Washington Flyer Weekends on the WTOP Radio Network (107.7 FM, 1500 AM, 820 AM)
Each Thursday night at 8:20 p.m., Washington Flyer Editor-in-Chief Jessica Bizik joins a WTOP anchor to chat about options for the coming weekend. Here's a rundown of recent topics that Jessica covered...
April 8, 2004
Iota Poetry Series - Clarendon, Va.
If you've always wanted to feel like a bohemian, then pull out those black turtlenecks
and berets for the Iota Poetry Series. Held every second Sunday of the month,
this free gig features readings by published poets, starting at 6 p.m., followed
by an open mic session. Or, if you're more of a pop music-or at least a pop
culture-junkie, head over to Iota on Tuesday evening, when Bob Guiney from The
Bachelor performs songs from his somewhat cheesy new CD. The show starts at
8 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door.
Easter at Pope John Paul II Cultural Center - Washington, Va.
With all the controversy over "The Passion" these last few weeks,
you may be looking for a purely uplifting weekend experience. That's something
that people of all faiths can enjoy at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
near Catholic University. Although dedicated to Church's head honcho, this museum
is an interactive wonderland aimed at promoting world peace and celebrating
people of all cultures and beliefs. A lot of people don't realize that this
hidden gem boasts some of the most creative, kid-friendly installations in town.
And if you're planning to bring the kids this weekend, stop by at 2 p.m. on
Saturday or Sunday for an Easter Egg Hunt. The Center is also showing two temporary
displays, including relics believed to date back to the Crucifixion of Christ
and several models of ancient temples in Jerusalem.
"Presenting Stories" Art Exhibit at Reagan National Airport
I know everyone balks at the idea of getting to the airport two hours early...but,
if you are traveling in or out of Reagan National this holiday weekend, there
are some cool distractions to keep you busy. The Airport is hosting a fun exhibit
called "Presenting Stories and Concepts in Art." All of the 300-plus
works of art have been crafted by area school kids-and you can see them on the
lower level of Terminals B & C through May 31. Also, just a reminder from
our friends at both Reagan National and Dulles Airports, parking is very limited
this week, so it's a smart idea to take public transportation or call ahead
to check availability.
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March 25, 2004
Josh Groban at Constitution Hall - Saturday, March 27 - 8 p.m.
If you're looking to catch a rising star, you'll need to head inside on Saturday,
when JOSH GROBAN (www.joshgroban.com) performs at DAR Constitution Hall. The
22-year-old vocalist with the boyish good looks has already filled in for Andrea
Bocelli, performed with Celine Dion and Charlotte Church, and even appeared
on Ally McBeal--playing a nerdy high schooler who sued his prom date. As my
mom, who happens to be a huge fan, says, "That Josh Groban has pipes of
gold." And really what more do you need to know? Oh...the show starts at
8 p.m.-and tickets are $42 to $64.50 through TicketMaster. www.ticketmaster.com
Blossoms by Bike - Through April 11 - 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Everybody in Washington knows about the Cherry Blossom Festival, but you might
not know about BLOSSOMS BY BIKE. This leisurely tour around the tidal basin
is hosted by Bike the Sites, which also offers professionally guided bicycle
tours around Washington's monuments and memorials. Most tours run about 2 1/2
hours-with plenty of breaks-so you don't have to be Lance Armstrong to keep
up. And if you're thinking about spring romance, these tours make a great first
date. The Cherry Blossom tours runs twice daily at 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through
April 11. And the cost is $25 for kids and $30 for adults, including bike rental.
For more information, including details about the group's new evening tours-check
out www.bikethesides.com.
Cajun Dance at Glen Echo Park - Sunday, March 28 - 3 p.m.
To spice up your Sunday afternoon, take a ZYDECO DANCE LESSON at the newly restored
Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Dancers come alone, with partners or in
groups to learn the Cajon Waltz and other quick Southern steps. And the lesson
starts at 3 p.m., followed by a social dance with live music at 3:30. Admission
for this event is $10. Or, if you're more in the mood to polka or tango, hit
the dance potpourri session for $7 in the old Bumper Car Pavilion. www.glenechopark.org
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March 11, 2004
Shamrock Festival. The city of Arlington is putting the R-O-C-K back into shamrock
with a family-friendly music and street festival on Saturday. The event is called
Shamrock Fest - and it's an annual gig bringing more than 20 bands to the Ballston
Entertainment Zone. If you're not familiar with the area, that's a six-block
stretch starting at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Glebe Road. In
addition to the music, you'll find carnival rides and games, strolling performers
(although hopefully there won't be any mimes), as well as traditional Irish
crafts and fare - including GREEN BEER. For a full list of performers, like
Dewey Beach favorites Mr. Greengenes and Burnt Sienna, just check out www.shamrockfest.com.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.
Photos to Send. Dorothea Lange is best known for her photographs of the U.S.
Depression and Dust Bowl. But in 1954, she traveled to Ireland to capture the
life of Irish farming families in thousands of photos. About 40 years later,
an Irish-American cinematographer named Deirdre Lynch went back. She used Lange's
photos and notes to track down those families and update their stories-this
time, in moving pictures. What resulted was a funny and poignant film, called
"Photos to Send," which you can see at the Corcoran NEXT Thursday,
March 18, at 7 p.m. Also that night you can meet the filmmaker and check out
hundreds of rare photos from Lange's original collection. And if that's not
enough, the Corcoran will be serving frosty cold ones courtesy of Guinness.
Tickets are $12.
Pet Fest. If you've seen the movie "Best in Show" - which is a spoof
on the Kenilworth Dog Show - now imagine the exact opposite. Because that's
what you'll get at Pet Fest of America, being held Sunday at the MCI Center.
The event will have all kinds of exhibits and entertainment, including a so-called
pet psychic. But the stars of the show are the IAMS Superdogs: a group of amazing
canine acrobats that have been trained by amateur handlers (which basically
means regular pet owners like you and me). Or, if you're NOT yet a pet owner,
stop by Humane Society's pet adoption fair and consider taking home a furry
friend in need. There are two admission times for Pet Fest - 1:30 and 4 o'clock.
And tickets are $19-$23 through TicketMaster.
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