Photo by Chris Rief aka Spodie OdieFRIDAY:
>> Not working today? Suit up and head over to the Skyline Pool at the Capitol Skyline Hotel for their Adult Swim Party. It’s $10 at the door for pool access from noon to 8 p.m.
>> It’s First Friday in Dupont Circle tonight. Head to Hillyer for the opening of Six in the Mix, an exhibit of D.C. and Baltimore artists. For a $5 donation you’ll get food, refreshments, and music from DJ Deep Sang. 6 to 9 p.m. Studio Gallery and Foundry Gallery will also have openings.
>> Don’t miss our film picks of the week, including a special 50th anniversary screening of François Truffaut’s French New Wave classic The 400 Blows, with a special introduction by Cahiers du cinema editor Jean-Philippe Tessé. At the AFI Silver, 7 p.m. Also Sunday at 5:20 p.m.
>> Relatively new local indie outfit Frau Eva, whose folk-influenced sound relies on intricate arrangements of rarely used instruments, celebrates the release of an EP tonight at the Velvet Lounge. 10 p.m., $8, 21+.
>> Tonight’s Blisspop-hosted D.C. Summer Extravaganza at the 9:30 Club looks like a solid way to ring in Independence Day. DJs Tittsworth, Nadastrom, Will Eastman, Bobby Jae & Ken Lazee, and Dmerit are banding together for an all-star, all-ages dance night that only costs $10. 9 p.m.
>> DJ Nitekrawler celebrates the first anniversary of the excellent “Moneytown” soul and R&B dance night at Dahlak (1771 U Street NW) with special guest Chris “Iceburg” Burgan. Free, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY:
>> The annual Independence Day organ recital at Washington National Cathedral will feature the cathedral’s organists, Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson. 11 a.m.
>> It’s the last weekend of Artomatic, so if you still haven’t made it down there, make a point to do so. Things close earlier tonight, at 10:30 p.m., for the holiday, and wrap up completely on Sunday.
>> Duh, you’re looking for a place to watch the fireworks! Should you choose to brave the crowds on the National Mall, we highly recommend walking or getting their by bike – WABA will once again be hosting a free bike valet service. For those who go by Metro, note that the Smithsonian station will be open this year, unlike previous years. The Capitol Fourth concert starts at 8 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled to start sometime after 9:30 p.m. Always good for alternative viewing spots: Cardozo High School, the Key Bridge, the Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn, Washington National Cathedral, the plaza at the Kennedy Center, Gravelly Point, and the top of Malcolm X Park. Or, start calling your friends with roof access.
>> Fort Knox Five highlight a July 4th show with DJ Regal, All Good Funk Alliance, Asheru and Mustafa Akbar at the Black Cat. $10, 10 p.m.
SUNDAY:
>> The legendary Gladys Knight is at Wolf Trap. She’ll be Pip-less, but she’ll surely be bringing the hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Heard It Through the Grapevine.” 8 p.m., $45 in house, $25 lawn.
>> Memphis punk Jay Reatard brings his onstage antics and short, loud songs to the Black Cat. 8 p.m., $12.
