Events **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. March 2 to June Goya: Images of Women This exhibit of works by Francisco Goya y Lucientes, one of Spainís most influential and prolific painters, pays homage to his incomparable ability to capture the multi-faceted world of women. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art Third and Ninth Streets, NW (202) 737-4215 March 7 to 29 Escape From Landscape Paintings, sculptures and photographs by an evocative group of artists give audiences a sense of Venezuelaís eclectic art scene. Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Embassy of Venezuela 1099 30th St., NW (202) 342-6848 March 7 to 29 Lumieres et Couleurs de Provence: Paintings by Barbara Jauffret A fusion of bold colors and lines give artist Barbara Jauffretís paintings an immediate potency reminiscent of CÈzanne and the German Expressionists. Viewings are by appointment only and during all cultural events. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6091 Through March 8 Watercolors ìWatercolors,î the culmination of an eight-year odyssey for Peruvian painter Javier Tapia, features art that plays on the themes of man, nature and religion. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Embassy of Peru 1700 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 833-9860 March 8 to 27 Prints, Paintings and Jewelry An array of paintings and prints by Sang Hak K. Wi as well as fine handcrafted jewelry by So Ching Chai are the focus of this captivating exhibit. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Embassy of Korea 2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 797-6343 Through March 10 Storage Jars of Asia A striking exhibit based on the Freerís rich but rarely displayed collection of large jars made in East, Southeast and West Asia. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through March 18 Jan Honza Exhibition This exhibit of wooden crafts by artist Jan Honza reflects the ancient Czech tradition of woodturning. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100 March 21 to June 23 DirectionsóErnesto Neto A new installat ion by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto invites viewers to explore the artistís sensuous creations of organic form, exotic fragrances and cushiony surfaces. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through April 7 A Century of Drawing: Works on Paper From Degas to Lewitt A spectacular selection of paintings and drawings spanning the 20th century that chart the evolution of modern art. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 Through April 12 Faces of Northeastern Brazil Eighty works by more than 40 popular folk artists from Northeastern Brazil exemplify the synergistic amalgam of native, Iberian and African influences. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Inter-Development Bank Cultural Center 1300 New York Ave., NW (202) 623-3774 Through April 12 Habitat ìHabitatî spotlights the work of Canadian artist Shayne Dark, whose pieces evoke the contrasts between urban settings and the natural world and address the larger issues of creation, growth, destruction and decay. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Canada 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 682-1740 Through May 5 Making the Grade Six highly symbolic works of art shed light on African initiation rites and the cultural values that shape the important transition from childhood to adulthood. The exhibit compliments another exhibit, ìSpectacular Display,î devoted to the complex visual arts created by the Nkanu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which runs through March 3. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-4600 Through May 5 Visual Poetry: Paintings and Drawings From Iran Stunning single folios of paintings, drawings and poetry from 16th- and 17th-century Iran are on view in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through May 19 Lois Mailou Jones: Imagining Africa A life-altering trip to Africa was the inspiration behind this group of paintings that incorporates images of African sculpture, textiles and people. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave., NW (202) 783-5000 Through May 26 Reflections of Sea and Light From stormy seas to shorelines washed in sunsets, this exhibit features more than 100 breathtaking paintings and watercolors by J.M.W. Turner, considered to be one of the premier British romantic landscape artists. Tickets are $12 with discounts for students, seniors, children and groups. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, Md. (410) 396-7100 Through June 8 An Imperial Collection: Women Artists from the State Hermitage Museum A compelling examination of how women artists contributed to Russian imperial, social and cultural history. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave., NW (202) 783-5000 Through June 8 The Penís Excellence: Treasures From the Manuscript Collection In an unprecedented move, the Folger Library is opening up its vaults and allowing the public to view more than 55,000 coveted manuscripts in honor of the libraryís 70th anniversary. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 Through June 30 What Is Home? Where Is Home? Images of violence, war and the harsh realities of refugee life, drawn by more than 3,000 Afghan children, stand as a sobering testament to their plight and offer a revealing look at the history of their war-torn country. Admission is $7. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Capital Childrenís Museum 800 Third St., NW (202) 675-4120 Through July 7 The Cave as Canvas: Hidden Images of Worship Along the Silk Road This exhibit highlights a group of fifth-century mural fragments from lavishly decorated Buddhist cave temples. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through Oct. 27 The Potterís Brush: The Kenzan Style in Japanese Ceramics For the next year the Freer focuses on legendary Japanese ceramic artist Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) and his work in the largest such collection outside of Japan. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through Sept. 2 Metropolis in the Machine Age Gleaming skyscrapers, determined workers and other symbols of modern city life were the inspiration behind ìMetropolis,î an exhibit that encompasses examples of avant-garde urban art from both sides of the Atlantic. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through Sept. 2 Year of the Horse: Chinese Horse Paintings To celebrate the year of the horse, an animal that symbolizes virtue and power in Chinese mythology, the Freer is showing an assortment of exquisite Chinese horse paintings on silk and paper dating back to the 14th century. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dance March 7, 14, 21 and 28 Latin Dance II Back by popular demand, international Latin ballroom dance champions Gonzalo and Dalene Erickson guide audiences through the fiery dance steps of the Latin Diaspora. Beginning experience in salsa, meringue and tango is required. Tickets for the entire series are $44. Thu., 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Kennedy Center 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 22 Zvi Gotheiner Dance Drawing on a diverse mix of music ranging from Army choruses to German drinking songs, Zvi Gotheiner probes the mysteries of the Amber Room, the vanished eighth wonder of the world. Tickets are $25. Fri., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of M aryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS March 29 Keiko Matsui Influenced by everyone from Stevie Wonder to Sergei Rachmaninoff, Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui effortlessly blends smooth jazz with funky blues in a groundbreaking approach that has garnered her international recognition. Tickets are $27. Fri., 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 29 and 30 Lyon Opera Ballet Known for transforming familiar stories into daring, innovative dance works, the French troupe Lyon Opera Ballet brings its clever retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale to the Kennedy Center. Tickets are $23 to $36. Fri., 7:30 p.m., Sat., 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Lectures March 1 and 2 Venice Before San Marco New archaeological techniques coupled with the remnants of myths and legends paint a fascinating picture of the earliest days of Venice. Tickets are $130. Fri., 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-4:15 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 March 2 Women in Oral Tales To coincide with National Womenís History Month, the National Museum of African Art presents an engrossing storytelling session dedicated to female characters. Sat., 2 p.m. National Museum of African Art 95 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-4600 March 7 Buddhism and Science: A Meeting of the Minds Astronomy professor Trinh Thuan discusses the peculiar connections between Buddhist teachings and recent scientific findings. Tickets are $13. Thu., 6 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 March 9 The Acropolis of Athens In an intriguing series of slide lectures, two distinguished scholars offer a new perspective on the true meaning behind the Acropolis. Tickets are $125 and include a sampling of Greek wine and food. Fri., 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 March 11 Au Contraire! Figuring Out the French Gilles Asselin and Ruth Mastron delve into the cultural differences between France and the United States and provide practical advice on how to bridge strained social relations and professional behaviors. Mon., 7 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6023 March 12 Celtic Gold: The Archaeology of Ireland Learn about Irelandís unparalleled archaeological heritage, which spans more than 10,000 years, and why the Celtic country will always remain separate from the rest of Europe. Tickets are $16. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW (202) 857-7700 March 13 Beyond the Last Village Conservationist Alan Rabinowitz, described by the New York Times as the Indiana Jones of zoology, talks about his discoveries in far-flung places in Southeast Asia and ways to preserve the dwindling wildlife in these areas. Tickets are $15 for the public and $12 for National Geographic members. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW (202) 857-7700 March 15 and 16 The Villas of Rome and the Roman Campagna An in-depth look at the architectural advances that spawned the elegant Roman villa. Tickets are $130. Fri., 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 March 20 Valle di Fassa: Northern Italyís Mountain Paradise Discover the lush, beautiful Italian region surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains as you savor tasty delicacies courtesy of Al Tiramisu Restaurant. Tickets are $35. Wed., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-3030 March 26 The Great Beers of Bohemia ìBeer hunterî Michael Jackson returns with a guided tasting of beers from the Czech Republicóhome of Pilsen, a city that gave its name to worldís best-known beer style. Tickets are $30 for the public and $25 for National Geographic members. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW (202) 857-7700 Music March 1 Enescu and Friends II Karen Johnson, Brian Ganz and Jerome Barry team up for this stirring rendition of works by the great Romanian composer Enescu. Tickets are $30. Fri., 8 p.m. Embassy of Romania 1607 23rd St., NW (202) 625-2361 March 2 and 4 Borinquen Preciosa Celebrate the soul and magic of Puerto Rico with this unique cabaret performance featuring the talents of its native singers and poets. Tickets are $12 to $22. Sat., 7 p.m., Mon., 7:30 p.m. Levine School of Music 2801 Upton St., NW (202) 237-9834 March 2 Ragtime: Scott Kirby, Pianist Scott Kirby specializes in genres that unite the worlds of classical and folk music, melding harmonies from America with European Romanticism into a syncopated language all his own. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Sat., 7 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6091 March 2 Your Bountiful Light Composer Norma Brooks and the Tasat-Brooks-Hirschhorn trio draw on the Jewish heritage to create melodies that invite prayer and faith. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Sat., 8 p.m. Tifereth Israel Congregation 7701 16th St., NW (202) 882-1602 March 6 Thomas Quasthoff With Justin Zeyen German baritone Thomas Quasthoff joins pianist Justin Zeyen for an electrifying performance co-presented with the Vocal Arts Society of Washington. Tickets are $20 to $45. Wed., 8:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 8 The Mendelssohn Trio A riveting program of works by two acclaimed French Romantic composers featuring a quartet by FaurÈ and a trio by St. SaÎns. Tickets are $30. Fri., 8 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 625-2361 March 9 Canto y PoesÌa: Celebrating Latin American Women Coral Cantigas, Washingtonís preeminent Latin American chamber chorus, invites audiences to celebrate Womenís History Month with this exhilarating multimedia performance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Bethesda United Methodist Church 8300 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, Md. (301) 816-2314 March 9 Perla Batalla Perla Batalla traces her Mexican-American roots in this powerful show, which includes a post-performance question-and-answer session. Tickets are $25. Sat., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS March 10 St. Petersburg Philharmonic The St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Russiaís oldest symphony orchestra, has played a pivotal role in Russian music history and continues to be a major player in the classical music scene. Tickets are $30 to $75. Sun., 8 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 11 The Chieftains Let The Chieftains, the worldís most popular Irish traditional band, whisk you away to the Emerald Isle with their mastery of classic Irish, Welsh and Celtic tunes. Tickets are $20 to $55. Mon., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 13 Celebrate St. Paddyís Day With Providence St. Patrickís Day comes alive with the pulsating rhythms of the traditional Irish group Providence, on its U.S. debut tour. Tickets are $22. Thu., 7:30 p.m. Voice of America Auditorium 330 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-3030 March 13 Matapat Quebecois trio Matapat delights audiences of all ages with their infectious French-Canadian grooves. Wed., 6 p.m. The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 15 Brno Chamber Orchestra The Brno Chamber Orchestra emerged from the shadows of the Brno State Philharmonic Orchestra in 1977 to earn a place on the Czech music scene with their continually evolving distinct sound. Tickets are $10 at the door. Reservations are recommended. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW (202) 274-9100 ext. 3413 March 16 The Barnes and Hampton Celtic Consort Kick off St. Patrickís Day with an evening of Gaelic revelry complete with authentic Irish brew and a festive Celtic concert. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for students and seniors. Sat., 8 p.m. 3133 Dumbarton St., NW (202) 965-2000 March 18 and 19 Kevin Kenner, Piano Kevin Kenner, a top winner in the International Chopin Competition and one of the finest pianists of his generation, gives a thrilling performance guaranteed to satisfy any Chopin aficionado. Tickets are $35. Mon., Tue., 8 p.m. Embassy of Poland 2640 16th St., NW (202) 625-2361 March 21 Dave Holland Quintet British-born bassist Dave Holland is a seasoned vet of the jazz industry, performing with such greats as Chick Corea, Stan Getz, Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock. Tickets are $27. Thu., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 22 K. Sridhar and Anil Datar A pioneer of north Indian classical music, K. Sridhar brings his unparalleled sound to the Freer. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Jefferson Drive at12th Street, NW (202) 357-2700 March 23 Levine School of Music Students This is a rising-star concert to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the renowned Levine School of Music. Tickets are $30. Sat., 8 p.m. Embassy of Poland 2640 16th St., NW (202) 625-2361 March 29 and 30 Monteverdiís Vespers of 1610 Based on ancient church chants, Monteverdiís Vespers layers Renaissance choral music with a dramatic new Baroque style. Tickets are $38. Fri., Sat., 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS Receptions March 3 A Chinese Feast for Aficionados Master chefs from the Seven Seas restaurant in Rockville, Md., prepare a delectable Chinese feast to ring in the Chinese New Year. Tickets are $125. Sun., 4 p.m. Seven Seas 1776 East Jefferson St. Rockville, Md. (202) 357-3030 March 7 Romanian Jazz!/Reception Johnny Raducanu, otherwise known as ìMr. Jazz of Romania,î partners with soulful singing sensation Theodora Enache for this dynamic performance. Tickets are $20 for the public and $15 for Corcoran members. Thu., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 March 8 and 9 Into the Heart of Madagascar The ambassador of Madagascar hosts an informal reception for the participants of a lecture on his country and the environmental challenges facing the imperiled island paradise, which has been dubbed a ìnaturalistís promised land.î Tickets are $125. Reception: Fri., 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Embassy of Madagascar 2374 Massachusetts Ave., NW Lecture: Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-3030 March 12 Dinner at Maxim: Grand Russian Banquet Russian ÈmigrÈ Alexandra Costa, owner of the extravagant new Maxim restaurant, hosts a six-course dinner topped off with Russian spirits and authentic folk tunes sung by her husband. Tickets are $155 for the public and $140 for Corcoran members. Tue., 6:30 p.m. Maxim 1725 F St., NW (202) 639-1770 March 19 Does Your Mother Come From Ireland?/Irish Reception Relish the wondrous sights and sounds of Ireland via the stories, songs and photographs of acclaimed Irish tenor Patrick Clerkin. Tickets are $16 for the public and $12 for Corcoran members. Tue., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 March 28 Paraguay and Piano Tunes/Reception Paraguayan-b orn Nancy Luzko dazzles audiences with her spirited rendition of Schumann, Chopin and Prokofiev. Tickets are $20 for the public and $15 for Corcoran members. Thu., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 Theater March 13 to June 16 Hot Mikado A jazzy, swing-time production of one of Gilbert and Sullivanís most enduring operettas, ìHot Mikadoî follows a wandering musician in an ancient Japanese village as he tries to win over his sweetheart in this hilarious tale of love and justice. Tickets are $27 to $43. Please call or visit www.fordstheatre.org for show times Fords Theatre 511 Tenth St., NW (202) 638-1001 Through March 16 The Fifth International Festival of Hispanic Theater This festival showcases nine companies with stellar performances from countries such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Argentina and the United States. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Please call or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org for specific performances and show times. Theater on the Run 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, Va. (202) 882-6227 Through March 17 The Truth Canít Be Trusted Amid Spainís Golden Age in the 1600s, a handsome young man, eager to make his mark at court, conjures up a complex web of lies and exaggerations that lead to some uproariously funny results. Tickets are $27 with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Thu., Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 4 p.m. Gala Hispanic Theatre Warehouse Theater 1021 7th St., NW (202) 234-7174 March 21 to 23 and 30 Sourire en Cinq Actes A mÈlange of five memorable scenes taken from Histrio theaterís repertory, including scenes from the enchanting fable ìLe Petit Princeî and Moliereís famed ìLíAmour MÈdecin.î General public parking is no longer provided. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Thu., Fri., 10:30 a.m., Sat., 2:30 p.m. (March 23 only) and 8 p.m. La Maison FranÁaise 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 333-2666 March 22 to April 14 The Man Who Laughs Set in 1682, this original adaptation of Victor Hugoís poignant tale revolves around a disfigured boy who is plucked from his grim existence and subsequently embarks on a journey of temptation, revelation and sorrow. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students. Thu. to Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. Theater on the Run 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, Va. (703) 243-6366 Through March 24 Copenhagen At the dawn of World War II, a noted German physicist paid a visit to his Danish mentor. What transpired during their covert meeting become a defining moment in the modern nuclear age and is the subject of Michael Fraynís superbly thought-provoking play. Tickets are $20 to $68. Please call or visit www.kennedy-center.org for show times The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 March 30, April 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20 Un Ballo in Maschera Verdiís tense thriller of conspiracy and corruption stars tenors Marcello Giordani and Franco Farina, who share the role of the passionate Riccardo, the governor of Boston who is fatally attracted to his best friendís wife. Tickets are $40 to $280. Please call or visit www.dc-opera.org for show times The Kennedy Center Opera House 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Through March 31 She Stoops to Conquer A sidesplitting 18th-century farce satirizing everything from overbearing mothers and social climbing to mistaken identity and matchmaking gone awry. Tickets are $25 to $41 with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Please call or visit www.folger.edu for show times Folger Theatre 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077