Smithsonian Events Week of 4/27-5/1/09: Vietnam, Jazz, Cabaret and Eudora Welty
/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer/jitterbugsiii.jpg)
Monday, April 27: Operation Babylift: Saving Children from the Vietnam War
In April 1975 American humanitarian workers in South Vietnam worked to evacuate orphaned children to North America, Europe and Australia just as North Vietnamese were sweeping through the region. Operation Babylift transferred approximately 2,500 children to the United States, changing the nation's "complexion" and ushering in an era of international adoption. This event will feature guest speakers who were a part of the airlift operation, as well as photographs and other artifacts. Free. Hirshhorn Museum, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, April 28: Brig. Gen. Dan Cherry and Nguyen Hong My: A Pilot and the Enemy He Shot Down: General Electric Aviation Lecture
In April 1972, Brig. Gen. Dan Cherry (USAF, ret.) was operating in North Vietnam when he shot down an enemy aircraft flown by Nguyen Hong My, who survived. Thirty-six years later, the two pilots who fought on opposite sides of the war met face to face. Come to the Air and Space Museum to hear a lecture where both men talk about their experiences. This program is preceded by a screening of the IMAX film Dogfights: Hell Over Hanoi and succeeded by a book signing. Free, but tickets are required. To reserve a ticket, please use the online Ticket Request Form or call 202-633-2398. National Air and Space Museum, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29: Chops: D.C. Film Premiere and Conversation with Director Bruce Broder
Come enjoy the DC premiere of the movie "Chops," which follows three high school jazz bands that go to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center's 2006 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival. Director Bruce Broder will be available after the screening to discuss his film. Repeats today at 5:30 and 8:00. Free. American History Museum, 3:00 PM
Thursday, April 30: Great Communicators: Eudora Welty: Face-to-Face Portrait Talk
Eudora Welty's photography was recently featured in Smithsonian —so if you're in the DC area, come out to the National Portrait Gallery to see a photograph of this great woman of letters taken by Mildred Wolfe. Researcher Warren Perry is on deck to provide a wealth of insight into the image and the context in which it was taken. Free. National Portrait Gallery, 6:00 PM
Friday, May 1: Cabaret with Tomson Highway: Performance
What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Life is a cabaret, ol' chum—come to the cabaret at the American Indian Museum. Playwright and novelist Tomson Highway will be joined onstage by singer/actress Patricia Cano and sax player Leigh Pilzer for a perfectly marvelous night of musical entertainment. Tickets required. Rates are: $20 general admission; $15, members; or call 202-633-3030. American Indian Museum, 7:30 PM