Top 5 Weekend Picks February 1

Every week Connect2Mason will offer five entertainment picks for your weekend. Ranging from on-campus to off-campus events, Connect2Mason's Top 5 will give you a jump start on your weekend. Here are the Top 5 picks for this weekend:

1. Kishi Bashi
When: Sunday, Feb. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: 9:30 club Washington D.C.
Cost: $20 plus service charge
This Virginia Beach area-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter quickly became a favorite of music critics when he appeared on the scene at the 2012 South by Southwest music festival. With his EP “Room for Dreams”, Kishi Bashi’s single “Bright Whites” was highlighted as one of the best songs of the year by NPR Music. Featured now in a Windows 8 commercial, Kishi Bashi is soon becoming one of the biggest names to watch in the music industry. If the Superbowl this Sunday isn’t your thing, but music is go see Kishi Bashi instead this Sunday.

2. China National Symphony Orchestra
When: Saturday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m.
Where: GMU’s Center for the Arts
Cost: Free with Mason ID at the Center for the Arts box office
Performing an orchestral piece from China, the China National Symphony Orchestra is credited with showcasing its impressive artistry and instrumentalism. The program includes a piece by composer Guan Xia’s “Requiem for the Earth” which was written to remember the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. The program includes   violinist Xi Chen who will be performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, a piece that is part of the most difficult repertoire for violinist. You only think classical music is boring until you hear this piece. Take advantage of seeing a world renowned orchestra for free with your Mason Student ID.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 6:00 p.m. 
Where: Johnson Center Cinema
Cost: Free with Mason ID
Adapted from the novel of the same name, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” follows protagonist Charlie as he navigates the waters of high school. Throughout the film, he writes to an unknown companion simply signing “Charlie” at the end of his letters. Directed and written by the novel’s original author, Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is the one movie you should have seen in 2012. Featuring Harry Potter star Emma Watson, “The Perks of Being  a Wallfower” will make you both laugh and cry. If you didn’t see this movie in 2012, now is your chance.

4. Superbowl
When: Sunday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: CBS TV channel
Cost: You decide
Whether you watch the Superbowl for the game or the commercials, grab some friends  and take part in this all-American TV viewing party. Order some pizza and take it easy. Regardless of how you spend it, take some time away from the homework you’ll probably spend all day catching up on and watch the biggest game on television. 

5. Paco Pena
When: Friday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m.
Where: GMU’s Center for the Arts
Cost: Free with Mason ID
Indulge in the fine art of dance and music with famed flamenco guitarist Paco Pena. On tour with his troupe of dancers and musicians, take a cultural plunge into Spanish music and dance. Flamenco focuses on the emotions from the dancers, rather than on telling a story. With the bright colors and emotions, your weekend will start off on the right foot with this performance at the Center for the Arts.