Rocks in the most literal (and musical) sense and solar-powered sound top our list this week.
By Mary Eileen Barber
This week, we’re planning to get to know Gotye, watch a simulated volcano erupt with the kids, discuss Cuban creatives and relive African-American vaudevillian culture on stage. We’re ending the week with an art extravaganza.
Forro in the Dark (Photo by Vladimir Redojicic)
Budding Artists
Artisphere’s Second Anniversary
Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 4-7
Artisphere
1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
703-875-1100; $20 Saturday night. Sound exhibit Thursday-Saturday is free, as is the Sunday open house.
Celebrate the Arlington art complex’s second anniversary with Craig Colorusso’s new media solar-powered sound installations, “Sun Boxes,” starting Thursday, enjoy a mix of Brazilian urban funk music by Forro in the Dark, Alma Tropicalia and Maracuyeah DJ Collective on Saturday at 8 p.m. Bring the kids for interactive art during the Free Family Day Open House on Sunday. (Full schedule here).
Family Friendly
“Rock On!” Family Festival on Geology & Rocks
Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th and Constitution Avenue NW
202-633-100; Free
Come see how a volcano erupts, crack open geodes, and make your own stone-inspired art at this hands-on, informative event ideal for the entire family.
Gotye at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Musically Inclined
Gotye with Missy Higgins and Jonti
Sunday, Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md.
410-715-5550; $35-$45
Rock out to “Somebody That I Used to Know” with Belgian-Australian artist Gotye and his 10-piece band, along with up-and-coming, multi-talented musical artists Missy Higgins and Jonti.
Dramaturges
“Shape”
Monday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. (full schedule here)
Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H St. NE
202-399-7993;$10-$25
Experience African-American vaudeville culture in 1900s’ Brooklyn through dance, song, folklore and variety acts. This play explores “Black America” and is loosely based on the biographies of Billy and Cordelia McClain, African-American vaudevillians. This is the last play in a series of 17 exploring themes of genocide and reconciliation.
Jeanne Drewes discusses the Cuban book artist collective Ediciones Vigia (Photo courtesy Jeanne Drewes)
Culture Vultures
“Literary Light from Cuba: The enduring creativity of Ediciones Vigia”
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Morrison House
116 South Alfred St. Alexandria, VA
703-838-8000; Free
Part of the “Morrison House Presents” Cultural Discussion Series, this month features the Library of Congress’ Jeanne Drewes in a salon-style discussion about “Ediciones Vigia,” a collective of Cuban book artists. Cocktails will be available for purchase at the bar, and guests may also make dinner reservations for after.
