Top 5 weekend picks February 14

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. Homecoming 2013

When: Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16

Where: George Mason University Fairfax Campus

What: Enjoy an entire weekend of events to show your Patriot spirit! The events include the Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday in the Johnson Center Atrium with special appearances made by the Mason Basketball players and coaches; the Annual Homecoming Block Party located at Parking Lot K on Feb. 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; then after the game between Mason and Georgia State (4 p.m. at the Patriot Center), stop by the Millennium Lounge located in the Hub Ballroom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a live DJ, door prizes and a countdown to midnight to end the Homecoming weekend with a bang.

2. The Vagina Monologues

When: Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m.

Where: Harris Theater

What: With proceeds going to the Mason Victims of Violence Fund and other worldwide campaigns fighting sexual violence, this annual event is not one you should miss. It is a show compiled of monologues told by women of George Mason University that come directly from real women interviewed by playwright Eve Ensler. This performance is sure to induce both laughter and tears and will be a great, educational experience as well as a nice way to spend a night out. Girls and boys welcome!

Cost: $25 General Admission, $10 GMU Faculty/ Staff, $5 GMU Student, $15 Group of 10 (purchased together)

Contact: Center for the Arts Box Office, (703) 993-8888

3. A Tribute to The Dream: School of Music's Black History Month Celebration

When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. and Feb. 17, 3 p.m.

Where: Center For the Arts

What: This event features many Mason performers including the Mason Wind Symphony, Vocal Studies Students and Mason Gospel Choir. Also performing will be select members of the Zion Baptist Church Senior Choir and Herndon Elementary School Chorus. This performance will celebrate the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Featured pieces include Joseph Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “We are the Children” and other spirituals and popular tunes. It’s not only a night of inspirational music, but it is also an experience free for Mason students with a valid student ID.

4. Jammin' Java’s Songwriters Circle “All You Need Is Love: A Tribute to the Beatles”

When: Sunday Feb. 17, 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

Where: Jammin' Java

What: Back by popular demand, artists Anthony Flacco, Todd Wright and Luke Brindley sing homage to one of the most influential bands of the century: The Beatles. It will be a night of love stories told by these three singer/songwriters amidst covers of Beatles’ love songs and their own original compositions. With the intimate atmosphere of Jammin' Java, this event will be sure to strip the music down to the very soul of the words, where every true love song finds its meaning.

5. Skyfall

When: Sunday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Where: JC Cinema

What: Nominated for several Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Music Original Score, Best Music Original Song, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing, this most recent James Bond film is another masterpiece. Starring Daniel Craig and featuring a song co-written by Adele, this film is a sure hit. It would be a crime to miss out on this adventure of espionage and action.