FRIDAY:
If loving Busta Rhymes’ new album, The Big Bang, is wrong — well we sure as hell don’t want to be right. Yes, Busta has always been one of those charismatic rap superstars without much substance to back him up, and yes, there was a time when his shortcomings had become awfully grating. But now that he’s hooked up with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label, that time appears to have ended. This is what summertime radio-rap is supposed to be — just check out tracks like “You Can’t Hold The Torch” or the soulful “Been Through the Storm” (with a little help from Stevie Wonder). Tonight, you’ve got a chance to check out Rhymes’ return to form up close and personal as he performs at Love. Note that doors are now at 6 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. $20.
>> As you might have noticed, we’re recommending checking out the Capital Fringe Festival like, a whole lot. You can follow DCist’s coverage of the festival for its duration by clicking here. We also plan to have a link in the sidebar for your convenience up by tonight.
>> The Avalon Theater is hosting a premiere screening of Paul Morrison’s Wondrous Oblivion, an independent film starring Delroy Lindo, about two families living in suburban 1960’s England, one Jewish and one Jamaican — kind of in the White Teeth millieu, except with more cricket. Jamaican native and attorney Sheldon Ellis, President of the Washington Cricket League, will lead a cricket game demonstration with other club members at 6:30 p.m. prior to the screening, scheduled for 7 p.m.
>> It’s tough to imagine a more sensational live act than the one psych-prog rockers Secret Machines normally delivers. If you missed their concert at 9:30 Club last year with Kings of Leon, NPR was kind enough to record it and you can listen here. Doors at 9 p.m., tickets are $15 and still available.
SATURDAY:
>> This year’s Run For Cover looks to be just as deliciously fun as ever; We’ve been spending the morning taking our best guesses as to which artists some of the less obvious pun-based band names will be paying tribute: Phony Mony must be Billy Idol, The Rockers could be, hmm, AC/DC? Wolfsblood must be the The Misfits, and wow, Jerry Curlan and the Fried Abortions could only be the Angry Samoans, all of which makes it seem like this going to be a pretty punk rock line-up — and we mean that in the best sense. As always, at Black Cat, with proceeds benefitting the Alkem Foundation. $10
>> Those of us not normally tough enough to brave Adams Morgan on a Saturday night are probably well advised to skip out on the DC Roller Girls Recruiting Party at Asylum. But if you’re the sort of lady who likes to strap on skates, spit and arm wrestle, the Roller Derby is looking for YOU. 8 p.m.
