Lost in the music
courtesy of quinn.anya

It’s fall in DC and another month of great National Geographic Live programming. If you’re looking for something to do in the evenings, we highly suggest you check out some of this month’s offerings. And to provide further incentive, we are providing two lucky readers with a pair of tickets to an event of their choice this coming month!

To enter the drawing, simply comment below using your first name and a legit email address, listing the two events from the following program list you’d like to attend. (Note that there is one event not eligible and we’ve noted it for you.) Sometime after noon on Tuesday (October 9) we’ll randomly select two winners to receive a pair of tickets (each) to one of their selections. You’ve got until noon on Tuesday to enter!

(For ticket information, visit online or call the box office at (800) 647-5463.)

eclipse flower
courtesy of philliefan99

BLUE HOLES & DARK ENERGY: MAPPING THE UNKNOWN ($20)
Oct. 10, 7pm

Be a part of the excitement as two leading scientists discuss the adventure of exploring unknown realms. Adam Riess received last year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the accelerating expansion of the universe, a phenomenon widely attributed to dark energy. Kenny Broad, National Geographic’s Explorer of the Year in 2011, dives into a perilous submerged cave system known as the Blue Holes of the Bahamas in search of clues to evolution and climate change. In conversation with Senior Executive Producer of National Geographic Specials John Bredar, they will discuss how their explorations are providing clarity both on our origins and on the future of the cosmos. A reception follows.

AN EVENING WITH RUMI: PERSIAN MYSTICAL POETRY AND MUSIC ($30)
Oct. 19, 7:30 pm

Rumi contributed to the development of Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition symbolized by whirling dervishes, through his passionate and profound poetry infused with the divine. Fatemeh Keshavarz, Rumi scholar and Director of the Roshan Institute Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, will read from his work, accompanied by music performed by Hossein Omoumi, a master of the ney, an end-blown flute; vocalist Jessika Kenny; and musicians Amir Koushkani and Hamin Honari.

SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION at Fifty ($20)
Oct 24, 7:30 pm

Human exploration of our solar system with a panel of leading NASA scientists. In 1962, the Mariner probe reached Venus, offering an unprecedented view of the planet known as the Evening Star. A half-century later planetary exploration compels us more than ever. Panelists include Kevin Hand, a Nat Geo Emerging Explorer who is searching for water on Jupiter’s moon Europa, Bethany Ehlmann, who analyses Mars’ mineralogy using remote sensing, Margaret Kivelson, who has researched the magnetic signatures of Jupiter’s moons, and Ed Stone, former director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

ARABIAN SIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL (not eligible for drawing)
Oct. 26-28, Nov. 2-4
Tickets sold exclusively through Filmfest DC

The Arabian Sights Film Festival presents the newest and most innovative films out of today’s vibrant Arab world. Now in its 17^th year, Arabian Sights will feature films from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. Enjoy post-screening discussions by visiting directors, as well as other special festival events. For updates on films and guests, to view trailers, and to purchase tickets, please visit filmfestdc.org.

courtesy of jsprig

COCKTAIL HOUR UNDER THE TREE OF FORGETFULNESS ($20)
Oct. 30, 7:30 pm

Spend an evening with Alexandra Fuller, an award winning writer and National Geographic contributor who has converted the experience of growing up amidst war and revolution into a powerful literary voice. Raised in Zimbabwe by English expats, Fuller’s coming-of-age experience during that country’s independence struggle provided material for two compelling memoirs, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight and Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness. Join us for a moving exploration of Africa —and beyond—in a conversation hosted by NG Traveler editor at large Don George.

BIRDS OF PARADISE: EXTREME, BIZARRE, EXTRAORDINARY ($20)
Nov. 1, 7:30 pm

Tim Laman, a renowned photographer who specializes in capturing images of the elusive creatures of the rain forest canopy recently joined forces with Cornell University ornithologist Ed Scholes to document in images and video all 39 species of New Guinea’s spectacular birds of paradise. This amazing duo has spent countless hours high in the treetops recording the birds’ secret lives, bizarre displays, and dazzling courtship antics—as showcased in a new National Geographic book, television special, magazine article, and exhibit. Meet these determined scientists as they share their wild wilderness adventures in search of these astonishing, rare birds.

ADVENTURES IN THE TREETOPS ($16 adults / $12 children)
Nov. 3, 1pm

Discover what it’s like to go on a rain forest expedition in search of amazing wildlife with photographers and scientists TIM LAMAN and ED SCHOLES, authors of the new Nat Geo book Birds of Paradise. Find out how these dedicated explorers survive in the wilderness and climb high into the treetops to find these astonishing, rare birds, known for their beautiful plumage and bizarre, entertaining antics.

Ben H. Rome

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.