Out and About: Weekend Picks

SATURDAY

>> Stop by what is sure to be a day of unique art at the The Fridge DC, for Graff/Skate. The event features a silent auction of skateboards from local graffiti artists, live music, food, drinks, and a skate demo by professional skater Brian Tucci. 5 -10 p.m.

>> Gertrude, a movie that was adapted from Danish playwright Hjalmar Söderberg’s 1906 play, screens for free at the National Gallery of Art at 3 p.m. Director Carl Theodor Dreyer's film is about a woman's search for a romantic ideal, but in doing so, casting off the four men in her life and retreating into isolation.

>> Three Stars alum Flex Mathews will be taking part in the "DC Has Hip-Hop" block party in the alley behind 1435 Meridian Place NW. B-boys and b-girls will be on hand along with artists painting on a community canvas. Free, 3 p.m.

>> The 14th Street Busboys and Poets hosts author Alia Yunis to discuss and sign her novel, The Night Counter: A Novel. Hear what inspired Yunis to write a book that is a twisted take on The Arabian Nights. Free, 4 p.m.

>> It's August, which means it's Chuck Brown's birthday. The "Godfather of Go-Go" will be celebrating his 75 years at the 9:30 Club. $25, 9 p.m. If you've still never seen him perform live, well, you best be there. And stop by the planned block party that afternoon at 7th and T Streets NW, where Chuck's fans will be celebrating the District naming part of a street after the legend.

>> Another milestone will be marked at the Black Cat. Will Eastman's Bliss dance party celebrates nine years and still going strong tonight. Special performances and surprise guests are promised. $10, 9 p.m.

>> Breaking their two-month hiatus from D.C., The Points are at DC9 to celebrate a new 7” titled Beat in Hell. The band is working on a new album, so come expecting new songs and put on your beer drinking shoes for maximum effect. Lifers The Ubangis will be opening, a local punk band who came to The Points' attention after they used an image of their singer for the cover of their new single. Also playing are The Electricutions. 9:30 p.m., $10.

>> If you have fond memories of The Kingpin, stop by The Velvet Lounge's downstairs bar to enjoy a DJ set from the guys who used to spin at the long-since burned out dive.

SUNDAY:

>> The Del Ray Artisans hold their 2nd annual Artist Trading Card swap, where anyone can come and trade 2.5" x 3.5" original works of art. 2 - 4 p.m.

>> If your from my generation, your parents put on the Beach Boys during long summer car trips to keep you entertained- and you were, don't lie. On Sunday, you can revisit those times before A/C adapted cars by hearing the Beach Boys at Wolf Trap for an early show at 2 p.m., $25-38.

>> Don't forget to consult our film picks of the week, including a special screening of Brain DePalma's Blow Out at the AFI Silver at 3:15 p.m.