The eclectic new arts space celebrates with (mostly) free performances
Whether you’re into Afro-Funk Big Band, balloon art, dance, salsa, skateboarding, opera, puppets or Shakespeare you are bound to find lots to like this weekend at the (mostly) free performances to celebrate the opening of Rosslyn’s new arts space, Artisphere.
Housed in what was formerly the Newseum (since moved to downtown DC) the 62,000 sq ft arts destination site is home to three theatres, three galleries, a ballroom, an outdoor terrace and “lots of nooks and crannies, all used to showcase an eclectic mix of thought-provoking, weird and wonderful arts activities” according to its promoters. There is also a Wi-Fi Town Square with a two story video wall, a café and a retail store where you can buy the works of Virginia artisans.
After the opening weekend, Artisphere plans to be open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day.
Here’s the schedule for this weekend:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 at 8 pm
KICKOFF BASH by PINK LINE PROJECT and BRIGHTEST YOUNG THINGS
Tickets $20 — Free parking
Order tickets online
Artisphere’s second opening will be hosted by arts impresario Phillipa Hughes’ Pink Line Project and Bright Young Things, who are coming together to celebrate the launch. The amazing lineup includes Baltimore’s Deep Sugar DJs (with Ultra Nate); DC’s own Soul Controllers DJs; A very special Best Of Edition of “Family Hemerlein” featuring some of their favorite music and comedy performances from the last year; video and perfornance artist from Japan Mamoru Iriguchi; a balloon artist explosion lead by Katie Balloons and Addi; opening of the Terrace Gallery’s Skateboarding Side Effects; interactive photo wall — and much more!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 10 am – 11 pm
OFFICIAL OPENING DAY, FREE ALL DAY
Preview of Chopteeth AfroFunk Big Band
9 pm: CHOPTEETH (Afro-Funk) in the 3,000 sq. ft. Ballroom
Ibis Chamber Ensemble, Bowen McCauley Dance, Sonic Circuits BLK w/ Bear, Sans Facon Video Installation, Joe Falero & the DC Latin Jazz All-Stars, Tunde Jegede Trio, Mamoru Iriguchi, UrbanArias, Memphis Gold.
SKATEBOARDING SIDE EFFECTS in the Terrace Gallery. The motion of skateboarding captured by artists who skateboard. The exhibition will continue through November 28, 2010.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 11 am – 11 pm
OPEN HOUSE, FREE ALL DAY
Bowen McCauley Dance, Mary Ann Redmond, Washington Shakespeare Company, The Grandsons, Tunde Jegede Trio, Mamoru Iriguchi, Salsa Deconstructed (Lecture Demonstration with Eileen Torres & La Excelencia).
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, at 7:30 pm
WEEKLY SALSA NIGHTS begin in the Ballroom with LA EXCELENCIA, NY City’s hottest Salsa Band.
Tickets $20, $15 for students with a valid ID (student tickets only at the door)
Tickets from Ticketmaster or get them at the door
With its 3,000 square foot bamboo dance floor and a mixture of both regional and national bands, the new Ballroom at Artisphere is sure to become a favorite among local dancers. Salsa Tuesdays feature a rotating roster of regional favorites (Sin Miedo, Orquesta La Romana, Bio Ritmo, Verny Varela, Rumba Club) as well as visiting bands such as the New Swing Sextet.
Details:
ARTISPHERE
1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro
Free Parking in the building garage (entrance at 1101 Wilson Blvd.) evenings after 6 pm and weekends.
