Monday, January 4
Listen to local opinions at an Washington Project for the Arts panel discussion, from 6:30 to 8. Moderated by DC art critic Kriston Capps, the panelists include artists and writers such as Jeffrey Cudlin, Isabel Manalo, and Danielle O’Steen. The discussion aims to show how local arts coverage affects Washington’s cultural life. The event will be held at the Capitol Skyline Hotel Lounge. For more information, visit freeindc.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, January 5
Kick off the first Tuesday of the year by welcoming the 2010 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Last year’s ambassador, Jon Scieszka, will present his successor at Politics and Prose following the official 2010 announcement at the Library of Congress. The ambassador’s role is to recognize and encourage children’s literature. To catch the event, swing by Politics and Prose at 4:30. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, January 6
Learn about the neoconservative movement’s evolution during a discussion and book signing by Len Colodny and Tom Shachtman, authors of the new book The Forty Years War: The Rise and Fall of the Neocons, From Nixon to Obama. The event starts at 6:30 at Busboys & Poets. For more information, click here.

Thursday, January 7  
The Torpedo Factory Art Center presents Jeff Hijlkema, a musician who plays the hang drum, a type of steel drum that originated in Switzerland. The event is from 7 to 9. For more information, click here.

Friday, January 8
Stop by the Potter’s House (1658 Columbia Rd., NW; 202-232-5483) from 7:30 to 10 for a performance by the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. The group, made up of DC and West African members, will be joined by spoken-word artists and storytellers including Lamont Carey and Nana Malaya. The event is free, but donations will benefit the group directly. For more information, click here.

Saturday, January 9
Cory Oberndorfer seems to be an aficionado of mixing childlike details in his made-for-adult shows. His newest show, at the Fridge (Rear Alley, 516 Eighth St., SE; 202-664-4151) is meant to show what happens when grownups lose their innocence—but in the show, he still uses pictures and icons from his childhood. The opening reception begins at 8 and includes performances by Diabetik and other musicians. For more info, click here.

Sunday, January 10
As part of the Iranian Film Festival, the Freer and Sackler Galleries present A Man Who Ate His Cherries, which follows Iranian factory worker Reza and his wife, Zari, who, after struggling economically, wants a divorce. Directed by Payman Haghani, the 77-minute film starts at 2 in the Freer Gallery’s Meyer Auditorium. Tickets are limited to two per person and will be distributed one hour before the show starts. For more information, click here.

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