World-renowned soprano Ren茅e Fleming has long established herself as an icon in the opera world, taking on almost every imaginable role and playing most of the iconic music venues around the world 鈥� even the Sphere in Las Vegas with Dead & Company last year.

Fleming brings her show, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, to The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda on Wednesday, May 27.

The concept of the show has been in the works for a few years, beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic when many artists like Fleming were out of work.

Fleming had been throwing around the idea of doing music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and combining it with 21st century songs.

She asked her team, “Why don’t we juxtapose those two things, some modern music that we can even commission, talking about nature and sort of connecting to it now, versus the beautiful, romantic songs of that earlier century, 鈥� Fleming told 海角精品黑料.

That led to the creation of the album of the same title as the show, which won Fleming her fifth Grammy. She鈥檚 been nominated 18 times.

Based on the success of the album, Fleming told her team they needed to tour.

The singer recalled someone who introduced her to the CEO of National Geographic, and she thought the media group’s nature films could be perfect for her shows.

“We really want people to just be reminded of how much we love the planet and how much it deserves our care and so it’s half the program is that 鈥� with this beautiful film,” Fleming said. “And I wanted to do it in D.C. 鈥� or in the DMV area.”

In January, Fleming canceled two May dates with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. She was one of several artists who canceled shows there amid leadership changes and a name change at the performing arts center.

Fleming had been inextricably linked with the center, having performed there several times over the years and being a Kennedy Center honoree in 2023.

In 2025, Fleming stepped down from her role as the center鈥檚 Artistic Advisor-At-Large after the forced resignations of Chair David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter. Fleming declined to discuss her departure and show cancellations.

As the old entertainment adage goes, 鈥淭he show must go on.鈥� In March, Fleming announced Strathmore would be the new venue for the Anthropocene show.

Fleming is no stranger to the arts and cultural center in North Bethesda. In December 2023, the soprano teamed with former NIH director Dr. Francis Collins for a workshop at Strathmore called Music as Medicine: The Science and Clinical Practice.

The workshop aimed to “highlight accomplishments in advancing scientific research on music and health, develop a blueprint for the next phase of research and further build the research community,鈥� according to an NIH press release.

Several years prior, Fleming had a memorable dinner at the Inn at Little Washington with Collins and three high-profile Supreme Court justices. That dinner, which took place shortly after a landmark decision from the court, changed her perspective on the impact music can have.

“I’ll never forget it, because it was a tense evening at first,” said Fleming. “They didn’t agree, as Supreme Court justices don’t typically, this was especially vitriolic, and I was placed between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia. So, both (were) opera lovers 鈥� but by the end of the evening, Francis Collins brought his guitar. We got a sing along. Everybody was jolly. We had a great time.”

The Anthropocene show will feature a couple of selections from Fleming鈥檚 new album, a collaboration with banjo virtuoso B茅la Fleck called “The Fiddle and the Drum.” The name comes from a 1969 Joni Mitchell song. The album, scheduled for release on May 29, features several vocalists including country music legend Dolly Parton.

鈥淚f you had told me that I would someday record with Dolly Parton, I would have said I can’t imagine how that could possibly happen, but it’s the truth. And she sounds absolutely fantastic. I mean, I’ve always truly admired her in so many different ways.”

The album鈥檚 debut single, “In the Pines,” featuring Parton, was released in March.

Other guest vocalists on the album include Vince Gill and Jerry Douglas. “This is a real departure from anything I’ve done before, but it’s music that I’ve always loved. It draws on, you know, really American folk music,鈥� Fleming said.

In addition to selections from the new album, the setlist for the May 27 show will feature opera (of course), folk, standards and other genres. From Puccini to Porter and Bacharach to Bjork, Fleming favors an eclectic approach for her shows.

鈥淭here’s a broad spectrum of music on the program and something for everyone is usually my goal.鈥�

Tickets for 鈥淩en茅e Fleming Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene鈥� on May 27 at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda are available at .

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Bentley is pure joy on four legs. This playful, happy-go-lucky boy approaches life with endless enthusiasm, a constantly wagging tail and a smile that seems to light up his whole face.

Wherever Bentley goes, fun follows close behind.

He loves people and thrives on affection and companionship. Sit near him and he鈥檒l happily rest his big sweet head in your lap, soaking up attention before bouncing into play mode with an adorable bow and goofy grin. Bentley is the kind of dog who makes every day feel lighter fun.

His favorite things include splashing in kiddie pools, outdoor adventures, playtime, snuggling with humans and zooming around the yard. He also has a knack for making people laugh with his joyful personality.

Bentley is affectionate, entertaining and full of life. He鈥檚 looking for a loving home ready to embrace his playful spirit and give him the fresh start he deserves.

Because of his curiosity and energy, Bentley’s future family should keep soft toys, plastic items and other tempting objects out of reach, as he may try to chew or swallow them during playtime.

If you鈥檙e looking for a dog who will bring energy, laughter, affection and nonstop tail wags into your life, Bentley is ready to meet you.

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She loves gentle head scratches and being brushed, and will happily settle in for some cozy attention.

Her favorite pastimes include “making biscuits,” playing with wand toys (she’s enthusiastic about them, even if her aim isn’t perfect), birdwatching from the window, and, most of all, relaxing in bed.

Renesme is truly a “bed cat.” If you can’t find her, check for a little lump under the comforter. There’s a good chance she’s tucked in and snoozing.

She’s so fluffy that even her paws have little tufts of fur.

She may be a bit shy at first, but with a little patience and time to adjust, her incredibly sweet and gentle personality really shines through.

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Matthew Ng, MD, is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. He performs surgery at The George Washington University Hospital and Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center. Here, he discusses colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection through screening.

Q: What are the basics about colorectal cancer?

A: Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts anywhere in the colon and the rectum and it always begins as a small growth or a polyp. Over time, it continues to evolve and mutate and turn into a cancer. This cancer can cause symptoms like bleeding and in advanced stages, it can become painful and cause blockages, and worst-case scenario is that it can spread throughout the body and ultimately cause death.

Q: Are you seeing a rise in colorectal cancer?

A: Interestingly, we鈥檝e been seeing colon cancer decline in older patients over the age of 50, but we have been seeing a rise in younger patients under the age of 50, which is quite alarming.

There are many theories out there as to why colon cancer is rising in younger patients. There are a lot of ideas that could be related to environmental factors, such as diet, obesity, lifestyle modifications, not eating enough fiber, smoking and processed foods. These are all contributing factors potentially to the rise of colon and rectal cancers in younger patients.

Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms to watch for?

A: Typically, in early stages, patients don鈥檛 have any symptoms at all. When it becomes more advanced, you can start seeing blood in your stool. You can have black stools. You can have stools that are getting narrower or thinner in caliber, and have unintentional weight loss, vague abdominal pain and even lack of appetite.

Q: What makes colorectal cancer different from other cancers?

A: Colorectal cancer can be preventable and we know it grows slowly. With adequate screening and the ability to remove the precursor lesions known as polyps, then we can prevent colon and rectal cancer from becoming an issue to begin with.

Q: What is the screening process for colorectal cancer?

A: We need to figure out if the patient is considered high risk. When I say high risk, we talk about patients who have a history of colorectal cancer, have any history of inflammatory bowel disease or they themselves are having symptoms. If that is the case, then they should be getting a colonoscopy.

If you鈥檙e considered average risk, meaning no history whatsoever of colorectal cancer and no symptoms, you can still get a colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard. But there are also other adequate tests out there, such as stool-based testing.

Q: How is colorectal cancer treated?

A: If a patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we take a multidisciplinary team approach for treating it. Some patients may need chemotherapy first upfront. Some patients may also need radiation. If it is in the early stage, oftentimes surgery alone can be curative.

Q: How has technology changed in this field over time?

A: We have gotten better with our screening colonoscopies. The visualization is much better and the high-definition photos that we can see have much improved over time. In addition, the stool-based testing has become a lot more sensitive and specific for detecting cancers.

In terms of treatment of colon and rectal cancer, chemotherapy has become much more evolved and specialized. Our surgical techniques have been more precise, and with the advent of robotic technology, we can offer a much more minimally invasive approach to surgical treatment of colon and rectal cancer.

Q: How do you prioritize patient-centered care?

A: Every patient that we see is unique, and I personally like to take an approach where the patient is involved in their care. Especially with cancer care, there are a lot of variables involved and it is important that we keep in mind what the patient ultimately wants. If they want a more conservative approach or a more aggressive approach, every treatment that we offer these patients is tailored to their needs.

Q: Can you describe the screening program at Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8?

A: At Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, we offer a new screening clinic for patients at average risk. This helps identify whether you鈥檙e able to get a screening colonoscopy.

To schedule a visit at Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center鈥檚 colorectal cancer screening clinic, call 771-444-6146.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive or robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of these facilities. The facilities shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our websites.

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Each day, you probably use a variety of expressions, idioms, proverbs, and slang that aren鈥檛 meant to be taken literally. If you’ve ever wondered why we say certain things the way we do, you might be able to guess where they came from. Still, some English phrases are so unusual that their origins remain a mystery unless you understand the historical context behind them.

Chew the fat

To 鈥渃hew the fat鈥� is to chat casually, often about nothing in particular. The phrase may have started as sailors talking while eating salted meat. It鈥檚 a leisurely, friendly kind of conversation 鈥� the verbal equivalent of just hanging out with a friend on a lazy afternoon.

Armed to the teeth

Being overly prepared or too well equipped. A possible origin is 17th century pirates who wanted to make sure they never ran out of ammunition and held a gun in each hand. In order to be prepared, they tended to keep another gun in their pocket and held a knife in their teeth.

Butter him up

To flatter someone. In ancient India, a customary religious act involved devotees throwing balls of butter at the statues of their gods. This was meant to ask for the gods鈥� forgiveness and favor.

Skeletons in the closet

A secret that someone is embarrassed about. Before the UK passed its 1832 Anatomy Act, grave robbers supplied skeletons for medical schools. When a raid occurred, the teachers tended to hide these skeletons in the closet so as not to have them confiscated.

In a nutshell

When you want to make it clear that you’re going to sum something up in just a few words. This hyperbolic expression alludes to the Roman writer Pliny’s description of Homer’s Iliad being copied in so tiny a hand that it could fit in a nutshell. For a time it referred to anything compressed, but from the 1500s on it referred mainly to written or spoken words.

Letting someone off the hook

Excusing someone from a task or obligation. The phrase is believed to originate from fishing, where a fish is removed from the hook, allowing it to escape.

Once bitten, twice shy

Means a bad experience makes you cautious, originating from literal animal bites in folklore and appearing in English literature by the 1800s, with the concept traced back to Aesop’s Fables

It鈥檚 not over until the fat lady sings

It means that one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress. This saying originates from opera, referencing the long, grand final aria typically sung by a heavyset soprano.

Fly by the seat of Your pants

To improvise by instinct. Prior to the widespread use of reliable aviation instruments, pilots were at the mercy of the weather. Assessment of cloud cover and potential storms were vital in the early days of flying, when encapsulation of an aircraft by thick cloud or dense fog could have fatal consequences. The thin air and inability to see could become disorienting. When overtaken by rough conditions, a skilled pilot would 鈥渇ly by the seat of their pants.鈥� They flew by instinct and feel鈥攁nd their backside, or the seat of their pants, made the most physical contact with the airplane.

Make the grade

To succeed. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway鈥檚 Allegheny steam locomotives were incredibly powerful, featuring an output of 7,500 horsepower. They were designed to pull heavy, loaded coal trains up and over the Allegheny Mountains. These trains had a steep climb to the summit, but the 771,000-pound giants had enough traction to 鈥渕ake the grade.鈥�

Red tape

We use the term red tape to denote anything that may delay or hold us up, whatever the process may be. It also refers to a lot of unnecessary bureaucracy or paperwork. This term originated from the fact that legal and official documents were tied up or bound with red tape since the 16th century. By doing so, it was often difficult to access them. Hence, the term 鈥渞ed tape.鈥�

Beyond the pale

When something is beyond the pale, it鈥檚 unacceptable or immoral. It originates from the concept of a “pale,” a boundary fence (from Latin palus, meaning stake) defining a safe, civilized area, with “beyond the pale” meaning outside that border into lawless or uncivilized territory

On the fence about revamping your backyard?

Have you been thinking about giving your backyard a makeover, but you keep 鈥渢urning a blind eye鈥� because you鈥檙e unsure of where to start? You may be uncertain about what you want, when to begin or who to turn to.聽聽is here to help you 鈥渓et your hair down鈥� and 鈥渂reak the ice鈥� if you鈥檙e still 鈥渙n the fence鈥� about how to revitalize your outdoor space.

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After being聽abandoned in an apartment, he’s looking for a fresh start with a new family or owner.

The Humane Rescue Alliance describe him as a striking, athletic boy who is always ready for an adventure.

He loves walks, runs, and staying active, but he鈥檚 also happy to entertain himself with toys (the tougher, the better).

He also loves exercising, going on outdoor adventures, belly rubs, showing off his tricks, and keeping an eye on squirrels and neighborhood rats (his #1 enemy).

He’s working on his manners and improving his leash skills. He is eager to learn and loves positive reinforcement with treats.

Indy is deeply people-oriented and thrives on affection and companionship. His handsome brindle coat and incredible ears are guaranteed to turn heads wherever he goes. Due of his high prey drive, Indy would do best in a quieter home without cats or other small animals.

If you鈥檙e looking for a smart, active, and loyal companion, Indy is ready to meet you!

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Pottz was left behind when his owner moved away, but a kind neighbor stepped in to care for him until he could find adopters who will truly cherish him and make him a beloved family member.

He鈥檚 a handsome kitty 鈥� 10 pounds of pure sweetness 鈥� and he longs for soft beds, good meals and gentle affection.

Pottz is a very good boy who deserves the purrfect home. Can you give him the love and security he鈥檚 been waiting for? Adopt Pottz today.

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Many animals come to the shelter, and all are special 鈥� but some are truly extraordinary.

Todd is one of those amazing survivor dogs, and he鈥檚 ready for the next chapter of his life with loving, caring people by his side. Todd is a 1-year-old pittie mix, a precious, bouncy sweetheart bursting with energy and love.

When Todd arrived to the shelter, he had severe trauma to one eye that required removal. He was also terribly thin. Thanks to the incredible medical team at the Humane Rescue Alliance, this innocent angel received the care he desperately needed 鈥� and he thrived.

Despite everything he鈥檚 been through, Todd remains a happy, affectionate boy.

He鈥檚 looking for an understanding home that can help him navigate life with limited sight and support him with any medical needs that arise. He deserves kindness, patience and a family who sees how worthy he is.

Please meet this handsome, courageous pup and make his world so much better.

Adopt Todd and give him the loving future he鈥檚 fought so hard for.

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He once had a family, but when someone developed allergies, Pepe suddenly had to start over.

He鈥檚 a wonderfully social, mellow kitty who wants a gentle, quiet home where he can be pampered and adored.

At 13 pounds of furry, purry sweetness, Pepe has so much love left to give, and he鈥檚 hoping for kind people who will cherish him in his golden years.

Please meet and adopt Pepe soon.

This dear senior boy is ready to go home and spend his days surrounded by comfort and love.

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