Top 5 weekend picks January 24

Every week Connect2Mason will offer five entertainment picks for your weekend and week ahead. 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. Live @ the Ridge
When: Thursday, Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Ridge (located between Sandbridge and Blue Ridge residential buildings)
What: The Rappahannock Neighborhood kicks of its new monthly open-mic series called Live @ the Ridge. Open to all Mason students, the open-mic night will serve as a way for students to hear and see the talents of their peers. The Ridge opened in November 2012 as a student lounge and study space. Events hosted by the Office of Housing and Residents Life will continue to be held in this space for free.

2. Gideon Grove “Wildfires” record release show
When: Friday, Jan. 25 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Jammin’ Java
What: Washington D.C. native Gideon Grove will be performing at Farifax’s Jammin’ Java as part of a record release show. Trained classically in viola, Grove soon moved to playing guitar and writing his own original music. His album, “Wildfires” was released in November 2012 and reached #13 on the iTunes singer-songwriter album charts.
 

Grove calls himself as “heart-ripping folk” and his music will surely comfort you in the bitter cold of winter. If you’re a fan of Mat Kearney, NeedtoBreathe, Gavin DeGraw then you will surely fall in love with Gideon Grove.

Opening for Grove are singer-songwriters Andy Zipf and Bobbie Allen.  For a great night of pop-folk music, Jammin’ Java will be the place for you on Friday night.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance for general admission and VIP for 10 dollars. General admission and VIP tickets on the day of the show will be sold for 15 dollars.

3. Argo
When: Sat.January 26 at 6 and 9 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. ,Thursday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at 6 and 9 p.m., and  Saturday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.
Where: Johnson Center Cinema
What: “Argo” focuses on the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and is Ben Affleck’s third movie he has directed.Based on true events, Affleck plays C.I.A. agent Tony Mendez who is put in charge of rescuing six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran following the hostage crisis. “Argo” focuses on the collaboration between the C.I.A. and Hollywood creating a fake sci-fi film to provide a cover for the diplomats to safely escape Iran.

Intensely riveting, “Argo” will have you on the edge of your seat, even though you know the ending. Since its release, the film has received critical acclaim worldwide and recently received two Golden Globes awards for Best Picture in Drama and Best Director for Affleck.

Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Program Board, admission is free for students with a Mason student ID.

4. Draw(n) Out art exhibition
When: Now until Feb. 15
Where: Fine Art Gallery, GMU Fairfax Campus
What: Featuring nine artists, Draw(n) Out focuses on the work of artists that utilize drawing to “explore physical manifestations  and psychological  perceptions  of time.” Trying to captivate different approaches to the medium of drawing, the exhibit tries to examine themes of process, evolution, decay and change.” On display in the Fine Art Gallery until February 15, the exhibit is open to the community for free. Take some time while you have it to explore the medium of drawing.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6-8 p.m.

5. Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
When: Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Where: Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, Va.

What: Over 250 artisans and crafters will be present at the 2013 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this year.Featuring works of pottery, sculpture, class, jewelry, fashion, home décor, photography, and more, this event will warm every crafters heart. The event includes free gourmet food samples, live music and artist demonstrations. Admission for the festival is $10 and begins Friday, January 25 and ends Sunday, January 27.