The Washington Times

GET OUT: The Week’s Pocket Picks by Samantha Sault

May 17, 2013

Pick of the Pack: : 138th Preakness Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Orb got settled in Baltimore this week in advance of the Preakness Stakes, and according to reports, he’s in good shape and a favorite to win the second race in the Triple Crown series. Will he be able to again beat Oxbow and Will Take Charge, his Kentucky Derby challengers whose trainer is a five-time Preakness winner? Head to the Pimlico Race Course this weekend to place your bets. The 138th Preakness Stakes kicks off on Friday with Black-Eyed Susan Day, named for the Maryland state flower, featuring races and performances by the Goo Goo Dolls and others to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Saturday brings a full day of races and musical performances, concluding with the exciting title race featuring the fastest horses in the world. Don’t forget to try the delectable tastes of Maryland, including crab cakes, pit beef and the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. Friday and Saturday at Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. 410/542-9400. Web: preakness.com

Exhibit: Mr. TIME: Portraits by Boris Chaliapin

These days, tabloid sales are fueled by persistent paparazzi and their photos of the Kardashians of the world in compromising situations. If shots of models without makeup don’t entice you to buy a magazine, you may be more interested in the iconic celebrity portraits by the late Boris Chaliapin, who created 413 covers for Time magazine from 1942 to 1970. On Friday, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will open an exhibit featuring his portraits, including renderings of Julia Child, Marilyn Monroe, Olivia de Havilland, Harry Truman and Muhammad Ali, as well as a rare self-portrait, in a variety of mediums including graphite, watercolor and oil paint on canvas. Chaliapin’s works are sure to be a stark contrast from the magazine covers of today, as National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet said his philosophy was to create “impressions of his cover subjects rather than portray them in minute detail.” Through Jan. 5 at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Eighth & F streets Northwest. 202/633-1000. Web: npg.si.edu.

Festival: Dragon Boat Festival

According to ancient Chinese legend, in 2300 B.C. the poet Qu Yuan committed suicide in the Mei Lo River to protest the corruption during the Warring States Period of the Zhou Dynasty. When local fisherman saw the great poet sinking in the water, they quickly maneuvered over to him in their boats and threw packets of rice into the water to keep the fish away. Though the celebration has somewhat macabre roots, the poet’s sacrifice for the greater good of China continues to be honored today with colorful dragon boat festivals worldwide. This weekend, Thompson Boat Center on the Potomac River will be the home of the 12th Washington, D.C. Dragon Boat Festival, featuring traditional ceremonies, arts and crafts and, of course, dragon boat races with over 1,500 paddlers competing. The festival opens Saturday with the eye-dotting ceremony to awaken the sleeping dragons, a lion dance to ward off evil spirits and more. Saturday and Sunday at Thompson Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave. NW. Web: dragonboatdc.com.

Lecture: Khaled Hosseini

In 2003, Afghan-born author Khaled Hosseini stunned the world with his novel “The Kite Runner,” a heart-wrenching story about two young boys and what happens to them during the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Five years later, he did it again with “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” told through the eyes of two women. Mr. Hosseini, who moved to the United States at age 15 when his family sought political asylum in 1980, has sold more than 38 million copies of his books, which continue to resonate with readers. On Thursday, the author will be in town to discuss his new novel, “And the Mountains Echoed,” the saga of one family’s love, loss and sacrifice over the generations from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to Greece. NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell will lead the discussion, and your ticket includes a copy of the newly released book. Thursday at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202/408-3100. Web: sixthandi.org.

Fundraiser: Ryan Zimmerman’s Night at the Park

There’s a lot of debate among sports fans over whether or not the Washington Nationals have a shot at the World Series trophy this year after their unbelievable season last year. Whether or not you’re a Nats fan, however, there’s no debate over the worthiness of an evening at the ballpark for a good cause. On Thursday, the team’s star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will host the fourth annual Night at the Park to benefit the ziMS Foundation, which the athlete started to fund research and treatment for multiple sclerosis after his mother was diagnosed with the disease. The highlight of the evening is an intimate concert behind home plate featuring Third Eye Blind, the ‘90s alternative rock band known for hits like “Semi-Charmed Life,” “How’s It Going to Be” and “Graduate.” The event also includes silent and live auctions, and if you spring for a VIP ticket, an open bar and gourmet dinner. Thursday at Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SW. Web: anightatthepark.com

© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC and Samantha Sault