Things to Do

Culture Vulture

Film screenings, book signings, and origami are all on tap—for free!—this week.

Monday, February 8 
The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage kicks off “Broadway: Today & Tomorrow,” its weeklong tribute to New York’s theater district. Tonight, Broadway stars Matt Cavenaugh, also known as Tony in West Side Story, and Kate Baldwin of Thoroughly Modern Millie take the stage along with musician and lyricist Peter Mills. 6 PM.

Tuesday, February 9
The Library of Congress offers its annual Love Poems reading by poets Heddy Reid, Margaret Mackinnon, and Kate Harding, winner of the My Bright Star Love Letter Contest. Following the reading, the library will host a special showing of Bright Star, a biopic on poet John Keats. Noon.

Wednesday, February 10
Food blogger and former DC resident Ann Mah, an occasional Washingtonian freelancer, is in town for a reading and signing of her first novel, Kitchen Chinese: A Novel About Food, Family, and Finding Yourself at Borders’ 18th and L streets location. The event starts at 6:30.

Thursday, February 11
Just in time for President’s Day, journalist Mark K. Updegrove will lead a discussion of his book Baptism by Fire: Eight Presidents Who Took Office in Times of Crisis at the National Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater. 7 PM.

Friday, February 12
Georgetown University will celebrate classical music Friday and Saturday with “Interpreting Liszt.” There will be free daytime conferences (Friday 1:15 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4:30) that include film, historic recordings, and speakers and concerts both nights at 7:30 (tickets are $25). For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, click here.

Saturday, February 13
Make your Valentine an origami crane at the Textile Museum’s Matsuri: A Midwinter Japanese Festival for Families. The event includes traditional Asian foods, origami crafts, and a chopstick challenge. Noon to 4.

Sunday, February 14
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only thing worth celebrating today. Expressions of a People, a day-long festival for Black History Month, will offer dance workshops, films, bellydancing, and a gospel choir. The party, at Harmony Hall Regional Center (10701 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington; 301-203-6070), goes from 1 to 7.

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