By Christopher Penrith
There are a variety of shows that are going on at local venues throughout Northern Virginia. From bluegrass to folk, rock to classical music and concerts to plays, there are plenty of shows to see. Here are five shows that are worth checking out this weekend.
1. State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico
George Mason Center for the Performing Arts
If you’re interested in classical music with a Spanish flair, this is the event for you. This 40-year-old orchestra often performs music from well-known Spanish composers such as Enrique Granados. Their ensemble often includes works from European, Mexican and Spanish composers. Some examples include Verdi and Rossini, Manuel De Falla, Beethoven and Brahms.
2. Special Consensus
Frying Pan Park
If you are looking to listen to bluegrass, head on down to Frying Pan Park. Special Consensus, formed in 1975, is a bluegrass band that plays a variety of music from traditional songs to original compositions to bluegrass takes on other genres.
3. “The Turn of the Screw”
Creative Cauldron and Arts Space, Falls Church
A musical take on a classic novella, the world premiere musical by Stephen Gregory and Matt Connor will start showing on January 30. Based off the classic novella by Henry James about a governess who discovers dark secrets in her place of residence, the play is sure to be filled with music, plenty of scares and plenty of fun. It is the first installment in Creative Cauldron’s five-year Bold New Works for Intimate Stages project.
4. San Fermin with invoke String Quartet and Casey Daniel
Wolf Trap
Hear a variety of musical genres blended together with indie groups San Fermin, White Hinterland and invoke String Quartet. San Fermin was named after the festival in Pamplona. They feature music that explores various themes of youth and unrequited love. They will be performing with singer/songwriter Casey Daniel who goes by White Hinterland and whose songs feature blues and piano numbers. The invoke String Quartet’s music blends a mixture of pop, rock and folk with the use of banjos, mandolins and dulcimer as well as more traditional string instruments.
5. John Eaton
McLean Community Center
Learn about jazz while listening to one of the more famous jazz composers around. John Eaton, jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist, runs a continuing-education program, Jazz Masters, at the Alden. The performance features an educational lesson on “The Great American Song Book,” commentary and renditions of popular and obscure jazz music.
