Friday, January 18
See former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Finesse Mitchell live when he performs stand-up comedy tonight in Arlington, Va. Although best known for his role on “SNL,” Mitchell recently authored “Your Girlfriends Only Know So Much: A Brother’s Take on Dating and Mating for Sistas,” a book filled with notes of what men are thinking at each stage of a relationship. Rest assured — the trip across the Virginia state line may be long, but the laughs will be well worth it.
Finesse Mitchell is performing at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse tonight and tomorrow at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22 and are available by calling 703-486-2345. Metro: Arlington (Blue and Orange lines).
Saturday, January 19
Tania Pérez-Salas Compania de Danza, a Mexican contemporary dance company, is performing tonight at the Kennedy Center. The dance group has become internationally known for its sensual choreography that relates messages directly to the audience. The Compania de Danza consists of 10 dancers, each of whom will play multiple roles throughout the show. Their dance is complimented by strong theatrical elements such as dynamic lighting effects. If you’re feeling cultural this weekend, this is the perfect thing to do.
Tania Pérez-Salas Compania de Danza is performing at 7:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Center located at 2700 F St. NW. Tickets are $36. For more information, call 202-467-4600. Metro: Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines).
Sunday, January 20
The House of Sweden is hosting a special exhibit called “Innovation and Technology,” which follows Sweden through the years and marks its significant steps in technology. Exhibitions and events include the interactive “House of Sweden Goes Virtu-Real,” which blends elements of reality with virtual reality with Second Life avatars that will wave to, whistle and talk with visitors by telephone.
“Innovation and Technology” will be displayed at the House of Sweden, located at 2900 K St. NW, through March 16. The exhibit is free and open Wednesday to Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. For more information, call 202-467-2600.
Monday, January 21
On this national holiday, celebrate the life of one of the most famous American civil rights activists at the African American Civil War Memorial. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there will be a wreath-laying ceremony and speeches recalling the great works of Dr. King. The statue titled “The Spirit of Freedom” will be the focus of the ceremony. The African American Civil War Memorial is located at U St. and 10th St. The ceremony is free and begins at 1 p.m. For more information, call 202-667-2667. Metro: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green line)
Tuesday, January 21
Ballet isn’t just “The Nutcracker.” Broaden your artistic horizons at The Kirov Ballet’s production of “La Bayadère,” which opens tonight at the Kennedy Center. The beautiful three-act ballet tells the mesmerizing love story of a soldier and the Indian temple dancer he loves. The score, by Ludwig Minkus will transport audiences to time and place much more romantic than our own.
La Bayadère will be performed Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 20; Tuesday to Friday at 7:30p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The John. F. Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street, NW. Tickets are $47 to $130. Call 202-467-4600 for more information. Metro: Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines).
Wednesday, January 22
If you are asking yourself what music you’re in store for in the coming days, weeks and months of 2008, “Music: What’s Next?” is just the event for you. Participants in the event — a discussion of the local, national and world music scene — will brainstorm what new tunes will be ringing in with the new year. “Music: What’s Next?” will occur tonight at 7 p.m. at the Warehouse Next Door. The Warehouse is located at 1017 7th St. NW. The discussion is free and open to anyone. For more information call 202-783-3933. Metro: Mount Vernon Square 7th St.-Convention Center (Green and Yellow lines).
Thursday, January 23
The Washington Auto Show is taking place this weekend. The Auto Show will exhibit over 700 new and concept cars from over 40 manufactures including high-end exotics from Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Celebrities such as Redskins’ Antwaan Randle Elwill be at the show signing autographs and meeting fans.
The Washington Auto Show is taking place at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW. The hours are Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission price is $10 on the weekdays and $12 on the weekend. Metro: Mount Vernon Square 7th Street-Convention Center (Green and Yellow lines).