Top 5 weekend picks April 18

Every week Connect2Mason will offer five entertainment picks for your weekend. Ranging from on-campus to off-campus events, Connect2Mason's Top 5 will give you a jump start on your weekend. Here are the Top 5 picks for this weekend:

1. OSI Presents “Django Unchained” and “Silver Linings Playbook”
   When: “Django Unchained”: Friday, April 19 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, April 20 at 5 p.m.
   “Silver Linings Playbook”: Saturday, April 20 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
   Where: Johnson Center Cinema
   Price: Free with Mason ID
   
   This weekend, the Office of Student Involvement gives you an opportunity to catch two of the most talked about films from this year’s Academy Awards. Quentin Tarantino won Best Director for his film “Django Unchained.” In traditional Tarantino style, the film provides audiences with a different set of eyes on the issues of slavery in the South. Featuring the stand-out performances by Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz ,who won an award for his portrayal of Dr. King Schultz. If you’ve never seen a Tarantino movie this is the one to catch.
   
   
   
   
   OSI is also screening “Silver Linings Playbook,” the highly acclaimed film by director David O. Russell. Focusing on the issue of mental illness, Russell’s film includes a magnificent script and dramatic performances by both Bradley Cooper and Hollywood’s newest sweetheart and Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Lawrence. An unlikely romantic comedy, this film received critical acclaim for its script, direction and acting. So, whether you prefer spaghetti westerns or highly-acclaimed romance and family dramas, there will be something for you to watch and enjoy this weekend at the JC Cinema.
   
   
   
    
2. GLOW
   When: Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
   Where: President’s Park
   Price: Free
   
   Did you enjoy glow sticks when you were younger? Heck, maybe you still do! Mason’s Office of Housing and Residents Life in President’s Park is throwing a glow-in-the-dark block party! Featuring glow-in-the-dark activities, contests and food, this block party is not something you will want to miss!
    
3. Georgetown French Market
   When: Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   Where: Wisconsin Avenue, NW, between P Street and Reservoir Road
   Price: Varied
   
   Each April, the streets of Washington D.C.’s Georgetown turn into a one-of-a-kind French market. Featuring over 40 different vendors, you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to explore this traditional aspect of French life. Including live performances, “whimsical” entertainers, food, and unique shopping, this event  is a perfect way for you to spend your Friday and Saturday the French way in D.C.
    
4. Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer
   When: Sunday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
   Where: Jammin Java
   Price: $15
   
   If you’re in the mood for some classic folk music, you’ll want to be at Jammin Java this Sunday to check out friends-turned-music-collaborators Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer. Influenced by traditional Celtic and Scottish music, these two will help you enjoy the start to your week with their rich and gentle sound. Their collaborative album “Child Ballads” was released in March and features co-arranged music from folk ballads by musician Francis James Child. Produced in Nashville, this album includes favorites for any folk music lover.
   
   
   
    
5. Sunday Kind of Love poetry reading
   When: Sunday, April 21 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
   Where: Busboys & Poets 14^th and V location
   Price: $5
   
   Featuring performances by established and emerging poets in the Washington D.C. area, the Sunday Kind of Love poetry reading is a great time for you to grab some of your poetry-loving friends for a night of diverse poetry readings. Held every third Sunday of the month, Sunday Kind of Love includes two featured poets and an open mic session.
   
   Poet Pam Uschuk is the author of six books of poetry and is one of the featured poets for this Sunday’s event. The winner of the American Book Award, War Poetry Prize and Ushuck will introduce you to new ideas the only way poetry can. Ruth Forman will also be a featured poet at this event. The author of three award-winning books from poetry to children’s literature, Forman holds workshops on poetry writing and will also be reading from her works of poetry.
   
   Whether you’re a poetry lover or not, this event is sure to spark some creativity for your week ahead.