Out & About

From klezmer to country

Jewish bluegrass? Jewish reggae? Jewish flamenco? Find it all during the fifth Washington Jewish Music Fest, beginning Tuesday at the D.C. Jewish Community Center’s Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater. From the opening night with Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys to the windup April 26 by Yoel Ben-Simhon and the Sultana Ensemble, the festival promises to encompass the world. Films and other events round out the week’s program. Most performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets range to $30. The Community Center is at 1529 16th St. NW. 202/777-3208.

A new reign

The much-esteemed Christoph Eschenbach, in his inaugural season as conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, brings the ensemble to the Kennedy Center Monday for a program of Brahms and Prokofiev. Celebrated violinist Gil Shaham will perform with the orchestra. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall. Tickets are $30 to $85. F Street and New Hampshire Avenue NW. 202/467-4600.

It’s more than dirt

Beginning Saturday, Virginia takes a week to celebrate its many gardens. More than 250 historic homes, including Monticello and Mount Vernon, will open their doors to visitors. Garden Week runs through April 25, with each day focusing on a different county of Virginia. To see the schedule or find out more information, see www.vagardenweek.org or call 804/644-7776.

Solo Mac

As a member of DC Talk, one of the most successful Christian music acts ever, Toby Mac earned a reputation for challenging lyrics and onstage energy. Now a solo performer, he opens Sunday for Third Day at the Patriot Center. Tickets are $16 to $26. 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. 202/342-SEAT.

All you can play

Whether video games are a casual hobby or a semireligion, the place to be if you play them is at the 9:30 Club Wednesday. GameRiot, one of the largest traveling video-game festivals, offers gamers the chance to play and compete on new and unreleased titles. The festival begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10. 815 V St. NW. 202/393-0930.

Philadelphia songs

With his soft-spoken song delivery and his intimate songwriting, Denison Witmer has gained a loyal following not only in his native Philadelphia, but across the country and in Europe — and bids fair to fill the shoes of the late singer-songwriter Elliot Smith. Mr. Witmer shares a little bit about his life when he plays Jammin’ Java Sunday night. Tickets are $10. The show begins at 7 p.m. 231 Maple Ave., Vienna. 703/255-1566.

A little bit country

The 1st Mariner Arena is going country Saturday when six-time female Country Vocalist of the Year Martina McBride comes to Baltimore. With Miss McBride is the renowned country music singer Alan Jackson, who is sure to attract fans of his own. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $54.50 to $64.50. 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore. 202/432-7328, 410/481-SEAT.

He really is an idiot

Award-winning actor and playwright Frank Ferrante brings his portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx to the Old Town Theater Saturday after runs in New York and London. “An Evening With Groucho” is made up of some of the best Groucho songs and one-liners. The one-night-only show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28. 815 King St., Alexandria. 703/683-8888.

For grandparents everywhere

Willard Scott is not just a correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. He’s a grandfather — and now an author. Mr. Scott signs and discusses his new book, “If I Knew It Was Going to Be This Much Fun, I Would Have Become a Grandparent First,” at the Georgetown Barnes & Noble Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. 3040 M St. NW. 202/965-9880.

— Thomas Walter