Arts and Events: August 2009 Archives

By DCist Contributor Ryan Little

              

All downsizing should be so benign.

Sometimes the best part of having all these photogenic monuments in the city isn't the monuments themselves, but all the random folk who come out to do photo shoots by them. Weddings parties, fashion models, tourists from Oklahoma – all of them line up to get a portrait with President Lincoln. Here, akabyam gets a great shot of some colorful ballerinas on the Mall, waiting patiently to pirouette in front of Honest Abe for the camera. EXIF.

DCist's guide to lectures and discussions in the D.C. area

The woman in this photo snapped by gerdaindc confuses me: Whose side is she on, anyway? She seems to be indicating that she would prefer not to see her grandfather snatched up in the middle of the night by one of President Obama's jackbooted death panels. The "you" in "your plan" would have to indicate Obama, or Democrats more broadly, since Republicans aren't offering any plan of their own. Yet the sign hinges on the word "priceless," which leads me to believe that she's saying the plan does not go far enough. There is no price she wouldn't pay for better care for her grandfather, so let's go all in. Sen. Baucus, this woman wants to stake you!

              

At this point in their amazing and improbable career, I'm not sure there's much that hasn't already been said as far as reviewing a concert by The Flaming Lips. Anyone that has seen them live in the last 10 years or so knows about the confetti canons and balloons, the crowd surfing inside a giant bubble, the costumed dancers pulled from the audience, the lighting setups and the various costumed mascots that pop up every now and then. You know that you're going to hear "Race For The Prize," "Yoshimi Part 1," "The WAND," "She Don't Use Jelly" and "Do You Realize" and a bunch of other songs. So it's a credit to the band (and the audience for that matter) that it can all seem so new and fun as it happens. Yes, you can nitpick at the setlist, but then you'd be missing the point. Just sit back, enjoy the show and sing along with everyone else. And if you weren't there, don't fret. Wayne Coyne told the audience they were recording last night's show -- so at some point in the future you might be able to hear what you missed.

I'm with commenter indiepepe on this photo by coolsneakers2000: mismatched chairs are tricksy. Mismatched chairs at the Belle Haven Marina are all the more so, since marinas are notoriously mischievous places.

Raised in Arlington, Britton Powell studied music extensively in high school and truly grew up as a product of the DC music community -- although the music he has created with Hume throughout its various lineups sounds far removed from anything usually seen on a regular night at one of our favorite venues.

Ghosts, demons, and various otherworldly entities populate the plays of Conor McPherson, but the only spirit at work in Dublin Carol, which Scena Theatre is currently presenting in its professional Washington premiere, comes in a bottle labeled "Jameson". Of course, drink is also a staple of McPherson's work: the playwright, a recovering alcoholic himself, has long been concerned with the place of the bottle in the Irish identity. John (Matt Dougherty), the undertaker at the center of Carol is just one of many well soused McPherson protagonists, men for whom there is nothing so terrible as a look at the bottom of an empty glass.

>> Plenty of tickets still available to see The Flaming Lips at Merriweather Post Pavilion, accompanied by post rockers Explosions in the Sky and Stardeath and White Dwarfs. 6 p.m. doors, $40 Pavilion / $30 Lawn. Tickets available from Ticketmaster.

Flickr user andertho wins our favor with a fairy tale forest that is the perfect respite from a hot and humid summer. The diffused light gives the happy little trees painterly qualities and extends the ethereal feel of the composition. EXIF.

Considering that The Tennis System draws from a lot of well-loved influences (The Beatles, The Smiths, My Bloody Valentine, anything harDCore from the 1980s), they sound surprisingly different from most other bands in the area. Most bands that may share their appreciation for reverb and distortion or even large-scale sound might go for a dreamier route. But The Tennis System goes straight for the gut. The songs are certainly well crafted, but their energy and sense of urgency assumes that no listener may have a second chance to notice it. They’re melodic and powerful without giving up their sensibilities of what they enjoy up to the alter of industry or blogosphere-deemed “cool.” But people are starting to take notice.

DCist's highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week.

To listen to the self-titled song from Philadelphia's Free Energy, a breezy surf-ready tune about being young and alive, it would be easy to think that their Black Cat show should be filled with a couple dozen teenagers. Instead, the audience was populated with the people who Free Energy producer, James Murphy, has referred to as "all out of escapes" on the last LCD Soundsystem album. Not an X'ed hand in sight.

When the National Portrait Gallery opened at 11:30 this morning, visitors were able to view the recently installed Andy Warhol portrait of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy in the first-floor gallery space marked "In Memoriam." The space was designated in June as a place to display images of the recently deceased, beginning with an honorary portrait of Michael Jackson.

THEATER: This year's Shakespeare Free For All is finally here, though it's been moved inside to the arguably less festive confines of Sidney Harman Hall. The upside is that the ticket distribution scheme is decidedly less of a hassle: all tickets will simply be distributed beginning two hours prior to curtain, which means tickets for tonight's 8 p.m. performance of Taming of the Shrew will start being given out at 6 p.m., limited to two tickets per person. Historically, this event is very popular, so you'll want to get in line as early as possible. Click through for more details on the entire run.

This geometric photo by Flickr user furcafe reminds us of many different things. Yes, it is probably a street light, but the bold color and symmetrical framing make this seem a little bit out of a science fiction movie. Perhaps the Pixar logo lamp has escaped the studio and is roaming the streets of D.C.? Or, maybe it's a giant dental lamp ready to give impromptu exams to unsuspecting citizens? A reinterpretation of the Japanese flag? A giant evil eye?

While we're sure you love the weekly Arts Agenda here at DCist, we're compelled to note the launch of (and urge you to bookmark) Pink Line Project's brand new web site this week. An easy-to-navigate calendar at the top lists the metro area's art events; detailed info and images pop up for each event below. Pink Line features a scrolling list of their own picks, or go down to the bottom of the page for "Today Only" events. The "Art Chat" is more blog posts than interactive discussion, but may feature lengthier previews and reviews by guest writers in the future.

Woodwind artist John Surman is not a name one hears in this country very often, even in jazz circles, despite a career that spans 45 years. This is largely because his journey is centered in Europe, where the native of Devon, England first gained recognition in the fertile London scene of the mid-1960s. There, he played with band leaders like Mike Westbrook, Alexis Korner, and Ronnie Scott, all pioneers of British jazz. The soon-to-be 65-year old went on to record with guitar great John McLaughlin, Miles Davis collaborator Gil Evans, and others. In the late '70s, Surman began a relationship with the quintessential European jazz label, ECM Records, which continues to this day. Tonight, he begins a rare area appearance at Blues Alley, in support of his latest ECM release, Brewster's Rooster.

MOVIE: Hillyer Art Space is screening the documentary Democracy in Dakar, and will hold a panel discussion following the film with Magee Mcilvaine (co-producer/director), Chris Moore (co-producer/director), and Baay Musa (Senegalese MC and star of the film) for $5, 6-8 p.m.

We normally shy away from pictures of the monuments here at PotD. We're usually looking for something creative, something different. This photo of the Lincoln Memorial by FilmNut is both. Multiple exposures on 35mm film using a Lomo, so no EXIF, but here's a whole set of his multiple exposure photos.

Title aside, turns out to be a lot more inspirational than it is salacious.

>> At just 28-years old, saxophonist Benny Reid is a musician of considerable talent, but also someone who has not received as broad recognition as he deserves. The highly melodic composer and improviser will be playing tonight at Blues Alley in support of his forthcoming release, Escaping Shadows, an upbeat departure from his last release, which was a loving tribute to his late sister. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

MOVIE: Asylum is screening a double feature of Weird Science and Pretty in Pink starting at 8 p.m., as part of their John Hughes Memorial Film Series. No cover.

Everyone knows that the Townhouse Tavern is nice little spot to enjoy cheap drinks and play videoscreen touchy porn. Saddle up to the bar, order a shot and a beer, and find the subtle differences between paired images of nekkid men and women. Counting nipple tassels may not be the most distinguished way to spend an evening, but it's far from the least reputable way to spend a night at the Townhouse Tavs.

>> Sound of the City has a new day of residency but the same format of improvised hip-hop instrumentals at Bohemian Caverns. Free before 8 p.m./$5 after 8 p.m., 6 p.m.

Sure, those were some adorable plates in yesterday's PotD. But it's been too long since we've had a chance to feature the disembodied variety.

>> Justin Moyer performs as his alter-ego, Edie Sedgwick, tonight. The Three Stars alum's shows are unusual to say the least, but also interesting: the Black Cat described her as "Le Tigre meets Black Flag for an irony-free dance party with a tranny Milton Berle as MC!" 9 p.m., $8.

         

Having to find a last minute replacement bassist is usually not the secret to putting on a phenomenal show. When that bassist is from your band's original lineup, however, it's a recipe for celebratory nostalgia.

MOVIE: Batman Returns plays outdoors tonight in Crystal City, part of their free Superheroes movie series. Arrive early to claim your spot for the film, starting around 8:30 p.m. in the plaza across the street from the Crystal City Metro.

After weeks of heat and humidity and intense storms, it felt good to be outside yesterday. How good? The look of pure joy that Flickr user Cazimiro captured on the girl's face pretty much sums it up.

And that means that the District weighs in as one of the top 10 summer concert destinations in the nation (says StubHub, via the WashBizJo). Nissan's far and all, but what's really far is Richmond -- who have been claiming Nissan ticket sales all this time! Fortunately, Nissan was handed back to the District without provoking a Third Battle of Bull Run.

This photo by M.V. Jantzen is the best photo I've ever had the pleasure to put up on this site. It reminds me of my favorite photograph, by Jörg Sasse, and it has just the slightest touch of Alec Soth to it. Maybe I'm overreacting, but my heart is flipping here. Pretty sure it's another organ that's flipping for the girls in this picture, though.

"Steak in a Sac"? Flickr contributor Maryland Route 5 has been taking some fantastic photos of the Arlington County Fair over the last couple of days. But it was this one which really caught our eye, if only for the pure amount of meats slathered in artificial cheese or stuffed into casings on offer at this particular stand. If you haven't gone to indulge in your share of internationally-styled flesh and fries, the fair runs through tomorrow. Vegetarians beware, indeed.

What's the best way to deal with those especially dark nights of the soul? Get rid of the soul, of course. That's the premise of French filmmaker Sophie Barthes' debut feature, a surreal blend of witty comedy and reflective — please excuse the expression — soul searching.

We chatted with local punks The Points back in November, following the release of their excellent self-titled album, which highlights the vocal growls, guitar howls and sheer adrenaline that has always characterized their live shows. Even within the nine months since that last interview, they've kept up a high rate of productivity. In between a long list of tour dates and the relocation of singer/guitarist Geo White, the band has still managed to start work on a second full-length album. In addition, they're releasing a 7" just to keep fans from feeling the void where good and fast garage rock should be.

FRIDAY

We're drawn to this dark and moody portrait by AleLa0201. Red is throwing off a strong carnie vibe thanks to the angle of the shot and the lighting and vignetting from the Holga.

DCist's highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week.

MUSIC: Celebrate the release of Vandaveer's new record, Divide & Conquer, tonight at Black Cat. Vandaveer, aka Mark Charles Heidinger, will perform along with fellow folk rock travelers Roofwalkers and John Bustine. $10, 8:30 p.m. in the Backstage.

Remember that time you watched Eyes Wide Shut and Pan's Labyrinth back to back? Paul Sharratt was there to capture the dream you had afterwards.

>> Hillyer has events going on all weekend. On Friday, swing by their monthly HOME event. Poets should sign up for the open mic at 6 p.m.; everyone else be there by 7 p.m. $5. On Saturday, check out the performance piece Confirm or Ignore (from Facebook, get it?). The modern dance combines the work of Lotta Lundgren and Ilana Silverstein. Two showings, at 8 and 10 p.m., $10, RSVP strongly encouraged to dinnerpartyinfo[at]gmail.com or 202.386.2733.

Every election year, the cliche that somebody should or should not begin measuring the White House drapes gets trotted out. But eight months in to their new life at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., it looks like the Obamas may finally have brought in some help for the job, in the form of fashion personality and Barney's New York creative director/window dresser extraordinaire Simon Doonan. You may recognize Doonan from his appearances on America's Next Top Model and VH1's I Love the ____ shows.

>> Many a jazz musician has looked to the Indian subcontinent for inspiration. Tonight, the Millennium Stage hosts Sreevidhya Chandramouli, a Carnatic musician and faculty member at the University of Oregon who plays the veena. 6 p.m. Free

MUSIC: Dance away your hump day blues with the balls-out hijinks of Brooklyn’s Ninjasonik, who are at DC9 tonight. Fellow New Yorkers Hate Hugs and D.C.'s own Noon:30 open. 9 p.m., $8.

As much as we love a good portrait, it's a cool abstract that strikes our fancy this hump day. If recent news pans out as hoped, a loves dc's subject could soon be a thing of the past. (EXIF)

FOOD & DRINK: Head to either The Reef, Saint Ex, or the Argonaut tonight for DC Beer Week. Each restaurant will be pairing a special beer with complementary dish: Yequina Bay Oysters with Captain Sig’s Deadliest Ale at the Reef (5 -10 p.m.); Brooklyn Brewery and cheese from Cowgirl Creamery at Saint Ex (6 p.m.); and an Abita Beer Crawfish Boil at the Argonaut (7 p.m.).

Who knew Brazil had cowboys? Matt.Dunn, that's who.

>> Her latest album drops today and to celebrate, Bay Area-based vocalist Ledisi will be performing at National Harbor Plaza and signing copies of her release, Turn Me Loose. Free, 7 p.m.

By DCist contributor Matt Siblo

Bat For Lashes certainly know how to set a mood. If the wolf howling in front of a full moon draped behind them on the 9:30 Club stage Saturday night didn't give away their intentions to create a mystical night, the glitter, lights and feathers adorning the stage (and lead singer Natasha Khan) pushed the point home. And that was before Khan even opened her mouth. Her ethereal, chilling voice rung clear through the venue for opener "Glass," instantly ending chatter and leaving the audience wide-eyed.

MOVIE: Crystal Screen's ongoing superhero outdoor movie festival kicks off the Batman portion of the proceedings tonight with Batman, the Michael Keaton/Jack Nicholson version. At 18th and Bell Streets, in the courtyard across from the Crystal City Metro station. Free, film starts at sundown (around 8:30 p.m.)

"Another week of 90-plus temps? Awesome..."

Washington National Opera hit upon a great way to spread interest in opera last year with the first installment of an event it calls Opera in the Outfield. Next month, the company will offer another free high-definition simulcast of its season-opening production, Rossini's evergreen (or, overdone) The Barber of Seville, to a large crowd at Nationals Park, providing access to what happens inside the company's theater to a wider audience. In this economic downturn, it does not hurt that it will cost you nothing.

              

Here's how the crowd breaks down for the annual Girls Rock! DC camp showcase at the 9:30 Club:

Oh, zombies. We do love you so, despite the fact that you exist only to tear us limb from limb. Maybe it's because, despite the whole "being dead" thing, you're very much like the rest of us: whether that's riding the Metro, sharing scraps with canine friends, or being oddly curious about the Real World castmembers (and their brains). Flickr contributor spiggycat was on hand for the latest edition of the zombie uprising which occasionally takes over D.C., photographing these blood-stained flesh-eaters who obviously need to a refresher course on how to use Next Bus. It goes without saying that we recommend taking a look at the whole set, perhaps while enjoying a cool beer and preparing your trusty shotgun for the undead apocalypse to come.

              

What's not to like about a new mural? That's why we were so delighted upon learning about Mural Jam, the "capital's largest public art event," held yesterday at the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center. Sponsored by Albus Cavus, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program, local muralists have been mentoring kids over the past couple months in developing and designing public art -- and the results are pretty cool. DCist photo contributor Holly Le was on the scene yesterday to to document the creation and unveiling of the new art at 680 Rhode Island Avenue NE.

This shot by LaTur is a perfect ad for that Jet Blue fly-anywhere package. Incidentally, it would also make for a pretty great e-card to notify me that you bought me that Jet Blue fly-anywhere package. I'm only saying.

Animated children's movies generally fall into one of a couple of different camps. There are kiddie flicks made just for kids, the sort of things that are visually stimulating enough to warrant 24/7 viewing by obsessive 3 to 5-year-olds, but which quickly lose their luster for anyone older. Then there are kids films that try to maintain some adult appeal, either through artful attention to great storytelling (Pixar) or through hammy pop culture references that go stale within a month of release (the collected works of Shrek). Hayao Miyazaki's latest, yet another in a long line of instant classics, fits neither of these molds: it is clearly made with children in mind, but not because it favors visual flash over storytelling, or because it is dumbed down in any way. Ponyo is that rare children's movie that actually taps into the unique imaginative power of a child's mind.

            

Before starting their set at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Tuesday night, the members of Akron/Family taped up a torn American flag with a blue and white tie-dyed square in the upper left hand corner. This flag, which adorns the cover of Akron/Family's latest release, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free, might initially give the impression that the band are followers of the Book of Phish and that album title, a mantra torn from one of those pages. And Akron/Family certainly projects a communal atmosphere and engages in some extended improvisations. But the sheer expanse of their stylistic range keeps them from being pigeonholed as a "jam band." They're far more interesting.

FRIDAY

Keep your eye out for these tough guys. Nivad last spotted this striped shirt, sunglasses wearing and serious mug sporting gang near Lafayette Square. Possible movement toward the Portrait Gallery and Spy Museum is highly likely. Remain alert. EXIF.

DCist's highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week.

>> This Saturday, join the "capital’s largest public art event" at the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center (next to the Rhode Island Ave Metro station) to see over 100 artists paint a football field-sized wall during Mural Jam. Sponsored by Albus Cavus, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program, local muralists mentored kids over the past couple months in developing and designing public art. Watch them work from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. while enjoying music, food and drinks for free.

ART: During the month of August, the Phillps Collection hosts its After 5 party every Thursday night from 5 - 8:30 p.m. Tonight you'll find peach sangria, beer tasting, a screening of the French film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, a gallery talk on Blitzkrieg Shock: Postwar Trauma’s Effect on Painting, and music from DJ Danny Harris of Fatback DC. Free with your $12 museum admission.

It's just your ordinary BBQ scene with the protein-of-choice cooking, basting brushes sitting idle, and a sauce bubbling away. However, the way in which coraline.angelo composes the picture, with the smoke billowing out against the dark backgroud, evokes a Macbeth-ian "Double double toil and trouble" vibe. EXIF.

The dog days are officially upon us, so we decided the most logical thing to do is sick a wolf on 'em. Le Loup rocketed out of nowhere onto the local music scene in late 2007, with a Hardly Art record deal and international tours before we could even learn the names of all seven people in their lineup. The first album was recorded before Sam Simkoff had cohorts, and while it was by far one of our favorite musical happenings of 2008, we wondered what they could do recording as a full band. Well, wonder no longer. In preparation for the release of their second album, Family (due out September 22), Le Loup has kindly shared the first single, "Beach Town," free of charge. The band's undergone some lineup changes, but that lush, layered sound we came to love last year is still intact. Give it a listen yourself, and let us know what you think.

MOVIE: Part of the ongoing Maya Indie Film Series, which highlights films by Latino filmmakers, the E Street Cinema tonight screens The Line, directed by James Cotten and starring Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo, Armand Assante and Esai Morales. Liotta plays an assassin going after Garcia's crime cartel. 7:30 p.m.

I apologize if you haven't received your invitation to traverse my vast network of underground air-conditioned tunnels. In the meantime, why not stay cool by tapping the hydrant or enjoying a frosty beverage while being photographed by gerdaindc? EXIF.

>> Recently profiled saxophonist Bobby Muncy teams up with Three Stars alums Brad Linde and Matt Rippetoe to form The Three Tenors, a group that plays a mix of standards and originals by the trio. The band, playing at Utopia tonight, also features pianist Gene D'Andrea, bassist Andrew Cox, and drummer Larry Ferguson. 9 p.m. No cover

MUSIC: Tabi Bonney is one of D.C.'s rising hip-hop stars, and tonight you can catch him performing material from his latest album, Dope, for free at The Library (3514 12th Street NE). 6 p.m.

The DCist Flickr pool is home to its fair share of images shot (or modified later) using fancy effects. Tracy Clayton's $0.99 investment in a certain iPhone app has paid off with this nicely composed snapshot that makes us feel as if we've just come across an old summer vacation picture while rummaging through our parents' photo collection. (No EXIF data)

DCist's guide to lectures and discussions in the D.C. area

>> When MTV featured D.C.'s hip-hop scene a few months back, they focused a lot of attention on Tabi Bonney. Material from his latest album, Dope, will be front and center during his performance at The Library (3514 12th Street NE). Free, 6 p.m.

Our occasional series "Secret History" features profiles of classic D.C. albums as a way of looking back at the District's contributions to music over time. In this installment, we take a look at the Nation of Ulysses's 13-Point Program to Destroy America (Dischord, 1991).

>> Here's a good reason to spend the hottest day of the summer in a cool, dark place. Franz Nicolay, he of thee immaculate Rollie Fingers mustache (oh, and of thee Hold Steady), comes to the Black Cat backstage in support of his recent solo record, Major General. Joining him on the bill is TV Torso, made up of former members of the Sound Team. $10, 9 p.m.

MOVIE: Rebel Without a Cause is this summer's finale to Screen on the Green, starting around 8:30 p.m. on the Mall between 4th and 7th street; arrive early to save seats, and bring lots of cold drinks to survive the heat.

We can't take our eyes off this Pink Dog photo, by Flickr user mpr131. After a search through the DCist flickr pool, we noticed that this is not the only pink dog photograph in the group. Matt Dunn photographed a pink dog in Dupont Circle. Yospyn also has a pink dog photo in the pool. So what is the story here? Is this the same dog? Are there multiple pink dogs roaming our city streets? How do you feel about dog owners dyeing their dog(s) pink? Would you prefer another color?

DCist fave philliefan99 would have you believe that all of these fossils can be found in nearby Calvert County, Maryland. Evidence of the mako, lemon, tiger, sand tiger, and hammerhead sharks that once perhaps patrolled the Chesapeake has me thankful for harpoons and oceanic bleaching. One find, though, stretches credulity: ray teeth? Rays have teeth? Don't they use some kind of bone mesh coffee filter–looking thing in their mouths to eat dot-sized fish-bacteria? Provisionally upgrading threat status of rays while I look into this.

A beer every other inning. That's not so bad. That's not excessive. No one's judging you over a beer every other inning. In fact that seems like a decent going-out plan: I'm going to meet up with my old college roommates, watch this Sox-Yanks game, have like a beer every other inning. But seriously. Fifteen innings? I feel like muohace_dc feels me.

Opening today, the Renwick Gallery presents Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009 which brings together four artists who explore the narrative in their medium of choice. Ceramic artist Christyl Boger, fiber artist Mark Newport, glass artist Mary Van Cline and ceramic artist SunKoo Yuh walk the fine line between what is traditionally known as craft and art, showing decidedly non-functional pieces that are heavy on the narrative. They forgo the traditional definition of craft for the appeal of story telling through art.

FRIDAY

       

Last summer, DCist enjoyed a sailing lesson from DC Sail, the city's nonprofit community sailing center operated by the National Maritime Heritage Foundation (NMHF). We joined three of the friendly folks from DC Sail on a five person, 19-foot Flying Scott, and cruised through the Washington Channel past Hains Point.

We must be moving into the "dog days" of summer if Matt.Dunn is taking our advice and giving us adorable puppy portraits.

Joe Pernice, the leader of the Pernice Brothers and the force behind some of the most well-crafted classicist pop songs of the past decade, officially jumped into the wild word of fiction this week with his first proper novel, It Feels So Good When I Stop. The book's story of a lost slacker unable to come to grips with his recent marriage (much less his life) may have strong shades of Nick Hornby's half-pathetic music/sports obsessives, but Pernice is more brutally honest, giving a true warts-and-all portrayal of a deeply flawed character that sometimes hits a little close to home. And, of course, there's a boatload of terrific, offbeat musical references and a steady stream of humor throughout. Pernice sat down with DCist last week to discuss the book, its companion "soundtrack," and his tour, which brings him to Iota in Arlington on Sunday night.

What sad, stunning news that beloved film director and writer John Hughes has died, at the age of 59, of an apparent heart attack. For people of a certain age, people who make up nearly the entire staff of DCist, his movies mean an awful lot in terms of cultural touchstones.

DCist's highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week.

MOVIE: Riverfront Reel's outdoor movie selection tonight is the lovable Tom Hanks-as-a-kid romp, Big. The free screening starts at sundown, but get there early for free '80s themed candy, including wax lips and Pixy Stix. At Tingey Plaza, near the Navy Yard Metro stop.

Marcellina.'s action shot of a breakdancing competition prompts the question: Is Reston, everyone's favorite post-war planned community, really the area's breakdancing mecca?

>> On Saturday, stop by Hamiltonian Gallery for their first official fellows show of the new season. Almost Surely, Almost Everywhere features four artists, and we're always interested to see what Michael Dax Iacovone is up to; in the past we've seen his curiously notated, multiple exposure "maps," but it sounds like he's a bit more physical this time, in collaborative video work that features "drifting" through unfamiliar spaces. 7 to 9 p.m.

>> Fans of world music should consider spending some time at the Millennium Stage this week. Tonight's show features sahraoui music, which combines dance, poetry, and songs unique to the Ahouach and Hassani tribes from Assa, Morocco. On Thursday, the venue hosts the Alash Ensemble, a group of master Tuvan throat singers. 6 p.m. Free

A lot has changed for Guy Garvey and Elbow since I spoke to him in April of last year, ahead of their gig at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue. Their album The Seldom Seen Kid has been an unqualified success, selling in large quantities and raising the band's profile to a new level. Awards soon followed: the group won the UK's prestigious 2008 Mercury Music Prize, Best British Group at the 2009 Brit Awards and picked up a few Ivor Novello Awards along the way. Oh, and let's not forget the opening slots for Coldplay and U2. The show at Sixth and I was one of the best I saw in 2008, so expectations (and ticket counts) were higher for last night's show at the 9:30 Club. I ran into a friend on the street on the way to the club and told him I hoped this show would be grittier and rock harder, since the band were playing a proper rock club this time around, but sadly this was not to be.

>> On August 1, the Newseum opened Woodstock at 40: The Rise of Music Journalism. This exhibit commemorates the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair featuring rarely seen images, memorabilia and artifacts.

There's just something immensely satisfying about watching hot women kick some zombie ass.

MUSIC: Scottish Welsh band Los Campesinos! will bring their upbeat, catchy pop songs to the 9:30 Club tonight. Girls and Smith Westerns open. Note that it's an early show, at 6:30 p.m. $15.

Coneflowers are a colorful sign of summer around these parts. The flowers are brightly colored and almost alien in appearance. Which makes this black and white treatment of them all the more appealing. The Fuji Neopan 1600 film that Flickrer volcanojw uses adds a grainy dreaminess to the scene.

>> DJs Obeyah and Baronhawk Poitier will be celebrating urban dance culture at Rock & Roll Hotel's Hotel Bar during "The Breakdown." Free, 8:30 p.m.

Though rightfully associated with the jam band circuit, the Derek Trucks Band is much more than a musical backdrop for the youthful tie dye set. Built on top notch songwriting, impeccable musicianship, and a solemn commitment to putting music before personality, the group is a throwback to the blues/gospel tradition that forms its biggest influence. The sextet also has an openmindedness to music that seems increasingly rare on today's rock circuit. Every show feels like an exploration, and whether they are drawing on their American roots or influences soaked up in their world travels, their concerts always feel fresh and uplifting.

MUSIC: The Velvet Lounge will host a guitar trio double bill tonight, featuring two bands composed of members from Fugazi, The Thievery Corporation, and Sonic Suicide Squad, among others. One of the trios, Private Language Argument, also features Chris Haskett of The Rollins Band; 9 p.m., 18+, $8.

With last weekend's weather finally resembling a real D.C. summer, the DCist Flickr pool reflected the desire to to keep cool with plenty of lovely fountain shots. Flickr contributor erin m has framed her romantic take on the subject beautifully, even helping the young woman pull her partially-discarded color theme back together. (Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 film.)

>> Post-rock's loud-soft-loud dynamics and frenetic instrumentation may have been pioneered by bands like Tortoise and Mono (among others), but Scottish outfit Mogwai have become one of the sub-genre's most recognizable names. They'll be blasting out eardrums tonight at the 9:30 Club. 7 p.m., $25.

MOVIES: On the Waterfront is tonight’s Screen on the Green selection; free, starting a little after 8 p.m. at the National Mall between 4th and 7th street. Arrive early to claim your spot.

Has all the weekend track maintenance got you down? This sleeping man on the Metro feels your pain. Flickr user Bogotron captured exactly how many of us feel these days about our transit system with his photo titled "Man at Sleep." The great lines and the grain of the Neopan 1600 film create an effect which seemingly could inspire a blues tune about the hard times of a Metrorail rider.

DCist's guide to lectures and discussions in the D.C. area

              

Some things in life are always true. Seeing Paul McCartney in concert, even at age 67, is one of them. Sir Paul wowed a near-capacity crowd at FedEx Field on Saturday night with a mammoth, Beatles-centric 35 song set that also included hits and album cuts from his Wings era and solo career. Yes, he played (by my very unofficial count) at least 11 of those 35 songs at the then MCI Center in 2005, but not even I am going to complain about that.

Do you think that an "art car" needs a sign saying "art car"? Does this guy (photographed by Sandy Choi) really need context? Always seemed that the whole point behind covering a car in dry noodles or whatever was to totally destabilize its context as a parked car. Maybe it's a city requirement. In any case, let there be no mistake!: The Bug festooned with musical instruments is not a 2010 Volkswagon.