Arts news in brief: Jan. 6

Robert Mesnier, former White House pastry chef, will be giving a lecture on Saturday as part of the Washington Winter Show. (Photo courtesy of the Show)

A glimpse inside the White House

The Washington Winter Show at the Katzen Arts Center at American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.) opens today and this year’s theme is “Celebrating the White House.”

The show features several events through the weekend including lunches, lectures and more. Today at 10:30 a.m. there will be a lecture and lunch with Nancy Clarke, former White House florist. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10. On Saturday, Roland Mesnier, former White House pastry chef, will give a lecture. Tickets are $40.

General admission tickets to the show are $20 and good for the run of the show.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit washingtonwintershow.com.

MORE IN THE BLADE: JAN. 6 CALENDAR

Celebrating the King’s b-day

Kittie Glitter and ‘Elvis’ host Elvis' Birthday Fight Club at Warehouse Theatre on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Stereo Vision Photography)

On Saturday, Elvis’ 77th birthday, ABJ Productions and L’il Dutch present “Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club” at the Warehouse Theatre (645 New York Ave., N.W.) at 8 and 11 p.m.

The show will feature six rounds of fighters duking it out in ridiculous costumes and burlesque performers Reverend Valentine, Candy del Rio and Maria Bella will entertain the crowd between rounds.

Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 the day of the show.

The show will also be performed in Baltimore at the Patterson on Jan. 14.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit fightclubshow.com.

40 days of free events

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is marking its 40th anniversary this year and to celebrate, CHAW is putting on 40 free events in 40 days, culminating with a concert on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church.

“This event is not only a thank you to the community and a celebration of 40 years of art-making, but a launching off point for future innovations in building community through the arts,” says Amy Moore, CHAW’s director of education and programs.

Featured events include concerts, jewelry making, gallery talks and more. On Saturday, there will be two events, animal mask making and performance for ages 6 and up at 10 a.m. and the opening on CHAW’s sixth annual contemporary photography exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m.

While all events are free, some do require pre-registration.

For more information and a complete list of events, visit chaw.org.