Ten to do

1. REDISCOVER BALANCHINE

See the New York City Ballet under the direction of Peter Martins as they perform works by Mr. B and other great choreographers at the Kennedy Center. www.kennedycenter.com, (202) 467-4600.

March 1

2. WARM UP TO COLDPLAY

Be charmed by Gwyneth Paltrow's husband Chris Martin and his mates when they rock the MCI Center. It mayb be your last chance since the band is rumored to split up soon. www.cellardoor.com, (202)397-7328.

March 2

3. DINE FOR LIFE

Nosh at restaurants all over town to help Food and Friends feed those in need. www.foodandfriends.org, (202) 269-6826.

March 9

4. BLESS THE BLARNEY

Watch bagpipers strut and colleens prance down Constitution Avenue as the District celebrates St. Patrick's Day. www.dcstpatsparade.com, (202) 619-7222.

March 12

5. PAINT WITH WORDS

Hear the verses that inspired the paintings which hang on the walls of the Foundry Gallery. www.foundrygallery.org, (202) 463-0203.

March 18

6. BE LIKE ALEX

Root for Russian superstar-in-training Alex Ovechkin when he leads the Capitals against the Montreal Canadiens at the MCI Center. www.mcicenter. com, (202) 628-3200.

March 20

7. PUCKER UP

Taste the lime at Lima, a new restaurant/lounge serving Latin-influenced cuisine. Chef Raynold Mendizabal, recently of Pesce, is a wizard with citrus. www.limarestaurant.com, (202) 789-2800.

8. BLOSSOM FORTH

Marvel at the cherry trees as they bloom all too briefly along the Potomac. But don't blink or you'll miss them. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org, (202) 619-7222.

March 25

9. GO FLY A KITE

Gaze at the colorful contraptions as they float aloft during the Smithsonian Kite Festival on the National Mall. See which ones win prizes for design and performance. www.kitefestival.org. (202) 357-3030.

March 25

10. COWBOY DOWN

Get twangy with Kris Kristofferson, Vince Gill, the Judds and Loretta Lynn at "Country: A Celebration of America's Music"at the Kennedy Center.
www.kennedy-center.org, (202) 467-4600.

March 31