Georgetown Cupcake founders Sophie LaMontagne and Katherine Kallinis will be signing copies of their new book at Tuesday's Book Fair and Authors' Night. Photograph courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake's Web site
Monday, November 14
BENEFIT: Raise awareness for multiple sclerosis in style during the second annual Fashion’s Fight Against MS Runway Show at the Liaison. Guests can sip cocktails before catching a full-scale runway show featuring Alexandria Hilfiger and Nary Manivong. A silent auction and rooftop afterparty will follow. Tickets ($75 to $300) can be purchased through the event’s Web site. Proceeds will benefit the National MS Society. Doors open at 6 PM, and red carpet arrivals begin at 6:30.
Tuesday, November 15
BOOKS: Literary buffs won’t want to miss the National Press Club’s 34th annual Book Fair and Authors’ Night. More than 90 writers will be signing copies of their books, including Georgetown Cupcake’s Sophie LaMontagne and Katherine Kallinis, Stephen Carter, and Bob Edwards. Click here for a list of participating authors. Tickets (free for members, $5 general admission) can be purchased at the door. 5:30 to 8:30 PM.
Wednesday, November 16
FILM: For two nights only, E Street Cinema will screen Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview. Salvaged from the 1996 miniseries “Triumph of the Nerds: The Rise of Accidental Empires,” the film offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of Apple’s visionary genius. Watch the trailer here. Tickets ($11) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. 7:15 and 9 PM.
Thursday, November 17
SIGNING: Martha Stewart will be signing copies of her new book, Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations, at the DAR Constitution Hall. Plus, she’ll be sharing tips on how to throw the perfect party. Tickets ($35) can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 7 PM.
Phanie Diaz, Nina Diaz, and Jenn Alva of Girl in a Coma. Photograph by Josh Huskin
Wednesday, November 9
BOOKS: Up-and-coming novelists can finally publish a copy of their masterpiece during Politics and Prose’s free book printing demonstration. The bookstore has acquired an on-demand machine that prints, binds, and trims paperbacks in minutes. Plus, one of the machine’s creators will be on hand to answer questions. Next stop—the New York Times bestsellers list. 7 PM.
SHOPPING: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping during the Czech Embassy’s Christmas Market. Guests can enjoy complimentary mulled wine and pastries while perusing handmade ornaments, Bohemian crystal, and more. The market runs through November 10. Free. 3 to 7 PM. E-mail czech_events@yahoo.com to RSVP.
MUSIC: Alt-rock group Girl in a Coma are dropping by DC9 tonight. The San Antonio trio have “a knack for impressing their elders,” says Rolling Stone. “Morrissey hand-selected them to open for him during his 2007 tour, and they impressed prima punker Joan Jett so much, she signed them to her Blackheart Records.” You can listen to some of their songs here. Tickets can be purchased through DC9’s Web site for $10 or at the door for $12. Doors open at 8 PM; the show starts at 8:30.
KID-FRIENDLY: Little ones will have a blast at Puck Puppet Theatre’s The Book of Apolodor at the Kennedy Center. The Romanian story follows a talented penguin’s adventure around the world. This performance is part of the Kids Euro Festival, which runs through November 10. Free. 6 PM.
Michael Pollan, author of the Omnivore's Dilemma, is coming to the Strathmore. Photograph courtesy of Alia Malley
Monday, October 24
MUSIC: For one night only, Washingtonians can catch a concert featuring the cast of Les Misérables at Town Dance Boutique. During “Signature Songs: An Evening of Broadway Showstoppers,” the cast members will perform hits from their favorite Broadway shows—including Wicked, West Side Story, Chicago, and Ragtime. Tickets ($15, $10 for students) can be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a nonprofit that provides essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses. 8 to 10:30 PM; doors open at 7:30. 21 and up.
Tuesday, October 25
HORSES: Since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show has welcomed top horses and riders from around the world. This year, some 500 horses will compete in show jumping, hunter, and equitation events at the Verizon Center. The show runs through October 30. Tickets (starting at $15, free for children 12 and under) can be purchased through the show’s Web site. Today’s events run from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 26
FOOD: Sustainable-food advocate Michael Pollan is coming to the Strathmore tonight. The best-selling author of the Omnivore’s Dilemma will discuss topics such as the industrialization of food and its impact on Americans’ health. Tickets ($35 to $60) can be purchased through the Strathmore’s Web site. 8 PM.
Cyndi Lauper is performing at the 9:30 Club Tuesday night. Photograph courtesy of the artist's Web site.
Monday, October 17
SIGNING: Comic writer Bill Bryson will be signing copies of At Home: A Short History of Private Life at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. In his latest book the always witty Bryson takes readers on a room-by-room tour through his house. The Washington Post reviewer said this book, much like his others, follows “the natural wave patterns of his own curiosity, but they answer the questions that have always, or maybe never, been rustling at the back of your brain.” Tickets ($10; free if you buy the book) can be purchased through Politics and Prose’s Web site. 7 PM.
Editor's note: Sixth & I tweeted that the event is sold out.
Tuesday, October 18
MUSIC: If you’re in the mood for an ’80s flashback, Cyndi Lauper is performing at the 9:30 Club tonight. The Grammy Award-winning pop diva has brought us hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” And on her latest album, Memphis Blues, Lauper collaborated with B.B. King and Allen Toussaint. Tickets ($45) can be purchased at the 9:30 Club’s Web site. Doors open at 7 PM.
Wednesday, October 19
DOGGY HAPPY HOUR: Halloween may be a few weeks away, but you and Fido can get a jump start on the festivities during the Park Hyatt’s Paws at the Park fundraiser. Dogs and their owners are encouraged to wear costumes for a chance to win prizes. Tickets ($12) include two drinks, Halloween candy, and dog treats. Proceeds will benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League. 6 to 8 PM.
Owiso Odera and Ian Merrill star in the Folger Theatre's Othello. Photograph by James Kegley
Tuesday, October 18
THEATER: Don’t miss opening night of Othello at Folger Theatre, directed by Robert Richmond. Tonight’s performance of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy doesn’t require pre-purchased tickets; just stand in line and pay what you can, cash only. The box office opens at 6:30 PM; the show starts at 7:30. If you’re interested in attending a later performance, tickets ($30 to $65) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. The play runs through November 27.
MUSIC: Pop-folk singer Tom O’Connor is dropping by the Artisphere tonight. On Tap magazine called the DC native’s vocals “beautiful, and at times, swooning laments that melt into fluid strumming and quivering string arrangements.” You can listen to some of his tracks here. O’Connor will be joined by indie singer Sarah Fridrich. Tickets ($6 students, seniors, and military; $8 adults) can be purchased through the Artisphere’s Web site. 8 PM.
PILATES: Long day of work got you bent out of shape? Head to Farragut Square Park for a free Pilates class taught by instructors from Results Gym and Washington Sports Club. In case of rain, check the Golden Triangle Web site for an alternative location. And if you can’t make this one, don’t worry—Pilates in the Park will convene again next Tuesday, October 25. 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
SIGNING: Cohost of NPR’s Morning Edition Steve Inskeep will be signing copies of his new book, Instant City, at Politics and Prose. Using Pakistan’s port city of Karachi as a reference point, the work explores the trials and tribulations associated with rapid population growth. Madhulika Sikka, executive producer of Morning Edition, will join the discussion. Free; 7 PM.
Howard University grad Eric Roberson is performing at the Birchmere tonight. Photograph courtesy of the artist's Facebook page
Wednesday, October 5
BENEFIT: During the Cups Full of Hope fundraiser at the Greater Reston Arts Center, guests can bid on whimsically decorated bras to honor those confronted with breast cancer. Proceeds will benefit the Tigerlily Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides breast cancer support and education. Click here to check out this year’s entries. Tickets ($65 members, $100 non-members) can be reserved through Success in the City’s Web site. 6 to 8 PM. And in case you missed it, check out our breast cancer awareness gift guide.
ART: Don’t miss the opening reception for Zenith Gallery’s new exhibit, “Shining Stars.” Stop by the Eleven Eleven Sculpture Gallery (1111 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) for a chance to mingle with the artists. The multidimensional collection features large-scale pieces made from a range of materials—including bronze, steel, glass, and mixed-media. The show runs through January 7. Free; 5:30 to 8 PM.
MUSIC: Howard University grad Eric Roberson is dropping by the Birchmere tonight. The R&B singer became the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in 2007. You can listen to some of his tracks here. Tickets ($29.50) can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 7:30 PM
Toni Morrison at a luncheon honoring her work at the Hay-Adams hotel during the National Book Festival in Washington this weekend. Photograph by John Wilwol
Toni Morrison says she grew up telling stories and reading insatiably in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, but she traces her roots as a writer back to an evening in DC during the 1960s when she was teaching literature at Howard University and working on her first novel, The Bluest Eye.
After dinner, while holding her infant son and working on the manuscript, the child suddenly burped and spit-up all over the page. “I just wrote around it,” she told a delighted audience during a luncheon at the Hay-Adams on a rainy afternoon last Friday. “Then, you know you’re a writer.”
Morrison was in town to receive the 2011 Library of Congress National Book Festival Award for Creative Achievement. The Hay-Adams Author Series hosted Friday’s luncheon to celebrate Morrison, who hotel president Kay Enokido calls “a true living legend.” Guests included Librarian of Congress James Billington and Washington Post Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli.
It's your last chance to see the Museum of National History's Nature's Best Photography exhibit. Featured photographs (left) by Tom Warren and (right) Richard Rothstein
Thursday, September 22
WINE: Raise a glass to DC's furry friends during the National Zoo's Grapes With the Apes event. Sample wines from vineyards, including Barefoot Bubbly, Linganore Winecellars, Narmada Winery, and Vino50: The Grape American Road, to name a few. Plus, attendees will get exclusive after-hours access to the Great Ape House. Proceeds will support animal care and conservation efforts at the zoo. Tickets ($40 members, $55 nonmembers) include a commemorative glass and can be purchased through the zoo's Web site. 6 to 9 PM.
OPERA: Baseball may be America's favorite pastime, but the Nationals Park is trading bases for baritones during tonight's Opera in the Outfield. Stop by the stadium at 7:30 PM (gates open at 5:30) for a live broadcast of Puccini's Tosca. Plus, there will be performance from the award-winning Yorktown High School marching band, Taratibu Pan-African Step Team, and Greenbelt SITY Stars double-dutch team. Free.
ART: Don't miss opening night of the (e)merge Art Fair at the Capitol Skyline Hotel. Conner Contemporary Art, Pulse Contemporary Art Fair founder Helen Allen, and collector Mera Rubell are just a few of the minds behind the collection, which will showcase contemporary works by unrepresented artists. Tonight's opening reception includes a concert by the pool with LouLou and the Dispappointer Sisters—featuring members of Thievery Corporation, Fugazi, French Toast, and The Deadmen. Tickets ($25 for the opening reception; $10 students and seniors, $15 for everyone else) can be purchased through the fair's Web site. The fair runs through Sunday, September 25.
Wednesday, September 21
SIGNING: Renowned chef and Food Network star Bobby Flay is stopping by the Sixth & I Synagogue to sign copies of his new book, Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain Cookbook. Tickets ($40) include one copy of the book and can be purchased through TicketFly. 7:30 PM. And in case you missed it, be sure to check out our interview with Flay.
MUSIC: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, Senegalese vocalist and activist Youssou N’Dour will be performing at the Kennedy Center. The Grammy Award winner has worked with artists including Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel, Wyclef Jean, and Sting. Chris Hedrick, the Peace Corps country director in Senegal, will also speak during the program. Free; 6 PM.
ART: Art buffs won’t want to miss Fakes, Forgeries, and the Art of Deception at the S. Dillon Ripley Center. Independent curator and researcher Colette Loll Marvin will provide a brief history of deception and deceit in the art world, the strategies and techniques of criminal deception, and the extraordinary lengths to which art forgers will go. Tickets ($27 to $40) can be purchased through the Smithsonian’s Web site. 6:45 PM.
Monday, September 19
BOOKS: The Fall for the Book festival returns to George Mason University with more than 150 authors. This year’s literary extravaganza features readings and discussions from writers of all genres—from poetry and cooking to politics and science. Noted authors include Amy Tan, Stephen King, and Abraham Verghese. The festival runs through September 23; Click here for the complete schedule. Free.
Tuesday, September 20
MUSIC: Tristan Prettyman is dropping by the Iota Club and Cafe tonight. The acoustic songwriter has collaborated with Jason Mraz and G Love. You can listen to some of her tracks here. Tickets ($18) can be purchased at the door. 8 PM.
Wednesday, September 21
BENEFIT: Tonight, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is hosting its second annual 46 Mommas: Shave for the Brave benefit at Union Station. Forty-six moms will shave their heads to honor children fighting cancer, the survivors, and those who have been lost. Free, although donations are recommended; 5 to 9 PM.
