Top 5 Weekend Picks March 28

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. National Cherry Blossom Festival
   When: Now until April 14
   ^{Where: Washington D.C.
   Price: Free, minus the cost of Metro}
   
   If you’ve never taken a trip into Washington D.C. to see the blossoming of Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms, here’s your chance. In 1912, over 3,000 cherry blossom trees were given to the United States as a token of friendship from Japan. As such, each March and April the blossoming of the cherry blossoms heralds the nation’s capital into the spring season. With a variety of events focusing on Japanese culture, usher in spring by taking in this D.C. springtime tradition.

2. Holi Moli
When: Saturday, March 30 from 12p.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Field in front of Lot H behind Finley, Mason’s Fairfax Campus
Price: Free

Spring might be taking its sweet old time, but this Hindu celebration of colors will get you into the springtime mood. Celebrating the triumphs of good versus evil, this ushers in the coming of spring with a punch of color. Sponsored by Mason’s Student Government and Indian Student Association, this festival is celebrating by throwing powered paint at one another for some colorful, messy fun. Everything will be provided at the event, but make sure to wear white to ensure that you’ll be fully colored.

3. Passaggio
When:  March 28, 29, 30 and April 4, 5, 6 at 8 p.m.;March 30 and April 6, 7 at 2 p.m.
Where: Harris Theater
Price: One free student ticket while available, afterward tickets are $10 with a Mason ID.

Written by Mason student Michael Patrick Smith, “Passaggio” is comes to Mason as a world premiere.  “Passaggio” centers around a small Italian town during the annual festival of the Madonna. However, among the celebrations, the secret lives and hidden affairs of the community intersect with the opera-loving mayor’s beliefs. Performed by Mason students, this is a do-not miss event for your weekend.

4. Caitlin Rose CD Release
When: Friday, March 29 at 8 p.m.
Where: Fairfax’s Jammin’ Java
Price: $12

Growing up in Nashville, this singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose’s music takes you on a musical journey. Through music, Rose interweaves melody and lyrics with storytelling to provide a unique listening experience. Rose’s music is perfect to accompany springtime activities as she uses songwriting to paint a picture for her listening audience. If you’re looking for some music inspiration and discovery, be sure to check out Caitlin Rose.

5. Live @ the Ridge: Pride Week Edition
When: Thursday, March 28 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Ridge (Between Blueridge and Sandbridge residential buildings)
Price: Free

Get a jump start on celebrating LGBTQ culture with this kick-off event to Mason’s Pride Week running from April 1-7. Hear the work of Mason students and LGBTQ identifiers in this Pride Week open-mic night themed event. Refreshments will be provided along with the showcase of talent from poetry to song.