Country stars Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler are headlining WMZQ’s Winter Fest Saturday. Photographs courtesy of the artists’ Web sites
Thursday, December 8
MUSIC:
DANCE: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra are joining forces with Cirque de la Symphonie for a holiday concert at Strathmore. The Baltimore Sun called last year’s acrobatic collaboration “the sleeper hit—and hoot—of the season.” Tickets ($28 to $88) can be purchased through the BSO’s Web site. 8 PM. The show runs through December 11.
BEAUTY: Aura Spa is hosting its annual holiday open house tonight. Guests can enjoy complimentary chair massages, facial consultations, Champagne, desserts from 901 Restaurant, and more. 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
COMEDY: If you haven’t already, head to Studio Theatre for former Daily Show correspondent Lauren Weedman’s solo act, Bust. The plot was inspired by her volunteer work in an LA women’s prison. Read our review here. The show runs through December 18. Tickets ($35 to $60) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. 7:30 PM.
Friday, December 9
PARTY: Brightest Young Things and the Kennedy Center are teaming up for theGreatest Holiday Party of All. Partygoers can enjoy live entertainment, holiday drink specials, festive photo ops, and ticket giveaways to upcoming KenCen performances. Tacky Christmas sweaters and reindeer headbands are recommended. Tickets ($10) can be purchased at the door. 9:30 PM to 1 AM.
MUSIC: Jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis is bringing his “Sun Goddess” tour to Strathmore. The Grammy Award–winning artist is known for his hits “The In Crowd,” “Hang on Sloopy,” and “Wade in the Water.” Read our interview with Lewis here. Tickets ($28 to $68) can be purchased through the Strathmore’s Web site. 8 PM.
DANCE: The Eureka Dance Festival returns to Dance Place with performances from eight up-and-coming Washington choreographers. Tickets ($22) can be purchased through the studio’s Web site. The show runs through December 11. 8 PM.
SHOPPING: Accessories junkies won’t want to miss Monserat De Lucca’s trunk show at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest. Complimentary Prosecco and sweets will be served. The sale runs through December 11. Today’s hours are 10 AM to 7 PM.
Saturday, December 10
SHOPPING: It’s the second day of Georgetown’s 12 Days of Merriment, and to celebrate, the town is hosting a slew of festive events and promotions. Today’s activities include a free concert by Georgetown University’s a cappella group at 1 PM, a fruitcake eating contest at 2:15, holiday karaoke at 2:30, and gourmet cocoa tastings from 1 to 4. Bonus: Garages are offering $2 flat-rate parking. The festival runs through December 9.
MUSIC: Jazz lovers won’t want to miss NPR’s A Very Jazz Piano Christmas at the Kennedy Center. Barry Harris, Jason Moran, Eddie Palmierie, and Alfredo Rodriguez will be performing holiday favorites. Tickets ($55) can be purchased through the KenCen’s Web site. 9:30 PM.
FILM: It’s your last chance to catch a flick at the Capital Irish Film Festival. Tonight’s screenings at the Goethe-Institut include Nothing Personal (5:30 PM), Sensation (8 PM), and a collection of shorts (3 PM).
ROLLER DERBY: The DC Rollergirls are back in action with a two-part competition at the DC Armory (2001 East Capital St., SE). Tickets ($12) can be purchased at the door. 4 PM.
MUSIC: Break out the cowboy boots and Daisy Dukes for WMZQ’s Winter Fest at the Patriot Center. Artists include Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, David Nail, Thompson Square, Josh Thompson, Kip Moore, and Sonia Leigh. Tickets ($30 to $99) can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 4:30 PM; the show starts at 5:30.
Sunday, December 11
FILM: For one night only, the Freer Gallery will host a screening of the Thai film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. The story, which won Palme d’Or at Cannes last year, is about a dying man who encounters the ghosts of his wife and son. Free. 2 PM.
It’s also your last chance to see a film at the 22nd Annual Washington Jewish Film Festival. Tonight’s films include Singing in the Dark (Avalon Theatre, noon), Fireflies (Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater at the DCJCC, 2:15 PM), and Remembrance (Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater, 7:30 PM), to name a few.
SIGNING: Former ABC news correspondent Barrie Dunsmore will be signing copies of his new book, There and Back, at the Newseum. Dunsmore will be interviewed by colleague Ted Koppel. Free with museum admission. 2:30 PM.
