Out & About

Eat, drink and be merry

The Folger Consort rings in the spring season with a concert dedicated to global culinary tastes. “A Musical Banquet” includes drinking songs and musical essays about food. Performances take place tomorrow at 8 p.m., Saturdayat 5 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27. 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202/544-7077.

Comedian turned author

The most recognizable chin in Hollywood is also a children’s book author. Jay Leno’s new book, “If Roast Beef Could Fly,” is a collection of stories about his parents and his younger days. Mr. Leno will sign copies of the book at Olsson’s Arlington-Courthouse location Saturday at 11:30 a.m. 2111 Wilson Blvd., 703/525-4227.

Find a friend

Pet adoptions save thousands of pets every year from being put down. On Saturday, the Prince George’s County Shelter in Forestville will host Adopt-a-thon 2004, a chance to find that special four-legged friend. A veterinarian will be present, along with a range of pet-rescue organizations. The shelter will have prize giveaways every hour. Adopt-a-thon 2004 runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 8311 D’Arcy Road, Forestville. 301/499-8305.

Six-string honesty

Bebo Norman couldn’t have named his latest album any better. “Myself When I Am Real” is a collection of emotional, intimate and inspirational songs that come straight from his struggles and his joys. Mr. Norman will play some of these songs along with a few others tomorrow at McLean Bible Church. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 to $15. 8925 Leesburg Pike, McLean. 703/770-2928.

Local voices

The Washington Performing Arts Society’s Gospel Choir is not only for adults. Since 1993, the Children of the Gospel choir has received international attention while showcasing the singing talents of metropolitan Washington’s youth. The choir performs at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to $45. F Street and New Hampshire Avenue NW. 202/785-WPAS.

Poetry on stage

Russell Simmons’ Tony-winning “Def Poetry Jam” comes to the Warner Theatre for four shows only, beginning tomorrow. The touring production features eight of the Broadway show’s best poets, who share their insightful, sometimes comedic, look at American life. Performances continue through Sunday. Showtimes are 8 p.m. tomorrow, 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 to $45. 13th and E streets NW. 202/432-SEAT.

Start your engines

It’s all about cars this weekend at FedEx Field. Beginning Saturday, “Mazda Rev It Up,” the world’s largest performance driving school and national competition, will offer participants the chance to learn skillful driving from some of the world’s top driving instructors. Kicking off is “Rev It Up After Dark,” a car show and driving exhibition, tomorrow from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday’s and Sunday’s events run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $17 for “Rev It Up After Dark.” “Mazda Rev It Up” is free to watch but $40 if you want to drive. To register, go to www.mazdarevitup.com. 1600 Raljon Road, Landover.

Dinner and a dance

The Ronald Reagan International Trade Center becomes a 1930s-style supper club tonight, when Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palm Orchestra take over the center for “Swizzle.” The evening includes dinner and dancing, but you can come just for the dance. Doors open at 7 p.m., dinner is at 8 p.m., and the orchestra plays from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $65 for dinner and $18 for the dance only. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202/432-SEAT.

—Thomas Walter