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. Mardi Gras Carnivale
When: Friday, Feb. 8 at 9 p.m.
Where: The Black Cat
Price: $12

No need to take a trip to New Orleans to enjoy this cultural holiday. Featuring three musical acts from the D.C. area, the Black Cat is the place to start of any of your Mardi Gras celebrations. Featuring sideshows, a burlesque show and “general mayhem,” this year's Mardi Gras festivities can be found in Washington, D.C.

2. Mark Morris Dance Group
When: Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb 9. at 8 p.m.
Where: George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Price: Free with a Mason student ID

George Mason University’s Center for the Arts will be hosting two special performances by the Mark Morris Dance group. Featuring two Mason alumni, this dance group is a unique opportunity for fans of both dance and music. What makes this dance group unique is the use of live vocalists and instrumentalists that make each performance night a special one. Based out of New York City, the Mark Morris Dance Group incorporates works of both modern and classical music into their modern dance performances. Go yourself or bring your friends; this critically acclaimed dance group is a must see!
 

3. Taco Nation/Planet Taco: How Mexican American Food Conquered the World
When: Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.
Price: Free

Get a glimpse into the cultural relevance of Mexican food in the United States at this discussion and event. The discussion will focus on how Mexican food and culture has been influential to American cuisine. The event will include a look at the roots of Mexican food from indigenous groups from Mesopotamia. The event will be hosted by Jeffrey Pilcher, author of "Planet Taco: A Global History of Mexican Food," syndicated columnist Gustavo Arellano, author of "Taco Usa: How Mexican Food Conquered America" and Smithsonian curator Rayna Green. Learn more about the food you eat by attending this free discussion and cultural experience at the National Museum of American History. 

4. In Unision
When: Now until March 6
Where: Mason Hall Atrium
Price: Free

Featuring the work of over 21 Washington, D.C.-based artists, In Unison is a series of monoprints that were created using a variety of media. The focus of the monoprints is to showcase a collaborative effort by artists to further contemporary art. All the prints featured in the exhibit were created in the Mason School of Art’s print studio and are on display from now until March 6.  

5. Film screening of The Loving Story
When: Sunday, Feb. 10 from 3-5p.m.
Where: George Mason University Prince William campus’s Verizon Auditorium
Price: Free

Focusing on the landmark 1967 Supreme Court case Loving vs. Virginia, the HBO produced documentary “The Loving Story,” centers on legalized interracial marriage in the United States. Chronicling the emotional turmoil experienced by the individuals involved, this screening showcases a monumental moment in history. In a time when marriage equality is being questioned, this film focuses on the issue of marriage equality today and in our past. A light reception follows this event and a follow-up Q&A.