DC experienced a dynamic, rising conductor at the Strathmore on Thursday night.

The Orquestra de Sao Paulo, conducted by Kazem Abdullah, delivered a stunning performance of classical music infused with Brazilian flavor last night in Bethesda. 

Not only was the music captivating, it also conjured mental images of epic movie scenes — from the escape through the Swiss Alps after a bank heist, to a dramatic chase sequence in a Scorsese film.  The only thing more impressive than the vivid music was the conductor himself.   The 29-year-old Abdullah was exacting at culling the perfect sound and notes from each instrument and player.  The most seasoned classical music conductor would have been impressed by Kazem’s command of the baton. 

That Abdullah (like us) most likely grew up watching MTV makes his presence at center-stage even more amazing.   DC on a Dime has not seen a conductor so young, accomplished, and inspiring as this one.  It appears that the era of change extends beyond politics, to now include classical music.

Upcoming Performances.  The symphony was only in town for one night, so those who didn’t see it really missed a treat.  But, if you’re up for classical road trippin’ we suggest you check out Abdullah and the Sao Paulo Orchestra in Pennsylvania or New Jersey:

10/23/2009 7:30:00 PM

Eisenhower Auditorium

University Park, PA

GET TICKETS

10/24/2009 8:00:00 PM

State Theatre Regional Arts Center at New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

GET TICKETS

Generation O Program Provides Subsidized Tickets.

If you think opera is not your thing – or tickets a little too pricey - think again.  The Washington National Opera has flung its doors open to the younger set.  The free Generation O program offers discount tickets to students and young professionals age 18-35, for season events and performances.  You must first sign-up for the Generation O program here, in order to receive program benefits. 

Check out the Washington National Opera website for details on upcoming events and performances.  You can also check out the Generation O Facebook page.

Calling all people from Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, the Virgin Islands, and everywhere in between – the annual DC Caribbean Carnival is happening this weekend. 

Hands-down one of the most fun events of the year, DC on a Dime looks forward to it each and every year, even the year organizers moved the parade from Georgia Ave. to Pennsylvania Ave., which was  ill-conceived, but fun no less. 

Of course, you don’t have to hail from the islands to enjoy Carnival.  (I’m from Ohio, but one of my best friends is a Trini).  It has it all:  authentic Carribbean food, live music, colorful costumes, and random acts of craziness!  What’s not to like?

The festivities begin at 11 am, on June 27, with the parade along Georgia Ave. from Missouri Ave. to Barry Place. 

Following the parade, there will be an outdoor festival at Banneker Recreation Park (across from Howard University), also on Georgia Ave.  There you will find all your Caribbean food favorites:  ackee and saltfish, meat patties, jerk everything, roti, and much more. 

Visit the Caribbean Carnival website for additional details, then grab a friend and head to Carnival, DC style.

Wanna get down and dirty NOLA style?  No need to book a flight, just catch the metro down to the mall this weekend and enjoy the sounds of New Orleans (thanks to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival). 

On Friday, June 12, at 7:30 pm, the Nation’s Capitol will be treated to the soulful sounds of the Terence Blanchard Quintet.  Then on Saturday the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Don Vappie & the Creole Serenaders will keep the party going.   And on Sunday get your dancing shoes ready for some zydeco. 

Getting there:  take the Metro to the Smithsonian stop on the Blue/Orange lines, exit at Independence Avenue and proceed east.  Festivities will take place at Sylvan Theater, Washington Monument grounds, southeast corner.

Admission:  FREE

Wednesday, April 15, 5-8 p.m.

To kick off the celebration, the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra will take over the Take Five! stage and prove that a great love of jazz knows no age limit. Members of the orchestra range from eleven to seventeen years old!

Thursday, April 16, 5-8 p.m.

Bemcha is a high-energy Latin jazz ensemble that combines many different styles, including salsa, chacha, bossa, samba, mambo, rumba, tango, and bolero.

Friday, April 17, 5-8 p.m.

A fixture in D.C.s jazz scene, the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra is a twelvepiece big band that will surely bring down the house even as it draws the 2009 JAM Fest to a triumphant close!