it quite often (we get these questions about that area frequently). I agree about Eat First; I also recoommend New Big Wong, Full Key and Burma, and if you like seafood, the upstairs at Tony Cheng's. But I'd have to say that so many of the Chinatown restaurants "touristed" down their menues a few years back that they cast a little shadow on their own reputation. There's also Kanlaya Thai.

Christina Talcott: I second the Kanlaya recommendation - so good, and so reasonable! Any chatters have favorites?

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Chickens Don't Have Fingers: The poster who is looking for good chicken fingers -- head to Biddy Mulligan's in the Jurys Hotel in Dupont Circle. They are beer battered and unbelievably good!

Christina Talcott: Sounds delish! I'll throw out one more suggestion, and then the original poster and Brooklynite pal can eat chicken fingers all weekend: A brand-new bar/restaurant, Old Dominion Brewpub, just opened up on 9th St. between M and N. I had a taste of their chicken fingers last weekend, and they were good, with lots of choices of condiments for dipping - honey-mustard, rance, etc. Plus they have lots of interesting beers on tap, speaking of beer...

Curt Fields: We'll be writing about the new pub very soon, so keep an eye on upcoming issues of Weekend.

Eve Zibart: Which reminds me (the many sauces reference, maybe) that Old Glory also does them, too.

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Washington, D.C.: Any good rock shows coming?

Joyce Jones: I recommend that even if you didn't get a free ticket to see Sufjan Stevens monday night at the millennium stage 10th anniversary, you come to the grand foyer and watch him perform on the big screens. He's playing with members of the KenCen Opera House Orchestra. Should be a standout performance. Looking farther ahead, tickets go on sale tomorrow for the Killers at Patriot Center (apr. 26).

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Springfield, Va.: My dau's bf entered your movie contest but never received any confirmation that his entry was received. Are you confirming receipt in any way or how can I tell if you received his entry?

Joyce Jones: We can't do confirmations because of the large number of entries. But our e-mail and mail service haven't failed us on any contest yet.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi all,

Quick question -- where to go in the District for Eastern European/Russian food?

Thanks a lot.

Eve Zibart: Several have come and gone in recent years, but try Russia House above Dupont Circle. and Domku (Scandanavian/Eastern European) on Upshur Street. There's also a Russian House, not connected,in Reston and the old standby Serbian Crown in Virginia.

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Anonymous: I like the concept of groups making art -- even using techno-dorkbot-gizmos -- it's still like a quilting bee!

Michael O'Sullivan: Yes! And since you mention Dorkbot, I'll give this club a plug. It's a regular meeting of people who make art using technology (and that's very broadly defined) or those who are just interested in the intersection of art and tech. The next meeting is Feb. 20 from 7 to 9 at Provisions Library, 1611 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 200. www.dorkbot.org/dorkbotdc/

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Bethesda, Md.: Suddenly a friend's daughter, age 19, is in town, staying near GWU. I love her and want to show her a great time in limited time.

Tonight.

I am thinking of ice skating and then Jazz at SI. Too middle-aged? Jazz too boring there?

I am also thinking that I myself really want to see Macbeth at Synetic. Anywhere to eat near there so we could have some talk time besides the theatre? (Her parents are both art profs; I assume she loves theatre and so on.)

Christina Talcott: I think that sounds like fun! As for Synetic, there are lots of restaurants in Rosslyn that would be fun - go on the City Guide and browse.

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Curt Fields: Thanks for stopping by. Be sure and come back next week for another session of Weekend Now. Love will be in the air (but don't worry, Doc, Isaac and the Captain won't be around).

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washingtonpost.com: dorkbotdc

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