Out & About

Tending the garden

Set aside more than a few hours if you plan to see the entire Washington Home & Garden Show at the Washington Convention Center. With 24 fully landscaped indoor gardens and more than 800 booths, the show could be an all-day affair. Everything kicks off today and runs through Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, free for children under 5. 801 Mount Vernon Place NW.

Indie orchestra

David Bazan, Vic Chestnutt, Mark Eitzel and Will Johnson have taken a break from their own established indie rock bands to form the Undertow Orchestra. On Friday and Saturday at Iota Club and Cafe, this oddly formed quartet will perform one another’s songs and serve as the others’ backup musicians. Acoustic troubadour Jesse Harris opens the show on Saturday. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $15. 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703/522-8340.

Back again

It’s been five years since Ricky Martin released his last English-language album, 2000’s “Sound Loaded.” It sold more than 5 million copies, but fans had to wait until last October for his “Life,” an 11-song pop kaleidoscope that includes music and artists from India, Brazil and the Bronx. Mr. Martin shares some of his new songs along with some old tunes tonight at DAR Constitution Hall. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.50 to $76. 18th and D streets Northwest. 202/397-SEAT.

The best for free

All next week, the Kennedy Center will play host to the “Conservatory Project,” a twice-yearly round of performances by some of the best musicians from the top music schools in the country. The Curtis Institute is first up on Sunday, followed by the Manhattan School of Music on Monday, the Indiana School of Music on Tuesday and the University of Michigan School of Music on Wednesday. Other schools round out the week. All performances begin at 6 p.m. in the Terrace Theater. All performances are free. F Street and New Hampshire Avenue Northwest. 202/467-4600.

Sans instruments

There are no instruments needed when Ladysmith Black Mambazo comes to town. Performing isicathamiya music (traditional South African dance and a cappella harmony), the eight-member Grammy-winning a cappella group is regarded as South Africa’s musical ambassador to the world. They travel to the Strathmore Music Center for a show tonight. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 to $40. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301/581-5100.

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