kristynann

i've been to DC a few times now so i know all the main sites (monuments, museums, etc.) but i want to take my boyfriend into the city for our anniversary for something out of the ordinary and have a couple questions about specifics...hoping some of you know answers! we can go anywhere between nov. 22-28

*are there any good concerts besides those on ticketmaster that anyone knows about?

*suggestions of a good place to hear some live jazz, blues, or acoustic music (we're under 21)

*favorite IMAX show? there seems to be too many to choose from...

*favorite art museum/gallery? (the place that has the most WOW stuff)

*nice restaurants that don't cost a ton? something different...not just everyday food...

*does anyone know anything more about the BLUES DREAMS thing going on in DC...i saw basics but am wondering how you figure out about specific events...

*anyone been to poetry readings in or around DC...any specially recommended?



thank you all so much

kristynann

it's really important that i find some answers to some of these questions...could someone PLEASE give me even a little insight??!?

obxgirl

One of the best resources for what's happening in DC is the Washingtonian magazine. Pick up a copy if you have access to it and definitely take a look at the website, washingtonian.com. It's got a comprehensive run down on restaurants thruout the DC metro area, museum and gallery exhibitions, and big venue music events. Additionally, the Friday edition of the Washington Post has a Weekend section which has much of the above and even more listings for some of the smaller concerts, festivals, lectures, galleries, theatre, etc.

Hope this helps.

mrwunrfl

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...itorsguide.htm

Lorraine

Lots of free music in Washington plus great music you can hear for the price of a burger:

--Don't miss Sunday 12-3 at Gordon Biersch, 9th & F Sts NW (near the Spy Museum) 202-783-5454: the Big Three Trio (jazz/swing/blues)featuring Big Joe Maher on drums, John Previti on bass and John Cocuzzi on piano--all top-notch DC musicians. (John Cocuzzi has a regular gig most weekdays at a nice restaurant in old town Alexandria, which is definitely worth a visit--especially the Torpedo Factory to see artists at work.)

--Brooks Tegler's jazz quartet Sundays 5:30-8:30 at the Starland Café, 5125 MacArthur Blvd NW, 202-244-9396 (great musicians, mostly jazz standards, but not in the normal tourist area--you'll need a car or cab).

--The Kennedy Center has free concerts in its massive lobby every day at 6, showcasing a wide variety of music and performing arts. See schedule at http://www.kennedy-center.org/progra.../schedule.html

--Natural History Museum has free jazz Friday nights, plus dinner and the Imax films are available for purchase http://www.mnh.si.edu/imax/

As to restaurants, ethnic restaurants are often top-notch and low budget. See the reviews at http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/100bbindex.html

Museums: Have you been to some lesser-known gems like: Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/ex-current.html, the Sackler (Asian Art) http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/, the National Postal Museum http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/
(be sure to see Union Station next door); Renwick art http://americanart.si.edu/. All free, of course!

--Take the subway to Cleveland Park and see whatever's playing at the Uptown Theater, a grand old movie palace. Sit in the balcony. Eat across the street at Nam-Viet Pho 79.

Pick up a free City Paper when you arrive (published Thursdays) and you'll have pages of listings for poetry readings, performances, galleries and more.

kaudrey

You have some great info already. Here's a little more:

The Blues and Dreams has a website with all the info you need: http://www.washington.org/bluesanddreams/

For concerts, check out www.930.com, the website of The 9:30 Club, a great concert venue that allows 18+ year olds.

And, for November jazz concerts, check out:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv.../nov03jazz.htm

Welcome to DC!

Karen

Mich55

favorite art museum on the mall - Hirshorn always has modern sculpture and avante garde art
Phillips Collection - After Hours: ?Artful Evenings? mixes jazz, gallery talks, and socializing every Thursday evening; $5.
Restaurants nearby - Cafe Atlantico, great mojitos and fresh quacamole prepared tableside; Zaytinia - Greek bites, modern decor.
events & restaurant reviews - www.washingtonian.com

LN

Wow!!!

You've outdone yourselves folks on this and as a local - I'll say "Thanks very much" this information I'll store for my incoming guests.