This week, Northern Virginia Magazine editors are looking forward to an ’80s concert at The Birchmere, a four-day book festival, Sushi Fest at the Wegmans in Fairfax, college football, a belated birthday dinner and a trip to Houston.
By Eliza Berkon, Winn Duvall, Stefanie Gans, Rachael Keeney and Lynn Norusis
An ’80s Masterpiece Revisited in Alexandria
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
In My Tribe was one of two albums (the other being Suzanne Vega’s self-titled 1985 release) that played a seminal role in my development. I credit my older sister—who closely resembled Natalie Merchant in the late ’80s—for introducing me to 10,000 Maniacs, a band whose strength is built on a powerful combination of musicianship, poetry and that bit of magic that makes a band truly remarkable. There are tracks on In My Tribe meant for pure enjoyment and others with incredible emotional depth, notably “Verdi Cries,” an ode to loneliness and loss. These 11 songs have been my touchstone through teenage angst, lengthy road trips, the stress of college finals, listless Sunday mornings, impending magazine deadlines—basically any time I’ve needed some time to reflect. This Friday, the band is coming to the Birchmere with a concert to salute the 30th anniversary of the album, no doubt as treasured by others in the audience as it always will be to me. –EB // The Birchmere Music Hall: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Fall for a Week of Literature
Every year I swear I am going to make it to Fall for the Book. But every year I’m stymied by my work schedule and getting the latest issue out to the printer. This year, however, I have a bit of leeway. While I won’t be able to make it to Colson Whitehead’s talk Wednesday night, I will be able to take in the events later in the week. At the top of my list, at least for Thursday’s schedule, are The Sociopath Next Door, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m.; Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.; and storytelling at The Auld Shebeen with Better Said Than Done at 7 p.m. Events run from Oct. 11-14. –LN // George Mason University, Fairfax Campus: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
Sushi Fest
Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Wegmans in Fairfax turns into a Japanese fish market with raw fish displayed on ice tables, plus sushi-cutting demos (including bluefin tuna), shabu-shabu and ramen stations, snacks (Hello Panda cookies, Pocky), tea and sake. There’s also a group version of rock-paper-scissors. –SG // Wegmans: 11620 Monument Drive, Fairfax
Mizzou versus Georgia
Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
UGA is a 30-point favorite, but I will still be in the stands in Athens, Georgia, this weekend wearing my black and gold and cheering on the Missouri Tigers. Hopefully being surrounded by some of my best friends from college will help soften the blow of a (probable) fifth straight loss for my favorite team.
Houlihan’s and Houston
While I’m super excited for my trip to Houston this weekend, I am far less excited for how much work I have to get done prior to my departure. To break up the whirlwind that will undoubtedly be this week, I’m looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat at Herndon’s Houlihan’s Restaurant & Bar for my roommate’s belated birthday dinner. –RK // 2200 Centreville Road, Herndon
