Top 5 weekend picks October 11

Koji performing at last year's Harvest Folk Festival which was able to raise over eight hundred dollars for Invisible Children's efforts (Photo by Dakota Cunningham).

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. Harvest Folk Festival featuring Koji
   When: Thursday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
   Where: Johnson Center Bistro
   The fourth annual Harvest Folk Festival will be the place to be on Thursday night. Sponsored by the Invisible Children chapter at George Mason and the Resident Student Association, the Harvest Folk Festival raises awareness and funds to end the ongoing violence in Central Africa caused by the rebel group the Lord’s Resistance Army. Last year, the organization was able to raise over eight hundred dollars to build rehabilitation centers for former child soldiers. 
   
   The festival is a free event, but donations will be accepted at the door. With every donation, attendees are entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes. Members from Invisible Children will be present, along with a member who has been affected by LRA violence.
   
   Pennsylvania folk artist, Koji, will be the featured performer. He is only doing a few shows in the area leading up to his full-length album due out in February. Having just finished touring with Warped Tour, Koji will not disappoint. He will be joined by local artist Alex Culbreth and Jaret Romano, a student at George Mason.
   
   
   
    
2. George Mason University Symphony Orchestra “Oktoberfest”
   When: Sunday, October 14 at 4 p.m.
   Where: Harris Theater
   To celebrate the annual German fall festival, the George Mason University Symphony Orchestra will be performing works from Germany’s most notable composers. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 will be performed including a performance of Franz Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1.
   
   Many think classical music is boring; don’t be fooled. Even in Beethoven’s first symphony, you won’t be falling asleep. Beethoven’s first symphony was written when the composer was just 29 years old, and is part of the composer’s total of nine four part symphonies.
   
   While the opening movement of the first symphony does not spark as much fire as Beethoven’s notable ninth symphony, the piece still has power. For those that aren’t quite familiar with Beethoven’s work outside of his famous ones, here is an opportunity to knowledge up on some great music.
   
   Free student tickets are available at the Center for the Arts box office.
   
   
   
    
3. The Goddess Diaries
   When: Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m.
   Where: Harris Theater
   Consisting of eight short personal narratives, “The Goddess Diaries” focuses on key milestones in the lives of girls and women between the ages of 11 and 66. The vignettes chronicle women’s lives as they go to a gynecologist, to surviving a bridal registry, and become victims to personal violence. The narratives will be intertwined with dance and music performances to express a woman’s journey through a variety of mediums.
   
   Similar to Eve Ensler’s famous “Vagina Monologues,” the set of monologues was created by a non-profit production company created by local playwright Carol Campbell. All proceeds to the event go support GMU Victims of Violence Fund.
   
   Tickets can be purchased at the Center for the Arts box office. Student tickets are being sold for five dollars.
    
4. Mason Madness
   When: Friday, October 12 at 9 p.m.
   Where: Patriot Center
   A tradition at George Mason University, Mason Madness  Family Weekend with a kic to this year’s basketball season. Introducing the members of the men and women’s basketball teams, Mason Madness is an all out pep rally to get the Mason population excited about the new season. Featuring performances by the Green Machine and Urbaknowlogy, you will not want to miss out on this.
   
    The event is free to those who are attending Family Weekend and students with a valid student ID.
    
5. Bill Burke CD Release Party and Naila Parveen Art Show
   When: Friday, October 12 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
   Where: Epicure Café
   Eight-stringed guitarist Bill Burke will be releasing his newest album at Epicure Café off of Lee Highway. Artist Naila Parveen will also be showcasing her work. Hailing from Centreville, Va Parveen’s work ranges from landscapes to portraits. You can see some of her artwork through her Etsy store. Come for a night of music, art and good food for your Friday evening.