>> Sheffield’s The Long Blondes, often called a female-fronted version of the Arctic Monkeys, are at Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with Nicole Atkins and the Sea and Five Four. $12, 8 p.m.
>> Latin jazz legend and Grammy winner Eddie Palmieri begins a four-night stint at Blues Alley tonight, with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets through Sunday. Tickets are $35.
>> John Updike will be at Temple Sinai to read from his book Terrorist, now in paperback, at 7 p.m., but there will not be a book signing after the event — because that’s how John Updike wants it to be. Instead, one ticket to the reading comes with the purchase of the book at Politics and Prose, which will be available pre-signed after the event. Call P&P to confirm availability: (202) 364-1919.
>> The Library of Congress hosts a screening of Laurence Olivier’s 1955 film version of Richard III. Don’t see it because it’s good. See it because Olivier’s bizarre, preening performance was an inspiration for countless comedians, including Peter Cook, Peter Sellers, and of course, John Lydon’s “Johnny Rotten” persona. Call (202) 707-5677 to reserve a free seat, at the Mary Pickford Theater, 6:30 p.m.
Photo by JamesCalder