NATIONAL MUSEUM of the AMERICAN INDIAN

“A Song for the Horse Nation”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has a major exhibition called, “A Song for the Horse Nation.” It’s about the relationship between the American Indian and their horses. Photographs, art work and stories tell of this close relationship between man and horse. The exhibit runs through January 7, 2013 at the National Museum of the American Indian located at 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW in the District. For more information, call 202-633-6985 or check the website at www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/press/horses.

THE HIRSHHORN MUSEUM - - “Andy Warhol: Shadows”

A major exhibition on artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987) at The Hirshhorn Museum in the District includes all of his 102 canvasses. Called, “Andy Warhol: Shadows,” the works are installed edge-to-edge. This is truly a panorama look at Warhol’s hand-painted or silkscreened bold colors. The exhibition runs through Jan. 15, 2012 at The Hirshhorn Museum at Independence Avenue and 7th Street NW. For more information, call 202-633-1000 and check the website at www.hirshhorn.si.edu.

FREER/SACKLER GALLERIES

“China’s Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908)

Empress Dowager Cixi of China reigned over 400 million people for more than 40 years. She came from a very unimpressive beginning, but was ahead of her time as a public relations minded person---especially to overseas people. Photographic portraits at the Freer/Sacklet Galleries in the District give great insight into this leader. “China’s Empress Dowager Cixi” exhibit closes on January 29. For more information, call 202-633-1000 and visit the website at www.asia.si.edu.

CRYSTAL CITY RESTAURANT--and A Gentlemen’s Club

Maybe I’m crazy, but I would consider the Crystal City Restaurant at 422 S. 23rd St. in Arlington, as a destination restaurant. The food is really good---and reasonably priced! In fact, manager Sean Hindman told me of a group that comes in on Sundays just for the food. Oh, yes, there are beautiful dancing gals on stage---after all, it’s also A Gentlemen’s Club. William Bayne, Jr. owns the place. The phone number for the Crystal City Restaurant is 703-892-0726. Check its website at www.CrystalCityRestaurant.com.

OLNEY THEATER CENTER - - “The Sound of Music”

Move over Julie Andrews, Jessica Lauren Ball is in town singing the lead role in “The Sound of Music” at the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, MD. In a glorious production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, the Olney cast serves up a truly wonderful evening of enjoyment. In addition to Ms. Ball and her moving renditions of the many heartfelt songs, there are the kids—all seven of them—singing their hearts out. Ms. Ball as Maria, their governess, not only wins them over, but their father as well, Capt. Gaylord von Trapp. Set in 1938 Austria with Germany breathing down their necks, Capt. von Trapp makes a daring escape with Maria and the children. They are aided by the Nuns of the Nonnberg Abbey where Maria was a postulant for a short time until The Mother Abbess (Channez McQuay) decided she and her love of music belonged outside the Abbey. Other nuns playing a large role in Maria’s life were Sister Berte (Donna Migliaccio), Sister Sophia (Tracy Lynn Olivera) and Sister Margretta (Maria Engler). Bobby Smith is great as Capt. von Trapp’s friend, Max as is Jenna Sokolowski, playing Elsa Schraeder, who the Captain was going to marry until he met Maria. Great direction by Mark Waldrup and kudos to musical director, Christopher Youstra. “The Sound of Music,” will play at the Olney Music Theater until sometime in January. It’s a great, great show!! Don’t miss it!! For information and tickets, call 301-924-3400 and check the website at www.olneytheatre.org.

GALA HISPANIC THEATRE

“7th International Flamenco Festival”

“Flamenco Algarabia” was an exciting opener to the 7th International Flamenco Festival, Nov. 20 at the Gala Tivoli Theatre at 3333 14th St. NW in the District. This was the first of three weekend shows celebrating Flamenco dancing and music and it was fabulous. Dancers Jose Barrios and Ana González were electrifying as were singers, Juan Debel and Gema Caballero. All were accompanied by wonderful musicians: guitar players Isaac Munõz and David Duran and accordion player, Wafil S. Gibriel. Coming in on Nov. 26 is the Spanish Dance Society. Closing out the Festival Dec, 2 through Dec. 4 are the “Flamenco Men.” For more information and tickets for the 7th International Flamenco Festival, call 202-234-7174 and visit the website at www.galatheatre.org.