This weekend is the Super Bowl of the movies and Academy Awards viewing parties are popping up all over the DMV. But competing with the movies is Michael Bolton, who performs at the Strathmore Sunday night. In between there is something for everyone including the U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual orchid show, a model train show and comedy shows.

Remember to leave extra time if you are heading out this weekend using Metrorail. This weekend, there is work on all lines. Yellow Line trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square only. Trains on the Orange, Blue and Green lines will operate every 20 minutes. Red Line trains will run every 16 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont, with additional trains providing service every 10 minutes from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. between Judiciary Square and Shady Grove.

The Oscar statuettes (Photo: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)

Oscar viewing parties

You can watch the Academy Awards Sunday on big screens while you drink and eat. Some are offering attendees prizes to take home just like the actors. Here is a partial list:

Commissary DC, 1443 P St. NW from 4-11 p.m. with the viewing party kicking off with an extended Red Carpet Happy Hour from 4-8 p.m. featuring Oscar-themed cocktails such as Rosalyn’s Nail Polish (American Hustle) or the Wolfberry Mojito (The Wolf of Wall Street), the red carpet arrivals will show on a full wall projector followed by the awards at 8 p.m. Guests will receive a complimentary Oscar cocktail and can eat at the popcorn bar, featuring five different gourmet flavors such as Cinnamon Bun and Siracha. Oscar inspired food specials will be offered all night. Anyone who makes a reservation can stop by Commissary and pick-up an official Commissary Oscar ballot to be turned in at the party. Prizes such as Commissary gift cards and tickets to upcoming Studio Theatre shows will be awarded.

Snuggle with the Stars at the D.C. Shorts Film Festival’s viewing party at the U.S. Navy Memorial’s Burke Theatre, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW from 6-11 p.m. Billed as D.C.’s most relaxed Oscar party, guests are encouraged to come in their pajamas to watch the broadcast on a two-story screen. General admission is $25 and includes snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks. VIP admission is $50 and includes everything above plus pizza, specialty cocktails and a gift. Tickets are available here.

Boqueria, 1837 M St. NW, will hold a viewing party beginning at 6 p.m. featuring unlimited tapas and drinks. Tapas will be divided into two categoires, with “supporting role” dishes including pan con tomate, pinxtos de tortilla and patatas bravas, and “leading role” dishes like gambas al ajillo, coliflor rustida (caramelized cauliflower, yogurt, mint, raisins, garlic and pine nuts, mejillones con chorizo (Blue Bay mussels, chorizo, thyme, garlic and white wine) and albodigas (lamb meatballs, tomato sauce and sheep’s milk cheese). The night concludes with churros de chocolate, the traditional Spanish fried dough with thick hot chocolate dipping sauce. Unlimited drinks include red, white and rose sangria, draft beer and cava. Cost is $45. Reservations can be made by calling 202-558-9545.

Glamour, Glitter and Gold is the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community’s viewing party at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW, beginning at 7 p.m. General admission is $15 and VIP admission is $45 and includes VIP seating, swag bag, hors d’oeuvres and more. The event will feature a live DJ, Oscar viewing, VIP tables and an interactive Oscar game. The evening will feature a special performance by local drag act Team Peaches. Tickets are available here.

And the Winner Is… is the D.C. Film Society’s Oscar watching party at Arlington Cinema and Draft House, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Watch the Oscars on the cinema screen. Local movie critics Bill Henry and Tim Gordon are the hosts. Entertainment throughout the nigh include Predict the Winners contest, trivia contests, giveaways and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 for non-members and guests, $15 for D.C. Film Society basic member and members of Women in Film and Video, and free for D.C. Film Society gold members. Tickets are available until 9 a.m. Sunday online here or at the door.

And orchid on display at the U.S. Botanic Garden. (Photo: U.S. Botanic Garden)

Orchid Symphony

The U.S. Botanic Garden’s latest exhibit features orchids from around the world set among elaborate topiaries, musical fountains and even an orchid chandelier. Orchids form one of the largest plant families dating back to the Age of Dinosaurs. They are remarkable for the beauty and diversity of their blooms, the range of environments that they occupy and their unique relationships with their pollinating animals. On Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-noon, USBG volunteer Todd Brethauer will talk about the evolution, biogeography and ecology of orchids. Learn about how research methods are being used to better understand these plants and conserve them.

Through April 27 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!

Farewell, Brandon Wardell

Brandon Wardell (Photo: SXSW)

Technically, D.C.-bred comedian Brandon Wardell (SXSW, L.A.’s Meltdown Comedy, D.C. Improv) already moved to Los Angeles, but he’s coming back for a proper goodbye. Friends Dana Bell, Micahel Foody, Adam Friedland, Stavros Halkias, Benjy Himmelfarb, Matty Litwack, Jamel Johnson and Ahmed Vallejos join the absurd comedian for his last hurrah before he goes to Hollywood for good. (He’s opening for Andy Daly at the Kennedy Center on Monday at 6 p.m. before heading out.)

Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St. NW, Columbia Heights. Admission is $3.

Cocktails for a Cause

Cocktails for a Cause is a night of Latin American music and signature cocktails for a cause benefiting We Will Survive Cancer, a organization that helps families touched by cancer. The full cover charge and a portion of the proceeds go to the organization.

Feb. 28 from 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at Mio Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Ave. NW. Cover charge is $20 here and fully tax deductible.

A model train (Photo: Greenburg’s Train & Toy Show)

Train and Toy Show

For the kids or kid in you, Greenburg’s Train and Toy Show rolls into town with operating miniature railroads featuring Washington & Old Dominion S Gaugers with a 26-by-34 foot S Gauge layout, Mead Area RailRoad Society with a 12-by-52 foot HO Scale layout and the Northern Virginia N-Trak with a 20-by-30 foot N Scale layout. Here will also be a riding train for kids and adults, an HO Scale human-powered train layout and interactive slot car racetrack. There will be workshops and demonstrations with more than 250 tables of trains for sale and more than 50 exhibitors.

Mar. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center (Show Place Arena), 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro. Admission is $8 and good for both days. Children under 12 and parking are free.

David Koechner

Comedian David Koechner (Photo: Black Cat)

You may know him best as sportscaster Champ Kind in the Anchorman movies – he’s the one who shouts “Whammy!” – but Actor, writer and producer David Koechner, an alumnus of Chicago’s Second City Theater, is also an accomplished comedian. He got is first break as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and has appeared in more than 120 films and television shows including Todd Packer on The Office. He makes a rare stand-up visit to D.C. this weekend.

Mar. 1 at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Admission is $25. Tickets are available here.

Michael Bolton (Photo: Strathmore)

Michael Bolton

With multiple Grammy for Best Pop Male Vocalist and more than 53 million recordings sold, singer, songwriter, social activist and People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” Michael Bolton seduces with his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. But this iconic star with the crooked grin isn’t just a pretty face – he’s got a four-octave range and a repertoire that spans from soft rock to Sinatra with a generous measure of Motown sound.

Mar. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets range from $39-$81 and are available here.

Coming up…

Strathmore’s Friday Night Electric, the art center’s indie concert series kicks of its 2014 season of local bands, CD release parties, gallery shows, performance art, beer and chandeliers on Mar. 7 with Rye Rye at 9 p.m. FNE’s immersive concert experiences bring a little bit of Animal House outside the Beltway with indie bands Julia Brown with Us and Us Only on Mar. 14; genre-bending hip-hop artist Stone Kawala on Mar. 21; Euro-pop artists Nils Frahm and Douglas Dare on Mar. 28;synthpop group Ploy with hip-hop duo Beyond Modern on Apr. 4; and a rock showcase featuring Atomic Mosquitoes, The Yachtsmen, and Tru Fax and the Insaniacs on Apr. 11. All performances are held in the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bestesda, beginning at 9 p.m. Performances are standing room only except Nils Frahm and Douglas Dare and cost $12-$15.

2014 is one month old already and the days are getting longer. The big event of the weekend, of course, is Super Bowl XLVIII when the Denver Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks. But if you aren’t into football (or the two teams vying for #1) or the commercials, it’s not the only thing going on this weekend.

Metro continues its work this weekend. Green Line trains will operate a regular weekend schedule. Trains on the Blue, Orange and Yellow lines will operate every 24 minutes and Red Line trains will run every 24 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont, with additional trains providing service from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Farragut North and Silver Spring.

The Super Bowl XLVIII footballs in MetLife Stadium. (Photo: NFL)

Super Bowl XLVIII

Quarterback Peyton Manning, 37, leads the Denver Broncos against quarterback Russell Wilson, 25, and the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. The winner takes home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. But the Super Bowl isn’t all about the game, it’s about the entertainment too. Singer Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will star in the halftime show. Opera singer Renée Fleming will sing the national anthem. Before that, Queen Latifah and the New Jersey Youth Chorus will sing America the Beautiful. And you can’t forget the commercials (which cost $4 million for 30 seconds) — many people watch for them alone. This year promises not to disappoint with a Full House reunion from Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt reuniting , released a teaser trailer promoting a Super Bowl ad featuring Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), Jesse Katsopolis (Jon Stamos) and Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier). Also, the movie studios will movie debut previews their upcoming blockbuster releases including Transformers: Age of Extinction and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 along with others from Disney and Lionsgate, which haven’t been announced. Rumor has it Disney will preview either Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Guardians of the Galaxy and Lionsgate will hype the Expendables 3. Many bars and restaurants in the DMV will be showing the game on big screens and offer food and drink specials.

Feb. 2 with kickoff at 6:25 p.m. Fox will broadcast the game live from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. with its pregame show beginning at 2 p.m. Locally, it can be seen on Fox 5.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby (Photo: Wenn)

Bill Cosby, the lovable Heathcliff Huxtable from The Cosby Show and frequent visitor to Ben’s Chili Bowl, is one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, he has the ability to touch people’s lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Don’t miss his premiere engagement at the Music Center at Strathmore, with his hilarious, dead-pan humor.

Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Admission is $49.50-$89.50 and available here. Only 10 seats remained at presstime.

Kenneth Whalum III

Kenneth Whalum III (Photo: Kennedy Center)

Bandleader, composer, arranger and tenor saxophonist, New York City based jazz musician Kenneth Whalum III has set a new direction in music that can be described as creatively engaging, intense and artistically real, to push the conventional boundaries of contemporary emerging artists. Whalum fuses together straight-ahead jazz,pop, soul, gospel, R&B, blues, and country. Whalum has performed and recorded along side this generation’s most renowned entertainers, singers, and musicians; including R&B crooner Maxwell, rap star Jay Z and jazz stars Robert Glasper, Chris Dave, and his own uncle, Grammy-award winning musician Kirk Whalum. In this performance, he brings band and bold, creative artistry to D.C.

Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Admission is FREE!

Dollars for Dainty Burlesque Show

Dollars for Dainty burlesque show benefits the George Washington University’s LGBT Health Program. (Photo: Black Cat)

The most talented performers in the DMV have gathered for this fundraiser benefiting the George Washington University’s LGBT Health Program. The program showcases two of local burlesque performer Dainty Dandridge’s favorite things: burlesque and drag. Dandridge has charmed her way into our hearts with her sensational burlesque and extraordinary singing talents. When she’s not prancing in all things glittery, campy and queer, she has her head in the books! Now, she needs your help. Dollars for Dainty is a special show to raise funds to keep the GW LGBT Health Program going strong. The program trains current and future healthcare leaders to develop strategies addressing health issues and reducing health disparities for the LGBT population. Students like Dandridge will graduate with a general knowledge of the psychological, medical and policy-based issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) individuals. This is a one of kind program in the country, but it has lost its funding. By coming to the show you are supporting the LGBT Health Program.

Feb. 1 at 8:30 and 11:45 p.m. at the Black Cat’s Backstage Concert Room, 1811 14th St. NW. Admission is $15 here or at the door (cash only at the door).

Weird, Wild Stuff

“The President’s Own” Marine Corps Band presents Weird, Wild Stuff: Music That Thinks Outside the Box (Graphic by Staff Sgt. Brian Rust)

“The President’s Own” Marine Corps Band presents Weird, Wild Stuff: Music That Thinks Outside the Box. Over the past few centuries, composers have become ever bolder and more creative in how they use music to represent the world around them. It has often been the composers who dared to try something new in their works that are best remembered. In the process, a mash-up of artistic ideals from seemingly disparate worlds has ensued, and this program highlights a few composers who have not always chosen the road well-traveled. The performance includes Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue and Riffs and David Rakowski’s Ten of a Kind. The concert will also feature selections by Charles Ives, Jonathan Newman, and Ottorino Respighi.

Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College’s Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Admission is FREE! Parking is $6.

Mandrágora Circus

Juan Cruz Bracamonte (left) and Mariana Silva. (Photo: Kennedy Center)

In this performance, Mariana Silva and Juan Cruz Bracamonte use a combination of circus skills, music and aerial acrobatics to tell their story in as wordless theatrical performance. Mandrágora Circus started its activity as a theater company in 2002 in Trelew, Patagonia Argentina. In 2003, the company premiered the play Mandrágora Circus that combines different kind of artistic expression shaping this theatrical play. Using techniques of circus as a part of the plot in a story that goes beyond the skills.

Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Admission is FREE!

2014 Washington Auto Show

The new 6.2-liter engine, 455 horsepower Chevrolet Corvette Stringray is on display at the 2014 Washington Auto Show. (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

If you haven’t gotten a chance to check out the 2014 vehicles, you still have a few more days to visit the 2014 Washington Auto Show with more than 700 new cars and trucks from 42 automakers on two floors. The second floor is where Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Fiat, Toyota, Scion and Ford are located with the big, revolving displays. Hurry, this is your last chance until the 2015s come out.

Through Feb. 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW from noon-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available here online or at the convention center box office. Military, veterans and seniors 65 and older receive $4 off weekdays and $2 off weekends. Discount tickets are only available at the box office.

Bill Murray in 2011 (Photo: Georges Biard)

Bill Murrary Appreciation Day

Every day should be Bill Murrary Appreciation Day, but then we’d be reliving Groundhog Day, wouldn’t we? To cap off Superbowl Sunday, Satellite Room honors the beloved actor with an evening of his films. Fans who attend the celebration, which falls on Groundhog Day, can enjoy Murray-inspired food such as meatballs and drink specials, like the boozy Stay Puff Marshmallow Man milkshake or Froze Gopher.

Feb. 2 at 2047 Ninth St. NW directly behind the 9:30 Club starting at 10 p.m. Admission is FREE.
 
 

Oh the weather outside this weekend is frightful and cold. If you’re willing to bundle up and venture out, there are many indoor activities where you can stay warm, a few others where you won’t.

The model railroad displace at the U.S. Botanic Garden. (Photo: dcphotograhper)

Season’s Greenings

Holiday cheer abounds at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Despite the cold winter outside, the conservatory boasts a tropical paradise, a poinsettia showcase and a grove of conifer trees. The West Gallery houses one of the largest indoor, decorated trees in Washington, D.C., and the Garden Court is home to a display of model landmark buildings from our nation’s capital, all made from plant materials.

It wouldn’t be the winter holiday season without the fantasy train display in the East Gallery, which chugs along more than 800 feet of track through imaginative structures created with plant materials. Explore the “World’s Fair” and see many familiar creations that resulted from a long history of public exhibitions.

Closes Jan. 5 at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free!

ICE! featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Santa and his sleigh at Gaylord National’s ICE! (Photo: Rachel Cooper)

This is the last weekend to see Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and Saint Nick with his eight reindeer as part of Gaylord National Resort’s Christmas on the Potomac. You’ll marvel at colorful, life-size ice sculptures depicting the classic holiday poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, all brought to life in amazing detail and artistry. Be amazed by hand-carved ice sculptures standing more than 20-feet high, and take a ride down a two-story-tall ice slide. It’s all part of the fun as you stroll through ICE!. New in 2013: enjoy a special bonus scene featuring Christmas in New York City — an all-new, larger-than-life interactive ICE! display featuring the iconic sights and sounds of The Big Apple during the holiday season. The award-winning attraction is carved by a team of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China. These talented craftspeople spend more than a month in National Harbor creating our one-of-a-kind display.

Closes Jan. 5 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor. Hours vary. Tickets for adults are $34 for this last weekend; children ages 3-11 are $27; military adults are $30; military children ages 3-11 are $25. Tickets may be purchased here.

Brass of Peace

Brass of Peace (Photo: Kennedy Center)

Led by National Symphony Orchestra hornist Sylvia Alimena, the participants in Brass of Peace, a tuition-free program for talented high school students, play classical works.

For a period of 36 weeks during the school year, the Brass of Peace Scholars, a group of 13-15 gifted children, are given two-hour weekly coaching sessions with Alimena. There are no fees or tuition of any kind. The ultimate goal is to build individual and ensemble skills as well as help them build confidence in performing and public speaking.

Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free!

Tysons Corner Farmers Market

Chef Thomas Elder of Harth restaurant has launched a new farmers market in Tysons Corner to showcase the region’s best produce and artisan food products.

Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the rear parking lot of Harth at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean.

I Am Divine

I Am Devine (Graphic: Black Cat)

Drag performer Summer Camp hosts the first Washington D.C. screening of I Am Divine, a documentary about the in-your-face Baltimore drag queen who became the muse of director John Waters and the star of Pink Flamingos and Hairspray.
I Am Divine is the story of Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, from his humble beginnings as an overweight, teased Baltimore youth to internationally recognized drag superstar through his collaboration with filmmaker John Waters. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine was the ultimate outsider turned underground royalty. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture. I Am Divine is a definitive biographical portrait that charts the legendary icon’s rise to infamy and emotional complexities.

Jan. 4 at 10 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Admission is $10 and available here.

Three Kings Day Celebration

Three Kings Day Celebration (Photo: GALA Theatre)

Don’t miss GALA Hispanic Theatre’s traditional Three Kings Day Celebration (Fiesta de los Tres Reyes Magos), featuring the Magi, live animals, local performers, a walk through the neighborhood and gifts for every child.

For more than 37 years, GALA has celebrated the holidays with its traditional event for the community. GALA will again tell the timeless story of the Magi with song, dance and storytelling at two performances. The bilingual presentations for the entire family preserve one of the most popular celebrations of Latino cultures. A procession with the Three Kings and live animals — including donkeys, goats and sheep — will begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of Park Road and 14th Stree, NW. Refreshments will be served following each performance.

Jan. 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Tivoli Theater, 3333 14th St. NW. Admission is free, but a small gift for a child is suggested. Tickets will be distributed 1 1/2 hours before the performance at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis.

Halloween has come and gone, but there will still be plenty of Halloween happenings this weekend (Nov. 1-3). It is your last chance to visit many of the area’s haunted houses, which end their run and head back to the grave on Saturday.

Andy Longtine of Plover, Wis., is competing Nov. 2 in the 2013 World Beard and Moustache Championships in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. (Photo: Casey Lake/The Stevens Point Journal)

Movember

It is Movember, the month-long charity event that helps raise money and awareness for both prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. All you have to do is pledge not to shave your mustache for the 30 days of November. Del Frisco’s Grille is raising money all month. Proceeds from the restaurant’s Movember menu will go to the Movember Foundation, and anyone with a mustache gets a free appetizers on Mustache Mondays.

On Nov. 23, join the DC Mo Bros for their second-annual H Street Movemberfest, with drink and food specials from H Street Coffee House, H Street Country Club, Shawafel, H &Pizza, the Big Board and more. All proceeds are going to charity, and there are raffle prizes, too.

Community Day at the Corcoran

Pam Lawton demonstrates printmaking. (Photo: Corcoran Gallery of Art)

Gather, create and be inspired at the Corcoran Galley of Art’s Community Day, a free celebration of art and creativity. Try your hand at printmaking, make a ceramic bowl to be donated to SOME (So Others Might Eat), check-out a 3D [rinting demonstration and shop at a community art fair featuring fine arts and crafts made by D.C.-area artists. Don’t miss artist talks, special tours, films, music and beer tastings all afternoon in the biergarten sponsored by Muse Café.

Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. Free. Click here for a full schedule.

FotoDC

D.C. photojournalist James Lawler Duggan will have his work in this year’s DCFoto festival. (Photo: James Lawler Duggan)

This year’s FotoDC (formerly FotoWeek DC) photo festival has the theme “FotoNOMA: The District Experience” and opens with a bash Saturday evening in a 25,000 square foot space. For a complete schedule, click here. There will also be a courtyard exhibit including at the National Geographic Museum. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at 1145 17th St. NW. There is no cost. The Nat Geo display includes the winner and honorable mentions from FotoWeekDC Sixth Annual International Awards Competition and selected work from FotoBazaar and the FotoWeekDC Sixth Annual Youth Contest.

Nov. 2-10 at 51 N St. NE. The display is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekend and noon-6 p.m. weekdays. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 12 and younger. Purchase tickets here. An after show will be held on Saturday beginning at 10 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW, including a slideshow and dance party with DJ Liberation Matt Dunn. Tickets are $10 and available here.

fallFRINGE Festival 2013

H Street Housewives by Jenny Splitter is one of the plays at the fallFRINGE Festival. (Photo: Capital Fringe)

The fallFRINGE Festival is an live performing arts event that gathers the best talent from past summer Fringe Festivals. fallFRINGE takes place over 11 days with 13 productions doing roughly 80 individual performances, showcasing over 2,000 artists to over 10,000 audience members. Invited participants present encores or brand new shows, building on their experience as summer Fringe Festival artists. In addition, much merriment and revelry is to be had at the two BaldacchinoINDOOR bars at Fort Fringe, where visitors and fanatics alike can enjoy each other’s company and chat.

Nov. 1-17 at 612 L St. NW or 607 New York Ave. NW. Cost is $20 or $15 with a 2013 Fringe button.

Britten: War Requiem

The Washington Chorus will present Britten: War Requiem on Sunday at the Kennedy Center. (Photo: The Washington Chorus)

The Washington Chorus opens its 53rd season by celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten with his monumental War Requiem. With the power of two orchestras, two choruses and a trio of soloists, the epic War Requiem became an instant classic when it premiered in 1962 at the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral. What better way to honor the Britten centenary than with a performance of one of Western music’s foremost masterpieces! The Washington Chorus’ recording of the War Requiem won a Grammy for Best Choral Performance in 2000.

Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F Street NW. Tickets range from $15-$70 and can be purchased here.

And while we love the bigger and more well-known venues like 9:30 Club and Black Cat, off-the-beaten path places also have a ton of great bands coming in (and usually for just a few dollars!).

Some of our favorite venues include:

IOTA Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington): Don’t be fooled by the Arlington address — IOTA is far from your typical Clarendon bar. With live music almost every night of the week, covers at this intimate venue are rarely more than $15 (and a lot of shows are free) and you’ll be able to impress your friends that you heard a band there before they were big — or even after (we caught Sons of Bill there for free last spring). And they also host a weekly open mic night for all you aspiring musicians out there.

Hill Country Barbeque (410 7th St. NW):
Hosting live acts from Tuesday to Sunday nights every week, Hill Country is amazingly accessible by most metro lines (so close to both Metro Center and Chinatown) and specializes in Americana and folksy music. The vast majority of shows hosted in the downstairs Boot Bar are free, with bonus weekly Rock N Twang live band karaoke, if you’re so inclined to strut your stuff on stage.

DC9 (1940 9th St. NW):
Only two blocks away from the 9:30 Club, DC9 is a perfect alternative for catching up-and-coming artists in a more intimate location.  Not only do they host great concerts, but they also host the not-to-be-missedLiberation Dance Party (including an open bar for the first hour and a half!) every Friday night and a wonderful and often-overlooked rooftop bar.

See what concerts we have coming up and what we’ve been to (at these locations and all around the city!) at thisisourjamdc.com. Where else should we check out?