On paper, a Lenny Kravitz show on the heels of the 20th anniversary re-release of his debut album, Let Love Rule, is an intriguing prospect. Add in a setlist that has but one song released after the year 2000 and I'm downright excited. So why was Tuesday's show at the Warner Theater a bit of a dud? Pacing, mostly. Kravitz managed just 13 songs in a two hour span in a set that started and finished strong but veered eerily into "Jazz Odyssey" territory in between. more ›

There are not many performance ensembles to which the word "institution" is applicable. And when it is, we are often discussing groups that rest on past accomplishments, preserve what has come before, and live on nostalgia. All of this could not be further from the truth when discussing Sweet Honey in the Rock, the colorful and world renowned African American women's a cappella ensemble that was founded here in the District, 35 years ago. Sweet Honey will celebrate this milestone with a special concert tomorrow night at the Warner Theatre, along with another artistic treasure, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. more ›

Whether you know him from Mr. Show, Bob and David, his stand up, Arrested Development or one of the million other beloved things he's done in his career, David Cross has whipped up a wide and rabid fan base. He released a book earlier this year, I Drink For A Reason, and is visiting the District this week. Cross recorded 2004's amazing It's Not Funny during a 4-night stint in D.C., so we can keep our fingers crossed for more comedic heights on Wednesday night at the Warner Theatre. Tickets are still available for $33. more ›

For dance lovers looking to get into the holiday spirit, The Nutcracker is a must at this time of year. Thankfully, the Washington D.C. area has numerous performances of the beloved ballet from which to choose. While there’s over a dozen performances ranging in size from huge ballet troupes to small dance studios, here's a few that stand out among the rest. American Ballet Theater: Few companies can compete with the size and talents of... more ›

It looks like I.M.P., the Montgomery County-based company that runs the 9:30 Club and Merriweather Post Pavilion, hasn't given up on opening a Silver Spring music hall. In September, we wrote that concert producer and venue owner Live Nation had signed a non-binding letter of intent to put a Fillmore music hall in the old J.C. Penney store at Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road in Silver Spring, across from the AFI Silver Theater. Both the... more ›

>> Tonight's a big night for music, beginning with a celebration of one of the great musicians of the 20th century, Frank Zappa. His son, Dweezil, leads a group of Zappa-alums for this tribute, which takes place at Warner Theater. 7:30 p.m., $50/$75 + Ticketmaster fees. >> Tonight, the musical flavor of New Orleans comes to the Wonderland Ballroom tonight as Yamomanem takes the stage. Call 202-232-5263 for cover information. 9 p.m. >> Also tonight,... more ›

Monday >> Ben Harper recorded Lifeline in a studio in Paris, directly after his European tour. As a result he and the Innocent Criminals have put together an album from the heart and at the top of their game that captures his signature modern take on classic soul music. Kick back with them and Piers Faccini tonight at the Warner Theater. $40, 8 p.m. >> Canadian post-punk instrumental rockers, Do Make Say Think have moved... more ›

>> Artomatic continues with a bevy of daily events. Tonight Ellyn Weiss leads a "Colorfield Intermix Tour of Artomatic", showing visitors works influenced by the Colorfield painting tradition. Even if you're not well versed in art movements, it's a good chance to get an overview of this month-long art extravaganza. [2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va., Free, 8:30 p.m.] >> Trumpeter and composer Chris Botti brings his pop and jazz standards to the Warner Theater.... more ›

Tonight, the D.C. theater community will descend on Warner Theater, decked out in tuxes, kilts, ball gowns and whatever else the artsy crowd comes up with to approximate “black tie” attire. It's the night each year they get the chance to party their brains out and recognize the outstanding contributions they've made this year; it's the Helen Hayes Awards. As busy theater critics with day jobs, we don’t get the chance to attend and review... more ›

>> Calling all Nudists/Heavy Metal fans: Your time has finally come. [craigslist] more ›

By DCist Contributor Mehan Jayasuriya Much like the similarly canonized Robert Johnson, Brian Wilson is an American icon for whom mythology has contributed as much to his legend of being a "musical genius" as his accomplishments have. The five years spent in a bedroom, the lost (and eventually found) masterpiece Smile, the strange, drug-induced happenings at an L.A. mansion in the 1960s and a long history of mental illness add up to something that... more ›

So if October's the month for spooky productions and December is the time to get in the holiday spirit, what does November mean for D.C. Theater? Looks like this month, it means a diverse catalogue of everything from Chinese Elvises to Katie Couric (ok, maybe some theaters are apparently still thinking "scary"). Actors' Theater of Washington has the camp-tastic Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy, which will serve as a late-night follow-up to its current production,... more ›

It's been a good summer. For DCist it has, anyway, filled with cheetah cubs and buttersticks, Nats games and Borf sightings, and lots of sweaty, booze-soaked cookouts. But fall is coming, people, and it's time to put the flip-flops aside, say goodbye to the interns, and fill out your autumn dance card. DCist humbly offers the following suggestions. Oh, they grow up so fast. One day they're lil, playing hoops and making MTV videos, the... more ›

Because we like to keep you in the know, here's an updated list of upcoming shows, through middle of October or so (if we've missed anything, please let us know!). A couple of DCist-ers will be in attendance at the Thrills show tomorrow night at the Black Cat, so come on out! 9/17: Lungfish, Black Cat 9/18: The Thrills, Black Cat 9/23: The Walkmen, 9:30 Club 9/24: Fiery Furnaces, Black Cat 9/25: Travis Morrison, Galaxy... more ›

DCist usually laments the state of shows here in the nation�s capital. Often passed over for the bigger markets of Philadelphia or New York, the D.C. never seems to get a fair shake when it comes to the concerts that all the cool kids wanna go to. It�s so unfair! We have some great musical venues; when are we going to get a steady influx of good live bands? Well, it seems the times, they... more ›