FRIDAY:
>> DCist is pleased to offer $5 off Forum Theatre & Dance’s performances of UpShot by Ami Dayan (a scene from the play is at left). It’s already received several positive notices, and director Shirley Serotsky has let us know that anyone who shows up at the box office with a print-out of this post can purchase a ticket for $13 (normally $18). This deal is good for the entire run of the play, so click the print button and get down to the Church Street Theater between now and Oct. 16.
>> There will be at least a few DCists lurking around the Architecture in Helsinki show at Black Cat tonight, no doubt trying our best to think of a band to compare them to other than The Fiery Furnaces. We’ll do our best. With Dr. Dog and Exit Clov. $10, 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY:
>> Washington Write-a-Story Day sure sounds nifty. 40 creative writing workshops will take place simultaneously throughout the city, with the goal that all participants will create a story that takes place in a public place in D.C. Event creator Joyce Hackett has gathered an impressive slate of professional writers to run workshops and select the cream of the crop for a reading at GWU on Sunday. You can call to reserve your spot, but walk-ins are also welcome.
>> Politicized Canadian dance-rockers Metric have a new album out, and they’re at 9:30 Club, too. With The Most Serene Republic & The Lovely Feathers. Doors at 6 p.m., $15.
>> Kihachi Okamoto’s Kill! kicks off Samurai Cinema week at the AFI Silver Theatre. Okamoto also directed one of the best Zatoichi films in that series, so expect a good dose of funny along with your sword play and mass killings.
>> Curator Dr. Olivia Lumpkin will be giving a gallery talk at 4 p.m. on her beheamoth Options 2005 show which opened on Thursday. Apparently there’s a lot of chatter about how all over the place the selections, which include 20 artists this year, actually are, so it should be interesting to hear what Lumpkin has to say about it. Check the link for details.
SUNDAY:
>> Surprisingly enough, The Cassettes are not playing at the upcoming Gypsy Festival in New York. But they are backstage at Black Cat. With 127, for the low low price of $7.
>> Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour is going on all weekend, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. It’ll run you $25, plus an extra $22 if you go for the optional picnic on the lawn — still a pretty good deal.
>> There’s a little upstart film festival going on at Jammin’ Java out in Vienna, VA, and we’re all in favor of more of those cropping up in the area. The 2005 Mid-Atlantic Film Festival starts at 5 p.m. and will run you $10.
MONDAY:
>> Louisville’s My Morning Jacket hired Radiohead producer John Leckie to help them craft their latest album, Z, and the proof is in the pudding. They’re at 9:30 Club with Kathleen Edwards, and it’ll cost you $18.
