November 1 through November 7

 

 

SPOTLIGHT:

Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company

nov 5 @ 4 PM. “Helium light and hilarious,” says The New York Times of this mesmerizing company that has enchanted audiences of all ages on Broadway and around the globe. Founded by pneumatic wizard Fred Garbo and Brazilian ballerina Daielma Santos, this unique ensemble combines physical comedy, dance, juggling and their own giant inflatable props for a clever and engaging performance that will amaze and entertain children and adults alike. / Merchant Hall at Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; 888-945-2468; www.hyltoncenter.org; $15/adults, $5/children.

 

 

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FRAME

Opening Reception for Del Ray Dozenz Photography Show • nov 4, 7-10 p.m. Del Ray Artisans (DRA) is pleased to announce the return of the popular all-photography show. This show builds on the triumphs of those shows and expands participation to “dozenz” of Del Ray Artisans members. With the advent of digital photography, everybody thinks that they can take a picture, but not everyone can produce a photographic work of art. Digital, traditional, and non-traditional photographic processes, color and black & white images are featured. Subject matter will vary at the discretion of the photographer. This show celebrates photography as a printed medium, and will highlight the finest photographs our membership has produced in the last two years. / Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; www.TheDelRayArtisans.org;  free

Handmade claywares at November Kiln Club show • nov 5-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tablefuls of artisan pottery and gifts are among the offerings at the Kiln Club Holiday Sale, with clay art to dress Thanksgiving spreads and address upcoming seasonal shopping. Meet local potters and shop quality one-of-a-kind wares from over a dozen artists. Functional stoneware and porcelain pottery is handmade with vivid glassy glazes, stunning forms and functionality from kitchen to table. Seasonal gift items of holiday ornaments and ceramic jewelry will be offered as well. / Colvin Run Mill, Colvin Run Rd. in Great Falls; Credit cards, checks, cash accepted.

Contrasts • through nov 12, times vary. Andrew Zimmerman showcases his Colorado Front Range landscape photographs—winter and summer settings—depicting the constant state of flux nature is in. / Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-875-1100; www.artisphere.com;  free.

GMU’s School of Art Show • Through nov 18, times vary. This is an exchange show with Sichuan Normal University in China, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at George Mason University. It features 30-35 prints and paintings from students and faculty at George Mason University and Sichuan Normal University. / Fine Art Gallery, Art and Design Building, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax; 703-993-1000; www.gmu.edu;  free.

Data/Fields • Through nov 27, times vary. Five international artists utilize the depictions of data flowing through information fields, turning Artisphere’s Terrace Gallery into a “hub of sensory information: sites of signal, noise, presence and absence.” Curated by Richard Chartuer, the installation hosts the artists—Caleb Coppock, Mark Fell, Andy Graydon, Rypji Ikeda and France Jobin—in their Metro-D.C. debut, and two premiere exhibitions in the United States. / Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-875-1100; www.artisphere.com;  free.

SOUND

Rachel Yamagata • Nov 1 @ 7:30 PM. Arlington-native Rachel Yamagata is taking the stage at The Birchmere to delight fans with songs from her latest album. While her name may not be mainstream, her vocals definitely are. She has soundtracks on “How I Met Your Mother,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Tree Hill” to name a few. She has also collaborated with Jason Mraz, Rhett Miller, Ryan Adams and Ray Lamontage. / The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com; $25.

Matt Hires • nov 2 @ 7:30 PM. In the era of the Internet everyone has the opportunity to put up their talent for all to see. Matt Hires did and nailed a record deal with Atlantic records. The 23-year-old says he is making music that is “as uniquely me as possible,” that stem on the genre of pop rock that has been called enchanting. / Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; 703-255-1506; www.jamminjava.com;  $10 in advance, $13 day of.

Anthony David • nov 2 @ 7:30 PM. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, and one of the POTUS’s favorite new artists, says he is influenced by Bill Withers, Beres Hammond and Frankie Beverly, among others, for his R&B tracks. Noted for his collaboration with India Arie, David has also linked up with Algebra, Phonte and his cousin, Shawn Stockman, from Boyz II Men on his latest album, “As Above So Below.” / The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com;  $25.

Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio with Christy Nockles • nov 4, 7 p.m. Chris Tomlin, the 2011 Billboard Music Awards winner for Top Christian Artist, has extended his fall tour with a date set for Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Patriot Center. Featuring songs off his latest release, And If Our God Is For Us, fans can expect to hear the hit singles “I Lift My Hands” and “All My Fountains”. Tomlin will be joined by Louie Giglio and Christy Nockles. / The George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; 703-993-3000; www.patriotcenter.com;  $32.00, $25.00 and $15.00

Jackopierce • nov 5 @ 7 and 9:30 PM. After a falling out, no one thought Jackopierce would ever get back together. But in 2002, after mild success in solo careers, Jackopierce reunited. Jackopierce released their first album in 12 years, “Promise of Summer” in ‘08. And have since released two live albums, “Mile High: Live from the Soiled Dove in Denver” and “Live from Atlanta” as well as “Acoustic Summer.” They are working on an album to be released in late 2011. / Jammin Java Music Club and Cafe, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com;  $27-30.

Symphony Orchestra of Arlington Season Opening Gala • nov 5 @ 6:45 p.m. The evening’s event will begin with a Silent Auction. The concert, conducted by Jeff Dokken, will follow at 7:30 p.m. The performance will feature Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and “Suite for Chamber Orchestra,” a new work by Washington, D.C. composer Brian Wilbur Grundstrom. Also, please join us for a dessert reception immediately following the concert. / James Lee Community Theatre, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church; www.symphonyorchestraofarlington.com;  $15pp, $5 per student; Cocktail attire only.

U.S. Navy Band’s Windjammers Woodwind Quintet • nov 5 @ 7:30 p.m. The Workhouse Arts Center’s ArtNotes concert series presents the U.S. Navy Band’s Windjammers Woodwind Quintet. Formed in 1985, the Windjammers woodwind quintet maintains a varied repertoire dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. / Workhouse Arts Center, Second floor of Gallery W-16, http://workohousearts.org;  free but must hold ticket

STAGE

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ • nov 4-6 @ 8 PM. BITWC (Build It They Will Come) Imagine That Theatre presents this Tony Award-winning musical, with a book by Texas author Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. It is based on a story by King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. / Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; 540-338-7973; www.franklinparkartscenter.org;  $20.

‘Portland Taiko’ • nov 5 @ 8 PM. The Japanese art form combining rhythm, movement, energy and culture—taiko—will come to Alden Theater when the Portland Taiko, a premiere Pacific Northwestern ensemble, takes the stage. / McLean Project for the Arts, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; 703-790-0123; www.mpaart.org;  $15-$20.

‘Othello’ •  Through Nov. 6 @ 2, 7:30 & 8 PM. The Washington Post calls it a “smashing production … a genre that it has all but reinvented—vacuuming out the dialogue in Shakespeare’s greatest works and redecorating with mesmerizing movement … scorching physicality … a marvelous infusion of up-to-the-minute visual technique.” The machinations of Iago are as labyrinthine and dark as the struggles of his mind, and these are all made manifest in “Othello.” The rapid ascent of the powerful Othello and his love affair with the beautiful Desdemona is thrilling to watch, but it literally fractures the jealous Iago. Themes of love, jealousy, race and perception are explored through the use of onstage projections, a shifting geometric set, and the swirling choreography and physical expression of Synetic’s performers and creators. “Othello” represents a bold new step in the evolution of the silent theater for which Synetic has become acclaimed. This was nominated for nine Helen Hayes Awards and recipient of three in 2011 including Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Director. / Synetic Theater in Crystal City, 2788 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington; 800-494-8497; www.synetictheater.org;  $40-$50.

‘The Crucible’ • through nov 19, times vary. Arthur Miller’s classic portrait of one man’s struggle toward grace is set in the scorching context of the 17th-century Salem witch trials. A community galvanized by fear and suspicion, a wife betrayed by lust, an orphan girl blind with passion and possessed with revenge, ruthless prosecutors, deluded holy men and covetous neighbors. ‘The Crucible’ pulses with the destructiveness of socially sanctioned violence, the power of hysteria and rancor, the blindness of zealots, and the heart of one tortured man trying to find his own goodness. / Keegan Theatre at Church Street, 1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC; 703-892-0202; www.keegantheatre.com;  prices vary.

‘Pirates of Penzance’ • through nov 27, times vary. The classic tale of a man who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates by his nursemaid falls in love, and through his relationship leads pirates to arrive and want to marry a Major-General’s daughters, comes to life on stage. With drama of who really belongs to whom, the swashbuckling romance, as only the inimitable Gilbert & Sullivan could create, delivers a great night out. / Lazy Susan Dinner Theater, Route 1 at Furnace Road, Woodbridge; 703-550-7384; www.lazysusan.com;  $25-$45, includes dinner and the show.

TASTE

Parallel 1/2-Priced Tuesdays • every tuesday from 4 pm to close. Treat yourself in the beginning of the week to half-priced wine nights. Guests receive half-priced wine bottles (on wines $75 and under) with a purchase of two sharing plates. Not valid with any other discount, coupon or restaurant certificate. / Parallel Wine Bistro, 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Broadlands; 703-858-0077; www.parallelwinebistro.com;  prices vary.

TOTS

Pumpkin Chunkin’ • nov 1–8. Bring your left over Jack-O-Lanterns and send them down the zip line. Check out the best fillers for the pumpkins (last year coffee creamer was the favorite) to make a great smash! Plenty of other fun down on the farm for the whole family too. Try out the giant pumpkin jumping pillow – always a favorite with the kids, and enjoy a hayride over to the Cowboy Corn Maze. Great food and drinks at the Roosterant! / Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; 540-554-2073; $8/child, $10/adult.

Children’s Flea Market • nov 5 from 11 AM-1 PM. Kids can turn their old treasures into cash during this flea market for sellers ages 3-15. Old toys, games, books and more can be sold with a donation truck available at the end of the event for anything leftover to be donated. Registration is required and allows for the use of an 8’ x 3’ table and a 7’ x 8’ booth space. / McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; 703-790-0123; www.mcleancenter.org;  $15-$20.

Pumpkinville Fall Festival • Through nov 8 from 9 AM-6 PM. Plunge down the giant hill slide, snake through straw tunnels and swing from the rope swings. Exotic animals will be roaming the grounds, and camel rides are available along with a 200-foot zip line, face painting, comedians, magicians and puppeteers on weekends. The season will conclude with the 2nd annual Pumpkin Olympics featuring pumpkin-themed games and prizes for all. Tickets include admission to Leesburg Animal Park. / Pumpkinville, 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; 703-433-0002; www.pumpkinvillefestleesburg.com;  $8.50/weekdays, $13/weekends and holidays.

ODDS

5th Annual Alexandria Film Festival • nov 3-6 from 5-10 PM. With 141 films submitted from 17 different countries last year, the Alexandria Film Fest is a full-spectrum vehicle for showcasing the work of great filmmakers from across the world. As in the years past, the festival will take place in several venues throughout Alexandria (The Athenaeum, Old Town Theater, the George Washington National Masonic Memorial and more) and show various types of films, including narrative, animation, documentary, experimental, student and short. / Throughout City of Alexandria; www.alexandriafilm.org; prices vary.

Bramble10 Bash • nov 5, 12­8 p.m. The public is invited to join Loudoun County’s resolution celebrating Brambleton’s 10 Year Anniversary with a day of family-­friendly events at Brambleton Town Center. The event is open to the public and will have live music, food, comedians, kids’ entertainment and a special guest appearance from Mix 107.3’s DJ Carson./ Brambleton Town Center, 42395 Ryan Road, Brambleton; $10 with rides wristband, Under 3 free

First Annual A Toast to the HSFC Animals • nov 5, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Rain date Nov. 6. Paradise Springs is a beautiful local pet friendly winery. Bring the pooch (well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome) and hang out front with all the festivities or leave them at home for a more intimate night and tour the tasting room. Dog are not allowed in the tasting room, however wine will be serve outside to accommodate those with pets. The money raised helps the Humane Society of Fairfax County (a no kill animal welfare group) rescue injured and endangered animals, provide shelter for hundreds of abandoned and lost pets and support pet adoption to loving homes. / Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton; Pre-registration online at www.hsfc.org  is $40 per person, $45 at the door. Persons under 21 years old is $5 at the door. Purchase includes 2 wine tickets, food and a chance to win door prizes. Silent auction is free for everyone to participate. Items up for bid include a 7 day trip to Bermuda, afternoon tea for 2 at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons, a 2 hour bowling party for 40 and much more.

Signature Theatre’s CD Launch party for Matt Conner • nov 6, 5-7 p.m. To celebrate the release of his second Christmas CD, SNOW, Signature will be hosting a party for Conner. The wine and cheese reception will take place at the Signature Lobby and will feature Conner performing selections from his solo piano album which features classic traditionals, plus two original compositions. / Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 571-527-1833; free.

14th Annual International Festival of Hispanic Theater • through nov 19, times vary. Treatro De La Luna brings bilingual entertainment to the masses during their 14th annual International Festival featuring award-winning theater troupes from five countries and Puerto Rico, as well as three children’s plays. Friday night performances are followed by post-performance Q&As, and child care is available during Saturday matinee performances. / Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington; 703-548-3092; www.teatrodelaluna.org;  $35 regular admission, $30 seniors and students, $95-$180 three-ticket pass, $150-$175 full-festival pass.