Weekend To-Do Guide: Marjane Satrapi, Astronomy Night, Picasso's Drawings

Astronomy Night

WASHINGTON-- There's more than celebrity gawking this weekend in D.C.! Really!

Friday brings an internationally reknowned author/graphic novelist to the Lisner, a former improv star trying his hand at stand up and a should be classic film from a classic actor.

Saturday has us looking to the past and to the stars with Astronomy Night, a rock and roll innovator and figuring out what one does after holding the nation's highest position.

We close the weekend with one the 20th century's most important artists, listening to some work horror stories and hoping we can snag a pair of tickets to a sold out show.

To figure out just what we're recommending, click through the weekend slideshow.

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• 4/27: Marjane Satrapi

  Author of "Persepolis" and "Chicken With Plums," Marjane Satrapi is making a rare U.S. appearance tonight at GW's Lisner Auditorium. She'll be interviewed by Azar Nafisi, an equally accomplished author of the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Lolita-Tehran-Memoir-Books/dp/081297106X" target="_hplink">Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books</a>." This conversation should satisfy interested parties that want to learn about what it's like to grow up female in the Middle East and graphic novel fans. <em>"<a href="http://www.lisner.org/eventdetails.asp?id=719" target="_hplink">Marjane Satrapi at the Lisner</a>" George Washington Lisner Auditorium <br> 730 21st St. NW <br> 8 p.m.<br> all ages<br> $10-$40<br> <br></em>

• 4/27: Tim Meadows

  The long time cast member of "Saturday Night Live" is a few years into his stand up adventure. No stranger to the stage, Meadows has been honing his improv and sketch for well over twenty years. A few years as a stand up, Meadows is finally taking his act on the road. Following in the steps of other former variety show stars Scott Thompson, Dave Foley, Thomas Lennon and more, the quality of these performers new venture is steadily high. <br> <a href="http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/default.aspx?page=event&eid=1272" target="_hplink">Tim Meadows</a><em><br> Arlington Drafthouse<br> 2903 Columbia Pike<br> Arlington, Va.<br> 7:30 and 10pm<br> 18+ early, 21+ late<br> $26<br> also Saturday, April 28 </em>

• 4/27: "King of Marvin Gardens"

  Part of the AFI's Jack Nicholson series, "The King of Marvin Gardens" is getting a 40th anniversary screening. One of the great actor's overlooked performances, Nicholson in the role of an intense radio show host/failed writer. An early 70's anti-hero piece that's well suited for the actor. <br> <a href="http://www.afi.com/silver/films/2012/v9i2/jacknicholson.aspx#kingo" target="_hplink">"The King of Marvin Gardens"</a><em><br> AFI Silver Theatre<br> 8633 Colesville Road<br> Silver Spring, Md.<br> 9:30pm<br> 17+<br> $7-$11.50<br> also May 1 and 2<br> Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenjavier/page1754/" target="_hplink">Loren Javier</a></em>

• 4/28: Astronomy Night

  The third annual Astronomy Night on the National Mall is this Saturday. Kids and not so much kids will get a chance to play with telescopes, participate in hands on activities, watch multimedia presentations and talk to real life astronomers! This, in addition to those pretty big spaceships always flying over the mall, help make D.C. the nerd mecca of the world! Don't believe me, well, the <a href="http://www.usasciencefestival.org/" target="_hplink">USA Science and Engineering Festival</a> is also this weekend, ensuring that D.C.'s collective IQ balances out the National Press Club celebrity influx. <em><a href="http://www.smdeponews.org/programs-events/astronomy-night-on-the-national-mall-april-28/" target="_hplink">Astronomy Night</a><br> National Mall<br> 15th Street and Constitution Ave<br> Washington, DC<br> 7pm<br> all ages<br> free<br> In the event of rain or clouds, the event will be held on April 29.<br> Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasonurb/4798621450/" target="_hplink">brunosan</a></em>

• 4/28: "The Presidents Club"

  Since it's Press Club bonanza weekend, an out of the way yet appropriate event for all to attend is authors Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs speaking and signing their new book "The Presidents Club" at Politics and Prose. The two pose the simple question that most presidents face, what next? <em><br> <a href="http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/michael-duffy-and-nancy-gibbs-presidents-club" target="_hplink">"The Presidents Club"</a><br> Politics and Prose<br> 5015 Connecticut Ave NW<br> Washington, DC<br> 5pm<br> all ages<br> free, the book retails for $32.50</em>

• 4/28: Chuck Berry

  Yes, this ticket is incredibly pricey for a rock and roll show, but to be fair, he kind of invented rock and roll. Not to get too morbid, but how many more chances will one have to see Mr. Berry duck walk across a stage? An innovator in the recently renovated Howard Theatre is a good night for all parties. <em><br> <a href="http://thehowardtheatre.com/show/2012/04/28/chuck-berry-2/" target="_hplink">Chuck Berry</a><br> Howard Theatre<br> 620 T St. NW<br> 8pm<br> all ages<br> $95</em>

• 4/29: Picasso's Drawings, 1890--1921: Reinventing Tradition talk

  Sunday, April 29<br> <br> The National Gallery of Art wraps up its Picasso exhibit on May 6. Focusing on the famed artists drawings, the series highlights the beginnings of one of the 20th century most influential artist. Don't miss out on its final week at one of DC's most overlooked attractions. <br> <a href="http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/picassodrawingsinfo.shtm">Picasso's Drawings, 1890--1921: Reinventing Tradition</a><br> National Gallery of Art<br> 4th Street NW and Constitution Avenue<br><br> 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.<br> all ages<br> free<br> <br> <em>Self-Portrait </em>by Pablo Picasso, 1901/1902

• 4/29: Story League Tournament

  One of D.C.'s premier story telling competitions, Story League is hosting their first tournament this Sunday at the Busboy's and Poets on 14th and V streets NW. The theme, odd jobs, should inspire some lively antecdotes from the contestants vying for the $250 grand prize. <br> <em><a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/234133" target="_hplink">Story League Tournament: "Odd Jobs"</a><br> Busboys and Poets<br> 2021 14th St NW<br> 8 p.m.<br> all ages<br> $12-$15</em>

• 4/29: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

  Yes, this show is sold out because it's Ted Leo and it's DC and people in DC love Ted Leo, but that doesn't mean tickets aren't easy to grab. A quick Craigslist search found two for $22, quite a steal. Leo always delivers an impassioned performance and if you are attending, don't skip the openers. Local duo noon:30 are doing some interesting stuff with just a guitar, laptop and vocals. <em><br> <a href="http://www.blackcatdc.com/shows/ted-leo.html" target="_hplink">Ted Leo and the Pharmacists</a><br> Black Cat<br> 1811 14th St. NW<br> 8 p.m.<br> all ages<br> $15<br> Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonpersse/5554998602/" target="_hplink">Jason Persse</a></em>