Events August 14-17: Green Jobs, Julia Child’s 100th Birthday and Live Jazz

Tuesday August 14 Green Jobs: Current and Emerging Opportunities

Part of an ongoing research project, the Anacostia Community Museum hosts a night dedicated to green jobs. The museum has been working for two years to research the role of the Anacostia River in community development while also comparing major waterways in other urban centers, including London, Chicago and Shanghai. Looking at the water as both an environmental asset and a physical barrier, the research has helped create an interactive exhibit that encourages “a sense of citizen’s ownership and responsibility for urban waterways.” Find out how to become more involved with Tuesday’s discussion on green job opportunities. Free. 7 p.m. Anacostia Community Museum.

Wednesday August 15 Julia Child’s 100th Birthday

If ever there was a woman who could enjoy a good party, it was Julia Child. With her infectious devotion and enthusiasm for French food, the popular cookbook author and television chef shook America out of its frozen TV dinner funk and introduced dishes like beef Bourguignon, Salade Nicoise and Coq au Vin to the American table. Celebrate what would have been the star’s 100th birthday with book signings and a special re-opening of Julia Child’s Kitchen at the American History Museum. Authors Alex Prud’homme, Jessie Hartland and Bob Spitz will be there, as well as producer Geoff Drummond. Free. First book signing at 11 a.m. American History Museum.

Thursday August 16 Music of Thelonious Monk

The summer series rolls on with another night of Monk-inspired music with musician Junior Mance. The International Jazz Hall of Fame inductee doesn’t just share a love for jazz he also shares a birthday with Monk. On piano, Mance leads his quintet in a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist, who was not just a hero to Mance but a personal friend as well. During the performance, registered participants can paint in a studio set up by ArtJamz. If you’re just looking to take in some good music, audience members are free to mingle in the Kogod Courtyard. Free. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. And download our new Visitors Guide & Tours App for both iPhone and Android. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Leah Binkovitz | | READ MORE

Leah Binkovitz is a Stone & Holt Weeks Fellow at Washington Post and NPR. Previously, she was a contributing writer and editorial intern for the At the Smithsonian section of Smithsonian magazine.