The In Series takes over the Source Theatre for several nights this month and features intimate opera performances of two Mozart adaptations. ” ’Cosi Fan Tutte’ Goes Hollywood” is a comedic adaptation by Nick Olcott of Mozart and Da Ponte’s opera; “Abduction from the Seraglio” is another comedic English adaption, written by Kelley Rourke. Performances continue through January with showtimes varying each week. 1835 14th St. NW. 202/518-0152.
Just like Dad
As the daughter of one the most renowned vocalists of the 20th century, Natalie Cole wasn’t exactly new to the music business when she began in 1975. With numerous Grammys and international platinum records, Miss Cole has surpassed all expectations and seemingly picked up right where Nat “King” Cole left off. She makes a rare intimate appearance at the 9:30 Club tonight. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. 815 V St. NW. 202/393-0930.
See history
To commemorate the Martin Luther King holiday, the National Archives, for one day only, will display the original Emancipation Proclamation in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The document, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, was a significant step toward ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which outlawed slavery. The special display is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th streets. 866/272-6272.
Earplugs optional
The George Mason University Patriot Center may never be the same after tomorrow night, when two of the world’s biggest and loudest rock bands, Linkin Park and P.O.D., kick off their “Meteora” world tour in Fairfax. The floor begins to shake at 7 p.m. Tickets are $34.50. 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. 202/342-SEAT.
Start your engines
From concepts to classics and motorcycles to hot rods, the Washington Convention Center will be full of motors this weekend for the 47th annual Carquest World of Wheels. The show features some of the best customized vehicles from all over the United States. The festivities kick off tomorrow at 3 p.m. and continue through Sunday. Showtimes vary by day. Tickets are $5-$15. 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. 202/249-3000.
Music in the barn
With loyal fans such as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page and Keith Richards, the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, or NRBQ as it is known to its fans, is a sure bet for a live show. Combining rock melodies with blues, jazz, and maybe a little polka and funk, NRBQ performances leave a lasting impression. The quartet plays the Barns of Wolf Trap tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22. 1624 Trap Road, Vienna. 703/218-6500.
Up and coming
Concluding a semester’s residency with the Olney Theater Center for the Arts, the National Players will participate in tomorrow night’s “Playwrights in Progress” at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland. Actors from the National Players will read plays written by students from the Hyattsville Middle School, a magnet school for the creative and performing arts. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. University Boulevard and Adelphi Road, College Park. 301/405-ARTS
A snare with flair
Combining drumming with high-flying dance moves, the KanKouran West African Dance Company is based in the District but has entertained audiences all over the United States for the past two decades. The 34-member troupe appears at Dance Place this weekend — at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6-$18. 3225 8th St. NE. 202/269-1600.
— Thomas Walter
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