This weekend, get in touch with different cultures visually, musically, and locally. Travel to Maryland's Eastern shore for a home and garden tour, visit over 40 embassies for free, and enjoy Grammy award winning indigenous Mexican music by Lila Downs.
If April showers bring May flowers, then it’s time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with a daytrip! Established in 1666, the Lower Eastern Shore area has played a key role in Maryland history, and is currently home to properties from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is hosting a tour of eight historic and modern homes in Somerset and Worcester Counties on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Highlights of the day include visits to “Beverly” in Pocomoke City and Watkins Point Farm outside of Crisfield. All proceeds from the tour will go back into the communities through The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council.
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Cost: $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the tour.
Lunch ($15) will be offered at the Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne with advance reservations.
Located at historical sites of Somerset and Worcester Counties.
Have you ever wanted to travel the world but you just don’t have the time or the money? Well we have the solution to that problem! In honor of international culture in Washington DC, Passport DC will host the Around the World Embassy Tour. This onetime event allows visitors the chance to see over 40 embassies representing six continents throughout the world. Patrons will also have the opportunity to see nine new embassies this year such as Barbados, Chile, Malaysia, Nicaragua and several others. Participants will be treated to a variety of cultural and festive activities such as food tasting, dancing, musical performances and artwork while exploring these remarkable buildings. So come on out for an experience that will truly broaden your cultural horizon.
What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than with fantastic music? This Sunday, the Hylton Performing Arts Center welcomes Lila Downs to the stage for a performance of indigenous Mexican music and her original compositions that infuse soul, jazz, blues, and African sounds. Considered a “dazzling” and “stunning” artist, Downs has combined her passion for music and ancient culture to create powerful, edgy music with international flair as she explores topics of immigration, transformation, and social and political justice. Downs has won numerous awards, such as the 2013 Grammy award for “Best Regional Mexican Album,” and has performed at major festivals and venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall! A free pre-performance discussion for ticket holders will be held 45 minutes prior to the performance. Be sure to grab your tickets for this sensational performance!
Spring has sprung in Washington and that means one thing for locals and tourists alike; lots of pink. Thousands flock into the city each year to see the blooming trees during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but don’t let the fluffy flowers obscure your view of the rest of the cultural events happening around DC. We’ve compiled a list of the top Cherry Blossom Festival happenings around town, so be sure to check out some art and performances along with this year’s dose of pink.
The tradition of visiting the Cherry Blossoms each year is something passed down from old to young. Whether in the 1st or 4th generation, make these events are apart of this year’s family outing.
Some of the most impressive works of craftsmanship come from Japan. During this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival, try your hand at creating some of the most iconic Japanese style art.
What to do in this wonderful spring weather?! This weekend in DC, Maryland, and Virginia check out a jazzy birthday bash, a Japanese drum performance, a major environmental film festival, and more! Here's the details on our featured weekend events!
If you could celebrate your birthday anyway you wanted, how would you celebrate it? For Grammy Award-winning drummer Jack DeJohnette, celebrating with class and style is always on the agenda. DeJohnette is most widely recognized for joining Miles Davis’s band and helping to change the face of jazz with their album, Bitches Brew. He is also known for his association with artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Herbie Hancock. In celebration of his 70th birthday, DeJohnette wants to do nothing more than jazz things up at the Terrace Theatre. Currently on an international tour with pianist Geogre Colligan, saxophonist Tim Ries and bassist Jerome Harris, the NEA Jazz Master will play a little music with his friends, ranging from cool jazz rhythms to bittersweet memories.
And beats with energy that will make you want to see them again! This Saturday, join Kodo, a traditional Japanese drum troupe, as they take over the DAR Constitution Hall. Kodo uses ancient and modern compositions to achieve physical and musical versatility that surpasses language barriers. Kodo is known for its performers not only playing the drums, but also using their bodies to tell a story. Experience how the power of sound can create emotions ranging from laughter to aggression to even fear. This show will be an unforgettable experience for all of your senses!
Spring is finally in the air! If you don’t see enough green outside, catch it on the big screen. Celebrate the outdoors with the first weekend of the Environmental Film Festival in the nation’s capital, running March 12 through 24 at museums, embassies, universities, libraries and local theaters. The theme of this year’s festival is the role of rivers and watersheds in the global environment. 190 documentary, narrative, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films were selected to highlight this and many other ecological issues. The festival will feature 110 Washington, D.C. area premieres, including this weekend’s Amazon Gold, on Friday at the National Geographic Society, Cinderella Moon, on Saturday and Sunday at the National Gallery of Art, and More Than Honey on Sunday at AFI Silver Theater. Discover the wonders of the world and the perils that endanger them this weekend through next.
This Romanian film directed by Cristian Mungiu follows the friendship of two young women (Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur) who were raised in the same orphanage as children.
India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) becomes infatuated with her Uncle Charlie (Matthew Good) when he comes to live with her and her unstable mother (Nicole Stoker) following the death of her father. This film directed by Chan-wook Park is largely drama with plenty of mystery and thriller in the mix as India learns more and more about her disturbed family.
Does rap or reggaetone evoke images of flowers and French décor? If you want to challenge your idea of conventional, head to Artisphere, which will be hosting an opening reception this Friday for Delicate/Violent (Delicado/Violento). This series of paintings by artist David Amoroso, juxtaposes images of local rappers and reggaetoneros in violent postures against delicate backgrounds. The reception will include an artist talk with Juror Don Russell followed by a Rappers andReggaetoneros music showcase live in Artisphere’s Ballroom. Performers include Mr. Pelon 503, El Indio, El Renegado & NCute, Impacto Urbano (featuring Shorty GY), and El Fenome Don Rimador.
Music is one the closest things in life that we can get to human emotion. Whether it be bluegrass, hip hop, rock or jazz, the music world will never see its end… at least not anytime soon we hope! Grammy Award-winning pianist and NEA Jazz Master Eddie Palmieri will be bringing everything he’s got to the Kennedy Center, including his band! Finishing a yearlong celebration of his 75th birthday, the creative and elegant artist will be here to do what he does best, keep the audience asking for more. Palmieri and the Latin Jazz Septet will be performing a wide variety of standards and original works that will make this event a performance not to miss.
….And you and your child can uncover the canvas under Pablo Picasso’s paintings! This weekend, the National Gallery of Art is holdings its “Winter Story Series” for children ages 4 to 7. Museum educators will guide budding art enthusiasts as they investigate Picasso’s paintings through storytelling, observation, and creating masterpieces of their own. Sign-in for the event will take place in the East Building Atrium beginning at 10 am on Saturday and at 11am on Sunday! This event fills up fast, so get your tickets soon!
Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez team up to get their cut in the crime thriller, PARKER, based on the series of bestselling novels by Donald E. Westlake. PARKER is directed by Academy Award nominee Taylor Hackford (“Ray”) and also stars Michael Chiklis, Wendell Pierce (HBO’s “The Wire”) and Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte.
QUARTET (PG-13)
The directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman, QUARTET is a comedy starring Maggie Smith (PBS’s Downton Abbey and HARRY POTTER franchise), Billy Connolly (GULLIVER’S TRAVELS, THE LAST SAMURAI), Michael Gambon (HARY POTTER franchise, THE KING’S SPEECH) and Pauline Collins (ALBERT NOBBS, FROM TIME TO TIME)
THE MASTER (R)
A striking portrait of drifters and seekers in post World War II America, Paul Thomas Anderson’s THE MASTER unfolds the journey of a Naval veteran, Freddie (Joaquin Phoenix), who arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader, Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Amy Adams plays Dodd’s wife, Peggy.
WEST OF MEMPHIS (R)
A new documentary written and directed by Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Amy Berg (DELIVER US FROM EVIL) and produced by first time filmmakers Damien Echols and Lorri Davis, in collaboration with the multiple Academy Award winning team of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, WEST OF MEMPHIS tells the untold story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to bring the truth to light; a fight to stop the State of Arkansas from killing an innocent man.
This weekend DC, Maryland, and Virginia is packed with inauguration celebrations, classic concerts and movies. With prices ranging from free to a couple bucks, there’s a wide variety of events to choose from!
From one leader to another
44 years ago on January 20, 1969, Richard Nixon was sworn into office, the same day Led Zeppelin supposedly performed for a group of teenagers at Wheaton Youth Center. Join AFI Silver Theater in a preview screening of the documentary Led Zeppelin Played Here, directed by Jeff Krulik, which presents a homegrown version of what was happening nationwide as the rock concert industry took shape, featuring interviews with rock writers, musicians and fans, including several who claim they were there witnessing history that night. Celebrate monumental events, both past and present, by attending this special screening of Led Zeppelin Played Here on Sunday.
Can you guess how many works Frédéric Chopin created during his lifetime? 250. Continuing his quest to perform all of the Chopin pieces within the next decade, pianist Brian Ganz is preparing for his third all-Chopin recital on January 19 at Strathmore, which will explore the theme of "Small Worlds." The program will include Frédéric Chopin's 5 Mazurkas, Op. 7; Trois Ecossaises, Op. 72, No. 3; Lento con Gran Espressione in C-sharp minor; Presto con Leggerezza in A-flat major; Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23; Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47; and the 24 Préludes, Op. 28.
Saturday January 19th at 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets range from $28 to $74. Tickets for kids 7-17 are FREE through the ALL KIDS, ALL FREE, ALL THE TIME program (sponsored by The Gazette). ALL KIDS tickets must be purchased in person or by phone. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at nationalphilharmonic.org or call 301-581-5100.
The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852
Edgy. Contemporary. Experimental.
Fancy performances in an intimate setting? Want to support local, emerging artists? Experience the performing arts at its best this Friday amongst the Hillyer Art Space’s edgy, contemporary galleries! The Hillyer Art Space is kicking off its 2013 monthly performing art series, Soapbox, which provides performance artists a close setting that accommodates their often underrepresented medium. This Friday features “To Know a Veil”, an experimental piece conceived and directed by Emma Jaster, exploring the personal and cultural implications of how women veil and reveal themselves.
Blurb about event: Get your seats soon folks; this is going to be the piano fight of the century! Watch as two musical masterminds, Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis, compete against one another in this original performance format which presents classical music in a whole new way. Each musician will be showcasing their abilities by playing pieces from known composers such as Debussy, Chopin and Liszt, in this grave but comical accomplishment. If you have ever wanted to play a role in a musical performance, this is your chance. Audience members will get to serve as an active part during the entire program and will be invited to vote on the pianists’ performance of their choice for a winner.
Friday January 18th, 7:30pm
Cost: $50 / $40 Friends of the Goethe-Institut and $25 for students with ID at the door
Embassy of Austria 3524 International Court, NW Washington, DC 20008
The inauguration of President Obama is this Monday January 21st and that means two things for Washington D.C this weekend; amazing events and traffic. While we try to avoid the latter, join us as we partake in celebrations unique to January in D.C. every 4 years.
Tour for the Presidential Inauguration
(Tours run hourly until last tour at 3pm)
January 18, 19 and 22, 10am to 4pm& Sunday, January 20, noon to 4pm Cost: Adults: $12 / Children (12 and under): $5
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University present Let Freedom Ring! featuring Smokey RobinsonSunday January 20, 6:00pm, Cost: Free. Tickets will be distributed two (2) per person in line on Sunday January 20, 2013, in the Hall of Nations, beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are reserved seats. Limited seating availability.Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center
Latino Inaugural 2013: In Performance at Kennedy Center
Sunday January 20, 7:00pm, Cost: $150.00-$300.00. Tickets went on sale January 8, 2013 to the public
Action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his much-anticipated return to the big screen in Korean director Kim Jee-woon's hard-hitting US directorial debut, THE LAST STAND. After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy.
LUV (R)
Eleven-year-old WOODY WATSON is a timid Baltimore orphan who dreams of a better life -- and his absent mother who may or may not be in North Carolina fighting drug addiction. Woody also reveres his uncle VINCENT as the father figure he never had. A street hustler and former drug dealer, Vincent's fresh off an eight-year stint in prison and wants a new direction. When Vincent bypasses his nephew's school one day and offers to show Woody how a man handles his business, Woody jumps at the opportunity to join his uncle on a field trip of life lessons.
MAMA (PG-13)
Guillermo del Toro presents Mama, a supernatural thriller that tells the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed. When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night.
Looking for something to do this weekend in DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Check out our selection of instantly legendary events right in your own backyard!
The exhibitions that bring us from here to the Honfleur Gallery.
So many galleries, so little time. This weekend offers a rare opportunity for a joint opening reception at the Honfleur Gallery. The exhibition, The Points That Bring Us from Here to There, brings together the mapping-focused work of Michael Dax Iacovone and Kathryn Zazenski. Upstairs, Soul of the City, presented by The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, showcases a varied collection of street photography from members of the photography collective InstantDC. Double the art, double the fun.
Opening: Friday January 11, 2013, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm
So the New Year is finally here! Why not start it off on a new note by jazzing things up a little bit? The first place you can start is the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre at Artisphere in Arlington. Enjoy an evening with the only student of jazz legend Benny Goodman, internationally acclaimed clarinetist, Julian Milkis. Milkis will be showcasing his versatility, unique talent and mastered interpretations as he plays along-side the National Chamber Ensemble.
Can’t decide between a movie and concert this weekend? Well now you don’t have to! he screening of the classic film ALEXANDER NEVSKY will be accompanied by Sergei Prokofeiv’s music score, performed live by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This 1938 historical drama, directed by Sergei Eisenstein, follows a battle led by Alexander against the Teutonic Knights in defense of his kingdom of Novgorod. With both eyes and ears satisfied, this event is a double victory.
Friday, 8:00pm —Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (JMSH)
For a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives, working in secret across the globe, devoted themselves to a single goal: to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. Zero Dark Thirty reunites the Oscar® winning team of director-producer Kathryn Bigelow and writer-producer Mark Boal (THE HURT LOCKER) for the story of history's greatest manhunt for the world's most dangerous man.
Beecham House is abuzz. The rumor circling the halls is that the home for retired musicians is soon to play host to a new resident. Word is, it's a star. For Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly) and Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins) this sort of talk is par for the course at the gossipy home. But they're in for a special shock when the new arrival turns out to be none other than their former singing partner, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Her subsequent career as a star soloist, and the ego that accompanied it, split up their long friendship and ended her marriage to Reggie, who takes the news of her arrival particularly hard. Can the passage of time heal old wounds? And will the famous quartet be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House's gala concert?
AMOUR (PG-13)
Writer/director Michael Haneke (CACHE, THE PIANO TEACHER), who previously won the Palme d'Or for THE WHITE RIBBON, won the prestigious Cannes award again for AMOUR("Love"). His new drama shows old age and death with unflinching honesty, but nevertheless lives up to its title. This is a portrait of a longtime married couple, whose bond of love remains strong facing any hardship. It stars two of France's best-loved actors, both in their eighties: Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva. Winner of 4 European Film Awards, including Best Film, Director, Actor and Actress. In French. (Fully subtitled)
This Christmas Eve, spend the day with WETA TV as we show you the very best of Washington, DC. Are your family and friends in town? Want to show them the area without driving around in the cold? Want to learn more about your city without a trip to the library? Tune into WETA TV26 and WETA HD Monday, December 24 at 8:30am for 9 ½ hours of all original WETA produced local documentaries featuring the best places to visit, behind the scenes footage, and the history of this one-of-a-kind city that we’re so lucky to call home. Use the below list to see what’s on and when to watch it!
Don't forget, we have a wide variety of holiday programming for everyone in the family:
In this one-hour special, WETA presents an enticing list of ways Washingtonians (and those in the surrounding area) can celebrate the holiday season. What makes the holidays so much brighter in the nation’s capital? Get the inside scoop on Christmas festivities, activities, and traditions specific to the Washington area. We’ll tell you where the best neighborhood light displays are and where to explore historical locations with the most elaborate and beautiful holiday décor. With so many wonderful musical and theatrical performances paying tribute to the merry time of year, WETA narrows down the top five!
Take a tour of some of Greater Washington's most unique attractions, from mysterious gargoyles at Washington National Cathedral, to a Bavarian style beer hall and medical anomalies at the National Museum of Health and Medicine. See the Washington DC area’s most unusual and fascinating attractions without having to bundle up, fight the traffic, and face the cold weather.
This documentary uncovers more of Greater Washington’s lesser-known landmarks and destinations. A companion piece to the previous show, Unusual Attractions, this show explores 18 local hidden wonders from Dinosaur Land to "The Awakening" and beyond! There’s no better way to see the local area with friends and family during this holiday.
Transporting hundreds of thousands of residents, commuters and tourists each day from 5:00am until the” last train out” the Washington, DC subway system, Metro Rail, must ensure that each and every commute runs as smoothly as possible. Learn the history of DC train system, the challenges it faces, and the reasons behind the architecture. Appreciate the complexity involved in maintaining safety aboard Metro trains and buses, and also within the stations.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Aquarium in Baltimore to observe a typical day in the life of the institution's staff, volunteers, and more than 16,500 creatures, from crocodiles' breakfast to shark check-ups. Don’t bother with traffic up I-95, join us here on WETA to enjoy the best of the National Aquarium in a way you’d never get a chance while visiting.
11:30am - WETA All Access: The FBI Academy
The Federal Bureau of Investigation was established in 1908 and it employees more than 30,000 employees around the globe. The FBI's mission is to protect and defend the U.S. against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats and to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States. Follow the a class of candidates from day one through graduation at the FBI training center on the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. Go behind the scenes with the candidates as they undergo testing and rigorous training and find out what it takes to become a FBI agent for the nation's top law enforcement agency.
Union Station can be considered the heart and hub of Washington, DC. For many travelers, business people and tourists, Union Station is the first glance at the nation’s capitol. Through the years, Union Station has welcomed royalty, rock stars, and millions of every day travelers. Before the retail shops and restaurants lining the halls, there was a private entrance and designated areas for guests and travelers - from presidents to celebrities.
12:30pm - WETA All Access: Washington National Cathedral
Located at the top of Mount St. Alban in Northwest DC, Washington National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States. The Cathedral was completed in 1990, 83 years to the day after it was begun. Explore the story of this grand, gothic church, its intriguing architectural and artistic flourishes, and the daily rituals — from morning chapel to evensong — that make Washington National Cathedral a very special place for visitor and worshiper alike.
1:00pm - WETA Guide to Great Views
Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are known for their beautiful landscapes and imagery. In this local documentary, see the views and vistas that make Washington one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Find out where the best 360-degree views are, which natural vistas are located nearby, and where to go for great sunset spots.
Take an inspiring tour of the many military, war, and presidential memorials of Greater Washington. Visit sculptures, statues and buildings located nearby that memorialize individuals, events, and Americans' service to their country. Also be sure to see the newer memorials in our WETA Around Town videos below: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and the The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
2:00pm - WETA Guide to Neighborhood Eats
It’s the holiday season so taking out-of-towners to the best restaurants in the area might be a tough one, so tune-in for a one-hour visit to dozens of hotspot eateries and landmark restaurants throughout the area. Among the places you'll get to see are DC's Eastern Market, Arlington's Lost Dog Cafe, Rockville's Cuban Corner, and Vienna's Sunflower Vegetarian restaurant.
As Neighborhood Eats gave you the best small local foods, explore the crème de la crème of Washington area establishments for the fancier moments in town. Sample their offerings and their atmosphere in this hour-long production, The WETA Guide to Fine Dining. This show offers a lively, mouth-watering tour as the area's top chefs showcase some of their astonishing creations and explain their philosophies on food.
We’ve shown you the sights to see and the food to eat, now join WETA as we examine the people and events of the dramatic decade that changed our city, Washington, DC forever. This one-hour documentary looks at the political, social, and cultural events that shaped the history of the Washington area. Two time Emmy winning documentary, Washington in the ‘60s is a one of a kind narrated by Connie Chung.
Stay locked in to WETA for a flash back to Washington in the 1970s, a decade that began under a cloud of war, riots, and division and ended with a feeling of promise, calm, and relative harmony. This local documentary charts the District's rise from the ashes of the 1968 riots to its emergence as a world-class city, featuring first-hand accounts from those who shaped the events of the time.
Looking for something to do this weekend in DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Check out our selection of events guaranteed to inspire your inner-artist, right here in your own backyard!
Face it—you and the kids need a break from the holidays. Why not get artsy? To top it off, why not make it free? Well, it’s a package deal at theBaltimore Museum of Art’s weekly Free Family Sunday. So put down that wrapping paper and schlep the entire clan to this world-class institution. You’ll enjoy an afternoon of art-making with an interactive gallery tour to boot.
This month’s theme “Looking Forward: Make a Right-Side, Wrong-Side Composition”, encourages budding contemporary artists to get adventurous.
Sunday, 2-5pm
Cost: Free
Baltimore Museum of Arts 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Maryland
It was an itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie work of art that they displayed in the gallery.
Just because an exhibition is a big deal, doesn’t mean it’s big. In fact, the Torpedo Factory Target Gallery’s 5x5(x5) is all about the small. No piece measures more than 5 inches in any direction! Back by popular demand, this juried show features 112 tiny works by 68 artists from across the nation. It’s also Target Gallery’s last show of the year, so don’t miss it.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am–6pm
Cost: Free
Torpedo Factory 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, Virginia
Select films opening today:
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY (PG)
From the big top to the big screen, visionary filmmaker James Cameron and director Andrew Adamson (SHREK, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA) invite you and your family on an all new 3D adventure: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY. A young couple who is separated, must journey through the astonishing and dreamlike worlds of Cirque du Soleil to find each other, as audiences experience the immersive 3D technology that will allow them to leap, soar, swim, and dance with the performers.
RUST AND BONE (R)
Academy Award-winning actress Marion Cotillard (LA VIE EN ROSE, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) plays Stéphanie, a free-spirited whale trainer at a marineland on the French Riviera, who suffers a devastating injury. Macho Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts, BULLHEAD), sullen, impulsive and broke, has just been given custody of his five-year-old son and is struggling to care for him. Both are struggling to overcome injuries and rebuild their lives, and their relationship reaches the extremes of physical and emotional intensity. WETA Around Town critics call this the “best film of the year”. Watch the entire review here!
BARBARA (PG-13)
East Germany, 1980. Barbara Wolff is a talented young doctor who has applied for an exit visa from the GDR and, as punishment, has been transferred from her prestigious post in Berlin to a small pediatric hospital in the country. Even though she is constantly aware of the shadowy presence of, and overwhelming numbers of Stasi officers chronicling her every move, every waking hour, she arrives at her new post having already planned a series of dangerous assignations with her lover, with whom she plans to escape to the West, to Poland. A story of self-sacrifice and freedom and quiet heroism at a time and place when such values are at a premium. It is also about a healer whose morality and set of personal ethics are being called into questions by circumstances specific to that same time and place in history. Opening at West End and Angelika Mosaic.
Based on the true story of one family's survival of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, THE IMPOSSIBLE stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor and is directed by J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE). Maria (Watts), Henry (McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth.
It was the best of its kind: The grandest, the most luxurious, and the safest. Or so everyone thought. Go beyond the captivating love story from the Hollywood film, and discover the history behind The Titanic: from its three-year and multi-million dollar creation, to its devastation and lingering after-effects. Join us Tuesday December 11 for two hours dedicated to the Titanic. .
Although it sunk in the end, the Titanic didn’t go down without a fight. Transport yourself into the ship’s boilers, right after it hit the iceberg where a determined and unwavering group of engineers struggling to survive an unconquerable force. Saving the Titanic takes you below the ship, into the gripping scene that took place where nine selfless men worked tirelessly to delay the ship’s demise and keep the power systems running and the lights on. Watch Saving the TitanicTuesday, December 11 at 8:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.
This program also airs Wednesday, December 12 at 3:00pm.
Meet those on board the night the unsinkable ship sunk: musicians who played as the ship went down, hundreds of immigrants hoping for a new life in America, even the men who shed blood, sweat and tears to build the very ship that was disappearing into the depths of the ocean. Titanic with Len Goodman explores the different stories of those traveling aboard one ship: The Titanic. Watch Titanic with Len GoodmanTuesday, November 12 at 9:00pm.
This program also airs Wednesday, December 12 at 4:00pm.
The Titanic may have ended its voyage in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, nearly three days away by boat from New York, but oddly enough it does have a connection in the nation’s capital. In one of WETA’s local productions, WETA Guideto More Unusual Attractions, explore a carved statue residing in Washington Channel Park that one cannot help but compare to a rather famous pose originating from The Titanic. Standing nobly with arms spread wide open, the statue resembles Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jack Dawson and Rose, played by Kate Winslet as they stand at the bow of the ship proclaiming, “I’m on top of the world.” The statue was constructed as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the tragedy and officially unveiled in 1931. Watch WETA Guide to More Unusual AttractionsMonday, December 24 at 10:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.
Looking for something to do this weekend in DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Check out our selection of festive events right in your own backyard!
Holidays in Historic Downtown Frederick
Naturally the holidays are an historic time, so it makes sense to celebrate them in an historic place. Visit Downtown Frederick for your new local holiday traditions.
Start the weekend off at the Scents & Sweets Competition & Auction with a chance to vote on your favorite floral arrangements and gingerbread creations, all locally made. Place bids on themed wreaths, trees, and stockings submitted by Frederick-based artists, businesses, and community groups. If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to sample sweets from local bakeries with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand.
Need even more holiday cheer in your weekend? Downtown Frederick has also organized a Festival of Lights at the City Hall Courtyard and a Candlelight House Tour of private homes in the historic district.
Get a taste of Spanish holiday music with¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!, a medley of carols from various Hispanic cultures performed by Voce Chamber Singers. Listen to songs from Argentina, the Caribbean, Spain, Meso-America, and the Southwestern United States. For that extra feel-good factor, local elementary school children will be accompanying the carols on various percussion instruments.
Three dumb guys who think they’re smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. Brad Pitt plays the enforcer hired to track them down and restore order. KILLING THEM SOFTLY also features Richard Jenkins (THE VISITOR), James Gandolfini (“The Sopranos”), Ray Liotta (NARC), Scoot McNairy (MONSTERS), Ben Mendelsohn (ANIMAL KINGDOM), and Vincent Curatola (“The Sopranos”).
The Collection (R)
From the writing-directing team Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton (SAW IV, V and VI) comes THE COLLECTION. This suspense horror film stars Josh Stewart (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE COLLECTOR), Emma Fitzpatrick (THE SOCIAL NETWORK) and Christopher McDonald (“Boardwalk Empire,” REQUIEM FOR A DREAM). The film centers on a traumatized man forced to help rescue a beautiful woman who has become the latest obsession of a crazed killer who “collects” humans in a booby-trapped house of horrors.
The Waiting Room (NR)
This documentary was filmed in 24 hours at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA, where uninsured patients needing medical attention come to the ER of the nearly-overwhelmed hospital and wait to be seen. 241 patients in 24 hours. The film shows, with unusually candid access, the inner workings of an ER close to the breaking point. Winner of both the Audience and Jury Prizes for Best Documentary at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Directed by Peter Nicks.
history, and is currently home to properties from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is hosting a tour of eight historic and modern homes in Somerset and Worcester Counties on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Highlights of the day include visits to “Beverly” in Pocomoke City and Watkins Point Farm outside of Crisfield. All proceeds from the tour will go back into the communities through The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council. 
DC, Passport DC will host the Around the World Embassy Tour. This onetime event allows visitors the chance to see over 40 embassies representing six continents throughout the world. Patrons will also have the opportunity to see nine new embassies this year such as Barbados, Chile, Malaysia, Nicaragua and several others. Participants will be treated to a variety of cultural and festive activities such as food tasting, dancing, musical performances and artwork while exploring these remarkable buildings. So come on out for an experience that will truly broaden your cultural horizon. 
African sounds. Considered a “dazzling” and “stunning” artist, Downs has combined her passion for music and ancient culture to create powerful, edgy music with international flair as she explores topics of immigration, transformation, and social and political justice. Downs has won numerous awards, such as the 2013 Grammy award for “Best Regional Mexican Album,” and has performed at major festivals and venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall! A free pre-performance discussion for ticket holders will be held 45 minutes prior to the performance. Be sure to grab your tickets for this sensational performance! 
Cherry Blossom Festival, but don’t let the fluffy flowers obscure your view of the rest of the cultural events happening around DC. We’ve compiled a list of the top Cherry Blossom Festival happenings around town, so be sure to check out some art and performances along with this year’s dose of pink. 
a traditional Japanese drum troupe, as they take over the DAR Constitution Hall. Kodo uses ancient and modern compositions to achieve physical and musical versatility that surpasses language barriers. Kodo is known for its performers not only playing the drums, but also using their bodies to tell a story. Experience how the power of sound can create emotions ranging from laughter to aggression to even fear. This show will be an unforgettable experience for all of your senses! 
Celebrate the outdoors with the first weekend of the Environmental Film Festival in the nation’s capital, running March 12 through 24 at museums, embassies, universities, libraries and local theaters. The theme of this year’s festival is the role of rivers and watersheds in the global environment. 190 documentary, narrative, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films were selected to highlight this and many other ecological issues. The festival will feature 110 Washington, D.C. area premieres, including this weekend’s Amazon Gold, on Friday at the National Geographic Society, Cinderella Moon, on Saturday and Sunday at the National Gallery of Art, and More Than Honey on Sunday at AFI Silver Theater. Discover the wonders of the world and the perils that endanger them this weekend through next.
challenge your idea of conventional, head to Artisphere, which will be hosting an opening reception this Friday for Delicate/Violent (Delicado/Violento). This series of paintings by artist David Amoroso, juxtaposes images of local rappers and reggaetoneros in violent postures against delicate backgrounds. The reception will include an artist talk with Juror Don Russell followed by a Rappers and Reggaetoneros music showcase live in Artisphere’s Ballroom. Performers include Mr. Pelon 503, El Indio, El Renegado & NCute, Impacto Urbano (featuring Shorty GY), and El Fenome Don Rimador.
bluegrass, hip hop, rock or jazz, the music world will never see its end… at least not anytime soon we hope! Grammy Award-winning pianist and NEA Jazz Master Eddie Palmieri will be bringing everything he’s got to the Kennedy Center, including his band! Finishing a yearlong celebration of his 75th birthday, the creative and elegant artist will be here to do what he does best, keep the audience asking for more. Palmieri and the Latin Jazz Septet will be performing a wide variety of standards and original works that will make this event a performance not to miss.
series, Soapbox, which provides performance artists a close setting that accommodates their often underrepresented medium. This Friday features “To Know a Veil”, an experimental piece conceived and directed by Emma Jaster, exploring the personal and cultural implications of how women veil and reveal themselves. 
Upstairs, Soul of the City, presented by The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, showcases a varied collection of street photography from members of the photography collective InstantDC. Double the art, double the fun. 
directed by Sergei Eisenstein, follows a battle led by Alexander against the Teutonic Knights in defense of his kingdom of Novgorod. With both eyes and ears satisfied, this event is a double victory.
tour to boot.
vote on your favorite floral arrangements and gingerbread creations, all locally made. Place bids on themed wreaths, trees, and stockings submitted by Frederick-based artists, businesses, and community groups. If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to sample sweets from local bakeries with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand.