National Geographic Live: October 2010

Diving Bahamas Caves by Wes C. Skiles; courtesy National Geographic

It’s fall and the National Geographic Museum has one heavy lineup ready for DC. National Geographic Live! is a series of dynamic lectures, live concerts, and compelling films presented at the Society’s headquarters on M Street between 16th and 17th Streets. We present to you the complete October lineup AND a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of the listed events!

National Geographic has provided us two pairs of tickets to give away; all you need to do for a chance to win our random drawing is comment with what two events you’d most like to see, using your first name and a legitimate email address by noon on Monday, Oct 4. We’ll draw the winners that afternoon!

NOTE: All programs will be at Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free parking is available in the National Geographic underground garage for all programs that begin after 6 p.m.

Courtesy George C. Sheldon Family and National Geographic

Saving the Ghosts of the Forest ($18)
Oct 5, 7:30 pm
Known as the “ghost of the forest,” the tree kangaroo of Papua New Guinea faces extinction as its habitat disappears. Lisa Dabek, director of Tree Kangaroo Conservation and a National Geographic-Waitt grantee, reports on her groundbreaking work researching its behavior and helping local communities create protected areas where the animals can thrive.

The Last Man on the Mountain ($18)
Oct 7, 7:30 pm
Jennifer Jordan’s new book, The Last Man on the Mountain, tells the story of Dudley Wolfe, an American socialite, Who in 1939 attempted to summit K2, only to become its first victim. Follow his fascinating story from the parlors of Boston to Pakistan’s foreboding landscapes, where Jordan discovered his remains in 2002.

Jean Michel Cousteau: My Father, the Captain ($20)
Oct 8, 7:30 pm
Since the age of seven—when he was tossed overboard, scuba gear and all, by his legendary father—Jean-Michel Cousteau has explored the ocean realm. His new National Geographic book, My Father, the Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau, offers an intimate look at the adventure-filled life and legacy Jean-Michel shared with his father.

The Last Speakers ($18)
Oct 12, 7:30 pm
By 2100, half of the 7,000 languages spoken on Earth—many not yet recorded—may disappear. K. David Harrison, Swarthmore linguistics professor and head of National Geographic’s Enduring Voices Project, documents languages verging on extinction in his new National Geographic book The Last Speakers. Join him as he shares reflections by individuals who know that they may be the last people on Earth to speak their languages.

Way Off the Beaten Path ($20)
Oct 14, 7:30 pm
Author of The Orchid Thief and many New Yorker articles, Susan Orlean weaves stories of offbeat characters and unusual adventures—from fertility ceremonies in Bhutan to extreme origami contests in Japan. In a lively conversation with traveler editor Don George, Orlean’s tales will rival the best. A reception precedes the event at 6:30 pm, ID required.

Image by Dave Northcott; courtesy National Geographic

World Animal Day (Free; Geckos exhibit $4-$7)
Oct 16, 10 am – 3 pm
Enjoy this family-friendly celebration of the animal world, including art workshops, photo safaris, storytelling, Mama Mirabelle and Toot & Puddle film screenings—and more! Visit two lively Museum exhibitions, Geckos: From Tails to Toepads and Wild Music: Songs and Sounds of Life.

Extreme Filmmaking ($18)
Oct 19, 7:30 pm
Behind many an expedition lays the challenge of capturing it on film. Award-winning filmmaker Bryan Smith—director of photography for the National Geographic Amazing series—takes us along as he films extreme feats in the Earth’s most challenging environments and shares his adventures from behind the camera.

Music On…Stage: Will Calhoun ($20)
Oct 23, 7:30 pm
A legend in the music world and most recognized as the drummer for the rock band Living Colour, Will Calhoun has earned praise for his fearless explorations of jazz, hip-hop, and world music. The two-time Grammy Award winner’s solo album, Native Lands, was called by All About Jazz, “proof that living in a diversity of musical worlds can create its own focus.” Presented in conjunction with the National Geographic Museum exhibition Wild Music, which will remain open until 7:15 pm that evening.

Image by James P. Blair; courtesy National Geographic

Capturing Beauty ($18)
Oct 26, 7:30 pm
For the new book National Geographic Simply Beautiful Photographs, veteran photographer Annie Griffiths plumbed the Society’s Image Collection to select the finest photographs from its legendary archive. The result is a spellbinding visual journey and Annie’s commentary on what makes an image beautiful.

Diving Bahama’s Caves ($18)
Oct 28, 7:30 pm
Unexplored. Hazardous. The inland flooded caves, or freshwater “blue holes” of the Bahamas are a treasure trove of scientific knowledge—and challenging places to dive. Follow National Geographic Emerging Explorer Kenny Broad on an eye-opening expedition to this amazing underwater world. Bahamas Blue Holes was the cover story in the August 2010 issue of National Geographic.

Emerging Explorers Salon: An Evening With Visionary Thinkers ($20)
Oct 29, 7 pm
Meet four gifted individuals recognized by National Geographic for making a difference early in their careers. This season’s Emerging Explorers Salon, moderated by Benjamin Shaw, executive producer for the weekly radio talk show National Geographic Weekend, features transformative ideas that are influencing the world. Scientist Saleem H. Ali promotes a pragmatic, inclusive form of environmentalism. Mobile technology innovator Ken Banks developed software that enhances the communications ability of people without access to the Internet. Agro-ecologist Jerry Glover uses biodiversity to improve food security. Activist Kakenya Ntaiya, in the face of daunting obstacles, founded the first primary school for girls in Kenya. A reception follows the panel.

On The Jungle Gym With Justin Roberts ($16; $12 for kids 12 and under)
Oct 30, Noon & 3 pm; Costumes encouraged!
Justin Roberts returns to National Geographic, his Not Ready for Naptime Players in tow! Find out why USA Today dubbed this “Kindie-rock” star “the Paul McCartney of kids’ music” as he tours behind his seventh already critically acclaimed album, Jungle Gym. And don’t forget your Halloween costume!

Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.

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49 thoughts on “National Geographic Live: October 2010

  1. So cool — thanks for doing this! I’m in for Way Off the Beaten Path and Diving Bahama’s Caves.

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  3. I’d love to see Danny Clinch speak at the Music On…Photography series in November or Susan Orlean’s Way Off the Beaten Path.

  4. I’d love to check out Diving Bahama’s Caves or Jean Michel Cousteau. Or possibly Last Man of the Mountain – fascinating!

  5. Way Off the Beaten Path and On The Jungle Gym With Justin Roberts

    Those are two awesome events that I would LOVE to attend!

  6. I would really enjoy either the Emerging Explorers Salon and Way Off the Beaten Path events :)

  7. I’m really looking at these two. If I win, then I might just see two other productions. Put this would be very educational for me. Just decided to go into film, and imagery is a big part of what I would like to do.

    Extreme Filmmaking
    Oct 19, 7:30 pm

    Capturing Beauty
    Oct 26, 7:30 pm

  8. Jean Michel Cousteau or Emerging Explorers Salon: An Evening with Visionary Thinkers

    Always an impressive lineup, NGL!

  9. It would be fantastic to see The Last Speakers or Way Off the Beaten Path. Thank you!

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  11. I would adore the chance to see either Emerging Explorers Salon: An Evening With Visionary Thinkers OR Jean Michel Cousteau: My Father, the Captain.

    Thanks for this awesome opportunity!

  12. I’d most like to see Music on Stage: Will Calhoun and Extreme Filmmaking. A good line-up this year!

  13. I would like to see ‘Capturing Beauty’ and the ‘Emerging Explorers Salon’. Thanks!

  14. I would love to see The Last Speakers or Extreme Filmmaking! All of them sound amazing!