February 21 through February 29
SPOTLIGHT:
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
Feb. 25 @ 8 p.m. Enjoy a musical homage to the jazz greats Buddy Rich, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. This traditional-meets-contemporary spin on classic standards is headed up by artistic director and alto sax virtuoso Jim Caroll. / George Mason’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Way, Fairfax; 888-945-2468; www.cfa.gmu.edu; $20-$40.
A Palette of Paper: the Collages of Megan Coyle
Feb. 8 – Mar 22. Artist talk on Feb. 18 @ 1 p.m. Megan Coyle is a practicing collage artist and designer living in Northern Virginia whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, and has been exhibited in the Smithsonian Ripley Center, Art League Gallery, Fisher Gallery, and Krempp Gallery. All artwork in the show is made entirely from magazine strips, and looks as though it was made from acrylic or oil paint. / Center for the Arts, Caton Merchant Family Gallery, Old Town Manassas; www.mcoyle.com; Free.
Love, Politics and Scrabble: The Games People Play
Feb. 3-26 during gallery hours. Opening reception Feb. 3 @ 7-9 p.m. An all media exhibit of artwork inspired by the various games people play throughout life. This juried show asked artists to depict any of the numerous games people play in life, whether power, Monopoly, manipulation, poker, Angry Birds, baseball, or gossip./ Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; www.thedelrayartisans.org; Free.
‘Three Bears’ A Cappella Comedy
Feb. 9 –Mar. 4. Times vary. Tyson’s Corner’s award-winning professional theater, 1st Stage, along with First Draft at Charter Theater presents a musical play that offers a comedic twist on the classic fairy tale. The show is fast-paced and fun for the whole family, ages 5 and up. / 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean; 703-854-1856; www.1ststagetysons.org; $15, group discounts available.
Brother Russia Presents, Six Session Seminar
Feb. 15- Mar. 5. The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is offering theater lovers everywhere the ultimate backstage pass: a six-session seminar that goes behind the scenes of the world premiere rock musicals Brother Russia. C members will meet the creative team and cast members while getting a genuine look at all the stages involved in mounting a professional theatrical production. Register by Feb. 8. / Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington; 571-527-1857; www.signature-theatre.org/signature-seminar; tuition $300.
Orchid Mystique: Nature’s Triumph
Feb. 18 – Apr. 29. The 17th annual orchid exhibit, in collaboration with Smithsonian Gardens, features orchids from around the globe. The event will observe the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of the cherry blossoms to Washington by presenting our orchids in settings evocative of Japanese gardens. / US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington DC; 202-225-8333; http://www.usbg.gov/exhibits.cfm.
Eric Lindell at Jammin Java
Feb. 21 @ 8 p.m. Eric and the boys will be performing this Tuesday at Jammin Java, supporting his latest release, West County Drifter. The album is chock full of all the elements that have made Eric a Roots Music star: great original songs, soulful guitar playing, right-on singing and a tight-knit band. / Jammin Java; event info; $20.
Silent Film Festival: The FIRST Kings of Comedy!
Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Featuring: Charlie Chaplin in The Pawn Shop (1916), Harold Lloyd in High and Dizzy (1920), Buster Keaton in The Goat (1921), Charley Chase in Dog Shy (1926), Laurel and Hardy in You’re Darn Tootin’ (1928), With introduction and commentary by Bruce Lawton. / The Robert Ames Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean; www.aldentheatre.org; $10.
Bess Rogers at Jammin Java
Feb. 22 @ 7:30 p.m. Acclaimed pop/punk/folk rocker Bess Rogers returns with her second full-length album, Out Of The Ocean, and a winter tour including a stop in Vienna, VA / Jammin’ Java; event info; $10 advance, $13 door.
Patrizio
Feb. 23 @ 8 p.m. If you’re in the mood for love, romantic pitter patter and major swooning will ensue as Italian pop performer Patrizio Buanne takes the stage. Influenced by the likes of Massimo Ranieri, Peppino Gagliardi, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, Patrizio has crooning down to a science. The tall, dark, handsome singer, who gave his first public performance at age 11, will be touring across the states through May. / Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; www.wolftrap.org; $32.
Teitur
Feb. 24 @ 7 p.m. In 2002, Teitur was signed by the legendary Doug Morris to Universal Records in the US and in 2003, Teitur released his first album, Poetry & Aeroplanes. Its simple, sincere songs made it a critical hit. A new label, over 700 gigs in 20 countries, and 2 albums later, he is touring again– a boy from the Faroe Islands who turns music into magic beautifully and effortlessly. / Jammin Java; event info; $15.
“Winter Cool” Friday Night Jazz Series
Feb. 24 from 8 – 11:30 p.m. Relax and unwind at Café Montmarte with a free night of live jazz music. This week, the Charles Bubeck Quartet will be the snazzy entertainment, helping kick off the weekend. Featuring a different regional jazz musician each week, the lively music series in Lake Anne will continue through March. / Café Montmarte, 1625 Washington Plaza North, Reston; www.lakeannplaza.com; free.
ArtJamz: Blue Crystal Sessions
Feb. 24 and 25 @ 7 p.m. The sessions will feature live DJs as well as catering by King Street Blues all in a warm and cozy glass atrium. For the Blue Crystal Sessions, $65 includes Heineken Light beer, wine and vitaminwater zero, catering from King Street Blues, great music, a canvas that you get to paint and keep, unlimited acrylic paints, brushes, art materials, tips from our ArtJamz Creative Enablers, great music, and a chance to meet and bond with your fellow intrepid ArtJammers. / King Street Blues, Crystal City Shops, 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington;www.artjamzdcsessions.eventbrite.com; $65.
Capital Home and Garden Show
Feb 24-26. With a hint of spring in the air, this show will focus on outdoor home projects such as landscaping and gardening, and will feature hundreds of home redesign exhibitors under one roof at the Dulles Expo Center. The celebrity headliner for this February’s show is Kimberly Lacy of HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block. / Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; www.capitalhomeandgardenshow.com; $7 online, $10 door, children $3, under 5 free.
Tim’s Rivershore Polar Plunge Festival
Feb. 25. Brace yourself for the Polar Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics Virginia. There will be live music, costume contests, and thousands of dollars in prizes. Plungers must raise a minimum of $100 to Plunge and can create a page where friends can donate online. The more money you raise, the more cool stuff you can get. / Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant & Crabhouse, 1510 Cherry Hill Rd, Dumfries; 703-359-4301; event info.
Game Talks
Feb. 25 @ 3-5 p.m. Learn pool checkers from members of the illustrious Capital Pool Checkers Club. After discussing strategy, club members will challenge the audience to games. Extreme couponist Gladys Wise will also share her insights into the game of couponing. / Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; www.delrayartisans.org; adults 18+, Free.
Featured Creature Day: The Dish on Fish! at Amazonia
Feb. 25 @ 11 a.m. – 3p.m. Get in the swim of things and come to the National Zoo for a fun filled day featuring special keeper talks and animal demos! It may be cold outside but it’s always 80 degrees in Amazonia. Learn all about the amazing diversity of fish in the Amazon River Basin—from the giant Arapaima to Freshwater Stingrays and even Piranha. Each species plays a vital role in maintaining the health of this giant ecosystem. / Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC; 202-633-4470; event info; free.
ArtJamz: KidsJamz Crystal City
Feb. 25 @ noon. KidsJamz returns to Crystal City with two $25 sessions that includes lunch. The sessions will feature live DJs as well as catering by King Street Blues all in a warm and cozy glass atrium. / King Street Blues, Crystal City Shops, 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington; http://artjamzdcsessions.eventbrite.com/; $25.
Lorton Workhouse Collector’s Showcase Gala
Feb. 25. 7:30- 10:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music, hors d’oeuvres and fine art by local artists. There will be a lottery drawing for pieces. / Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton; 703-495-0001; www.lortonarts.org; $85-$350.
Leigh Nash at Jammin Java
Feb. 25 @ 7 p.m. The dynamic, angelic-voiced lead singer of platinum-selling pop group Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash, takes her “Hymns & Sacred Songs Tour” to Jammin’ Java in Vienna. In addition to Sixpence favorites like “Kiss Me,” “There She Goes” and “Breathe Your Name,” Leigh will sing songs from her first solo album in five years, Hymns & Sacred Songs. / Jammin’ Java; event info; $15, $18 door.
Tea with Martha Washington
Feb. 25 and 26 @ 3 to 4:30 p.m. Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Eighteenth-century tea includes the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested. / Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria; 703-746-4242; http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/events; $25 per person; $20 per person in groups of six or more.
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!
Feb. 26 @ 7 p.m. Due to tremendous public response, a third performance has been added at the Patriot Center. The beloved characters from Disney Channel’s animated series embark on a bold escape from the television screen to a live action adventure. / Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; 703-573-SEAT; www.patriotcenter.com; $22- $50.
The Collecting of African American Art VIII: Elliot Perry and Darrell Walker with Michael D. Harris
Feb. 26 @ 2 p.m. Collectors of African American art and art of the African diaspora and former National Basketball Association players Elliot Perry and Darrell Walker, in conversation with Michael D. Harris, associate professor of art history and African American studies, Emory University. / East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art; (202) 737-4215, www.nga.gov; Free.
Hot Tuna @ Birchmere Music Hall
Feb. 26 @ 7:30. Hot Tuna celebrates the release of Steady As She Goes, the first new album in twenty years from the legendary roots rockers. Featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and Jefferson Airplane founding members Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, the band celebrates over four decades of playing together. Now, with the release of their Red House debut, they prove that they remain one of the most innovative bands in American music. / Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com; $35.
Scott Alarik Concert and Book Reading
Feb. 29 @ 7:30 p.m. For the past 25 years, Scott Alarik has been arguably the most prolific and influential folk music writer in the country. He covered folk for the Boston Globe, contributed regularly to public radio, including seven years as correspondent for the national news show Here and Now, and wrote for many national magazines, including Sing Out!, Billboard, and Performing Songwriter. / The Institute of Musical Traditions, Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD; 301-754-3611; www.imtfolk.org; $14 advance, $18 door, $10 student advance, $14 student door.