The award-winning film María (And Everybody Else) will open the Spanish Cinema Now festival.
Summer is nearly here, with pool lounging weather right around the corner. While the easiest way to get a bikini body is to put a bikini on your body, those who are craving a little extra fresh air and exercise can get it with free workout classes, 5ks, and dancing. Or you can just have a nice relaxing weekend without breaking a sweat. You do you, reader boo.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2
GARDEN JAZZ: It’s a summertime staple and, weather permitting, a great way to kick off the weekend. Waiting in long lines for sangria and circling the space looking for a free spot to camp out on doesn’t make this event the picture of relaxation, but it’s generally a great time nevertheless. Jazz in the Garden continues this Friday with saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 5-8:30 p.m. FREE)
RENEW: People have sought rejuvenation through gospel music since the dawn of the genre, but you don’t need to go to church to feel the spirit of song. Washington Performing Arts’ gospel choirs celebrate their 25th anniversary with a silver jubilee concert, the finale to WPA’s 50th anniversary season. Renew will feature two world premieres: “DC Water” by acclaimed musician and composer Toshi Reagon, and “Dwelling Place” by Stanley Thurston, the choirs’ director. You’ll also hear traditional and contemporary arrangements by Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker, and Marvin Gaye. Stick around after the show to clink glasses with the artists. (The Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. $25-75)
PELíCULAS: There’s a chance it will rain this weekend, so planning on a night—or three—at the movies isn’t a bad idea. The Spanish Cinema Now festival will bring Spain’s best recent films, and some of their creators, to Silver Spring. It opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. with María (And Everybody Else), a movie about a woman who has spent so long caring for others that she’s neglected her own life. After the screening and a Q&A session with María director Nely Reguera, there will be a 10 p.m. screening of the dark comedy The Bar. This Álex de la Iglesia film centers on a group of people who came to a café for coffee, but will be lucky to leave with their lives. (AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Friday-Sunday. $13)
SHHH: Domestic violence occurs in the Latino community at the same rate seen in other racial or ethnic groups, yet we don’t spend nearly enough time talking about abuse. Silenced Within Me explores sexual and domestic violence in the Latino community. Based on interviews with survivors, the dramatic piece explores how abuse manifests and affects not only those who experience it, but also their loved ones. You can also see this production Saturday night. (GALA Theatre, 8 p.m. $15)
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
DRUMBEAT: You don’t have to travel far to celebrate the diverse cultures of the African Diaspora. For 30 years, DanceAfrica DC has presented performances by top local African dance companies in a festival that includes classes, a marketplace, and free outdoor activities. This weekend, check out performances by Coyaba Dance Theater, Sankofa Dance Theater, and KanKouran West African Dance Company, among others. (Dance Place, 12-9 p.m. $30)
FUTURE FORWARD: Are you an alien? How about a positive thinker? Yoko K. and Aliens of Extraordinary Abilities present an immersive evening of live electronic music and video art that encourages meditation on what an optimistic future would look like. Dress in your 22nd century best for this futuristic party. (Halcyon House, 8 p.m. $20)
OPERA-ISH: Wait, wait! This isn’t the type of operatic event you’re thinking of. TRADING VOICES: The WNO Opera Gala Concert is a “crossover” event that brings together vocalists from different disciplines to share their music and their voices. Where else would world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, soul sensation Aretha Franklin, and Hamilton Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. share the stage? Tickets are going quickly, so grab yours before the fat lady sings! (The Kennedy Center, 6:30 p.m. $49-300)
OPERA: Okay, this falls more along the lines of traditional opera, minus the storyline. Maestro Vladimir Spivakov will lead the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra in a program of opera hits and famous arias, plus a few orchestral classics. Metropolitan Opera star Hibla Gerzmava will delight audiences with her brilliant soprano solos. (Lisner Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. $22.50-95)
STORYTIME: Come hear hilarious and heartfelt stories performed live. Local storytelling troupe Story District returns to 9:30 Club with its sixth annual Pride show. Out/Spoken: Queer, Questioning, Bold, and Proud will feature eight true stories told through an LGBTQ lens. (9:30 Club 6 p.m. $22)
More: Art Soiree – Rooftop Kick-Off, Summerfest DC, Wonder Woman Day, Fit Foodie Festival & 5K, MINT Power Playground: Meridian Hill Park, Jazz ‘N Families Fun Days
(Photo by John Winder)
SUNDAY, JUNE 4
JAZZ FEST: This weekend brings the 25th Annual Capital Jazz Festival to Merriweather Post Pavilion. The three-day-long event begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. with the “Friday Night Soul Concert,” featuring R&B musicians Charlie Wilson and Robin Thicke (hey hey hey). Saturday’s all-day concert is sold out, but you can still snag tickets for Sunday, when you’ll hear George Benson, Chris Botti, a tribute to Al Jarreau, Anthony Hamilton, and more. (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Friday-Sunday. $84.50-98.50)
CEVICHE: There’s so much more to Peruvian cuisine than chicken. Chefs from the South-American country will showcase their creativity at Taste of Peru. Watch cooking demonstrations by award-winning chefs, learn about and enjoy some Pisco, and check out the full schedule of cultural performances. Fair warning that your ticket only gets you in the door. What, did you think all those hardworking vendors were going to feed you for 15 bucks? (UDC, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. $15-60)
FOLK: The 37th Annual Washington Folk Festival is this Saturday and Sunday, showcasing a diverse sampling of music, dance, storytelling, and craftsmanship from around the country and world. Come see and hear flamenco, blues, Bulgarian, Cajun dance, Celtic music, and more during this two-day-long event. (Glen Echo Park, 12-7 p.m. FREE)
ART BY WOMEN: Here in D.C., we’re spoiled by free museum entry. But there are many great collections beyond the Smithsonian. Don’t let cost be a barrier to your cultural education. The first Sunday of the month is Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Come explore Polly Apfelbaum’s brightly-colored, abstract prints, peruse the permanent collection, or take a tour at 1 p.m. and let a docent point out the highlights. (National Museum of Women in the Arts, 12-5 p.m. FREE)
BALANCE: Getting your exercise in before brunch is one example of balance. For an introduction to another, come take a free Barre3 class on the National Mall. The workout takes a whole-body approach to health, making sure you feel good from the inside out. It’s athletic and graceful and a healthy way to start your day. Bring your own yoga mat. (Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 9:30 a.m. FREE)
KNOCKOUT: Washington National Opera and the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum are co-sponsoring a free performance that pulls from operas about famous boxers Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Emile Griffith. Created by Tom Minter and Jarrod Lee, who will present this one-man show, In the Smoke of the Sting combines music, poetry, and the words of three history-making athletes to tell a broader story about race, discrimination, and rising about it all. (Anacostia Community Museum, 2-4 p.m. FREE)
More: 52 O Street Artist Open Studios, Red Derby T-shirt Printing, Jazz ‘N Families Fun Days, Summerfest DC, Poses and Pints, Herbalism 101, DanceAfrica DC, Cocktail Warz
