FRIDAY
>> Calling all horror, cult, and Italian cinema freaks. The screening of the summer is upon you. The Library of Congress is hosting an extremely rare chance to see Dario Argento’s “Four Flies on Grey Velvet” at 7 p.m. Make sure to call the Pickford Theater by 4 p.m. to reserve your seats, as this film is not available on DVD and is very difficult to find. The final episode of the so-called “Animal Trilogy,” the story revolves around some of Argento’s favorite sorts of characters: musicians, drifters, and psychopathic killers. With a score by Ennio Morricone (sorry prog-rock fans, this one pre-dates Argento’s partnership with the Goblins), this film promises to be every bit as dream-like, nauseating, and profoundly bizarre as “Deep Red” and “Suspiria.” Free.
>> Howard University music instructor, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Big Band member, and all-around D.C. jazz legend Keter Betts passed away last weekend. The local music landscape just won’t be the same without him. Betts was meant to perform at the Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday, so the event has now been turned into a tribute featuring members of Betts’ trio, along with saxophonist Buck Hill (who will also play at Twins Jazz later that night.) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $5. Dinner available downstairs.
SATURDAY
>> Taking a break from composing scores for crappy Disney teen flicks, Mark Mothersbaugh and the rest of Devo are playing Saturday and Sunday at 9:30. We could make plenty of witty puns based on titles of the band’s well-known 80s hits, but we’re not that cheap. Neither are their concerts: tickets are an unbelievable $55 a piece.
>> We’re a sucker for any event that can make the world feel smaller, cuter, and more attuned to the often overlooked concerns of film archivists. Across the globe, August 13 is Home Movie Day, a chance to gather with your neighbors and screen actual home movies filmed by actual families that more than likely will elicit an awww or two from even the coldest fish among you. Hosted by The Warehouse Theater here in the District, consider going up to the attic and seeing what 16 mm wonders you’ve got hiding up there and share with the rest of the us. It’ll make us smile. 7:30 p.m., and its free.
SUNDAY
>> No one we’ve talked to has a single negative thing to say about Holly Golilghtly, the bluesy English rock songstress and regular collaborator of Billy Childish. So how could it be a bad thing to go check her out at IOTA for a measly $12? That’s what we thought. See you there. 8:30 p.m., w/ Tom Heinl.
>> If hardcore punk is more your style, head out to DC9 to support hardworking local acts The Screws, The Revelevens, and The Nurbs. We’re confident there will more tattoos per square inch of exposed flesh there than at any other show in the city.
