Events, June, 2001 ART June 1 through July 30 Thirteen: Works by Salvadoran Artist Oscar Soles The Espacio Cultural Salvadoren has organized an exhibition of new works of art by Salvadoran painter Oscar Soles. Thirteen is a retrsopective of Solesí three artistic stages. Visitors will be able to detect neo-figurative and neo-surrealist styles in his themes and palettes. Please call for information. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. ñ 3 p.m. Espacio Cultural Salvadoreno 1724 20th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 256-6542 Through June 3 Connecting Worlds: Contemporary Sculpture from the European Union This is the last chance to see this exciting exhibit. The 15 member countries of the EU, in partnership with the Kennedy Center and the Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, bring a unique exhibit of contemporary sculptures from Europe to the capital of the United States. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view avant-garde contemporary art from the EU. Call the Kennedy Center for hours of operation. Roof Terrace The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, D.C. (800) 444-1324 Through June 14 Molten Skins: Mexican Women Artists in the New Millennium In 1998, seven women artists launched Feminalia, a cultural project intended to carry the voice of women visual artists from the State of Jalisco. Art connoisseurs will admire the various approaches and individual perceptions these women have rendered on their canvases. Open on weekdays. Call for hours of operation. JosÈ Clemente Orozco Gallery Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 728-1675 Through June 15 Art of the Americas: Selections from the IDB Art Collection This exhibit of artworks from all parts of the Americas is on exhibit at the Art Gallery of the IDB Cultural Center. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. ñ 6 p.m. Art Gallery of the IDB Cultural Center 1300 New York Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 623-3774 Through June 15 Recent Paintings by Lotti Ringstr^m The Embassy of Sweden announces the opening of this exhibit of works by up and coming Swedish artist Lotti Ringstr^m, which will run through June 15. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Embassy of Sweden 1501 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-2600, ext. 643 June 17 through September 9 Worshiping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits This large exhibition contains intricately detailed, brightly colored, nearly life-size portraits, as well as textiles, furniture and other Chinese objects created between 1451 and 1943. It is the first exhibition in the West in more than a half-century to focus on Chinese ancestor portraits. Call for more information. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Smithsonian Institution Jefferson Drive at 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 Through June 29 The Irreverent Art: Artwork by GisÈle Prassinos La Maison FranÁaise presents an exhibit of Gisele Prassinosí artwork. The exhibit can be viewed through June 29 by appointment only. Please call for more information. Mon.ñFri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of France La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 944-6091 Through July 15 A Breeze from the Garden of Persia: New Art From Iran This is a collection of work from contemporary Iranian artists, both men and women, including a range of media. Inspired by ancient Persian culture and poetry, the exhibition will also highlight miniature painting and calligraphy expressed in new ways. A concert by Iranian pianist Ariana Barkeshli will be presented on May 7. Other ancillary programs are being planned. Wed.ñSun., 2ñ5 p.m. Meridian International Center White Meyer Galleries 1624 Crescent Place, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 939-5568 Through July 27 Personal Permanent Records: Experimental Photography from South America The Art Museum of the Americas brings to the nationís capital a survey of the specific issues and concerns related to identity in South America. This is a collective exhibition of photographs by 17 South American artists. Each one uses a broad panorama of creative expressions in photographic portraiture. The images give the viewer an extensive cross-section of South American artists and their approaches to photography. Admission is free. Call for more information. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Art Museum of the Americas Organization of American States 201 18th St. Washington, D.C. (202) 458-6020 Through July 28 Italian Botanical Art Today Presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, this exhibit provides a fascinating overview of some of the most prominent interpreters of botanical art. The works on exhibit are watercolors and tempera paintings by Bonzo, Bottoni, Carcano, Casadei, DelvÛ, Giordano and others. Please call for hours of operation. Istituto di Italiano 2025 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 223-9800 Through August 9 Over the Line: The Art and Life of Jacob Lawrence Jacob Lawrence has been recognized as one of the most prominent and respected artists of the 20th century. Organized on the occasion of the publication of more than 1,200 works of Lawrence, this exhibit will feature approximately 90 paintings and drawings from the whole of Lawrence career and will highlight every major theme in the artistís repertoire. Admission on weekdays is by contribution. Weekend admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, and free for visitors 18 and under. The museum is closed on Mondays. Call for more information. Tues. - Sat, 10-5 p.m. Sun., 12-7 p.m. The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St., NW Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 387-2151 DANCE Through June 1 Random Dance This is the last chance to see this cutting-edge dance group. Wayne McGregor, artistic director of Britainís contemporary dance company, Random Dance of London, brings his dancers for a technologically innovative and highly athletic choreography for two performances. Live Art magazine calls the company "the future of contemporary dance." All seats are $25. Thurs. and Fri., 7:30 p.m. The Terrace Theater The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 FESTIVAL June 10 to 16 Rock Creek Festival of the Arts A major new annual festival of the Arts will take place on the grounds of historic St. Paulís Episcopal Church, in the heart of historic Rock Creek Church Yard. St. Paulís is the oldest church in the city, dating back to 1712 and is set on almost 100 acres in northwest D.C.! The festival will include outdoor concerts of jazz, big band, vocal and ethnic music. There will also be food, lectures and craft demonstrations as well as evening concerts of chamber and orchestral music. The festival will close on Saturday June 16 with an all-day celebration that will include the traditional Rock Creek Strawberry Festival. There is no fixed admission charge for any of the events. For detailed directions and more information, please visit www.rockcreekfestival.org. Sun.-Sat.: 10 a.m. ñ 11 p.m. St. Paulís Episcopal Church Rock Creek Church Rd. & Webster St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 686-7131 LECTURE June 4 Lucille Clifton: Katharine Zadravec Memorial Reading Dedicated to the memory of poet Katherine Zadravec, The Folger presents Lucille Clifton, chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, who will read a selection of her works. Clifton is the author of 10 previous collections of poetry, as well as a memoir and many books for children. Tickets are $10. Call for more information. Mon., 8 p.m. The Folger Library 201 East Capitol St., SE Washington, D.C. (202) 544-7077 June 5 An Evening with Martine van Hamel What a treat to see and hear the great ballerina, Martine Van Hame. In scintillating conversation with noted journalist/author Elizabeth Kaye, van Hamel shares tales of her spectacular career, and stories of dancing for the American Ballet Theater. $20 general; $15 members. Call for more information. Tue., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 639-1700 June 21 Cuisine of El Bajio and Central Mexico: Cooking Demonstration/Tequila & Food Tasting The Mexican Cultural Institute presents the first program of the culinary series on Mexican regional cuisine. The region of El Bajio and Central Mexico have clear Spanish influences but have never lost touch with the pre-Columbian past. Join acclaimed Mexican chef Geno Bahena as he takes guests on a culinary journey. $60 per program for non-members ($250 for full series); $50 per program for members ($200 for full series). Pre-registration required. Please call. Thur., 6:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 728-1675 June 25 The Casa del Dean in Puebla, Mexico Historian Penny C. Morrill and the Mexican Cultural Center present a lecture with slides on the Casa del Dean in the city of Puebla, Mexico. Built in 1580 for the Cathedral Dean, one of the most outstanding aspects of this building is a mural cycle of beautiful paintings by indigenous artists, which eloquently incorporate pre-Columbian elements, and Flemish landscape. Join Ms. Morrill as explains how the symbolic and artistic language of the early colonial period interwove itself with the Flemish and pre-Columbian, ultimately leading to what is now Mexican. Van díhonneur will follow presentation. Free admission. Call to RSVP. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. June 26 Jacob Lawrence Symposium Sponsored jointly by the Phillips Collection and George Washington University. Scholars who contributed to the recently published "The Complete Jacob Lawrence," a two-volume catalogue raisonnÈ and critical monograph, will participate in a public symposium. Advance registration is required and tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for members and seniors, and $5 for full-time students. Call to register. Tue., 6:30 p.m. Media Affairs Building George Washington University 805 21st St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 387-2151, ext. 266 MUSIC June 3 Master Violinist Aaron Rosand The legenday master violinist will perform Beethovenís Violin Concerto at the West Garden Court of the National Gallery of Art. Trained in the classical 19th Century style of romantic violin music, Rosand is an internationally accliamed concert violinist whose career spans more than 60 years on three continents. The concert is free to the public. The West Garden Court is located on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th sts. at Constitution Avenue. Call for more information. Sun., 7 p.m. West Garden Court National Gallery of Art Washington, DC (202) 737-4215 June 3 Africa en las AmÈricas: Celebration our African Heritage African musical influences are found all over the Americas. This family concert by the Coral Cantigas, Latino Chamber Choir, will include 17th-century baroque music from Mexico, Negro spirituals from the U.S., slavesí chants from Bolivia, candombe rhythms from Argentina and Uruguay, and other popular Afro-Caribbean rhythms, such as merengue from Dominican Republic, plena from Puerto Rico, and son from Cuba. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students and free for children under age 11. Call for tickets and information. Sun., 5 p.m. Bethesda United Methodist Church 8300 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD (301) 816-2314 June 6 Jazz and Just Desserts A great way to reflect on the spirit of the Jazz Age. Gather under the stars in Woodrow Wilsonís garden for an evening of 1920s era jazz and decadent desserts. Tickets are $25 per person. Please call to register. Wed., 6 p.m. Woodrow Wilson House 2340 S St., NW Washington, DC (202) 387-4062 ext. 18 June 7 Jean-Michel Pilc, Jazz Pianist While Jean-Michel Pilc may not be taking the jazz world by storm with public recognition, he certainly takes an audience by storm during live performances. He is a force at the piano who canít be denied. Pilc has played and recorded with some of the best musicians in the country. In short, Pilcís talent is such that it leaves the listeners agog and the critics speechless. Tickets are $20 for general admission, and $15 for students and seniors. Thur., 8 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 944-6091 June 11 The National String Quartet Over the last 13 seasons, the National String Quartet ñ composed of members from the National Symphony Orchestra ñ has delighted Meridian audiences with their performances and musical interpretations. Last season, Meridian guests were treated to a rarely played piece by Messiaen, which captured the music in all its glory. This yearís performance promises to be just as outstanding. For tickets and information please call. Mon., 8 p.m. Meridian International Center 1630 Crescent Place, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 939-5568 June 20 Young & Rollins Quintet Called by the The Washington Post "a fiery fusion of styles," Young & Rollins have established themselves as one of todayís most exciting and innovative guitar duos. Their original compositions draw upon salsa, blues, latin jazz, flamenco ñ even classical and reggae ñ all with a heavy dose of virtuosic, improvisational flair. $20 general; $15 members. Call for information. Wed., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 639-1700 June 27 Lunchtime Series: Ericka Ovette Vocalist Ericka Ovette continues the tradition of jazz divas Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan in a program of traditional and contemporary selections. A jazz trio will accompany her. Concert is free and registration is not required. Wed., 12:15-1:15 p.m. National Building Museum 401 F St., NW Washington, D.C. (703) 548-9148 June 30 Sounds of Freedom: The Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. The Mormon Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Brass Ensemble of Washington, under the direction of Gary Clawson and David Hardin, will present a musical tribute to the United States and members of the Armed Forces who protect Americaís freedom. The concert is free and registration is not required but reserved seating is available. Please call. Sat., 5-7 p.m. National Building Museum 401 F St., NW Washington, D.C. (703) 281-5448 THEATER Through June 2 "Hagase La Mujer" by Koldo One day, the Creator said "Let there be Woman" or "Hagase La Mujer" and then there was no longer peace for man, for the mountains, or for God. A satiric comedy directed by Mario Marcel and recommended for all the gods. The play is in Spanish, with simultaneous English interpretation on most days. Tickets are $20 for general admission, and $15 for students and seniors. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Wed., 8 p.m. (Spanish only) Gunston Arts Center-Theater One 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 548-3092 (202) 882-6227 June 6, 8 and 9 "Second-Hand Twilight" with Petr Nikl The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites audiences to experience Czech thea ter and puppetry taken beyond their traditional forms in a performance of "Second-Hand Twilight" with visual artist, puppeteer, performer and Jindrh Chalupecky awardee Peter Nikl. Guests will have the opportunity to join Nikl and other artists as they embark on a dramatic journey into the core elements of ancient theater: ritual and mystery. The performance will take place in the embassy gardens, weather permitting. The alternate location is the embassy reception hall. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call for more information Wed.-Fri., 8:30 p.m. Embassy of the Czech Republic 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 274-9105, ext.3413 June 8 "The Night of San Donnino" The Teatro Gioco Vita will perform this small opera for children and grown-ups at the Kennedy Centerís Terrace Theater. The opera is a fairy tale told with shadows and music. The story tells an episode in Giuseppe Verdiís childhood when, shortly before his tenth birthday, Giuseppe meets a beautiful gypsy girl called Azucena and follows her into the magic world of gypsies. The opera is free, but tickets are required (there is a $2 convenience charge when ordering by phone). Through June 10 "As You Like It" Romantic confusion rules in the Forest of Arden, when Rosalind and Celia escape overbearing authority and encounter the exuberant Orlando. This is a play about couples, with all the sweetness of young true love. Directed by Aaron Posner. Tickets $20 -$30. Call for more information. Tues.-Thurs. and Sun., 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. Sat and Sun., 2 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE Washington, D.C. (202) 544-7077 Through June 17 Les Cloison by Jacques Languirand This is a play about a man and a woman as well as a play about fantasy, longing, and desire. Set in the 1950s, the mood, style and ambiance of this play will beÖso French. This unique production, supported in part by the Embassy of Canada, solidifies Languirandís leading position in contemporary French-Canadian culture. Tickets $18 general; $15 seniors; $12 students. Call for reservations. Thur. ñ Sat., 8 p.m. Sun., 2 p.m. Le Neon Theatre Gunston Arts Center Theater II 2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 243-6366 TOURS Embassy Row This walk down Washingtonís grandest boulevard features the most impressive turn-of-the-century residences in the city, many designed in the French beaux-arts style. In addition to viewing sumptuous architecture, youíll hear stories about the families who once resided in these stately palaces. Fabulous wealth, extravagant parties, scandals ñ even the curse of the Hope Diamond ñ are mixed with a glimpse of the life led by Washingtonís diplomatic community today. The tour meets at Dupont Circle Station (Q St. exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Thurs, 5 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com Capital Hauntings No other part of the city claims a more mysterious, macabre history than Lafayette Square, the park north of the White House. The restless ghosts of presidents, a first lady, assassins and military officers roam the hallways of old homes, a theater and even the White House. As the day draws to a close, youíll creep through the park and adjoining streets past these haunted sights. The guide will relay the ghost stories associated with each person or place. The tour meets at McPherson Square Station (White House exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com