Out and About: Weekend Picks
FRIDAY:
>> The Smithsonian American Art Museum opens a mid-career retrospective of photographer Frank Gohlke today. His large format images often feature man-made landscapes interacting with an uncontrollable Mother Nature. This is the last leg for the exhibit's national tour. Visit during regular hours, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
>> It's First Friday again at Dupont Circle art galleries. Hillyer has two ongoing photography shows up, one curated by the WPA for Fotoweek DC, the other an international exhibit by Iranian artists. They come with a DJ, snacks and a $5 cover. The R Street Gallery has Steve Lapin's Ceramics: Art & Craft on display. Check out the rest of the participating galleries here; most open 6 to 8 p.m., Hillyer open until 9 p.m.
>> Chuchito Valdes, son of Cuban piano legend Chucho Valdes and 2007 Latin Grammy nominee for Best Latin Jazz album, is playing must see sets tonight and Saturday at HR-57. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20.
>> It's Repeal Day! Celebrate your right to consume copious amounts of alcohol by consuming copious amounts of alcohol at one of these special Repeal Day events.
>> Hayes Carll and John Evans Band are performing downstairs at Rock and Roll Hotel. Doors at 9:30 p.m., $12 advance/$14 at the door. Upstairs, the monthly "Disco City" event at the Rock and Roll Hotel is back with Chris Burns and Max Dunbar playing host to guests Deep Sang and Ed Dudes. They'll be featuring the underground dance sounds of the 1970s and '80s. Free, 9:30 p.m.
>> Mope your way around the dance floor at CryFest, the Black Cat's very occasional tribute to The Cure and The Smiths. DJs Steve EP, Killa K, and Krasty McNasty will be on hand to serve up what will undoubtedly be more angst than you really want to deal with on a Friday night. $10, 9 p.m. upstairs.
>> Workaday '90s radio rockers Nada Surf are at 9:30 Club with Delta Spirit and The Jealous Girlfriends. 8 p.m. doors, $20.
>> DJ Nitekrawler's monthly "Moneytown" party will be going down at Dahlak (1771 U Street NW). Joining him will be two funk loving Virginians, the Scorpio Brothers. Free, 10 p.m.
Photo by intemporelle
SATURDAY:
>> Don't miss our film picks of the week, including Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies at 2 p.m. at the Freer Gallery's Meyer Auditorium. Free.
>> There are a kabillion special holiday arts and crafts markets happening this weekend. There's a more comprehensive list in our Arts Agenda, but the ones you'll most likely want to visit are the The Fourth Annual Downtown Holiday Market on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, which runs daily from noon to 8 p.m. through December 23, and the Craft Mutiny Holiday Booty Market at Hilda's Giftshop in the National City Christian Church in Thomas Circle. 12 to 6 p.m., Sat. only.
>> This year's Santarchy event kicks off at noon in front of the National Museum of Natural History. What is Santarchy? Think of it as a sort of slightly raunchy, Santa-themed flash mob. Just check out their web site and you'll get the idea.
>> Civilian Art Projects is hosting the Artistic AYA Fashion Installation, with work by Dana Ayanna Greaves, which we're told will include art, music, models, shopping, dancing and drinks. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
>> MC Jean Grae is at the Black Cat with Mr. Len and Mark de Clive-Lowe. $15 in advance/$18 at the door, 9 p.m.
>> DJs Lil' El, Jackie O, Nacey, and Steve Love are throwing down at DC9, featuring a set of back-to-basics hip-hop hits and various goodies. Free before 10 p.m., $5 after.
>> Tickets are still available to see the one and only Loretta Lynn at 9:30 Club. Three stars alums, Justin Jones and the Driving Rain open. 6 p.m. doors, $55.
SUNDAY:
>> Feeling the holiday spirit already? Make sure to consult our guide to holiday concerts, and don't forget that the National Gallery's ice rink is open on Sundays.
>> Philly husband-wife act Kindred The Family Soul will be at the 9:30 Club with Atlanta's Anthony David. $25, 8 p.m.
>> Radar Bros. at Black Cat make for a good hangover Sunday show. The California band crafts smooth woozy melodies. Aerialist opens. 9 p.m., $10.