FRIDAY:
>> Here at DCist we like to pimp scrappy locals and industrious indies who are charging hard against the establishment. When it comes to stand-up comedy however, sometimes we have to make an exception. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t support up-and-coming local comedic talent. You should. But we’d be the first to admit that there’s something particularly distasteful about amateur stand-up done badly — when a comic punts on stage, you just have to sit there and watch them flounder, up close and personal. It can truly be painful. So it is with great trepidation that we approach the DC Comedy Fest this year, looking for chances to be both adventurous and supportive, and at the same time try to maximize the funny (and minimize the groans). So consider spending tonight at HR-57, which is serving as a venue for auditions for The Late Show with David Letterman. Young locals go on at 7 p.m., while folks with more pro experience take the stage after 9. Or try confirmed weirdo Emo Phillips at Warehouse Theater at 9 p.m., along with Washington Improv Theater’s 161 troupe and Chicago’s Bassprov. After you’ve put in your time being a good comedy citizen, feel free to head guilt-free to GW’s Lisner Auditorium on Sat. night for the Big Finale and catch The Daily Show’s Demetri Martin (the guy who does those great “Trendspotting” spots) and The Tonight Show’s man on the street Mitch Fatel. Tickets for the Comedy Fest range from $15 for one night to $35 for a weekend pass, though the Finale and the Emo Phillips shows are ticketed separately; get all the details here.
SATURDAY:
>> This weekend is your last chance to check out The Rainmaker at Arena Stage, which our critic says contains “quiet conflicts between a divided but clearly loving family that are most intriguing …”. Limited seats are still available for the 2 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. evening performances.
>> At 2:30 or 9:25 p.m. you’ll have a chance to catch a new 35 mm print of Robert Bresson’s 1967 Mouchette, the moodiest of all moody French films of the era, and a work directly responsible for countless film school applications. What happens when you’re an awkward young girl living with dysfunctional parents in the French countryside? Let’s just say it ain’t easy being Mouchette. At the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center. Also Sunday at 3:30 and 10 p.m.
>> We’ve mentioned the Six Points Music Festival plenty already this week, so go pick out a show to see on your own. Frankly you rely on us for your decision making a little too much lately. We can’t always be there to hold your hand. Time to take off the training wheels and roam free.
SUNDAY:
>> Spring is here at last, and with it comes the return of the farmer’s markets to the city. FreshFarm Markets kicked off their spring season in Dupont Circle on Sundays last weekend (they also hold one on Thursdays in Penn Quarter) with a chef demo from Ris Lacoste. Check out their calendar for an expanding list of venues as the weather continues to warm. You know how you always get advice to purchase your produce ‘in season’? Going to farmer’s markets is one of easiest ways to accomplish this feat without too much guess work. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
>> Those of us who couldn’t snag Neko Case tickets will be heading down the street to check out blogospheric heroes Art Brut at Black Cat. Despite having yet to release their freshman outing, Bang Bang Rock and Roll, in the U.S., these cheeky Brits have managed to win over the Internets with a reportedly smokin’ set at SXSW and aggressively ironic songs available for download like “Formed a Band” and “Moving to L.A.” (Hang around with Axl Rose/Buy myself some brand new clothes/Everything is gonna be just fine/I hear the murder rate is in decline). $12, w/ The Roger Sisters and Danish group The Robocop Kraus. 8:30 p.m.
