Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

(Scott Menchin)

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, March 9, at 11 a.m. ET to offer some suggestions on how to use that extra hour of afternoon light with daylight saving time which begins this Sunday.

A transcript follows

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Curt Fields: Hello and welcome to the Weekend Now chat, our Friday online get-together to gab about fun things to do and see in this area.

Need help making plans? Got additional ideas for taking advantage of daylight savings time? Want to know more about The Good, The Bad & The Queen? Then speak right up.

Let's get started ...

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Alexandria, Va. -- USBG: I love your chats! Thanks always for the great info! Question about the U.S. Botanical Gardens ... since they hold all those plants/flowers, does it tend to be warm in there -- the glass dome I mean? I've always been meaning to go, but rather take the Metro there and not sure how to get there from the Smithsonian, if I was coming from that direction. Yehey for Spring! So tired of winter! Have a great day you guys!

Jenny Abella: Flattery will get you everywhere with us! Yup, the Botanic Gardens conservatory tends to run warm -- but more like a comfy warm, not sauna warm. A nice respite from the cold. If you take the Smithsonian/Mall exit of the Metro, just head toward the Capitol. Another close Metro is the Federal Center SW stop. Have a great time!

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Annapolis, Md.: My boyfriend and I are heading to Annapolis tomorrow for a night out with friends and we've been put in charge of choosing the place. There is one little problem ... We are not too familiar with the area. My question is, is there any place we should definitely check out? Some place casual with a good beer selection (preferably a good draft selection) and decent food would be ideal. Thank you so much!

Curt Fields: You might want to consider Galway Bay Irish Restaurant. Its selection of draft isn't huge but what it has is quality.

Another good option would be the Rams Head Tavern. Lots of tasty libations to choose from there.

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washingtonpost.com: Last-Minute Help With Daylight Saving Time (Blog: Faster Forward, washingtonpost.com, March 9 )

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Is it true Lily Allen is coming to town again soon?

Curt Fields: Yes, looks like she'll be back in town at the 9:30 club on April 8.

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Washington, D.C.:. Basic question really. Who decides when we do the time change? A time czar? Congress?

Jenny Abella: I like the term "time czar" .... But it was an act of Congress that made the change. Actually it was the (very boringly titled) Energy Policy Act of 2005 that mandated this new time change, mostly so we can save on energy costs. Don't forget to change your clocks, everybody!

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South Riding, Va.: I have tickets to see "Cats" on Sunday, but I haven't seen any recent reviews of the tour.

Christina Talcott: Nelson Pressley reviewed it yesterday in Style (the link's below). The show's got a big reputation to live up to, and Pressley says this tour is "less than awesome." He praises the cast, though, as "extremely plucky" and says they've got a lot of heart. And c'mon, it's "Cats" - the music, the costumes... Check out the review, and have a great time on Sunday!

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washingtonpost.com: 'Cats': Shedding Its Lustrous Coat ( Post, March 8)

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Bethesda: Meeting a blind date next week, but don't know where to go for coffee/drinks. Something casual and low-key (though, you know, not Starbucks or Cosi), and not too loud or fussy.

Ellen McCarthy: Do you want to stay in Bethesda or are you willing to head into the city? Maybe you could come half way and meet at Aroma in Cleveland Park for a martini or hit CakeLove on U Street to check out their make-your-own-cupcake bar. Both would be good, cozy options where you could linger if things go well or make a fast exit if it's a disaster. Good Luck! Let us know how things work out if you think of it!

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Silver Spring, Md.: I believe the ArtDC Fair is in late April, but are there any similar sorts of activities taking place this weekend? Or do you know of places I can go to view or purchase pieces affordable for college student/young professional types? Thanks a bunch in advance!

Joyce Jones: Gee, I wish Michael was around today. This weekend I don't see anything of the scope of artDC Fair, which will bring scores of presenters to the Washington Convention Center the weekend of April 27-30. However, I do see a couple of benefit art auctions that might be worth your time. Artspring is the less expensive of the two ($30) and takes place at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna from 6-9 Saturday. For more info call 703-255-4030.

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washingtonpost.com: Last-Minute Help With Daylight Saving Time (Blog: Faster Forward, washingtonpost.com, March 9 )

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Washington, D.C.: Um, I hate to be a wet blanket, but aren't we LOSING an hour this weekend? The clock goes forward an hour, which means the new day starts an hour EARLIER

Daylight Saving Time ( Wikipedia)

Joyce Jones: Brilliant point. Will will lose one hour, but gain an hour of daylight each day after. I'll take the daylight.

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Washington, D.C.: You get this question about every week -- sorry! But is there anything free/cheap going on this weekend? Not just talking about museums ... I know they're mostly all free.

Marty Barrick: Sunday is supposed to be a balmy 55 degrees...warm enough to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Parade along Constitution Ave. NW. It begins at noon from Seventh Street NW and makes its way to 17th St. around 2:30. Baltimore's St. Patrick's Day Parade is also free to those who stand along the route. Theirs begins Sunday at 2:00.

www.dcstpatsparade.com

www.irishparade.net

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Rockville, Md: What can you tell me about tomorrow night's "Art Uncorked" event at Wolf Trap?

Ellen McCarthy: Seems like an elegant way to spend the evening, especially if you have any interest in wine or art. It isn't cheap--$100 a ticket--but it's a great chance to get dressed up, sample some good wines, meet new people and dance among strangers. Just make sure you have a designated driver if you do go....

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Intrigued: What does the "Good, the Bad and the Queen" sound like exactly?

Christina Talcott: As of a few months ago, we now have clips from all the CDs we review in the section, as well as for the acts in Spotlight. Scroll about halfway down on the page below to click on the link to the clip.

Curt Fields: And if you'd rather take our word for it, I'd say it's moody with a Brit-pop flavor (or flavour if you prefer).

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Washington, D.C.: This might be a dumb question, but what time does the time change take place? If I am out at a club at 2 a.m. will it all of a sudden become 3 a.m. and closing time?

Christina Talcott: Good question! I've been there, believe me. I'm afraid it depends on the bar or club - it's usually up to the owner or manager to make that call. So you don't get an unpleasant surprise when you order that jumbo-sized drink and finally hit the dance floor as the clock strikes 3, check with the bartender or bouncer when you get to your destination.

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washingtonpost.com: Supergroup Dynamics ( Post, March 9)

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Germantown, Md.: Loved your crack about Jack Black and Kate Winslet but mainly I just wanted to say thanks for including info on kids DVDs along with the reviews of the grownup stuff.

Curt Fields: Thank you. Appreciate you taking the time to pass along the kind words.

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Curt Fields: btw, that "Supergroup Dynamics" link above is to the story on The Good, The Bad & The Queen.

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Washington, D.C.: Now I see! A very sunny outlook on losing on hour of sleep! I'll buy it.

Curt Fields: Well, this IS D.C. where it's always ALL about how you spin it.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello Weekend Crew!

My boyfriend has a herniated disc and cannot walk/sit for very long periods at a time. Do you have any fun suggestions for things to do this weekend so that he can at least get out and enjoy the fresh air?

Ellen McCarthy: The St. Pat's parade might be a good option for you, too. Or you might want to think about heading down to the Georgetown waterfront. I kind of love that place on weekends like this, when the weather is great but it's not super crowded yet. Grab a drink and a bench and spend a couple hours people watching. From there you can sneak right over to the movie theater for more low impact entertainment.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you tell me more about the Corcoran Gospel Brunch, which I've heard a lot about? Do you need reservations? What makes it gospel -- a choir singing while you eat? Is the food any good? Is it at the actual Corcoran Gallery?

Thank you!

Christina Talcott: That's a great destination for a chilly Sunday morning! The Corcoran's Gospel Brunch is not a fancy affair: In one half of the main foyer, there's a buffet-style spread along the walls with tables in the middle, and singers perform, mostly acapella, right there between the buffet lines. The food's pretty standard, with breakfast and lunch selections, and at $24.95 per adult, it's not bad for all-you-can-eat. The price includes general admission to the museum, so you can walk off your eggs as you explore the galleries afterwards. The Web site says reservations are recommended for groups of 6 or more, but it couldn't hurt to call regardless: 202-639-1786.

Curt Fields: A neighbor of mine went just a few weeks ago and she had good things to say about it as well for what it's worth.

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Washington, D.C.: I just moved here and I'm looking to get into the local music scene. But I don't know where to begin. Who are some must-see local acts?

Richard Harrington: Assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that you are rock oriented, I'd suggest scanning schedules for clubs like the 9:30, Black Cat, Rock & Roll Hotel, Warehouse Next Door, DC9, Iota--look at their Web sites, which will give you an idea of who's local. Must-see? so subjective...but many bands have their own Web sites or MySpace pages with audio samples and downloads....

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Arlington, Va.: Have you heard anything about either Body Works or Body Worlds coming to this area? I heard a rumor that Body Works is coming to the old Newseum in Rosslyn. Thanks.

Jenny Abella:"BODIES ... The Exhibition" will open in the old Newseum spot in Rosslyn in mid-April (no set date from what I can tell). Different from the "Body Worlds" one but same concept: taking human remains and transforming them into silicone mummies. Sounds pretty cool actually but a little pricey: $26.50 for adults, $18 for children 4 to 12, and $10 for children on field trips.

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Metro -- Shamrock Fest: Are they plannnig any track repairs this week on the Orange Line. Last weekend I waited forever and I am headed over to Shamrock Fest this weekend.

Christina Talcott: According to wmata.com, it looks like they're doing repairs on the Red, Green and Yellow lines this weekend, so you should have a smooth trip on Orange to the Shamrock Fest.

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Alexandria, Va.: Any ideas on a neat place to bring an energetic 2-year-old to?

Joyce Jones: That's a wide open question. If you're thinking about tomorrow, I'd say get that 2-year-old out to some place he or she can run around outside. Maybe Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria. If you want to include a place where you can be entertained indoors, try the Building Zone at the National Building Museum.

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washingtonpost.com: Corcoran

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washingtonpost.com: Anatomy Made Controversial ( Post, Feb. 16)

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Arlington, Va.: To add to the earlier answer about "Art Uncorked," the event raises money for Wolf Trap's education programs so you have the added benefit of knowing your money is going toward a great cause. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to go but friends tell me it is a great event!

Curt Fields: Thanks for the additional info!

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Bethesda, Md.: Hey guys!

My best friend in the world is coming to visit this weekend and I need some ideas for tonight. Tomorrow I'm taking her to Shamrock Fest so that is taking care of. Any suggestions for a place for dinner (pref in Bethesda) and something to do afterwards?

Ellen McCarthy: Okay, well you might want to take it kind of easy tonight, right? Tomorrow could be a long--fun--day. But you're in luck-- the second Friday of every month is the Bethesda Art Walk, when galleries stay open late. You might want to put that first, visit a few of the 13 that will have their doors open until 9 p.m. Then go find table at the Bethesda Crab House and show your friend some local flavor.

Curt Fields: Another dining option in Bethesda that I'm fond of is Raku.

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River City: NPR reported that a major lobbyist for the increased daylight saving time was the candy industry because an extra hour of daylight on Halloween will mean more trick-or-treating and more candy bought.

Joyce Jones: Could happen. I know my kids will go for that.

Christina Talcott: Ha! That reminds me of a statistic George Will included in his column last Sunday. He wrote, "...By November 2008 the presidential contest will have cost $1 billion. Which means that the two-year process will cost half as much as Americans spend every year on Easter candy." I have no idea how they calculate these things, but it's obviously a huge market. On a related note, if you're looking for a cheap activity this weekend, why not enter the Sunday Source's Peeps Diorama Contest? Details below.

Curt Fields: As long as it means more coworkers bringing in more candy to share in the office it sounds good to me.

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washingtonpost.com: Enter Our Peeps Diorama Contest ( Post, Feb. 25)

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Hyattsville, Md.: Happy Friday!

Looking for fun/interesting things to do tonight -- but with multiple generations -- we are a couple (40's)entertaining a 22-year- old college senior (female) and a 75-year-old grandmother. Any ideas? We're open to theater, art shows, music ...

Help!

Jenny Abella: Happy Friday to you too, Hyattsville! There's always the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe at the Natural History Museum from 6 to 10 with bar and food. Tonight is Latin Jazz Night. If that's not multi-generational enough, the Smithsonian American Art Museum/Portrait Gallery is open until 7 every day. Anyone else got a suggestion? Let's hear 'em!

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Alexandria, Va.: We so want to see the cherry blossoms soon. What is the best Metro station to use?

Marty Barrick: Using the Smithsonian Metro station makes for a nice walk heading west towards the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin. Yesterday, the National Park Service predicted that peak blooms will occur about April 4th. For details on the Cherry Blossom Festival, March 31-April 15, see

www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

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Arlington, Va.: So do the Holmes Brothers sound anything like the Five Blind Boys and the way they do CDs of pop songs?

washingtonpost.com: THE HOLMES BROTHERS "State of Grace" Alligator ( Post, Weekend, March 9)

Richard Harrington: Rougher around the edges, more energized, and very distinctive; talking generational approaches and more of a down home blues approach versus strong gospel tradition.

And have a hard time hearing the Blind Boys taking on "What's So Funny Bout Peace Love and Understanding", much less Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want me!" Yet both work beautifully....

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20010: I'm looking for something to do outside tomorrow since it's going to be so warm! I live right by Rock Creek Park so that's well-tread territory. Any other ideas for nice two-hour walks? Are there any outdoor events going on?

Thanks!

Joyce Jones: This is a little early for any big outdoor festivals because you can't count on the weather this time of year. But it looks like we're expecting a nice day tomorrow with a high in the mid-50s. That's toasty, relatively speaking. The Capital Crescent Trail is a favorite of mine and you can easily do a nice 2-hour walk there. Depending upon where you start you can be surrounded by other people or virtually alone. I like the walk from Bethesda to the Potomac. Have a beautiful day.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hello,

I am helping a friend plan a classy, swanky 30th bday cocktail party for her sister. When you hear those words -- classy, swanky -- what places in Virginia do you think of? 40-50 people, private room needed. Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: I would think about Gua-Rapo in Courthouse if I were you. It was started by the same people who own Chi-Cha and Gazuza, so it has a similar feel. And you can rent out the upstairs for private parties--it's a good, dark space, but no so big your group will be swimming in it. Go on an exploratory visit, order a mojito and see what you think.

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washingtonpost.com: National Cherry Blossom Festival

Curt Fields: Here's more info on the Cherry Blossom Fest

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Shirlington, Va.: I saw Leo Kottke back in the '80s. I see he's coming to town in a few weeks. What's he sound like now?

Richard Harrington: Kottke's sound changed a bit from the 70s and early '80s to the late '80s when he had some physical problems from the hard playing he did early on. So it depends on when you saw him in the '80s. His collabs in recent years with Phish bassist Mikle Gordon mix the two approaches and he's still one of the most distinctive finger pickers around. The same will never be said about Leo's singing.

Curt Fields: btw, if you do a Web search on his name and geese you'll find an interesting quote of his about the sound of his singing voice.

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Arlington, Va.: We are going to see the CATS matinee tomorrow. Any suggestions for a restaurant we can walk to with fun atmosphere -- good bar with good bar food?

Thanks a bunch!

Christina Talcott: You might want to try Jaleo or Austin Grill (7th and E), Elephant & Castle on 12th and Pennsylvania or the bar at Old Ebbitt Grill over at 15th and F. Not sure what's going to be hopping by the time your show gets out, but 7th between Pennsylvania and H has a lot of spots you could duck in for a pint and a peek at the menu.

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Debate: Can you settle something for me and a friend, please? I say Baltimore is the place to go if you want a weird, offbeat scene (art, music, etc.). He says D.C. What do you guys think?

Richard Harrington: of course Baltimore is the place if you like werid, offbeat. They've got everything from John Waters as resident guru to the amazing American Visionary Art Museum. We have Congress.

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re: Smithsonian Jazz cafe: I got so excited for some Latin jazz! But, unfortunately, last week was Latin jazz, this week is Jay Geils and Gerry Beaudoin, and special guest, Aaron Weinstein ( Smithsonian Jazz Cafe). I've never heard of them -- any idea? Are they worth going to?

Jenny Abella: Oops. Sorry, my bad! I glanced at the wrong date on the schedule. Geils and Beaudoin sound like they're worth checking out. I've never been disappointed by the acts at the cafe.

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Downtown D.C.: I desperately want to see the Signature Theatre's Hebrew production of Hamlet (March 6th - 11th), but the Web site says they're all sold out. Any brilliant ideas on last-minute places to get tickets? Or does the Signature Theatre do SRO? I can't seem to get hold of the box office.

Thanks much!

Joyce Jones: They sometimes do a wait list for a soldout show. You have to be there an hour before curtain time to sign the list. So, you're taking a chance with your time. Good Luck.

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Please Help!: Happy Friday! I know you guys often give restaurant recommendations, so I was hoping you could help me. I need a place to hold a celebration for my husband who is graduating with his MBA this May. My mother-in-law's requirements are convenient/easy parking and not too adventurous cuisine. My requirement is that it is somewhere not too awfully expensive, but where he will feel special. There will be about 15 of us including two small children. Anywhere in NoVa or D.C. is fine. We live in Crystal City. I don't need a private room, just somewhere that can accommodate us. Thank you!

Christina Talcott: Happy Friday to you, too! Maybe Tabard Inn or a McCormick & Schmicks's. Check out the City Guide's "Private Rooms" option on our Web site for more ideas.

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Curt Fields: Thanks for stopping by folks. Until next time have a great week and an even better Weekend.

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