BARBER'S BEST BETS: Rise of the "New Moon"

In clubs and in concert

» Before checking out the shows at the major commercial venues, take note of this: The Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra will present a Celebration of American Music in honor of the military on Saturday.

A complimentary reception will take place after the concert, with Brass Lite performing during the reception. A pre-concert event begins at 7 p.m. and the concert commences at 8 p.m. The musical
celebration takes place at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 5640 Hoadly Road in Manassas. For more information, visit www.obco.org.

» The Birchmere welcomes the blues and rock sounds of Delbert McClinton tonight, comedian Kate Clinton on Friday and the Del McCoury Band on Saturday. Former L.T.D. front man Jeffrey Osborne
headlines on Sunday.

» Blues Alley in Georgetown offers three nights of shows by soul/jazz vocalist Angela Winbush, starting Friday.

» Constitution Hall presents a rare touring appearance by Steely Dan, as they perform all the songs on two of their most popular albums. They’ll cover the Asia LP on Sunday and The Royal Scam on
Monday.

And just before his new movie, “Old Dogs,” opens, Robin Williams turns loose his imagination and vivid vocabulary at the Hall on Friday and Saturday.

» The DC Improv comedy club presents comic Bob Marley from tonight through Sunday.

» The Music Center at Strathmore Hall moves with the groove of “Ballroom with a Twist.” Dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars” team up with singers from “American
Idol” for two nights of dazzling steps and soaring vocals Friday and Saturday.

On stage

As we move into the holiday season, a number of shows begin hitting the area boards.

» Metro Stage in Alexandria welcomes back the one-woman show, “Pearl Bailey . . .By Request.”

This musical biography of the legendary singer, actress and good will ambassador opens Friday and runs through Dec. 20.

» Arena Stage presents the word’s longest running musical at the Lincoln Theatre on “U” Street in the District. “The Fantasticks” begins a rare DC-area run, starting Friday. It continues through Jan. 10.

» British and Nigerian actor/singer Tayo Aluko was already an adult when he found out about the career and tumultuous life of actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson. His one-man show about the
talented and troubled performer, “Call Me Mr. Robeson,” opens tonight at the DC Arts Center. The show runs through Nov. 29. Information on tickets and more can be obtained at www.dcartscenter.org.

On the big screen

Opening Friday:

» “The Blind Side” is based on the true story of Michael Orr, a homeless, often silent black youth in Memphis who becomes a part of a well-to-do family, headed by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.

The young man’s personality and athletic skills blossom as he and his adopted family grow closer, but challenges loom.

» “Twilight: New Moon” is the second screen adaptation of the wildly popular series of novels about the love affair between a teen aged girl (Kristin Stewart) and a “teen” vampire (Robert Pattinson). New
challenges, including a friend with a crush and a big secret, threaten the couple’s future.

For the small screen

On DVD this week:

» J.J. Abrams re-energized the static “Star Trek” franchise with a bold and entertaining film that took the decades-old saga in some new directions.

Now available on home video, this clever re-launch tinkers with the established histories of the familiar characters and, in nearly every case, got things right.

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban give us new versions of the Trek Trinity — Kirk, Spock and McCoy — that echo elements of the original actors while taking the characters in fresh directions.

Whether you’re a Trekkie or just a fan of well made adventure films, this one should find a place in your collection. The film is available in high definition and Blu-ray formats. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for
some intense action sequences and brief sensuality. Joe’s Rating: Four (****) Stars. Enjoy!

Joe Barber is contributing entertainment writer for the News & Messenger and can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM.