Free and Easy Events

This week, the grand opening of Artisphere brings music and dance to Rosslyn, top films from Latin America screen in Columbia Heights and DJ Will Eastman visits the Writer's Center for the latest installment of Story/Stereo.

Monday
Marian Anderson Award: Sasha Cooke
Hear the vocal stylings of the recipient of this year's Marian Anderson Award, which is bestowed every other year on a mid-career singer. Sasha Cooke, a mezzo-sporano who starred as Kitty Oppenheimer in the Metropolitan Opera's rendition of "Doctor Atomic," will be accompanied by classical guitarist Jason Vieaux.

Tuesday
D.C. Latin American Film Showcase
Running daily through Oct. 11, this series highlights the top offerings from Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

Wednesday
"Nuremberg: Its Lesson for Today"
A restored print of the war department's 1948 film details how prosecutors from the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and France built a case against Nazi leaders during the Nuremberg tribunals.

Thursday
Kendall Messick Book Release and Signing Party
The photographer and filmmaker will be on hand to discuss his book "The Projectionist." If his name rings a bell, it may be because of his 2008 exhibit at Hemphill, which consisted of photos of Gordon Brinckle, a man who built an old-time movie theater in his basement.

Friday
Story/Stereo
The latest installment of the Writer's Center consistently excellent series features readings from authors Jenny Browne and Jessica Handler and music from noted local DJ Will Eastman.

Saturday
Fairfax Fall Festival
Gourmet food vendors, artisans and entertainers help celebrate the arrival of fall in Fairfax, with the city's 34th annual autumn festival. There's a classic car show for the big kids and amusement rides for the little ones.

Sunday
Artisphere opening
Rosslyn's brand new arts center holds an all-day open house with performances by local Afrofunk band Chopteeth, Ibis Chamber Ensemble, Bowen McCauley Dance and many more.

-- Alex Baldinger, David Malitz and Stephanie Merry