We always tell you where the free concerts are, but just because a concert is free does not mean that it will be good. This week, we are leading with the free concerts because they are so good. Other than the free stuff, there is so much to hear, we have selected a few options from what is less expensive, not sold out, and likely to be good. more ›

How much is public service in the District worth? This Tuesday the D.C. Council might tell us. In its last legislative session of the year, the council will be debating a number of measures and proposals, one that would provide funds for the trasitions of mayor-elect Adrian Fenty and council chair-elect Vincent Gray. But more than just provide them with the money needed to prep their teams for next January's handover of power, the legislation... more ›

Last week, we announced the beginning of Washington's orgy of Christmas and non-specific winter holiday concerts, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. However, there are some good concerts this week that are not specifically for the holidays, and that's where we'll start. WE LIKE FREE: >> We have three good free concerts for you this week. On the first Tuesday of most months, the Washington Bach Consort performs a noontime cantata, at... more ›

This DCist suggests that we just write off this week as far as classical music goes. We prefer to think about the month of September, and you can plan out your much more exciting schedule next month with our Classical Month in Washington at Ionarts. Once again, it's all free this week, but there's just not that much of it. more ›

This DCist has managed to satisfy those persistent classical music cravings from time to time lately, but August is a slow month for concerts. In fact, we took our passport to make the trip all the way out to Wolf Trap last night, on a dangerous quest to see Rossini's La Cenerentola in a semistaged version by the Wolf Trap Opera Company (reviewed at Ionarts). The big party resumes in Washington next month, of course, when the National Symphony, Washington National Opera, and the other big guns return from vacation. Until then, the six readers of the Classical Music Agenda will just have to listen to CDs, to supplement the few concerts we have to tell you about. The good news is that, although there may not be much, it is all free. more ›

The words free concert are sweet music to this DCist's ears and probably yours, too. If you are not reading this because you already like classical music, our chances of getting you to follow our suggestions may improve if we recommend concerts that require no tickets or even real planning. It's summer, so we're going to make this as painless as possible. NATIONAL CATHEDRAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: >> There is a series of free concerts this... more ›

(Classical Music Agenda by DCist contributor Charles T. Downey of Ionarts) Arts blogger Drew McManus, at Adaptistration, has proclaimed that May is Take a Friend to Orchestra Month. As Drew envisions it, this is "your sanctioned excuse to approach a friend about attending an orchestra concert with you." (All this week, Drew has been running responses to and suggestions concerning his idea at Adaptistration.) To that end, here is your weekly dose of concert suggestions.... more ›