DVD
'Bright Star' :
Amid the robots and starships last summer, writer-director Jane Campion gave us a truly rare film: an effective tear-jerker without affectation. Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish (above) deliver strong performances as the poet John Keats and his final muse, Fanny Brawne. It's a potent drama that sticks with you long after the credits roll. In stores Tuesday.
CONCERT
Of Montreal :
Lady Gaga might have brought glam-rock back to the mainstream, but no one does glittery dance-pop quite like Kevin Barnes (above) and his adventurous indie band from Athens, Ga. The outfit's psychedelic sound, randy lyrics and sexually suggestive stage shows make most everything else look positively tame. Show starts 8 p.m. Monday at Rams Head Live.
Web: ramsheadlive.com
CHARITY
Polar Bear Plunge:
With the water temperature hovering around 37 degrees, this annual benefit for the Special Olympics isn't for the faint of heart. Join celebrity plungers like Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco as hundreds jump into the frosty Chesapeake Bay for a good cause. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, with plunges at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.
Web: plungemd.com
FOOD
Winter Restaurant Week:
Despite higher prices this year, Baltimore diners hungry for a deal won't go unsated. More than 90 restaurants, including Brewer's Art in Mount Vernon, are offering three-course meals at a discount (this time around for $35.10). But more casual places like the Melting Pot and Regi's are going even lower. Runs through Feb. 7.
Web: baltimorerestaurant
week.com
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ART
'Turner to Cezanne':
The BMA's big Cezanne show is a few weeks away, but you can still get your modernist fix with a quick jaunt to D.C. Starting Saturday, the Corcoran Gallery of Art will display works by Corot (above), Monet and more through April.
Web: corcoran.org
CONCERT
Aural States Fest II :
Aural States Fest II isn't just a showcase of notable indie and experimental bands such as Pontiak (below) and Height With Friends; it's a last hurrah for Aural States itself. After two years, the award-winning local music blog is packing up and leaving Baltimore. Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sonar.
Web: sonarbaltimore.com
ART
Tape-O-Rama:
Packing tape has many uses, but I never thought hat-making was one of them. Nana Projects - the artists behind the Great Halloween Lantern Parade - will be on hand to help you fashion headdresses. They'll be tacky, but only on the inside. Starts 10 a.m. Saturday at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Web: avam.org
GAMES
'Mass Effect 2':
Talk about the best of both worlds: This epic sci-fi game combines the scope and polish of a Hollywood blockbuster with an intricate level of interactivity. The developers have created such a complex playing field and narrative that your actions in this game will determine what goes down in the sequel. In stores Tuesday.
THEATER
'Cyrano':
Part of Center Stage's "short work" series, this abridged version of the Cyrano de Bergerac story retains much of the charm of the original. Inevitably, something is lost in this significant nip and tuck, but the energetic cast embraces the challenge, wooing the audience in record time. Runs through Feb 7.
Web: centerstage.org
DVD
'Michael Jackson's This is It':
It was supposed to be a rousing comeback, but what remains is a fitting memorial. This documentary goes behind the scenes of Jackson's final months as he prepared for a series of shows in London. The performances remind us how, despite the scandals, Jackson was a masterful entertainer. In stores Tuesday.