How Old Would You Be If You Didn’t Know How Old You Were?




This provocative question was posed by baseball great Leroy “Satchel” Paige, whose career highlights spanned five decades. It was his way of saying that age isn’t always a factor in success or failure, and he certainly was proof of that. So if you ever find yourself wondering (regardless of your age), “Am I too old for that?” – to go back to school, or change careers, or learn to fly, or fall in love – here are some other examples that show you’re never too old:
 
  • Actor George Burns won his first Oscar at age 80.
  • Golda Meir was 71 years of age when she became prime minister of Israel.
  • At age 96, playwright George Bernard Shaw broke his leg when he fell out of a tree he was trimming in his backyard.
  • Painter Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until she was 80 years old. She completed more than 1,500 paintings after that, 25% of those when she was past the age of 100.
  • Michelangelo was 66 years old when he finished painting the Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel.
  • Physician and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer was still performing operations in his African hospital at the age of 89.
  • Doc Counsilman, at 58, became the oldest person ever to swim the English Channel.
  • S.I. Hayakawa retired as president of San Francisco State University at age 70, then earned a seat in the U.S. Senate.
  • Casey Stengel didn’t retire from managing the New York Mets until he was 75 years old.
Finally, here’s another great quote, this one from Mark Twain:
 
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.



Donuts and Kindness



Here is a quick story to remind us about the true meaning of community.
Ten years after John Chhan and his wife, Stella, emigrated to the United States from Cambodia, they opened a small donut shop in the southern California town of Seal Beach. Since 1990, they arrived for work at 2:30 AM, seven days a week, to make sure there were plenty of donuts for their customers when the shop opened at 4:30 AM. They loved their community and their community loved them back.
One morning, Dawn Caviola, a shop regular of 13 years, noticed that John was alone in the shop. She asked about Stella; John told her that his wife had suffered an aneurysm and was recovering in a rehabilitation facility. Not seeing them together like she had for so many years surprised Dawn, and she posted a quick note on the social media platform Nextdoor.com to spread the word among the locals.
The community was quick to offer help, but when someone suggested they start a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple, John refused. He said that what he wanted more than money was time to be with his wife.
Word continued to spread and people of the community started lining up to buy donuts… and lots of them. Even people who didn’t eat donuts were frequenting the shop to buy a dozen, just to give them away and help support the couple. The faster the shelves clear out, the sooner that John could call it a day and close shop and visit his wife – on good days, he sold out by 8:30 AM.
His wife eventually recovered and was able to speak again and she also relearned how to feed herself. John expressed his gratitude that the community listened, responded and gave him the precious gift of time.
Sometimes the things that are most helpful result from simple gestures or small acts of kindness, born from listening to the people in our community, and given with love and respect.

How do you keep love alive?


It is easy to show your love on Valentine’s day. Sure, it may be hard to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant, but the world conspires to remind you why you liked someone in the first place. There is no shortage of chocolate, flowers or greeting cards to lavish someone with attention; and that is a good thing.

And it is important to remember that Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love. It's an appropriate time to recognize all the people we care about.

However, people who have been in each other’s lives for a long time will tell you that the real secret to having a relationship that lasts a lifetime is what you do the rest of the year. Anyone can give a greeting card, but knowing how to handle a real disagreement is far more valuable.

Let the anger brew for a while. Many therapists and couples say to forget that adage about immediately resolving a disagreement. Time away clears our mind and vents unresolved issues. It may be easier to let go of frustration after a good night’s sleep. Just make sure to find time to resolve the argument as soon as possible. 


Hug your friends or smooch your kids. Quit using logic to try and win a fight— a sincere hug works faster and lasts longer. Scientifically, people are more chemical than logical. During stressful situations, we generate chemicals like cortisol and epinephrine; a hug or a kiss tells our brain to create a chemical cocktail of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. That chemical release makes us feel good and possibly forget about an insignificant argument far faster than any amount of logical rhetoric.


Conflict is part of all growing relationships; the secret is letting go of unimportant upset and nurturing the important feelings which enrich our lives.

Remember to always celebrate love in your own way. What worked in the past may not be what you need in the future.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS


WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS


Tessa Lark, Violin

Feb 7, Bethesda: It seems fitting that a musical piece called “Love Letter” was written for Lark, as this violinist’s technical agility, varied repertoire, and list of accolades have us wanting to write our own love letter to her. Known for her astounding range of sounds, Lark has appeared as soloist with the preeminent orchestras of the world, yet her strong Kentucky roots keep bluegrass and Appalachian music performances on her roster. This performance features the DC area premiere of Violin Sonata which is emblematic of Lark’s zeal for pairing canonical violin with contemporary works.

Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week

Feb 8-17, various locations: The Economist predicts 2019 as being the #YearOfTheVegan. Will you join us in celebrating? Maryland is an exciting and vibrant state full of unique counties, towns and neighborhoods boasting incredible diversity – and we in the restaurant business know first hand that nothing brings people together quite like good food. The mission of Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week is to increase the awareness, benefits and accessibility of a plant-based diet through a fun, innovative and community-based experience across multiple counties, towns and neighborhoods.

MotorTrend International Auto Show

Feb 7-10, Baltimore: See hundreds of brand new model cars and trucks, all under one roof. Plus, test drives, demos & more. 

Mozart Symphony No 40

Feb 8-10, Bethesda & Baltimore: Young Taiwanese-American violinist Paul Huang, winner of the 2017 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, takes center stage for Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto. Requiring tons of technical bravura, this concerto exudes Russian Romanticism with a touch of Gershwin. Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 is one of the composer's best-loved symphonies. The program concludes with Chabrier’s sparkling Españaand Beethoven’s thrilling Leonore Overture No. 3.

Mt Airy Chocolate Crawl

Feb 8, Mt. Airy: All are welcome to an evening of small town charm, shopping, dining, and free carriage rides. Businesses will offer in store promotions, special samples, and CHOCOLATE! Chocolate Crawl is about bringing the community together, to share and make new memories. Downtown Mount Airy has 7 restaurants & cafes, a distillery, and over 10 retail businesses to keep you busy through the night.

Jim Gaffigan

Feb 7, Baltimore: James Christopher Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He was raised in Chesterton, Indiana. His material is often about fatherhood, observations, laziness, and food. He is also regarded as a "clean" comic, using little profanity in his routines.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Feb 8, Bethesda: Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s rich harmonies have become synonymous with Paul Simon’s seminal album Graceland. While Graceland served as the groups’ introduction to mainstream audiences, Ladysmith Black Mambazo was already extremely well known in their native South Africa and were designated “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world” by Nelson Mandela. With an infectious sense of joy, Ladysmith Black Mambazo spreads a message of peace, hope, and love at every concert through melody and dance.

The Maestro's Anniversary

Feb 9, Columbia: We celebrate Jason Love's 20th year with the Columbia Orchestra with one of his favorite works, Mussorgsky's art-inspired masterpiece which he led at his inaugural concert in 1999. In a very special event, Jason is the soloist for the U.S. Premiere of a virtuosic cello concerto by Guillaume Connesson, one of classical music's most acclaimed rising stars. Nothing starts a celebration better than a fanfare and Tower's work features our marvelous brass and percussion.

Is Justice Just?

Feb 9, Baltimore: Wrongfully Convicted: Walter Lomax In Conversation with The Honorable Gale E. Rasin Moderated by Andrew Green of The Baltimore Sun. Walter Lomax was arrested in 1967 at the age of 20 and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Robert Brewer, the proprietor of Giles Food Market. Mr. Lomax maintained his innocence from the time of his arrest. After nearly 40 years and repeated petitions for a new trial, a review of his case by Judge Gale Rasin and additional investigations led to Mr. Lomax’s release in 2006. Join us for this conversation about Mr. Lomax’s experiences navigating the justice system following his incarceration for a crime he did not commit, and his work since his release with the Maryland Restorative Justice Initiative, an organization founded to fight for the rights of incarcerated individuals with parole-eligible life sentences.

Howard County Community Dance Festival Gala Concert

Feb 9, Columbia: The Howard County Community Dance Festival is a collaborative event shared amongst the Howard County Arts Council, the Howard Community College Dance Program and Arts and Humanities Division. The Festival gathers the dancers of Howard County and the surrounding areas together in a celebration including classes and performances in the hope that dance will continue to be a valued and lasting component of the arts in Howard County. We endeavor to feature dancers, teachers, and choreographers from the Baltimore/DC metro area as a means of exposure and support in our small but vibrant community.

A Cello Named Pablo

Feb 8, Columbia: Children’s Book Reading with Cellist Amit Peled. From the basketball courts of rural Israel to the grand symphony halls of the world playing one of the most famous string instruments of all time, cellist Amit Peled will read about his story with the cello and legacy of the great Pablo Casals and how dreams can come true!

When ___ Met ___: An Improvised Romantic Comedy

Feb 9, Baltimore: In the best tradition of Hollywood romantic comedies, BIG is staging a fully improvised Valentine’s Day romcom with a twist! The twist: our two leads will be played by audience volunteers. Join us for a night of romance and hilarity, and who knows — you just may end up a Star!

Once

Feb 7-Mar 10, Olney: This unlikely gem presented by Olney Theatre is a musical that delighted Broadway in 2012 with its emotional folk-rock ballads and an ensemble that plays its own instruments, winning 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Set in contemporary Dublin, a thirty-something street guitarist is about to give up on his musical dreams when he meets a curious woman who wants to know all about him. Captivated by her optimism, the two embark on a remarkable music-making journey that includes a cadre of unlikely companions -- immigrants, oddballs, and lonely hearts. Along the way, can the two of them find love?

Great Baltimore Fire Coach Tour

Feb 10, Lutherville: Meet at the museum for a presentation then board a coach for an in-depth look at the 1904 "burnt district." Enjoy a mid-tour snack at the brand new Alexander Brown Restaurant housed in a building that survived the fire.

DC Chinese New Year Parade

Feb 10, DC: DC Chinatown Consolidated Benevolent Association is holding it's biggest and most diverse parade ever to ring in the 4717 Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Pig! Our dynamic community-based parade will include traditional lion and dragon dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, firecrackers, live music and marching bands, beauty pageant winners, VIPs, and other community talents!

The Music Man

Now-Feb 11, DC: Starring Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis (Porgy and Bess) as Harold Hill, Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller (BeautifulCarousel) as Marian Paroo, and Broadway, film, and television star Rosie O’Donnell as Mrs. Paroo, the Kennedy Center presents this semi-staged concert production of the American favorite and six-time Tony Award–winning musical. Traveling salesman Harold Hill cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize… despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef! His plans to skip town are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian. Don't miss this Broadway classic featuring a cast of 28 performers and 20 musicians onstage!

Lunar New Year: Guangdong Arts Troupe

Feb 8, DC: Lunar New Year: Guangdong Arts Troupe presents a magical program of dance, acrobatics, and puppetry by prominent award-winning artists from the Guangdong province: Guangzhou Song & Dance, Guangdong Puppet Theater, Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, and Guangzhou Cantonese Theater. Presented as a part of the Kennedy Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration events.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

Now-Feb 10, DC: “Be prepared for two things: a continued devotion to tradition, but also big, refreshing surprises.”—The Chicago Tribune. Now more than ever, the world needs the power of dance to bring people together and connect us all by our common humanity. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to push the art form into fascinating new territory while still honoring signature classics like Ailey’s masterpiece of hope and redemption, Revelations.


WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS

WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS


BSO: Respighi Pines of Rome

Jan 31-Feb 2, Baltimore & Bethesda: Respighi's Pines of Rome and the composer's lesser-known but infectiously brilliant gem, Brazilian Impressions, form the centerpiece of this program. Percussionist Colin Currie returns with a new concerto by Scottish composer Helen Grime.

Everything is Wonderful

Now-Feb 24, Baltimore: Everyman Theatre represents this compelling play about an Amish couple's two sons are killed in a car accident, the family struggles to maintain their faith and cling to their way of life. In an act of unfathomable forgiveness, they take in Eric, the wayward young driver of the car. But Eric's mistake cracks open the family's history and brings home their eldest daughter, Miri, who was excommunicated five years earlier. Miri returns to find her family in shambles, the man who killed her brothers living in the barn, and the man who drove her away intent upon marrying her younger sister. Without a way forward, this insular community must seek to heal the deep wounds of the past, forcing everyone into a new kind of reckoning.

United States Navy Concert Band

Feb 1, Annapolis: The United States Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire.  As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for over 85 years.

Bill Murray Film Festival

Feb 2-5, Havre de Grace: Groundhog Day, Caddyshack, Lost in Translation and Moonrise Kingdom

National Philharmonic: Chopin - Recollections of Home

Feb 2, Bethesda: Join pianist Brian Ganz and Polish mezzo-soprano Magdalena WĂ³r for the 9th recital in Ganz's journey through the beloved Romantic composer's complete works!  FrĂ©dĂ©ric Chopin was without question the greatest Polish composer of all time. Although he spent only the first half of his life in Poland, much of his music reveals his deep love for- and connection to- his homeland. Mr. Ganz and Ms. WĂ³r present works that give expression to this profound connection. Featured will be the Polish dances for solo piano that Chopin composed throughout his life, Polonaises and Mazurkas; the work he said he would first perform in an independent Poland, the rarely heard Allegro de Concert; and the songs he composed setting the work of the great Polish poets of his time. All of these pieces reveal how Chopin himself became the spirit of Poland.

Maple Sugaring Days

Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in February watch the whole maple sugaring process from start to finish. Join in the fun and learn something new at this family-friendly program at Brookside Gardens!

To Catch a Thief: Constellation Fights the Slave Trade

Month of February: Constellation's proudest service may have occurred during the three years immediately before the Civil War when, as flagship of the navy's African Squadron, she led this nation's fight against the trans-Atlantic trafficking of slaves.  Today, little is said or written about those times, and even less is known, but they and this ship were important parts of the struggle against slavery that would eventually overwhelm the nation and, ultimately, free a people. In honor of Black History Month, the To Catch a Thief tour will be held at 1:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday in February.  This presentation is open to all visitors and is included with regular admission. No reservations are required.

Baroque Masters Medley

Feb 3, Baltimore: Bach in Baltimore presents Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1; Handel’s Water Music; Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin, Bassoon, Oboe and Horn

Snow White

Feb 3, Owings Mills: A premiere performance by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Brothers Grimm fairytale Snow White comes to life at the Gordon, debuting nationally in celebration of Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s 40th anniversary. Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the Magic Mirror will light up the stage in this classic tale of romance, betrayal, and happily-ever-after.

Violin Extravaganza!

Feb 4, Baltimore: Sylvia Adalman Chamber Series and the Peabody Institute present a Violin Extravaganza that will appeal to all lovers of violins!

International Guitar Night

Feb 2, Owings Mills: Each year, International Guitar Night’s founder Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries from around the world for special concert tours of North America highlighting the diversity of the acoustic guitar. For International Guitar Night’s 19th year of touring, Brian has assembled another incredible, dynamic quartet: Guest host Luca Stricagnoli, Italy’s explosive contemporary showman, returns by popular demand, joined by two of France’s acclaimed young prodigies, Swing guitarist Antoine Boyer and Flamenco guitarist Samuelito, and the ground-breaking Turkish fretless guitarist Cenk Erdogan.

And Then There Were None

Now-Feb 10, Baltimore: Ten seeming strangers with suspicious pasts are brought together on a remote island that turns into a deathtrap where an unknown assassin executes them one by one. The Queen of Mystery (whose The Mousetrap thrilled Vagabond Players’ audiences five seasons ago) once again delivers a compelling puzzle with enough twists and turns to keep you gripped in your seat until the very, very end.

A Long, Long Way: Race and Film, 1989-2019

Feb 1-2, DC: Head to the Washington National Cathedral and join filmmakers, critics, theologians, scholars, teachers, clergy, policymakers and others interested in the intersecton of film and culture, and in the work of racial reconciliation and justice.

Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Feb 2, DC: The Wizards will celebrate Black History Month with special promotions and their exclusive Statement Jerseys in this Saturday night matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, one of the NBA’s best teams. Bradley Beal and the Wiz will look to take down their Eastern Conference rival, a team led by one of the most exciting players in the world, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

I Am A Man

Feb 2, DC: On the day before his assassination in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood alongside the striking sanitation workers of Memphis who carried signs declaring “I AM A MAN.” Ron Miles, “one of the finest trumpeters in jazz today”, makes his most compelling artistic statement to date with a night of music from his new project, a record titled after this simple, powerful phrase that challenged centuries of discrimination. The Kennedy Center presents the group’s virtuosic camaraderie animates I AM A MAN’s expansive themes, building an album of and for today from the spiritual foundations of black American music.

12th College Improv Tournament East Region

Feb 2, Baltimore: BIG is excited to host the College Improv Tournament's East Regional. CIT is a celebration of collegiate improv disguised as a competition that encompasses 12 regionals and ultimately culminates with a Nationals competition in Chicago, IL. This year's competing East Regional teams: The Loaf - Shenandoah University Running AMok - Virginia Commonwealth University AU Improv - American University The Buttered Niblets - Johns Hopkins University The Bureau - University of Maryland, College Park Loyola Improv Team - Loyola University Maryland.

Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2019

Feb 2, DC: The Polar Plunge and ICE YARDS will be joining forces this year to take the frozen fun to another level! The event will include an ice bar, live music, interactive ice activities, food vendors from neighborhood favorites and so much more! Too chicken to plunge? You can still make a donation to show your support of Special Olympics DC athletes, or fundraise to sponsor an athlete's plunge! Your involvement is critical in helping our athletes achieve their goals and in showing that our community embraces acceptance and inclusion. Your fundraising makes a real impact in the lives of Special Olympics DC athletes, helping them lead healthier lives and develop valuable life skills. Thank you again for your help!

Amy Schumer

Feb 2, Baltimore: Catch the Emmy-Award winning comedian in Amy Schumer's Fall Tour. Amy Schumer is a standup comedian, actress, writer, producer and director. Schumer is the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the award winning "Inside Amy Schumer," the popular Comedy Central television series, which premiered in April 2013 to the network's highest season premiere ratings of that year.

National Law Enforcement Museum's Family Fun Day

Feb 2, DC: Explore the world of working K9s during a first Free Family Fun Day. Put your matching skills to the test and flex your smell power at our Activity Cart. See how creative you can be at our Maker Station in the Dupont Gallery. Work as a team to complete our scavenger hunt while exploring all the amazing exhibits we have to offer. Family members of all ages are welcome!
WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS

NSO Pops: An Evening with Brandy

Jan 25-26, DC: In her first collaboration with a live orchestra, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer/actress will perform favorites from her iconic career, from her R&B chart-topper "The Boy Is Mine" to songs from her Broadway turn as Roxie Hart in Chicago. She'll also put a twist on classics made famous by Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and more.

Music for Young Audiences: Banda Magda

Jan 26-27, DC: This award-winning band combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, sung in six languages for a globetrotting adventure. Banda Magda returns with a lively performance showcasing its new album Tigre, featuring Uruguayan candombe to Greek folklore to Brazilian samba beats. With plenty of audience participation and irresistible rhythms led by accordionist and composer Magda Giannikou, Banda Magda will get the whole family moving.

Washington Improv Theatre: WIT Road Show

Now-Jan 27, DC: Spontaneous. Unpredictable. Joyous. Washington Improv Theater brings supremely creative improv programming to Atlas in this special Road Show production.

Fun Home

Now-Jan 24, Baltimore: Center Stage presents this poignant tale which harnesses every facet of music and theater to explore and unravel the mysteries of childhood and the surprising secrets that shape a life. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical, from the composer of Caroline, or Change and the writer of 2.5 Minute Ride.

Rodgers and Hammerstein

Now-Jan 27, Bethesda and Baltimore: Jack Everly leads Broadway stars and the BSO in some of the greatest Rodgers and Hammerstein hits, including memorable songs from The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and more.

Baltimore Boat Show

Now-Jan 27, Baltimore: Enjoy four days of boating fun at Maryland's longest-running boat show!
Find the boat of your dreams and everything to go with it at Maryland’s longest-running indoor boating sales event. The Baltimore Convention Center will be packed with more boats, more exhibits, and more family fun than ever before. See and board boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget. Browse booths showcasing the latest in engines, marine electronics, accessories fishing tackle and gear, too. There's something for everyone, including educational seminars and kid-friendly activities.

And Then There Were None

Now-Feb 10, Baltimore: Ten seeming strangers with suspicious pasts are brought together on a remote island that turns into a deathtrap where an unknown assassin executes them one by one. The Queen of Mystery (whose The Mousetrap thrilled Vagabond Players’ audiences five seasons ago) once again delivers a compelling puzzle with enough twists and turns to keep you gripped in your seat until the very, very end.

Orioles Fan Fast

Jan 26, Baltimore: Summer in Birdland begins on Saturday, January 26, with Orioles FanFest, presented by Visit Sarasota. Join O's fans at the Baltimore Convention Center for a day-long baseball celebration with player appearances, Kids' Press Conferences, Q&A sessions, games, autographs, one-of-a-kind memorabilia, and more.

Howard County Restaurant Week

Now-Feb 4, HoCo: Kick it up a notch this winter! Over twenty-five restaurants in and around Howard County are offering fifteen days of warm and hearty chefs’ of multi-course, specialty plates. Restaurants across Howard County are serving up warm and hearty plates at prices diners will love. Participating restaurants are offering fixed-price, multi-coursed, chef’s menus (beverages, tax, gratuity not included, promotions and menus vary.) Over 25 restaurants are participating, so there is sure to be something for every taste and budget.

Lone Star Championship Rodeo

Jan 25-26, Salisbury: The Rodeo returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Friday, with a full rodeo lineup, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, cowgirls' breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, cowgirls' barrel racing and - of course - bull riding. The rodeo is co-sanctioned with the American Professional Rodeo Association and features professional and amateur cowboys and cowgirls from all over the region. Specialty acts include Mike Wentworth, two-time Barrelman of the Year, and Lindsey Wentworth, trick roper, whip cracker and gunslinger extraordinaire.

Immersion Day

Jan 26, Annapolis: Immerse yourself in London Town, circa 1770. Chat with tailors, shoemakers, teachers, cooks, servants, enslaved people, and merchants who sleep in the cold and huddle over the fire. They eat only period dishes and live as close to the eighteenth century style as possible.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Now-Jan 27, Baltimore: This acclaimed musical is set to tour the States from September 2018, following its transfer from London's West End, where it premiered in 2013. Proving to be a monster hit with audiences, it set the record for the highest weekly gross in West End history. It also garnered two Olivier Awards for its lush costumes and creative lighting design. So step into a candy wonderland with this spectacular adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic.

WEEKENDS ON WEDNESDAYS


Metro Washington Restaurant Week

Jan 14-20, Metro DC: Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, the most anticipated regional food-related promotion in the region, the Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, has 250 participating restaurants spread out all over the DMV.


School of Rock, the Musical

Jan 16-27, DC: The National Theatre presents A New York Times Critics’ Pick. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage.


Official Spin DC Grand Opening

Jan 17, DC: You’re invited to the grand opening celebration of SPIN . Enjoy a festive evening featuring Olympic ping pong champions, imaginative cocktails and our newly launched  menu. A $10 donation grants you unlimited ping pong access and all proceeds are donated to our friends at 826DC. SPIN is your new offline social network, a place to disconnect and connect over the simple game of ping pong. Partake in our weekly programming, happy hour specials, team building activities or just come and enjoy the game of ping pong.

Kleptocracy

Jan 18-Feb 24, DC: It is one of the most pivotal moments in history — the Soviet Union has collapsed. In the ensuing rampage of hyper-capitalism, the Oligarchs, a new class of robber barons, plunge Russia into a terrifying dark age of chaos and corruption. When the richest and most ruthless Oligarch attempts to reform and open Russian markets to the world, he’s confronted by a young Vladimir Putin who is charting his own path to power. This world-premiere drama by Kenneth Lin (House of Cards) turns the spotlight on U.S.-Russia relations when crude oil is the language of diplomacy and events that dominate today’s headlines are first set in motion.


Dr. MLK Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary

Jan 19-21, Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail" with special readings from the landmark text and opportunities for visitors to respond to its relevance today. Why did the civil rights leaders of the 1960s choose jail time to demonstrate their plight? How did Dr. King’s letter, written in the margins of a newspaper and smuggled out of Birmingham Jail, create a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement? If Dr. King were alive today, what issues would his letter address?


Mathmati-con

Jan 19, Baltimore: Participate in a day-long series of free events open to the public as part of the Joint Mathematics Meetings. Participate in a contest or cheer on a contestant. See a mathematical art exhibition, be part of a math circle, hear a public talk and take away fun memories!

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Jan 19-20, Baltimore and Bethesda: Principal Guest Conductor Markus Stenz conducts an eclectic program including the beautiful Siegfried Idyllthat Richard Wagner wrote for his wife, Cosima. In response to failing his violin audition with the Vienna Philharmonic, Sibelius composed one of the most technically challenging violin concertos ever written, performed here by Latvian violinist Baiba Skride. Haydn’s "London" Symphony is the composer's most regal symphony, filled with the sounds of trumpets and timpani.

The Soap Myth

Jan 20, Owings Mills: Did the Nazis make soap from the bodies of murdered Jews? In this dramatic play reading a cast of four, including the legendary Ed Asner and Tovah Feldshuh, examines the conflict between those who would honor the memory of the Holocaust and those who would deny it. This is the story of the friendship that develops between a young journalist and a cantankerous Holocaust survivor on a crusade to have the Nazi atrocity of "soap" included in Holocaust Memorial museums. Along the way, the young journalist encounters a pernicious and charismatic Holocaust denier. The play addresses provocative questions such as: How does a survivor survive surviving? Who has the right to write history? Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg will facilitate a talk-back with the cast and playwright Jeff Cohen, a Baltimore native.


Baltimore County Restaurant Week

Jan 17-Feb 2, various locations: Good news for the hungry but budget-minded: Baltimore County Restaurant Week, offering reduced-price meals at more than 60 restaurants, begins Friday. The week (which actually runs 16 days) features fixed-price lunch, brunch and dinner menus, priced at $15-$35. The restaurants are scattered throughout the county, from Dimitri’s International Grille in Catonsville to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Dundalk, The Melting Pot in Towson to Kooper’s in Jacksonville.


Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons

Jan 21, DC: The Wizards’ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day game is a holiday tradition, presenting a great opportunity to enjoy some matinee basketball inside Capital One Arena. John Wall, Bradley Beal and the rest of the Wiz will take on stars Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons. Each team is battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, making for an exciting afternoon matchup.


NSO: Renee Fleming sings Schubert

Jan 18-20, DC: At the mention of RenĂ©e Fleming's name, many of us can recall the first time we heard her interpret the great opera, classical, and contemporary repertoire. In a thrilling all-Schubert program, the internationally celebrated soprano joins NSO Music Director Gianandrea Noseda to perform at the Kennedy Center.


MLK Holiday Weekend, DC

Jan 21, DC: The D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade was conceived in 1977 by the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, founder of The Washington Informer and co-founder of the United Black Fund, along with his wife, the late Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark, Esq., and the late Ralph “Petey” Greene, a community activist and radio personality. Thanks to these three renowned civic leaders, the District of Columbia was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to hold a parade honoring Dr. King following his untimely death on April 4, 1968. It helped in the effort to establish a national holiday in Dr. King’s honor and today it reinforces the work being done by government agencies, community non-profit organizations and private citizens to promote peace and non-violence locally and around the world.


Havre de Grace Ice Festival

Jan 19-20, Havre de Grace: Over 30+ Ice sculptures, Prince & Princess parade, Chili Cook-Off with our local restaurants, Photo Ops, Kids’ stations, Ice/Cornhole game, Contests, Movies, Food Trucks, Fire Pits, Marshamallow Toasting, Demonstrations, Restaurant Specials, Store Promotions, Live Performances at Elsa’s House (aka Santa Land).


Ballet Tales of Peter Rabbit and Friends

Jan 20, Gaithersburg: A quirky and fun dance interpretation of Beatrix Potter's beloved stories! Characters like Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Tom Kitten come to life and help teach important lessons through dance. The Metropolitan Ballet Ensemble is MBT's professional ensemble that seeks to complement and expand the existing outreach and production programs. These professionals prepare an annual repertoire of pieces for regional outreach, and mentor our Academy students during productions and as guest or year-long faculty members.


Step AFRIKA!

Jan 20, Bethesda: Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, launches its 25th anniversary season at Strathmore with a retrospective performance of the company’s best-loved works including Wade, Passing 25, and Nxt/Stp: Hip Hop. Featuring the critically acclaimed artists of Step Afrika!, the company celebrates 25 years of stepping while paying homage to the company’s deep connections to South African dance, music, and culture.