Pianist Chu-Fang Huang plays from Gershwin and Ravel while the orchestra, led by Christopher Zimmerman, focuses on lively dance rhythms from Argentina, France and Spain. Saturday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $25 to $55. Call 703-563-1990 or visit fairfaxsymphony.org.

When at the vibrant, festive Banana Cafe, do as any visiting Cuban would do -- order up yourself a sub-style Cuban Sandwich, packed with tender, juicy sliced roast pork loin, honey baked ham and swiss cheese. Even better, go for a Cuban Pizza, smothered with ground beef, pork, plantains and mozzarella cheese. The restaurant, owned and operated by artist Jorge Zamorano, prides itself on its authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine, but it also traverses Tex-Mex and Tapas territory, offering a tangy ceviche, cod fish fritters, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, burritos, and a terrific trio of Empanadas (beef, chicken, seafood). But no matter which way you go with your food, make sure not to miss Banana's Mojito. Cigars notwithstanding, it's as close to Cuban perfection as you'll ever get.

BANANA CAFE & PIANO BAR 500 8th St. SE Washington 202-543-5906 Cost: $$

Pictured: Banana Cafe's Stuffed Plantains | Photography by Todd Franson

Lesbian comic Kate Clinton returns with her timely political humor in a show entitled Yes on K8! Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $45. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com. Clinton also appears Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. Lambda Rising Bookstore, 1625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202-462-6969 or visit lambdarising.com.

The famed guitarist and songwriter from folk-rock band Eddie From Ohio and host of XM’s Robbie Schaefer’s Stuck in a Real Tall Tree entertains audiences with an energetic warmth and honesty in his music. Lucy Wainwright Roche is his special guest. Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $18. Call 703-255-1900 or visit wolf-trap.org.

Signature Theatre hosts Signature Sings, a special cabaret series throughout the season to celebrate its 20 years of musical theater. Next up: select songs from Sondheim productions during the company's second five years, including Cabaret, Passion, The Rink, Sunday in the Park with George and A Little Night Music. Opens Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 8:30 p.m. To Sunday, Nov. 22. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $33. Call 703-820-9771 or visit signature-theatre.org.

ASCAP’s Michael Kerker conducts an interview with the multi-award-winning NSO Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch. The night also includes highlights from Hamlisch’s many award-winning scores for stage and screen, including A Chorus Line, The Sting, Sophie’s Choice and The Way We Were, performed by Liz Callaway, Kevin Early and Karen Ziemba. Monday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $18. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Known for its kitschy attire, humorous music videos and off-the-wall live shows, this weird and wonderful band is joining the “play a classic album in its entirety” bandwagon. But why stop at just one album? Devo will perform Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! on Sunday night, and then Monday the band runs through Freedom of Choice, in preparation for the re-release of both sets. Sunday, Nov. 15, and Monday, Nov. 16. Doors at 7 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $45 each night. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

D.C.-based gay photographer Betto Ortiz unveils his new exhibit at Evolve Urban Arts Project. “Exotic Textures” features large, abstract photographs with the three-dimensional texture of mixed-media matting focused on the nuances of color, shape and texture. Through this Sunday, Nov. 15. Pierce School Lofts, 1375 Maryland Ave. NE. Call 202-489-8160 or visit evolvedc.com.

An exceptional Portuguese singer/songwriter and guitarist of Cape Verdean descent, Sara Tavares’s gentle, sensual music reflects the cosmopolitan spirit of her native Lisbon. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. Lisner Auditorium, The George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW. Tickets are $35. Call 202-994-6800 or visit lisner.org.

Famed Chinese pianist Lang Lang joins conductor Andrew Litton to perform a one-night-only program including Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $30 to $125. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Billed by Variety as “the finest cabaret performer of her generation,” Amanda McBroom's song "The Rose" became a No. 1 international sensation for Bette Midler in 1979, and its success helped launch McBroom's own career as a performer and songwriter, including appearances on Broadway in Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Mame. She’s touring in support of Chanson, a tribute to one of her inspirations, '60s balladeer Jacques Brel. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $25. Call 703-255-1900 or visit wolf-trap.org.