Thursday, August 16, 2018
The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery holds open studio programs on Friday afternoons. Courtesy NPG.Art lovers can take the kids to the Portrait Gallery’s open studio on Friday and learn about “degenerate art." at the National Gallery on Sunday — the last day of Summer Restaurant Week. This Saturday’s food options include a locally-sourced lunch at the Nourished Life fair at Wilson High School and the Around The World Cultural Food Festival on Freedom Plaza. For more August events, visit The Georgetowner’s online calendar.
Melba Moore at Blues Alley
This weekend, Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, welcomes R&B singer and actress Melba Moore. Shows are Friday, Aug. 17, Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19 at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 ($30 on Sunday), plus a minimum purchase of $12 per person. For details, visit bluesalley.com or call 202-337-4141.
Country Stars at Wolf Trap
On Thursday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m., Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson will perform with fellow Grammy winner Lee Ann Womack at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road in Vienna, Virginia. Tickets are $45 to $105. For details, visit wolftrap.com or call 703-255-1900.
Open Studio at National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW, will hold a free open studio on Friday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the first-floor education center. Visitors can work with an art material or explore the museum with a Portrait Discovery Kit. For details, visit npg.si.edu or call 202-633-8300.
‘Polaroid Stories’ at Theater J
Also on Friday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 p.m., the Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts presents Naomi Iizuka’s “Polaroid Stories." — a visceral blend of classical mythology and real-life stories told by young people living on the streets — at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. Note: The play contains mature themes and language. Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and students). For details, visit theatrelab.org or call 202-824-0449.
The Nourished Life
At this Ancestral Health DC event — on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. NW — participants will move, eat, listen and laugh as they hear from experts and local farmers about sustainable eating and living. At noon, an organic, locally-sourced lunch will be provided. Tickets are $35 ($40 at the door). For details, visit eventbrite.com.
Around The World Cultural Food Festival
This year’s Around The World Cultural Food Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets NW. Participating countries are: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Greece, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Lebanon, Nigeria, Peru, Serbia, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, the U.S., Vietnam and Yemen. The event includes food, arts and crafts and traditional dances. Admission is free (VIP ticket options are available online). For details, visit eventbrite.com.
Chuck Brown Day
Saturday, Aug. 18, is also Chuck Brown Day, celebrating the Godfather of Go-Go with free entertainment and kids’ activities from 3 to 7 p.m. in Chuck Brown Memorial Park, 2901 20th St. NE. Along with the Chuck Brown Band, acts will include the Crank Crusaders, Trouble Funk, DJ Kool and Big G from BYB. For details, visit the Chuck Brown Facebook page.
‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ in Olney
Chicago theater company the Hypocrites returns to Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road in Olney, Maryland, with its immersive, family-friendly version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore.." Performances are Saturday, Aug. 18, at 1:45 and 7:45 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 19, at 1:45 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $80. For details, visit olneytheatre.org or call 301-924-3400.
Lecture: ‘German Expressionism and Degenerate Art’
As part of the National Gallery of Art’s free 40th Anniversary Summer Lecture Series, NGA Senior Lecturer David Gariff will speak on “German Expressionism and Degenerate Art." on Sunday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. in the East Building Auditorium, Constitution Avenue and 4th Street NW. For details, visit nga.gov or call 202-737-4215.
Soprano Nancy Scimone at the Lyceum
On Sunday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m., the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association presents a free concert of songs from Spain, Italy, France and the U.S. — including the Virginia debut of works by a living American composer — by soprano Nancy Scimone at the Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. in Alexandria, Virginia. For details, visit wmpamusic.org or call 703-799-8229.
Step Afrika! Dance Party at the Wharf
Step Afrika! invites area residents to dance to the latest and most popular songs at a party featuring DJ Nitecrawler on Sunday, Aug. 19, at 4 p.m. at the Wharf, 1100 Maine Ave. SW. Admission is free. For details, visit stepafrika.org.
Ice Cream Sunday at Velvet Lounge
Also on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 11 p.m., the Velvet Lounge, 915 U St. NW, hosts Ice Cream Sunday, a party with free ice cream, games, music and dancing. Guests are asked to bring school supplies — book bags, folders, notebooks, paper, pens and pencils — to be donated to children. For details, visit eventbrite.com.