Spotlight: A Capitol Fourth, Top Gun, Mary Chapin Carpenter, French Festival
The annual "A Capitol Fourth" unites the NSO with Sutton Foster, Smokey Robinson and Amber Riley
A CAPTIAL FOURTH CONCERT
“We have tried hard to improve the programs over the last number of years, and we haven’t let rain, bad weather, heat or the elements close us down,” says “A Capitol Fourth” executive producer, Jerry Colbert. The concert, broadcast live on PBS, is a mainstay of Washington, D.C.’s July 4th celebration.
Jack Everly leads the NSO in a recital of American favorites and classical masterworks, while assorted military bands add to the patriotic spirit. Scheduled to appear this year: Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Gavin DeGraw, Amber Riley, Sutton Foster and the cast of the Gloria Estefan-themed Broadway musical On Your Feet. The festivities conclude with what organizers call “the biggest, most distinctive fireworks display in the nation,” all set to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
“In the three times I’ve done it in the past — and I fully expect it to be true this time as well — there is such warmth and such a feeling of family,” says host Tom Bergeron. “And I don’t care if you’re conservative, liberal, a Democratic or Republican or Independent. We put all that stuff on the shelf and come together as Americans and we celebrate our commonality in this amazing environment.”
Adds Colbert, “I think people have come to realize that this is the best Fourth of July show in the country for patriotism, music and fireworks.”
Monday, July 4, at 8 p.m. on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org/nso.
UNION MARKET DRIVE-IN: TOP GUN
Union Market revs up its Summer Drive-In Series with the Tom Cruise blockbuster that skyrocketed the world’s most famous couch-jumping Scientologist into a viable career. You don’t have to drive a car to watch the ’80s classic — alternatively, you can grab a viewing spot in the free picnic area. Food and beer are available, including Southern specialties from the Mason Dixie food truck and popcorn from Stella’s Popkern. There’s even the authentic experience of delivered right to your car window by the DC Rollergirls. Other films to screen this summer include Ratatouille, Grease and Ghostbusters. Friday, July 1. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie starting at around 8 p.m. In the parking lot at Union Market, 1305 5th St. NE. Free for walk-ups or $10 per car. Call 800-680-9095 or visit unionmarketdc.com. (Doug Rule)
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
Mary Chapin Carpenter began her career in bars and coffeehouses in the D.C. area in the early ’80s and she typically pays an annual return visit to Wolf Trap (“It’s one of my most treasured and favorite places”). She returns in support of her 14th album, The Things That We Are Made Of, which is focused on thriving in middle age despite hardships. The Milk Carton Kids open. Saturday, July 2, at 8 p.m. The Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $25 to $50. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit wolftrap.org. (DR)
HILLWOOD’S ANNUAL FRENCH FESTIVAL
An annual all-day affair for Francophiles in honor of Bastille Day, where Marjorie Merriweather Post’s French decorative arts collection is just one of many highlights. Performances include the Happenstance Theater Company, who will recreate the festivities of French court in a short play, the New York Baroque Dance Company, and baroque guitarist Kevin Shannon. Washington’s Alliance Francaise will offer a playful story time and French language lessons. You can stroll the lush landscape and grounds and enjoy some wine and a baguette at the Parisian-style sidewalk cafe. Saturday, July 9, starting at 10 a.m. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Tickets are $18. Call 202-686-5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org. (DR)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.