Things to Do

What to Do This Weekend: February 9 to 12

Woo at the Zoo, the opening of “Genesis Robot” at Synetic Theater, and the Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival.

Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and pianist Brian Ganz come to Washington this weekend. Photograph of Salerno-Sonnenberg by Christian Steiner; photograph of Ganz courtesy of the artist’s website.

Be sure to check out our Valentine’s Day guides for couples and singles. Some events start this weekend.

Thursday, February 9

MUSIC: Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg joins the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. The concert will feature Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9. Tickets ($20 to $85) can be purchased through the KenCen’s website. 7 PM. The show runs through February 11.

FILM: The Smithsonian American Art Museum hosts a free screening of Modern Times in the Kogod Courtyard. In the 1936 comedy, Charlie Chaplin falls in love with an orphan girl. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Courtyard Cafe. 7 to 8:30 PM.

THEATER: Synetic Theater’s new work, Genesis Reboot, opens tonight. Written and directed by Ben Cunis, the show takes a fresh look at the creation story. A limited number of $10 tickets are available for this performance only through the box office; regular-price tickets ($45 to $55) can be purchased through the theater’s website. 8 PM. The show runs though March 4.

Catch a preview of WSC Avant Bard’s Les Justes tonight at the Artisphere. Based on true events, the 1950 drama follows a group of Russian revolutionaries. Tickets for tonight’s performance are pay what you can; tickets for future showings ($25 to $35) can be purchased through the theater’s website. 7:30 PM. The play runs through March 11.


Friday, February 10

ART: Take a stroll through six galleries and studios during tonight’s Bethesda Art Walk. Participating venues include Artworks, California Tortilla, Gallery B, L’Eclat de Verre, Upstairs Art Studios, and Waverly Street Gallery. Click here for a printable tour map. Free. 6 to 9 PM.

OPERA: The Virginia Opera brings Orphée to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. In this reimagined version of Jean Cocteau’s 1950 film, a French poet falls in love with Death. Tickets ($44 to $86) can be purchased through the event’s website. 8 PM.

DANCE: Black Cat’s indie pop dance night returns with music from deejays Mark Zimin and Sterofaith. Tickets ($10) can be purchased through the club’s website. Doors open at 9:30 PM.

MUSIC: The Nakatani Gong Orchestra give a free performance at the Kennedy Center. Led by percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, the energetic show features five performers on gong kits. 6 PM.

 

Saturday, February 11

WOO AT THE ZOO: Washington’s wildest Valentine’s Day event returns to the National Zoo with a cash bar, a brownie-making station, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and educational talks. Guests will receive a commemorative Woo at the Zoo glass to take home. Tickets ($22) can be purchased through the zoo’s website. Talks are at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 PM.

SCAVENGER HUNT: Track down naughty novelties during the Watson Adventures naked scavenger hunt at the American Art Museum. Items include a tempting she-devil, a giddy drinker, and a startling Lite-Brite picture. And yes, clothes are required. Tickets ($24.50) can be purchased through the event’s website. 1 PM.

MUSIC: The National Philharmonic presents the Brian Ganz Chopin Project at Strathmore. Continuing his quest to perform all of Chopin’s compositions in ten years, the pianist will perform several works including “Fantaisie in F Minor,” “Four Mazurkas,” “Two Polonaises,” and more. Tickets ($28 to $48) can be purchased through the Strathmore’s website. 8 PM.

DANCE: Dance Place’s annual Valentine’s Dance returns with stories from SpeakeasyDC, music by DJ Glowstik, drinks, and, of course, dancing. Big Cheese Truck will be on site with warm sandwiches, tomato soup, and other snacks. Tickets ($20 to $30) can be purchased through the studio’s website. 8 PM.

FOOD: The Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival kicks off today at the Ronald Reagan Building. Guests can enjoy food, wine, and beer samples from a slew of local restaurants including PS 7’s, Brasserie Beck, and Jack Rose Dining Saloon. One-day passes ($85) can be purchased through the event’s website. 2 to 6 PM. The festival runs through February 12.

 

Sunday, February 12

THEATER: If you haven’t already, head to MetroStage for a showing of Josephine Tonight! Directed and choreographed by Maurice Hines, the musical follows Josephine Baker’s journey from small-town girl to French movie star. “The joys of Josephine Tonight are in the journey to eventual stardom—the jubilant choreography, soaring vocals, and satisfying songs that accompany Baker’s rise to the top,” says arts writer Missy Frederick. Read the full review here. Tickets ($45 to $50) can be purchased through Box Office Tickets. 3 PM. The play runs through March 16.

MUSIC: Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon performs at DC9 tonight. “Le Bon’s originality and unique take on freak folk, as heard on the recent Me Oh My, has thrust the singer into the spotlight,” says NPR. She’ll be joined by Marian Fahey McLaughlin. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 or for $12 at the door. 8 PM.

Folk fans won’t want to miss the Bluegrass Allstar Jam at the Birchmere, featuring Claire Lynch, Josh Williams,  Sammy Shelor, Missy Raines, Michael Cleveland, and Kenny and Amanda Smith. Tickets ($29.50) can be purchased through the Birchmere’s website. 7:30 PM.