>> The one and only Chaka Khan is at H2O tonight as a pre-party of sorts to the kick off of Howard Homecoming festivities, which officially start tomorrow. Doors at 5 p.m., show begins at 7. >> Operation Filmmaker is documentary of sorts that follows the strange story of Iraqi film student Muthana Mohmed. Mohmed was given an opportunity to work as a production assistant in Prague on the set of Liev Schreiber's 2005......

DCist's highly subjective and hardly comprehensive guide to the most interesting movies playing around town in the coming week. Repertory: D.C. Labor FilmFest Strictly speaking, the D.C. Labor FilmFest isn't a repertory festival, but with over half of their programming falling into that category, plus a dedicated retrospective to the great Ken Loach, we'll go ahead and shoehorn it into the category this week. The festival is put on by the Washington Metro Council of......

>> Artists Virgil Marti and Pae White, whose new conceptual piece has recently been installed in the lobby of the Hirshhorn, will give a Meet the Artists talk in the museum's Ring Auditorium. [7th St. and Independence Ave. SW, Free, 7 p.m.] >> U Street neighborhood residents get the bait-and-switch from Mayor's office. Until a day ago, Mayor Fenty was scheduled to meet tonight. Now the Cardozo/Shaw Neighborhood Association will settle for Deputy Mayor Neil......

>> Transformer opens a show this weekend showcasing the work of two extremely talented photographers. Lely Constantinople and Antonia Tricarico utilize a slew of cameras as they approach people on the streets, taking portraits and learning the person behind the picture. They look for the commonalities in strangers who may pass each other everyday, never seeing it themselves. Unsurprisingly, these documentary artists each have pieces hanging in the National Museum of American History. Stop......

WPA\C is hosting the first of a three night experimental media series, titled After Effects, curated by local heavy Kathryn Cornelius. From 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Corcoran Gallery of Art's Armand Hammer Auditorium, check out new video work from Jason Zimmerman, Chad Stayrook (a still from his everytime a scientist dies, a unicorn gets its horn is at right) and a live performance from videohippos at 8:20 p.m. Drink it In: It's......

The Agenda's a little late this week, and we're awfully sorry to leave you hangin'. We've been expanding our regular visual arts coverage (hope you noticed), but in so doing got behind on our long-standing duties. Luckily, there's a slew of events this weekend to point out, so hopefully you'll forgive our tardiness and not throw any drinks in our faces when we see you at openings over the next few days. White wine may......

Don't Walk, Sprint: Time is running out to check out the very last show ever at Fusebox, Collection/Kolekcija, the Cold War-inspired work of Serbian photographer Vesna Pavlovic (her Jagodin Hotel, Jagodina II is pictured), and Ian Whitmore's Little Lies in the project space. Through Feb. 11. Hopefully Sarah and Patrick will throw some sort of spectacular closing bash. Metaphorical Heavy Hitter: Big time photographer and de facto social commentator Lorna Simpson will be on hand......

Among the highlights of this week are several chances to meet artists and hear about their inspiration and techniques. What better way to get an inside look into exhibits? Keep reading for more details. >> "Ed Cooper: Paintings" opens today at Spectrum Gallery. The exhibit features landscape oil paintings by the local artist, a member of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Saturday from 3-6......