“Books,” wrote the poet Philip Larkin, “are a load of crap.” No doubt Larkin, one of the most gifted lyric poets of the 20th century and a career librarian at the University of Hull, was being ironic. But irony or no, the participants and sponsors of this Saturday’s National Book Festival vehemently disagree. Held every year for the last six years on the National Mall — rain or shine — the festival brings together marquee-name…
>> OK, Joyce Carol Oates really IS going to be at Politics and Prose tonight, where she’ll read from and sign copies of her latest novel, The Gravedigger’s Daughter. Get there well before the 7 p.m. start time to stake out a seat. >> The Smithsonian Latino center presents From Mambo to Hip Hop: A Bronx Tale, a 55 minute documentary about how the South Bronx’ Boricua community makes its own brand of music…
>> Fort Reno continues tonight with LeJeune, Pup Tent and Engine Room. There’s a bit of a chance of isolated showers this afternoon and evening, but nothing that should prevent the free concert from going on around 7:15. >> There’s a stand-up comedy benefit show tonight starring Seattle comic Yoram Bauman –“the world’s first and only stand-up economist” — and four local comics: Tyler Richardson, Aparna Nancherla, Jason Weems, and Erin Jackson. Shows at…
MONDAY: You’d think the title of the book A Buffalo in the House would be an idiom, like “the elephant in the room.” But no, the book is about a buffalo in a house — specifically the connection formed between a couple and a young buffalo they tried to rescue. Don’t worry. Author R. D. Rosen will be at Politics and Prose to explain everything. 7 p.m. Claire Cook, the author who brought Must Love…
MONDAY Reader, meet jazzbo! David Yaffe comes to the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library on a mission to blend bookworms and music lovers into a creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup of cultural appreciation as he reads from Fascinating Rhythm: Reading Jazz in American Writing. 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Mon., 1/23, 6:30 p.m. Free TUESDAY Todd Gitlin picks up where he left off in Letters to a Young Activist, beseeching the American left to reconsider their wheezing…
FRIDAY: >> The Depeche Mode Dance Party promises a wonderful new wave time at the Black Cat. 9:30 p.m., $7. >> St. Petersburg’s renowned Kirov Ballet presents the fairy-tale ballet “Cinderella” at the Kennedy Center Opera House. 7:30 p.m., $47-112. SATURDAY: >> Local favorites Juniper Lane, one of our music picks for January, make a return to the stage at Iota in Arlington. Lead singer Vivion Smith’s voice is powerfully captivating, and they’ve been…
Looking to meet some of your favorite authors, NBA stars, or characters from your favorite PBS kid’s shows this weekend? The Library of Congress and first lady (and former librarian) Laura Bush bring the 2004 National Book Festival to the Mall on Saturday. Now in its fourth year, the festival features more than 70 writers from across the literary spectrum. Notables appearing include R.L. Stine, E.L. Konigsburg, Joyce Carol Oates, Clive Cussler, Azar Nafisi, Anna…
Fall for the Book, “a cultural celebration of literature that brings together readers and writers in the Greater Washington area,” offers D.C. area book enthusiasts over 70 events and 100 featured writers this week on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. The festival runs through Thursday, culminating with the presentation of the Fairfax Prize to author Joyce Carol Oates at a free 8 p.m. event. In fact, most festival events are free and open to…